- An Account
of the Letter Presses and other Stock and
Implements of and in the Printing house at Oxford belonging
to John Baskett, Citizen and Staconer of London:—
- A Large ffount of Perle Letter Cast by Mr. Andrews.
- A Large ffount of Nonpl Letter, New-Cast by ditto.
- Another ffount of Nonpl Letter, Old, the whole standing and Sett up in a Com’on Prayer in 24mo Compleat.
- A large ffount of Minn Letter, New-Cast by Mr. Andrews.
- Another Large ffount of Minn Letter, New-Cast in Holland.
- The whole Testament standing in Brevr and Minn Letter, Old.
- A Large ffount of Brevr Letter, New-Cast in Holland.
- A very Large ffount of Lo. Primr Letter, New-Cast by Mr. Andrews.
- A Large ffount of Pica Letter, very good, cast by ditto.
- Another Large ffount of ditto, never used, Cast in Holland.
- A small Quantity of English, New-Cast by Mr. Andrews.
- A small Quantity of Great Primr, New-Cast by ditto.
- A very Large ffount of Double Pica, New, the largest in England.[400]
- A Quantity of Two Line English Letters.
- A Quantity of ffrench Cannon.
- Two line Letters of all Sorts and a Sett of Silver Initiall Letters.
- Cases, Stands, etc.
- ffive Printing Presses, very good, with other Appurtenances, etc.
The schedule is signed “Jno. Baskett.”[401]
In 1733 Sylvester Andrews’ foundry was purchased, at the same time with that of his father, by Thomas James, and removed to London. His epitaph remains, and gives an amusing glimpse of his character and the reputation he bore at Oxford.
On a Letter-Founder at Oxford.
- “Underneath this stone lies honoured Syl
- Who died, though much against his will;
- Yet, in his fame he will survive—
- Learning shall keep his name alive;
- For he the parent was of letters,—
- He founded, to confound his betters;
- Though what those letters should contain
- Did never once disturb his brain.
- Since, therefore, reader, he is gone,
- Pray let him not be trod upon.”[402]
- “Underneath this stone lies honoured Syl
- Who died, though much against his will;
- Yet, in his fame he will survive—
- Learning shall keep his name alive;
- For he the parent was of letters,—
- He founded, to confound his betters;
- Though what those letters should contain
- Did never once disturb his brain.
- Since, therefore, reader, he is gone,
- Pray let him not be trod upon.”[402]
