I possess an original letter, signed by Sir Christopher Wren, and relating to the supply of Portland stone for the building of St. Paul's, which I should like to have preserved in "N. & Q.".

"London, 12 May 1705.
"Gentlemen

"I have perused yours of 9th to my self and Mr Bateman, and find you'l never make a right use of any kindness, for w^ch reason you may expect less of mine for the future. You have been p^d beforehand hitherto, but without your better behaviour you shall not be p^d so again, tho^g y^u may always depend on what is right. I shall not add to my last direction about the money, till that be fully complyd with, nor at present tell you the price charg'^d to the Duke of Buckingham. As for the Stone sent to Greenwich, I know no risque you have run, nor of any proposed to you, so that you have no pretence to higher pay on that acco^t. 'Tis all one to me what yo^r Jury dos. It shall not alter any measures of mine except in endeavouring that the Tunnage-money y^u claim by a pretended Grant from the Crown, be disposed to a better purpose than you apply it to, you having no manner of right to it, as I shall easily make appear; and also represent to ye Queen your contesting her right, and your contempt of her authority: for tho' 'tis in your own power to be as ungrateful as you will, yet you must not think that your insolence will be always born with; and tho' you will not be sensible of the advantage you receive by the present working of the Quarrys, yet, if they were taken from you, I believe you might find the want of 'em in very little time ; and you may be sure that Care will be taken both to maintain the Queen's Right, and that Such only be employed in the Quarry's as will work regularly and quietly; and submit to proper and resonable direction, w^th I leave y^u to consider of, and am
"Your friend
"CHR. WREN

"I am sorry Mr Wood has p^d you the tunnage-money But if I have not a bett^r acco^t of your behaviour, I shall endeavor that you be made to refund it; and whether yo^r Jury present Mr Wood or not for the Stone, 'tis all one to me. If you take upon you to pay the Duty for any Stone for St Paul's, or other uses, that I give orders for, you shall not have one farthing allowed for it.

"To Mr John Elliot,
Bart. Comben,
Jno Ousley,
Ben. Stone,
Hen. Alwel, and
Robert Gibbs,
At Portland

The follows Sir Christopher's direction:-

"To Sir Christopher Wren, att
his house, in Scotland Yard, Whitehall, London"

W.G.S.

Notes and Queries Vol. 4 3rd S. (84) Aug 8 1863 Page 103

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