On his return home he was much interested in the Presidential election; but he accepted the result quietly, and wrote to a friend: "I thank you for what you say in regard to the election. Whoever has received a majority of the votes will be declared elected. I do not know of any human being who wishes to defeat the popular will when known. In my own opinion, no one can tell who is elected until after the official count." This year was that of the long and painful illness and affecting death of General Grant. Mr. Field's sympathy with the sufferer was intense, and it was with regret that he received this letter, and also one from one of General Grant's sons, to which he refers in his answer: "NEW YORK CITY, _January 6, 1885_. "_My dear Sir_,--Through the press and otherwise I learn that you, with a few other friends of mine, are engaged in raising a subscription for my benefit. I appreciate both the motive and the friendship which have dictated this course on your part, but, on mature reflection, I regard it as due to myself and family to decline this proffered generosity. "I regret that I did not make this known earlier. "Very truly yours, "U. S. GRANT. "CYRUS W. FIELD, Esq." "_6th January, 1885_. "_My dear General Grant_,--I have this moment received your letter of this date, and I shall, as requested in the letter from your son, send a copy immediately to Messrs. A. J. Drexel and George W. Childs, of Philadelphia; to General W. T. Sherman, St. Louis, and Mr. E. F. Beale, of Washington. "I have for several days been very anxious to call and see you, but have been prevented by press of business and a severe cold. "With great respect, I remain, "Dear General Grant, "Very truly your friend, "CYRUS W. FIELD." He was in London part of the summer of 1885, and the extracts that follow are made from a letter written to the New York _Tribune_ by Mr. Smalley on July 5th, in which he gives an account of the Fourth in London, and of a dinner given on the evening of that day. There were but thirty present, and only eight Americans.