Letters – John Erasmus Blackett to Thomas Richard Beaumont – 22 Dec 1798

Colonel Beaumont  MP                                                             Newcastle  22nd Decr 1798

       Portman square London



Dr Sir	

      Since I wrote to you the 16th Inst I have sold to Mr Blackett 5000 Ps of Lead, one half to be Refd @ £17 per For payable in Bills due in Six Mos. and the like quantity to Mess Walkers Maltby & Co on the same terms; this Lead is not yet come down to Blaydon & the bad roads & late season have laid off the Lead carriage.

	Mr Heron is against the matter respecting Damage being paid for Working in the Stinted Pastures being left to reference, or to the opinion of Council; & he recommends that unless free liberty be allowed as usual for sinking, working etc in the Stinted Pastures, that it will be adviseable for you to oppose the Bill in Parliament, & petition to be heard by Council against it;  Mr Heron has wrote to Mr Scruton requesting to see the draught of the Bill, when he will be enabled to judge more fully of the Matter.

	I reced the Bill for granting a further time for the compleating the Purchase of the Land tax etc.  I am proceeding in the business of Purchasing your Land tax in the North, & it may be a matter worthy of consideration, how far it may be adviseable to purchase that of the Lease & Copyhold in Weardale, held under the Bishop of Durham, & the Master & Brethren of Greasham Hospital, this you will please to take under consideration & advise me accordingly.  It will likewise be a matter of consideration (as you & Mrs Beaumont are in the remainder of Mr Bosville’s Estate in Northd (& he is not likely to purchase,) Whether you incline to do it;                                             I am etc  J.E.B