He was invited to a banquet to be given at Willis's Rooms on July 1, 1868, "as an acknowledgment," so the invitations read, "of the eminent services rendered to the New and Old Worlds by his devotion to the interests of Atlantic telegraphy through circumstances of protracted difficulty and doubt." The Duke of Argyll was chairman of the Committee of Invitation, and Sir James Anderson was at the head of the Executive Committee. The following letter was received from the American minister to France: "PARIS, _24th June, 1868_. "SIR JAMES ANDERSON: "_Dear Sir_,--No one appreciates more highly than myself the valuable service rendered by Mr. Field in establishing a connection by telegraph between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, and the unfaltering confidence and persevering efforts with which he entertained this great international enterprise through the circumstances of protracted difficulty and doubt to which you allude. It would have given me sincere pleasure, had it been in my power, to unite in the tribute of respect proposed to be paid to him--a pleasure I relinquish with an equally sincere regret. "I am, dear sir, very respectfully yours, "JOHN A. DIX." "_June 19, 1868._ "_Sir_,--It would give me great pleasure to show any mark of respect in my power to Mr. Cyrus Field and to the great nation to which he belongs. "I shall be happy to attend the dinner on July 1st, if by so doing I can attest my sense of Mr. Field's services. "I trust that I shall not give offence, should I be compelled to retire before the rest of the company. "I remain your servant, "SHAFTESBURY. "Sir JAMES ANDERSON." "GROSVENOR CRESCENT, _June 7, 1868_. "_Sir_,--I am extremely sorry that a prior engagement must prevent my attending the banquet that is to be given to Mr. Cyrus W. Field. "It would have been a real pleasure to me to take part in any proceeding having for its object to do honor to that distinguished gentleman, for whose energetic character, as well as for his zealous efforts in promoting friendly relations between our respective countries, I have long felt the highest admiration. I am sir, "Your obedient servant, "Clarendon. "JAMES ANDERSON, Esq." "107 VICTORIA STREET, S. W., "GARRICK CLUB. "_My dear Anderson_,--I would like so much to dine with you all in honor of Cyrus the Great. "Yours very truly, "W. H. RUSSELL." "120 PICCADILLY, _June 18, 1868_. "_Dear Sir_,--I fully intend to be present, if possible, at the banquet to Mr. Cyrus W. Field, but I have been of late in the doctor's hands, and it may happen that I could not be present.