Letters – Henry Witton to John Blackett – 16 Apr 1709

Mr John Blacket	Wak: Apr 16th 1709



Sr

I am fav:rd wth yours of this date by Mr Job<son> that the Ships is Not yet Arrived but hopes Your Next Will bring Good News of their Arrivell for Sailed oute of the <Reades> the 6 instant, We have Acct: tht the french fleate Sailed Northward and the English Squaderon Under Sr John <Noray> is in persuit of them, I perceive you have Insured in Mr: Kellys Acct: in Wallis 1000gl, Tho had happened a Misfortune he had Got it Repaired and I hope he’l keep wth the fleate for is a Stout Ship, I have Not a farthing Insured in anny of the Ships I am Concerned in, My Seed Con[cerne]d not bean sent Downe to Save the last Fleate, but will be ready to goe wth: the Next Ships, That Grain must <rise> in Course for Doe believe tht their will not be a last in Yorkshire Next year for the people that Sowed has eaten wt the frost had not Killed and plowed it againe, I hope You’l find <Our Measure> Verry Good for is 4 p ct better thn Newcastle, I hope You’l See tht this Rapes will hold their Measure Extrodnery well, all then Graines is above the price allowed by the Statute. Soe Must Not Send anny, I observer Leather will Not Sell till Winter, Soe Next Winter Shall be Concernd wth: you in apparel, <Our> Farmers will Not Stand to anny bargaine unless you have them Bound by Note I never make a Bargain but I take a Note <Under this> [page damaged here] hands, (tho I ad a Note) one Man  played Me trick he was to Deliver me 11 last of Seed at 18<£> and one bid him 20<£> and Gott the Seed but i desire to Maake and example of the Fellow, Wee have Small hopes of A peace till the French be Soe low tht they of Necessity Must Make one, which as yet we think they’r not, but Wee Wish Mightly for one that trade May Mend for is Extreme Low at this time and Moneys Verry Scarce, I am  Sr Yr Humle Servnt:

     Hen: Witton



I observe the Exch<ge>: Extreme Low, Mr: Jackson and I Drank Your health last night, he Desired his Servis Might be presented to you



[on verso:]

To Mr Jno Blackett Merchant In Rotterdam / Pd 3d

[in a different hand:] Recd 6th may 1709  Answered 7th d[itt]o