The Hartlib Papers

Worthy Mr Hartlib/

            I received yours a good while since whrein I was most glad to heare of Mr Comenius his being at London   I delaied writing hoping ere this to haue spoken with Sir Christopher Hatton whose comming failed where I expected him, but ere long I will purposely repaire to him, in the meane tyme be confident of his performances as you may of mine to gratifie Worthy Mr Comenius for the present, and to continue it yearly to him if he shall think good to live amongst vs. This next <Terme> if please God to abate the sickness I doubt not but wee shall all meete & conclude of a way for the advanceing of Mr Comenius his endeavors: & that in the meane tyme it may appeare to you I haue not bin vnmindfull of him, hearing that the Bishop of Lincolne was in these parts I repaired purposely to him in the behalfe of Mr Comenius, who told me hee had already bin with him, & what he both did, & intended for him (if he thought good to continue heere) heereafter.   I should be glad to heare from you so soone as may be, but be pleased to keepe the Manuscript in your hands till I come to towne or send an express messenger for it. I pray remember my kind respects to Mr Comenius and present this enclosed letter to him, which I should not haue adventured to haue writt, but that you can Apologise for my Barbarismes (& peradventure false construction) in it. well knowing <how> vnusuall it is for Englishmen of my sort (to our shame be it spoken) to write in Latin. But I had rather discover my Ignorance then want of Affection to a man whom I so much honour. Thus with my true respects presented to your selfe & Mr Hibner, your welfares are more hartily wished by none then

Lamport                  your most assured freind

October the 9^th

  1641                       Iust. Isham.

This letter had come sooner to you by another Carrier but the plauge being much in the towne where he lives I durst not adventure it by him.

                    To his very Worthy freind

                    Mr Samuel Hartlib at the Dukes-

                    -place in the great court neere

                    Aldgate.     these with speed

                                    I pray

                               London/