Knowing the energy you have always evinced in the Department over which you have hitherto presided, the great attention you have paid to the interest of those confided to your care, I look forward with pleasure to the advantages we may all derive from the enlargement of your sphere of action.
I beg to assure you that it will be my earnest endeavour to assist you by every means in my power to carry out the orders of the Trustees, and to produce those united and harmonious exertions which cannot fail to be so beneficial to the interest, efficiency, and utility of the Institution, and so beneficial to the officers.
I remain, my dear Sir, yours very faithfully,
John Edw. Gray.”
“British Museum,
March 25th, 1856.
“Dear Sir,
I have the greatest satisfaction in your appointment to the office of Principal Librarian, and offer you my warmest congratulations on the attainment of a post in which your abilities will be exercised so advantageously.
You cannot doubt that I concur most entirely in the sentiments of your letter—that I shall always consider it my first duty to devote myself to the interests of this Institution, and to satisfy the Trustees by punctuality, diligence, and general zeal in their service.
Without harmony of action and due subordination, all must be confusion in such an establishment as ours. I shall therefore be at all times eager to support your authority, and to follow your directions as the Principal Officer of the Trustees, and the proper interpreter of their wishes and instructions.