THE FIRST HALF CENTURY OF THE INSTITUTE. 63 



New England Historic-Genealogical Society, 



18 Somerset Street, Boston, Feb. 18, 1898. 

 My dbab Sin ; — 



I have been in the habit of following with large 

 interest, founded on a conception of mutual aims and objects, what- 

 ever your excellent society has done for the preservation of historic 

 record, family history and personal careers, honorable to Essex 

 County. You have accomplished great things; and every historical 

 student owes you a debt of gratitude. 



It is with sincere regret, therefore, that I find myself obliged to 

 decline your courteous invitation of the 10th instant, inasmuch as 

 the stated meeting, in March, of this society, occurs on the day se- 

 lected for your celebration. 



With sentiments of respect, I have the honor to remain, 



Your ob't servant, 



George A. Gordon, 

 Recording Secretary. 



Salem, Feb. 18, 189S. 

 Many thanks for remembering me with a ticket to your entertain- 

 ment. I regret my inability to attend but I wish you all success. 



Yours, etc. etc. 



Isaiah Nichols. 



Mr. Henry Pickering thanks the Essex Institute for their kind 

 invitation and requests the favor of a ticket to the commemorative 

 exercises on March 2d. 



1 Otis Place, 

 Feb. 18, 1898. Boston. 



40 Wall Street, New York, Feb. 19, 1898. 

 Dear Mr. Brooks : — 



I am afraid I shall be unable to attend the Essex Insti- 

 tute celebration on the 2d of March, and therefore in compliance with 

 the terms of your notice I return the ticket with regret. 



I hope the occasion will be successful and add to the already great 

 distinction of that most worthy society. 



Very truly yours, 



Wm. G. Choate. 



