98 BANQUET TO THE 



memory will be cherished by all who realize that one 

 of our highest duties is to adorn and beautify our 

 homes, and by all who look upon a long and hon- 

 orable life crowned with a happy old age as one of 

 the most precious gifts bestowed upon man. 

 Truly your friend and servant, 



George B. Loring. 



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



Letter of the Hon. William Claflin, Ex-Governor of 

 Massachusetts. 



Boston, Sept. 22, 1883. 



My dear Sir, — It is with sincere regret that I 

 am obliged to decline the very kind invitation of the 

 Committee to join your many friends in congratulat- 

 ing you upon the return of your birthday. 



It is allotted to few men to greet the morning sun 

 at the age of eighty-five ; and to fewer still, in comfort- 

 able health, to gather at the social board their asso- 

 ciates in business, in society, in church, and in those 

 public enterprises which tend to build up a community 

 in its noblest and most enduring form. 



For half a century your name has given strength 

 to the best aspirations of the people, and your pres- 

 ence has been welcomed by the trusted leaders of 

 public opinion in their deliberations for the general 

 welfare. The retrospect must be most gratifying as 



