January 3rd, 1856.
“My dear Mr. Panizzi,
Pray let me know what Act of Parliament it is that regulates your appointment. The Prince will not lose sight of this matter till a decision is come to, but he would wish to be thoroughly acquainted with all the circumstances of the case.
Yours very faithfully,
C. Grey.”
However, notwithstanding the tone of this letter, and whilst many others kept pouring in, there were not a few persons who tried their utmost to oppose the promotion which had been so well earned, and which, it may honestly be said, proved afterwards to have been so wise a step in the National interest.
The earliest protest is one which, though insignificant at first sight, is here placed before the reader, because it was sent to Panizzi by Lord Palmerston, who wrote on the 13th of March (1856):—
“My dear Panizzi,
The enclosed, which has been sent to me, will interest you.
Yours very sincerely,