Letters – John Erasmus Blackett to Thomas Richard Beaumont – 3 Jan 1796

Thos Rd Beaumont Esqr                                                                        Newcastle 3d Jany 1796

M.P.  Portman square  London



Dear Sir	

      Since I wrote to you the 29th ulto Mr Carr of Allenh[ea]ds & Mr Richardson of Ninebanks have been with me & after having heard the Complaints of the latter & what Mr Carr had to say on the subject, I am of opinion that Mr Richardson has no real cause of complaint; that he can have no claim to the Dues for that part of the Duty which Mr Carr performs at Coalcleugh Chapel, especially as he does it Gratis to the families of the Workmen, (as has been the Custom) in Consideration of their Annual Allowance to him, for not withstanding CoalCl[eugh] Chapel is within the Chapelry of Ninebanks it was erected by Sir William Blackett my great Grandfather 60 Years before that of the latter for the convenience & ease of the Workmen, consequently Mr Richardson can have no Claim on them for Dues for the duty that he does not perform, nor has a right to do it, he receives the Dues for that part of the duty that he does at Ninebanks Chapel, which he all that he has any right to expect; Mr R did not appear to be satisfied with the Answer that I gave him, & will make further application to you when you come into the North.  It was determined that Ninebanks & Whitley Chapel were in the gift of Sir J Trevelyan, the Advowson has been disposed of by him, Consequently this claim by y[ou]r Curate of Ninebanks on the Workmen, it will be Advisable for you to resist.

	It has been determined at the Meetings held at this place & Carlisle that the line of Canal from hence to Carlisle etc shall be on the North side of the Tyne as being the most Practicable in point of Expence, as well as the most productive, 

	At a Meeting to be held soon at this place Books are to be opened for a Subscription; You mentioned to me your Intention of Subscribing £5000 but as there is a probability of another Navigation on the South of Tyne (wch I understand will be supported by the Duke of N[orthumberlan]d) will certainly be more advantageous to your Lead Concerns, I submit to you whether it may not be adviseable for you to consider the Matter fully before you subscribe, as it may possibly be thought prudent for you to divide your Subscription in such proportion as you m[a]y think proper.

                                          I am Dear Sir Yours etc

                                                                                  JEB

P.S.  I am favour’d with your Lre of the 1st Inst & am glad to find that Mr Stackpole’s Solicitor etc have abandoned all thoughts of mak[in]g a distress; They may possible change their minds in which Case it may be adviseable for you to execute the Power of Attorney & send it to me.

	I shall be glad to find that the Ore Galloways are not liable to the Tax; I have not yet seen the Act.