DETAILED REPORT
OF THE
PROCEEDINGS HAD IN COMMEMORATION
OF THE
SUCCESSFUL LAYING
OF THATLANTIC TELEGRAPH CABLE,
BY ORDER OF THE
BY C. T.' McCLENACHAN,
NEW YORKE, 1859.
NEW YORK:
EDMUND JONES & CO., CORPORATION PRINTERS,
No. 26 JOHN STREET.
186 3.




Transportation
Library
Whereas, The report of the Special Committee appointed for the
purpose of making suitable arrangements for the celebration incident
to the laying of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable never was presented,
except in manuscript form; and, inasmuch as the same is of great importance to the public, as wellas to the scientific world, and should be
printed for the information of the public; therefore, be it
Resolved, That five thousand copies of the report of said Special Cominittee be printed and bound, by the printer to this Board, under the
direction of the Clerk, for the use and benefit of the members of the
Common Council and the public.
Adopted by the Board of Councilmen March 22, 1860.
Adopted by the Board of Aldermen May 7, 1860.
Received, June 8, 1860, from his Honor the Mayor, without his approval or Objections thereto; therefore, under the provisions of
the Amended Charter of 1856, the same became adopted.




P It REF AC E.
As the event whose successful issue we have just celebrated  is one that must -ever rank among the most
important of the Nineteenth Century, whatever may be
its present apparent and intrinsic value in so far as the actual enterprise in itself may be considered, the Joint Special
Committees of the Commnon Council have deemed it not
inappropriate that the commemoration of this instance
of perseverance, energy, and skill should become a matter
-of history.
By it the practicability of submerging a Submarine Cable
of any required length, and the fact, that intelligence can
be transmitted through such Cable, have been demonstrated
beyond a cavil, leaving it only for time to illustrate and
produce, through the inventive genius of this most enterprisingr age, the nature and kind of material which shall
be the best and most efficiently adapted to resist the opposilng and corroding elements of nature, to crown any
future efforts with the most, complete success in every
respect.
The Committees have, therefore, directed a careful account of all that might be interesting in connection with
the celebration to be prepared, and, with the consent and
under the authority of the Common Council, published
in detail.
The question as to the benefit to be derived from the
Cable now laid, per se, is one that it is not proposed to dis



11.                   PREFACE.
cuss, nor was the celebration intended to be anmanifestation
of rejoicing at the success of a private enterprise; but the
design was to show forth the feeling and appreciation of
the public of a great triumph of art and science over the
obstacles and difficulties placed by nature in the path of
the onward progress of human knowledge and skill.
The conception of the enterprise was never equaled in
the annals of daring undertakingsn. In no records do we
find such stupendous obstacles attacked; and nowhere in
history do we discern such unflinching perseverance and
uncompromising energy displayed.
The result has been the clear demonstration, that the
feat of crossing the seas and large oceans by means of
telegraphic Cables can be accomplished, and already the
impetus that has been given to the extension of telegraphic
communications in all parts of the world-thus annihilating space and drawing the nations together in closer bonds
of brotherhood-promises fair to hasten the coming of
that time when all men shall dwell together in unity, and
wars and rumors of wars shall cease to be.
NEW YORK, September, 1858.




ON the &th of August, it was announced, by a telegraphic
dispatch from Newfoundland, that the great Atlantic
Telegraph Cable had been finally and successfully landed
at Trinity.Bay, and that signals had been transmitted
hence, through the Cable, to Valentia Bay, on the coast
of Ireland.
In consequence of the foregoing advices, the following
call for a meeting of the Board of Aldermen was issued:
NEW YORK, August 7, 18658.
SIR-The President being absent, it has been suggested
by several members of the Board of Aldermen to nmake
certain arrangements in commemoration of the successful
aying of the Telegraph Cable.  You are, therefore, requested to attend an informal meeting on Monday, the 9th
instant, at room No. 12, City Hall, at 4 P. V1I.
By order,
D. T. VALENTINE,
Clerk.
And, in pursuance of this notice, the Board convened on
the 9th of August, when the following message'from his
Honor the Mayor was received and read:
M[AYOR'S OFFICE,
NEW YORK, August 9, 1858.
To the Honorable the Common Council:
GENTLEMEN-The great work of uniting Europe with
America-the New with the Old World-by means of the
1




2
Electric Telegraph, has been successfully completed; and
it becomes, in my opinion, the authorities of this city to
adopt suitable measures for a public celebration of so
important an event.
I have, therefore, deemed it my duty to communicate
with your Honorable Body, as well for the purpose of
making such recommendation, as to congratulate you, and,
through you, the citizens of New York, on the complete
triumph which superior energy and perseverance have
accomplished in uniting together, by the Atlantic Cable,
not only our own city, but the whole of our country, with
Europe and the greater part of the civilized world.
The important and beneficial results to our race which
this great event promises cannot be wholly anticipated;
but that it will tend to the perpetual peace and increased
happiness of the two leading nations who have joined in
the labor and cost of the enterprise, cannot be doubted,
while itself the offspring of science and that civilization
which is founded on Christian principles, it announces to
the whole world the reign of lasting peace and good-will
to all men.
Our city and country have a right to claim an ample
share in the glory of this peaceful achievement.  The,genius of Franklin, the patriot and philosopher, lit the
way to the brilliant succession of discoveries in electrical
science, the most useful of which is undoubtedly the practical application of this noble element to telegraphic purposes by our countryman, Morse —thus enabling the
actions, feelings and sentiments of every people to be communicated to each other with almost the rapidity of thought.
Besides, the majority of the active officers of the Company,




by whose public spirit and noble enterprise the "electric
chain has been laid, are our own citizens and countrymen.
Their names are known, and, if we do not, posterity will
surely reward them. While. the noble ship, the Niagara,
was generously tendered by our Government to aid in the
important work, by the consummate skill and sleepless care
of her commander and other officers, and the eminent and
skillful gentlemen on board of her, the western part of the
Cable was laid.
On an occasion like this, in the celebration of such an
event, I am sure you, on behalf of our city, will act in no
envious spirit, and that all who have contributed to this
result will be fitly remembered, and that you will do ample
justice to both the living, who accomplished it, and the
genius of the past, which animated these exertions.
I most respectfuly recommend, in con lusion, that, among
other arrangements, the hospitalities of the city be extended to the officers of the Niagara, and of the national vessels
of Great Britain connected with her in laying the Cable
as well as to the eminent gentlemen whose skill and energy
contributed to the glorious accomplishment of the work.
I would also recommend that our citizens be requested
to illuminate their houses, and that the Common Council
cause the public buildings to be illuminated on the evening
of the day you may fix for the public celebration.
DANIEL F. TIEMANN,
Mayor.
The following preamble and resolutions were then
offered by Alderman McSpedon, and unanimously adopted:
Whereas, The truly gratifying intelligence having been




4
communicated to our people of the successful laying of the
Atlantic Cable, and the final triumph of this, the greatest
and boldest project of the age; and,
Whereas, This grand and proud event should be everywhere publicly acknowledged, and the projectors of this
gigantic enterprise appropriately commended for their
Herculean labors, which so happily have ended in a complete
success and triumph; therefore, be it
Resolved, That the thanks of the Common Council are
eminently due, and are hereby gratefully tendered to our
distinguished and universally esteemed fellow-citizen, Cyrus
W. Field, Esq., and also to his associates of the New York,
Newfoundland and London Telegraph Company, and their
numerous and valuable assistants, to whom we are indebted
for the accomplishment of this wonderful and prodigious
enterprise, connecting the Old and New Worlds, which was
deemed by many impracticable and impossible, and which
must lead to great and important results between the
two nations that are now incalculable, and which, it is
blelieved, will prove a mutual advantage to the civilized
world.
Resolved, That, in commemoration of this world-renowned
achievement, the Common Council tender to the officers of
the Telegraph Company, and such other gentlemen as were
engaged in this inconceivably great enterprise, a municipal
dinner, at such time as may be to them convenient and
acceptable.
Resolved, That, in further commemnoration of this glorious
success, the City Hall be illuminated, and that suitable
fireworks for the occasion be procured to give additional
expression to the general rejoicing of our entire community.




Resolved, That, as we owe the result of this heroic event
principally to our own fellow-citizen, Cyrus W. Field, Esq.,
(whose master-mind, energy and perseverance, amid doubt
and disaster, finally triumphed), that he be requested to sit
for his portrait, to be placed in tlhe Governor's room, in the
City Hall.
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to carry out the
foregoing resolutions.
Resolved, That the Clerk of the Common Council cause
copies of the above proceedings to be appropriately engrossed and furnished to each of the officers connected with
the expedition.
Aldermen Boole moved that the Special Committee to be
appointed in accordance with the foregoing resolutions
should consist of five, which was carried, and
Aldermen McSpedon, Hoffmire, Tucker, Boole and
Lynes, were appointed to serve as such Committee. Subsequently, Alderman Tucker resigning, Alderman  Owens
was appointed in his stead.
The action of the Board of Aldermen was concurred in
by the Board of Councilmen at their regular meeting on
the evening of the 10th of August, as will appear from the
following extract fiom the Journal of the latter:
S"FROI THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN:
"Communication from his Honor the Mayor, with preamble and resolutions expressive of thanks to Cyrus WV.
Field, Esq., and his associates in laying the Atlantic Telegraph Cable, and tendering to him and the officers of the
Telegraph Company a municipal dinner, at such time as
may be convenient to them; also, appointing a Special Committee to carry out the resolutions.




6
" Concurred in, and Councilmen Dunn, Mulligan, Bunce,
Ross, and Bickford were appointed such Committee."
On the 20th of December, 1S58, the Joint Special Committee made the following report:
The Special Committees appointed by the Common Council to arrange and supervise the celebration in honor of the
successful laying of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable, by appropriate ceremonies, and a municipal dinner in honor of Cyrus
W. Field and others who had been engaged in the undertaking, in accordance with resolutions of 9th and 10th of
August, would respectfully
REPORT:
That, with a full appreciation of the magnitude of the
great work, whose recent successful termination it was the
design of the Common Council to celebrate, the Committees
entered with energy and great interest upon the duties
assigned to them.
They fully realized that it was no ordinary occasion they
were called upon to honor; it was one calling forth the
admiration, the wonder and the enthusiasm of the whole
world; one in which much of the future welfare of the
entire human race was concerned; an achievement so vast
~that the most sanguine had been surprised by its success;
for by indomitable will, energy.and perseverance the electric fluid, whose mighty force, until the time of the great
Franklin, had been held in awe and looked upon in terror,
and which had been chained and tamed to subserve the purposes of man by Morse, was now made by Field to bridge
the broad Atlantic, and by its silent influence to annihilate
the distance that separates us from our brethren beyond the:seas.




7
The miracle of this age of miracles had been wrought!
What mind can conceive the mighty effects to flow from
this practical demonstration of the power of man over the
subtle element? Who can foretell the changes it is destined
to work in the polity of the world?  And, will it not mark
the commencement of an era of the most serious revolutions
-revolutions that through its means will, in all probability, be as bloodless as they will be important and startling
by their rapidity and extent!
These are questions that have occupied the public mind
since the announcement that the Atlantic Telegraph Cable
had been finally and safely landed at Trinity Bay, and the
universal interest in -the matter has been fully attested by
the intense enthusiasm  that has pervaded  all classes
throughout the whole United States and the British possessions.
The most immediate, and, for the present, important
influence of this great triumph of mind and genius over the
most formidable obstacles of nature, so far as our own city
is concerned, is necessarily that which it will have upon
commerce; and upon the trade of New York depends, in
a material measure, the prosperity and advancement of
that of the Union. In all commlercial matters New York
is regarded as the exponent of our people; it is ever exVpected to take the initiative, and its enterprise is relied
upon in the execution of great achievements. The pride
of New York is the pride of the nation, and it therefore
behooved the Committees, in carrying out the instructions
and designs of the Common Council, to do so in a manner
that should prove, not only satisfactory to your Honorable
Body, but also in a manner that should be worthy of this
great metropolis-to whose citizens and their enterprise




the conception, the attempt, and the successful issue of'
this, the greatest undertaking of the nineteenth century,
are to so great an extent due-and make the celebration
one that should mark the estimation in which the accomplishment of this great event is held by this community.
Upon the fact being fully established that the Old World
had in reality been joined in union to the New by the bonds
of the great Atlantic Cable, the Committees deemed it incumbent upon them, in following their instructions, to
celebrate by public rejoicings the landing of the Cable,
reserving the general demons.tration until such time as Mr.
Field, and the others who had taken part in the great
work, could participate therein. They, therefore, decided
that upon the transmission of the President's reply to a
message that it was understood would be forwarded to
him by the Queen of Great Britain, a grand salvo of one
hundred guns should be fired at the Park, and national
salutes at the Battery and at Central Park;- also, that on
the evening of the same day the City Hall and other public buildings should be illuminated, and that tar-barrels
should be burned at the Battery and at various points along
the North and East Rivers.
They also, provided for a handsome and appropriate display of fireworks to take place in front of the City Hall,
accompanied with music by Dodworth's brass band.
The occupants of buildings in the vicinity of the Park
were also requested to illuminate them on the same evening, which request was very handsomely complied with.
The salutes were conducted by the Scott Life Guard,
under orders from General J. H. Hobart Ward, on the
17th of August, at noon, in handsome style, and without
accident. The Guard also fired a salvo of one hundred
guns at sunrise of the same day.




The pyrotechnic display was furnished by J. Edge, Jr.,
and, together with the music, afforded very general satisfaction to the public.
It is a matter of very serious regret, however, that, notwithstanding the extraordinary precautions against accident taken by the Committees, fire was, by some means,
communicated to the cupola of the City Hall, and the
upper part of that noble edifice destroyed.
It being understood that there would be a grand celebration throughout Great Britain on the occasion of the
laying of the Atlantic Cable, it was considered desirable
that the festivities on this side of the Atlantic should
take place upon the same day, if possible; but not being
aware of the precise time fixed upon on the other side of'
the ocean, the Committees, after consultation with Mr.
Field and his Honor the MIayor, concluded to concur in
the opinion of the former, that the 1st of September
would be the most suitable day for the grand celebration,
and that the dinner should take place on the day following.
Mr. Field's further suggestion, that a dispatch should be
sent, to the Lord Mayor of London, informing him of the
selection of that day, so that the cities of Europe might
time their rejoicings to take place simultaneously with
our own, was also adopted, and notice to that effect was
forwarded to the Lord Mayor of London, by a telegraphic
dispatch from his Honor Mayor Tiemann.
After several meetings and due consideration, the Comnmittee resolved upon the following order of proceedings
to be observed in honoring the occasion:
A reception by the Mayor and civic authorities, at the
Battery, of Mr. C. W. Field, Captain Hudson and other
officers who had been engaged in the laying of the Cable,




10
during which a salvo of one hundred guns should be fired
at the Battery, and salutes from the City Hall and Central
Park; to be followed by a grand procession, consisting of
the guests, United States military and naval officers on
the station, the military and fire departments, civil authorities, societies, trades, &c., to proceed to the Crystal Palace,
where appropriate addresses and testimonials should be
presented to Cyrus W. Field, Captains Hudson, of the
Niagara, Preedy, of the Agamuemnon, and Dayman, of the
Gorgon, and to Engineer W. E. Everett, of the U. S. Navy,
together with addresses to Captains Adlum, of the Valorous,
and Otter, of the Porcupine, and Engineer Woodhouse, of
the English Navy (all of whom had been engaged in the
great work), and to the New York, Newfoundland and
London, and the Atlantic Telegraph Companies.
Mrs. Ann S. Stephens having kindly prepared a couple
of odes suitable to the occasion, and the Harmonic Society
having generously proffered the services of their extensive
and excellent choir to perform the same at the Crystal
Palace, it was proposed that the ceremonies should be
varied not only by instrumental, but also by vocal music,
into which should be introduced the odes of Mrs. Stephens,
together with appropriate extracts from  oratorios, &c.,
and the offer of the Harmonic Society was accepted for
the performance of this part.
The festivities to conclude with a grand torchlight procession, to be composed of the firemen of New York and
such societies as chose to assist therein, to march from the
Palace to the City Hall, where a brilliant and unsurpassed
display of fireworks was generously proposed by Mr. G. A.
Lilliendahl, to be prepared at his own expense, as a fitting
finale to the rejoicings of the day.




Il
The residents and others along the line of the route of
torchlight procession were also requested to illuminate
their buildings, and thus add to the general effect.
In pursuance of the instructions to the Committee, it
was determined that the municipal dinner to be given to
Mr. Field, Captain Hudson and the others who had participated in the arduous undertaking of submerging the
cable, should take place on the 2d of September, at the
Metropolitan Hotel, to be got up in appropriate style,
and that such guests should be invited as by their presence
would assist in rendering the fete one worthy of the great
occasion intended to be commemorated.
Mr. J. W. Hadfield having also generously offered to
furnish, gratuitously, a handsome pyrotechnic display, to be
exhibited at the Park, his offer was accepted and the exhibition set for the same evening.
All these dispositions were made known to the parties
more immediately interested, and their approval and readiness to co-operate in the same signified to the Committees.
Wishing to make the celebration as universal as possible, the different cities, towns and villages throughout
the United States and British possessions, were notified
that the day therefor was fixed for the 1st of September,
and they were requested to have their respective festivities
take place simultaneously, which request, so far as your
Committee have as yet learned, was complied with wherever any ovation was made.
The President and Vice-President of the United States
and Cabinet, Governors of States, officers of our own State
and city Government, U. S. naval and military officers
on this station, Captain Dayman and officers of H. B. M.
steamer Gorgon, Rear Admliral Sir Houston Stewart and




12
the principal officers of his flag-ship Indus, foreign Ministers at the Federal Capitol and Consuls at this city, IMayors
and Bishops of the various cities of Canada, Newfoundland
and New Brunswick, together with such members and exmembers of the Federal legislative body as had contributed
in any measure towards the success of the enterprise, and
many other distinguished individuals, were invited to take
part in the festivities of the lst of September and to participate of the dinner of the day following.
The Committee regretted that his duties prevented Rear
Admiral Sir H. Stewart from visiting New York at that
time; but he was ably represented by Flag-Lieut. Aug.
Kingston, who, together with four of the officers of the
Indus, Captain Dayman and the officers of the steamer
Gorgon, were received by the Committee upon their
arrival from Halifax, with all due attention, and tendered
the freedom and hospitalities of the city.
Some of the most gifted of America's talented sons were
requested to prepare addresses to be delivered at the Crystal
Palace to the gentlemen designated, and the request was
most kindly and cordially complied with, while others who
were called upon to take part in the other ceremonies at
the Palace and at the dinner, acquiesced with great alacrity
and cheerfulness.
A special messenger was dispatched to Washington to
deliver the invitations to the high Federal authorities as an
attention due to their position.
In view of the great benefits to be conferred upon the
cause of Christianity as well as upon civilization, throughout the world, by means of this great application of the
discovery of Morse, the trustees of Trinity Church volunteered to join in the festivities of the 1st September by
having the beautiful choir and splendid organ of that church




13
perform a grand " Te Deum," to which the authorities
were invited, under the direction of the Rev. F. Ogilby,
Rector, the edifice being at the time handsomely and appropriately decorated.
The Committee feel great pleasure in reporting to your
Honorable Body the extremely satisfactory manner in
which the entire programme was carried out, not a single
accident occurring to mar the enjoyment of the festal arrangements, and they flatter themselves that in the execution of the designs and instructions of the Common Council,
they have, as was the intention, maintained the character
of New York for generosity in recognizing and rewarding
merit, genius and enterprise. As the great representative
of our Union, she could do no less than make the celebration we have had the honor to superintend, in a manner
commensurate with the vastness of the scheme whose successful accomplishment it was intended to commemorate,
and in which she is so intimately and immensely interested
To Brigadier-General Charles Yates, who kindly consented to act as Grand Marshal of the day, is mainly due
the credit for the orderly and pleasant manner in which
the procession passed off, its excellent arrangement having
been entirely planned by him; and much praise must be
accorded to the Chief Engineer, Henry H. Howard, of
the Fire Department, who, as marshal of the evening,
arranged and superintended the admirable torchlight procession, which has never been surpassed in this city, and
which formed the escort from the Crystal Palace to the
City Hall on the night of the 1st of September. To both
of these gentlemen the Committees feel themselves greatly
indebted for their valuable assistance, and would beg to
express their acknowledgments therefor.




14
And now, before concluding this report of their proceedings, may your Committee express their hope that this
wonderful achievement of the progressiveness of the nineteenth century may prove, not only the prototype of eternal union between the nations that it links together, the
harbinger of universal peace and destroyer of war, but also
that, under the blessing of that Divine Providence which
has so signally favored our generation in permitting its
accomplishment in this, our day, it shall be the means of
shedding light to the benighted, of bestowing the blessings
of Christianity upon the heathen, and of bringing the
whole world together into those bonds of love and brotherhood conducing unto the 6" perfect end," and so shall the
names of Franklin, Morse, and Field ever descend to filture,
generations, to be breathed together with reverence as preeminent among the benefactors of the human race.
In conclusion, your Committee would state that they
have exercised every economy consistent with the scale
upon which it was desirable that the celebration should be
conducted, and the expenses have been considerably decreased by the generosity of sundry public-spirited individuals, to whom due acknowledgments should be made.
Your Committee would, in this connection, mention
Gust. A. Lilliendahl, and J. W. Hadfield, for their gratuitous and splendid displays of fireworks at the City Hall;
the former on the evening of Wednesday, September 1,
and the latter on the evening of the succeeding day;
W. Hall and others, lessees of the Crystal Palace, for their
kindness in furnishing the use of the Palace for the Celebration on the 1 st September, free of charge;
The Harmonic Society, for their services in " discoursing
sweet music" at the Crystal Palace, on the 1st September;




15
Commodore L. lKearney, Commandant of the New York
Navy Yard, for his kind tender of flags, and for the use of a
band of music furnished for the procession;
Superintendent Talmadge and Commissioners of Police,
fbr their courtesy in detailing police forces, at the request
of the Committees;
Adjutant-General F. Townsend and Comnmissary-General
Ward, for their promptitude in furnishing ammunition and
detailments for the salvos and salutes; and
Bouch6 Fils & Drouet, for a present of fifteen baskets of'
champagne, to be used at the dinner at the Metropolitan
Hotel;
The different trades and societies, for their assistance
generally in giving eclat to the display on the first of September.
To R. W. Lowber, Esq., the Committees would tender
their most sincere thanks and warmest acknowledgments
for his very kind, efficient and valuable aid throughout the
whole period of their active duties.
Notwithstanding the generous contributions mentioned
in the fbregoing, the expenses have necessarily been large,
and the Committee estimate that the sum of twenty-five
thousand dollars will be requisite to satisfy the same, the
which sum they would request should be appropriated
therefor by the adoption of the annexed resolution.
The Committee would respectfully add that an extended
report of the celebrations, with an account of all matters
of interest connected with the Atlantic Cable, will be prepared in book form in the course of a short time, and presented for the approval of the Common Council.
Resolved, That the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars




16
be, and the same is hereby, appropriated to defray the
expenses incurred by the recent celebration of the laying
of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable, and that the Comptroller
be, and he hereby is, authorized and directed to pay such
bills therefor as may be approved by the Comniittee on
Celebration, and the Street Commissioner, amounting in
the aggregate to not over that sum.
THOS. MIcSPEDON,' Committee on
HENRY HOFFMIRE,   G Celebration,
F. I. A. BOOLE,             o of
JOHN LYNES,          j  Board of
JAMES OWENS,    J  Aldermen.
T. A. DUNN,            Committee on
S. A. BUNCE,         1Celebration, of
GEO. P. BICKFORD, (  Board of
GEORGE ROSS,    j  Councilmen.




IN accordance with the intimation contained in the last
clause of the report of the " Joint Special Committee on
Celebration of the successful Laying of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable," the following extended report of the pro~ceedings had in that matter, together with the various
remarks and interesting details connected therewith, is
respectfully submitted to the Honorable the Common
Council of the city of New York, by
CHARLES T. McCLENACHAN,
Secretary to the Joint Special Committee on Celebration, ac.
New York, December 25, 1858.
2








I1EPOB1T.
ABOUT NOON on the 5th of August, 1858, intelligence
was received in the city of New York of the successful accomplishment of an enterprise in which the deepest interest had been manifested by all classes of the communitynamely, the submerging of the Electric Cable for telegraphic
purposes between the continents of Europe and America.
The first announcement was made by Mr. Cyrus W.
Field to the Mayor of New York City in the following
words:
" TRINITY BAY, August 5, 1858.
"Mayor of New York:
" SIRn —The Atlantic Telegraph Cable has been successfully laid.
6 C. W. FIELD."
To which his Honor replied:
"' MAYOR9S OFFICE,'NEW YORK, August 6, 1858.
" To Cyrus W. Field, Esq., Trinity Bay:
" SiR-Your dispatch has'been received. I congratulate
you for myself and for the people of this city on the success of the great work of uniting together the Old and the
New World by the electric telegraph. Science, skill and
perseverance have finally triumphed.
"DANIEL F. TIEMANN,
" Mayor of New York."




20
The following telegraphic dispatch was received on
the same day, and given to the public through the medium
of the various journals:
DISPATCH FROMI MR. CYRUS W. FIELD.
" TRINITY BAY, August 5, 1858.
"To the Associated Press, New York:
" The Atlantic Telegraph fleet sailed from Queenstown
on Saturday, July 17; met at mid-ocean on Wednesday,
the 28th, and made the splice at 1, P. M., on Thursday,
the 29th, and then separated —the Agamemnon and
Valorous bound to Valentia, Ireland, and the Niagara and
Gorgon for this place, where they arrived yesterday, and
this morning the end of the Cable will be landed.
" It is sixteen hundred and ninety-eight nautical, or nineteen hundred and fifty statute, miles from the Telegraph
house, at the head of Valentia Harbor, to the Telegraph
house, Bay of' Bull's Arm, Trinity Bay; and for more than
two-thirds of this distance the water is over two nailes in
depth.
" The Cable has been paid out from the Agamemnon at
about the same speed as from the Niagara.
"' The electrical signals sent and received through the
whole Cable are perfect.
"The machinery for paying out the Cable worked in
the most satisfactory manner,. and was not stopped for a
single moment from the time the splice was made until
we arrived here.
" Captain Hudson, Messrs. Everett and Woodhouse, the
engineers, the electricians and officers of the ships, and, in
fact, every man on board the Telegraph fleet, has exerted
himself to the utmost to make the expedition successful;




21
and, by the blessing of Divine Providence, it has succeeded.
"After the end of the Cable is landed and connected
with the land line of telegraph, and the Niagara has discharged some cargo belonging to the Telegraph Company,
she will go to St. John's for coal, and then proceed at once
to New York.
"CYRUS W. FIELD."
A supplementary dispatch, announcing that the Agamemnon had been as fortunate as the Niagara, was also
received the same day by the New York Herald, from its
special correspondent on board the latter ship.  It ran as
follows:
" UNITED STATES FRIGATE NIAGARA, l
"TRINITY BAY, N. F..
"August 5, 1858.
" James Gordon Bennett, Esq.:
"' The Atlantic Telegraph Cable is laid!  The United
States frigate Niagara has reached Trinity Bay, Newfoundland, and landed her end of the line.  The Agamemnon
reached Valentia, Ireland, on the same day, with her end
of the Cable.
" The electrical communication is perfect.  Signals are
passing between the two stations with the greatest accuracy.
"The Niagara will leave for St. John's, N. F., on the 5th
instant, and will start for New York after taking on board
sufficient coal for the passage.
" The laying of the Cable was accomplished by both
ships in a little over six days."
The latter dispatch was so confirmatory of the complete




success of the enterprise, that there was no longer any
room for doubt; and, consequently, the manifestations of
rejoicing over the event were witnessed in every quarter,
not alone in the city of New York, but throughout all
portions of the United States to which the intelligence had
penetrated.
The President of the United States conveyed to Mr.
Field his sense of the importance of the event in the following dispatch:
"BEDFORD, Penn., August 5, 1858.
6To Cyrus W. Field, Trinity Bay:
"  MY DEAR SIR-I congratulate you with all my heart
on the success of the great enterprise with which your name
is so honorably connected. Under the blessings of Divine
Providence I trust it may prove instrumental in promoting
perpetual peace and friendship between the kindred
nations.
" I have not yet received the Queen's dispatch.
6' Yours, very respectfully,
" JAMES BUCHANAN,"
The communication from  Captain Hudson, of the
Niagara, to his family, was in these words:
1" TRINITY BAY, August 5, 1858.
" God has been with us.  The Telegraph Cable is laid
without accident, and to Him be all the glory. We are
all well.
"Yours, affectionately,
"WM. L. HUDSON."
On the 11th of August, the Joint Special Committee
appointed by the Common Council to do honor to the




23
occasion, entered upon the arduous, but pleasant duty of
making such arrangements or celebrating the great event
thus announced, in such a manner as should testify the
high appreciation in which it was held by this community.
Alderman McSpedon, was unanimously chosen Chairman, and Charles T. McClenachan and Francis J. Twomey
were appointed to act as Secretaries.
The Committee having, after deliberation, concluded
that it would be advisable to divide the celebration into
two parts, as, owing to the impossibility of the principal
actors in the great event to be in New York by the time
that the messages between tile Queen of Great Britain and
the President of the United States should pass over the
wire, the honors intended could not be done to them at
the same time that that event should be celebrated, at once
made arrangements for a grand display of fireworks at the
City Hall, and for an illumination (in which latter all who
could were invited to join), whenever it should be
announced that the friendly greetings had passed between
the heads of the two great nations.
The Message of the Queen of England was received on
the 16th of August, and was as follows:
" To the President of the United States, tVashington:'" The Queen desires to congratulate the President upon
the: successful completion of this great international work,
in which the Queen has taken the deepest interest.
"The Queen is convinced that the President will join withher in fervently hoping that the Electric Cable which now
connects Great Britain with the United States will provean additional link between the nations, whose fiiendship is
founded upon their common interest and reciprocal esteem.




24
"The Queen has much pleasure in thus communicating
with the President, and renewing to him her wishes for
the prosperity of the United States."
To this greeting, the President of the United States sent
the following reply:
"WASHINGTON CITY, August 16, 1858.
"To Her Majesty Victoria, Queen of Great Britain:
" The President cordially reciprocates the congratulations
of her Majesty the Queen, on the success of the great
international enterprise accomplished by the science, skill
and indomitable energy of the two countries.
"' It is a triumph more glorious, because far more useful to
mankind, than was ever won by conqueror on the field of
battle.
"May the Atlantic Telegraph, under the blessing of
Heaven, prove to be a bond of perpetual peace and friendship between the kindred nations, and an instrument
destined by Divine Providence to diffuse religion, civilization, liberty and law throughout the world.
" In this view, will not all nations of Christendom spontaneously unite in the declaration that it shall be forever
neutral, and that its communications shall be held sacred in
passing to their places of destination, even in the midst of
hostilities.
"JAMES BUCEIANAN."
In commemoration of the passage of these communications through the Atlantic Telegraph Cable, the City Hall
and the public buildings of New York were brilliantly
illuminated, and a magnificent display of fireworks, prepared by Mr. J. Edge, Jr., was exhibited in front of the
City Hall on the evening of the 17th August.




After the exhibition of fireworks was over, the Committee
proceeded, with a band, to the residence of C. W. Field,
Esq., and serenaded Mrs. Field, and subsequently serenaded
Mr. Peter Cooper, President of the New York, Newfoundland and London Telegraph Company? his Honor Mayor
Tiemann, and the British Vice-Consul Mr. Archibald.
It was the subject of much regret that, early on the
ensuing morning, the dome of the City Hall was consumed
by fire, caused, doubtless, by sparks from  the fireworks
having entered under some defect in the metal covering of
the roof.
A Committee, appointed to investigate into the cause of
the disaster, made the following report:
Your Committee, having inquired fully into the action
of the Sub-Committee on Illumination, as directed by your
resolution, respectfully report:
That the Sub-Committee, finding it impossible to obtain
a supply of water through hose from the Croton pipes, there
not being sufficient head to carry the same upon the roof
of the Hall, caused to be procured a large number of
buckets, which they had filled with water, carried upon
the roof and used to wet the same and the wood-work
about the cupola between each successive display of fireworks; they also requested that a fire-engine be stationed
in the vicinity of the City Hall, which was done, and the
engine remained where stationed until some time after the
conclusion of the display; and that directly after the conclusion of the exhibition they caused the roof and woodwork to be examined and wet, and all the friagments found
on or about the roof gathered together and extinguished
that at 9~ o'clock the Chairman of the Joint Committee,
with the Sub-Committee made a minute and particular ex



26
aminaton of the Hall, and were informed by Mr. Edge that he
had used all the precautions they had directed, and others of
his own suggestion; that at the request of the Committee,
Mr. Edge again made an examination of the roof and cupola
of the building, and reported that, so far as he could discover,
everything was right. The Sub-Committee, with many
members of your Committee, remained at the Hall until
after 1.0 P. M., and did not leave until the Superintendent
of Repairs and Supplies and his Deputy had left, believing that all was safe.
The Sub-Committee caused to be left upon the roof a
number of buckets of water to extinguish any undiscovered remains of the fireworks.
Your Committee are therefore of opinion that every possible precaution was used by the Sub-Committee, and that
more than usual care was taken by them and Mr. Edge,
and they are of the opinion that had the same care and
precaution been exercised by those in whose charge the
Hall was left by them, the unfortunate accident would not
have occurred.
Your Committee suggest that a thorough examination
be had into the origin of the fire, and submit the following
resolution:
Resolved, That the Mayor and Fire Marshal be requested
to thoroughly investigate and report to the Common
Council the origin of the fire, and to the negligence of
what person or persons the same is to be attributed.
J. LYNES,       Sub- Com. of InS. A. BUNCE,  vestigation, 4c.
The Niagara arrived off the Battery at 4 o'clock of
the afternoon of Wednesday, the 18th, and was saluted by




27
the guns of all the forts and the shipping, as well as by
sections-a battery served by detachments of the Scott
Life Guard, who had been detailed for that duty by Commissary-General J. H. Hobart Ward, in accordance with
the following letter and order:
HEADQUARTERS SCOTT LIFE GUARD,
NEW YORK, Aug. 13, 1858.
C. T. liVcClenachan, Esq.,
DEAR Sin -Inclosed I have the honor to transmit a
copy of an order of this Corps, directing the firing of the
salutes by detachments from the Scott Life Guard, pursuant to the arrangements determined upon by the Joint
Committee of the Common Council on Celebration.
Permit me to add that this Corps, participating in the
spirit which animates the Common Council as well as
the country at large, have offered to perform  this service
as expressive of their gratification at the successful issue
of the great undertaking so happily concluded.
Miost respectfully,
J. H. HOBART WARD,
Captain Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS SCOTT LIFE GUARD,
NEW YORK, Aug. 13, 1858.
ORDER NO.The municipal authorities of this city having determined to salute the United States steamship Niagara and
her gallant Captain, Hudson, on their arrival at this port,
after the successful laying of the Atlantic Cable, by firing
a salute of 100 guns at the Park, and the same number at
the Battery, it is thereupon ordered, at the request of the




Mayor and Joint Committee of the Common Council on
Celebration, that this Corps furnish the necessary detail to
fire such salutes; and the following detail is hereby made:
Detail for Park-Lieut. Win. H. Browne, and eight men.
Detail for Battery-Lieut. J. D. MacGregor and eight men.
The First Sergeant will make the above detail of men
with all possible dispatch, designating the men for each
command, with directions to report to their respective
commanders, at the Armory of the Corps, at 1I, A. M., on
Tuesday 17th inst., in full uniform except cartridge-box.
By order of           J. H. HOBART WARD,
Captain Comnmanding.
W. B. PARISEN, First Sergeant.
The following were the principal sub-committees named
to make the necessary preparations and arrangements for
the grand demonstration which it was decided should be
made on the 1st September, and for the municipal dinner,
that should be given in honor of the participants in the accomplishment of the great enterprise just achieved, on the
ensuing day:
On Fireworks-Alderman Boole and Councilmen Dunn
and Bunce..On Programme —the Chairman, and Mr. R. W. Lowber.
On Procession-Aldermen Lynes and Owens.
On Decorative Arches over Gates to the Park —The Deputy
Superintendent of Repairs and Supplies and Councilman
Bunce.
On Ccarriages-Aldermen Lynes and Boole, and Councilman Mulligan.




29
On the Grand Public Dinner and Decorations at the Crystal Palace-Councillnen Bunce, Ross and Bickford, and
Aldermen Lynes and Hoffinire.
Upon request, the following named gentlemen kindly
consented to lend their valuable services in assisting to
make the celebration all that could be desired:
The Hon. Edward Everett, in preparing the address to
Captain Preedy and the officers of H. B. M. steamers
Gorgon and Valorous, upon the presentation of testimonials at the Crystal Palace;
The Right Reverend Archbishop Hughes, in preparing
the address to be delivered to the representatives of the
" New York, Newfoundland and London," and "Atlantic"
Telegraph Companies;
Prof. Joel T. Headley, in preparing that to Captain W.
L. Hudson and officers and men of the Niagara;
Prof. Isaac Ferris, in preparing that complimentary to
Engineers Everet and Woodhouse, and the electricians of
the expedition;
Hon. George Bancroft, in preparing that to be presented
to Captain Dayman of H. B. M. Steamer Gorgon, which had
served as tender and guide to the Niagara.
D. D. Field, Esq., aquiesced in the desire that he would
assume the important position of " orator of the day," and
the Rev. Drs. Mirott and Field accepted the invitation to
open and close the ceremonies at the Crystal Palace with
prayer and a benediction.
Rev. Dr. Ogilvie also signified his readiness to comply with
the request that he would pronounce " Grace" upon the
occasion of the contemplated grand municipal dinner to be
given at the Metropolitan Hotel.




30
A communication from Commodore Kearney stated that
Commander Ward had kindly- placed the splendid band of
the Ship-of-the-line North Carolina at the service of the
Committee.
From many others, proffers of services were received and
accepted, of which due mention is made -in the following
pages.
Brigadier-General Charles Yates, having been nominated
Grand Marshal of the day, for the 1st of September,
accepted that arduous post, and to his excellent management was, in a great measure, owvin the very happy manner
in which the affair passed off.
A special meeting of the engineers and foremen of the
Fire Department had been held on the 13th of August,
to make arrangements for the celebration of the transmission of the expected message from the Queen of England
to the President of the United States, and the President's
reply; when the following resolutions were adopted, on
motion of Mr. J. H. Carolan, of Hook and Ladder Company
No. 12:
W/hereas, extensive arrangements are being made, both in
this city and throughout the entire country, to celebrate, in
a. becoming manner, the success of the "great event of the
age," the joining of the Old and New Worlds by means of the
Atlanticf.  Cable; and whereas, this wonderful triumph of
man's genius,.industry and energy over all obstacles of
time, distance or the vast deep, which has sent a thrill of
joy throughout the entire length and breadth of the land,
calls for some public expression from our Department; therefore,, be it
Resolved, That, the Fire -Department of the city of New




31
York unite with the municipal authorities and our fellowcitizens in their proposed demonstration in commemoration
of this wonderful event by having a grand torch-light parade
on the evening of the -  inst.
Resolved, That no Companies be allowed to parade more
men than they are allowed by law, as follows: —First class
engines, seventy men;; second class, sixty men; third class,
fifty men; hose companies, thirty men; hook and ladder
companies, fifty men.
Resolved, That the Chief Engineer act as Grand Marshal
on the evening of the parade, and that the Board of Engineers be empowered to make necessary arrangements for the
same.
Resolved, That the Board of Fire Commissioners, the
Board of Trustees, the Exempt Firemen and Assistant Engineers be, and are hereby invited to participate with us in
the parade.
It was subsequently concluded, however, that the grand
torch-light procession should take place on the day of the
general celebration.
The New York Chamber of Commerce also held meetings,
to take measures for extending some proper mark of respect
to Captain Hudson and the officers of the United States
Steamship Niagara, and appointed the following Committee
to consider and, recommend the best mode of acknowledgment:
William B. Astor,      George W. Lane,
Lloyd Aspinwall,       Richard Lathers,
Wm. H. Aspinwall,      Marshall Lefferts,
Samuel D.Babcock,      A. A. Low,




32
Caleb Barstow,         F. S. Lathrop,
A. Belmont,            Robert B. Minturn,
James Brown,           James M. Morrison,
George W. Blunt,        E. D. Morgan,
Edwin J. Brown,        Charles H. Marshall,
James H. Brower,       Anthony B. Neilson,
James H. Brundage, Jr., J. De Peyster Ogden,
Leopold Bierwith,      Pelatiah Perit,
Hugh W. Camp,          John K. Myers,
Horace B. Clafflin,    George T. Olyphant,
Frederick A. Conklin,   Henry E. Pierrepont,
Simeon B. Chittenden,  Augustus C. Richards,
James B. Colgate,      George S. Robbins,
Denning Duer,         John A. Stevens,
W. Butler Duncan,     James E. Southworth,
W. W. De Forrest,      Oliver Slate,
George Folsom,        Samuel B. Shepherd,
Benjamin H. Field,    William K. Strong,
Robert C. Goodhue,    Augustus E. Silliman,
George Griswold, Jr.,   T. B. Satterthwait,
Walter S. Griffiths,  Henry A. Smythe,
Wilson G. Hunt,        Daniel D. Smith,
William F. Havemeyer, Henry M. Schiefferlin,
Charles A. Heckscher,  James S. T. Stranahan,
George Hall,          Moses Taylor,
Edwin Hoyt,           Thomas Tileston,
Abraham S. Hewitt,   Ellwood Walter,
Edward Hincken,       William Watson,
John D. Jones,        John D. Wolfe,
James Lee,            Luther B. Wyman.
All the military, civil and other societies also held meetings for the purpose of assisting in the celebration, and




33
were largely represented in the procession on the 1st of
September.
Subsequently to the transmission of the messages between
the Queen of Great Britain and the President of the United
States, the following dispatches of congratulation passed
between the Mayor of New York and the Lord Mayor of
London:
AMAYOR's OFFICE, NEW YORK,
August 10, 1858.
To the Right Honorable Sir Robert Walter Carden, M.P., Lord
Mayor of London:
I congratulate your Lordship upon the successful laying
of the Atlantic Cable, uniting the continents of Europe and
America and the cities of New York and London-the
work of Great Britain and the United States-the triumph
of science and energy over time and space, thus uniting more
closely the bonds of peace and commercial prosperity, and
introducing an era into the world's history pregnant with
results beyond the conception of a finite mind. To God be
all the Praises
D. F. TIEMANN,
Mayor of New York City.
LONDON, August 23, 185S.
~From the Lord Mclayor of London to the Hon. D. F. Tiemann,
Mayor of New York:
The Lord Mayor of London most cordially reciprocates
the congratulations of the Mayor of New York upon the
success of so important an undertaking as the completion
of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable.
It is, indeed, one of the most glorious triumphs of the age,
3




34;and reflects the highest credit upon the energy, skill and
perseverance of all parties intrusted with so difficult a
duty, and the Lord Mayor sincerely hopes that, through the
blessing of Almighty God, it may be the means of cementing the kind feelings which now exist between the two
countries.
R. W. CARDEN,
Lord Mayor of London.
That the rejoicings, which there was no doubt would
be celebrated throughout the United States and British
prIovinces, should be more appropriate, the committee instructed the secretary to communicate to the different
cities, &c., their request that they should be so timed as
to be simultaneous with those to take place in New York;
and accordingly the following invitation was published,
and the substance thereof transmitted by telegraph to the
more distant cities and towns:' The Joint Committee of the Common Council. of the
city of New York on celebrating the laying of the Atlantic
Telegraph Cable, having determined to celebrate that event
by a salvo of one hundred guns and national salutes, with
ringing of all the church bells; immediately upon the transmission of the reply of the President of the United States
fo the message of her Majesty Queen Victoria, and with
bonfires and illuminations on that day, and also by a
military and civic procession some days thereafter, to be
followed by a municipal dinner, which festivities are understood and expected to take place simultaneously with
those in the city of London and throughout Great Britain
and the Continent, would request the citizens throughout
the United States and British provinces to unite with them




35
and order their festivities to take place at the same time
and in the same order, of which due notice will be given.
"By order of the Committee,
"C. T. McCLENACHAN, Secretary."
So far as heard from, this request was complied with, so
that the celebration of this glorious consummation has
been more general and unanimous than any everi before
known in the civilized world.
I would now beg leave to submit a description of the
proceedings and festivities of the first and second of
September, which are somewhat minutely given, as they
will form, hereafter, a portion of a period in history more
memorable than can be presented by any preceding agefor, if no lasting benefit may be derived firom the Cable
just laid, it has been clearly demonstrated that the enterprise was feasible, and some of the most vexed questions
in relation to electro-telegraphy have been solved, while
there is no doubt that this achievement will give an impetus and confidence to energy and enterprise that will
ultimately result in what we so fondly hoped fiom  the
present attempt.
THE CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST OF SEPTEMBER-THE:
PUBLIC DECORATIONS.
The morning of the 1st of September, the day set apart
for the feite, broke fair and bright. The heavens were
smiling and propitious. An early September sun, shorn
of the fierceness of his beams by the bracing gale that
wafted over the city, cast his genial glow on all around
and underneath. The gray dawn was ushered in with the
echoing sounds of the hammer and the saw and all the




36
busy din of preparation.  As the morning advanced, the
streets assumed a holiday look, banners, flags, mottoes,
meeting the eye at every step, and eliciting the admiration
of the restless hosts which  crowded the  sidewalks,
thronged the corners, and rushed into Broadway, the grand
centre of attraction, from every street and avenue.  All
the approaches to the metropolis poured in constant
streams of human beings. The ferry-boats, though running
with all possible frequency, failed utterly to supply the
demands made upon them by residents and visitors in the
suburbs.  The early, and, indeed, the late trains over the
New Jersey, Long Island and northern roads were crammed past all precedent. The carriage-ways were one long
cloud of dust from the ferry-houses miles out into the
country in all directions.
The shipping in the harbor, lavishly bedecked with bunting, suggested the idea of a forest of- flowers. The East
River and the North, for miles and miles, looked like a
crushed rainbow-an entourage of confused iridescences,
inclosing a panorama of gorgeous thoroughfares and
rejoicing people.
The suspension of business was almost universal. The
principal stores closed at an early hour in the forenoon.
Nearly all were closed at mid-day. The banks if they
opened at all remained so for but an hour or two. The
Government offices were shut altogether, and the Courts
were completely deserted.  The decorations of the City
Hlall, and the inscriptions displayed on Broadway, are deserving of notice.
From all the flagstaffs on the Hall gay banners and
streamers were flying. Surmounting the centre of the
roof was a painting representing the national bird with




37
wings outspread, standing on a starred and striped shield,
as if just lighted there, with the lion and the American
standard under his right pinion, and the English standard
and unicorn under his left. Under this was the name of
FRANKLIN in large letters, on one side, the coat of arms of
the State of New York, and on tile other, the coat of
arms of the city of London.
On the west side were banners with the following:
"' FIELD, WOODHOUSE, DAYMAN, COOPER, HUDSON."
And on the east.
"PREEDY, GURNEY, ALDHA-M, EVERETT, MORSE."
Facing Broadway were the following:
" MAURY, WHITEHOUSE."
And facing Centre street:
" BRIGHIT, BERRYMAN."
The east gate of the Park, was surmounted by an imnmense banner, formed like an arch, bearing on one side
the words:
"THE PATH OF FRANKLIN LED TO A FIELD OF ENTERPRISE."
At one end of the inscription appeared an old-fashioned
printing press, at the other, a telegraphic apparatus.,On the other side were displayed the words:
"P EACE HATH HER VICTORIES
NOT LESS RENOWNED THAN WAR."
Similar arches were erected at the western and southern
gates. That at the western gate bore on one side the inscription:
"s THE NIAGARA AND AGAMEMINON, WITH THEIR ESCORTS
GORGON AND VALOROUS -THE  FOUR VICTORS IN THEI
GREAT BATTLE BErWEEN SCIENCE AND NEPTUNE."'




38
At one end was the figure of an anchor, wreathed with
flowers, and above it, the British crown. The other side
exhibited the words and motto:
"FIELD AND EVERETT, HUDSON AND PREEDY, DAYMIAN
AND ALDHAM.'INAMES GIREAT IN MOUTHS OF WISEST
C(ENSURE."'
At the upper end of this was represented another
anchor, surmounted by the American eagle.
The arch at the southern gate had on one side the following:
" THE TRINITY MARRIAGE-UNITED IN THE BONDS OF
PEACE AND AMITY, AUGUST 5, 185S, ALBION TO COLUMBIA,
HUDSON TO HISTORY, FIELD TO FAME."
Underneath this was the inscription'
" WITOM  GOD HATH JOINED TOGETHER
LET NO MAN PUT ASUNDER."
At one end was the shield of Great Britain and the
word " Victoria," and at the other, the shield of the
United States and the word " Buchanan."  On the other
side was the following:
"' THERE IS A PATH WHICH NO FOWL KNOWETH, AND
WHICH THE VULTURE'S EYE HATH NOT SEEN; THE LION'S
WHELPS HAVE NOT TRODDEN IT, NOR THE FIERCE LION
PASSED BY IT."'-Job, xxviii., 7, 8.
On Broadway, commencing at the Battery and proceeding upwards, the following inscriptions and designs were
observable on either hand.




39
A large transparency in front of No. 118, bore the following:
"' to lay the Ocean Cable
The Yfankees proved quite able,
Johln Bull was not behind
Valentia Bay to find,
And thus the thing was done
By John and Jonathan."
Next door (120) exhibited as an emblem, an
All-seeing Eye,
Surrounded by a glory, and looking down upon
two hands holding a laurel wreath over
The Niagara,          The Agamemnon,
bearing the   [A GLOBE]  bearing the
English flag.          American flag.
American             European   o
Z  Continent.           Continent.  Go
At the store corner of Fulton  street, and east side of'
Broadway:
" AMERICAN ENTERPRISE.
There were Kings before Agamemnon, but the
Agamemnon is King of them all.
It took two American rivers to conquer the
Atlantic:
THE NIAGARA AND HUDSON.
Morse, the inventor, supplied the germ;
Steers, the mechanic, supplied the Niagara;
Field, the business man, completed the glorious work.
Americans exult!
American invention, mechanical genius, and business
energy and perseverance-furnished by Morse,
Steers, and Field-do honor to America.
THE IUNION OF
ENGLAND AND AMERICA.
In place of the wedding
Ring, the Atlantic Cable."




40
On a transparency in Fulton  street, appeared the following squib:
" SPECIAL DISPATCH BY THE ATLANTI0 CABLE.
Ballyragget, Ireland.      1
September 1, 1858 —3- o'clock, P. M.
To WM. EGLINGTON, 140 Fulton street, New York.
Faith, Bill, I'm very glad to hear that you are well, and able
To send a graphic sketch to say so through the cable.
No cows here have got the "murrain," no sheep have got
the rot;
Potatoes they do flourish now, throughout the bright green
spot.
I like to hear from all of ye, but I'd like to see you better;
Send back a toast by " cablegraph," and the liquor in a letter.
But wont't it be a glorious thing, when science will be able,
To let us hear your own sweet " brogue" by electrographic
cable.
Darm vivinits bibamnus-(While we live let us drink.)
CHAS. COLTER.
ANSWER.
For your telegraph dispatch I paid cheerfully $20.
W. E.'"
Barnum's Museum, the Express offices, and all the hotels
between the Battery and Fulton street, and many of the
stores and restaurants, were festooned with the flags of the
two nations.
From  the top of the Astor House the English and American flags were flying, and in front, over the entrance, were
placards bearing the following inscriptions:
"The Age of Progress, 1858."
"Lightning under the Ocean."
"Steam on the Erie Canal."
"The Atlantic Telegraph transmits the lightning of
Heaven, and binds together 60,000,000 human beings speaking the same language, and worshiping the same God."
The establishment No. 247 Broadway was brilliantly
adorned.




41
From the beak of the large golden eagle which stretched
over the top of the building hung a portion of the Telegraphic Cable, one side of which was looped to the American,. and the other to the English flag. At one end of the
Cable was a transparency representing the U. S. steam
frigate Niagara, and at the other the British steam frigate
Agamemnon. Above the eagle, and covering him, was an
arched transparency, which bore the legend
"THE ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH CABLE."
and below this was another transparency, inscribed with
the following:
"PROJECTED IN 1854.
";SUCCESSFULLY LANDED AUGUST, 1858."
Another transparency was displayed below this, and
between the windows, on which was inscribed the name of
CYRUS W. FIELD,
and over the front door, extending along the whole front
of this magnificent edifice, was a -transparency as follows:
3MALE AND FEMALE.
( Hands   )
ENGLAND. d      in a      AM-ERICA.
( cordial grasp.'
In firont of the large concern Nos. 258, 259 and 260,
Bro'adway, and extending the whole length of the building,
was a transparency after this fashion 
American        A streak of lighting     English
Flag.         connecting both flags,    Flag,
"Thunder and Lightning."
The Telegraph's Lightning
is
" Our Thunder."
The store on the north-west corner of Broadway and




42
Warren street was decorated with flags of England, Scotland, Ireland and America, and was brilliantly illuminated
at night. The only transparency was one bearing the rose,
thistle and shamrock, with the word "Union" between
them.
The establishment on the north-east corner of Broadway
and Pearl street was brilliant with small flags of all nations.
In the windows were the following inscriptions: " America to all nations. E Pluribus Unum."  6' Europe and
America. Blest be the tie that binds."  "New York and
London one city."  "Niagara and Agamemnon. Hudson
and Preedy."  "Directors of the Atlantic Telegraph Company. Their monument lies low."  "The Atlantic Cable,
the Necklace of the World."
Over the clock store, No. 338 Broadway, " Time works
Wonders" was placarded.
At No. 343 Broadway was the following:
"' Honor to those whose genius led
The lightning's track through ocean's be1d,
A path fir thought;
And kindred honors may they share
Who sweet relief from toilsome care
For Woman wrought."
This building was gay with flags of various nations. On'the right of the transparency was written the word " Past,'
and on either side of it were representations of a courier
on horseback, a mower mowing, a woman toiling at her
needle, a canoe propelled by hand, and a hand and pen
writing; on the left side was the word " Present," with a
mowing and reaping machine, Telegraph wires, a woman working with a sewing machine, a printing press and
a steamboat.




43
At No. 345 Broadway was the following inscription:
Through ocean's desolation deep
Thoughts in " electric fire" sweepThe "Friendly Nations" converse hold
Through its caverns dark and old.
"Noble theme," in waves of song
Roll triumphant notes along" Fairy's laurel " decks a Sn.xoz browOur Country's FIELD is victor now.
A large painting covered two stories of the front of No.
349 Broadway.  It represented an eagle on one side and
a lion on the other, with the Cable stretching through the
sea between them.  In the centre, on a rock, was a female
formn with outspread wings dominant over commerce and
the arts.  Above, on either side, was written, "VICTORIA,"
" BUCHANAN."  Below was this inscription: " CYRus W.
FIELD, D~AGUERRE and MIORSFE.  The one harnessed the
light, the other the lightning. May the' continuity' of the
Cable be as perpetual as the rays of the sun."  To the
left of this was, " Captain PREEDY, Agamemnon," and to
the right," Captain HUDSON, Niagara."
From the gilded eagle that ornaments the fourth story
of the establishment No. 356 Broadway, streamers hung.
From the first floor a temporary balcony projected with a
front of canvass, rows of upright muskets with candles
stuck in the barrels, and the couplet,
" The Cable with its peaceful tricks
Makes of muskets candlesticks."
The whole front of No. 359 Broadway, the lower part
of which is used as a dining saloon and the upper stories as
a photographic gallery, was decorated with a splendid
transparency fifty by twenty-five feet.  It bore on the top
the words " Science, Labor and Art-Union Cable."
On the right was a portrait of FIELD, in the centre one




44
of FRANKLIN, and on the left one of MORSE.  Beneath were
two female figures, representing  America and England
joining hands; while to the right of these, and below, was a
steamship, with the emblems of mechanism and science; and
to the left, was a sailor from the Niagara. Under this was
a bridge joining two countries, and beneath this again was
a figure of Neptune chained, implying that his power was
at an end.  To the right was the letter B, and to the left
the letter V, both surrounded by electric stars.  The whole
design was well conceived and beautifully executed.  It
attracted a great deal of attention.
Over the front of Nos. 365 and 367 was this inscription:
VICTORIA.
All honor to the inventive genius and indefatig'able enterprise of
JOI1N AND JONATI[AN,
that ]hais succeeded in consummating the mighltlest work of the age. May the cord that binds  Z
thein in the bonds of
W~T;~       ~ INTERNATIONAL
Friendshlip never be severed, and thle Field of its'
-  usetulness extend to every part of the earth.
-o
Let nations' shouts,'midst cannons' roar,
Proclaim the event fromr shore to shore.
BUCHANAN.
No. 369 bore a huge painting, representing the laying
of the Cable, with the letters " M." " F." " H." at the top,
and beneath, " Europe and America united by telegraph,"
" Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good-will
toward men," "BUCHANAN," " VICTORIA."
Florence Hotel, corner of Walker Street and Broadway,
was decorated with colored lanterns, and flags, and small
transparencies, bearing the names of the distinguished men
who were connected with the submarine telegraph enterprise.




4.5
The firont of Nos. 374 and 376 Broad1way was tastefully
arranged with the flags and emblems of England and
America during the day.  There were large transparencies.
On the central one, headed
" THE ANGLO-SAXON TWINS,"
were two figures representing England and America, in
the persons of John Bull and Brother Jonathan, the Cable
uniting their two hearts.  Underneath was the following
verse:
"The brothers need no bul warks,
No towers along the steel);
Our march is on the mountain wave,
OuLr lightning through tile deep."
On the left was another large transparency, representing
two first-class ships of war engaged in deadly strife.
Under the sea of blood are represented, not the glories, but
the realities of war-hundreds of human beings were seen
sinking as a chain of death.  The background represented
the Demon of Destruction.  This picture was simply described as the " Past."
To the right was a companion picture called the'" Present."  This was represented by the Niagara and the
Agamemnon engaged in the peaceful laying of the Cable,
emanating from which sparkles, in electric fire, the words
-" Peace on earth, to  men  good-will."   The  backgroul;d represented the hand of God assisting in this wonderful work-with the words of Captain Hudson: " God
has been with us."
No. 424 Broadway had a fine transparency.  The letters
"B," "V," were at each of the upper corners; at the
bottom  corners were the English and American shields.
In the middle was the following:
"Morse, Field and Hu-Idson-three noble mates,
Have made all nations the United States."




46
Below this were the Niagara and Agamnemnon laying the
Cable:
"Europe from these United States
The sea no longer separates."
No. 445 Broadway displayed on the top of a transparency "XIX  Century;" on one side, the names of C.
W. FIELD, HUDSON, DAYMAN and EVERETT; on the other
side, the names of WATT, FULTON, STEPHENSON and MORSE.
Below, the Cable, resting on New York and London, with
the word " Uni'Jed" over it, with the Niagara and Agamellnon in the distance.
The City Assembly iRooms, which were hired and decorated by the Young Men's Democratic Union Club for the
occasion, presented an imposing appearance. They were
profusely decorated with tile flags of all nations.  Outside
Xwere three pedestals, that on the right bearing a statue of
Morse, that on the centre one of Franklin, and that on the
left one of Field. In the centre, extending along the
whole front, was a piece of canvas, on which was written:
"The Atlantic Telegraph: An artery through which the
living blood of Liberty shall be infused through all nations
over the sea."
On the new building corner of Grand and Broadway,
was a transparency with a female figure on each end.
Britannia with the English flag on the right, and an Indian
woman with the American flag on the left.  Above was
the following motto:
"The Great Event of our Day —Commenced in Faith, pursued in
Hope; may it be a bond of Charity and Goodl-Will between Nations."
Under the above inscription were the Niagara and
Agamemnon laying the Cable, and between them a shield
bearing the arms of England and America, surmounted by
a "6 Spread Eagle."




47
The exterior of the establishment on the north-east
corner of Broadway and Broome streets, was gorgeously
decorated.
That of 497 Broadway had this inscription:
" Married August, 1858, Europe to Atmeriica. They were married by
lightning, and'' by thunder" they shall never be divorced."
The St. Nicholas Hotel decorations were among the
finest on Broadway.  The roof was ornamented with three
large flags-two American and one British.  Suspended
across the street were the American, French and Spanish
ensigns, and immediately under them floated a banner bearing the following inscription:
"A portion of the first submarine Cable laid by Col. Sam. Colt, iri
1843, from New York to Coney Island, via Hell Gate. Man proposes
-God disposes."
Three fine transparencies ornamented the marble front
of this building. The centre piece represented Buchanan
and Victoria shaking hands, the Niagara and Agamemnonr
being seen in the distance. On each side of these figures
hung the flags of the United States and Great Britain, and
underneath the entire was the single word:
" RECIPROCITY."
The second transparency represented John Bull and
Brother Jonathan united by means of the Atlantic Cable.
Pillars on each side of the figures, on which were wreathed
the names of Morse, Hudson, Maury and Everett on one
side, and Franklin, Steers, Field and Cooper, on the other.
Beneath was a figure of Morse, holding an umbrella in his
hands and treading upon lightning, surmounted with thre
following inscription:
" MORSE, THE LIGHTNING TAMER."
The third transparency embraced a number of figures,




48
representing Puck putting a girdle round the earth, Morse
killing time with lightning  speed, and the  Queen  and
Buchanan  performing  a new  feat  on the slack rope.
Clustered around these various figures were the following
inscription s:;' TELEGRAPH LINES ARE THE NERVES OF NATIONS.
UNITED FOREVER.
PEACE BLESSES THE UNION."
At 655 Broadway, the following was seen:
" REJOICE ALL NATIONS.
MARRIED,
On Thursday, August 5, 1858,
In the Church of Progress,
At the altar of Commerce,
The Old to the New World.
May they never be divorced!
BORNN,
On Monday, August 16, 1858,
In the bed of the ocean,
Of science and enterprise,
The child Atlantic Telegraph.
May it live to honor its parents!
DIED,
Monday, August 16, 1858,
From an electric shock,
OLD FOGYISMI.
Miay lihe rest in peace!
ejoice at the marriage, the birth, and the death."
[The American and British flags intertwined.]
The St. John's House displayed a motto: " Genius and
Perseverance have caused both ends to meet."
The Metropolitan Hotel, over the front of the balcony
of the portico had hung in folds the flags of several European powers. The Union Jack was placed on the centre
of the roof, and at each end the American ensign. The
whole front was decorated with a magnificent display of




49
Chinese lanterns. The building is five stories, with thirty
windows on each floor. Sixty cylindrical lanterns were
run on immediately below  the edge of the roof, thirty
spherical lanterns in the face of the front, and a corresponding row  of cylindrical lanterns over the plinth of the
second floor windows, the general effect, even by daylight,
being very picturesque.
Niblo's Garden had over the portico the Union Jack and
American flag with the lyre of Terpsichore in dead white;
transparency inscribed, " When the multitude saw it, they
marveled and glorified God, that such power was given
unto men."
Laura Keene's Theatre, was tastefully decorated with
the flags of all nations. In front were models of the Niagara
and Gorgon, working by machinery and firing salutes at
appropriate intervals in the passage of the procession.
Outside, was a large transparency, representing a stage
with footlights, scenery, &c., &c., bearing the motto:
"There's no such thing as fail for Saxon blood,
Wherever pours the stream, by FIELD or flood."
From the City Guard Room to the Egyptian Museum a
banner suspended across the street on which were the
United States and British flags with the following:
" NEW YORK CITY GUARDS.
Ratione aut vi.
These are the banners from whose folds unfurl'd
Fair freedom flings her blessings o'er the world."
Burton's Theatre was decorated with flags, under which
was a transparency, showing the Cable line from "Ai America" to "England," surmounted by the American eagle
bearing the olive branch of peace in one talon and the)
4




50
forked lightning in the other. Under which was the following:' Smlile, Heaven, upon thisfair conjunction! Enrich the time to come
with smooth-faced peace, with joyous plenty, and fair prosperous
days."
At Lafarge House:
"Science controls the elements; it binds together with an iron cord
the ends of the earth. Guided by wisdom, man unites his thoughts
with the lightning's point."
Underneath, a transparency of ships at war, and a vessel
at sea in a state of explosion, with the words:
"SEVERED JULY 4, 1776.
UNITED AUGUST 12, 1858."
The Hone House had a banner with the following:
" SCIENCEs      MECHANISM,        PERSEVERANCE,
MORSE.          EVERETT.             FIELD."
At 683 Broadway were the following:
"'THE CAPTAIN OF THE GORGON
NOT A DAY MAN,
BUT A MAN FOR ALL TIME.
THE CREWS OF THE TELEGRAPH FLEET.
THE "UNION JACKS" THAT WILL
COMMAND RESPECT WHEREVER THEY FLOAT."
Also, a design representing Science and the laying of the
Cable, with the quotation from Shakspeare, "I'll put a
girdle round about the earth in forty minutes."
At the Webster House paper lanterns and a banner with
the motto:
"THE  NIAGARA, A FLOATING  MONUMENT TO  GEORGE
STEERS."
The New York Hotel had a transparency on which were




51
designed an Englishman pulling by the horns abull, to whose
tail was attached the Telegraph Cable; an Irishman on a
rock in the centre, and an American at the right hand side
paying out the Cable. The Englishman says: " I'm afraid
it's all up with us, Mr. Bull-the Yankee's got us." The
complaisant Hibernian to the American says: "Pull away,
Jonathan'; ah, be jabers! if the tail houlds ye'll fetch'em."
The American replies: "Keep cool, Pat, and I reckon we'll
annex vou both."  Under this was the motto:
" EXTENDING THE AREA OF FREEDOM."
At 753 Broadway there were six transparencies in
medallion form, representing John Bull and Brother Jonathan at fisticuffs in 1776. Jonathan on a slow nag, with
the inscription, "The Past."  Britannia-" I'm monarch of
all I survey."  In 185S Brother Jonathan and John Bull
are embracing each other ardently, and are bound round
with something supposed to be a telegraphic wire, but
which looks very much like crinoline.  Then comes
Mercury striding the waters with news, and underneath,
the inscription, "The Present." And last, Old Father
Time, who says, "Ms3y dominion is invaded."
At No. 754 a transparency representing Franlklin flying
a kite, and the Niagara laying the Cable-with
"Franklin,   1
Fiel, MaHudsonry  Committee on Lightning."
Everett, Steers. j
At No. 757, banner, the Eagle-the Victory of War.
The Lion and Unicorn-the Victory of Peace.




52
At No. 788 Broadway, the following inscriptions were
displayed:
"THE NIAGARA,            "THE AGAMIEMNON,
CAPTAIN HUDSON.          CAPTAIN PREEDY.
VICTORIA."              BUCHANAN."
"Full many a gemn of purest ray serene,
The dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear.
TIHE CONQUE ST.
Eripzuit,Goelnm Fulnzens.
FRIANrKLIN,
TERIRA,             MORSE.
MIARE,             FIELD."
The Spingler Institute (Union Square) had the American flag suspended over a banner, with the following inscription:
"' THE SPINGLER INSTITUTE.
THE DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA
SEND GREETING
TO
THE DAUGHTERS OF ENGLAND."'
Such, to be brief, was the character of the decorations
which private enterprise displayed on Broadway.  During
the day they had countless admirers, but their filll effect
was unknown until after nightfall, and the gas-jets, lanterns,
candles and transparencies were lit up, flooding the street
with a blaze of light that was overwhelming.
THE SERVICES AT TRINITY CHURCH.
But we Imust recur to the programme:
Pursuant to previous arrangement and notice, a grand
Te Deumr, with other services, was celebrated in Trinity
Church, at ten o'clock, in the morning.
The external decorations of the edifice were few, but
highly appropriate. Rev. Dr. Ogilby thought it would be




53
proper to signalize the occasion by the display of bunting
from the noble spire.  Accordingly, he addressed a note to
Commodore Kearney, of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, asking
him if he could furnish a few colors. The response was
the following kind note:
NAVY YARZD, NEw YomR, August 27, 1858.
To the Rev. Frederick Ogilby, -D. D., Assistant Rector of Trinity Clthrch,
New York City:
DEAR SIn —As Commandant of the Navy Yard, New  York, it
would afford me great pleasure to furnish the flags you asked to be
loaned, for the celebration of the laying of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable.
The flags of this yard have already been disposed of for the same purpose, but the " NIAGARA'S FLAcs" having just been landed, I am happy
to have it in my power to comply with the Rector's wish. And T
thank you, sir, very much for the invitation to the offlicers and myself
to be present at a service so distinguished at Old Trinity.
I am, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
LAWRENCE KEARNEY.
So the Niagara's colors were furnished-and beautiful
flags they were. The St. George's Society, St. Andrew's
Society, Mr. Dale, of the Liverpool Propeller line, and
several other gentlemen, also contributed flags.  In accordance with the recommendations of the architects of the
churich, to whom the suggestion of the general plan of the
decorations was committed, the American and English
flags were displayed, side by side, fri'om  the two upper
spire lights, some two hundred and thirty feet fiom the
sidewalk.  Above the battlements' of the tower, over a
hundred and twenty feet from the street level, flags of
other nations were displayed in groups, on each side, three
together.  On the north side were the French, Spanish
and Austrian; on the  south side, the Russian, Swedish
and  Norwegian; on the east side, looking down Wall
street, the  Dutch, Neapolitan and Potuguese; on the
west side, overhanging the body of the church, the Bra



54
zilian, Mexican and Chilian. Their appearance was so
novel that it drew an immense crowd of people to gaze at
the spectacle. In the porch of the church were festooned
two superb flags-one, the standard of the St. George's
Society, and the other, the ensign of the Niagara. These
flags were suspended from the centre of the porch roof, and
were gathered up at either side. Beneath them the grand
procession of the clergy and Corporation entered the
church.
At nine o'clock the flags were displayed, and at half-past
nine, precisely, Mr. James E. Ayliffe, the bellringer of the
church, began to ring the chimes, according to the following programme:
1. Changes on Eight Bells.  9. London (new).
2. Hail Columbia.          10. Bedford.
3. God Save the Queen.     11. Old Hundred.
4. Yankee Doodle.          12. Evening Bells.
5. Evening Hymn.           13. Yankee Doodle.
6. Mariner's Hymn.         14. God Save the Queen.
7. The Verona.             15. Hail Columbia.
8. Vesper Hymn.            16. Changes on Eight Bells.
The flags and chimes soon drew together an immense
throng of people, who pressed hard for admission. But,
by order of the Rector, the gates were kept closed, and no
person, except the Rev. the clergy who were to particip.ate in the services, was admitted without a ticket, before
half-past nine, at which time the doors were thrown open
to the public. A force of fifteen picked patrolmen under
Sergeant Croft, of the Mayor's Office, served to guard the
gates, while a strong force of policemen kept the throng
on Broadway in order and opened a way for the invited
guests.
The entire centre aisle of the church was reserved for




55
the accommodation of the invited guests, the most notable
of whomn were as follows:
The Mayor and Corporation of New York.
The Mayors and Corporations of Brooklyn, Jersey City
and Hoboken.
General  Scott.
Lord Napier's Suite.
H. B. Mi. Consuls of New York and Charleston.
H. B. M. Vice-Consul at this Port.
Federal Officers.
Washington Irving.
Lords Ribblesdale, Cavendish and Grosvenor.
Corn. Kearney, U. S. N., and Officers of the Navy Yard.
Montreal Military Officers.
Judges of the State Courts.
Officers of the Atlantic Telegraph Co.
Capt. Daymnan and Officers of the Royal Navy.
Capt. Hudson and Officers of the Niagara.
Mr. Field was not present, having pressing previous
engagements which he could not lay aside. A number of
distinguished gentlemen, of both nations, were absent for
similar reasons. The guests who attended, generally
arrived before half-past nine, the hour for the opening of
the gates. The Corporate authorities of New York and
Brooklyn, however, entered in procession, with their staves
of office, after the rest of the congregation had been seated.
The gates were thrown open at half-past nine o'clock
precisely, when an immense rush was made by the crowd
to enter. It was with the utmost difficulty that the police
could enforce the decorum  due to the solemnity of the
building and the occasion. Every unreserved place in the
church was almost instantly filled by the people, and not
an hundredth part of those in the street found accommodation. A dense throng remained outside during the whole
service.
As the City Corporation marched in, the bells chimed
the national airs.




56
~The clergy assembled in the vestry-rooms of the church
about a quarter past nine.  So far as could be ascertained,
the following is a correct list:
The Rt. Reverend
The Bishop (Doane) of New Jersey.
NEW YORK.
RAevT HI. Anthon, D. D.    Rev. T. A. Eaton.
" Edward Anthon.            "  W. E. Eigenbrodt, D. D.
J. Graeff Barton.        "  J. J. Elmendorf, D. D.'  Alfred B. Beach, D. D.    " A. Fitch.
G. T. Bedell, D. D.      "  E. O. Flagg.'   min. Berrian D. D.      I"  Wm. J. Frost.
6'  James Bonnar.           "  T. Gallaudet.
J. H. H. Brown.          "  George J. Geer.
N'I  T. W. Camp, D.D.       "  John Grigg.
P. S. Chauncey, D. n.   "  C.. Hackley, D. D.'S Caleb Clapp.             "  Richard C. Hall.
~  A. V. Clarkson.          "  A. Bloomer Hart.
" F. D. Harriman.           "  F. L. Hawks, D.D., LL.D.
S. Cooke, D. D.          "  E.Y. Higbee, D. D.' N. E. Cornwall.           "  J. H. Hobart, D. D.
I' Richard Cox.             "  J. H. Hopkins, Jr.
XC. F. Cruse, DD..      "  G. H. Houghton.
S. D. Denison.          "  R. S. Howland.
i R. G. Dickson.'  Ralph Hoyt.
~ Morgan Dix.              "  Hiram Jelliff.
G. B. Draper.              "  S. R. Johnson, D. D.
C. R. Duffie.               "  S. Seabury, D. D.
"  H. Dyer, D. D.           "  F. W. Smith.'  Lot Jones.               "  J. A. Spencer, D. D.
~  F. E. Lawrence.          "  Alpheus Spor.
A. S. Leonard.           "  F. W. Taylor, U. S. N.
"  Chas. S. Little.         "  T. H. Taylor, D. D.
Winm. S. Ludlum.           "  B. F. Taylor.




57
Rev. Milo Mahan, D. D.      Rev. Thomas Towell.
E. C. Marshall.          "  S. HI. Turner, D. D.
"  J. McVickar, D. D.       "  Isaac H. Tuttle.
James Millett.           "  Robert Travis, Jr.
"  H. E. Montgomery.        "  R. B. Van Kleeck, D. D.
John Morgan.             "  Antoine Verren.
W VT. F. Morgan, D. D.      "  J. M. Waite.
W. Morris, LL.D.         "   rin. Walton, D. D.
"   V. A. Muhlenberg, D.D.  " Henry D. WCard.
"  Geo. WV. Nichols.        "  F. S. Wiley.' F. Ogilby, D. D.          "  M. Evans Willing.' B.C. C. Parker.          "  B. Wilson, D.., LL.D.
"  George C. Pennell.       "  Calvin Wolcott.
"  T. McC. Peters.          " J. Freeman Young.
C. E. Phelps.            "  J. S. Purdy.
"  J. H. Price, D. D.       "  Wm. Richmond.
Rev. Wm. G. Farrington.
RIVER TOWNS.
Rev. J. S. Spencer.         Rev. F. Babbit.
BROOKLYN.
Rev. James S. Barnes.       Rev. D. V. M. Johnson.
"  Lemuel Burge.            "  Evan M. Johnson.
Eli H. Canfield, D. D.   "  Isaac P. Labagh.
J. F. D. Cornell.        "  W. H. Lewis, D. D.
Isaac F. Fox.            "  J. A. Paddock.
"  B. C. Cutler, D. D.      "  Francis Peck.
"  Edward DeZeng.           "  O. Perinchief.
"  Jacob W. Diller.         "  Chas. S. Putnam.
"  T. S. Drowne.            "  E. F. Remington.
"  Edmund Embury.           "  WV. W. Seymour.
"  Jared B. Flagg.          "  Henry A. Spafard.
C" has. H. Gardiner.        "  F. Tripp.
"  Henry T. Gregory.        "  Robt.~J. Walker.
"  Thomas T. Guion.         "  E. Wheeler.




58
WILLIAMSBURGH.
Rev. Alvah Guion.            Rev. A. H. Partridge.
"  Samuel M. Haskins.        "  Merritt H. Wellman.
NEW JERSEY.
Rev. Charles Arey.           Rev. Charles H. Canfield.
James J. Bowden.          "  O. Harriman, Jr.
"  Vandervoort Bruce.        "  N. Sayre Harris.
Rev. Winm. R. Earle.
STATEN ISLAND.
Rev. J. C. Eccleston, D. D.    Rev. Jesse Pound.
"  Theodore Irving.          "  H. L. E. Pratt.
"  Pierre P. Irving.         "  G. Winslow, D. D.
"  Frederick Oertel.         "  Mr. Shackelford.
Mr. Gordon.               "  Mr. Cady.
"  Mr. Croes.             "  E. M. Peck.
Rev. C. R. Smith.
TEXAS.
Rev. Benj. Eaton.
The ministers brought their surplices, and robed in the
vestry-room.
About the same hour the organists and singers arrived
and repaired to the organ loft. The choir was carefully
selected from those of the principal Episcopal churches in
the city.  The following is a list of the leading vocalists:
TREBLES.
Miss Gellie, of Calvary Church.
Miss Goodwin, of Trinity Chapel.
Mrs. Hutchings,. of Trinity Church.
Mrs. Walter, of Trinity Chapel.
Mrs. Bourne, of the Church of Holy Apostles.




59
ALTOS.
Mr. Granville, of Trinity Church.
Miss Mary Gellie, of Calvary Church.
Miss Hodges, Director of Music, Christ Church, Norwich, Conn.
Miss Robjohn, St. Thomas' Church.
TENORS.
Mr. Deane, of Trinity Church.
Mr. Peck, of Trinity Church.
Hr. Hurley, of Trinity Church.
Mr. Good, of Trinity Chapel.
Mr. Gledhill, Jr., of Trinity Chapel.
BASSES.
Mr. Browne, of Trinity Church.
Dr. Guilmette, of Dr. McAuley's Church, Fifth avenue.
Mr. Cooke, of Trinity Chapel.
Mr. Safford, of Trinity Church.
BOYS.
Gamble, (2) of Trinity Chapel.
James Brown, of Trinity Church.
H. E. Brown, of Trinity Church.
Sidney Terhune, of Trinity Church.
These were well sustained by an accomplished chorus.
Edward Hodges, Mus. Doec., Director of Miusic in the
Parish, presided at the Organ, assisted by Mr. Win. Walter, -organist of Trinity Chapel, and Mr. J. F. Huntington,
organist of St. Thomas' Church.
The internal decorations of the church were of the most
novel and magnificent description. Across the chancel,
between the jambs of the grand arch, was thrown a temporary screen, consisting of three pointed gothic arches,
twenty-three feet high, sustaining a horizontal panel four
feet high divided into three compartments. Above this




60
sprung a lofty central gothic arched panel eighteen feet
high, surmounted by a floriated cross seven feet high.
The whole screen was forty-eight feet high to the top of
the cross. The columns supporting the arches, the arches
themselves, and all the lines of construction were heavily
covered with evergreens; white and red cedar, white pine,
larch, hemlock, spruce, fir, box, holly and several other
evergreens of various hues being artistically combined, completely hiding any trace of the wooden frame. The whole
surface of the structure was covered at short intervals with
magnificent bunches of the most exquisite hot-house and
garden flowers, of rich bright colors and delicious perfume.
The varieties of flowers brought into requisition in the construction of the wonderful screen were almost fabulous in
numbers. With lavish profusion the rarest and most exquisite specimens of the floral kingdom were displayed.
Bunches of these flowers were arranged artistically on the
columns that supported the arches, gracefully swelling the
body of the pillars, and almost obscuring the green ground.
The three arches were also profusely covered with flowers,
which were arranged in figures of light gothic tracery in
the openings. The horizontal panel over the arches was
of fine white linen, divided into three compartments by
broad boarders of evergreens, tipped with roses, lilies,
gladiolas, dahlias and other gorgeous flowers. Among the
dahlias was an entire new variety, now introduced for the
first time, and named, in honor of the occasion, the " Cable
Dahlia."  It is a large double flower, five inches in diameter, of a yellow ground color, ring-streaked, striped,
speckled, and spotted with various hues of crimson and
scarlet.
The lofty central arched panel was four feet wide, of




61
white linen like the horizontal panel, and similarly bordered
with evergreens and flowers. In this panel appeared the
inscription,
"' GLORY BE TO GOD ON HIGH,"
in letters of flowers, the words " Glory be to" on the right
base of the arch, the word" God" around the point of the
arch, and the " on high " on the left base. Each word, excepting the title of the Deity, was in flowers of one color.
The words "glory be to" and "on high" were of scarlet
sword lily and dark roses; the word " God" was in large
capitals, of white roses set upon red roses. In the right
compartment of the horizontal panel were the words,
" AND ON EARTH,"
in gothic capitals, composed of roses, of various hues, blue
hydrangeas and verbenas. In the central compartment
were the words,
"PEACE, GOOD-WILL,"
in gothic capitals of scarlet zinnias, white phlox and
Chinese asters. In the left compartment were the words,
in Gothic capitals,
" TOWARDS MEN,"
the flowers being similar to those in the first compartment.
In the space inclosed by the central arched panel was a
quatrefoil, aptly symbolizing the four quarters of the world,
whose bringing together was the occasion of the services.
The quatrefoil was covered with evergreens, and relieved
by an immense variety of flowers, prominent among which
were dahlias, of many hues, roses, of several varieties, salvia
splendens, and the new and superb (blue) delphinum
formosum. In the centre of the quatrefoil was a fivepointed star, intended to symbolize the five races of men.




62
It was composed of evergreens, and ornamented with
flowers. The centre of the star was composed of scarlet
dahlias; next was a ring of white phlox, and the points
were of beautiful blue hydrangea. The extreme tips of
the points were rose-colored dahlias.
The cross on the top of the lofty arched panel was the
crowning work of the whole structure. It rested upon a
cushion of scarlet lilies. The whole body of the cross
was chastely formed of pure white roses, phloxes, lilies
etc. In the centre, where the arms crossed the upright,
was a circle of scarlet dahlias; and the points of the head
and arms were of scarlet salvia. The top of the cross was
fifty feet from the floor of the church, and forty-eight feet
from the foot of the screen. The effect of the whole structure was almost indescribable, especially when lighted up
by the morning sun streaming down from the clerestory
windows, and standing out against the subdued and solemn
colors of the great chancel window, which was seen here
and there through the airy tracery of the screen.
The bronze eagle lectern stood in the centre arch of the
screen. In the eagle's mouth was a ring of the genuine
Atlantic Cable, bound with gold. A bouquet of rose,
shamrock and thistle, bound with ribbons of red, white
and blue, was attached to the ring.
The font was covered with an octagonal canopy, ten feet
high. The canopy formed a pyramidal bouquet, composed
of the rarest floral gems, the principal colors being blue,
scarlet, white and crimson, gracefully interspersed with
green leaves.
The pulpit was ornamented with a delicate tracery of
flowers about the banisters.  Borders of green, with
wreaths of flowers running up the angles, were supplied




C3
to all the panels, and on every angle was a bouquet as a
finil. The tout ensemble of these floral decorations was unprecedentedly striking, and the execution of the design
reflected the highest credit upon the taste of the artists
who were engaged upon it.
The whole neighborhood of New York was scoured for
the flowers, and every greenhouse or garden of any prominence within twenty miles furnished its tribute to the
grand design. The perfume of all these exquisite flowers
was almost overpowering, and filled every corner of the
church with the most delicious aroma.
On the second and third pillars, on the right side of the
nave, looking from the chancel, large English flags were
festooned over the seats occupied by the English diplomatic representatives and officers.  On the two corresponding pillars, on the opposite side of the nave, over the
seats occupied by the officers of the Niagara and the
Directors of the Telegraph Company, were suspended two
American flags.
At ten o'clock the clergy, in their surplices, formed in
the vestry-room, and, the bells chiming "Old Hundred,"
they marched, two and two, out of the north door of the
church, through the church-yard along the northern wall
to -the grand doorway. The sexton, with his mace, preceded the clergy, bareheaded; next came the deacons, two
by two, next the priests, two and two, and the Rt. Rev.
the Bishop brought up the rear.
As soon as the procession had reached the grand entrance,
the organ burst forth in a joyous voluntary. The congregation rose and turned towards the middle aisle, while the
procession marched up the aisle until the deacons reached




64
the steps of the chancel.  The clergy then halted, and
faced inwards, open order, while the sexton, bearing his
mace aloft, slowly walked down between the lines to meet
the Rt. Rev. the Bishop at the door.  Taking his place
before the prelates, he countermarched to the chancel, the
priests following in regular order and closing the procession after the Bishop.  The Prelate entered his chair and
the officiating clergy the regular stalls, while the great
mass of the clerical gentlemen present occupied temporary
stalls back of the screen. When all had taken their places
the music suddenly ceased, and all-clergy and congregation-knelt in silent prayer.
After a pause of an instant, the organ and full choir burst
out in the introductory anthem:
" The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before
him."-Hab. ii. 20.
This was given in full chorus, to music composed by
Dr. Hodges for the service at the consecration of Trinity
Church in the year 1846. The other opening sentences of
Morning Prayer,
"From the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same,
my Name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my Name, and a pure offering: for my
Iame shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts."J'1al. i. 11.
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be
alway acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer."
-Psalm xix. 14, 15.
were then said by Rev. Dr. Creighton, Rector of Christ
Church, Tarrytown, Rector of St. Mary's Church, Beechwood, and Chairman of the General Convention.  Dr.




65
Creighton also said the exhortation, and led in the General
Confession. The choir, with organ accompaniment, chanted
the
Venite Exultemzts Domino.
" 0 coime. let us sing unto the Lord; let us heartily rejoice in the
strength of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; and show ourselves glad in him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God; and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are all the corners of the earth; and the strength of the
hills is his also.
The sea is his and he made it; and his hands prepared the dry land.
O come, let us worship and fall dowen; and kneel before the Lord our
Maker.
For he is the Lord our God; and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand.
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; let the whole earth
stand in awe of him.
For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the world, and the people
with his truth.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without
end.-Amnen."
The music for the Venite was an octave chant by Jones,
much admired by Haydn when he heard it sung by three
thousand children in St. Paul's Cathedral, London. It was
a grand chant, and most correctly rendered, the clergy
and congregation standing.
The Tenth selection of Psalms from  the Psalter was
next said by the Rev. Dr. Creighton, the congregation
standing and responding. The psalms of this selection
were peculiarly appropriate to the occasion, and the opening and closing psalms were as follows:
_




66
FRoM PSALM XCvi.- Cantate Domino.' O sing unto the Lord a new song; sing unto the Lord, all the Mwhole
earth.
Sing unto the Lord, and praise his name; be telling of his salvation
from day to dlay.
Declare his honor unto the heathen; and his wonders unto all people.
For the Lord is great, and cannot worthily be praised; he is more
to be feared than all gods."
PSALM cl.-Laudate Dominum.' O Praise God in his holiness: praise him in the firmament of his
power.
Praise him in his noble acts: praise him according to his excellent
greatness.
Praise him in the sound of the trumpet: praise him upon the lute
and harp.
Praise him in the cymbals and dances: praise him upon the strings
and pipe.
Praise him upon the well-tuned cymbals: praise him upon the loud
cymbals.
Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord."
The Laudate Dominum  was magnificently chanted  by
the choir, with powerful organ accompaniment, and immediately upon its conclusion, the choir burst out into the
Gloria in Excelsis.
"Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will towards
men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee,
we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King,
God the Father Almighty.
O Lord, the only begotten Son Jesus Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of
God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have
mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, have
mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive
our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father,
have mercy upon us.




67
For thou only art holy; thou only art the Lord; thou only, O Christ
with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father.
-Amew. "
After the Gloria, the congregation were seated, and the
Rev. Dr. Hawks, Rector of Calvary Church, read the First
Lesson from  ISAIAH xl. 3.  The most striking verses of
the chapter were the following:
2. " When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee; and
through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest
through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flamne
kindle upon thee."
16. " Thus saith the Lord, which inaketh a way in the sea, and a path
in the mighty waters;
17. Which bringeth forth the chariot and the horse, the army and
the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise; they are
extinct, they are quenched as tow."
19. " Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall
ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers
in the desert."
After the lesson came the great feature of the service,
that sacred hymn,
l'e Deum Laudamnus.'' We praise thee, O God; we acknowledge thee to be the Lord.
All the earth doth worship thee, the Father everlasting.
To thee all Angels cry aloud; the Heavens, and all the Powers
therein.
To thee Cherubim and Seraphim continually (do cry,
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabbaoth;
Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty of thy glory.
The glorious company of the Apostles praise thee.
The goodly fellowship of the Prophets praise thee.
The noble army of Martyrs praise thee.
The holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge thee
The Father of an infinite Majesty;




68
Thine adorable, true, and only Son;
Also the Holy Ghost, the Comforter.
Thou art the King of Glory, O Christ.
Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.
When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man, thou didst humble
thyself to be born of a Virgin.
When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death, thou didst open
the kingdom of Heaven to all believers.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God, in the glory of the Father.
We believe that thou shalt come to be our Judge.
We therefore pray thee help thy servants, whom thou hast redeemed
with thy precious blood.
]Make them to be numbered with thy saints, in glory everlasting.
O Lord, save thy people, and bless thine heritage;
Govern them, and lift them up forever,
Day by day we magnify thee;
And we worship thy name ever, world without end.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin.
O Lord, have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us.
O Lord, let thy mercy be upon us, as our trust is in thee.
O Lord, in thee have I trusted, let me never be confounded.
This Te Deum was a " verse service," in the key of D,
commonly known as the " New York Service," and was
composed by Dr. Hodges in 1840. It was a varied composition, interspersed with solo and duet passages, and written
in the English  style of cathedral music, though  rather
more florid than most of the English service. It opened
with a full chorus in plain counterpoint, in a majestic and
dignified style. This was succeeded by a fugue passage at
the words, " The glorious company of the Apostles praise
Thee," in which the subject was admirably carried through
all the voices, while the immediately succeeding verses
were announced without repetition of words, arriving at a
grand climax at the verse "' Thou art the King of Glory,
O Christ." Here the magnificent outburst of harmony,
from the full organ and choir, was exceedingly impressive.




69
The rest of the Te Deum was an alternation of solos,
duets and choruses.
Rev. Dr. Bedell, of the Church of the Ascension, then
read the Second Lesson from  Revelations iv., the most
appropriate verses being as follows:
10. " The four and twenty elders fall down before H-im that sat on the
throne, and worship Hin that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their
crowns before the throne, saying,
11. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and power; for thou
hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
After the Lesson the congregation rose, and the choir
sung the
Benedictus. ST. LuEr i., 68.
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed
his people;
And hath raised up a mighty salvation for us, in the house of his
servant David;
As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been
since the world begun;
That we should be saved fioln our enemies, and fiom the hand of all
that hate us."
The music was part of the same service in " D" to which
the Te Deum belonged, and was much in the same style,
with perhaps greater play of fancy for the organ accompaniment.
The Rev. Dr. Creighton then led in the Apostle's Creed,
after which all kneeled down, and the Rev. the Rector of
the Parish, the venerable Dr. Berrian, said the balance of




70
Morning Prayer to the minor benediction. Just before the
General Thanksgiving, he said the following
SPECIAL PRAYER FOR A CABLE SERVICE.
(Allowed by the Bishop.)
" 0 God, whose never-failing Providence ordereth all things,
both in heaven and earth; we, thy humble servants, bow before
thee, owning that from. thee all strength, all wisdom, power and
might do come. We praise thee for thy goodness and wonderful works to the children of men, and acknowledge thy
gracious hand in all that we accomplish upon earth. Especially this day do we recognize thy goodness and mercy in the
wonderful work for which we now bless and magnify thy
glorious name. Thou, who alone spreadest out the heavens
and rulest the raging of the sea, didst in thy mercy guide thy
servants through the perils of the great deep, and enable them
to lay in the mighty waters that bond which now unites distant
nations. Grant, 0 Lord, that those who are so wonderfully
joined together may never be put asunder by enmity or strife,
by prejudice or passion. May it be instrumental in bearing
only the messages of peace, extending the glad tidings of salvation, the gospel of thy dear Son, and hastening the day when
from every corner of the earth shall rise that blessed song,
" Peace on earth, good-will towards men." And to thy great
name shall be ascribed all honor and praise, through Jesus
Christ, our Lord." Amen.
After the General Thanksgiving, the Rev. Rector said
the following Special Thanksgiving, at the request of Capt.
Hudson and the officers of the Niagara:
FOR A SAFE RETURN FROM SEA.
" Most gracious Lord, whose mercy is over all thy works;
we praise thy holy name that thou hast been pleased to conduct in safety, through the perils of the great deep, these
servants, who now desire to return their thanks unto thee' in




71
thy holy Church. May they be duly sensible of thy merciful
providence towards them, and ever express their thankfulness
by a holy trust in thee, and obedience to thy laws; through
Jesus Christ our Lord." Amen.
Rev. Dr. Ogilby announced that the Lord Bishop of
Montreal, who was expected to represent the English
Church, was absent unavoidably, on account of engagements made prior to the announcement of this service. The
Rt. Rev. the Provisional Bishop was absent, for a similar
reason.
Rev. Dr. Ogilby then announced the Anthem, Psalm
cxxxiii. of the Psalter:
PSALMM Cxxxiii. Ecce, quam bonum!
"Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is, brethren, to
dwell together in unity!
2. It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran
down unto the beard, even unto Aaron's beard, and went down
to the skirts of his clothing.
3. Like as the dew of Hermon, wvhich fell upon the hill of
Sion.
4. For there the Lord promised his blessing, and life for
evermore."
This was sung to an anthem composed by Dr. John
Clark Whitfield.  It was a pleasing but an unpretending
work, selected upon this occasion on account of the peculiar
appropriateness of the words, " Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is, brethren, to dwell together in unity."
Rev. Dr. Ogilby then announced that an address would
be delivered by the Right Rev. the Bishop of New Jersey.
The distinguished prelate in his robes took a position




72
just under the central arch of the screen, in the rear of
the lectern, and spoke, with great deliberation and emphasis, as follows:
"Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good-will
towards men."
This was the message of the angels to the shepherds on the
plain of Bethlehem, when the incarnate Saviour of the world
was cradled in the manger. This was the message of the
angels, by the Atlantic Telegraph, to their western sons; and
this shall be the Anglo-American message to the ends of the
whole earth, " Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace,
good-will towards men." Was ever utterance so fit? Was
ever utterance so startling? Was ever utterance so solemn,
so sublime? Flashing out from the burning realm of Christian
hearts in Ireland; flashing along through the caverns of the
sea; flashing along among the buried treasures of the deep;
flashing along through the lair of old Leviathan; flashing
along among the remains of them who perished in the flood;
flashing up among the primeval forests of Newfoundland, and
flashing out from there throughout the world! A consecrated
lightning, consecrating the very ocean through which it tra.
verses; consecrating this glorious, blessed day; consecrating
anew that time-honored flag of England-the banner of a
thousand fights; consecrating the stars that glitter on the
flag of freedom, which, in less than a century, has won for this
nation its place among the ancient empires of the world, and
which, wherever the rights of men are to be asserted, forever
floats and blazes in'the van. Consecrating, shall I not say,
beloved friends, consecrating anew our hearts to the love of
man and to the glory of the living God. It is recorded of the
father of Hannibal, that he took his son, almost an infant, to
his heathen altar, to swear eternal hatred against Rome.
Shall we not come up here to-day-have we not come up here
to-day, to renew before this holy altar our vows of love and




73
peace? Shall we not here renew the vows of our baptism,
that so far as in us lies we will live peaceably together; that,
so far as in us lies, we will promote that which makes peace,
and quietness, and love among all men; that, so far as in us
lies, each in his several place, by services, by suffering, by
death, if God please, we will do what lies in us to bear out to
all the world lying in darkness, wickedness, and sin, the peace
and love of the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
It seems to me, if I may speak it without irreverence, that
oneness is the great idea of God-oneness is the great idea of
God. The unity of God is the great truth. " There are three
that bear record of heaven —the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Ghost-and these three are one." And again, "I and the
Father are one." And in the beseeching prayer, as He was
about to enter into the garden of agony, that " they might be
one, even as we are."  "I in Thee, and Thou in me, that they
also may be one in us."  St. Paul instructs us that there is
" one body and one spirit, one God and Father of all-one love,
one faith, one baptism;" and then, and then only will the
mediatorial glory be accomplished, when there shall be one
fold and one shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord. Now, it seems
to me that, among the thousand thoughts that crowd upon the
mind in the contemplation of the great subject of this day's
assembling, the tendency to oneness is the chief. It seems to
me that, in a sort, the edict of Babel is reversed-that the dispersion of the nations is to be undone, in God's time and in
Godbs way, by bringing them together as one in him; and I
might almost venture to say, that we have in prospect, as it
were, the renewal and repetition of the Pentecostal wonder,
when all the nations of the world heard in their own tongue
the wonderful works of God; when man shall speak to man,
from the one end of the world to the other, of the gospel of
the Saviour and of the glory of the Lamb. Oneness-its tendency to oneness is the leading thought, in my mind, as the
result of the great event which we celebrate this day. Beloved friends, I have come among you to-day, traveling through




74
the night to be with you, from the field of my own labors and
from the care of my two hundred children, that with my
brethren and companions I might worship in this holy and
beautiful house, and with them, and with you all, and with all
England, and with all Europe, and with the islands of the sea,
rejoice in the consummation of this great work. Beautifully
and well did this venerable Corporation seek for itself a place
in the rejoicings of this day. Trustees they are from venerable hands in that dear mother land, now gathered to the
grave; trustees they are for carrying out their views and purposes, and, great and glorious as are the good works which
they have done, they have done none greater or more glorious
than in lending the consecration of this house, the consecration of that altar and these prayers to the Atlantic Telegraph.
I came from New Jersey, and I have brought something of
New Jersey with me. I have brought the youngest child of
the telegraph. This (exhibiting a piece of wire) is the germ
which has grown to what it now has become-so great and
glorious. So far as I know and believe, this is a part of the
telegraph wire set up at the Speedwell Iron Works, in Morristown, New Jersey, more than twenty years ago, under the
direction of Professor Morse, known to all the world, and Mr.
Alfred Gray, his associate and co-laborer. It was set up for a
length of three miles, and it served to transmit intelligible
signals in telegraphic language. This has nothing to do, by
comparison or contrast, with what we celebrate to-day. The
acorn is not the oak —the germ is not the tree-the infant is
not the man. We rejoice now in the full stature of the manin the tall glory of the palm-in the shading verdure of the
monarch oak; and we ascribe, under God, the practical application of that, which was felt after so long, as is the case in
every great invention-we ascribe the practical result, under
God, to one Cyrus, to his energy and devotion, under God; it is
by noble souls in both hemispheres that the chain which binds
together the two continents was successfully laid. Space is,
as it were, annihilated, and time more than annihilated. In a




75
sense there is no more sea. As I stand here I feel that I can
lay my hand upon the tomb of Chaucer. We can go with holy
George Herbert to hear the " Angel's Music" from the bells of
Salisbury. We may breathe the air made fragrant by the
dying breath of Latimer and Ridley; our children can unite
with England's children in the song of faith; and the men of
the West may stand up with those of the East, when they
say " I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven
and earth." We have all read of that beautiful ceremony
which was once celebrated-the wedding of the Adriatic
Venice and the fleet of gondolas has made a picture on every
heart of childhood. Venice is no longer among the nations.
The glory of the Adriatic has departed. But now follows
another wedding. The day breaks upon the rugged shores of
Newfoundland. A little company is landing from a boat.
They form a line. They bear in their hands, and touch it as a
sacred thing, a small wire, and they proceed with solemn step
and slow to the place appointed to deposit it. Cyrus at the
head, they formn a procession in comparison with which the
heroes of antiquity must look to their laurels. Carefully they
proceed, charged, as they feel, not only with the destiny of
nations, but with the Church of the living God, and repose it
in the proper place-a gallant sailor, captain in our navy,
surrounded by officers of our sister navy and by the sailors of
both fleets-an act inimitable in beauty, and a testimony that
God was with them in truth-they pour out their hearts in
prayer to God, thanking him for his mercies and asking him
for his blessing; and then with a shout they awake the virgin
echoes in rejoicings for the consummation of that great event
which has made two into one; which has wedded England
and America, and brought them together-together for civil
freedom; together for the progress of knowledge; together
for the happiness of home; together for the extension of the
Gospel; together for the edification of the Church; together
for the salvation of the world; together to bring about that
glorious time when angels shall again descend from heaven,




76
and the whole redeemed world, with all the company of angels
and archangels, shall lift up once more that glorious hymn
-" Glory to God in the highest; on earth peace, good-will
toward men." England and America have been wedded by
the Atlantic ring-a ring of love-a ring of peace-shall I
not say a ring of God? Shall I not say it? Will not every
heart  respond-amen?  " Those  whom  God hath  joined
together, let no man put asunder."
When the Bishop had concluded, Rev. Dr. Berrian gave
out the One Hundredth Psalm:
" With one consent let all the earth
To God their cheerful voices raise;
Glad homage pay with joyful mirth,
And sing before him songs of praise" Convinced that he is God alone,
From whom both we and all proceed;
We, whom he chooses for his own,
The flock that he vouchsafes to feed.
"Oh, enter, then, his temple gate,
Thence to his courts devoutly press;
And still your grateful hymns repeat,
And still his Name with praises bless.
" Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him all creatures here below,
Praise him above, ye heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."
This was sung to the old One Hundredth Psalm tune.
Dr. Hodges' accompaniment was played with the whole
force of the organ, and the choir sang in full chorus for
the first two lines, by which time every voice within the
walls of the great church joined in. At the same instant
the bell-ringer struck up the Psalm upon the chimes, and
with the power of the magnificent organ of the church,




77
the bells, and a chorus of three thousand five hundred
voices —many of them male-Old Hundred was given with
a hearty majesty that has rarely been accorded to it anywhere. When the last note had died away, the congregation kneeled and the Rt. Rev. the Bishop pronounced the
major benediction.
Dr. Hodges then played, as a concluding voluntary,
Handel's anthem, the words "Zadock, the Priest, and
Nathan, the Prophet."
Rev. Dr. Ogilby caine forward and said that Mayor
Tiemann had put in his hands a message received from
Savannah, which so singularly accorded with the address
just delivered, that it would seem as though there was a
telegraph at work between them. He would read it:
SAVANNAH, September 1, 1858.
To MAYOR TIEMANN:
Savannah joins her sister city in a chorus of joy and gratitude for the blessings that have joined what nature seemed to
have eternally sundered. The Anglo-Saxon race has made the
lightning of heaven the swift messenger of peace. Our nation
is clasped in the embrace of friendship by our former enemy.
In all this we see the power of Providence guiding the nations
in the way of peace, and the two great branches of our race
instrimnents in His hand.
TIHOMAS TURNER,
]Mayor of Savannah.
The services being now over, the clergy again formed in
procession and marched down the middle aisle, out of the
great doorway, under the English and American flags, to
the churchyard, and so around the north wall to the vestry
room. At the north door the clergy halted and opened,




78
when the prelates passed through, and the procession
closed after them. Then the chimes again rang out joyously, and the people separated, some to the Battery, some
to other points, to witness the procession.
THE RECEPTION OF THE GUESTS.
The first part of the programme drawn up, by the Common Council Committee for the great celebration was the
reception of Mr. Cyrus W. Field, the officers of the Niagara,
the Gorgon, anl the Indus, at the Battery. According to
the official announcement this was to take place at halfpast one o'clock, but long before that hour a crowd numbering at least fifteen thousand persons, of all ages, and conditions in life, were assembled around Castle Garden and
in the streets adjacent to the Battery. This immense congregatioil, finding that it was yet early in the day, concluded there was nothing for them to do but to stick by
their places and gaze at the shipping.   The United
States frigate Sabine lay at anchor within three hundred
yards of the Battery; a large American ensign floated at
her peak, a small one at the mizzen, still another at the
main, and the English jack flaunted at the fore. Her guns
were run out ready for a salute.  Those who did not
know  better regarded her with great admiration under
-the impression that she was the frigate Niagara, as the
Committee of Arrangements had announced that this
heroine of the seaand of the occasion would be there.
With the arrival of the military the thousands already on
the ground were squeezing into every nook and corner.
The sun poured down its intensest rays, the soldiers
sweltered, men wiped the perspiration from their brows,
and loafers elbowed nurses with babes in arms, to get




79
possession of the few shady patches that could be found.
About the only comfort there was consisted in feasting
the eyes upon the sight of the supposed Niagara, and the
lines of the Sabine and the genius of Steers were loudly
praised, until it got about that they were sold and that the
Niagara still lay in tar and dishabille at the Navy Yard.
Still, though that was not the Niagara, everybody
wondered when the Niagara would appear according to
the unerring announcement of the programme.  Those
posted, however, were no less anxiously looking for the
English officers, Captain Hudson and Mr. Field, and no
less in a quandary which way to look for them. At halfpast one P. M. a salute from the Sabine announced that
somebody was coming. The steam tow-boat Isaac P.
Smith was observed coming down the North River towards
the Battery; the extra quantity of bunting displayed indicated that somebody unusual was on board, and, when
she fired a salute from her forward deck, it was made
sure. She stopped alongside an emigrant barge, and the
heroes of the Atlantic Cable appeared at the gangway.
As Mr. Field, walking arm in arm with Captain Dayman, and followed by Mir. William E. Everett and the
officers of the Gorgon and Indus, stepped ashore, the Sabine
fired a thundering salute of twenty-one guns, and the crowd
cheered long and loudly.
In consequence of the fatigues attendant on the dis-'charge of the duties of Chairman of the Joint Committee,
and the necessity of his presence elsewhere, Alderman McSpedon deputed Warren Leland, Esq., to tender to these,
gentlemen an appropriate welcome on behalf of the Committee of 3ianagement and the municipal authorities




80
generally. Shortly before the arrival of the guests Mayor
Tiemann, Peter Cooper, Wilson G. Hunt, Professor Bache
and several other gentlemen, presented themselves at
Castle Garden and subsequently took part in the reception.
Mr. Leland performed the duty assigned to him with
his customary urbanity and good taste. These ceremonies
over, the guests were conveyed to carriages, which had
been in readiness for their use from an early hour, and were
conveyed to the Metropolitan Hotel, where they were received by Alderman McSpedon in a few words of cordial
welcome. He expressed his pleasure in having the opportunity to extend to them the hospitalities of the city, as a
slight token of appreciation of their great and distinguished
services in the advancement of a scientific enterprise,
tending to the diffusion of the principles of a common
brotherhood.
The following are the names of the British' officers:
GORGON.
Captain Dayman, R. N.
Hart Gimlette, M. D.
Lieutenants Count Viscomte, B. Mitchel, T. B. Butler
Paymaster A. T. N. Roberts.
INDUS.
Captain William Ross Hall, R. N.
Lieutenants Hugh Davis, L. A. Bell, Joshua C. Cole,'
A. H. Trainor, P. C. Johnstone and A. T. Kings.
Captain Hudson was not among those who were on
the steamer, but he was at the services in Trinity Church



81.
Of Captain Dayman, the commander of the Gorgon, it may
be proper to state, that to him was intrusted the surveying of the telegraph plateau, and by him were Lieut. Berrymlnan's soundings corroborated. It was Captain Dayman
who guided the Niagara from mid-ocean to Trinity Bay, and
he is entitled to the highest praise for his admirable navigation. There was one gentleman whose absence was much
regretted-Mr. James L. North, First Lieutenant of the
Niagara, who kept watch and watch with Captain Hudson
during the laying of the Cable, but whose name has been
entirely forgotten in the praise which has been so lavishly
bestowed elsewhere. The only officers present at the celebration were Mr. J. C. Eldridge, Purser of the Niagara,
Lieutenant Gherardi, and Mr. Farren, the Chief Engineer,
while Lieutenants Todd, Guest, Webb, Macauley, Chief
Engineer Follansbee, and Drs. Green, Grinnell, Hay,
and Lieutenant Boyd, of the marine corps, were absent.
The officers of the Gorgon, above-mentioned, formed a
part of the procession that walked with the Cable up the
hill that leads from the landing place in the bay of Bull's
Arm to the telegraph station, at Trinity, N. F.
The Indus is the flagship of Admiral Seymour, and, at
the time of which we write, was stationed at Halifax.
Having thus disposed of the proceedings accompanying
the reception of these gentlemen, we will return to the
City Hall, where, in the Mayor's Office, the guests of the
Corporation were to assemble, and from which they were
to enter the procession as it passed through the Park on
its way to the Crystal Palace.
Policemen in uniform stood outside the door leading to the
6




82
Mayor's apartments, and prevented an early rush of visitors
inside. Victims of ticket swindlers, faro banks, and mock
auctions-wives, whose eyes had been blackened and heads
damaged by their brutal husbands-and representatives
of the usual daily heterogeneous class of complainantspresented themselves to have their wrongs righted. They
were all sent away, however, and told to come again. The
injunction to depart was obeyed cheerfully upon their
being told that it was Cable Day. At 12 M., the Mayor's
main office was well filled. The visitors were illustrious characters, and animated were their mutual greetings,
the introductions and conversations. The Rev. Dr. FIELD,
father of the chief hero of the day, occupied an armchair by the side of Lord NAPIER. Although nearly seven
decades of years had passed over the head of the venerated and honored clergyman, the glow of health was still
perceptible upon his cheek, and a genial, wholesome look
radiated from his countenance and undimmed eyes. He
entered zealously into conversation with Lord NAPIER; and
the representative of Her Majesty's Government responded
with his wonted ease  and freedom. Bishop HUGHES
sat vis-a-vis with the Rev. Dr. NOTT, the venerable
President of Union College, with whom  he conversed
familiarly and with apparent pleasure. PETER COOPER,
-Esq., WILSON G. HUNT, Esq., and the Rev. Drs. ADAMS
and SPRING, formed a party by themselves. Prof. BACHE,
Superintendent of the United States Coast Survey, and
Prof. HEDRICK, formerly of the North Carolina University,
were busily chatting in one corner, and but a few feet from
them stood, similarly engaged, Professors TORREY and
WEBSTER. BENJAMIN H. FIELD, a brother of CYRUS, and
JULIUS W. TIEMANN, a brother of Mayor TIEMANN, formned




83
a talking duet. Mayor TIEMANN occupied his time in con
versation with Mr. ARCHIBALD, British Consul at this port.
At a few minutes past one o'clock, the Mayor and several
other gentlemen withdrew, for the purpose of taking part
in the reception of the heroes of the Cable, at the Battery
-a portion of the proceedings which has already been
described. They returned, with their guests, in time to
join in the procession, the principal features of which we
shall now proceed to narrate.
THE PROCESSION.
The procession was organized according to the programme, and began to move at the pre-arranged hour. The
display was one of the most imposing which the city has ever
witnessed. From every street, crossing and running into
Broadway, great crowds continually poured into the chief
artery of the city, like so many rivulets adding their tributary streams to the mighty torrent, which gathered in bulk
and force every moment until the capacity of the available
area was taxed to the utmost. The march up Broadway
to the Park was comparatively unimpeded, but the density
of the crowd interfered at times with the movements of
the military as they deployed into line, and caused some
delay, When the head of the procession had reached Park
row, to cross in front of the City Hall, further advance was
found to be impracticable. All sorts of vehicles were jammed together at the corners of the streets, every one of them
filled with motley groups on the tiptoe of expectation for
the advancing cortege.
Long before the hour of two, at which time the procession ought to have appeared in the Park, every available




84
spot for a sight was densely thronged with men, women
and children.
After passing the Park, which occupied several hours,
the procession continued its march up Broadway. The
sidewalks presented  a dense mass of human beings
whose cheers were deafening. The windows, the housetops, the balconies, on either hand, were filled with ladies,
many of whom, in the enthusiasm of the moment, cheered
also, and waved their handkerchiefs as the military passed.
Regiment after regiment received its ovation from the excited crowd, and the company from Canada was saluted
with an extra salvo of cheering.
Away up Broadway, as the procession moved on, the
gratulations of the populace increased, and from balcony
to balcony and from window to window the signal was
taken up, while ten thousand handkerchiefs fluttered on
the breeze.
The enthusiasm of the people never flagged for one
moment; but after the chief State regiments had passed
on it abated somewhat. The arrival of the carriage containing Cyrus W. Field, Esq., caused the smouldering
flame to burst out afresh and with tremendous vigor. To
the enthusiastic reception accorded him this distinguished
gentleman modestly bowed, standing in the carriage with
his hat in his hand all the while. The British naval officers
-Captain Dayman, of the Gorgon, and the other officers
of Her Britannic Majesty's Navy —were also similarly
received and acknowledged the compliment with graceful
inclinations of their heads. Captain Hudson, of the United
States steamer Niagara, was loudly cheered.




85
The other portion of the procession that came in for a
very particular manifestation of enthusiasm was the large
coil of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable, which was neatly
wound round a pyramid on a car drawn by six horses, gaily
caparisoned with flags and plumes. This important part
of the display was confided to the care of the brave sailors
of the Niagara, and the handsome team by which it was
drawn was furnished gratuitously by the American Express
Company.
The printing press, which was kept working in the procession, the sewing machines, and the great variety of
other articles exhibited, received the applause they so well
deserved.
We now come to speak of the procession in detail.
To the military was given, as a matter of course, the
right of the line. In accordance with the programme, they
assembled at the Battery at one P.M., and, after the reception of Mr. Field, Mr. Everett, Captain Dayman, and the
other British officers, filed up Broadway. Previous to this,
however, the Montreal company was reviewed. This body
was under the command of Captains Stephenson and
Ogilvie. They were attired in blue frock coats, blue pants,
and heavy fur caps. The ensign carried the Union Jack
and the Stars and Stripes alternately. As the Seventh Regiment marched passed the Canadians, who saluted them in
military style, the spectators raised a loud and hearty
cheer.
The troops, having all marched within the gates, were
put through a series of evolutions, and, everything being
now ready, the First Division, at half-past two o'clock,




86
commenced'the march up Broadway, in the following
order:
First, there was a detachment of sixty policemen, walking two abreast. Then came a troop of cavalry, as an
escort to the Grand Marshal, Brigadier-General Yates.
The Special Aids followed, consisting of these gentlemen,
General W. L. Morris, Captain John Calhoun, U. S. N.;
Colonel H. P. Martin, Major George E. Baldwin, John B.
Rich, General Paul N. Spofford, Colonel T. F. Peers, Colonel Edward Satterlee, Major S. M. Alford, Ambrose K.
Striker.
FIRST BRIGADE.
Commanded by Brigadier-General Charles B. Spicer.
Brigade Staff.
Seventy-first Regiment —Col. Abram H. Vosburg.
Second Regiment-Col Henry Robinson.
First Regiment-Lieut.-Col. Spencer H. Smith,
Third Regiment —Col. T.'Brooke Postley.
SECOND BRIGADE
Commanded by Col. Edward Hiincken.
Brigade Staff.
Fifth Regiment —Col. Christian Schwarzwaelder.
Sixth Regiment —Lieut.-Col Samuel K. Zook.
Fourth Regiment-Lieut.-Col. Daniel W. Teller.
THIRD BRIGADE.
Commanded by Brigadier-Gen. William Hall.
Brigade Staff
Seventh Regiment-Col. Abram Duryee.
Eighth Regiment-Col. George Lyons.,Fifty-fifth Regiment-Col. Eugene Legal.




87
FOURTH BRIGADE.
Commanded by Brigadier-Gen. John Ewen.
Brigade Staff.
Tenth Regiment-Col. William Halsey.
Twelfth Regiment-Lieut.-Col. Henry A. Weeks.
Sixty-ninth Regiment —Col. James R. Ryan.
Eleventh Regiment —Col. Homer Bostwick.
There were, in all, about 6,000 men in the ranks.
The second division met in Greenwich street, the right
resting on Battery place. Col. Joseph C. Pinckney was
Marshal, aided by Col. Moses E. Crasto and Rufias E.
Crane. It appeared in the following order:
First came the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Common Council
followed by the Committee of Arrangements, in carriages
Then Mayor Tiemann and Cyrus W. Field, in a carriage
drawn by four horses.
Next came Captain Hudson, of the Niagara, and Mr. Ar
chibald, the British Vice-Consul at the port of New York.
Captain Dayman, of the Gorgon, and Mr. W. E. Everett,
with officers of the City Government, came next.
The next carriage contained Lord Napier, the British
Minister, the Most Rev. Archbishop Hughes and the Rev..
Dr. Nott. These eminent personages attracted much
attention and were frequently hailed with cheers.
The orator of the day, David Dudley Field, the officiat —
ing clergy, and Peter Cooper, came in the next carriage
and were repeatedly cheered by the crowd.
A succession of carriages then followed, containing Aldermen and other city officials. With tlheml were the




88
officers of the Niagara and Gorgon, and the officers of the
New York, Newfoundland, and Atlantic Telegraph Company.
Mayor Powell and representatives of the Common
Council of Brooklyn.
The Commissioners of Emigration.
The Board of Ten Governors, in full.
Sheriff Willett and deputies, County Clerk R. B. Connolly, Registrar W. E. Miner, Coroners Connery and
Gamble, and representatives from the Board of Supervisors,
Central Park Commissioners and Police and Health Commissioners.:The Mayor and Common Councilmen of Hoboken, Jersey City, Hudson City and Harsimus, were present in
seven large omnibuses, which were decorated with banners,
flags and devices of various kinds.
On the top of the principal stage was a representation
of the Niagara paying out the Cable, on either side of which
were the following inscriptions:
" PERSEVERANCE MUST PROSPER."
"s UNION OF STATES AND COMBINING OF NATIONS."
Among the other inscriptions decorating the stages were
the following:'" THE ILLUSION DISPELLED THAT NEW JERSEY IS BEHIND
THE AGE."




6" ENGLAND AND. AMERICA  ONCE  SEPARATED BY WA1RN
NOW UNITED BY LIGHTNING."
"A mighty work has now been done —
All praise to Massachusetts' son;
His name resounds from shore to shore,
And echoes through the ocean's roar."
"cLET THE EAGLE SCREAM.S'
"Hurrah for Bergen enterprise,
Hurrah for Yankee skillOne navigates the ocean's depths,
The other-Bergen hill."
" NATIONS ARE NOW EXCHANGING SENTIMENTS BY LIGHTS
NING SPEED. "
"'New York City has her Cyrus,
And Jersey has her Jake,
With the tallest line of stages
In little Jersey State."
"THE LADIES-THE MOTHERS OF INVENTORS."
WHEEN AMERICAN GENIUS SPANS THE OCEAN, WHAT WILL
IT NOT DO?"
"'FRANKLIN AND MORSE-ONE DREW THE LIGHTNING FROM
THE CLOUDS, THE OTHER DREW IT THROUG-H
THE OCEAN DEPTHS."
MAY THE ATLANTIC CABLE HOLD THE TWO CONTINENTS
TOGETHER, AND MAKE PEACE PERPETUAL."
"' THE LIGHTNING TAMED BY MORSE, THE OCEAN CHAINED
BY FIELD."
" PRESERVE THE UNION —TRINITY AND VALENCIA?"




90
" FRANKLIN'S MEMORY FRESH AND SWEET." 
" MARRIED —-ENGLAND AND AMERICA, BY THE CABLE'S
CHAIN."
6" CAPTAIN HUDSON, THE PRIDE OF THE NATION; THE
NIAGARA, THE GEM OF THE OCEAN."
These inscriptions on the Jersey stages were the theme
of much favorable comment, and attracted great attention.
Indeed, the display of the Jersey contingent was, in every
respect, most creditable. The grand feature, however, of
this division was a large car of the American Express
Company, drawn by ten handsome bay horses, on which
was mounted a telegraph instrument and a large section
of the Atlantic Cable, coiled up in the form of a pyramid
surmounted by a liberty cap and the American flag.
On either side of the pyramid stood a jack-tar, one of
whom grasped the American and the other the British colors
An operator was working the Cable with one of Hughes'
instruments, and throwing the dispatches right and left
The following is a copy of the dispatch:
"' SEPTEMBER 1ST. AMERICA TO EUROPE, GREETING: PEACE
ON EARTH AND GOOD-WILL TOWARD MEN."
Behind this car came the crew of the United States ship
Niagara, bearing before them a model of their splendid
ship. These liearty fellows were vehemently applauded.
Another large car, belonging to the Adams' Express
Company and drawn by twelve fine chestnut-colored
horses, richly caparisoned, followed the crew of the Niagara.
It contained one of Hughes' telegraph instruments and a
banner, on which was inscribed:
"AMERICAN TELEGRAPH COMPANY."




91
Then came an immense car, drawn by eight horses, on
which were mounted three printing presses, namely, one
of Messrs. R. Hoe & Co.'s single cylinder presses, a card
press, and a queer old relic, in the shape of a wooden press,
more than a hundred years old, with the primitive bucks
skin balls for inking apparatus.   Printed sheets were
thrown off by the respective presses on this car, as the
procession moved along.
Among the printed matter worked off by the press, anid
scattered among the crowd, were the ode written by Mrs.
Stephens, a paper entitled "The Atlantic Telegraph,"
another purporting to give " A Brief History of Printing,"'
and the Queen's and President's messages, all of' which
were very creditable specimens of printing.  The contrast
between the press as it was one hundred years since and
the printing press as it is now, was brought before the
public eye vividly. Four pretty little girls, dressed in
white, with red trimmings, helped to distribute the printed
-n atter,
The New York Typographical Society, a time-honored
Association, followed immediately after the presses, bearing
a banner on which was inscribed:
" NFrxv YORK TYPOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY, INSTITUTED, JULY
4, 1809."
On the reverse side was the legend 
"THE  LIBERTY OF THE PRESS IS ESSENTIAL TO  THE
PRESERVATION OF FREEDOM."
There were about two hundred members of the Association out.




92
The Third Division met in Beaver street. It was officered by Lieutenant-Colonel Marshall Lefferts, as aid to the
Grand Marshal, assisted by Major J. R. Pinckney and R. H.
Shannon.
In this appeared:
Consuls.-D'Aguier, of Brazil; Don Santos, of Portugal;
in a carriage from which waved the Brazilian flag; L. H.
Hatfield, of port of Bombay, India.
Militia Officers off Duty. —Lieutenant P. W. Obernier, of
the 72d Regiment; Lieutenant Laidlaw, of the 14th; exSergeant-Major Van Tassel, Sixth Regiment;  Captain Taylor, Fourteenth.
Officers of Telegraph Companies-I-n United States Express
wagons, drawn by six horses, containing the managers and
employ6s of the Morse and House Telegraph Societies.
The Mercantile Library Association was represented in
this division by about two hundred intelligent-looking
young men.
On a rich silken banner which they bore was inscribed:
"MERCANTILE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF THE CITY OF NEWT
YORK."
" FOU N DED  1820."
The Fourth Division was under the direction of General
Lucius Pitkin, aided by Captain W. W. Leland and J. W.
Downing, Esq. It was composed of the Second Company,
Washington Continentals, Captain Lansing, thirty-five muskets, acting as escort to the Veterans of 1812, who appeared




93
on the ground, numbering one hundred men, under the
command of Colonel H. Raymond.  Colonel Fox, of the
Veterans, who claims to have killed, in the war of 1812,
the biggest Indian ever seen this side of the Rocky Mountains, paraded a sword that was worn by Commodore Perry
in the naval battle fought on Lake Champlain. This sword
was given to a nephew of Perry's, who died while on a station on the Mediterranean. The sword came into the possession of Thomas M. Carr, the Consul to Morocco, who
subsequently presented it to its present owner.
St. George's Society, in three carriages; one containing the
President, the two Vice-Presidents and Secretary. This
carriage was enveloped in the large banner of the society.
The other carriages contained members-each vehicle
draped with the English flag.
St. Andrew's Society, in four carriages, the first containing the Vice-President, Managers, and Secretary. The
officers all wore badges. On the top of their carriage was
seated the standard-bearer of the Society, carrying the flag
of St. Andrew. The other carriages contained members
of the Society.
Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, in one carriage, containing
the officers of the Society. On top of the vehicle floated
the green flag of Erin.
Italian Benevolent Society, marching five abreast. This
Society carried a magnificent banner eighteen feet in length
and eight feet in breadth, on top of which was a representation of Columbus discovering the New World, with
the inscription underneath:' COLUMBUS UNVEILING THE NEW TO THE OLD WORLD."




94
Beneath this was a representation of the laying of the
Cable, with the inscription below of
" CYRUS W. FIELD JOINING THEM BY THE ATLANTIC
CABLE."
On the left side, on top, were the names of Franklin,
Morse, Hughes; on the right side, Galvani, Volta, Bonneili. The painting was surrounded with thirty-one silver
stars. In addition, the Society carried a large Italian flag.
The Fifth Division, which formed in Cedar street, was
commanded by Colonel John W. Stiles, aided by H. E.
Phelps and A. H. Van Pelt, Esqs.
Foremost and most prominent in the line was t;he National Cambrian Standing Committee, a Welsh organization, which, with thirteen harps, representing their thirteen
native counties, were located on an immense truck which
was decorated with ribbons.  Thirteen skillful harpers
performed national airs on the harps during the march.
On each side of the wagon, the platform of which was
twenty-six feet long, a banner was displayed. The stand
banner contained the following inscription in Welsh, over
which a terrible-looking red dragon was spreading its
wings
" TNJOPVK-JNJOPVK —NYNT."
which signifies:
" MY LANGUAGE —MY COUNTRY-MY NATION."
This truck contained also a piece of Telegraph Cable
suspended on a wheel, as if it were in the act of being
paid out, while the truck was moved by ten horses.




95
The New York Caledonia Club, a Scottish National
Association, followed. The members, one hundred in number, turned out in their national costume, bare legs and
kilts, with eagles' plumes in their caps, and were followed
by half a dozen bag-pipers. The standard they bore was
a crown of flowers, on its top was a liberty cap, and below
was the inscription:
" WE'RE BRETHREN A'."
The next most interesting feature of the Fifth Division
was, undoubtedly, the model of the engines of the United
States frigate Niagara, which took so prominent a part in
the work of submerging the Cable. Owing to the general
desire to become acquainted with everything connected
with this noble vessel, large crowds were congregated
around the model closely inspecting it.
The Cadets of Temperance, a Society of young men,
turned out in eight sections and mustered about four hundred. The sections were the Mount Vernon, Mechanics,
Williamsburg, Enterprise, Excelsior, Mercantile, Lawrence
and Ashland. They were accompanied by a band of
music, and carried several banners with appropriate inscriptions.
The German Workingmen's Clubs, composed of deputations from the Tenth, Eleventh, Seventeenth, Eighteenth
and Twentieth Wards, turned out about one hundred
strong, under the command of Mr. Danke, and were remarkable for their orderly appearance. They were accompanied by several bands of music, and carried several banners and American flags. On one of the banners was a




96
representation of two hands clasping in friendship and the
words:
" ARBITER VEREIN."
The Randall's Island boys, under the direction of Mr.
Tappen, brought up the rear of the Fifth Division.  They
were dressed plainly but neatly, in light blue coats, white
pants and check caps, mustering one hundred and twenty
strong, under the command of their young captain, Edward
Ryan.  The boys marched with all the regularity and precision of old soldiers.
They walked eight abreast, to the music of fife and
drum, and carried flags and banners, one of which was
presented to them by a philanthropic Society in Philadelphia, and is said to have cost one hundred dollars. On one
side it bore a spirited representation of " Young America,"
underneath which were the words " Boys of'76;" the
other side had the following inscription ~
"Presented to the nmale orphan children of Randall's Island, by
Joseph G. Steel, George Moore, Charles H. Geehr, Harrison G. Clark,
Joseph Delavan, A. W. Paynter, H. F. Sehellenger, P. H. Beck, iWilliam W. Long, Philadelphia, Pa."
The Sixth Division was organized under the direction of
Colonel Thomas F. Devoe, one of the Grand Marshal's aids,
assisted by Captain Samuel F. Patterson and M]r. D.J. Levy.
The order of procession was as follows:
American Institute.
Mechanics' Institute.
Officers of the United States Government.




97
American Telegraph Co., with Hughes' printing instrument.
Inventors of sewing machines.
Sewing machines on a car, and operatives at work.
Pianoforte -makers.
Pianofortes on truck, with performers.
Sewing machines on a car, with operatives at work.
Model of United States steam frigate Niagara.
Daguerreotype and photographic artists.
Envelope manufacturers.
The most imposing feature of this division was the display of sewing machines. One establishment was represented by a large and beautiful canopy, fifteen feet long,
eight feet wide and eighteen feet in height, erected on a
large four-wheeled wagon, drawn by six richly-caparisoned
white horses decked with flags and plumes. The canopy
was intended to represent a drawing-room scene, it is to be
supposed, from  the fact that the flooring was elegantly
carpeted, and several luxurious sofas and chairs were
arranged in various positions in the most tasteful order.
In the centre of the car was stationed a fine sewing machine in operation, attended by a beautiful young lady.
On the top of the canopy, which finished in a beautiful
dome, was an American eagle bearing a floral wreath in
his beak. The canopy was hung all around with costly
lace' curtains and bore several inscriptions.
Another sewing machine factory also made an excellent
demonstration. This was simply composed of an extensive
platform, erected on a large wagon, drawn by twelve
horses, six gray and six black. The platform was divided
7




98
by a transparent screen into two partitions; one containing
three young ladies sewing with the needle, and intended
to represent the old system in vogue before the invention
of the sewing machines. Above this partition was the inscription:
"THE SONG OF THE SHIRT."
The girls in this partition, it is stated, were given strict
orders to look as interestingly miserable and careworn from
"' the stitch, the stitch, the stitch," as they could possibly
assume; but spite of themselves and their instructions,
they wore terribly bewitching smiles, and appeared quite
as merry as any of their sweet sex who turned out in such
formidable array as spectators. In the back partition four
girls were seated, tending a sewing machine. Above this
partition were the words"TRIUMIPH OF SCIENCE."
One of the greatest objects of attraction in the whole
procession was probably a small wagon, drawn by two
beautiful little Mexican ponies, and driven by a little man
not over two feet in stature.
An interesting display was made by an ink-making
establishment. It consisted of a platform, placed on a
wagon drawn by four horses, with a large black ink bottle
twelve feet high, numerous boxes of ink, and twenty-five
men from the manufactory. The mottoes on the car were"NOT FOR A DAY, BUT FOR ALL TIME."
And
" FESTINA LENTE."




99
The photographic department was represented only by
a wagon, drawn by two horses. On the wagon was a
large double patented camera, raised about twelve feet
from the ground, and surmounted by a bust of Benjamin
Franklin, held in its position by a boy seated beside it.
At each side of the camera, and just beneath it, was a long
white scroll, on which were the inscriptions:
"GOD'S POWER!  BEHOLD THE SUBJUGATION OF HIS
ELEMENTS!"
"ENGLAND."  [Two hands clasped.]  "AMERICA!"
"The inventions of man-science and artElevate labor and refine the heart."
The pianoforte makers turned out handsomely. One
concern furnished a large platform on wheels, which was
surrounded by an iron railing and decorated with four
large flags and twenty-eight smaller ones. On this platform was placed a beautiful pianoforte, at which a performer was seated and played at intervals. Another factory had one of their pianos on a car, drawn by four horses.
The instrument was surrounded by the following inscriptions:
" HIs LIGHTNINGS ENLIGHTENED THE WORLD."
"THY WAY IS IN THE SEA,
THY PATH IN THE GREAT WATERS."
The envelope makers turned out with a large triumphal
car, drawn by three fine horses and carrying an envelope
machine in operation, tended by two girls. Around the
top of the framework of the platform was, at either side, a




100
representation of the Cable extending between Valentia.and Trinity Bay, one of the ends entering an envelope.
Following this was another car, drawn by four horses,
carrying some agricultural implements.
Next came Joseph Millward's braiding machine, in operation and tended by several young girls. This was carried
on a wagon, drawn by two horses.
A large builder's wagon, containing workmen and their
tools, and a car, containing a pretty extensive display of
tin and metal roofing, brought up the rear of the Sixth
Division.
The Seventh Division formed on Dey street, the right
resting on Broadway. It was under the command of
Alfred A. Phillips, one of the Grand Marshal's Aids, assisted by John J. Ogden.
The first organization in this division was the New York
Turnverein.  It was preceded by the Turner Rifles,
numbering fifty men, under the command of Captain
Billou. The Turnverein numbered five hundred men, all
dressed in the white uniform, with red cravats and black
hats. It was under the command of Captain Sanger. The
cortege was preceded by a band, consisting of sixty
musicians.
Next came the Allgemeine Sangerbund, under the command of Captain Vogol. This party also numbered five
hundred men, and were dressed in a black uniform. Both
the Turners and Sangerbund Society carried an immense
number of large flags of all colors. The effect was quite
imposing.




101
Next came the Independent Singing Society, some two
hundred and fifty in number, and carrying flags similar to
those in the Societies above mentioned.
The Columbia Song Society, a German organization,
followed, and presented a creditable appearance.
The Eighth Division was under the direction of General
Henry Storms, Aid to the Grand Marshal, assisted by John
Benson, Esq., and shortly after one o'clock formed in John
street, the right on Broadway. It was led by
The Butchers of the cities of New York, Brooklyn and
Jersey City, numbering about four hundred. They were
on horseback, and wore linen aprons and over-sleeves.
Each member had pinned to the lappel of the coat a neatly
printed portrait of Mr. Field, with the words:
"6 BUTCHERS."
"PORTRAIT OF CYRus W. FIELD."
Many had also attached to it portions of the Cable made
into chains. Following the members came a large wagon,
drawn by six horses and beautifully decorated with flags.
A huge stuffed ox was placed on it, and underneath the
ox was a diminutive steer. Around the wagon were the
following inscriptions:
"OX WASHINGTON.
LIVE WEIGHT 3,400 LBS."
6THE ATLANTIC CABLE-A RAY FROM THE SUN OF LIBERTY,
DESTINED TO ILLUMINATE THE GLOOMIEST RECESSES OF THE WORLD."
"6 THE CABLES OF TYRANNY ARE BLIGHTED BY THE
CABLES OF INTELLIGENCE."




102
Numbers of cars, wagons, &c., followed, carrying the
members of the Societies of Jersey and Brooklyn. They
were all gaily decorated, and the appearance of the entire
Tbody was highly creditable.
"Agricultural interest, specimens of cattle, horses," &c.,
followed. A large wagon, drawn by six horses, and in
which were several sheep adorned with ribbons, was the
first. Around it were the following inscriptions:
"'TEE FIELDS OF AGRICULTURE
PAY HOMAGE TO THE FIELDS OF SCIENCE."
C" THROUGH THE CLEFT WATERS OF THE SEA
RESOUNDS EARTH'S ANTHIE1M-MAN BE FREE.9
A wagon of considerable size, drawn by six horses, and
containing sheep, oxen, dogs and all the animals of the
farm-yard, was the next. Suspended from the outside
were all descriptions of vegetables, corn, cabbage, beets,
carrots, &c., of unusual quality.
This display of agricultural products was loudly cheered
as it proceeded, and elicited high encomiums, "The Van
Brant packing horse" had a beautiful wagon, decorated
with all kinds of flowers and ribbons.
The Croton Mills exhibition consisted of a large truck,
drawn by six horses and piled up with bags of flour. This
was followed by many carts and trucks, loaded with large
millstones and sacks of' the " Milton Brand." All the cars
were richly decorated. Following came a horse, with a
bag of wheat thrown across and ridden by a youth in
rustic attire, with an inscription:
C "GOING TO THE MILL IN THE OLDEN TIME."




103
The Croton Mills and Metropolitan Mills had also several
trucks with specimens of flour and sacks of wheat.
A number of Shetland ponies closed this portion of the
procession.
The Workingmen's Association, numbering some three
hundred members, followed, and a delegation from the
Palace Gardens, in carriages. After them came the Longshoremen's Society, which closed the division. They
mustered strong and looked admirably. As they walked up
Broadway they were loudly cheered by the spectators.
The Ninth Division was commanded by Captain G. S.
Mott, assisted by Lieutenant Macintosh and D. W. C.
Rice, Esq.
First came the cartmen of the city of New York. They
numbered upwards of two hundred; their carts were all
decorated with flowers and neatly painted for the occasion.
They were respectably attired and presented a fine appearance. Many of the members had their wives and
children with them. The children were dressed in white
and covered with ribbons and garlands. The next in order
wereThe milkmen of the city of New York. There were
nearly two hundred milk carts in the procession, bearing
the well-known 1" Pure Orange county milk." Some of
the carts were newly painted and the milk cans were all
highly polished. The horses were covered with flowers,
and on some of the cars inscriptions were suspended. One:
" VICTORIA, BUCHANAN AND FIELD,
MAY THEIR SHADOWS NEVER BE LESS."




104
On another:
"WITH LOUD HUZZAS NOW LET THE WELKIN RING,
COLUMB[A'S GOT BRITANNIA ON A STRING.'
Moulding and planing machine of the New York Mill,
Thirty-seventh street, in full operation, followed, and was
loudly cheered. It was drawn on a capacious truck by six
horses, all of whoim  were decorated with flowers and ribbons.
Brewers with their horses and wagons followed, and
were a great feature of the procession. The New York
steam brewery had several trucks, and on one a complete
steam apparatus at work. Displayed in a most prominent
position was the following:
" No COCCULIS OR CANNABIS CONTROLS OUR POWERSBUT BOUNDLESS FIELDS OF BARLEY MIALT ARE OURS."
On the reverse side,
T THE TWO EPOCHS OF THE AGE-ELECTRICITY AND STEAM
ALE.'"
Nearly twenty wagons, drawn by eight and ten horses?
all decorated with flags, &c., appeared in this Division.
The electric oil charger and a camphene wagon gayly
dressed with flags, &c., succeeded, and were followed by
Coal dealers with specimens of American coal.
Among these was a beautiful cart drawn by fifteen
horses, with fine specimen of cannel coal. The horses were
all decked out with flowers and flags.




105
Gas generating and cooking ranges, drawn on trucks,
came next.
Then followed a perfect cooking apparatus, drawn on a
large truck, with the following inscription 
"THE BIRTH-YEAR OF THE TWO GREAT WONDERS OF THEE
AGE —THE ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH, AND THE NONEXPLOSIVE GAS GENERATING COOKING RANGES.'s
Camphene and alchohol distillers, and the new steamr
carriage of Mr. Dudgen, joined this division of the procession.
The printing irk manufacturers followed, and made a
creditable display.
The coopers, saddlers, sewing machine makers, with the
implements of each trade at work, came next, and after them
a number of safes, of all sizes, drawn by eight powerful
horses, and beautifully decorated.
Platform  scale manufacturers and gutta percha lifeboat manufacturers followed.
A gttta percha life-boat was drawn on a lofty car by six
horses. On the side of the boat, which was decorated with
flags, was the inscription:
"; ON OCEAN'S BOSOM SAFELY FLOATS
LARCHER'S GUTTA PERCHA BOATS."
A patent bread and biscuit machine, drawn by six horses,
succeeded.




106
This division, being the last, was closed up with a large
number of citizens, walking six abreast, who accompanied
the procession to the Crystal Palace, which it reached
about six o'clock.
RECAPITTLATION.
The procession took one hour and forty minutes to pass,
Emitting stoppages.
Annexed is a recapitulation of the number in each Society
that turned out:
The Military,,..          -.   6,000
Mercantile Library Association.                300
Italians.-6 —. -                              200
Foreign Residents and Societies... a.. o  300
Telegraph Operators..........    100
Typographical Society.......    b   200
Printers. -...........    200
Sailors.... - -..-. —                         300
Expressmen.........-,..... -.  100
Officials and Guests.-.- 100
Veterans of 1812........  b. - -....,..    100
C(aledonia Club. -- -           *.  150
Cambrian Society        -...        100
Cadets of Temperance......  -......       400
Working Men's Clubs, - -   -          b..    100
Randall's Island Boys.... - - a   120
On wagons, (estimate)....     400
Staten Islanders... -      --.               100
Federal Officers.. -....a-... -..  25




107
Butchers of New York, Brooklyn, and Jersey
City...... a.   - - a   --... -.....   400
Workingmen's Association. —...............  300
Longshoremen's Society. -        e... —.   300
Cartmen of the city of New York. —.......    200
Milkmen of New York. -. -. -      300
New York Turnverein..- -..       460
Algemeine Sangerbund...- -..                370
Independent Singing Society. -. -   -   235
Columbia Song Society.-     ---            200
Krakehlia Dramatic Society..          115
Band...                                      26
Cavalcade of Equestrians' Institute of Williamsburg.    -..-...-.......          210
Smaller societies, not enumerated -.......... 3,000
Total inline about........- -. - - X   -   15,410
PROCEEDINGS AT THt CRYSTAL PALACE.
It had been arranged that the procession should arrive
at the Palace at four o'clock, or as near to that hour as
might be practicable. In anticipation of this, the doors
were thrown open at two, and immediately the building
began to fill. Those to whom green tickets had been given
entered by the main door, on Sixth avenue; those who
obtained white tickets were admitted through the side
entrance, on Fortieth street, and had access to the galleries
in the vicinity of the platform, which was erected in the
nave, and extended backwards from the centre to the eastern window, The platform proper occupied but half of




108
this space. Midway between the fountain (which is directly beneath the dome, and but a few feet from the front
of the platform,) and the eastern end of the nave, commenced the first of a tier of seats which, rising by regular
gradations from the stand, terminated at the farther wall
and on a level with the galleries. These were set apart
for the band, the members of the New York Harmonic
Society, the Harmonic Society of Brooklyn and Williamsburgh, the Mendelssohn Union and the Liederkranz Society. The conductor's baton was intrusted to Mr. George
F. Bristow, under whose direction the musicians acquitted
themselves most admirably. The entire platform was
handsomely carpeted, and both the platform and the gallery, improvised for the orchestra, were draped with the
$" Red, White and Blue."  Above were suspended the
English and American colors, and from the front of the
north-western gallery depended a large green banner,
bordered with golden shamrocks and displaying in the
centre an Irish harp —"the sunburst of Erin."  Beyond
these, the Palace was destitute of any attempt at decoration.
At five o'clock the musicians entered and took their
seats on the raised benches. Soon after a number of the
invited guests appeared, among whomL  were Lieutenant
-M. F. Maury, of the Observatory at Washington, Rev. Dr.
Adams, of the Madison Square Presbyterian Church, Rev.
Dr. Ferris, Chancellor of the New York University, and
Rev. Alfred J. Dayman, (brother of Captain Dayman, of
the Gorgon), of the Fiftieth street Catholic Church.
At a quarter before six o'clock the roll of drums and a
loud cheer outside proclaimed the arrival of the procession,
and Mayor Tiemann, escorting Cyrus W. Field and fol



109
lowed by Captain Hudson, Captain Dayrnan, Mr. W. E.
Everett, the officers of the Niagara, Indus and Gorgon,
Most Rev. Archbishop Hughes, Lord Napier, British Minister at Washington, Mayor Powell, of Broooklyn, and
other invited guests, entered by the door on Forty-second
street, and were received with hearty applause, which was
repeatedly renewed as they ascended the platform. Immediately after these dignitaries had taken their places the
crew of the Niagara entered, bearing banners, flags and
models of their ship and the Agamemnon. As soon as
they had reached the front of the platform one of them
called for " three cheers for Captain Hudson," and all cheered lustily. "Three cheers for Cyrus W. Field," was the next
cry, and it met with a thundering response. Queen Victoria, President Buchanan, Mr. W. E. Everett; and the
City of New York, were all similarly honored.
In the mean time the advance guard of the Seventy-first
Regiment entered the northern gallery, and deployed into
line. The evolutions of this corps were highly applauded
and their presence excited no little attention.  By degrees
several other bodies of the military in the procession appeared and took the places assigned them. Six o'clock having
at length arrived, Mayor Tiemann advanced to the front of
the platform and, in a few words, announced the purpose
of the demonstration. The cheers which greeted his appearance were loud and long continued.
The musical performers then rose, and rendered in magnificent style Haydn's well-known chorus:
"Achieved is the glorious work,
Our song let be the praise of God,
Glory to His name forever!
His soul on high exalted reigns;
Hallelujah! Amen!"




110
Rev. Dr. Adams offered prayer, after which the musicians
rose, and sang the following ode:
THE CABLE.
BY MRS. ANN S. STEPHENS.
AIR-" Stcar Spangled Banner."
Oh, say not the old times were brighter than these,
When banners were torn from the warriors that bore them;
Oh, say not the ocean, the storm or the breeze,
Are freest or proudest when war thunders o'er them;
For the battle's red light grows pale to the sight,
When the pen wields its power, or thought feels its might:
Now mind reigns triumphant where slaughter has been!
Oh, God bless our President! God save the Queen!
Let the joy of the world in rich harmony rise.
Let the sword keep its sheath, and the cannon its thunder;
Now intellect reigns from the earth to the skies,
And science links nations, that war shall not sunder!
Where the mermaids still weep, and the pearls lie asleep,
Thought flashes in fire through the fathomless deep:
Now mind reigns triumphant where slaughter has been!
Oh, God bless our President! God save the Queen!
When the sunset of yesterday flooded the West,
Our old mother-country lay far in the distance;
But the lightning has struck! —we are close to her breastThat beautifiul land that first gave us existence!
We feel, with a start, the quick pulse of her heart —
And the mother and child are no longer apart!
For mind reigns triumphant where slaughter has been!
Oh, God bless our President! God save the Queen!
The blood that was kindred throbs proudly once more,
And the glow of our joy fills the depth of the ocean;
It thrills through the waves, and it sings on the shore,
Till the globe to its poles, feels the holy commotion!
Let us join in our might, and be earnest for light;
Where the Saxon blood burns, let it strive for the right;
For mind reigns triumphant where slaughter has been!
Oh, God bless our President! God save the Queen!




111
This over, Mayor Tiemann again came forward, and, amid
vehement cheering, presented to Cyrus W. Field, Esq., the
freedom of the city in a gold box. In making the presentation, he said:
SIn —History records but few enterprises of such "great
pith and moment " as to command the attention, and, at the
same time, enlist the sympathies of all mankind. In all
ages warlike expeditions have been undertaken on a scale
of grandeur sufficient to astonish the world; but the evils
which are inseparable from their prosecution, have always
sent a thrill of horror through the anxious nations. The
discovery of this western continent even, the grandest
event of modern times, was made by an insignificant fleet
which left the shores of Portugal without attracting the
notice of the civilized world. Far different has been the
history of the daring and difficult enterprise of uniting the
Old World and New by means of the Electric Telegraph.
From the very outset, the good, the great and the wise
of all lands beneath the sun, have watched with intense
anxiety, and even when doubt existed, with warm interest,
every step taken towards the accomplishment of what was
universally acknowledged to be the most momentous undertaking of an age made marvelous by wonderful scientific
and mechanical achievements. The two greatest and freest
nations of the globe by independent constitutional legislation, and by the aid of their finest ships and their ablest
officers and engineers, combined together to insure success.
Capital was liberally subscribed by private citizens in a
spirit which put greed to the blush. The press on both
sides of the Atlantic recorded the details of the progress
of the undertaking with cordial interest, and secured the




112
generous sympathies of men of all kindreds, and tongues,
and nations in its behalf. You were thus fortunate, sir,
in being identified with a project of such magnificent proportions and universal concern.
But the enterprise itself was no less fortunate in being
projected and carried into execution by a man whom no
obstacles could daunt, no disasters discourage, no doubts
paralyze, no opposition dishearten. If you, to whom the
conduct of this great enterprise was assigned by the
will of Providence and the judgment of your fellow-man,
had been found wanting in courage, in energy, in determnination, and in a faith that was truly sublime, the very
grandeur of the undertaking would only have rendered its
failure the more conspicuous.  But, sir, the incidents of
the expedition and the final result-too familiar to all the
world to need repetition here-have demonstrated that
you possessed all the qualities essential to achieve a successful issue. It is for this reason that you now stand out
from among your fellow-men a mark for their cordial admiration and grateful applause.
The city of your home delights to honor you; your
fellow-citizens, conscious that the glory of your success is
reflected back upon them, are proud that your lot has been
cast among them.  They have already testified their appreciation of your great services and heroic perseverance
by illuminations, processions, serenades and addresses.
And now, sir, the Municipal Government of this, the first
city on the Western Continent, instruct me, who have
never felt the honor of being its chief magistrate so sensiby as in the presence of this vast assemblage of its fair
women and substantial citizens, to present to you a Gold




113
Box, with the arms of the city engraved thereon, in testimony of the fact that to you mainly, under Divine Providence, the world is indebted for the successful execution
of the grandest enterprise of our day and generation; and
in behalf of the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the
city of New York, I now request your acceptance of this
token of their approbation. In conclusion, sir, of this the
most agreeable duty of my public life, I sincerely trust
that your days may be long in the land, and as prosperous
and honorable as your achievement in uniting the two
hemispheres by a cord of electric communication has been
successful and glorious.
Mr. Field advanced to reply, amid a storm of cheers
again and again renewed. He said:
SIn —This will be a memorable day in my life; not only
because it celebrates the success of an achievement with
which my name is connected, but because the honor comes
from the city of my home-the metropolitan city of the
New World.  I see here not only the civic authorities
and citizens at large, but my own personal friends-men
with whom I have been connected in business and friendly
intercourse for the greater part of my life. Five weeks
ago, this day and hour, I was standing on the deck of the
Niagara, in mid ocean, with the Gorgon and Valorous in
sight, awaiting for the Agamemnon.  The day was cold
and cheerless, the air was misty, and the wind roughened
the sea; and when I thought of all that we had passed
through —of the hopes thus far disappointed-of the friends
saddened by our reverses —of the few that remained to
sustain us, I felt a load at my heart almost too heavy to
bear, though my confidence was firm and my determinaS




114
tion fixed.  How different is the scene now before methis vast crowd testifying their sympathy and approval;
praises without stint and friends without number. This
occasion, sir, gives me the opportunity to express my
thanks for the enthusiastic reception which I have received,
and I here make my acknowledgments before this vast
concourse of my fellow-citizens.  To the ladies I may,
perhaps, add that they have had their appropriate place;
for when the Cable was laid the first public message
that passed over it came from one of their own sex.
This box, sir, which I have the honor to receive from your
hand, shall testify to me and to my children what my
own city thinks of my acts.  For your kindness, sir, expressed in such flattering, too flattering, terms, and for the
kindness of my fellow-citizens, I repeat my most heartfelt
thanks.
In conclusion, gentlemen, let me read you a dispatch
which I have received from  a little suburban village of
New York; in regard to everything which takes place
therein it is natural that we should feel a deep and lively
interest.
Mr. Field then read the dispatch, which was greeted
with the utmost enthusiasm:
"LONDON, September 1, 1858.
"CYRUS W. FIELD, New York:
" The Directors are on their way to Valentia to make
arrangements for opening the wire to the public. They
convey, through the Cable, to you and your fellow-citizens,
their hearty congratulations in your joyous celebration of
the great international work."




115
After which he resumed his seat amid tremendous
cheering.
Mr. John Clancy, President of the Board of Aldermen,
rose, and, in making a similar presentation, addressed Mr
Archibald, the British Vice-Consul at this port, who represented Captain Preedy of the Agamemnon, and said:
SIR —-The Common Council of New York, assembled
with a great multitude of their fellow-citizens to celebrate
the successful laying down of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable, are desirous of including in the well-deserved honors
of the occasion yourself and your brother officers, the
British Engineers, Electricians and the crew of the vessel
under your command. While publicly expressing our
admiration and gratitude to our own countrymen concerned in this wonderful achievement, we have felt it our duty
that their respected associates beyond the sea, united with
them in the laborious and often harassing efforts necessary
to effect the great work, should share with them  in our
hearty recognition of their services. We regret only that
we cannot, on this joyous occasion, have the happiness of
tendering our grateful acknowledgments in person.
We regard it, indeed, as one of the most pleasing circumst'ances connected with this all-important enterprise,
that it has been achieved by the united counsels, energies
and means of the two great kindred nations.
As electrical science has been brought to its present
highly-advanced state, by a series of profound researches,
successful experiments and brilliant discoveries, alternately made on either side of the water, from the time of




116
Franklin down to the present day, we reflect with extreme
satisfaction that this last, and all but miraculous, practical,
application of the subtle element, has been accomplished
by the combined scientific knowledge, mechanical skill,
the united energy, perseverance and indomitable spirit of
England and the United States, under the auspices of their
resl)ective Governments, and with the aid of gallant and
able officers of both services. We desire especially to
offer to you, in an appropriate testimonial, the high sense
entertained by ourselves and the community we represent,
of the cordial and efficient manner in which, with the
officers and crews of the vessels under your command, you
have co-operated in laying down the Atlantic Cable, and
that, too, while the inherent difficulties of the undertaking
were greatly augmented by stress of weather, so severe as
to put the highest seamanship to the proof. We doubt not
that the brave officers of the Agamemnon, in common
with their brotherhood of the Niagara, have regarded the
successful accomplishment of this beneficent work as a
greater triumph than any to be gained by the effusion of
blood. May a kind Providence, overruling all things for
the honor and welfare of both countries, grant that their
gallant navies may never be engaged, except as now, with
generous emulation in the arts of peace.
May this auspicious enterprise, happily accomplished by
the co-operation of England with the United States, have
its first effect in confirming their friendly relations. While
these astonishing facilities of communication accrue to the
benefit of the whole civilized world, may they prove especially instrumental in establishing peace and a mutually
beneficial intercourse between the two countries, on a
basis never to be shaken.




117For your share in bringing about the great result in
which these hopes are founded, the Common Council of
New York, on behalf of their fellow-citizens, now tender to
you, sir, to your brother officers, to your scientific associates,
and the crew under your command, our earnest and heartfelt congratulations.
Mr. Archibald replied as follows:
Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen of the Common Council:
Next to the consciousness of duty fulfilled, there can be
no more gratifying reward than the approbation of our
fellow-men. To have been considered by this, the great
commercial metropolis of America, as deserving of the
eloquent tribute of praise which you have awarded to the
commander, officers and crew of Her Majesty's ship Agamemnon, for the part which they performed in the great
enterprise of laying the Atlantic Cable, must ever be
remembered by them as among their most highly prized
rewards.
Intrusted, in common with their brave and gallant companions of the Niagara, with a task demanding the exercise of consummate skill, unceasing vigilance and untiring
labor-all but overwhelmed by the fury of a protracted
tempest in which they disdained to save their lives by the
sacrifice of their precious freight, the custody of which
was, indeed, their greatest peril-undaunted by repeated
and most discouraging disasters-still, ever bearing in
remembrance the inestimable importance of their high
mission, and devoutly trusting in that overruling Providence without whose favor no work of man can be accomplished, they were at length permitted to see their arduous




118
labors crowned with a success that has earned for them the
high honors which the city of New York has now bestowed upon them.
The noble ship which it was the good fortune of Captain Preedy to command, had already won for herself,
under a brave commander, high renown in fighting the
battles of her country. Henceforth, her name and fame'
must forever be associated with a victory incomparably
more glorious than conqueror or hero ever won.
Be assured, Mr. Mayor and gentlemen, that among the
recollections of the all-important service in which Captain
Preedy and the officers of the Agamemnon have been
engaged, none are more grateful, and none will be more
enduring, than the remembrance of the cordial good feeling which, from first to last, subsisted between them and
their brave and skillful colleagues, Captain Hudson and
the officers of the Niagara. Bearing in mind that when,
on that ever memorable day, in mid-ocean, they last consigned to the bottom of the great deep that mystic cord
through which is now happily established a common pulsation in the hearts of two kindred nations, they, as the
representatives of their respective countries, then and
there inaugurated a solemn bond and covenant of peace
between them, their mutual desire and aim must henceforth ever be to rival each other only in deeds which shall
conduce to the happiness and prosperity of their common
countries.
Mr. Mayor and gentlemen, regretting sincerely that
Captaica Preedy is not here himself to participate in person in the ovation which New York has decreed in honor




119
of those who successfully accomplished the great Atlantic
Telegraph; and, unworthily representing him as I do on
this occasion, I beg leave, on behalf of himself; his officers
and the crew of the Agamemnon, to express to you, and,
through you, to convey to the citizens of New York, the
expression of their heartfelt thanks for this most gratifying
address, as well as for the elegant and valuable testimonial
which accompanies it.
It will be my pleasing duty to transmit to Captain
Preedy this address and this beautiful token of your
respect and regard, which I am sure will be cherished
with feelings of pride and pleasure by him and by his
children after him, as a gratifying proof of the manner in
which the freemen of the city of New  York appreciate
and  honor faithful efforts in the performance of high
duty.
The Singing Societies then sang another ode composed
by Mrs. Stevens, the words of which were as follows:
ALL  HAIL!
AIR-God Save the Queen.
ALL, hail across the main!
Thought thrills our Cable chain,
Hear, nations, hear!
Mind is victorious,
Columbia's made glorious,
While God watched over us;
Hear, nations, hear!
No storms the chain shall break,
Nations our greetings take;
Hear now our call!
Peace speaks from shore to shore,
Good-will be evermore,
While we this work adore:
Praise God for all I!




120
After which Mr. Charles H. Haswell, President of the
Board of Councilmen, advanced amid much applause, and,
addressing Captain Hudson of the Niagara, said:
SIn-The Common Council of New York desire to
express, through me, their Chairman, and on behalf of the
city, the high appreciation of the efforts of yourself and
of the officers and men under your command, in laying
the Atlantic Telegraph Cable. It needed not this testimonial to make the people of this city, or of the nation,
aware of the debt of gratitude they owe both to you and
them; for the eyes of the civilized world have been upon
you, and every step in your arduous course has been
chronicled in the hearts as well as the memory of all.
The great originator and chief actor in this wonderful
enterprise has availed himself of every occasion to say,
that, but for you and those who served under you, all his
efforts would have been fruitless.
Our recognition of those efforts can add nothing to their
merit or increase the honors with which you are already
crowned. Still, this metropolis, so deeply interested in
the undertaking, cannot deny itself the pleasure of expressing its appreciation of your services and of offering, in
common with the whole nation, its heartfelt congratulations on your success. To you, who have so long traversed the ocean, and hence know to what innumerable
hazards such an enterprise was exposed to, its successful
termination must appear more marvelous the oftener it is
contemplated. When you linked your ship to the Agamemnon, and saw the flag of the latter disappear below
the eastern horizon, the deep anxiety and sense of responsi



121
bility that weighed upon your heart we may attempt to
imagine, but can never know. How well, how faithfully,
how nobly, you and those under you, met that responsibility is now a matter of history. And never, sir, we sincerely believe, during the many years you have carried
our national flag over the seas, have you greeted with such
joy and exultation the shores of your native land as you
then did the rugged heights of Newfoundland. The lapse
of time will only increase the marvel as we contemplate
that slender thread disappearing from sight in Valentia
Bay, climbing down the lofty cliffs that form the eastern
shore-now losing itself in the oozy bed of the lower
abyss, and now rising over the swelling heights that intervened-still stretching on through the stirless solitudes of
the deep, until finally it emerges into view in the wilderness of the western continent, the channel of instantaneous
communication between the two worlds.
Of the vast results of this enterprise to the city and
to the nation, I will not venture to speak. Of its value
to the civilized world, it is impossible to conjecture.
Columbus, when, through the dim twilight of morning, he
descried the shores of a new world, did not dream with
what destinies his name would be linked. The young
surveyor, Washington, as he stood on the summit of the
Alleghanies, and looked off on the forests stretching away
on either side of him, could not conceive of the mighty
nation that would one day call him "G Father." So, no man
can now foresee with what events, with.what strange histories of men, your name and that of Mr. Field and others,
who have taken part in this great work, will yet be joined;
for you have inaugurated a system that will progress until
a net-work of electrical nerves shall enwrap the world and




122
a single central pulsation shall thrill the entire globe on
which we dwell.
When that consummation shall be reached the changes
that shall take place in the destinies of the race, the future
developments of the great plans of' Divine Providence, alone
can reveal.
Sir, it is often observed that many of the great events in
human history are connected with singular phenomena of
nature. If they are wanting in this instance, we behold
something quite as remarkable and far more gratifying.
Is it not a strange coincidence that the two distinguishing
features in the natural scenery of this State, Niagara and
the Hudson, should be forever joined to this enterprise?
While Niagara shall continue to thunder on our western
frontier will the noble vessel Niagara be remembered by
men, and so long as the Hudson shall roll its massive
waters along our eastern frontier will the gallant commander of that vessel be enshrined in the hearts of the
people of this nation.
In conclusion, sir, allow me to present to you, in behalf
of the Common Council of the city of New York, this gold
box, as a slight testimonial of the high value placed upon
your services and as a mark of the esteem and respect in
which you are and ever will be held.
Captain Hudson received the gift amid great cheering,
and replied substantially as follows:
Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen:
I can hardly find words in which to express my deep sense
of the honor you have this day conferred upon me, as the




123
chief officer of the Niagara; and I feel the more unfit to
make adequate acknowledgment of your kindness when I
reflect that whatever share I may have had in the work,
whose happy issue you now celebrate, it was the simple performance of a duty. We claim to have done nothing more,
It is true our labor was tedious and engrossing, but of that
we never thought. We had a high object before us, and
the attainment of that was our first wish and is now our
best reward. Whilst acknowledging our gratitude for
your kindness, we feel that to others, as well as ourselves,
equal praise is due. The British officers who shared in the
work are deserving of the highest encomiums, and we can
never forget how much is due to their assistance and how
much we owe their country for her kindness. In conclusion, whilst repeating that we have done no more than our
duty in the successful consumatlon of this great enterprise,
we must not forget that our success is attributable not to
us but to that Almighty and glorious Being whose creatures we are.
We had evidences in and around us, while we were at
the work, that we had God with us, and I hope we will say
on all occasions that " Unto Him and not unto us be all the
praise."
Alderman MlcSpedon, as Chairman of the Committee of
Arrangements, then presented the freedom of the city, with
a gold medal, to Captain Dayman, of the Gorgon, addressing him as follows:
Captain Dayman, Royal Navy:
SIR —At the request of the Mayor and Corporation of
the city of New York, I fulfill the duty, to me a most




124
agreeable one, of presenting to you the accompanying Gold
Medal, which has been struck to commemorate the great
achievement in which your watchful care and zealous cooperation have borne so conspicuous a part. I pray you to
receive it as a proof of the high sense which is entertained
of your services by the inhabitants of this great city, the
commercial metropolis of the United States, of which the
Corporation is the official representative and organ, and to
believe that on no occasion has this city, so notoriously the
rewarder of merits and the promoter of international goodwill, discharged the duties of this its high position with a
livelier satisfaction or a nlore thorough conviction that its
grateful acknowledgments have been well bestowed.
It would, sir, have afforded much pleasure to the citizens of New York, had it been possible for them to be
honored by the company of your gallant brother officers,
Captain Aldham, of Her Majesty's ship Valorous, and
Captain Otter, of Her Majesty's ship Porcupine; but, as
circumstances have prevented their presence, I venture to
request that you will receive this medal, similar to your
own, for the former of those officers, and that you will
convey to the latter the cordial thanks of this city, together
with the assurance of its lively appreciation of his merits.
In conclusion, sir, I would be permitted to hope that
when, in after years, you shall have risen to the highest
ranks of your noble profession, you will occasionally indulge in a pleasant recollection of your reception to-day
by the citizens of New York, whose best wishes for your
future success will ever accompany you on your path to
honor and renown,




125
Captain Dayman briefly replied, saying: Hel could not
give adequate expression to the thanks which the kindness
displayed on this occasion demanded, and hoped that the
connection now established between England and America
would be a bond of perpetual amity and good-will. For
himself and his associates, who had had but an humble part
in the laying of the Cable, he could only say that they felt
doubly rewarded for all their anxiety and labor; rewarded
by the consciousness of having performed their duty, and
rewarded by this public recognition of that performance,
a recognition for which they would ever be grateful.
Councilman Henry Arcularius made the presentation to
Mr. Wm. E. Everett, Chief Engineer. In doing so, he said:
AI/lr. Everett:
SiR —We have met on one of the most interesting occasions-one in which, throughout our entire country
and beyond the broad Atlantic, a common interest and
gratification are felt.
Acting on the principle that honor should be acknowledged where due, the municipal authorities of New York
have determined to convey to you in these public circumstances, and before this vast throng of friends and citizens,
by-suitable testimonial, their deep sense of public obligations to you for the part you have most ably and succesfully
taken in laying the Ocean Telegraphic Cable.
I esteem it a special honor to be the medium of communicating their views and feelings, and am satisfied that
I speak not for them only, nor for the thousands now before me, nor for the one and a half millions of our city,
and the cities and country adjacent, but for the twenty-seven




126
millions of our country, and for the friends of science and
humanity everywhere, when I congratulate you on the accomplishment of your great undertaking.
Sir, The half century just completed has been so
crowded with memorable events, and as memorable characters, that it has a distinction far beyond any similar
period in our world's history. The mind is filled with
admiration in tracing the progress of science, its discoveries, its triumphs, and its successful adaptations to the
great purposes of life.
No less remarkable has been the advance in the arts,
both aesthetic and useful-and in the developments of the
resources and hidden wealth of the earth.
Religion has kept pace in the onward and upward
march and marked this as an age of beneficent aggression and a world-wide charity, and has seen glorious
triumphs over the darkness and degradation of paganism
in the islands of the Pacific as well as in Asia and
Africa.
To live in this period, so rife in great and glorious
events, is a high privilege. The public mind has been
trained to the expectation of great things, and they come
in'rapid succession.
To you and your coadjutors is due the honor of ushering in the second half of the century by an event of
crowning excellence. It is THE WORK OF TH'I'E AGE, important beyond any event in science or art of ancient or
modern times, and following beautifully in sequence to
the widely introduced invention of our countryman, Pro



127
fessor Morse. We may well ask what class of men, what
departments of busy life, what interests of literature, or
science, or religion, what nation, however remote, what
point of time in the future of the world, are not to be
directly or indirectly affected by it?  We are lost in the
calculation of its results to the present and the future!
It seems to us, to be the benefaction of science to the world
and all ages of the world.
When we look at it in the aspect of a tie binding
America and England, (the children to their sires), in the
first instance, and then as the great movement which
will lead to the union of nations in metallic bonds, and
these receiving their strength more from the feelings of a
universal brotherhood than their material, we cannot but
specially thank the Divine Providence which has so favored it. It is designed clearly to be the great peace agency,
more potent than any or all the organizations which have
been devised. 
As with men in smaller communities, so with nations,
the more the facilities of intercourse are multiplied, the
more perfect the means of understanding each other's
views and policy, the fewer will be the sources of disquiet
and difficulty, the more ready will be the mutual accommodations to that which will' promote mutual benefit, and
hence the more certain the prevalence of an intelligent
peace policy-which is the true policy of our higher civilization. The true benefactor is he who contributes most
to secure this end, and this honor have you and all the
gentlemen connected in the work and the Governments
which have favored it.
At the time we have been intensely occupied with




128
your successful efforts in uniting two worlds, have cocurred scenes of almost unparalleled splendor on the
coast of France, in commemoration of the completion of
vast arrangements for national defense and preparation for
war. Two of the most distinguished crowned heads of
the world have united in doing honor to the occasion.
All was on a scale of magnificence worthy those imperial
personages, and was finished in a blaze of glory. We
admire the pageant from our distant position, and would
have been enraptured with the ocular view.  But for
what was all this outlay of royal resources-this engineering skill, and this series of imposing f6tes-simply, on
the completion of a work of national intimidation; whose
associations, if it does not become moss-grown, (which
God grant it may), will become historic with scenes of
bloody war, and devastation, and the sacrifice of human
life, and the multiplication of human sorrows. It is a
matter of high satisfaction that your work has to do with
the interests of a higher civilization, with the advancement of human good, and will render comparatively nugatory the Cherbourgs and Sebastopols of the world.
A foreign authority truly says: "The Atlantic Telegraph will exercise an influence more important and beneficial than; the armies and fleets of a hundred kingdoms."
This day it is proclaimed that the inhabitants of the Old
and of the New World have entered upon a new era.
In the progress of your efforts you have encountered
difficulties and disappointments, some anticipated and others
unforeseen; and the manner in which you have risen above
all, and,-with steady aim and true courage, persevered to
the happy issue, has won universal admiration.




129
We watched your progress with deep solicitude and
quickened sympathy; the delay of tidings for a succession
of days awakened mingled hopes and fears.  The allabsorbing daily inquiry was, what tidings of the Telegraph
Fleet?  When the word came,'The Cable is laid,'it was the only news men listened to-it passed from
man to man, and the very children caught the strain.-' The Cable is laid'-over our country it sped on lightning's wings; hands were lifted in amazement, eyes filled
with the tears of joyful emotions, and thankful returns
were rendered to the benignant Providence which had
crowned the enterprise. All seemed to feel the sublime
sentiment of Captain Hudson:' God has been with us;
the Telegraph Cable is laid without accident, and to Him
be all the glory.'
Sir, we repeat our congratulations; we welcome you to
the honors of this day, not as the soldier returned from
war, with sword bathed in blood-(yet this would we do in
a righteous cause),-but as the representative of the true
spirit of our age, the spirit of beneficent progress-the
spirit of advancing civilization —the spirit of "peace on
earth and good-will to men."
Every agent in this work has a share in the honorable
results; yet the more controlling minds may well receive
the higher meed. Sir, yours was the special responsibility,
as the work belonged specially to your department. You
will have many imitators. This is the law of all successful experiments and inventions; but to your Company will
belong the honor of laying the first Atlantic Telegraph;
and this will be the highly-prized heir-loom to your chil9




130
dren and friends, and if you accomplish no more, this will
be honor enough for a lifetime.
And now, gentlemen of the Common Council, we may
be permitted to tender particular congratulations to Assistant Engineer Woodhouse. His position of responsibility was sustained in the spirit of that high reputation
he had already won on the Baltic and on the Irish sea
His country knows how to appreciate and reward talents
and character like his. We bespeak for him a chief place
among the engineers of glorious old England; he has
already achieved it.
Chief Engineer Everett belongs to us-he was "to the
manor born;" the Empire State claims him as her son,
and enrols his name from this day on the catalogue of her
worthies. We admire his frank, unsought submission of
plans for adapting his ship for reception of the Cable. We
admire the magnanimity of the British Governors of the
Company in soliciting fronm our Government that he might
be furloughed to take the chief-engineering charge. We
admire his success in combining and setting up on board
the two frigates the apparatus for "6 paying out," on which
everything depended. We admire his stern perseverance,
and his sacrifice of personal comfort and repose to the
success of the enterprise. We bespeak for him from our
country a position becoming such merit.
May they all be spared to see for many years the benefits resulting from this work, and may they enjoy the constant smiles of a benignant Providence.
With this we unite in the noble sentiment of the President's response to England's Queen-alike worthy of himself and the people over whom he is placed:




131
"May the Atlantic Telegraph, under the blessing of
Heaven, prove to be a bond of perpetual peace and friendship between the kindred nations, and an instrument destined by Divine Providence to diffuse religion, civilization,
liberty and law, throughout the world.
" In this view, will not all nations of christendom spontaneously unite in the declaration that it shall be forever
neutral, and that its communications shall be held sacred
in passing to their places of destination even in the midst
of hostilities."
Mr. Everett, in acknowledgment, replied as follows:
Mr. Mayor, and Gentlemen of the Common Council of the city
of New York:
The honor which you have conferred on the Chief Engineers of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable, is one which might
naturally be expected from your generous enthusiasm and
intelligent appreciation of every movement calculated to
promote the interests of the human race. For myself, I
feel deeply the compliment you have tendered, and shall
keep it in lasting remembrance, as coming from the first
city of the United States, the land of my birth and my
affections. On behalf of my associates, I beg to offer you
my thanks, and am  confident that I can but ill express
their sense of your kindness. These tokens of your good
will we shall ever preserve, not only as souvenirs of this
great event which you celebrate to-day, but as constant
reminders that "the path of duty is the path to fame."
Gentlemen, on belialf of myself and my associates from
the other side of the water, I return you our warmest acknowledgments.




132
Alderman James Davis then came forward, and presented
to Mr. Peter Cooper, as the representative of the New
York, Newfoundland and London Telegraph Company, and
the Atlantic Telegraph Company, the following address:
Gentlemen of the VNew York, NewJbundland and London, and
Atlantic Telegraph Companies:
We, the Common Council of the city of New York, in
our official capacity, and on behalf of our constituents, as
well as of millions of our fellow-citizens, beg leave to congratulate you on the successful issue and glorious accomplishment of the great work in which you have been engaged. The Atlantic Telegraph Cable, connecting the
thoughts of America with those of Europe by instantaneous communication, has been successfully laid.
This could not have been done, as it has been, without
your co-operation.  Science is only a pity, when unsupported by pecuniary means to make it practical. These
means you have liberally supplied.
The Genoese sailor, Columbus, was as scientific before
the discovery of America as after. Science had taught
him to believe that there was, or ought to be, a continent
away off in the Western Ocean, and enthusiasm, scarcely
less important than science itself in great novel enterprises,
almost persuaded him that, if his continent did not appear
exactly where he hoped to find it, he could pluck it up to
-the surface from the depths of the sea. But even Columbus would have languished into an obscure grave if the
great Isabella, with the enlightened generosity of a noble
queen, and in disregard of the supposed wisdom of her own




133
cabinet, had not flung her private jewels into the scale of'
the Italian mariner.
What, Isabella did for Columbus, and indeed for the
whole human race, you, gentlemen of the New York, Newfoundland and London, and Atlantic Telegraph Companies,
have done for the projectors of the Submarine Cable which
now unites Europe and America. Their science, too, would
have been a special pity, if you had not stood up and indorsed it with your approval, your reputation, and your
fortunes.
It is your merit to have enlisted the Governments of the
United States and of Great Britain in your noble causeand we rejoice that they have so magnanimously co-operated with you in the successful execution of a work not conceived in any narrow view of mere national policy, but intended for the benefit of the entire human race. These
Governments sent, we may say, the pride of their navies
to aid you; and from  the gallant commander on the
quarter deck down to the humblest sailor before the mast,
they placed their science, their authority, their prompt
obedience to orders, and above all, their fervent sympathy,
at your disposal. Thanks to theim all from the Common.
Council of the city of New York, the expression of which
we take the liberty of requesting you to comn-municate as,
you shall think proper.
We should not fulfill the pleasing duty which public,
sentiment imposes on us, if we omitted to mention the
special liberality of the several Colonial Governments
through whose territory, on this side of the Atlantic, your
electric wire is to pass. The encouragement given by the




134
Legislature of Newfoundland is particularly worthy both
of praise and of imitation. It was magnanimous and
politically wise withal.  Our own North-eastern  sister,
Maine, also behaved in a style of which her own citizens,
and her sister States throughout the Union, may well be
proud.
And now, gentlemen of the New York, Newfoundland and
London, and Atlantic Telegraph Companies, what shall we
say of the results of your enterprise, as they shall develop
themselves in all time to come?
On this part of the subject it becomes us to speak with
modesty and diffidence. It involves a problem which
future experience can alone solve. Nevertheless, in contemplating he prospective results of your labors, we anticipate great benefits to the human family at large.
Christianity is the basis of civilization.  The nations that
have rejected it from the beginning remain in statu quo.
They have not advanced. Other nations that have expelled after having once received it, have invariably relapsed into their primitive stupidity.  The electric Cable
may be made, in a certain sense, the harbinger of Christianity to all peoples.  It never can be the messenger.proper. But it will announce or insinuate in a thousand
ways the truth of revelation, in lands and amid communities where the living missionary dare not, in the first
instance, utter the same, except at the immediate peril of
his life.
If civilization follows in the footsteps of Christianity,
who shall venture to limit or circumscribe the beneficent
results of the work which you have sustained through all
the vicissitudes of its history?




135
The thought of America will blend itself instantaneously
with the thought of Europe, Asia and Africa; and America
will receive theirs in prompt return.
Almighty God, the Creator of the Universe, made this
earth of ours in the form of a sphere, not a plane. If it had
been a plane, the operation of sin, working through the
passions of nations and individuals, would have driven the
weak to the extreme brink of humanity and hurled themn
over the precipice, once for all. But our merciful Father
has appointed it otherwise. Our planet is spherical. It
is cut up on its surface by oceans, seas, mountains, riversit is diversified by latitudes and longitudes-it is peopled
by all tribes, tongues and nations, and yet its inhabitants
have been perpetually struggling to overcome these physical boundaries, and to hug each other more and more,
as old acquaintances of the same original and universal
family too long estranged and separated.
If such are the natural tendencies of enlightened humanity, we have still greater reason, gentlemen, to congratulate you on the great work which you have aided
and sustained to a triumphant accomplishment. Go on!
Your Cable is extended under the stormiest ocean that is
found on the surface of our globe. You have banded together, by your Cable, two of the most enlightened nations
that can be found on the same surface. Your work is,
perhaps, done. But you can influence both the present
generation and posterity toward its extension through all
present space and future time.
It is supposed that every Cabinet of human government
has a special department which is not honest, but which
comes under the head of " Intriguing Diplomacy."  Your




136
Cable will put an end to this special department, and it is
to be hoped that no cabinet minister, no private individual,
no missionary, no merchant, on either side of the Atlantic,
will be so profane as to tax Heaven's lightning, which is
to abide in your Cable, with the message of a lie.
We do not enter, gentlemen, into the relations which
your noble work is to sustain toward the commercial life of
great communities on this side of the ocean or the other.
These relations cannot but be improved by the facilities
of inter-communication which your enterprise has provided for thelm.
Neither can it fail to be the means of promoting peace
on earth. It presents, indeed, for abuse as well as use, the
mysterious power and passive obedience which are its own
peculiar properties.  But to both continents it preaches
silently the doctrine of peace. No tiny infant ever slept
more tranquilly on its mother's breast than your tiny Cable
reposes on the bottom of the ocean. It rests on the solid
land, and has the deep blue broad seas for its covering.
The tempests, in their delirium of fury on the water's surface, which tried its strength, and well-nigh deprived the
world of its services for a time, these shall disturb it no
more. The tranquillity of its repose will be almost sufficient to forbid the transmission of angry messages, or, if
transmitted, it will mollify the asperity of temper in which
they were dictated. And thus it will silently suggest to
thinking men that they should rise above the moral atmosphere in which human passions exercise their violent and
destructive influence.
In fine, gentlemen, the Common Council of the city of
New York, in their own name, as before expressed, and in




137
the name of their fellow-citizens, with a full heart, beg
leave to congratulate you, again and again, on the successful termination of your glorious enterprise.
To which MIr. Cooper replied, as follows:
It is, sir, with extreme hesitation that I, as President of
the New York, Newfoundland and London  Telegraph
Company, venture to reply to remarks so eloquently expressed in honor of the success that has crowned the united efforts of the New York, Newfoundland and London,
and the Atlantic Telegraph Companies. That success, sir,
has been secured by a long-continued course of persevering labor, under circumstances the most discouraging;
labors that required the indomitable courage, the farseeing
and electrifying mind of Cyrus W. Field to inspire and
stimulate.
This work, now accomplished, has caused more hearts
to beat in joyful hope of a brighter and better day for suffering humanity throughout the world, than was ever before inspired by any previous triumph of mind over matter.
Such a triumph is calculated to elevate our race to a perception of the true dignity and responsibility of' their mission, being clothed, as they are, with power to keep the
great garden of the world without and the world within,
and'thus to subdue and hold dominion over all the earth
and every living thing. This glorious power bequeathed
to man will, I trust, cause knowledge to cover the earth,
as the mighty waters cover the umbilical cord that now
binds the mother Continent to her child. Through this
vital cord a new regenerating and invigorating life will
flow on and ever from the world's heart, through arteries,
veins and nerves of iron, into every fibre of the great body




138
of humanity. This life, this power, this knowledge, cannot fail finally to bring man into sympathy with the sorrows and sufferings of his brother man throughout the
world. This mighty power to communicate knowledge
will finally bring life and immortality to light in the intellectual heart of man. It will, with its electric power,
spread over the world the glad tidings of that great joy,
which shall be to all people. I rejoice in the hope that
the time will come when they learn war no more, when
they will beat their swords into ploughshares and their
spears into pruning-hooks.  Then the light of science
will shine on the unfolding and ever-brightening leaves of
creation with an all-animating power —a power that will
awaken the slumbering energies of man to aspire after all
that is true, beautiful and good. Encouraged by what
has already been accomplished-having sent the electric
fire through an almost fathomless ocean-carrying with it
expressions of sympathy flowing from the very heart of a
kindred people, and then giving to the world the glorious
news of' peace restored to a region where war, with its
desolating power, has spread its terrors over more than one
quarter of the great family of man; after such a triumph
of' mind over matter, what limits can we set to what is
possible to be accomplished? I am sure, sir, that every
man, woman and child within sound of my voice, will
join mle in heartfelt thanks to the enlightened Governments
that have lent their aid to enable u.s to achieve the victory
we this day celebrate. In conclusion, sir, I will say, in
behalf of the companies which I in part have the honor to
represent, that language fails to express the admiration we
feel for all the officers and their devoted sailors, and the
electricians and engineers, by whose united labor and skill
a glorious treasure has been secured to the world.




t39
When the applause, with which Mr. Cooper's response
was received, had died away,
Mr. David Dudley Field, the orator of the occasion, was
introduced amid renewed plaudits, and said:
LADIES AND GENTLEAMEN-When Morse discovered the
applicability of electricity to the communication of intelligence, it might have been foreseen that the limits of the
application were to be measured only by the power of
stretching the electric wire, and of transmitting through
it the electric current. It occurred, no doubt, to different
minds that the telegraph would onle day be carried across
the ocean and around the globe; and, for aught I know,
plans may have been formed for doing the work. I have
been requested to give you the history-a condensed
epitome it must be-of the first success —the first attempt,
and, I might add, the first practicable plan in the development of this great idea of an Ocean Telegraph. My connection with the undertaking from its commencement —
my position as counsel for those who have done the most
to carry it through-have made it appear to others fitting
that I should perform  this service. In its performance I
trust that I shall say nothing unbefiting my personal relations to any of the actors. I am not here to praise, but to
relate.
Two years previous to 1854, there had been incorporated
by the Legislature of Newfoundland, a Comnpany by the
name of the Newfoundland Electric Telegraph Company,
the purpose of which was to connect by telegraph that
island with the main land of America. A telegraph across
the ocean was not a part of the scheme. It contemplated




140
a connection with Europe by means of steamers plying
between Newfoundland and Ireland.
This Company proceeded a little way and failed, leaving
a debt of some fifty thousand dollars, due chiefly to
laborers. In this emergency, and some timein February,
1854, Mr. Horace B. Tebbetts and Mr. Frederick N. Gisborne, officers then of that Company, applied to Mr. Matthew D. Field to help raise additional funds by a sale of
bonds or stock. The gentleman thus applied to came to
Mr. Cyrus W. Field and myself. We had several conversations together on the subject. Then it was, that the
thought of extending the line across the Atlantic suggested
itself'. Mr. Cyrus W. Field wrote to Lieutenant Maury
to inquire about the practicability of submerging a Cable,
and consulted Professor Morse about the possibility of
telegraphing through it. Their answers were favorable.
On receiving them, it was agreed between Mr. Cyrus
W. Field and myself, that as nothing could be done under
the charter of the Newfoundland Electric Company, we
would endeavor to form a new Company, to take a surrender
of the charter of the former Company, purchase its property, pay its debts, and obtain another charter to effect a
direct telegraphic communication with Europe. The first
step was to procure the co-operation of a few persons
whose character and resources would be a guaranty that
the work had been undertaken in earnest. Four men
were invited, whose names you all know-Peter Cooper,
Moses Taylor, Marshall 0. Roberts, and Chandler White.
They met Mr. Cyrus W. Field and myself at his house,
where, around a table covered with maps, plans and estimates, the subject was discussed for four successive even



141
ings, the practicability of the undertaking examined, its
advantages, its cost, and the means of its accomplishment.
The result of the conference was the agreement of all the
six gentlemen to enter upon the undertaking. Mr. Cyrus
W. Field, Mr. White and myself, were to proceed to Newfoundland to procure a charter and such aid in money and
privileges as the Government of that island could be induced to give. The agreement with the Electric Telegraph Company and the formal surrender of its charter,
were signed on the 10th of March, and on the 14th we
left New York, accompanied by Mr. Gisborne. The next
morning we took the steamer at Boston for Halifax, and
thence, on the night of the 18th, departed in the little
steamer Merlin for St. John's, Newfoundland.
Three more disagreeable days voyagers scarcely ever
passed than we spent in that smallest of steamers. It
seemed as if all the storms of winter had been reserved
for the first month of spring. A fi'ost-bound coast, an icy
sea, rain, hail, snow and tempest, were the greeting of the
telegraph adventurers in their first movement towards
Europe. In the darkest night, through which no man
could see the ship's length, with snow filling the air and
flying into the eyes of the sailors, with ice in the water,
and a heavy sea rolling and moaning about us, the Captain
felt his way around Cape Race, with his lead, as the blind
man feels his way with his staff, but as confidently and
as safely as if the sky had been clear and the sea calm,
and the light of morning dawned upon deck and mast and
spar, coated with glittering ice; but floating securely between the mountain gates of the harbor of' St. John's.
In that busy and hospitable town the first person to




142
whom we were introduced was Mr. Edward M. Archibald,
then Attorney-General of the colony, and now British
Consul in New York. He entered warmly into our views;
and from that day to this has been an efficient and consistent supporter of the undertaking.  By him we were introduced to the Goveriaor (Kerr Bailey Hamilton), who
also took an earnest interest in our plans. He convoked
the Council to receive us and hear an explanation of our
views and wishes. In a few hours after the conference
the answer of the Governor and Council was received,
consenting to recommend to the Assembly a guaranty of
the interest of ~50,000 of bonds. an immediate grant of
fifty square miles of land, a further grant to the same extent on the completion of' the telegraph across the ocean,
and a payment of ~5,000 towards the construction of a
bridle-path across the island, along the line of the land
telegraph.
Mr. Cyrus W. Field thereupon, on the 25th of March,
took the return steamer from St. John's, on his way to
New York, in order to fit out a steamer for the service of
the Company, while his two associates remained in Newfoundland to obtain the charter and carry out the arrange
ments with the former Company. They continued there
nearly five weeks, during which, after many discussions
and negotiations, the charter was at length obtained, and
the $50,000 of debt of the old Company were thereupon
paid.
The charter was liberal and provident. After declaring
that it was." advisable to establish a line of telegraphic
communication between America and Europe, by way of
Newfoundland," it incorporated the associates for fifty years,




143
established perfect equality in respect to corporators and
officers between citizens of the United States and British
subjects, allowed the meetings of the stockholders and
Directors to be held in New York, or in Newfoundland, or
in London, conceded the exclusive right to establish a
telegraph from the continent of America to Newfoundland,
and from Newfoundland across the ocean, granted fifty
square miles of land; and further provided that " so soon
as the said Company shall have actually established a conmmunication across the Atlantic Ocean, by means of a submarine Cable or wire from this island, the said Company
shall receive from the Government of this island a grant
of fifty square miles of ungranted and unoccupied wilderness land, to be selected by the said Company, in addition
to the grants hereinbefore mentioned," a provision subsequently extended so as to permit the Company to establish
the communication by an auxiliary or associate Company.
It were long to tell how the Government and people of
Newfoundland nurtured this enterprise in its commencement-how they have stood by it, through its various fortunes, till its triumphant consummation. That vast island,
projected into the North Atlantic, lifting above the sea its
cliffs of everlasting and immovable rock, beckoning, as it
were, to Europe, seems framed by Providence for one of
the pillars of that Cable which is to bind the continents
together. Its broad interior, baffling the explorer, its cold
and gloomy morasses, its dark and frowning headlands, its
deep and tranquil bays, and harbors innumerable, take not
such hold of the imagination as its support of that wondrous line which, lost forever to human eyes, is to be the
highway of thought between the Old World and the New.
Take the map, and see where the civilized portions of




144
the two hemispheres approach nearest to each other: two
islands stand there face to face. The highlands of Trinity
answer to the highlands of Valentia. Between them rolls
the stormiest sea of allthe world save one. It is the gateway through which pass the icebergs from the Pole. Once
a year, and sometimes for forty days together, a continuous
field of ice moves down from the north at the rate of two
or three miles the hour. But far beneath there is tranquil
water and an even surface. The plummet has sounded all
that sea, and found, at an average depth of about two
miles, a nearly level bottom covered with the smallest sea
shells, which must have been deposited in the lapse of
ages and fallen through the still water as the snow falls
through the still air.
In the early part of May the two gentlemen who had
remained behind, in Newfoundland, rejoined their associates in New York, and there the charter was formally
accepted and the Company organized. As all the associates
had not arrived till Saturday evening, the 6th of May, and
as one of them was to leave town on the morning of Monday, it was agreed that we should meet for organization at
six o'clock of that day. At that hour they came to my
house, and, as the first rays of the morning sun streamed
into the windows, the formal organization took place.
The charter was accepted, the stock subscribed and the
officers chosen. Mr. Cooper, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Field, Mr.
Roberts and Mr. White, were the first Directors. Mr.
Cooper was chosen President, Mr. White Vice-President
and Mr. Taylor Treasurer.  Thus was inaugurated that
great enterprise whose completion we celebrate to-day.
The plan was formed, the arrangements made, and the




145
work begun. What followed was the execution of the
great design.
From the 8th of May, 1854, to the 5th of August, 1858,
there passed scarcely four years and three months; but
they were as fruitful of anxiety and toil as of successful
results. The land line across the island of Newfoundland
-upwards of four hundred miles-was first to be made.
This was a work of incredible labor. The country was
for the most part a wilderness of rock and morass, " a good
and traversable bridle road eight feet wide," with bridges
of the same width, had to be made the whole distance;
materials and provisions had to be transported first from
St. John's to the heads of the different bays on the southern coast, and afterwards chiefly on men's backs to the line
of road. The first year Mr. White, as Vice-President, directed in person the operations; the second and third year
superintendents were sent down. In addition to the land
line in Newfoundland another of one hundred and forty
miles in Cape Breton was constructed, and contracts made
with companies in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Maine,
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New
York, to connect their lines with the Newfoundland line.
Then there was the submarine line between Newfoundland
and Cape Breton, eighty-five miles in length, and another
thirteen miles long, across Northb nmberland Straits, to Prince
Edward Island. To procure these Mr. Cyrus W. Field
visited England twice-once in December, 1854, and again
in January, 1S56. The first attemnpt to lay the submarine
line across the Gulf of St. Lawrence was made in 1855,
and was unsuccessful. A second attempt, made the next
year, succeeded. Thus was completed the chain of tele10




146
graph from New York to the eastern coast of Newfoundland, and the projectors now stood upon the shore of the
Atlantic in their progress eastward.
The whole expense thus far, with very trifling exceptions,
had fallen upon them-Mr. Cyrus W. Field having made
the largest contributions-amounting to more than two
hundred thousand dollars in money-and Mr. Cooper, Mr.
Taylor, and Mr. Roberts, each a little less. No other contributors beyond the six original subscribers, had come in
except Professor Morse, Mr. Robert W. Lowber, Mr. Wilson G. Hunt and Mr. John W. Brett. The list of Directors
and officers remains to this day as it was at first, except
that Mr. Hunt, as Director, has taken the place of Mr.
White, who died in 1856, and that Mr. Field is Vice-President, and Mr. Lowber Secretary. In all the operations of
the Company, thus far, the various negotiations, the plan
of the work, the oversight of its execution, and the correspondence with the officers and others mainly devolved
upon Mr. Cyrus W. Field.
The greatest and most difficult part of the original design
still remained to be executed, and that was the submarine
Cable from Newfoundland to Ireland. The distance was one
thousand nine hundred and fifty statute miles; the sea was
stormy and uncertain; no submarine line of more than three
hundred miles had then been attempted. In anticipation
of the task now to be undertaken, Mr. Field, on his first
visit to England, in 1854, had invited manufacturers to
furnish him with specimens of cable which they would
recommend and estimates of its cost, and he had entered
into correspondence with various persons on the subject.
In 1856 he procured an order from our Government, under




147
which Lieutenant Berryman made- soundings of the Atlantic, between Newfoundland and Ireland. Lieutenant
Berryman sailed on that service on the 18th of July, and
the next day Mr. Fiel.d sailed for England, having received
the formal authority of the Company to make arrangements in England for the submarine line, either by a subscription to this Company or by organizing a new Company as auxiliary or associated with this. In England he
had invited the co-operation of Mr. Brett, a gentleman of
great experience, who, in 1851, formed a Company which
had laid the first submarine cable from England to France.
He afterwards brought in Mr. Edward 0. W. Whitehouse,
electrician, and AMr. Charles T. Bright, engineer-both
gentlemen, of high scientific attainments. These four gentlemen on the 29th of September, 1856, entered into a
formal agreement to use their exertions for the formation
of a new Company, to be called the Atlantic Telegraph
Company, the object of which should be 1" to continue the
existing line of the New York, Newfoundland and London
Telegraph Company to Ireland, by making, or causing to
be made, a submarine Telegraph Cable for the Atlantic."
This done, Mr. Field issued, on the I st of November, 1856,
a circular signed by him, as Vice-President of the New
York, Newfoundland and London Telegraph Company,
from. which I cannot forbear making the following extracts:'In April, 1854, a Company was incorporated by act of
the Colonial Legislature of Newfoundland, for the purpose of establishing a line of telegraphic communication
between America and Europe. That Government evinced
the warmest interest in the undertaking, and in order to




148
mark substantially their sense of its importance and their
desire to give to it all the aid and encouragement in their
power, they conferred upon it, in addition to important
privileges of grants of land and subsidy, the sole and exclusive right of landing a telegraphic line on the shores within
their jurisdiction, comprising, in addition to those of Newfoundland, the whole Atlantic coast of Labrador, from the
entrance of Hudson Straits to the Straits of Belle Isle.
"This act of the Colonial Legislature was subsequently
ratified and confirmed by her Majesty's Government at
home. The Company also obtained in May, 1854, an exclusive charter from the Government of Prince Edward
Island, and afterwards from the State of Maine, and a
charter for telegraphic operations in Canada.
"The exclusive rights absolutely necessary for the encouragement of an undertaking of this nature, having thus
been secured along the only seaboard eligible for the western termlinus of an European and American Cable, the
Company in the first instance commenced operations by
proceeding to connect St. John's, Newfoundland, with the
widely ramified telegraph system of the British North
American provinces and the United States.
" This has been recently completed by the submersion of
two Cables in connection with their land lines; one,
eighty-five miles in length, under the waters of the Gulf
of St. Lawrence, from Cape Ray Cove, Newfoundland, to
Ashpee Bay, Cape Breton; the other, of thirteen miles
across the Straits of Northumberland, connecting Prince
Edward Island with New Brunswick. Electric communication is thus established direct from Newfoundland to all
the British American colonies and the United States. On




149
the Irish side lines of telegraph have been for some time
in operation throughout the country, and are connected
with England and the Continent by submarine cables.
The only remaining link in this electric chain required to
connect the two hemispheres, by telegraph, is the Atlantic
Cable. The New York, Newfoundland and London Telegraph Company being desirous that this great undertaking
should be established on a broad and national basis, uniting
the interests of the telegraph world on both sides of the
Atlantic, have entered into alliance with persons of importance and influence in the telegraphic affairs of Great
Britain; and, in order at the same time to obtain the fullest possible information before entering upon the crowning
effort of their labors, they have endeavored to concentrate
upon the various departments of the undertaking the energies of men of the highest acknowledged standing in their
profession, and of others eminently fitted for the work,
who were known to have devoted imuch time and attention
to the subject."
After detailing the results of the investigations, the circular proceeded:
"' All the points having a direct practical bearing on any
part of the undertaking have thus been subjected to a close
and rigid scrutiny, the result of this examination proving
to be in every respect of the most favorable character. It
remained only that those possessing the required power
should take the initiative. The New York, Newfoundland
and London Telegraph Company, possessing, in virtue of
their charter, all the necessary powers, deputed their VicePresident to visit England in the summer of the present
year, and they gave him full authority to make, on their




150
behalf, such arrangements as should seem to him best fitted
to carry forward the great work.  The outline of the formation of the Atlantic Telegraph Company, which will be.
found in the appendix, will sufficiently explain the nature
of these arrangements."
Without waiting for the formation of the new Company,
Mr. Field, on behalf of the Newfoundland Company, made
application to the British Government for its aid in ships
and money, and received on the 20th of November a letter
from the Treasury, which I am tempted to read, promising ships to assist in laying the Cable, and a fixed yearly
sum in payment for Government messages. He also personally solicited bankers and merchants in London for subscriptions, and, with Mr. Brett, visited Liverpool and Manchester to address public meetings.  He subscribed
~100,000 towards the capital of ~350,000, and Mr. Brett
followed with a subscription of ~25,000. A day or two
after the Treasury letter was received, the subscriptions
were closed, when it was found that the applications for
stock exceeded the capital by about ~30,000, so that on
the final allotment Mr. Field had eighty-eight shares, of
~1,000 each, and Mr. Brett twelve. To show the feeling
which had been excited in England, it is worth mentioning
that many persons subscribed for shares, not for profit, but
that they might have a part in the undertaking, and among
others Mr. Thackeray and Lady Byron.
Too much praise cannot be awarded to the English
Government and people for the zeal, with which they came
forward in answer to the call made upon them. Money
was obtained from individuals as freely as it was wanted, and
the Government outran the people.




151
Returning then to America, Mr. Field, with his Ameri-.
can associates, made application to the Government of the
United States for aid similar to that given by the English
Government, and he also applied to individuals for a participation with him in the stock he had taken. Congress
voted the aid requested, after a vehement opposition,
against which the measure was carried in the Senate by a
majority of one. Of the stock twenty- seven shares were
taken in the United States.
All things being now ready, the first attempt to lay the
Cable was made, as you all know, in August, 1857. There
had been Assembled in the harbor of Valentia three ships
of the English and two of the American navy. There was
the Agamemnon, recent from the fires of the Crimean war;
she had borne the flag of the English Admiral over the
waters of the Euxine; she had now laid her armament
aside, and taken the burden of half that coil, for the laying
of which she will be hereafter more famous than if she had
forced the harbor of Sebastopol. There was the lNiagara,
the largest ship of our navy, made for the heaviest cannon
of naval warfare, her armor never yet put on, but laden
instead with the American half of the precious burden.
There were the two attending ships, the Leopard and the
Susquehanna, and the Cyclops, surveying ship, just returned from the verification of Lieutenant Berrvymnan's
soundings. The Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland had come to
wish them "God speed" in the name of his sovereign and
her people  Everything promised success, and as the great
ships moved out of the harbor, the highlands of Valentia
shone brightly in the morning sun; while behind them the
grand old mountains about Killarney towering above th
lakes-those miracles of beauty-appeared to smile and




152
beckon the ships westward, for, to the excited imagination,
it seemed as if the inanimate mass were conscious of the
great act about to be performed, and looked impatient toward the west, which it had faced in silence since the
world began, but to which it was soon to speak in tones
inaudible to human ears, yet signifying the thoughts and
wishes of men.
The expedition thus prosperously begun was, however,
doomed to sudden disappointment; for, on the fourth day
out, the Cable parted, and the ships made their way to
England. The undertaking being thus suspended for the
year, Mr. Field returned to America. He was s6on, however, recalled to England to assume the management of the
enterprise. Arriving in that country on the 16th of January, he was, on the 27th of the same month, appointed the
general manager-an appointment which he accepted without compensation; and, by a subsequent resolution, every
person in the employment of the Company was placed
under his control.
The precise share which each person had hitherto
borne in the great undertaking is easily measured by the
narrative which I have given. The Directors of the Company, in their report to the stockholders on the 18th of
February last, thus state the share of one of them:
"The Directors cannot close their observations to the
shareholders without leaving their warm and cordial testimony to the untiring zeal, talent and energy that have
been displayed on behalf of this enterprise by Mr. Cyrus
W. Field, of New York, to whom mainly belongs the
honor of having practically developed the possibility, and
of having brought together the material means for carry



168
ing out the great idea of connecting Europe and America
by a submarine telegraph."
" He has crossed the Atlantic Ocean no less than six times
since December, 1856, for the sole purpose of rendering
most valuable aid to this undertaking. He has also visited
the British North American colonies on several occasions,
and obtained concessions and advantages that are highly
appreciated by the Directors, and he has successfully supported the efforts of the Directors in obtaining an annual
subsidy for twenty-five years from the Government of the
United States of America, the grant of the use of their
national ships in assisting to lay the Cable in 1857, and
also to assist in the same service this year —and his constant
and assiduous attention to everything that could contribute
to the welfare of the Company, from its first formation,
have materially contributed to promote many of its most
necessary and important arrangements. He is now again
in England, his energy and confidence in the undertaking
entirely unabated; and at the earnest request of the Board
he has consented to remain in that country for the purpose
of affording to the Directors the benefit of his great experience and judgment, as general manager of the business of
the Company connected with the next expedition.
" This arrangement will doubtless prove as pleasing to
the shareholders as it is agreeable and satisfactory to the
Directors."
Everything being now ready for the second trial, which
it was determined to begin-not at the shore, but in midocean-the squadron departed from Plymouth on the 10th
of June. It consisted of the Agamemnon and Niagara, to




154
lay the Cable, and the Valorous and Gorgon (both English,)
as attendant ships, the Susquehanna being kept away by
the yellow fever, which had broken out on board, and the
Gorgon taking her place, while the Valorous took the
place of the Leopard of the previous year. The officers and
crews of these vessels were picked men. Captain Preedy
of the Agamemnon, and Captain Hudson of the Niagara,
are as accomplished and gallant commanders as ever trod the
quarter-deck; and Captain Dayman in the Gorgon, and
Captain Aldham in the Valorous, fitly represented the
spirit and honor of the English navy. Then, what a company was there of engineers and electricians! I need only
name Mr. Everett, to whose genius the paying-out machinery was due; Mr. Bright, Mr. Woodhouse, Mr. Canning and Professor W. Thompson, to show that everything
was provided which science and experience could suggest.
Stately ships, illustrious company, and a richer freight
than ever filled the argosies of Spain when Spain was
mistress of the Indies.
On the open sea they found not that calm weather which
they had been led to expect, but violent storms. A hurricane saluted them on their approach to mid-ocean. They
gained, however, on the 26th of June, the point desired,
spliced the Cable and steered in opposite directions. The
Cable parted after about five miles had been paid out.
They returned and made another splice on the same day
and started again. A second time the Cable parted, and
about seventy miles more were lost. Nothing daunted,
they returned and made a third splice. All went well
until two hundred and sixty miles more had been laid in the
sea, when another break occurred, and the ships, according
to the preconcerted arrangement, returned to Queenstown.




156
Anxiously had they been expected at Valentia; from
whose headlands eyes were strained every day to catch the
first glinipse of the returning Agameinnon, rising out of
the western horizon. I have it on good authority that the
Queen was waiting for the signal to go herself and receive
the Cable. Would it not have been an admirable sight to see
that illustrious lady, the foremost woman of all the world,
sovereign of so many lands, the heir of the kings of our
forefathers, receiving from  her gallant seamen that line
which was to repair with material better than allegiance
the broken chain which once bound together the AngloSaxon-Celtic races, in every quarter of the globe?
The ships being returned, the Directors were summoned
to meet in London. This was the time to try the fortitude of men. It was the agony of the enterprise. If it
had been abandoned then, who can tell when it would
have been resumed? The meeting of the Directors took
place on the 14th of July, and then the fate of the under-' gaking was decided. There were sixteen acting Directors;
of these, six were absent; another, the Vice-Chairman,
was so dissatisfied with the proposal to make a third trial,
that he left the room. The remaining nine, after an earnest debate, resolved, unanimously, to repeat the effort.
Fronl that moment the tide turned.
Perhaps some of these courageous- nine feared that the
third attempt would.prove as disastrous as the first and
second, but they thought that it ought, nevertheless,
to be made; perhaps there were others who expected the
success which followed. But could the veil have been
lifted from six weeks of the future, how would they have
been moved by that which we have witnessed-the swell



156
ing emotion, the glad faces, the public rejoicings, which
have greeted the victory. They expected, of course, that,
when the line was once laid, messages would pass to and
fro with instantaneous rapidity; but, however much men
may dream of it, the actual occurrence will startle them.
Within forty-five days after that meeting of the Directors,
news came to London that the Chinese empire, reversing
its traditionary policy, and breaking through the prejudices
of ages, had made peace with England and France, opening its doors to European intercourse, and, of course, to
European culture, but, above all, to the Christian religion.
The good news was instantly known in the Western
Hemisphere. The imagination is baffled when it tries to
picture the journey which the message made. When it
left London evening had already come; but it overtook
and passed the shadow of the earth, as if that were but a
creeping snail, though making daily the circuit of the
globe; it darted through the green valleys of England, over
Scotch mountains, down beneath the channel to the Irish
coast, thence through Ulster and Connaught and Munster
to the shores of the Atlantic. Here it dived beneath the
ocean, deeper than the valley of Chamouni stands below
the summit of Mount Blanc, passing under great ships of'
commerce and of war, and in an instant arose at the cliffs of
-Newfbundland; then, quicker than thought, it passed over
the morasses and mountains to the Gulf of St. Lawrence,
then on through the Gulf; through Nova Scotia, New
Brunswick and the Eastern States, to our own doors.
But let us return from this digression to the last expedition. On the 17th of July the squadron departed from
Queenstown for the third time. As they passed Cape




157
Clear, into the Western Ocean, they parted company: but
such is the accuracy of modern navigation, that though
there was no earthly map or mark to guide them, yet, steering by the compass and the celestial signals, one after the
other, all arrived at the appointed rendezvous in mid-ocean.
On the 29th of July the two great ships took their
places a short distance from each other. A strong hawser
fastened them together. The end of the Cable which the
Niagara bore was carried to the Agamemnon and there
spliced to the end of hers; it was then lowered into the
sea, and the ships moved, each towards its own country,
at first creeping slowly till the Cable had sunk far down,
and then faster, to a speed of five or six miles an hour.
Let us glance for a moment at the Agamemnon, on her
homeward track. She suffered severe weather, and more
than once the Cable was in extreme peril. Once, in order
to remove a defect in the coil, it was necessary to stop the
9,ipIan operation the most dangerous, for the experience
of the two former trials had shown that the insatiable sea
will neither give back what it has received, nor allow the
supply to cease. But a good Providence watched over
the ship, and on the 5th of August she came safely to land.
Let us now return to our own Niagara and her faithful
attendant.  The Gorgon, herself a ship of 1,100 tons,
though but a boat by the side of the Niagara, led the way,
because the compasses of the latter were affected by the
cable, and the great ship followed close behind. Never
was navigator more vigilant and more successful than
Captain Dayman. His observations went on by day and by
night; as one heavenly body went down and another arose,




158
his instruments were turned to the rising luminary, and he
never swerved from the shortest line along the great arc of
the circle to the head of Trinity Bay. The Niagara steered
by-the Gorgon. Her machinery worked with the utmost
regularity, never stopping for an instant, and her officers
and men were as exact as her machinery. Silence, as far
as possible, was enforced, and such light was kept that at
night she appeared to the Gorgon to be illuminated. Who
can tell what anxious suspense there was in that ship as
each hour, each day passed on, increasing the chances of
success, strengthening the hopeful, restoring the despondent-what sleepless eyes, what beating hearts were there!
As the great ships went forward, from the moment when
they disappeared from each other below the horizon, messages were constantly interchanged — ship answered to
ship as the hours bore them farther apart and nearer
their destination. I scarcely know a dialogue more affecting than that which was held between the Niagara and
Agamemnon on this last voyage. At length, on the morning of the 4th of August, under as bright a sky as ever
smiled on a great achievement, the headlands of Trinity
Bay rose above the sea directly before them.
Then there came out to meet them, and be their pilot
into their desired haven, another English ship —the Porcupine-whose Captain, Otter, had so carefully surveyed and
so closely watched, that he had not only found all the
channels, but had stationed boats to mark the narrowest,
and that the ships might be seen far off, had sent sailors
into an island of the bay, on which was a high and wooded
hill, ordering them to watch day and night, and as soon as
the fleet hove in sight to set the wood on fire. The fire
was kindled, and the burning hill was at once bonfire and




159
signal for the victorious ships. The bay was so deep that
the head of it was not reached till after midnight. There,
at five o'clock of the morning of the 5th of August, the
end of that mysterious wire was taken ashore; and as soon
as it was secured in its appointed station, the brave sailor
and humble Christian who commanded the Niagara, in the
open air, in the early daylight, while all the gentlemen and
seamen bowed their heads reverently, gave thanks to the
Almighty for the good voyage ended.
AND THUS WAS THE ATLANTIC CABLE LAID.
The choir then sang the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's "Messiah."
Hallelujah!
For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth;
The kingdom of this world is become
The kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ;
And he shall reign, forever and ever,
King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
Hallelujah!
After which the Rev. Dr. Nott, of Union College, offered
prayer, as follows:
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we thank thee
that we have our being in an age signalized by great and
repeated triumphs of mind over the material elements of
nature. Especially do we thank thee that we are this
day permitted to celebrate this mightier triumph in the
completion of a medium for the instant interchange of
tidings between nations whose intercourse has heretofore
been obstructed by the barrier of the mighty ocean. And




160
now, having, in thy good providence, been permitted to
pay our willing tribute of respect to those agents whom
thou, 0 Great God, hast employed as instruments in thy
hands in bringing about this sublime result, we humbly beseech thee to permit this great assembly, now
about to separate, in its own behalf, and in behalf of the
dwellers in this and in distant lands, to present, in the
name of our common Savior, to our common Father, not
a nation's, but a world's acknowledgments, for having inspired the mind of man with the sublime conception, imparted to the intellect of man the science, and to the hands
of man the skill, to successfully embed, despite winds and
waves, beneath unfathomed waters, that wondrous cord,
which, vital with thought, now spans the ocean, over which
the free lightnings of Heaven are now constrained to pass,
and shall continue to pass, bearing from shore to shore
the messages, and doing the bidding of thy creature, man.
And now, our Father, we beseech thee perfect thy begun goodness, and cause these traveled lines of thought to
be stretched over continents and islands, and beneath the
waters of the sea, till earth's scattered population shall be
brought into free and fraternal intercourse, that thus the
way be prepared for the diffusion of the knowledge of the
Gospel of peace and the introduction of the reign of the
Son of God.
While thus supplicating thee to perfect and extend these
material cords between the dwellers upon the earth, we
thank thee that the medium of intercourse between earth
and Heaven, furnished by those chords of redeeming love,
extending from thy mercy-seat to the hill of Calvary,
where, on behalf of ruined man, thy Son expired, is already




161
perfect, and through which the prayer of faith, as it rises in
the heart, and before it has received utterance by the lips,
reaches that ear ever open to the supplicant's cry and brings
back from thence its sweet response of a reconciled
Father's love.
And now, O Thou that hearest prayer, grant, we beseech thee, that the effusions of thy Holy Spirit may accompany the future progressive discoveries of science and
triumphs of art, till the dissonance of sin shall have ceased,
and harmony be restored throughout thy moral kingdom;
That amid the unceasing anthems performed by angels
around thy throne may be heard from every hill and valley,
over the entire of a redeemed earth, ascending in concordant notes, the Church's Hallelujah: —" Blessing and honor,
and dominion, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon
the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever."  AMEN.
The choir then sang the Doxology:
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below,
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Upon the conclusion of which, the Rev. David D. Field
advanced, and invoked a benediction, and with this the
proc'eedings at the Crystal Palace closed. In half an hour
after, the building was completely deserted.
All the presentation addresses having been handsomely
engrossed and illuminated on vellum, were attached to
sections of the Cable, which were gilded, and had mounted
upon one end a solid gold eagle with wings outspread, and
upon the other the British lion, also of solid gold.
lII




162
The following is a description of the gold boxes that
were presented: that to Cyrus W. Field, Esq., is four and
three-fourths inches long, by two and three-fourths inches
wide, and one and a half deep. It weighs fourteen ounces,
and is valued at eight hundred dollars. In shape it is a
parallelogram, with slightly rounded corners; around the
top and bottom, set back a quarter of an inch from the
edge, is a single strand of gold cable wound at the corner
by twisted yarns, which act as feet, and keep the elaborately engraved surface of the box from contact with surrounding objects.
The ground of the box is brilliantly polished, and all its
sides are covered with appropriate designs, engraved with
the clearness and delicacy of the finest steel plate. On
the lid of the box is a scene representing the splicing of
the Cable in mid-ocean, at the rendezvous, the Niagara on
the left and the Agamemnon on the right. The ships
have just made the splice, and are paying out the slack;
the Gorgon and Valorous appear in the background, evidently on the point of starting on their respective piloting
missions. The ships are admirably represented, and every
attention was paid to detail, so as to render the work historically correct. This design is surmounted with the
arms of the city of New York. An inscription is engraved on the polished  surface of the lid, on either
side of the armorial bearings. The design on the bottom
of the box represents the flags of England and the United
States arranged in a group above, and twisted in festoons
around the sides and below, making a panel within the
strand of cable which surrounds the box   The panel is
divided into two compartments by a coil of cable. In the




163
left compartment are engraved the Federal arms, and in
the right one the coat of arms of England. Below, in the
centre, is a Morse Telegraph instrument in operation.
On the front side of the box are four emblematic female
figures, representing the four quarters of the world.
Europe and America have the globe, surmounted by the
Cross, in a blaze of glory, between them. Asia and Africa,
in humble positions, occupy the corners, but are graciously
allowed each to hold one end of a telegraph Cable extended
to them by America and Europe.
On the back of the box are seated two female figures,
intended to represent Commerce and Science, surrounded
by the usual emblematic symbols: Commerce has her
ships and cotton bales; Science, her globe and telescope.
On the left end of the box is an engraving of the first
meeting, at Mr. Field's house, between the six projectors
of the Cable enterprise.
Mr. Peter Cooper sits in the foreground, in front of a
table, on which is spread out a chart, one end of which is
held by Mr. D. D. Field. Mr. Cyrus W. Field is standing
in front of it, and explaining his plan to Messrs. Moses
Taylor, Chandler White, and M. 0. Roberts, who sit, in
close attention, around the table. On the floor is a globe.
On the right end of the box is an engraving of the landing of the Cable at Trinity Bay. The procession of sailors
and officers, some twenty-three figures in all, is represented
carrying the Cable up a slight ascent.  Mr. Field, bareheaded, is in front of the party. Trees and rocks in the
background, and the bay, with the ships in the distance,
complete the design.




164
It is altogether a most superb affair, and the conception
exceedingly appropriate, while it is the most costly testimlonial ever awarded by the municipality of New York.
The three other boxes are similar in shape to that of
Mr. Field's, but a little smaller.  They measure four
inches in length, three inches in width, and one inch in
height. They weigh nine ounces, and are valued at six
hundred dollars each.  The designs are the same except
on the ends.
On one end of Captain Hudson's box is a representation
of the landing of the Cable at Trinity Bay, the officers and
crew of the Niagara standing uncovered, and Captain
Hudson offering up prayer.  On the other end is a scene
illustrative of the taking in of the Cable on board the
Niagara.
On one end of Captain Preedy's box is a representation
of the landing of the Cable at Valentia Bay (Ireland); and
on the other, a scene illustrative of the coiling of the
Cable on board of the Agamemnon.
On one end of Mr. Everett's box is a portrait of that
ingenious inventor, standing by the paying-out machine,
on the deck of the ship, while the Cable is being reeled
off. On the other end is a scene in the work-shop, where
he is represented studying out the plan of the machinery
while it is in the course of construction.
The medals were plain discs of gold, three inches in
diameter, each weighing six ounces of solid gold, and
valued at three hundred dollars.  Each medal is surrounded by coils of Cable, that supply the place of raised




165
edges; the surfaces are highly polished, and the engravings are executed in as high a style of art as those on the
boxes.
On the obverse of the medal presented to Captain Dayman, is a fine view of the Niagara going into Trinity Bay,
with the Gorgon acting as pilot.
On the obverse of that presented to Captain Aldham is
a like view of the Agamemnon, with the Valorous in
the background.
The obverse of Engineer Woodhouse's medal is the
most elaborately ornamented of the three. It shows upon
the lower half a reduced copy of the scene on the lids of
the boxes, of the rendezvous in mid-ocean, and the splicing
of the Cable. Upon the upper half are two very accurate
drawings of the paying-out and brake machinery in use
on board the principal ships.
The reverse of all the medals is the same, the designs
being the arms of the city of New York, with a space left
for an inscription.
The boxes and medals, as well as the mountings of the
pieces of Cable around which the addresses were rolled,
were. the work of the world-renowned jewelers, Messrs.
Tiffany & Co., of this city, and were got up in the usual
elegant and tasteful style, both as to workmanship and
general appearance, for which that firm is so justly
famed.
In addition to the medals and boxes furnished for presentation by the city to the chiefs of the expedition,
Messrs. Tiffany & Co. were directed to prepare sixty-five




166
other medals, to be presented by the Chamber of Commerce to those engaged in the enterprise. Nine of these
mnedals weighed five ounces each, and were three inches
in diameter. These were presented to the parties most
prominent in the projecting and carrying out of the undertaking. The happily conceived inscription of award occupied the upper and lower extremes of the reverse face,
leaving an intermediate surface, upon which was a finely
wrought bas-relief representing the connecting of the
Cable in mid-ocean. The design ornamenting the obverse
face is essentially emblematic; the centre of this surface
bears an exact delineation of the Atlantic hemisphere.
Supporting the globe, on either hand, are the figures of
Columbia and Britannia. Columbia, garbed as an Indian
Queen, bearing  upon her right shoulder a well-filled
quiver, upon her head an aboriginal diadem of eagle's
feathers, in her left hand an olive branch, and in her right
an end of the Cable, while at her feet reposes the national
bird.  Facing the friendly  countenance of Columbia
stands the British Tutelar, at whose feet the lion peacefully reclines-emblematic of the friendship that has been
cemented.
The base upon which.this fine sculpture stands is a
plain Grecian entablature, beneath which appears the seal
of the New York Chamber of Commerce, supported on
either side by the shields of the United States and England. A winged figure of Concord hovering over the
globe and offering an olive crown to each national genius,
completes this fine design.
The smaller medals were each of the weight of three
ounces, measuring two and a half inches in diameter, and




167
proportionately thick.  The reverse of these is in all
respects identical with the large medals, but upon the obverse the artist has introduced the figures of Commerce
and Science, as supporting the globe, in the place of
Columbia and Britannia. As in the larger medal, the
happy idea of surrounding the sphere with a Cable, which
is held on each side by the characteristic Genius, is likewise produced in this medal.  A Dove, instead of the
winged Concord, hovers over the globe, and completes the
design. These medals were presented to the other officers
on board the vessels engaged in the operation of submerging the Cable.
THE FIREMEN'S PROCESSION.
The torchlight procession of the New York Fire Department was one of the most magnificent demonstrations
this city has ever seen.
While the military were yet marching back to their
quarters by companies, after the displays of the afternoon,
the fire companies began to march from all parts of the
city to the rendezvous on Fifth avenue. Broadway, during
the whole period which elapsed from the time the first processioR passed, to the hour at which the firemen marched
down Broadway, was choked with people and vehicles, so
that it was with the greatest difficulty the various fire
companies that marched up the thoroughfare made their
way. They gradually assembled at the place designated,
dressed in fire-cap, red shirt and black pants, according to
the printed regulations.
About 7 o'clock the first of the companies arrived, and




168
all had formed into marching order before the proceedings
in the Crystal Palace terminated.
The scene on the avenue was one of great excitement.
The sidewalks were crowded, and the companies, as they
came on the ground, saluted each other with hearty cheers.
The line was formed in eleven divisions, as follows:
First Division, on Fifth avenue, right on Fortieth street.
Second Division, on Fifth avenue, right on Thirty-seventh
street.
Third Division, on Fifth avenue, right on Thirty-fourth
street.
Fourth Division, on Fifth avenue, right on Thirty-first
street.
Fifth Division, on Fifth avenue, right on Twenty-eighth
street.
Sixth Division, on Fifth avenue, right on Twenty-fifth
street.
Seventh Division, on Fifth avenue, right on Twentysecond street.
Eighth Division, on Fifth avenue, right on Nineteenth
street.
Ninth Division, on Fifth avenue, right on Sixteenth street.
Tenth Division, on Fifth avenue, right on Thirteenth
street.
Eleventh Division, on Fifth avenue, right on Tenth street.




169
At ten minutes to 10 o'clock, the assemblage in the
Crystal Palace withdrew, and at 10 o'clock the head of the
procession started.
Down Forty-second street to Sixth avenue they marched,
receiving the city authorities and their guests, who accompanied the procession in carriages. Thence, headed by
deputations of policemen from the Tenth and Thirteenth
Precincts, commanded by Sergeant Waterbury, they
marched down Sixth avenue, then down Broadway; from
Broadway, at Union Square, they made a detour, and
marched round the equestrian statue of Washington, then
returned to Broadway, down which they marched to the
City Hall park, and passed through the eastern entrance.
At one o'clock they were dismissed. The passage of the
procession through Broadway was a scene of unrivaled
splendor. The sidewalks were crowded with the populace.
The balconies, the windows, the house-tops, were filled with
people. Almost every house was illuminated, and the
decorations that we have already described as being visible
during the day, shone with heightened effect and redoubled
lustre. The street was clear as noonday, and while the
brilliant pageant was passing, afforded a spectacle of popular rejoicing such as has been rarely, if ever, witnessed on
this'continent. The procession appeared in the following
order:
FIRST DIVISION.
Assistant Engineer, John Decker, Marshal.
The Veteran Association of Exempt Firemen.
Ex-Chief and Ex-Assistant Engineers.




170
Board of Fire Commissioners,
Edward Brown,         Wmn. A. Freeborn,
William Wright,       Andrew Craft,
John W. Schenck:
Officers and Trustees of New York Fire Department Fund.
Dodworth's renowned cornet band, of forty pieces.
Chief Harry Howard, Grand Marshal.
Assistant Engineers John A. Cregier and John Baulch.
Special Aids.
Exempt Engine Company, Zophar Mills, foreman; mustering about seventy exempt firemen, without torches.
The machine, which is the largest in the Department, was
brilliantly illuminated with a large calcium light.
Marion Engine Company No. 9, James Hayes, foreman;
mustering sixty men, marching four abreast, escorting the
Fire Department Banner, which was carried by sixteen
men, who were alternately relieved as the procession passed
along the route of march.
Hook and Ladder Company No. 12, Jaso A. Carolin, foreman; mustering fifty men, headed by Dodworth's Band, of
forty pieces, following the Fire Department Banner. The
truck had been lately rebuilt, painted, and gilt. On the top
of the apparatus was a very brilliant light, furnished by Prof.
B. L. Budd, of' the Medical College in Thirteenth street.
This was relieved by about thirty brilliant truck lights.
This is the largest truck in the city.
Hudson Engine Company, No. 1, John Hammell, foreman, turned out sixty men. The engine was decorated
with colors. Sixty torches in line.




171
Marion No. 9, Jas, Hayes, foreman, seventy men;. carrying the magnificent banner Qf the Fire Department, which
was an object of great interest to the immense multitude
of spectators.
Friendship Engine No. 12, James A. Carolin, foreman,
fifty men. Professor Budd, of the Medical College, in
Thirteenth street, furnished the company with a dioptric
lens, which was quite a feature of the procession. Signals
and lamps were used in abundance, so that Friendship was
universally admired.
Hudson Engine No. 1, John Hamnill, foreman, sixty
men. This machine had a large drummond light, and was
handsomely decorated.
Knickerbocker Hose No. 2. This company turned out
thirty men, and presented a most creditable appearance,
Independence Hose No. 3, John V. Dalton, foreman,
thirty-five men. This cart was appropriately festooned
and illuminated.
Whitworth's Band.
Eagle Hose No. 1, Walter Smith, foreman, thirty men.
It carried a Riddle's reflector, and looked remarkably
well.
Excelsior Engine No. 2, De Lancey W. Knevels, foreman; sixty men. There was a handsome calcium light on
the top of' this engine, together with appropriate decorations.
Marion Hose No. 4, Theodore Hiller, foreman, thirty




172
men.  This hose had a splendid plume, and was illuminated with Chinese lamps.
Telegraph Brass Band.
Niagara Engine No. 4, R. W. Adams, foreman, paraded
sixty men. Upon the top of the machine was Grant's
calcium light, surrounded by eight smaller lights on the
arms of the engine.
Protection Engine No. 5, Win. C. Lyons. This engine
was ornamented with various colored ribbons, and the
company turned out fifty men.
Mutual Hook and Ladder, No. 1, George A. Hilton,
foreman. This truck, which has seen ten years' service,
was surmounted by a large gilt eagle. The signal was
decorated with ribbons of various colors. Six lamps were
suspended between the wheels; and two lighted torches
attached to the back of the ladders. On one side was a
strip of white canvas, as long as the truck, on which was
inscribed in large letters, " The Field is ours." On the
other side a similar strip bore the words, " The Atlantic
Telegraph, the bridge of thought." From the eagle's
beak American flags floated to both ends of the truck.
SECOND DIVISION.
Assistant Engineer Peter N. Cornwell, Marshal.
Robertson's Band.
Americus Engine No. 6, William Anspake, foreman;
eighty men. This machine looked remarkably well. The




173
goddess of Liberty sat in her temple, an eagle soared on
the top, flags were suspended from the side,. and the engine lit up with variegated lamps.
Croton Hose No. 6, George R. Conner, foreman; thirty
men. A large number of fancy lamps were suspended
from this cart.
Lexington Engine No. 7, Samuel Cheshire, foreman;
sixty men. This engine had a large drummond light, and
fifty lamps of various colors.
City Hose No. 8, Charles H. Cornell, foreman; bouquets of real and artificial flowers ornamented this company's carriage. Two twisted coils of blue, white, and red
ribbons, emblematical of the cable, were suspended from
the rear. The members of this company numbered twentysix.
Columbian Hose No. 9, John L. Herbell, foreman;
thirty men. This hose was illuminated by twenty-five
lamps.
Paterson Band.
Ringgold Hose No. 7, A. Winham, foreman; thirty
men. This hose cart was beautifully adorned. On the
top of the cupola were the names of the Niagara and
Agamemnon, while on another part of the cart the names
of Field, Hudson, and Everett could be seen.
Water Witch Engine No. 50, paraded forty men. The
machine presented a very imposing appearance.
Liberty Hose No. 10, thirty men. Their carriage was
very tastefully arrayed with flowers.




174
Chelsea Hook and Ladder No. 2, Stephen S. Mitchell,
foreman; fifty men. This truck was illuminated with
lamps of various colors.
Seventy-First Regiment Drum Corps.
New York Hose No. 5, F. Raymond, foreman; twentyeight men. In front of the carriage were six dark lanterns, and at other parts lanterns.
THIRD DIVISION.
Assistant Engineer Elisha Kingsland, Marshal.
Fort Schuyler Band.
Manhattan Engine No. 8, Robert C. Brown, foreman;
seventy men. This machine had an elephant on the top, and
splendid signals, and was illuminated by ten large lamps.
The men wore drab pantaloons, and presented a fine appearance.
Gulick Hose No. 11, E. G. Robertson, foreman, paraded
thirty-six men. Immediately surmounting the hose was a
splendid eagle, surrounded with the American colors; in
front was a complete model of the Jefferson Market Fire
Bell-tower, with a bell in the centre, and the whole tower
illuminated.
East River Engine No. 17, Christopher Reynolds, foreman; sixty men. This machine was handsomely ornamented
with lanterns and flags, and a portion of the Atlantic Cable,
furnished by the Chief Engineer of the Niagara, was placed
in a conspicuous position.




175
Jackson Hose No. 13, Archibald Irvine, foreman; thirty
men. This cart carried a portion of the Atlantic Cable,
and was beautifully decorated with lamps of various colors.
Excelsior Hose No. 14, thirty men. They presented a
very imposing appearance.
Eleventh Regiment Band.
Lafayette Engine No. 19, fifty men. The machine was
richly decorated with some sixty odd lights.
Tompkins Hose No. 16, Alex. Ferris, foreman; thirty
men. This cart was illuminated with lamps.
Union Eng'ne No. 18, Jas. Conolly, foreman; sixty
men. This engine was illuminated with Roman candles,
and looked well.
Phenix Hook and Ladder No. 3, James Galway, foreman; paraded fifty men. A drummond light adorned the
centre of the truck, accompanied with forty lights.
Clinton Hose, No. 17, Laurence Dalton, foreman; thirty
men. This hose was tastefully festooned.
FOURTH DIVISION.
Assistant Engineer W. T. Mawbey, Marshal.
Shelton's Band.
Oceanus Engine No. 11, James Wildley, foreman; paraded fifty men. A large drummond light surmounted the
box, in front of which was a deer's head.




176
Franklin Hose No. 18, D. J. Conley, foreman. A large
gilt eagle surmounted this carriage, and held in its beak a
wreath of flowers; an American flag was wrapped around
the hose reel. The carriage was illuminated by thirty
colored lanterns. In front was a transparency bearing the
following:
1752               FRANKLIN.               1 52
"Franklin reared the kite that found the spark;
Morse sent it on from zone to zone;
Field spanned old Ocean's briny depths:
America, the work's thine own."
This company turned out forty men.
America Hose No. 19, Walter W. Adams, foreman;
paraded thirty men. Over the jacket was the following
transparency:
" Electricity-Franklin bottled it and left it a legacy to this
country. Morse uncorked it and invited all the nations to partake thereof."
Upon the reverse side was:
" AMAERICA HOSE No. 19."
Turl's Brass Band.
Harry Howard Hook and Ladder No. 11, Charles N.
Kent, foreman; fifty men.  This truck was an object of
attraction, and called forth the plaudits of the spectators,
and deservedly so.
Phenix Hose No. 22, paraded thirty odd men; they were
dressed in the regular uniform, and, with their carriage,
attracted considerable attention.




177
Protector Engine No. 22, Caleb Sears, foreman; an illuminated signal in the shape of a fire hat surmounted this
engine. A number of lamps were strung along the brakes,
which produced a very pleasing effect. No. 22 paraded
fifty members.
Thomas Manahan's Brass Band.
Eagle Engine No. 13, John Healy, foreman. American
flags were wrapped around the reels of-this engine in front
and rear. A number of lamps were hung on the brakes or
handles. The company mustered sixty men.
Humane Hose No. 20, Jared A. Timpson, foreman.This company mustered thirty men. The front of the
carriage was decorated with American and British flags
intertwined.
Eagle Hook and Ladder No. 4 paraded thirty-five men,
and had their truck very finely decorated.
Band.
Washington Engine No. 20 John Roberts, foreman.This engine held between its "arms" a model of the
Niagara, about three feet long, the work of one of the
members. On the front of it was a drummond light. Fifty
members turned out.
Hudson Hose No. 21 paraded thirty men; they attracted
considerable attention along the line on Broadway.
United States Engine No. 23 was also out with sixty
men. This engine was illuminated with lanterns.
12




178
FIFTH DIVISION.
Assistant Engineer Timothy L. West, Marshal.
Stewart's Band.
Columbian Engine No. 14, R. Rogers, foreman. This
engine was decorated with artificial flowers. From its front
the figure of an elephant was suspended, and from the back
hung the representation of a lion. Eight members, bearing
lights, marched by the side of the machine. The company
turned out sixty men.
Perry Hose No. 23, A. V. Davison, foreman, paraded
thirty men. In the centre of the carriage was a mammoth
cock, with the words "victory" flying from its mouth; a
large feather adorned the front of the carriage.
National Hose No. 24, S. Burhans, Jr., foreman, paraded
thirty men; decorated with lights and lanterns.
Union Hook and Ladder No. 5, Adam Hipp, foreman,
fifty men. This ladder company looked well, but had no
extra adornment.
Jackson Engine No. 24; paraded about sixty men. Their
engine attracted much attention.
Edward Manahan's Brass Band.
Fulton Engine No. 21, James M'Cullough, foreman. In
front of this engine, which was illuminated by ten camphene lamps hung around it, and by a number of torches,
was a large American flag. Fulton engine turned out the
full compliment of sixty men.




179
United States Hose No. 25, Hugh'Gallagher, foreman.
The American and British flags waved over this hose carriage. The British flag used on this occasion was presented to the company by the garrison of Windsor, Canada. A large and fierce-looking wild cat, captured expressly for and presented to the company by their friends in
Detroit (Michigan), was perched on: the hose reel, and held a
lantern in his mouth. This company turned out thirty men.
Williamsburgh Brass Band.
Cataract Engine No. 25, William Lamb, foreman, sixty
men. This engine was also beautifully illuminated, and
surmounting it was a buck's head enveloped in flags.
Fourth Regiment Brass Band.
Howard Engine No. 34, J. L. Coe, foreman, paraded
sixty men. The engine was very tastefully decorated with
flags and lights —twenty-five lanterns being hung at various
portions of the machine.
Rutgers Hose No. 26, James M. Petty, foreman; thirty
men. A large number of lamps of various colors were suspended from this hose in a tasteful manner.
Jefferson Engine No. 26, John Ford, foreman; fifty
men. This Engine is herself an artistic and beautiful piece
of mechanism, and required no decorations. "Beauty,
when-unadorned's adorned the most."




180
SIXTH DIVISION.
Assistant Engineer James F. Wenman, Marshal.
Governor's Guard Band.
Amity Hose No. 38, Isaac M. Barnby, foreman, paraded
twenty-six men. The carriage was adorned with a large
map of the world, over which was a massive colored light
representing the globe, with the word "Amity" at the
top. Each man also carried a lantern in his hand.
Neptune Hose No. 27, John H. Corballis, foreman. The
hose carriage belonging to this company was surmounted
by a silver eagle; it was plainly, but tastefully, decorated.
The company was represented in the procession by thirty
members.
Metamora Hose No. 29, J. E. Conklin, foreman, paraded
thirty men. Carriage well trimmed with flowers and ribbons.
Hook and Ladder No. 6, James Kellock, foreman, fifty
men. In the centre of the truck was a large field piece, in
front of which was the coat of arms of the Fire Department.
GCuardian Engine No. 29, Eli Bates, foreman, paraded
sixty men; engine tastefully decorated, accompanied with
lights.
Knickerbocker Band.
Knickerbocker Engine No. 12, Jacob W. Cooper, foreman; fifty men. A live eagle, three and a half feet in height,




181
was placed on the top of this engine and attracted much
attention.
Laurel Hose No. 30, James H. Arnold, foreman; thirty
men. This cart was lit up by red and white colored lanterns.
Index Hose No. 32, William Holden, assistant foreman
in command; thirty men. It was decorated with flags
and beautiful flowers.
SEVENTH DIVISION.
Assistant Engineer Edward W. Jacobs, Marshal,
Connell's Brass Band.
Black Joke Engine No. 33, was beautifully adorned
with flags and lit up with variegated lamps. Sixty men
appeared and contributed no little to the display.
Warren Hose No. 33, John D. Craft, foreman; thirty-five
men. The carriage was very tastefully decorated with
flags.
Lafayette Hose No. 34, John Irvine, foreman; thirty
men: This cart had a large plume on top, and was enveloped in flags.
Chatham Engine No. 15, David S. Baker, foreman, seventy men. The engine was not adorned, but signals were
suspended from it, and the company made an excellent
turn-out.
Columbus Engine No. 36, paraded fifty men, and made




182
a very fine appearance; the machine was trimmed offwith
a great deal of taste.
Baltic Hose No. 35, James H. Bell, foreman, paraded
thirty-six men. Carriage trimmed with American flags.
Empire Band.
Empire Hook and Ladder No. 8, John C. Everett, foreman; fifty men. This ladder had a large number of lights
and forty-eight torches.
Equitable Engine No. 36, was festooned with flowers,
adorned with flags, and brilliantly illuminated. They
turned out sixty men.
Empire Hose No. 40, William Evans, foreman, paraded
thirty men. Upon the top of the reel jacket was a large
drummond light. On either side of the carriage was the
likeness of J. A. Cregier, assistant engineer, James L. Miller, David Mulligan and John Kittleman. No. 40's carriage was about one of the finest in the procession; being
new it attracted no, little attention.
EIGHTH DIVISION.Assistant Engineer G. Joseph Ruch, Marshal.
Wallace's Band.
Southwark Engine No. 38, George T. Alker, foreman,
made a splendid display. The engine, which is a firstclass one, was drawn by four of Adams' Express Company's horses-known as the "6 string teams"  The horses'




183
heads were decorated with red, white and blue plumes.
The company turned out the full number allowed, and
were accompanied by several honorary members of many
years' standing. They were lavish of Roman candles and
Bengal lights, and were headed by Wallace's band.
Naiad Hose No. 53, Wm. H. Shumway, foreman. In
fiont of the hose carriage was a transparency, representing
the two Atlantic telegraph stations and the telegraph
itself on its couch beneath the waves. Six naiads were
pictured giving expression to their joy at the presence
among them of the illustrious stranger. On the rear was
another transparency with the motto, " The Electric Spark
-one we would not extinguish."  Sixteen flags of different nations, among which were the Americatl, English,
French and Belgian standards, were festooned at each corner. In pans attached to the centre of the panel or reel,
Bengola lights were kept continually burning. The company turned out thirty members.
Tradesmen's Engine No. 37. This machine was magnificently festooned and brilliantly illuminated. Sixty men
marched in the parade.
Madison Hose No. 37, Simon V. Wooley, foreman; thirty
men.' This cart -was adorned with flags and lit up with
various colored lamps.
Lady Washington Engine No. 40, Joseph H. Hutton,
foreman. On the top of this engine was a large carved
eagle holding in its beak the American and English flags.
It was illuminated by several lamps and a drummond
light. Sixty members had turned out.
Band.




184
Washington Hook and Ladder No. 9, John H. Forman;
fifty men. This truck had an immense drummond light, a
large flag and countless colored lamps.
Pacific Engine No. 28, Samuel M. Simpson, foreman;
fifty men. This machine attracted the attention of the
crowd; an immense calcium light, and one hundred and
fifty lamps, illuminating it, together with banners.
Metropolitan Hose No. 39, Hugh Hanley, foreman; thirty
men. This hose was illuminated with lamps.
Manhattan Engine No. 43 also attracted considerable attention, the machine being appropriately adorned and lit
with a great number of colored lamps. Fifty men paraded,
in the regular uniform, and looked well.
Pioneer Hose No. 43; was also tastefully decorated.
Thirty men paraded.
NINTH DIVISIOiN.
Assistant Engineer John Brice, Marshal.
Fifty-fifth Regiment Band.
Empire Engine No. 4:i, Richard P. Moore, foreman.
This engine was lighted with twenty Chinese lanterns of
various colors. The members of the company paraded in
a new uniform, viz.: gray shirts, black pants and neckerchiefs; they numbered fifty men.
Mazeppa Engine No. 48, Jeremiah Foley, foreman;
sixty men. This engine was decorated with flags and illuminated with lamps.




185
Mazeppa Hose No. 42, John Lee, foreman; thirty men.
This cart carried a large drummond light and a quantity
of lamps.
Narragansett Hook and Ladder No. 10. The truck
looked well, and the members of the company bore themselves handsomely,
Franklin Engine No. 39, looked exceedingly well, and
her members mustered in respectable numbers.
Adkins' Washington Brass Band.
Clinton Engine No. 41, Anson Alaire, foreman; sixty
men. This engine was polished in a beautiful manner, and
attracted considerable attraction.
Alert Hose No. 41, Win. McLaughlan, foreman, thirty
men. This hose cart was decorated with American flags,
and illuminated with lamps,
Washington Irving Hose No. 44. The members of this
company presented an imposing appearance; their carriage
was tastefully decorated,
Excelsior Band.
Valley Forge Hose No. 46, Edward L. Cobb, foreman;
thirty men. This hose was brilliantly illuminated, and
looked beautiful.
Mechanics' Hose No. 47, Cornelius N. Wright, foreman;
thirty men. This hose cart was not decorated in an unusual manners




186.
Mazeppa Engine No. 48, jeremiah Foley, foreman.
This company turned out sixty men, and their machine
was decorated with flags and illuminated by lamps of
various colors.
TENTH DIVISION.
Assistant Engineer Daniel Donovan, Marshal.
Bronck's Band.
Marion Hook and Ladder No. 13, E. A. Gregory, foreman; fifty men. This company had a large lamp, an
eagle and variegated lamps.
Americus Hose No. 48 had thirty men, and looked admirably.
Pocahontas Engine No. 49. This engine was splendidly
decorated.
Relief Hose No. 51 paraded with thirty men; the cart
was beautifully illuminated.
Sixty-ninth Regiment Drum Corps.
Hope Hose No. 51. This cart was very appropriately
illuminated and decorated.
Yorkville Band.
Aurora Engine No. 45. This machine was also very
handsomely decorated with flags and signals, and was brilliantly illuminated. Sixty men paraded.




187
Eureka Hose No. 54. This company's carriage was
ornamented with a number of bouquets of natural flowers,
several wreaths of artificial- flowers,i and  surmounted
by two American flags.:The members in the cortege
numbered forty men.
Lone Star Engine No. 50, sixty men, was brilliantly illuminated with a profusion of variegated lamps, the company having provided an extra number over the quantity
appropriated by the Corporation.
Undine Hose No. 52. This machine was handsomely fitted out with flags and lamps, and the men marched well.
Columbian Hook and Ladder No. 14, fifty men. This
truck was decorated with festoons, and illuminated with a
large number of lamps.
ELEVENTH DIVISION.
Assistant Engineer Wm. Hackett, Marshall.
Dodworth's Second Band.
-Baxter Hook and Ladder No. 15, This truck was
draped with American flags, and surmounted by a very
large-gilt eagle. It was illuminated by several blue, white
and red lanterns, and a drummond light blazed forth on
the fore part of the truck. The company numbered fifty
men, and was preceded by Dodworth's Second Band, of
thirty instruments.
Harry Howard Hose No. 55 paraded thirty men. Upon the carriage were ten beautiful lights, each member
also carrying a lantern in his hand.




188
Mutual Engine No. 51; sixty men. A splendid wreath
of flowers was placed in front of this engine, and in the
centre hung a huge lamp, while the American eagle was
placed in the rear and from its mouth six feet of the
Atlantic Cable was quite visible, affording Young America an opportunity to let off a stock of adjectives. Samuel
G. Jackson, a member of the company, was on board the
Niagara and furnished the Cable.
Nassau Hose No. 56. This company was out in good
force, and both the members and their carriage looked well.
Paulding Hose No. 57, John J. Reed, foreman, paraded
thirty men. Their carriage was beautifully decorated with
flowers and lanterns.
New Jersey Brass Band.
M. T. Brennan HIose No. 60, Walter Roche, foreman.
In front of this engine were American flags intertwined,
and on the top there was a powerful drummond light.
Thirty members of this company paraded.
Mlerchant Hose No. 58. The members of this company
made a very creditable turn-out, and were loudly applauded
by their friends.
This closed the procession, and, with it, closed one of
the most imposing displays of this age and country.
THE FIRtEWORKSO
All the day, from the moment the sun marked early
breakfast-time until he set ih a cloudless West, workmen




189
were putting up curious sticks and odd cross-bars along
the fiont of the dilapidated City Hall. These sticks and
bars were the foundations of a cable and two ships, with
all the accompaniments necessary to give the telegraph a
fiery salute. At nightfall the work was finished, or rather
so far finished that it was ready to be begun when eight
o'clock came.
While the firemen were getting their ropes in readiness,
and when their lamps were trimmed and burning, Mr. Lillienthal's men applied the torch to combustibles in front of
the City Hall, and a conflagration was the result. First
came a " Revolving Globe."  This had double revolutions,
spun round a spindle, and rotated in company with a
wheel that spun about in a contrary way; altogether
good, though two brilliant things were at cross-purposes.
Colored fires and lance-work formed the features of this
initial piece. And, when one was done at the west wing
of the Hall, another just like it fizzed away at the east
wing. So nobody was favored above his neighbor, and
all saw and shouted an approval.
For a few minutes after the " Revolving Globe" came
to a black finish, that immense, prodigious mass of people
stood patiently, while a little shower of rockets went up
towdtrds Heaven. Then came piece No. 2-a Polka Quadrille. This piece was eight feet long-its main part a
large wheel, bearing upon the ends of the spokes sundry
small Saxon wheels revolving rapidly in opposite directions, with red fires changing to green, and a general effect altogether very excellent.
There was another pause, and then Saturn and his Satel



190
lites., The centre of this piece was stationary.: Small
Saxon wheels revolved, displaying colored fires, and the
whole ended with colored fires and brisk cannon discharges.
The fourth was a Comnpound Saxon; Wheel-diameter five
feet, the spokes containing small Saxons, and ending, not
by cannon discharges, but with the evolutions of big
wheels and little wheels.
Four grand pieces had now been discharged; all good.
The finale was yet to come. Before, between all the pieces,
and after everything but this final " blaze of glory," the
men who were perched upon the very top of two high
platforms, placed one at each end of the Hall, threw high
into the air an almost-endless shower of the finest rockets,
bombs and projectiles of all sorts, that burst a mile or so
above, and sent down stars and golden rain to celebrate the
last of their existence. Mr. Lillienthal certainly-did great
things in the rocket line alone. The profusion was something extraordinary. The air was full of streaming lines of
light, trails of fiery serpents and clusters of stars. The scene,
with these buzzing and flashing, and the dense mass below
and all around shouting, and a path of silvery light passing
over the park trees from a calcium light over in Broadway,
was decidedly impressive.
The emblematic piece, which ended the show, was magnificent. It was an allegorical representation, founded on
the Cable-giving thanks for the Cable-illustrating and
illuminating the Cable.:The piece occupied the entire
front of the City Hall-wings and all. Its total length
was one hundred and eighty feet. At either end was a full
rigged ship, one the Niagara, the other the Agamemnon.




191
Each vessel was twenty feet from stem to stern; and the
height the same up to the peak of the mainmast. An entablature, one hundred and twenty feet long, stretched along
the front of the Hall, from wing to wing. This entablature
was supported by six pillars, twenty feet in height. Three
of these pillars were on either side of a rotating Maltese
cross. Along the face of the structure ran, in letters of fire,
this inscription:'" THE LAST NAVAL ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN COLUMBIA AND
BRITANNIA-A TIE."
Over this was old Father Neptune, reclining in his shell
in mid-ocean, his trident over his shoulder, and one hand
uplifted, holding a lighted cord-the Cable. The Cable
ran east to "our Eagle," west to "their Lion"-a surly
fellow, with his paw, holding fast his end of the cord.
Behind the eagle stood a herald, trumpeting fame; behind the lion stood another herald, trumpeting more fame.
Over all this show sprung an arch, bearing, in letters of
gold, these words:
" GOD HAS BEEN WITH US:'To HIM BE ALL THE GLORY."
The Cable springing from mid-ocean, the ships that payed
out the Cable, the pious telegram sent over the wires to
announce the great result, the double-barreled pun in the
first inscription, the grand demonstration that wound up
the whole-elicited continuous shouts of approbation.
The entire populace-and how many tens of thousands
there were packed into the park, we don't like to venture
to peril our veracity by stating —gave a universal verdict
on this occasion, that the Cable was a great event.




192
Such an impenetrable mass of' human beings it could
hardly be said had ever assembled before within the city
of New York. The crowd was dense enough during the
day, but night brought people to the City Hall by tens of
thousands. They were crammed together under the trees,
straining every muscle to obtain a glimpse of the display;
and far away, toward the Astor House, the throng extended
in undiminished density. It is certainly safe to say that at
least one hundred thousand people were present. Over
this huge throng, which swayed to and fro with every
impulse, the blue and red lights ever and anon shed an unearthly glare. It was a deeply impressive sight; and the
"sea of upturned faces," reddened by the glow, were grander far to witness than any pyrotechnic display that could be
invented. At length the exhibition was brought to a close,
with the piece which we have already described. The
people got into motion, and as they slowly moved from the
park, in the most perfect order, a parti-colored illumination
once more lightened up every place-and then all was dark
once more.
And thus ended the first day's celebration of the laying
of the Atlantic Cable.
THE MUNICIPAL BANQUET.
In accordance with the arrangements made by the Joint
Committee of the Common Council, the grand municipal
banquet given by the Corporation to Cyrus W. Field, Esq.,
and officers of Her Britannic Majesty's steamship Gorgon
and United States steam frigate Niagara, in commemoration of the laying of the Atlantic Cable, came off at the
Metropolitan Hotel, Broadway, on the evening of Sep



193
tember 2d. The dining-hall was elaborately: and -:tastefully decorated with flags and devices appropriate to
the occasion; on the left side of the head of the table of
honor'was hung  a' copy of Winterhalter's celebrated
painting of Queen Victoria, and on the other side a painting of President Buchanan. Between the two was a portrait of Mr. Cyrus W. Field. Underneath the latter was
the inscription:
" [PEACE ON EARTH, GOOD-WILL TO MIEN."
Over the portrait the flags of the United States and
Great Britain were gracefully interfolded, and a portion
of the Submarine Cable was looped to the ceiling above
it and carried in festoons throughout the room. From the
side walls hung out the flags of' various nations, and from
the central chandelier were spread over the ceiling the
flags of England, France, Russia and the United States.
In the spaces between the windows were hung strips of
canvas bearing respectively the names of Franklinf, Bright,
Berryman, Everett, Woodhouse, Otter and Dayman. In
the centre of the room, opposite the orchestra, was a portrait of lMorse, with the inscription:
" TIIE ELEVATION OF MANKIND."'44THE ELECTRIC TRIDENT, WAKING TO LIFE THE
UNCIVILIZED WORLD."
On the opposite side of the room, in front of the music
gallery, was the inscription in the centre:
"THE ATLANTIC CABLE.
AN AUDIENCE OF THE WORLD, WITH HOSANNAS,
WELCOMES GENIUS."
13




194
And at either side the inscriptions:
"THE OCEAN ECHO.
"' SILENT IN ITS COURSE BENEATH THE WAVES, YET ELOQUENT IN ITS THUNDERS THROUGH TWO'HEMISPHERES."
"TILE ELECTRIC SPARK.
FRANKLIN PLAYED WITH THE CLOUDS -ABMERICAN
GENIUS GAVE SPEECH TO THE OCEAN."
The following is a copy of the bill of fare. It was
headed by an engraving of telegraphic operators sending
and receiving messages on either side of the Atlantic, and
its border was a representation of the Atlantic Cable.
OYSTERS ON THE HALF-SHELL.
Sotups.
Green Turtle.             Gumbo, with rice.
Fish.
Boiled Fresh Salmon, lobster sauce.
Broiled Spanish Mackerel, Steward's sauce.
Boiled.
Turkey, oyster sauce.        Leg of Mutton, caper sauce
Boast.
Ribs of Beef.         Young Turkey.
Lamb, mint sauce.
Ham, champagne sauce.           Chickens, English sauce.
Cold Dishes.
Boned Turkey, with jelly.
PAtes of Game, with truffles, Chicken Salad, lobster sauce.
Ham, sur socie, with jelly.




195
Entrees.
Tenderloin of Beef, larded, with mushroom sauce.
Lamb Chops, with green peas.
Chartreuse of Partridges, Madeira sauce.
Forms of Rice, with small vegetables.
Timbale of Macaroni, Milanaise style.
Wild Ducks, with olives.
Breast of Chickens, truffle sauce.
Soft Shell Crabs, fried plain.
Stewed Terrapin, American style.
Squabs, braisees, gardener's sauce.
Sweetbreads, larded, with string beans.
Fricandeau of Veal, larded, with small carrots.
Flounders, stuffed, with fine herbs.
Reed Birds, Steward's sauce.
Broiled Turtle Steaks, tomato sauce.
Croquettes of Chickens, with fried parsley.
Tenderloin of Lamb, larded, poivrade sauce.
Pluvier, on toast, Italian sauce.
Relishes.
Pickled Oysters.            Raw Tomatoes.
Spanish Olives.           Celery.             Currant Jelly.
Game.
Partridges, bread sauce.   Broiled English Snipe.
Vegetables.
Boiled and Mashed Potatoes.
Sweet Potatoes.
Stewed Tomatoes.         Lima Beans.
Pastry.
Apple Pies.            Peach Pies.            Custard Pies.
Pineapple Pies.           Pumpkin Pies.
Plum Pies.




196
Plum Pudding.                Cabinet Pudding.
Fancy Ornamented Charlotte  Madeira Jelly.
Russe.                     Punch Jelly.
Maraschino Jelly.            Fancy Blanc Mange.
Fancy Fruit Jelly.           Spanish Cream.
Pineapple Salad.             Swiss:Meringues.
Gateaux Neapolitan style.    Champagne Jelly.
Peach Meringues.
Confectionery.
Meringues, a la creme, va-  Quince Soufflde.
nilla flavor.            Vanilla Sugar Almonds.
Rose Almonds.             Fancy Diamond Kisses.
Fancy Lady's Cake.        Preserved Almond KissesOrnamented Macaroons.    Dominos of Biscuit.
Mint Cream Candy.         Fancy Variety Candy.
Butterflies of Vienna Cake.  Roast Almonds.
Savoy Biscuit.            Conserve Kisses.
Variety Glace Fruit.      Chocolate Biscuit.
VANILLA ICE CREAM.
Dessert.
Almonds,    Peaches,    Pecan Nuts.    Grenoble Nuts.
Hot House Grapes.    Citron Melons.
Raisins.       Bartlet Pears.       Filberts.
COFFEE.
Among the confectionery ornaments of the table were
pieces representative of
Queen Victoria, of Great Britain.
James Buchanan, President of the United States.
Cyrus W. Field, with his Cable.
Professor Morse, as Inventor of the Telegraph.
Dr. Benjamin Franklin.




197
The operative: Telegraph of the Metropolitan Hotel.
The N:iagara MAan-of-War of the United States.
The Agamemnon and Niagara paying out the Cable.
Cyrus ~W. Field, surrounded'by the flags of all nations.
The Coat of Arms of all nations, on a pyramid.
Pocahontas, with real American design.
Grand ornamented Fruit Vase.
Sugar Tower, with variety decorations.'Fruit Basket, supported by dolphins.
Fancy decorated Flower Vase.
Lyre,: surmounded with cornucopia of Flowers.
Pyramid of Cracking Bonbons.
Sugar Harp, with floral decorations.
Scotch Warrior, mounted.
White Sugar Ornament.      Ornamented Sugar Tower.
Temple of Liberty.         Temple of Music.
Frosting Tower.            Flower Pyramid.
Tribute Temple.            Pagodi Pyramid.
Ethiopian Tower.           Floral Vase, decorated.
Frosting Pyramid.  Mounted Church.
Chinese Pavilion.          Triumphant Temple.
Variety Pyramid.           Fancy Sugar Temple.
Temple of Art.
The Chasir was occupied by his Honor Daniel: F. Tiemann,
Mayor of the city of lNew York. At his right sat Cyrus
W. Field, Captain Dayman, of the Gorgon; Mr. Everett,
United States Navy; Mr. E. W. Archibald, British Consul;
Governor: King, Archbishop  Hughes, Rev. Dr. Field,
father of Cyrus W. Field4; Rev. Dr. Adams and Wilson G.




198
Hunt. At his left sat Lord Napier, British Minister to
Washington; Captain Hudson, of the Niagara; Rev. Dr.
Ogilby, of Trinity Church; Peter Cooper, the Bolivian
Consul, General Sandford and Lieutenant M. F. Maury.
Besides the distinguished and prominent citizens of New
York who were present, there were also present as guests,
Count Viscomte, B. Mitchell, T. N. Roberts, and F. B.
Butler, of H. B. M. steamship Gorgon; Captain W. Rose
Hall, and Lieutenants Hugh Davis, L. A. Bell, Josiah C.
Cole, A. H. Trainer, P. C. Johnstone, and A. T. Kingstone, of H. B. M. ship Indus; Lords Ribblesdale, R.
Grosvenor, and F. Cavendish, Hon. John M. Young, of
Canada, Henry T. O'Reilly, Sefior Ferrera, H. C. M. Mlinister, Hon. J. E. Ward, of Georgia, Hon. Henry R. Jackson, United States Minister to Austria, Isaac N. AMarks, of
New Orleans, ex-Governor Rodman M. Price, of New Jersey,
Sefior Aguilar, the Brazilian Consul, Robert Bunce,
British Consul for North and South Carolina, Mr. Edwards,
British Vice-Consul, Professor Bache, of the Coast Survey,
Captains Shestakoff, Schwartz, Ivanschemko, Salmenioff,
and Belaventz, of the Russian Navy, and others of distinction.
The Presidents, members, and Secretaries of the Boards
of Aldermen, Councilmen, and Supervisors of the city,
members of the Judiciary and of the bar, also participated
in the celebration.
Many of the most illustrious and eminent among the invited guests, were unavoidably precluded from being present, much to the regret of the Committee.




199
Some of the letters of regret, most aptly expressing the
feelings animating the community, and the unanimity of
appreciation on the part of the representatives of other
nations upon this occasion, are herewith submitted.
[From His Excellency JAMIES BUCHANAN, President of the
United States.]
WASHINGTON, August 2S, 185S.
MY DEAR SIR-I have been honored by the very kind
invitation of the Mayor and Common Council of the city
of New York to be present at the festivities to take place
on the 1st proximo, and at the municipal dinner to be
given on the 2d, in celebration of the successful laying of
the Atlantic Telegraph Cable.
I cordially reciprocate their congratulations upon the
success of this wonderful enterprise. It is the miracle of
this age of miracles. From the very beginning, my sympathies were warmly enlisted in its favor, and my faith
was strong on its eventual success. Mr. Field inspired me
with a portion of his own ardent spirit in the cause.
Science taught us that it was possible; and this being the
case, Iknew that what was possible, would be, at last, accomnplished by the united skill, energy and perseverance of
Englishmen and Amnericans. May it prove a bond of perpetual friendship between the kindred nations!
No man can anticipate what will be its effects upon the
people of the two nations and upon the world. Like all
great and novel enterprises it may, in the commencement,
have some drawbacks. I am firm, however, in'the faith
that so mighty an agent for the extension of commerce be



200
tween the -nations iof the earth, and -for promoting  the
union of the world: in one vast brotherhood is designed by
an over-ruling Providence to confer lasting blessings!and
benefits on all mankind. Let us then rejoice!
Such being my sentiments, I deeply regret that the
pressure- of public business will deprive me of the privilege
of uniting with my fellow-citizens of New York in commemorating this great event.
Yours, very respectfully,
JAMES BUCHANAN.
THOMAS MiSPEDON,. Esq., Ch'airnan, 4Cc., 4/c.
[From ex-President MARTIN VAN BUREN.]
LINDENWALD, August 30, 1858.
DEAR SIR-I have had the satisfaction to receive,
through you, the congratulations of the Mayor and Common Council of the City of New York upon the successful
completion of the attempt to lay the Atlantic Telegraph
Cable. I beg you to assure them that I reciprocate, with
all my heart, the feelings they have expressed.
The great transaction -of which they speak:is one of
those remarkable events which address themselves too
forcibly to the hearts and minds of all, who feel and think,
to leave it in the power of words to increase their respect
or thankfulness for its accomplishment. It speaks its own
eulogy.
The Common Council have, also, through the same chan



201
nel, done me the honor to invite me to attend the festivities that are Lto take place, by their authority, in commemoration of the event; including a municipal dinner to
be given to Mir. Field, and to the officers of H. B. M.1 Steamship Gorgon and the U. S. Steamer Niagara.
Concurring very fully with the C6mmon Council in
their appreciation of the meritorious services of the recipients of their favorable notice, it would give me much
pleasure to Itake part in a festival designed to do them
honor; but I regret to say that I am constrained to deny
myself that gratification, Those who have contributed to
the' accomplishment of this great object, whether through
scientific improvements, or by their persevering efforts in
the successful application of them, are justly entitled to
the respect and gratitude of mankind; and the Common
Council do themselves much honor in bestowing testimonials of theirs, as far as they have found it practicable, upon
those who have assisted inl the advancement of this great
work.
Please,- sir, to present to'His Honor the -Mayor, and to
the: Honorable Council my respectful acknowledgments
for this proof of their regard, and believe me,
Very respectfully,:your obedient servant,
M. VAN BUREN.
THOMAS MCSPEDON, Esq.,
Chairman, 4c.
[Fromn the Hon.:LEwis CAss, Secretary of State.]
WASHINGTON, August 2S, 1858.
SIR-You will oblige me by tendering to the Joint




202
Committee of the Common Council my thanks for the
honor they have done me, by their invitation to attend the
festivities about to take place, in the city of New York, in
commemoration of the successful laying of the Atlantic
Telegraph; an event which commands, as it merits, the
universal admiration of the American people. I cannot be
with you upon that interesting occasion, for I shall be detained here by my public duties; but, though absent, I shall
fully participate in all those sentiments of national.pride
and of hope which the fortunate accomplishment of this
great enterprise is so well calculated to excite.
With great respect,
I am, sir,
Your obedient servant,
LEWIS CASS.
THOMAS MICSPEDON, Esq.,
Chairman, 4'c.
[From the Hon. HOWELL COBB, Secretary of the Treasury.]
WASHINGTON CITY, August 28, 1858.
DEAR SIR-I acknowledge and cordially reciprocate the
congratulations of the Mayor and Common Council of the
city of New York "upon the successful laying of the
Atlantic Telegraph Cable," which, by their direction, you
have comnaunicated to me.
I regret to say that my official engagements will prevent the acceptance of their invitation to be present at the
proposed " festivities," on the first of September next.
It is difficult to realize the fact, that this extraordinary




203
enterprise has been crowned with success. Reflections
upon the progress of science and the energy of man
fail to satisfy and quiet the mind startled by the contemplation of this wonderful result.
In the wisdom and power of God alone we read a solution of what, in any other view, would be incomprehensible.
Let us, then, do honor to the men whose science and
energy, under the guidance of Providence, have thus marked
the time in which we live as an era in the history of the
world's progress.
All speculation is.at failt in anticipating the ultimate
result's which may flow from the success of this enterprise.
Time alone can develop them.
I am, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
HOWELL COBB,
Secretary of the Tr'casury.
THoMAs  MCSPEDON, Esq.,
Chairmnan, 4c., New York City.
[From the Hon. J. THoMPsoN, Secretary of the Interior.]
DEPARTMENT OF TIlE INTERIOR,
WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 1858.
SIRn —Nothing but the imnperative demands of public
business would prevent my acceptance of your kind invitation to join the Mayor and Common Council in the fes



204
tivites to take place "in commemoration, of the successful
laying.of the Atlantic Telegrapih Cable," on the lst prox.;
as also at the municipal dinner to be.given at the Metropolitan Hotel on the evening of the 2d.
I should do myself injustice to deny my earnest desire
to be with you, to express my gratification at an event so
important, so wonderful, and so unexpected, even by the
most hopeful and intelligent. But the work, which is to
mark: and distinguish the age in which we live, is accomplished, and those who performed it'richly merit the consideration and distinction which the Mayor and Common
Council of your city so cheerfully and so justly accord
them. The country feels, and will readily acknowledge,
the honor which has been gained for it. The ciVilized
world will be electrified, and, leaving. the dead. past to
bury its dead, will awaken to new enterprises of "vast
pith and moment," by which the triumphs of peace and
science, now in obedience to that first great command of
God to man, to occupy and subdue the earth, will render
contemptible the achievements of arms.
The moral sense of the world, rendered more delicate by
the rapid circulation, along this great artery, of the religious sentiment of Christendom, will be shocked at the
ruffian nation which shall rely upon powder and lead to
enforce respect and deference for its rights. On the 5th
of August, 1858, an era was established which divides the
past from the future. The order was then given to all
civilized nations to ground arms against Christian man,
and that,. henceforth,. the engines of war for man's destruction should be employed only against the heathen and
the barbarian.




205
The completion of the magnificent fortress at Cherbourg
is an event which belongs to a barbaric age. Henceforth,
the kingdoms of-the earth must learn righteousness and do
justice. Henceforth, the wrongs which the weakest people shall suffer:will touch a chord, which, with the lightning's flash, will vibrate through the world. Let us, then,
rejoice and make glad, for a truly great and wonderful
work has been accomplished in this our day.
I regret that I cannot be personally with you.
With high regard,
Your obedient servant,
J. THOMPSON.
To THOIAxS McSPEDON,
Clhairman, 4- c.
[From the Hon. A. V. BnowN, Postmaster-General.,]
WASHINGTON, September 1,1 S58.
To the Common Council o: the City of New York:
GENTIEMEN —-I am not sure:that you ought to have inviteSd a Postmaster-General to be present at- your great
celebration.  The event you commemorate most emphatically smashes up his old stages, runs his cars off the track,
and plays the mischief with his post-office establishment
generally.
I remember when the first steamboat made- its appearance on one of our western rivers. Before- that time:, all
our trade and commerce were with::New Orleans, by flat



206
boats, commonly called " Broad horns."  When the magnificent steamer came dashing along and passed a fleet of
the " broad horns" with a speed that seemed incomprehensible, the hands, dropping their oars and stretching
their eyes wide with amazement, cried out "Farewell,
broad horns, forever."
What must now be the exclamation of my poor stagedrivers, crawling along at the rate of four miles per hour,
or of the little post-boy, bobbing along on his hard trotting horse, when he hears that the President and Queen
Victoria have been exchanging congratulations between
London and Washington in a single day. In all seriousness, if you New Yorkers shall continue in the notion of
stretching a cable from your own great city, I shall be
compelled to consider my Department as " seriously implicated."
The reflection has doubtless been consoling to my predecessors as well as to myself, that our Department was
essential to all the great as well as small concerns of mankind, but now how sad the mistake: congratulations between mighty potentates, proclamations of peace and of
war, orders between merchants and their distant factors,
messages of undying love and devotion-true or pretended
-all fly with the rapidity of lightning over our heads, looking down on our old fogy post-office arrangements with
scorn and contempt.
But, gentlemen, I wish you to understand that I do not
mean to surrender at discretion. One half of the news to
be transmitted from one place to another is bad news, and
nobody cares how slowly that goes; and so I hope, after
all, I can give the telegraph a pretty hard scuffle for one
half of the business, at least.




207
Pardon nie, gentlemen, for this apparent trifling with a
great subject. It is some little relief to the mind from
that intense feeling of exultation and joy which success in
laying the Cable has everywhere inspired. Time, space
and the ocean have been subdued. Three great American
names, Franklin, fMorse and Field, stand identified with
the noble work. May its blessings to mankind be commensurate with the grandeur of their achievement and the
immortality of their fame.
Very hastily, your obedient servant,
AARON V. BROWN.
[From His Excellency N. P. BANKS, Governor of'Iassachusetts.]
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS,  1
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, COUNCIL CHAMBER, i
BOSTON, Sept. 1, 1858.
GENTLEMEN-I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your kind invitation to a seat at the municipal
dinner, given to Cyrus WV. Field, Esq., and the officers of
the ship Gorgon and the frigate Niagara, " in commemoration of the laying of the Atlantic Cable." Imperative
official duties will deprive me of the pleasure of meeting
you; but I cannot withhold an expression of my own
grateful feelings, which I am sure will mingle with your
more general joy, for the success of the great work you
celebrate.
It is perhaps impossible for us exactly to measure the
influences which instant communication between the European and American continents will work upon the industrial interests of our country. All the great inventions and
discoveries of the last three centuries have contributed




208
incalculably to the elevation of industrial pursuits. They
have enlarged the resources of men and enabled tlhem  to
supply their - constantly incretasing wants.  Humanity
keeps: pace with material prosperity, and the development
of great truths: in the material world seems to contribute
as directly to. the equality of men and- the welfare of the
human family as the highest progression in institutions of
government. As it has been in other. cases it will: be in
this, the greatest of all. The power of an: international
and oceanic telegraph is so; vast" as to place it beyond
monopoly of individuals or nations. The rich and poor,
dependent colonies and controlling empires, must share
alike, the world over, in its advantages.  It will tend to
the destruction of the selfish spirit of isolation in governments, which is barbarism, and to facilitate universal and
friendly intercourse, which is civilization; to the recognition of the rights of all men, of the supremacy of intellect
and truth, of the laws of justice, as well as to a just comprehension of the relations of men to each other and to
God, which is religion.
I cannot wonder that:New  York, which must be,
whether or no we acknowledge it, the commercial emporiuln of the New World, should hasten to give ocular
and audible demonstration of her appreciation of this great
achievement.  I should with alacrity join you did not
stern duty forbid; but I claim at your hands, before the
last shout in honor of the triumph of energy and intellect
is raised, a remembrance of the old Commonwealth that
gave to the world FRANKLtN, MORSE and FIELD.: I am', most respectfully,;your obedient servant,
NATHANIEL P. BANKS.THOMAS' MCSPEDON, Esq.,
Alzd- Gentlemen: of the New York' City Government.




209
[From  His Excellency E. DYER, Governor of Rhode
Island.]
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE
PLANTATIONS: EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. 5
PROVIDENCE, August 28, 1858.
GENTLEMEN —The Annual Commencement of our University, on the Ist of September (and at which the Executive
of the State is expected to be present), and an engagement
at a Sabbath School Anniversary on the following day, must
deprive me of the pleasure of joining in the congratulations
of my fellow-citizens upon the success of the Atlantic
Cable, at the "municipal dinner" to which you have honored me by your invitation of the 25th inst.
If present, I should propose this sentiment:  "The
Atlantic Cable-In its annihilation of time and distance
between the Old and New World, may it become the
perpetual bond of universal peace and fraternity."
Very respectfully, yours,
ELISHA DYER.
To Messrs. THOS. M[CSPEDON, Chair1man, and C. T. McCLENACHAN, Sec'y, Board of Councilmen,.New York.
[From His Excellency S. P. CHASE, Governor of Ohio.]
STATE OF OHIO, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.
COLUMBUS, August 31, 1858.
DEAR SIRn —Nothing could be more gratifying to me than
to participate with the citizens of New York in the celebration of the greatest event of our day. I deeply regret
that it is impossible.
14




210
It well becomes the great commercial emporium of the
Union to take the lead in the celebration of an event so
auspicious to commerce. New York may be justly proud
that the successful accomplishment of the great work is
due mainly to the intelligent energy and unconquerable
perseverance of one of her own merchants. As citizens of
the same great republic, we, in Ohio, partake her joy and
share her triumph. We rejoice that a MORSE prepared the
means, that a MAURY explored the way, and that a FIELD
achieved the work of uniting the Old World and the New
by these wondrous electric sympathies. And we trust
that what has been done may but prelude greater things
to be, and that the vast scheme of intercontinental communication, inaugurated by prayer, and closed, in its first
stage, by thanksgiving, never more appropriate than on
the lips of the gallant HuDsoN, may be consummated
while we yet live, amid rejoicings, following the flash,
and hasting before the sun, around the world. So mote
it be.
With great respect, yours truly,
S. P. CHASE.
To THOMAs  MCSPEDON, Esq., Chairmnan Joint Commnittee of
Common Council of New York.
[From His Excellency A. P. WILLARD, Governor of Indiana.]
EXHCUTIVE DEPARTMENT, INDIANA,    1
INDIANAPOLIS, August 28, 1858.
DEAR SIR —I received the invitation through you, of the
Joint Committee of the Common Council of the city of




211
New York, to be present at the municipal dinner to be
given on the 2d of September, to commemorate the successful laying of the Atlantic Cable.
I regret that circumstances forbid my attendance. But
allow me to join with you in congratulating all, that every
day of peace increases the success of science and enlarges
the hope of the philanthropist, that all civilized and Christian people will at length find their greatest interest and
happiness in cultivating friendly, financial and commercial
relations.
Most respectfully,
ASHBEL P. WILLARD.
THos. MCSPEDON,
Chairmzan, New York.
[From His Excellency R. M. STEWART, Governor of Missouri.]
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
CITY OF JEFFERSON, August 30, 1858. $
C. T. MCCLENACHAN, Esq.:
DEAR SIR —Your letter, dated August 25th, written in
behalf of the Joint Committee of the Common Council of
the city of New York, inviting me to be present at the
municipal dinner to be given on the evening of September
2d, at the Metropolitan Hotel, in celebration of the laying
of the Atlantic Telegraphic Cable, has just come to hand.
I regret that official duties must necessarily prevent my
attempting to complying with said invitation, even if it
were possible to reach your city in season. Feeling a




2t2
deep interest in whatever tends to characterize this as a
truly progressive age, and ready on all occasions to encourage any enterprise calculated to facilitate the friendly
intercourse of the human family, or to promote the great
interests of commerce (with which all others are interwoven), the event you celebrate elicits my warmest sympathies, and were it in my power it would afford me great
pleasure to participate in the festivities of the occasion.
The interoceanic telegraphic communication between
the two great continents, is an epoch in the history of the
world, which is fraught with results too great to be now
conceived by the human mind.
Again expressing my regrets that it is impossible for
mne to be present at the festive board to which you have
invited me, as the Chief Executive of Missouri-the great
central State of the American Union, and ultimately, in my
humble opinion, to be the great commercial heart of the
American continent; and reassuring you that nothing
would afford me greater pleasure than to join you in the
celebration of an event which must so quicken the pulsations of the world of mind, and so connects the nervous
texture of the great family of man that it must ultimately,
and at a period not very remote, unite in one common
brotherhood all the civilized nations of earth, and rapidly
hasten the day when the arts and sciences shall be cultivated throughout the habitable globe, I beg to assure you,
and those whom you represent, of my high esteem.
Very truly, yours,
R. M. STEWART.




213
[From His Excellency H. H. SIBLEY, Governor of Minnesota.]
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,  }
SAINT PAUL, 
August 31, 1S58.
THOMAS MCSPEDON, Esq.,
Chairman Joint Corn. Common Council, N. Y. City.
DEAR SIR —I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of
your favor of the 25th instant, in which the congratulations of the Joint Committee are extended to the Gover
nor of Minnesota, on the successful laying of the Atlantic
Telegraph Cable, and requesting him to attend the municipal dinner, to be given at the Metropolitan Hotel, in
New York city, on 2d September next.
It being impossible for me to participate in your festivities, it only remains for me to express my obligations for
your courtesy, and to assure you that the event you
are about to celebrate in your great city is hailed with as
much interest and delight by the people of Minnesota as
by those of any portion of the country.  Our capital,
St. Paul, will to-morrow be the scene of ceremonies
and rejoicing in honor of the successful union of Europe
and America by telegraph. I tender you my thanks for
your generous invitation, and, on the part of our youthful
State, I cordially reciprocate the congratulations you
have been kind enough to tender to her Chief Magistrate,
on her behalf.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
HENRY H. SIBLEY.




214
[From His Excellency THOMIAS BRAGG, Governor of North
Carolina.]
RALEIGH, August 28, 185S.
MY DEAR SIR —  had the honor to receive, last evening, your invitation, in behalf of the Joint Committee of
the Common Council of the city of New York on celebrating the laying of the Atlantic Cable, to the municipal
dinner at the Metropolitan Hotel, on the evening of the
2d of September next.
It would be very gratifying to me to visit your great
city on an occasion so interesting, and especially to unite
with her citizens in the celebration of an event which
must hereafter be marked as an epoch in the history of
the world. My official engagements are, however, such
that I cannot conveniently be absent, and I therefore,
very reluctantly, decline the invitation.
With sincere thanks for the attention,
I am,
Most respectfully and truly, yours,
THOMAS BRAGG
THOMAS MCSPEDON, Esq.
[From His Excellency R. F. W. ALLSTON, Governor of
South Carolina.]
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, GLENN SPRINGS,
September 3, 1858. 
The Governor of South Carolina promptly reciprocates
the sentiment of congratulation conveyed in the polite invitation of the Joint Committee of the Common Council of




215
New York, on the occasion of the completion of the At
lantic Telegraph, the latest and noblest application of
Morse's happy invention. May this great work insure
" peace on earth and good-will to man " from his brother.
Its success, so far, is unmistakable evidence of good-will
from our common Father.
As the great centre of commerce in America will be
benefited in the greatest degree by the new and wonderful facility of inter-communication with Europe, so will
her responsibility be increased to preserve that peace and
good-will, to furnish to the world examples only of integrity and conscientious dealing. " To whom much is given,
of him shall much be required."
Having been engaged for a month in a military tour
through the Fifth Division of the State, your letter did not
reach the Governor until yesterday.
It is not doubted that the celebration has been one
worthy of all concerned in the stupendous effort-alike
honorable and satisfactory to the heart of the financial
system of America which animates you.
Very respectfully,
R. F. W. ALLSTON.
To the Joint Committee on Celebration oj' the
Common Council of the City of New York.
[From  his Excellency Sir EDMUND HEAD, Governor of
Canada.]
TORONTO, August 23, 1S58.
To THIOMAS MICSPEDON, Chairman, 4rc., City of Nlew York:
I beg to thank the Committee of the Council of New




216
York for their courteous invitation, and regret that public
duty prevents me accepting of it.
EDMUND HEAD.
[From His Excellency A. BANNERMIAN, Governor of
Newfoundland.]
ST. JOHN'S, N. F., August 28, 1858.
Chairman of the Committee on Celebration, New York:
SIRn-The Governor of Newfoundland feels much gratifled by the invitation with which he has been honored by
the Common Council of New York, to be present at the
festival to be held in that city, early in September, to
celebrate an event which has been brought to a successful
and happy issue by the united efforts of American citizens
and British subjects.
Although the Governor is not allowed to leave the
Colony without permission from home, on an occasion like
this he would have visited New York at all hazards, but
the Admiral Commander on this station having intimated
a visit here, the Governor can only return his thanks to
the Common Council of New York, and beg they will
accept the assurance of his regards and sincere wishes that
our respective nations may ever continue to livd' in the
[Uonds of good-will, friendship and peace.
A. BANNERMAN,
Governor, rc.
[From His Worship the MAYOR of QUEBEC.]
CITY HALL, QUEBEC,
30th August, 1858.
The'Mayor of the City of Quebec regrets that official




217
business prevents his being able to comply with the kind
invitation of His Worship the Mayor and the Common
Council of the city of New York, to be present at the
parade and festivities to take place at the Crystal Palace,
and at the municipal dinner to be given at the Metropolitan Hotel.
The Mayor of the city of Quebec takes this opportunity
of accepting the congratulations of His Worship the Mayor
of the city of New York on the occasion of the successful
laying of the Atlantic Cable, and hopes that that metallic
cable will unite more and more two great people whose
common origin seems to have prepared for them one common life one common glory.
HECTOR L. LANGAIM,
Mayor.
[From His Worship the MAYOr of HAMILTON, C. W.]
HIAMILTON, 30th August, 1858.
To THOMAS MCSPEDON, Esq., Chairmnan of the Joint Committee of Common Council on Celebration, New York:
SI —I have the honor to acknowledge the congratulations of the Mayor and Common Council of the city of
New York, occasioned by the successful completion of the
Atlantic Telegraph, also the receipt of their kind invitation to attend the celebration of the greatest event of the
age; and I beg to say, in reply for the Common Council
of the city of Hamilton and myself, that they view with
the liveliest interest the consummation of a work which
stands in the triumphs of science.




215
I sincerely regret my inability to become a participant
in the festivities of the occasion.
I have the honor to remain, sir,
Yours, obediently,
GEO. H. MILLS,
Mayor of ilamilton.
[From Rear-Admiral Sir HOUSTON STEWART, R. N.]
HALIFAX, August 14, 1S58.
C. T. MCCLENACHAN, Secretary, 4c.:
Sin —Your telegrams of yesterday have both reached
me. I am much flattered by the invitation of the Common Council of the city of New York to be present at
the celebration of that great and most important achievement which has just been accomplished, and it is with
much regret that I find myself compelled to decline the
distinguished honor, my duties demanding my presence
elsewhere.
With respect to the Gorgon, I have already signified
to Mr. Field my inability to interfere, in any way, with
Captain Dayman's proceedings. He is not under my
orders. I have no notice whatever concerning him, and
he has instructions direct from the Admiralty, by which
he must be guided.
I beg you will convey my grateful acknowledgments to
all the members of the Common Council, together with
my cordial good wishes for the successful issue of their
laudable intention to comlnemorate an event which, I
earnestly hope, will materially tend to cement those feelings of amity and good-will which ought ever to prevail
between the United States and Great Britain.
HOUSTON STEWART.




219
[From His Excellency BARON OSTEN SACKEN, Of Russiar.]
LEGATION OF RUSSIA,
WASHINGTON, August 30, 1S58.
aTo the Mayor anzd Common Council -of the city of New York:
GENTLEMIEN-His Excellency Mr. Stoeckl having sailed
lately for Europe, I will not fail to inform him of your
kind invitation to assist at the celebration of' the successful
laying of the Telegraph Cable.
I feel confident that, although absent, iMr. Stoeckl will
feel grateful for this attention of the city authorities of
New York, and will heartily join them in their wishes that
this great enterprise, now successfully achieved, might
piove useful towards the promotion of the common welfare and the peace of nations.
I have the honor to be,
Your most obedient servant,
BARON OSTEN SACKEN,
Charg6 d'Affaires.
[From His Excellency COUNT SARTIGES, Charge d'Affaires
of France.]
NEWPORT, R. I., September 1, 1858.
To the Common Council of the city of New York:
I regret very much that a severe indisposition prevents
me from accepting your invitation to dinner for to-morrow
evening.
I beg you to accept my most sincere congratulations
upon the successful laying of the Transatlantic Cable.
I may add, with confidence, the most cordial congratula



220
tions of the Emperor and of the whole French nation
upon this new binding of Europe to America.
COUNT SARTIGES.
[From the Austrian Consul General, C. F. LooskY, Esq.]
K. K. (ESTERREICHIscHES GENERAL CONSULAT, 
NEW YORK, 2d September, 1858.
GENTLEMEN-I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your highly esteemed invitation to attend upon
the celebration of the laying of the Atlantic Cable, and
regret exceedingly that indisposition prevents me from
assisting at this memorable event, which, by the blessings
it is destined to confer upon mankind, will stand out in
bold relief in the annals of the history of the world for
ages to come.
I beg you to accept my most sincere thanks for your
kind attention, and, reiterating my expressions of regret, I
have the honor to subscribe myself, gentlemen,
Your most obedient servant,
CHARLES F. LOOSEY,
Austrian Conszl- General.
THOMIAS  ICSPEDON, Esq.,
Chairman of the Joint Committee of the Common Council.
C. T. 3ICCLENACIIAN,
Secretary.
[From His Excellency G. G. TASSARA, MIinister from Spain.]
NEW YORK, September 2, 1858.
S-, —I came to this city with the earnest desire of join



221
ing in the celebration of the successful laying of the Atlantic Cable, to which I had the honor to be invited; but, to
nmy regret, an indisposition prevents me from being present
at the municipal dinner that is to take place to-day at the
Metropolitan Hotel, and I am compelled to beg of you the
favor of presenting my apologies and acknowledgments to
the Honorable the Commi-on Council of this city, together
with the assurances of my heartfelt concurrence in the sentiments which have prompted the commemoration of this
very great event.
I am, sir, most respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
GABRIEL G. TASSARA.
To THOMAS MCSPEDON, Esq., Chairman,?Jc.
[From the Spanish Consul, S. STOUGHTON, Esq.]
NEW YORK, 2d September, 1858.
To the Honorable the Common Council of the City of New
York,'c.:
The Spanish Consul begs to offer his sincere thanks to
the Honorable the Common Council of the city of New
York, for the honor of their invitation to join them to-day
at the municipal dinner, to be given by them to Cyrus W.
Field, Esq., the officers of H. B. Majesty's Ship Gorgon,
and U. S. Steam Frigate Niagara, in commemoration of
the laying of the Cable, and begs to offer his regrets that,
owing to his continued indisposition-occasioned by a
severe fall —he will be unable to participate in their hospitality and render personally to their distinguished
guests that homage and congratulation due to merit.




222
[From  the Rt. Reverend JOHN J. MULLOCK, Bishop of
Newfoundland.]
ST. JOHN'S, September 1, 1858.
To the Common Council of the city o1 New York:
GENTLEMEN-I feel most grateful to you for the very
high honor you have done me by inviting me to participate
in the festivities of the great city of New York, on the
happy completion of the most wonderful enterprise of the
age —the Atlantic Telegraph. Nothing but the want of
due means of getting to New York in time, would prevent
me of availing myself of your honorable invitation, but no
steamer leaves this in time for the 1 st or 2d of September.
Though absent, however, I join with you in spirit, and
pray God that the union now made between the two greatest and kindred nations of the world may be a perpetual
bond of peace, and that the only messages may be that of'
common and mutual interest. While in other lands millions of armed men are sternly watching each other's
frontiers, a slender wire will be the great link of union,
peace and good-will between the two great and kindred
nations of' Britons and Americans.
I have the honor to remain, gentlemen, your most grateful, humble servant,
f JOHN J. MULLOCK,
Bishop of St. John's, Newfoundland.
THOMl[AS MICSPEDON, Esq.,
Chairman Common Council Committee, New York.
[From HON. EDWARD EVERETT.]
BOSTON, August 30, 185S.
DEAR SIt —I have received your obliging letter of the




223
26th, inviting me to attend the dinner of the 2d of September, and to respond to one of the regular toasts.
I need not say that I fully sympathize with you on this
great occasion, and that I should be most happy to join
you in doing deserved honor to 31r. Field, and to all others
connected with the all-important achievement which you
propose to celebrate. I much regret that official duties, as
a Trustee of the Public Library, require me to be in Boston
on Thursday.
With respect to the event itself, the imagination sinks
under the effort to measure the probable results of the communication of thought with electric speed throughout the
civilized world. We must remember, too, that, great as is
the progress which has been made, we are yet in the infancy
of this system of communication.  The next link in the
wondrous chain, at least in this part of the world, will be
to connect the Pacific with the Atlantic coast. Auxiliary
lines will probably, in the course of this generation, be
extended through Oregon, Washington Territory and New
Columbia to the Russian settlements on the Continent.
Asia is separated but by a narrow strait; and if a more
southern route than that across Behring's strait is desirable,
it is furnished by the Aleutian Islands, with very moderate
oceanic intervals, to the mouth of the Amoor River, whose
connection with the more western portions of the Russian
Empire has lately been traced by our enterprising countryman, Mr. Collins.
The lines already established connect not merely New
York, Philadelphia and Boston, with Liverpool and London, but they connect every State and every city of our
own vast continent with every kingdom and every city of'
England and Continental Europe.




224
May they prove, under Providence, the efficient means,
not merely of confirming our amicable relations with foreign
countries, but of strengthening the bonds of good feeling
and patriotic affection with every portion of our own.
WTith the best wishes for a successful festival, I remain,
dear sir, your fiiend and fellow-citizen,
EDWARD EVERETT.
THOMAS McSPEDON, Esq.
[From Iton. L. TREMAINE, Attorney-General of the State of
New York.]
STATE OF NEW YORK,
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY-G-ENERAL, 
ALBANY, August 31, 1858.
DEAR SIR —I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt
of an invitation to attend the municipal dinner, in commemoration of the laying of the Atlantic Cable, and regret
that other engagements will deprive me of the pleasure of
accepting it.
The great event you celebrate will form a memorable
era in the history of the world. It is too early to comprehend all the vast results which are destined to flow
from it; but as indicating progress towards the period
when the "lion and the lamb shall lie down together,"
it may be hailed with lively satisfaction by the friends of
humanity.
With my best wishes for your success, I am
Yours, very truly,
LYMAN TREMAINE.
T. MCSPEDON, Esq.,
Chairmnan, Sc.




225
[From Captain TIHOBURn, U. S. S. Sabine.]
U. S. SHIP SABINE, OFF THE BATTERY,
NEW YOR.K, September 1, 1858.
C. T. MCCLENACHAN, Esq., Secretary, 4c.
SI —I have the honor to aclknowledge the receipt of an
invitation, from the Common Council of the city of New
York, to be present at a municipal dinner to be given on
the second instant to the gentlemen who have conducted
to a successful issue the laying of the Atlantic Telegraph
Cable, commemorative of that great achievement.
I will ask you to offer to the Council my jheartfelt
thanks for the honor which they have conferred, in asking
me to participate upon this great congratulatory occasion,
and my extreme regret that present indisposition constrains
me to decline.
In declining I would also express to them my high appreciation -of the event to be celebrated, and the entire
sympathy with the feeling which prompts its commemoration. We justly hail it as the most important step in the
march of progress which the world has ever known, and
as justly hope that this chain which unites the two continents, spread through the depths of that ocean upon whose
bosom their hostile navies have met, shall prove a bond
of perpetual peace, fnd shall commence an epoch of eternal unity.
To join with the demonstrations on shore to-day, as this
ship was passing from the Navy Yard to her present
anchorage off the Battery, the ensign of our kindred nation
was hoisted at the fore and our own at the main and
mizen. After the ship was moored, a salute of thirty-two
guns was fired.
15




226
In conclusion, let me again, through you, express my
high sense of the compliment paid me, and sincere sorrow
at not being able to be present to accord my thanks by
word of mouth.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT D. THORBURN,
Commanding U. S. S. Sabine.
[From  Professor JOSEPH  HENRY, of the Smithsonian
Institute.]
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE,
WASHINGTON, D. C., August 31, 1S58.
To the Committee of the Common Council of the City of New
York:
GENTLEIEN-   I write to express my thanks for the
honor you have conferred upon me in the invitation to
attend the ceremonies and dinner to celebrate the laying
of the Atlantic Cable, and to compliment Cyrus W.
Field, Esq., and the officers of H. B. MI. steamship Gorgon
and the U. S. steam frigate Niagara. If other engageinents did not absolutely forbid my acceptance -it would
gi-e me great pleasure to be present on this interesting
occasion, and to partake of the sympathetic enthusiasm
which must be awakened by communion with the men
who have been so successful in accomplishing this latest
step in the application of electricity to the affairs of life.
This is a celebration such as the world has never before
witnessed. It is not alone to commemorate the achieve



227
mients of individuals, or even of nations, but to mark an
epoch in the advancement of our common humanity.
The Atlantic Cable does not merely connect, in sympathetic bonds of Christian fellowship, England and America,
but its success insures the extension of similar inter-lines
of thought between every part of the civilized world.
The undertaking was fraught with responsibilities and
difficulties of no ordinary kind. Had it failed, the loss
would not have been merely the money and time spent in
the attempt, but far more, the'loss of confidence in the
public mind as to the practicability of the enterprise, and
the consequent impossibility for years to come of obtaining the means for another experiment. The difficulties
were such as could only be appreciated by those who
were well versed in practical engineering and in the
theoretical principles of electricity. I need not say how
fearlessly these difficulties were encountered by Mr. Field
and his associates, and with what sagacity, forethought
and perseverance they have been overcome.
The distinctive feature of the history of the Nineteenth
Century is the application of abstract science to the useful arts, and'the subjection of the innate powers of the
material world  to the  control of the intellect as the
obedient slaves of civilized man. To secure a result o
the kind which we are now  called to celebrate it was
necessary, first, that scientific discovery should firnish the
principles on which the invention was founded; secondly
that ingenuity should supply the machinery and various
appliances necessary to the accomplishment of the design
thirdly, that men of enterprise, of confidence in their own
ability and faith in the knowledge and resources of the
times, should be found to embark in the undertaking.




228
Nor was it less indispensable that the public mind should
be so impressed with the importance of the object that
individuals would risk their fortunes in furnishing the
necessary means, and Governments give it their protection and support. Such a concurrence of circumstances
could not have happened at any other period of the history
of the world, and emphatically distinguishes the event as
belonging to the middle of the present century.
While I put full faithl in the advance of civilization,
principally through the application of science, of education and the cultivation of the moral faculties, I do not
believe that this result is to be produced by a blind law
of destiny, but providentially through the intervention of
individual agencies. The discoveries of every scientist,
from Thales, of Miletus, to those of Faraday and Thompson, have added to our powers over electricity, that most
subtle of the multiform  agents of nature, and each distinguished inventor, including Morse, House, Hughes and
others, has assisted in producing the result which today excites our admiration and calls forth our gratitudea result which gives bright hopes for the future and
points to conquests yet to be achieved; which promises
(may it not be hoped?) peace on earth, good-will to men
end glory to God in the highest.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
Your 6bedient servant,
JOSEPH HENRY.




229
Grace was said by the Rev. Dr. Ogilby, assistant minister of Trinity Church.
After dessert, the company was called to order by the
May+or, and he then announced the first regular toast"THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES."'
The toast was duly honored; the company standing,
while Dodworth's band played " Hail Columbia," and then
giving three cheers for the President, when the flag, which
was waving over his portrait, was withdrawn.
The second regular toast was then given —" THE QUIWN
OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND."  This toast was honored
with the greatest enthusiasm; the band playing" God
save the Queen," and the company standing and saluting
her Majesty's portrait with continuous cheering,
The third regular toast was then announced —" THE
GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND
— joined to us in the Court of Neptune, may the nuptials
never be put asunder."  The toast and sentiment having
been duly honored, Lord Napier, her Majesty's representative at Washington, was presented to-the company by the
Mayor and was received with every demonstration  of
respect and honor. He responded to the toast as follows:
Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen:
When I received HIer Majesty's orders to proceed to the
United States, I flattered myself that I entered upon my
duties at an auspicious time, and I cherished a hope that
the period of may residence might be coincident with that
solid and hearty reconciliation of our respective countries
which the -tendencies of' the age transparently indicated




230
to be near at hand. Nor have I been disappointed. The
course of political affairs since my arrival has, indeed, exhibited some asperities which it was impossible to foresee,
and which could not be regarded without concern; but,
gentlemen, I now hail in the event which we *are met to
celebrate, a glorious compensation for past anxieties and
an important security against future dangers. To be the
contemporary and spectator of this great monument in
human progress is alone a cause of honor and exultation.
The triumph in which your distinguished guests have so
high a share does not only confer on them the celebrity and
afliction which mankind bestow on their purest benefactors-such a triumph gives to the protecting Governments
a claim to public gratitude and historic commendation, it
adorns and dignifies the nations and the time in which it is
wrought, it imparts the generous contagion of enterprise,
it teaches the universal lesson of faith, patience, and perseverance, it infuses itlto men's souls a sense of conscious
worth and pours on all, however humble and remote, the
glow of reflected fame. I question whether any single
achievement had ever more features of interest and utility;
all the elements of adventure, difficulty and hazard have
been here assembled which could arrest the imagination,
and no virtue has been wanting which could satisfy the
judgm.ent and captivate the heart. Long willthose scenes
remain dear to the popular memory. With what admiration do we contemplate the cheerful enthusiasm of Field,
inspiring shareholders and admiralties with kindred zeal,
undiscouraged by the hostility of nature and the powers of'
science, divining success where others denounced defeat,
and carrying off the palm  before an incredulous though
sympathizing world. What encounter on the sea can
compare with that last meeting of the confederate ships




231
when the knot was knit which shall never be rent asunder?  Htow anxiously do we follow the Gorgon on her
constant course, and watch the Niagara threading the icebergs and traversing the gloom upon her consort's helpful
track. We tremble for the over-burdened Agamemnon,
still tormented by the gale. We blend our aspirations with
the worthier prayers of Hudson, when he kneels, like
Columbus on the shore, and invokes the Divine protection
on his accomplished work. Nor is the moral aspect of
this great action marred by any mean infirmity.  Here
there is nothing to obliterate, nothing to deplore. The
conduct of the agents exemplified the purposes of the deed;
with manly emulation, but inviolate concord, they cast
forth upon the waters the instrument and the symbol of
our future harmony. This is not the place to demonstrate
the usefulness of telegraphic communication in the practice of government and commerce, and its numerous consolations in matters of private afectioni. I content myself
with recognizing its value in international transactions.
Something may be detracted from the functions of diplomacy, but much will undoubtedly be gained for the peace
of nations. By this means the highest intelligence and
authority on either side will be brought into immediate
contact, and whatever errors belong to the employment of
subordinate and delegated agencies may be prevented or
promptly corrected. By this means many of the evils
incidental to uncertainty and delay may be canceled, offenses may be instantly disavowed, omissions may be
remedied, misapprehension may be explained, and in matters of unavoidable controversy we may be spared the
exasperating effects of discussion proceeding on an imperfect knowledge of fatcts and motives. In addition to these
specific safeguards it -may be hoped that the mere habit of'




232
rapid and intimate intercourse will greatly conduce to the
promotion of a good understanding. On the one hand
stands England, the most opulent and vigorous of monarchies, in whose scant but incomparable, coil lie compacted the materials of a boundless industry, on the other
the Republic of the United States, founded by the same
race, fired by the same ambition, whose increase defies
comparison and whose destinies will baffle prediction itself.
We cannot doubt that these fraternal communities are
fated to enjoy an immense expansion of mutual life. The
instant interchange of opinion, intelligence and commlodities, will become a condition almost inseparable from existence; and whatever stimulates this development will
oppose a powerful obstacle to the rupture of pacific relations. No man of common liberality and penetration will
question the position and certain merits of a discovery
which has connected England with America, and America
with the whole civilized world besides. I would not
darken the legitimate satisfaction of the present moment
by uttering a reluctant or sceptical estimate of our new
faculty. Yet, even in this hour of careless and convivial
felicitation we shall do well to remember that the magnetic
telegraph forms no exception to the category of inventions
which, however apt and proper and willing to be the vehicles of benevolent designs, are also the unresisting tools of
every blind or intemperate impulse. in our nature. The
votaries of a querulous philosophy speciously assert the
unequal march of morality and mind; and even a poet
has affirmed in foreboding verse, that all the train of arts
which have reduced the material elements to be the
vassels of our will
Heal not a passion or a pang
Entailed on human hearts.




233
It belongs to our respective countries and to the present ace to confound that speculation which would divide
knowledge fromn virtue, and inquiry from improvement.
The labor will not be light, nor is the eventual victory
everywhere apparent, yet there is one province of affairs
in which the task would be easy and the triumph within
our grasp. It depends on us, on our will, on our choice,
to carry into perpetual effect the sentiment which the
honorable chairman has associated with his toast; it depends on us to strike out forever from  the sum  of
public and social embarassments all the contingencies of a
collision between England and America. If we should
not employ our unprecedented powers in a friendly spirit,
if we should hereafter offer unreflecting provocation and
conceive hasty resentment, if every transient cloud which
ascends on the political sky be hailed as the prognostic of
a destructive storm, if we should make haste to unlock
the well of bitter waters and to raise the phantoms of
extinct pretensions and buried wrongs, then would this
memorable effort of ingenuity and toil be partly cast
away. Gentlemen, I am confident that we shall pursue a
very different course. The Queen has sent tidings of goodwill to the President, and the President has made a corresponding answer to the Queen. Those messages must
not'be dead inscriptions in our archives, they must be
fruitful maxims in our hearts. Let our Government be
considerate in their resolutions. Let the orators of one
country comment upon the institutions, the policy, and
the tendencies of the other in a candid and gentle spirit.
Let the negotiators of both approach the adjustment of
disputed questions, not with a tenacious regard to paltry
advantages, but with a broad view of general and beneficial results. Then, gentlemen, the subtle forces of nature




234
will not have been employed in vain, and we shall give a
worthy office to those subjugated and ministering powers
which, by divine permission, fly and labor at our command.
M. r. Mayor and gentlemen, the manifestation of respect for the Queen which you have given to-night, and
which has been apparent throughout these celebrations,
will be highly appreciated by Her Majesty and by her
faithful subjects, who observe with pride that the virtues
of their sovereign have won back the spontaneous honmiage
of a free nation. The Ministers of Great Britain will correctly estimate the momentous import of an enterprise to
which they gave an effective support, and will, I am well
assured, transport into our official relations the cordial
sentiments which animate the English people towards their
American kindred. I tender you my sincere thanks for
the honorable welcome granted to my countrymen and
navself. You have conferred on us a favor which we shall
ever acknowledge, for your goodness has enabled us to
associate our names and voices, however feebly and far off,
with an event which must have an everlasting and benignant significance. We are all firmly persuaded that there
exists here a deep and warm attachment to the mothercountry, gathering strength with time and rejoicing to
obtain a commensurate return. As the grateful, though
inadequate, representatives of the British empire, we declare that the hands that are joined to-day are joined in
sincerity, and the grasp that we have felt we desire to be
eternal.
The fourth toast was-" Oun SISTER STATES AND SISTER
CITIES: New York greets them, and trusts that the cord
which binds the, New World with the Old, welds more
firmly the links of the Union."




235
The M3ayor called upon Rodman M. Price, ex-Governor
of the State of New Jersey, to respond to this toast. On
rising to do so Mr. Price was loudly cheered. He said:
Mr. Pres.dent and Gentlemen:
At being thus suddenly called upon to respond to so
gracious, so comprehensive and so patriotic a toast, I feel
very much as if I should rather adopt the admonition that
I overheard in the crowd in Broadway yesterday, as given
by one son of Erin to another, when they were beholding
the imposing procession. Said one to the other
"Jimmy, d'ye think they're havin' as good time in London to-day as we are?"
" Divil a bit, Pat, they havn't the ability to get up any
such celebration or procession as this."
" Be quiet, man," says Jimmy, "be respectful, be aisy,
say nothin', or they'll telegraph what ye'll say to London!"
MIr. President, who can doubt that our sister States and
sister cities cordially, enthusiastically and rapturously
unite all their sympathies with you and us on this auspicious and interesting occasion. The greetings which you
have already received from the authorities of our sister
States and our sister cities show how intensely they feel
the triumph which Science has won by the successful laying of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable —how much they
rejoice that the Old World and the New are connected by
a Transatlantic Telegraph Cable.
You must not expect me, sir, to answer for all the
States or the cities of this glorious Union. It is impossi



236
ble for me to express the feelings of those remote bounds
of our Union, as well as the hundreds of densely populated cities. They have spoken, sir. I have seen their
congratulations, transmitted through the telegraphic wires,
published, and we know that their feelings are as intense
as ours. How could you expect me to respond for the
first colony of Mlassachusetts, or for the enterprise of
State street, Boston?  How could you expect me to respond for the glorious Keystone State Pennsylvania, or
for her Empire City of Philadelphia, or for Maryland, or her
Monumental City?  Much less can I be expected to respond for the Old Dominion. Neither am I in the temper
to respond for the Crescent City of the South, or for the
Queen City of the West, or for all the lesser cities to
the extreme point of our territories.
N'o, sir. I will not- occupy the time of this company in
speaking of localities. It is enough to know, sir, that
they rejoice with us upon this great and glorious occasion
-that they exult with us in this triumph of Science.
That great procession of yesterday will be a recorded
memory to the end of time. Sir, though this city has
done nobly, and while I speak in behalf of your sister
States and cities, I must not forget my own glorious little
revolutionary State, New Jersey. I thank you, sir, and
tlhe Common Council of this great city, for the recognition
they have made of New Jersey as a sister State.
If I may be allowed to express some of the present
pleasures and gratifications which I feel upon this occasion, I must allude to the great gratification which I have
felt in the fact that our glorious navy has one peaceful triumph, and that the wooden bulwarks of England share
with them the glory. My early association with the Navy




237
of the United States makes the distinction which that arm
of our service has won particularly agreeable to me, for I
know, personally, and have been associated with some of
the officers of the Niagara, and I can answer that no more
devoted or zealous rnen wear the button and uniform of
the American navy.
To our English friends who are present ulpon this interesting occasion, permit me to say that I reciprocate most
cordially the noble sentiment of the poet Mackay, in a
delightful poem which he wrote upon American soil during
his late visit to this country, called " Brother Jonathan to
Brother John," in which he makes Brother John utter the
following sentiment to Brother Jonathan:
Said Brother John to Jonathan,
"You take the West and I the East;
We speak the self-same tongue
That Byron wrote and Chatham spoke,
And Burns and Shakspeare sung."
Sir, the sentiment of this toast trusts that the chord
which binds the New World with the Old will wveld more
firmly the links of this glorious Union. Who can doubt,
sir, that this Cable will prove a cord that will make the
bonds of our sister States and our sister cities more indissoluble, and while we trust that that bond will unite us
more cordially with the Old World, we feel and know that
it will prove a bond of harmony, concord and peace with
our sister States and sister cities.
hMr. Price was frequently applauded throughout, and sat
down amid great cheering.
The fifth toast was then announced, and was drunk with
all the honors.




238
" CYRUs W. FIELD-To his exertions, energy, courage and
perseverance are we indebted for the Ocean Telegraph;
we claim, but immortality owns, him."
Mlr. Cyrus W. Field responded. He said:'Mr. President and Gentlemen:
You do me too much honor. The unparalleled celebration
of yesterday and this banquet, dazzling as they have been,
have not so far blinded me that I do not know them to be
intended for more than myself. To no one man is the
world indebted for this achievement. One may have done
more than another-this person may have a prominent, and
that a secondary, part; but there is a host of us who have
been engaged in the work, the completion of which you
celebrate to-day. I will mention my brother Dudley, with
whom, as well as myself, the scheme originated, and who
has been my adviser and helper throughout; my excellent
friends, Messrs. Peter Cooper, 3I. Taylor, M. 0. Roberts
and W. G. Hunt, who have spent their money so generously and borne up so manfully under great discouragements; Mr. Brett, Mr. Whitehouse and Mr. Bright, with
whom I made an agreement in September, 1856, under
which the Atlantic Telegraph Company was formed, after
I jlad obtained the authority of the New York, Newfoundland and London Telegraph Company, to make arrangememts in England for the completion of their line across the
Atlantic, either by a new subscription to their Company,
or by a new Company; the British Government that came
forward so nobly, in connection with which are especially
to be mentioned Lord Clarendon and Sir John Packington,
the present, and Sir Charles Wood, the late First Lord of
the Admiralty;as also the Secretary of the English Trea



239
sury and Captain Washington, hydrographer of the English Navy; the Government of the United States-and I
would particularly mention the President and Secretary of
the Navy-the Governments of Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Canada and Maine; those neverto-be forgotten philosophers Lieutenant Maury, Professor
Morse, Professor Farrady, Professor Bache and Professor
W. Thompson, who have rendered most efficient aid without receiving any compensation; the accomplished and skillful English commanders Preedy, Dayman, Aidham, Otter,
Wainright and Noddall; our own well known and honored
Captains Hudson and Sands, Lieutenant Berryman and all
the gallant officers of the Niagara, and the whole telegraph
fleet, never forgetting the brave English and American
sailors; Mr. William E. Everett, the able engineer who has
devoted his whole time for months to constructing and
perfecting the paying-out machinery with which the Cable
has been so successfully laid; Mr. Woodhouse and TMr.
Canning, engineers; Mr. Appold, who has been unwearied
in his exertions on our behalf; the consulting committee of
Engineers, Messrs. Joshua Field, John Penn, and Thomas
Lloyd, who, without compensation, gave the Company the
benefit of their eminent talent; the Directors of the Atlantic Telegraph Company, who have devoted so much
timp without receiving one shilling for their services, and
my consistent faithful friends, Messrs. C. M. Lampson,
George Peabody, and Junius S. MIorgan, of London.' I
might add many —many others to this list. We' have all
worked faithfully and as efficiently as we could in the prosecution of the good work. We have had many difficulties
to surmount, many discouragements to bear, and some
enemies to overcome, whose very opposition has stimulated
us to greater exertion. We believe that the work accorm



240
plished tvill prove a great and lasting benefit to our race.
If it effect but a tithe of what is expected from it, we shall
be more, much more than rewarded for what we have done.
The sixth toast was: "THE NAVIES OF GREAT BRITAIN
AND THE UNITED STATES —Met and joined in a noble
work of Peace; may they never be separated or meet in
strife."
Captain Dayman, of H. B. M. steamship Gorgon, was
called upon by the MaSyor to respond to this toast, and did
so in these terms:
Mr. Mlayor and Gentlemen:
I feel highly honored- in responding for the British navy
to the toast you have just done me the honor of drinking,
and I am desired by the distinguished Admiral, the Conmmander-in-Chief on the North American station, Sir Houston Stewart, to express to you his regret that he cannot
himself be present at this celebration; but he has permitted several of the officers of his flagship to accompanyus, and they are now here. It does not often fall to the
lot of a naval officer, whose profession is chiefly that of
war, to be associated with the national ships of another
Power in duties strictly pacific. But in the service whose
completion we are now celebrating, the United States
ships Susquehanna and Niagara were associated and worked
together with no less than six of Her Majesty's ships, viz.,
the Agamemnon, Leopard, Cyclops, Valorous, Gorgon and
Porcupine. They co-operated heartily and successfully,
to the mutual benefit of both navies, by the free and unconstrained intercourse commenced in the beginning and
kept up to the end; and I trust that the rivalry thus




241
engendered may long continue to be the only source of
difference between us. It is, perhaps, somewhat presumptuous in me to speak of an officer so much my senior as
Captain Hudson; but I cannot help saying, gentlemen,
that Captain Hudson gained in England the friendship and
esteem of officers of the highest rank in the navy, and
that he carried away with him the best wishes of all who
had the honor of his acquaintance. We witnessed a spectacle yesterday which will not be easily forgotten by any
one of us. It was that of the enthusiastic rejoicings of
tens of thousands of the freemen of this magnificent city,
which stands first of all the cities of the American continent-rejoicings for a peaceful triumph, accomplished by
the united efforts of Americans and Englishmen.  We
saw, as in our own happy country, multitudes congregated,
without coercion or force to preserve good order. We
saw, also, your volunteer regiments march past, and were
struck with their steadiness and military bearing. Lastly,
we joined in the great procession of firemen, which, as a
body of organized men, trained for the performance of a
most difficult duty, requiring a combination and discipline
in the midst of destruction and confusion, appear to be the
grandest and the most perfect institution of the kind in
the world. And now, gentlemen, in behalf of the officers
of the Indus and Gorgon, I beg to offer our warmest
thanks for the hearty welcome which you have given us.
WVe shall long remember with pleasure this our visit to
your city, and shall carry back to England the most pleasing impressions of the feeling, consideration and kindness
which has been shown us, and which we accept as indicative of that favorable regard for the old country which still
lingers among her descendants on this vast continent.
16G




242
The next toast in order was:
" THE ENGINEERS AND ELECTRICIANS who have done their
work so well-The praise of both hemispheres shall be
their reward."
In the absence of Gov. Seward, expected to answer to this
toast, Rev. Dr. Bellows was called upon for a reply. Mounting the chair on which he had been sitting, he said:
Mr. Mayor and Gentle?nen:
Being a poor speaker at the best, and now under the special disqualification of a short notice, I am determined to
get whatever advantage is to be derived from a little artificial
elevation. I certainly should not consent to speak for the
Engineers and Electricians if this were not a telegraphic
occasion, when everybody is subject to the law of telegraphic dispatch, and must be ready to take the place of
any other gentleman, who, though a thousand miles off, is
yet confidently expected-but has failed to appear-my
precise predicament at this moment. If, through ignorance and inopportunity for preparation, I shall have little
to say about the Electricians and Engineers —a topic which
worthily to treat demands exact knowledge-you fortupately need few words to exalt your sense of their merit in
this particular case. And, indeed, if we had our own
elder Everett here, that matchless orator, he could not speak
for the Engineers and Electricians with more effect than
the modest silence of our younger Everett, whom we
have here, has already done. The Engineers and Electricians of our country are everywhere speaking for themselves in these the days of their glory. Beginning with
Franklin, who, let me say to the Committee of Arrange



243
ments, they will never be able permanently to corner, notwithstanding their success in placing him in an angle for
this brief occasion (alluding to a scroll bearing his name,
placed in a remote corner of the room), and coming through
Fitch and Fulton, to Henry and Morse, it would be wholly
beyond my power to add the least lustre to their reputations. As for the Company's "Woodhouse," it supplies
the fuel for its own fame, while its " Bright" may be safely
left to its own brightness.
Forsaking my text, so far as the Engineers and Electricians are personally concerned, I confess that in a more
general aspect this toast has peculiar fascinations for me;
for it is the first opportunity offered this evening to get
off mere international grounds on to world-wide territory.
It names both the hemispheres, and includes the globe.
But more particularly it refers to arts and sciences, which
in their nature, aim  and results, are world-embracing.
Engineers and Electricians do not represent nationalities or
boundary lines. They represent that which is universalScience-which is neither English or Armerican-of which
there can be no local appropriation, and concerning which
there should be no territorial jealousy. Literatures may
be owned. They speak different languages and breathe a
confined atmosphere. Science cannot be claimed. She
speaks one tongue for all peoples, and is the same in all
climates and airs. Sir, our English and American flags are
not broad enough, in their united folds, to cover the radical
sentiment which animates the hearts of our own, and, I
trust, the hearts of the English nation, in view of the:
recent union of the hemispheres. It is not the connection
of two countries, that have never been really separated-for
the umbilical cord was never cut, it has hung to us and




244
kept us together, and it is this very day stronger than the
Cable-No, Mr. Mavor, it is not the commercial and political pacification for all time of mother England and her
great American daughter that now moves our chiefjoy and
exultation. The Cable, more valuable as a symbol even
than as a fact and an instrument, stands for a sentiment
broader than our international territories, deeper than our
dividing ocean-for an inter-hemispherical sentiment-the
wholeness of a fractured globe, the unity. of a scattered
race, the sphering of a wandering humanity, the completion of the broken circle of universal hopes and sympathies
and destinies.
Never before was anything purely human done in the
history of the world and the race which stood for One-ness
as the successful laying of the Atlantic Cable does! It is
the beginning, on a scientific plane, of a reconciliation among
things scattered and opposed, which is full of prophesies of
peace and harmony through the whole internal and external world. Using reverently a word commonly mispronounced-wrested from its etymological significance, and
so robbed of the pregnancy that belongs to it, but which
one event like this throws a providential illumination onI may say that the great principle of God's government
and Christ's religion, At-one-ment, was never so majestically illustrated and employed outside of the very Gospel
itself. Excepting ever a precious significance for the imagination, the uniting of the hemispheres of geography is the
smallest meaning of this triumph. We have hitherto lived
in a hemisphere, and we now live on a globe-live not by
halves, but as a whole-not as scattered members, but as
the connected limbs of one organic body, the great common humanity-and thus we are able to compass for the




245
first time, as a popular thought, the conception of one life.
one history, one interest for the race, one all-embracing,
all inter-linking Providence-the establishment of a common, a, right, a happy understanding among all nations,
tribes, climes and interests, until the world of humanity
shall move as the globe itself moves, all together; and the
race be, as the individual is, vitalized by a spinal cord
animating all its limbs, harmonizing all its movements, and
giving coherency, energy and unity to its whole being.
A union like this reaches and includes many other now
divided things besides the Old and the New World. The
parted continents are not the only hemispheres that
require to be pacified and united. Soul and body, mind
and matter, conscience and inclination, work and play,
business and leisure, duty and beauty, patriotism  and philanthropy, interest and obligation, things secular and things
sacred, time and eternity, earth and heaven, MIan and God;
these are the great intellectual, moral, and social hermispheres, which oceans, more stormy than the Atlantic
Ocean, of immature thought, crude inexperience and coarse
superstition have kept in seemingly hopeless isolation and
antagonism. But the great process of bringing them together has begun, and this telegraphic triumph is perhaps
the first stroke of science that fitly answers from the human
side the mighty blow for man's reconciliation with his Maker, given 1800 years ago, from the superhuman side; for,
like the Good News from heaven, it has aroused a triumphant hope that no oceans, whether material, social, or moral,
can permanently resist the necessity for the tendencies to
the providential plan of a Universal Harmony and Unity
among all the interests of Humanity.
I know the misgivings connected with these commercial




246
and mechanical victories in the minds of many men of serious thought.  I understand the part which " Materialism"
plays in the vocabulary of ethical and religious discussion.
As a nation, and by our own guides, we are exhorted to
"put our hands upon our mouths, and our mouths in the
dust," and to feel a special humiliation in view of the engrossment of our people in material pursuits! God knows
the world has always needed cautions, and is never humble
enough in view of its manifold short-comings. But I deny,
before God, any special amenableness of our people to this
charge, or any wisdom in the special form of this censure.
Where is the mind of this country to be seen if not in its
material results?-and what is so conspicuous in its material
results as its mind? Is matter, turned to the service of the
affections, the education, the culture of society, to be
stigmatized and warned off the premises of the good? Are
the great triumphs of art, industry, commerce, which are
fieeing, pacifying, blessing and elevating Humanity, to be
denounced as material, in any sense of antagonism to
morality, piety and the spiritual destiny of manl?  Why!
what is this very victory of navigation, engineering and
electric science, but a material victory-yet in what does
it differ from or fall below an intellectual, a moral, a spirittual victory? Science, commerce, art, properly interpreted and providentially guided, have the same object,
unconsciously or circuitously pursued, which religion and
morality more directly propose. Commerce Christianizes
by civilizing, whilst Religion civilizes by Christianizing;
and both together work out the Creator's purposes and
plans.
We are no longer, therefore, to talk as if the matter of this
globe were opposed to its spiritual progress; it is to be made




247
the instrument of that progress. We are no longer to concede that the business of the world is necessarily at war with
the morality of the world, or to allow that a lasting internecine strife can go on among the various interests of man
or the race. Our faculties, tastes, capacities, are a part and
parcel of a nature thoroughly one in its constitution-our
nature, position, material circumstances, part and parcel
of a plan thoroughly one in its Divine conception and
conduct.  The Church, the State, the Home, the Workshop, the Ship, the Store, are helpers of each other-each
sacred in its rightful place —each capable of a consecration such as has been displayed by the men engaged in
this telegraphic work. They have felt-I see it in their
eyes-that they were working, not for themselves, but
for us and for God; and they laid the first offering of
their hearts, when their enterprise succeeded, on the altar
where all things first belong.
It is the sentiment of a Unity of which God is the centre,
and about which, and in which, all things are circled —a
unity now to be realized, as new successes remove, faster
and faster, old causes of separation and dispersion — a
unity which, commended to us in a signal and won-.
derful manner, by the recent telegraphic victory over
space, ocean, disappointment, previous failure and present
despair, has struck a thrill of peculiar joy and boundless
confidence through the heart of the world. It is mingled
joy and hope in the harmonious destinies of humanity
that is now swelling the heart of the common people. No
cheap feeling of national pride, no boasting exultation in
the reflection that this work was chiefly accomplished by
our own men, could produce this spontaneous enthusiasm.
It springs from a source nobler, prouder, more glorious




248
It arises in the great suggestion that somehow " the beginning of the end." has come!-that, God helping, we
have got to the end of the obstacles which threatened to
prevent man's ever achieving a final triumph over those
elements of discord and antagonism which lie in the path
of human progress. We see now  that a step has been
taken which promises, nay, which assures, a continual
progress, and whose end shall be the material and the
moral redemption of the world.
This, Mr. Mayor and gentlemen, is the noble confidence
which now swells the generous heart of this assembly
and of the people of our country. Sir, there is no
measure to the amount of moral and religious feeling
awakened by this event in the remote hamlets and retired
recesses of the land. Ten days ago I had a piece of the
cable sent to me from New York, to exhibit at a village
celebration in Walpole, N. H. An old man, of ninety
years, sent down from the hills, and begged for a sight of
the cable, saying " let me see the cable and die." He
spoke like Simeon of old, and he spoke the sentiment of
tens of thousands, who better realize their own immortality when they see the triumph of this material spark
over time and space and ponder the mysterious and half
supernatural continuity of the electric life. That spark is
not material only; it is also Divine. God knows what
difference there may be between the nature of that spark
and of the spark that animates our own bodies; but if
that can live through oceans, ours shall survive the grave!
And in that confident feeling of life and immortality all
the best hopes and animation for social and human
improvement must begin and end.
I conclude with a sentiment which contains the pith of




249
my remarks, and which, however received, is offered in a
deeply religious spirit:
"At-one-ment!-Science, Art, Commerce, Experience,
Religion, have, in God's Providence, but one final causethe at-one-ment of nature with man, of man with himself;
of man with man, and of man with God."  The Rev.
gentleman resumed his seat amid warm applause.
The next toast was,
"THE STATE OF NEW YORK —May her history always
illustrate her motto-ExCELSIOR."
To which his Excellency Gov. King responded as follows:
The theme which the toast proposes for my reply is
one full of deep interest and just pride to every citizen of
this State, and especially to one who is to the manor born,
whose youth and manhood have been passed within her
broad limits, and who, during a life of many years, has
watched the progress of her people and the increase of
her power, until he beholds her now, in numbers, in
wealth and in resources, the first among the prosperous
States of the Confederacy —settled at the commencement
of the sixteenth century, by the Dutch, who brought with
theilt the love of Liberty and the spirit of commerce, soon
to be succeeded by the English, who in their turn planted
the same love of Liberty, the principles of the Common
Law, and laid deeper on this favored spot, so well and so
timely chosen, the foundation of a prosperous commerce.
But it was left for the descendants of both races-their
independence of the mother country being established,
and the Constitution of the United States adopted-to
understand and estimate the unrivaled position of this




250
noble State for commerce, agriculture and the arts of
peace. From that moment may be said to date her start
in this con-test for extended commerce; and at a later day,
in her great works of internal improvement. With broad
lakes and deep water on her western, northern and eastern
borders, and the wide Atlantic pouring its tides around
her commercial city on the south; with a fertile soil, an
educated, numerous and prosperous people it may be
truly said that the lot of her citizens is cast in a favored
spot!  This great advance, this rapid rise to power and
greatness is due, next to her fortunate position, to the
enterprising spirit of her people, to her fidelity to the
laws and Constitution of her own and the General Government, and to the spirit of liberty which animates and
ennobles her people and their undertakings. Steadily and
proudly she presses forward in her march to prosperity,
nobly seconded by the enterprise of her merchants, the
skill of her mechanics, the thrifty labor of her husbandmen, and the wide-spread intelligence of her whole people.
In peace and in war she has ever been true and loyal to
all her duties and obligations, and names of renown and of
honor are and have been among her public men. 3M/ay
no calamity, no intestine feuds, ever disturb or put in
peril the happiness, prosperity and repose of such a comnmunity. But rather may her course be onward, ever
generous, ever successful' and independent. I would say
a word in honor and in respect of this great city of the
West-full of activity and of all the eternals of power and
greatness. Noble and loyal city-the seat of conmmerce,
the throne of those who compass the earth in the pursuit
of honorable gains, whose streets are thronged with a
busy and industrious people, whose public charities are
nobly endowed, whose public schools are open to all



251
may you ever be equal to your fortune and your position,
and may the Almighty hand which has so far favored you,
continue to watch over and defend you! I will conclude
with the following sentiment:
"The City of New York —The great haven and mart of
the Western World.  Unrivaled in position and distinguished for the enterprise of her merchants, the skill of
her mechanics, and the intelligence of her citizens. She
feels and asserts the quickening impulse which commerce
gives to the principles of liberty, to the spread of knowl'
edge, and to enterprises of great pith and moment."
The ninth regular toast was:
" OUR CITY OF MANHATTAN-Foremost of America, now
placed side by side with the chief cities of Europe; while
we strive to surpass, we will be friends as well as rivals."
To this Mr. Richard Busteed, Corporation Counsel,
responded. He said:
Mr. President and Gentlemen:'The extravagance of joy befits the purpose of to-night.
The first city of the American continent speaks her congratulations to her sister cities, upon the accomplishment
of the mightiest wonder of all time! The Submarine Telegraph-a fact of actual science —rests undisturbed upon
its ocean plateau. A greater agency than steam is laid
under contribution to the wants and will of man; a new
means of increasing happiness and knowledge is furnished
to the world. The subtle fluid of the gods goes upon




252
the errands of men, and time and distance are figments of the past. The dream of the poet is realized.
The mandate of Oberon is obeyed, and ere the leviathan
can swim  a league, Agamemnon  and Niagara "put a
girdle round about the earth."
We celebrate to-night the carnival of all religions and
of all nations-the carnival of mind.  " Our City of Manhattan, foremost of America, now placed side by side with
the chief cities of Europe," spreads her municipal board
in honor of the men and of the exploit.
It is meet, sir, that the great city which is our host,
should thus commemorate the occasion.  New  York
should not be silent-she could not be. Her people feel
the electric thrill and are now shouting for joy. It should
be so. No city in the world owes more to science and the
arts. Sitting, a proud queen, upon her island throne, at
the confluence of two rivers, her feet bathed by the ocean
and her brow fanned by its breezes, she has become, and
is, our nation's glory and pride.  Commencing her municipal existence in 1652, with a population of seven hundred,
she looks down to-night, at the expiration of but two centuries, and while yet in the infancy of her career, upon
nearly a million of inhabitants.
Her commerce visits every sea, and the flags of all
nations are unfurled in her harbor. Her wharves and
piers, stretching out into the deep waters like the arms of
a mighty giant, encircle in safe anchorage the shipping of
the world.  "Placed side by side -with the chief cities of
Europe," she emulates the zeal of all, and is outdone in
enterprise and liberality by none. Whenever and whereever humanity calls her answering voice is heard; and




253
whether it be to search in polar zones, mid regions of
eternal ice, for a lost Franklin, or to supply a famishing
people with food, her Grinnells and her Macedonians
promptly respond to the demand.  " While she rivals, she
befriends her compeers."
Her noble charities, her public institutions, her hospitals, her homes for the outcast and the stranger
within her gates, her Churches, her Universities of
learning, her parks, her free-schools and her newspapers,
the liberal and judicious provision which she provides for
recreation and instruction, signalize her people as the true
type of American Nationality.  The city of New York is
a condensation of the Republic. Liberal and enlightened
in her government, tendencies and views, she draws to
herself all that is desirable of restless energy and utilitarian activity. The mart for all the wares that brain or
muscle can proffer or produce, she exacts thought, effort,
labor, skill, and she rewards them. The Cosmopolitan city
of Christendom —a social and moral Mosaic, whereof the
characteristics of every clime, blended in exquisite harmony, form part.  The ardor and fidelity of the Irishthe sturdy steadfastness of the English —the gravity and
caution of the Scot-the vivacious and scientific genius of
the French —the profound intellect and untiring industry
of the German —the unpretending but effective labor of
the Dutchl and the artistic capacity of the Italian: all
these mingle with the genial fervor of the South and the
indomitable perseverance of the North. In her streets the
rich and poor meet and mix without invidious distinction.
Honest poverty fears no offense, and receives none. Her
high places are within the reach of all who have character,
capacity and courage.




254
Without the test of birth or creed, she fosters all who
seek her protecting egis. Intolerance and fanaticism may
momentarily disturb her quiet, but a healthy public sentiment soon re-establishes her tranquillity.  Glorious city!
"Foremost of America!" thy sons do thee homage!
"Peace be within thy borders, and prosperity within thy
gates." Esto perpetua.
The City of New York has especial interest in the subject of our present rejoicing. It was in the city of New
York, twenty-three years ago, that Samuel F. B. Morse
constructed the apparatus which demonstrated the practicability of the telegraph. In one of the rooms of the
New York University this votary of Science incarnated
the grand idea, and the first and fitting syllable of recorded
lightning was —'"Eureka." It was in the city of New York
that the project of an Atlantic Telegraph was conceived.
At the house of Cyrus W. Field the plan was born, nurtured and matured. New York was the first to feel the
quickening impulses of this new nerve, and tingles now
from centre to extremity.
Depend upon it, sir, our city will accomplish the
prophecy of the toast. That prophecy is an inspiration. Brought nearer to the cities of Europe by this
new agency, she will maintain an honorable friendship in
the midst of an active rivalry. She will fulfill her destiny
in a spirit of magnanimous pride, and with a just regard
to the rights of competitors. Already the fifth city of the
world, she must yet be the first. It is written in the book
of fate. Thus in peace acquiring her prosperity and
power, she will furnish encouragement and example for
others, and sanctify her own greatness to the universal
good.




255
I verily believe, sir, that the success of the Atlantic
Telegraph will mark a distinct epoch in the history of the
race. We have had the dark and the iron ages; the historian will signalize this as the telegraphic age. The
consequences which are involved to man in this latest
power are as yet but dimly developed. This magic network of material mechanism belongs to the future, and
vibrates to its touch. It is inconceivably grand, and will
find its highest triumph in this:-men will learn to war no
more; pruning-hooks will take the place of spears, and
swords be converted into ploughshares. In this millenium
New York must share, and when the era which she inaugurates to-night shall be among the things that werewhen a far-distant posterity shall occupy our places, and
unborn generations enjoy the advantages of which this
hour is the harbinger, how sublime will be the spectacle
of nations sitting down together as do their representatives
to-night, awarding the highest honors to those who peacefully increase intellectual victories.
When such an era comes to bless the world, posterity
will find in the records and achievements of this hour
something for pride and glory. Then shall people of every
nation, and kindred, and color, and tongue, observe an inviolable amnesty; all hearts shall beat responsive to one
pulse; electricity will be merchantable, and insulated wire the
world's amanuensis.
1Mr. Busteed concluded amid reiterated applause.
The tenth regular toast was then given:
" THE NEW YORK, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LONDON TELEGRAPH COMPANY-which commenced and planned, and the




256
ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, which completed, the work
of linking two continents together beneath the sea: they
have done more for the civilization and peace of the world
than any other companies which ever existed."
This toast was responded to by the Hon. Augustus
Schell, Collector of the Port of New York. He said:
I feel honored, Mr. President and gentlemen, by your
call to respond to the toast you so warmly and justly
applaud. I shall not detain you by dwelling upon the
great features of the stupendous result which we are
assembled this day to celebrate, and which commands the
admiration of rejoicing nations, nor by tracing step by
step the labors -and discoveries of those earnest and patient
men of thought-Franklin, Oersted, Ampere, Arago,
Farraday, Jackson. Henry, and our distinguished and illustrious Morse-to whose developments telegraphic science
and this gigantic climax are so largely indebted. These,
though connected with my theme, will be topics which
others of more congenial pursuits and greater leisure will
do eloquent justice to. But I will bring to your consideration a few words upon the immediate subject of this
well deserved tribute to the New York, Newfoundland
and London Telegraph Company and the Atlantic Company, one of which commenced and planned, and the other
completed, the link which binds two continents together
beneath the sea. Early in the spring of the year 1.854,
five gentlemen of New York met at the residence of one
of their number-a well known and liberal-hearted citizen
-and laid the foundation of a company, which after four
years of doubt-of almost despairing effort-of seeming
inevitable failure - has astonished the world with an
achievement so gigantic in its design, so momentous in




257
its consequences, that the mind almost loses its equilibriumn
in the contemplation of it. These five gentlemen were
Cyrus W. Field, Moses Taylor, Peter Cooper, Marshall 0.
Roberts and Chandler White-the residence, that of Mr.
Field. Here, with much confidence, but more hope,
they made the first subscription and assumed the first
responsibility of the great enterprise. The comparatively
modest sum of ten thousand dollars a piece was thought
would be sufficient to start, if not prosecute the work.
How inadequate this starting sum, when, after repeated
-failures and darkening prospects, the outlay of each of the
survivors of this brave band reached nearly a quarter of a
million of dollars! Early in the spring of 1854 Cyrus W.
Field, Chandler White and David Dudley Field were sent
by this incipient company to Newfoundland to procure
from the Governor and Legislature of that province, then
in session, a charter with certain privileges and powers.
The Governor promptly responded to the voice of the
commission, called a meeting of the Executive Council,
and transmitted a message to the Legislature recommending the incorporation of the Company, a provisional
guarantee on the interest on the bonds of the Company,
and a grant of fifty square miles of land in aid of the
Company. At once the Legislature gave its sanction to
the'recommendation of the Governor and Council. In
three days the commission returned to New York with
the charter, guarantee, grants of land and privileges.
Whether owing to the perseverenee of Mr. Field and his
associates, or guided by an enlightened and rare forecast,
the authorities of Newfoundland have, from the outset,
evinced, and continue to evince, the highest appreciation
of the purposes and objects of the Company; and to their
17




258
alacrity of action and munificent donation do we owe much
of the early and latter success of the great project. Two
years after this occurrence the Company, desirous of securing the co-operation of English capitalists, dispatched
Mr. Cyrus W. Field to London. England, not less than
Newfoundland, yielded at once to the grandeur of the
idea, the cogency of his reasoning, and the vigor of his
efforts; and the balance of the entire capital was at once
subscribed, and through his agency another and auxiliary
Company was chartered by an act of Parliament.  Its
shareholders embrace many of the leading scientific and
political minds and greatest capitalists of both countries.
The two companies in purpose and object are, I am informed, a unit, co-operating in the expenditures and efforts,
and sharing mutually the honors and rewards of the glorious consummation. Besides the subsidies I have mentioned, Newfoundland has made an additional grant of fifty
square miles of land to the Company when the Cable shall
be laid from Ireland to Newfoundland. The large subsidies, also, of the English Government and our own, and
the active interest taken by both in the success of the enterprise, are well known to you all. Under the favorable
auspices the Company enters upon its career of usefulness,
what will be its destiny-what its progress or profits, I
shall not venture to calculate or predict. Let us at least
wish for them  a successful management and enduring
prosperity. Among the many names eminent in scientific
experiment and discoveries, of whose labor. this is the
crowning result, it will be seen that our country can point
with just pride to an honorable proportion of our countrymen; and whatever may be its effect on the great business
commerce of the world, no one can doubt but that our
own city will participate as largely as any other in its




259
substantial benefits. As nothing comes by chance, it may
be said that this marvel of our times is the result of particular agencies which have existed for a long period of
time. The submarine plateau-the milky-way of the bottom of the sea-throughout of a right and safe depth and
width, forming a bed of minute shells for the security of
the submerged Cable, and a substance discovered in a
distant land by which alone insulation could be secured,
besides many concurring corollaries, are of marked significance, and teach a lesson in our rejoicing, that while we employ human agencies, we should not forget the exalted source
from which sprang, as if by a direct emanation, this resplendent, instantaneous track of mind from continent to
continent, from nation to nation, throughout and around
the habitable globe, lending wings not only, but giving
ubiquity to thought and events, causing everywhere the
profoundest sensation of wonder and delight. Mr. President and gentlemen, I congratulate you that we live in an
age of so much grandeur of discovery and accomplishment,
of such exalted consummation, so full of promise to the
peace of nations, of enlightened progress and of coming
illumination, and that we are permitted to rejoice with
far-off nations as if they and we were at the same festive'board; and that we can, by a flash across the wires, report
even to them the justly complimentary toast to these
Companies at the moment we respond to it here.
To the eleventh regular toast"THE ARTS OF PEaCE-Now crowned with immortal lustre and for once at least covered with greater renown than
ever were the Arts of War,"




260
The HON. DANIEL E. SICKLES, M. C., responded:
He concluded an address of much interest by reading the
following "Song of the Flag's," which was composed by
the Rt. Rev. Bishop Doane, of New Jersey, and forwarded by Telegraph to Rev. Dr. Ogilby, of Trinity Church,
with a request to have it read at the Dinner:T-lE WEDDED FL AGs-A SO\G OF THE CABLE.
(The English and American flags, displayed together from the spire
of Trinity Church, were blown across each other in a mutual embrace.)
Hang out that glorious old red crossHang out the Stripes and Stars 
They faced each other fearlessly
In two historic wars.
But now the Ocean's circlet binds
The bridegroom and the bride,Old England and Young America!
Display them side by side.
High up from Trinity's old spire
We'll fling the banners out;hIear how the world-wide welkin rings
With that exciting shout!
Forever wave those wedded flags
As proudly now they wave!
God, for the lands his love has blessed
The beauteous and the brave.
But see! The dallying wind the Stars
About the Cross has blown;
And see, again, the Cross around
The Stars its folds has thrown.
Was ever Sign so beautiful
Hung from the Heavens abroad?
Old England and Young America
For Freedom and for God!




261
Mr. JAMES BiROOKS responded to the 12th regular toast,
which was:
"THE PRESS-TO which the Telegraph is both minister and instrument; may its usefulness be always equal
to its powers."
He said:
I have accepted, M[r. President, the agreeable duty of
responding for the Press, because my profession of journalism is under the greatest obligations to the magicians
who have realized not only the lover's but the journalist's
prayer, in the annihilation of time and space; nay, who
have done more in giving us in this Western World, the
news of the morning long before, in the translated words
of Homer, Aurora
" I-Has sprinkled with rosy light (our) dewy lawn."
As journalists, now we can sit in our attics, and there
leaps in upon us, through the coral groves of the oceans,
the yet live news then buzzing through the alleys of
Threadneedle street, London, or surging against the dome
of St. Paul's.
MIagicians I have called those men; and are they not
magicians, who can bring to us at noon-day, on the banks
of the Hudson, the doings of the antipodes, of the Brahmin, the Hindoo, the Mohammedan, on the Indus, on the
Ganges, and who can so closely connect the antipodes, as
to make us fancy we really see the rays of the morning
sun that purple the peaks of the Himmalay, gilding at the
same moment the evening clouds that hover over the




262
Alleghanies?  The Genius of news, the newsmen, the
printer, the publisher, no wonder, are inspired!-and all
the more they rejoice, because it was Franklin, the printer,
who, in the glowing words of his eulogist,
"Eripuit fulmen ccelo, sceptrumque tyrannis,"Franklin, the printer, who caught the lightning in the
clouds, sported with it on the kite, and made it run,
dancing over his lightning-rod, into the earth. And, because it was Morse, the printer, who took the lightning
into his ihnfant school, taught it there its letters, then how
to speak and how to spell! And Field, the paper-maker,
the paper-seller, who wound his cable around the blustering arms of Old Neptune, and from the rogue wrenched
the Trident of the seas!
Three great events, Mr. President, link the Old World
and the New. In 1452 the world was only Europe, Asia
and Africa; and what of that world was not on the shores
of the Mediterranean, was about all in Castile and Arragon. Then, Christopher Columbus left the little port of
Palos in his caraval, a coasting craft of some ninety tons,
and, landing on San Salvador under the banner of the
cross, handed over all America to Ferdinand and Isabella.
The wind-the latten sail-did all this. In 1838 the little
British steamer Sirius, Capt. Roberts, as bold as Columbus,
ventured from the highlands of Britain, and in spite of the
wind, anchored off our Battery, before a multitude so
astounded as if in these dog-days the bright dog-star Sirius
had dropped from  its constellation of Canis Major upon
that Battery. Steam then conquered wind and ocean
wave, and Old iEolus was hushed up. But time had only
been shortened, and there yet existed space! Then started




263
the conception of Field; then Maury and Berryman
mapped out the bottom  of the sea; then the genius of
Morse; then the generous capital of New York and London's princely merchants; then the glorious story of the
Agamemnon, the Valorous, the Niagara, the Gorgon-not
"Gorgon and chimera dire,"
-and time and space were annihilated!
Now, who can see or foresee the result of all this? Cotton, which boasts of being c" king," feels in this extended
electricity new pledges of sovereignty. Rice is exultant.
Tobacco even is not without joy. Gold, ever glittering,
glitters yet more and yet wider in the sparkles of the wire.
But I see, or think I see, it is the Printer who is to win the
day, and through him, the universal RESPUBLICAS. The
Electric Telegraph is but another way of printing. Its
business is Letters. It lives on words, thoughts, ideas; and
is a pure spirit-in nothing material. Through it and by
it, our American thoughts, American principles, American
precedents are to flash daily into the dusky rooms of St.
James, the glittering halls of the Tuilleries, the majestic
grandeur of the Escurial, the Austrian Schonbrunn, and
the Roman Vatican..The minarets of the mosques of Constantinople, and the
towers of the Kremlin are to be lit up by them. No Horse
Guards, no Corps Municipal, no fiery Sun nor wild Cossack, no crack of Minnie rifle, no crash of shell or bomb
can fence off this spirit imponderable, invincible. The
Queen, the Czar, the Emperor, must use it as they use the
air all breathe. Hence then comes a mighty conflict of
antagonistic principles-an equalization of thought, the
fraternity of mankind. Something is to topple over-but




264
whose that something is, no Cassandra at a dinner-table like
this can predict.
But sons of the new world, as we are, the pleasing reflection of such a re-union as this-whether we be AngloSaxon, German, French or Spaniard-is the living link we
now have with our fatherland. The German, the world
over, it is said, whether on the Volga or the Mississippi,
chants the song of Wolfgang 3Muller.
Mein Elerz ist am Rhein, en heimischen Land,
Mein ierz ist am Rhein, wo dei Wiege mir stand.
(On the Rhine is my heart, where affection holds sway,
On the Rhine is my heart, where encradled I lay.)
Wo ich bin, wo ich gehe, mein Herz ist am Rhein.
But oh, with howv much more enthusiasm may we Americans, Englishmen,  Irishmen,  Welshmen, Scotchmen,
parted in British Colonies as wide apart as the poles, lay
our hands and our hearts too upon the Ocean Cable, and
feeling its pulsations, turn our eyes homeward to our,vaterland, singing forth " Home, sweet home, there is no
place like home."  We, who first lisp together in the
words of Shakespeare and of Milton-we, whose mighty
fathers lie buried together in the consecrated aisles of
Westminster Abbey — with how much more enthusiasm, I
say, may we, now the globe encircling in words and wire,
as the earth rolls on its axis-sing together, the live long
day, in one continued melody, the spirit-stirring words:
" God save the Queen."
"Hail Columbia."




266
The thirteenth and last regular toast, was"WOMAN —At whose feet we lay all our triumphs; to.
her we owe the happiness of life and the consolations of
home. God bless her."
Hon. John E. Ward, of Savannah, Ga. (President of the
Cincinnati Convention that nominated Buchanan), replied.
He said he did not know how he should respond to such a
sentiment, so far from the consolations of which the toast
spoke-Home. But they might be forgotten in the happiness which the Cable demonstrations here had given those
who had come from afar to witness or participate in them.
Great as were the binding ties of the Cable, there was a
greater tie between men of the two hemispheres-Woman.
In proper terms he alluded to the virtues of the Queen of
England, and declared that every American citizen respected the smile which played around her lips. Woman's
consolation, he concluded, would ever draw man to home,
or console him in absence from it.
The following volunteer toasts were then offered:
By Mr. CYprus W. FIELD: "The union of England and
the United States in the enterprise of uniting the two
herhiispheres-illustrated by the exertions in its behalf of
Wilson G. Hunt, an American, and Edward 3MI. Archibald,
an Englishman."
Loud calls were here made for those gentlemen, but
they were both absent.
"To Winm. E. Everett, the Engineer who laid the Cableby whose inventive genius the triumph was achieved."




266
To this the Hon. JOHN COCHRANE responded:
It is not very often, sir, that praise is bestowed upon
what are generally esteemed the secondary instruments of
any great achievement. The glory of success nearly always envelopes the name through which it is known, and
the subordinates, though indispensable, are sometimes forgotten. I cannot, however, ascribe these remarks to the
fortune of those engaged, in however humble capacity, in
the laying of the Atlantic Cable. An enthusiastic public
has lavished deserved honors upon them all. They all have
received bountifully of the popular plaudits; and, certainly,
if due appreciation of unremitting care and superior skill
forms any part of their reward, it has been granted with
an alacrity excelled only by the modesty with which it
has been received. The toast, sir, just offered is designed to honor one of the chief actors in the expedition
which we celebrate. I suppose that the nature of his services is generally understood. Yet, it were not amiss to
recur to them specifically at this time. I believe that the
impression prevails that had an efficient machinery regu
lated the Cable in its descent to its bed during the effort of
18.57, it would not have been unsuccessful. At all events,
it is indisputable that in the interval between the first and
second attempt, constantly invention was charged with the
discovery of the means for accommodating the strain upon
the Cable to its strength. This discovery is due to the
genius of William E. Everett.  We are informed that
the search had been unsuccessful, and that the most sanguine friends of the enterprise began to despair, when the
invention of Mr. Everett was first explained to their incredulous understandings. His practical ability disclosed
to the unpracticed the merits of his machinery, and re



267
peated experiments at length attested its competency.
Thence the laying of the Cable was but a question of time.
With the means at hand of depositing it from on shipboard
in profoundest depths, under all strains occasioned by every
weather, whether an accident should intervene was but
the conjecture of a possible delay, while ultimate success
became only the product of labor and perseverance. Behold the fleet, then, upon its voyage. The splice has been
made in mid-ocean. From two vessels, moving steadily
from each other, proceeds the uniform run of the Cable.
Whether on the billow or in the calm, its speed is controlled and its integrity preserved by the machine created
by the master's genius, with power to deliver to the order
of Old Neptune in installments, as required, the gutta percha, and the copper, and the steel, with which to pave his
rugged ocean floor; and so they take their eventful waythat one to Valentia Bay, and this one to Trinity Bay-and
when each goal has been reached, and the last coil has been
paid out, why there it stands, in impressive silence, indicating to an enraptured world, by the work it alone has
done, the great truth that, as often as employed, it can do
it again and again, through every wave, in every sea. I
claim, then, great honor for the inventor of this successful
Cable layer-of this great Cable king —honor for Winm. E.
Everett. Permit me, MIr. President, while upon this theme,
and in further illustration of it, to refer, however briefly,
to the essential offices of mechanical genius in the accomplishment of every enterprise. The scheme of speculation,
and the vision of philosophy, however practical or real, can
be attained only through the instrumentality of the mechanician. The most simple scientific principle is nugatory save when subjected to the harness of mechanics.
Thus applied, it constructed pyramids in Egypt, it de



268
stroyed navies in Syracuse; and thus applied, it turns the
spindle, it drives the hammer, and it moves the wheels
that bear along the massive superstructure of our modern
social fabric. Your mechanic is your true hero. He is in
your workshops with his patents, in your fields with his
machines. He is to be found in your mines, teaching men
how to prepare the metals for use; he is to be found on
your hills, directing man how to remove them from his
path. He rides upon the waves and chains them fast; he
dives to the bottom of the sea, and, at a thought, subjects
it to human dominion. He is the motive power of the
world. Though science may demonstrate what can be
done, it can be done only by mechanics. Though philosophy may teach that nothing is impossible, mechanics alone
can teach how nothing is impossible. It is a beautiful and
instructive allegory that —familiar to our school dayswhere the Cretan nymph possesses the Grecian hero with
a clue to the intricacies of the labyrinth through which he
removed the symbolized obstacles to a union of Attica with
Crete. 3May we not apotheosize the hero who has laid the
clue possessed of which all the world again is kin? Truly,
sir, we do not err when magnifying the far reach of his
comprehensive mind, who of his philosophy conceived, and
of his sublime faith confided in, the theory of a western
world; and yet what had been the fruits of that grand
thought-what the destiny of that grand old mariner in
his pathless way on the deep, had not the compass taught
him how to "steer securely and discover far?"  And where,
let us speculate, had still been the abode of the lightningof this subtle spark we are now dispatching all over the
earth and all under the sea-had not the mechanical genius
of Franklin come to the aid of' his philosophy, and instructed him how to attract the volatile essence, and to




269
lay it under bonds to man? Sir, many another instance is
there which approves the mechanician to be the true benefactor of his species. Honor, therefore-again I say honor
to the man whose genius taught how the Cable could be
laid, and it was laid. Sir, there are, to my mind, three
eras in the history of word-traveling. The first introduced
an electric current which bore instantaneously away beyolid recorded distance, over the mountains and beneath
the seas, human thoughts to other human thoughts. The
second saw men moved to gracious accord, capital collected
and bestowed, and labor and perseverance applied to the
accomplishment of the noble enterprises of the Telegraph.
The third witnessed the humble and careful approach of
the mechanical arts to the assistance of the greater science,
and behold the consummation. There they stand-Morse
the inventor, Field the executive, Everett the mechanician;
and so will they be held in enduring remembrance.
BY VIR. JOSEPH HOXIE: " The late naval engagement
between her Majesty's war steamer Agamemnon and the
United States frigate Niagara-the only one on record in
which both were victorious."
The following toast by JOHN D. JONES, Esq., was then
annaunced:
" The United States Coast Survey and Lieutenant Berryman-The nation will not soon forget their disinterested
efforts in favor of the enterprise, the success of which we
now celebrate."
Prof. BACHE responded, and defended the Coast Survey
from the anonymous charge of opposing the great enterprise, because its (the Coast Survey's) chief men had pre



270
dicted failure, except at the time when the enterprise
proved successful. Hte said:
GENTLEMEN-I wish I could say gentlemen and ladies
— I read in a paper, published perhaps in Albany; —yes,
it Was the organ of the triumvirate who govern the Trustees of the Dudley Observatory, (Trustees, lucus a non lucendo,)-that the Coast Survey was opposed to the Atlantic
Telegraph, and you, emphatically its friends, toast the
Coast Survey. There is certainly a mistake somewhere.
Let Mr. Field, Mr. Cooper, and Mr. Hunt decide where it
lies! It is not given to all to die for a cause; many, many
live for it, and more may serve it. We have the highest
authority for knowing that one or two talents, rightly
used, may meet with appreciation and even with reward.
Consistently, from the beginning to the end, has the Coast
Survey been ready, by all lawful means, to serve this great
enterprise. Witness the last year's labors of Berryman.
Witness other unpretending efforts well known to Matthew
andto Cyrus Field. None have rejoiced with a deeper sympathy than the officers of the Coast Survey in the glorious
success which has crowned the undertaking. For myself,
I can truly say that no heart- glowed more warmly and
was more filled (beyond these of the hallowed family circle).by the glories of the civic triumph of yesterday, than my
own. True, the triumvirate say that heart is bad, I am an
unscrupulous man, a tyrant. What say the officers of the
Coast Survey to this? Is there not some mistake, my
friends?  Has a tyrant such friends?
In our country, in the last century, a party of scientific
men and of friends of science, inoculated by the warm zeal
of Franklin in relation to electricity, assembled on the




271
banks of the Schuylkill, near Philadelphia, to hold an
electrical feast. Our ancestors were quaint in some of
their sayings and doings. Part of the day's programme(they didn't call it so)-was to pass an electric charge
through the river, and by the shock to procure the dish
that was to grace the head of the table. It was on this
occasion the laughing philosopher said that the people
might pronounce that there was a force at both ends of the
electric chain-but no they did not-they laughed, and
they made a myth, a demi-god of him-seeing in the experiment a full proof of the great principle of transmission
of the electric current through an expanded conductor.
Upon what a magnificent scale has'this principle been applied in this century! Instead of a few simple philosophers
meeting in sport or mirth, the representatives of the two
great nations exchange greetings of solemn import, of
peace and good-will. Instead of the Schuylkill is the
wide Atlantic. Our Field is the World, and the World's.
And yet the popular voice, speaking through the mottoes
of yesterday, acknowledge the giant of science (Franklin,)
while giving every honor to Field, and Morse, and Hudson, and Preedy, and Dayman, Whitehouse, and Bright,
and Brett, and Everett, and Woodhouse, and many more,
for there is glory enough for all. Why did not this
voice recognize the claims of that son of New York who,
when Barlow found the telegraph impossible, determined
the laws which rendered it eminently practicable —Joseph
Henry? To every one his meed.
Gentlemen, you hardly thought that Franklin had any
direct agency in laying this Cable. But I have it from a
man, who rivals the great barber of the Arabian Nights as
a talker, and excels him as a philosopher, that an ingenious




272
customer of his assures himn that Franklin has devoted
himself, in the Spirit world, in an especial way, to this
undertaking, and that, being recently aided by one whose
loss in this upper world we still deeply deplore, he has
brought this enterprise to a successful issue.
Gentlemen, the survey which you have just honored
now presents a continuous triangulation from Machias
to the northern boundary of South Carolina, and thence,
with a few links only wanting, to the St. Johns. If we
could have the prosperous times which preceded 1857,
we should show you in twelve years a land and water
survey, completed, of the whole Atlantic and Gulf coast,
with considerable progress towards completion on the
Pacific. We have rendered it certain that the entrance to
your port has not deteriorated, but has rather improved,
within the last twenty years, and have furnished the
materials by which your own citizens have secured your
noble harbor from suicidal encroachment. The nation
sees and hails the future of this great port, when, connected fully with the Pacific by railroad and telegraph,
as it is now with Europe by the Cable, it shall become
the commercial centre of the world! Emphatically, with
the Telegraph, there is no East, no West —only a centre.
T'ime itself shall be no more!
Amid the thunders of Sinai the still small voice could
be heard, and amid the roar and din of the world's strife
and contention, comes the voice of peace from mother and
daughter, and the quick, sympathetic response, the electric
kiss of America and Great Britain.
I used to think triangulation (" nothing like leather")
was the great connector of capes, and headlands, and con



273
tinents, but now I know it.is the Cable, and we of the
Coast Survey, under the enlightened head of the Treasury
Department, have been ready now these two years and
more, standing in eager expectation over our transits and
chronographs, " double shotted, pricked and primed, port
fires ready, match lighted," waiting only the word from
Field, and Cooper, and Eddy (illustrious name of a great
anLd good, a simple and single minded man, gone to his
rest without seeing the glories of yesterday), to fire! and
our range is from America to Europe. When the winter's
campaign in Washington, which our good, kind fiiends of
the Dudley Observatory so blandly promise us, shall come
off, we will "beat to quarters," rally the merchants and
navigators, the ship-owners and shipmasters of' New York
and of the country, and make a great defense under the
Cyrus of the Nineteenth century (may he find a Xenophon!) with the rock Peter ready for use in our ballista.
MR. PETER COOPER then rose, and made the following
remarks:
GENTLEMEN-It will be impossible for me to give form
and expression to feelings that struggle within for utterance. The occasion which has called us together is one
of such vast and immeasurable importance to the world
that the minds of all are bewildered in the contemplation
of its results. That an electric power has penetrated the
world's heart, forcing pulsations of sympathy into every
fibre of the body, inspiring the people of every region with
a joyful hope of a brighter and better day for the world,
is a fact which may well tax the strongest and most facile
powers of expression to convey its full import. The day
18




274
will come when knowledge shall take the place of ignorance-when science shall have developed the laws and
methods of Deity-when Christianity shall spread over
the world, having its foundation on God our Father, and
the world of mankind be brethren. Then a universal
charity will arise, growing out of a better knowledge of
the power-the mighty power that the circumstances of
birth, education, and country have exerted in the formation of all the differing characters and conditions of mankind. I will not, gentlemen, occupy your time with a
history of the rise and progress of the company which I,
in part, have the honor to represent. It is sufficient to
know that the labors, expenses, and hazards encountered
in the progress of the work have at last electrified the
world with success-a success that will shed an enduring
lustre on the enlightened Governments that. have lent
their powerful aid, and on all that noble band of officers,
sailors, electricians and engineers, by whose united efforts
the glorious prize has been secured for the world. May
they ever be rewarded with
"The soul's calm sunshine and the heartfelt joy
That nothing earthly gives or can destroy."
Gentlemen, I will give you as a sentiment:." The Atlantic.Cable-The longest, strongest, and surest bond to keep the peace of nations."
Several other volunteer toasts were given, amonag them
the following:
"FRANKLIN AND MORSE-The one was a Prometheus,
the other a Cadmus to the lightning of Heaven; one brought
down its forked javelin from the clouds, the other made it




275
a pen and taught it the syllables of human speech and
universal brotherhood."
By JAIMES HARPER, Esq.:
"AMERICAN ENTERPRISE-Give it a fair FIELD, and it
will be sure of success where EVERETT goes."'
By General HALL:
"THE CHIMES OF OLD TmINITY-They are the same
old bells presented to Trinity Church when the diocese
was first instituted, and for the first time in three-quarters
of a century, they pealed forth the national anthem of
Great Britain, " God save the Queen."
By HENRY O'REILLY, Esq.:
"LIEUT. MAURY, OF THE ATMERICAN NATIONAL OBSERVATORY-The indefatigable investigator of the winds and
currents, and soundings of the ocean, which have made his
name known and honored throughout the world; whose
researches have occasioned the designation of that wonderful submarine' Plateau,' which will forever bear his name
in connection with that glorious success of the' Atlantic
Telegraph,' which the whole civilized world is now simultaneously celebrating."
3Mr. CHARLES H. HASWELL, President of the Board of
Councilmen, being called upon for a toast, after a few appropriate remarks, gave
"The health of-Professor S. F. B. Morse."




~76
By HOMIER FRANKLIN, Esq.:
"The Anglo Saxons of the East and West-the Joint
Committee on the World's Commerce. They report proggress' on a string.'  Mlay their future' reports' be equally
creditable to England and America."
This was followed by
" Captain Otter, who lighted the fires and led the way
to Trinity Bay.  We do him honor."
" The New York Press and its attache upon the various
Trans-atlantic Telegraphic Expeditions.  All honor to the' Historian of the Expedition.'"
MIr. CLANCEY, President of the Board of Aldermen, being called upon, introduced Mr. Augustus J. H. Duganne,
who recited the following ode, composed by himself for the
occasion:
HYMN
For the L aying of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable.
BY AUGUSTUS J. H. DUGANNE.
Oh, Jehovah! oh, Elohim! be the glory all thine own!.For the stars in marvellous courses are but Voices from thy throne!
And the zones of mortal dwelling, and the oceans as they roll,
All obey Thee, all adore Thee, Master of the Immortal soul!
Thine the chart the Chaldean pondered,'mid his orient skies unfurled,
Thee the tortured Galileo poised above his "moving world;"
Thee Copernicus, enraptured, magnified, with dying praise,
And the adoring Newton saw Thee-Ancient of Creation's Days.
Thine the Name-oh, Lord of Wisdom-Thine the Word of Life divine;
First, in mystic joy and trembling, matrized by the German Trine,
While the souls of mouldered ages, in their old Imperial dress,'Walked, in grand'transfiguration, through the portals of the Press!




277
Lo! the sunbeam limns our features; Fire and Air we yoke to toil:
Yea, the lightning from the footstool we have chained in hurtless coil!
Thou, oh, God, o'er FRAIKSLIN bending, gave to him th' electric flame,
And with cloven tongues exultant, MoPsE declared Thy Holy Name!
Scrolled beneath the sundered ocean-scored by lightning's awful pen" Glory unto God, the Highest! Peace on Earthll, Good Will to ]Men!"
Land to land, in mingling currents, sways and thrills with loving fear,
"Where art Thou?" the Old World whispers, and the New World murmurs "Here! "
Here th' elastic Heart of Nations-here th' eternal core of Right:
Radiant from their burning centre flash the veins of Freedom's light!
Girt with all the world's great waters-circled far by all the landsMarked by sacred Line and Plummet-God our destiny commands.
Fatther! God! we faint-we falter! Lord of elemental powers —
Grant us that, with God-like wisdom, child-like humbleness be ours!
Thou hast made mankind vicegerent o'er the realms of mind suprenme
Be our hearts Thine earthly altars-be Thy wondrous love our Theme
After which, the party broke up, all well pleased with
both the material and the mental entertainment that had
been afforded them.
Among the features of the evening was a telegraphic
machine of the American Telegraph Company, which was
placed in the corner of the room, just inside the door, and
was kept in constant operation all night by Mr. J. K. Calvert, who transmitted and received several messages to and
from Halifax for Mr. Field and others.. The machine was
connected with the telegraph wire on Broadway, in expectation of the receipt during the evening of a message from
the Lord Mayor of London, but it did not arrive.




278
THE LAST PYROTECHNIC DISPLAY.
Whilst the guests at the dinner table were indulging in
the multifarious luxuries which the larder of the "Metropolitan" affords, the populace were feasting their eyes on
a display of fireworks at the City Hall. This exhibition
was prepared under the superintendence, and at the cost,
of Mr. John W. Hatfield, and was witnessed by an immense throng which crowded the park, and every place
adjoining, from which anything of the exhibition could
be seen. The programme, as carried out, was as follows:
1. The commencement was announced by the discharge
of signal rockets, followed by balloon ascensions.
2. An eccentric piece, opening with a double wheel in
various colors, changed to a pyramid of horizontal wheels,
which, after assuming numerous changes, terminated with
a beautiful representation of a weeping willow.
3. Flights of shells of various colors.
4. The Star of America, beginning with a vertical wheel
in green and gold, changed to the Star of America in silver
lancework, with crimson rosettes, and concluded with a
double star in golden fire..5. Batteries of colored candles.
6. A beautiful mechanical piece opened with three horizontal wheels; changed to three vertical globes, which, by
their combined motion, represented the annual and diurnal
movements of the earth, showing the various lines in scarlet, purple and green fires.




279
7. Display of bomb-shells.
8. Flight of rockets.
9. An appropriate motto piece, opening with a vertical
wheel; changed to a motto suitable to the occasion.
] 0. Batteries of fire pumps.
11. Grand gallopade of serpents —an extensive gyration piece, the centre portion of the device representing
four large serpents, each introducing four smallar ones,
turning reversely, and assuming a variety of lively and
fanciful changes.
12. Display of shells in gold-and silver fires.
13. A most superb and extensive mechanical piece,
opening with circumfused wheels, changing to an elegant
scroll in silver lancework, surrounded by revolving suns,
exhibiting an immense mass of moving fire, and showing
at one view all the various colored fires at present known
in the art of pyrotechny.
14. Imnmense flight of rockets of various colors.
15. The Kaleidoscope; commencing with a double triangular wheel in red, green, and mazarine blue fires; changing to the kaleidescope, which is formed by the combined
revolutions of various complicated figures; concluding
with a double revolving sun in Chinese fire, reported.
16. Volcanoes of colored fires.
17. Shells of stars, serpents, gold rain, &c.




280
18. A curious cycloidal wheel.  Commencing with a
large scroll wheel of every possible color, changing to the
cycloid; cycloid formed of innumerable rings of every
conceivable color, and representing a most intricate and
pleasing device, formed by the mechanical movements of
the various fires employed. Concluded with a geometrical
figure in brilliant fire, marooned.
19. Motto piece, in brilliant colored linces.
20. Brilliant illumination of the entire front of the City
Hall.
21. Grand finale. The laying of the Atlantic Cable.
In this piece some new principles were attempted for the
first time in the pyrotechnic art; the open portion represented the Niagara and Agamemnon in the centre, with
the tenders Gorgon and Valorous ahead; on the extreme
ends of the piece were two light houses connected by a
line of rolling waters, on which the ships slowly moved
towards their destination; on arriving at which the centre
was suddenly transformed into a magnificent temple of
science, in all the splendor of' the dazzling colors, assisted
by all the mechanical contrivances of which the art is
capable. Canopied by an are of stars which rested upon
revolving columns, upon whose base were recorded the
names of Franklin, Morse and Field, appeared a group of
figures representing Science uniting Columbia and Britannia. Over these was an entablature with the motto:
" The electric flash shall belt the earth."  The crowning
portion showed the American coat of arms, in which was
entwined the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes.
In order to do honors more fully to this great success of




2581
science over time- and space, it was found desirable to
employ electricity, thus creating an actual as well as an
imaginary current through the entire length of the piece.
The whole concluded with- batteries of candles, flights
of rockets and bomb shells, filling the air to a great distance with colored stars, gold rain, fiery meteors, serpents, &c.
And so, in the city of New York, were terminated the
public rejoicings in honor of the successful submersion of
the Transatlantic Cable.
On the 11th November, the following communication
fiom his Honor the Mayor was received by the Board of
Aldermen, and referred to the Joint Committee on Celebration:
MAYOR'S OFFICE,
NEw YORK, November 11, 185S.
T'o the Honorable the Commnon Council:
GENTLEMEN-I have the honor to transmit to your Honorable Body a copy of a communication received by me
from Lord Napier, Her Britannic Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary, at Washington, expressing to the members of
the Common Council and myself the thanks of Her Majesty's Government for the part taken, at the celebration.and festival in commemoration of the first establishment of
electric communication between Great Britain and the
United States, by the civic authorities of this city in regard
to her Majesty's officers, as well as for the manifestation of




282
friendly feelings on the part of our citizens towards Great
Britain.
I need not add the pleasure I experience in submitting
this communication of Lord Napier, manifesting as it does
those friendly sentiments which so happily exist between
our own country and the great nation which he so ably
represents.
DANIEL F. TIEMANN,
Mayor.
(Copy.)
HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S LEGATION,
WASHINGTON, November 7, 185S.
SIR —It was my agreeable duty to submit to Her MIajesty's Government some account of the festival, held at
New York, in commemoration of the first establishment of
electric communication between Great Britain and the
United States, and to remark upon the cordial sentiments
which were evinced on that occasion by the Municipality
and the inhabitants of the city towards the Sovereign and
the people of England.
I am now instructed to express to your Honor and to
the members of the Common Council the thanks of Her
2lajesty's Government for the part taken at that celebration by the civic authorities in regard to Her Majesty's
officers, as well as for the generous manifestations of
friendly feelings on the part of the citizens towards Great
Britain.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your most obt. humble servant,
NAPIER.