From Thomas Archer Hirst   Octr 25th 1854

Vine Cottage | Oct^r 25^th 1854

My dear John

In answer to your question why was not Blanche dismissed sooner¹ I think if you had been here you would have agreed that there was not too much delay. After his manner with the boys had been seen and disapproved of he was told what it would lead to and recommended to change his tactics This he neglected to do and as soon as his neglect was apparent he was dismissed I do not think we had any solid reasons for dismissing him sooner than we did and it yet remains to be seen whether his dismissal will have the desired effect. When I used the term concession I did not mean that he was dismissed professedly to still their clamour, they do not even know the reason why he was sent away so that his dismissal cannot be considered by anybody as ‘premium to turbulence’. The concession spoken of was silently made by the masters, here was a bad spirit abroad which must be quenched the question was whether to do so boys alone must be punished or whether in reality Blanche’s mismanagement had not been the chief cause and therefore in justice whether he should not be first removed and all cause of complaint withdrawn. This was resolved upon and thus among ourselves a concession made to the boys. The method of treatment you advise² is just the one I have followed and am following throughout with the conviction that it will be successful. On Monday last came the crisis which you will see has been properly treated Between 5½ and 6½ P.M McDougall³ was with the first class. Richards⁴ was the only 1^st class boy out at the time. Newton⁵ and another in a suspicious way asked if the windows might be opened; McD.⁶ suspecting something refused. Shortly after the door was gently opened and an arm threw in a cracker which exploding naturally caused the greatest confusion. Without delay Iliff went round to the several classes and found that Richards and Wesley⁷ were the only two boys out at the time. Richards lives with Wright and went home directly afterwards so that without possibility of collusion Wesley was first examined. He denied having done it and offered to take an oath on it if required, so convincing was his denial to Wright and Haas who examined him felt sure Richards was guilty and Wright followed him home to ascertain. Richards denied it just as stoutly but on being told that there were only himself and Wesley out and that Wesley had denied it saying that he knew who had done it (which he did) Richards indignantly replied that he saw Wesley throw the cracker into the room! Next morning when Wright returned and the two boys confronted one another, Wesley confessed all, saying that he knew he should be expelled and therefore he did not care. We have before had trouble with him he was an unruly worthless fellow and had been previously threatened with expulsion, so that amongst ourselves there was no difference of opinion he must be sent away on the following day Wednesday. He was confined in Debus’ old room all Tuesday but not sentenced. On Tuesday noon as all were at dinner he escaped (he ought to have been better imprisoned). All the masters except myself were engaged on Tuesday afternoon so that Wright came down to request me to go to Winchester and tell his father (the celebrated organist D^r Wesley⁸) I went by rail, at Romsey station I saw Wesley pass by the carriage window and he saw me I stepped out of my carriage immediately but he was no longer visible I knew he must have run round in front of the engine and looking between the carriages I saw him run towards the rear of the train. I ran also and just as he was about to step into the last carriage we met. ‘Stop, my boy’ said I ‘we will return to Dunbridge if you please’ He is a tall stout fellow nearly 17 years of age he looked at me for an instant irresolute & then turning on his heels ran off with all his speed along the platform towards Dunbridge. Of course I gave chase and my legs were longer than his; as he reached the end of the platform I was within arms reach of him and fearing he would spring down the embankment I sent him headlong on the floor with a sharp blow on the shoulder; before he could rise I had him by the collar fast and brought him thus ignominiously back towards the train which was waiting. The passengers and some Romsey people saw it all I am sorry to say, but although he protested and wriggled I held him firm by the collar told the guard he might leave me and I took him across into the waiting room where I kept him in charge until the next Dunbridge train came up. He was an awkward prisoner and with a good deal of determination he made several attempts to escape me. In a surly way he demanded his liberty saying he knew he should be expelled and I had no right to stop him for he was going home. I stood with my back to the door and quietly replied, that we had not done with him at Queenwood yet he had not received orders to go whereas I had received orders to take him back and take him back I would either quietly or by force whichever he thought proper. He began in an impudent way to reply but with a thundering ‘silence’ he sank frightened into a chair. When the train came up he still hesitated I walked up to him ‘Now Sir shall I take you by the throat again or will you walk quietly by yourself’ He was beginning to reply ‘he did not see what right &c’ but holding out my hand towards his collar I told him to answer my question and he promised he would follow me which he did. After a few similar attempts at escape all which were fruitless I brought him to Queenwood & gave him in charge to Edmondson with strict orders to see that the door and window of his room were safe. On arriving at Queenwood this morning I find that during the night he escaped. He was locked up in the bedroom next to Edmondson and how the fellow managed to get out of those awkward windows and jump out without Edmondson hearing him I cannot imagine. I am half inclined to think he did hear him but either did not wish or was afraid to stop him, for last night he told me he was sorry I had not taken him home instead of bringing him back for until he was gone he would cause nothing but trouble. I replied that in this case we ought not to take trouble into consideration. I wished to show him and all other boys that he could not walk off with impunity that even if he did anticipate his own expulsion he should be brought back to receive it and then sent away. I was angry that he had escaped at last though it was better than if he had not been brought back at all for last night whilst Wesley was still in prison Mr Edmondson told the lads what had happened since Monday and sentenced Wesley before them. Of course having expelled him we gave chase no more and Wright left early this morning to tell his father what had happened. It now remains to see whether a permanent check has not been applied. To day I spoke to Newton who was undoubtedly an accomplice and I have warned him. Newton is a mischiefous but still a high spirited lad and my talk may have some effect on him we shall see. For my part I feel sure enough that with care I can quell the whole disturbance – and I will do it. It is post time, no more at present from

Yours affectionately | T. A. Hirst

Edmondson has already written (before your letter arrived) to Davidson⁹ with what result I do not know. Wright is against his coming for being a married man he cannot if his wife comes too take the Duty which is required.

RI MS JT/1/H/207

RI MS JT/1/HTYP/371–373