Letter – John Westgarth to Judith Baker – 4 Feb 1779

								Unthank 4 Feby. 1779

Dear Madm.

      I have your favour of the 2 Instant. Shall be glad to have your son and self only to talk with. I have not been <misinformed> in what I think. As the Ingen [Engine] was <standing> and the <pre[tended] reason> to use it was frost. <……… the contrary> we have had no frost to hurt anything. A tail race from the Ingen was run, and the Water she lifted could not be <conveyed>, therefore was at a stand. If Mr. Baker have no mine at work yet the Ingen must be kept going, its a preservation to the Ingen. Also if your Son makes no use of her it is not reasonable he should be at the charge of an Ingen keeper. I am sorry I dare not undertake a journey to Durham, a bad day would lay me up, if not be fatal.

      I presume you know Mrs. Craddack has got herself a Daughter, I had the pleasure of a letter  from her before that Event, a Grandson I have at Hertforth School gave me the advice of her getting her bed, & she & the <……..> both in a hopeful way. I writ to <Sharp> and begged our worthy friend would order some to give me the <state> of his & her Sisters disorder. Mr. Smith the Apothecary upon that writ me That Mr. Wilkinsons disorder was a stoppage in the Bowels wch. was <.i…ned>, and he hasty walking out daily, and adds has not been so well since he was first <attacked>.

      Our Femal[e] friend had a breaking out in two places in one (or both) legs. That a mortification had taken place wch. <Dr.> Smith had <stopt.>, brought the wounds to Digest, the matter friendly and the <ulcers> clean but that he contrived to give her proper medicines, & hoped she would do well. I know you have a regard for them, makes me so particular. I beg my best Compliments may be acceptable to yourself & Mr. Baker.	Dr. Madm.

      Your most Obed. Servt.

      Jno. Westgarth



Mrs Baker