Letter – Edward Blackett to William Cavendish – 13 Dec 1709

      Decr 13 1709   

May it please yr Grace



      I humbly begg pardon that am now a Petitioner to yr lordship on the behalfe of my Second Son’s prefermt.  He went to sea with the Queen’s Lettr for Severall years, and the two last past was preferr’d to be Second Lieut aboard the Oxford, so I desire the favour of yr Grace that you will use yr Interest for a Cap’l Commission, I hope yr Grace can no sooner request Such a favour of the Lords of the Admiralty but it will be Granted.  I beg yr Lordship will pardon this presumption (it is upon the preferment of my Child) and I question not but he will behave himself so as so as may justly deserve yr Grace’s Recommendation.    

      I am yr Grace’s most Faithfull and Obedient humble Sevt.



His Grace the Duke of Devonshire

These [presents]