I am much relieved to find that your position is secured, though I had not much ground for apprehension as to the result. I shall not be in London, except casually, till after Easter. I had intended to be there to-day for Lord Stanhope’s Motion, but am too lame. Perhaps before Easter is over you may find a holiday or holinight to run down here, in which case I should be glad to congratulate you in person, but I am not sure that I could do so before the end of next week.
Ever yours, faithfully,
Egerton Ellesmere.”
“March 10th, 1856; 58, Lincoln’s Inn Fields.
“My dear Panizzi,
I hope that this which I hear is true; and that you have obtained that which you have the best claim to, and are the worthiest to hold. If this be so—as I trust heartily it is—I beg to wish you long and happy years to enjoy what you have so well earned.
Ever truly yours,
John Foster.”
To the foregoing, other distinguished personages added their congratulatory expressions. Testimonials signed by attendants—even the bookbinder might be adduced—poured in, and might be put forward, did space permit, to prove incontestably that the appointment was thoroughly stamped with public approval.
Our documentary evidence has been copious, in order to establish, beyond doubt, the fact that Panizzi’s succession to the high trust to which he was appointed met with general approval, and once for all to extinguish the croaking of his few detractors and calumniators.