d eighty-five, by the Honorable Robert C. Winthrop, who delivered
the oration at the laying of the corner stone of the monument in
eighteen hundred and forty-eight, with music by the Marine Band.

"Fourth. Salutes of one hundred guns from the navy yard, the
artillery headquarters, and such men-of-war as can be anchored in
the Potomac."

I was chairman of the commission appointed under this resolution,
and, in compliance with it, invited Mr. Winthrop to deliver the
oration. He expressed his deep sense of the honor conferred upon
him, but had a doubt whether he ought not to decline on account of
his failing health. Mr. Morrill and I strongly insisted upon his
acceptance and he eventually consented, though not without misgivings
which were unhappily justified.

A short time before the day appointed for the dedication I received
from him the following autograph letter, which is interesting, not
only on account of the eminence of its author, but of the important
event about to be celebrated:

"90 Marlborough Street, Boston, February 13, 1885.
"Hon. John Sherman, Chairman, etc.

"Dear Senator Sherman:--It is with deep regret that I find myself
compelled to abandon all further hope of being at the dedication
of the Washington monument on the 21st instant. I have been looking
forward to the possibility of being able to run on at the last
moment, and to pronounce a few sentences of my oration before
handing it to Governor Long, who has so kindly consented to read
it. But my recovery from dangerous illness has been slower than
I anticipated, and my physician concurs with my family in forbidding
me from any attempt to leave home at present.

"I need not assure the commissioners how great a disappointment it
is to me to be deprived of the privilege of being present on this
most interesting occasion. I am sure of their sympathy without
asking for it.

"Please present my respectful apologies to your associates, and
believe me,

"With great regard, very faithfully yours,
"Robt. C. Winthrop.
"P. S.--This is the first letter I have attempted to write with my
own pen since my illness."

Among the numerous regrets received by the commission was the
following:

"Oak Knoll, Danvers, Mass., Second Month 8, 1885.
"Hon. John Sherman, Chairman of Committee.

"Dear Friend:--The state of my health will scarcely permit me to
avail myself of the invitation of the commission to attend the
ceremonies of the dedication