I think 2600l. a great price, being
much above twenty years' purchase, considering the lord's rent. But if
they are not included in that sum, 'tis a good twenty years' purchase.
Now you must consider what returne this will make for your money. I am
sure, as times goe, not three per cent; and money makes full five, and
very seldom, if ever, pays taxes. I believe it may be very convenient
for you, and it is very advantageous to be entire; but if you should
contract a debt to buy this estate you will be very uneasy, and, if you
marry, the first setting out will be expensive, and it will be ill
taking up money to defray necessary charges. I conceive the land is in
hand, and not lett; so that, if you have not a tenant, you must be at
the expence of stocking, w^{ch} will sett very hard upon you. And you
know, w^n your sister marrys, there is a 1000 pounds more to be
provided. Pray putt all these things together, and propose some way of
solving all these difficultys; and, if you can, I should be glad to
have it annexed to your estate, and settled upon the heirs male of your
body. Upon w^{ch} consideration I shall be more inclined to farther
your desires in a reasonable manner.

Pray, w^n you hear any more of that co[=u]selor's amours send me word,
but lett me advise you never to say anything of him or his estate that
may come to the lady's ears. I hope my Lady Morton will not tell M^{rs}
Tregonell any more than what all the world should know. I heard the K^t
had bid adieu to the Woodland Lady. I am very glad of it, for I wish
him better ffortune. I writt lately to S^r John, who honoured me with a
letter. As for public news, you have heard, I suppose, of our burning
St. Malos and Grandvile; and that wee have left a great many of our men
before Namur, but they continue the siege vigorously. They say the
ffrench are about to sett downe before Dixmude, to bring us of by
revultion. Pray p^rsent mine and my daughter's service to your sister,
and believe me to be, S^r, your affectionate kinsman and servant

J. POTENGER.

Remember, at this time there is a great deal of land to be sold, but
few purchasers. I have spooke to S^r Miles Cooke, who promises to lett
me have your settlement to peruse, and to end matters fairly. Since I
writt my letter 'tis reported ... is surrendered or taken.

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