To John Tyndall, Snr   Oct. 15/42

Preston Oct. 15/42

My dear Father

I received your last welcome letter¹ on Wednesday last. The proposal contained in the latter part of it was worthy of a good father – it was kind – very kind. I have however no idea of assenting to the prudence of such a step – if I should go home and commence Classics with Mr Sheridan² all the knowledge I have acquired since I joined the Survey must go for naught, as the application of that knowledge is incompatible with the application of Latin and Greek. Granting even that I was acquainted with these languages what would I have to look to? Nothing without interest. And if interest be of service at any time it is so now. I might indeed soar to the height of authorship, and, to the astonishment of the world, sign the productions of my classics pen from the chill loneliness of a garret room – others have done so before. I have no desire to follow their example. I however give Mr Sheridan credit for the best intentions towards me.

And now to other matters. With respect to your proposed plan, it might be very well under some circumstances but I think not in the present instance. The fact is it would puzzle me to draw up a testimonial which all the persons you have mentioned could consistently sign. Mr Newton knows nothing of my qualifications, Mr Watson³ knows just as much, the other gentlemen you have mentioned may know a little but not sufficient to warrant any strong testimony on their part. Before laying down my plan of operation I would premise a few remarks – A person seeking for a situation such as I am, must possess not only interest which arises merely out of a desire to serve, he must possess, from proper authority, testimony that he is fully competent to discharge the duties of the situation which he seeks. And I flatter myself that you possess the former in the gentlemen you have named, while Mr Wynne’s testimonial⁴ supplies the latter. I speak with reference to a particular situation, of which more by and by. My plan then would be this: obtain from each of the gentlemen alluded to a letter expressive of his knowledge of my character and his opinion of my abilities, this – coupled with his request that the Col.⁵ would use his interest in my behalf – would I think be pretty strong. These letters will of course be varied by circumstances – the Dean⁶ and Captain Steuart for instance can speak more confidently than any else respecting me, their testimony will be the result of personal observation, while Mr Watson’s must necessarily be limited to the expression of his desire to serve me on your account. Finally, if these letters, together with Mr Wynne’s, were presented to the Col. by Mr Bredin, the latter could verbally, and perhaps more strongly, add his request to the common stock; indeed I dare say Mr B. can form as correct an opinion of my qualifications as any one. He was once kind enough to make me a pupil of his own. This then is my plan of operation, if it meet your approval I hope you will act on it with energy – You may ask what is all this intended to achieve – I’ll tell you – the end and aim of it is to procure employment for me in Somerset House London. It is a Map office under the Superintendence of the Tithe Commissioners.⁷ Several men who were once on the Survey have procured employment there⁸ – Ability to fill the situation and the interest of an influential person are the only things necessary to assure success. With respect to the former, I can bring other testimony than my own assertion, backed by specimens, to prove that I possess it (nothing approaching to vanity pervades my mind while making this statement). As to the latter, it all depends on the result of our application to Col. Bruen.

Wishing that it may have the desired effect | I remain your affectionate son | John

P.S. It is now upwards of two years since Mr Wynne left the Survey⁹ – his testimony is founded on his knowledge of me at that time. I had ample means of improving myself since and I availed myself of every opportunity to do so. | J.T.

RI MS JT 1/10/3281–2

LT Transcript Only