Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Diana Beaumont – 19 Feb 1803

Mrs. Beaumont under Cover to			Newcastle 19th. Feb.y 1803

Colonel Beaumont Portman Square London					



Dear Madam

      I wrote to Coln. Beaumont the 13th. since which I have been favored with your Letter of the 12th. I observe what you say respecting Mr. Clark’s Application; the Chapel of Binfield has no Connection whatever with the Church of Hexham, but belongs to that of St. John Lee, of which you & Coln. Beaumont have the Presentation, and it is the only one that has no Vestry; it is true that your Tenants do not attend the Service at that Chapel, neither do they at that of Warden or Chollerton; on these Considerations give me leave to recommend a Subscription from you of ten Pounds towards the Erection of a Vestry.-

      I fancy there will be no Doubt of the Arch Bishops Consent to the taking off the Lead of the Chancel of  Hexham Church, & replacing it with Westmorland Slate, it will contribute much to the Warmth of the Church; as soon as leave is obtained for the Purpose, Mr. Bell will give Directions accordingly. –

      Mr. R. Wilson’s Application respecting sounding Mr. Mowbray, surprized me not a little; I think that it was highly improper. – I observe what you say of the Bishop’s Courtsey, you was even with him I think –

      Mr. Granger is a stranger to me, he is I believe concerned for the Bishop in some Matters and was recommended by Mr. Mowbray to be one of the Com[missione]rs. – on the Division in Weardale, he certainly would not quit the Country and his present Engagements.-

Mr. W. Thomas is Agent to Mr. Montague at Denton near this place, he is likewise employed by other Persons as a very skilful Colliery Viewer, & is allowed to be a very understanding Man in that Line & of good Character: but I am confident that he would not give up his present Engagements &c. to be solely concerned for you, and to reside either at Dukesfield or Hexham, which you would expect your Steward to do; your Estates (as well as those of Mr. Bosville) are so extensive & lay at so great a Distance from each other, that it would be full Employment for one Person & if he be a skilful Man, he will expect a handsome Salary. – Altho’ I am of Opinion that Mr. Heron judged ill in his Demand on Account of the late Election, yet whatever Resolution you may come to respecting your Law Business, it certainly will not be advisable to make any Change during the Time of this Suit with the Bp. 

      Mr. Wm. Bates called on me Yesterday; now the Snow is gone off the Ground, he will survey & value some small Farms that lay detached: - the Willington Estate was valued and let on Lease by Mr Armstrong in 1796 for nine years: it has since been surveyed & a plan taken by Fleck, it will be needless having it valued until the Autumn 1804. – No Lead has yet been sold at this place, at a price exceeding £33 the Fother.-

      Since the above I am favoured with your Letter of the 18th. inst. & observe the Contents; as Mr. Bowns is in Town I am of Opinion that no time should be lost in making Application to the Bishop or his Agent respecting the Renewal of the Lease of Kilhope & Welhope, & putting in a new Life; should his Terms be thought unreasonable the Treaty may then be delayed; I should imagine that he will not ask more than he had for the last Renewal; there certainly will not be any reasonable Cause for it; there cannot be a more proper Life than your Son Wentworth, nor (I hope) a more durable one.-

      I am of Opinion that you may safely purchase fifteen Thousand Pounds into the Funds. I observe that Mr Bowns proposes being in Northd by the 1st of May to relet your several Estates, which will be very necessary. Mr W Bates is a very good Judge of the Value of Land, & I should not imagine that he has rated it too high; he has not yet proceeded on the Value of Mr. Hunter’s Estate owing to a Person not being yet named on the part of Mr. Hunter according to his promise; he has been wrote to about it, & I have spoke to Mr. A. Surtees about it.

      By the Death of Mrs. Smith the other day, the Estate of the Riding & other Property to the Value of about £20,000 – has devolved to the Father of Mr. Surtees which he has very handsomely given up to his Son Mr. A. Surtees.-

      Give me leave again to repeat that in Case of your expecting your Land Steward to reside at Hexham or Dukesfield & to give up other Engagements, that I am satisfied that neither Mr. Granger nor Mr. Thomas will undertake it; you may get a young Man but no experienced, skilful Person will engage with you on that footing without a handsome Salary. 

      I am &c.  J.E.B.