[From Letters of Bishop Hildesley]

Letter XXXIV

April 13, 1764.

If our invalid lady above stairs be not greatly mistaken the Rector of Bride was to have been at Bishopscourt this week. What her supposition is founded on she best knows. But if no fine a day ae yesterday did not suit his palate, weather is not his hindrance.

I must rectify a mistake also, that you, sir, are under, with respect to the messenger's demand on me. The charge was Mr Wilks' only, and to him I paid the moiety, as apprehending as he did that the express was equally desirable to us each, and consequently the equal expense, equitable.

No sleep last night for onr patient, notwithstanding 20 drops of laudanum.— Hot and restless and appetite gone, as heretofore: and consequently her spirits a peg lower, than the week before. I apprehend it to be owing to a little cold she got in passing thro' the garden in a sharp wind, when she went to traverse the drive in the chaise.

She begs Mrs Moore will give her baggage leave to bring £1 best green and £2 of best Soisong Tea.

Quirk, of Braddan, has promised to bring my spoilt cargoe of tea, for spoilt it must be by its long residence on board, even ever since June last. I should be obliged to Mr Black for a card to some of his friends in Dublin to help me to a lodging as near as conveniently may be either to the Lord Primate's or Bishop of Derry's house. It is not quite certain that I shall go. hut if I do it will probably be from Peel, in Easter week; in order for my returning with God's leave before Whit-Sunday. The business I go and expected there upon, is such as I trust will excuse my hazarding our Liege Lord (59) being over in the interim. But I think 'tis highly probable His Grace will choose to be here at the Tinwald.

N.B.—There's no need for the cryer to certify my elopement at Douglass: That will be known soon enough when I'm going. If I do go. It it were not for the public benefit of our poor church I should not think of it while my sister is confined with illness. Providence is over all.

If I can do any good by crossing the sea (so little as I can at any time) you'll give me the valeat.