THE FIUST HALF CENTUUV Ol" THK INSTITUTE. 75 



TopsFiKt.D Historical Socikty, 



TOPSFIELD, Mass., Fkb. 28th, 1898. 

 Hknry M. Brooks, Ksq., Sec'y. 

 Di:ak Sir : — 



Thanks for your kind invitation to attend the semi- 

 centennial of the foundinnr of tlie Essex Institute. 



I ver}' niucli regret my inability to be present on the interesting 

 occasion. Wishing every success to tlie meeting, I am 



Yours, very truly, 



Justin Allkn, 

 Pres't Topsfield Hist. Soc'y. 



Feb. 28, '98. 

 Am very sorry that I cannot be present. 



Augustus Hemenway. 



City of Newbury'pokt, 



Office of City Clerk. 

 March 1st, 1898. 



Mr. Henry M. Brooks, Secy. 



Salem, Mass. 

 Dear Sir : — 



It is -with regret that I am obliged to return the en- 

 closed ticket, but at this time my official duties are such that I am 

 obliged to take this course. 

 Thanking you for the courtesy extended I am, 



Very rsp'y yours, 



Geokgk H. Plumer, 



Mayor. 



No. Andover, 



March 1, 1898. 



Mr. Moses T. Stevens accepts with pleasure the invitation of the 

 Essex Institute to attend the celebration of their fiftieth anniversary 

 on March 2, 1898. 



