little doubt that yourself and my
other good friends are anxious to obtain information respecting the
course of matters in Madrid, I write the present letter, although I could
have wished to tarry a little longer, in the hope of being able to afford
more satisfactory intelligence. In the first place, allow me to state
that about six weeks since I despatched to England a copy of Saint Luke
in Rommany, by the courier of the Embassy, which I hope you received, and
that it afforded you satisfaction. I may also add that yesterday the
printing of the Basque translation of the same Gospel was brought to a
happy conclusion, to my very great satisfaction, as it has caused me much
trouble and anxiety, the press having been brought to a stop three times
from the necessity of casting fresh type, the usual Spanish founts being
insufficient to print a sheet in this singular language, owing to all its
words being contained within the compass of six or seven letters, the
demand for which is in consequence tremendous. With the Rommany I had no
difficulty whatever. Within a week or two it is my intention to publish
both Gospels simultaneously. With this preamble, I will now proceed to
other matters.

During the last two months I have been almost incessantly engaged in
negotiations with the Ministry of Count Ofalia, for the purpose of
obtaining permission to sell the New Testament in Madrid and the
nullification of the prohibition. I have experienced, as might be
expected, great opposition, which I have not yet surmounted; but I am by
no means dispirited, as these obstacles are merely temporary. I have had
to contend against six Bishops at present resident in Madrid, and amongst
them him of Toledo, the Primate of Spain, who have denounced the Bible,
the Bible Society, and myself. Nevertheless, notwithstanding their
powerful and united efforts, they have been unable to effect their
principal object, namely, my expulsion from Madrid and Spain. The Count
Ofalia is a very good and excellent man, though weak and superstitious to
an exceeding degree; and notwithstanding he has permitted himself to be
made the instrument, to a certain extent, of these people, he will not
consent to be pushed to such a length. Throughout this business, as far
as it has proceeded, I cannot find words sufficiently strong, to do
justice to the zeal and interest which Sir George Villiers has displayed
in the cause of the Testament. He has had six interview