Printed letter 'To the Proprietors, Parents & Guardians of Pupils of Cheltenham College.' Regarding the controversy surrounding the resignation of Highton as headmaster.

4to, 3 pp. Bifolium. On grey paper. Text clear and complete. Good, lightly creased and aged, with part of stub adhering. Highton's entry in the Oxford DNB makes no mention of the controversy surrounding his administration at Cheltenham, where he was headmaster from 1859 to 1862. Turnbull ('Head Mathematical Master of the Classical Department of Cheltenham College') claims that when he refused to sign a letter put before him by HIghton, the latter 'immediately rejoined, "Then I dismiss you instantly from your situation."' He defends himself vigorously, denying 'any connection with any anonymous letter' and stating 'I cannot speak of myself as I trust others will. I was a Master of Cheltenham College on the day of its opening. For more than twenty years - the best of my life - I have honestly striven to do my duty. I appeal to my brother masters and to my old and present pupils to confirm this.' Excessively scarce: no copy in the British Library or on COPAC. The latter does however list a single copy, at Oxford, of a printed letter by Highton, dated 1861, defending his administration. From the album of Rev. William Done Bushell (1838-1917).