The Hartlib Papers

Honoured Sir/          Corke House Ian. 19^th /60

          I answered not yours, which contained the skyt's[altered from skiet's] proposalls, sooner, because I hoped to have sent you withall something from Dr. Iones unto whom I communicated that paper, as also what els you writt, which he tooke very well, & will I question not remember his favourable promise to be mindfull of your condition, but I thought best to let him take his owne time & not to hasten him. I likewise communicated both those papers & your condition to Major Symner, who seemed sensible thereof, & gave me 4 peeces of eight (which is our <most> common coyne here) for you, & told me he would have done more, but [that? hole in MS] the times have lately frowned upon him, as [they? hole] have <or at least are like to do> upon most of the new English here in a great measure. I shall send you his token with an addition of my owne Mite <(though I have not discovered the Thiefe) so soon as I can meet with the conveniency of a frend, or exchange, which latter is not so easy to be got now as formerly.>

     I long to heare the <some> Result of that Society of [word deleted] eminent persons you mention at the Temple; I know all those you name, & knowing none such againe I expect something very extraordinarie from them. Have Mr Potters designes found any acceptance? I have now determined, though not wholly to lay aside yet to deferre my Italian Iourney one yeare longer, because I may not goe without the good will of a frend, whom in gratitude I must not forsake. The Earl of Orrery is now come to this [house? hole in MS], where yet I have <yet> a chamber but am endevoring for his Lordships better accommodation to provide myselfe els where in the towne, but being well [left margin:] known at the Post house where ever I [^... hole in MS your] letters will find your faithfull servant

                         Robert [Wood hole]

     present my very humble service to my [Lady Ranelagh? hole in MS], but desire her not to add to my service of obligations by giving hersel[f....? hole]e on my behalf.

     For Mr. Sam. Hartlib

      the Elder at his son

       Mr Hartlib's house

          in Axe Yard

          ------------

            Westminster