The suspense and anxiety had been so great to Mr. Field's family that the loss of the cable was as nothing compared to the relief they experienced at knowing that he was alive. Mr. David Dudley Field has told of going to Garrison's on the Hudson, where the family were passing the summer, to express sympathy, and that he found a very happy group, and was met with the words, "Is not this delightful?" This letter was one of the first received by Mrs. Field: "NORTH CONWAY, _19th August, 1865_. "_My dear Friend_,--Emerging from the wilderness at Moosehead Lake, my first inquiry was for news concerning the cable. I have not had a full long breath ever since, such has been my suspense. "Day and night our thoughts have been with you and dear Mr. Field. Outside of your own family perhaps no one has known more of the hopes, the sacrifices, the efforts involved in this great undertaking. Certainly no one has felt more of interest in his success than I have. His pluck, bravery, and faith have always elicited my admiration, and inspired me with absolute confidence in his ultimate triumph over all difficulties. He has surely done his part well. He deserves the approbation and honor of the civilized world. "To-day for the first time I have heard of the parting of the cable. It seems as if a strong cord had snapped in my own heart. I feel most keenly for Mr. Field's disappointment. The disaster comes home to us all. "Mrs. Adams and myself talk much of you. We hope you have good news as to the health of your husband. How does he bear up with all this excitement and revulsion? I trust he will soon be returned to you safe and well; most of all, that he and you and we may yet see the complete success of this wonderful enterprise.... "Very truly and affectionately your friend and pastor, "W. ADAMS." To copy once more from his papers: "This last attempt at ocean-cable laying proved conclusively that all the principal difficulties had been overcome in the way of carrying the grand enterprise to successful completion. The _Great Eastern_ as a cable ship had proved herself admirably fitted for the service on which she was employed. The cable itself could hardly be improved. The paying-out apparatus was almost perfect, and on this occasion it did not require any great amount of persuasion to induce the directors of the company to go on with the work. "A meeting was at once called, and the board resolved not only to pick up the lost cable, but to construct and lay another, both operations to be performed in the following year, and the _Great Eastern_ to be employed in the service. The contractors made a liberal offer to the company, and the directors decided to raise £600,000 of new capital."