Letters – John Erasmus Blackett to Thomas Richard Beaumont – 7 Feb 1796

Thos Rd Beaumont Esqr                                                            Newcastle  Feby 7th 1796

M.P.       Portman square London



Dear Sir	

      I was favoured with your letter of the 1st Inst: & observe what you say as to the Subscription now on foot for a Canal; I have had some conversation with Mr Heron & some others on the subject & I believe there is no doubt of Sir M.W. Ridley having mistaken that matter, for the Subscriber certainly will not be liable for any thing than the Sum Subscribed; At this time there is about £65,000 Subscribed at this Place; £9,000 at Carlisle, & near £1,500 at Hexham; Mr Burdon’s Name is down for £3,000  When £100,000 is Subscribed I understand that Application will be made to Parliament, & its thought that little opposition will be given to it; The Duke of Northd, as well as much the greater part of the Land Owners, have not yet given it their Support, but it seems to be the general opinion, that it will be carried into Execution to the great benifit of the Country, & that in a little time it will be of the like advantage to the Subscribers.  We have had abundance of Rain for these three days past, the Wind is changed to the N.E. & as there will be a New Moon tomorrow we may expect better weather.

	Wheat rose a Shillg yesterday, Oats much the same; the Emperor will not permit an Exportation of Rye from his Ports untill August next, as this Country is very much Interested in the Importation of that Grain at a more early period, it would be well if Mr Burdon, Yourself Sir Mattw W Ridley, etc would make Application to the Minister that leave may be obtained for the Exportation of Rye from the Emperors Ports this Spring, under the Like Restrictions as at present with respect to Wheat.

	I go to Hexham tomorrow morning.     I am etc   J.E.B

P.S.  Mr Heron thinks that will be advisable for you to Subscribe to the Canal in the Hexham Subscripn Book & indeed I am of the same opinion; As the Canal on the No[rth] side will be through Mr Bosville’s Estate, or very near it, The Estate will be benifited very much by it.