Letters – John Erasmus Blackett to Diana Beaumont – 10 Dec 1797

Coll Beaumont (to be opened by Mrs Beaumont)                      Newcastle  10th Decr 1797

MP   Bretton    Wakefield  Yorkshire



Dr Madam	

      Since I wrote to you I have received the inclosed from Mr Newton from which you will observe the claims that he makes on Col Beaumont, & how necessary that it will be that some plan of settlement between the Parties should be agreed to, before Mr Ebdon & Mr Stephenson go to the Abbey for the purpose of adjusting that matter, otherwise their valuation and report will not be conclusive, & can answer no good purpose;  I have had some conversation with Mr Stephenson on the business, & he is of the same opinion;  I at the same time informed him that neither you nor Col Beaumont made any agreement with Mr Newton for the payment of any stated sums at certain times;  that Mr Newton did deliver me such a Calculation, which was looked upon by Coll Beaumont & yourself to be overrated & unreasonable, & of course was not complied with;  That had you not given your consent to Mr Newton having any part of the Materials whatever (nor has he even made any Proposal of the kind) & in case of his having disposed of, or converted any article to his own use, that he must be accountable for the same.  Should I not hear from you by this days post, I shall tomorrow give a discharge from Coll Beaumont to Mr Newton from proceeding further in the repairs & Alterations at the Abbey, & do the like to his Workmen at Hexham.

	Mr Heron informs me that in the Law Proceedings respecting Harehope Gill Lead Mine it is necessary that he should know whether Mr Cockshet & Mr Cotton are still living.  and at what place Sir Thomas Blacketts Will was proved.         I am etc  J.E.B



Not having any letter from you or Coll Beaumont by this Post I shall proceed in the business as I have mentioned.  as from Yourselves