October 7, 1863: Salmon P. Chase to Cyrus Field

Cyrus Field was the founder of the Atlantic Telegraph Company, which laid the first trans-Atlantic telegraph cable; a project which gave him close ties with British politicians and businessmen.

Transcript:

Oct 7, 1863

My dear Mr. Field,

I am glad that you are doing your part towards making the stay of the naval officers of the Good Queen in our Metropolitan harbor agreeable to them. My faith is strong that the English Government will yet see that the interests of Mankind demand that there should be no alienation of the two right branches of the Anglo Saxon family from each other; and will do their part towards erasing all causes of alienation by full separation inflicted on American commerce by unneutral acts of British subjects known to be not prevented by the responsible authorities.

That’s a long sentence but I believe it conveys my meaning. I am sorry I cannot accept the kind invitation of yourself and Mrs Field (to whom please make my best regards acceptable) to meet these gallant officers.

Yours very truly

SP Chase

Citation: Salmon P. Chase (1808-1873), autograph letter signed to Cyrus W. Field. Washington, D. C.; 7 October 1863. AMs 527/8.2