[From Letters of Bishop Hildesley]

Letter XXV

Nov. 4, 1763.*

Here comes my new valet, to implore your recommendation to some good body in Douglas to receive him for a few weeks' instruction in the tonsorial art (45). If Mr Cubbon would condescend so far, as now and then to hear him. read a chapter, and endeavour to cure him of singing it, he, and I too, shall be much obliged to him. I suppose there may be some, of as low a station and abilities as Philip, fall under his tuition, otherwise, I should beg pardon for offering the lad to his notice: for, although I instruct him myself, it does not follow, that I must impose him upon others; unless I happen to catch them at my own house, and take advantage of making them earn their dinner, by examining girls or boys that offer for my tuition.

My young man carries a Manks Monitor (46) in his pocket, and some think so good a book, read or not, may be a preservative He brings you a couple; but I do not send them to the towns, for fear of affronting them with a language they begin to be almost ashamed of, I would give five hundred pounds I were enough master of it to be able to translate and I believe I shall give half as much, to promote the improvement of it in those who can. Here is another packet for you, to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Society, who are so zealous for the spiritual welfare of Manks souls; and therefore, for their sakes, I hope, as before, for the safe passage on both my addresses. The blessings of many are now upon me, for what I have already procured, and they seem almost ready to eat the Manks Monitors, which are now come amongst us. I have sent but two dozen to each parish at first, to try how they go off: more will be ready when called for. I am just returned from a walk to Kirk Michael seminary. Hester makes you both a low courtesy

Your friend and brother, Mark Sodor & Mann.

Footnotes

* from Memoirs, pp. 443-5,

(45)—The Bishop evidently found sending for a barber to Douglas very inconvenient (see eke 39), so he had his valet instructed in the

(46)—"Manks Monitor." 'This pamphlet, called the "Christian Monitor,' had been translated into Manx by the Rev. Paul Crebbin, Vicar of Santon, and was issued in this year. A second edition followed in 1768.