Letters – John Erasmus Blackett to Isaac Hunter – 25 Mar 1797

Mr Isaac Hunter Dukesfield                                                    Newcastle  25th March 1797



I am well informed that Cuthbert & George Bainbridge Sons of Cutht Bainbridge of East Gates did in the night take up on the Lead road 102 pieces of Col Beaumont’s Lead & convey them in a private clandestine manner off the road, they at the same time knowing that the same had been brought fm Rookhope Mill by Thos Pringle; I will have this matter fully investigated, & in case that it can be proved to be true, Thos Prindle must be Credited for this Lead, & the Bainbridges charged with the same as they no doubt took it for the purpose of making up some deficiencies of the Lead they took from the Mill.  At the next Pay at Dukesfield I am determined not to pay for the Carriage of the Lead of last Year remaining on the Road & that I will keep the Money in my Hands untill the whole is delivered at Blaydon. of which I desire that the Carriagemen may be acquainted.                     I am etc    J.E.B