Letters – John Erasmus Blackett to John Bell – 27 Nov 1799

Mr John Bell                                                            Newcastle  27th  Novr   1799

Hexham Abbey



Dear Sir     I received your Letter of the 26th inst with a Copy of that of Mr Wilsons; The Terms that he mentions for a Tack of some Mines in the Parish of Wolsingham are certainly very advantageous, and with the usual Conditions of such Leases, it would be advisable for Col. Beaumont to comply with their Terms; but when we come to treat with the Parties on this Business, I am pretty confident that they will not abide by those Terms subject to such Conditions as may be advisable and are usual on such Occasions; I shall meet the Lead Stewards at Hexham on the 9th Decemr when this Matter may be well considered & an Answer given to Mr Wilson of which I shall acquaint Col. & Mrs Beaumont.  What Mr Wilson desires respecting the Books and Accounts about 70 or 75 Years prior to this Time you must be sensible that it is not in our Power to comply with they having been all burnt (however ill-advised that Measure was) at the Time that the late Mr Fawcett & Mr Wilson settled the Business between the late Sir Thos. Blackett and Sir J Trevelyan; this you can inform Mr Wilson of, for should I do it he will say (as he has frequently done) that I withhold Papers and Accounts that would be very favourable to the Claim of Col. Beaumont & himself.      

                                               I am etc  J E B

I shall be at the Bull at  Hexham between 11 & 12 o Clock on Monday the 9th Decr next.