The Story of the Atlantic TelegraphField, Henry M. (Henry Martyn)
History
The Story of the Atlantic Telegraph
Field, Henry M. (Henry Martyn)
Transatlantic cables
This avalanche of praise was quite overwhelming. It is always
embarrassing to be forced into sudden conspicuity, and to find one's
self the object of general attention and applause. While feeling this
embarrassment, Mr. Field could not but be gratified to witness the
public joy at the success of the enterprise, and he was deeply touched
and grateful for the appreciation of his own services. But probably all
these public demonstrations did not go to his heart so much as private
letters received from the other side of the Atlantic, from those who had
shared the labors of the enterprise--old companions in arms who had
borne with him the heavy burden, and now were fully entitled to a share
in the honor which was the reward of their common toil.
As a specimen of the congratulations which came from beyond the sea, we
quote a single passage from a letter of Mr. George Saward, the Secretary
of the Company in London, written immediately on receiving the news of
the success of the enterprise. Under the impression of that event, he
writes to Mr. Field:
"At last the great work is successful. I rejoice at it for the
sake of humanity at large. I rejoice at it for the sake of our
common nationalities, and last but not least, for your personal
sake. I most heartily and sincerely rejoice with you, and
congratulate you, upon this happy termination to the trouble
and anxiety, the continuous and persevering labor, and
never-ceasing and sleepless energy, which the successful
accomplishment of this vast and noble enterprise has cost you.
Never was man more devoted--never did man's energy better
deserve success than yours has done. May you in the bosom of
your family reap those rewards of repose and affection, which
will be doubly sweet from the reflection, that you return to
them after having been under Providence the main and leading
principal in conferring a vast and enduring benefit on mankind.
If the contemplation of fame has a charm for you, you may well
indulge in the reflection; for the name of Cyrus W. Field will
now go onward to immortality, as long as that of the Atlantic
Telegraph shall be known to mankind."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account