etofore delayed responding to your polite letter from
indecision on my part respecting the place to which I should wish
to have the esteemed token transmitted, whether to me here, in
London, or to the institution bearing my name in South Danvers,
which I intend shall be its final resting place; but knowing the
uncertainty of life, particularly at my advanced age, and feeling
a great desire of seeing this most valued token my countrymen
have been pleased to bestow upon me, I beg leave to submit, if
compatible with the rules of your department, that the medal with
the accompanying documents may be sent to me here, through our
legation, when I will endeavor to express myself more fully how
highly I esteem the distinguished honor.

I am, with great respect, your humble servant,
George PEABODY.

_____

_The Secretary of State to George Peabody._

To Department of State,
Mr. George PEABODY, London. Washington, October 7, 1868.

Sir: Your letter of the 18th of September has been received. In
compliance with the suggestion therein contained the
congressional medal is herewith transmitted to Mr. B. F. Stevens,
the United States despatch agent at London, with instructions to
place the honorable testimonial directly into your own hands. It
is hoped that it may receive no injury by the way, and that you
may deem it, in design and execution, a not unworthy token of
your countrymen's appreciation of your beneficence in the cause
of universal education.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
William H. SEWARD.

_____

_George Peabody to the Secretary of State._ (p. 428)

To the Honorable 64 Queen Street, Cheapside,
William H. SEWARD, London, E. C., January 6, 1869.
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, through the
United States despatch agent at London, of the case alluded to in
your letter of the 7th of October, containing the gold medal,
which, pursuant to the resolution of Congress, the President has
caused to be prepared for me, together with an engrossed copy of
the resolutio