Letters – John Erasmus Blackett to John Bell – 23 Feb 1796

Mr John Bell Hexham Abbey                                      NewCastle    23th Feby 1796



Dear Sir	

      By a Lre that I received the last Post from Mr Beaumt he approves of the Purchase of the Estate, Mill etc which he desires may be confirmed; he likewise desires that £5000 may be subscribed in his Name to the Canal on the North side of the Tyne, as that line of Navigation is generally approved of; you will therefore please to Subscribe that sum in your Subscription Book.

	Mr Beaumont is desirous that the Arch of the Gate leading to the Abbey may be sufficiently secured by a Mason which in my opinion should be done by a Buttrace of Stone rough Chizelled on the N.W. side & the hole in the Wall filled up to prevent any further sliding of the Arch, after which the soil that has accumulated on the Top of the Arch should be removed which will relieve it of the weight; that part between the Ribs of the Arch may then with safety be repaired.                       I am with Comps to Mrs Bell & yourself

                                                                                Yours etc     J.E.B