My Dear M^r Talbot,

The Patrons of the Chair of Music will give every consideration to M^r Oakeley's ^<1> Claims. He is the 22^d Candidate, and the task to decide among so many accomplished persons, highly recommended, is a very difficult one. Patrons who have no knowledge of the Theory of Music must be guided by the weight of testimony in favour of each of the claimants.

I am, Ever Most Truly y^rs
D Brewster

Allerly, Melrose
Oct^r 18^th 1865

---

Notes:

1. [Sir] Herbert Stanley Oakeley (1830–1903), composer. For the background to this matter, see Doc. No: 04811 and Doc. No: 09037.