otive in claiming the
books in question was to avail myself of an opportunity, which at present
presented itself of sending them out of the country, which indeed I had
been commanded to do by an official notice. But nothing would soothe
him, and he informed me that he should not deliver up the books on any
condition, save by a positive order of the Government. As the matter was
by no means an affair of consequence I thought it wise not to persist,
and also prudent to take my leave before he requested me. I was followed
even down into the street by his niece and grand-nephews, who during the
whole of the conversation had listened at the door of the apartment and
heard every word.

I have at present little more to say, having detailed everything worth
mentioning which has occurred since [my] landing in the Peninsula for the
third time. As soon as I reach Madrid I shall proceed to make
preparations for a fresh expedition, but in what direction I have
scarcely determined. Please therefore to pray that I may be enlightened,
and that the angel of the Lord may smooth my path before me. Greet all
my friends in my name; I hope speedily to be able to write to each, and
in the meantime remain, Revd. and dear Sir, yours ever,

G. B.

To the Rev. A. Brandram

(_Endorsed_: recd. Feb. 4, 1839)
MADRID, No. 16 CALLE SANTIAGO,
25 _January_, 1839.

REVD. AND DEAR SIR,--My last letter was from Seville, in which I gave you
an account of my proceedings in that place, at the same time stating that
I was about to repair to Madrid with the courier. After travelling four
days and nights we arrived, without having experienced the slightest
accident; though it is but just to observe, and always with gratitude to
the Almighty, that the next courier was stopped.

A singular accident befell me immediately after my arrival. On entering
the arch of the _posada_, called La Reyna, where I intended to put up, I
found myself encircled in a person's arms, and on turning round in
amazement beheld my Greek servant Antonio; he was haggard and
ill-dressed, and his eyes seemed starting from their sockets. As soon as
we were alone he informed me that since my departure he had undergone
great misery and destitution, having during the wh