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John E. Blackett Esq., Bretton. November 15th 1797
Green Dragon, Harrogate
Dear Sir,
I yesterday received a letter from Mr. Bell enclosing the copy of one he had recd. from Miss Newton and which he informs me he had sent a copy of to you and also to Colonel Beaumont. By that letter it appears that Miss Newton has an idea that a contract had taken place, for she says ‘my Father does not propose Mr. Stephenson going as an Architect generally but merely to inspect that part of the Works contracted for, the carpenter and joinering.’ This idea must certainly proceed from Mr Newton's derangement and we certainly must not agree to any one carrying on the Buildings at the Abbey for Mr. Newton, or have anything more to do with him than to settle financially with him, after the terrible manner that everything has been conducted by him and his son. Mr. Teasdale is of opinion the only method to settle with him will be to have an account of all new wood brought to the Abbey by him, and if any of the old wood is sold or taken away, for Mr. Newton to be accountable for it (this I can hardly believe to have been the case, yet Mr. Teasdale says he understood that Mr. Newton had disposed of some of the old wood belonging to the Abbey). Mr. Newton had an equal right to have disposed of part of our Estate - also the joiners and carpenters to their time, to be settled with by Mr. Newton out of the money he has recd. by his Day Book.
I am glad to find there is an idea that Lead will escape the tax this year, I shall expect Col. Beaumont's return immediately after the Budget. I remain Dear Sir
Very Sincerely yr. most ... Diana Beaumont
On the other side I will copy part of Mr. Bell's letter.
‘Hexham Abbey 12th November The Monday last Mr. David Stephenson came here to see in what state the carpenters work was, and to take an account of the timber used and not used. I asked him if Mr. Ebdon was coming to which he replied he did not expect him, not did he know anything do his being to come, for that he took a ride at Mr Newton's request to see how all matters were going on’.
