[From Letters of Bishop Hildesley]

Letter V

October 30, 1760.

Safe and well, thank God, once more arrived at Bishopscourt, after finishing my northern circuit, through much worse roads (9) and larger Confirmations, same of them, than what I met with on the South—and have now only the small remains of a cold to combat with,—not bad enough to hinder my doing my part at the Archdeacon's (10) table to-day after the concluding Duty at Ballaugh where I had not been, but in compliment to the Rector (11) thereof, and convenience to the Jurby flock;—the inefficacy of which to both, I am sorry for the cause, viz., the ill health of the former, and the ill-will of the latter; —The one could not and the other (I mean the youth) would not attend me on the occasion,

Your absence can, and is and must, be dispensed with,—especially as you have a substitute.—But who could dispense with me? "Unsurmountable impediments, (you'll say) if it had pleased God to lay you under any ,—to which we must all submit." Your news of the King's death surprized and concerned me ; but does not, I think, sufficiently warrant my hazarding the charge of High Treason, in publishing an order to my clergy, before I am further certified from properer authority, than that of second or third hand report, how credible soever. In the meantime they must act discretionally according to the evidence they receive.—'Tis King George still, and as for the Royal Family, they may be prayed for in general, till 'tis precisely known by what names or titles; for which I can as yet give no explicit orders.

I am, with our joint kind remembrances and best wishes to you and yours, and all our Friends,

Dr. Sir, your affecte. Bro., etc.,
M. Sodor & Man.

Thanks for your care in sending my packet. — I should be glad when your health will permit, you'd procure me some intelligence, when my packets L. & M. went off.—The arrival of K is the last certified to me of being arrived on the other side.

(9)—The Manx roads were, as a rule, merely bridle paths, carriages having been, at that time only just introduced. Bishop Wilson is said to have imported the first carriage into the Island.

(10)—William Mylrea,

(11)—Philip Moore,