Letter – Edward Blackett to William Lowes – 3 Feb 1715

      Newby 3 feb 1714/5

Honest will 

      I am Glad you’ve got well home, I’m sorry for the masfortune the poor men had in being Drown’d I don’t remember any water at west Aukland that would take a horse much above the feet lock, I had discourse with men that has the most understanding for defending ground from the water they have try’d severall ways and also has been at a great Charge in making Credils as you do in Northumberland but <and> to no purpose, the only way they find now is to sett willows about the middle of march and pritty Close together make them Trench about  ½ yd behind the Credles but the nigher the water they are set the bettr  and as a straight down as Conveniently you can I hope you have great plenty of willow by you within our own or tenents grounds if not you must buy a Considerable quantity, you have time Enough to Speak to worke people and Enquire out willows before it be time to set  them upon receipt of this let me know who you sent with the Lettr I gave you to mr Mowbray and whether hyou have willows enuf nigh you

      I am yr assured friend