Rev A Brandram No.15
Madrid 27th March 1848
My Dear Friend,
I intimated to you in my letter of the 14th of February, that I had then use means for arranging our difficulties regarding the six cases of Books, and that I was in daily expectation of an answer on the subject. With such an intimation you must needs wonder that this answer has not long ago been communicated to you. I hope however you keep always in mind that I am in Spain, and that you do not calculate our meridian as if it were yours. We move slowly here, very slowly in the right way. Would that our movements were as sure and true as slow. But if they are not so now, they will be so sooner or later, and it may be soon.
I will not enter into the various circumstances causing delay, but shall only state, that I have had all along the way my eye steadily fixed on the object before me, and am not aware of neglecting any means required.
Finally, our petition for the entrance of the Books was rejected. This was not on the ground of their being Bibles, for that I never told them, but because the books are bound, and in the Spanish language, against which there are prohibiting clauses in the tariff. I had understood that this hinderance would have been avoided by the means which at the advice of my friends here I had taken, but it seems we have been mistaken.
Finding this door closed, and having some hopes of gaining our object through other means, and that I should soon know the yea or nay of that, I would not write you of the worst, till I should try the other plan.
I brought here when I came a letter of introduction from Lord Clarendon to our Plenipotentiary Mr Bulwer. But some how or other I was not led to use much freedom with Mr Bulwer, in asking any favour. All Embassadors here, as I believe in every country, have the privilege of introducing goods to a certain extent free of duty. It is understood that these are for their own use, but it is always considered that their friends are included. Our Books might have been introduced in this way. But from the reason above mentioned, and two others, I did not apply to Mr. Bulwer in the matter. The two others were, first that I know from a Custom House officer that he had brought in good previously to the full extent permitted, not to say more, which was the case. And secondly, I remembered influences of Downing Street, that as an incubus sits on all our British functionaries here. Nevertheless, having got better acquainted with Mr. Bulwer since my return from the South, I thought I would tell him my wish. He had once stated that his limit of liberties was exceeded, but at the same time showed a great readiness to meet my wishes, much more than I had expected. He said he would try to get my object accomplished through the Portuguese Ambassador who is his friend, and desired I would write a note on the subject of my request. I did so immediately, and after a rather Spanish delay I have had an answer. Mishap is our fortune, or rather misfortune, as it seems, on every hand. Mr. Bulwer after maturely considering the subject writes as follows: – "With respect to the books, I am sorry to say, that I find it impossible to oblige you. What you request is the introduction of an article forbidden by the laws, and the circulation of a book which the Government to which I am accredited forbids circulating, and though I condemn most strongly the narrow bigotry on which these regulations are founded, I could not consistently with my position clandestinely infringe them. In my desire to oblige you, and also to promote your object, I did in the first instance think some means might be found for doing so, but the mode I thought of would be objectionable on the same grounds that apply to my direct compliance with your request, and therefore I fear on the subject you must be disappointed."
That is still a sort of string or two which I wish to try to this our bow, but I will not longer delay telling you how we actually stand. I purpose writing you again soon. We are here at present all in the storm and whirlwind,[1] in the midst of "battle and murder and sudden death." Please to say, and pray, "Good Lord deliver us."[2]
I am, Very Truly Yours,
James Thomson.
P.S. 28th March.
I did not post this letter yesterday, as I learned that the mails would most probably not be forwarded. More likely they will to day, and you may and should have this on Monday next. All was quiet last night, but I fear this is a mere lull and not a restoration of peace and order. is proclaimed in the city and over all the country. Our habeas corpus, if we ever had any here, has been suspended, and more than five persons are forbidden to stand in the streets together.
There was a rumour among the English here the other day, that I was in prison. What could be the cause of the rumour or for the imprisonment, I know not, but reasons and causes are not with us in the ascendancy. I am still at large.
[1] An uprising against the Narváez government took place in Madrid, beginning on the evening of 26 March. (BM)
[2] From lightning and tempest;
from plague, pestilence and famine;
from battle and murder and from sudden death.
Good Lord, deliver us. Book of Common Prayer. (BM)