Item 42 - Letter from William Whewell

4 pp.

Lancaster - WW has 'written to Jones [Richard Jones] and have told him that if he can do the service you mention to Mr Wordsworth the poet it will be a very great pleasure to me to have suggested it' [concerning the application of William Wordsworth's son for a position on the Tithe Commission?]. Hopefully Jones will be established in his position on the Commission by this time: 'It has given me very great gratification, not only because I rejoice at the prosperity of an old and valued friend; but because I think it a most appropriate appointment. His general views and his knowledge of details alike fit him for it...The ministers mercifully cared for the measure only so far as it afforded popular outcry, and did not consider themselves the guardians of the interests of the church so far as legislators ought to do; and the conservatives were too peevish and perverse to make the best of what must be done; so that if some one had not asked for us, we should have been crushed in the conflict of parties. Jones's influence, activity and assurance, which I saw in operation daily, were truly admirable. I may add as another reason for any satisfaction that it appears likely that it will require a person who has studied the like as thoroughly as he has to carry it into effect in the most beneficial way'. The only misgiving WW has is that if Jones had not have been appointed HJR may have been: 'I think this must be generally felt; and I will venture to tell you that I know it is felt by Jones so far as to dash his satisfaction at his own appointment in a very considerable degree. I have always told him, that I was sure you would perceive, at least as clearly as other persons, the rightness of the selection'. WW thinks it 'is time that the church should do something soon if she intends to do it at all - for persons of your standing and mine who have been of any use to her, for we are no longer young men. I hope your turn will come before long, for I have yet to make out my case by repairing the philosophy of the age; which I am going to set about in reality'.