Letter – John Bell to Diana Beaumont – 22 Nov 1801

								Hexham Abbey 22nd. Novem. 1801

Madam

      I was much surprised this last Week by Mr. Fleming’s coming to the Abbey to enquire if the Painter was at work because I remember it was fixed that Stephenson should not begin painting till March besides should there be a new Parliament after the Christmas Recess as is not only reported but expected you will have to come down into this Country much sooner than you expected and if the Painting is begun now it appears to me you will not be able to bear the smell of it but if it is your Wish that the Painting should be begun now it shall be set about immediately notwithstanding the shortness of the Days.

      The Gardener’s Wife complains that for want of Chimney Boards to the Fire Places in the Rooms the soot blows down the Chimnies and spoils the Room Floors and the Furniture and asked me if you had spoken to me about any Chimney Boards being made to which I replied in the negative – Be pleased to say whether I must get Chimney Boards made and if you would have them made in any particular Mode I request you will point it out.

      Have Colel. Beaumont and you come to any Determination respecting taking a Mortgage of Mr. <Leekes> Allotments at Allendale Common and letting the Colliery in the Township of Wall as these People are desirous of having an Answer to their Proposal.

      As Christmas is approaching be pleased to say whether I am to distribute £20 to the Poor of Hexham as has been done for some Years past ‘till last Year that the Money was Added to your Benefaction to the Subscription towards purchasing Corn seeing there is no Subscription entered into this Year for that Purpose – I will be glad to hear Master Beaumont and the other Children are all well and I am	Madam Your Faithful and obed. Servt.

      JW Bell