The Life of Sir Rowland Hill and the

1849] RENEWED ATTEMPTS AT COMPULSION. 12$
for him a peremptory order from the Postmaster-
General to carry out the measure ; adding that, if
this were done, he felt sure his men would come
forward from good-feeling towards himself. This I
had, of course, refused ; but it now occurred to me
(October i3th) that, if the order were accompanied
with permission to select volunteers, not only from
within the office, but also, if necessary,
from the world
at large, Mr. Bokenham's desire might be safely
granted, since it was impossible that, with so wide
a choice, there should be the slightest difficulty in
obtaining the necessary aid. Upon my explaining
this proposed course to Mr. Bokenham, he expressed
his desire to have it carried out. I learned from him,
however, much to my chagrin,
that he received a
verbal order to compel attendance ; but upon my
stating to him the Postmaster-General's promise to
the contrary, he said he should apply for further in-
structions before taking any steps. I accordingly wrote
a minute in which I stated my unabated confidence in
my plan of sorting, and my
readiness to undertake the
responsibility of its execution if the Postmaster-
General should so decide.
Mr. Tilley, who had been
Having shown this to
present throughout the
conversation, and who at once vouched for the accuracy
of the statements contained therein, I went
straight to Brighton, obtained without difficulty the
requisite powers for Mr. Bokenham, and the Postmaster-General's
approval of the whole minute, he
" viewing it as a very satisfactory mode of reconciling
the voluntary principle with a peremptory order to
Bokenham, and expressing himself much indebted to
me for the trouble I had taken. '
All now seemed to be satisfactorily arranged for
action ; but three days later new doubts arose, the