Item 179 - Letter from Connop Thirlwall

CT did not get WW's letter till much later since he is in Abergwili and not St. David's: 'There remains therefore no practical purpose to be answered by any observations I can make on the subject of your inquiry' concerning the election of the Divinity Professor. Nonetheless he gives his view: 'All that I have seen and heard of Ollivant [Alfred Ollivant] has led me to think very favourably of his character. Steadiness, firmness and discreetness appear to be among its most prominent qualities. To them perhaps, rather than to a deficiency of feeling, is to be ascribed a certain dryness and coldness of manners which renders it easier to esteem than to like him'. With regard to his qualifications for the professorship CT 'can only speak negatively. I have never seen any production of his which indicated more than very ordinary powers of mind'. Above all CT would object to him as a candidate because it is not for his learning or intellect, but 'because he represents the opinions of a party among its members. Nevertheless, I entertain so high an opinion of his integrity, moderation and candour, that I have no doubt, if he has been appointed, he will fill the office creditably and usefully'.