On the assumption of the office of Principal Librarian, Panizzi wrote a circular letter to the officers of the Museum, to which are appended a few of the answers received, in the order of dates. “British Museum, March 24th, 1856. “Dear Sir, Her Majesty having been graciously pleased to appoint me to the office of Principal Librarian, I beg to inform you that the Trustees, on Saturday last, put me in possession of that office. I rely on receiving from you, and all those under you, that efficient assistance which is absolutely necessary for the good of the service, and which from your well known zeal and ability in the fulfilment of the duties of your office must prove eminently useful to this Institution. You may reckon on your part on my endeavouring to do the utmost for the advantage of your Department, and of those employed in it, for the support of your authority, and for facilitating not only the execution of the orders of the Trustees, but a hearty compliance with their wishes. I flatter myself that, by our united and harmonious exertions, by the utmost punctuality, and by steady attention in the performance of our duties, we shall eventually secure for the British Museum a still larger share of that ready support with which Parliament has hitherto generously encouraged our efforts. I shall be highly gratified to learn that you concur in these views and sentiments, and I remain, my dear Sir, yours faithfully, A. PANIZZI.” “British Museum, March 24th, 1856. “My dear Sir, I hasten to congratulate you on your appointment to the office of Principal Librarian, and to wish that you may long enjoy the honour so conferred on you. Knowing the energy you have always evinced in the Department over which you have hitherto presided, the great attention you have paid to the interest of those confided to your care, I look forward with pleasure to the advantages we may all derive from the enlargement of your sphere of action. I beg to assure you that it will be my earnest endeavour to assist you by every means in my power to carry out the orders of the Trustees, and to produce those united and harmonious exertions which cannot fail to be so beneficial to the interest, efficiency, and utility of the Institution, and so beneficial to the officers. I remain, my dear Sir, yours very faithfully, JOHN EDW. GRAY.” “British Museum, March 25th, 1856. “Dear Sir,