On his eightieth birthday my father was surprised and touched by the
gift acknowledged in the next letter to the old friend through whose
hands it was conveyed to him. It will be seen, that in the private
letter accompanying this response, he was under the mistaken impression
that Mr. Bryant was writing a history of the United States, while, in
fact, he was merely editing one written by Mr. Gay.
To William Cullen Bryant, Esq.
SHEFFIELD, March 30, 1874.
MY DEAR SIR AND FRIEND,--Your letter, which came to me to-day, crowns
the birthday tokens and expressions of regard which I have received
from many. It takes me entirely by surprise, only exceeded by the
gratification I feel at having s: a generous gift from my friends in
New York and elsewhere. I thank them, and more than thank them, and
you, for being the medium of it. I am alike honored by both. Thanks is
a little word, and dollars is called a vulgar one; but two thousand two
hundred and sixty-two of the latter, and [322]the sense I have of the
former, make up, I feel, no vulgar amount.
I don't know how you will convey to my old parishioners and friends my
sense of their good will and good esteem, but I pray you will-do so as
largely as you can; and to Dr. Osgood particularly for the care and
trouble I cannot but suppose he has taken in this matter. I am sure it
will please them to know, that on account of the increased expenses
of living, and the failure of some stocks, this gift is especially
convenient to me, and will help to smooth--for the steps now, perhaps,
but few-my remaining path in life.