Letters – John Erasmus Blackett to Thomas Richard Beaumont – 2 Apr 1796

Thos Rd Beaumont Esq                                                            Newcastle 2d April 1796

M.P.   Portman square  London



Dear Sir	

      I had the favour of your Letter of the 28th Ulto & am sorry that I cannot give you a better account of Mr Emerson, he has been worse since Doctor Clarke left him, the systems continue alarming. & I fear there is little hopes of his recovery he is a very Able, honest Agent, & will be a great loss to the concern.  I shall send five Guineas to Mr Heron to be distributed in Provisions etc to the Prisoners in Morpeth Goal at the discretion of the Goaler, & shall likewise write to Mr Bell on the like matter, as you direct.  When I hear from Mr Skelton respecting his subscription to the Canal I shall act accordingly.  I was in hopes of hearing from you respecting the several Farms in Winlaton Lordship: that Estate has been much neglected.  I would recommend that some alterations be made in the Farms agreeable to Mr Armstrong’s advise, that they be new let to good Tenants in larger Farms, who will not only have them in better condition, but will have it in their power of employing Carriages in the leading of Lead which will be of great advantage service to your Concern;  I would likewise recommend that Mr Armstrong be employed in the setting out, & letting the several Farms, as well as the inspecting them for a time; be pleased to favour me with your determination, as no time should be lost in this matter.  Wheat this day was from 9s to 10s 6d per Wr Bushel, Oats 2s 6d to 3s 2d & expected to be lower, there was a very full Markett _ I have Rye & Barley to supply the Workmen till the middle, or end of May, against which time I expect to have a quantity of Rye at 6s Wr Bush or under;  The Report of a disturbance amongst the Miners in Weardale turn’d out as I imagined; I know there are some mischievous People amongst them,  & being sensible that they had no real cause of Complaint, I had given Mr Emerson directions that in case of any further disturbance amongst the Workmen, to select the Promoters of it, to reckon with them, & to discharge them immediately;  I believe that it had a good effect.

	The Lead Stewards are to be with me on Tuesday for Subsistance for the Workmen, when you shall hear from me again.                    I am etc   J.E.B



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Mr Heron informs me that the Cause between you & the Exrs of the late Doctr Hall is likely to come at the Chancery Sittings soon after the 9th May; it will be very inconvenient should it be before the 16th as the Lead Pay will be the Week before & it will, I fear be necessary that both J Straker & myself should go up on that business.