Abraham Booth, Fieldgate, to a Mr. Pudner, Fleet Street, London, Saturday morning, undated.

Fieldgate, Saturday, noon

Dear Sir,

         I have perused the MS. but cannot, by any means, advise to its publication. – The Author does not appear to be destitute of abilities; but he does not seem, at present, to be fitted for controversy. I think it is proper, therefore, to advise him to lay aside the thoughts of publishing his Letter. – However, if he should be determined to print, if I can give you any directions in the affair, I shall be ready to do it. – I am,

                     Sir,

                                 your Friend & Brother

                                             A. Booth

Address: To | Mr. Pudner | Fleetstreet

Postmark: none

Text: Isaac Mann Collection, Beinecke Library, Yale University, OSB MSS 46, Box 1, folder 5. “1774” is written in the top right corner, but appears to have been added later in a different hand. Another addition to the first page reads, “Rowles’s answer to Toulmin,” suggesting that the author of the pamphlet in question in the above letter is Samuel Rowles (1743-1820). He ministered at West Lane, Rotherhithe (1776-1783), the Old Chapel at Chard (1783-1798), Orange Street, Canterbury (1798-1802), and Colnbrook (1802-1820). If so, the date of 1774 seems problematic. Joshua Toulmin (1740-1815) ministered to the General Baptist congregation at Taunton, 1765-1814.