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
(_Endorsed_: recd. July 18, 1836)
7 _July_, 1836, MADRID,
CALLE SANTIAGO, No. 16 PISO 3RO.
REVD. AND DEAR SIR,--The affair is settled--thank God!!! and we may begin
to print whenever we think proper.
Perhaps you have thought I have been tardy in accomplishing the business
which brought me to Spain; but to be able to form a correct judgment you
ought to be aware of all the difficulties which I have had to encounter,
and which I shall not enumerate; I shall content myself with observing
that for a thousand pounds I would not undergo again all the
mortifications and disappointments of the last two months.
The present Ministry have been afraid to offend the clergy, and with
great reason, as they are not of the movement or radical party, and many
of their friends are bigoted papists; nevertheless, influenced by the
pressing applications of the British Ambassador and being moreover
well-disposed to myself, they have consented to the printing of the
Testament; but it must be done in a private manner. I have just had a
long interview with Mr. Isturitz, who told me that if we were resolved
upon the enterprise we had best employ the confidential printer of the
Government, who would keep the matter secret; as in the present state of
affairs he would not answer for the consequences if it were noised
abroad. I of course expressed my perfect readiness to comply with so
reasonable a request.
I will now candidly confess to you that I do not think that the present
Ministry, or, as it is generally called, the Court Ministry, will be able
to stand its ground; nevertheless a change of Ministry would not alter
the aspect of our affair in the least, for if the other or movement party
come in, the liberty of the press (a great misfortune for Spain) would be
probably granted; at all events, the influence of the English Ambassador
would be greater than it is even at present, and upon his assistance I
may rely at all times and occasions.
I am not aware that there is any great necessity for my continuance in
Spain; nevertheless, should you think there is, you have only to command.
But I cannot help thinking that in a month or two when the heats are over
Mr. Graydon might return, as nothing very difficult remains to be
accomplished, and I am sure that Mr. Villiers at my entreaty would extend
to him the patronage with which he has honoured me. But, as I before
observed, I am ready to do whatever the Bible Society may deem expedient.
Do not forget _the two_ letters of thanks to the Ambassador, and it would
not be unwise to transmit a _vote_ of thanks to 'His Excellence Antonio
Alcala Galiano, President of Marine,' who has been of great assistance to
me.
I have the honour to be, Revd. and dear Sir, your most obedient servant,
G. B.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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