Letter – Edward Blackett to Maria Blackett – 12 Dec 1709

Dear Maria                         							Dec  12 1709



      I Recd. yr Lettr. with Mr Bewicks and Mr Smirks Inclosed, I know tabling at London is very Dear tho’ I could not imagine they should Ask so very Extravagantly, I think fifty pounds a year and you to find fire and Candle for yr Chamber is very sufficient, and am not able to allow you more, you must considr. Yr Coach hire up and down  will cost you 12£ beside yr meal upon the Road, and tho’ your maid will go by sea will cost Some moneys tho not much, my Wife knew nothing of my Sending you Either to Yorke or Leeds, nor does she know any thing of it as yet nor design she shall know anything of it the Reason why I approved of Leeds was that I had a message from old Mr Kitchenman who is a mighty Rich man that he was desirous that his Son might Court one of you, which I could not Disapprove of being I know he’ll give his Son a very Considerable Estate.  I never designed you should stay at Leeds longer than a month at the most so <consider of it> and let me hear from you per next post , if you have a greater mind to go to London you may write Mrs Bewick you are willing to give £50 a year and find yr own Coales and Candles, for a Chamber which I I think is full enough for you’ll find the Entertainment there not to be Extraordinary,  I have very good Reason to believe if you went to Leeds tho’ it were but for six weeks or two months you might probably both gett Married, and a good Settlement for yr Lifes,  if it should not happen according to my Expectation, as the Stage Coach goes once a week from Leeds to Wakefield so to London, So wholy leave it to yr Selves to Considr of it, you may be assured I Advise you for the best, Give my Service to Mr Brumell and tell him I was mistaken as to the month, desire him to tell you the last price that Mr Wilkinson Sold his Lead for and whether there be any demand at present for it or not.   With my Blessing to you both I am yr Most Affect. Father



Mrs Maria Blackett

Att Mr Brumells                            

                                                 

We have a great noise here of Severall people in Newcastle being Concern’d in Coining  of  Guineas  Acqt. me whether there be any such thing or not, and who they are that’s suspected