[From Letters of Bishop Hildesley]

Letter IX

April 3, 1761.

One more trial for a packet which I will venture to suppose the late East Winds have wafted over.

The bearer also amongst other articles of business brings work for the binder, which I beg may be exhibited to him from you in single vols. to prevent what may happen, and which T should not like, their being thumbed by every one that find them laying in his shop. You'll, however, let him see the whole; with desire of convenient dispatch. He has already my directions; but would have him reminded that the Statute Book (15a) is to have an addition of about half a quire plain pages or more, between the Statutes that are already there and the Index, and u sheet or two efter the Index. I have sent as he desired two vols. of Doddridge, as he told me would be requisite for to have one left for a pattern, when the other should be sent off.

I would just beg leave to observe that the Bond required by the appointment of the Douglas scholars now before me ; "provided they decline the ministry" is by no means sufficient as it is not likely they will decline but rather certainly or most probably apply for it; but the great point is, the securing the Exercise of it in this Isle; which, I apprehend will be best done, by such like form as provided at Castletown; which you will be pleased,if you think good, to mention to my brother trustees. (16)

Your curate elect and his father in law have been with me: and I have set him my third of tithe at £25 British for one: year ; and which sum he consents you should pay me for his stipend. He says also you promised, on his good behaviour, to fling him in the small tithes of the Rectory. This I could say nothing to, and shall leave to be considered, when you are over here to give me his Tithe, before I licence him. He proposes, I find, to live at what he calls the Church house; where and what that is I know not. However, it is what the father agrees to. And if believe it will best for avoiding Imperium in Imperio. Having no room left at the bottom of the other side, I was thinking of leaving my subscription to the entrance of my next letter, not at first perceiving, there was another blank page. If you have any newspaper, you can send, without purloining, I should be obliged to you for it. I forgot, but now desire you to thank that gent. whose name I forget, that was so kind to take in my stray box, that had like to have run back again for want of address. As a stranger in a strange country I am thankful for all favours and notices shown to

Your foreign but cordial friend,
M.S. & Man.

(15a) If the Bishop is referring to a Manx "Statute Book" no printed volume of so early a date is now in existance, the earliest now known being that edited by Thomas Stowell, Clerk of the Rolls, in 1792.

(16)—Tho scholarship money was to be forfeited if the scholars did not serve in the Manx Church,