[From Letters of Bishop Hildesley]

Letter XLIII

Bishopscourt, Nov. 27, 1765.

My friend Moore's enigmatical, self-blaming letter is before me. Didn't I give it to you to communicate, then wherein were you to blame? I looked upon the contents to have been but of small significance, viz.: To advise an earlier application than before, in case any was intended. This I apprehend was agreed on among the gentlemen some time before that letter arrived. The distinctions about merchants and Keys I by no means understand, nor am I solicitous to know. Somebody, however, I find was to be displeased with poor Mark for his well-meant civility. You write to me on the subject: as if I was well acquainted with every turm and circumstance attending the publication of my letter Whereas, I know nothing more than simply that the Governor did not approve of that publication. From whom I have since had a very genteel answer to my apology. What use or occasion of that long conference you mention I also apprehend not; much less what is meant by your being "left where you were with respect to the Bishop." What, has the Bishop offended these too, because his letter was shown to the merchants before the keys had seen it? I understand not one tittle what all this fuss has been about. I only know I am a foreigner and am settled in a strange land, where I would willingly live as free from giving offence as possible and also of taking any; or I should have complained of my friend's letter being detained from me 3 weeks, whereby I was prevented answering it in the time and manner I would; and yet thought it not decent in me to let Sir John's kind favour to the Isle remain, unnoticed, and therefore, without receiving any commission from any one of the gentlemen for whose service it was, I venture to thank him in their name. When the letter was returned, could nobody say "We are obliged to Sir Jno. Thorold." The copy that was taken, without so much as asking my leave, might help to remind the Transcriber and Revisors, of the obligation, to Sir John for his civilitie and good meaning to the welface and prosperity of this Isle. But not one word. When Mr Blake was here I begged him to use his interest, that that copy might not be shewn in London nor any names mentioned; as both Si John Thorold and the Speaker (80) meant it as a private hint, and I believe would choose it should be accepted as such And if Sir John was hear I suffered his letter to be copied to carry to London, I am not sure he would be pleased And now I have wrote this much, are you sure you have virtue and resolution enough to obey my order, for taking no sort of notice of what I have said, or letting it transpire through any crevice whatever? It will only occasion sending and proving and exculpating, and a deal of unnecessary, if not harsh words on the occasion, which will neither mend nor recall anything that has been done. I excuse intirely, and so pray be easy as to your own part. You could not foresee that the deposit of Sir John's letter would be copied ; but since 'tis done, take no more notice of it, I charge you. Every man is for offering some defence for what he does ; and that, I don't doubt, if complained of, would have many things urged for 1t, such as that the contents transcribed were of a publick nature and the like. No man likes to be taxed with what is commonly called ungenteel ; and if that point should, therefore, be dropped and forgotten, twill be most agreeable to my mind and satisfaction. You have taught me to know that some things are better swallowed and passed over, than brought on the carpet.

I should be tempted to be most angry with you for sending my packets of importance to Whitehaven via Maryport ; but that you had the concurrence of cautious Mr Quayle's opinion. I should have thought it better, if any one was going thither, that he had had it by Dumfries or Carlisle, because from thence there are settled posts to all parts ; but I never heard of one at Maryport. But the anxiety you have had about them is more punishment than due to you. If you knew the man, as I suppose you did, whom you committed them to, I shall suppose they are safe, if the vessel got well in; so I'll hope the best, and venture another packet to your care. I wish we could be out of suspence about the when, where, and who in relation to the appointments so long talked of. Now, it is to be at Ramsey, Derbyhaven will be the next, as nearest: the Metropolis. I am obliged to Mr Ludwidge (81) for his offer, and have thanked him by the enclosed.

I have sent: you your packet of Society Sermons, in which you'll find the very affecting conversion of a Heathen priest to Christianity.

The omission of your name, both in the list of casual as well as subscribing members must be accounted for from your last payment being made after the day of the audit as will appear by the receipt bearing date 7th, whereas the audit was on the 3rd day.

I hope our worthy friends are all well after the kind favour they did us. I'm glad they had so fine a day to travel in. I took it particularly kind in Mrs Black to venture over the mountains at this season. It rejoiced me to see her sweet face once more. I think she neverlooked betiter. I said once more: for as I can't ride so far, and my chaise is deprived of its movers, I know not when I shall be able to see Douglass, and probably before I can, the inhabitants of that goodly house will be flown, Sorry, very sorry, we are for poor Mrs Moore's disorder, What can we say or do for her? She commands the prayers and commiseration of M.S.M

(80)—The Speaker of the House of Commons and Sir John Thorold M.P. had promised Bishop Hildesley to use their influence in favour of the requests of the Manx people for some encouragement of their trade and manufactures, An Act to this end was passed in 1767. (81)—Mr Lutwidge was the Collector of Customs appointed by the Crown