CORRESPONDENCE OF RAY. 477 



tain myself and them with as that legacy was, my circum- 

 stances must be but straight. I do intend to dis- 

 pose of Mr. Ray's books, and will get Mr. Dale to 

 make a catalogue of them, which shall be sent to you, 

 as likewise an account of what papers Mr. Ray left, and 

 doubt not your assistance therein. The papers about 

 insects are delivered to Mr. Dale, to inspect and give you 

 an account of, as likewise the insects, to make a draught 

 of them for to present you with, according to Mr. Ray's 

 order. I intend shortly to write to Sir Thos. Willughby, 

 and acquaint him that his papers are safe, and shall be 

 delivered according to his order ; but desire your advice, 

 whether I shall request the half year's salary of him, or 

 leave [my] friends to intercede for me. I can add no 

 more, but that I am, 



Sir, 

 Your most humble but sorrowful servant, 



MARGARET RAY. 



For Dr. Hans Sloane, at his house 



in Southampton square, Bloomsbury, London. 



Mrs. RAY to Dr. HANS SLOANE. 



SIR, Yours of the 9th was very accceptable to me, 

 nor can I enough acknowledge the kindness you have 

 therein showed to the poor family of your deceased friend, 

 which had been done sooner, but that yours came not to 

 hand until the 13th, at night. I must confess, sir, that 

 although money is the most needful, considering the 

 scantiness of the maintenance left by Mr. Ray, and 

 the great charge occasioned by his long sickness, yet it 

 is not for me to dictate to Sir Thomas Willughby's gene- 

 rosity, but leave it to his pleasure ; entreating you to 

 travel in that affair for me as you shall think fit ; requesting 

 you likewise to present my most humble service to 



