Let me add the expression of my best wishes for the full
enjoyment of your retirement from responsibility.
I remain, dear Sir George Airy,
Faithfully yours,
W.E. GLADSTONE.
* * * * *
ADMIRALTY,
_June 10th, 1881_.
SIR,
I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to
acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th instant, intimating
your desire to retire on the 15th August next from the office of
Astronomer Royal.
2. In reply I am to acquaint you that your wishes in this matter have
been communicated to the Prime Minister, and that the further
necessary official intimation will in due course be made to the
Treasury.
3. At the same time I am instructed by their Lordships to convey to
you the expression of their high appreciation of the remarkably able
and gifted manner, combined with unwearied diligence and devotion to
the Public Service (especially as regards the Department of the State
over which they preside), in which you have performed the duties of
Astronomer Royal throughout the long period of forty-five years.
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