| Title: | Letter, Ralph Austen To Hartlib |
|---|---|
| Dating: | 28 November 1655 |
| Ref: | 41/1/100A-101B: 100B, 101A BLANK |
[41/1/100A]
Worthie Sir
I receiu'd a Letter yesterday, dated the 23 of November instant from my freind Mr Fran: Moore: who therein tells me he waiting on you lately: you tould him it was your desire I should come vp to London shortly, & that as soone as myght be conveniently; in regard you had mentioned my businesse to the Lord Fleetwood & that you iudg it meete I should waite on his Lodship my selfe in person: Now Sir In regard I cannot come this 3 or 4 daies; & for that I haue not received this intimation from your owne hand, I would gladly haue a word from you first, to shew me a ground of encouragement for my Iourney, which must be with some hindrances (considerable) at home, besides all necessary expences, as heretofore, As for my maine desires herein, no man is so fully acquainted with them as your selfe : which in sum is that I may be encouraged & enabled, to carry on the profitable designe of Planting fruit-trees for a more generall & greatter advantage of the Common-wealth; wherein (I hope) my great paines, & expences many waies, for aboue 20: yeares, will (& what is to be hereafter) will be considered: Now this might easily be donne by those in power, either by a certaine parcell of Land, to make my best of it, or by some Office, or place: or some yearely allowance out of the publique Revenew; or the like: Now Sir you are able to iudg of these [left margin:] these things; I pray therefore let me haue your iudgement herein, & whether there be a faire probability of effecting any thing worthie our endeavours, & expences: that if there be a sufficient ground I may make the more speed.
Sir I commend you & your affaires to the Lord & rest
your engaged servant
Oxon: No: 26: 1655. Ra: Austen
[41/1/101B]
For the Worshipfull Samuel
Hartlib Esqr at his
house over against
Angell Court
neere
Charing Crosse
London
With spetiall care/
Post paid
[seal]