Letter – John Erasmus Blackett to Thomas Blackett – 23 Dec 1780

Sir Thomas Blackett  Barot                                                           Newcas   23d Decemr 1780

Godfrey Bosvilles at

Thorpe near Bridlington  Yorkshire



Dear Sir

	I observe you have had more Demands upon you lately than you expected.  I have got a Bill on London for Two Thousand Pounds that will be due the 28th January to satisfy the Demand made by Doctor Walker.  Please to let me know what further Sum you would have remitted to you & whether I shall send the two Bills to you at Thorpe or to your Steward Mr Noble.  Our Affairs in America have a much better Aspect but I do not much like the Appearance of Things at Home.  A Dutch War is to be dreaded.  It would affect the Lead Trade much but I hope it may be warded off.  I have the Pleasure to tell you that the Price of Lead is lately advanced.  The last I sold was at £13.5s.0d Common & £13.10s.0d refined.  The demand is never great at this Season.  I may have £14 for refined Lead but expect it will be higher unless we have a War with the Dutch.  I observe Mr Geo Knowsleys Letter from Hull that the Price was on the 21th Novemr last at £13 p For which allowing for the Difference of the Fothers between Hull & this Place would be equal to £13.1s.4d p Fother.  At that Time I sold your Lead at £13.10s.0d; but had the Hull Markett been considerably higher it would be Madness to Ship Lead from this Port for Hull for Sale for the Charges would be considerable & much more than the Difference of Price could possibly be.

	Mr Bell called on me this Morning & paid me £350 on Account of your Rents.  p.s.  I have sold 100 Casks of Lithage at £14 & now ask £14.10s.0d p Ton.  Your Accounts will be sent you soon.                                    I am etc    JEB





                                            £2000.-.-     Newcastle Bank     25th  Decemr 1780

                       One Month after date Pay to the order of John Erasmus Blackett Esqr

                     Two Thousend Pounds      Value received

                                                                For Bell Cookson Carr Self & Saint

To Messrs Castell Whately &                                                          Jno Widdrington

      Powell      London                       Pay the Contents to the Order

No 14851                                             of Sir Thomas Blackett  Barot

                                                             Value in Account

                                                                             John E Blackett