Bentley, William, 1759-1819. Papers of William Bentley, 1783-1815: an inventory. Letter from James Winthrop to William Bentley, 1788 August 20. HUG 1203.5 Box 1, Harvard University Archives.

Cambridge 20 Aug. 1788---

Rev. Sir,

Last Evening I returned from a journey to the Southern parts of this State, & was much gratified by finding a fresh instance of your friendly attention in increasing my collection of curiosities. You will not doubt the sincerity of my thanks. I have been three times to the house of hon. N.G. & have unfortunately missed him everytime. To-morrow if weather permits I intend for Boston & hope to find him. How North Carolina vote may affect him I do not know. If his abilities are such as have been supposed, it will make him good natured. We have this day held a meeting of the Academy some curious experiments in electricity made by the Salem members were communicated. We had also a present from the Roy. Soc. of London of their last publications, so late as 1787--I have secured

a volume of their Transactions, & if I meet with anything curious in it will send you an account of it.

Yours Affectionately

James Winthrop

Rev. Mr. Bentley

J. Winthrop Esq Camb 20 Aug. 1788.

Rev. Mr. Bentley

Salem

[hon.d?] by Rev. Mr. Prince