Newton Bosworth, Brucelodge, to J. B. Brown, Islington, 20 January 1832.

Brucelodge, 20 Jan. 1832

My dear Sir,

         Having removed hither, and occupying a house at much less expense than the one at Hackney, though just as convenient, I am enabled to make a little modification in my Terms, which may bring them more generally within the reach of my friends & connections. You will allow me to trouble you with a copy of my Prospectus, not doubting that if you meet with any gentleman to whom the presentation of it may [paper torn], your aid will not be wanting.

         I am sorry I have not yet been able to acquire the information I have sought, respecting the unsold copies of your life of Howard. The person who gave me the former hint, does not feel himself quite at liberty from his Situation with regard to the bookseller, to push the enquiry further—at least in a direct manner. Perhaps a friend might easily ascertain the point by calling at the shop, buying some book[s], & turning the conversation to “Howard.” I have just tho’t of a friend who might do it; if I see him soon, or write to him, I will put him upon the enquiry. Perhaps, however, you have already obtained all you wish for. If you come near me, a call will give pleasure to, my dear sir, 

                                                               Your’s truly,

                                                                                 N. Bosworth.

Text: Timothy Whelan, Baptist Autographs in the John Rylands University Library of Manchester, 1741-1845 (Macon: Mercer University Press, 2009), p. 214 (annotated version); also Eng. MS. 373, fol. 213d, John Rylands University Library of Manchester. James Baldwin Brown (1785-1843) was a lawyer and brother-in-law of Thomas Raffles. Reference above is to his Memoirs of the Public and Private Life of John Howard, the Philanthropist (1823). John Howard (1726-90), a Dissenter and former member of the Bunyan “Old Meeting” in Bedford, was held in great esteem for his advocacy of prison reform.