13 - 18 Sept. To William Smyth, warden of Wadham College Oxford

Summary

Sir.

Mr Escott and another gentelman with him have bin with mee in the name of yourselfe and Wadham College for which paynes of theirs I heartily thanke boeth you and them. It hath pleas’d god and his Majesty to double my relations to that howse; for whereas before boeth in regard of Dr Fleminge and yourselfe I had the relation of a true and a loveinge friend, whose office I was ever more reddy then able to performe: for now I am come under the relation of a Visitor, which as it layes a duty upon mee, for I shalbee reddy to attend it, to the good and the honor of that Society, and of every member thereof in particular to my power. In the meane time I shall not forgett that which your letters desier, which is to afford you all such freedome with mee ether concerninge the College businesses or your owne as shalbe any way fittinge their dispatch. I thanke you and that whole Society for your welcominge mee into this place: and that a great deale more for the scholler-like Letter was sent mee then for that which put the howse to charge, which I shall ever desire may bee spar’d. I have nothinge to desire of you and the fellowes, but that you will continewe, as you have done, in Unitie, and a studious course, that gods blessinge may bee upon the Colledge, and I may thereby receave an addition to my contentment in the place I beare. I pray let my Love and thanks bee represented, as I tender them boeth to yourselfe and the company. Soe I leave you all to the grace of god, and rest

Your very Lovinge friend

Wil: Bathon: et Welle:

Westminster. September 18. 1626.

To the right worshipfull my very loveinge friend Dr Smith Warden of Wadham Colledge in Oxford bee these delivered.