Letter – Christopher Blackett to Thomas Richard Beaumont – 24 Dec 1806

Document Type: Letter
Date: 24 Dec 1806
Correspondent: Christopher Blackett
Recipient: Thomas Richard Beaumont
Archive Source: TWA DF HUG 149
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Tho[ma]s Rich[ar]d Beaumont Esq MP				N[ew]Castle 24th Dec 1806

Portman Square 	London



Dear Sir 

      I have received Mrs Beaumonts letter of the 20th Inst, and observe Mr Bown’s remarks on the Contract made with Mr Row, which shall be strictly attended to. I hope an actual time for the payment may be specified in the Deed; but I believe it will not be found in my letter on the subject that I gave reason to respect it. I believe it will also be seen by this letter I allude to, that I did no[t] recommend even your consideration of the measure proposed by Mr R[ow], otherwise than in reference to the present state of the Lead trade. Mrs B[eaumont] by the advice of Mr Cockshutt acceded to the Measure, and empowered me to close with Mr Row by return of Post. I am sorry to trouble you for an explanation of a Sentence in Mrs B[eaumont]’s letter, but it appears highly necessary for my Character & Credit that I should know precisely what is meant by it. The sentence is, ‘We have lately heard that it is supposed our Lead is not to be sold under 38 & 39 – how this Idea can have originated, I cannot conceive, but we are the losers whatever may have been the cause’ 

      I wish to be permitted to ask Mrs B[eaumont] if she ascribes to me such an declaration; and if she does, - from what motive it is supposed to originate. – I should also feel thankful if I might be informed who the party was that threw out such Insinuation. I think this is due to me, & hope it will not be refused. As to the remarks upon the state of the Lead trade supposed Combinations etc; I can only say that it is not surprising to those who understand Commercial Concerns that Buyers should go to the Cheapest Market any more than that Sellers should endeavour & wish to get as high a price as they can; - but if the price between Buyer & Seller is to hinge upon the Sales of others or antecedent Bargains; it follows of course there never could be any Variation. Variations in price originate in two Causes, - the first is demand: - the second – Supply. If the former is greater than the latter, an advance necessarily takes place & vice versa.-

	I believe on a reperusal of my letters for many Months past, you will find an uniform opinion entertained that the supply would exceed the demand; and I am sorry to say that such, my idea, is too fully realized:  as to the idea of any discretion being exercised by me in the Sales of Lead, I think I gave a full & explicit answer to that when we met at Horsley; and I never to the last moment of my life shall forget the remark that was made upon it.

	As the price by the Sales to James & Co & <L/W>B & Co is now settled at £37 & £38 (except in the instance of Refined only being taken, which waits your determination) . I beg to be informed what I am to charge Easterby & Co for their Monthly supply. I send enclosed a note from Mr Loraine stating the Mode of settlement required by them for the next Pay, which I desired him to give in writing that no misunderstanding might arise when the Money is wanted.

      I am etc 		CB

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The Dukesfield Smelters and Carriers Project aimed to celebrate and discover the heritage of the Dukesfield Arches & lead carriers' routes between Blaydon and the lead mines of Allendale and Weardale. A two year community project, it was led by the Friends of the North Pennines in partnership with Hexhamshire and Slaley Parish Councils and the active support of Allendale Estates. It was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the generous support of other sponsors. Friends of the North Pennines: Charity No:1137467