Letters – John Erasmus Blackett to Thomas Richard Beaumont – 20 Jan 1799

Col Beaumont                                                            NCastle  20 Jany.  1799

MP  Portman square London



D[ea]r Sir        I wrote to you the 13th Inst to which give me leave to refer you.   Mr Williamson who attended the Meeting in Weardale respecting the Division informs me that great opposition was made by the small Free & Copyholders to the Division of the Commons of Stanhope & Bollihope, tho’ the principle Proprietors were for the Division taking place no opposition was made to the Division of the Stinted Pastures, & Mr Williamson so far convinced them of your right (as Lessee under the Bp of Durham) of working etc etc in those Grounds, without being subject to pay any Damages whatever on account of the same, that it was agreed that such Clause for the Purpose should be inserted in the Bill as meets the approbation of your Council, so I expect that this business will go forward; I understand that a very indecent letter, or Address to the Meeting from Mr Shaftoe of Hexham against the Bill was received, but it was so personal as to the Bp. & the Solicitor for the Bill Mr Scruton, that it was not allowed to be read; Your acquaintance Mr Wallace was (as usual) very troublesome, but it was after Mr Williamson had left the Meeting, he delights in mischief, & tho’ a very Silly fellow frequently does harm.   Sir H Williamson called on me yesterday respecting the Application that he has made to you for liberty to work into your Leasehold Property for the space of about 400 yards from the Leadmine of Newlandside in which he is concerned, I acquainted him that I had consulted your Mine Agent in Weardale who was averse to such liberty being granted, but I had directed other Agents Mr Crawhall & Mr Dickinson jointly with him to take a View of the Ground etc & to make their report the result of which he should be informed of.  The Lead Carriage Pay is to be made tomorrow amounting to about £1000.   I am   J E B