Among the valued letters written in answer to the birthday summons was
this pleasant response from Mr. Whittier:—
OAKKNOLL, DANVERS, _2^{nd} Mo. 1, 1880_.
DEAR MRS. BULL,—I am extremely sorry that the state of my health
will not permit me the great pleasure of calling on thee and thy
gifted husband on the occasion of his seventieth birthday. I have
a happy memory of meeting him some years ago and talking with him
of his wonderful art. While it is a matter of regret to me that I
know little of music, and can scarcely distinguish one tone from
another, I am not insensible of “the concord of sweet sounds,” and
I know something of the delight of those who “carry music in their
hearts.” I would be glad to join with those who are able to
testify in person their high regard for the great musician, who,
as one of the rare interpreters of poetry and harmony, has made
the world his debtor; and who brings to us from his native land
its voices and melodies, the lapsing waves of its fjords, the
storm–song of the wind, the rustic of the birch groves, the murmur
of its pines and the laugh of children, and the low of cattle and
song of milk–maids on its summer mountains.
Give him the best wishes of one who is two years his senior that,
to use an Irish phrase, the years to come may only bring “more
power to his elbows” and make him happy in making others happy.
Very truly thy friend, JOHN G. WHITTIER.
Mr. Thomas G. Appleton’s account of the birthday gathering is as
follows:—