To Prof. O. S. Pratt:
We, the members of your Washington class, appreciate the value of the very necessary knowledge which you have imparted to us during your sojourn in the national metropolis; and we are convinced that your method of educating the horse, and reforming his vicious habits, is the only true system. As a mark of our estimation of the service rendered us, we beg your acceptance of the accompanying testimonial, and our sincere wishes for your continued success, health and happiness.
- General W. T. Sherman,
- Gen. O. E. Babcock,
- General Banks,
- Count De Catacazy,
- Mayor Matthew G. Emory,
- W. S. Shepherd,
- Surgeon Gen. Barnes,
- Commodore Ammen,
- Gen. Horace Porter,
- Gen. J. C. Fremont,
- Senator Wm. Sprague,
- Commodore Pickering,
- Brevet Maj. Gen. Allen,
- Gen. Ely S. Parker,
- Mayor Emory,
- H. A. L’Astrange, of the British Legation,
- Rev. Dr. Newman, Chaplain to the Senate,
- Wm. W. Belknap, Secretary of War,
- Gen. Meichler,
- Governor Cooke,
- P. H. la Poor, of the French Legation.
On the next page the reader will find a correct cut of the gold medal which accompanied the diploma.
On the following day the Metropolitan Church arranged an excursion to Mount Vernon. The day was beautiful, and the company all that could be desired. The sail down the lovely stream, with its wooded banks, was delightful. On our arrival at the spot the laugh was hushed, for we felt ourselves on sacred soil as we neared the tomb of Washington. After lingering for a time by the dust of the illustrious dead, we ascended the hill on which stands the house which was once the home of the Father of his Country. The furniture having been removed, we saw little more than the halls, a few relics enclosed in a case, and the marble mantel, which has been so much coveted by strangers on account of its rare carving, representing a farm-yard scene. This choice relic has been defaced in several places by unscrupulous visitors, who have broken off pieces to carry away as relics. We also visited the spot where Washington and Lafayette met, under a tree, to reconcile their difficulties.
During our return to the city, which we reached the evening of the same day, speeches were made on the boat by the Mayor, ministers and bankers. We arrived in time to take the cars on our way to Long Branch, at which popular resort I passed most of the summer in visiting and recreation, before again resuming the duties of my profession.