Letter – John Rushworth to William Blackett – 31 Aug 1676

Sr,

Within these 3 dayes some have been with mee, one relating to the Lord Chancellor the other to the Attorney Genl to know when the Coales would come which the Towne supplyed them withal the last sumer. You see what expectation there is, what was then done was by consent of your sergeants at law. Wee may perhaps stand in need of a Friend at Councill Table and none will be more our Friend then the Lord Chancellor, nor none to plead for us like the Atturney General but doe what you will a Friend at Court some times is better than a penny in ones purse, you must devise warily to Compass this business if you doe <incline> to it at all, & noe time must be lost herein; the name of Coales in kind will not relish with the Town, therefore thinke of so many Guinys in lieu of them to buy Coales with all, let me have your speedy answer. I have noe newes at all as to matters at home nor nothing pleasing from abroad

I am Sr yo humble servt

Jo Rushworth



Aug 31th 1676



[on cover:] to the Hon.ble Sr William Blackett Bart at his house in Newcastle