Letter – John Bell to Mary Loraine – 20 Apr 1776

Mrs Mary Loraine Hencoats Hexham			Newcastle 20th April 1776



Madam

      I arrived here about a quarter before Ten o'clock this morning and found the Young Ladies and my Wife and Children all well – I have sent you inclosed Mr Burnell's Note for the Chairs but he was rather unwilling to give me a Discharge unless the Matts were put into the Bill because he says he never has got them and they must be in the Hands of the Carrier so you will please send about them for Mr Burnell says he must be paid for them as they cost him 4s My wife is not will to make Jenny any more shifts she says one shift with two clean Tuckers is sufficient for her in a week and thatt is The Way she intends them to be worn for as the Shifts are fine they will keep longer clean than if they were coarse Mr Sorsbie has bought no Lead of Mr Blackett since I left home on Monday and £13 ½* is the price we sold at last and I don't hear that it is expected to be lower 

      I am with Complimts in which my wife joins Madam Your most hble Servt

      J M Bell



*£13 ½ That is £13-10-0