(Ch.

X, 17th October, 1841)] [Pageheading: MASTERSHIP OF TRINITY] _Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._ _16th October 1841._ Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs leave to acquaint your Majesty that the Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, has formally signified his wish to retire from the duties of that important trust.
Sir Robert Peel has reason to believe that it would be advantageous that the selection of a successor to Dr.Wordsworth should be made from members of Trinity College who are or have been fellows of the College.

Of these, the most eminent in respect to the qualifications required in the office of Master, and to academical distinction, are:-- Professor Whewell.[126] The Rev.Mr Martin,[127] Bursar of the College.
The Rev.Dr Wordsworth,[128] Head Master of Harrow School, and son of the present Master of Trinity.
The latter is a highly distinguished scholar, but his success as Head Master of Harrow has not been such as to overcome the objection which applies on general grounds to the succession of a father by a son in an office of this description.
Professor Whewell is a member of Trinity College of the highest scientific attainments.

His name is probably familiar to your Majesty as the author of one of the Bridgewater Treatises,[129] and of other works which have attracted considerable notice.
He is a general favourite among all who have had intercourse with him from his good temper and easy and conciliatory manners.

Though not _peculiarly_ eminent as a divine (less so at least than a writer on scientific and philosophical subjects), his works manifest a deep sense of the importance of religion and sound religious views.