“My dear Sir,—Through the press and otherwise I learn that you, with a few other friends of mine, are engaged in raising a subscription for my benefit. I appreciate both the motive and the friendship which have dictated this course on your part, but, on mature reflection, I regard it as due to myself and family to decline this proffered generosity.
“I regret that I did not make this known earlier.
“Very truly yours,
“U. S. Grant.
“Cyrus W. Field, Esq.”
“6th January, 1885.
“My dear General Grant,—I have this moment received your letter of this date, and I shall, as requested in the letter from your son, send a copy immediately to Messrs. A. J. Drexel and George W. Childs, of Philadelphia; to General W. T. Sherman, St. Louis, and Mr. E. F. Beale, of Washington.
“I have for several days been very anxious to call and see you, but have been prevented by press of business and a severe cold.
“With great respect, I remain,
“Dear General Grant,
“Very truly your friend,
“Cyrus W. Field.”
He was in London part of the summer of 1885, and the extracts that follow are made from a letter written to the New York Tribune by Mr. Smalley on July 5th, in which he gives an account of the Fourth in London, and of a dinner given on the evening of that day. There were but thirty present, and only eight Americans.