I cannot quit the important Department, which for the last nineteen years I have had the honour to direct, without expressing to you and to those who have so much contributed to augmenting it and raising it to its present state, my heartfelt thanks for the zealous, intelligent, and unfailing assistance which I have received from all in the performance of my various duties. It is not for me to say whether this Library can challenge comparison; but this I can truly say, that having been so nobly seconded, it is not surprising if I have succeeded beyond what I ever ventured to hope in July, 1837. I leave my old Department in your hands, confident that its future head will continue to receive from all my late fellow-labourers the support of which I feel so proud—that by your united efforts its usefulness will increase with its extent and its renown, and that you will all receive that meed of approbation which will be due to your untiring and intelligent exertions in the service of the public. Please, my dear Jones, to make these sentiments of mine known to the whole Department, and believe me, ever yours truly, A. PANIZZI.” The answer ran thus:— “British Museum, March 24th, 1856. “My Dear Sir, I have communicated to this Department the most kind and flattering letter you have addressed to us, and I am desired to convey to you the expression of the pleasure all have experienced from its perusal. The gratification we feel in your promotion to the important post of Principal Librarian is much alloyed by our regret at your separation from us. All have been indebted to you for acts of kindness and consideration—not a few for substantial benefits. It is our pride that we have been enabled to take part in the labours of the Department; but the _result_ is due to the firm and able guidance those labours have at all times received from yourself. The approval and ready acknowledgment with which you have always met the exertions of others have proved no slight incentive to continued zeal and application. The energy and enlarged views which have raised the Library to its present state of efficiency will now be employed in promoting the advancement of the Institution generally; and supported and seconded as you doubtless will be by the Trustees and Officers, we look forward with confidence to the time when the British Museum shall take its proper rank as one of the most powerful engines for the promotion of education and intelligence. Believe me, my dear Sir, most truly yours, J. WINTER JONES.”