Letters – William Lee to John Erasmus Blackett – 11 Jan 1799

      Grove 11th Jan 1799

Dear Sir

      I am desired by Mr Paris the Gentleman who married my sister & the head of the House of Paris, Warre, Harvey and Co the great Russia House to request you will give him a line to Grove to say at what price you are selling your Lead and the terms of Sale. They send a great quantity of Lead every year to Russia, not less than Fourteen or Fifteen thousand Pounds worth, Which at present they get at Hull, and the greatest part of it Blackett Lead, by being the purchaser from you. Mr Paris says he shall save on profit, which will materially increase the sale in Russia as they can then take at lower to market, that he makes no doubt but of taking annually to the amount of twenty thousand pounds. I must mention one material consideration in times like the present, that you may depend upon punctual payments from them. I will thank you to mention in your letter whether or not you have any constant traders that go from Newcastle to the Baltic, if not it will be an additional expense the sending the lead to Hull. Mrs Lee joins me in best complts wishing you many Returns of the Season & I am Dear Sir 

      Your Obedt H'ble Servt 

      Wm Lee



To John Erasmus Blackett, Charlotte Square, Newcastle