Letters – John Erasmus Blackett to Diana Beaumont – 26 Sep 1799

Mrs Beaumont Under Cover to 

Colonel Beaumont                                                 Morpeth  26th Septr  1799

Bretton     Wakefield       Yorkshire



Dear Madam        I had yesterday evening the favor of your letter and I observe that you have had a Visit from that most troublesome, restless, Mischievous Bore, the Rector of Wolsingham; he certainly mistimed his Visit, the season of Lent being more suitable for Abstinence & Mortification; that Persons Conduct has been so very extraordinary that I now am not surprised at any of his proceedings.  As to his notice of withdrawing all Pecuniary assistance towards the future carrying on the Suit that is at this time, depending, & of which he has under his hand engaged to bear his own fourth part of the expence, I do not apprehend that it is in his power to do it; the engagement that he entered into is in the hands of Mr. Heron, I shall return to Newcastle tomorrow, & shall then consult him & Mr Williamson on this matter, the result of which you shall be informed of; Mr Wilson’s Attorney’s Mess. Surtees & Purvis will likewise keep him close to his agreement with them.  As to what Mr Wilson told you respecting the Gentn. that would take a lease, or a tack of your Mines in the Parish of Wolsingham on the terms that he mentioned I do not believe him, One fifth is the highest dues that is paid at Alston Moor, & is much higher than is paid either in Yorkshire or Derbyshire, but were they to pay one fourth dues (which I do not credit) you would have to pay the Rector One tenth of the whole, so that your dues would be reduced to little more than one seventh part, which (considering the inconvenience that it might occasion to your other concerns in Weardale) would make it far from a desirable object, but I shall consult with your Lead Stewards on this matter; the Rectors object for the working of these Mines is obvious, Some Mines in this Parish of Wolsingham were formerly wrought in the time of the late Agent Mr Maughan, but not answering the expence of working they were given up, I believe that Mr Emerson made another trial with the like success; Now can it be supposed that your Agent would desist working these Mines were they as promising as Mr Wilson represents them to be, solely out of private pique to him. I hope that I shall have no more correspondence with the Wilsons, the Knight and the Divine are not the most desirable acquaintance.  I am a stranger to the terms of the Lease of the Colliery taken by Sir E. Blackett & Mr Tulip, but Mr Bell must be acquainted with the particulars, my Brother thought that it would be better that I should have no concern in that business.  The Venison that you are so kind as to send me will be very acceptable against the 12th October tho’ it may not be quite so fat as at this time.   I hope that you met with agreeable entertainment at Doncaster Races & found your young Folks perfectly well when you returned home.  

                                      I am D[ea]r Madam etc    J. E. B.

On sending to the Glass House I was informed that your Glasses were sent, I hope they may arrive safe & give satisfaction, enclosed is the bill which I shall not pay until I hear from you or Col. Beaumont