State Library of NSW
think it advisable for me to return sooner, I should feel obliged by your dropping a line to me. I wish to be cautious especially as I have had but little opportunity of judging, but that little makes me think there is a want of method, & regularity at Head quarters with regard to education. The Bishop told me that my allowance would commence from the time I arrived in Sydney - with regard to being appointed Catechist, his Lordship thought, it would be better to wait a little longer, until the B. Society had got into operation, when he would send you up a form of application to fill up & then he would grant a licence. I enjoyed my Sunday very much at Denbigh: I also heard your Father preach at the Br. House here last Sunday. I enjoyed too a conversation with your Mother about some places where we both had been in Old England. I had the curiosity for the sake of the music to go and see high mass performed at St. Mary's one day last week on acc [account?] & of Napoleon's son & heir. I was not disappointed as far as the musick [music] was concerned but alas what a mummery was all the rest!!! - How little of the simplicity & earnest of true religion the novel [?] solemnity of the features & attitudes of the priest told to an observant spectator how vain the attempt to hide under theatrical attitudes of pity & gaudy drapes the natural corruption of the human heart. In fact, they put me very much in mind of a lot of prudes showingly draped attempting to be thought innocent. One thing rather amused me & I thought it did not add much to the solemnity of the scene. One of the officiating priests took hold in front of the robes and held them up, to prevent I suppose his tripping over them while ascending his [indecipherable]. I saw the fireworks last night & though there was a good deal of sameness about them, I thought them very pretty. The review was a pore [poor] affair, nor can I say very much for the illumination. A want of sufficiency of gas coupled with rather a strong wind greatly deteriorated them. Tell Mr Halls I intend shortly [indecipherable] my promise of writing to him. I shall be glad to get back amongst you again. I don't know whether I ought to call on the Bi'op [Bishop] again before leaving. I should not like to be rude - yet it might savour of boldness. Do if convenient answer this soon & give me your advice. I think it would be better to direct to the P.O. They are all in bed & therefore I can not ask for the proper direction but may get to know in the morning. Remember me to Mrs Hassall & all enquiring friends & Beleive [believe] me Yours truly. Ingram L Loft
This page has its status set to Ready for review and is no longer transcribable.