The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 11/From Thomas Lindsay to Jonathan Swift - 2


SIR,
JAN. 5, 1713-14.


YOURS I received the 2d instant, and immediately got Mr. Justice Nutley to write to the bishop of Killala, at Kells, to know of him, whether, if he could get him translated to the bishoprick of Raphoe, he would accept of it: and this day we received his answer, that it was not worth his while to carry his family so far northward, for so little advantage as that bishoprick would bring him; his own being upward of a thousand pounds a year, and Raphoe not much above eleven hundred. The reason why I got judge Nutley to write, was, because I apprehended it might seem irksome to him to be persuaded by myself to accept of what I left: though at the same time I can assure you, I have done little more than saved myself whole by that bishoprick; and be might, if he pleased, in a little time have received 1600l. or 1700l. for fines; so that if this comes time enough to your hands, you will prevent any farther motion that way. But if Meath drops, I believe it would be an acceptable post; and the truth is, he has always, in the worst of times, voted honestly, and behaved himself as a true son of the church. In the mean time, be assured, the judge knows not that you are concerned in this affair.

There is a gentleman, whom I believe you must have heard of, Dr. Andrew Hamilton[1], archdeacon of Raphoe, a man of good learning and abilities, and one of great interest in that country, whom I could wish you would move for (since the bishop of Killala refuses) to succeed me in Raphoe, as one that is the most likely to do good in that part of the country, of any one man I know.

And now be pleased to accept my thanks for the great services you have done me; and as you have contributed much to my advancement, so I must desire you, upon occasion, to give me your farther assistance for the service of the church.

The parliament is prorogued to the 18th instant; but the whigs continuing obstinate, and deaf to all persuasions to carry on the queen's business with peace and gentleness, we conclude it must be dissolved.

If this should not come time enough to your hands, to prevent the bishop of Killala's letter for a translation to Raphoe, I will labour all I can to make him easy.

  1. Though recommended by the primate to succeed him in the see of Raphoe, he was not preferred to it; Dr. Edward Synge being then advanced to that bishoprick.