Letters – John Erasmus Blackett to John Bell – 15 Dec 1799

Mr John Bell Hexham Abbey                                           Newcastle    15h Decr 1799

            

Dear Sir	Had you been kind enough to have called on me when you was last in this Town, it would have saved us both a good deal of Trouble etc.  I kept the House, & sent both to Sunderlands & Turners desiring to see you for half an Hour,  When I got Home from Hexham I found a Letter from Coln Beaumont desiring my Opinion as to the giving some Relief to the indigent Poor of Hexham;  Inclosed I send you a Copy of my Answer to that Part of his Letter;  Please to give me your Opinion as to this Matter;  Should you be of opinion that Rye should be sent upon the Sole Amount of Coln Beaumont, mention the Quantity & likewise the Price, at which you think it should be sold at;  The Rye will cost 16s 6d at least at Hexham even in Case of its being sent up to Blaydon or Newburn by Water, & taken from the latter Place in the return’d Lead Carts;  Should you think that the other Mode will be the most advisable,  Say what Sum Coln Beaumont should subscribe?  If the whole at first or two Subscriptions.  What was done on the former Accasion?  As I may probably purchase pretty large Quantity & on that Account get it somewhat lower;  If Mr Clarke & yourself etc are inclined that I should purchase a few lasts for the Purpose; let me have your Answer as soon as you can & if any Sacks should be brought for the Occasion etc.  Please give my best Compts to Mr & Mrs Clark                    I am etc    J.E.B