Letter – Thomas Richard Beaumont to Mark Skelton – 4 Jul 1787

								Benbecula  July 4th 87.

Dear Sir,

If you have not already wrote to me and nothing material has transpired you need not direct to me here, as we do not think of remaining much longer in the highlands. I hope that the charity business goes on well & that the Affair with Mr. Smyth is likely soon to be concluded. I hope that my horses are well. We pass our time very pleasantly we drink the sea Water and bathe as we are only half a mile from it. This is a very fine Island quite flat and deep sandy soil, it abounds with all kinds of fish, and wild fowl in great abundance but neither hares or partridges, but there is a great quantity of wild deer. We think of stopping a little at Hexham on our return, therefore direct to me there. I hope all your little folks are well – I had some thoughts once of buying a pony here, but they are such beasts as I never saw. They take no care of them in the least, and give them no corn but they go astonishingly sure – 



Mrs. Beaumont desires her Compliments.

I am Dear Sir Yours sincerely

Tho Rd Beaumont



In case any decision respecting the Charities should come forth let me know, as it is high time the money should be paid - & as we shall only be about 3 Weeks here, and the post is so very uncertain on account of the Winds that you had better only direct to me at Hexham – Please to tell Mr. Bent to let my letters come to Hexham.