Bentley, William, 1759-1819. Papers of William Bentley, 1783-1815: an inventory. Letter from James Winthrop to William Bentley, 1787 September 2. HUG 1203.5 Box 1, Harvard University Archives.

Cambridge 2 {September} 1787.

{Reverend} Sir,

I have the pleasure of inclosing for your amusement a little poem, which came accidentally to my hands. The week before last, I left at Deacon Ridgway's my brother's manuscript inclosed for you, & trust that by this time you have received it. The curious coin of Charles XII. which you was so good as to transmit, & for which as well as for innumerable other marks of your friendship my best thanks are due, was left at my lodgings when I was absent on a journey, & upon my return I received it uninjured.

At the late meeting of the Academy I presented a solution of the question in Geometry respecting the duplication of the cube on trigonometrical principles. I think all things considered it was pretty well timed. Possibly if I can get time & find ability to pursue this subject, some future meeting may give them some general theorems for finding mean proportionals in Geometry. Matters of this kind have long been wished for.

I am, Dear Sir, Your most {obedient} servant James Winthrop

My {compliments} to {William} Read & {Reverend} {William} Bentley -

This page is blank

Reverend {William} Bentley

Salem

{Favored} by Mr. Nickols

Winthrop. 2 {September} 1787.