Montreal, 16th February 1839

Rev A Brandram No 79

Montreal, 16th February 1839

My Dear Friend,

In commencing this letter, I beg leave to notify to you the holding of the Annual Meeting of the Montreal Bible Society. Monday, the 4th Feb instant, was the day appointed for the meeting, the hour was seven in tin evening, and the place one of the largest churches in this city. I am happy to inform you, that that large place was filled and crowded on this occasion, and I may add, with interested spectators and hearers; that is to say, with persons to all appearance feeling an interest in the great Bible object which brought them together. But I speak correctly too, when I say this was an interested assembly; for who is not an interested person in the effects of a Bible meeting?

The platform was well supplied with ministers representing the different churches in this place. There were only two representatives wanting. One of these from the body that honours the Scriptures the least, or rather tramples upon them, and the other from that which honours them the most. This riddle you can explain at your leisure; and I would only here add, that there was little wonder that the absence of the former of these bodies, but it is most wonderful, and I may say most inconsistent, that a Bible Meeting should not have a ministerial representative from a church in which the Scriptures are more read in public than in any other in all Christendom. I hope both these churches noticed will be converted to the right way in due time; and they will to a certainty be both converted in this that a particular, and the Bible and Bible meetings will convert them.

The crowded audience referred to, listened with the closest attention to the several speakers till a late hour, and testified their approbation in a collection of thirty pounds, or 120 dollars. I may here put in also, that the immediate and closest friends of the Bible Society were much gratified for some days after the meeting, by hearing from various individuals o the audience, their expressions of satisfaction with the meeting, and cordiality in its great object. I notice these several circumstances, as descrip­tive of the state of your Bible Society here; and I may well say, you have obtained a broad and firm standing in this community, which will never be altered, I trust, except by increase.

Our report is just leaving the press, and I shall avail myself of a certain liberty I have of transmitting you a few copies by post. You will find much in this report to interested, and will be glad to see that in the midst of war, we have made such progress in the way of peace. Our motto is, "Peace, peace, to them that are far off, and to them that are near." I send you a newspaper in which you will see a short account of our public meeting, drawn up by are worthy friend the Rev. Mr. Curry, whom I mentioned to you as the companion of my form our Bible tour in this mission.

You will see that we had with us the Rev. Peter Jones, an individual of course well known to you in several respects. We were all much interested in his accounts of what God had done for his poor countrymen, the Indians of this territory; and by means, as he well pointed out, of the Bible.

Before I leave off speaking of the Montreal Bible Society, it is but right I should specially notice the manner in which the Committee meet­ings are attended. There is always a good, and I may say a large assem­blage, and every body present seems to feel much interest in the concerns that are treated of. I may add also, that the meetings have been frequent and have therefore claimed a considerable share of the time of those who attend them. Altogether the standing and the prospects of the Montreal Bible Society are very encouraging. Blessed be God for the same, and may He who has brought us to this state, increase us from year to year and honour us greatly in the advancement of his kingdom.

In my letter to Mr. Hitchin No. 28 I enclosed a Bill for sixty pounds sent me from Perth, Bathurst District, upper Canada. That sum was for books, and I now give you the invoice I got along with the bill. They wish for [see below].

They say, "we should like these books sent out as early as possible, directed to Ward J. Bell, Perth, Upper Canada, care of Messrs B. Hart & Co., Montreal. We should prefer their being shipped direct to Montreal, as if unloaded at Quebec we should be put to some extra expense." They will of course cause them to be insured. If any money remains after accounting the order, you may mentioned that they can put in a few copies more of the English 4to Bibles, say not however to exceed in all 18 or 20 copies of that description.

This invoice will you please fulfill notwithstanding what I have said about what I may call perhaps my depot here, as mentioned in my letter No 76. Of that letter, I may here mention that I sent a copy of it, with some additions consisting of extracts from the minutes of the committee meeting held here relating to some of the statements made in the letter.

I have heard it regretted here by different persons, that so few copies of your last report were sent to this society. And now, though the Bible year is far advanced, they still beg me to write you for 30 or 40 copies of the same last year's report of 1838.

The noticing of this brings to my mind, that I had regrets expressed in the American Bible Society House in New York on this same subject, that you had sent there but few reports, Brief Views &c., and they indicated clearly, that they would be glad to receive more, and could use them to advantage.

I know not whether I should venture to ask you for a set of your reports, and of your extracts, and of your Bible pamphlets, for our Bible library here. But certain I am, that if you would send us than we should feel greatly obliged by your kindness.

By the way the mention of these pamphlets reminds me, that I have heard our Mr. Jamaica Tinson say, that he had begged these pamphlets bound up, and that Mr. Jackson said and wrote in answer to the petition – Yea, but that the fulfillment was – Nay. Be kind enough to notice this to our good friend beside you, why am sure will be glad to oblige Mr. Tinson on the matter referred to, as in all others within his reach.

The Jamaica letter, containing a view of Bible Society operations there, was sent off to you from hence some time since, and will very soon I trust be in your hands. In referring to an order for Bibles, in that document, from one single parish in Jamaica, then (October) in your hands, I believe I have said 4500 instead of 2400. The order I referred to is from Mr. McMurray of the Manchester Bible Society. Please look at that order and correct my letter by it.

All your letters for me in future (until further advice) please address direct to Montreal, instead of sending them to the American Bible Society House, New York as before desired. The Post Office arrangements I find admit of this. I formerly desired that letters should be sent to me only by the New York Packet ships. But, they may be sent by them, or by the steamer, as may be most convenient. I may here mention that there is a regular post between this and Halifax, so that you could also send in this way, should you at any particular time think it desirable, say in forwarding a duplicate. But New York affords the quickest and best transit for letters from England to Canada, both lower and upper.

Mr. Jackson's letter to Mr. Wilkes, dated I think of September, concerning the employment of Mr. Dupuis, was somehow overlooked, by its coming here when Mr. Wilkes was absent. Mr. Dupuis has been spoken to, and is to begin his operations as a Bible vender in a few days.

Soon after I came here, I wrote letters to all the 16 auxiliaries, to which I wrote from Jamaica under date 12 September. From some of those I have received answers, and of a very satisfactory nature. One I received lately was from Frederickton, New Brunswick. It is from the secretary of the Bible Society there "Henry Fisher", and he tells me, that the Rev. W Temple, whose name stands as secretary in your last Report, has not resided in that quarter these 17 years. Please to interchange these names in your next Report.

In a few days I intend to set out on a long tour over the Upper Province, going to Toronto, and to places west of it, as far as societies exist at present, or maybe formed, should materials and circumstances be favourable.

            I remain, My Dear Friend,

                        Very Truly Yours,

                                     James Thomson.

Montreal, 24th April 1839

Rev A Brandram No 82

Montreal, 24th April 1839

My Dear Friend,

I write you a few lines just on the eve of my setting out for the Upper Province. If the Lord will I start tomorrow morning. I intend to go on to Toronto without delaying much by the way. Some of the Societies intermediate I shall speak with, but shall leave operations of any extent among them to my return from the more and most distant parts of the country. Our waters are now open for vessels, and all roads are better than the worst, and a bettering daily. This campaign will not occupy I suppose less than three months, and maybe longer as circumstances direct. My intention is to make a thorough visitation of the parts to which I now go, so that I may not have occasion to return to them for some time, but be at liberty to visit other places when this tour is completed.

I forward to you the duplicate of a letter from Toronto, enclosing the second of exchange of a remittance to you of £318. The statement given in this letter of Bible operations within the sphere of the Toronto Bible Society is very encouraging considering all opposing and hindering obstacles. Blessed be God who causeth the Bible to triumph in every place. Partial are its triumphs now, it is true: but they shall be general and complete in due time, and that time hastens on apace. Truly we fight and labour not as one that beateth the air, but we move on with a certainty of gaining our object, which no casualties can hinder, which no powers can prevent. God has said that his word shall cover the earth and fill it, and we go forth as his messengers, not doubting nor fearing for our purpose. We may be slow, but we must be sure.

You will see what our Toronto friends have said about sending out here the Monthly Extracts. The subject is important, and you will duly consider it. It would indeed be of value that we could see and hear you in your vast movements once a month. I have made special inquiries at our Post Office, and they informed me that newspapers and printed papers like your Extracts pay nothing when they come to us by way of Halifax, but that all such pay twopence when coming by New York. The stamping or not stamping makes no difference in the matter. You can inquire at the London Post Office whether they will receive and forward the Extracts unstamped or otherwise, and on what terms. If you can manage to get them to Halifax, all the difficulty is over. The steam packets twice a month which are to run before long from England to Halifax, and from thence to Quebec, will give great advantage in the transmission of these extracts.

I have I believe in a recent letter begged you to favour me with a bound set of Extracts for my own use. It occurs to me that it would be well to send out several copies of these, in order that I might give one say to each Branch Society.

We have had several meetings of our Committee here since I last noticed the subject, and I am happy to say all goes on well. We have many coadjutors in this city, and they labour cheerfully.

Your well-known hand, My Dear Friend, that used to cheer me and so often in my movements through the West Indies, and in previous times, has not been even once seen by me since my arrival in Canada. This is colder than our Canadian winter still, and I thought that cold enough. Pray what is or can be the matter? Has your right-hand forgot its cunning, that it can write no more, what answer am I to make for you? But I wait further, and leave you to answer for yourself, well knowing that whatever answer you do give, it will be the true one, for though you err little, yet when by chance you do go at all to one side, you always frankly say it, which all the world, even the Christian world do not. You are guileless. Well then for your answer for yourself, if ever you should write me again. Further, nobody writes for you: not a line from Earl Street have I received since I came to Canada.

Whether I hear from you or not,

            I am Yours Affectionately,

                                    James Thomson.

 P.S. I advise a Bill drawn this day in favour of Joseph Wenham, Esq. for fifty pounds, to be charged to my private account.

Montreal, 22nd January 1842

Rev A Brandram - No 114

Montreal, 22nd January 1842

My Dear Friend,

Time is running on, the winter advances, and by and by Spring will be at hand. Permit me then to trespass a little on your attention in regard to my prospective movements.

My medical studies will close at the end of April. But the proper certificate of my attendance on these, with the necessary authority to act on them, if attainable by me at all, cannot be had till the 24th of May, that being the day fixed by the statutes of the College for the same. I would humbly propose therefore that I should leave this city for Toronto in the end of April, so as to be present at the Annual Meeting of the Upper Canada Bible Society which is held on the first Wednesday of  May, the day on which you yourselves meet. I would therefore propose the visiting of several societies between Toronto and this on my way back so as to occupy the first three weeks of May, returning here, as above hinted, by the 24th. Please to say if this meets with your approbation.

After the 24th of May I would be in entire readiness to leave this quarter, and to proceed direct to whatever place you may wish. Be so good therefore as say, whether I should go home on a visit to England, go forthwith to Mexico, or go previously to some part or parts of the West Indies. I express no wishes of my own, I know not which of these three is the best, though perhaps going direct to Mexico would be so; I wait in prayer to learn the course of Providence by your Resolution and Letter.

            I remain,

                        My Dear Friend,

                                    Truly and Affectionately Yours,

                                                James Thomson.

Montreal, 25th April 1842

Rev A Brandram - No 117

Montreal, 25th April 1842

My Dear Friend,

Your letters No 16 and 17 have come into my hands, though in the reverse order of their dates. The subject connected with Capt. Gardiner's [1]letter is what immediately calls for attention. I have carefully read over and considered his communication to you, and according to your request give you my "candid opinion as to the propriety of my proceeding direct to Valparaiso, and ultimately to Mexico, or of visiting Mexico in the first instance, and afterwards repairing to the South."

As far as I can see from Capt. Gardiner's letter I do not perceive that there are openings for the Scriptures in Chile more than are to be found in all other parts of Spanish America. What he has said of that country, may I suppose be said of all the rest. There does not appear to be any reason therefore for passing by all the rest, and going at once to the most distant spot, and it is more natural that Chile should come in in its course which will be the last. Chile is also the least populous of all these countries, which is another reason on the same side. This is my "candid opinion" and is not dictated by any unwillingness to go to Chile, where there in one sense I should be more at home, than in other parts, as I happened to have the privilege of citizenship in that country.

Having thus given my views respecting your communication arising from Capt. Gardiner's letter, and receiving by your kind and generous statements that you leave me much at large as to my first place of descent to Spanish America, and subsequent movements through that extended field, I would humbly propose to visit Mexico first, because it is the nearest, and because it is the most populous. Soon after my return to this city from Toronto I shall set out for New York where I expect to be at or before the end of the first week in June. I shall remain in that city until I hear from you that I may fully know that what I have proposed is agreeable to you. Please therefore to address your letter to me at the Bible Society House, Nassau Street, New York, transmitting it by the Halifax and Boston mail steamer from Liverpool.

Be so good as read over my letter No 70, and write me what I have there said as to Dr. Mora and Mexican translations, and as to supplies of the Scriptures anywhere in Mexico.

Should you prefer my going first to Chile, I will cheerfully follow your directions.

            I remain, My Dear Friend,

                        Very Truly Yours,

                                    James Thomson.

[1] Captain Allen Gardiner was in Chile 1838-43 (BM)

New York, 16th June 1842

Rev A Brandram - No.119

New York, 16th June 1842

My Dear Friend,

In accordance with what I stated to you in my two last letters in regard to my movements, I arrived in this city about a week ago. I am now waiting for your instructions as to what place I should first go to. Your letter may be expected here, say on the 20th instant. Should you say Mexico, I shall set out for that place by one of the West India steamers, should there be one in proper time. But these vessels have hitherto been very irregular in this quarter, and little dependence can be placed on them. Failing one of these I shall take a passage in a sailing vessel, but these also are irregular and few in number between this port and Vera Cruz.

I should have mentioned, previous to leaving Montreal, that I formerly gave up the General Depot there to the Committee of the Montreal Auxiliary, of which I have held the direction from its commencement. I should think it will be well managed by that body, but you can confirm or annul the arrangement as you may, on consideration, judge best.

By the last monthly paper of the American Bible Society you will perceive that at that last annual meeting they came to the resolution not to print in future any version of the Scriptures made from the Vulgate. This seems to be a sudden movement, but preparations for it has been going on for a good while. A party which has been increasing for some time past, and connected in some degree with the northern portion of your Island[1], has brought this subject again and again before the Committee, until it was judged advisable to pass the resolution in question. They were the more easily led into this measure by the circumstance that they have but little work in connexion with such versions. The only three languages in which they have printed from the Vulgate translations are the Spanish, French, and Portuguese, the whole Bible in the first and the New Testament only in the other two.

I am sorry our friends have been forced into this measure, as I certainly think it a harmful one to the cause, as well as uncalled for on the score of duty. If our Lord and the Apostles used the Septuagint, surely we may avail ourselves of the Vulgate, or any good version from it. The adoption of such a measure by you, would I conceive be extremely hurtful, because you have extensive work in this way. Nevertheless, from a combination of circumstances, I think it would be well, in each case, to have a version from the original, in addition to the ones you have from the Vulgate. So far as the New Testament is concerned, God is visibly preparing the way for us. I have lately seen the notice dated in Rome the 14th March of the present year, to this effect: – "Cardinal Angelo Mai has just completed a work which he has been occupied for upwards of  ten years. It is an edition of the New Testament with the variations of all the manuscripts existing in the principal libraries of Rome and other parts of  Italy, and with numerous notes full of philological research. The text adopted by Cardinal Mai as the basis of his edition is that of the celebrated manuscript No. 1209 in the library of the Vatican, which dates from the sixth century."

Now the publication of this Greek New Testament from such a quarter will incline Roman Catholics towards the Greek original and will lessen their predilection for the Vulgate. We may therefore avail ourselves of the circumstance in favour of getting translations from the original of the New Testament. In regard to Mexico and South America generally the event is important, not only as bearing on the Spanish, but also as concerned the native or Indian languages. Probably I may find someone in those parts capable of translating from the Greek into the Spanish, and it would be a great inducement to the undertaking to have hand a copy of this Greek New Testament edited by Cardinal Mai. I should therefore be glad if you could procure and send me a copy of it, and if it is not very dear, you might send two or three or more copies, as they could be turned to good account in favour of our cause. This same Greek edition of the New Testament might also perhaps be adopted as the text of our Indian versions, and this would be very desirable. Be so good as consider the subject well, and let me know in due time what you think of it.

            I remain, My Dear Friend, Very Truly Yours, James Thomson.

[1] i.e. Edinburgh Bible Society. (BM)

New York, 30th June 1842

Rev A Brandram - No.120

New York, 30th June 1842.

My Dear Friend,

I am still in this city, because no mail steamer arrived since my last, nor has any sailing vessel left this port, during the same period, for Mexico. The derangement in the courses of the West India Mail Steamers leaves us with little hope of any of them being here for some time; but there is a sailing vessel likely to leave this for Veracruz in ten days or a fortnight, and with this vessel I purpose going unless a steamer should offer earlier.

Your expected letter, dated the 31st ultimo, came into my hands on the 20th instant. I observe what you say in reference to translations of the Scriptures into the native tongues of Spanish America, in reply to my notice on the subject in my letter No 70, and I shall endeavour to act according to your suggestions. You intimate that there are no supplies of Scriptures lying at present in any part of Mexico. As I would therefore have no copies for distribution on first arriving in that country, I shall take a small supply from this place to meet any early demands that may offer. The supply I would request from you, and to be sent out by the earliest vessel for Veracruz, is 100 Spanish Bibles 8vo, 50 ditto 12mo, 200 Scio's Testaments 12mo, 200 ditto 32mo, and 100 ditto 8vo. To these please add French Bibles of the beautiful thin 18mo lately (1841) published by the French and Foreign Bible Society, of Ostervald's version. Also add 10 English Bibles, Pearl 8vo M.R. and 10 Pearl 24mo both of them, and also French Bibles, bound in coloured calf with gilt edges. Also 5 Crown 4to English Bibles, and 5 Small Pica 8vo M.R. both bound in coloured calf extra. The cases containing these books should not way above 250 pounds, as they have to be moved through the country on mules. Into each case of the Spanish Books it would be well to put about an equal portion of the different sorts, so that in sending the case to any place the various kinds may be duly contained in it. – These cases to be consigned to John Gifford Esq., British Consul, Veracruz.

I do not recollect at present what happened in regard to the Books obstructed in the Custom House in Mexico when I left that city, and would be glad if Mr. Jackson could inform me, as the knowledge of this may be of considerable service.

You say I will return to Mexico with mingled feelings. I do, my Brother, and some of these feelings you can enter into, and some of them perhaps you cannot well know. I beg earnestly your earnest prayers, under strong impressions of my great need of them, in the journeyings apply in prospect before me.

            I remain, Affectionately Yours,

                                    James Thomson.

Mexico City, 23rd February 1843

Rev A Brandram  No.129

Mexico 23rd February 1843

My Dear Sir,

In my last I mentioned that our Packet brought no English letters, and consequently no letter from you. The mail however was afterwards forwarded from St. Thomas by a hired vessel, which reached of Veracruz on the 27th ultimo, and your letter of the 2nd December came into my hands on the 30th and also Mr. Jackson's dated the 30th November. The mail by last month's Packet reached the city on the 13th instant, and brought me the Bible Society Reporter, but no letters from any in your house where contained in the letter-packet received.

My business here in two of its important branches, namely, as respects the getting of the New Testament into the schools, and the providing the word of God for the poor Indians, is now brought to a point, and I am sorry to say the termination is unfavourable. The Lancasterian Society which received my Representation so favourably, has been obliged to decline the offer made of your assistance in an edition of the New Testament without notes for the use of their schools, and this owing to the Ecclesiastical opposition manifested in the case. This door then, about which I felt so anxious, is for the present shut. I have done everything I could think of to succeed in this important object, and am grieved at its failure. But there is One that openeth, and no man man shutteth; and may he soon and effectually open this country for his own word as it came from himself; and he will in due time open, and no man shall shut after him.

On the other hand, and previous to this discouragement, I received a letter from the Bishop of Michoacan declining to do what he had before tacitly at least consented to, namely, the giving his license to publish a portion of the Scripture in the Indian tongues. This refusal effectually shuts this door, as the Bishop in question is decidedly the most liberal of all the Bishops in this country, so that his refusal makes sure that all will refuse.

The third and only other branch of our business here is the circulation of the Scriptures you have forwarded. I am sorry to say these are not yet arrived in this city. In shipping the Books there should have been a document procured from the Mexican Consul, and forwarded with the bill of lading. This it seems was not done, for no such document reached Veracruz. The Books were therefore detained, and I had to make application to the Government here to overlook this omission, and to permit the Books to be taken out of the Customs House. This has been granted, and the Books are now about to leave Veracruz for this place. In regard to future shipments it would be well to apprise your agent at Liverpool of the necessity of procuring in forwarding this consular document.

By the above mentioned negatives and failures my way in Providence is made clear as to this country, namely, for my leaving it soon. I wish it had cleared up in the opposite direction, but the will of the Lord be done. There is a time for every purpose under the sun, and the time will undoubtedly come when the word of the Lord will have perfectly free course in this country as it is with you. May the Lord hasten that time: and surely our prayers for this country will not be all cast away and forgotten. But I had hoped also that we should have done something here in regard to getting the Scriptures into the schools, and getting translations for the Indians that would have had a powerful effect as an example on all the other countries of South America. But this hope you see is blasted with the other, and so I will proceed to these other countries downcast rather than animated in regard to our work.

Whither now shall I go, and what arrangements shall I make, in order that our labour in the Lord may be as little in vain as possible? I think of going first to the Havana, then afterwards to Yucatán, if it is not inaccessible through the present hot war there, and then onwards to Guatemala. After leaving Guatemala, if the Lord will I should I should live, I would be for making my way in the best manner to Panamá. And from Panamá I would visit the countries and towns lying on the Pacific Ocean. From Peru I have had thoughts of descending the Amazon River to Pará in Brazil, and then visiting the large Brazil towns on the Atlantic Ocean, and thence going on Southward to Monte Video and Buenos Ayres. I give you this sketch that you may reform or alter it as you please; or that you may cut short the course mentioned, and send me, if you will, to China, direct westward across the Pacific. Your way is my way, and may yours be the Lord's.

I go to the Havana in order to see how our work goes on there, and to try to forward it, and also I may say from necessity, because I cannot in the present state of the war get from Veracruz to Yucatán. I am aware that I run some risk of imprisonment in the Havana, according to the order issued against me in 1837. But from the change of the Governor and other circumstances I may probably not be troubled, and on the other hand, I know not any just charge they can bring against me. Nevertheless I should be glad that you would procure for me a letter from the Foreign Office to our Consul there, in case I should stand in need of special British protection. This letter which I now write will reach you most probably about or before the middle of April, and I beg you will write me by the first of May Packet to the care of the British Consul in the Havana, enclosing the letter referred to from the Foreign Office. I shall sail from Veracruz in the Packet, say on the 26th May, and so as to be in the Havana probably on the last day of the month, about which time, or a day or two later your letter referred to may be there: and I judge it prudent not to be there long before your letter arrive. Some little time will be lost here by this delay, but I do not see well how I could arrange better. A sort of compensation will be made for this retardation by my quicker movements afterwards. It will be some weeks yet before the Books arrive from Veracruz, and two or three weeks more will be required here to make full arrangements for continued sales, so that the real loss of time will be only about a month.

In order to meet the quicker movements referred to, and that the most may be done with the least loss of time, it would be desirable to have supplies of the Scriptures waiting me on my arrival in the several places I may touch at on the course pointed out. As to the quantities and kinds to be sent to each place you must form your best judgment, and the kinds and proportional numbers of each in the supply lately sent here may perhaps aid you in your apportionings. I think then you should send without delay to Panamá, Guayaquil, and Lima. You will do your best to find out proper consignees for these shipments, and will be so good as early to apprise me of the names of said persons, together with giving me copies of the Invoices. Places beyond Lima can be afterwards arranged for. There are some cases of Spanish Scriptures in Jamaica, I believe, sent there from Carthagena by Mr. Watts. I shall write to Kingston to have these forwarded to Belize. I know not whether I shall visit Carthagena, but when in the Havana I shall judge that, and I may perhaps cross Jamaica in order to sail from Kingston to that place.

Through means of Mr. Jackson's letter I have at length found out the Mexican Gospel of St. Luke which you printed and sent here. Some of these I have disposed off, and shall distribute the whole in the best way I can before I leave the country. I have had no letter as yet from Dr. Mora, and I am still ignorant as to who is the translator.

I cannot close this letter without joining in thanksgivings and congratulations with you for the grand opening which God has granted to Britain and to the Gospel into the Great and Populous Empire of China. May God give all of you....

(final part of letter missing in archives)

Mexico City, 25th May 1843

Rev A Brandram:  No.132

Mexico, 25th May 1843

My Dear Friend,

Towards the close of my last letter I said I was preparing to leave this city for Veracruz and the Havannah. I had accordingly my things packed up a few days after sending off my letter in order to go before me by the muleteers to Veracruz. But about the time for sending them off we received accounts from Yucatán of such a nature as to lead me to delay sending on my luggage, believing that the changes going on there would enable me to go direct from Veracruz to that place instead of going by way of the Havannah. I therefore delayed in this city till another packet in order to hear for the accounts from Yucatán. Things that are not yet quite clear, but we are daily in expectation of something of a decided nature. If some favourable adjustment of matters do not take place in Yucatán, I will have to go from the Havannah to Belize, and from thence to Guatemala. Could I have liberty of disposing of books by the way, I would go by land, although it is a very long horseback journey of some 1200 miles. But my chief obstacle in this case is the fear, or rather perhaps the certainty of having my Books detained in the Customs Houses on the way as they have been in this city. I am in some perplexity as to what is best to be done, but hope I may be guided to what is most advantageous.

I shall write to the Havannah to have my letters that may arrive there the beginning of next month sent on here. It will be best I think for you to continue sending my letters to the Havannah, under cover to the British Consul there, until I otherwise direct. From thence they can be forwarded to me either here, or to Belize and Guatemala as my movements may require, and I will accordingly so arrange with the British Consul in the note I am about to write him.

I am glad, under other circumstances of darkness and discourage­ment, to have once more something to say about the general circulation and use of the Scriptures here, though not directly through our hands. There is a supply daily expected in this city, of 1,500 copies of Torres Amat's second edition; and these will be sold at a considerable reduc­tion in price—a circumstance which will carry them more rapidly into circulation. They are the remnant of a large edition published in Paris. I have no doubt but you will all personally, if not officially, rejoice in this additional diffusion of the Scriptures in this place. And you may do this, too, officially, as you have been the means of bringing on here the desire for the Holy Scriptures; and, furthermore, you may do it officially, inasmuch as all this circulation of these larger and annotated Bibles will, as formerly hinted, most assuredly bring round a greater diffusion of your more simple and cheaper volumes. The booksellers gladdened my heart the other day, by telling me that there is a decided favour in the public mind in regard to the Scriptures, which was not formerly the case. Irreligious books were then in favour; but now the scale is turned—and, I may say, you have turned it.

Another favourable circumstance I may mention, and one of no small account: it respects the instruction of the Indians. Measures are now being taken by the Government Education Board here, for setting up schools among the Indians generally, for teaching them to read in their own native tongues, similar to the plan adopted in the Gaelic schools in the north of Scotland. Those produced happy effects, and so I trust will these native schools in this land. Thus extensively, you see, is the way preparing for versions of the Scriptures into the Indian tongues.

I hope you had a noble day at Exeter Hall in your annual congregation. I shall anxiously look for a confirmation of this hope, through your communications. I, I suppose your utmost post on the West, prayed for you on that occasion, and many did so no doubt far in the East, and many and more between. May the Lord other direct and prosper you, for his own glory, the good of his church, and the good of the world.

We have again been disappointed in the arrival of our packet, and her bringing no English mail.

            I am ever, My Dear friend,

                        Truly Yours,

                                    James Thomson

Mexico City, 29th July 1843

Rev A Brandram  No 134

Mexico 29th July 1843

My Dear Friend,

As my movements are greatly affected at this time by the state of things in Yucatán, I speak of that quarter first in the present letter. Since my last Yucatán has improved in its actual state and position. The war there, if not over, is completely lulled, and all the hostile troops have left it. Add to this Three Commissioners have already arrived in this city to treat with this government about peace, unity and future good understanding, based on certain privileges in favour of Yucatán distinctly acknowledged and clearly worded to prevent future misunderstandings and evils.

To these Three Commissioners I have been very formally introduced by one of my Yucatán friends who was partially residing here before their arrival. I have had with these gentlemen a very pleasing interview, and have received much encouragement from them to proceed to that place. One of them is the chief Secretary of the government, and father of the gentleman I accidentally met with in this Steam Boat from Albany to New York in May 1841. But these Three Commissioners, as well as my former Yucatán friends as noticed in my last letter, all advise me to delay going there until the unhealthy season is over.

Though the way therefore to that Peninsula is nearly open I scarcely feel that it would be right, or justice either to you or to myself, to hasten thither in the face of the united friendly advice which I have received. Had I not had this advice so fully stated and repeated, and by individuals my personal friends and favourable to my objects, I would have felt less difficulty in moving forward. But to act directly counter to all these friendly admonitions would seem to be a rash. I shall therefore make the delay they advise.

In my ruminations since my last letter was sent off, and in the prospect more or less of this delay, I was thinking of, or planning a journey of some length into the parts of this country to the West and North. But on taking everything into consideration I have given up my thoughts of that movement: first, because there would most probably be a considerable delay caused by it beyond the waiting for the proper season for going to Yucatán; and second, because, I have some fears that my active and open operations in the sale of the Scriptures through these parts at the present intolerant time would shut more Custom Houses against us, and thus more harm than good would accrue through the means of the movement in question.

I hope the 5000 copies of the Scriptures requested in my last for this country will be duly and early forwarded. If more convenient for you, they may be divided into two sendings, with an interval between, each kind being properly halved or nearly so. On the whole perhaps this would be the best arrangement. The cases say to be of 200 pounds weight. – To hasten matters, and to provide a supply for the N. West of this country I have ordered 1000 New Testaments from the American Bible Society, to be sent direct and immediately to Tampico. These will of course be charged to your account.

Your two very interesting New Zealand letters that appear in the Bible Society Reporter No19, I have got published in the same newspaper which has prated maliciously against us in an article inserted from a periodical published in Spain. I send you a copy.

I have not received by last packet any Reporter, nor letter from Earl Street, nor the fully expected, and usually sent, yearly newspaper, giving an account of your Annual Meeting.

I have lately met with two persons who interest themselves much in your Mexican version of St. Luke, and wish to see the whole New Testament translated into that ancient and modern tongue. There are some slips in the mode of printing your Mexican St. Luke, but whether the oversights are in the manuscript, or in the Editors I cannot say. It is now undergoing revision. I am paying some attention to the study of the Mexican or Nahuatl language, and as far as I have yet made progress I am inclined to receive Clavigero's high testimony of it as to its copiousness and admirable structure. I have been studying also the Otomi language, which is likewise rich, but entirely different from the Nahuatl which on every side surrounds it. I have looked at some others of the tongues of this land, and have no doubt of their fitness for expressing the sense and substance of the Scriptures.

In the prospect of going to Yucatán, I would call your attention anew to what I have said on Indian versions in my letter No 131, and I do humbly and earnestly beg that you would give me ample scope in regard to the rendering portions of the Scriptures into the tongue spoken all over that Peninsula, and also partly in Tabasco and Guatemala. The Yucatán Commissioners assured me of there being a very earnest desire in the government of giving education to the Indians. They are gratified with proposals I made here for the instruction of the natives generally in their own tongues, instead of Spanish as heretofore. As a member of the Lancasterian Society of this city I made these proposals, and a very friendly reception was given to them; and measures are now being taken for extending this plan over the whole country. I send you a newspaper in which you will see the notice of my proposal and its reception.

I remain, yours very truly,

James Thomson.

P.S. Please say to Mr. Farmer that I have sent him a copy of the newspaper containing the two New Zealand letters, that he may present it to the Wesleyan Missionary Society.

Mexico City, 26th September 1843

Rev A Brandram  No.136

Mexico 26th September 1843

My Dear Friend,

At length I am on the eve of leaving the city, and of proceeding onwards in the course of my journeyings. My luggage is already on the road moving towards Veracruz, as it requires longer time to perform its journey on mule back then I shall do going by the stage.

I mentioned in my last that in consequence of a difficulty occurring between the Commissioners of Yucatán and the Government here as to the bases for their negotiations, one of the Commissioners had gone to Yucatán to see if the Government there would agree to the bases wished for by the authorities here. He has now returned, and we learned that the Government of Yucatán will admit of no alteration in the bases they formerly proposed for negotiation, nor any diminution in the exemptions and privileges they have sought and fought for. In consequence of this determination the negotiations were at once broken off, and orders have already been issued here for fresh in full preparations for a vigorous attack and warfare on Yucatán.

The commissioners leave this for their home in a few days. I intimated to you that I purposed to go with them on their return. This purpose I fully made known to them, and they very kindly gave me the benefit of going in their company, which I expect will be an advantage to me in several ways.

Some two or three months will probably elapse before the war grows hot there. Most probably an attack will be early made on Merida the capital, and it will most likely be taken unless that is a general battle fought before, and ending in favour of Yucatán. Happily my movements from Yucatán to Belize are Eastward, whilst the main part of the war will be on the West. I shall therefore leave Merida for Belize as the circumstances of the war may direct.

I am sorry for the breaking up of this negotiation on more accounts in one. First, because I think it will make the circumstances of this country much worse than they are, and they are already bad enough, and on the other hand war is always horrid and destructive. In the next place, I am grieved of the unsuccessful termination of this negotiation for peace and union, because it will greatly act upon, I fear, and hinder our operations there, from the general agitation which the war will create. But as a counterpart to all this, let us hope that this war will be overruled for good and I humbly trust it will, and perhaps only through war could go would be brought about under our actual circumstances.

I mentioned in my early communications to you from this country, on my present visit, the publication here of a new edition and a new version of the Bible, in 25 volumes, with a volume of plates; and stated, that, in addition to all the other subjects of interest connected with this publication, was the fact of its being the first Bible printed in all Spanish America. It is befitting that you should have in your library a copy of this first Spanish-American edition of the Bible, from this peculiar and interesting circumstance; and it is befitting also that you should have it, because of its being a new and a valuable translation of the Holy Scriptures. I have therefore purchased a copy for you. I have procured for you, likewise, a copy of Scio's Bible, which was published here, and is contained in eleven volumes. Some parts of this Bible were printed before any portion of the other appeared: it was published in numbers, and the other in volumes. But the new version, from that of Vence, had been in preparation for about two years before any of the parts, or even the prospectus, of Scio was issued; and a large sum expended on the same. And, besides, it was finished before the other; and, therefore, in several senses it has the just claim to be the first Bible printed in Mexico, or in all Spanish America.  These two Bibles, I beg you will accept from me as a little present for your Library. They are now on their way to Veracruz, and will be shipped there on the first vessel for London.

Hoping for your prayers in this new movement, and in the exposures of war, and in other dangers.

            I remain,

                         Truly Yours,

                                    James Thomson.

New York, 13th July 1844

Rev A Brandram  No. 143

New York, 13th July 1844

My Dear Friend,

I enclose you a Duplicate of my last letter to you, written in Belize, and forwarded by the Packet from that place. I sailed from Belize on the 22nd ultimo, and after a quick run of only 14 days arrived safely in this port. This early arrival gives me the opportunity of writing you by the Halifax Steamer, which, I believe, will arrive in England before the West India Packet carrying my previous letter. In my Belize letter, here enclosed, you will see my purpose of returning home, and the grounds of it: and by the present note you will learn that I am already about halfway in my course towards you.

I have taken a passage in the ship Hendrick Hudson, one of the London Line of Packets, and which is advertised to sail on the 20th instant. I hope therefore soon to see you all in Earl Street, where we shall praise and bless God together for all his goodness towards us respectively these nearly 13 years that have elapsed since we last parted from each other.

            I am Yours Very Truly,

                                                James Thomson.

Madrid, 4th October 1847

Rev A Brandram No.2 (?)

Madrid 4th October 1847

My Dear Friend,

Your letter of the 8th ultimo reached me in its due time on the 15th. Your notices of Birmingham, Tamworth, and other places, and happy things among you, makes one see and feel very strongly the desertness and barrenness of this land, where not even an oasis is to be seen. Oases however may spring up, and as is customary with them, quickly. I am glad to hear you say you do not forget us in prayer. Do remember us much and often. – I am happy to hear of the safe return of Mr. Bourne, and rejoice in the great satisfaction which that mission has afforded you all. Perhaps you may have an agent again in Africa sooner than you are aware. – I fully agree in your hesitancy about Books to Libraries, and I shall be cautious and staring in the use of the privilege you do not deny me in the matter.

In regard to Bible affairs here, I would notice, that I have observed in several Old Book Stands, a single copy of your Bible and one copy of your New Testament. The farmer they will ask two dollars for, but will take half a dollar less, and the Testament can be had for half a dollar. I have been given to understand, that when a single volume of the Bible or testament is bought, the places sure to be supplied with a single copy respectively immediately after. This indicates that that are more copies than are seen, but how they come or came by them we have not yet ascertained.

Not long after I came here, I observed one day a large placard on the front of one of the churches, on which the word Bible was seen in very large letters, and as the prominent word in the advertisement. This was the announcement of a new edition of Scio's Bible now in course of publication in Barcelona, and of course with the usual notes. The New Testament is finished and four small duodecimo volumes, on superior paper, and with a good sized type. The price is 14 rials vellon the volume, stitched, or say 12 shillings for the whole New Testament. This is a step towards bringing the Bible nearer to the inhabitants of this country. But there is a second under longer one also in its progress towards this desirable end. Another edition is being published in the same place by another company, and in a much cheaper form. The New Testament of this edition is contained in two volumes, small duodecimo like the other, but on inferior though good paper, and with the latin text, which the former is without. The whole Bible will form 10 volumes, and will be sold in a stitched form for six dollars, while the New Testament will be only say Five shillings. This step therefore brings the Scriptures, as you will see, more than one half neater than the one previously mentioned.

Besides these two editions of Scio's Bible now issuing from the press in single volumes, there was a splendid edition of the same version published in Barcelona in 1843, in small folio, in it volumes, with plates, price stitched, about four pounds, and now selling bound in morocco at 34 dollars. – Further, another edition still of Scio is on sale here, which is Scio's own third edition and published by Escuelas Pias to which he belonged. It is in 15 volumes Spanish or small quarto, at 16 rials vellon each, stitched, or say12 dollars for the whole, the latin and Spanish text and notes, but without the plates.

Finally, that is the second edition of Torres Amat's Bible on sale here, in six volumes, Spanish quarto, at 150 rials, stitched, or 7½ dollars.

Thus we have at present in full open undisturbed sale in this city, and over all the country, five different versions of the Bible in the Spanish language, with notes, at prices, unbound, in English shillings, as follows, 80, 58, 50, 31, and 25. The 31 is Torres Amat's, and you see it is much lower than any of Scio's till this last cheap one came out.

I do not know whether you are Roman Catholic enough to rejoice in these versions and editions, and the issues of Scriptures in and over this country; but for myself, I confess I am. I do rejoice in this measure of freedom and extension of the Scriptures here, not withstanding their accompaniment with notes, all of which we would not approve of. I say all of them, for I might perhaps venture to say, that nine tenths of them we would agree with, as indeed we might gather from the acceptable and extensive use of Calmet among us Protestants in England.[1]

The printer of Torres Amat's second edition has informed me, that that edition consisted of 3000 copies, and he said that this was generally about the number printed of such works. Taking the four editions of Scio and two of Torres Amat at this calculation, we have 18,000 copies. The two editions now in course of publication in Barcelona, are I believe stereotype, and we may perhaps set them down both at 5000 each. The whole thus makes 28,000 copies of the Scriptures published or publishing. But as these two last editions are not yet finished and allowing for stock on hand, we must limit the past and present circulation, say to 16,000. Alas how little!

In these Barcelona editions, the efforts of your Society are specially noticed, which they say, are worthy of a better cause. The enemy and the foreigner have been very active, they state, in sowing tares in this field, in the shape of altered, mutilated, corrupt, and adulterated editions of the Scriptures, in their own style, in order to propagate Protestantism. To meet these sore evils, and to suffocate them, these Publishers have been induced, they say, to make their efforts, and to contend with the enemy even in cheapness. There is a remarkable word, and a happy one, used in the addresses and prefaces in question. They say they wish to popularize the reading of the Scriptures in this country, and this word occurs three distinct times. You see therefore how their object and yours agree; and that is no doubt but their efforts will contribute to popularize the reading of the Scriptures here, in two ways, in the reading of their own volumes, and secondly, in leading many to procure your cheaper volumes, who cannot reach their cheapness. In every way therefore, I conceive, we have reason to rejoice in these issues of the Scriptures. You have manifestly sent them to work by what you previously did here, and that efforts will no doubt give us an additional demand for our Bibles, when we can freely present them to them; and which time may God bring about early.

We see no fair and clear way as yet for printing the Bible here, but movements are hastening on in this country, and our way may be made plain in a brief space of time, in the removement of all our difficulties. – By the way, you are printing the Bible in Lisbon. How is it you can do so? Is there for liberty of the press there? And is there also toleration? I shall be glad to obtain your answers to these inquiries, as Portugal may aid us here in the way of example; and further, being part of this Peninsula, it may be considered as a portion of my Bible field.

I mentioned in my last that I had written to Cadiz, Malaga, Barcelona, Bayonne, and Paris. From all these places I have had answers, except from Barcelona. Your anticipations about certain official parties, in the two former places, are but too correct. The blame however, I believe, must be placed to the account of others nearer yourselves, rather than to them, for they are persons under authority. Unofficially Mr. Mark of Malaga offers me any aid he can afford, and he has furnished me with the papers and letters that may be of service to me. Mr Pedezert of Bayonne is not very sanguine as to the finding of a fit person for a depot in Behovie, or as to a person to colport from thence into Spain. Mr de Pressensé is however more hopeful. I am to hear from him again on the subject.

In consequence of letters that I've had from Malaga and Cadiz, and other circumstances combined, my friend and brother here thinks it desirable that I should pay a visit to these parts, and others in that quarter. I have therefore resolved to make such a tour, and purpose leaving Madrid about a week hence, going first to Granada and Malaga, thence to Gibraltar and Cadiz, and returning through Seville and Córdova. A month at least will, I suppose, be taken up in this journey, and it may be to. When it Gibraltar, I intend to pass over to the Spanish colony of Ceuta, on the south side of the Straits, in Africa, and I may also visit the place or two more on that Continent. If our friends at Gibraltar are not likely to have on hand any Arabic Bibles and Hebrew Bibles and Testaments, will you be so good as forward some by the first Steamer after this letter reaches you, and also some Jewish Spanish New Testaments. That is a steamer for Gibraltar every Thursday from Southampton, besides other steamers on fixed days of the month, as you will see by the Peninsula and Oriental Steam Company List, which you can get at No 51 St Mary Ave. You can write me to Gibraltar to the care of Mr. Hull.

The case you referred to of the 200 Spanish Testaments ordered by Mr. Griffin, and which no shipper would take charge of, did occur before I left you. Mr. Griffin was here not long ago, as I learned by the newspapers, as he made some little noise in and about our Museum of Paintings. He was gone however before I could see him. I should be glad to receive a copy of his letter, as I might correspond with, or see, sometime hence, the parties he has named. If Mr. Griffin has not called on you since his return, you should, I think, see him before you send a copy, as he may give you further particulars which you could append to his letter. He can be heard of at Lloyd's.

                        I remain,

                                    My Dear Friend,

                                                James Thomson.

[1] Fr. Antoine Augustin Calmet's Bible dictionary and commentary were widely used. (BM)

Madrid, 10th April 1848

Rev  A Brandram No.16

Madrid 10th April 1848

My Dear Friend,

My last letter give you a hint of our troubles here. Many were killed on the night of the 26th and a great number were wounded. Among the former was one Englishman of the Society of Friends lately come here, and among the latter Mrs. Colonel Stopford's waiting maid, who had one of her ankles shattered by three balls. Amputation had to take place, and she is not yet out of immediate danger. I was nearly being caught in the midst of this affray, as I generally go on the Sunday evening to read Prayers in the American Ambassador's house, which would both in going and coming have exposed me. But I was warned in time and did not go out. This is another of the many preservations God has vouchsafed me in the midst of dangers, and blessed be his name for all these mercies.

Did you write me between the 7th January and the 9th February? I have no letter between. I wish we could return again to our numbering, as it is always satisfactory to know with certainty whether all letters come to hand or not. I may here acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 6thMarch, and of Mr. Jackson's of the 27th.

You ask in your letter of the 22nd February whether I saw Mr. Brackenbury our Consul at Cadiz. I did see him, and thought him cold, especially considering the letters of introduction I sent him, and I thought the best thing I could say of him was, nothing. The Downing Street incubus no doubt was upon him, but yet he might have been as friendly as the Marks in Malaga who are officially under the same.

Pray did you get the parcel containing the two cushions from Barbary, and the Hebrew Pentateuch from Gibraltar? It was sent from Cadiz by the Packet of the 27th December, which carried a letter of the same date. I may here mention a curious little coincidence. Right opposite the door of my lodging is a "European Bookseller's," and lately there has been stuck up an advertisement banner in large letters "La Bible en Espagne, par George Borrow." It seems this work has been translated into French, and has come to travel here also, and over again, whether for good or evil I know not.

I cannot help congratulating you, and the country, on the elevation of the Bishop of Chester to the Archepiscopal See of Canterbury, as you have noticed to me. May God bless him there and make him a blessing.

In regard to a Summer extensive Tour. What I contemplate, and wish your opinion of, is the following. To go first to San Sebastian, where through friends in that place I should try to get the Gospel of Luke in the Basque language printed, the revision of which has just been completed by the Translator. There are four Basque provinces in Spain, beside what is in France, and in these the major part of the people speak only this tongue. San Sebastian is in one of them.

You will perhaps recollect that I wrote to you formerly about establishing a place of sale on the French side of the River Bidasoa which divides France and Spain. That object I would try to get arranged. Also in that place might be printed with security our Basque volume, should we fail of doing it in San Sebastian. The French call their side of the of the town Behovie, the Spaniards theirs and both Behovia. Now our Books would carry being printed in Behovia, which all the Basque people would consider their own Behovia. In the same manner there, and through the same happy use of the word, we might perhaps print, if judged desirable, the Spanish New Testament. Our printing and paper manufacturing friends in San Sebastian could probably manage these matters for us, for our advantage and their own.

From Behovia I would think of going to Bayonne to arrange about our Spanish Books which should be sent to that place, either from London or Paris. From that port I could sail to different ports on the northwest coast of Spain, and take on each occasion a supply of Bibles and Testaments, and have them landed as part of my luggage.

Further, on this tour, I should like to go Eastward from Bayonne, zig-zagging the Pyrenean Ridge, so as to avail myself of the opportunities that should offer for entering our Books from France into Spain, for which we would need to have supplies in Toulouse and some other French towns. On this course I would make a special point of paying a visit to a small independent republic which has long existed in the Pyrenean mountains. Its name is Andorra, and by a geographical work now before me published this same year, its inhabitants are stated to amount to 15,000, of which 2000 are in the capital of the same name. This little nation is under the protection, I had nearly said of the crown of France, but say in things civil, and ecclesiastically it is part of a diocese of Spain. Now there I should think we might print, and sell, and do what we liked. At all events the place should be visited to see what could be done there in all our work. Lastly, I would go into Catalonia which lies still further Eastward, and extends to the end of the Ridge, and then would visit Barcelona. I would have the Catalonian New Testament particularly under my attention in that quarter.

All this, and less, would make an ample summer tour. What I have given is a mere sketch and outline, and to be filled up more or less as things should appear when in the several places, and as time might permit. I may add, that all this plan is in full accordance with Mr. Usoz's views. We now therefore wait to learn what are yours, as to the whole, and the parts severally.

In regard to the Letter of Credit about which I wrote to Mr. Hitchin, I would observe, that hitherto I have not stood in need of such a document, as in all those parts where I travel there were remittances to be made to England, and I always found parties both ready to trust me, and glad of my Bills. I took out indeed a Letter of Credit to the West Indies for £200, but I never made any use of it, and tore it up at the end of my Seven Years Tour in that quarter. Here there are not remittances of the same sort, and business has to be done with Banks. My first Bill here was drawn in the Union Bank where the chief officer was my particular friend, and hence I found no difficulty. But that bank has broken up, or rather down, and I am obliged to go elsewhere. Mr. O'Shea's Bank is the only other place I can go to, and though I drew my last Bill there in my usual way, it was intimated to me, that through a Letter of Credit was the regular way of doing business. Hence my application for the same. You are aware that the having a Letter of Credit does not imply the immediate drawing f the sum mentioned in it, nor even the drawing of any part of it, for in the West Indies, as I have said, I did not drawn on it at all. Sums are drawn on it from time to time, and as they are drawn, they are advised in England to the house where the letter was procured, and then, and not till then, they will be charged to your account. There is an advantage in having such a letter, as it enables one to draw any small sums, say £10 or £20 at a time, instead of what has been usual with me in Bills of £50. When I wrote I had in view a little journey to see a friendly Priest, and as I am about out on my travelling score, I said I might have occasion to draw soon on it, and from thus noticing the subject I extended to more general and distant travelling. I have now however given up that little journey, owing to the peculiar state of things here at present. A month hence will be quite in time for me to receive this Letter of Credit; and I may observe that my needed of it is not dependent on my travelling, for I shall have to draw whether I travel or not. I have made inquiry since I wrote Mr. Hitchin, and find that any of the City Banks will do as well as Coutt's, though that is the one O'Shea's Bank here is more immediately connected with.

Mr. Jackson's letter of the 4th instant has come in whilst I was writing.

            I remain, My Dear Friend,

                        Yours Very Truly,

                                    James Thomson.

Madrid, 23th May 1848

Rev A Brandram No.18

Madrid 23rd May 1848

My Dear Friend,

I have been looking with more than common interest for a letter from you these some days past, and chiefly say to learn the mind of the Spanish Consul in our case. Yesterday or to day I made sure of a letter, but none has come. I delay therefore no longer in writing, as the time of my setting out on my journey is near, and some Books will need to be sent on to meet me.

I have now resolved to take the Eastern part of my journey first. But in going to Barcelona I shall go by way of Valencia. From Barcelona I intend making my way through Gerona and Perpignan to Toulouse, but I could wish to have a supply of Books ready on my arrival. Toulouse is the nearest town in France of a note bordering on Andorra, and for several reasons I conceive I could come with advantage on Andorra from Toulouse. From Andorra I descend into Spain, and go through the Basque Province to Yrun and Bayonne. Another, and say an equal supply of Books I could wish to meet with there. I have thought of the following kinds and quantities for each of these places. 50 Bibles in 8vo., 50 ditto in 12mo., 50 N.T. in 8vo., 100 in 12mo., 100 in 32mo., 100 of 4 Books and 100 Luke & Acts, making in each lot 450 copies, in all 900. You can diminish the quantities if you think better to do so. If you send these Books from England, Bordeaux will I suppose be the best port to ship them for. You can direct the cases for Bayonne to Mr. Pedezert the Protestant Minister there, and in Toulouse you have valuable friends to entrust them to, and for whom I should be glad of a note of introduction. It may be better perhaps to send the Books from Paris should there be all the kinds there. Of this you will judge. But as you say you have a large stock on hand at home, it may be better first to lessen that than send from Paris. Could you, without much trouble, let me have a note of all your Spanish stock?

I have got a printer here to print a new edition of the Basque St. Luke, which, as I mentioned in a former letter, had been carefully revised by the translator. The same individual has nearly finished a translation of the Acts. I hope you will not disapprove of these two little doings. I was anxious to have a supply of the Basque in going through these provinces, and glad too to obtain the services of the translator for the additional version. It will not be printed till you give your view on the subject, and what happens as to the circulation of the reprint may guide us.

I see the limitation of the Resolution in regard to printing, and it is a very proper one, but not applying to the Basque. In Andorra I may probably be strongly tempted to print, for all things manufactured there are free to enter Spain, and are even exempted from duty. Should Spain not open for our Books from England, and printing be still impracticable in it, we should probably avail ourselves of the advantage offered, which is a great one.

Mr. Bulwer you see is gone from this, and we shall have a new Envoy. I pray and beseech you to avail yourselves of his coming to get say ten cases sent by him.

I have been arranging to leave this on the first of June, or very soon after, unless our disturbances hinder, but times are delicate for Englishmen travelling here, or making any movements in our line, as trifling things may be made use of just now against the English. The Letter of Credit is not yet come. My address will remain as before, as arrangements will be made for forwarding letters. Afterwards I shall write on this subject.

Pray how were the 300 Testaments sent? And what others have these some years past made their way to this country as far as you know, for some half.

I have still my hopes of Spain, as you will see noted in Evangelical Christendom for April. Surely the present year will not go out as the last did, such at least are our hopes.[1]

I duly received the Record, and this morning the Reporter. The Atlas newspaper says your meeting "was, as regards numbers, rank and talent, the greatest religious union of the season." Is this perfectly correct as to the members? I shall be glad to learn this in the affirmative.

I now give you a quotation, and an advice, contained in a letter I had the other day from Mr. Mark our Consul in Malaga, though I fear you will not have the good sense to adopt the recommendation given. "A very useful object would be obtained by getting the Bible Society to procure a Bull from the Pope allowing the use of the Bible, or even enjoining the reading of it, as that would do away with the great barrier, and his liberal ministers might safely propose it to his Holiness."

I have meditated much, since the end of February, on the 93rd Psalm. Truly the floods have lifted up their voice, and continue, all around, to lift up their waves. All are setting to work to mend their Statutes, if not their ways. But the Code that occupies all our attention needs no alteration, and admits of no reform. "Thy testimonies are very sure." "The law of the Lord is perfect." What a consolation this is! And how ought we to be animated by it! Let us spread the perfect Code to reform the world, and nothing else will reform it. Also let us ourselves remember, that holiness becometh God's house, and work and servants forever.

            I remain, My Dear Friend,

                        Most Truly Yours,

                                    James Thomson.

[1] "Spain is my present field, a country which the sun luxuriously shines upon, and blesses with his best gifts. But thick clouds intercept the rays of the Gospel, and it is a beclouded and dark country as to evangelical and moral fruits. We must not, however, despair of Spain. I do not. The dawn and the day may be nearer at hand than we are aware of , and so I trust in truth is the case. I indulge myself in this thought and hope, and endeavour to animate myself  thereby to the pouring forth of more earnest prayers, and to the use of wiser and more effectual means for its welfare." (“Spain. Death of Mrs. Thomson: And Difficulties of Protestant Sepulture”, Evangelical Christendom,  II:119.) BM

Madrid, 13th March 1849

Rev A Brandram  No.25

Madrid 13th March 1849

My Dear Friend,

An unusual space of time has elapsed between my last letter and this, and not intentionally, but from circumstances. These circumstances had been two in number; and first, because I had not much to write about, and secondly, because I delayed, waiting one occurrence after another, in order to combine the more at once, and our delays and hinderances have been quite in Spanish style. I am glad of your rallying letter of the 26th ultimo, in which you kindly say, that it appears an age since I wrote you. I am glad also that I have just anticipated this by a letter on the way, in which I say to Mr Hitchin, and desire him to inform you of the same, that I would write you this day. I am further glad to have erred for once on the right side, having erred so often on the left, in writing too much.

Now then for what I have to say about this wilderness. But please first to remember that it is a wilderness, and one of the characteristics of such a place is, that there is no way nor road in it. Your wilderness traveller therefore, as might be expected, is often at a loss which way to move or turn so as to get onwards. He thinks he sees opening enough to get along in one direction, and on attempting it, finds he cannot get through; and after losing much time has to turn back, and try to press on in another direction. This attempt perhaps turns out no better than the other, and so on and etcetera. This is really a true description rather than a figure of my operations here. Nevertheless, I sow, as I can, a few seeds in these various scramblings, and somebody may perhaps gather the fruit when the wilderness is more passable than it is at present.

The few books I dared to keep and hide away at Urgel, were to be sent after me to Lerida, but they did not arrive before my leaving that place. On reaching Madrid I corresponded about them, and after many delays, I received them in a case addressed to a friendly Bookseller in the city. Just then, a sort of colporteur came before me, in the shape of a poor Italian, wanting work and means. The books were all sold, and you will see an item of debit upon the subject, and one of credit, in my last Account to Mr. Hitchin.

After the loss of letters through the Carlists, and other long delays, I got a few Bibles from Barcelona. These also have been sold. I have had likewise a letter from the same place, from one of the French Protestants whom I engaged to circulate some books for us, saying he had been able to do a little in the way. I tried to get the Paris case at Bayonne brought here through General Saunders, but he was rather loth to enter on the business, owing to some unpleasant hinderances he had met with in bringing some books of his own, and also from new and stricter regulations as to Ambassadors' privileges.

In the mean time, I got leave to bring a case from Bayonne to the address of the French Ambassador, M. Lesseps, with whom I have got acquainted. This case consisted of the miscellaneous books sent from London, and a few Bibles.

The receiving of this through M. Lesseps, led the way to a fresh application to General Saunders, and the case was ordered, and has arrived here. But, as I mentioned in a former letter, Satan meets us at every turn, and the books are still in the Custom House, the authorities demurring and delaying in delivering them, because they are Bibles and Testaments. I doubt not however but we shall finally obtain them. There are in the case 50 Bibles, and 100 Testaments. I have an offer for all the 50 Bibles at once from a Bookseller.

In the case through M. Lesseps, came your present, the beautifully bound Bible and Testament, for the man of 29 letters. They were very gratefully received, and he has encouraged me to expect, that he will be able to aid me in getting books from Bayonne to San Sebastian, in the neighbourhood of which latter place he resides in the summer season, and where I am invited to spend some days when I am in that quarter.

My next attempt at getting along in our wilderness was an effort to obtain our six packed-up cases in London. I laid the affair before Mr. Ysturiz, who has always shown me kindness, and I had tolerable hopes that I should succeed through him in getting these long looked for cases into this country and city. But Satan found out what we were doing, and discomfited us, through exciting a sort of coldness or jealousy between this friend and Narvaez, connected with our present political circumstances.

Turned back here, I looked out for another opening among our brakes and thickets, and thought I saw one. I applied to the Rector of the University to procure an order for the coming of the sets of versions you have voted for that establishment, with leave to bring two cases of books for myself at the same time. That order is applied for, and is daily expected. I may mention, that our friend La Serna has been prevented from applying himself for such an order through the Government, on account of his being on the wrong side in politics at the present juncture. But it was he who introduced me to the Rector.

In this manner, I trust, we shall obtain to the six cases. And as to the other four, I count upon your efforts through the new Ambassador when he comes, which I would hope will be soon.

On a former occasion I mentioned to you are Hebrew Professor here as a Bible and Biblical Priest, and stated that I had read his translation of the Psalms, and thought highly of it. He has just finished a valuable Hebrew and Spanish Grammar in two volumes, which is nearly through the press. On this work being off his hands he began in good earnest to translate Genesis, intending to go through the Pentateuch, and the whole of the Old Testament, should life, health, and other circumstances favour the same. Would it be within your line of duty to encourage him? I should think it might, and in the following way. By stating, that, should his version be approved of by you, through competent judges, you would give him so much for the right of printing the text of it to any extent you might choose. I think you would be doing right in making such an offer, and perhaps some such encouragement is necessary to make him persevere. Under such an arrangement we should have considerable influence in modulating any passages which might not be altogether as we could wish that. It seems very desirable in every way to encourage such labours in this country. Mr.Usoz and he might combine, the one to produce a new and improved version of the Old Testament, and the other of the New.

A considerable time would elapse before such a version could appear. In the meantime Mr. Usoz and myself have had much conversation about the propriety and advantages of printing the Version of  Valera, revised so far merely as the modernizing of some of his words. Mr.Usoz strongly recommends this, and makes encouraging offers to aid in the costs of the work. He will himself make the revision required, and he will bear a good portion of the expense of printing. I have therefore to question, on his part, to state to me early what would be the cost of Plates for a Spanish Bible in Minion 24mo like your English Bible of that type and size. Also, what would be the expense of Paper, and likewise of Printing, each 1000 copies of the same. When he has ascertained these items, he will state how much he will offer in aid of the undertaking. Please to state likewise the cost of plain binding lettered of this Bible, in one volume, in two, three, and five respectively.

I have given more attention to the subject of late than formerly, and I agree with Mr Usoz in his wishes for the printing of this Protestant version, with the slight verbal alteration it requires. At present no version printed by you is, generally speaking, allowed to circulate here, and Usoz says, that probably Valera's version would even now get as good a circulation as Scio's. But further: we do expect that God will bruise Satan under our feet shortly in this country in his efforts to impede the spread of the Holy Scriptures. In some way or other the country will surely open before long for God's blessed Word; and when that desired time is come, it is our duty to be all ready to profit by it. In this way also you would meet the opposition about Romanist versions. There can be no harm, at all events, in your sending us the estimates I have indicated, and on learning the extent of our friends pecuniary aid you can further judge in the matter.

I now state to you what has been passing in my thoughts for some time as to my movements. I was purposing to lay before you, which I now do, the plan of leaving the city on the first of May, and going to San Sebastian and Bayonne, to do thereabouts what could be done in getting the Scriptures brought into Spain, and circulated in it. I then projected going at once through France to England should you wish it, but preferred going through the provinces of Asturias and Galicia, and on to Vigo, where I could get the Packet for England or elsewhere. Your proposition, now fully before me by your letter of the 5th yesterday received, of my going to Lisbon will correspond well with this visit to Vigo. But I could go also direct to Lisbon from this through Badajoz. You will please to consider these two routes, and say which I should take. It is desirable, I think, that I should go to Bayonne, and see about things there. I might afterwards go through the two provinces mentioned, or not, as might be judged best. I could get by a Havre steamer from San Sebastian to Lisbon.

Have you full liberty to print the Bible in Portugal, and also to circulate it? I should like to know exactly how things are on these two points. You mentioned the sending me some sheets of errata. It would save a good deal of postage, if these were sent to Bayonne, instead of Madrid, as the lightest letter to this costs 2/2d. If therefore you to judge that I should go to that place, you could send your packet there, either to the "Poste Restante", or to the care of Mr. Pedezert.

I will now give you copies of two letters I have received from the muleteer who conducted me from Urgel to Lerida. They form good specimens of no inconsiderable portion of the peasantry of this country, and show us a sort of good ground for the sowing of our seed when we can get it amply from your barns. These letters also show some little results of my movements in the lines indicated by Mr. Hull. I would hope similar results have taken place, in other persons and places. And more and better no doubt might have been produced, by more and better workings on my part. I feel both ashamed and encouraged by these letters, and pray that God may fit me for every good word and work, with all persons, and in all places. The muleteer in question cultivates a small portion of ground of his own, and acts the muleteer at his more leisurely periods to eke out means. The good many so live in this country in all the provinces, though in some more than others. This portion may be considered as the superior stratum of the Spanish peasantry. – I might just add here, that I gave away a good many tracts on this last journey, and in all cases they were well received, and some of them were carefully read in my presence. In all these the Scriptures are taught and recommended. – Here follow the two letters referred to: –

"Agramunt 31st October 1848. – Dear Sir, I have received your esteemed letter, and have had much pleasure in learning that you are in good health. We are glad that you have us in remembrance, and my wife and I have frequently talked about you. I have got one book from Barcelona, and two from Lerida. We have spoken with some friends here about your country. They have said such things of it as I will not mention to you; but from what I learned in conversations with you, I showed them their mistakes, and overcame them. Several persons wished to obtain the books, but only one has said he would buy one, and as he is a friend of mine I gave him a book. Many have a desire to read them, and so much so, that one of mine is seldom in the house, but is lent out, and goes from one friend's house to another, and all say it is very good. It is customary here, that when anyone has a good book, it moves from house to house, so that many books are thus lost. You may rest assured that I will do all I can to serve them. If I can in any way be of use to you, you have only to write, and I shall immediately attend your requests, and if you should pass from Madrid to Barcelona, it will be a great satisfaction to me to see you. Since I got these books I read them every evening when I am at home, and never tire reading them till I get sleepy, and have to go to bed. I have not written to you sooner, as we are now working our lands, and sowing our seed, and as we have had no rain, the labour has been very hard. Please to excuse all the errors in this letter, as you well know my business is not that of a scribe. Kind remembrances from my wife and others in our house. Believe that I am your friend, and desirous of serving you. – Jayme Bonet."

"Agramunt 20th January 1849. – My dear Sir, with very great pleasure I received your kind and acceptable letter dated the 21st December. It has given me much satisfaction, as informing me of your welfare, and because of the valuable counsels you give me in it, which I doubt not are most true, and proceeding from the bottom of your heart. I feel grateful for the providential occasion of meeting with you, and of profiting by the estimable qualities you possess. In truth I cannot find words sufficient lay to express my thankfulness. – Every day I receive more pleasure in reading the books you had the goodness to favour me with, and my friends here feel the same satisfaction. We have had by them some of our ideas much cleared up which were before confused, and this is another favour I owe to your friendship.

In consequence of what you wrote me, wishing that I should purchase and sell some of your books, I sent to Barcelona, and got some of each kind at the prices you mention, and I shall see if they will find purchasers. In case they do, I shall send for more books, and of all I can sell you shall be informed. I give the books of the prices I have paid for them.

We have had rains in this quarter, but not in sufficient quantity to satisfy the fields. God will supply what is lacking.

You can come here whenever you will, and lodge with us in this house, which is open to receive you. You may be sure of being received if not with the attention which you deserve, at least with kindness and true cordiality. My wife and family are quite well, and join with me in wishing you all prosperity. Jayme Bonet."

Prosperity to you, my dear friend, to all your colleagues, and to your Society, is wished and prayed for by –

                        James Thomson.

London, 8th September 1849

Rev A Brandram

16 Harpur Street, 8th Sep. 1849

My Dear Friend,

            I am about to start for Bath, then Birmingham, and then Scotland, and I do not expect to return till Nov. If I can be of any service to you in my route, of course I shall be glad to be so.

            I called yesterday but you were out. I find there is a little misunderstanding regarding the four books I gave you some weeks ago from Dr. Moseley. A copy of the Greek Chorus and one of the works on China translation are for the Library, and one of each for the Bishop of Hong Kong. Be so good as arrange accordingly. I saw one yesterday marked for Lord Bexley, but none was intended for him.

            Dr. Moseley received a note of acknowledgment for the Greek book but not for the other, probably because you had it and had noticed it formerly.

            Wishing you all health and strength for all your work, believe me,

                        Yours  Very Truly,

                                    James Thomson.