tended, by his manner and by his courteous bearing, to consolidate
those friendly relations which we desire should forever exist
between his country and our own. Those of us who have had the honor
from time to time to meet his Excellency, know what high and good
qualities he possesses, and we feel sure he will take with him to
the United States a not unfavorable impression of the old country,
and that so far as he can he will endeavor in the future, as I
believe he has done in the past, to promote those feelings of
peace, of amity between the two countries, the maintenance of which
is one of the objects to be most desired in the interests of the
world at large. I give you 'His Excellency, the American Minister,
Mr. Phelps,' and I ask you, if you please, to rise and give the
toast standing, in the usual manner."]


MY LORD MAYOR, MY LORDS, AND GENTLEMEN:--I am sure you will not be
surprised to be told that the poor words at my command do not enable me
to respond adequately to your most kind greeting, nor the too flattering
words which have fallen from my friend, the Lord Mayor, and from my
distinguished colleague, the Lord Chancellor. But you will do me the
justice to believe that my feelings are not the less sincere and hearty
if I cannot put them into language. I am under a very great obligation
to your Lordship not merely for the honor of meeting this evening an
assembly more distinguished I apprehend than it appears to me has often
assembled under one roof, but especially for the opportunity of meeting
under such pleasant circumstances so many of those to whom I have become
so warmly attached, and from whom I am so sorry to part. [Cheers.]

It is rather a pleasant coincidence to me that about the first
hospitality that was offered me after my arrival in England came from my