Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Thomas Blackett – 10 Feb 1778

Sir Thomas Blackett  Barot                                                          Newcas  10th Febry 1778

       Bretton    Yorkshire



Dear Sir

	Mr Fawcett & Mr Wilson after having <.....> examined the Seven Valuations made by your Agents and Workmen etc at the Lead Mines, Lead Mills, and fully considered the same, have made their Report, Copy of which I inclose you; These Gentlemen have taken great pains in settling this Affair in an equitable manner between yourself & Sir John Trevelyan & we hope it may meet with your Approbation.  I say nothing about your Ground as Mr Wilson has wrote to you fully on that Subject.  Several Enquiries have been made about the Livings but no Price offered.  I hope Mr Bells Letter would be in Time to prevent your disposing of Warden Living at the Price you at first named as I understand Mr Laidman had not given Mr Bell the true Value.  No Alterations at the Mines.  I expect the Agents the beginning of next Month for Subsistence for the Workmen.  Inclosed you have a Copy of Conditions entered into in 1775 between the late Sir Walter Blacketts Agent & Mr Simpsons Agent for two Farms at Winlaton; One of the Hemmels is built & was paid for by Sr Wr Blackett and the Advance Rent has taken place.  No Lease has yet been executed & Mr Simpson hopes that you will Confirm the Agreement by granting him a Lease.  I have sold the Trees in the Front of your House etc to Geo. Strickett at the Valuation; he being the only Person that made any Application about them, they are all cut down and the roots stub’s up.  Mr Heron will be at Ferry Bridge the beginning of next Week in his Way to London of which he acquainted you the last Post.                              I am etc    JEB