38 
When Mr. John St. L. Beaufort left the Northern District to be 
surveyor in Wales, I wrote to congratulate him, and here is his 
reply :-— 
** Dear Sir, 
“‘T am much obliged by your congratulations on my promotion, and 
your good wishes for my future prosperity. I should be glad if I could find 
even a few of my postmasters in this district as zealous and attentive as I always 
found you, and I wish you success and happiness. J. St. L. BEAUFORT.” 
‘*Oswestry, 18th Nov., 1854. 
Mr. John Patten Goode succeeded Mr. Tilley as surveyor of the 
Northern District, and he was Goode by name and good by nature. 
If I could extend my paper I could recount many kind and 
considerate acts of his to myself and my subordinates, but time 
forbids. He went into the south in the same capacity, and I 
believe he is still living, although retired from the service. 
My next surveyor was Mr. Christopher Hodgson, a Carlisle 
gentleman, and an intimate friend of the late Mr. Joseph Hall, 
solicitor, of Keswick. He died a comparatively young man, but 
he was as energetic and efficient in the service as any of his prede- 
cessors. 
Then came Mr. Richard Hobson, also a Cumberland gentleman, 
a most energetic officer, who left us to occupy the important post- 
mastership of Glasgow. He is also surveyor of his own office, 
and of a large district adjacent to Glasgow. I have had many 
proofs of his goodwill since he left us, and I believe there is not a 
more efficient officer in the public service anywhere. 
Mr. Hobson was succeeded by Mr. T. B. Harkness, another 
Cumberland gentleman. He retired from the service in middle 
age, and is since deceased. He was a most estimable man, and 
was much regretted. 
Mr. Henry James succeeded him, and I have already spoken of 
the kindly way in which he acted when I asked his advice as to 
my retirement. Mountains of difficulty arose to my mind’s eye in 
contemplating the change; the principal one, however, was, what 
would become of my subordinates. I had received an allowance 
for assistance, and had disbursed myself for this help far in excess 
