“Yours very sincerely,
“Argyll.”
“Mortimer Reading, July 2, 1868.
“My dear Friend,—I was exceedingly sorry that I was prevented from taking part, as I had intended, in doing honor to you last night. You know that in all that number of admirers there was not one whose feelings towards you were warmer than mine. Indeed, few of them could feel the personal gratitude which I feel to the author and the indomitable promoter of an enterprise the success of which will link me, though far away, to my English home.
“Ever yours sincerely,
“Goldwin Smith.”
“Castle-Connell by Limerick,
“July 20, 1868.
“My dear Mr. Field,—I saw by the papers that the great banquet given to you at Willis’s Rooms passed off most successfully, and Mr. Bright, who has been staying a week with me, confirms even the most favorable accounts. I think you may well be satisfied with the honors that have been paid you on both sides of the Atlantic, but should more be proffered you may readily receive them as deserved....
“Very respectfully and truly yours,
“George Peabody.”
When he sailed for England, in February, Mr. Field had taken to Mr. Bright an invitation to visit this country, signed by many of his American friends, and ending with these words: “Your presence at this time would tend to strengthen the ties between your country and ours, and we beg leave to suggest a visit during the ensuing spring.”