“I am, dear sir, very respectfully yours,
“John A. Dix.”
“June 19, 1868.
“Sir,—It would give me great pleasure to show any mark of respect in my power to Mr. Cyrus Field and to the great nation to which he belongs.
“I shall be happy to attend the dinner on July 1st, if by so doing I can attest my sense of Mr. Field’s services.
“I trust that I shall not give offence, should I be compelled to retire before the rest of the company.
“I remain your servant,
“Shaftesbury.
“Sir James Anderson.”
“Grosvenor Crescent, June 7, 1868.