To Thomas Archer Hirst   27th. Oct. 1854.

London 27th. Oct. 1854.

Dear Tom

Your long letter¹ has reached me and I now break in upon the writing of my long memoir² to reply to it. Your explanation of the term ‘concession’ deprives it I confess of the entire meaning with which my misinterpretation invested it and I have now no doubt that the matter was as wisely arranged as it could be under the circumstances. In fact I did not know that you had anything to do with the arrangement and I must confess that I doubted the decision of the others. You see Tom the matter is as plain as noon-day that the confusion arises through some incompetence, whether of talent or of character on the part of the teachers. Now we are all incompetent while we are learning, and if incompetence in the present instance be the result of inexperience it is just and right to place your extra force at the command of Mr. McD.³ and thus virtually do his work for him. The great thing to bear in mind at Queenwood is I think to keep men there who shall be able to fulfil the tasks appointed to them. Imagine all of them like yourself, how smoothly would things go. This, I admit, is not easily attainable but an approximation to it ought to be aimed at. Davidson⁴ I think is an unusually good man, and I don’t think Wright’s objection⁵ can weigh for an instant against the advantage of having such a man: he is I believe a hard worker and as such a man is not easily found I hardly think it would be wise to let him escape if he can be secured. However you know your need of such a man better than I do and if you can get on prosperously with a single man it is perhaps all the better. You are learning more yourself at Queenwood than anybody else at present, and if an accession of strength, if power over your fellow men, if a knowledge of human character and the means of swaying it be at all desirable you are in a fair way of obtaining the desideratum. I have no doubt of the result: I have no doubt but you will set every thing right again. Endeavour to keep yourself from being exasperated with the boys – feel towards them in such a manner as to make them feel that you are their friend, and they cannot withstand you:– They may be impudent for a time, they may try to annoy you, but cultivate a little longsuffering and they will hug you in the end. I know that affair with that worthless liar⁶ must have been unpleasant to you: but there are few boys at Queenwood who will be willing to risk what he encountered. Edmondson is a coward I know; but you must be courageous.

Ever affectionately yours | John

I almost forgot a question which I intended to ask you. Can you promise me a bed if I go down to Queenwood in the course of next week? If I go I will stop a week there. I shall have my memoir finished this week,⁷ and afterwards I have to write an article for Hughes⁸ which I could do pleasantly in the quiet of Broughton. Dont scruple to say you are not ready if it be the case. My health is bearing up wonderfully although I test it severely but it will be a grand thing when I am tired writing to be able to take a spade in my hand and dig in your garden.⁹ That would be the very ideal of working. You will I trust let me hear from you by Monday.

J. T.

RI MS JT/1/HTYP/374

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