The Duke of Argyll sent the following message to his Excellency Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, Washington: "I am now surrounded by upwards of three hundred gentlemen and many ladies who have assembled to do honor to Mr. Cyrus Field for his acknowledged exertions in promoting telegraphic communication between the New and the Old World. It bids fair for the kindly influences of the Atlantic cable that its success should have brought together so friendly a gathering; and in asking you to join our toast of 'Long life, health, and happiness to your most worthy countryman,' let me add a Highlander's wish--that England and America may always be found, in peace and in war, 'shoulder to shoulder.'" Mr. Seward's answer from Washington was read during the evening: "Your salutations to the President from the banqueting-hall at Willis's Rooms have been received. The dinner-hour here has not arrived--it is only five o'clock; the sun is yet two hours high. When the dinner-hour arrives the President will accept your pledge of honor to our distinguished countryman, Cyrus W. Field, and will cordially respond to your Highland aspiration for perpetual union between the two nations." And before the company separated the Duke of Argyll said: "I hope you will allow me to read to you another thanks which I have received by telegraph from Miss Field, New York: "'I thank you most sincerely for the kind words you have spoken of my father, causing me to feel that we are friends, although our acquaintance is thus made across the sea and in a moment of time.'" This testimonial banquet afforded a congenial text for the newspapers of both countries, and some extracts follow from the comments of the London papers. From the London _Times_: