Letter – John Blackett to Ralph Hall – 8 Apr 1709

Mr R Hall                                                                                 Rotterdm  8 April 1709



Sr	I Recd yours of 11 March, wth bill of loading of 527 doz bottles on board Robt Bulman at his arrivall will Sell them at the highest price possible, you order me for the neet <pr.decd> of the bottles but Rynsbn Tow onely 5 Matt Bostle Tow, I have had orders these 5 Months from Mr Reay for 30 Matts Rynsbn Tow but cannot get half the quantity, I writ to harlem to enquire if any was to be bought, there answer was that only 10 Matts was in the whole Towne & would have 13 1/4gl besides Freight & to this place wch would come here to at least 13 1/2gl wch I durst not bestow, if 20 or 30 Matts was to be had for 13gl here, I would willingly have bought them now for you, though I had been a Month out of pocket for my money, I will always do as much for my friend as for my Self, pray in your next let me know (if I cannot get the quantity of Rynsbn Tow as you desire, though you may be assured I will do all that lays in my power) if I Shall Send more than the 5 Matts Flax you write for, if I can Serve you in any thing pray command and you will oblige

Coales  22gl but when the fleet arrives will be I believe about 20 1/2 or 21gl

Lead  22

Bottles

[Struck out: ‘Coffy’]

Grindstons

QuickSilver is much Sent from hence to your place

Flax  20 to 22 Stl the Stone

Borstle Tow 19gl Scarce

Rynsbn Tow 13gl little or none to be had