I have written to Sir George Grey as well as to the Archbishop. Is there any formidable rival in the field? I have not heard of any, nor indeed have I heard anything on the subject; and my only fear is that some of the Trustees may dread the influence of knowledge and capacity, on Talleyrand’s principle of avoiding zeal.
Ever faithfully yours,
Egerton Ellesmere.”
Dr. Cureton again wrote as follows:—
“Cloisters, Feb. 19th, 1856.
“My dear Panizzi,
I have just seen the Archbishop, and I think there can be no doubt that all is right in that quarter. He asked me to let him have Parry’s letter again, which I shall. I told him that, as far as I knew, the Lord Chancellor and Speaker were quite in your favour; and he told me that, according to the Act, they must send in two names, from which I certainly conclude that he means yours for one. He was very kind. I have also had a letter from Lord Ellesmere enquiring how you get on, and wanting to know who else was spoken of. He said that he had written to Sir George Grey on your behalf—should you not write a word of thanks to him? He seems, as you will see from his letter, much interested in your success.
Yours always,
W. Cureton.”
Other communications followed, amongst which was one from Mr. Richard Ford:—