new england society in the city of new york
instituted a.d. 1805.
Nos 70 & 71 West street 
New York Decr 12, 1876
My dear Sir
I am glad to learn from Mr Appleton Chairman of our Dinner Committee that you have accepted the Societys invitation to be with us at our Annual dinner on the 22d
You will be asked to do us the favor of speaking to the following toast———
The Poets and Prose Writers of New-England— They have created the literature of a Continent
“And in the imitation of these
twain, many are infect”
Should you prefer to speak to some other sentiment may I ask the favor that you will prepare one to your own taste, but in such case I will be glad if you will give me a copy at your early convenience— The order is not definitely fixed but this toast would naturally come in where it would make you sixth or seventh speaker— I communicate this as I know that every speaker likes to know at what point his subject will be the subject—
As the ten minute rule has been the rule with us for years this will not throw it very late— I will add that in spite of the rule, you need not consider yourself as restricted in time, for I am quite sure that we cant get too much of the author of In[n]ocents Abroad
Yours Very truly
Wm Borden
Prest N E Society
HartfordConnt
