From Thomas Archer Hirst   June | Wednesday. Morn

Queenwood | June | Wednesday. Morn^g

My dear John.

I am seated in the 1^st Class room and around me are the lads working like horses at their examinations. It is a great pleasure to me to sit and look at their earnest faces. Most of them have scarcely looked off their work for upwards of three hours for instead of ceasing work at 12 as they might have done they begged unanimously to be allowed to work on until one. I wonder if one could analyse their motives as they work there whether we should entirely agree with such examinations. There is not a doubt of it that a desire to outstrip his neighbour¹ actuates every one. When they find themselves lagging it is the sense of shame at the consequences which is the most effectual spur. But I do not think there is anything objectionable in this emulation, except in some instances I do not think it leads to bad feeling or selfishness. I think the desire to excel and the wish to do justice to their inherent powers, may be, and is often entertained without the notion of beating any other person obtruding itself, and if so the exercise and discipline of an Examination must be altogether beneficial. I wish I could describe the lads to you as they work. On my left is Wardley,² who has without exception the finest head in Queenwood. There he sits nervously absorbed in his work, calculating and thinking with all his might and biting his nails the while. This lad is to be a cotton lord and to leave us this half year. He will carry away my prize and is another of those instances where real talent is likely to lie dormant on account of an unfortunate, inappropriate occupation.³ Next him sits Aspden Dickinson⁴ who is also about to leave us and become a manufacturer. Here the occupation is a suitable one. Aspden is rather dull but extremely persevering. He possesses considerable decision of character which if it does not lapse into mere obstinacy will be of good service to him. I expect his brother John Charles⁵ on Saturday next. Next to Aspden sits Walter Stephens,⁶ one of the most conscientious little workers I ever saw. Unfortunately he has but little power, I say unfortunately for if he had power he would use it well. He leaves us, too, and goes into business for which he is well fitted. Before he goes he must have a gift from M^r Edmondson in consideration of his many exceedingly good qualities. He is a favourite with all. The others in the room you know but little of. I will therefore pass them, and say a word in reply to your last letter. I never doubted the success of your lectures nor the manner you would employ that success. It was exceedingly satisfactory and pleasant to me to hear of it. Certainly I will remain at Broughton as long as you wish and willingly but I give you notice I shall drive you away as soon as I can, not for my sake or Anna’s (for we would both like to remain at Broughton the whole vacation) but for yours and Debus’. You have no business to be pottering about your Westminster Review articles⁷ you ought to be away to Normandie and not keep Debus who also ought to be off and is really wishful to go as soon as possible. For these reasons I shall drive you away as soon as I can whilst at the same time I give you full leave to stop as long as you think fit. My brother⁸ will also be with us.

Thine Affectionately. T. A. H.

RI MS JT/1/H/484