Chapter XVI: Last Days and Death--In Memoriam

(1891-1892)

The golden wedding was to be almost the last gleam of brightness and happiness that came to the home of Mr. Field. It was in March, 1890, that his children had been told that any sudden excitement might end his life, and in April, 1891, they realized that their mother's illness must soon come to a fatal termination. Both father and mother were watched with eager solicitude throughout the summer of 1891.

The family dined together for the last time on the 28th of August in that year--Mrs. Field's birthday--and her brother-in-law, Mr. David Dudley Field, proposed her health and gave this toast:

"Mary Stone Field, the wife of Cyrus W. Field, the mother of seven
children and of sixteen grandchildren, a perfect wife, a perfect
mother, a perfect grandmother. God bless her."

It was on the 23d of November that Mrs. Field died. An old friend writes of the married life thus ended:

"Oh, what a family theirs was--so loving, considerate, and true!
How many hearts must be full of gratitude to them and all their
benevolence! For theirs was true charity 'that vaunteth not
itself,' not letting the left hand know what the right hand doeth."

And of her the Rev. Dr. Arthur Brooks wrote in _The Churchman:_

"Mrs. Cyrus W. Field was one whose death has been felt as a great
loss in New York City. By those who have shared her gracious,
kindly, and intelligent hospitality she will never be forgotten.

"For her large charity, wide information, quick memory, and
unfailing tact made her the warm friend of all who met her. The
position in which her life placed her was one which made great
demands, and she met them all. As the centre of a large family
circle, involving wide and important interests, and also as the
intimate friend of men and women of leading position, she never
failed to manifest the ready wisdom and large sympathy for which
each occasion called. She was calm under all trouble, reasonable in
all perplexity, and thankful in all happiness.

"Mrs. Field's earnest and deep religious spirit was recognized by
her intimate friends as the foundation of those graces which were
evident to all. Her Christian faith was eminently strong and
simple. It grew as the emergencies of life called for its exercise,
and her intelligence and information were in the closest relation
with her faith at all times. Her love for nature and her knowledge
of trees and flowers were remarkable, and, to those who did not
know her deep and large nature, surprising in one whose life in the
city was so engrossing. Her interest in missionary undertakings was
equally marked; it laid hold of her large experiences as a
traveller in all parts of the world, and made them helpful to a
large understanding of all movements in foreign lands.

"One recalls with constant pleasure all the circumstances of so
large, devoted, and refined a life, which, wherever it moved,
brought new brightness and larger confidence and deeper faith. Her
passage from this world to the larger realm of the life which is
unseen is but the farther expansion under perfect conditions of the
character which, while it was amongst us, was ever going from
strength to strength."

It was at this time that disasters in business and calamities that were calculated to affect him far more keenly fell upon him, and what remained of his life was full of great anguish, both mental and physical. On his seventy-second birthday, November 30th, he found that of the fortunes that he had invested in the Atlantic cables, the elevated roads, and the Washington Building, but one thousand pounds of Anglo-American cable stock remained, and had it not been for the kindness of his friend Mr. J. Pierpont Morgan, he could not in May, 1892, have gone to his country home. It was Mr. Morgan also who advanced the necessary money to keep in force the premium on Mr. Field's life-insurance policies. That in the New York Mutual Insurance Company had been taken out in 1843, and was number 421. It was thought that the change to the country would benefit him, but in fact it only increased his distress and his weakness. Early on the morning of July 12th his family were called, and watched by his side from half-past four until ten minutes before ten, when the rest he so longed for was given. It was with a prayer of thanksgiving that they laid his tired head back on his pillow. During those long hours he had spoken but once, and that was to ask for air, but his loving eyes followed them almost to the end.

From the New York _Tribune_ of July 15th these sentences are copied:

"As simple and as unostentatious as he would have wished was the
funeral of Cyrus W. Field, which was held yesterday. There was no
eulogy, and there were few floral tributes. The simple Protestant
Episcopal service was read."

He was buried in Stockbridge.

Some mention of his personal traits may not be unwelcome here.

His disposition was sunny and genial, and he thoroughly enjoyed his home. All his life he was subject to periods of depression, but they were quickly over, and, in connection with the trials that come to all, he would say that this or that had been for the best, and that it had brought with it good results. When asked how he was his answer invariably was, "Jolly," and his telegrams ended with the words "All well," or, "In good health and spirits."

His love for children was great. No matter how forlorn or poor the child was, he would stop and speak to it, and offer to buy the little one, and assure it that it was "an angel baby." And he delighted to gather his family and friends around him. Both summer and winter he was up by six o'clock, and by seven was in his library. It was there that he planned his work for the day. Each morning a list was made of those he wished to see and the order in which he desired to meet each one, and this list was placed in his hat on his way to breakfast. That meal was served at the instant; and once when reproached for not having waited until all were at the table, he answered that he could not afford to lose ten minutes in the morning, for that meant seventy in a week, or rather sixty hours, two and a half full days, in the year. Telegrams or letters received late in the evening were placed on his desk unopened. He would say, "If they bring me bad news I shall not sleep if I read them, and if the news is good it will keep until morning."

Letters that if seen would cause others pain or might be misunderstood were instantly destroyed. Questions put to him that it would be indiscreet to answer were apparently not heard.

An important paper was never thrust loosely into his pocket, but was placed in an envelope and his name and address distinctly written upon it; the same care was given to any package that he carried. His reason for so doing was that if, after having taken this precaution, he lost either paper or package, it would be at once returned to him.

His quick and energetic manner often amused his guests, and when a friend was with him in 1885, he said, "It seemed like living on the top of a 'bus." On Sunday evening, in reply to the question as to whether or no he would be obliged to leave the next morning, this guest said: "I shall go to town with you Mr. Field. At what hour do you breakfast?" The answer surprised him: "At half-past seven o'clock sharp." The reply was: "I am ready now." It was then past eleven.

These extracts are taken from two of Mr. Smalley's letters sent from London to the New York _Tribune_:

"Those in England who regret the great American's death on the
grounds of private affection are many, and among them some of the
best and most prominent Englishmen now living....

"Mr. Cyrus Field was at one time almost as well known in London as
in New York. The tributes now paid him show that he was not
forgotten in the later years of his life, and that such misfortunes
as befell him did not shake his hold on his English friendships. Of
these he had a considerable number among the most eminent men in
England. Mr. Gladstone was one, Mr. Bright and the Duke of Argyll
were two others. These relations lasted for many years. They lasted
in Mr. Bright's case till his death, and there was between him and
Mr. Field something which might be called affection. The great
orator spoke of the great American in terms which he did not bestow
lavishly, and never bestowed carelessly. His respect for Mr.
Field's public work was sufficiently shown in the splendid eulogy
he passed upon him. To be called by such a man as Mr. Bright the
Columbus of the nineteenth century is renown enough for any man.
The epithet is imperishable. It is, as Thackeray said of a similar
tribute to Fielding in Gibbon, like having your name written on the
dome of St. Peter's. The world knows it, and the world remembers. I
heard Mr. Bright use the phrase, and he adorned and emphasized it
in his noblest tones. He had, indeed, a deep regard for great
service done to the public, and for the doer of it, and he did not
stint his acknowledgments. He was great enough to be willing to
acknowledge greatness in others. Mr. Cyrus Field, for his part,
returned the good-will shown him with fulness. He took a great
pleasure in such friendships as these I have named. To secure Mr.
Bright as a speaker at one of his dinners was a delight to him; and
Mr. Bright made at least one of his most admirable speeches on such
an occasion.... Even those who thought Mr. Cyrus Field somewhat
masterful in business matters could not overcome their liking for
the man. I have in mind one or two men, famous in telegraphy, who
resented very strongly Mr. Field's handling of certain matters, and
said strong things about it. I do not know whether he was right or
whether they were right, nor does it matter. The point is that
these very men remained attached to him, and were among his friends
to the last in England. The secret of his power of winning over men
might be difficult to define. Whatever it was, he possessed it in
no ordinary degree. He had an affectionate and persuasive manner.
No doubt, I think, ever crossed his mind that his aim, whatever it
might be, was a right one. This conviction, arising in his own
breast, he was able to impart to others. That is not an explanation
of the mystery, it is only another way of stating it.

"He seemed to me never to forget a friend, whether in prosperity or
adversity. If, as his adversaries sometimes asserted after their
defeat, he was hard in business matters, that is only what must be
said of all successful men of business. It is a condition of
success. He none the less had fine and generous impulses, and,
unlike some others, acted on them. A good impulse unacted on seldom
seems to be of any particular use to anybody--least of all to him
who controls it. There was in Mr. Field none of that cynicism which
led Talleyrand to say you must suspect your first impulse, because
it is generally a good one. He was not cynical, whatever else he
was.

"He made himself liked, or rather he was liked whether he tried to
be or not. He was genial, serviceable: liked to do a kind thing,
and to give pleasure. His sterner and more efficient traits of
character are known to everybody; on them there is no need to
dwell. Every message that flashes through the Atlantic cables is
his eulogy. His virtues are written in water in a new sense; and
the memory of his indomitable courage; of his just sense of the
right means to the right end; of his enthusiasm, and of his power
of generating enthusiasm in others; of his fortitude; of his wise
generalship; of his large views, and of much else, will endure."

The next extract is taken from the report of the Century Club for 1892. It was written by Judge Howland, the secretary of the Century:

"The name of Cyrus W. Field is worthy of association with those of
Fulton, Stephenson, Morse, and Ericsson as benefactors to mankind.
Inheriting from a vigorous ancestry a capacity, energy, and
perseverance that would brook no obstacles--characteristic of other
members of his family as well--he strode from poverty to wealth,
through various vicissitudes, but with unstained integrity. Engaged
in gigantic enterprises, he stood on the brink of financial ruin in
promoting them; endured failure on the verge of success, despair on
the heels of hope, ridicule swift after praise, long unbroken;
wearying suspense, varying with exaltation and depression, until
after thirteen years of doubt and trial and tireless labor his
triumph came, and with it fame and the honors of two continents.
The Atlantic cable is a monument to his memory that shall endure
while time shall last, but as the promoter of the elevated railroad
in New York, at a time when its feasibility was problematical,
success uncertain, and capital was timid, he is entitled no less to
the grateful memory of our people.

"Despite mistakes (and who has not made them?), what single
enterprise since the building of the Erie Canal has done more to
enhance the wealth and prosperity of the metropolis than this last
monument to his foresight and energy? Deceit and betrayal at
various times by his associates he bore without a murmur; but at
the last, when domestic sorrows came upon him--not as single spies,
but in battalions--he sank beneath them, and our pity follows him
as did our praise."

At the meeting of the Chamber of Commerce on October 6, 1892, Mr. Orr said:

"With sincere regret I announce the death of seven of our members
during the summer. Two were honorary members, namely:

"Cyrus W. Field, elected August 21, 1858, and died 12th July, 1892.

"George William Curtis, elected March 5, 1891, and died 31st
August, 1892.

"As resolutions of respect and sympathy are to be presented for
your consideration, I beg permission to suspend, for a short time,
the general order of business, and call upon Mr. William E. Dodge
to present the resolutions relative to the late Mr. Field."

Mr. Dodge thereupon offered the following preamble and resolutions:

"_Whereas_, The death of Cyrus W. Field has removed from this
country one of its most distinguished citizens, and from this
chamber one of its oldest and most honored members, we wish to
place on record our sincere regard for his memory and our esteem
for his invaluable services to the cause of civilization and the
progress of commerce; therefore, be it

"_Resolved_, That the Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York,
in common with the citizens of all portions of our country,
sincerely mourns the death of Cyrus W. Field, the first honorary
member of this chamber, as one who had through a long and useful
life been closely identified with the commercial interests of this
city, and by his great ability, tireless activity, and large
achievements, had greatly honored the name of American merchant.

"_Resolved_, That by the successful carrying out of the project for
uniting the Old World with the New by the Atlantic cable he has
brought all nations into instant touch and given lasting honor to
his name, as among those who have done the world great service.
During the long and weary years of discouragement and failure
before this magnificent work was accomplished he showed an
undaunted courage, a fertility of resource, an unwearied patience
and untiring ability for work which won the wonder and admiration
of two continents. The example of his success was at once followed
by like communication across all seas, so that as the result of his
supreme effort the conditions of commercial and friendly
intercourse throughout the world have been changed, and instant
communication made between all nations.

"_Resolved_, That we wish to recall to our membership the words of
eulogy and sincere appreciation spoken at the brilliant banquet
given by this chamber to Mr. Field on the final successful laying
of the cable more than twenty-five years ago, and to indorse and
emphasize them by our action to-day.

"_Resolved_, That as a loyal and enthusiastic American, a useful
and enlightened citizen, and as a warm and faithful friend, Mr.
Field's memory will always be held sacred by all who knew him here,
and his invaluable service to mankind will make his name honored in
all the civilized world.

"_Resolved_, That the Executive Committee be requested to suggest
to the chamber some plan by which an appropriate and lasting
memorial to Mr. Field's great work may be procured for this city.

"_Resolved_, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family
of Mr. Field, with the assurances of our profound sympathy and
regard."

"Mr. President, in presenting these resolutions for your
consideration may I be allowed to say a few words as to the
character and life of our honored friend? Mr. Field needs no
eulogy. His fame and his place in history are secure. The news that
comes to us every morning from all parts of the world; the daily
quotations on which we base our business action; the friendly
messages which assure us of the instant welfare of dear ones in
far-off countries, are ever-recurring reminders of his great
genius. Although nothing we can say will add to the lustre of great
deeds, still it is well for us, from time to time, to refresh our
memories as to the full meaning of the great achievements which
mark the progress of the world. In the rush and hurry of modern
life, what at first startles us soon falls into the commonplace
and is perhaps undervalued. In the pamphlet published in 1866 at
the time of the banquet given to Mr. Cyrus W. Field by this
chamber, the statement was made that 'the success of the Atlantic
telegraph was one of the great events of the nineteenth century.'
History will point to it as one of the landmarks of modern
progress. On the morning after the landing of the cable at Valentia
the London _Times_ said: 'Since the discovery of Columbus nothing
has been done in any degree comparable to the enlargement thus
given to the sphere of human activity.' This was confirmed by
unanimous statement of distinguished men and leading journals in
all parts of the world.

"Our country was filled with enthusiasm and the world with wonder.
John Bright, in a splendid tribute to 'his friend Cyrus Field,'
spoke of him as 'the Columbus of modern times, who, by his cable,
had moored the New World alongside the Old.' Mr. Evarts said:
'Columbus found one world and left it two. Cyrus W. Field found two
continents and left them one.'

"In all the years that have passed, this cord of connection between
the Old World and the New has grown more practical and useful, and
the old cities in the far Eastern world can now communicate with
the new cities of our Pacific shores in a few moments of time. What
will be the result of these facilities we cannot estimate. Already
practical schemes for the establishment of communication by
telephone are under advisement, and it may be but a short time
before we can converse with friends thousands of miles across the
sea.

"We do not claim for Mr. Field the discovery of the possibilities
of the cable, but it was owing to his superb and almost superhuman
exertions that the project was made practicable. It is hard for us
to estimate the severe trials through which he passed. For nearly
thirteen years he labored against every obstacle, crossing the
ocean more than forty times, spending months with the cable ships
on the stormy Atlantic, exhausting himself in the swamps and inland
forests of Newfoundland and Cape Breton, with alternations of hope
and fear, of success and discouragement, that would have exhausted
almost any other man.

"This was the great work of his life, but his energy, vigorous
thought, and executive ability enabled him to carry out many other
business enterprises, which were of great value to this city and
country.

"He was born of sturdy and choice New England stock. His father,
the Rev. Dr. David Dudley Field, was a distinguished clergyman in
Massachusetts, and his grandfather an officer in the Revolution.

"His home training, in New England, was of the kind that has
developed so many able men in the history of our country.

"He very early entered in business, but a few months afterwards,
through no fault or action of his, his firm became insolvent, and
although from his youth and small capital he was to a certain
extent exempt from the responsibility, he showed his nice sense of
honor by devoting his first earnings afterwards to the payment of
principal and interest of all the debts of the firm with which he
had been connected. Years afterwards, when he had been most
successful in his chosen line of enterprise, owing to the disturbed
condition of affairs he again became involved in business
difficulties, but with the same pluck and courage he resumed his
work, and paid principal and interest on all his indebtedness.

"But no details of ordinary business could confine his wide grasp
of affairs, and he took hold of telegraph and cable with a faith
and energy which deserved success.

"Time and distance were as nothing to him on carrying out his
projects. Although a loyal and enthusiastic American, he was, in
the best sense, a 'citizen of the world.' I remember meeting him
many years ago in southern Europe, and asking him to join some
excursion for the following day. He told me how much pleasure it
would give him, but that he unfortunately had to attend a meeting
the next day. I found that he left that night by the fast express,
and rushed through to London to spend two hours at a meeting of a
committee, and without rest returned immediately to the place where
I had met him.

"His last years were crowded with sorrow and disappointment, under
circumstances most pathetic and terrible. In all of this he had the
warm sympathy of loving friends and of all his business associates.

"I have felt that the terrific strain upon his whole system during
the thirteen years of trial, when the efforts were being made to
lay the cable, with their alternations of hope and fear and the
great exposure, told upon his constitution more than he knew, and
that when the reaction came he had not, perhaps, the same clearness
of vision and wise power of judgment as before.

"All the disappointment and sadness of his later life will be
forgotten, and history will only remember the great loyal American,
whose intense power and large faith enabled him to carry through
one of the greatest and most beneficial enterprises the world has
ever known."

"Ah, me! how dark the discipline of pain
Were not the suffering followed by the sense
Of infinite rest and infinite release!
This is our consolation; and again
A great soul cries to us in our suspense:
'I came from martyrdom unto this peace!'"

THE END

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Typographical errors corrected by the etext transcriber:

From you affectionate son=> From your affectionate son {pg 20}

Agamennon=> Agamemnon {pg 77}

arbritration=> arbitration {pg 285}

plus herueux=> plus heureux {pg 254}