Letter – Edward Blackett to William Lowes – 12 Dec 1709

Honest Will                      							12  Dec



      I Recd yr Letter this morning, I do not know who you Sent it by to the Post house for it has been 4 Days in coming, and usually they send in three, Am surprised to hear that the Tenants does not pay any Rents well considering the Extraordinary price both Corn & Cattle has given both last year and this  I cannot Imagine how there should be any Disbursements but whats very small this year considering both the mill, millhouse & Dams were brought in the last Years but howevr be sure you be as a great a husband as possibly you can, and gett all my Acct ready against Xtmas, according to our Agreement.  upon the Rect of this Letter be sure you acqt me what Disbursements you could possibly lye out this year, for am uneasy till I have a particular of it, Acqt me likewise how many Work people Mr Ridley keeps constantly Employed at his Lead Mine, and what hopes they have and whether they have got any Oar or not, for should be mightly glad to hear that she were like to prove well. Fail not to give an Acct. of all this by the very next post to    yr assur’d friend



Mr W Lowes att Willimontswike / nigh Hexham, Northumberland