The Hartlib Papers

Worthy Sir

Yours of the 29^th May I receiu'd this morning the 5^th Iune: The Gentleman Mr Hockar who brought it, I suppose is not now in Oxon: he left it with a freind to deliuer it to me, I shall be very redy to assist him in any businesse with Dr: Wilkins, or other freinds here, as occasion is: Concerning Dr Goodwin he is not now in Oxon: for so soone (almost) as he returned to the Colledg out of his Progresse he tooke another Iourney to a freind, where hee is to stay 10: or 12 daies, as I suppose, but so soone as I can learne he is return'd to Oxon: I shall not faile (god willing) to waite on him about your businesse, & give you an Accompt, with speed: I shall (according to your directions send by the Carrier 3: or 4: of my Books, on Thursday next: & desire you to improve your intrest with Sir Ed: Ford, or any other, in order to promoting the businesse : I hope some (at least) may vnderstande it, & be willing to speake, & doe somewhat for advantage of the present, & future Generations [word deleted] I shall not be discouraged notwithstanding all frustrations though indeede I am not able to proceede according to expectations. I hope now your sonne may fully effect my businesse in his hand. I vnderstand they are about to settle the Revenue; pray Sir let me know if it were not best for me [left margin:] me to come vp to help forward the businesse, or perhaps there may not be occasion: I am almost discouraged for sending Letters by the Post so many of mine, & others do miscarry, though wee leaue them vnpaid as the surer way: Worthie Sir I shall be redy to serue you wherein I may approue my selfe

                   your reall freind & Servant

                                               Ra: Austen

          For the worshipfull Samuel

          Hartlib Esqr: at his

          house over against

            Angell Court

            neere Charing Crosse

                        London

          by the Post              2d

          with spetiall care.