Letter – Edward Blackett to Mrs Gray – 30 Sep 1709

Mr Gray       								7ber 30

      I thank you for all the Trouble you have taken in inquiring over two Servts. for me, Am very Sorry you cannot hear of any,  as for a young fellow that’s a <Bean> you know Such a one will not be fit for my Service upon no Acct. and you know the wages he asks are so unreasonable  that I can by no means think of him.  You know the usual Wages I’ll give to a Man Cook is £10 however you know his place will be much better, a Cook in a Town can Expect nothing but his base Wages, but in the Country where much Company frequents the house tis much better   if a man cannot be had must be forced to make use of a Woman Cook which I must own I do not much approve of, however I desire you’ll continue yr Inquiry and you’ll much oblige 

      yr Real friend to serve you



Mrs Gray at her house in York