[From Letters of Bishop Hildesley]

Letter LXXVIII

Bishopscourt, Saturday morning, 7 Jan., 1769.

Many thanks to my good brother for sending my packet so soon after arrival in port. That same being blocked up in a harbour, when wind and weather are favourable for sailing, I know and must sometimes happen, but whether Government vessels that may have dispatches for Royal Governors are often so detained I know not and leave others who have more right than I have to consider or inquire into.

I only know what I am obliged to submit to, that: by that very delay I happen to be just four days too late for filling up two vacancies at Sherburn ; it being just so much over the time allowed the master to nominate, viz., 6 weeks after the vacancy made, after that time it devolves to the Bishop. However, my friends who apply to me, I believe, may find the like disposition from the visitor to accept their recommendation

I have had no time for confabulation with the young emissary who brought my letters except half-an-hour this morning in my study I find he is much younger than I expected.ted , viz., but 19.

Experience has taught me to know what is the consequence of taking young men to my house and table, viz. that they grow pert, and assuming and conceited, which makes me somewhat tender and shy of engaging in the like Tryal. However you may be assured of your recommendation having due weight with me, Youth not much used to company seldom know themselves: or rather are too knowing to be directed. Modesty and humility in young people are so rarely found in these latter days, and the reverse so common that one does not know whom or what to trust. I would willingly serve the great cause of religion in every way reasonable for me to undertake, but I need not dwell on that subject with you, to convince you of the reason for my caution.

I would not, methinks, have this youth's whole time taken up in mere writing Manks, but as we are not in immediate call for it, he might be employed in something for improving his intellect, and for his obtaining a serious turn of mind for religious subjects ; for which end I should be glad you would lend him Squire's piece, or Clarke's Essays, and I think he is of fit age for reading Lock on Human Understanding. I think he is capable of amswering application to study, if disposed to it, as I hope he is. I believe I shall give him a little run round with me some time before I cross the water again.

I don't know his connections, nor his father, so much as by sight, and don't therefore know well how to order other people's children without their consent or approbation.

I am very, very sorry for the death of the Bishop of Carlisle. He was a man I had just the pleasure of having contracted a friendship with. But so it must be, if we live we must see others go before ourselves. My pen is got a rambling, and I keep your bearer too far in the day for his getting home in due time. I have been greatly puzzled about receiving but 5 instead of 8 parcels of printing paper, but am glad at last to receive a solution. It is common to us both to omit answering particular inquiries. I rejoice with you for this fine wholesome weather, though it is not quite fit for horse exercise. I ate a whole whiting last night more for luxury than need. If the wind holds its present station, I shall hope to have time to add to the post bag.

Yours, Dear Sir, Affectionately, M.S.M.

The paper may lie for other things to ballance it.