From Joseph George Cumming   10 May 1848

My dear Sir

I am so thoroughly convinced that nothing but a timely reform in the present system of our two great English Universities can save their character in all matters connected with science that I gladly send you an authority to affix my name to the Memorial w. ^h you transmitted to me.

I hope that the present move within our University itself may not be altogether fruitless, & I certainly think that if a good reform could be carried out without Government interference it would be far the safest. But it appears to be the opinion of those who have the best opportunity of judging that the Universities themselves have not the power, even if they had the will, to make the requisite Changes.

I have directed Van Voorst to transmit as early as he can the Copies of my little work on this island (w. ^h have been subscribed for in Cambridge) to the care of my Uncle who has kindly undertaken to deliver them to their respective owners.

The subscription can be either sent to me by post-office order or can be paid to Professor Cumming for me.

Believe me, Dear Sir,| Very faithfully yours | J G Cumming

[Enclosure: Notice entitled “Just Published, The Isle of Man; its History, Physical, Ecclesiastical, Civil and Legendary by the Rev. Joseph George Cumming.” d. 1868

Cambridge University Library, MSS Add. 8177: 103b]