Copy letter from Herbert Rix, to the United States Ambassador, 123 Victoria Street, S.W. 'Your Excellency, I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 28th inst.[instant] addressed to Lord Kelvin [William Thomson], which I have opened in obedience to a general instruction from his Lordship. As Sir Joseph Lister has now succeeded to the Presidency of the Royal Society, I will take the liberty of handing the letter and accompanying document to the new President at the earliest opportunity. I have the honour to be, your obedient servant, H Rix Asst. Sec. R.S. [Assistant Secretary, Royal Society]'. 28 February 1896