"In accordance with the suggestions of many citizens, a public dinner to Mr. Forrest was agreed upon as furnishing the most appropriate opportunity of presenting to him this token of their regard. To this end a committee was charged to make the necessary arrangements, and the following is their invitation addressed to Mr. Forrest, together with his reply: "NEW YORK, July 10, 1834. "To EDWIN FORREST, Esq. "DEAR SIR,--A number of your friends, learning your intention shortly to visit Europe, are desirous, before your departure, of an opportunity of expressing, in some public manner, their sense of your merits, professional and personal. It would be a source of regret to them if one so esteemed, while sojourning in foreign lands, should possess no memorial of the regard entertained for him in his own. "We have been charged as a committee, with a view to carry this purpose into execution, to request the pleasure of your company at a dinner, at the City Hotel, on any day most agreeable to yourself. "With sincere esteem and respect, "We are your ob't serv'ts, WILLIAM DUNLAP, HENRY OGDEN, WILLIAM P. HAWES, GEORGE D. STRONG, R. R. WARD, JOHN V. GREENFIELD, ABRAHAM ASTEN, PROSPER M. WETMORE. "WASHINGTON HOTEL, July 12th, 1834. "GENTLEMEN,--I have had the honor to receive your communication of the 10th instant, inviting me to dine with a number of my friends at the City Hotel previous to my approaching departure for Europe, and signifying a desire to bestow upon me some token of regard, which, as I journey in foreign lands, may preserve in my memory the friends I leave in my own. "I have received too many and too important testimonials from my friends in New York to render any additional memorial necessary for the purpose you indicate. But, knowing the pleasure which generous natures feel in bestowing benefactions, I accept with lively satisfaction the invitation you have conveyed to me in such grateful terms; and may be excused if, in doing so, I express my regret that the object of your kindness is not more worthy so distinguished a mark of favor. "With your permission, gentlemen, I will name Friday, the 25th instant, as the day when it will best comport with the arrangements I have already made, to meet you as proposed. "I am, with sentiments of great respect and regard, your ob't serv't, "EDWIN FORREST. "Messrs. WM. DUNLAP, and others.