Letter – John Delaval to Edward Blackett – 15 Oct 1713

      October the 15th 1713

Sr Edward

I had an Account by Mr Mewburn of the Death of yr Lady, for wch I condole wth you but was Surprised at the Methods he has taken wth the Tenants at Seaton wch I may conclude was without your directions, the Estate I take to be mine charged wth my Nieces portion, and why your Steward should persuade any of the tenants to attorn you, I cannot apprehend, for I must not suffer him to deal large pennyworths out of my Estate, nor can I think you design it, I am not for spending money in law, you may remember the last contend was not to either of our advantage, & therefore if you are pleased to make any reasonable proposal & appoint any friend of yours, I will procure one of mine to meet any where about half way to Newby, my desire for peace, & a friendly end occasions this & I do it thus Early, that what ever may be the consequence of a breach, I may Justify my self not to be the aggresser, there is a large field of contention open, I hope none will prevail on you for their Interest, (I am sure none shall on me) to give the law any money tho I shall always defend my Self against oppression, the Sooner you are pleas’d to give me your thoughts of this Matter, it may be of more Service to us both I am

	Sr Yr Most Humbe Servt

		Sign’d John Delavall