Ever yours truly, RICH. FORD.” Before the announcement of the appointment reached Panizzi, he received two epistles, one from Lord Lansdowne, and the other from Sir George Grey:— “Dear Panizzi, Though I believe your appointment to succeed Sir H. Ellis at the Museum has been mentioned in the newspapers before it was made,—for it was only yesterday afternoon that Sir George Grey brought it under the notice finally of the Cabinet,—it is now certain, and I cannot refrain from wishing you joy. I had before felt it difficult to speak to you about it with the confidence I felt, lest your expectations and mine might not be realized by some untoward chance; but I am sure you will believe that there are none of the Trustees to whom it gives greater pleasure than myself. I remain, Very faithfully yours, LANSDOWNE.” Sunday morning, March 2nd” “Home Office, March 5th, 1856.” “Dear Mr. Panizzi, I have much satisfaction in informing you that Her Majesty has been pleased to appoint you to the office of Principal Librarian of the Museum. You will receive an official letter intimating to you your appointment, which, at the suggestion of the three Principal Trustees, in which Her Majesty’s Government concur, will be made subject to any changes in the duties or emoluments of the Office which Parliament may think fit to make. Believe me, yours very faithfully, G. GREY.” Close upon these followed the official letter from the Home Office:— “Whitehall, March 5th, 1856. “Sir, I am directed by Secretary Sir George Grey to inform you that the three Principal Trustees of the British Museum have recommended to Her Majesty two persons (of whom you are one) whom they judge fit to execute the office of Principal Librarian, and that Her Majesty has been pleased to appoint you to execute the said office of Principal Librarian of the British Museum. I am to add that, in accordance with the suggestion of the three Principal Trustees, made with reference to various changes in the duties of this office, recommended by the Royal Commission in 1850, Her Majesty has been pleased to direct that your appointment shall be made subject to any change in the duties or emoluments of the office which Parliament may think fit to make. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, H. WADDINGTON.”