(seq. 1)

Cambridge 7 Decr 1788

Rev. Sir,

You will gratify me by accepting the
Henriad in french. I once read it in english & it
much pleased me, but I am not sufficient mas-
ter of the original language to read poetry, tho'
I can hobble along pretty well in prose. In your
line of study it is more necessary to read lan-
guages critically than in mine, & I suppose
poetical works to be fitted for teaching the niceties
of a language. Accept this as a token of respect,
if indeed there is any respect in giving away what is
of no use to ourselves.

It is hardly time yet for the expected comet,
but my own opinion of it I gave you in 1784, & of
course my expectations are but small with
respect to its coming next year. If it should
come, I shall be obliged to you for the globe.

Anewn Inscription is newly found at Tiverton which
represents a man in ancient armor. I have a copy

Yours Affectionately
James Winthrop

Rev. Mr. Bentley.