The Hartlib Papers

 A Copie of Sir Thomas Rowes letter sent by Basin.

Sir

The publique distractions & my privat troubles, haue so confounded mee, that I haue not gathered up my Spirits, nor had any rest in my thoughts. So that if I haue slowly answered your Letters, hauing written but once to you since my returne, you will excuse my impotencie, that I doe not what I desire. I will send you no part of our newes: for I know not where to beginne, nor where to ende. Ill men will spread ill newes fast enough; I would write you somewhat of publicque or privat comfort: But in the Last I cannot say much: for though I cannot disapprooue your Resolution to stay in Germanye, yet if you sawe our great neede at home, both of Civill & Spirituall peace, you would conclude with mee that all labour is lost abroade. And so many other distasts followe one another, that I see no man charitable to himselfe: & I feare there will bee very little extended to maintaine you as were requisite for the honnour of the worke. In this point I must referre you to Mr Harliebs information, & deliuer my opinion clearly, that untill wee settle at home, no man can thinke beyond himselfe; as when I haue the Gout, both my minde and my fingers are onely fixed upon the place of paine. All I can say is for myselfe, that I will not forsake you in any thing, wherein I may giue you constant testimonies, that I will euer bee.               Saint Martinslane 2. Iuly. 1640.

                                   Your most affection.

                                      friend

                                           Thomas Rowe.

Concerning that thought of seruing the Cure,

I confesse it is so humble, that there is in that more

sayd then proiect to helpe you, but it is not practicable

heere: & if I should moue it to his Grace hee

would not approoue it, but thinke very lowe of you.

I leaue it to your better consideration.