Letter from Mr Stephen Hales to Bishop Hildesley concerning the clergy widows' fund, 12 May 1755

[36] Dukes Court, St Martin's Lane. May 12, 1755.

My lord, Since I saw you, Dr Wilson told me he would send you copies of the papers relating to the £400 in the stocks for the use of the widows of the clergy in your diocese which are all enrolled in your office. As I think only £100 of it stands in my name, in what sum I forget, so if you think it proper, I may empower some proper person, by letters of attorney, to transfer it to you and whom else you shall think proper, that you may accept it before you leave London.

If I knew what fund it was in I would sign a letter of attorney empowering one Mr Willoughby an Exchange Alley broker, who is often at Teddington, to transfer it to you and whom else you shall name. As I remember, I signed a paper acknowledging the purport of this trust. I am, my lord, your lordship's obliged humble servant, Stephen Hales.

Pray respects to my lord of Durham. I go to Teddington this day at eleven and return only Saturday next hither. You may direct to me at Teddington, near Hampton Court.

[Note of Bishop Hildesley:] This I received whilst I was at the bishop of Durham's but do not remember whether I answered it or not, nor whether Dr Wilson at the sundry times I have seen him since ever made any mention or any proposal about transfer of the stock to M[ark] Sodor and Man.

Letter from the clergy to Dr Thomas Wilson, 20 August 1755

[81] To the Reverend Dr Thomas Wilson, prebendary of Westminster and rector of St Stephen's, Walbrook, London.

Reverend sir, We the clergy of this diocese being this day assembled do beg leave to acknowledge the perusal of a paragraph of your letter of the 25 June last to our worthy vicars-general, therein requesting our opinion and advice how the legacy of £100 left entirely to be disposed of to such pious uses for the benefit of this isle by our late right reverend diocesan (your worthy and pious father) as you would think must beneficial to the common good of your country and its church had best be applied.