366 Thomas Hollis to Benjamin Colman

    London January 24, 1729/30

    Mr. Benj. Colman

    Reverend Sir

    My last letter to you is dated about the 11 October, since I have received three letters from you and thank you, one dated 31 July about the 9 November by Mr. Berry with a Map of Boston very prettily done.251 A 2d dated 25 Sept. inquiring after a Successor to Governor Burnot.252 I have not been wanting to comunicate what you write about Shute and Belchar. As to Shute it has been proposed he should return, all seemed pleased, but considring his age he and his family have declined it and joined in with Mr. Belchar of whom you give so bright a character, and you have heard sometime since, he is made your Governour,253 and will come over to you I hope in March. I bless God I can yet see a little to read and write, but not now as formerly. I must chuse my light and proper time. I have by this packet congratulated both my Professors on their Nuptialls and wish them well.254

    A 3d dated October 3. I received 24 december by Mr. Solly, who is returned in health—much to my disapointment. I hoped he would have continued at Boston where his Brother had fixed him with a great deale of Forethought and charges but now we are to seek again, and much at a loss where to fix him for future usefulnes.

    We have had divers of our Ministers this Winter died or rendred almost useles. Dr. Cummings is dead. Dr. Oldfeild is dead. Dr. Callamy almost useles by disorders in his Children. I pray may be restored. Mr. Tingy, who succeeded Mr. Bradbury in Fetter lane is dead. Mr. Bradbury indisposed, unfit for preaching, weaknes in his head and memory, feared his usefulnes is over, has overdone. Mr. Asty255—taken ill in his work, grew Lethargick, is now dead. Your new Governour and his Son did me the honour to come and dine with me some dayes since; was very free and in good humor, we talked of many things, of Ministers, Colleges, and my Professors and Students. I hope God will preserve him safe in his return to you, and make him a useful Governour among you. We have a new controversy lately begun between Mr. Chandler and Mr. Guyse256—two ingenous and popular Preachers, some think it a strife about words, to be sure there is a want of charity. I hope it will cease of it self and not continue.

    I desire to know how the two Sisters Toryes do, and if any attestations of life and health are sent over, in order to recover their Legacy, which seems reddy to be paid on demand to them that shall be impowered to receive for them, and Remitted in Exchang or laid out in proper goods, as they shall desire. I send a folio book of Oldmixon, History of Reignes of four Kings of the Stewards.257 I am told by the Queens order a place or pention of £400 per annum is or will be setled on him for it. This book is for the College library. I send some other little books, I think they are all inscribed who I design them for.

    I send over the two instruments Mr. President sent to me. I have gott them fairely ingrost, with no altration. I have signed and sealed one part, the College Seale must be put to the other and then sent me again, and so I hope that settlement will be finisht, and I pray God to bless and succeed it as it was and is designed. Hoping this long and tedious Correspondence is near finishing and I think it is time now, I having compleated my seaventieth yeare, the age of man. What may still awaite me in the next stage of sorrows or troubles I know not. My aged Mother my fathers widow is gone to rest this winter, almost 80 Aet. My Brother John Hollis has been dangrosly ill this Winter of the Milliary Fever, is now abroad again, blessed be God. My Nepheu Tho[mas] Hollis has been very ill of a Complication of disorders, how long may last I know not.

    My love unto you and all freinds

    Your Loving Friend

    Thomas Hollis

    February 3.

    Our Land tax is this yeare 2d in the pound.

    We have a great Struggle to day by ballotting who shall be sub Governour of the South Sea Company.

    Hollis Letters and Papers, p. 80. This letter is not numbered, but it would be No. 55 in the series to Colman. It is the last letter in this collection from Thomas Hollis, Sr., for he died on January 22, 1730/31.