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About the letter
(quotations are shown as written by Newton)
The letter, dated 5th August 1783, was written to an unknown person and shows that although living in Charles Square, London, Newton still visited his old friends in Olney:
"I am just going to visit Olney & shall be absent I believe from London till the first week in September."
Newton also mentions the reprinting of 'Cardiphonia', a selection of his letters to various correspondents, first published in 1781. Cowper had been asked to come up with a title.
"Can you compound me a nice Greek word as pretty in sound as Thelyphthora...?"
He also mentions the death of his sister-in-law, Mrs Elizabeth Cunningham (née Catlett):
"We thank you for your kind symphony on Mrs Cunningham's account. But the Lord removed her, & therefore must be right. I am well satisfied, & Mrs Newton has been mercifully supported. Her Eliza is a very amiable child."
Another subject was that of a request for financial assistance - Newton couldn't help but says:
"Do you know Wm Jones of Lady Glanerhy's chappel in Edinburgh? I believe a letter from him would do you some good here. Come and try what can be done The Lord can give success beyond expectation. All hearts are in his hands".
Another passage refers to the possibility of ships not returning from their voyages.
"I enclose the receipt for the Cardiphonia's, which surely if the vessel arrived, ought to have been delivered at Dundee some time ago".
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