Letter – Martin Morrison to Thomas Richard Beaumont – 27 Apr 1808

Colonel Beaumont MP					Newcastle 27 April 1808

Cheltenham Gloucestershire



      I am honored with your Letter of the 22nd inst and should be happy to experience that the price of lead was enhanced by an increased demand and a more extensive consumption. The late Sales to Mr Anderson & Mr Knowsley will I hope have the beneficial effects of rendering a reduction in the price unnecessary and instead the Lead Merchants of the <impolicy> of their conduct in endeavouring to obtain that article on terms injurious to the Mines, at a time too, when so many large Capitals are employed and ready to be embarked in any speculation holding out even a remote prospect of advantage. There are yet upwards of 40,000 Pieces at the Mills & which will soon be augmented by the commencement of Ore Carriage & be assured Sir no outlet shall be unexplored & no opportunity omitted to dispose of it on terms, under the circumstances of the times, the best calculated in my judgement for your Interest. 

	The Weardale Mines are expected to be more productive of Ore than last year and Allanheads I believe never was in a more flourishing state, Coalcleugh never less so, & Mr Dickinson is impressed with the necessity of relieving those Mines from the great quantity of water with which they are oppressed and endeavour to place them in a secure state. I do hope, however, that the produce of the whole independent of the Lead now at the Mills will not be less than 60,000 Pieces making a total of 100,000 P[iece]s for Sale in the course of a year.

	Permit me Sir to congratulate you on the restoration of your health, you will not be surprised to know the many enquiries made by your friends and also by others whose anxiety for information arose from motives not so pure. The few of Sir Charles Monck’s party, positively conveyed you into the other world last Sunday; a circumstance I had much pleasure in contradicting and which your Letter of yesterday fully confirmed.

      The weather has been for a long time tempestuous and still continues cold, the destitution among the young lambs is apprehended to be extensive. I beg my Respectful Comp[limen]ts to Mrs Beaumont to whose Letters of the 23rd & 24th I shall have the Honor of replying in a day or two & with the same sentiment of respect beg to subscribe myself Sir etc

										MM