s
Roll down the yellow sand--
From many an ancient river,
From many a palmy plain,
They call us to deliver
Their land from error's chain.'

Most truly yours,

G. B.

_P.S._--Morning [Sept.] 30th, twenty Testaments have been sold.

To the Rev. A. Brandram

(_Endorsed_: recd. Nov. 13, 1837)
MADRID, _Novr._ 1, 1837.
CALLE SANTIAGO, No. 16 PISO 3RO.

REVD. AND DEAR SIR,--In my last letter, from Oviedo in the Asturias, I
stated that my next would be dated either from Santander or the capital
of Spain. I arrived yesterday at Madrid, but I previously visited
Santander, which I reached with my usual good fortune, without accident,
after a fatiguing journey of six days. When there, I found to my great
sorrow that the two hundred Testaments which I had ordered to be sent
from Madrid were not come; and I supposed that they had either been
seized on the way by the Carlists or that my letter had miscarried. {256}
I then thought of applying to England for a supply, but I abandoned the
idea for two reasons; first, that I should have to remain idly loitering
at Santander for at least a month before I could receive them--a place
where every article is so dear that my expenses with the strictest
economy would have amounted to nearly two pounds _per diem_; secondly,
that I was very unwell, and unable to procure medical advice at
Santander: for, to tell the truth, ever since I left Corunna I have been
afflicted with a terrible dysentery, and latterly with an ophthalmia, the
result of the other malady.

I therefore determined on returning to Madrid. To effect this, however,
seemed almost impossible. Parties of the army of Don Carlos, which in a
partial degree had been routed in Castile, were hovering about the
country through which I should have to pass, more especially that part
called 'The Mountains,' so that all communication had ceased between
Santander and the southern districts. Nevertheless I determined to
trust, as usual, in the Almighty and to venture. I purchased, therefore,
a small horse and sallied forth with Antonio, notwithstanding I was so
unwell as to be scarcely able to support myself. I wished to have
written to you from Santander, but I was exceedingly dispirited and could
not co