January 27, 1885 - Farewell Banquet

On the Tuesday evening before their departure, Alfred was guest of honour at a banquet held in the banqueting hall at the Exchange. The Mayor chaired the event, which was attended by many leading citizens of Sydney. Among the attendees were Alfred’s brothers, Frank and Christopher and the newly appointed United States Consul, Mr Griffin. The banquet was reported in the Town and Country Journal on 31 January – the article describing the evening, which includes a full transcript of Alfred’s speech, can be accessed at Trove here.