Page:A Life of Matthew Fontaine Maury.pdf/232

218 which attaches to your high privilege? We appeal to you in the name of Religion, Humanity, Justice, and Civilisation, and believe that we shall not appeal in vain, "Peace be unto you."

Maury sent the petition to a cousin in America with the following letter:—

I have this morning your package of 13, enclosing copies from Will to his sister, his mother to you, of your reply, of Corbin's to you, and reply; also one from B. C. to T. B. Also letters, viâ Bermuda; but none from my people direct. So that Will's, of July 10th, is the latest direct from my own family. Thank you kindly for them.

The enclosed petition "for Peace in America," is what I intended to send you in my last It takes like "wild fire" in Ireland. It was read last Sunday in many of the churches there, and it is to be offered in all for signatures next Sunday. Counting all who are represented by the societies, firms, &c., that have already signed; the signatures obtained in England represent several millions of her Majesty's subjects. It is "bread upon the waters" at best.

Please let it be known, especially if you think good may come of it. I send several copies that the public may, if you think proper, be apprised of this very important move. Liverpool only is against it.

I am quite well again; I hoped to find a report from Dick, or something later from my precious people; but I read in the absence of such, that "no news is good news." Love to all your messmates, those on leave as well, as those at the table. Yours, M.

The great American hydrographer met with much sympathy. His valuable labours and his books had secured for him a host of sincere but unknown friends. Among them