“Mr. Cyrus W. Field:
“Dear Sir,—Your kind favor of March 1st was duly received, also yours of the 1st inst. within sixteen days from date, and my apology for not answering and acknowledging your first, with the enclosed check which it contained, is that I supposed Mr. Brett would do so, or had done so. I need not tell you that it was thankfully received, and that we feel truly grateful to you for the favor, and also feel happy that prosperity has smiled upon you.
“Accept, dear sir, my best wishes for your prosperity and welfare, and believe me ever
“Truly yours with respect,
“Edwin Adams,
“One of the firm of E. C. Brett.”
“So. Hadley Falls, March 7th, 1853.
“Cyrus W. Field, Esq.:
“My dear Sir,—I have received your very kind favor of 1st inst. Your offer to cancel the judgment which you hold against me is conferring a favor which it is out of my power in any form to reciprocate. Please accept my sincere thanks. Your untiring energy and perseverance have been crowned with great success. You have an ample estate, and no one deserves it more.
“In reply to some taunts of John Randolph, Henry Clay said his only patrimony was a widowed mother with nine children.
“Your only inheritance was a load of debt, cast upon you at the commencement of your business life, which was not caused by lack of foresight or fault on your part. You bore up under this heavy burden and paid it as not one in thousands could or would have done, and by this very act you laid broad the basis of your subsequent success. Should I ever again visit your city nothing there will afford me so much pleasure as to meet your cordial greeting and to accept your kind invitation.