1st. The gate by Mr. König’s house, on the west side of the officer’s houses, as well as another gate, higher up, on the same road, ought to be strengthened. The same ought to be done with those on the roads to the north and east, right and left of the reading-room entrance. The iron gate also to Montagu Place ought to be strengthened, locked, and the key kept by you; nor ought the opening under the new passage, from your house to the Library, to be left unprotected.
2nd. All the doors in the basement, particularly those opening on the yards and roads outside the building, ought to be kept locked, and none opened, under any pretence, without an officer’s order.
3rd. The two clerks of the works, the enginemen, and the house carpenter, should be at hand throughout the day, and have the fire-engines ready for use at a moment’s notice. It would be as well to have a couple of men from Mr. Merryweather’s with them.
4th. More police lanthorns, a dozen at least to be provided, in case they might be required at night.
5th. No officer, attendant, or servant whatever, to leave the Museum on Monday, except with your special leave.
“P.S.—There are men in the house ready and able to use firearms (if provided with them) should it be absolutely necessary. We ought to provide them; as to the absolute necessity of actually using them, it must depend on circumstances.”
On the 15th of April, the Trustees held a meeting, and “acknowledged thankfully the human means which have been employed in their service, in the maintenance of the safety of the British Museum in their charge, and to record, accordingly, their grateful conviction of the intelligence, energy, zeal, and union, which have been displayed by their Principal Librarian, by the heads of departments” and by the gentlemen engaged under them.”
Thus happily passed off what appeared to be at one time a threatening position for the British Museum; and it is a subject of hearty congratulation that the would-be disturbers of the public peace were faint-hearted and disorganized, or serious results might have ensued, fraught with danger to human life, and destruction to public buildings and their contents. Had the Museum been really attacked, who can reckon the loss to the Nation? No doubt the energetic precautions taken had much to do with smothering the fire which appeared at one time likely to kindle; and for this there is much reason for us, of the present day, to be thankful to those, who were instrumental in protecting our National Institution.