Harrow
April 5. 1855.
My dear Sir,
It is truly kind of you to wish to see us these holidays, & to propose what would be a great pleasure were I at liberty to avail myself of it: but I shall be completely occupied by causes which I have been only waiting for a little [illegible] since the last fortnight to announce to you.
An unexpected offer has been made me which I have accepted, of a Living, in consequence of which I shall have to leave Harrow in the summer holidays, after the next school term. In many respects it is a real sorrow to me to quit my charges & duties here: but still it is my deliberate choice on the whole.
I hope I shall not disturb your own arrangements by this change; & that you will not see sufficient reason to alter your present plan of sending your boy here after Easter. Unfortunately I cannot tell you yet who is to be my successor, the whole change having come upon us so suddenly that Dr Vaughan has not yet completed his arrangements. I can only ask you to trust his judgement, & his wish & endeavour to do what is right, & best. The day for the school to meet is Wednesday April 25th on which day I shall hope to receive your boy. He had better come by a somewhat early hour in the afternoon especially if you accompany him. In the latter case we should be very happy if you could dine & sleep here.
We think 13 a very good age for a boy to come here. From what you tell me I think it probably that he would be placed in one of the two lower removes of the Shell.
I remain dear Sir Yours very faithfully
J. N. Simpkinson
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq.
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham