B 



20, Great Marlborough Street, W. Feb. 1 1875. 



Sir, — As I am just finishing a work on the present condition and 

 management of the British Museum, I have naturally desired to consult 

 the official Report of the Royal Commission of 1850, but for more than a 

 week, I have been informed on each application I made, that it was in 

 the hands of others. I must confess to some surprise at finding so 

 obscure a book so popular just now, but as it was important to have it, 

 I took care this morning to be the first man in the Reading-Room, even 

 then it was not on its shelf, and I discovered to my surprise, that it 

 had been very recently struck out from the catalogue of the Books of 

 Reference. After an hour of patient waiting, when the hope of rind- 

 ing it seemed lost, it was suddenly brought me from Mr. Rye's private 

 office. 



It is not for me to comment here upon the curious fact of the excision 

 of this book, from the catalogue of Reference, and its removal from the 

 shelves of the library at this most unopportune moment ,when the con- 

 dition of the British Museum is attracting special attention. I have 

 merely to request that it may be in the ordinary way, at the disposal of 

 those readers who may wish to consult it. 



I am, Sir, your obedient servant, 



J. "Winter Jones, Esq. Stefan Poles. 



British Museum, Feb. 2, 1875. 



Sir, — I beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of your letter respecting 

 the removal of the Report of the Royal Commission of 1850, from 

 the Reading-Room, and to inform you that the removal of which you 

 complain, was effected more than twelve months ago. I shall be happy 

 to give you any facilities in my power, in earning out the object of 

 your inquires. 



I am, Sir, your faithful servant, 

 Stefan Poles, Esq. J. Winter Jones. 



20, Great Marlborough Street, Feb. 3, 1875. 



Sir, — The object of my letter was to call your attention to an irregu- 

 larity, and not to solicit the favour of your co-operation in my inquiry. 



I am not disposed to think that you could assist me in the line of 

 investigation,which has been forced upon me, and if you could, it would 

 not be fair no ask you, seeing that my conclusions may be unpleasant 

 to you. 



The time for '' giving me facilities in your power, "was past for you 

 when you refused me the justice which you had once almost persuaded 

 jourself to promise. 



I am, Sir, your obedient servant, 

 j J. Winter Jones, Esq. Stefan Poles, 



