Letter – John Dixon to George Baker – 18 Apr 1747

Dear Sir

      I am much obliged to you for the favour of your last Letter, & heartily pity you, for falling into the Company of such despicable wretches. However as there is no evil, which may not be productive of some good, I flatter myself that the behaviour of such Creatures, will make London life bewitching, & the Country more agreeable to you.

      Mr Reed of Unthank has been stirring up mischief at Bulbeck; a set of Rascals by his directions, (as tis believed), have burnt large Quantities of the Ling, & in all probability destroyed many broods of Game, which would have afforded you good diversion this Summer. I have sent George Dodds to Mr Fenwick, who will, I make no doubt, order the offenders to the house of Correction & a good whipping; which is the only punishment that I know, the Law has provided for such offenders.

      There has a Report prevailed of late, which possibly may obstruct the letting of your lead mines, if not put a Stop to. Mr Wardell was lately in this part of the Country, where he was told, that in the Grant from the Crown of the Manor of Bulbeck the mines were excepted; and that some persons, are now actually applying to the Government for a Grant of them. I am persuaded that there is not the least foundation for this Story, however as your interest may suffer greatly by it, I would advise you to get a copy of the Grant made by King Charles the first, to Ditchfield, Highlord , Clark & Moss, of the Manor of Bulbeck, it is dated 24 September, 4 years of his reign 1628, & as I fancy it was involved in the Court of Chancery, no doubt a copy may be held there. If you’ll please to send directions to my Agent Mr Hewatson at his Chambers No. 6 Holborn Court Greys Inn; He will do the business effectually. It will perhaps be attended with some little expense, however that you will not regard, were it only for your Satisfaction, much more as you are concerned in point of interest to clear up this affair. As far as I know of your title, there is only an exception of the forests, chases, & Mines of Gold & Silver. If you let Mr Hewatson know when he shall wait on you, he’ll acquaint you with his Success, & afterwards you’ll please to send the Copy of the Grant to us.

      As I make little doubt but this matter will turn out as I wish, then I would desire you to let me have your directions as to the proposals which have been sent you for the Letting of these Mines. 

      Mr. Liddell is sorry for the loss of your papers, & begs you’ll not make yourself uneasy about the thing he sent by you. My Mother & Sister send their compliments to you, & I beg leave to assure, I am with great truth,

      Yr. most obt. Hble. Servt.

      John Dixon 



P.S. When you see <Mr> Vane, please to make my Compliments.



Durham Apr. 18 1747