130 | To the Earl of Egremont

    Boston NE. July 1st 1762.

    My Lord

    The President and Fellows of Harvard-College in Cambridge in this Province having prepared a small Collection of Verses522 on the subjects of his Majesty’s Accession & Marriage, have desired me to introduce them to your Lordship & beg your favor to present their small oblation to his Majesty, humbly hoping that the indulgence his Majesty has shown to the two great Universities in England in accepting their offerings will in some measure excuse the presumption of this little Seminary.

    I have upon this occasion to apologise for the dilatoriness of this address, which is best done by stating the facts. This Undertaking was not begun till the beginning of last summer: when it was near completed the Advice of the Kings Marriage arrived,523 when it was thought desirable to enlarge the small collection by adding a few pieces on that happy occasion. This carried the Work into the Winter; since which It has waited for a safe Conveyance.

    If the distance of place would have permitted it, it would have been very agreable to the President & Fellows to have submitted their Copy to perusal, before it was printed off. But as that was impracticable, they hope that if Any improprieties shall occurr, they will be excused by the good intention of the writers, & the unfeigned Zeal of the whole Society for the happiness & Welfare of their most gracious King. I am, with great respect, My Lord, Your Lordships most obedient

    & most humble Servant

    Fra. Bernard

    Rt Honble the Earl of Egremont

    ALS, RC CO 5/755, ff 15-18.