Letters – William Blackett to Francis Bowes – 21 Jan 1676

Newcastle January 21 1675/6

Sir

I have received yours of the 19th present wherein you judge mee unreasonable for asking 2.pCent for <relivening> mony to London Chancery had 2 ½ p cent the last weeke wch is rather under then over the Courant price that all people are willing to give, first you call it an Exaxtion, and for the name you give my neighbours I shall let it lei. In your letter for leave of taking could, but as to there qualification of more than Jewish usurers I think your application is groundless without your mony, with wch you use to pay advance be of the same Coyne that the Jews bought our saviour with whereof 30 pence acquired soe inestimable a purchase, In such a case truly I think you are more then too reasonable to offer 25p and for my part I will not be guilty of takeing it, soe lett Mr Thompson or whome Else you please take that benefit wch is refused by W.B.