| Description | "Montagu Boulton and S. Hutton." (Two letters on one sheet.)
Shrewsbury. February. 1833.
Shrewsbury
My dear Papa
I am very sorry for having given you so much concern about me but I dare say you will be glad to hear that I am quite well although my cough still continues to be a little troublesome in compliance with your request I have a little milk and a hard biscuit whenever I want it. I have been very busy of late or else I should have written sooner but I have succeeded in gaining my remove. I am very glad to say that Hutton has returned. There are not so many new comers this half-year. I have seen Dr Dugard two or three times since I gave him Mr Smiths parcel I am glad to hear that you are all quite well pray write to me again as soon as you can Please to give my love to all at home and believe me to remain your affectionate son,
Montague Boulton
My dear Sir,
Nothing, I must say, could have been more grateful to my feelings than the kind way in which you have noticed the little attention which I paid to your son; & it was the more pleasing as it was utterly unexpected. I should never have found your son out, except by hearing him mentioned amongst the Boys, as remarkable for his simplicity of manners and pious habits—and I was unwilling that so much goodness should be lost merely for want of a little care; and I must say that I never did, in five years experience of a Public school, see any child better behaved or better Principled—This I know is the case with most children upon their first entrance into a Public school, but the ridicule which I am sorry to say too often attaches itself to anything which is superior to the general run, too often causes them to abandon first their good Practices and secondly their Principles, and then it is all up. This I was, I say, unwilling to be the case with your son: and if my poor endeavours have excited the gratitude of the child, or have merited your approbation, I am tenfold repaid. I shall most certainly avail myself of your kind invitation to Tewt Hall, when I come into residence at Oxford, which will take place at Christmas next. I should have paid you a visit at Easter when I go up to matriculate, But that I find on inquiry that it is too far, our time being very short—If however Dr Butler would allow me one extra day’s absence, I certainly shall be delighted to come.
Believe me Sir
Yours faithfully
S Hutton
[The date is in Hutton’s hand.] |