(Private)
My dear Lord John,
I should scarcely have troubled you with this correspondence respecting the Public Fast, had I not known that remonstrances have been sent by the Bishop in cases where his authority to announce it has not been recognised.
The Bishop's notice of prayer for success to the allied armies is omitted in the announcement. In fact, I have heard his Lordship more than once declare that he heartily disapproved of the alliance with the "Infidel French Nation" in the address to the Queen; his Lordship moved in the Committee that the passage congratulating H.M. on this happy alliance with France should be expunged.
I have reason to think the Catholics issued their solemn fast in the belief that the Public Fast had been determined by the authorities of the Island.
I am, my dear Lord John, your Lordship's very faithful servant,
John
14/6/55.
P.S.