Letters – John Erasmus Blackett to Thomas Richard Beaumont – 23 Jun 1799

Thomas R Beaumont  Esq.                                                Newcastle  23rd June  1799

Portman Square London



Dear Sir        

      I was much Concerned to hear that you have been indisposed, but I sincerely hope that this may find you perfectly restored to Health; as I had not any particular Business to communicate to you, I have not troubled you with a Letter for some time past; very little Lead has been yet brought down from the Lead Mills, Dukesfield Mill has been off Work for six or seven Weeks for want of Ore, owing to the Lead Road being almost impassible, & the very low Condition of the Carriers Horses, on which Account it has not yet been in my Power to deliver the Lead sold in December last, but I expect to compleat the Quantity this Week; I do not intend making a Sale of the London Houses till August or September, nor indeed will it be in my Power, & the Quantity will fall considerably short of former Years, owing partly to the Cause I have mentioned, & likewise to the Mines not being so productive; but the Advance of Price of the last Quantity sold in Decer. & the prospect of a rising Market, may I hope in some Degree make up for it, The Lead sold in Decer. was at £18 the Fodr. the Lead Company have lately sold 10,000 Pieces at that Price; I am at present selling Litharge at £18 . 10s .  d the Ton, & I am in Hopes of obtaining that Price for the next Quantity of Lead that I sell.

      The Lead Agents are to be with me tomorrow for upwards of £2950  as Subsistance for the Workmen & about £1000 more for Wood Payments and Candle Notes.

      The Act of Parliament for the Road from Hexham to join that of Carlisle being near expiring, it is proposed to apply to Parliament for a Branch from that Road at Corbridge in a streight Line to join that of Carlisle road at Heddon on the Wall, which will cut off a considerable Angle, be a nearer, & much more pleasant road being almost on a Level; this road will go between the low Country Road by the Side of the River & the Carlisle Road, & be a much better & Cheaper Conveyance for your Lead from Allen Mill, it will likewise be a great Benefit to the Town of Hexham, as the Carriers between N.Castle & Carlisle will prefer it to the high hilly Road the Calculation of the Expence of making this Road is £2500  inclosed you have the Sums subscribed for which a Security will be given on the Tolls.  Miss Simpson, Col. Bewick & several Others are expected to subscribe, so there will be no Doubt of its going forward; Mr Walton & Mr C. Blackett desire me to mention this Matter to you, & they are in Hopes that you will subscribe; I shall be glad to have your Answer before the 2nd July as a Meeting for that Purpose is to held that Day at Hexham or Corbridge.        

      I am etc    J E B