[From Letters of Bishop Hildesley]

Letter LXXXI

Bishopscourt, Monday night, 26th Nov., 1770.

Dear Sir,—This day I dispatched my cart equipage with 8 horses to Ramsey to see what they could pick up there for me; and they returned safe with 40 dails, by a little after three, notwithstanding the excessive badness of that road which was gutted in some places above a yard deep. It happened luckily to turn out a fine day in spite of the Barometer down to much rain. I should have been glad if Cowley Senior had been there, for he has goods from Liverpool which are much wanted, and if I could have known he should have staid so long at Douglass I would have had them by custom horses. But behold just after my carts were come off, while J. Hughes was behind, in comes the long looked for. We propose to send again on Wednesday, if fair, to bring what Cowley has, and the remainder of the dails (142). A short verbal message sent to Stevens's would have satisfied me of the receipt of my packet sent as I thought by Watts, whereas it went by & poor woman that did not return till 7 at night; and I am fearful she forgot my parcel, but she said she had no message or letter in return. Probably you intended to write, and she was gone before the letter was ready, though I think she could not get out till 3 o'clock.

My sister and I have been puzzling our heads for some days about the contents of the two parcels in one sent by Apostle Nicky. You say three letters for post. She says there were four. I have entered but two, viz., Dr. Lushington and Mr York. There was one of Hetty's to her sister, and she seems to be very sure there were three of mine, to whom the 3rd of mine was I cannot recollect. Mr Crellin writes me that you ordered in your letter to Ramsey that he was to pay Hemry for freight, and you in yours to me by J. Cannell the carpenter,

I say the freight agreed for was seven shillings. Query, a mistake or not? or do you include somewhat else in the 7 shillings, but you expressly say for freight only. Moreover, Henry's receipt; which Crellin sent me by J. H. is but for five shillings. Here are fifteen guineas ready for you to come by the first proper hand, and the application is specified in the paper that contains the cash. Our poor Brother Woods (143) loss is very pitiable; you'll please to transmit the enclosed to him The death of an only son grown up must be a sore trial of affliction to him and his wife and family. So it is that every one must have something to remind him of the insufficiency of this world to afford us stable happiness.

Though I have wrote this the beginning of the week 'tis a chance whether there will be an opportunity te send it till the latter end, unless your messenger with your bags arrives sooner. You are welcome to as many Manks books as I can spare, Though as the obligation is to serve one's own child first my Diocese should not be forgot. Yet I will endeavour to enable you to oblige your foreign friends. The favour conferred will be entirely yours. I am out of the question, though I am only the possessor of them, for the use of my Diocese.

I am with Hesther by my side.

Your ever obliged friend, M. Sodor & Mann.

I think we might spare the mentioning the forwarding enclosed so it be but certified that they came to your hands.

Wednesday morning, 11 o'clock. I received yours of yesterday's date this morning just as I was going to make up my packet, and send it to KK. Michael to take its chance. What you now say about my last being forgot amswers my query about a message to acknowledge. I should think it was Stevens' neglect, but that I think he would not think it worth a lye to excuse it.

I should not dislike my letter going by Liverpool by a good hand, but for the double trouble it must give the Postmaster. But I do not see the use of their being put into his office till the Whitehaven pacquet is arrived in Port Douglass.

Harrison I think may do very well for Ayre Chaplain, if they will be content with a Deacon for the first year, till he be ordained priest. But somebody must stipulate for a certainty of stipend before I can ordain him. If I don't mistake you once mentioned something to me about my being expected not only to recommend a clerk, but that I should be pleased to help to pay him.

I should have thought myself mistaken in the supposition of that. expectation, but that I particularly noted the unreasonableness of it, adding, I think, at the same time that charity begins at home and that I had calls enough for the exercise of that virtue, within the limits of my own charge here in my Diocese. I am a supplicant myself and have been for some time for wherewith to help Manks Christians to the Scriptures in language they understand. And by the by, here pray let me ask, whether these foreigners you are heaping more Manks books upon are among the list of good Christians that have been our benefactors? Where are those bags you spoke of, I expected them one of these fine days. I can't find books and messengers too to send them to non-contributors.So if you will have them you must send for them. If Mr Collector Burrows would accept of any he would be welcome, as having good title to them. I have no Manks Monitors (144) left.

Wednesday aftermmoon , 3 o'clock. All the remainder of the dails and other goods from on board Cowley are safely arrived at Bishopscourt, except a bottle of lamp oil which Leece mentioned in his bill, which if your nephew has occasion to write to him, I would be glad if he would mention The dails are very good to be sure, but I can't buy cheaper than we used to have of the kind from Ramsey However they are not always to be had at all

No more at present (but Hetty's devoirs),

From your affectionate friend, M, Sodor & Mann.

(142)—Deal boards.

(143)—Thomas W. J. icar of Dildos, Woods, Vicar of

(144)—"The Christian Monitor," in Manx ; was issued in 1768. The first edition of this in Manx and English, was issued in 1763.