To Thomas Archer Hirst   May 10th 1856

May 10th 1856

My dear Tom.

Behold my doom! it¹ reached me last night.

War Department | Pall Mall 8^th May 1856

Sir

I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st. Inst. and to inform you that his lordship considers the explanation you have furnished to be quite satisfactory

I have the honour to be | H.R. Dewry | J. Tyndall Esqre

I am very glad that it has terminated thus, though I had fully made up my mind for another result: I am glad that a person in a high official position is able to listen to reason, and to allow it to sway him in opposition to the prudence of routine. This Lord Panmure has done in the present instance.

I know you will be glad to hear this & therefore I communicate it to you without delay.

Yours affectionately | John.

Again I would say to you don’t allow your feelings to get too far entangled in that matter² – a Surgeon on the battle field would be of little use if he suffered the painful scenes around him to unman him. By this coldness as a general rule you will husband your strength, and cases will arise when you can bring the lever of feeling to bear with effect.