The Duke of Wellington spearheaded the establishment of RUSI in a letter to "Colbourn's United Service Journal" arguing that "a United Service Museum" should be formed, managed entirely by naval and military officers, and under patronage of the monarch, then King George IV, and the commanders-in-chief of the armed forces. Such an institution would prove that the two professions have entered the lists of science, and are ready to contend for honours "tam Artibus quam Armis" – 'as much through the arts as through weapons'.