Letter – Edward Blackett to Matthew Featherstone – 22 Sep 1709

Sir      									Sept 22

      About last Lamas 12 months I lett a Tack note to Mr Ald. Ridley & his son for 12 months to digg for Oar in one or two of my Lordships nigh Willimoteswike, and oblige my Selfe by that note, in case they desired it at 12 Months end to make them a Lease for 21 years they allowing me the 6th part of the Oar clean washed, so when I was last at Newcastle we agreed upon the Lease, and I brought it to Newby & my son and I executed it, and about a week agoe I inclos’d it to my Coz Wilkinson wch hope he Recd. and desired him to See the Alderman & his son Execute the Counterpart.

      Am still in the same mind as to the Letting of Fallowfield so if my Coz Eden, Coz Wilkinson & yr Selfe will each of you take a quarter I will keep the other fourth my Selfe, you may get any man of Judgement view all the works, and my Steward there will inform him of all things that concern the Mines, and then give me yr proposalls, there is Oar gott in all places of the field where they’re working, and some att the forefield, there is a great quantity of whole Ground, and at the forefield nigh 20 fath. Of Levell, In case she should come in well at the forefield the Mines would be much better than Ever they have formerly been,  for there is three times more Levells there that there was in the low field, and no great Sum need be Expended in gaving that forefield a full Tryall, and if she prove, then each partner may get a considerable Sum of money, am sure for many years together I gained bewixt 3 and 4 thousand pounds a year by them  pray Communicate this Lettr & then lett me hear from you for I will not Engage my Selfe to some others in Newcastle till I know yr utmost Resolves as to what part you’ll give me cleare, my 4th part being Equally Concerned as to the Charges with yrs.   

      I am yr Humble Servt



For Mr Featherstone & Compy, Merchts in Newcastle