‘The circumstances under which she left the Clergy Daughters’ School in this place, were such, that I cannot speak of them in detail, out of unwillingness to reflect on the conduct of the authorities there, but I consider her dismissal by them to have been highly honourable to herself.
‘As a Teacher, I have reason to believe that she is very highly accomplished and has been very successful—though I say this from general impressions only.
H. Shepheard, M.A.
Incumbent of Casterton, late Fellow of Oriel College, Oxford, and late Head Master of Cheam School, Surrey.’
and Miss Reynolds privately approached Mr. Bellairs:—
‘Trinity Terrace, Cheltenham.
‘A friend has asked me whether I can do anything to advance the interests of Miss Beale....
‘Miss Beale is not personally known to me, but from all I have heard she is a very conscientious and hard-working person, as well as one whose attainments are very high in most and I believe all of the departments necessary for the successful discharge of so important an office. Whether her talents for government correspond with her educational skill, and her very high religious and moral character, I know not; but I have been anxious to fulfil her wish in drawing your attention to her application, which she feared might be overlooked as one among many.
The most interesting of this series of letters is one from Miss Alston to Mrs. Lancaster. This, through Mr. Bellairs, undoubtedly helped to influence the Council, whose members were wise enough to seek for character as much as attainment in the new Head. Others had dwelt on Miss Beale’s talent and power and single-hearted devotion to her calling; Miss Alston could also speak of her life and value at home.
‘Donnington Rectory, June 12, 1858.