Letter – Edward Blackett to John Ward – 29 Jun 1710

      June 29

Mr Ward

      Yours of the 25 came to my hand by a strange Accident, for the post boy had lost it nigh Ottrington, and an honest Man found it, and seeing it Directed for Me brought it to Newby, I thank you for the trouble you gave your selfe in going to Will[imotes]wike, but both you & Mewburne misunderstood me, for I writ to Will Lowes that you would call of him about such a time and that he should shew you all that was done att the Dams last year, as also what’s requisite to be done this, that so you might consult together to the best of your Judgem[en]t for my Advantage, but nothing of this being done I’m just where I was however I thank you for the advice you give me about it

      As for the Relation Mewburne give of the Tythes of Seaton was little to the purpose, for ‘tis in Express Words in the Settlem[en]t the Tythes Excepted, tho’ never any Tythes were known to be paid in the Memory of Man, but one halfe of the Tythe to the Earl of Northumberland now in the Right of his Wife to the Duke of Somerset, which Sr Jas Delavall took a Lease of it of the Duke with his own Tythe att Hartley, so lett me that Tythe of Seaton with an Advance of Rent, and unless I can prove a Modus for the halfe of the Tythe paid to the Priory of Tynemouth, which I very much question, then shall have the Worst of it, however I believe twill come to a Reference at last, tho’ I do not Expect to be much better

      Inclosed I send you a Rec[eip]t for Mr Place, & as for the 15s w[hi]ch he demands I think I have Justice of my side to demand a great deal more from him, for he never paid me more than four pounds, tho I have it under his own hand to pay me 4 Guineas so I hope he’ll make it good to me in the next halfe Years Rent, however by the Rec[eip]t you see I leave it to his own Generosity Would be glad to hear what you have done about [Nelson] business, I hope I shall see you at Topcliffe Fair tho I have no occasion for money, With my service to your selfe & family

      I am your Assured friend to serve you



For Mr Jno Ward