Benjamin Hartley, Northampton, to the Managers of the Particular Baptist Fund, London, 21 July 1769. 

Gentleman

    Being informed by my generous and worthy Preceptor Mr Ryland of your orthodox Plan to qualify Youth’s for the Ministry. These humbly beg you would be propitious to one that would gladly devote his abilities to so high a Work (should the Lord see fit to make use of so unworthy and Instrument) trusting you Favours will be received with Gratitude, and your Orders attended to with Honor and Integrity.

                by

                            Gentlemen

                                       your most devoted

                                                    humble Servant

                                                               Benjn Hartley

Northampton

July 21 – 69

Note on back page in J. C. Ryland’s hand: 

Mr David ^Benjamin^ Hartley’s | Petition for Assistance | from the Fund

Text: MS. II.a.10.(31), Congregational Library, London.  Hartley was born in 1743 and studied for a time with J. C. Ryland at Northampton.