Letter – Walter Blackett to John Erasmus Blackett – 30 Nov 1776

      London 30th Novr. 1776

Dear Sir

      I am obliged to you for all the trouble you have so punctually taken in respect to the purchases, & receiving the rents, & the account you have given me of several tenants, I cannot now enter into any minute discussion of the several points but I am resolved to lay aside the Mill at Sweethope, whether the House may do for a cottager or herd to the Land I know not, but I would have notice given to the Miller to quit at Mayday I suppose. Before I had the gout I had almost determined to come into the Country at Christmas, but now I have resolved to go to Bath, & to Mrs Gordon’s, & also to Sr. John Trevelyan’s when all his sons will be with him, for some plan of education ought, without loss of time, be entered upon for those several boys, I fear too much time hath been in some degree, lost only just to send him Mrs. Ords recommendation & opinion of Mr. Fisin as also Doctor Burney’s character of him. Dr. Burney made me a visit about a week since, I observe too in yours of the 3d. Inst. & also in another of yours an extraordinary good character of Mr. Hawden (from whom I have received a letter). So that I do not suppose but either of those Gentlemen will be a proper person, but I cannot pretend to give a particular opinion of my own, I hope no Discord will arise upon the matter, & I must beg to leave this affair in this manner. Mr. Darwin tells me he has received the several sums as mentioned in your letter of the 23d. Inst. I want much to have the dispute about the suit to Hexham Mills Judicially determined, that, if possible, no further or future trouble may arise upon that head, & indeed other matters relating to Hexham & Mr. Heron’s Bills which are to be brought in are articles of trouble to me & I wonder the persons who can settle them or bring them to an Issue, will not do it; pray mention these articles to Mr. Bell. How go the Flats at Allanheads? A poor prospect at Coal Cleugh. I am sure it is not right or prudent for me to venture to Newcastle & Wallington in the winter so soon after (if it can be called quite after) a fit of gout. If any news comes before ten o’clock I shall add it, if not no more than 

      Affectionately yours



      Wr. Blackett



PS. I have this moment received your two letters of the 27th Inst; I am ignorant as to their respective merits, but if Mr. Hawden is realy equal to Mr. Fisin I think he is intitled to the preference to move tonight.