Letter – Martin Morrison to Diana Beaumont – 28 Oct 1811

      Newcastle 28 October 1811

Mrs Beaumont

addressed to Col Beaumont Bretton Hall



Previous to the failure of Messrs Surtees Burdon & Co you will Remember, that Mr Burdon applied to Col Beaumont, to delay the purchase of Stock for which orders had been given, to be made out of money resting in their Bank and which on his representation was agreed to be postponed. – The motive for my calling this transaction to your recollection is to ascertain whether you are in possession of any written document on the subject from Mr Burdon making himself responsible for the purchase of the Stock at a future time; or, that the request was only verbal and without any distinct personal responsibility on his part. – Previous to the failure, Mr Burdon obtained pecuniary assistance from his relation Mr Rowland Webster of Stockton under a written assurance that he would be personally responsible for its repayment and upon this a claim is made against Mr Burdons private Estate by which twenty shillings in the Pound will be obtained on the amount of the Debt. – I am therefore anxious immediately to know the precise circumstances under which you were induced to delay the purchase of the Stock in question as no time is to be lost to prove the amount against the private Estate should you be so fortunate to possess a <similar> document to that now held by the representative of the late Mr Webster.

      I am etc MM