London Institution
Finsbury Circus
E.C
8th March 1859
Sir
I was glad to get from your note a correct impression of the matter mat mentioned therein. I had already seen from my conversation with Mr Bolton <1> that I might have misapprehended what Henneman <2> had told me respecting letters from you. Furthermore in a conversation held since, with Henneman, I gathered that it was through Mr Bolton he had learnt your supposed wishes with regard to the Portugal affair. Probably Henneman did not say enough about his expectations as to Portugal & made too much of the prospect he had in view here – in being employed by you. I think it likely he preferred to be in your employ – that it is only now that that chance seems to fail him that he is become fully alive to the possible advantage of the other course. I think his decision was natural enough, & I only regret that circumstances have not favoured him, & that he has been so slow to learn the necessity of inquiring most thoroughly as to his position with regard to the future. I am sure he has now learned a lesson that will be useful to him. I fear that some such lesson was needed although one can hardly expect him to think so. He has been so little accustomed to rely entirely upon himself, that, I have no doubt, he scarcely knews [sic] how to act for the best under a choice of circumstances. If your kindness can devise a means of setting him right again I have no doubt he will properly estimate his position & find a career in which he can creditably live. His weakest point once being made manifest, he will if I do not thoroughly mistake his character, act for the future with more decision & prudence
Apologising for so long a letter
I remain Sir faithfully your obliged Sert
T. A. Malone.
Notes:
1. John Henry Bolton (1795–1873), solicitor, London.
2. Nicolaas Henneman (1813–1898), Dutch, active in England; WHFT’s valet, then assistant; photographer.