CORRESPONDENCE. 33 



Robert C. Winthrop made a capital speech. Professor 

 Hitchcock spoke sensibly, but with some embarrassment, 

 on being toasted, and I was called up and did as well as I 

 could in such a conjuncture. I was thanked by Mr. Everett, 

 and by many of the Cantabs on account of the spirit of my 

 remarks, which were conciliatory and friendly. On the 

 whole the occasion went off admirably, and the utmost good 

 feeling prevailed among old and young, Cantabs and stran- 

 gers. I went with Professor Pierce to see their new Obser- 

 vatory, which is fine, and reproaches us. I ended with the 

 President's levee, and returned to tdwn, highly gratified. 

 Very many inquiries were made about our good President 

 and you, and kindest messages sent. They have now brill- 

 iant prospects at Harvard, and are all in high spirits. 

 Please show this to my family and the President, if he 

 should call for it ; my corning on was happy, as it was 

 evidently very acceptable. Please tell B., my son, that his 

 letter is just received, and will be attended to. I wrote 

 a little brief * of remarks which I enclose ; my spoken 

 address was more copious and more mellow and flowing ; 

 please leave the paper with the family. If they should 

 report anything in the Boston papers, you can observe 

 whether the train of thought is similar. To-morrow I shall 

 devote to calls and a little business, and the next day be 

 off for Hanover. 



The letter which follows adverts to investigations 

 in which the writer was engaged respecting the Pil- 

 grims during their stay in Holland. 



FROM MR. GEORGE SUMNER. 



PARIS, July 1, 1846. 



You were so kind, by your letter, as to offer me 



the services of yourself and son " whenever they might 



prove available." Such offers are not to be neglected. I 



* Not used but merely as a basis. 



VOL. II. 3 



