Isaac James, Bristol, to John Rippon, London, 3 February 1797. 

Bristol.  Feb. 3. 1797.

Dear Sir,

I wish you to send me 36 Registers by Wiltshire Waggon.  I also greatly wish for a Statement of my Account, for I believe I am considerably in Debt to you, and wish to discharge it.  I do not recollect having paid more than the following Sums. 

1794.  Dec.r 24.  D.r Ryland_______ 3..-..9.

1796.  Mar. 14.  M.r Ferebee[?], of Sodbury______ 4..12..--. 

Send the Registers by Wiltshire Waggon. – There are some other little Sums of Carriage allowed by you, &c. which I should assist by the Statement when it comes.   [Ryland has added this note: “He seems that he w.d be much hurt if dunn’d”]

I should be greatly obliged to you for a Sight of M.r Hardcastle’s Licence to preach, or any thing else relative to the Baptists at Bristol.  I would engage their speedy Return.  My History has of late gone on but slowly though it has not been quite at a stop.  A little while ago I met with the following which may be acceptable to you.  I mean the Title, for the Book is not mine, “Emanuel, or God with us.  Wherein is set forth Englands late great Victory over the Scots Armie, in a Battle at Dunbar, Septemb. 3. 1650.  By John Canne.  The First Part, published by Authority.”  – London.  4to.  1650.  I remain

Yours affectionately

Isaac James.

Text: MS. II.c.5.(14.), Congregational Library, London. Attached to the above letter is a letter from John Ryland, Jr., Bristol, to John Rippon, London, undated. Both letters are written on the same page and would appear to have been written at the same time. For a transcription of the second letter, click here.