Letter – Michael Blackett to Charles Banks – 28 Jul 1676

Mess[eu]rs Cha & Ja: Bankes:                     Newcastle  July the 28th 1676



S[i]rs

      My last to you was of the 1mo [primo – first]  July; To w[hi]ch referes you Since have Rec[eive]d yo[u]rs of the 27th and 30th past 7th and 14th present; I am ashamed to have soe many of yo[u]rs before mee unanswered; the best excuse is the very truth; that I have for some time; beene merry w[i]th some freinds who came from London on purpose to give mee a visitt; They beinge now gone; I am now againe In my Ellements; hard att my businesse to regayne the time lost; Soe that att present I shall God willinge answer att large one after another all yo[u]r lett[e]rs. In yo[u]r former takes notice of Rf [Note 1.] 178: drawne upon you by Mr Jno Strother w[hi]ch bill you hadd accepted and debited mee for the same; Soe farr Soe good; In yo[u]r second you say and confirme to have accepted Mr Jno Strothers draughtes for Rf [Note 1.]  168 whereas In yo[u]r former you write that In that the Bill is for Rf 178:= noe man but my mistake; I know the Bill is for Rf [Note 1.] 178 and have booked the same accordingly, I heartily thanke you for yo[u]r kindnesse to my Brother and Freinds, who If still w[i]th you pray present my Service to them; In yo[u]r third have the good newes of Henry Lawes his safe arrivall, for w[hi]ch God bee praysed. And that you had sold my Coales for 30 <.s> a barrell; w[i]th w[hi]ch am very well content; hopeing that soe farr as the nett p[ro]ceeds thereof will goe moneyes will come In to answer pte [part] of Mr Jno Strotheres draughts and In yo[u]r last takes notice of Rf [Note 1.] 1650: drawne upon you In 2 bides by Mr Strother and that you had accepted the same w[hi]ch is well, I must confesse Mr Strother hath now drawne about £1000 St[erlin]g upon you upon my account but God bee thanked my vessell from Stockholme is well arrived In this place; Mr Strother is Still Rf [Note 1.] 400: In disbursse for mee; who all alonge know of my order unto you Soe that hee will nott draw above Rf [Note 1.] 400 until  hee receive the Inclosed w[hi]ch pray send forward Carefully and advise him w[i]th all of you will accept his bill for Sume of Rf [Note 1.] 400 w[hi]ch I desire you to doe: as also to dispose of my Leed soe as w[i]th the nett proceeds thereof you could answer some of S[ai]d Strotheres draughts; but if nott to bee done; you know where I live soe In short draw w[ha]t you have occasion for upon mee, And yo[u]r Bills shall bee hono[u]rd, I leave my businesse to yo[u]r discresstion nott doubtinge but In all thinges you will seeke my advantage; but one thinge pray observe; the lesse money you draw upon mee the greater kindness you will doe mee; Soe if noe likelyhood of Leed riseinge as you say sell mine for w[ha]t itt will yeild; Soe that the nett proceeds thereof may serve my other occsiones as above ~

      I take notice Henry Lawes can procure noe freight and beinge resolved to return hither rather then here should w[i]th ballast, you are Content to give him £60. And Soe will Load him of yo[u]r selfe w[i]th some Wooden Comodities for this place upon yo[u]r owne account w[hi]ch if you thinke fitt to Consigne unto mee I shall doe for you as for my selfe; beinge Realy upon all accounts, ready to serve you and none more ambitious of yo[u]r Condes; nor shall bee more honest and faithfull unto you Then   M:B: