By the American Merchants in Calcutta July 1862.

The silver tray (18 inches in diameter) has a scroll-leaf and flower
design in relief around the edge. The scroll-leaf design is repeated on
the surface. The tray is inscribed as follows:

Presented to the Hon. Samuel Lilly M.D. by the American Merchants
Resident in Calcutta as a token of regard and acknowledgment of
the creditable manner with which he has upheld the dignity of the
office and executed the duties appertaining to the post of
Consul-General of the United States of America in British India,
Calcutta, July 4th, 1862.

American interest in European affairs, considerably increased by the
middle of the century, is also reflected in the collection. In 1866 the
life of the Czar of Russia was saved from a Nihilist's bullet by the
brave action of one of the serfs who had recently been emancipated by
royal decree. Czar Alexander II was well liked by his own people and was
regarded as an enlightened ruler by the other nations of the West. He
was especially respected in the United States because of the open
support he gave to the Union side during the Civil War. His escape from
death was a cause for official rejoicing in this country, and the
Congress of the United States passed a resolution of congratulations on
the deliverance of the life of the Czar and commissioned Gustavus Vasa
Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, to deliver it to the Czar. Fox set
out for Europe in one of the newly designed Monitor ships that had
proved so effective in naval fighting during the Civil War. His Monitor
was escorted by other ships of the fleet with a large delegation of
naval officers. The party was greeted by the Russians with great
acclaim, and it was showered with gifts and honors. Many of the
interesting items given to Fox personally were bequeathed to the United
States National Museum by his widow, Mrs. V. L. W. Fox (accession 50021,
Division of Political History). Among these objects are a silver tray
(fig. 14), a silver saltcellar in the shape of a chair (fig. 14), and a
gold snuffbox.

[Illustration: Figure 14.--TRAY AND SALTCELLAR in shape of chair that
were among items presented to Gustavus Vasa Fox on his visit to Russia in
1866. The tray measures 24 x 15 x 1-1/2 inches, and the saltcellar is
3-5/8 inches high, 4-9/10 inches long, and 2-3/4 inches wide. They were
made by Sazkoff, St. Petersburg, 1863. Bequest of Mrs. V. L. W. Fox. In
Division of Politica