“There is now a very much increased interest being felt here in the importance of an early laying of another Atlantic cable from Ireland to Newfoundland, thus connecting Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.
“I hope in a few days to have arrangements made so that we may on some given evening connect the lines between St. John’s and San Francisco together, and by means of relays speak directly through, between these two points, a distance by the telegraph of over 5000 miles.”
Neither did he neglect his private business. On December 3d, within a year of his failure, he was able to write:
“All of our extension notes due on the 30th of September last were duly paid, and we have already taken up all that will be due on the 30th of this month with the exception of $14,992 78, and all that are due on the 30th of March next except $326 40. You will see that we have reduced our liabilities to a very small amount, and we shall meet them all promptly at or before maturity.”
He was so very exact in all his work that he could not understand the lack of like exactitude in others. To one who failed to answer a letter he sent this note:
“My dear Sir,—If it takes four weeks not to get an answer to a letter, how long will it take to get one?
“I have not received a reply to my letter of November 4th.
“I remain, very truly your friend,
“Cyrus W. Field.
“December 2d.”