ARNOLD OF RUGBY.
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sin,—I do not think many persons remember Dr. Arnold better than I do, for in my young days the Doctor was greatly interested in electrical work, and my father, who was the master of the training school for boys in Rugby, placed two rooms in our house at the Doctor's disposal freely, one for the purpose of a small library on scientific subjects and the other for an electrical installation, which, as, of course, would be in those days, was, as may be imagined, of a somewhat crude description. I was quite young at that time, and I had to stand on a little stool with four glass legs and take hold of two handles (which, to my horror, I could not let go at will) while electric sparks crackled from me. The good Dr. Arnold called this affair the " Literary and Scientific Institution,"
and used to run down after " first resson " to interest himself and other gentlemen in various experiments. The Doctor's lamented death broke up. the " Literary and Scientific Institution."
On the day of the lamented death of the beloved Doctor he was expected to preach at St. Matthew's Church ; this having been announced, crowds went to try to get seats at the church. Great disappointment was felt, the cause of his absence being unknown. My father and mother had gone to the church, when a neighbour came across to our house and said, " Dr. Arnold is dead." I replied : " I am sure he is not ; my father and mother have gone to hear him preach at St. Matthew's." But, alas ! it was too true, our beloved Doctor had gone ! A few days later we went to the funeral—it has never been forgotten by me. The solemn procession came out of the school-house garden, and proceeded slowly along the school-close, to the chapel, where the sacred remains were laid in a vault in front of the altar the Doctor loved. I cannot, even now, speak or think of the scene of mourning without emotion. The dear family left Rugby with all the love and sympathy Rugby could give. Excuse deficiencies—I am now ninety years old.—I am, Sir, &c., E. HOPEWELL (late TAIT), formerly of RIgby.
18 Bernard Street, Carrington, Nottingham.
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