Madrid, 11th March 1848

W. Hitchin Esq.

Madrid 11th March 1848

My Dear Sir,

            I avail myself of the Tract Society to forward you this note, advising a Bill drawn this day on my Private Account, for Fifty Pounds in favour of Henry O'Shea & Co. of this place, at 30 days sight.

            I find it will be advantageous, if not necessary, to have a Letter of Credit on this house, from Coutt's Bank. Please to procure me this, and send it, say for £200. I shall probably soon have to draw on my Travelling Account, and in moving over the country, it is desirable to have supplies or orders from this central place.

            I hope soon to write Mr. Brandram.

            Believe me, Truly Yours,

                                    James Thomson.

Madrid, 24th March 1848

William Hitchin Esq.

Madrid 24th March 1848

My Dear Sir,

            For the last fortnight at least I have been in daily expectation of writing to Mr Brandram, but the necessary materials for the same have not been forthcoming, yet still are every day looked for, and no delay will take place when I have them. Please mention this to Mr Brandram.

            In the meantime I send you my list of subscriptions, which I had intended to enclose in his letter. I wish them paid in March, and you will have now barely time to do this for me.

            I am not exactly sure how far my Account is drawn, but if it will not bear the £21 here noticed, please pay the Bible Society £1:1:0 in March, and the rest as early as you can draw my April dividends.

            I shall be glad to have a note of my Account as early in April as your much business then will allow.

            Please to forward the enclosed Letters. The Cape one is a Ship letter, with which 8d. must be paid at the post office. The other to be paid as formerly.

            I remain, My Dear Sir,

                        Yours Truly,

                                    James Thomson.

Madrid, 27th March 1848

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)

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, 24th April 1848

Rev A Brandram No.17

Madrid 24th April 1848

My Dear Friend,

In my letter of  the 27th March, I mentioned to you my application to Mr. Bulwer about our six cases, with the hopes at first excited, and the disappointment in which this, as previous efforts, had ended. I added, that I had another resource or two that I would try for the gaining of our object. One of these I immediately tried, but it failed. In succession I tried the other, and perhaps it will result favourably, but they must see such result before we can rejoice in it. The attempt I made first was, the requesting a letter from Mr. Bulwer to the Foreign Office here, that I might try to get an order from thence for the Spanish Consul in London, that he might give the proper certificate. Mr. Bulwer readily gave me this letter, and from my first reception, I had good hopes; but the Foreign Minister would needs first consult with his brother of the Exchequer, and as our matter had been there before, and was rejected, it was so again.

My next application was to the American Minister here, and with whom previously I had spoken on the subject generally, but there were reasons for my not specifically making a request to him then concerning it. But failing on all hands, I ventured formally to ask him for the favour in question. He has granted it, but the doubt in the matter as to success is this, that on a former occasion of said Minister getting books from London, the Spanish Consul refused this certificate until he should get an order from the government here, because some of the books as in our case, where prohibited articles, being bound or in Spanish. This order was applied for here and of course obtained. Now General Saunders, for that is the American Minister's name, said he could not well apply for a second order so soon after the previous one. But in this refusal of the Consul, he was demurring where he ought not, though he had right, I believe, on his side in our case. There is a specific statute, as he ought to know, of the government here, allowing Ambassadors to bring among other things important prohibited articles. I have applied for a copy of this and if it come before I seal my letter I shall enclose it. But in the meantime I forward you the printed instructions regarding the liberties granted to Foreign Ministers grounded on the statute mentioned. At the place of the top of the second page where I have made a pencil mark, you will see that such liberty in importing prohibited articles is clearly allowed, and the provision made for it, namely, that of charging duties on them, whereas other articles to them are duty free. This should be shown to the Consul if he hesitates, as well as the statute I have referred to if enclosed. – John Miller, 26 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden is General Saunders's agent for books and other things he gets from London. I do not know whether it would be better for you to act through him or not, but give you his name and address in case of need. Again, perhaps you had better employ another Broker than the one spoken to before, and that the shipment be made to Bilbao instead of Santander. The address should be "Al Sr. General Saunders, Ministro Plenipotentiario de los Estados Unidos, Madrid", and the letter should be sent to the American Consul at Bilbao, whose address is "Sr. D. Mariano de Aguirre". The last notice I have to make is, that it will suit better to send four cases instead of six. When these are done Providence will open another door for more. I would say, drop all the 8vo Testaments as they are bulky. Let there be an equal number of large and small Bibles, and equal numbers of the 12mo and 32mo new Testaments. If you have still the Four Books, send us a proper supply of them. Of course you will send all Usoz's books ordered.

I here notice (to conclude the year just before your annual meeting) some things which might or should have been noticed earlier. – I duly received Mr. Jackson's letter of the 17th January, with Invoice of the four cases I had expected when it Gibraltar. By letter from Mr. Dove of the 11th March, I learned, that these had arrived a few days before he wrote. I also received Mr. Jackson's letter of the 12th February, with Invoice of the Books voted for Tangier and Tetuan on the 24th December. The Hebrew Bibles in that Invoice are marked in 12mo I suppose my mistake, for it is Duncan's Bible in 8vo that is mentioned in the Resolution.

Soon after receiving the Invoice of the Books for Barbary, I wrote a letter to my Jew friends there, and enclosed it to Mr. Dove, with directions as to forwarding the Books when they came, and also the letter. On the 11th March they had not arrived, nor could they have arrived so late as the 18th instant, as Mr. Dove promised to write me as soon as they came, and his letter of that date would have been here this morning.

Have you heard from Mr. Tiddy in reply to your inquiries about the 12mo Hebrew Pentateuch? In your letter of the 4th January you inquire if I know to what extent the Jews in Barbary understand the Hebrew. To a considerable extent, I should think, judging from the readiness I observed in reading and translating passages from the Hebrew Bible, and Coriat is translating direct from it. – As to the services of the Jews, about which you dealt, after my leaving them, I would say, that, added to some degree of friendship, I took the measure most likely to secure interest in Jews, if common report speaks correctly, namely, the money one. They are to have a commission on what they sell.

With regard to the Arabic dialects spoken in Marocco, I think the judgment pronounced on it by your young friend has some correctness in it, as it corresponds a good deal with the view given me by Mr. Drummond Hay, the British chargé d'affaires in Tangier to whom I wrote on the subject. But this view hardly accords with what he said to me in conversation, namely, that the language and the dialect were as different as Latin and Italian, or as Ancient and Modern Greek. We must therefore leave the subject till further light can be obtained. Your work in Barbary at present must be with the Jews, and when the result of the attempt made for them is seen, you will be able to judge whether further measures should be adopted, and in connexion with working for them, some lights may arise as to what can be done for the Moors.

Bearing on this subject, I would observe, that in Cadiz I met with a Frenchman, a kind of half Jew, that is, a Jew in reality, but not caring to show it, and rather wishing to conceal such a connexion. He was then lately come from Marocco, and had traveled extensively over it. I told him of my arrangements in sending the Hebrew Scriptures to the Jews there. He said, it was likely they would have an extensive circulation over the country; and he particularly recommended the sending of a supply to Mogador, as the Books were all destroyed there, he said, during the French bombardments and robberies in consequence within the place. I should think you might venture to send there, with safety and good hopes, 100 copies of the Bible, and bound in four volumes like those sent to Gibraltar. Mr. Willshire, the British Consul in Mogador, of whom everybody speaks well, would be the person to whose care you might entrust them. If you should agree to send this supply, as I hope you will, be so good as to send it as early as you may find an opportunity, and these two experiments will guide for the future better than one of them, as the places are situated in opposite quarters of the country.

To conclude this letter, and year, allow me to say that this is a noted day with me. On this day, 30 years ago, I left home for abroad. I left alone, and I am again alone.

            Believe me, My Dear Friend, Very Truly Yours,

                                                                        James Thomson.

P.S. I have seen the Royal Orders on the subject above noticed. There are six of them, and it is not easy to give just what is wanted. But no doubt the Spanish Consul has them in his house. They are noted in the first page of the paper enclosed opposite the mark.

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, 29th May 1848

Rev A Brandram No.19

Madrid 29th May 1848

My Dear Friend,

Your letter of the 18th came to hand the day after I sent off mine of the 23rd and forms in some things an answer to it. I was glad to read it your good hopes on seeing Mr. Miller, but when I read further on, that he would write to General Saunders on the subject, I saw all our hopes vanish. And so it has turned out. Mr. Miller wrote to General Saunders, and his letter is before me. He says the Spanish Consul refuses to let the Books come till General Saunders gets and sends him an order from the government here. In my letter of the 24th ultimo I stated that General Saunders could not at present with propriety apply for such an order. And now things are worse in regard to such an application than before, for General Saunders is nearly out and at loggerheads with the Foreign Secretary, in consequence of neglect he has just met with in regard to leave of access to Louisiana documents, in the Archives here for which the American government has applied to aid in the history of the country.

The best thing therefore that can now be done is to send the six cases at once to Bayonne instead of the supply for that place mentioned in my last. A seventh case may be added, containing the books which Mr Knolleke has lately purchased, and say 20 or 30 Latin & Spanish Bibles interleaved, bound in one volume.

To Toulouse, besides what I mentioned, please to send the same number of Latin & Spanish Bibles, and say 200 Catalonian Testaments. Be so good as to send there also the best map of Spain you can find, in canvas and case, and Murray's Hand Book of France and the Pyrenees.

You will see what I have said about seizing the opportunity of a new Ambassador coming here to get sent with him a good supply for us in Madrid. You can show him the document you have on the privileges he enjoys of bringing articles duty free, and even those prohibited in the tariff. I hope no squeamishness about seeking aid from Authorities will hinder you from availing yourselves of such a personage, as this seems now to be our – derniere resource.

I observe what you say about the Hebrew Bibles being in 12mo and not 8vo. I hope the letter or type is not smaller than in the specimen sent from Gibraltar, and the object in sending it was to show the size of the page, and the size of the type. The 12mo size was wished for, but not with a less type than in the specimen. Please send in the seventh case to Bayonne 10 of these Bibles bound in one volume each. These may sell in the Universities here, in all of which there is a Hebrew chair.

In regard to Mogador, would you allow me to re-request you to send, either the supply mentioned, or a smaller one, if you so prefer. It is a pity to lose this seeming opening there beyond what appears in Tangier and Tetuan, first, because of the robberies and scarcity mentioned, and secondly, because of it being a place of greater trade with the interior. The Books are much more likely to sell there, (and they should be sold) than in the North.

The Acts in Basque is finished, and the printing of Luke in that tongue nearly so. The translator informs me that reading is pretty general in the Basque provinces.

There is some glimmering of hope before us as to the future entrance of  Books, as efforts are being made to procure a change in the law to permit the entrance of Books printed abroad in Spanish, that have no copy right, and this is the case with Scio's Bible. In that case we would have to bind here. It was tried to include bound books in this projected permission, but an entire negative was put upon that proposition.

            I am, My Dear Friend

                        Truly Yours,

                                    James Thomson.

P.S. My new position has necessarily led me to make a new Will, which I enclose, and beg that Mr. Hitchin may preserve it carefully put up, and as it is, sealed.

Madrid, 5th June 1848

Rev A Brandram  No.20

Madrid 5th June 1848

My Dear Friend,

My intention, as previously indicated, was to set out on my journey on the 1st instant, or a day or two after. As a prerequisite to setting out, your Letter of Credit, accorded me on the 1st May, was counted on. Day after day I looked for it, and in the meantime I got all my things packed up and ready. In my last I intimated that said letter had not arrived, nor has it yet come, nor in your reply to mine of the 23rd ultimo do you, in yours of the 29th this morning received, take any notice of the subject. I am a little at a loss to account for this, especially considering how punctual and regular yourself and Mr. Hitchin are in such and all matters.

But, all is well. I can do without it, and in fact would not have used it for drawing at the present moment, as I found that it would have been an accommodation to Mr. Usoz to put money in London, and I prefer taking from him to getting from the Bank, because he gives me specie, and in the Bank I would get paper, at a loss of 10%. I save also the commission. I apprise Mr. Hitchin on the subject. Still I wished your Letter of Credit here before I should go in order to make new arrangements with it for future operations. I had everything ready to start this morning at five, but no letter having come, I put off going in expectation of one today. One has come, but still the Letter of Credit is lacking. However, I shall not wait longer, but start with the first stage, which goes the day after tomorrow. You further letters will be directed to this place, as noticed in my last, and they will follow me.

And now a word respecting your brief letter this morning received. I thank you for the hope you afford me that my little Basque printing will not be unacceptable. As to the Acts we must learn the character of the translation before we print. We have at least one true Christian in these provinces to whom we can submit it, and I carry it with me for that end. In Andorra, of course before printing you will be apprised of circumstances, so as to say yea, or nay.

As to my little advice of sending books by our new envoy, you do not need to go to Lord Palmerston who has no concern with it, but simply to the Embassador himself.

Many thanks for your letter to Toulouse, and for its kindly wording.

On the 3rd instant I had a letter from Tangier from our Jew friend residing there. He informs me that the Books have arrived but he is a little disappointed as to the size, by which I fear that the type is small. On this I touched in my last. I gave him the cost prices, as the highest he should take. This he calls a terrible precio. I authorized him however to sell them at whatever price he could well get, so as to secure an extensive sale with the least loss possible. The binding also it seems is not exactly what he looked for. Please inform me what kind it is. In my letter of the 23rd November, I find I have said on this as follows, – "These volumes may be bound in roan, without gilding the edges, or in the neat way in which most books are now issued in stamped or ornamented cloth, with the edges cut."

He wishes for 25 of Bagster's Bible such as those I took with me, and he inquires whether there are any Hebrew and English Bibles, and if so, to send five copies for trial. Please therefore to send these 25, which were in blue calf with marbled edges. The Hebrew & English interleaved in one volume you can of course get at Bagster's.

In my letter to him written from this in February, I inquired anew as to the knowledge of the Hebrew language among the Jews in that quarter, and his reply is as follows, – "In respect to your inquiries whether my countrymen here, and in the interior of this country, understand the Hebrew tongue. I would say, that generally speaking, they all understand it and the children also know it well." This fully corresponds with what I formerly wrote you on the subject, and affords a good prospect for the circulation of the Hebrew Scriptures.

I think it would be well to send with the rest, say ten of Duncan's Bible, bound in four volumes to see whether they are liked better. And the binding please to make different from those sent, adopting the other of the two modes I mentioned.

In preparing for this journey, as on the former occasion, I avail myself of acquaintances made here in obtaining letters for the different places to which I go. Besides others who have favoured me in this way, the Conductor of the work now publishing in 10 volumes 4o. entitled "Geographical and Statistical Dictionary of Spain", has been particularly friendly to me, and he was able to be so from his extensive acquaintances in correspondence over all the country. This gentleman drew up an introductory letter for me of some length, and couched in kindly, not say also, complementary terms, and put the same into the hands of his clerks to make several copies of it, and which he afterwards signed and addressed himself to the several parties in the long line of my intended route. He has given me no less than 29 of these letters. This I call a very friendly action, and for which I feel gratefully towards the individual donor, and give thanks to God for disposing him thus effectively to serve me. May the Lord give him and his Bible blessing. To this gentleman I was introduced by my kind friend the Political Chief or Governor of Cadiz, whom I mentioned to you formerly. From him also I have received letters of introduction on the present occasion. In writing to him for these, I took occasion to say, that I hoped he and his family kept the little book in mind, and in use, which I gave him, as it contained the best instructions for what happiness this world could afford, and was the guide to everlasting life. In his reply accompanying the letters forwarded, he says on this point as follows. – "On account of the sacred subject of the little book of our Lord Jesus Christ, to which you refer, and its divine unction, and from its being put into my hands by you, it is one of the books which in preference I keep always at hand, in order to profit by its divine consolations when my occupations afford me leisure, for I am fully convinced, that in it alone we are taught the way of obtaining the incomplete happiness which this world can give, and the future eternal life of glory. My wife and children read in it continually, and benefit by the healthful doctrines contained in this fountain of all good."

To produce some effects similar to those here exhibited, is one of the main inducements held out, as you will recollect, by Mr. Hull in his letter which led to the present mission. I am glad in being able to give you this little specimen. The time may be at hand in all these little gains may be turned to extensive account in a wide distribution of the Scriptures over this country.

The printer of our Basque St. Luke, who has been in England, is a warm friend of the circulation of the Scriptures here, as a sanatory measure in every sense for his country. He will afford his help to us in every way when we are well supplied with stock. Among other little things that I gave him to read was "The Defence of the Bible Societies," which I published in Mexico. On reading it he immediately bethought himself of a person he knew who had erroneous ideas on the subject. He took it to him, and afterwards informed me that it had produced to the full the effect he had desired, and changed the individual into a friend of the Bible Society, and he has promised his help.

The uncle of this printer, to whom the establishment belonged, and who died a few years ago, was a man of a superior mind, and above the usual prejudices of his country, as to self estimation and contempt to foreigners. One of the modes he took to teach his countrymen on the subject was by keeping hung up in his establishment two boards. One contained a plate of engraving exhibiting the grand auto-de-fe which took place here in 1680, when many were committed to the flames. (Under this in very legible characters he had printed, – "View of the Civilization and Illumination of Spain.")* The other Board contained in four sections, one over another, an exhibition of our railroads. In the first section there was a row of first-class carriages. In the second section were seen the 2nd and 3rd class carriages. The third had carriages for Goods, and the fourth for Cattle. (Under the whole was printed in large characters, – "Proofs of the Barbarity and Poverty of the English.")** The nephew has profited by these exhibitions, and we may profit by the nephew.

            Yours, My Dear Friend, Very Truly,

                                    James Thomson.

P.S. You requested me, I remember, once or twice, to mark those parts of my letters which I wished more particularly to be read in Committee, when their length would make it inconvenient to read the whole. To this I would reply, that you have always full liberty to omit as much as you choose, and what you choose. It is always an effort with me, rather than a pleasure, to undertake either a long letter or a long journey, and yet circumstances, which seem to form duties, often impel me to both. But you are a better judge than I can be of what should be read in your Committee meetings.

* Corrected by Dr. Thomson July 1, 1848.

"Over this in very legible characters he has printed View of the Civilization and Religion of Spain."

** "Over the whole, at the top of the Board was printed in large letters, Effects of Steam Movement in England, and at the bottom was printed, with equal legibility - Proofs of the Ignorance and Poverty of the English."

Madrid, 6th June 1848

W. Hitchin Esq.

Madrid, 6th June 1848

My Dear Sir,

            I thank you for your note of my outgoings since the commencement of April, and you notice of Mr. Wiffen calling on you and getting the money well explains what I enquired about on that score.

            I have now to beg you to send to Mr Wiffen the sum of Fifty Pounds, on account of Mr Usoz, and to place the same to my Travelling Account.

            Believe me, Very Truly Yours,

                                    James Thomson.

Barcelona, 1st July 1848

Rev A Brandram No.21

Barcelona 1st July 1848

My Dear Friend,

Your letter of the 20th ultimo came into my hands yesterday, and Mr. Jackson's of the 3rd and 8th are also with me, the former containing the Letter of Credit. I can well understand how Mr. Hitchin might overlook a little affair of mine in the midst of the many money and other heavy duties which lie upon him. My quarter's account goes with this, and though I have but little on hand on Travelling Account, yet having brought some money of my own in case of necessity, I shall do very well till I get to Toulouse, where, in the Bank, I shall of course lack for nothing either of money or credit.

I observed in your Resolution of the 19th your purpose of abstaining from sending books to the South of Marocco till you see how the North works, and I bow to your better judgment.

You observe the attentions of our friend who furnished me with 29 letters of introduction, and inquire if there is any way in which you could express your sense of obligation for his kindness. During the hot summer months he and his family live on the sea coast close by San Sebastian, and he has given me a very kind and earnest invitation to pass a few days with him at his house when I am in that quarter. If you would send the Spanish octavo Bible, rather superiorly bound, like the one I gave to Esportero say, I would present it to him for the reading of his family, as a remembrancer and a token of gratitude. This Bible could be sent with the Books to Bayonne. Please add also a Spanish Testament in 8vo bound in the same manner.

The arrangements noticed in Mr. Jackson's two letters regarding the Books for Toulouse and Bayonne will do very well. I would observe that as far as Bayonne is concerned, if there are vessels direct from England to that Port, the cases you may send for that place should be so sent instead of to Bordeaux. I think I noticed this before in a note to Mr. Knolleke desiring him to mention it to you.

A word now in regard to my journey thus far. I started on the 7th June, as indicated to you in my letter of the 5th. One of my two objects in going to Valencia on my way to this place was, that on the whole it was the easiest and safest way, and as cheap, the land journey being much shorter, and there being a Steamer from Valencia to Barcelona. The other reason I had was, that the more places I can visit the more knowledge of persons and things of the country I obtain, all of which may, and I hope will, be turned to account in times coming. With this same view I made a station of two days at Albacete, somewhat more than halfway from Madrid to Valencia. This is a central point where many roads meet, and the passing and re-passing in all directions is very great. It is reckoned that about 120 wagons, carts, and carriages of all descriptions pass the night there on their routes, and some 800 horses. This would be a fine place for a colport who might visit the various Inns where the parties lodge connected with these vehicles and horses. Also there is an immense eight day fair in September, second only to Seville in all Spain. This fair should also be visited if times are propitious, just as I visited San Juan de los Lagos in Mexico and sold there several hundred copies of our Books.

Valencia is a large city with a densely peopled neighbourhood. It is situated in the best watered, best cultivated, and most fertile plain in all this country, perhaps its equal is not in Europe, or the world. It is like the Valley of Damascus, and is a copy of it in its irrigation arrangements, and made by the same parties, the men of the East, who for centuries held in dominion this quarter and all Spain.[1]

I found in some of the Booksellers in Valencia a Bible or two of our publication. The smaller one they were selling at 2½ dollars, and the larger at 5. None of them however would venture to take a supply at low prices, on account of the want of sales. Many, they said, were sold formerly, but latterly very few and chiefly because of the stir raised against them by the Priests.

The language universally spoken in Valencia by all classes, the highest as well as the lowest, is a dialect called lemosin, which seems to differ as much from the Spanish as the Portuguese dose. I enclose you a specimen of it. Though all speak this dialect, it is very little read, and there are only a few books in it. Most understand Spanish. The Priests never preach in this dialect, except once a year, when two sermons are of necessity delivered in it, according to a statute on the subject. It might become an object some day to have one of the Gospels at least put into this dialect, to be used by a Bible Reader say, when such a person can be employed in this country. He would be more listened to in reading this than Spanish. The whole Bible was translated into this dialect in Spanish Bible days of past times, but all has been lost except one solitary leaf.

To each of two gentlemen who showed me particular attentions, I presented one of the little New Testaments, with special recommendations for their individual and family use. I follow these little distributions with prayer.

In Barcelona I have seen our friend Mr. Prat, the translator of the Catalan version and Mr. Bergnes, the printer of that and the other Scriptures published here. Mr. Bergnes has some copies of the Testament, and I am arranging with him about getting them into use. Both our friends are very willing to serve us. But the present time is one of extreme delicacy for any movements, on this spot especially, for Englishmen. This is owing partly to the diplomatic circumstances of the two countries. Added to this there is always a suspicion of Englishmen in this city, for it would seem they think every Englishman visiting this place comes with no other view, and has no other business here but to destroy their manufacturing establishments. These two things, together with the general and constant ones all over this country, discourage our hopes. Let us pray the more that God would hasten his kingdom here. There is a considerable number of French Protestants in the city, but they do not assemble together in any way to worship.

The Catalan dialect is spoken here, and over the whole Principality as it is called, by all classes high and low, and the most are unable to speak Spanish. Sermons are very generally delivered in it, and not long ago this was universal. I have seen a Latin and Catalan grammar, as the Latin was formerly studied in the colleges through this dialect. It is harsh, and displeases the untutored ear much more than the limosin of Valencia. There is some difference between the languages spoken on the sea coast and in the interior parts of the country. The latter is considered the purer. Your version is in the former, but those who speak it are the more numerous body.

Please to address me at Toulouse, till further notice.

                        Yours Very Truly,

                                    James Thomson.

[1] Thomson also visited the grave of Scío en Valencia: "It gave the writer of this article no little satisfaction to stand beside the tomb of Scio, in Valencia, in 1848, and to contemplate the good done in his life-time by the dead there lying, in having given to his countrymen the Holy Word of God in their own tongue." Spain, Its Position and Evangeliza­tion, also Protestant Religious Liberty Abroad, the Conduct of British Envoys, Interesting Mission in Portugal and its Dangers, with Notices of the Empire of Morocco. London: Partridge and Oakey, 1853: 15.

Toulose, 27th July 1848

Rev A Brandram No.22

Toulouse 27th July 1848

My Dear Friend,

Last night I arrived safely in this place, having been longer in reaching it than I expected. The cause is as follows. In Barcelona I found it was a considerable number of French Protestants, and of Swiss Protestants speaking French, say 80 of the former, and 40 of the latter. I found this out through a letter I brought from London for one of them, from his sister, the same person for whose passage to New Orleans to join her husband several individuals of the Committee kindly contributed. I endeavoured to make myself acquainted personally with these to some extent, which detained me in Barcelona beyond my first intention. These Protestants are without any Pastor, and are of course in rather a low spiritual condition. Nevertheless some of them have life, and are spiritually minded. I tried to influence these people to use the means within their reach to favour the Spaniards of their acquaintance with the Holy Scriptures, and was glad to find some of them well disposed towards us.

The next stop was how to get a supply of Scriptures into their hands to meet this purpose. There are steamboats which ply regularly between Barcelona and Marseille every week. Now though the same prohibitions which have hindered us elsewhere in getting the Scriptures into Spain are also in action there, yet as I have never had any books of my luggage questioned in entering and travelling through Spain, I conceived it might be easy with one passenger and another to get a few copies sent from Marseille from week to week as they might be wanted. This induced me to take Marseille in my route instead of going by Gerona and Perpignan as I had at first intended. In the meantime I found that Mr. Bergnes had on hand some Spanish Bibles and some Catalan Testaments.

Some of these were put forthwith into the hands of the parties I had selected to aid in our work, and a circumstance occurred before I left which encouraged me, and led me to believe that this arrangement would prove serviceable. On calling on one of these friends just before starting, I found a Spaniard in the house, on his feet to go, and with the Bible under his arm. Learning my connexion with the Book he had got, he sat down again, and we talked for half an hour. He is a very intelligent man, and given to reading. He promised to peruse the Bible carefully, and expressed himself very thankful for having obtained it. We talked to him of its gospel contents, and begged him to speak to his countrymen about this Book, which he said he would do. In this way, and in a very gradual manner, copies of the Scriptures may be put into the hands of not a few, and under the most favourable circumstances.

In Marseille I spoke with two Protestant Pastors there, and with some others, in regard to the arrangements above indicated, and gave them the addresses of the parties who were to receive the books. They promised to be on the look out; and as Testaments in Spanish are immediately wanted, I begged that a few of these might be first sent, and some such I was glad to find at hand in Mr. Pressencé Bible depot in that place.

As one good action requires another, and as we are all to help each other as Brethren, I promised to my friends in Barcelona to speak on their behalf, that a Pastor might be sent. This I did in Marseille, and more fully in Nîmes, the centre of French Protestantism, and on the direct road from Marseille to Toulouse. I also there spoke of my plan of sending copies of the Scriptures with passengers for Barcelona, and by way of Cette, as a steam boat has lately been running between these two places. This same arrangement also led me to visit Cette which is not out of the way to Toulouse. There I found a most excellent spiritual man, and entrusted him with our concerns in the way mentioned, and to which, he said, he would gladly attend. From Marseille to Montpellier and Cette, through Nîmes, I found a Railroad opened only a few months ago, and from Cette to Toulouse I came by a canal (du Midi) which is of older construction.

Though late, I could not help calling on the Courtois last night at nine o'clock. I was, as you may suppose, delighted with them. They told me they had a case for me from Paris, and today I am to dine with them when we shall have the means of further conversations.

After sending off my last letter, it occurred to me that I had made a mistake in considering the resolution of the 19th June as applying to my re-application for Mogador, instead of the 25 Bagster's Hebrew Bible, and five Hebrew and English Bibles for Tangier, as requested in my letter of 5th June. You kindly say, "It is a delay not a refusal." I purposed to notice this oversight of mine in my next, namely in this letter, but I am doubly induced to do so by a letter I have found here from Tangier. In writing to our Jew friend on the same day I wrote you (5th June) I indicated to him that these 25 and 5 would be sent him. Will you allow me therefore to say, that I am compromised in this matter, and to beg anew that the Books may be sent at my risk, if not yours, as I shall willingly and cover all losses on them rather than they should not be sent after what I have written concerning them. I must not forget to count better with my host nest time. I should like them sent for haste by the Oriental Steamer which leaves Southampton on the 3rd August if it can be then ready, or by the Gibraltar Steamer which leaves the same place on the 7th.

In the Jew's letter now received he repeats his particular request for these Books, and once and again begs that they may be sent as quickly as possible. His letter is dated the 22nd June, at which time he had not received mine of the 5th June. I hardly wonder at this delay, knowing as I do by bought experience what a nonsuch Post Office we have at Gibraltar. I have been more than once nearly resolved to write to St. Martin's le Grand concerning this inland P.O. The Packet office is quite different. I hope the letter would come to hand very soon afterwards. Our friend was withholding sales, because I had mentioned 2/-as the cost of the volumes, but merely as a mark above which he was not to go, whilst I gave him leave to sell them at any price which would secure an extensive sale with the least loss possible. Not having received my letter, he thought I had not received his previous one, and most of this is a repetition of what he then said by way of a duplicate. But for this hesitation he could, he says, have sold all the Books. My letter of 5th June would clear him of all difficulties.

            Address till next to Toulouse.

                        Yours Truly,

                                    James Thomson.

Zaragoza, 29th August 1848

Rev A Brandram No 23

Zaragoza 29th August 1848

My Dear Friend,

I am safely arrived in this place, after passing, since I wrote you, the dangerous roads of the Pyrenees, travelling through rebellious Catalonia, escaping robbers that were the other day in this neighbourhood, and the dangers besides of a different kind. With all my heart I give thanks to God for these preservations, as I still continue to do for similar preservations in other countries in former times. Would that the fruits of righteousness were in me as abundantly as have been and are God's merciful dealings with me in all my wanderings.

But I must take you back to Toulouse. I stated in my last that I had just seen our good friends the Courtois. Freres they are among themselves as a company and domestically, and Brethren beloved of all who know them. I got much information from them as to their own operations in the South of France, and regarding their opportunities of operating on the boundaries of Spain. I was advised by them to visit Montauban where a society was in project bearing wholly on Spain I went accordingly, and found that such an object was in view, but that the Revolution had so dried up all their sources and resources that it was impossible for them to proceed until better pecuniary times should dawn upon them. Still my going there was opportune. I found that M. Emilien Frossard who has for some time been Director of the Theological Seminary of that place, was about leaving, and was going to Bagneres de Bigorre, Hautes Pyrénées, on the borders of Spain, to open a mission station there, to gather together the few scattered Protestants, to feed them, and bring others into the same fold. I had much conversation with him as to Spain, and he says he is most ready to work on this country, by making excursions into it from time to time to circulate the Scriptures, and do otherwise what is possible and practicable.

I met at Montauban with M. de Félice, the Author of the valuable little volume entitled "La Voix du Colporteur Biblique".  You do not know perhaps to what friend you are indebted for this important aid in your Bible work. Mr. Robert Haldane left a few small legacies to different Institutions in that quarter for the circulation of the Scriptures under certain regulations. The parties finding full supplies of the Scriptures otherwise within their reach, thought the Bible work would be more forwarded by a terse essay on the subject, and hence they put their legacies together, and with the consent of the Executors, offered a prize for such a work. La Voix du Colporteur Biblique obtained the preference, and was accordingly published. Montauban was to me personally a place of considerable interest. My early missionary thoughts are connected with that place. Mr. Haldane had wished me to go out to him there, and for good while, in view of this, my daily readings of the Scriptures, and aloud, I well recollect, were in the French Tongue. He found however difficulties which hindered what he had in view, and the plan was given up. This circumstance, though it did not originate my missionary intentions, greatly strengthened them: and immediately on that door being shut, I directed my attention to those far distant countries, to which God afterwards guided me, and in which his protecting hand was so wonderously upon me through many years in the midst of various perils.

I proceeded to the South. At Foix I met with M. Gaubert the Protestant Pasteur, a worthy young man, who may some day prove serviceable to your cause in Spain, from residing near its borders. As far as Ax I was conducted by the Stage, and there had to betake myself to my former mode of travelling on horse or mule back. The ascent of the Pyrenees on the French side is gradual and easy. On passing the top of the roads are steep and rugged. I came to Andorra. This little Republic, if not from its size, yet from its age and some other circumstances, is venerable. It has governed itself independent of both Spain and France, for more than 1000 years. The Mohammedans reached this high spot in the Pyrenees, and gained possession of it, as they had done of all Spain. It was the last place they gained, and the first they lost, their reign here was only of 12 years duration.

I have more than once thought that God has purposed to crown our efforts in Spain with much success, if not soon, late. I have thought so because Satan is so anxious to thwart us in every project, and at every point. I met with him at Andorra, and had almost said in propia persona. Who should be there at that very moment, but the Bishop. And this was not an annual, biennial or triennial visitation. He had not been there before for nineteen years. I had scarcely intimated that I had copies of the Scriptures, when the Priest of the place came to me very angry with a message from the Bishop threatening me if I should dispose in any way off a single copy, and intimating how easy it would be to get up a mob about me which would make me move quicker than I could wish. I need hardly say that under such circumstances I could do nothing. One copy of the New Testament I gave it to the Schoolmaster who expressed a particular wish to have one. My disappointment you may be sure, was great. I could only move onwards, and with the fear and uncertainty of the Bishop being before me, as I was going to his capital and through his diocese. One copy of the New Testament I gave to a kind stranger friend in St. Julian still in Andorra, and arrived in Urgel. I had not been long there when I learned that accusations were launched against me by the Bishop for having prohibited Books. The gentleman of the Inn came to me half breathless telling me of what he had heard, and urging me if I had such books immediately to take them out, and he would put them away, concealed among his own things. The Books were taken out and so put away, leaving two or three which is a proper part of my own luggage I might safely carry. I had brought only a few of the Books with me, having sent back the rest to Ax, and forwarded to M. Frossard as stock for him to begin with. To have brought on the whole after what took place would have been both useless and dangerous.

After this all was lull till about nine o'clock at night. Then up came the gentleman of the Inn again and said he understood I should without delay be arrested, and advised me if I felt any danger to flee. I said, No, I would not flee. He went out saying the Alguacil would be with me immediately. In fact he was below in the house all the while this gentleman was with me, and he had sent him up to prepare me, and to give me an opportunity of escaping. He came in forthwith, and told me he came with orders to take me to the Police Office, but urged me, if I were afraid, to flee. No, I said, I won't flee, I'll go with you. I arranged myself the best way I could in the view of passing the night, and perhaps some days in the Police Office, or some worse place. Notwithstanding however all this fear I got off easily, as the Police Officer said he only wished that I should present myself, and show my Passport, which having done I got off, and returned home thankful for my preservation thus far. Something bearing on this escape you will find further on.

Next day just as I had gone out, I met the gentleman of the Inn, and one of the head Custom House guard, and learned from them that this officer was come to search my luggage. We went all three into my room together. Before any operations began, the officer went out of the room to light his cigar. Now, said the gentleman of the Inn, if you have any more books you fear, take them out that I may put them away with the rest. The officer will be back immediately, and no doubt he has gone out purposely to give you an opportunity to remove them. The two or three I had left were accordingly taken out and put away. Then in came the officer, and made a most minute and thorough search of everything, and such as I had never met with before. He went off, and the gentleman of the Inn, who had been present all the while, went off with him, and returning to me he said the officer was gone to report, but he did not know what he thought as to what he had seen.

All these things were enough to make me desirous of leaving Urgel with as little delay as possible, and I got away that same afternoon, and proceeded out of town six miles. I could not venture however to take the books with me as I was informed that most likely I should be searched again on going out of town. I directed therefore that they should be forwarded to me to Lerida. The threatened  second search did not take place, and I was well pleased to escape it, and to get safe away.

When I told the gentleman of the Inn, on the first fright what Books I had, namely, Bibles and New Testaments, and I showed him one of the latter: – O, said he, these are not prohibited Books. I have one just the same. He went and got it, and it was a copy of the very same Paris edition. He would have it that these Books were not prohibited, and thought therefore that it was unnecessary to conceal them. I replied that these were what they called prohibited Books. He expressed himself much dissatisfied that such Books should be considered as prohibited. I found him very friendly, as you may see from what I have said of him above, and also found him very favourable to the use of the Scriptures. I therefore gave him one of the small Bibles, on the condition that he would carefully read it, which he said he would do, and with interest, for he had wished much to have one. Before leaving, I inquired if he had any friends who had a sincere desire to peruse the Bible. He said he had, and he counted them, and up to the number of six. My injunction again was, and the condition of the gift, that the Books should be attentively read, and throughout. He was sure that these friends would do so, he said, and with deep interest. Thus seven Bibles were disposed off, and I recommended that if the parties reading them should feel themselves benefited, they might charge their consciences with giving what they thought their price to the poor. Who knows what these seven mustard seeds may produce, and soon, as it would seem, in favourable ground. Much was said by this gentleman against the Priests for prohibiting this sacred book, and it was plainly stated, that they feared it as speaking against their own evil ways.

I should not forget to say that one of my 29 letters was for a Colonel in this place, and who was actually in command of the Garrison during the illness of the Governor. On my being summoned and carried to the Police Office, I sent a hasty verbal message to this gentleman, to say what had taken place, and to beg he would have the goodness without delay, to meet me at the Police Office. I was scarcely there when he came, and told the officer that I had been recommended to him from Madrid by a Member of the Cortes. I experienced benefit from this no doubt, and perhaps great benefit and deliverance. On our leaving the Office he went to the house of the Prefect to speak in my favour. To this kindly and influential aid I was indebted probably, under Providence, for my further safety in that place, and my unsearched exit. The Lord reward him, and the many who have befriended me in all my movements.

I should further say before leaving, that the different parties I met with and who knew the case in hand, all sympathized with me, and styled the Bishop and those with him mala gente (bad people) for their opposition. There is no doubt a broad and large ground and field of operation for us among the Spaniards when Ecclesiastical Opposition shall cease to be sustained by Political Power. The Lord hasten that time.

The gentleman of the Inn, as I have designated him is a Lawyer, and son of the widow lady who keeps the Inn, and is living in the same house.

My journey through the remaining Pyrenees was rougher and more dangerous than any of the parts of these mountains I had previously passed through, and it was rendered doubly fatiguing, as well as more dangerous, by my being obliged to ride on a pack saddle without stirrups. You will wonder that I should ride so, but there was a reason for it. All Catalonia being in an insurrectionary state is under military command alone, and within the last three months a severe, perhaps necessary order has been issued in respect to saddles and horses. Had I rode on a saddle, and fallen in with the Carlists, a very likely circumstance, and they had carried off the saddle, as most certainly they would, though they might have let us escape, we should have been fined in 4,000 rials, that is £40, and had a horse been taken, the punishment is banishment to the Philippine Islands, the Spanish Botany Bay. During most of this journey we were in constant risk of meeting with these insurgents. In one town where we slept they were seen that night. My muleteer has a sister there married to a secret Carlist, and she came and told him that they were in town and are urged our not starting off until full daylight. Further, 500 of them were seen in the neighborhood of Lerida through which we passed not more than a week before, and at a town on this side of it is a good way, all came round us on our entering with breathless interest to inquire if we had met or heard of any, as they had been alarmed that morning with accounts of their being near.

Thus, My Dear Friend, through all these risks I have been preserved, and have reached this city in full safety. You know I always count upon your prayers, and God is the hearer of prayer.

I here, on my journey, pause and hesitate. Your letter of the 8th instant reached me in St. Julian. You say, "We sometimes have our misgivings as to any tangible results from your wanderings." To this you add, in your usual kind manner, that you are sure I would do more if I could. I thank you all for your kindly confidence. It is indeed a grief to me that I can do so little. I do not wonder that your misgivings. Reasoning on them, and before the affair at Urgel occurred, I resolved that on reaching this city I should stop, as having made one round, so to speak, and being now in a certain sense, in the neighbourhood of Madrid, and from this should I proceed I shall be again removing further and further from it. I resolved to stop short here, and go to Madrid, in order to give you time and opportunity to reconsider my movements, and to say, Proceed, or not, as you judge best. This letter will reach you on Committee day, as I understand by Post Office inquiries, and you will please to consider the matter early, and report to me soon, that in case of proceeding I may lose as little as possible of the proper season of the year for travelling.

There were three reasons which induced me to propose to you a journey this summer. First: because in Madrid I could do nothing, and I was unwilling to be inactive. Second: our dear friend Mr. Usoz has always wished I should see as much as I well could of Spain, for further if not immediate advantage. Thirdly: because my moving through Spain, and talking as I could, if not acting, is one of the things specially mentioned in Mr. Hull's letter, and for the fulfillment of which I came to this country. For myself personally, if not officially, it would have been much more agreeable and comfortable to remain in Madrid. It is always rather a self-denial to me than a pleasure to start on a journey, and there are many fatigues and dangers connected with travelling in Spain. For all these privations and risks I am prepared, and ready to go anywhere, and continuously, over this country. But the cui bono is to be considered, and I leave this now again in your hands to form a decision. I do not think that no good has been done, but still it may not be worth the costs. Bayonne, and places adjacent, could be visited on my returning home, as they are in the way. You have not sent the Books thither I understand.

Should you decree my remaining for the present in Madrid, there will then be a second question immediately after to be taken up, namely, how long I should continue there. I go now, in addition to the object mentioned, to see how the wind blows there, and whether there are any veerings indicating the wind more favourable to us, for our Bible vessel, which is not Man-of-War, but of Peace. With a law removing all restrictions as to the introduction, printing, and circulation of the Scriptures, I consider Spain would be a fine field for us, and the more the clergy, rendered innoxious, were opposed to us, perhaps all the better. They have lost their prestige in Spain, and I cannot think they will ever regain it. What prospects are there, you will ask, of such a law, leaving Spain legally free to us? Our only chance apparently is in a change in the Government party. But this is an anomalous country, and such a law may even be made by the present party. Ysturiz is of this party, and perhaps there is no individual in Spain more friendly to Religious Liberty than he is, and he is a man of energy, and will act without fear. He has been Prime Minister, and may be so again. I expect to see him in Madrid, when the subject will be touched upon. – As to the other, and naturally more hopeful party, a considerable chasm, if I may so speak, is being placed between them and Power by the rigorous and continuous measures taken against them. One of these, a Member of the Cortes, was my fellow traveller into this city, and in giving me his own views, and the intentions of his party when Power comes into their hands, I was more encouraged than by the sentiments of any other of the party that I have met with. They are much better than my friend La Serna's, who by the way is living retired in Estremadura in a voluntary banishment to avoid an involuntary one.

Many thanks for relieving me in my compromise with my Jew friend in Tangier.

Your letter of the 25th July was also received. How pleasing to read of openings in Italy and Vienna. May you soon have to tell our friends there and elsewhere, that Spain also, the last door, is open and wide. All things are possible with God. "All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord, and shall glorify thy name."

Praying for you all, and begging anew the prayers of you all for poor Spain, and for your poor servant.

            I remain,

                        Very Truly Yours,

                                    James Thomson.

Madrid, 27th September 1848

W. Hitchin Esq.

Madrid 27th September 1848

My Dear Sir,

            I send you my Quarter's Account, anticipated by a few days, in order to forward the enclosed letter, which I beg you to post and pay to Boston, on the 3rd the latest day for the Packet.

            Mr. Brandram's letter of the 8th was duly received.

            Believe me, My Dear Sir,

                        Yours Very Truly,

                                    James Thomson.

Madrid, 27th October 1848

Rev A Brandram No.24

Madrid, 27th October 1848

My Dear Friend,

Your letter of the 9th inst. came duly to hand, as did also its precursor of the 18th of September. The former date inclined me to the understanding that I should soon leave this city and country, and the latter found me, in consequence, placing a Stone and an Inscription over Remains dear and affecting to my remembrance, and enhanced perhaps by the thought that I should soon take the last look at that sacred spot until the Lord come.

Your Resolution for my remaining is, we ought to think, of God, and the result of our prayers for his heavenly direction. We may, and I hope shall, seeing this idea justified in visible results. But yet God works often without showing us what he is doing.

I feel, I assure you, greatly thankful to God, and most kindly towards yourself and all the Committee, for the very friendly and favourable manner in which you have spoken of my poor movements and labours in this wilderness. Also, I feel in a similar way, as to your leaving me without any special directions, in the confidence, as you kindly say, that I "will do the very best that circumstances will admit of." It is my earnest prayer to God every day, and more than daily, that he would enable me so to do. I have also, I doubt not, your continued help in prayer. This is all we earthen, and earthly vessels can do. God only is the worker, and the producer of results.

I am glad, at such a time as this, to be able to give you a little encouragement. Soon after my reaching this city I learned that the subject of Religious Liberty had just been debated and advocated extensively in the two leading daily newspapers published here. One was for, and the other of course against this great act of Justice, Wisdom, and Good Policy. But the opposition was the means leading the advocate of the measure to fuller statements on the subject than otherwise he would have given. In these articles and defence of Religious Liberty there is an openness, a fullness, and the launching out into the subject, and I may add a compromise of the political party concerned, such as have never been seen or read before in this country.

I rejoice in these articles, and give thanks to God for them; and begin to think, that the night is far spent with us, and that our Spanish Bible day is near at hand. I have made it my business to see, and through suitable introductions, the writer of these articles, who is the chief Editor and Proprietor of the Journal. I have signified to him how honourable to himself these articles are, and how useful to this country, and have a gratifying they will prove to all truly enlightened people in England and other foreign countries, intimating to him at the same time, that I had taken measures for their being translated into English, and published in a London newspaper. I have grounds to believe that my visit and communications were acceptable, and may prove useful. This is one of the little ways I which perhaps I follow up my mission, and do as I can. – The newspapers containing the articles in question I have sent to England, and they will be translated by Mr. Rule, and printed in The Christian Times, a lately started Weekly Paper which you can see.

As to a plan and purposes of operations I have as yet formed none, but shall only apprise you of such when projected. In the meantime I have lost little as to travelling in the coming to this city, as our weather is singularly unfavourable. For more than a month past we have had quite winter weather, everybody fully wrapped up in their cloaks in the streets, frequent rains, a low thermometer, and even some frost and snow. This premature winter is noticed in all our journals.

I have, since my return to Madrid got acquainted with a Bible priest, rather a phenomenon in this country. But yet I believe there are many such in Spain. At present we cannot see them, but Religious Liberty will bring them out, and they will be our coadjutors. This Priest is a Bible man in two senses, for not only is he favourable to the diffusion and use of the Scriptures, but he is also a learned man in the original of the Old Testament. He is Professor of Hebrew in the University of Madrid, and has read the Hebrew Scriptures for 20 years. He some time ago finished a translation of the book of Psalms, on which he was occupied more or less for 13 years. This translation is now in my hands, and is entirely at your disposal. I have looked into this work with some attention, and with much interest. I like it much. It is close, clear, and elegant. It is accompanied by some notes by way of justifying the renderings he has given and in these the Vulgate is handled very freely, and with no deference to it.

When we have Religious Liberty in Spain, the appearance of this work in print will form quite an era in Spanish Biblical Criticism and advanced translation. It is necessary that it should first appear with the justifying notes, but afterwards you could print the text alone, and you would have the author's fullest consent for the same. – Before I leave this Bible and Biblical Spanish priest I must add of him, that he is perhaps the most advanced man in favor of Religious Liberty in Spain; and he is not a private friend to it merely, as some are, but an open bold advocate and herald of it. He was a member of Congress in 1837, and then and there boldly declared his views, and earnestly advocated the measure. He had few coadjutors, and was opposed by many, and more especially by one of great power at that time, and whose advocacy, he said, would have carried the measure. That opponent is now in banishment, and wandering in foreign lands, having by flight at Seville made his escape when on the way to the Philippine Islands, "where angry Spain sends her outcast sons."

We have another Bible and Biblical man in Spain. It is our friend Usoz. He has had the very best education Spain can afford, and three years at Bologna in Italy added to it. The Hebrew was an early object of attention to him, and he was a fellow student with the gentleman I have noticed, and both ordered that the same time a Hebrew Bible and Lexicon from Paris when neither were to be found in Spain. The Greek is as well known to our friend as the Hebrew. His daily occupation is the translation of the Holy Scriptures, both of the Old and New Testament, and to which he considers himself called in the Providence of God. I have just now under my hand for examination, the first eight chapters of St. Luke. – It is a curious circumstance that these two Bible and Biblical friends of old should have become unacquainted with each other, and that your foreign Bible messenger should be the means of renewing that acquaintanceship. Perhaps they may henceforth labour in union in the great work of giving to Spain an improved version in its noble language, of the Holy Scriptures from the original tongues.

I have had letters from Gibraltar, and am sorry to learn that my letter from Toulouse, containing directions to our Jew friend in Tangier, never arrived in Gibraltar, and still less of course in Africa. One of my letters is from a Mr. Benoliel,  a converted Jew, who is sent out by the British Missionary Society for the Jews. You will be glad to learn that it was one of your Hebrew New Testaments which he found in Gibraltar that was the means of his conversion. He is a native of Tangier, and our friend there is his cousin. His parents and family are all there, and are greatly grieved on account of his conversion, which they of course call apostasy. He is about to visit that place, and I shall be curious to know how he gets on there. I have written to him, and given him some names in Tangier and Tetuan that may be useful to him. – I have also made up the blank occasioned by the loss of the letter from Toulouse.

I am glad to learn that your purse is empty, and that you were obliged to make an Appeal to the Bible Public. It will have a happy effect, no doubt, more ways than one. What cause for thanksgivings that all old doors remain fully open, whilst two new ones, of an extensive nature, quite shut hitherto, have been burst open by the earthquake we have had, and which is still heaving the nations. O when shall we be able to add Spain and Italy and Austria? Perhaps your Appeal Money will not be all come in till you are enabled to extend and enforce your claim by telling the public that Spain is also open, and is crying aloud for the bread of life. – Please to put me down for Ten Pounds.

            I remain, My Dear Friend,

                        Affectionately Yours,

                                    James Thomson.

Madrid, 7th December 1848

Madrid 7th December 1848

My Dear Sir,

            Have the goodness on receiving this note to remit Fifty Pounds to Mr. Wiffen, on the part of Mr. Usoz, and charge the same to my Private Account.

            The £3:17:7 sent you by Mr. Black of Halifax N.S. goes to my Private Account, being the proceeds of sale of my own books, not Bibles. A Box is shipped for me by Mr. Black per the Adelaide, and on its arrival, please send it to Messrs Partridge and Oakey, 34 Paternoster Row, to whom I write respecting it.

            Enclosed are two letters for the Cape of Good Hope. They are Original and Duplicate, Be so good as see, and with all care, that they are sent by different ships, the Duplicate of course last.

            In these letters is a Bill of exchange on you at the order of the party for whom the letters are, dated this day, at 30 days sight, for Sixty Pounds. Be so good as take a note of it, as it will likely be presented some six months hence.

            Mr. Brandram's letter of the 13th November, and Mr Jackson's of the 28th with Invoice, are received.

            Yours Very Truly,

                        James Thomson.

P.S. Along with the letter lately received from Mr Burnet, some Cape newspapers were sent. Have they appeared at Earl Street, if so please to forward them.

Madrid, 8th January 1849

Madrid 8th January 1848[1]

My Dear Sir,

            I duly received your letter of the 20th ultimo, and thank you for your kind attention to my requests, as contained in my note of the 7th Dec.

            The Cape Papers would come by the Post Office, I understand, as the Regulations as to time do not of course apply to Colonial Papers. Please send them, leaving the original address, if still on them, and scoring out Earl Street and London, and putting Madrid.

            There is in your hands (put there by Mrs. Thomson) a parcel containing Plate. Be so good as forward this parcel to Mrs. Morrish, No.7 Green Park, Bath. You will please see it very carefully packed before sending, that the contents may not suffer by the carriage. You will, according to your usual correct custom, receive a receipt for the parcel from Mrs. Morrish.

            On receiving this note be so good as forward from my Private Account the sum of Two Pounds, to Mr Thomas Michael, Creetown via Dumfries.

            I wish you, and the same for Mrs Hitchin, and your children, many happy returns of this season of the commencing year. May God manifest all his grace and goodness to you all during 1849, and for many years beyond, and may heaven receive you all in God's time.

            Affectionately Yours,

                        James Thomson.

P.S. I add another little note, I beg you to envelope and post, not forgetting of course to address the envelope.

[1] The letter bears the date of 1848, which is a mistake for 1849.

Madrid, 27th February 1849

William Hitchin Esq.

Madrid 27th February 1849

My Dear Sir,

            I have been about to write you for some days, or rather weeks, intending to enclose my letter in one to Mr Brandram. My materials for his letter however are still incomplete, and now I think it better not further to delay my note to you. I hope to write Mr Brandram, that my letter may be with him for the second Committee Meeting of March. Please mention this to him.

            My first request to you is, that you would have the goodness, as soon as you receive this, to transmit to Mr McLean, No.1 Milne Square, High Street, Edinburgh the sum of Five Pounds, placing the same in my Private Account.

            My second request is, that you would favour me, as soon as you well can, with the various items of my General and Private Accounts, that I might look them over, and write you about them in time for the closing of the same on the 31st of March. I wish to know exactly how I stand in order to regulate my drawings connected with my arrangements.

            You say in  your letter of the 20th of December, that you had received the Bill of Lading of the case for me from Halifax, please to say whether the case itself has now come to hand, and been delivered as directed.

            The Cape newspapers came to hand all right in due time, you need not therefore hesitate in future to transmit papers, posting them as before directed.

            You can notice also in your reply to this the contents of my letter of the 8th January.

            You will get a note in reply to the one enclosed very soon after transmitting it. Please wait for it, and enclose it in yours.

            Did you get my letter for Mr Saviñon, Mexico? - and did the Will I sent you in June last reach you? Please say. Believe me

                        Yours Truly,

                                    James Thomson.

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.

Madrid, 24th March 1849

Madrid 24th March 1849

My Dear Sir,

            Thank you for your prompt note of the 6th instant, and the accompanying Accounts. I send you my two Accounts, Travelling and Private, and beg you to review them, and debit and credit accordingly, if you find them correct. To judge of them you must have before you my two Accounts, General and Private, sent you with letter of 22nd May last. I prefer the two heads, Travelling and Private to General and Private, the former containing all pro and con items of Travelling, and the latter the same as to salary and private payments. You can arrange them as suits you best. I never mix them.

            I did not give you Mrs McLean's Christian name, as by a Post Office notice seen some little time ago, the Christian name of one of the parties only is required.

            Please to look again into your box for my documents. You should have two Wills, one I left with you in June 1847, and the one sent in June 1848. This last is in the form of a letter, and marked on both sides "Will of..., etc.".

            As soon as the 3¼ Stock opens, please to buy me into it £100.

            In your next, be so good as to state, 1 the cost of the Stock, 2 whether you have said Will, 3 if my accounts are correct, 4 your year's entrances.

            Wishing you all strength in these busy days, and hoping to hear good accounts of your Annual Income, I remain,

            Yours Very Truly,

                        James Thomson.

Madrid, 10th April 1849

Rev A Brandram No 26

Madrid 10th April 1849

My Dear Friend,

Your precursor letter respecting my movements duly reached me, and put me at once on the move to leave this city quickly, and to be in Lisbon as early as possible; and yesterday when Mr Jackson's letter, containing the Resolution of the Committee on the subject came to hand, my luggage was at some distance on the road to Cadiz, and my seat was taken in the Diligence for that place. The day after tomorrow I start, purposing to sail from Cadiz to Lisbon by the Packet of the 20th instant. I judge that the space between one packet and another, namely ten days, will be sufficient to do what is assigned me in Lisbon, and on one of the first days of May I expect to leave Lisbon, and to be with you, God willing, a week after.

I had, I know not how, some undefined idea that you would wish me to make my movement from this centre to the outside of this country homewards somewhat useful in seeing as much of it as I could. I could not well leave this city much earlier to undertake the journey indicated, and I kept in view that should you not approve the tour proposed there was still time from the first of May for my being in Earl Street at the close of the two years, going home direct through France.

Personally, I am well content to be relieved of the toilsome journey through Asturias and Galicia, and I am gladdened also with the hope of early seeing you all in the land of light, so strikingly contrasted with this land of darkness. May God, according to his former mercies, direct my way to you in safety.

I told you that the Paris case of Books from Bayonne had reached this city, addressed to the Ambassador of the United States, and I also mentioned that they were detained at the Custom House under doubts of delivering them. Finally, the Minister of Finance has determined that they must be confiscated, as being a prohibited article! Still, however, though officially condemned, General Saunders expects, through a private conversation with Mr Mon, that the books will be sent to him, and I have given directions as to their disposal on his getting them.

The order for the four cases for the University is still Spanishly delayed, but if got, it will follow me.

May God be with you all, in your anxious preparations and expectations respecting the Annual Meeting now so near at hand, and may his presence then manifestly and gloriously be with you.

            So pray for your poor Foreigner,

                                    James Thomson.