JOHN L. BLAKE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 02/18/1823 - HFSID 169488

JOHN L. BLAKE
The author and minister signs this handwritten letter asking for news of Pawtucket and help with publishing a school book
Autograph letter signed: "John L. Blake" in black ink. 7¾x9. Concord, New Hampshire, February 18, 1923. Written to "Rev. and Dear Sir," in full: "As you are much in the way of writing and are familiar with all the facts relating to the subject, I wish you, to prepare me an article of 4 or 5 pages on the first settlement of Providence, which will also involve a sketch of Roger Williams character- I want it for a school book in the press and which will probably be published in April- specimen of which I also herewith send you. If you can do it, I shall be greatly obliged to you. I regretted that I had no more time to see you when in Pawtucket, but I was there only one day & had so many calls to make, was allowed only a few minutes with each person. I have heard nothing from your village since I left; and should be much pleased in your writing, that you would communicate whatever might be deemed interesting to me. Although I have so little reason to remember Pawtucket with pleasure, I shall always delight to hear of your prosperity. Be pleased to give my best respects to my friends, and especially to your good wife. From your sincere friend". John Lauris Blake (1788-1858) was an American clergyman and bestselling author. He is best known as the author of the General Biographical Dictionary. He graduated from Brown University in 1812, and was licensed as a Congregational minister in 1813. He organized a parish in Pawtucket where he served for five years. Blake was the founder of the Ladies' Magazine, headmaster of the Cornhill School for Young Ladies, and served on the committee of Boston public schools. He wrote many other books as well, such as Anecdotes of American Indians (1835), Farm and Fireside (1852), Evidences of Christianity (1852), and A Cyclopædia of Modern Agriculture (1856). Lightly toned. Corners rounded and creased. Lightly stained. Irregular bottom edge. Pencil notes (unknown hand) on front and verso. Horizontal and vertical folds. Mounting residue on verso. Otherwise, fine condition.