Folios 23-24. Bishop of London to [Delafaye]. Considering the disproportion in value...

Folios 23-24. Bishop of London to [Delafaye]. Considering the disproportion in value between the Bishoprics of Elphin and Ferns, it is very probable, at first sight, that when Dr. Price chose the latter, he thought himself sure of holding the rectory with it. But I think two points should come over, attested under his won hand; the first, that the Lord Lieutenant made him a positive promise of the rectory; and the second, that that promise determined him to chose Ferns rather than Elphin. When the fact is sufficiently clear, there is no doubt but his Majesty may direct a commendam to hold the rectory with the bishopric, and if my Lord Lieutenant shall have drawn himself into any entanglements in this affair, which may make him wish that it may pass through any other hand rather than his, it may rest till he leave that kingdom, and then I suppose his Majesty's orders are directed to the Lords Justices. The truth is, the case as represented in Mrs. Conolly's letter, is so hard on the side of Dr. Price, that it ought in my opinion to rest till a new Lord Lieutenant goes or is appointed, if any difficulty be found in obtaining justice for him before.