Letter – Thomas Crawhall to Henry Phillpotts – 19 Feb 1828

      Newcastle Feby 19th 1828

Revd Dr Phillpotts, 16 Clarges St. London

		

Sir

      I am favored with your Letter of the 15th Inst and in reply beg leave to state the following particulars. The duty on foreign Lead imported previous to the 5th July 1825 was 20 per Cent ad valorum, and upon the Lead Ore it was £1-16-0 per Ton, since the 5th July 1825 these rates have been reduced to £2 per Ton on Pig Lead and 10s/per Ton on Lead Ore – this latter arrangement, if I am correct in my information, offers great inducement to the importation of Lead Ore, as at the assumed produce of 4 ½  Bings to a Ton, the duty will not exceed 18s/ per Ton when smelted into Lead. – The protection of the British Mines having been thus withdrawn, it could not be matter of surprise that the Consequent large importation of foreign Lead and Ore, should immediately depreciate the price of English Lead. – The hardship consequent on the above measure, has been severely felt, and various applications made to Government for relief, but without the desired effect; and from the answers of Mr Huskison, in my humble Opinion, any further attempt at present, would not be attended with better success.

      In respect to your ore, from the the present Aspect of Affairs connected with the Lead Trade, I do not know if Mrs Beaumont would be desirous of purchasing, but should you have any specific proposition to make on that head shall be happy to make the Communication and convey her Answer.

      Mrs B[eaumont] – purposes being in Town about the end of this Month.

		I have the honor etc etc Thos Crawhall