Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Thomas Blackett – 13 Jun 1785

Sir Thomas Blackett  Bart.                              Newcastle .   June  13th . 1785

Bretton - Yorkshire



Dear Sir       I hope this may find you well at Bretton after your journey.  I think that the Warm Weather we have will be no Inducement to your staying in Town.  A Month since the Lead Company sold to the three Houses in London 30,000 ps Lead at £15. 12.6 for Common & £15.17.6 for Refined; I was offered the same Price by Doctor Hall & Mr Blackett for a Considerable Quantity which I refused; At Mr Blackett’s request I waited for an answer to his letter, but his friends would not give more.  I then entered into Treaty with Doctor Hall, who made me an offer 0f £15.15.0 for Common Lead & £16.0.0 for refined, for 30,000 or 40,000 ps. on condition of having the Offer of the first Quantity for the London Market before Xmas, but in case I would not let him have 30,000ps he would not purchase a single piece; As I thought the Offer advantageous I agreed with him for 20,000 ps. half refin’d & half Common at £15.17.6 p Fodr. & 10,000 ps. refin’d Lead at £16.0.0 p fr. which Sale I hope that you will approve of.  at present there is not above 14,000 ps. at Blaydon but it is coming down very fast.  I now intend to advance the price 2s/6d p For.   Mr C Blackett is very much disappointed & thinks himself not well treated but he has no cause for saying so, & his friends may blame themselves for being thrown out of the Market, Doctor Hall having engaged all the other Quantities at this place.  Inclosed is Copy of a letter from Mr Millington the Acting Proprietor of the Works late Crowleys, when you come into this Country wch. I imagine will be some time the next Month we can have some discourse on the Subject.   I have paid Doctor Blackett the £200 & in return have got your Bond for that Sum, with a proper Discharge on the same. on the 18th inst. I shall Pay off your Bond to the Exors of Dorothy Rickaby for £1500       & am etc    J. E. Blackett