Denis Le Marchant became Clerk of the House of Commons in 1851 in succession to the recently deceased John Ley who had held the clerkship for thirty years. Le Marchant had previously been a Member of Parliament for Worcester and his appointment caused some consternation within Parliament with some members suggesting he had not sufficient experience in procedural matters.  In 1855 Clerk Assistant William Ley was set to retire from the House and Le Marchant decided to offer May the post. 

In this letter May accepts his offer and pays homage to the service that both Leys  had given the House and hopes to emulate their achievements.

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