Thomas Morgan, London, to William Wood, Leeds, 28 March 1792.

Dear Sir,

        At the last meeting the wish of the Gentlemen of the West Riding of Yorkshire to deposit their deeds in Dr Williams Library, was taken into Consideration by the Trustees.  It was the unanimous Opinion of those present that no possible objection could lie against complying with such a request – and I was desired to convey their opinion to you.  But it is necessary at the same time that it should be understood by the Gentlemen concerned, that we have no strong Room in the Library, or any place in which writings can be secured against the accident of Fire. The Trustees would be happy, were it in their power, to erect such a Building on their premises – but on consulting their Surveyor, they find that the Sum necessary for such purpose, amounting to about £300, would be more than they would be warranted in taking from the Estates of Dr Williams, even had they permission from the Court of Chancery for such an Appropriation.  Were the Dissenters in general desirous of rendering such a public building a secure receptacle for their Deeds &c, a very little Exertion would remove this Difficulty.  If, however, the Gentlemen of the West Riding have no objection to send their writings to the Library in it’s present Condition, every care will be taken of them by the Librarian.  You will be so good, if any farther measures on this Subject are taken in Yorkshire, to send me an acct of them, & I will lay it before the Trust.

                                I am Dr Sir

                                            yrs sincerely

                                                            Thos Morgan

Text: Test Acts Papers, no. 121 (d), Unitarian Collection, UCC 3/6/6, John Rylands University Library of Manchester.