Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Edward Blackett – 18 Oct 1798

Newcastle 18th Octr 1798

Dear Brother

      I have had a letter from Mr Donkin in answer to that I wrote to Mr H Errington (a copy of which I enclose you) I have acquainted him that your obtaining a Lease of Longage Colliery is for your own convenience and not for the purpose of accomodating the Mr Tulips, nor any other persons as uncandidly has been represented to Mr Errington; this I hope will satisfie Mr Errington; I have for some time past thought that Mr Tulip had not been so open, fair & <explicit> with you in this matter as he ought to have been, & which you had so just a claim to expect from him, for he most certainly knew that it was your intention to apply for a Lease of that Colliery, & that you had taken steps towards it.

      No news in the papers by this days post, but I there are letters from Liverpool with an account that Sir John B Warren had fallen in with the French fleet that two of their ships of War had struck to him & that he was engaging the rest when the ship left them; a Gentleman from Liverpool past through this town who corroborates this account with the addition of the whole fleet being captured; I wish that it may prove true. My Daughter unites with me in affectionate regards to Lady Blackett, yourself & fireside  I am Dear Brother Your Most Affectionately 

					John E Blackett



Those named as Commissrs for the Sale of the Land Tax in this place have not received an answer to the letter we wrote.

As I know you are in want of Snuff & that good news will be acceptable to you, I send this by W Lorain the Corporation News Carrier who in the case of the late Sir Chas Lorain having no Sons would have inherited the Estate & title.