“Dear Sir,—I fully intend to be present, if possible, at the banquet to Mr. Cyrus W. Field, but I have been of late in the doctor’s hands, and it may happen that I could not be present.
“I should, therefore, feel much obliged to you if you would give the reply to the toast to some one else, and release me altogether from making a speech. For various reasons I am anxious not to speak on the occasion, especially as I have been compelled to decline all invitations to public dinners of late; otherwise anything that I could have done to contribute to the success of this well-deserved tribute to the great services of Mr. Cyrus Field I would have done with the greatest pleasure.
“Yours truly,
“A. H. Layard.”
“London, June 30, 1868.
“My dear Field,—I regret very much not being able to be one of those who will meet to-morrow to do you honor for your great services in carrying out telegraphic communication between this country and America. No one present will feel and appreciate more than I do how important a part you took in that great work, and with what energy and perseverance you devoted yourself to its success.
“Wishing you long life and every happiness,
“Believe me,
“Yours very sincerely,
“Daniel Gooch.”
The speeches made at this dinner can be given only in part.
The Duke of Argyll said: