Letter – John Blackett to John Field – 5 Feb 1709

Mr John Field                                                                                Rotterdm the 5 feby 1709



Sr	I Recd both your letters of the 17 Novembr & 29 Decembr, I would have answered the former long ago but was in hopes to have advised you the arrivall of the R Raven, your last letter onely came to hand the other day, we have had Such a great frost that not one Ship (not So much as a Pacguet was able to get into the maese or Hellevoet Sluys, though Severall times before the land but always forced back into England 3 or 4 days ago it began to Thaw very hard for 24 hours wch brought packquets over wth 7 mails but now it freses as hard as ever , & Some people Says it frose nigh 3 Inches Thick last night, there has not been Such a Winter these 20 Years, am very much obliged to you for the Shipping my anchor Ale a board Raven, hopes you will get the other Shipt before the Ship Sails, when ever there is any Incouragement for Hull I Shall make bold to give you the trouble of a Small Commission, Since the frost no Merchandising is Sturring, but the price is 21 3/4 <Bst?>  I desire you will write me the price of Rape Seed, & if there is any Good to be bought, I wish you & your Lady a Happy New Year & maney of them   I am

Exchange 35 <Bst?> 2