Letter – John Blackett to Matthew Featherstone – 17 May 1709

Mr Featherstone & Reay                                                           Rotterdm  17 May 1709



I Recd your letter 19 April wth the inclosed bill of 100£ accepted, I hope Quash & Paine are well arrived long before this, the Goods a board them does not question but will prove to content, I cannot well tell how to advise you when the best time is to buy Flax & Tows, it is generally much dearer towards Winter, we Expect the Newcastle Fleet to Morrow it is a question whether we Shall have the oppertunity of Shipping after this Fleet is gone till Winter, and then flax is always dearer indeed the New Crop is very likely to prove Good, if it continues dry Weather, but if there is a good Crop I cannot think it will be anything cheaper, because corne is So mighty dear, therefore the country people will rather Sow Corne (wch turns to So great advantage at present) than flax, the price is as I writ you before but if maney orders is Given to Ship in Next Ships it may be will rise ½ or 1 Stiver a Stone, when ever you want paper can furnish you as well as any, here is a Young Man my Next Neighbour who lived wth a paper Mercht who has promised me always to Send to the Mills him self, but then must pay him ready money wch Shall not Scruple to doe, I have this day drawn on you a bill of £86 at 2 usance payable in London wch do here inclose when accepted please to Send it me back, am very Sorry the Exchange is So much to your prejudice, if you please to inquire will find that 34 <BIz> 10 <.> was the highest wch was given this day for London you may be assured I will not wrong you one farthing in the Exchange I make you Credit for £86 at 34 <BIz> 10 <.> f898:14> & Debit for brokeridge when I Sell the bill f-12, really it is my opinion that it is now the best time to buy Flax & Tow, the flax Men wch keeps Shops here buys what they can every Market day if you would have any bought please to let me know per first post afraid the Ships Should be gone