It wouldn't do to allow one of the Emperor's spies to have a look at them. However, I wondered if it wouldn't be possible for you to use your connexions and influence at the War Office to look for Newton's letters to one of the correspondents, General Sir Edward Ballister-ffoulkes. You can find the approximate dates by checking the datelines on the copies I am sending you.
The manuscripts are arranged in chronological order, just as they were received by Newton himself. Of them all, only the last one, as you will see, is perfectly clear and understandable in all its implications.
Let me know what can be done, will you, old friend?
With best wishes,
SAM
Dr. Samuel Hackett
Department of History
12 November 1666
London
Mr. Isaac Newton, A.B.
Woolsthorpe
Dear Mr. Newton:
It was very good of you to offer your services to His Majesty's Government at this time. The situation on the Continent, while not dangerous in the extreme, is certainly capable of becoming so.
Your letter was naturally referred to me, since no one else at the War Office would have any need for the services of a trained mathematician.