[From Letters of Bishop Hildesley]

Letter XLI

Austin Fryers, July 12, 1765.

I hope Mr. Chaplain Generalissimo, late of Douglass, has before now received my answer to his last of 26 June. This now before me of 2 and 3 July came to hand 11th. No tardy passage, which way soever it came, for I know not by whom 'twas delivered. I am glad to find the Manks spirit thermometre begins to rise a little Ups and downs, ims' and cuts, sunshine and cloudy, are experienced elsewhere besides Manksland. I was at Court yesterday, and seeing everybody in black I thought it looked so like mourning for for the late m——y, that I hastened away to dine with the Archbishop ; everybody being dressed so alike there was scarce knowing one person from another.

Little as might be the occasion, in your opinion, for armed force to prevent smugling, the Government here judged other wise, from the reports of the neighbouring post officers; who thought a long habit was not very easily to be restrained. However it may be an honour to the King's representative to have a guard somewhat superior to the former.

As I told you before, none of the great folks herer will allow me to complain, but constantly reply 'twill certainly be better for the Isle, when matters come to he settled (74),

So, I lay my hand upon my mouth and hope the best; or perhaps think what I must not speak. But pray, sir, how am I to understand, "the advantage of having money spent amongst us, and yet no subsistence for those that spend it."

Your supposing me displeased with you, applying for books to the Society (75) instead of accepting a pecuniary compensation for your late trouble and assistance in forwarding the Manks translations, is of a piece of what I have often complained of, viz., your rather too hasty suspicion of what was not in my mind, I mean with respect to any displeasure. To satisfy your scruple about detracting from the Fund that subsists for Manks Impressions, ete., the Board have ordered you Five pounds worth of books and Tracts, to be ready for your demand, of what sort and at what time shall be most agreeable to you, from a particular fund they have in reserve for particular purposes. But, in general, I don't know that they give books to their corresponding members, absolutely without any expence to them, excepting the annual sermon. I have thought good to pay my compliments to our re-elected Governor (76) with additional Titles [and emolument too I doubt not to conclude] as it will yet be some time before I shall be able to do it in person.

I hope in a little time all things will be got into better order, and that we shall not have great occasion to lament the want of that which how profitable soever was the constant opprobrium of our land, with the neighbouring nation, to the King of which we professed all due faithfulness of loving subjects. (77).

Whatever others may say, it will not become us of the clerical order to complain of the diminution of our revenue which 'tis supposed must be in consequence of His Majesty's measures to prevent the defalcations of his rights.

The wisdom of Providence has permitted the change and 'tis the duty of good Christians to submit to it.

What you say about your acceptance of the Governor's proposal, I doubt not you have by this time settled to satisfaction. I think if no material inconvenience to other parts of your pre-engaged duties arises, you would do right to please the Governor, without pointing out other persons, if you can serve it yourself; and, if not, I think you should leave the Governor to judge for himself about his Chaplain nearer at hand. But this matter is by this time settled, and I had no need to say thus much about it.

If occasion there should be to write to me, my proposed route is as follows, with respect to Sunday stays, in the next month : —

Aug. 4 at Hitchin
"11,, Stamford
"18 ., Cranwell St Jno Thorold's
"25 ,, Cockermouth :
Sept 1 Whitehaven or on board a cutter—or at Bishopscourt, volte Deo.
Proposed by M.S.M. The execution in the hands of D.O (78)

If you write, direct: for me at the post house at Doncaster till called for. With affectionate respects to Mrs Moore and all her relatives I conclude for this time Dear Sir Your affectionate Friend and Brother,

M.S.M.

My compliments to Mrs Teare I call on her sons before I leave Town, to bring her their Duty.

I acknowledge the receipt of her letter, and shall regard the postceript by executing it at Doncaster D. Volente, (78)

(73)—The Revestment Act. The deputa- tion from the House of Keys arrived too late to be heard.

(74) The Manx people were greatly depressed and alarmed by the Revestment,

(75)—The S.P.C.K.

(76)—John Wood.

(77)—Smuggling,

(78) "God Almighty." "God Willing"