en unknown "Boz."

In concluding his reply to the toast, Mr. Dickens promised: "manfully,
promptly, and plainly in my own person, to bear for the behalf of my own
countrymen such testimony of the gigantic changes in this country as I
have hinted at here tonight. Also to record that wherever I have been,
in the smallest place equally with the largest, I have been received
with unsurpassed politeness, delicacy, sweet-temper, and
consideration.... This testimony, so long as I live, and so long as my
descendants have any legal right in my books, I shall cause to be
republished, as an appendix to every copy of those two books of mine in
which I have referred to America. And this I will do and cause to be
done, not in mere love and thankfulness, but because I regard it as an
act of plain justice and honour."

The amende honorable was not less welcome for being long due and the
distinguished visitor sat down to loud applause and the strains of "God
Save the Queen." Mr. Raymond responded to the toast "The New York
Press," and was followed by George William Curtis, William Henry
Hurlbert, Charles Eliot Norton, Joseph R. Hawley, Murat Halstead, Edwin
de Leon, and E.L. Youmans.

Three and a half years after the dinner to Dickens Fifth Avenue greeted
in a similar way a distinguished Russian guest. That was the Grand Duke
Alexis Alexandrovitch, who was entertained by the New York Yacht Club at
Delmonico's December 2, 1871. James Gordon Bennett, the younger, was
then Commodore of the club, and received the Grand Duke in the
restaurant's parlours at seven o'clock. The guests included the Grand
Duke and his suite, the Russian Minister, General Gorloff, Admiral
Poisset, Admiral Rowan, members of the Russian legation, Russian
officers, and members of the yacht club. Against the walls of the
banquet hall the Stars and Stripes blended with the blue St. Andrew's
Cross. The guests were in naval uniform. The "Queen's Cup," which had
been won by the "America" in 1851, had the place of honour among the
club trophies. To the toast to the Czar, General Gorloff responded. The
club Commodore answered to that to President Grant. After the Grand Duke
had been informed that he had been elected to honorary membership, he
responded with a brief sailor-like speech.

On December 22, 1877, President Hayes was the guest of honour of the New
England Society at Delmonico's. Among those there besides the President
were Secretary of State William M. Evarts,