ANSWER TO INVITATION TO ATTEND A BANQUET AT NEW YORK, IN HONOR OF CYRUS
W. FIELD, NOVEMBER 14, 1866.
On the 15th November, a banquet was given to Cyrus W. Field,
at New York, to exchange congratulations on the happy result
of his efforts in uniting by telegraph the Old and New World.
Many distinguished guests were present. There were also
communications from President Johnson, Chief Justice Chase,
Secretary Seward, Secretary Welles, General Grant, Admiral
Porter, Sir Frederick Bruce, the British Minister, Lord Moncke,
Governor-General of Canada, and many others. Mr. Sumner wrote:--
BOSTON, November 14, 1866.
GENTLEMEN,--I regret much that it is not in my power to unite
with you in tribute to Mr. Field, according to the invitation
with which you have honored me.
There are events which can never be forgotten in the history of
Civilization. Conspicuous among these was the discovery of the
New World by Christopher Columbus. And now a kindred event is
added to the list: the two worlds are linked together.
In this work Mr. Field has been pioneer and discoverer. As such
his name will be remembered with that gratitude which is bestowed
upon the world’s benefactors. Already his fame has begun.
Accept my thanks, and believe me, Gentlemen,
faithfully yours,