The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1865-03-18
Splendid Testimonial.

81 1t is known to our readers that j. S. Bed
low, Esq, recently resigned the situation he
has held for many years as Superintendent of
the Maine District of the American Telegraph
Company, to accept situation in the United
States Company. The popularity he has gained
both with employees Of the Company and the
public has been of the most aattering kind.
and 1t was determined on the part of the
former that some testimonial should be pre-
sented him as a token of their esteem for him.
both as a man and their superior officer.
A subscription was accordingly started
among all the employees ofthe District, and a
sufficient sum was raised for the purchase of a
splendid silver coffee and tea service. 1t con.
sisted OF six pieces, of the most beautiful work.
manship furnished by Messrs. Lowell & Sem
ter. A handsome letter signed by all the gem
tiemen and ladies contributing-52 in number
was sent with the gift to the house of Mr..
bedlow who was, at the tine, absent from the
city. In this letter the employees express
their regret at losing one with whom they had
so long had such pleasant connections. and
their best wishes for his future success and
prosperity. ys'- aslaFa
Last evening Mr.. Bedlow returned to this
city, and on accompanying his family TO the
dining room, found it occupied bv large
number OF his old associates, who had preced-
ed him thither for the purpose of friendly in
terchaDge of sentiments, and to present him
with their beautiful gift.
The presentation was made by VIM. P. Mer-
rill, Esq, in q few brief and pertinent remarks,
closing by reading the letter Of presentation
which accompanied the testimonial, and which
was as follows: -
PORTLAND, March 10, 1866.
james s. Bedlow, ESQ.-DeGr Sir We,
whose names are hereunto annexed, your old
business associates OF the Maine District oil
the American Telegraph Company, after hay
ing been connected with you, some of us at
least, for many years past, felt, upon hearing
of your retirement from the SUPPLEMENTARY
Oh the District, thereby sundering the ties
which has so long and so pleasantly bound us
together, that we could not, willingly. allow
you to leave US without the bestowaI on our
part, of a Testimonial, expressive in some de-
gree OF our regard and commemorative of old
associations. We have, therefore, procured
and herewith present to you the accompany
ing Coffee and Tea Service" trusting that
you will accept it in the same kind spirit in
which it is rendered, and that whenever you
use it or look upon it you will consider it as
token Of our remembrance and of our best
wishes for your future prosperity and happi-
ness. With sincere regard, truly 77s
- YOUR FRIENDS.
To which Mr.. Bedlow replied as follows :7a
My dear Sr:--I am indeed taken by sur
prise. In military matters 1t is not considered
good generalship TO be taken at disadvantage,
but in social affairs believe it is excusable.
At any rate, feel no conjunction in submit
ting to superior numbers and surrender at dis
erection. HS sasfQ istp
would that possessed a tot OF the power
OF Webster, or title OF the graceful oratory of
Everett, that | might make fitting reply to
the very complimentary address which accom-
panied this beautiful testimonial, and which
has been so gracefully and feeIingly presented
to me in behalf of yourself and associates.
/ beg leave to tender to you and through You
70 my friends and former associates, nv sin
cere and hearty thanks for this splendid gift
know well the feelings which have prompted
1t, for our years Of friendship have never been
clouded for an hour, and although cireum-
stances have been so ordered that our bust
ness relations may for while be antagonistic,
feel assured that our personal friendship
must endure while life shall last.
| accept this testimonial in the spirit in
which it was given, and and mine will always
cherish it and remember the donors with CRATE
tul affection and regard.