Frederic Howard an Louis Spohr in Kassel

Sherburn, near Durham, England
August 6th. 1849.

My dear D^r Spohr.

I am sure that you¹ will not feel uninterested to know the result of my application for the vacant Minor Concony in Durham Cathedral. Towards² obtaining which you so kindly gave me your powerful assistance when I had the pleasure of seeing you in Cassel in face last.
The decision has been made the Post filled up & I am sorry to have to tell you that I have not been succesful. – The Dean & Chapters (a body of Nine influential Clergymen) acknowledged that so far as Musical Talent was concernt, I was the most suitable Candidate, – wich indeed, after the flattery testimonial which you³ so good as to give me, they could not doubt. – but unfortunately, they decided that I was not sufficently old for so important an appointment. – I rather think that the true secret of the matter consisted in the following fact. – The succesful Man as supported by the very powerful interest of the Duke of Cambridge (a brother of one of our late Kings) --- & to this cirsumstance I imagine, he may attribute his success.
Allow me once more to return you my most warm & sincere thanks for you kindness – which I should not have appreciated more that I obtained the appointment than I do now. –
Present my kindest remembrances to Madame Spohr, & accept the same yourself, my dear D^r Spohr.
from
your obedient Servant.
Frederic Howard. –

D^r Spohr
Cassel.