When he sailed for England, in February, Mr. Field had taken to Mr. Bright an invitation to visit this country, signed by many of his American friends, and ending with these words: "Your presence at this time would tend to strengthen the ties between your country and ours, and we beg leave to suggest a visit during the ensuing spring." "TORQUAY, DEVON, _October 13, 1868_. "_My dear Mr. Field_,--Your letter has been sent on to me, and has followed me in my journey in Cornwall.... I rejoice at the patriotism of your countrymen, many of whom have gone or are going home to take part in the great election; and I hope most earnestly that the Republican candidates may be elected by a grand majority. "In this country the elections seem likely to go strongly against the Tories; they deserve to be well beaten. "As to the invitation from New York, I can say nothing except that I am deeply indebted to your friends for their kind invitation, and that I regret extremely that I have never yet been able to visit your country. I need not tell you how many are my engagements here, and how uncertain is the prospect of my being able to see the many kind friends I have in the States. "I must ask you to thank the gentlemen who wrote to me, and to say that I am very grateful to them for their kind remembrance of me. "I wish you a pleasant voyage and return. I almost envy you the ease with which, after your long experience, you cross the Atlantic. "I shall wait with confidence, but not without anxiety, what the cable will bring us the day after your election. I see four States have their elections to-day, from which something may be judged of what is to come. "I am, always very sincerely, your friend, "JOHN BRIGHT." November 2, 1868, in writing to a friend he says, "I returned home last Thursday in time to vote for General Grant." On December 29, 1868, a banquet was given to Professor Morse, who in closing his speech said: