.
Knowing as I do the character of the unfortunate man who has lately
caused so much havoc, I am apprehensive that he may be guilty of some
fresh excess. From Mr. Rule's letter, which I forwarded to you, it
appears that for some time it has been his intention to quit Spain, but
not quietly, witness this last affair of Malaga. Now my fear is that on
his return to Barcelona, on finding that the books and Bibles intrusted
to his discretion have been seized, he will publish as a parting legacy
some tirade against the Government and clergy. If he do, he will
probably bring himself into trouble and at all events destruction on our
cause; for the Government is quite despotic, as indeed is necessary at
the present time, and the whole of Spain is under martial law. Therefore
for his own sake, if not for the sake of the cause, let him instantly
retire, abandoning the Bibles to their fate. They shall not be lost.

I have had, as you are aware, an interview with the Archbishop of Toledo.
I have not time to state particulars, but he said amongst other things,
'Be prudent, the Government are disposed to arrange matters amicably, and
I am disposed to co-operate with them.' At parting he shook me most
kindly by the hand, saying that he liked me. Sir George intends to visit
him in a few days. He is an old, venerable-looking man, between seventy
and eighty. When I saw him, he was dressed with the utmost simplicity,
with the exception of a most splendid amethyst ring, the lustre of which
was truly dazzling.

My poor servant, a Basque from Hernani, is, I am afraid, dying of the
jail-fever, which he caught in prison whilst attending me. He has
communicated this horrible disorder to two other persons. Poor Marin is
also very ill, but I believe with a broken heart; I administer to his
needs as far as prudence will allow me, for I am grieved for him. I have
not yet despatched my letter to Mr. Rule, as I wish not to offend him;
but I cannot approve of his forcing Marin to come up to Madrid, contrary
to his wishes. Zeal is a precious thing, when accompanied with one grain
of common sense.

In conclusion, I beg leave to say that Sir George Villiers has authorised
me to state that provided the Bible Society entertain any doubts
respecting my zeal in the Christian cause, or the correctness of my
conduct during my sojourn in Spain, he hopes they will do him the
satisfaction to communicate with him.

I remain, Revd. and dear Sir, mos