Letter – Edward Blackett to Maria Blackett – 5 May 1710

      May 5

Dr Maria,

	I heard long before yrs came to hand that my Lady Blacket was to sett forward for the north on Monday last. She designed to be at her son Calverleys as <…> night, and to stay there either till the 15 or 22. I design to send a Servt thither some day this next week to invite her to Newby, wch will make her journey more easy to Newcastle

	Am sorry to hear of my nephew Davisons death. I cannot believe but that the Bishop of Ely did his utmost Endeavours to procure a Captain’s Commission for yr Bro. I believe Mr Aislabie did likewise Speak to the Bishop upon Neddes acct for he did the Bishop’s kinsman a great kindness in Recommending him to his Bro in the Indies, so he ought upon Mr Aislabie’s acct not to be unmindfull of him. When you go to visit my Lady you may desire her to putt hmi in mind. You may tell her that tis in all peoples thoughts that if my Lord would espouse his Intrest heartily he might prevail.

	Give my service to Mr Aislabie & desire him in case the D of Devon cannot prevail for a ship that he’ll desire Mr Burdett to get him a Lieutenancy on board of some cruiser that he may be night at hand in case any thing should happen. With my blessing to you both I am yr most affect Father



Mrs Henrietta Maria Blackett at Mr Flows &c London



I long to hear what answer Mr Aislabie had from the Duke of Devon. Ordr Nedd to write me