Letter – Edward Blackett to John Erasmus Blackett – 21 Dec 1796

Thorpe Lee Decr 21st 1796

Dear Brother

      We rec'd a letter from my Daughter this morning by wch we find that she wth her young folks set out from Tynemouth for this place last Sunday, & means to be here next Friday as the weather has not been bad for travellers, We hope & trust She will accomplish her journey according to he Intentions, & our wishes. She says in her letter that Capt Collingwood says that he expects to be att Portsmouth by Xmas, & that Mrs Collingwood means to set out for Portsmouth as soon as she hears that the Fleet is arrived there. I would desire that you let her know that my Wife & I think that she had much better come here; we shall be very happy to see her; & this place is in the direct road to Portsmouth & wthin fifty nine miles of it & I should think that Capt Collingwood would think it more convenient to come & meet you here than att Portsmouth; however that may be, he may come here, or you go to Portsmouth from here, any day that may be found convenient, we hope Mrs Collingwood will think of it; if it will prove convenient to her, it will much oblige us.

      We are very glad to hear that Doc Carlyle is likely to do well again, It will rejoice his friends & all that know him.

      I can say no more at present lest I lose this days post.

      Our love & best wishes to yself Mrs Collingwood & her young folks & I am Dr Brother most affectly

      E Blackett