Letter – Edward Blackett to James Mewburn – 18 Jan 1711

January 18 1710/11

James

      I perceive by yours that the woman you delivered the box too gave it to Chapman which he absolutely denyes so You must tell the woman that if she do not Deliver the box to Chapman you have orders to Arrest her If you don’t take particular care you will find it will be lost betwixt them for Chapman has a very Indifferent Charrecter & I doubt the woman has no less

      Desire Mr Kelley to get me ten gallons of the very best Brandy in town & let it be double Caskt & given to Chapman You do very well not to take any bills of those two people you name in your letter nor do not do it for the futer [future] by any means I doubt one of them as in very Ill Circumstance which am sorry for you cannot place the money better then with Mr Featherstone I’de rather have it to lie there then to take bills Either at 20 or 30 dayes date from any one may have occasion to send to newcastle in a short time

      let me know w[ha]t Sr John said to you when you acquainted him with the death of his neice & whether he and his faimily put them selves into mourning or not

      tis now the best time for bespeaking of dried Haddocks for now they are best in Season I would likewis[e] have you to buy me some beadnell Codling & let them be sent any time within fourteen dayes or a three weeks which will be very usefull in <lent> for beef and mutton here is most Intollerably dear almost double the price that ever I know it in my time P[er]use & burne the Inclosed I am

      Your assured friend