British Museum,
31st. October, 1860.
Dear Sir,
With reference to our correspondence on this subject I am directed by the Trustees to acquaint you that they are very willing that you should have every facility for the examination and study of the cuneiform inscriptions in the Museum, if suitable accommodation can be provided for you in the department of Antiquities in accordance with existing regulations and without interfering with the ordinary business of the establishment.<1> Will you therefore have the goodness to communicate with Mr. Hawkins<2> as to the necessary arrangements? he is already informed of the views of the Trustees in your favour
I remain, Dear Sir, Yours very truly
A Panizzi
H. Fox Talbot Esqr
[envelope, flap imprinted with seal of the "British Museum":]
H. Fox Talbot Esqre
&c &c &c
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. In the Trustees minutes of 27 October, they recorded that they "Read letters dated the 6th and 15th inst. from Mr. Fox Talbot, offering his services in deciphering occasionally, some of the Assyrian Cuneiform Inscriptions." See WHFT's letters Doc. No: 10071 and Doc. No: 10072.
2. Edward Hawkins (1780-1867), FRS, numismatist & archaelologist; from 1826-1860, Keeper of Antiquities for the British Museum.