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William Mylrea was Archdeacon and Rector of Ballaugh. The first letter was written after his return from the funeral of the wife of Bishop Hildesley, James Wilkes was also Archdeacon
KK Andrews 7th March 1763
Dr Sir,
Your Favour of the 28th ult: I receiv'd with a news Paper, and Letters for Messrs Gill and Crebbin, which I forwarded to them from hence having neglected to open yours at Bishop's Court. I also, at Mr Wilks's, received your kind present of Nuts, The Fruit of which I hope, you may live to crack. This poor Bishop's Troubles are such as give us all a sympathetic Felling. Happy 'tis for him to have remaining a very prudent aeconomist. yet alas! that's not a second self. He's, doubtless, Philosopher enough to stand the Shock, and to bear up against it with true Christian Fortitude; his Dear & loving Associate having been visibly on the Decline for some considerable Time past. The Funeral was attended with more Form than I expected to have seen, considering the Dislike both the Decd and Ld Bp often express'd against such funeral Pomp and Parade. The Omission of a Sermon on the Occasion, may have its good Effect, as we all like to imitate a superior Example - I am not at all sorry for it - As your Remark on the use of them is very just. Vicar General Radcliff and his Son in Law thought it might reduce our annual Perquisites - As a few fat muttons @ an was no trifling Furniture in our Pantrys - But as the Article of Scarf and Hatband brings in your neighbour more Profit than it did his worthy Grand sire Sr Hugh, he may well dispense with the Loss of a fat mutton now and then.
I am heartly sorry to hear the unpleasing Prospect we have of Billy Kelly. I am assured by some of the Gentlemen in his Neighbourhood that he's a very idle Lad; Drunk sometimes at 8 o'clock in the Morning &c &c - What's to become of him I can't say: He'll be lost, inevitably lost, especially as he's fallen into Jack Jurby's Hands, now residing at Peel. I don't like Liverpool for him, as the young Bucks there are very idle and extravagant, and Apprentice Fees very high; so that he might spend his Fortune there, and return home unprossess'd of a Groat to set him up in Trade. I wish you could get him bound to Mr Arthur, who is a keen sagatious man, and would keep him under strict Discipline - Besides by being near yourself he might stand in some awe - For strict Discipline must be his sovereign Remedy - Mr Geo: Moore seems on the Reserve, so that, I am afraid, no Assistance can be expected from that Quarter if Mr Arthur will not take him, perhaps Ross, Black & Xtian may. If it even be 100lb Apprentice Fee, I think, 'tis more advisable to fix him in Douglas, where he can be better instructed - than in Liverpool will a Fee of 200 Guineas - I wish any thing can be done to stop his Career & prevent his Ruin. just as I am finishing my Lettr the good woman has recd the Black Powders, for wh we might have waited 1-2 months but for Mrs Moore's Care - our young folks continue very ill - they, this night, begin with Tarwater - my good Rib joins in best Respects to you & Mrs Moore with Dr. Sir yours affectly W Mylrea
Kk Andreas 1 Jan 1767
Dr Sir
I sincerely wish you and your dear Associate many agreeable Returns of this good Season, and as many happy years. This is beginning where we usually end our Letters: But what matters it between Friends Whether they adhere to Form & Method, which are too often nothing else but simply words. I received your Favour of the 18h also with the papers - which I now return by your Parishioner young Ballavarkus - I wrote a Line to you about a Fortnight ago, addres'd to ye Care of Mr Crellin; having some Days before that Time return'd one of your Packets by Garret of your Town, a weaver, late of this parish; hope you received it safe - As to Almanacks, I happened to supply myself at Peel, with sheet and pocket ones :- Am greatly obliged to you for your Care to supply me if not provided wth ym - The Almanack mercht never thought it worth while calling in this remote part of the world - imagining that old Harry Ghoyll might have left enough for a Century to come. Squire Lace (with whom I din'd last Sunday) has at last got his Dutchess fix'd at Ballakilley. But she seems a little corragh at present; and may perhaps prove as difficult to be steer'd as his old Sloop was. They'll really have a good convenient House, when 'tis finish'd: A couple of large lofty Bed Chambers - From one of them they command a fine prospect of the Sea. This may sometime to be an Inducement for you to change your Lodgings from Ballayonague near the Church, I wish it could so happen that you could fling in a word to Capt Dawson (as you are of the corps) about purchasing our peel Concerns for Barracks. You may chance to talk on the Subject, if you are acquainted with him. As there is no prospect that Houses will turn to any Account I would part with them two Thirds cheaper than they were worth two years ago. Tempra mutantum - pray what transpires from our Friends Embassy ? Is there even a Dawn of Hope? Success Attend him prays Yours sincerely W. Mylrea.
Squire Lace was Wm Lace, a widower who married Margt Christian at Andreas in Oct 1763 (1st wife Cath Kneal d Mar 1763); Capt Dawson was a Captain in the Engineers sent over in 1765 to organise barracks for the English troops - later re-appeared as Lt Governor under Govr Smith following the death of Govr Woods, though prev had occupied this role during the illness of Woods. Moore I think was chaplain to troops in Douglas - certainly as Schoolmaster at Douglas Grammar school + chaplain of St Matthews (he was also Vicar of Bride but had appointed a chaplain there to great annoyance of his parishioners). The Embassy was a deputation sent to London to try to get some softening of the crippling laws against Manx trade.
KK Andreas 24th Jan 1767
D.Sir
The Duce take Kiss my Hand; not come to Hand yet! I met him at KK Bride Church on Sunday after Christmas Day; and some Days after sent a Servant to him with a Letter and the returnd papers for you. But what with Frost and Snow we have had very severe weather; so that the young Kiss would not venture over the mountains. Garret the weaver from your Town told me, last Monday, that he met with little or no snow on his way from Douglas, 'til he got to Laxey - I happen'd to meet him in the Fields as I was tracing poor puss. Both your last Favours I have now before me: One of the 27th last; & the other 2d current Month, with two Magazines, which last I received yesterday. So that I find you have rous'd up Mr Ansdell. Since the Receipt of yours of the 27th ulto 'till now, we thought the Roads impassable to you; so that I am surprized how you met with a Conveyance for your last Favour. The packs you sent @ Corrage is that returned by the Kiss, who, I find, is very slow in his motions. None of your Packets or Letters have miscarryd to these parts; and when you receive that by the kiss, the return'd Ones, I may say, have got safe too. I must own I did not write by Garret; as I happen'd unluckily to meet him twice in the Fields, when in pursuit of my rural Diversion; but I must pay of these Arrears some other time.
Well have you heard of the Commotions at Ramsey? 30 Bowles wheat & 20 of Barley on board a vessel bound for your Town, seized by the Market Jury. The wheat being for the use of the Army, is given up. The Cargo was ship'd by out neighbour Wilson. Some people call it a Riot. The Deemst[er] has taken Cognisance in the Affair, and deem'd such as has given Judgement accordingly; From which the Ramseans are appealing. Mr Crellin wrote to the Deemr in favour of the Townsmen, and term'd the Meeting a civil Association. This has given great Offence. he inveighs bitterly against our poor Brother, and charges him with some Crimes similar to those laid by the great Orator Tertullus against Paul. T'an Dooinney er finneu. You may chance to hear more of this Affair from some other Quarter. The Ramseans to a man are warm, and determind to see it Out. 17 of ym were sent to Castle Rushen ye other Day pursuant to the Deemstr's Judgement against ym. But I hear they have offer'd their Appeal this Evening. Pray present my Compliments to Mr Birkit, tell him I felicitate him on the happy Occasion, & wish him Health long to enoy his Dulcinea, with the Blessings and growing Comforts of Life. We are all well. Ellen has her best Respects & love to you & Mrs Moore, wishing you Health to enoy many happy years; to these are added the good wishes and best Respects of Dr Sir Yours sincerely Wm Mylrea
n.b This mes? to you, at Castletown on Tuesday - where you are to attend in order to shew cause why a premium shd not be given for planting - Especially for those that produced the greatest number of olive Branches.
"Kiss my hand" seems to be a nickname ? for Moore's curate at Bride.
Lib Scacc has petition 13 Jan 1767 by Henry Wilson of Ballavoddan (Kk Andreas) re attempted shipment on 9th on a Sloop the Industry then in Ramsey harbour coastwise to Douglas 30 bowles wheat + 20 bowles Barley under contract to Patrick Tobin ... accounts of seizure etc. - several pages of depositions]
Philip Moore had married Mrs Mary Tiffen als Birket in 1737; there is a marriage in 1758 at St Mathews (the 1st in the reg and by special licence as St Mathew's was only a chapel of ease to Kk Braddan) of Henry Birkett to Mary Tiffen [d/o of Ph Moore's wife] but Mary Birkett d. Mar 1759 (see refs in Bp Hildesley's letters) - did Henry remarry (? no record) and is he the Mr Birkett often mentioned in the letters of Bp Hildesley - Moore in footnotes states he is a nephew of Philip Moore]
the PS ???
KK Ands 2d Feb 1767
Dr. Sir,
Both your last kind Favours, (viz, of the 23d & 31st ulto I receiv'd safe. The former came to hand yester Evening, with 6 news papers (which I shall not fail returning) and 10 magazines, having received two more the last week - So that now I have the set compleat for the last year, saving the Appendix, which I shall get bound, as they are altogether clean, when our manks Printer will have Time to spare - Your Favour of the 31st I recd as I was going to Church this forenoon. As to the Packet @ Corraeye?, it must be either that return'd by Garret; or the Kiss veg; As I assure you I have had none else from you, not I can recollect, since the Beginning of December last: nor before that period Any that I did not return with Care & Caution. I don't exactly remember now whether 'twas a paper or Papers I return'd @ Kiss - But the Letter you then receiv'd will speak for itself. That or Garret's Packet must certainly be the Corraeyean stray sheep.
What poor Mona lash'd at again without Mercy! This, as you observe, is throwing water at a drown'd Rat. Where are its fast Friends Mannicus & Monensis ? Let them draw their weapons and defend their Mother Country. And the Hierarchy lash'd at too! Surely Antistes & Alberoni will answer the Challenge; and wipe of the Odium, so unjustly flung at us - The Author, you sy, might have been in the Hands of the Spiritual Court, Perhaps he met with Waldron's Moddee-doo in peel Castle.
So the Brideoneans intend you neither House nor Pulpit, except you build? Perhaps their Squire Capt Lace gives that for Law; And his parishionrs may take what he says pro confesso, as he is namesake to our northern Jove. The Rector, I imagine, is subect to build or repair the walls, Roof, window & Floors of the Chancel; But nothing else, except his Lady's seat. Even the Communion Table and Rails are built or repair'd out of the Publick Assessment; - and so are the reading Des and pulpit. But what startles them most is that Antished? has order'd that the Pulpit be painted. This is bringing the Pope by Head and Shoulders indeed: As there has not been a bit of Paint in that Church for many Centurys - And our Parishrs as well as yours renounce Decency in their Churches, as much as they renounce the Payment of the Tythe pig. I am greatly obliged to you for offering your Assistance to dispose of my Peel Encumbrances. But as you observe the Coll: has nothing to say in that affair. And I fear they'll not sell. However we must be satisfied and hope the best. They may turn out to some use or other. The Cause about the Ramsey Commotions, which our Deemstr terms Riot, comes on to be heard, by Appeal before his Excellency on Friday next: The southern Lawyers make high Fun of the northern Jove's brutum falmen Castletown & peel are rous'd by the Treatment the Ramsey Folks have met with and are applying to the Governor to have the Market Laws put into due Execution. Barristr Stevenson (who is perfectly adroit at Painting) is to draw our Man Mountains Picture, And 'tis said he intends laying on thick & threefold. This I send by Wilson, who goes thro' yr Town to the Metropolis - And as I have had no time to read the papers (being busie this day, & intending to KK Michael tomorrow) I shall not fail forwarding them to ye Care of Mr Crellin sometime this week. Ellin has her Love with mine to your Mrs Moore, from Yours sincerely Wm Mylrea
Kellys verses on the late Snow & Storm are well done - He writes a very pretty clean Hand pray who is he?
Remember in our next settlement of Accounts that you bring in a Charge against me for Pack Thread & Packing - As since the Commencement of our Correspondance that Article cannot be trifling - I admire your neatness in Packing.
The lashing was probably the pamphlet, supposed to be written by Charles Searle.
The property in Peel would appear not to sell as by NSS May 1776 9 dated 20 Mar 1776;Revd William Mylrea(Archdeacon) + wife Ellinor give to George Moore(Ballamoore) in trust for benefit of Master of Peel mathematical School an undivided small house + garden 8d Abbey rent adj to sd school wch premisses conveyed by Elizabeth Quine to her father James Gell by deed dated 15 Jun 1739; Witt Ja Wilks, John Cannell;
Wm Mylrea had married Eleanor Gell at Peel in 1755 - noted in Register as Wm Mylrea rector of KK Bride; Miss Eleanor Gell of Peeltown married in St Peters of Peeltown by me Ja Wilks.
The deed of sale from Elizabeth Quine [NSS May 1754 24] dated 30 Jun 1739;Elizabeth Quine(by Power of Attorney from husband John Quine now residing in Mawraleagh in Ireland) sells for £1 4s 6d to Mr James Gell(mercht, Peel) a small house in Peel 8d Abbey rent adj sd Mr Gell on one side and widow Lace on other; Witt Thos Cannan? x, Robert Wattleworth
James Gell had married Ellinor Kelly by 1730 [marr not found] - Ellinor noted as sister to Mr John Kelly in a 1740 deed - their daughter Ellinor bapt 15 Mar 1730 married Wm Mylrea; mother Ellinor died in 1739 - will children Ellinr + cath under age uncle john kelly;husb james gell;large claims £2000, £500 etc;strong letter to murreys (john murrey was dep searcher at Peel); James died 1743 - will late of peeltown;only dau elinor gell a minor; john moore & edwd christian refused admin - adm wm murrey snr & robt murrey (also executor john murrey) as creditors; disputes Mrs Mary Reeves involved;large sums of money.
The poet Kelly was probably John Kelly - later Dr Kelly of dictionary fame.
Barristr Stevenson is I think John Stevenson who was a nuisance to Governor Cochrane and also thwarted Lutwidge's attempts to use the Manx Exchequer court to charge those holding illicit tea.
11th May 1767
Dr. Sir
This acknowledges the Receipt of yr last of the 4th Inst. with the Papers & Magzine yesterday by one of my Parishrs. The papers I shall return after having perused ym & shall take my Leave of so agreeable a Regale? for the future. The Magazine must now suffice. I happen'd to be out when you call'd (seeing young Mr Moore imbark) otherwise wd have sent the price of my wig to Thos Quayle by you - But he'll be well of these hard times, to get it at Whitsuntide. Tell him I expect 2s/6d Abatement. As it cost me that to have it alterd: (viz) to get the Hair cut shorter, & ye Caul made less.
Well, I see all the learning of the world does not center at Castletown - No 1 has managed ye Greek pretty well - But his Eng Translation is poor. I had the Curiosity to transcribe the Exercises liberatum & verbatim - & have got Mr Crellin to set his Boys the same Exercises - And he has sent ym here last Saturday - By wch I find Mr Callow of Cloughbane's Eldest son is equal if not Superior in Every Respect, to ye southern No 1 & young Mr Gawn & another of Cloughbane's Sons equal to No 2 & 3.
As I fancy we must send our Lucy to Mrs Lebats School this Summer, I would be obliged to you for enquiring whether we could have her boarded & lodged with Mrs Durie, & at what rate. Surely the taking of Boardrs, to those that lay ym seves out so, must be beneficial. And your Town cant be so very throng (only now ye Army is there) but that there must be Room enough & to spare among the many that Business (when Trade flourish'd) kept in constant Imploy. You need not write as I shall meet you at peel on Thursday 21st Int:- We are not, I hope, to appear in our Gowns - as 'tis neither Court nor Convocatn only a friendly Meeting, in a public house, I imagine, where this piece of Form need not be insisted on. Your being unclerically habited will keep me in Countenance. As I really think it troublesome to ride in a gown. Ellin joins in Love & best Respects to you & Mrs Moore with yours sincerely W Mylrea
KK Andreas 28th Novr 1767
Dr. Sir,
Both your kind Favours of the 24th with the Magazine I received at BpsCourt, @ Mr Quayle: By whom I have troubled you with cash to pay Mr Rob Quirk, for Ellin: Stays - not a single Rebuke to poor Corlett. The Col: was all placid, serene and agreeable. Ask'd Mr Corlett some Questions about the printers. What were they about? Did they intend to Wthaven for the Binding Apparatus? Was the Form for the Herring Fishery finish'd? We Drank his Health at Table - And seem'd as if he knew nothing of the matter. His Philantropy & Charity are superlatively commendable - And are really some of the most precious pearls in his Mitre. You say it gad been better to have krpt a secret from the Bp. I say so too. Tho' at the same time I believe he knew the whole before 'twas imported to him in the Conclave, as well as either you or I did. But what say then to his Ordaining him so soon after the Affair? Would you not be one of those that would have dissuaded him from it? That was the nice point. I verily believe Corlett himself would have declined it; had it been offer'd him. O Mark! how happily art thou endued with that most excellent Gift of Chrity - without which a Man is but as a sounding Brass or a tinkling Cymbal. I admire that Virtue in him, as one of his greatest perfections.
You need not have mention'd a word about your Adjutants exchanging with me at Xmas - As it gives me infinitely greater pleasure to give than to receive Assistance - And I always rejoice to have any opportunity of serving a Brother to whom I am under so many Obligations. But Calls to your parish are so rare, that I would answer them for three farthings @ annum. I don't know when I did a Call there. I fancy 'twas about this time twelve months - perhaps your Adjutant overlooks me. But I'll ask him at Meeting, and then also settle about serving this & yr parish at Xmas. Your parishr Christian Balla Ghennee has made his Exit, & is interr'd at this Church, on Monday next. His sine-qua-non will be now easier, as she'll have a moiety of ye yearly Rents at her own Disposal, and no further occasion to apply to the Chancellr for an Alimony - She's a poor unhappy Connysein. - We have, at Convocation sign'd a writing, obliging ourselves to suport the Herring Cause in proportion to our respective Holdings - And in proportion to Mark's Holding, as fifteen is to Twenty two. I fancy Ponto Careers will have a Jaunt Londinium versus, about this Cause - None is properer - And I am sure he'll be of service - Especially as the Civilians here hold our Ecclesiastical Statutes ad nihil - Letwedge [sic Lutwidge]cum ceteris will, I hope, find that the evolution has not devested us of our Rights - and that we stand upon a surer Basis than he doth. Our Ellin joins in Love & Best Respects to you & Mrs Moore with yours sincerely Wm Mylrea
P.S, If no better can be had you may send one of the Dutch Glasses - But perhaps you might be chance to get one at some of yr Auctions - or by Packet from W'haven.
The burial on Monday 30th Nov 1767 was of Daniel Christian.
KK Andreas 28th Jan: 1769
Dr. Sir.
Your favour of the 10th Inst I received the other Day; and soon after was favoured with a Copy of the Advantages to be apply'd for by the wise men of our Isle; which, I fear, will not meet with the wish'd for success. Tho', should they all be granted, they would prove but a very trifling Compensation for the Rights and priviledges we have been deprived of. I am sure my poor wife & children have been deprived of a Capital of eight Hundred Pounds; besides the yearly growing profits thereof. But alas! they are only a few of the many many Sufferers.
You leave me as much in the Dark as ever about Marks 13/4, and my hieroglyphical numerical 6/3. I have a mind to ask your Buxome whether she has ever seen Marks 13/4. Perhaps she may decipher the Hieroglyphie. Here she still remains buxome & clever - And when she is to engage 13/4 I know not; But believe she can Answer a Demand upon sight; as she sold Bary, the other day to Rolutorum for 35lb brit. Rolutorum stay'd with me two nights. He talks of Great Things to arise from the Advanced Rents of the Academic Estates, & among other things, to have a young man sent to one of the Eng Universities. But alas! few Parents can afford to pay 30lb or 40ld @ an, with the like sum from the Academic Treasury to maintain a son abroad. I din'd with Mark since Christmas. He's very clever: And tells me the Trustees are to meet at Peel, soon after Easter to settle and adjust the Dividends of the Clergy's English Annuity - And to grant the Leases of the Academic Estates; The contending Potentates being at last, satisfied to be equally interested in the Leases, at 100lb @ ann. Unless some third Person will be kind enough to offer £120 brit, which may yet happen.
Pray can you among the BookSellers of your Town, get me a Clark's Ovid's Metamorps, and a westminster Greek Grammer[sic]. Mr Crellin has sent to Whitehaven for them above Six months ago, and has not yet been supplied. I must, when a favourable Opportunity Offers to Dublin, send for such Books as my Boys will require for two or three years. Till last week Ellin was ill with a severe Cold, purchased at the Childrens Dancing School Ball, at Ramsey. And the week preceeding I was ill also with a Cold, acquired by some of our Christmas Gambols. But we are both pretty well again. Poor Jemmy Wilks, I hear, is despaired of. He & Mark got their Disorders at the Ball - At which we were so alarmed here that we have kept our youngsters at home this week - But shall, please God, send them again to school on Monday. I had Courage enough to neglect the Ill-very this last Christmas; But find at the last meeting of our parish officers, yt our people don't like to be deprived of this Shen Cliaghtey mie, and the wardens have formed a presentment on this neglect of Duty in the Rector I hope now Mark will shew his Courage - I think I have heard him say that he would be glad to have such a Presentment brought before him. But I fear he'll not exert himself - unless Sherburne has given him new spirits. What was done in Ballaugh ? was there a Presentment then made for neglect of the Ill-very during your Rectory? I wish 'twas totally abolished - Ellin joins in Love & best Respects to you, with Yours sincerely W Mylrea
P.S. The Inhabitants of Ayre Sheading are petitioning his Majesty to have a Deemstr for themselves - And they'll make out his Salary, in Pease - (viz, one Kisshan?, out of each Quarter Land.
KK Ands 7th Feb 1771
Dr. Sir,
Your esteemed favour of the 22d Ulto I received a few days ago with your present of an Almanack for this year, for which I present my Thanks; and the Novembr magzine. I wonder where it lay; for I have receiv'd the Decembr magazine above a fortnight or three weeks ago. Poor Mr Curghey is indeed a public Loss to Mona; and a particular Loss to you in your arduous undertaking. May the Mantle of Elijah be your portion. His great Haggard was, no doubt, annually given away in Charity. And that was his Motive to lead home yeary one Third part of the Tythe of the parish. He was certainly a man of great candour & a good christian. It does not yet transpire who is to succeed him. You know the Competitors. But I think the Vicar Genl will be the Man. So that your quondam parish will again be honoured with the Vicargeneralsp - There's old & worthy friend Mr Forbes too reported to have step'd off the stage. A most worthy Friend indeed! Thus all our valuable Acquaintances walk off the Stage of Life, And leave us to commence Friendship with new Faces; and by the time we are acquainted with them (or sooner) they or we are call'd away too. So uncertain is our Tenor.
We hear the Miss Laces have got settled in the Duke of Atholl's Family; to their great satisfaction; And to the great pleasure & Joy of all their Acquaintance. For this they are indebted to Mr Wilks. 'Tis the Effect of the form of a card to their Graces, with which he furnish'd them; and which they were to transcribe, Poor Girls! they have my best wishes for their Success. And I doubt not but the Dutchess will make a point of being civil to them, as they are, in some degree, her subjects. 'Tis pity they did not take the Resolution some years ago. Well you know the fish cause is decree'd against the Michaelites, with heavy cost. So writes his Grace of Atholl to Mr Wilks. His Letter I saw. We'll now be applying to have our respective quota's, which we contributed to defend our Rights, refunded. And refunded they'll be no doubt, as the cost decreed will more than pay all Expences, and will intimidate others from seeking redress in similar Cases from his Majesty in Council. We shall also oblige the fishermen to account to account for the Tythe of the three last seasons. We are all well here. Ellen joins in best Respects & Compliments to you with Dr Sir yours respectfully W Mylrea.
KK Ands Xmas Day 1772
Dr Sir,
After wishing you the compliments of this good season, & Health to enoy the Blessings of kind Providence I recognise the Receipt of both your greatly esteemed favours of the 10th & 21st. Glad to find you are recruiting again, & that you write with your usual dprit - sorry for your blood shot eye. But there is most excellent Eye-water at Bps court, unless 'twill be lock'd up in the cabinet with the other Valuables. As somebody presides, I fear you must keep your Distance. Among ye best. I expect nothing, and you well know I had no reason to expect. My Mark is well provided for. I hope I sha'n't forget to send you Dr Newtons sheets of the Bible - I have yrs now before me.
If Dr. Wilson be in the humour of doing good, we ought, by all means, to keep him so. And would recommend to you to write him a Letter of Thanks for his good Intentions - 'Twill come from none with greater propriety; as well on account of your former Intimacy, as that you are a disinterested person, there being no Likelihood that you'll leave a widow in want. Aye - what think you - he expects soon to meet his old worthy ather, & that he'll demand an Account of the 100lb he willed to charitable uses in the Island; and so he intends now adding it to his father's favourite Fund. Better late than never - The Interest of the Hundred pounds to this period, would be near 90£. I fear this is his sole motive& that 'tis no charitable one. Behis motive what it well pray write to him - who knows but his Heart may turn again towards us. I hope the late good Bp has left something to this Fund. After finishing the Manks, and collecting contributions for enlarging our churches, this was the next object worthy his Attention. Indeed I dont know but 'twas more so than either of the former. And were I a man of Fortune without a familiy - This would be my darling object. The vicar genl we hear, keeps close at Bp's Court - and also Mrs Teare - who is expected to this neighourhood soon. Let me hear from you if anything transpires about the new Bp.
I am sorry to hear that Mrs Ned Moore continues so poorly - my wife, who has been a fellow sufferer feels for her, She joins in compliments to you & all Friends with Yours affectly W: Mylrea.
Dr. Wilson was the son of Bishop Wilson
KK Andreas 10th Decr 1772
Dr.Sir,
Just returned from the solmn Internment of our most worthy Bishop. Sorry am I that poor Mona is so soon deprived of so great a Blessing, so affectionate a Father, so sincere a Friend. His darling Object, The Desire of his Heart, he lived to see completed. And I doubt not but he embraced the divine vol. with as sincere Fondness as a Mother ever did her Infant, and sung his nunc dimittis &c. He is gone, happy man! to a blesseed Eternity and left us to trudge on admidst Infirmities, vexations and Distresses. Well - But how are you? I fear not clever sorry fot it. The severe stroke has affected you, as it has usall. But we must submit to the divine Dispensations. We must be dumb, & not open our mouths, because 'tis the Lord's Doings. Rouse yourself, and take a Turn to Bishop's court, and condole with poor Mrs Hildesley, who suffers sensibly on the Occasion. You say you cannot stand the shock. A shock it will be whenever you meet, and the longer these friendly Ceremonies are postpon'd, the more affecting they will be. The sooner the better. Let me hear from you, how you are. My best wishes for your Recovery you have from D.Sir Your affection: Friend & Bror W: Mylrea
The internment was that of Bishop Hildesley - the 'darling object' was the completed translation of the Bible into Manx - the 'Mrs' Hildesley was the Bishop's sister Esther who had managed his household for many yars.
K: Andreas 14th Jan 1773
D.Sir,
At Bishop's court, the 7th Instant, the Auction day, I receiv'd your favour of the 5th advising about the nomination of a new man to the vacant See. Greatly obliged to you for the Intelligence: Tho' the day before I receivd a Letter from Mr Clerk of the Rolls on the same Subject; informing me also of the high Opinion their Graces have of the Bishop Elect. God grant he may be a good man, and that Mona may be as happy in him, as she has been in good & worthy Preltes these 70 years past.
About three o'clock this Evening I receiv'd yours of yesterdays date, with the Almanacks - Am greatly obliged to you for your present of Watson's; and shall forward the others as directed. 'Tis said there are some Intricacies in the English Will, to whet the Geniuses of the Law; for when I was at Mr Wilks's, on Saturday last, the Clerk of the Rolls sent the Vicar General a long string of puzzling Queries, relative thereto. Who knows but they may thereby puzzle each other into a Reconciliation. I am amazed at the trifling Legacy left you! Why 'twould hardly pay for the oil us'd in the many coats of paint & varnish you laid on so thick; never talk of the travelling Expences of your two Eng: Jaunts. I never saw the manks will; but by what I can learn, The Testator, after bequeathing several Legacies, leaves the rest, residue and remainder of his Effects to his sister Esther, and then appoints her and the Vicar General joint Execrs of his will. I would not be sorry if the latter could be intitled to an equal moiety with the Exix, 'Twould be leaving so much money in the Island; and as you would not take her, why, the Dickins take her, and all her Gear. Ah! my poor Dozn of wine begins to sweat. But 'tis not your fault, I was sure of my man, and thought him full as sure of his Game. 'Tis pity you were not ten years younger, There would now be but few puzzling queries. Cre dooyrt Cubbon bervhaglit rish ny fee? Va shiu laa ny gha gee orryms, raip jee hene y chelley nish. Sed tamem amoto quaeramus serialudo. Pray have you fixt on Tom Oates to succeeed to the Curacy of Bride? If you have, I beg your Interest with our new Col: for Mr Callow Cloughbane's second son, to succeed to thr school at Peel. This would be doing Mr & Mrs Callow a great kindness, and easing them of a Burthen that lies heavy on them: And as you have, for sometime past, kept up a literary correspondence with the new Bishop, 'tis hoped an Application through you will not go fruitless. The young man is well qualified for that school, nay, I may venture to say, as well qualified as the head master at Old Mr Moore's school. Excuse this Freedom in Dr.Sir Yours most respectfully W: Mylrea
Ellin joins me in compliments to you, Mr & Mrs Ned Moore - wishing you all many happy years, and hoping that Mrs Moore has got quite well again.
The Books of wisdom and Ecclus were apportioned, in equal parts, between vicar Genl Moore, Mr Gill, Mr Corlett of German, Mr Corlett of Bride, & the Rect of Andreas. n.b. Mr Gill's part was undertaken by Vicr Genl Wilks and his son in law Mr Cubbon.
KK Ands 5th Novr 1775
Dr. Sir,
I make free to send the inclosed to your Care, to be forwarded to Liverpool, if an Opportunity offers from your Town thither; if not, to be sent, via W'haven by the packet, and wd be obliged to you, or yr nephew Mr Moore for giving Mr Leece his proper Addition (whether Mercht Grocer, &c) and place of Residence. And would be glad you would pay the postage, & mark it paid, on the Letter, when you put it into the post office. The Letter is an Answer to one I recd from Mr Leece the other day, (which you were so kind as to forward, & for which I owe you postage) relative to fixing your Godson. Willy, Apprentice to an Apothecary. I am indeed at a Loss what to do with a couple of my Boys now of an age to be apprenticed - One Gerard in Liverpoole demands 100 Guineas fee - However, against Apr or May next I shall, please God, dispose of them one way or other, I have thought of Glasgow - and intend being at Ballamoar tomorrow, to consult with Mr Speaker - you are happy that as freed from these cares - for heavy & perplexing are they indeed. However we must do our best; and leave the rest to kind Providence. Be so kind as to ask Dr, Scott's opinion about the best place of fixing a Lad in the Apothecary Business - & what are the usual Fees in Scotland.
Thanks to you for your last kind favour, which came safe to hand, in company with the Papers. I have not a copy of our Address - 'twill appear, no doubt, in the papers. hat's the matter with poor Corlett of German ? in the suds you say over head & ears - poor unfortunate man! He should remember that 'tis dangerous meddling with edged Fools - Your Benefaction & mine (5s brit: each) given Old Chambers? last Friday, by our Good Friend Blakeney who writes that the brave old soul received it with the Greatest Thankfulness - & prayers for Our Happiness; that 'twas very seasonable - & that he was much rejoiced that his Good Friend Mr Xtian of Ayre, intended to continue to him his usual charity. You must have heard from Mr Wilks, or seen him this week - Mr Paul Kelly has made an Estimate of KK Michl Chancel - which, I fear, the Diosn will think very high - as to Ld Bp & Mr Taubman they are not to be talked to on the subject. After the Assault on Messrs Wilks & Woods by the Fishermen, we had as well give over all Thoughts of our Cause - and get our Money from the Agent as fast as we can. For your head will not ache the 'twill be determined no more than Yours affetly W: Mylrea
KK Andreas 16th Dec 1782
Dr, Sir,
As Secrecy is seldom or never observed at clerical conventions, I cannot think we have been more close at our last, than at former ones: So doubt not but the whole has transpired. I sign'd seal'd, & deliver'd all the papers & parchments: (against conviction you may be sure) To this I might be, in part prompted, when nothing else would do, from the hopes of not being obliged to attend parliament: But alas! your friend Squire Peter John tells me my attendance cannot be dispensed with. This is Cruelty indeed, To be torn from my home, family & Duty, at the Candlemas Storms! The very Thoughts distress me beyond description. All this is to satiate the revenge of the H_ do pray let not little Germanicus peep over your shoulder & read this Scrawl: For away he will hie with its contents to the Grand Buck. Try, dear Sir, can you procure distinct answers to these plain questions -
1st The Archdn having sign'd, seal'd & deliver'd the Deed of Sale & all the other writings in presence of two witnesses, who are to make oath before parliament, to the due Execution of s'd Deeds. Is he obliged personally to appear before parliament to give a consent which he gave before s'd two witness?
2ly If he absents, what will be the punishment?
3ly If compelled to attend (and nothing but such compulsion will make him stir) are his Expences to be paid before he embarks, or when, and by whom?
I wish you could get plain Answers to these plain Questions. Perhaps Squire Peter himself might indulge us. But [] nothing transpire that the Inquiry is by me.
If my Expenses, and all other Charges attending this very disagreeable affair are to be paid out of the seven thousand pounds, the Sum will be greatly reduced before all Charges be paid. But if the Expenses are to be paid out of the yearly Interest of the fund, the Clergy, I fear, will have hungry stomachs for years to come - and well do they deserve it. They might have acted less precipitately, and have taken Advice.
I am in a weak state of health, and very unfit to engage in this great Journey; but always am yours affectly W: Mylrea
Say who can compell me to relinquish my Cure, when there is no Likelihood that it can be supplied, as matters now stand?
Squire Peter John is Peter John Heywood
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