“It is no secret throughout the House that whatever improvement has taken place in the condition of those employed in it has originated with yourself and been won by your exertions. They are indebted to you for increased pay and extended vacations. They are indebted to you for the abolition of the system of payment by the day, which was injurious to the service and painful to the feelings of the gentlemen employed. Your exertions procured for the Library those increased grants which have rendered possible its vast growth and the high position it at present occupies. In short, we feel, and are proud to feel, that all the important improvements in the Institution had their origin in this Department while you were its Chief Officer, and that the very great development of the Museum generally commenced at the period when you became Principal Librarian. “For myself, I shall always feel most grateful for the unvarying kindness with which you have treated me during the long period of nearly thirty years that I have acted more or less immediately under your superintendence. Your advice, support, and encouragement have never been wanting to me in all cases of difficulty; and if the present state of the Library deserves commendation, it is to you that the praise is mainly due. “While speaking thus in my own name, I am in fact speaking in the name of all, and only expressing the sentiments which have been conveyed to me by those in the Department. Although officially separated from us, your name must always be inseparably connected with this great Institution; and be assured, my dear sir, that you carry with you into your retirement not only the best wishes, but the warm and affectionate feelings of us all.”