Olinthus Gregory, Swanage, Dorset, to Jonathan E. Ryland,  Salisbury, 16 July 1832.

My dear Sir,

         I am spending a little time here, with Mrs Gregory and two of my children. We came here to enjoy the sea breezes, and in order that I might pursue some of my labours, free from the incessant interceptions to which I am always exposed if I spend my holidays at home. We came hither by Southampton, and shall probably return to Ryde or Southampton by water; otherwise, I should try hard to give you a call at Salisbury.

         The Alexanders are not here now, which we greatly regret. He has kindly offered us the use of his cottage; but, at present, we are at the Hotel, where we shall probably remain for about ten days more, when I must go to Woolwich.

         I write to inform you that, with much persuasion from various quarters, and with very much difficulty, I have, at length, obtained my own consent to undertake the memoir of our revered friend [Robert Hall], which Sir James Mackintosh left uncommenced. I have strained every nerve to get his labours transferred to some person more competent than myself; but in vain. I have, at least ^last^, therefore, yielded; but I fear with a bad grace. I am now, however, determined to do all I can’ and then to see which will be most dissatisfied, the public, or myself.

         I am, therefore, despatching letters in all directions in quest of information, as to facts, &c. in reference to which, I fear, my production will be somewhat meagre.

         I shall now be able to make good use of the letters with which you formerly favoured me, and which were not admitted into vol. v. I am in hopes too, that you will be able to favour me with many useful hints. The death of Sir James Mackintosh deprives me of my main resource as to the early developement of Mr Hall’s intellectual character: and yet that is a main point. Do you think you can glean any thing in reference to it, from your dear father’s early papers? And, can you procure any thing more from Mr Langdon’s family? You had some expectation, I recollect, that they had some of Mr Hall’s early letters that would come to light. These would be truly acceptable. My Memoir must not, I believe, be long; but I am very anxious to enrich it with details of facts, repartes, anecdotes, conversations, &c. that will be characteristic , and not deteriorating. I wish neer to lose sight of the true dignity of our friend’s character; and I am truly anxious to repair the injury done by Greene’s injudicious, egotistic, gossiping book.

         Any details, hints, or memoranda, with which you can foavour me, will be quite in time, if I receive them by the 15th or 16th of August ^at Woolwich^. By that time, I turst, for which I received all the communications for which I am now applying: and I must weigh, deliberate, and digest very carefully, before I begin to write.

         A general index is preparing by Mr Cramp. It was put into his hands by the booksellers long before I received your hint of readiness to undertake that labour. At least 470 pages of vol. vi, have been printed ever since March: they contain reprints, some of them very spirited, of 21 sermons. A new editn of vol. i, has been some time printed. One of vol. v. is just finished; and one of vol iii is, immediately going to the press. In these, the numerous errata have been carefully expunged. We have not yet got the portrait to our mind; nor do I expect we ever shall. 

         A large edition, I understand, is circulating in America, from whence I have received several letters on the subject.

         Pray believe me to be, with every good wish,

                     My dear Sir,

                                 Yours very faithfully,

                                             Olinthus Gregory

Address: Mr Jonathan E. Ryland | Salisbury | P. Paid

Postmark: none

Text: John Ryland Letters, RG no. 1126, American Baptist Historical Society Archives, Atlanta.