Letter – Edward Blackett to Blackett Mitford – 20 Feb 1710

Dear Nephew       							Febry 20



      I Recd yrs of the 16 as also one from Mr Forster of the same Date, whereby I perceive you have passed yr Examination & is made one of the Factors for the Company  Mr <Hewers> has been Extreamly kind to you not only in promoting you to that preferment, but likewise promising you two Bondsmen in £1000 Each, considering you were altogether a Stranger to him.  In one of yr former Lettrs you writ me you were to have all necessary whatsoever provided for you in Even to Cloathing, and more I perceive you are to pay £25 for yr Passage which is not likely, being you go in one of their ships and about their Affairs, Inclose me two Lettrs to yr father & mother, and I’ll take care they shall be Safely delivered to them, and I’ll likewise write to him again  & press him on yr Acct

      Your Lettrs and Mr Forsters are so contradictory as to the <Sum> you gave for the procurement of this Employ that I must own it cannot Enter into my Thoughts that you have gott any Such preferment for you write that you gave a <purse> & fifty Guineas to Mr Hewers friend & Mr Forster as his says you promised him 20 which are yet unpaid, but above all I cannot Imagine that any man of Credit should procure two Bondsmen for you that are absolute Strangers to yr Selfe & Relacions,  You’d do well to Satisy me better in this Affair and then I could with more Assurance press yr father & mother, & likewise procure you a Lettr to Mr Aislabies Bro. the Governor of Bombay    So heartily wishing Success to yr Affairs     

      I am yr most Affect. Uncle



Mr Blackett Mitford Att Mr Forster etc



I am informed from good hands that our E. India fleet is lately sail’d and shall soon know when the Phoenix is designed thither and whether you be Concern’d therein