Letter – Thomas Richard Beaumont to Mark Skelton – 11 Jun 1793

								Tynemouth June 11th 1793

Dear Skelton,

In a letter from Bosville he says he had seen Sir John Trevelian but that he had not mentioned anything to him respecting the Business – Stanhope called upon us yesterday, and said he was informed at N. Castle that Sir John Scott had desired a little time to consider upon the Question in point, how far his authority may be good I know nothing, thus far, we have never heard anything. One thing to us seems particular (but I cannot see that can be any reason to suspect there is anything going forwards by Sir J.) which is this, old Blackett used constantly to hear from him nearly every week, and when I mentioned the Affair to him, he said he could not imagine there could be anything in the <report>, but that he had not heard from him of above three weeks which he was much astonished at. If there should be any truth in Stanhope’s report, it looks as if they fancied there was some Grounds for litigation, in that case it would certainly be highly necessary to retain Council, I wish you could in any manner find the grounds of his Claim, that might be some satisfaction, but as we are all in the dark even as to the certainty of his having taken any opinion of any consequence, every precaution necessary with respect to the retaining of Council should be taken if you think it necessary but all those matters we leave implicitly to you. I don’t recollect whether I told you Bell of Hexham said there was a will made, with the very same words expressed in it, & that an eminent Man had given his opinion about it, & said that it was of no consequence that it was plain how it was intend[ed] it should be left & he was sure if Sir John had no other Grounds that would not signify – Straker told me he had sent you some accounts about the lead Pays. it is very strange what can become of the opinion of Mr. Phipps, I wrote to the Barkers about the Money has anything more been done about Cottons affairs, have they set any price upon the Estate. The annuitys are to be paid the 24th inst. I suppose you will hear something from Mr. Lee, did he never answer the letter you wrote him. We shall stay here till about the 3rd of next Month. I hope you will hear from Wilson what they are doing about Louisa, I hope that will now stop – I am happy to say Mrs. B, & our dear Boy are very well [he?] has bathed 5 times and it quite [word(s) missing - torn page]

Diana joins me in Complimts I am 

Dr Skelton Most sincerely Yours –

Tho. Rd. Beaumont.