Harrow,
July 18, 1855
Dear Sir,
Our holidays begin on Thurs-day [illegible deletion] August 2, and will end on Friday Sept. 14. unless some unforeseen event prolong them. The boys who travel by the Gr Western Railway usually go to Paddington Station though it is a greater distance. They get the quicker trains by this arrangement. Besides Dr V. likes all the members of the school to leave Harrow by railway, as racing on the roads is too often the consequence of the use of carriages. I would decidedly advise you to let C. find his own way as far as your own station, The presence of a servant to look after him would I think draw on him a good deal of ridicule. He is sure to have several school fellows as fellow travellers.
I confidently hope & expect that he will gain a Remove in the coming examination. There is no doubt that he ought so to do –
You are right in supposing that there will be a change in the arrangement as to my successor as Classical Tutor in the house. Mr Scott has been appointed Head Master of Westminster. We are to have a Mr Holmer I believe, who is already one of the Masters here; not a man of the distinction of Mr Scott, but a thoroughly careful sound & conscientious Tutor.
Believe me dear Sir Yours very faithfully
J. N. Simpkinson
[envelope:]
[added in WHFT's hand:] Simpkinson
Mr. H. Fox Talbot Esq
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham