“British Museum, March 24th, 1856.
“My dear Jones,
I cannot quit the important Department, which for the last nineteen years I have had the honour to direct, without expressing to you and to those who have so much contributed to augmenting it and raising it to its present state, my heartfelt thanks for the zealous, intelligent, and unfailing assistance which I have received from all in the performance of my various duties.
It is not for me to say whether this Library can challenge comparison; but this I can truly say, that having been so nobly seconded, it is not surprising if I have succeeded beyond what I ever ventured to hope in July, 1837.
I leave my old Department in your hands, confident that its future head will continue to receive from all my late fellow-labourers the support of which I feel so proud—that by your united efforts its usefulness will increase with its extent and its renown, and that you will all receive that meed of approbation which will be due to your untiring and intelligent exertions in the service of the public.
Please, my dear Jones, to make these sentiments of mine known to the whole Department, and believe me, ever yours truly,
A. Panizzi.”
The answer ran thus:—
“British Museum,
March 24th, 1856.