Letter – Ralph Grey – 2 Dec 1673

       Newcastle December th 2d 1673

Honorable Sir

Yours of the 25 came to saife hand giving ann acct of the recit of the box of oar; and thoughts of it since which I trated with the gentamen employed by the grovers heare; who hath agreed to dd [deliver] 6 tunns heare in the spring which is all redy above grownd to have it well washed and drist Oare at 6 £ pr fo to be paid at the waying of the said ore; and lykewise they to be bound and you for to be free; if you have accason for a 100 pcs to have it the same raite; pray writ me your thoughts whether it will not be convenient to have some artikells drawen orr nott  as to the performance; I hear that the Bar[one]t Ratliffe <Lodging>is at <Riehnand> house he lives private his lady is in this c[ount]ry; this proclamation against romants may work some what < of him > he being the grettest we have in this country  I have intreted a frind to write to H Whartons steward to see if he can procure 5 or 6 <Fs> pottes oare at 6£ or rather  than fail 6£ 10. We hear there is  hollands men of warr upon our costs  [coasts] soe that the ships is like to winter hear with out a strong convoye be sent to beat them at the co[a]st; The M[aster]s will not take in nether lead nor [struck out: ‘coles’] oare but at excessive raitts of proflet 18 d per pease for 2000 ps    I thought for to have sent Mr Wigfall but could not prefaill at any rait; lead sold hear for from 11L to 11L 9S 6D  per fother this not fother

I  am Yo &c

Ra Grey