[From Letters of Bishop Hildesley]

Letter XXXV

September 10, 1764

I am obliged to my good Brother of Douglass's intelligence of his favourable reception from his excellent partner, after obliging Bishopscourt with his company a day longer than he unfortunately fixed for his return.

I am likewise favoured with another epistle of the 9th, per Mr Cubbon, acquainting me with an error in my Transmit to Mr Black which I intend to supply by the same hand that brought me the correction.

To the Sergeant's (60) objection to the present season of custom conveyances , I have nothing to observe further, than that J. Hughes and Mrs Hesther declare they have hitherto been all sent in by the middle of this month; and we thought this was likely to be as early an harvest as any of the past. However, my faithful Sergeant has my consent to act in this matter, as he shall find most fitting without hazarding any complaint of hardship to the farmers, at this busy time.

Mr Gill (61), of Lezayre, happening to be here on Saturday, the exchange was agreed on between him and our Deacon, and notice sent to the Chaplain that evening. Who shall fill the vacancy at St. Ann (62)? I am very neutral in my wishes; but perhaps shall not be so whether, whoever succeeds, he shall sett up and live in the vicaridge (sic) house.

I shall be obliged to you if you will give one dozen of Dumerique claret cellarage , and transmit it by 4 at a time as opportunity offers; for it is too good to produce in common. I only propose to have a bottle to treat Mr Black's and your and Mrs Moore's tastes. But Ramsey has such attractive charms, that Mr Black can hardlv be prevailed to stay at Bishopscourt 24 hours, but the weather what it will. I wish his lady was not as fond of Ramsey as he is—no storms or rains can deter from visiting that august city. Only I have further to observe that she always chooses to give her presence at Bishopscourt , when another Blackman is off the premises.

As to Mrs Moore, she fears him not, but comes as well when he is present as absent and I have therefore no default to charge to her account. When the Rector of Bride next visits his flock, it possibly may not be amiss; for his Rectorship to have him by the girdle, otherwise I have no reason to expect, the compliment of her coming purely to see whether the Bishop be changed or not. Have you told her thai I was not such an arrant ingrate, as she might suppose, for not hearing from me after she lost sight of me from Doulass Pier and assured her, that I assured you I wrote to you from Easington, enclosed to the Governess at Bishopscourt; whatever the Durham post, where 'twas committed, have done with it ?

(60)—Sergeant" This officer corresponds to the "Moar" in the Lord's lands.
(61)—John Gill, Vicar of Lezavre (I761-1773)

(62)—Vacancy at St. Ann. Thomas Cubbbon. afterwards Vicar-General , was appointed in February, 1765.