[From Letters of Bishop Hildesley]

Letter XLVI

Dec. 20, 1765.

Nothing material, I think, to reply to or remark in my Brother Moore's last letter, unless it be that it was without a date and without any directions, except to Mr Robt. Teare. And why in such haste I know not, as the bearer staid all night.

I think you'll have enow letters for England from me to fill a bag, if no vessel goes off soon When, the office (86) is established; I hope I shall not have occasion to give my Friends so much trouble, as there will need nobody's care but the very person himself who has that care committed to him by authority

Change of ministers, change of measures When Lord Trever was in I had ready interest, nay, even offered to me before I asked Now others have their turn and their own friends to serve. However, I have shown my good will to serve Mr Quayle (87), and the more so, in waiting To the Governor, of whom I would be very cautious of asking temporal or civil offices, which are apt to create jealousy of the churches meddling beyond their sphere. However, I think Mr Quayle's loss is not great, I apprehend there will be much care for a small pay. I have an answer to my letter from Mr Castley ; I can't say such a one as I like. Oh, human passions! to what length will they run when let loose ? More of this when you and I meet, if ever we are to meet.

"Preservation of Health" I own is an ample answer to all that should presume (if any do presume) to expect you to hazard it. I only took the liberty to observe that finer travelling weather, for those that can travel at all, scarce ever was known or remembered to have been so long continued through the major part of two months.

A resolution is certainly fix'd for a Bath and London expedition, for Hesther H., but I can't say so much by herself as by her Brother for her. She has been ten years quiet and contented in her confinement from the light of her English friends; and it would be cruel to deny or not to promote her going now. She is obliged to you and Mrs P. Moore for your kind invitation to embark from Douglass. But, pray, how is she to get there? On horseback, she has not been for some years, beyond Mr Wilks', and horses fit to draw her over the steeps to Douglass, I have not. Consequently,'tis agreed, at least, in my mind, to apply to Statham to acquaint me of the first vessel from Liverpool bound for Ramsey, to which port we can make shift to hobble her, somehow or other, and if that scheme fails, then it will be time for you to say Eatur ad me (88).

I am glad to hear that Mr Hamilton has heard of such a place as Bishopscourt, and that a Friend of his Friend's lives there. In answer to Lady Lambard's, "I hope Mr Hamilton has been to see you," I began to be almost tired of answering "No, no," and which was worse, "that (till lately) I could not learn whether he ever intended it." This you may say, in answer to the message you communicated, if opportunity serves : otherwise n.b., 'tis not material. No man, native or foreigner, is better pleased to receive either than Friend M.— and even when 'tis to suit their own business or convenience, rather than not at all.

If, it be inconsistent with the safety of either your or Mrs Moore's health, to let Hester have your presence here before he departs, she hopes, she may have, without any hazard, your prayers to Heaven for protection and success. However,after all that I have said, with respect to Mrs Flighty's movements, I think the odds will at last be in favour, i.e., in her favour for Douglass : et voluntas et necessitas urgebunt (89), unless a very unforeseen chance offers at Ramsey

You have been entered for a parcel of Manks Common Prayers (90) ever since the Convocation ; which almost every one then present knew and have sent for 'em accordingly, but — the Chaplain of Douglass Douglass! that famous town, bleas'd and adorn'd with British Troops, and yet can't afford go much as Lining for a pair of breeches! so writes Draper Stephen, who tried the shops throughout.

When you or I get a pen upon paper, we seldom or never stop, whilst a scrap remains unimpressed. To obviate that remark of your friend and mine, I'll stop here, and she may fill up the rest, with what she thinks I should have wrote or not wrote, more than that I am,

Her and your affectionate Servant, M.S. Mann.

Compliments to Mr and Mrs Black and Mr Birkett, and Bell and Dorothy, is scarce yet worth notice, unless only at ye foot of a letter to the Governor. We heard that Miss Connor was gone to London to be married. News, I doubt, too good to be true, of the right Miss Connor.

(86)—" Office," i,e., Post Office, Which was established shorty after this.

(87) —Thomas Quayle, Vicar of Onchan from 1759 to 1790. He translated 1st Kings into Manx.

(88)—" Let [her] come to me."