^>> ^^ )!>):> 3>)t> >"> >^^ ^^> ^1 »3> >:^^ :e> ' 3:> •> TOO :> ■ :» _ >»:sr> >>>:> :»?j> S> Z> s> :> i> ■•- ^ jB>3 3)»' ) >j > ' >>> ^ ^ :> :> ^ J ^ > - .J>:> > j> :r > J- 3C02 3> ^:> :::-- --.. 3 ^^ :» >:2 1> T> 1$ > > > :> >o z ^^ ^ ->> J» » J ^>i> > ~^ ">'. '^•:) "1» -Qi >^ -.J) 3 ^> ' • 3 31^3^3. ,- 3 ii 5 3 1 >^>^y ' y'> ^x o^ 5-^^ €^« ?^^^^ ^y >3 3 J>?3.33' ;a, 33 y^§>3^ ,3 > >J> .j> 3 0^:).> 33 :3 3:> 3i_j> » ^ .^> > > >^ ^>3>J 3 3:) oX' >> 3> » 3> 5' ;- 3 J>>v.? J3P3' -,-»^ ? > 3 ^^ J> J> ^ _» ;> > 3 3> 3 > 3 J> i> j> 3336 3 3. J : / ( r> AN ^. tM^ii®wmAm A®®aaia* DELIVERED BEFORE THE NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY SECOND TUESDAY OF FEBRUARY, 1620 BY DAVID ilOSACK, M. D. PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETY. KEW-YOTiK: ?B1NTED BY C. S. VAN WINKLE, PBINTER TO THE UNIVETiSITr, No. 101 Greenwich Street. 1820. /9Z \ INAUGURAL ADDRESS, Gentlemen, Memhers of the JVew-York Historical Society. While I acknowledge with gratitude the honourable distinction you have conferred upon me, I beg leave to assure you, that I accept this station, and enter upon its duties, with great humility. To this, the mind cannot be insensible, that appreciates the objects for which this institu- tion was founded — the high respectability which it has at- tained under the auspices of those who have hitherto pre- sided, and the duties which remain to be performed, in the fulfilment of the high expectations which the patronage of the state, and the liberal contributions of the friends of this association, have justly excited. Allow me, for a moment, to mingle my feelings with yours, in calling your attention to the important services which have been rendered to the Institution, by those who have preceded me in this chair, and to acknowledge the obligations which they have imposed on their fellow mem- bers, and upon the community. The honourable Egbert Benson, the first President of the New-York Historical Society, may be justly regarded as its father and founder. While he presided over its des- tinies, and conducted it through the stages of its infancy, his exertions were unremitting, and liis benefactions hberal. To found and organize an association like our own, is al- ways a task accompanied by many obstacles ; but to per- petuate its existence — to unite the zealous and active exer- tions of its members, requires the incessant anxiety and at- tention of its patrons. Some content themselves with the gratification of giving origin to a society, and then aban- don it to the rude sport of neglect and accident ; it belongs to enlightened, ardent, and vigorous minds, to conduct it along through paths of di/Iiculty, until it secures a perma- nent and elevated character. Posterity will unite their gratitude with ours, for the unwearied eflbrts, and the laudable example, displayed in the official conduct of our first President. Under the presidency of that accomplished scholar and eminent statesman, the late Gouverneur Morris, this So- ciety also received a great accession to its fame and useful- ness, not only by the lustre of his talents, the elevated cha- racter which he sustained in the republic, and the public services which he had rendered at home and abroad, but by the constant devotion of his time to the interests and honour of his native land. His public discourses and communica- tions, in which he was ever obedient to your call, will re- main among the lasting literary monuments of the nation, and his name will find a place on the brightest page of her history. His family, since his decease, have not been unmindful of that attachment which he ever cherished and expressed in behalf of this Institution. By their libe- rality, and for which they deserve the warmest acknowledg- ments of gratitude, some of the most valuable coins and medals of his cabinet, besides other donations, have been presented to this society. Unconnected as I am by political ties with his successor i\\ office, his Excellency De Witt Clinton, I trust that I shall not invade the sphere of party politics, when I notice the exertions and liberality which he has manifested in be- half of this Institution. To him we are largely indebted for much of its present prosperity. In his legislative capa- city, he exerted his influence in promoting its interests, and eventually succeeded in obtaining the passage of the law, containing a grant of twelve thousand dollars. His agency in obtaining this donation was conspicuous. In addition to his literary labours, which the Society will ever appre- ciate with pride and satisfaction, his contributions have been numerous and valuable. And allow me to add, that upon declining a re-election, he requested that the Society might be assured of his warm and unremitting attachment to its welfare and reputation. There is reason to expect, that at some future day, additional and important services and donations may be received from our late respected Pre- sident, whose zeal in elevating the character of his native state, is duly proportioned to the abiUties, the learning, and the fidelity, which he has ever evinced in her service. But, gentlemen, while we thus do homage to those who have filled the highest stations in this Society, we cannot be insensible to the great debt of gratitude which is due to another member of this association.* I need not here re- count his long-continued and disinterested services. While the bond that unites us exists, they must continue to be re- collected with grateful emotions. Nor have his exertions been confined to this Institution alone ; they have been ex- " John Fintard, Esq. tended to most of the literary and benevolent associations which have recently exalted the character of our city. Those services can never be forgotten — they will live in the recollection of a grateful community, and will be the frequent theme of future eulogy. To promote the object of this Institution, is the duty of every individual n:ember, but especially of those who are invested with its honours. I trust 1 shall not make an unreasonable demand upon your patience, if I make use of the present occasion to call your attention to some objects which, although they have fallen within the views of our Institution, have not been re- garded in a manner correspondent to their importance. The library of this Society particularly claims our no- tice. A classification of the numerous and valuable works of which it is composed, so as to render them more easy of research, appears to be much wanted ; and it is essential, that the great mass of Tracts and Pam.phhts should be as- sorted, bound, and have a place in the catalogue. It can- not be expected, that the gentleman* who holds the station of Librarian, can conveniently, with his numerous other avocations, devote the time that may be required for this duty. You will, perhaps, think it expedient to add to the standing committee of the Society, or to institute a distinct library committee to assist in these arrangements, as well as to afford their counsel in whatever may appertain to the augmentation and direction of that department. To obtain every work connected with American history and literature becomes daily more important, as the United States rise in the estimation of the world. Our national character is becoming more elevated — our resources more * Tlie Kev. BIr, Ecliucffer. ihe subject of admiration— and our political institutions a source of remark and speculation in every civilized nation of the globe. Hence, the incidents of our early history — the struggles which we passed through in the incipient Stages of national existence, and the virtues which we dis- played in scenes of trial and suffering, will constitute a theme of anxious inquiry. To supply, by every possible means, the works necessary to complete our colonial his- tory, therefore, demands our earnest exertions. Never should our researches cease or become languid, until every thing is accomplished within the bounds of industry and munificence, to supply the deficiencies of this department. It should also be a great consideration to preserve whatever may illustrate the national, civil, literary, medical, and eccle- siastical history of our country. Already our legislative acts, and judicial decisions, and, I believe, almost every historical treatise, are deposited in our library. These con- stitute the basis upon which every future historian must erect his structure j but it must be strikingly apparent, that in the infancy of our literature, newspapers, magazines, and pamphlets, are frequently the only printed evidences of pubhc transactions ; and although they are too often the organs of faction, and the vehicles of private malignity and disappointed ambition, they are the depositories of valuable knowledge, and form a partial commentary on the passing events of the day. Our collections, in this respect, are already highly respectable ; and I beg leave to suggest the expediency of adopting such measures as may ensure to us every journal, magazine, review, and every other publica- tion in this state. I would recommend an application to the proper authorities, in laudable imitation of the practice of Great Britain to her celebrated Museum, and of France to her Academy, to secure us a copy of every work printed 8 in the state, to be placed on the shelves of our library. Altliough, individually, many such productions are fugitive and comparatively insignificant; still, collectively, they contribute to sho\v " the form and pressure of the times," and serve to convey to posterity the literary character, the prejudices, the passions, and even the follies of the age. Tlie cabinet of coins and medals, in consequence of the recent liberal donations from the heirs of the Rev. Dr. KuNZE, deceased, in connection with the contributions of the members of the Society, and the additions received from other sources, has attained a very respectable eminence, and is, probably, at this time, equal in value to any other collection in the United States. At this early period of our national existence, it is pre-eminently important to procure and preserve, as opportunities may offer, every medal that commemorates great public occurrences, in military and na- val achievements. Never should we forget, that the recol- lection of momentous and illustrious events in the annals of mankind — exalted instances of valour and fortitude — and brilliant acts of individual prowess and virtue, have found their way to after generations, through this imperishable channel. These types and emblems of glory, have survived tlie ravages of time and revolution, and brought to light facts of interest and magnitude in the chain of history, when the states and empires in which they were struck, have slum-; bered in the dust for ages, and the mausoleum and the trium- phal column lost their form, grace, and beauty. It is to be regretted that this subject excites so little consideration in the infancy of our Republic, when every thing touching our national fame is so keenly and universally felt. The march of nations is before us, and the gloomy night of darkness and ignorance that obscures their paths, to the eyes of pos- terity, may one day envelope our own, however bright the sun of civilization may now beam upon us. If we would hold up the mirror of history, let us not forget our duty to ourselves, as well as to other times. A committee on coins and "medals having been some time since appointed to complete the arrangement, and to pre- pare a catalogue of the cabinet, it is presumed this duty has been performed, or is nearly accomplished, especially as such catalogue will form an important item in the next volume of our Collections. Your Hall, gentlemen, is ornamented with a portrait of the founder of this cabinet, and you have designated the collection by his name— yet more is required ; and allow me to express the desire we all cherish, that a biographical memoir of that learned professor and divine, be prepared under the auspices of this Society. '^'''^Connected with this subject, I suggest for your conside- ration, how far it may conduce to the accomplishment of one of the objects of this Society, to increase the number of the portraits of the eminent men of our country, parti- cularly of the first settlers of this state, and the founders of the republic. By such means we shall be able to give additional aid to the Fine Arts ; they deserve, and should receive, more of our encouragement and support. It also occurs to me, that it may be productive of benefit to this Society, to appoint a committee for the express purpose of soliciting and collect- ing copies of American engravings, as well to illustrate our national history by the portraits of its heroes, its public Characters, important events, and the scenery of our coun- t»if, as to preserve and perpetuate specimens of the graphic art, wVich, though of modern introduction in the United States, has attained a degree of excellence that is little in- ferior to that of the old world. 2 10 The Society has been singularly fortunate in the nature and extent of its manuscript collection of facts and docu- ments relative to the war of our revolution — some papers on that era of our national character remain yet to be gathered. The recent war declared by Congress, in 1812, has af- forded several historical works of unequal merit. Besides these compends, and others more extensive if they exist, it is the duty of the Historical Society of this State, to pro- cure, as far as it is practicable, every original document on this subject. New-York was, in an especial manner, the scene of action ; some of the most momentous events oc- curred in this state, and we owe it to ourselves to possess at least a portion of the original materials for the future historian. Another subject deserves the attention of our Society. Considering the eventful age in which we live — the mighty geniuses which it has exhibited — and the extraordinary cha- racters to which it has given birth, but few authentic biogra- phies have been put on record. While the events in which distinguished men have participated are fresh in the recol- lection, and the anecdotes of their lives are familiar to their cotemporaries, great opportunities are afforded for correct portraits of character. Already has negligence in our own state suffered many interesting incidents in the lives of her early heroes, statesmen, and philosophers, to sink into obli- vion. Indeed, while we allow these services and merits to remain unrecorded, we have little right to complain that foreign nations have done us injustice. No refutation of their calumnies can prove more effectual, than a fair exhibi- tion of the virtues and talents of our illustrious men. ^ Among those who have served the state, with their *-'oni- raanding talents, but without any monument of our grati- 11 tude, the late Lieutenant Governor, Cadvvallader D. Col- den; the late Vice-President, the venerable George Clin- ton ; the late Samuel Jones, and the Right Rev. Bishop Provost, have the highest pretensions to consideration. Although the first has secured to himself the permanent re- membrance of posterity, by his invaluable history of the Five Nations, his correspondence with Dr. Franklin, and his medical disquisitions, yet no one has traced his various services to the Commonwealth, during an administration distinguished for important events, and scenes of danger and responsibility. The civil and military career of the late George Clinton holds forth a noble and fertile subject for the pen of genius and eulogy. His sagacity, his valour, his fortitude, and more than all, his stern unbendinrr integ- rity, ofier an example worthy to be retained in the temple of Fame, among tiie models of aucient virtue. Whoever shall trace out his acts in the cabinet and in the field, and draw the faithful picture of his character, will expand the lustre of a great name, contribute to the celebrity of the state, and to the honour of the nation. When such a man arises on the theatre of public life, it is to guide and to save ; and if there be talent or power to perpetuate the memory of his deeds, a proud and enlightened people should never slumber over an apathy that is daily consigning thera to neglect. I rely on the testimony of others, when I speak of the eminent legal talents of the late . Samuel Jones : com- mon consent has indeed assigned him the highest attain- ments in jurisprudence, and the appellation of the Father of the New-York Bar. He justly ranked among the most profound and enlightened jurists of this or of any other 'country ; and acted a useful and conspicuous part in or- ganizing our courts and judiciary system, in this state, after the close of the revolution. His industry, his purity 1<0 1 .w of character, antl his extensive acquirements, present an inspiring example to the young candidate for future re- nown. It is also to be earnestly hoped, that the evidence of the varied learning and elegant literature of the late Bishop Provost, whose life embraces much of the early his- tory of the Church, will not rest on the oral testimony of his cotemporaries ; but that some gentleman of congenial feelings and pursuits may be selected, who will assume the task of making them known to posterity. The Cabinet of Natural History belonging to this Socie- ty was first established in 1816. At that time no other public institution existed in this city, for the collection and classification of the objects of this department of know- ledge, or for obtaining the mineralogical and other natural productions of the United States. Since that period, the Lyceum of Natural History has been organized ; and, under the auspices of its learned and efficient President,* supported by the zeal of its young and active members, has acquired character and reputation, and promises to be emi- nently useful in the cultivation of this branch of science. Under these circumstances, it merits our consideration, how far the benefit that was contemplated by the Historical Society, in the erection of this department of Natural His- tory, will not be more essentially and completely accom- plished by the Lyceum, and whether the proposed transfer of the Cabinet will not prevent collision in our labour, and by concentrating the objects in view, promote the interests of science, and advance the respectability of the New-York Institution.! * Dr. Samuel L. Mitchill. ^ Since Ihc delivery of tbis Addi'Css, the object here suggested has been carried into operation. 13 I feel it my duty here to <5uggest the propriety of institu- ting' a gold or silver medal for the best topographical and statistical account of the differeii counties of the state. In the memoirs of the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sci- ences, there are accounts of several counties m that staVe, particularly one by that late learned and distinguished theo- logian and scholar, Dr. Dwight ; and I cannot deem it un- becoming the dignity of our Society, to imitate the raerito- rious example of our eastern brethren. If, howevei\ con- trary to all expectation, this suggestion should prove unsuccessful, through the opposition of the ignorant, or the evil minded, for the Bohon Vjpaz is not exclusively the product of Java, vigorous exertions to the same purpose should not be spared to obtain the aid and co-operation of active members in different sections of the state. Every thing touching the power and resources of a^.y section of the immense empire on this side of the Atlantic, over which millions of freemen are diffusing civilization, arts, and re- finement — every thing calculated to reveal moral and phy- sical strength, is eminently entitled to attention. It gives confidence, and imparts enterprise at home ; it inspires ad- miration, and commands respect in foreign countries. The setdement of the western counties of this state is so recent, that many of the original settlers are still living, from whom may be easily procured every fact of importance. The state of New-York was once the residence of a tribe of Indians, by far the most distinguished of any who have been known on this continent. Their manners, their histo- ry, and above all, the monuments of art which they liave left behind them, invite the attention of all those who delight to contemplate the native, moral, and intellectual character of our species. The most enlightened nations have, by direct effort, encouraged such inquiries. 14 The statistical views of and of Ireland, have been read or heard of )r • ^ late Emperor of France had nearly compleied su jy of his dominions on a ^ntic scale, a' nglish nation are now in the suc- nrosec ^ similar design. '' A a third volume of the collections of this ^ ,- j^ears to be loudly demanded. It is with son:,.^ |. - 1 observe, that this Institution has existed up- war^? -> sixteen years, and that only two volumes of its tran d in rare printed tracts, and in manuscripts of great A f every member of this Society would enter into an obligation to purchase a copy of each volume of its transactions as it may appear, the price of which would be amply remunerated by the value of its contents, the Society would be enabled, by this security alone, to publish an annual volume of its papers and communications. This measure would not only be the means of preserving important documents from oblivion, but at the same time would direct that attention to the history of our own coun- try, which is now in a great degree devoted to that of mo- dern Europe, or to a classical and critical acquaintance with that of Greece and Rome. FINIS. ??'^ _ -y> ^:>>?3 y> ^3!^ '>> ""!> "•»" ^yil z*> z> :» '»^ I>,^55> 3> -' >I> J»:2> > 2> > X> > >3>^ ^a^ JO ' 3 >> J>5 • '^Sf^ )^ :> ->^>:> "^. >:>:» 3> >4> ^3>> o>_z»>' 2) > v. :2> :> ^"^ ^ ^ ^p:3c»^ ._y ^mr^ ^ >^' ■>->^ > ► » ~ \, i-> ^ >'> ^ M ^to '>> ■ ^1S > > ■ 5 Z> > ■> > i}. > 3> S^ >^ ?o 3^ ■ J> '■r>,J>^> r:>>-> >J> _^_^ . . 9 JJ) y 3 :3> 5>S^ 5> ^9>:)^^.- p>^rm^^^ ^> z> ^z LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 014 113 881 9 M Iwii