Letter – Edward Blackett to James Mewburn – 26 May 1709

James                                 						26 May 1709

      Perceive by yrs of the 21st that Mr Featherstone promised to Inclose  me a bill for £50 either by Tuesday or Frydays post, but by Tuesdays post I Rec’d none, and hope in case he did not send one per Frydays post, be sure you fail not to Inclose me one yr selfe per Saturday nights post,  Within a post or two send me a particular of the names of all the Tenants and Farmes in Seaton Lordship and what certain sum is paid and allowed yearly out of every Farme,  You may shew the Tenants in arrears this Letr. that in case they do not pay you their Arrears within 10 days you must without more adoe distrain & sell their Goods <besides> what they have in their houses and upon the Lands  I wonder you would offer to suffer them to be a whole year in Arrears beside another halfe a year Rent now due

      I think you have sold the last bargain of Oates very well, I wish all the Remainder were as well sold, tho I believe they will not settle in price they are very much dearer here as also new wheat gives <..s> a bushel, and tis thought will give <10s> before new come of the Ground.  Acqt. me what quantity of Wheat you Judge you may have and whether you have any thrashed, for it will not keep after tis thrashed.

      I Recd. the 4 papers that Concerns the Pay, and do very much Wondr you Suffer any Arrears to be Standing out att the Pay, considering you paid 1089£ 07s . 4 ½ d  I would certainly have taken that Care as to have made the Workmen allow what they were indebted and been once upon a clear bottom with them, In case Mr Featherstone has not sent me a bill for £50 fail not to send me of Saturday nights post 20.                           Yr assured friend



Mr James Mewburne