II.
The Rev. Thomas Baker to Mr. Humphry Wanley.
[Harl. MS. 3778, Art. 43. Orig.]
Cambridge, Oct. 16th [1718].
Worthy Sir
I am glad to hear Mrs. Elstob is in a condition to pay her debts, for me she may be very easy: tho' I could wish for the sake of the University (tho' I am no way engaged, having taken up my obligation) that you could recover the Book, or at least could find where it is lodged, that Mr. Brook may know where to demand it. This, I presume, may be done.
If you have met with Books printed by Guttenberg, you have made a great discovery. I thought there had been none such in the world, and began to look upon Fust as the first Printer. I have seen the Bishop of Ely's Catholicon (now with us), which, for aught I know, may have been printed by Guttenberg; for tho' it be printed at Ments, yet there is no name of the Printer, and the character is more rude than Fust's Tullie's Offices, whereof there are two Copies in 1465 and 1466, the first on vellum, the other on paper.
May I make a small enquiry, after the mention of so great a name as Guttenberg? I remember, you told me, my Lord Harley had two Copies of Edw. the Sixth's first Common Prayer Book. Do you remember whether either of them be printed by Grafton, the King's Printer? I have seen four or five Editions by Whitchurch, but never could meet with any by Grafton, except one in my custody, which I shall look upon to be a great Rarity, if it be likewise wanting to my Lord's Collection. It varies from all the other Copies, and is printed in 1548. All the rest, I think, in 1549. One reason of my enquiry is, because I want the Title, for the date is at the end of the Book, and indeed twice; both on the end of the Communion Office, and of the Litany. But I beg your pardon for so small an enquiry, whilst you are in quest of Guttenberg and Nic. Jenson. My business consists much in trifles.
I am, Sir,
Your most ob. humble
Servant,
Tho. Baker.
To the worthy Mr. Wanley, at the
Riding Hood Shop, the corner
of Chandois and Bedford Streets,
Covent Garden,
London.
A note in Wanley's hand says, "Mrs. Elstob has only paid a few small scores."