Letter – Michael Blackett to Michael Clipsham – 7 Jul 1676

Mr Michaell CLipsham             Newcastle July the 8th: 1676



Sir

      I have before mee yo[u]rs of the 4th present; w[hi]ch before I answer; lett mee bee soe free w[i]th you; As to tell you in playne English that after haveinge follwowed [followed] orderes and that nothinge was wantinge, on my part to p[ro]mote yo[u]r Interest in the Sale of yo[u]r 12 p[iece]s Prunes as I can endorce by Sober men in Towne, I never did expect to have beene Blamed; because I could nott sell them (beinge nought) att the Rate of good Pruones but further I heard from Mr George Morton of this place that some In London were not onely dissatisfied w[i]th myt proceedinges, but (like themselves) vended theire passion by Scurrilaus [scurrilous] discourse In the publick Coffee House; nameing mee (as Indeed probably Became themselfes) Blockhead instead of Blackett, Sir I never hadd ocction [occasion] to Corrispond In this nature before, now pray doe you take notice I Scorne theire discourse; and (Though young) hopes to prove my selfe both as much, and as honest a Marchand as hee is; lett him bee what hee will, the Intent here of is onely to lett you know, I have heard of them soe much as to that particular ~

      It seemes you yo[u]r selfe doe question my account. I have made many In my life; and never had such afront putt upon mee before. Now if you still persist a Thomasion you may please write to yo[u]r Freind to enquire if I realy p[ai]d nott. And to the uttmost farthinge w[ha]t is placed to account for I my selfe am unwillinge to give you that satisfaction as to send itt you under thre[e] handes though att this very present hath itt before mee for our Weigh house Ma[ste]r and Free Porteres are Still alive to Justifie mee either to yo[u]r Freinds or any Man in the world ~

      I must confesse in the account I made due to you Errars Excepted £22:7S. 2d but pray acknowledge the Receipt of myne of the 9.9ber [November]: last though to deduct for the Tare of 12 p[iec]es 1200wt 12d for my Commission of the same; beinge abated; itt beinge nott chardged 



In the account          £2:13:=

  the Remaynder beinge £19:14:2



I am Ready to pay to whome you will appoynt, Soe if you agree to the Contents heereof bee pleased to Signe and Seale mee before Wittnesses the Inclosed Release; w[hi]ch as soone as yo[u]r Freinds Receives, here returned; I shall not fayle to pay in the money; and In the meane time remaynes as you use him     MB: