THE FIRST HALF CENTURY OF THE [NSTITUTE. 75 



Topsfiki.d Historical Society, 



Topsfield, Mass., Feb. 28th, 189S. 

 Henry M. Brooks, Esq., Sec'y. 

 Deak Sir : — 



Thanks for your kind invitation to attend the semi- 

 centennial of the founding of the Essex Institute. 



I very much regret my inability to be present on the interesting 

 occasion. Wishing every success to the meeting, I am 



Yours, very truly, 



Justin Allen, 

 Pres't Topsfield Hist. Soc'y. 



Feb. 28, '98. 

 Am very sorry that I cannot be present. 



Augustus Hemenway. 



City of Newburyport, 



Office of City Clerk. 

 March 1st, 1898. 

 Mr. Henry M. Brooks, Secy. 



Salem, Mass. 

 Dear Sir : — 



It is with regret that I am obliged to return the en- 

 closed ticket, but at this time my official duties are such that I am 

 obliged to take this course. 

 Thanking you for the courtesy extended I am, 



Very rsp'y yours, 



George h. Plumer, 

 Mayor. 



No. Andover, 



March 1, 1898. 

 Mr. Moses T. Stevens accepts with pleasure the invitation of the 

 Essex Institute to attend the celebration of their fiftieth anniversary 

 on March 2, 1898. 



