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of its members the highest personal respect; and I consider 
that the zeal and liberality with which they have sustained the 
Institution, and carried out its objects, entitle them to be 
classed among national benefactors. It was, therefore, with 
peculiar satisfaction that I became instrumental in rendering 
to the Academy the service of which it stood in need; but I 
must not take undue credit to myself for this, as it is largely 
shared by Dr. Robinson, who, as a man of science, pointed out 
what was necessary, and, as a man of business, showed how 
it could be accomplished. His letter, with the authority ofhis 
great name, needed but little recommendation from me to Lord 
John Russell or the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and I hope 
that the new building will be found adequate to the purpose 
of rendering your inestimable possessions more useful and ac- 
cessible to the public. I attach great importance to the pub- 
lication of the Brehon Laws, both in a political and literary 
point of view, and I cannot doubt that my successor, when 
made aware of the circumstances, will feel under the same ob- 
ligation that I do to Dr. Todd and Dr. Graves, for the truly 
patriotic spirit with which they have undertaken this arduous 
work; neither can I doubt that from Her Majesty’s Govern- 
ment they will receive all the encouragement and assistance 
they may require. For myself, permit me to say, that in this 
or any other matter involving the interests of the Royal Irish 
Academy, I hope you will freely command my services; they 
will be given with all the devotion of personal friendship and 
the desire to do good to Ireland, which I have always felt 
during my residence among you, and which I assure you will 
in no respect be diminished by the termination of my official 
career.” 
Tue Secretary of Council read the following Report :— 
The Council, in presenting their Annual Report to the Academy, 
have more than ordinary reason to congratulate it on its efficient 
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