Sir Moses Montefiore replied:
"Lord Mayor and Gentlemen of the Corporation, I am so deeply impressed by the high compliment you have just been pleased to offer me that I fear my emotion will incapacitate me from conveying to you in adequate terms my thanks and gratitude.
"Vividly recalling how many, distinguished by their brilliant achievements, in war, in science, in art, and by general service to mankind, have enjoyed in your hall the cordial reception with which you have this day greeted me, my heart glows with feelings of delight that you have estimated so favourably my humble endeavours in the cause of humanity.
"The Imperial edict which, through the Divine blessing, I had the happiness to obtain from His Sheriffian Majesty the Sultan of Morocco, securing to the Jews and Christians in his dominions the same rights and privileges which are enjoyed by other classes of his subjects, constitutes a bright epoch in the history of that Empire, and must assuredly tend to advance its prosperity.
"Permit me to present for your acceptance a copy of this important edict, and beg for it a record in the minutes of your Court.
"Mindful of my long and valued association with the Corporation of the City of London, and of the high and responsible office to which I was elected by the confidence of my fellow-citizens in the first year of the reign of our beloved Queen, and remembering how nobly and how successfully your ancient Corporation has toiled for religious freedom, I am the more gratified by the distinguished honour I have this day received—an honour I shall ever bear in grateful remembrance.
"My Lord Mayor and Gentlemen. I thank you most heartily for your kindness, and I offer you my earnest wishes for the continued prosperity of this great Corporation, and for your individual welfare."
Sir Moses, accompanied by the mover of the resolution, Mr Alderman (now Sir) Benjamin Phillips, then retired from the hall amidst the cheers and applause of the numbers who had assembled to witness the gratifying scene.
A copy of the resolution, beautifully emblazoned with the city arms, as well as those of the Lord Mayor and Sir Moses, and surrounded by paintings representing the Missions of Sir Moses, may be seen in the Lecture Hall of the College. It is greatly admired by visitors for its elegant execution.
"Nothing," Sir Moses observes in his Diary, "could have exceeded the courtesy of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council. I was delighted with the Lord Mayor's address, and I am happy to say they were pleased with my reply."
A copy of the edict of His Sheriffian Majesty and Sir Moses' speech had been entered in the minutes of the Court, and a copy sent to each of the members.
Sir Moses then attended the afternoon and evening service at the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, receiving congratulations from all present.
In the Court Circular, dated Windsor Castle, June 20th, we find a notice:
"His Highness Mustapha Pasha, the Turkish Ambassador, and Sir Moses Montefiore arrived at the Castle to-day from London.