Letters of George Borrow to the British and Foreign Bible SocietyBorrow, George
Religion
Letters of George Borrow to the British and Foreign Bible Society
Borrow, George
Authors, English -- 19th century -- Correspondence; British and Foreign Bible Society; English letters
MY DEAR SIR,--I forward the bill of my expenses from the moment of my
quitting London up to the time of my arrival at Madrid. When it is
considered that I have been nearly two months on this most perilous
journey, it will probably not be deemed extravagant; should that however
be the case, I shall be very willing to defray from my salary any
deduction which may be made. I beg leave to call your attention
particularly to the expense of horse-hire. I paid an ounce of gold for
two miserable animals from Seville to Cordova, I had to maintain them by
the way, to pay their expenses back, and to provide a guide. Neither of
the horses was worth what I paid for their hire; it is true their master
risked their being captured by the bands of robbers from whom I
providentially escaped. It will in future be much cheaper to purchase
horses. You will oblige me by informing me how my account with you
stands, for it seems I was indebted to you on departing. I have seen Mr.
O'Shea and Mr. Wood; with the assistance of the former gentleman I hope
to obtain the paper for the work at a considerable less price than that
stated in Mr. W.'s estimate, as Mr. O'Shea is connected with the
paper-mills of Catalonia. I shall write to Mr. Brandram in a few days
and in the meanwhile remain, etc.,
G. BORROW.
To the Rev. A. Brandram
(_Endorsed_: recd. Jany. 24, 1837)
_Jany._ 14, 1837, MADRID.
CALLE SAN IAGO No. 16, PISO 3RO.
REVD. AND DEAR SIR,--Immediately on my arrival at Madrid, which occurred
on the 26th of last month, I despatched letters to yourself and Mr. Tarn,
in that to Mr. T. was enclosed an account of my expenses, both of which
letters I hope have arrived in safety. I now take up the pen to acquaint
you with what I have done since my arrival, and what I, with the Lord's
assistance, purpose doing.
My first care was to wait on my excellent friend, Mr. Villiers, who
received me with his usual kindness. I asked him if it were his opinion
that I might venture to commence printing the Scriptures without an
application to the present Government, as the law is doubtful on the
point. His reply was satisfactory: 'You obtained the permission of the
Government of Isturitz,' said he, 'which was a much less liberal one than
the present; I am a witness to the promise made to you by the former
Ministers, which I consider sufficient; you had best commence and
complete the work as soon as possible, without any fresh application, and
should any one attempt to interrupt you, you have only to come to me,
whom you may command at any time.'--I went away with a light heart.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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