Letters – John Erasmus Blackett to John Bell – 21 Dec 1799

Mr John Bell                                                                          Newcastle    21 Decemr 1799

            Hexham Abbey



D Sir	I received your letter of the 20th Inst. I have in Compliance with the wish of the Gentlemen at the Meeting made Application to Mr Jonn Sorsbie (on whom I have the most dependence) for the supplying you with a last of good sound Rye weekly for five or six Weeks for the Poor of Hexham at a reasonable Markett Price & that Mr Clark & you would be answerable for the payment;  Mr Sorsbie Ship with Rye is not yet arrived;  Mr Bateson & Mr Barras will not sell under 17/- the <Bowl>.  I have agreed with Gray & Richardson for Six Lasts of Rye at £32 the last, to be delivered the next week when I would recommend that Carriages may be sent for it, that it may not be lofted and possibly mixed with some heated Corn, you shall be informed when to send for it;  Gray & Richardson are selling at 17s/- & it will be advanced to 18/- per Bl next week

I really am at a loss to say what Col Beaumont’s Subscription should be;  In case you should be of opinion that £100 is proper, & is expected from him, let that be the Sum, but I do not by any means understand what is mean’t by saying that in Col Beaumonts Situation in the County it is incumbent on him to greatly enlarge his subscripn it would be equally so on that Account throughout the County;  I do acknowledge that Col Beaumont’s local situation does make it necessary that he should come handsomely forward on the present occasion 

                                                                                                  I am Sir etc   J.E.B

You will understand that the Rye was at a ready Money Price,  It may be sent for any day, TC should have a days notice