Letter – Edward Blackett to William Lowes – 15 Feb 1711

Feb 15

Honest Will

      I rec[eive]d yours with Mr Shaftoes letter I gave him an answer of it this post however have sent a Copy of it their bargaine is not out till August I would by all means to have Mr Shaftoe and Mr Loraine as they have been partners to Continue so & shall let them a bargaine for 2 5 or 7 years & when I come to Newcastle in June will order them both to meet me there & take their security for their <part> & there conclude it & <hand> them a lease which you may tell Mr Shaftoe <then> I hope by this time you have got up all the moneys that is due you for rents & arrears wood &c ass soon as the weather is good I would Desire you to come to Newby that we may set all things straight. 

      I don’t doubt but you have heard long Ere this the Mallancholly news from Newby of the death of my dear daughter Blacket who was one of the most senciblest & finest young women in England which is an unexpressible loss to this family & I doubt will much shorten my wifes dayes she being the only child that Ever she had

      be sure upon rec[eip]t of this letter let me know w[ha]t weather you have in the north for at present we have a very great snow here & mighty scarce of hay for it has & will cost this year above a £100 in hay

      I am Your assured freind