The dates given at the head of this chapter (1848 to 1854) cover the period when the Sanitary cause was completely successful, and when my grandfather found himself one of the heads of a Government department devoted to the furtherance of sanitary measures throughout the kingdom--a department which was called the General Board of Health. Here, at offices in Whitehall, in daily conference with Lord Ashley (afterwards the Earl of Shaftesbury) and Mr Edwin Chadwick, he could propagate knowledge on questions relating to the public health, and carry out sanitary measures, as from a powerful centre, having the authority of a Government department. This power of carrying out his convictions to practical issues was an immense satisfaction to my grandfather's mind, and many were the congratulations which he received on this public appointment. The following, from a Portsmouth physician, is interesting:-- _October 8, 1848._ SIR,--Though personally a stranger, permit me to offer my sincere congratulations on your appointment by her Majesty's Government to the Board of Health, where the talents you have so long displayed will have scope for the full share of utility. I have traced and followed you in the various publications issued by the Government and the Health of Towns Association for several years past, and having myself, though in a much more confined area, mingled with public life, I know the heart-burnings, the disappointments and annoyances, to which in such a course a man is necessarily exposed; but if reward come at last--though the delay has almost made the heart sick--one is then amply repaid, especially in a case like yours, when a whole kingdom will applaud the appointment. Permit me again, sir, to beg your acceptance of my congratulations.--I am, sir, your obedient servant, To Dr SOUTHWOOD SMITH, Whitehall.