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

J Winthrop {Esquire} 20 {November} 1783.

{Reverend} William Bentley Salem __

Cambridge 20 Nov. 1783

{Reverend} Sir,

Several Letters from you I must with gratitude acknowledge the receit of; but not of a bundle mentioned in one of them. When the Criticism is completed I will either Submit or reply in due form.

Dr. Kennicott's bible was printed in 1776. When I am in the Library, I will look of Don Quixote.

I have lately been reading the trials of the Regicides. The Principal ones behaved nobly under such a change of circumstances The smaller gentry were not executed, as they had the meannes to attempt to throw the blame on others & condemn their own proceedings. But at present I shall only give you a specimen of Hugh Peters's preaching as it appeared in the course of Evidence

The High Court of Justice was opened & Charles arraigned on Saturday. The next day Peters chose for his text the part of the 149th Psalm. He observed that this was the last Psalm but one in the book; that the last Psalm contained but six verses, & had in it but twelve Hallelujahs. The reason of this, said he, is that the kings were then bound in chains, as in my text.--------------I think it is a pretty good specimen of political rant. He does not however appear to have lost sight of common sense; For in consultation with Cromwell & others, while Charles was prisoner in the Isle of Wight, Peters put the matter on its true foot by observing that if they did not take off Charles's head, Charles would take off theirs. This is a subject you do not like, but except it as I feel interested in an affair of that kind. Perhaps some better man will next be considered.

Yours Sincerely James Winthrop

{Reverend} {William} Bentley