Letter – Edward Blackett to John Delaval – 2 Aug 1709

Sir John         								Aug. 2

      I have the Favr. of yr Lettr. and I always told you that you might Command all the Writings I had Except what Concerns Seaton Delavall Lordship nor did I ever pretend to Detain any other Writings whatever 

      (As for Mr Hall he always informed me that I had not all my Wife’s Joynture, the Lordship of Seat. Delavall Extending to & comprehending Sevrall other Lands, which I had not in possession, so putt me upon the Tryal, <again> in Sevrall papers which Confirmed his information, tho’ he afterwards (for what Reason I know not ) gave evidence at the Tryall contrary to his former information, tho’ Sir Jno. <Wortley> and other Council told my Lord Warrington that Hall’s Evidence was not at all  <deservable> being Contrary to the words in the Deed for tho’ it should be true that he did not (as he <….> at the Tryall ) shew those Lands that were in Dispute to the Gentleman that my Lord Delavall as Hall said Sent to View them yet they being part of the Lordship past by the words of the Deed so the shewing or not the shewing could <not affect the words > of the Settlt. no more than if he has shew another Man’s lands, they would not have a <profit> thereby, This is sevrall great Councills opinion and for my own part am very unwilling to give Sir John any Disturbance, tho’ am much importuned to it.

      I percieve my Servt. Mewburne & Jno. Atkinson <are at> some Differences and I think Mewburne did mighty ill in distraining of his Garden, have given him a very Severe Reprimand for it, and if I find truth in what Jno. Atkinson informs me, Mewburne is not fitt to continue my Servt. Shall inquire into the business when I come into the North, which I design about the last of this Month or the beginning of the next & then shall wait of Sir Jno. If that <a Dish of foals>, att the Lodges, All this family gives their very humble service to yrselfe & Daughters and I am Sir yr faithfull humble Servt.



For   Sir Jno. Delavall Bart. These [presents]