"_Dear Sir_,--Your kind favor of March 1st was duly received, also yours of the 1st inst. within sixteen days from date, and my apology for not answering and acknowledging your first, with the enclosed check which it contained, is that I supposed Mr. Brett would do so, or had done so. I need not tell you that it was thankfully received, and that we feel truly grateful to you for the favor, and also feel happy that prosperity has smiled upon you. "Accept, dear sir, my best wishes for your prosperity and welfare, and believe me ever "Truly yours with respect, "EDWIN ADAMS, "One of the firm of E. C. Brett." "SO. HADLEY FALLS, _March 7th, 1853_. "CYRUS W. FIELD, Esq.: "_My dear Sir_,--I have received your very kind favor of 1st inst. Your offer to cancel the judgment which you hold against me is conferring a favor which it is out of my power in any form to reciprocate. Please accept my sincere thanks. Your untiring energy and perseverance have been crowned with great success. You have an ample estate, and no one deserves it more. "In reply to some taunts of John Randolph, Henry Clay said his only patrimony was a widowed mother with nine children. "Your only inheritance was a load of debt, cast upon you at the commencement of your business life, which was not caused by lack of foresight or fault on your part. You bore up under this heavy burden and paid it as not one in thousands could or would have done, and by this very act you laid broad the basis of your subsequent success. Should I ever again visit your city nothing there will afford me so much pleasure as to meet your cordial greeting and to accept your kind invitation. "May your efforts be crowned with all the good-fortune you may desire, even if it be to place you side by side with the biggest of the big merchant princes of the Empire City, is the sincere prayer of "Your friend, "WELLS LATHROP." "SPRINGFIELD, MASS., _March 8, '53_. "_My Dear Sir_,--Your very kind favor of the 7th is just received. "I enclose a satisfaction or discharge of the judgment you hold _vs._ H. & L., which, when you have dated and signed in presence of a witness, will become perfect. "If the pleasure of giving is greater than receiving then you are far more happy than President Pierce or any of his Cabinet. "Most sincerely, your friend, "C. HOWARD. "C. W. FIELD, Esq., New York." "SPRINGFIELD, _March_ 10, '53.