Letter – Martin Morrison to Diana Beaumont – 28 Dec 1815

Mrs Beaumont					Newcastle Dec 28/1815



Madam

In three covers, I beg to transmit Copy of a Memorial presented last year to the Treasury, praying for a Repeal of the export duty on Lead Or[e] and also the form of a Letter to be written by Col Beaumont to Lord Liverpool urging the same to his Lordships consideration. It is indeed <most> desirable that Government adopt measures soon, for the relief of the Miner otherwise the consequences will shortly be felt, and none however large their fortune, will be exempt from difficulties resulting from the depressed state of the Lead Markett. I have had a Meeting with the Mine Agents and every practicable reduction in the prices for raising Ore, and of laber will be forthwith adopted, but unless the relief sought for in the repeal of the Duty, is accorded, I despair of any benefit being derived from the Mines. – If it were possible to ascertain Lord Liverpools intention on the subject of the Memorial it would be of moment to your concerns. - 	I am etc 	MM



My Lord

I take the liberty of transmitting to your lordship, Copy of a Memorial presented to his Majestys Government last year, and I earnestly call your Lordships serious consideration to the representations therein contained, confirmed in the fullest extent by the present further depression in the price of Lead abroad, & the consequent depreciation in the price at home. My Lord, when it is ascertained that the export of Lead, during last year did not exceed 1/8th part of the quantity produced in the Kingdom, & that the export 20 years ago, equalled one half: it is conclusive of the great difficulties under which the English Miners Labor, & of the small degree the revenue is benefitted. – The most serious injury to the fortunes of the Rich, & ruin to the less opulent Miners, must be the inevitable consequence, unless Government interposes by Repealing the export Duty, and thereby enabling the English Miner to meet the Foreign Miner; and also of placing him upon a footing with the Scotch Miner, whose exemption from the duty enables him to undersell & exclude his English competitor & fellow subject from the Market. – I will not further intrude upon your Lordships time, by enlarging upon the distress which must befall a numerous and peaceable body of Workmen, by being thrown out of employment, and which already, in many instances throughout the Mining districts, has taken place. – It is sufficient for your Lordship to know Truths, to appreciate the consequences, politically and individually.