Sub-sub-series 2 - Shrewsbury Letters: William Samuel Powell

Includes letters and testimonials concerning the nomination of Rev. Samuel Johnson to the position of Third Master at Shrewsbury School.

1. Letter of recommendation from Charles Newling (Fellow 1752) to W.S. Powell, of S. Johnson, a "Person of very good abilities for the office of a School-master." Dated 28 December 1770.

2. Testimonial in favour of Samuel Johnson to succeed Thomas Humphries as Third Master, signed by William Smith, Mayor of Shrewsbury 1770-1771, and others. Dated 2 January 1771.

3. Letter from Samuel Johnson to W.S. Powell, in which he presents himself as a candidate for the position of Third Master. Dated 4 January 1771.

4. Letter from James Atcherley and Thomas Humphries to W.S. Powell, in which they disclose their concerns as to the suitability of Samuel Johnson for the position of Third Master. Dated 7 January 1771.

5. Formal notice by William Smith, Mayor of Shrewsbury, dated 16 January 1771, of the vacancy for the third mastership of Shrewsbury School, with a recommendation of Samuel Johnson, signed by the burgesses of Shrewsbury and others.

6. Signed testimonial in favour of the appointment of Samuel Johnson. Dated 18 January 1771.

7. Letter from James Atcherley and Thomas Humphries to W.S. Powell, concerning the disputed nomination of Samuel Johnson. They promise that, should Johnson be selected, they will endeavour to work peaceably with him for the sake of the School. However, they still have reason to doubt Johnson's character and will supply the name of a suitable alternative candidate should Powell wish them to do so. Dated 19 January 1771.

8. Statement of Revenues & Expenses of Shrewsbury School. Single sheet, undated.

9. Letter from Samuel Johnson to W.S. Powell, in which Johnson requests an answer to the question of his appointment. Expresses hope that Powell will not have been prejudiced against him, as he has the support of many, and will immediately quit if he does not succeed in his application. Dated 8 February 1771.

10. Letter from James Atcherley to W.S. Powell, concerning Johnson's unsuitable character. Despite Johnson's promise of better behaviour in the future, Atcherley still cannot endorse his nomination. Dated 13 February 1771.

11. Letter from William Smith, Mayor of Shrewsbury, to W.S. Powell, in which he expresses his continued support of Johnson, and the support of "many Gentleman of this Town". Though certain aspersions have been made as to his character, Johnson has offered a faithful promise to conduct himself in the future in a manner that befits his position. Dated 16 February 1771.

12. Letter from Samuel Johnson to W.S. Powell, in which he hopes that Powell will overlook some of his previous indiscretions and disregard other false charges laid against him. Pleads for Powell's benevolence not only for his own sake, but for the sake of the young men currently placed under his care. Dated 16 February 1771.

13. Letter from Thomas Humphries to W.S. Powell, concerning Johnson's nomination and his promise of good conduct in the future. Humphries is now satisfied in recommending Johnson and regrets that Atcherley could not be prevailed upon to do likewise. Dated 16 February 1771.

14. Letter from Thomas Humphries to W.S. Powell, in which he provides an account of Johnson's recent rude and uncivil behaviour towards himself and others, including the publication of a defamatory poem (see below). Joins Atcherley in petitioning Powell for assistance in devising a solution to the present situation. Dated 7 October 1771.

15. Letter from James Atcherley to W.S. Powell, concerning complaints against Johnson, who has broken Powell's injunction to behave respectfully towards Atcherley. Discusses Johnson's behaviour and the publication of his poem. Dated 8 October 1771.