Bentley, William, 1759-1819. Papers of William Bentley, 1783-1815: an inventory. Letter from James Winthrop to William Bentley, 1785 June 11. HUG 1203.5 Box 1, Harvard University Archives.

Cambridge 11 June 1785 midnight

{Reverend} Sir,

Your letter of 16 May has not lain neglected till this time. I took the earliest opportunity to enquire of Mr. Wigglesworth, who determines all Professor Sewall's motions, whether he thoght Mr. S. would part with the Pentaglot Lexicon for a generous price; as I would be willing to give any price not extravagant for it, & Mr. Sewall might be supplied with any Lexicon he wanted from the Library. Mr. W. answered "You "had as well ask him for the blood from his "heart. I am persuaded he would as soon part "with his heart's blood." You may easily conceive that the treaty stopped here. If I can find a convenient opportunity, I will push it.

Now I have a favor to ask of you. It is to procure me the the use for a few days of one of the last {Volumes} of Phil. Trans. which contains

contains Sir George Shuckburg's tables for ascertaining nights by a Barometer. If I should come down with Professor Williams do not be surprised. I am, Dear Sir, Your very humble Servant James Winthrop

{Reverend} Mr. Bentley.

The Encyclopeadia Britannica in 10 {Volumes} [?] to in english has arrived with our medical books. It is in the for of essays on the various Subjects, & the appendix brings it to our balloon times. I have not examined it but think the form admits of its being an useful work 27/. {Sterling} a Volume.

J M Winthrop {Esquire} 11 June 1785

{Reverend} Mr. Bentley Salem

Favor'd by Mr. [Smith?]