“Sir,—A statement having appeared in the paper of this day to the effect that the communication with New York was interrupted, I have to inform you that in consequence of a heavy fall of snow the land line in Cape Breton appears to have broken down. The cables of this company are, as they ever have been, in perfect order.
“I am, etc.,
“John C. Deane, Secretary.”
Before Mr. Field sailed for home this was published in the London papers:
“It appears that a contract was signed yesterday by Mr. Cyrus W. Field, acting in behalf of the New York, Newfoundland, and London Telegraph Company, with the Telegraph Construction and Maintenance Company for a submarine cable between Placentia, Newfoundland, and Sydney, Nova Scotia. The line will be laid in the early part of the summer. Mr. Field, having effected this very satisfactory arrangement in the interests of Atlantic telegraphy, will leave for New York in the Great Eastern on the 20th of March.”
Soon after his arrival in London the letters that immediately follow had been received:
“Paris, February 28, 1867.
“Cyrus W. Field, Esq.:
“Dear Sir,—The undersigned American citizens, at present in Europe, hearing of your arrival in England, and desiring to express their warm appreciation of your untiring labors and your final success in the laying of the Atlantic telegraph, desire to give you a public reception in this city at an early day, or at your own convenience.
“Hoping soon to hear from you, we remain, sir,
“Your sincere friends,