Letter 1637

[fol. 60] Kensington November the 1st 1709 I did some time since fully intend to acquaint you, that the Letters upon the Monumnet being much decay’d by the Weather, I thought it absolutely requisite, that they should be renew’d; But some business then preventing me, it afterwards quite slipt out of my memory and probably I should hither to have continued forgetfull, had not our Church wardens come to inform me, that two new Gates being to put up in the places of the old ones, they design’d to have those, and the other two in the Church yard, to be handsomly colour’d, [and now our Town Painter is doing them] and to entreat my endeavour to prevail with you, to have all the iron work of the Monument to be coloured; which, I beleeve, would have been much for its preservation, had it been done at first; However it may be time enough yet, to secure it from being thoroughly devour’d by Rust. The doing of it so, will make it much more ornamental in the place it stands in it being near that door of the Church, through which all Persons of the best quality go in and out. I have perform’d my promise now, in mentioning to you what they desir’d, and shall judge it a favour; if you will let me know, whether you so far approve of that they have requested, as to order its being done, and with what colour, whether white, blew, or lead; They also exprest, how much neater the Rails would be, if the top of each bar were gilt, but not knowing the charge thereof, I shall leave that to your consideration. If I can in any thing be serviceable to you, you may freely command me, as being Sr Your much obliged friend and servant, Charles Seward. True respects and service are presented to you and Madam Sloan, by myself and daughters.