It is well known that the organ which stood in Magdalen College, Oxford, was saved from destruction through the intervention of Cromwell, who privately caused it to be removed to Hampton Court, where it was placed in the great gallery, in order that he might have the frequent pleasure of hearing it; and he also appointed as his organist and music-master, at a salary of 100_l._ per annum, John Hingston, who had been one of the musicians to Charles I. Cromwell was extremely partial to the Latin _Motets_ composed by Richard Dering, and these were performed on the organ by Hingston, who was assisted by his pupils in the vocal parts. The interesting organ which must have often poured forth its sweet sounds under the fingers of Milton, was, after the Protector's death, returned to Magdalen College; but subsequently the College authorities sold it, and it was removed to Tewkesbury Abbey, where it now stands. Anthony Wood, who lived during the Protectorate, tells the following characteristic anecdote of Cromwell:-- "In October, 1659, James Quin, M.A., and one of the senior students of Christ Church, a Middlesex man born, but son of Walter Quin, of Dublin, died in a crazed condition. A. W. had some acquaintance with him, and hath several times heard him sing, with great admiration. His voice was a bass, and he had a great command of it. 'Twas very strong and exceeding _trouling_, but he wanted skill, and could scarce sing in consort. He had been turned out of his student's place by the visitors, but being well acquainted with some great men of those times that loved music, they introduced him into the company of Oliver Cromwell, the Protector, who loved a good voice and instrumental music well. He heard him sing with very great delight, liquored him with sack, and in conclusion, said: '_Mr. Quin, you have done very well, what shall I do for you?_' To which Quin made answer, with great compliments, of which he had command, with a great grace, that '_Your Highness would be pleased to restore him to his student's place_,' which he did accordingly, and so kept it to his dying day."