I am permitted by Mr. F. Sabin to reproduce a very early literary letter addressed in 1690 by John Evelyn to Samuel Pepys. It must not be forgotten that Evelyn was one of the earliest collectors of MSS.
Depfd, 25—7:—90.
'Tis now (methinks) so very long since I saw or heard from my Ext Friend: that I cannot but enquire after his Health: If he aske what I am doing all this while? Sarcinam compono, I am making up my fardle, that I may march the freer: for the meane time—
Do you expect a more proper Conjuncture than this approaching Session, to do yourself Right—by publishing that which all good men (who love and honour you) cannot but rejoice to see? you owe it to God, to your Country & to yr Selfe, and therefore I hope you seriously think of & resolve upon it.
I am just now making a step to Wotton to Visite my good Brother there, Importunately desiring to see me: himselfe succumbing apace to Age and its Accidents: I think not of staying above a week or ten daies, & within a little after my returne be almost ready to remove our small family neerer you for the winter, In which I promise myselfe the Hapynesse of a Conversation the most Gratefull to
Sr
Your Most Humble
Faithfull Servant
J Evelyn
I rent this page from the other before I was aware, and now tis to full to begin againe for good man̄ers.
Give my most Humble Service to Dr. Gule.
