126 



The first sentiment was complimentary to the Commonwealth 

 of Massachusetts. The foUowmg letter from His Excellency the 

 Governor was then read. 



Worcester, Sept. 25, 1854. 



Dear Sir, — After consultation ■with my friends here, I have concluded 

 that I cannot leave here to accept the honor of your invitation to be present 

 at the Norfolk Cattle Show. 



Our own takes place on Wednesday and Thursday. I am a member of 

 the Society, and am to make the address on Thursday, and have reluctantly 

 yielded to the suggestion that I ought not to be absent on either day. 



Do express to any one who may take the trouble to inquire, my regret in 

 not being able to be present. And I can assure you personally, that few 

 things could give me more pleasure than to meet you, and share with you 

 the interesting incidents of the occasion. 



If I were present, I nnight venture to offer as a sentiment at your dinner 

 table :— 



The Norfolk Agricultural Society — Though it may not boast of 

 its years, in the wisdom of its Head and the strength of its Members, it may 

 challenge comparison with the oldest branches of the Agricultural family of 

 the Commonwealth. 



Very truly and respectfully yours, 



Emory Washburn. 

 Hon. M. P. Wilder. 



In the absence of the Governor, the Secretary of State, Hon. 

 E. M. Wright, responded in an appropriate manner. 



The Chair then read the following letter from Hon. Charles 

 Sumner, Senator in Congress. 



Boston, Sept. 25, 1854. 



My Dear Sir, — I am grateful for the honor done me by the invitation 

 of your Society, and also for the kind manner in which you have conveyed 

 it. But another engagement promises to occupy my time so as to deprive 

 me of the pleasure thus kindly offered. 



From the mother earth we may derive many lessons, and I doubt not that 

 they will spring up abundantly in the foot-prints of the Norfolk Agricultural 

 Society. There is one which comes to my mind at this moment, and which 

 is of perpetual force. 



The good farmer obeys the natural laws ; never does he impotently at- 

 tempt to set up any statute of man against the great ordinances of God, 

 determining day and night, summer and winter, sunshine and rain. The 

 good citizen will imitate the good farmer ; never will he impotently attemjjt 

 1» set up any statute of man against the great ordinances of God, which de- 

 termine good and evil, right and wrong, justice and injustice. Let me 



