[From Letters of Bishop Hildesley]

Letter XXI

June 27, 1763,

My Good Friend and Brother,—

This brings you some questions which will require your considering cap.

I have now befor me pressing importunities from Vicar of St Ann (34) to accelerate his son's ordination :—which I conceive I cannot justaly "without leave from the Archbishop." So says Bishop Gibson's code in his note to the preface to ordination. However; as matters are circumstanced and the sea is between, I don't know but for once I shall stretch a point, by doing the thing first and asking leave afterwards. It seems he wants his son at home with him, and consequently Peel-school will be vacant at Midsummer.

Qu. Can you persuade Fitzimonds (35) to take it, and thereby make room, for Cubbon (36) to be your assistant in your school and chapel and occasionally at Bride, on an allowance of £20 British, including salaries and perquisites to make up that sum? Which, as being a title to help Cubbon into Orders, which his friends want for him, Tear can't take umbrage at, and will be a probable means to let his sons follow their tutor. n.b. This step will make the way smooth to Crebbin's ordination; and I am persuaded will be good for you in sundry respects.

Think of it and let me have your answer on paper or in person.

Mr Registrar's letter was ready on Saturday, but being sent to a man that failed going to Douglass, was returned, and now comes with this.

Mr Corrector (37) went this morning to Ramsea to embark in the "Success," Capt. Lace, for England., But what wind there is seems to be wrong. Yours, All for the Best, M.S. M.

Your card will be answered in due time.

(34)—" Vicar of St. Amn," i.e., the Rev. Paul Crebbin (b. 1705; d. 1764). His son Charles (d. 1817) succeeded him as Vicar in 1769; and he also became Chaplain of St. George's in 1781.

(35)—" Fitzimonds," 1.e., the Rev. W. Fitzsimmons (d. 1817), who wrote a MS. History of the Island, and assisted the Rev. Hugh Stowell in revising the MS. of Kelly's Triglot Dictionary.

(36)—Thomas Cubbon (d. 1830), afterwards Rector of Bride and Vicar-General. He was the father of General Sir Mark Cubbon, K.C.B. (see "Manx Worthies," pp. ).

(37)—" Mr Corrector," i.e., Henry Corlett, Vicar of German (see "Manx Worthies," pp-28-116). He was engaged in passing "The Four Gospels and Acts," which was being printed in London, through the Press.