[From Letters of Bishop Hildesley]

Letter XL

Bishopscourt, April 8, 1765

My good Brother of Bride!

This, with the enclosed, comes in search after you to a northern village adjacent to the deserts of Ayre, hoping it will find you and yours in good plight, on the entrance of a new year, after Easter.

If you want a subject to employ your pen; in the solitary place of your uninterrupted retirement, the printed paper herewith transmitted will furnish you with ample matter, in defence of the injured character of your late Diocesan, my right worthy predecessor. I have not shewn it to any of my brethren, being in truth ashamed that they should see it. You will do with it, and to it, as shall seem good in your eyes.

I have no material news to communicate but what you as readily receive from the fountain head, Douglass, from whence I learn that our Envoys set off from Liverpool for London early on Monday morning last.

The fatal statute against poor Mona has been read a second time, and rests for a while; I hope time enough for our advocates to be heard, if they will be heard at all (73).

To the protection and disposal of wnerring Providence let us trust, and not give way to more fears than our uncertain state at present calls for.

With Hetty's kind compliments to your whole self.

I remain, dear sir, Your affectionate brother, etc., M.S. M.