\o^ ^ <3* V * v °o f V , <* ■' r£ tS A, ,^t cv "^0* C ^°- <6 Q^ <£*• <3* ^ /: .v*-v: .<% 0° *^s rO * G u ^ v. ^ ^ °- ^ ^ ^ 9* *V ^ <$F J" ^ c V «? <* S ^ ^ ^0 V 9x -%> xV ^ j °Q 3 ^ ^ % •%<& C J ,v ^ x^ ^ % fr 3 ^ tS ^ ^.0^ = "^ 0* ^ °- o w ^ v V ^ ^0^ ^ ^VrJc •< * <> A -h, V «. ^ * " / ■ "^ V ^ ^ ^ lN ^0 V \\^ V ^ /°" ^/^' ^/°"o : ;/V- ^, A^ * i — * t , -. & ^ ^ *-<» DISCOURSE ON THE CHARACTER AND SCIENTIFIC ATTAINMENTS OF DE WITT CL.INTON, LXTB GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK ; PRONOUNCED AT THE LYCEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, OF WHICH HE WAS AN HONORARY MEMBER, ON THE 14th JULY, 1828, AT THE REQUEST OF THE SOCIETY. BY SAMUEL L. MITCHILL. NEW-YORK : PRINTED BY E. CONRAD, NO. 11 FRANKFORT-ST. 1828. New- York, July 22, 1828. Resolved, That the thanks of the Lyceum be presented to Dr. Mitchill, for his learned and eloquent Eulogy on our late lamented Honorary Member De Witt Clinton, and that he be requested to furnish a copy for jmblication. J. E. DEKAY, Sec'ry pro tern. DISCOURSE. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, One of the incidents of survivorship is, that we are sometimes called upon to discourse concerning our deceased friends and acquaintances. It has several times been my lot to perform such service ; and now I am invited to make another attempt. The decease of a distinguished citizen, whom the Lyceum had registered as an honorary member, has been deemed worthy of a particular celebration. The theme is so copious and diversified, that I accept the invita- tion given me, less on account of any talent I possess for such an exercise, than because an adherence in this case to mere narrative accuracy, will enable him who addresses you to make a better discourse than biographical sketches, though coloured by fancy, usually afford. Such, my friends, is the uncertainty of life, and so una- ble are we to calculate its duration, that I feel as if I ought to relate to you a short anecdote, which will enable you to judge of the situation in which your partiality has placed me. Not many years ago, he, whose deeds and virtues we are assembled to contemplate, spoke to me one day as we were sitting together, in nearly these words : " I am looking at " you in a moralizing mood. You have been an useful man " in many respects, during your time. But you are so far " advanced, that it is impossible your vigour can last a great " while longer. I reflect with sorrow and regret, that your " activity must unavoidably, in the natural course, be so C 4 1 " soon terminated." Think of the matter. There was scarcely four years of difference in our ages. Yet he has run his race and gone away to rest : God speed him to bliss > while I am left behind to tell the story. I am prepared to give you a sketch of a man who has oc- cupied wide space in society ; one who has received an un- common share of public attention ; and whose life has been diversified by a singular series of useful and honourable em- ployments : tho' he did not live long enough to reach his six- tieth year, but was taken away somewhat sooner. A full ac- count of his career and services, would constitute an ample and important volume of history. Though he never crossed the Atlantic, his fame had reached the other hemisphere, and spread beyond the confines of the civilized world. You must, therefore, be satisfied with a brief summary ; while 1 leave the broad discussion to his professed biographer. Quill of the Condor, mighty bird of the Cordilleras, come forth and furnish a pen, more worthy than the wing of the goose, the eagle or the swan can afford, for writing on such a theme! Let the instrument be worthy of the subject! It ought be done Mcconii carminis alite. It has been doubted by some whether it is more desirable to be descended from an illustrious ancestry, or to rise in the world, and befaber sucEfortunce, the maker of one's own for- tune. The former appears to be the preferable case ; though even here, where titles, estates, and honours have been w T on, they not unfrequently descend to some unworthy, or unqual- ified individual, or for lack of heirs the family becomes ex- tinct. There is a great repugnance felt by certain persons at being the degenerate offspring of a great house ; or the in- significant bearer of a renowned name. Generally, it is harder work to establish a name, with the honours and ap- purtenances, than to inherit them. Still it strikes many, that on that very account, the achievement is the more glo- rious and admirable. [ 5 ] The founder of a noble race enjoys the high gratification of having earned the situation where his luck and merit have placed him. The gentleman under consideration had the benefit of two family appellations, well known, and respectable in books and conversation. That of DewUt, rendered famous by Cor- nelius and John, who were distinguished patriots in the Uni- ted Netherlands : and that of Clinton, rendered familiar to the ear and the eye, by the eminent man who had borne it. The advantages of commencing life under such circumstan- ces are very considerable. Such a person has the benefit of being associated, and necessarily too, whenever he is ac- costed, or even thought of, with the wise and the virtuous. And that association is so strong, that it can only be broken by a series of improper or dishonourable actions. Before the occurrence we are assembled to deplore, the family name had been given to a tuneful march ; a silken handkerchief; a porcelain pitcher; a street; a town; a county ; a plant ; and an academy : and since that event it has been bestowed upon a fountain, a hall, and several ether objects. His father, James Clinton, had gained fair renown for having performed the part of a determined whig during the war of our revolution. In that eventful time he had opposed the enemy at the head of his brigade, having been raised to the rank of a general officer. He afterwards represented the district where he. resided, in the senate of the state. His uncle, George Clinton, had become a notable champion of liberty during the provincial administration ; taking an ac- tive part in the house of assembly against the royal governors and their despotic councils. After the adoption of the state constitution, in 1777, he was chosen governor, and was con- tinued in that office until 1795. Then, after an intermis- sion of six years, he was re-elected in 1801, and served until 1804. It was determined that Dewitt Clinton should be liberally educated : and accordingly, after the customary preparation, he took the Bachelor's degree in Columbia College in New- C 6 ] York, in 1736. He was diligent in attending the classical, mathematical, literary, and ethical courses of instruction taught there, and received the degree of Master of Arts in 1789. In this seminary he evidently laid the foundation of that literary and scientific taste, which never deserted him, and which are conspicuous in many of his productions. I believe it was about this time that he acted as private secre- tary to his uncle, the governor ; and performed also the functions of secretary to the regents of the university. He was in a condition to entei upon the study of law. In a country where legislative statutes, framed by the direct re- presentatives of the people, constitute the rule of civil con- duct, the subject, by reason of their number and ambiguity, becomes both extensive and intricate. Experience has suf- ficiently shown that freedom leads to litigation : and it has been as fully proved, that the application and fulfilment of the statutes and the principles on which they were founded, required the aid of men who make their study a distinct pro- fession for rendering them operative. Thus the enactment of statutes, employs the legislative branch of the government ; their interpretation and exposition, the judicial ; and their end and termination, the executive : while the business of process, suits, and trials, makes the practical business of the law. Mr. C. went through the prescribed routine, and qual- ified himself for the bar. Having been duly examined, he received the attorney's licence, and opened an office. The first of his acknowledged compositions, published after this, as far as I have been able to ascertain, is his ora- tion on benevolence, pronounced in 1794, before the society of Black-Friars, in this city, in which he held the office of Chan- cellor. This association has for some time been defunct : but there was a time when it was popular with the junior por- tion of our male citizens. The number of members was considerable, and the meetings well attended. It was in- tended for social and philanthropic purposes ; and for the sea- son of its continuance, and until they grew slack in their at- tendance, it embraced many of the worthies and respectables of the day. Though I once had the honour of being the [ 7 ] worthy Father, as the president was called, I never knew for what reason they took such a whimsical name. To this so- ciety the address under consideration was made. I shall present you a brief extract from this piece, of which only two hundred copies were printed. After speaking of a congress of nations, a free and universal commerce, and an university for the illumination of the world, he goes on : " Great im- " provements must also take place, which far surpass the mo- " mentum of power that a single nation can produce, but will, " with facility, proceed from their united strength. The hand " of art will change the face of the universe : mountains, des- " erts, and oceans, will feel its mighty force. It will not then " be debated whether hills shall be prostrated, but whether the " Alps and the Andes shall be levelled ; nor whether sterile "fields shall be fertilized, but whether the deserts of Africa " shall feel the power of cultivation ; nor whether rivers "shall be joined, but whether the Caspian shall see the Me- " diterranean, and the waves of the Pacific lave the Atlantic ; ' shores." About this time, or probably somewhat earlier, he turned his attention to military affairs. As he was of the age for doing duty in the militia, and as his father and uncle had been martial men, it was rational he should look for a com- mission, and aspire to the distinction which such a corps, even in a time of peace, afforded. He joined Colonel Bau- man's regiment of artillery, and there acted as the second major. Some discontents however, arose, which induced the officers to resign, and to publish an explanatory and jus- tificatory pamphlet, on the occasion, in 1797. In contem- plating this proceeding, it may be viewed as placing an ob- stacle, at that early day, to his military views, which he never could, nor never did surmount. The peculiar griev- ance complained of at the time, was, " that the officers of the " regiment of artillery are excluded from the privilege of ri- " sing beyond the grade of lieutenant-colonel, while all the " militia-officers of the state are entitled to it : and that the " commandant of the artillery is constantly exposed to be " rendered subordinate to those who were once his inferiors " in rank." [ 8 3 Endowed with a goodly form, and with steady industry, he was rapidly extending his acquaintance with his fellow- citizens, and gaining their confidence. The time was not far distant when he should be chosen a member of the legis- lature. In 1797, the vehemence of party politics was as great, as perhaps was ever known. The sects then were de- nam'mVitcd federalists, and republicans or democrats. At the election that year, both sides resolved to make a trial of their strength. They held their preparative meetings as usual, and made their respective nominations of candidates for the two houses. * * that election, it was my lot to be placed on the same ticket Jpth Mr. C. for a seat in the assembly. We succeeded; "nd during the ensuing session of 1798, acted together in the minority, during governor Jay's administra- tion. During the session, it was understood that there would be a choice of three senators at the ensuing election, then held towards the end of April, for the southern district. A meet- ing of the members held, and a nomination was made of the person who now addresses you, as one. He told the gentle- men he had no inclination to serve in that capacity, and de- clined the honour, as he should a re-election to the as- sembly. Mr. Denning was then nominated for New York city, and Mr. Schenck and Mr. Clinton for Long Island. Mr. C. and the other gentlemen were elected. It mav be noted as a circumstance favourable to his rise and progress as a public character, that he was of Irish de- scent. He derived no small consequence from the alli- ance with the numerous emigrants from the Emerald Isle. His popularity and importance had by this time so in- creased, that on the meeting of the legislature, the house of assembly resolved to place him in the council of appoint- ment, as a thorough-going and radical republican. And it was accordingly so done. He thenceforward became one of the high and mighty rulers of the state. It has been thought, by some, needful for the establish- ment of an exalted character, to have been engaged in a duel. Indeed, there is a fascination that accompanies this [ 9 ] kind of contest, that gives high consideration to the parties concerned, in public opinion, in spite of all that moralists and legislators have declared against it. An affair of this sort af- fords inflation sufficient to elevate them to a conspicuous place in the popular atmosphere, where they can attract the gaze and admiration of mankind. In a worldly contempla- tion of such an affair, the desirable qualities for a combatant would seem to be these : that he should be the chalengee ; that he should not kill his adversary, but wound him sorely though not mortally 5 and that he should retire from the field unhurt. Mr. C. was concerned in such a controversy ; the circumstances of the rencountre were exactly of this stamp. Mr. C. received the invitation to fight — he went forth and shot his opponent in the leg ; and himself returned without in- jury. This duel is probably the most memorable in the chronicles of our country for the minute and punctilious rules which the seconds prepared, in written articles, for conduct- ing it; and which, when printed, afterwards drew unusual attention. Whatever conscientious or scrupulous persons may say about it, I always thought this transaction had a direct and powerful tendency to render him, not merely the favourite, but almost the idol of the people. They said it proved him to be a man of spirit and courage ; of coolness and intrepidity ; and of a temper to giv e the individual who sup- posed himself wronged, the most ample and honourable sat- isfaction. Their sympathy and concern were increased, by the reflection current at the time, that as he had become a a prominent citizen, and stood in the way of certain ambi- tious spirits, this was a design to kill him off, and get rid of him; and on this account, his numerous friends rejoiced with greater fervour, that it had so completely failed. On the whole, this occurrence may be ranked among the numerous examples of his good fortune. It was not long after this that he was appointed first judge of Queens county, where he occasionally lived at his residence in Newtown. Before he accepted the commis- sion and entered upon its duties, he was placed in a situation B [ io ] to make him decline it altogether. Other destinies awaited him. About this time, he was appointed a regent of the univer- sity ; a situation from which he afterwards withdrew. While occupied in these grave and weighty functions, a vacancy happened in the senate of the United States. — Such consequence had Mr. C. attained, that the legislature determined to give him the place. He was accordingly equipped for Washington ; where I, who had in the interme- diate time been sent to the house of representatives, had the pleasure to congratulate, in 1802, my late colleague in Al- bany, on his reception into the most august body in the na- tion. Here he made a kw speeches and motions, evincing his attention to business 5 but from which 1 do not consider it needful to make extracts. His continuance here was not long ; for it soon pleased the council of appointment in Albany, to make him mayor of New- York. He accepted the office; betook himself to the performance of its duties, and resigned his seat in the senate. This was in 1803. You would think, I fear, that I was too prolix and minute, if I should exhibit from the minutes of the Common Council and of the Court of Ses- sions, his actions as chief magistrate of the city. His vigi- lance was unremitting ; his diligence unwearied ; his atten- tions directed to all official objects. In broad terms, it may be observed that as a judge, he was upright, intelligent, and impartial ; as a municipal officer, correct, discreet, and po- lite ; as president of the board of health, vigilant for the pub- lic safety ; as a member of the corporation, punctual, intelli- gent, and zealous for the general welfare, and for the inci- dental duties of his place, orderly, exact, and decorous. If there was aught of harsh to perform, he did it with the least asperity ; if there was any thing pleasant to offer, he ren- dered it in the highest degree acceptable. It was never dis- puted that he was an able and virtuous magistrate. His of- ficial notes and writings, whether of original address to others, or of reply to theirs, are conspicuous for a just con- ception of the subject, and a critical employment of lan- guage. [ 11 ] He had now rendered himself so conspicuous, and threw such a glare about him, that he was considered as shedding light upon every thing around. It will of course be under- stood how extensive were his connections in society. Few men had more ; none perhaps had so much reason to be plea- sed with them. He understood human nature and his own qualities, well enough for enabling him to work his way, to usefulness and distinction. To the order of Free-Masons he had been introduced at an early day. He rose through regular grades of preferment, in the lodges, until he arrived at the supreme dignity of Grand Master. He fully understood the mystic charm posses ed by this society, to cohere, to ramify, and to enlarge, notw ith- standing all the fulminations, proclamations, and edicts against it. And he experienced the effect of that renown which elevation in the craft bestows upon an adept, in society at large, as well as the approbation it secures him within the tiled door. He formed a correct estimate of the value of common schools in a free country. Mainly, by the unwearied and importunate labours of Judge Peck, whom I rejoice to have an opportunity of mentioning to you as the father of the free and public schools in New- York, a fund had been provided by the legislature and appropriated to their support. Mr. C. like that public-spirited citizen, considered that a republican people must possess information. They should at least read, write, and keep accounts. They ought to be capable of pe- rusing the newspapers, as well as the almanacs and the bi- ble ; to examine the ballots at the polls, or even to write them ; and to understand the value of produce, the reward of labour, and the manner of rating both in money. The more additional intelligence they can acquire on matters of business and morals, the better it will be. Considering such kind of instruction as the basis of rational liberty, he joined this invaluable association ; and, for his hearty co-operation and sincere devotion to the cause, was promoted to the pres- idency, and remained in that honourable situation as long as he lived. He appears to me to have rendered them very im- [ 12 J portant services 5 such as, from his official and other relations, he was enahled to do. They were probably more than any other individual could do if he would, or would do if he could. He was judicious in knowing what he could proba- bly perform in a given case ; and not less so in permitting himself to be placed in a situation for its happiest exercise. His conduct toward these humble, but important seminaries of learning, has gained him solid, lasting, and wide-spread approbation. He knew that — Amidth' extensive records of mankind It ne'er was found that freedom could survive Where honor dwelt not ; where with careless eye, Or but intent on pleasure, luxury sat And viewed her chain unmov'd ; where love of fame, Where the keen hopes of future praise no more Awoke the generous deed, the grateful praise Paid by posterity to generous souls Who plan the good of ages. Downman. The society instituted for collecting, and preserving his- torical articles and documents, and of presenting from time to time, entire memoirs or judicious excerpts to the world, engaged a portion of his sagacious regard. He was also pro- moted to the chair of this excellent association, which he cherished by his occasional attendance, by his seasonable contributions, by his advice in their difficulties, and his suc- cessful efforts, at a time not greatly antecedent to that in which he was summoned away from this terrestrial theatre, to relieve their embarrassments. The members always, as long as the living individuals exist, and their successors, while the corporation endures, will have reason to applaud the disinterested friendship of De Witt Clinton. The Academy of the Fine Arts, in like manner received him into its bosom. A mind like his could comprehend the delicacy and exquisiteness of Grecian and Roman art under the chissel and the pencil. Sculpture and Painting, with the accompanying works of design, were within his tasteful reach, and the society, sensible of his uncommon attain- [ 13 ] ments, chose him to be the president of their meetings. In the cause of this service, he pronounced before them an ad- dress, which they caused to be printed. It justifies the opin- ion already delivered, that he might have been, before this event, considered as a scholar and an antiquary, but now he was brought out as a connoisseur. The society for instructing the deaf and dumb, opened a school in 1818, which has been regularly continued ever since. The ninth annual report to the legislature, just pub- lished, brings forward its history to the end of December, 1827. 1 refer you to that interesting document, and to the book of elementary instruction published by them, for more particular information. Mr. C. has been the president of the board of managers here. It is but just to observe, that his paternal care to the young ignorants, who could hear and speak, was extended to the other class, who could do nei- ther. He took a deep interest in their fortunes and destinies, and aided them, when in his power, by his recommendation and eulogy. This class of persons have reason to praise and extol the subject of this memoir. Tt pleased the citizens who were profoundly engaged in extending the influence of our religion, to adopt the plan of sending bibles abroad, in different languages and tongues, to communicate its truths and doctrines to unconverted and heathen regions of the globe. A society had been organized, called the American Bible Society, in this city, its principal rendezvous. Great and eminent men, had acted as its offi- cers and managers. Liberal subscriptions and gifts had ac- cumulated a fund of exuberant magnitude. Annual meet- ings had been held. The reports made to those numerous and respectable assemblies, had been welcomed by speeches and discourses from the selected and talented friends of the cause. Mr. C. was induced by such examples, and appa- rently by his own inclination, to come forward. I heard him pronounce, before that pious assembly, a sort of theo- logical oration. He laboured, as usual, very much to the satisfaction of his employers. He had been made one of the vice-presidents. ] 11 ] As lie had gone so far in promoting the great business of education and instruction, it may be understood how he consented to make a speech to the Education Society. It was almost impossible for him to refuse or decline. I was not present; but have understood that it was replete with the good sense and liberal opinions of its author. Other matters of minor moment might be mentioned, to show this almost omnipresent and all-powerful man. But I leave them, that I may devote my attention and yours to things of greater concern. I was associated with him, and governor Wolcott, at the request of the director of the mili- tary academy at West Point, to attend the examination of the cadets. We went, and were much gratified with the ex- hibition. Mr. C. and myself had our beds in the same chamber; and we spent a good part of the night in conver- sation. In one of these nocturnal dialogues he expressed his opinion of the relative situation of man to God. He consid- ered it so infinitely distant, there was need of a mediator ; that the creature was so frail and imperfect as to require an intercessor ; and the Creator so merciful as to send a Re- deemer. He rejoiced in all these ordinances and dispensa- tions, as proofs of the grace and condescension of the Most High, and as incentives to reverence and love, on the part of the lowly being. By this time, that is in 1 308, his standing in society was so high that he was supported as a candidate for the presi- dency of the United States. The first term of four years for which Mr. Madison had been elected, it was known would expire with the 3d March, 1009. The friends of his admin- istration resolved to support him for another term of the like duration. His opponents determined to give their vote and interest for Mr. C. This they did with all their power; but Mr. M. was chosen again by a large majority. The failure was ascribed to his having come forward mider the auspices of the federalists, while the dominant party, the democrats, gave nearly their whole aid to his opponent. From this date until the expiration of Mr. M's second term in 18 13, the par- ties of politicians in New- York, were mentioned under other [ 15 ] names. The former appellations were changed to Clinto- nian and Madisonian. Thus the contending electors fought under new banners, and with unabated violence too. In 1 308, he was chosen by the trustees of Columbia Col- lege a member of their board. But he declined the appoint- ment. I may here notice too his election as an honorary member of the Society of Cincinnatus. After the expiration of my senatorial term in 1 809, it pleased the electors of this city and county to send me to the assembly in Albany. There an occurrence took place du- ring the session of 1 810, leading to Mr. C's further promotion and employment, which I must relate to you. The pro- ceedings then begun, eventuated in the great canal project for connecting, through the state of New- York, the ocean with the lakes. Perhaps, as the subject is deeply connected with physical geography, it may not be unwelcome to you. On a motion in the senate, made by Jonas Piatt, a resolve was passed for the appointment of a committee to explore the country between the Hudson and the upper and interior waters, with an intention to connect them by canals or other- wise. The resolve, (a joint one) contained a full set of names, for constituting the committee of exploration. In order to understand this subject, which has acquired such extraordinary magnitude, it is necessary to revert to the provincial histoiy of New- York. The original connection of the Dutch and their successors the English, with the Iro- quois and the other Indian tribes, was made for the purpose of securing the fur trade, and of paying for the skins and pelts in such merchandize as the owners would accept. A ne- cessary incident to this business was the construction of block houses, forts and military posts ; as well as to keep the natives in peace and awe, to protect the persons and pro- perty of the king's subjects, and to offer a strong barrier to the force of France, established through Canada and Illinois, quite from the gulf of St. Lawrence to Mississippi, and be- yond ; and even encroaching upon New- York, as far the southern extremity of lake George, and into Pennsylvania, [ 16 ] by the way oJ" Presquile as far as Pittsburg. The river St. Lawrence is the great natural outlet of the lakes, and con- sequently of the surrounding regions ; and the French gov- ernment was occupied in the most energetic measures for monopolizing it. The New-Yorkers, nevertheless, had found that intercourse with the natives could be maintained to considerable extent by the Mohawk river, the Oneida lake and Onondago river, to lake Ontario. This was carried on as well as the circumstances permitted, until the French threw impediments in the way, by building forts on the east side of Niagara river, both above and below the falls. While these matters were progressing, the government of New- York, in 1720, was apprised of the existence of smuggling to an unwarrantable and alarming amount, be- tween New-York and Montreal, chiefly by the way of Al- bany. To prevent it, the provincial legislature passed an act prohibiting commercial intercourse absolutely and altogeth- er, between New- York and Canada. Its main object was to obtain the peltry from the Indians by the route of Oswe- go and Schenectady. This measure caused great discontent in New- York, which after fruitless attempts for its repeal, re- sulted in an appeal to the king and the lords of trade and plantations. During this vehement discussion, the inter- course between the Hudson and the lakes was considered as far as the unexplored condition of the country permitted. There was no idea entertained of competing for trade with the St. Lawrence, except by the water-route already men- tioned. These proceedings may, notwithstanding, be con- sidered as the beginning of those operations which have ended in the completion of the Grand Canal, that surprising work of art. For Cadwallader Colden, in a memorial con- cerning the fur trade, presented to governor Burnet that year, after expatiating on the communication by the aforesaid route, has this remark : '.' but besides this passage by the " lakes, there is a river which comes from the country of the " Senekas, and falls into the Onondago river, by which we " have an easy carriage into that country, without going near " the Cataracus (Ontario) lake. The head of this river goes [ 17 ] il near to lake Erie, and probably may give a very near " passage into that lake much more advantageous than the " French are obliged to take by the great fall of Jagara, " (Niagara)," &c. While the war was going on, which completed the con- quest of Canada and its dependencies in 1 762, this was the main route to the western regions, and it continued so until the year 1786, when the acts were passed for incorporating the western and northern inland lock navigation companies. It was now expected that great facilities would be provided, especially as the work was conducted under that experi- enced surveyor and engineer, Philip Schuyler. But these hopes were not realized. The chief attention of the associ- ates was directed to improving the Mohawk river. They missed their object, by attempting to deepen its channel, in- stead of making a canal along its bank. They, however, pursued the project, until the desertion of customers obliged them to lower their tolls. The stock gradually depreciated, and the company became anxious to sell their interest to the state : And well they might ; for when I was at Utica in 1 809, the store-keepers and traders told me, that the busi- ness of boating by the Mohawk, was not to be relied on, by reason of its dearness and uncertainty, and that they em- ployed wagons which could carry produce to Albany and bring back merchandise, over the turnpike roads and bridges, upon incomparably better terms. It was at this juncture the joint committee was appointed by the legislature, as before mentioned, for further explora- tion. The service was performed during 1810, and a report was made, which eventuated in the construction of an arti- ficial canal quite through from Albany to Buffalo. By this plan lake Ontario was left considerably to the northward. The proposal appeared so feasible and advantageous, but withal so forbidding, by reason of the expense, that the legislative body itself, hesitated on its adoption. A deter- mination was made to ask national aid: in pursuance of which, Mr. G. Morris and Mr. Clinton, two of the commis- C [ 18 J sioners for conducting the work, were directed to repair to Washington, and make a solicitation. They came in De- cember, 1811, and laid their plan and instructions before the president of the United States and the congress; but nothing was accomplished, and the delegates returned with a con- viction that no help was to be expected from that quarter. 1 was then in the house of representatives and conversed with the gentlemen. The chief executive, in his report, may be considered as having defeated the application, by his show of patriotism ; for while he commended the undertaking of the New-Yorkers, as making an honourable spirit of enter- prise, and comprising objects of national as well as more limited importance, he called the attention of congress to the signal advantages to be derived from a general system of internal communication and improvement. (Message of Dec. 23, 1811.) This brought forward so many claims and pretensions, as to crush the project at once. At the same period there were two other applications, to wit, from the president and directors of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Company, and of the president and mana- gers of the Union Canal Company of Pennsylvania. The report made to the house of representatives on the 20th Fe- brary, 1812, stated that the condition of the public finances and resources, and the embarrassed situation of the country, rendered it inexpedient to make a donation in land or money, at that time, for the purpose of effecting the objects contem- plated in their several memorials. The legislature of New- York felt no discouragement on learning the treatment their missionaries received at the seat of the general government. On the other hand, it was magnanimously concluded, as the United States would give nothing towards it, New- York would carry it through with- out any contribution from them. You do not expect from me, gentlemen, the history of this extraordinary work. It has been written by abler hands than mine. You will find it in the reports of the commis- sioners ; in the acts of the legislature ; in the work compiled [ 19 ] expressly by their order ; and in the memoir of C. D. Col- den, and in some other tracts. There was a suspension of canal proceedings during the war which was declared against Great Britain, in June, 1812, and concluded by the ratifica- tion of the Ghent treaty, in February, 1315. Even this re- tardation of the work was eminently conducive to Mr. C's fame : for, soon after the restoration of peace and order, to wit, in 1816, he was elected governor of the state, and con- tinued in that office for five years. It was an eventful period. His open and determined support of the canal, first as a citi- zen, and then as a commissioner, was now strengthened by gubernatorial recommendations in his messages to the legis- lature. These coincided so nicely and seasonably with pub- lic opinion, that the work was commenced on the fourth day of July, 1817, and progressed at a most prosperous and un- expected rate, so that it. was completed on the 26th October, 1825. His superintendence and counsel has connected his name with the work by an indissoluble association. It is impossible to sever the name of Clinton from that of the canal, of which he was an advocate and patron of the firm- est and warmest character ; and notwithstanding the clash of rival claims, he is rated by many as the author, or at least the sine quo non. He never expressed such lofty pretensions to me. He ascribed to every person who co-operated with him, a full share of merit. He considered it one of the feli- cities of his life and administration, that such had been the season of its advancement toward assured success, and that the measures adopted by the legislature for its commence- ment and continuance, arose from a concurrence of oppor- tune circumstances, which no individual could have con- certed ; and which, if they had not been seized at the for- tuitous day, might not have occurred again. Such was the opinion formed in the city of New- York, on the beneficial effects of his canal services, that the merchants, by voluntary subscription, procured for him a superb service of silver plate. [ 90 ] It was after this time, or if I mistake not, in 1 8 1 2 or 1 8 1 3, that lie was created a Doctor of Laws, by the college of Queens, at Brunswick. Nearly about the same time, he received from the coun- cil of appointment, the commission of a major general. Our country was then actually at war with Great Britain. As there was no command accompanying the title, and he was desirous of appearing in arms against the enemy, a command was solicited for him at the war department in Washington. Being then upon the spot, and knowing what was in agita- tion, I was assured by Mr. Secretary Armstrong, that he needed not to expect any such employment from the ad- ministration. It had been resolved to leave him where he was. I am now to speak of him to you in a different capacity ; that of the president of the New-York Literary and Philo- sophical Society. In 1814, a number of gentlemen associ- ated for the purpose of forming a Literary and Philosophical Society. The members on organizing themselves, delibe- rated on the subject of the first presiding officer, when Hugh Williamson, one of the foremost, observed that there must be a " prseclarum et venerabile nomen ;" whereupon Mr. C. was chosen to the chair. His discourse pronounced on this occasion, was received with strong approbation by the members, and highly extolled by those who perused it after publication. It forms the leading article in the first volume of the Society's Transactions. The extra copies in quarto, printed for distribution among the author's friends and cor- respondents, having been soon disposed of, Mr. Long worth issued a second edition in octavo, which, I believe, has already become a scarce book. The body of the perform- ance evinces an extensive and familiar acquaintance with the subjects on which it treats ; while in the numerous and copious notes, is contained a body of scientific and literary information, which few persons besides himself had opportu- nities to collect, industry to write out, or method to arrange. This service, so ably and acceptably executed, procured for him no small accession of reputation. Instead of display- C 21 3 ing him as a mere politician, it exhibits him as a man of fine finish and accomplishment. He had in his elaborate essay, established a reputation as a proficient in natural and physical science, as well as in other branches of knowledge. He pursued, it was supposed, inquiries of a similar nature, during the time he was an ob- server of the canal excavations, in the course of its long and interesting route. These were written out and handed forth in a series of letters, first in the gazettes, and afterwards col- lected into a book, under the signature of Hihernicus. 1 perused these compositions, as meritorious, from their begin- ning ; and I think them entitled to commendation still. They treat of miscellaneous matters in zoology, mineralogy, geo- logy, and the kindred sciences ; proving the author to be a careful observer, who registered in his journal, not only the facts and occurrences before his eyes, but also the analogous appearances in other parts of the globe. In ascribing them to Mr. C. I wish to do no injustice to the real author, in case I have committed an error. ]f there is such a person, let him come forward without fear of dishonour. None of the geog- nostic formations on the route, from the brittle schist of the great cataract of the Mohawk, the silico-calcareous breccia of Florida, the green stone and barytes of Little Falls, the gypsum of Onondaga, the water lime-stone of various places along the route, the calcareous carbonate of numberless lo- cations, the singular and elegant minerals and fossils of Lock- port, and the other memorable disclosures made by digging. were well known to Hibernicus. There was more of this kind of intelligence. In travers- ing Oneida County, he found a sort of wild wheat, which he forwarded to the Linnaean Society of London. It was ac- knowledged to be a new variety of Triticum. The commu- nication is said to have gained him the distinction of an honorary member of that learned body. Nor was this all. On examining the water of the Cayuga Lake, he discovered a large fish of the salmon family, which he considered a non- descript. He made a drawing and description, and sent [ 22 ] them for insertion in Francis and Beck's Medical and Phy- sical Journal, under the name of Salmo Otsego. His observations went further. They mounted to the re- gion of ornithology. Of late years, a species of swallow had been noticed at Whitehall, south of Lake Champlain, and other places, which the old inhabitants had never seen. It seemed to be a new-comer, with peculiar manners and habits. Mr. Audabon had delineated this bird, with the singular nest containing young ones, as he had seen them in a more south- ern and western residence, and had shown me the drawing. Though there is a remarkable coincidence in the two com- munications, Mr. C. is to be viewed as an original observer, and not as having received any information from Mr. A. His paper on this feathered animal of recent migration, may be found in the Annals of this Society for September and December, 1824, p. 158, under the name of the Hirundo Fulva. of Viellot. From what I have said, you will have understood that he is a hodiernal inquirer ; a searcher into the events and doings of the present time. Yet it becomes me to tell you this was not exclusively the case. His tours and expedi- tions through the western district of the state, led him almost necessarily to notice the antiquities of art scattered over that region. These consist mostly of structures, raised by the hand of man, in the forms of fortifications and mounds. They have been discovered at varied and irregular distances from Brown ville, in New- York, to Mexico, in New Spain. It is an unsolved problem, who the people were that erected them. The present races of aborigines could give no satis- factory information about them two hundred years ago, when Jacques Cartier arrived at Quebec with his first settlers. Of course they know less, if possible, now. You do not expect I should enter into any details on this curious subject. The periodical publications since the revolution, contain a valuable mass of information about them. The transac- tions of the American Antiquarian Society, offers the exa- miner much more. But the momoir of Mr. I ought to say Dr. C, which is addressed to me, contains a large and in- [ 23 J structive amount of facts on the subject. He published it in the form of a pamphlet, for distribution ; and it was afterwards reprinted in the second volume of the Transactions offered to the public by the Literary and Philosophical Society. The perusal, which i recommend to you, will afford you accurate descriptions of these structures, which were always of obscure origin and derivation, and are constantly, in the progress of agriculture, tillage and other improvements, van- ishing from sight. They who think that the preservation of such notices of the past ages and generations are of any con- sequence, will make their acknowledgments to Mr. C. for this composition. It will be connected with the profound researches of D. B. Warden, on the whole subject of North American Antiquities, published at Paris during 1827, in quarto, with plates. The LimiEean Society of Paris had judged it expedient to establish a branch at New- York. Of this Mr. C. was appointed a member. There were two celebrations on the birth-day of the illustrious Swede. At the first of these Mr. C. delivered a speech in Prince's garden at Flushing, to a numerous and fashionable audience. The scenery of that highly cultivated spot was elegant ; and the discourse worthy of the place and the occasion. It proved the abundance of his knowledge, and the versatility of his genius. His reputation as an engineer and encourager of internal and domestic improvement, put him in requisition to visit places where canals were projected and progressing in other states. Obedient to the pressing invitations of his fellow citizens, he made excursions to Ohio, New-Jersey, Connec- ticut and Massachusetts, to see and hear what was doing ; and to recommend, where he could, a proper course of pro- ceeding. Every where he was treated with most marked respect. His intelligence, candour and experience in such matters, rendered his opinions almost oracular. When he and myself, with some friends, made an excursion together, it was remakable what a sensation the expectation of a visit, and his actual presence, excited. All who could aspire to it, sought the honour of an introduction ; the rest were happy [ 24 ] in beholding the man. So I have understood it was, on all these tours of observation. His messages to the legislature have been much and justly admired. Besides their political merit, they are lite- rary compositions of great excellence. It would be more edifying to you, to hear a page or more from one of them, than any thing which I can offer ; but there is neither time nor room for such a transcript on the present occasion. They are memorable for the information they contain on the condition of the republic. They show their author to have possessed a sort of ubiquity, and to have viewed the objects around him with, as it were, an omniscient regard. If they should be collected and read in succession, they would dis- play as far as they go, excellent statistical reports. He in- quired into the condition of all the public institutions, and gave such an account of them, as he thought the represen- tatives of the people ought to know. Where he deemed it expedient, he suggested or recommended improvements. He was distinguished for the attention he paid to literary, scientific and charitable institutions. He conducted in such a kind and friendly manner, as to be considered the great patron of them all. His charges tojuries evinced the talent of a magistrate and a lawyer. Among the institutions for the promotion of literature, and the cultivation of social virtues, is the Phi- Beta Kappa So- ciety of Union College. The members, when they can bring it about, procure an oration to be pronounced by one of the members on the day of their anniversary. Mr. C. in 1826, performed this service. His discourse was in his most happy vein, and received with the warmest approbation. The copies that were printed, were very soon distributed. The demand continued ; and what does not very often hap- pen in relation to these exercises, which are mostly consi- dered as of the lighter and more fugitive or transient quality, is, that a second edition was called for and published. One of his latest, if not the very last of his exercises of this kind, was pronounced in the chapel of our Columbia College, his alma mater. The alumni or graduates of that [ 25 ] venerable Seminary have formed an association, for an an- nual festival. The gentlemen have thereby manifested their taste and good • feeling. It is very agreeable for children of the same family, to assemble from time to time, in recollec- tion of their juvenile days, and for innocent and cheerful improvement. The members of this graduated corps in- vited Mr. C. to deliver them the anniversary discourse. He accepted the call, and addressed them in a very satis- factory manner. He gave a historical sketch of the College, biographical notices of divers persons who were eminent among the professors and pupils, with a variety of interesting anecdote and information. It must not, however, be presumed, from the steady and even tenor of my narrative, that Mr. C's life was an unin- terrupted series of successes and promotions : far from it. He experienced difficulties and reverses enough to try his temper and patience ; and to train him by a few lessons in the school of adversity. The ruling powers superceded him in the office of the mayoralty. Another was preferred to him as governor, under the new state constitution. All this was in the customary course of proceeding, where in a free government, party politics prevail. But, the legislature had littleness enough to remove him from the place of canal com- missioner, which he had filled with so much dignity and use- fulness. The step, to say the least of it, was unnecessary and injudicious. It did the commonwealth no good ; and in- stead of doing Mr. C. any harm, it tended considerably, by he discussions it provoked, to exalt him as an undeserving suf- ferer. But he possessed resolution and prudence enough to turn these occurrences to good account. Instead of whining and complaining ; of sinking into idleness, or swerving into dissipation, he betook himself to literary, scientific and his- torical pursuits, with remarkable industry. As he managed the business, they were but intervals of relaxation from offi- cial care and labour, enabling him by books, society and meditation, to increase his stores of information, and give a more exquisite finish and lustre to his character. D [ 26 ] There is lying before me a manuscript, in the form of a short note, which is too precious to be concealed among papers in my scrutoire. It is dated 5th January, 1823, and is in these words : " Dear Sir — Since conversing with you, I recollect the li line from Manilius, of which we spoke. It is " Eripuit fulmen Jovi, vires que tonandi : " The exergue of the medal struck in honour of Dr. Franklin, " Eripnit coelo fulmen, sceptrumq tyrannis, " is a manifest plagiarism. Most respectfully yours, DE WITT CLINTON. Dr. Mitchill." Shortly after the election of John Quincy Adams to the presidency of the United States in 1825, he nominated D. W. C. minister plenipotentiary to Great Britain. Mr. C. however, had been restored to the chief executive chair of New- York State, under circumstances so consoling and pleasant, that he declined the honour of the mission. He pre- ferred the active situation of a governor at home, to the mo- notonous and torpid life of an envoy extraordinary abroad. It was about this time, if 1 recollect right, that he was chosen an honorary member of the Philosophical Society in Lower Canada, under the patronage of governor Dalhousie. In 1826, Columbia College conferred on him the degree of LL. D. It was generally supposed that his frame of body was athletic enough to have borne longer the tug of life. The shock occasioned by his death, showed that almost every citizen thought so. No mortal knows, nor can calculate how long his constitution will wear. Some persons that are, to all appearance, sturdy and stout, die young ; while others who are puny and feeble, enjoying scarcely a well hour, hold [ 2T ] out to fourscore and beyond. Yet the day must and will arrive, when the frail machine will give out. In the wear and tear of existence, the weak or peccant part will show itself. In Mr. C. it is reported to have been a disease of the chest which carried him off. I have no medical record of his case, but have understood it was hydrothorax, with pro- bably, an accumulation of lymph in the pericardium. He is said to have expired suddenly, while sitting on a chair in in his library, after experiencing for a considerable time, va- rious premonitory symptoms. But the full ocean ebbs — there is a point By nature fix'd whence life must downward tend. For, still the beating tide consolidates The stubborn vessels, more reluctant still To the weak throbs of th' ill-supported heart. This languishing;, these strengthening by degrees To hard, unyielding, unelastic bone, Through tedious channels the concealing- flood Crawls lazily, and hardly wanders on : It loiters still, and now it stirs no mt re. This is the period few attain ; the death Of nature — thus ( so heaven ordain'd it) life Destroys itself; and could those laws have chang'd, Nestor might now the fates of Troy relate, And Homer live immortal as his song. — Armstrong. Yet, though he is removed to be seen of men no more, the figures and likenesses of him remain. His portraits, voted by his cotemporaries, decorate the City- Hall 5 and I question if the picture of any citizen, is found in so many private houses among us, as his. Prints and engravings of him are seen in books, in frames and port-folios. Sculpture has embodied him. And the medal struck when he was mayor, will, now he is no more, acquire additional value. To die is landing on some unknown shore Where billows never break nor tempests roar Ere well we feel the friendly stroke, 'tis o'er. [ 28 ] The wise through thought th' insults of death defy ; The fools through blest insensibility. — Garth. I might easily enlarge on this subject, but it seems to me I have detained you nearly long enough. In drawing this out- line of a character, I have acted with the feeling of a friend. My right hand exults in the performance. I do not present it to you as opus consummatum, but rather as opus inchoatum; yet imperfect as it is, there are few persons, perhaps, that would be unhappy, if they were sure of receiving a similar eulogy. His correspondence with the government of the United States, and with the executives of the individual states, con- tain, no doubt, important matter. I should make the same remark in relation to the communications to and from distin- guished men abroad. I think it desirable that his printed works should be collected and embodied into volumes ; and that his manuscripts should be examined by a judicious friend, and prepared for the public eye. Excuse me, long as 1 have detained you, while I utter a very few sentences more. When, several years ago, Joseph Delaplaine, then of Philadelphia, undertook to form a gallery for containing the portraits of the notables for whom our country was distin- guished, he followed the collection he had made, by a pub- lication of a biographical kind, containing the written lives of certain prominent characters. That of Mr. Clinton is one. It is accompanied by an engraved likeness, which seems to have been impressed by the same plate that after- wards formed the prints in the great book compiled by the Committee of the New- York Common Council, commemo- rative of the splendid Canal celebration. Already too, have Milnor and Manley treated this very subject in their respective ways; and it is understood that Hosack and Spencer will devote a portion of their time and ability, toward its further developement. Well then may 1 be willing to leave it in such able hands, and to such compe- tent heads. It was a sentiment of Cicero, " bona existima- tio pecuniis praestat — a good repute is preferable to riches." He has left a noble inheritance of this kind to his family, in- capable of being tarnished or squandered. *r\r<*\ ^ % ».!*\v q>,V.,i*/ ^ y °'*"*,\* ^ V^^VT >, ^ Ho, 1*0 \^ *e* a* * -a; Ay . s * " r &°<* %^ * ^ ^^o.x* . < .> v * n Wi. Q^. y o * • X * dF" 9^ " 5 ^ fe/°" x * V v ^ ••/ '-% "** V v v- cS ^ '•\s <£ ^ ^ ^ cPV Jp jfr o . x - \\** °0, ^o.x * \^ %, *' o . x * A*% . . % '• • ^ A 1 ^d 3 / i> 9* * ^ °- °fW* : ^ v. %.'••'* /;■.•.. v~* ^••/v-" /.-'V- 14 v< y » X ~° « V <6 Q^ '.^ *w* : c5> ^ *w ^..»* 4 ^ / o *