“Housatonic Bank, March 7, 1853.
“Cyrus W. Field, Esq.:
“Dear Sir,—At the request of the Board of Directors of the Housatonic Bank I enclose resolutions passed by them this day.
“Allow me to add, individually, my sincere thanks; and I am requested to ask if you will allow us to make mention of it, to show that such high moral principles in business have much to do with a man’s prosperity.
“With great respect I remain,
“Your obedient servant,
“J. D. Adams, Cashier.”
“At a meeting of the directors of the Housatonic Bank, held at their banking-house on the 7th day of March, 1853, the cashier laid before the board a letter from Cyrus W. Field, Esq., dated 1st of March instant, enclosing a check on the Union Bank, New York, for seven hundred 62-100 dollars, being an unpaid balance and the interest in full on a note against the late firm of E. Root & Co., due in 1841, which note had long since been given up to Mr. Field, the firm having become insolvent. Whereupon it was unanimously
“Resolved, That the conduct of Mr. Field in voluntarily paying a debt for which the bank had no claim evinces a high degree of moral integrity, alike honorable to him as a merchant and gentleman.
“Resolved, That such an instance of high-minded magnanimity should be held up as an example worthy of the more commendation because of rare occurrence.
“Resolved, That we tender to Mr. Field our congratulations in view of his present prosperity, and our best wishes for its continuance.