Letter – John Blackett to Ralph Hall – 12 Mar 1709

Mr Ralph Hall                                                                  Ditto



Sr	

      I Recd yours of the 8 feby though not before last Sunday, when we had 5 mails delivered out at once & there are 2 yet due, the frost continnes here as hard as ever, when you are pleased to order any Goods Shall find nothing but Honesty by me, French Cork there is none in Towne, but Severall parcells Expected the last was Sold for 14gl, bottle Corke you may have the best Sort 15Stl Second Sort 9Stl Third Sort 6Stl here is a Man in towne that Sells great quantities of bottle Corke, I do not question but you know that Corke is forbidden to be brought into England from Holland but what ever you order Shall be punctually Sent by 

Flax from 21 to 23Stl a Stone

      I cannot believe it will be cheaper than it is at present corne being So dear it is the opinion of most people that Instead of Sowing flax the country people will Sow corne, the reason it is So cheap is we have had a very hard winter & the farmers wants money, but if we have a Good Summer & the flax upon the Ground in a fair way I believe it may be Something cheaper Rynsbr Tows 123/4 & 13 gl <Bors> Tow 19gl, our Rivers has been frose these 2 months, therefore cannot well advise you the price of Coales, none has been Sold Since the frost began, if no great quantities come the price will be 22gl a hoodt but if maney Ships comes the price about 20gl  I write you as it is the opinion here bottles 24 & 25 Stl