accompanying
correspondence, which so happily turns into a means of delightful
reconciliation what has been so long, but can be no longer,
a painful memory. I was received in Charleston with the delightful
hospitality of which no other people in the world so fully
understand the secret.

CHARLESTON, S. C., Oct. 20, 1898.
THE HONORABLE GEORGE F. HOAR.

_Dear Sir:_

We have a New England Society in Charleston which is now seventy-
six years old. It has had a notable history, Daniel Webster
having been among its annual orators. Its Forefathers' Anniversary
is the social and literary event of our year. I write to
extend the warm greeting of the Society to yourself, and the
earnest request that you will be our guest at the banquet
on Forefathers' Day Dec. 22, and speak to the sentiment--
"The Day we Celebrate," or any other that you would prefer.
Of course, it will be our privilege to make your coming wholly
without cost to yourself. May I venture to urge that your
presence with us will have a beautiful significance in its
relation to the good feeling which so happily obtains in all
our land, and a past event which associates your honored Father's
name so memorably and sadly with our City? Charleston would
fain give the honored Son a welcome which shall obliterate
the past.

Hoping for a favorable and early reply, I remain,
Yours with great respect,
CHARLES S. VEDDER, _President._

WORCESTER, MASS., October 26, 1898.

_My Dear Sir:_

I am sure you will not doubt that I feel myself highly honored
by your invitation in behalf of the New England Society of
Charleston, as I am deeply touched and gratified by what you
say in the letter which conveys it. I thank God that I have
lived to behold this day, and that my eyes have been spared
to see the people of the whole country united again in affection
as in the early time.

I hope and expect to be able to attend your banquet next
Forefathers' Day. I will do so if the condition of the public
business shall permit. I have the charge of the business of
the Committee on the Judiciary, two of whose important members
are now absent in Paris, and it is of course possible that
some of the great questions which are before us may require
constant attendance in their places of all the Senators during
the next session without the possibility of interruption for
a Christmas holiday. Subject to that possibility, I will
accept your invitation, and am, with hig