70 BULLETIN OF THE ESSEX INSTITUTK. 



Salem, Massachusetts, 

 Feb. 25, 1898. 

 H. M. Brooks, Sec'y E. I. 



My dear Sir : — 



Please extend to the officers and members of the Institute 

 my grateful thanks for their invitation to attend the celebration of its 

 golden anniversary, and my deep regret that I find myself unable to 

 join them on that notable occasion, much as I should be delighted 

 to do so. One of the severest deprivations incident to my prolonged 

 stay within the domain of Old Time is my inability to visit the at- 

 tractive halls of the Institute, delve among its historic treasures and 

 enjoy the congenial companionship always sure to be found there, as 

 it was for years my privilege to experience. But we all find, sooner 

 or later, that this Potentate is an absolute despot, and is not accus- 

 tomed to wield his hour glass and scythe in accordance Avith the con- 

 venience, desires or caprices of any mortal, and we must perforce 

 submit to his decrees. 



So, being in my 85th year, and much the worse for M'ear, I am com- 

 pelled to acknowledge : 



" It is time to be olil 



To take in sail :— 



****** 

 As tlie bird trims his to the gale, 



I trim myself to the storm of time; 

 I man the rudder, reef the sail, 



Obey the voice at eve obeyed at prime." 



The most I can hope for is to read the record of proceedings which 

 are sure to be of absorbing interest, and to revive and live over again, 

 in my seclusion, the vivid memories of the past, 

 Subscribing myself your fellow member and friend, 



Charles W. Palfray. 



per P. 



Providen-ce, Feb. 25, 1898. 

 Mr. Henry M. Buooks, 



Secretary Essex Institutk, 

 Salem, Mass. 



Dear Sir : — 



It is a matter of great regret to me that I shall not be 

 able to be present at the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the 

 founding of the Essex Institute, to show my respects for its founders 

 and present efficient workers who have built up an institution that 

 not only reflects credit upon the City of Salem but also upon the State 

 of Massachusetts and the Nation. 



