94 BANQUET TO THE 



of the substantial improvements in the agricultural 

 condition of Massachusetts. 



Third, he has sustained by his efforts and foster- 

 ing care the Massachusetts Agricultural Society. 



Lastly, and above all, for the admiration I have, 

 and should be glad to testify, to a man of sterling 

 integrity and of culture, who now has reason to re- 

 joice in the appreciation of all his fellow-citizens for 

 his industrious, noble, and well-spent life. 



A previous engagement away from Boston, which 

 cannot well be shunned or avoided, renders my pres- 

 ence impossible ; which your honored guest will par- 

 don to me, I am sure, because it is in the interest of 

 agriculture. 



Give him my deepest sensibilities, and believe me, 

 personally. 



Very truly yours, 



Benjamin F. Butler. 



Chas. H. B. Breck, Esq., Boston, Mass. 



Letter of the Hon. George B. Loring, United States Commis- 

 sioner of the Departme7it of Agriculture. 



Salem, Sept. 13, 1883. 



My Dear Mr. Breck, — I regret that engagements 



which I cannot avoid or postpone will prevent my 



accepting your polite invitation to the dinner to be 



given on the 2 2d inst., to celebrate the anniversary 



