Part 9 (2/2)
(_Endorsed_: recd. June 1, 1836) MADRID, _May_ 22, 1836.
REVD. AND DEAR SIR,--I write in the greatest hurry. I shall receive the permission, the Lord willing, in a few days; the Duke de Rivas has this moment told me so, and he is Minister of the Interior.
The Ecclesiastical Court declined deciding upon the matter, and left it entirely in the hands of the Ministers. Just as the English Amba.s.sador was about to remind Mr. Mendizabal of his promise to me, the latter gentleman and his colleagues retired from office; a new Ministry was formed composed entirely of my friends, amongst them Alcala Galiano (turn to my last letter).
As soon as the Minister of Finance, with whom I am very intimate, returns from France, I shall request to be permitted to introduce the Catalan New Testament upon paying a reasonable duty.
I received Mr. Jackson's letter containing the money, and yours, also with money, and a rap on the knuckles besides; it was scarcely merited, as I can prove in five words.
Not having the Scripture to offer to the people, I was obliged to content myself with mentioning it to them; the people here know not the Scripture even by name, but they know a certain personage well enough, and as soon as the subject of religion is brought up they are sure to bring him forward, as they consider him the fountainhead of all religion. Those therefore in the situation of myself have three things at their option; to speak nothing--to speak lies--or to speak the truth. In simpleness of heart I thought proper to adopt the last principle as my line of conduct; I do not think I have erred, but I shall be more reserved in future.
In conclusion let me be permitted to observe that the last skirts of the cloud of papal superst.i.tion are vanis.h.i.+ng below the horizon of Spain; whoever says the contrary either knows nothing of the matter or wilfully hides the truth.
I remain, Revd. and dear Sir, most truly yours,
G. BORROW.
To the Rev. A. Brandram
(_Endorsed_: recd. June 2, 1836) 10 AT NIGHT, [MADRID, _May_ 22, 1836.]
MY DEAR SIR,--There has been a partial disturbance at Madrid, and it is not impossible that the new Ministry will go out and Mr. M. be reinstated--which event, however, will make little difference to us, as the British Amba.s.sador has promised to back the application which I shall instantly make. There are so many changes and revolutions here that nothing is certain even for a day. I wish to let you know what is going forward, and am aware that you will excuse two letters arriving at one time.
G. B.
To the Rev. A. Brandram
(_Endorsed_: recd. June 4, 1836) [MADRID], _Monday night_, half p. 11, _May_ 30.
The post will presently depart, therefore I have no time to lose. Every thing, thank G.o.d, is again tranquil, and it appears that the present Ministry will stand its ground. I am just returned from the house of one of the Ministers; I can consequently speak pretty positively. The Queen will not accept their resignations, and the army is on their side. The Cortes have been dissolved. The whole Cabinet are of opinion that my pet.i.tion is just and reasonable and ought to be granted. I have been requested to appear next Thursday at the Office, when I expect to receive the permission, or to hear that steps have been taken towards making it out.
The reason of Mr. Mendizabal's resignation was his inability to accomplish the removal of General Cordova from the head of the army. It is not for me to offer an opinion on the General's military talents, but he is much beloved by the soldiers, whose comforts and interests he has much attended to; to deprive him of command would therefore be attended with danger. I have no complaint to make against Mr. M.; he is a kind, well-meaning man, and had he remained in office I have no doubt that he would have acceded to my pet.i.tion.
I hope you will pray that G.o.d will grant me wisdom, humbleness of spirit, and success in all that is right.
G. BORROW.
To the Rev. A. Brandram
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