Letters – John Erasmus Blackett to Thomas Richard Beaumont – 5 Apr 1796

Thos R Beaumont Esqr                                                            Newcastle 5th April 1796

M.P.   Portman square  London



Dear Sir	

Your Lead Stewards have been with me this day & have received £3150 for Subsistance for the Workmen, who are all quiet & well satisfied, notwithstanding the endeavours of a few troublesome bad People to make them otherwise;  The Mines are much in the same state, except Allenheads, which I hope is improving.  Docter Clarke is gone again to Mr Emerson whose recovery I fear is very doubtfull.  Mr Herons letter will inform you the Resolution of the Committee respecting the Canal, which seems to meet with the approbation of many of the Subscribers, as well as the landed Interest who have not already Subscribed; the High Sheriff has set his Name down for £1000 as well as some others for less Sums, for it is the general opinion that it will not only be a public benifit to the County, but will be much more productive to the Subscribers than if the whole was carried into execution which the present Subscription as well as the opposition that was expected in Parliament does not give much prospect of.

                                                     I am etc   J.E.B

I yesterday paid to Messrs Surtees & Co £9000 on your Accot

Corn fell considerably on Saturday Wheat sold from 8s 6d to 10s 6d per <W.> Bush Oats 2s 6d to 3s 2d it is expected to be lower.

Docter Clarke is returned from Newhouse he left Mr Emerson with little or no hopes of recovery.