Letter – William Blackett to James Standsfield – 5 Dec 1675

 									Newcastle 5th Xber 1675

Honnored Sr

I am somwt Wel pleased to understand by lett of the 3rd pres that you adhaire to my desier in keeping a smal number of men at Work at Wanlock head this winter I am sure It wille no damidge tio us. let who Will Informe you or persuade you to the Contrary and thairfor beg of you & intreat you on receipt of This to send Sandy Lister to Jno Curtice with £25 st[erling] more, which with the £65 you pd him wilbe £90 that you are <at> upon yr part for that Work & before March you shal see & be satisfied that my desier Is to stope our Leed hill Enimies mouths & to keep my Credit with our men - which persons must get les Profit or else non. & al This winters Charge will not be much above £12 or £15 & then wee have our work in good posture agst Spring - I also doubt you have Dissatisfied in som manner Jno Curtice I declare unto you that for our Buissines the Like of him is not to be found in these parts take him all Ways so Intreating you  to fulfill this my now request leest Jno & the men com away ear Sandy get thether & you shall Command me in a much greater buissiness iff you thinck I am Capable to doe you a kindness In this place command & Try him.

      Sr Who Is , Worthy Sr, Yr aff[ectio]nate fr[iend] & sarvt  Wm Blackett



Sr The last post brought us the news of the death of my Ld Witherington & that my Ld Ogle was choesen by the king to be governor of barwick in his Room. but som thincks nevertheless the yong Lord will reap the bennifit.



[outer leaf:] Sir James Standsfield Knight/ these presents/ In Edinburgh/ pr paid

[annotated:] Stockholme William Blacketts letter in answer to mine of the 3d &, desireing me to send 25£ to Jno Curtce wch will make up 90£ I amount