ALS. Quarto. 2pp. 38 Lines. Dated '13 April 1743'. John Hough (Bp of Glos) to Lord Digby.

Addressed; 'My Lord (Digby)'. His letter is written in the 93rd year of his life and just three weeks before his death. After speaking of mutual acquaintances, he speaks of his own poor health being 'weak and forgetful', having little inclination to business and ability for it. He adds on a happier note 'I wait contentedly for a deliverance out of this life into a better, in humble confidence that by the mercy of God through the merits of His Son. I shall stand at the Resurrection on His Right Hand.... I doubt not of our meeting in that state, where the joys are unspeakable and will always endure'

Minor wear else good.

Also with a 2pp Quarto article in similar hand and date called 'Persian Letter. 58 Selim to Mirza'

John Hough (1651-1743) Hough graduated M.A at Magdelen College in 1676. When Henry Clerke died in 1687 there was a wide field of candidates as President of Magdalen College, but King James was determined not to have an anit-Catholic chosen. The college's visitor was Peter Mews, and he proposed Baptist Levinz. John Younger & Thomas Smith of the college were reluctant to stand in the teeth of royal opposition. James recommended Anthony Farmer, a reputed Catholic, making the proposal one day after he announced universal religious toleration. Farmer's candidacy met with much opposition. James suggested Samuel Parker, Anglican Bishop of Oxford, as a compromise candidate. Hough was elected President in 1687, but was then officially replaced by Parker, after the prerogative Court of Ecclesiastical Commission was brought into the matter. Hough refused to submit, and three Commissioners arrived with cavalry. Parker was then put in place over protests but died in early 1688. After the Glorious Revolution, Hough became President once more until 1701.

He was Bishop of Oxford (1690-1699) Bishop of Lichfield (1699-1717) and finally Bishop of Worcester 1717-1743.