[From Letters of Bishop Hildesley]

Letter L

Bishopscourt, Feb. 25, 1766.

Whether fourteen days antedate or no date at all be the more material error of the two is not material to determine, but not to acknowledge receipt of Packets is confessedly blameable.

The return of Mr Arthur's paper, which came with them, was by no means a sufficient item to satisfy you. Having your letter only before me, and the card that came since, being out of the way and forgot, must be the occasion of my omission. And with respect to the two from Mr Quayle, they arrived after my last was sent off. I can only plead guilty as to the former, and blame myself, perhaps, more than I am blamed for my oscitancy.

That "the snows were known to be deeper in England' I can readily supply the word NEVER. However, I daresay, I can really remember them deeper there (96). I have been enquiring of all travellers, for numbers do pass and re-pass here, notwithstanding the solid heeps remaining, whether and when the pacquet was at Douglass, but all remain ignoramus, and to-day, I learnt. by a man from Ramsey, that it was near going to the bottom, by shipping a heavy sea in her passage last Saturday, if Saturday was the day she went off from Douglass.

Wouldn't you wonder how there can be such heavy seas this calm weather? If Blackaller is gone out, I doubt he can make but little way, especialiy as the little wind there is is directly against him.

It rejoices us greatly to hear of Mrs Black's amendment. Mr Moore also commands my congratulations as well as inquiries.

My sister has pulled off her shade to-day, and I think I see her with a needle in her hand; but says she can't hold it in use for above a quarter of an hour. .

My enquiries about passable ways near Douglass is (sic) unnecessary, when we should look about home where the snow in the roads is still about a yard deep, nor can we tell when there will be travelling for wheels. I bid Statham ask Blackaller whether he would be here the first week in' March, to which he answered he hoped to be once or twice here before that time but could not pretend to say as to the time mentioned, Statham at the same time desired I would let Mr Moore ask him the same question, but I thought it needless, for he will come when wind, weather and business calls, and so we may us well forbear our foolish query,

The reason why I was solicitous to know something of the motions of the Pacquet was to know whether he delivered my parcel and lettera to Mra Birket, which, I think, if he had been there, she would have acknowledged on his return.

Good news, in the last letters, from the Society in Hatton Garden (97), giving an account of some pretty large benefacticns to the Manks Impressions. To which were added some strictures on a certain member's over-delicacy, which closes with these words: "I never knew it offend the delicacy of any member to have an offer made him of being the Society's Almoner in this way."

If you know any member that has been thus over-delicate, be it from what motive soever, you may tell him from me, I think him wrong, and could wish he had given the Society occasion to think so too. If they had made me the like offer, I can assure you, I should have accepted it thankfully. If the person that made this injudicious refusal, had done me the honour to have consulted me about the propriety of it, I should have told him, I was sure, the Society would not be pleased with it, and that without being a very cunning prophet. I would make an apology for it if I knew how, but I really do not, and so the recusant, whoever he be, must be left to do it for himself, if he thinks proper, and if a proper one can be made. And now, after all, perhaps there has been no explicit offer; but the Gentlemen of the board perhaps may only have collected it from the taciturnity of the member, that has bore the construction of a refusal. And, if so, an excuse for delay may perhaps be accepted by that candid, though very respectable, body, and therefore think it best to suspend my own judgment of the matter till I hear further (98). In the meantime, 'tis unavoidable for me to remain a little sonry, etc.

I wish by any means the letter to Mr Orton, of Shrewsbury, could be paid either here or at Whitehaven or both. He sends me a frank and therefore I cannot decently put him to the expense of postage, especially as his was to certify me of a present he had made me of Dr. Doddridge's Life, he has just published. Couldn't you put in a slip of paper, desiring Mr Sewel to pay it? because I fancy Mr Younger may possibly not know what it is from Whitehaven to Shrewsbury, and whether by cross post or not; if he does, pray pay, it here.

I told you, you will remember, I would endeavour to lessen. your trouble so soon ag the pacquet should be fixed, but you may say, you see no signs of it. I might write directly to Mr Quayle, 'tis true, but he does not love writing, or I can't make so free with him And moreover, I know I do you a pleasure by often showing how much I am, Dear Sir,

Your obliged Friend and Brother, M. S. MANN

Qu, Wouldn't the master of the pacquet be so good as to make a mem, to pay the postage of the Shrewsbury letter at the post house Whitehaven, without the necessity of writing thither about i?

By having no mention either from Mr Quayle of a parcel for me by Blackhaller, I must: conclude it still behind at Liverpool, notwithstanding Mr Statham's noting it on his letter

Somebody promised to enquire of Blackhaller

(96)—We may note the Frequent mentions to heavy snow during this period.

(97)—The S.P.C.K.

(98)— The Rev Philip Moore had refused any remuneration for his translation work, &c.