“I do not say one word to press you,” continues Mr. Sidney Herbert, and then proceeds to pay a tribute to Miss Nightingale’s capabilities for filling a public post at an hour of crisis such as no responsible Minister of a Government had ever paid to a woman before, or indeed since. “I must not conceal from you,” he continues, “that upon your decision will depend the ultimate success or failure of the plan. Your own personal qualities, your knowledge, and your power of administration, and, among greater things, your rank and position in society, give you advantages in such a work which no other person possesses. If this succeeds, an enormous amount of good will be done now, and to persons deserving everything at our hands; and which will multiply the good to all time. “I hardly like to be sanguine as to your answer. If it were yes, I am certain the Bracebridges would go with you, and give you all the comforts you would require, and which her [Mrs. Bracebridge’s] society and sympathy only could give you. I have written very long, for the subject is very near my heart. Liz [Mrs. Sidney Herbert] is writing to our mutual friend Mrs. Bracebridge, to tell her what I am doing. I go back to town to-morrow morning. Shall I come to you between three and five? Will you let me have a line at the War Office, to let me know? “There is one point which I have hardly a right to touch upon, but I trust you will pardon me. If you were inclined to undertake the great work, would Mr. and Mrs. Nightingale consent? The work would be so national, and the request made to you proceeding from the Government, your position would ensure the respect and consideration of every one, especially in a service where official rank carries so much weight. This would secure you any attention or comfort on your way out there, together with a complete submission to your orders. I know these things are a matter of indifference to you, except as far as they may further the great object you may have in view, but they are of importance in themselves, and of every importance to those who have a right to take an interest in your personal position and comfort. I know you will come to a right and wise decision. God grant it may be one in accordance with my hopes. “Believe me, dear Miss Nightingale, “Ever yours, “SIDNEY HERBERT.”