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propose to devote myself to a history of the Eeign of 

 Philip the Second. For this last I have been long 

 amassing materials, and a learned Spaniard has explored 

 for me the various collections, public and private, in 

 England, Belgium, France, and is now at work for me 

 in Spain. In Ranke's Excellent history, " Fiirsten 

 und Volker von Siid-Europa," I find an enumeration 

 of several important MSS., chiefly Venetian relations, 

 of which I am very desirous to obtain copies. They 

 are for the most part in the royal library of Berlin, 

 and some few in that of Grotha. I have written to our 

 minister, Mr. Wheaton, to request him to make some 

 arrangements, if he can, for my effecting this. The 

 liberal principles on which literary institutions are 

 conducted in Prussia, and the facilities given to men 

 of letters, together with the known courtesy of the 

 German character, lead me to anticipate no obstacles 

 to the execution of my desires. Should there be any, 

 however, you will confer great favour on me by giving 

 your countenance to my applications. 



I trust this will not appear too presumptuous a 

 request on my part. Although I have not the honour 

 of being personally known to you, yet the kind mes- 

 sages I have received from you, and lately through 

 Professor Tellkampf, convince me that my former pub- 

 lication was not unwelcome to you, and that you may 

 feel an interest in my future historical labours. 



I pray you, my dear sir, to accept the assurances of 

 the very high respect, with which I have the honour 

 to be 



Your obedient servant, 



WM. H. PRESCOTT. 



