Lansdowne MS 778/57

57. Thanks Mr. West for his trouble about the transcript of Rich. II. Life.-Calls William Prynne a writer of the lowest class, and a very mean author.- The Black book of the Exchequer will settle many things about the nobility wherein Dugdale himself mistakes.-That work and Will. of Worcester's Annals, now in the press.-That Wanley's notes are very indifferent, and that he wonders how they came to be printed.-That he used to talk (but 'twas only talk) of printing some original historians from the Harley library, but that he [Hearne] could never learn the name of them. Febr. 7, 1727. fo. 78. Justice to the memory of honest Humphrey requires that it should be remarked in this place, quocunque periculo, that he possessed twice the knowledge and judgment of Thomas Hearne, whatever merit be justly due to the latter. No man ever discharged the duties of his office with more honour to himself or satisfaction to his patrons; and of his extensive skill and learning the portion of the Harleian Catalogue of MSS. executed by his hand, will remain a valuable and lasting monument.