From Charles Roach Smith   1 August 1855

My dear Sir

On my return from a visit to the I. of Wight, I find your’s of the 18 ^th –the day I left town.

I fear you do not understand the facts of the case of my Museum, as you seem still to have some doubts about the sum of £3,000 being too much for it. Vast as it may seem, I have long held an order to receive it at any time; & museum auctioneers say it could not be valued under! This will relieve your mind of all doubt on the subject. It is not a question of money. It is a question of conservation. The Petitions will form the next part of the history of the transition or translation of the Collection. They will place the detractors in a disagreeable position, as the petitions are, I am told, signed by nearly 300! antiquaries and men of science.

I am sorry you did not see the tree-coffin.

Believe me | My dear Sir | Your’s very truly | C. R. Smith