Thomas Knox

Headmaster, Tonbridge School

9th September 1821

 

Dear Bishop Tomline

 

Thank you for your letter of 7th September addressed to my father, Vicesimus Knox. Sir, it is my painful duty to inform you that my beloved parent passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning and thus did not learn that the package, which had so much occupied his mind in the last weeks of his life, had at last been found. How extraordinary to think of it being concealed in a secret cavity in your desk all this time. Your description of the Green Man carving which opened the panel would have pleased him, for my father loved those Pagan images so common in old English churches.

 

It is unfortunate that you did not discover the hidden panel while my father was yet living. I regret that I can give you no information regarding the book you say he meant to send to you. He removed to this house several weeks before he died and, had he shown it to me, I am certain I would remember a black, leather-bound book with a claw-shaped metal clasp. I do not despair of finding it, however, and when I do shall send it to you by the first post.

 

Your obedient servant,

 

Thomas Knox