Interesting discussion about whether to "modernize" historical documents

"Bentinck’s script is fascinating. I originally found it difficult to discern, but after some work it became and easier to interpret and understand. He wrote in a languid, free-flowing style, one that is reflected both in his handwriting – which is so unhurriedly elegant as to be essentially illegible in places – and his prose, which is collected, mildly repetitious and distinguished by Bentinck’s use of inconsistent abbreviation and idiosyncratic punctuation.

"This raises the interesting question of whether a historian ought to impose their own punctuation and spelling on the text upon which they are working."

https://jamespetersnell.wordpress.com/2015/12/13/lord-william-bentinck-and-the-joy-of-the-archive/