To the Rev.A.Brandram (ENDORSED:recd.Sept.10,1838)MADRID,SEPT.1,1838.
REVD.AND DEAR SIR,-From my letter to the Revd.Geo.Browne of the 28ult.you are already doubtless aware of my arrival at Madrid from my expedition in Old Castile.I now proceed to detail to you a few occurrences,premising that my notices will necessarily be brief,as I am considerably indisposed,and am moreover much occupied in making preparations for my departure for England,and in arranging the affairs of the Society in Spain in as satisfactory a manner as circumstances will permit.
I set out for my journey on the 4th of last month on horseback and accompanied by my servant.The first day brought us to La Granja,a distance of twelve leagues from Madrid,where I expected to find Lopez and another man whom I had sent before.Nothing particular occurred during this day's journey,except that notwithstanding my haste I sold some Testaments in the villages near the roadside and that it pleased God to permit us to traverse the pass of Pena Cerrada without coming in contact with the banditti that haunt the gloomy pine forests which embower it and extend for leagues in every direction.Arrived at La Granja,I could hear nothing of Lopez nor of the other individual,and in consequence after a stay of a day which was necessary to refresh the horses,I departed for Segovia.I did not attempt to distribute the Word at La Granja,being well aware that orders had been transmitted to the authorities of the place to seize all copies of the sacred writings which might be offered for sale.I may say the same with respect to Segovia,where still none of my people made their appearance.
At Segovia I received from a friend a chest containing two hundred Testaments,and almost immediately after,by the greatest chance in the world,I heard from a peasant that there were men in the neighbourhood of Abades selling books.Abades is about three leagues distant from Segovia,and upon receiving this intelligence I instantly departed for the former place,with three BURRICOS[asses]laden with Testaments.
I reached Abades at nightfall,and found Lopez in the house of the surgeon of the place,where I also took up my residence.He had already disposed of a considerable number of Testaments in the neighbourhood,and had that day commenced selling at Abades itself.
He had,however,been interrupted by two of three CURAS of the village,who with horrid curses denounced the work,threatening eternal condemnation to Lopez for selling it and to any person who should purchase it;whereupon Lopez,terrified,forebore until Ishould arrive.The third CURA,however,exerted himself to the utmost to persuade the people to provide themselves with Testaments,telling them that his brethren were hypocrites and false guides,who by keeping them in ignorance of the word and will of Christ were leading them to the abyss.Upon receiving this information,I instantly sallied forth to the marketplace,and that same night succeeded in disposing of upwards of thirty Testaments.
