THE FIRST HALF CENTURY OF THE INSTITUTE. 77 



ing of the Essex Institute, but I find the state of my health will not 

 permit me to be present, which I deeply regret. 



Hoping that the occasion will be enjoyed by all who take part. 

 I am 



Sincerely yours, 



Henry M. Brooks, 



Secretary Essex Institute. 

 To 



Hon. Robert S. Rantoul. 



Providence, R. I. 

 March 3, '98. 

 My dear Mr. Brooks : 



I am very much mortified to find that the 2d 

 of March has passed, and your kind invitation to attend the celebra- 

 tion of the fiftieth anniversary of the Essex Institute not answered. 

 I hoped to be able to attend, and meant to write you to that effect, but 

 your invitation came while I was unwell, and finally got overlooked. 

 I have the warmest attachment to the Institute, and remember 

 with gratitude all it has done for me, and wish it every prosperity and 

 success. 



Yours sincerely, 



A. S. Packard. 

 Henry M. Brooks, Sec'y. 



Williams College, 



Williamstown, Mass., March 14, 1898. 

 My dear Sir : — 



Only yesterday I noticed ou the ticket which you 

 so kindly sent me for your commemoration the request to return the 

 ticket if I could not use it. I regarded it as a great compliment that 

 you sent me such a ticket but found it impossible to attend your exer- 

 cises. Will you please accept my most humble apology for having 

 failed to acknowledge so marked a courtesy, and especially for 

 neglecting to return the ticket. 



Very respectfully yours, 



Franklin Carter. 

 To IT. M. Brooks, Sec'v, &c. 



