ful and
affectionate prayer that, in the gracious providence of our
Heavenly Father, his valuable life may be long spared to witness
the success of his benevolent contributions to the happiness of
his fellow-citizens in all parts of his native and beloved land,
and that many of those whom God has blessed with large
possessions may be induced to follow his example of wise and
noble employment of wealth for the good of man and the glory of
God.

Robert C. WINTHROP, C. MACALESTER,
Charles P. MCILVAINE, George W. RIGGS,
U. S. GRANT, Gen. U. S. A. Samuel WETMORE,
William AIKEN, George N. EATON,
William M. EVARTS, Geo. PEABODY RUSSELL.

_____

_The Secretary of State to George Peabody._

To Department of State,
Mr. George PEABODY, London. Washington, June 23, 1868.

Sir: I have the pleasure to inform you that, pursuant to the
resolution of Congress of March 16, 1867, the President has
caused to be prepared for presentation to you, in the name of the
people of the United States, a gold medal, with suitable devices
and inscriptions, in acknowledgment of your munificent donation
for the promotion of education in the more destitute portions of
the Southern and Southwestern States. This testimonial, (p. 427)
together with an engrossed copy of the resolution referred to,
will remain in the hands of this department until you shall have
communicated to it your wishes with regard to their further
disposition.

I have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient servant,
William H. SEWARD.

_____

_George Peabody to the Secretary of State._

To the Honorable
William H. SEWARD, London, Sept 18, 1868.
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
communication, dated the 23d of June, informing me of the
completion of the gold medal prepared pursuant to an act of
Congress of March 16, 1867, to be presented to me in the name of
the people of the United States, and asking what may be my wishes
in regard to its further disposition.

I have her