[From Letters of Bishop Hildesley]

Letter VI

Frid. n't., Dec. 21, 1760.

Once more for third time, an Embassage attempted to make a land voyage to the Port of Douglass—Out this morning at 4 with sails up; but the storm, acccmpanied with snow and rain inclined Mr Deputy Director to order the sails to be furled, and to wait another tide. And if it don't serve to-morrow 'tis doubtful whether some of the cargoe must not be unshipped and laid up in the warehouse as unfit for market. Perhaps it has not been quite so severe at Douglass side, but 4 such days, without remission, have been felt here, beyond former experience. Tis rumoured that Capt. Dumaresque was intending to steer his course towards Bishopscourt ; —where his company would have been extremely welcome, - but 'tis hoped the present dirty weather will not discourage a bold saylor from taking the advantage of the first favourable gale. The red ropes, you may tell him, shall be ready— and the roast beef too, if he comes before the season is lapsed. Corlett was to dine with the Bp. of Durham the 19th inst. Don't you think the Manks Deacon is highly honoured? And the Society in Hatton Garden have unanimously chosen him a Corresponding-Member (12). If some of his Brethren should hear of this they'll scarce bear the sight of him. However, neither of these notices were of his own scolding or expecting but the meer will of those that conferred them,

I hastened to peruse the papers in order for a quick return, for I grealy fear and suspect the Proprietors in Douglass have not read them. I think to try my interest in the Postmaster General for allowing our news packets to be closed. But I know he is nice and therefore don't much depend on being gratified. That papers are often wanting, I presume is owing to their being sometimes purloined, by some who don't look upon it perhaps to be a breach of honour to open a news packet, already open at one end.

Yrs. to command, M.S. & M.

Made. Hesther is with me in all good wishes.

(12)—Henry Corlett, appointed Vicar of German in the following year (see Manx Worthies p.23). The "Society in Hatton Garden" is the S.P.C.K.