Catalogue description HENRY, EARL OF SOUTHAMPTON, to the ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY.

--"I have sent your Lordship by this bearer the paper bookes found in John Cotton's study, none of which (as his brother [Richard] assures mee to whom I shewed them) are written with his owne hand. Hee can give no assurance, as hee says, of bringing forth John Cotton, for hee still protesteth hee knoweth not where hee is, but hee hath as hee tells mee sent to seake him, and doubteth not but if his messenger find him, hee will redily come. This is all I have had from him this morning, whereof I thought fitt to advertise your Lordship, that seeinge there is no certaynty in this course you mought not delay what otherwise in your wisdome you howld fitt to be done."

Postscript.--"If your Lordship please to commaund mee any further service in this business, although I have not acquainted him with it yett you may boldly committ any thinge that conernes it by word of mouth unto this bearer." Holograph. Seal of arms, with coronet.

Endorsed by the Archbishop.