“I took a place in the waggon for Tergoes and from thence in a scayte for Amsterdam, where I arrived at 5 o’clock on Monday morning 10 July. As soon as I thought the person I have dealt with was stirring I went to confer with him farther about his matrices; but instead of finding all things set in order for sale, I found him less provided than when I was with him before; for indeed he had lent about eight sets of matrices to another Letter Founder. I let him know my mind by an interpreter. He told me what a disposition his things were in, and said he had rather part with some particular sets than with all. In short, I found he had not a mind to part with any but those which he esteemed least, and those of which he had the puncheons by him to sink again when he pleased. I told him that I came expecting to make an end of the bargain, if he would part with all the sets I had seen in his proof for the price I had offered. The man hesitated a good while and at last told me he would advise about it. I told him I’d have him resolve presently, and showed him the bill . . . The sight of the bill made the man begin to be a little more serious than before; so after a few more words he told me he would send for his other sets in the afternoon. I told him _that_ he might do, but in the meantime I would survey those he had by him; so he had a table set and he fetched his matrices to me. The reason why I would not stir out of his house till I had taken a survey of his matrices was, because I was fearful that he might pick and cull (as we call it) a great {214} many things which are useful in printing besides just the alphabets; and indeed lest he might change some whole sets; though indeed the man declares he would not do a thing so ill for his life. However I having all the matrices brought into one room locked ’em up and took the key away with me, and went to dinner. In the afternoon I went again with my interpreter (being an Exchange Broker) where we sat all the afternoon viewing the matrices. At night I locked ’em up again and took the key with me, and on Tuesday morning presented my bill, which was accepted and paid immediately. But I should have told you that the afternoon before he sent his wife to speak to the people to send home the other sets; but she brought a note from the house and said the master who had the key and keeping of ’em was gone a great way out of town to the burial of his mother, and they did not expect him back till Wednesday. This news was very disagreeable to me; but not knowing how to help myself, on Tuesday, after having viewed all day those he had, I paid him ——, and took ’em along with me to my lodging when it was too late to send to you by the post from Amsterdam.