lOO BANQUET TO THE 



Commonwealth in many positions and rendered her 

 useful and beneficent service. I can think of no 

 more gratifying spectacle than such a noble old age, 

 ripe and sweet and fair as the autumn fruits to the 

 perfection of which he has so greatly contributed. 



Very truly yours, 



John D. Long. 



Letter of the Hon. Thomas Talbot, Ex-Govemor of 

 Massachusetts. 



BiLLERiCA, Sept. i8, 1883. 



Dear Sir, — I regret that I cannot be present at 

 the interesting anniversary to which you refer in 

 your invitation of the loth inst. A business connec- 

 tion of more than a quarter of a century has led me 

 to have a high respect and regard for the recipient 

 of your kindness on the present occasion. 



The great public services of the Hon. Marshall P. 

 Wilder, especially in regard to the development of 

 the agricultural and horticultural interests of the 

 country, should pass his name down to posterity as 

 a public benefactor whose great services are remem- 

 bered with gratitude by the State and Nation. 



May many anniversaries come and go before he 

 is called to his reward ! 



Yours very truly, 



Thomas Talbot. 



Chas. H. B. Breck, Esq. 



