Rev A Brandram
London, March 23 1831
My Dear Friend
As the subject we have been speaking about may probably come under consideration today, I have thought it might be useful to write down a few words upon it. Perhaps the best direction to take in a tour such as is in contemplation would be to go first to Gibraltar, and there to see what could be done for introducing the Scriptures into Spain. Cadiz and perhaps some other towns adjacent to Gibraltar should be visited for the same end. A tour should next be made to Madrid and Barcelona to learn somewhat of the real state of Spain as to the want of Scriptures. The knowledge of the actual state of that country as regards this subject would be of great use at the present time, as that is every probability that there will soon be a change here in public affairs, and which change will I dare say make openings for a pretty full circulation of the Scriptures.
From Barcelona one might go to the South of France. The French I believe feel a delicacy to have an English almoner for their country, but a tourist might delay some time there without giving offence, and much good might be done perhaps as France seems entirely open to the circulation of the Scriptures.
Corsica should next be visited, which island is of course open, being French, to the entrance of the Scriptures. Here your Italian Bibles and Testaments would find a circulation, and through Corsica the neighbouring island of Sardinia might be supplied directly or indirectly as there might be openings.
Italy would next come under notice. The free ports of Leghorn, Genoa, and Venice, should be visited to see what could be done in them and through them. Rome, Naples and Sicily might next be visited to learn their actual state and to find out any openings. Italy may perhaps be but very partially open to your labours at present, but the events of the passing hour are certainly preparing the way for the word of God in that region of darkness, and who should be first on the ground in the Lord's cause but the British and Foreign Bible Society.
In regard to the languages spoken in the countries that have been mentioned. It may not be unsuitable to say a few words. In the Spanish of course I feel myself quite at home. The Italian resembles the Spanish so much that I think I could in a short time be able to converse in it. As to the French, the most generally spoken language in the continent, I had during the last war very favourable opportunities of acquiring it as I was living in a town where there were quartered on parole about 70 French officers, to whom I was often interpreter as many of them could not speak a word of English. Since I went to Buenos Aires in 1818 I have not spoken any French and in consequence have very much forgotten it, but I apprehend not a long time would be required for recovering my former acquaintance with it.
The only other thing that strikes me in these hints, is, that perhaps it might be proper to go first to Lisbon, and from that to Cadiz and Gibraltar.
Excuse my going before in this when it is so evidently my duty not to direct but to follow and obey. But I thought you might like to have these things before you in the form of Agenda.
The early attention of yourself and the Committee to this object would be a particular favour and would facilitate my arrangements.
I remain My Dear Friend
Very Truly Yours
James Thomson.
Wednesday morning,
March 23, 1831.