Longhills June 4 1847

My Dear Lord Bishop

Inclosed I send the Testimonials, not however without taking the greatest shame to myself that they should have been requested under such circumstances; at the same time, pray allow me to express to your Lordship my sincerest thanks for the kindly spirit in which you have acted towards me, feeling assured as I do that innocent or not such an enquiry must necessarily affect a stigma never to be forgotten. Your Lordship will perceive by the accompanying note from Mr Whitehead that I have already been made acquainted with the report in circulation, with the additional information that they relate to a servant of his, and that it has been asserted that I have had a child by her. My Lord, I can solemnly assure you on the honour of a gentleman that no improper connexion whatever took place between me and the girl in question. This is all I can say, and assuring your Lordship that this shall indeed be a warning to me to avoid even the suspicion of such a disgrace in future.

With the greatest respect,

Believe me to remain my dear Lord Bishop

Your most obliged and obedient servant,

Atwill Curtois