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^^. ^ '^C ^0' ^ ^ :y aX'* ^A V" .V <<> o. .*~^ '■*- "> '^^'^ .-■y' / - » ^0 O ^ -JO^ •*• ^:-:^^/ \. ,0 0, *^ '■ y ^ j^ >: •0 ^<:. v*^ "o 0^ ^"^ -'^ "^ V' * x^ °<. :C^ -^ X^^., • ,^ r^. ;, ^" .^'^ c- .0- o. * ^^ ^ -o- o. N. '/' ^. /n'> y V. ..x-^'^ c,''' ^ :- %■ ^^' ■% -> ^^. •x'^'' "!•-, ■- ^c. ^ ^' « ^"^-^ ^^/. V - . ) > ■"o 0^ :% >.v^' c .^ xO^.. v' 1 y" \^^' -V ai • ^ ,.-•■ •* /- \ * s •-<^ ''■^ ^ ■ .# "^^ V^' '''■^.- v^' . o \\ o^ \ ^. ^ ^ •%. ^. ■j^ ^ "^cP- ^ ,. -■ % )^ ' H ''" .c^^ 'f • /J* .^ TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF DE VTITT CLINTON, Late Governor of the State of Neiv-Yoi^k. BEING A COMPREHENSIVE SKETCH OF HIS LIFE. TOGETHER WITH THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE NEW- YORK LEGISLATURE, AKD OF VARIOUS CORPORATE AND PUBLIC BODIES: ALSO, THE NOTICES OF HIS DEATH FROM THE MOST DISTIN- GUISHED JOURNAJLS IN THE UNITED STATES. i3xjt a itUi}tn oit ^(tiaup* ALBANY: PRINTED BY WEBSTER AND W009. 1828. A r f jaforthem District of New-York, to loit) ^vi*^^ BE IT REMEMBEtlED, lliat on the fifth day o: April, in the fifty-second year of the Independence of the United States of ADoerica, A. D. 1828, CuylerStaats,nf the Ir said District, hath deposited in this Office the title of a jfi Book the right whereof he claims as author and proprie- tor, in the words following, to wit . "Tribute to the memory of De Witt Clinton, lale governor of the state of New-York. Being a comprehensive sketch of his life, togeth- er with the proceedings of the New-York legislature, and of various corporate and public bodies: also, the notices of his death from the most distinguished journals in the United States. By a citizen of Al- bany." In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, entitled "An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned;" and also, to the act entitled "An act supplementary to an act entitled ' An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the au- thors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mention- ed,' and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engrav- ing, and etching historical and other prints." RICHARD R. LANSING, Clerk of the Nerthem District of New- York. The sudden death of De Witt Clinton, iring the present sittmg of the legislature, d while he was wielding the destinies of a >werful state, whose permanent prosperity h£ld been his highest ambition to pro- mote, caused the nation to mourn. Appro- priate honours to his m: mory were paid by all classes of citizens. A profound venera- tion for the high character of the deceased, and believing that a collection of the various expressions of public sorrow for his death, would be desirable, as an interesting memo- rial of one, whose name is identified with the glory of his courUry, induced the compi- ler to publish this work. Great pains have been taken to make a judicious selection and arrangement of the various notices, and the engraving was obtain- ed from a plate owned by the Corporation of the city of New-York, by whom it was loan- ed expressly for this work, Albany, April, 1828. CONTENTS. page. Life of De Witt Clinton, from Delaplaine, . . 9 Continuation of same by the Compiler, ... 25 Announcement of his death, . . , . . 35 Proceedings of the Legislature upon his death, . 39 Mr. Crary's speech in the Senate on do. . . 39 Mr. Butler's speech in the Assembly, do. . . 40 Legislative arrangements for the Funeral, . . 46 Bill for the relief of his minor children, . . 50 Mr. Butler's speech on this bill, .... 50 Mr. Livingston's speech on same, .... 58 Mr Tallmadge's speech on same, .... 63 Mr. EJgerton's speech on same, .... 70 Final question on the bill, 73 Public sentiment on the failure of the bill. From the New-York Gazette, .... 73 " New-York Evening Post, . . . 74 " Rochester Republican, .... 75 " Utica Intelligencer, .... 76 " Poughkeepsic Journal, . . . . 77 " Cayuga Patriot, 77 Buffalo Journal, ..... 78 " Greene County Republican, ... 79 " Boston American Traveller, . . 80 Substitute for the bill, by General Porter, . . 80 Final vote ,81 VI. eONTENTS. Funeral arrangements in Albany, by the Corpo- ration, Circuit Court, Citizens, Bar, Union Col- lege, Masons, Albany Institute, Military, &c. 81 to 90 Description of the Funeral, 90 Public sentiment on the death of Mr. Clinton. From the Signs of the Times, .... 97 " Albany Daily Advertiser, • , • • 99 " the same, 101 " National Observer, . . . . 102 « Aniidote, . . . . . .103 " New-York American, .... 104 " New-York Daily Advertiser, . . 106 " New-York Enquirer, .... 109 " National Advocate, .... Ill *' New-York Merchant's Telegraph, . 113 '• New-York Spectator, .... 115 " New-York Telegraph, . . . . 116. " New-York Evening Post, . . . 117 " Albion, 117 Meeting in the city of N^w-York, . . 121 Philip Hone's speech, 121 Elbert Herring's speech, . . . . . 124 New-York State Society .of the Cincinnati, . 127 Order of the British Consukj^te, -^ • • • 128 " ■ Russian " 128 New-York Daily Advertiser, . . . . . 128 Clinton Hall Association, New- York, 131 New-York Bar, 132 Mr. Griffin's speech, 134 New-York Historical Society, Medical and Public School Societies, Chamber of Commerce, 135 to 140 Common Council of New-York, .... 140 A COxNTENTS. VIL Dr. Milnor's sernioiij College of Physicians and Surgeons, New-York, Rutger's College, New-York, Literary and Philosophical Society, New-York, Columbia College, New-York, Military Order, New-York, . . . , Masonic, New-York From the Ontario Repository, " Buffalo Emporium, " Utica Sentinel, " St. Lawrence Gazette, . " Western Courier, .... City of Schenectady, Village of Herkimer, Village of Rochester, . . . Village of Kingston, Canandaigua, Sacket's Harbour, Batavia, . Oration, delivered at C. Valle}^, by J. Brackett, Esq. " " Batavia, by D. H. Chandler, Esq. 167 « « S. Harbour, by E. Camp, Esq. 169 Public sentiment throughout the United States. Eulogium of S. Simpson, Esq. of Philadelphia, . 173 Proceedings of New-York delegation at Washington, 177 Mr. Van Buren's speech, 177 From the Charleston Mercury, .... 180 " Maryland Gazette, .... 181 " National Journal, 181 " Richmond Enquirer, .... 182 « New-Haven Chronicle, ... 183 " Boston Pitriot, ..... 183 " Pittsfield Argus, . . . . 183 page, 141 144 145 146 147 148 151 152 154 155 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 164 165 Vlll. CONTENTS. page. From the Baltimore Gazette, .... 184 " Vermont Intelligencer, . . . 184 Letter from a member of Congress, , . . 185 Virginia Masonic Lodge, 185 Baltimore " ..... 187 Dist Columbia " ..... 187 From the United States Gazette, .... 188 " Montreal Spectator, .... 188 " United States Telegraph, . . . 189 " Harrisburgh Intelligencer, 189 " Providence Journal, .... 190 Nashville Whig, ..... 191 " Boston Evening Bulletin, . . . 191 " Cincinnati Chronicle, . . . . 193 " Georgia Journal, . . . . . 193 " Knoxville Register, .... 194 " American Advocate, . . . . 195 Grand Royal Arch Chapter of District of Columbia, 195 Address of Caleb Attwater, Esq. of Circleville. Ohio, 197 Mount Calvary Encampment, Middlebury, Vt. . 199 Masonic proceedings at Milledgeville, Geo. . 200 Masonic ceremonies at Washington City, . . 202 General Jackson's Toast, 204 Conclusion, . . . . . . . 204 XiXFE mm wiww (B^wimmw^ During the civil wars in England, in the reign of Charles the first, William Clinton was distinguished by his attachment to the royal cause. On its failure, he sought refuge, with many other of the adherents of Charles, on the continent of Europe. After spending some time in France and Spain, he went secretly to Scotland, where he married a lady of the family of ^ Kennedy. He finally settled in Ireland, where he died, leaving a son named James, then but two years old. On attaining the age of manliood, James made a visit to England for the purpose of recovering his patrimo- nial estate. In this object he did not succeed ; but his visit was not without its advantages ; for having married Miss Elizabeth Smith, a daughter of a cap- tain in Cromwell's army, and an officer of great repu- tation, he acquired sufficient influence to obtain an honourable standing in Ireland, whither he returned. His son Charles, grandfather of De Witt Clinton, Vv'as born in the county of Longford. His father bestowed great care on his education; and lie seems to have B 10 tlFE OF possessed a character of no ordinary grade; for on his emigrating to this country in the year 1729, he was attended by many of his friends, who adhered to his fortunes, and willingly accompanied him into a distant land. He established himself in the county of Ulster, in the state of New-York, where he filled, with great credit, the office of judge. He was also ap- pointed a colonel of the mifitia of that province, and commanded a regiment at the capture of Fort Fron- tenac, by Colonel Bradstreet. The leisure which his pubhc duties allowed him was devoted to the pursuits of literature and to the cultivation and enjoyment of social intercourse. George Clinton, the father of the late Sir Henry Chnton, was then governor of the col- ony. With this gentleman he formed an acquaintance, ^which might perhaps have been produced by ties of distant consanguinity, but which ripened into an inti- macy that only a congeniality of character could have effected. The son of Colonel Clinton, the late vene- rable vice-president of the United States, was named after the colonial governor. Several splendid offers, made to him by Governor Clinton, were declined by the colonel, who preferred a life of respectable inde- pendence, in the bosom of his family and in the culti- vation of letters, surrounded by his colony of friends and countrymen, to all the allurements of office and all the pageantry of rank. Colonel Clinton left four sons and one daugiilcr. Of the sons, Alexander was educated at Nassau Col- DE WITT CLINTON. 1 1 lege, practised as a physician, and died without chil- dren. Charles became a surgeon in the British army, and was never married. James was a major-general in the revolutionary army, and George filled succes- sively the offices of governor of New-York and vice- president of the United States. Major-general James Clinton married a lady named Mary De Witt, of a highly respectable family, from Holland, by whom he had four sons and three daughters. DE WITT CLINTON, the illustrious subject of this brief biography, who was the third son of General James Clinton, was born in the year 1769, at the family residence, in Orange county, in the state of , New-York. After attending to the first rudiments of education, he entered a grammar school, taught by the Rev. John Moffat, a presbyterian clergyman, from which he was transferred in 1782, to a distinguished academy at Kingston, conducted by Mr. John Addi- son. During the revolutionary war, few good semi- naries for education existed, and the reputation of this necessarily drew to it most of the young men of the s^tate of New- York, who w^ere then engaged in theii* course of studies. In this academy Mr. Clinton remained nearly two years, pursuing the usual rou- tine of academical education.. After the war, in 1784, he entered the junior class of Columbia College, hav- ing been examined in the presence of the regents of the University ; and being the first student who citter- ed that seminary after the conclusion of peace. His (2 LIFE OF collegiate education was attended with peculiar ad- vantages : the Rev. Mr. Moore, since bishop of New- York; Samuel Bard, M. D., late president of the Col- lege of Physicians and Surgeons at New- York ; John F<^emp, L.L. D.; J. D. Gross, D. D.; and William Cochran, A. M., were then professors, and in the ze- nith of their usefulness and reputation. He had also the benefit of an excellent library. At the commence- ment for conferring degrees, he delivered the salutato- ry oration in Latin, and received the honoui-s of the university. He commenced the study of the law in 1 786, with Samuel Jones, Esq., a celebrated counsellor, second to none of his profession for profound and extensive knowledge. Mr. Clinton received the usual licences or degrees in the law, but was abruptly called off from the furtlier cultivation of the pursuit, by circumstances arising from the situation of political affairs in the state of New- York. The germs of the two great parties wliich have since divided the country, were at that ihne beginning to appear. His uncle, George Clin- ton, then governor of the state, was assailed by a com- bination of almost all the talents of that section of the country ; and pamplilets and newspaper essays were poured upon the public with unrestrained profusion. Mr. Chnton, relinquishing every other pursuit, entered warmly aad exclusively into the vindication of the conduct and principles of his uncle; and it is believed that the greater part of tbe controversial politics on PE WITT CLINTON. 13 that side, was managed by him during this period of turbulence and irritation. He continued with his un- cle, as his secretary, during his administration, which ended in 1795. The governor dechned a re-election, not only on account of the ill state of his health, but from his observance also of the republican rule of rotation in office. Mr. Chnton had been honoured, while widi his venerable uncle, with the ofiices of secretary of the University, and of the Board of For- tifications of New- York. Upon the retirement of the governor, Mr. Chnton also withdrew from public life. But his efforts, as an individual, in rallying and sup- porting the party of which he might then have been considered the leader, were not for a moment remitted. To do this witli etfect, however, it seemed necessary that he should be placed in a public station; and ac- cordingly, in tlie spring of 1797 he was elected a mem- ber of Assembly for the city of New-York, without opposition. The political peu'ty adverse to tliat to which Mr. Chnton belonged, obtained a majority in the legislature, and had among them many men of talents. The minority might also boast of considera- ble capacity, and were respectable too in point of numbers. Mr. Chnton became an active member of the house ; and although almost wholly engrossed by the concerns of party, he was ardently engaged on every subject which had relation to the advancement of science or the cultivation of benevolence. During tliis session, Robert R. Livingston was proposed as 14 LIFE OF governor, in opposition to John Jay, and Mr. Clinton wrote the address to the electors, in favour of the former gentleman. Mr. Jay, however, succeeded in his election. Mi\ Clinton was at this period chosen a member of the Senate for four years ; and in that body had the pleasure to meet as members his old preceptors, Addison and Jones. Differing from them on many points of political importance, and feeling in comm.on with persons of all parties, the irritation pro- duced by the times, Mr. Chnton experienced no dimi- nution of the attachment he had always entertained, and never for a moment lost sight of the respect he had been accustomed to extend towards these worthy men. During this period of his legislative career, a large portion of his attention was bestowed upon sub- jects which had relation to the protection of the pub- lic health; the promotion of agriculture, manufac- tures, and the arts generally ; the establisliment of the credit of our staple commodities in foreign markets ; the gradual abolition of slavery; the encouragement of steam-boats; and the various objects of municipal improvement. In the spring of 1800, the current of public opinion was turned in favour of the political party to which Mr. Clinton was attached, and they succeeded at the election of that year by a large majority. The oppo- site party had at this time a majority in the Senate, and in Mr. Jay, as governor, they possessed a re- spectable ond most decided executive officer. Mr. DE WITT CLINTON. 15 Clinton was chosen a member of the Council of Ap- pointment, between whom and tlie governor a violent dispute arose respecting the exclusive right of nomi- nation, which, while it lasted, suspended all appoint- ments. On the 26th of February, the governor rep- resented the conduct of the council to the Assembly, and on the 17th of March, this representation was followed by a long argumentative answer, written by Mr. Clinton. The subject being left to the state con- vention, which regulated the number of legislators, that body pronounced, on this much controverted point, in favour of the council. The Assembly of 1800 was composed of the most respectable men of the party, among whom were Governor Clinton, Gen- eral Gates, General Chnton, Judge Livingston, Lieu- tenant-governor Broome, and Mr. Samuel Osgood. The ensuing spring, George CHnton was again elect- ed governor. On the 9th of February, 1802, Mr. Chnton was appointed a senator of the United States, in the place of General Armstrong, who had resigned ; and on the 23d of the same month he took his seat in the Senate, of which he continued an active member until Octo- ber, 1803, when he retired, having been chosen mayor of the city of New-York. The journals of the Senate bear evidence of his attention to liis official duties. The part he took in the debate on the proposition of Mr. Ross to seize New-Orleans, served greatly to distinguish him. 16 > LIFE OF He continued to preside over the police of New- York, until the 9th of March, 1807, when he was succeeded as mayor by Colonel Willet. In April, 1805, having been again sent to the Senate of the state of New-York, he brought forward in that body, a plan for the defence of the city, which was adopted, and appropriations voted to carry it into ex- ecution. His efforts were also used to extend the benefits of education, by encouraging the Lancaste- rian system ; to the removing disabihties from Ro- man Catholics ; to the permanent support of the New- York Hospital; and to the advancement of various benevolent institutions. On the 3 1 st of January, 1 806, he was chosen a member of the Council of Appoint- ment. In 1808, Mr. Clinton was again appointed mayor of New- York. He was also this year chosen a re^ gent of the University. In the Senate he still con- tinued to extend his support to the ecouragement of free schools and colleges, and manufactures. In the course of this session, at his instance, the Academy of Fine Arts in New- York, was incorporat- ed, and spacious rooms in the government-liouse as- signed for its accommodation. The preceding year, 1807, had witnessed a great political convulsion in the state, which terminated in the complete revolution of parties, and in the first election of Governor Tomp- kins. Tlie record of the proceedings of the Senate of DE WITT CLINTON. 1^7 New- York, for the sessions of 1809, 1810, and 1811, exhibits proofs of Mr. Chnton's great usefulness. — Under his auspices, the New- York Historical ?50ciety was incorporated ; the Orphan Assykuii, and Free School were fostered and encouraged; and a fur company was established, with the view of diverting that important branch of inland trade from Canada. He introduced laws to prevent kidnapping, or the further introduction of slaves, and to punish those who should treat them inhumanly; for the support of the quarantine establishment ; for the encouragement of missionary societies ; for the improvement of the pubhc police; for the prevention and punishment of crime ; for the perfecting the militia system ; for pro- moting medical science ; and for endowing semina- ries of education. In 1811 Mr. Clinton was chosen mayor of New- York, having been superceded the preceding year, in consequence of a change of party in the city. This office he continued to hold, by annual appointment, until 1815. An act of the legislature had been passed, on the motion of Mr. Chnton, in 1808, for granting one hun- dred thousand dollars to be appropriated towards for- tifying the city of New- York. This, and other laws, which were subsequently passed, were carried into execution by a board of commissioners, of which he was president. The important works on Staten Isl^ and, show the intelligence, economy and active Indus- 18 LIFE OF try of the board, aided by the science and practical skill as an engineer, of Colonel Jonathan Williams, who superintended the erection of the works. At a later period, during the recent war, Mr. Chnton was chau-jnan of a coniniittee of the corporation, and drew the masterly report which indicated the meas- ure and the mode of defending the city. His plan was adopted and carried into effect, under his auspi- ces, by the corporation, aided by the patriotic inhabit- ants of New-York and the surrounding country, by whose exertions works of defence sprang up in every direction. During tliis period of danger, Mr. Clinton believed it to be his duty to offer his services for ac- tive operation in the field, having held for some time the station of major-general in the mihtia of the state. In 1811 he was chosen lieutenant-governor of the state of New-York ; and in the following year, was recommended as a candidate for the office of presi- dent of the United States by the unanimous voice of the republican members of the state of New-York. Governor Clinton was closely connected with many literary, scientific and benevolent institutions, of sever- al of wiiich he was the framer, and of which he seem- ed to have been the animating spirit. He was presi- dent of the Literary and Philosophical Society of New- York, and of the Economical Scliool Societies ; a re- gent of the University; a member of the Society for the Promotion of Useful Arts ; and of the Humane So- cietv. He was admitted a member o^ the American ©E WITT CLINTON. 19 Philosophical Society, and of all the principal associa- tions in this country, and of several in Europe. In 1812, he received the honorary degree of L.L. D. and was for a number of years, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, and presided over some of the higher branches of that institution. On the incorporation of the Literary and Philosophical Society, he, as their president, opened their first meeting with an introduc- tory discourse, w^hich has been generally and deserv- edly admired, both for its style and matter. This dis- course is pubhshed in the first volume of the transac- tions of that society, in quarto. A second discourse is printed in the second volume of the collections of the New- York Historical Society, together with a memorial sohciting legislative aid for that institution. This eloquent appeal induced a grant from the legis- lature, of twelve thousand dollars. Another discourse of Mr. Clinton, delivered upon the first exhibition of the American Academy of the Fine Arts, estabhshed in New-York, together with his speeches on the con- templated war with Spain, and his various addresses and reports, have appeared in print. During his occupancy of a seat in the Senate of this state, he was called upon, as a member of the highest tribunal, to give opinions in controverted cases. Some of which are contained in Johnson's reports. De Witt Clinton was married to Maria Franklin, the eldest daughter of Walter Franklin, an eminent 2Q LIFE OF and opulent mei-chant of New- York. By this lady he was blessed with a numerous family of children. As a citizen, useful, active, and meritorious, he was second, probably, to no man in the United States. — In the great and growing state and city of which he was a native and resident, no man has stamped his name, his genius, and his services on more monu- ments of public munificence and private utihty. With a capacity improved by long habits of practi- cal attention to business, few men in any legislative body or executive council, ever acquired that degree of facility, correctness and rapidity of performance, in the ordinary affairs of society, which have eminently distinguished his pubhc life. In his judicial duties, promptitu^ sohdity, and talent marked his course — his energy was equal to any occuiTcnce and his decis- ions and opinions were regarded as standard authori- ties. As a public speaker, he addressed himself to the judgment ratlier than to the passions — he commanded the understanding rather than fascinated the heart — and the ornaments and graces of declamation were supphed by the undaunted firmness of his manner, the full manly tone of his voice, the soundness of logic, the strength of remark, the beauty of method, and the cl *arness and force of deduction. As a writer, his style was neither gorgeous nor unadorned. Not des- titute of the be:iuties of language and embellishments of fancy, nor simply stale or insipidly tame and cold., DE WITT CLINTON. ^ 2l it preserved a medium between the rugged and the weak, the inflated and the low, and was adapted with a happy and natural skill to the numerous and dissimi- lar topics which from time to time it embraced. — Didactic, serious, and impressive, when the subject required, learned and scientific when necessary ; gay and sportive when proper; his pen displayed a versa- tility of power which few possess. His more weighty and voluminous productions are before the pubhc, in this and other countries, and received their due ap- preciation — his technical and incidental productions are registered in the historical, political, legislative, and municipal records of the day ; his abilities on diplomatic questions, national affairs, and state con- cerns, were often displayed to an unconscious com- munity ; while, in his higher and more t9-piporary effusions, the manly pungency of Junius, and the ease and familiar beauty of Addison, were admired, but not excelled, in our country. His mind and cast of thought were of the finest or- der, partaking less of the Machiavelian than the Ro- man school, and exhibiting a great portion of innate dignity and the fortiter in re than are at all times con- venient or advantageous to a candidate for popular suffrage. In every station he distinguished himself by his talents, his integrity, and his despatch of busi- ness. His reading was multifarious, indefatigable, well-directed and profitable; for his judgment digest- ed and his memory retained tlie collected knowledge c 22 LIFE OF of every hour, allowed from his niuiierous avocation* for study and reflection. In reUgion, he was neither a bigoted sectarian, nor scoffer at the superstitious. Reverencing the great principles and duties of rational piety, he cherished the dictates of devotion in all, and respected the te- nets and honest singularities of the most peculiar.— Estabhshing no exclusive denomination over others, he would tolerate every class of sincere professors, and protect them in a liberal exercise of their ideas of divine worship. His charities have principally kept pace with his ability; his pecuniary aid, and his friendly advice and assistance, were always at the service of indigence, virtue, benevolence, literature, the arts, and public utility. If tlie circle of his confi- dential associates was contracted, it was not because he discarded attachments when they ceased to be profitable. In his intercourse with the various classes of his fellow-citizens, to which his universal knowl- edge of business called him, his suavity of disposition and urbanity of manners banished every idea of fas- tidious reserve and austerity of demeanour, and ren- dered his presence desiderable and his co-operation sought for on every humane and laudable occasion. Mr. Clinton's personal appearance was dignified and commanding. His form was large and well pro- portioned — his height above the middle size — his countenance was higiily expressive — his eye uncom- monly penetrating — his personal courage never was DE WITT CLINTON. 23 disputed. His moral character was unsullied. He has been called ambitious, it is true; but the whole course of his life serves to prove that he has devoted his talents to his country. He desired to excel, only that he might benefit mankind. In private life and domestic duties, he was amiable and exemplary — exhibiting the picture of a great man — an elegant and profound scholar and a practical citizen — a man of letters and of the world, and a character of active worth to the present generation, and of solid and permanent advantage to posterity. [iVbfe.— It is justice to add, that, with some immaterial alterations the foregoing was taken from Delaplaine's Repository.] I ContCnttation OF 3M[R. CXiXNTON'S KZrZSp BY THE COMPILER. In the year 1810, De Witt Clinton was appointed by a resolution of the legislature of New- York, one of the Commissioners "for exploring the route of an in- land navigation from Hudson's river to Lake Ontario, and Lake Erie." They were authorized to direct and procure such surveys as to them should appear ne- cessary and proper, and they should report upon the subject to the next legislature. In March, 1811, the said commissioners made their report to the legisla- ture, presenting a very full and luminous view of the whole subject, together with their estimates and opin- ion. (Five thousand copies of that report were or- dered to be printed.) Mr. Clinton, then lieutenant-governor, introduced a bill into the senate entitled "An act to provide for the improvement of the internal navigation of the state," which became a law in April, 1811. By that law Mr. CUnton was again appointed one of the com- missioners ; and they were empowered to ask the as- 26 LIFE OF r sistance and aid of the congress of the United States, in the stupendous works then in contemplation. De Witt Clinton and Governeur Morris were deputed by the Board of Commissioners to perform that duty. They proceeded to Washington, and on the 21st day of December, 1811, waited on the presi- dent of the United States, exhibited their credentials, presented a memorial to be laid before congress, and urged with great force, arguments to induce the fa- vourable notice of the general government. After re- maining at Washington about three weeks, spending their time in conferences with tjie heads of depart- ments and committees, endeavouring to persuade them to a co-operation in the vast undertaking, they returned home, and afterwards learned that congi-ess refused any aid. In March, 1812, the commissioners made their report to the legislature, and insisted " that now sound policy imperatively demanded that the ca- nal should be made by the state, and for her own ac- count, as soon as circumstances would permit;" .^'and that it would be a want of wisdom and almost of piety, not to employ for public advantage those means which providence had placed so completely in our power." In their estimate of the tolls from the canals, they state, "should the canal cost even ten millions, it will soon pay the interest, and soon after- wards, by necessary increase, discharge the princi- pal. There can be no doubt that those microcosmic minds which are incapable of discerning what is DE WITT CLINTON. . 27 great, and who already stigmatize the canal as a ro- mantic scheme, will distribute the epithets, absurd, ridiculous and chimerical, on our estimate. The commissioners must nevertheless have the hardihood to brave the sneers of men who undervalue what they do not understand, and condemn what they cannot comprehend." With prophetic wisdom, the commissioners de- clare, "that after a lapse of two thousand years, and the ravage of repeated revolutions, when the records of history shall have been obhterated, and the tongue of tradition have converted (as in China) the shadowy remembrance of ancient events into the childish tales of miracles, this national work shall remain. It shall bear testimony to the genius, the learning, the / industry and intelhgence of the present age!" (Five ^ thousand copies of that report were ordered to be printed.) In March, 1814, the commissioners again made their report to the legislature, in which they confi- dently assert the facility and practicability of the Erie and Champlain Canals. In April, 1814, the legislature passed a law, in ef- fect, to suspend any further proceeding of the com- missioners, on account of the war between the United States and Great-Britain. In March, 1816, the commissioners again reported to the legislature, and added that their opinions had been confirmed by reflection and additional enquiry. 28 LIFE OF In this year, numerous petitions and memorials from the cities, counties, viUages and towns in the state, were presented to the legislature, praying the con- templated improvements ; and in April, in that year, a law was passed, "to provide for the improvement of the inland navigation of this state," by which De Witt Clinton was appointed one of the commissioners to consider, devise and adopt such measures as should be requisite to facilitate and effect the great objects in view. In February, 1817, the commissioners made a very elaborate report, stating that three of them, (Mr. Clin- ton having been one) had personally examined and ex- plored the route of the Western Canal, and superin- tended and directed the general operations of the engineers. In April, 1817, a law was passed, entitled "An act respecting navigable communications between the great western and northern lakes and the Atlantic ocean," which continued De Witt Clinton, and gave the commissioners, for the first time, tlie distinctive appellation of "Canal Commissioners," and author- ized and directed the commencement of the canals. Under that law, the canals were commenced imme- diately, and the Erie Canal, 362 miles long, and the Champlain Canal, 71 miles long, were both com- pletely finished and in successfid operation by Octo- ber, 1825. Mr. Chnton continued to be a canal commissioner from the year 1810, till April, 1824, DE WITT CLINTON. 29 and never claimed or was allowed any pay for his ser- vices. [On the 30th of July, 1818, Mr. Chnton's wife died at Mount Vernon, near the city of New- York.] In the year 1817 there was a vacancy in the office of governor of the state of New- York, in consequence of his Excellency D. D. Tompkins having been elect- ed vice-president of the United States. In that year Mr. Chnton was nominated by a vast majority of the state convention of delegates and at the general elec- tion in April he was for the first time elected govern- or of the state of New- York with unexampled una- nimity and almost without opposition. On the 21st April 1819, Mr. Clinton married, for his second wife, Miss Catharine Jones, a daughter of Doctor Thomas Jones, of a highly respectable family in the city of New- York. In 1820 he was again elected governor over D- D. Tompkins, the opposing candidate, dfter a violently contested election. At the next election in 1822, he dechned being a candidate, when Joseph C. Yates was elected gov- ernor, being the first under the new constitution of our state, which went into operation in January, 1823. In April, 1824, by a concurrent resolution of the legislature, he was removed from the office of canal commissioner. His removal drew forth a general burst of indignation from candid men of all parties ; for there was no pretence of misconduct, nor had he 30 tIFE OF ever received or claimed any compensation for his services. In consequence of his removal as canal commis- sioner, public meetings were held in various parts of the state disapproving and condemning the measure as highly unjust and impolitic. Only two meetings shall be here noticed. A very large and respectable meeting was held at the Capitol in the city of Albany, in April, 1834, at which the Hon. John Tayler presid- ed and Gen. John H. Wendell was secretary; the fol- lowing resolution, among others, was adopted. — "Resolved, that the boldness with which he (De Witt Clinton) planned, the patriotic devotion with which he undertook, and the commanding talents and unre- mitting ardour, with which he has successfully prose- cuted a scheme of internal improvements, surpassing in magnitude all that had ever been conceived on this side of the Atlantic, and no less useful than grand, this distinguished citizen is entitled to the admiration, gratitude and applause of his country, and especially of the state of New- York." There was also a meeting of the citizens of the city of New-York, disapproving of the measure. That meeting first assembled at Washington Hall, but ad- journed to the " Park." The number of persons pre- sent was estimated at ten thousand, and was the largest meeting ever convened in that city. The venerable Col. Few was chairman, and John Rath- bone, Jr. was secretary. The following resolution, DE WITT CLINTON. 31 uiiiong others, was adopted with acclamation. " Re- solved, that we consider De Witt Clinton pre- eminently useful to the age in which he lives, and that for fourteen years of public service in the prosecution of the Great Western and Northern Canals, without salary or reward, he is richly entitled to the gratitude of the state of New-York, of the nation at large, and of posterity." In October, 1825, the canal was completed as we have before remarked, when a great state jubilee took place. The consummation of the most magnificient and glorious enterprise of the age, had finally arrived. The peal of cannon was heard from Erie's shores to the Atlantic ocean. At the general election in November, 1824, the same year that he was removed from the office of canal com'missioner, he was again elected governor of the state, over Samuel Young, Esquire, by an overwhelm- ing majority of sixteen thousand votes. This distinguish- ed mark of approbation, evinced the high estimate of his character. On the 19th March, 1825, the merchants in Pearl- street, in the city of New-York, " deeply impressed ^vith a sense of the benefits he had conferred upon the state," presented him with two superb Silver Vases, as a testimony of their gratitude and respect. These vases were presented by Mr. Isaac S. Hone, with an address in behalf of the committee, to which Mr, Clinton made an appropriate reply. The follow- 32 LIFE OP ing inscription was upon one of the vases. " To the honourable De Witt Chnton, who has developed the resources of the state of New-York, and ennobled her character: the merchants of Pearl-street offer this testimony of their gratitude and respect." In February, 1825, shortly after John Quincy Adams was elected president of the United States, Mr. Chn- ton was tendered the dignified and honourable ap- pointment of American Ambassador to the Court of St. James. This flattering offer he declined in the following note to Mr. Adams. "Having recently ac- cepted from the people of this state the highest office in their power, I cannot consistently with my sense of duty retire from it, until I have had an ample op- portunity of evincing my gratitude and my devotion to their interests." At the next election in November, 1826, Mr. Clin- ton was again elected governor, over Wilham B. Rochester, and continued in that office until his death. The question, who projected the Erie Canal? shall not be discussed here. It is sufficient honour to the memory of De Witt Clinton, that the early com- mencement^ vigorous prosecution and successful completion of theErie and Champlain Canals, are justly ascrib- ed by his cotemporaries, chiefly to his indefatigable zeal, untiring perseverance, and unremitted ar- dour in the gi'eat cause of inland navigation* the irresistible energy of l)is character, and the pow- erful influence of his official station and great talents. Dt WITT CLINTON. 33 were constantly exerted to accomplish the undertak- ing. He made the canal a favomite object of his de- voted attention, and notwithstanding all the ignorance, prejudice, and opposition that he encountered, he hazarded his reputation as a statesman upon the issue of the measure. He first opened the eyes of the public mind to see the true policy of the state, and having at length produced a practical conviction of the practicability and utility of the canal, his views and efforts were seconded by enlightened and patriot- ic legislatures. The canals will remain a perpetual monument of De Witt Clinton's greatness. Upon them is ascribed his highest eulogium; while the character of his mind is impressed upon the institu- tions of our state and liis name is identified with so- cial improvements, whose happy influence will adorn and dignify and bless remote generations. He died cd Albany, in his dwelling-house, on the 11th February, 1828, aged 58 years and 11 months, in the full possession of all his faculties. He left his wife, and Charles, De Witt, George Washing- ton, FrankUn, Mary, and Julia Catharine Clinton, children of his first vv' ife, surviving him. D 3PXRST Airi^OUirCEMEKT OF HZS DEJ&TH. From the Albany Daily Mvertiser, Albany, February 12, 1828. DE WITT CLINTON IS NO MORE! The bright luminary which has shed its glory upon @ur country for many years, is set forever ! But its remembrance will ever be as green as the hills over which it has revolved, and as permanent as the ada- mantine rocks of our country. Last evening, at about seven o'clock, the whole city was thrown into agita- tion and gloom by the report of the death of the GREAT MAN, and subsequent accounts but too fa- tally confirmed the fact. An immense crowd assem- bled in front of his late dwelling to ascertain the truth of the rumour which had gone forth, each being loth to believe its accuracy till it was fully confirmed by the attending physicians. He was sitting in his study, and while conversing with two of his sons, his head fell forward, and life instantly left him. His death was probably occasioned by a rupture of the heart. All attempts to resuscitate him proved vain. From the Albany JUorning Chronicle, DEATH OF GOVERNOR CLINTON. We stop the press to announce the sudden and un- expected death of His Excellency DE WITT CLIN- 36 ANNOUNCEMENT TON. We have not learned particulars, further thaii that about 7 o'clock last evening he was discovered, in his office, to be attacked with an apoplectic fit, and expired in a few minutes. Our city is all gloom and consternation at the event. Truly it may be said, •'a great man hath fallen this day, in Israel." From the Daily Albany Argus. We discharge a melancholy duty in announcing the death of Governor Chnton. He expired last evening, of an apoplexy. The summons came without scarcely a moment's warning, whilst he was sitting in his chair, in the midst of his family. The sensation which this event produced through- out the city, and continues to produce, need not be described. It came with the suddenness of the elec- tric shock ; and seems, even now, to be a dream, ra- ther than melancholy reality. Owing to the crowd that during the evening occu- pied the house of the governor, and the confusion in- cident to the event, we are not able to ascertain all the facts that we could have desired to communicate for the public information. We understand that Gov. C. discharged his official avocations during the day as usual ; having written several letters in the after- noon. He died almost instantly, the first indication of the approach of the attack being the faUing back of his head upon the chair, and the lapse between that OF HIS DEATH. 37 moment and the arrival of Dr. Bay, when life was ex- tinct, not being more than ten minutes. All efforts to restore animation proved unavailing; notwithstand- ing they were unremitted to a late hour last night. Governor Clinton's fame will U^e after him. His life and actions now form a part of the public history. We have ever been of his political opponents, but the grave closes all animosities. We speak of political animosities ; personal, with us, there was none. We can only now mingle our sorrow with that of the whole community, and especially with his bereaved and deeply afflicted family. D* PROCEEDINGS OE THE LEGISLATURE OF NEW-YORK ON THE DEATH OF MR. CLINTON. In Senate, Feb. 12th, the session was opened by an appropriate prayer by the Rev. Mr. Young, alluding to the dispensation of Divine Providence, in suddenly taking from us the governor of the state. On motion of Mr. Spencer, the reading of the jour- nal of yesterday's proceedings was dispensed with. The resolutions of the Assembly, relative to the death of Governor Clinton, and his funeral obsequies, were announced to the Senate. [See proceedings of the Assembly.] Mr. Spencer, moved that the Senate concur in the resolutions ; and followed up his motion by some brief, eloquent and pertinent remarks upon the character, talents and public services of the deceased, which we venture to say were responded to by the heart of every member of the Senate, and the crowded audience in attendance. Mr. Crary, said he rose to express his approbation of the resolutions from the Assembly, and second the :v motion of his honoured friend, for concurrence. De Witt Chnton is gone — gone did I say? not wholly so : his fame survives ; of it all time shall be the faithful 40 - LEGISLATIVE guardian. Of him when hving it may be truly said — " All the black cares and tumults of this life, Like harmless thunders breaking at his feet, Excite his pity, not impair his peace." Now he is dead, it is due to him, to his family, and ourselves, together with the weeping multitude, by whom we are surrounded, to concur in these resolu- tions. Amidst the general gloom, I have no heart to do business, or power of utterance to say more. The Senate then unanimously concurred in the resolutions ; and on their part, the following commit- tee was appointed, viz : Messrs. Spencer of Ontario, Carroll of Livingston, Allen of Genesee, and McCar- ty of Albany. In Assembly, yesterday, after prayer by the Rev. Mr. Young — Mr. Butler rose and spoke as follows : It seems, Mr. Speaker, to devolve upon me as the representative of this city, to call the attention of the house, to that awful event, which, since our last sit- ting, has shrouded this metropolis in mourning. — Death has been among us ! and he has aimed at no common mark. By one of those signal displays of his power, which illustrate the supremacy of the Al- mighty, and the nothingness of man, he has cut down one not only pre-eminent in station, but most conspic- PROCEEDINGS. 41 uous for talents and public services. How inscruta- ble are the ways of Providence! It seems but as yesterday, since we were called to lament the death of an adopted son, whose eloquence created an era in our history, and whose virtues and talents render- ed him an ornament alike to the old world and the new : and now, when the tears shed for Emmet are scarcely dried, another — ^lils appointed culoo^isi- — has like him, been stricken down, in the fullness of his fame, and on the very field of his renown — and that too, ere he had performed the sad but honourable duty to which he had been called. In the resolutions which I shall have the honour to submit, I have endeavoured to express the common feelings of this house and of the community. Before they are read, I shall attempt the further duty of say- ing something of the character and services of the illustrious dead. I do not intend to speak his eulogy — for I have neither sufficient controul over my feel- ings to perform the task,^ nor would the suddenness of the occasion permit me to do justice to the subject. Other reasons would also restrain me — overwhelmed with that deep sense of the vanity of human greatness, which this event is so well calculated to inspire, I dare not flatter him. But I may say without offence, and in the spirit of history, that this state, since the formation of its gov- ernment, nay more, since the settlement of the coun- try, has never produced an individual, who has exert- 42 LEGISLATIVE ed so great an influence upon the interests of the state, or whose name is more Ukely to be perpetuated in its history. It was the fortune of De Witt Chnton, for nearly thirty years, to he the head of a great party ; and the mark at which were hurled the shafts of a powerful opposition. Of those who supported or those, who opposed him, ^^'i« i^ f^^t the occasion to speak. It is known to every member of this house, that ever since my acquaintance with political affairs, I have acted with the latter; but it aifords me at this moment un- speakable delight, to reflect that for many years there has been mingled with that opposition nothing per- sonal, save respect for his character, and admiration of his talents. That respect and admiration were justly due him; for to his honour be it said, that whilst he pursued with avidity political distinction, he had the wisdom to seek for enduring fame not from the possession of power or the triumphs of the day, but by identifying himself with the great interests of the community. It was his ambition to be distinguish- ed as the friend of learning and of morals, and as the advocate and patron of every measure calculated to promote the welfare or increase the glory of the state. Let the statesmen of the present day, those who are now engaged in the career of ambition, learn wis- dom from his example. The grave of Clinton will soon cover the recollections of his political honours, and in it will be buried the triumphs and reverses of ^PROCEEDINGS. 43 the hour. But his fame, as the patron of schools and seminaries of learning, as the friend of morals and benevolence, and as the ardent champion of every great public improvement, w^ill flourish while Time shall last. Need I remind you of his efforts to call out and to foster the latent genius of our people? Need I speak of his labours in aid of that great work^ which has conferred so much glory on his native state, and so largely contributed to the happiness of its inhabitants'? By connecting his fortunes with the success of that stupendous project, and by devoting to it the best energies of his mind, what an unfading wreath did he secure? So long as the waters of the great lakes shall flow through this new channel to the Atlantic, so long shall history record his name ! I rejoice, sir, that he was not taken from us, until he had witnessed the triumphant consummation of that great work. I rejoice still more that he was per- mitted to outlive, to a gi^eat degree, the collisions, the prejudices, and the asperities of party; and that there is now nothing to prevent the representatives of the people, from awarding to his memory the honours he deserves. I feel therefore that I may safely call on the members of this house — on the votaries of science — the friends of hum.anity and morals — the pliilan- thropist and the patriot, to unite with me in stre\^'ing flowers on his bier; and in compliance with usages rendered holy by the purest feehngs of our nature, to 44 LEGISLATIVE join in a solemn expression of respect for his memov} , and of sorrow for his loss. The following are the resolutions offered by Mr. Butler. It having pleased the Almighty, suddenly to remove by death the chief magistrate of this state, and the legislature being desirous to manifest its deep sense of the great pubhc loss sustained by the state, and the American nation, it is therefore Resolved, unanimously, by the Senate and Assem- bly of the state of New-York, that in testimony of the profound grief, felt by this legislature, on the sudden death of DE WITT CLINTON, governor of this state, the members of the Senate and Assembly, will wear the usual badges of mourning, during the pre- sent session. Resolved, unanimously, that the funeral obsequies of the late governor, be conducted under the direction of a joint committee of the two houses, to consist of four members of the Senate, and four members of the Assembly. Resolved, unanimously, that the members of the two iiouses of the legislature will, in their public character, attend the funeral solemnities of the late governor. Resolved, unanimously, that these resolutions be transmitted to the family of the deceased Governor Clinton, as an evidence of the high estimation enter- tained by this legislature of his great talents and emi- PROCEEDINGS. 45 ^nt public services ; of the deep regret caused by his sudden and awful removal from the scene of his fame and of his usefulness ; and of its sincere condolence with those who have been so deeply afflicted by this dispensation of Providence. The above resolutions were aclopted, and Messrs. Butler of Albany, Porter of Erie, Granger of Ontario, and Brasher of New- York, were appointed the com- mittee on the part of the house. On motion of Mr. Wardwell, the house adjourned till 10 o'clock, Wednesday morning, to receive the report of the committee* FURTHER PROCEEDINGS OF THE LEGISLATURE OF NEW^ YORK, ON THE DEATH OF DE WITT CLINTON. The two branches of the legislature, met yesterday, at ten o'clock, and after adopting the following report, adjourned till one o'clock, this afternoon, when they will assemble at their chambers, and thence proceed 10 the late dwelhng of Governor Clinton. The joint committee of the Senate and Assembly, appointed to conduct the funeral obsequies of the late Governor Clinton, reported : That they have made the arrangements which ap- peared necessary to conduct the funeral of Governor Clinton, in such a manner as to carry into effect the E 46 LEGISLATIVE intentions of the legislature. It is believed they are such as will evince the sentiments of grief expressed by the two houses, in their resolutions, and comport with the character of the state. The details of their arrangements so far as they are necessary to be re- ported, will appear by the order adopted by the com- mittee, a copy of which is annexed. In cases somewhat similar it has been the practice to direct the chairs of the president of the Senate, and of the speaker of the Assembly, to be shrouded with black. Unwilhng to omit the least mark of respect to the memory of the illustrious dead, the committee have followed these precedents. They respectfully recommend that the two houses meet in their respect- ive chambers, to-morrow, at one o'clock, P. M. in order to make the necessary preparations to unite in the funeral solemnities. ORDER OF ARRANGEMENTS, For the Funeral of DE WITT CLIjYTOJS] late gov- ernor of the state of J^ew-York^ wi Thursday^ the lith day of February^ 1828. The Senate and Assembly will meet in their re- spective chambers, and at half past one o'clock, P. M. will proceed to the house of the deceased, escorted by tlie mihtary who may be assembled for that pur- pose. The reverend clergy of the city of Albany, are re- quested to join in the funeral solemnities, and for that PROCEEDINGS. 47 purpose to attend at the same time, at the house of the deceased. The chancellor, justices of the supreme court, cir- cuit judges who may be in the city, and the state offi- cers, are also requested to attend at the house of the deceased, at the same time, for the same purpose. The Mayor and Common Council of the city of Albany, are invited to attend, and to assemble previ- ous to two o'clock, P. M. at some house in the vi- cinity. The citizens of the state of New- York, who may be desirous to pay the last tribute of respect to the memory of Governor Clinton, are invited to attend, and assemble at such of the houses in the vicinity as will be open for their reception. Places will be assigned to any benevolent, religious, literary or other society, and to the members of any particular profession, who may wish to appear as a body in the procession, if notice of their intention be given to the chairman of the committee on the part of the Senate, or to the chairman of the committee of the .Assembly. They will respectively assemble at such place in the vicinity as they may think proper, and will give notice of the place of their meeting to the committee. In order to avoid an undue collection of citizens at the house of the deceased, it is earnestly desired that those who are not specially invited to assemble there, would meet at some of the adjacent houses. 48 LEGISLATIVE The procession will begin to move as soon after- {wo o'clock, P. M. as circumstances will permit. The signal of its moving shall be, the firing of minute guns. The bells of the city will then commence toUing, and will continue so long as the minute guns are fired. The following will be the order of the procession : The military escort. The clergy of the city, and the attending physicians of the deceased. The hearse and pall bearers. The relatives of the deceased in carriages. The military family of the late commander in chiet. The joint committee of arrangements. The heutenant-governor of the state. The Senate, preceded by its officers. The Assembly, preceded by its officers. The chancellor, justices of the supreme court and circuit judges. The state officers. The Common Council of the city of Albany, ^vith their officers. Judicial and executive officers of the county ol Albany. The members of the bar. Citizens, either in societies, or otherwise, as they may choose to appear. The procession will be formed of six persons abreast, and will move through North Pearl, to Colum- bia, North Market, Htate and Washington-streets, to PROCEEDINGS. 49 ihe place of sepulture. On arriving there, military honours will be paid to the deceased, and the pro- cession will be dismissed. Joint Committee of Arrangements: Of the Senate^ Of the Assembly^ J. C. SPENCER, B. F. BUTLER, C. H. CARROLL, P. B. PORTER, E. B. ALLEN, F. GRANGER, J. McCARTY. P. BRASHER. The report was accepted, and the Senate then ad- journed until one o'clock to-morrow afternoon. The house met at 10 o'clock, pursuant to adjourn- ment. After prayer by the Rev. Mr. Young, Mr. Butler, from the joint committee of the Senate and Assembly, reported the order of arrangements for the funeral of the late governor, [as above] which was read, approved and adopted, when, on motion of Mr. Granger, the house adjourned until one o'clock, P. M. to-morrow. The legislative proceedings upon the occasion of Mr. Clinton's funeral, as well as on the bill afterwards introduced, for the relief of his minor children, are presented in coimection, in this work. The following bill was introduced into the Assem- bly of the state of New- York, by Mr. Edgerton, on the part of the committee, on the 15th Februarv, 1828. 50 LEGISLATIVE An Act directing certain payments to be made to the minor children of De Witt Chnton, late governor of this state. Section 1, provides that the treasurer pay to George W. Clinton, Mary Clinton, Franklin CHnton, and Julia Catharine Clinton, minor children of De Witt Chnton, late governor of this state, the salary allowed by law to the office of governor, to be calculated from the 11th of February instant, to the end of the year. Section 2, provides that the treasurer pay to the said minor children, a sum equal to that received for salary or compensation by any other canal commis- sioner, during the period for which De Witt Chnton held the office of canal commissioner. Section 3, provides that the payments directed to be made by the act, be made to such guardian of the minors, as the chancellor shall appoint; and that the chancellor make order touching the investment thereof, for their benefit, conformable to the course and prac- tice of the court in regard to the estates of infants. This bill was warmly opposed by General Root and others, arid principally on party grounds. It is ne- cessary to make this explanation, that the reader may fully understand the allusions repeatedly made in the following debate. Mr. Butler said he rose under the influence of emotions he had never expected to feel in that house. PROCEEDINGS. 51 Sir, (said Mr. B.) the value of all that is proposed to ' be done by this bill is lost. It has been destroyed — utterly destroyed — by the unhappy debate to which it has given rise. In the cup of consolation which you are about to offer, poison has been mingled, and my friend from Delaware has done it. I use that epithet not in its hacknied sense, as that gentleman well knows. For the fifteen years that I have known him, I have looked up to him as one of my poHtical fathers, and during the whole of that period, I have not only enter- tained the highest respect for his talents and public services, but I have cherished a strong attachment to his person. I have often defended him from the as- saults of his calumniators — I have stood by him when others deserted him. Even now, strongly as my feel- ings revolt at his course, and deeply as I feel the ne- cessity of replying to him, I do not mean to attack him. It is not in my heart to do it. His conduct in relation to this bill has filled with pain the bosoms of liis best friends ; but it has not eradicated their kind feeUngs towards him. Of this, I, as one, will give him the highest evidence, by endeavouring to save him from himself. The gentleman from Delaware is the only person on this floor wlio has opposed this bill on party grounds. Knowing that a great majority of the mem- bers of this house have for years been opposed to Mr. Clinton, he has raked up the ashes of pohtical contention, and has appealed to our prejudices and 5^- LEGISLATIVE passions as party men, to defeat the bill. The course he has taken has imposed on me the painful duty — a duty vvliich I liad supposed would never have devolved on me in this hall — of appealing, also as a party man, to the party men who form the majority of this house. The drift of the gentleman's speeches to-day and on Saturday, has been, to alarm the pride and to arouse the passions of those who, like myselfj have been opposed to Governor Chnton as a politician. If you pass this bill, says the gendeman, you will admit that you have been all wrong — you give the lie to your professions and your actions — ^you censure your predecessors who removed Mr. Clinton from office as canal commissioner. He has even said that you would disgrace the democratic party. Now I beg the old democrats who hear me — the men who have wintered and summered with us for the last fif- teen years — (I say us^ because, though not old, my communion has been, as the gentleman from Dela- ware knows, with the old men of the party) I adjure them not to be deterred by any alarms of this sort, from doing what their hearts tell them is just, and what their judgments assure them their constituents will approve. The passing of this bill involves no abandonment of our political principles. If it did, I, for one, would not vote for it; for so far as I am con- cerned, if I had to live my life over again, under the same circumstances, I should take the same part in PROCEEDINGS. 53 politics that I have heretofore taken. In a free coun- try, where party is essential to the preservation of liberty, men may honestly differ, and as honestly award justice or do a kindness to each other without any abandonment of their political principles. But we have been repeatedly told that Mr. CHnton i was turned out as canal commissioner by the demo- I cratic party, and that therefore we ought not to pass this bill. I agree with the gentleman from Delaware, i that the removal of Mr. Clinton was the act of our [ political friends. It was a party measure, for which the party must answer. As one of that party, I will not shrink from the responsibihty it imposes. The gentleman has repeatedly asked us if that removal was not right? Most undoubtedly we thought so in the time of it; but the people — they to whose decisions all parties must bow- — thought differently. It was one of the causes which provoked that tempest of popular indignation, which in 1824 swept all before it. In that tempest we all went down together, my friend from Delaware as one of the commanders, and I as a ship boy before the mast. After this decision by the peo- ple, I will not pay that that measure was right. On the contrary, if their judgment is worth any thing, and they seldom err, we must admit that we made a great mistake — as parties often do. But whether it was right or wrong, let us now do what we can to pre- serve the honour of the party, and of the house. The gentleman talks of disgrace. There will be 54 LEGISLATIVE no disgrace in passing this bill ; but I will tell my political friends on this floor, what to do to disgi-ace their party, and not only their party, but their state. Follow the advice of the gentleman from Delaware — reject this bill — and you will do it most effectually. Look at it for a moment. Ten days ago my freind from Clinton, (Mr. Edgerton,) introducd a resolution providing for the appointment of a committee to pre- pare and report a bill directing certain payments to the children of Governor Clinton. This resolution was audibly read — twice I believe — at all events it was fully understood, for it distinctly expressed the object intended, and had been much talked of by members before it was introduced. What did you with it? You deliberately adopted it — not a voice nor a vote was heard against it. What more? The committee on the same day reported the bill on your table, and both resolution and bill appeared in the next morning's papers. Our proceedings went forth to the world as having been unanimously adopted. — They have gone to every part of this state — to every part of the union. The papers that return to us, whilst they bring to us from every quarter of the empire, expressions of deep regret and sincere con- dolence, are filled with commendations upon the legis- lature, for their liberal and magnanimous proceedings. This bill has been greeted with one united note of admiration; and that principally because it emanated from a party opposed to Mr. Clinton. And ngw what PROCEEDINGS. 55 does the gentleman call upon us to do? To disap- point the expectations we have excited — to renounce the honours we were about to win — to expose our- selves to the scorn of oui' constituents and of the world! As one of that party, I cannot — I will not do it. But this is not all. By the course that we have ta- ken, we have excited hopes in another quarter. To that bereaved and disconsolate family, which the Al- jmighty has seen ht so severely to afflict, this bill came, jamid the gloom that surrounded them, a star of hope. : Tears, that anguish could not WTing, were started by this spontaneous offer of your sympathy. They were mingled with thanks to Him, who controuls the ac- tions of men, that he had put it into the hearts of the representatives of the people, to supply a father's place, and with fervent prayers for blessings on the heads of those generous men, who for the orphan's sake had so nobly risen above the prejudices of party. Will you turn those tears of gratitude into tears of de- spair? Will you reject the orphan's thanks and the orphan's prayers, and madly call them back in their flight to heaven? Will you do this, — and for party too? Much as I love the democracy of New- York, I would not do it for all the parties that exist — no, not for the highest honours they could bestow ! But tlie most powerful appeal to our party feelings, was that connected with the name of our lamented Tompkins. That name reminds me of all that was 56 LEGISLAtlVli noble in patriotism — faithful in public services- winning in manners — and amiable in private life. It reminds me also of the ingratitude and cruelty to which men may be driven in the violence of party. — - Sir, when I remember how that devoted patriot was beset and hunted down by the bloodhounds of party- how he was driven broken-hearted to his grave, I feel as my friend from Delaware does. And when I re- member still further, as the gentleman reminded us, that De Witt Clinton was then the competitor of Tompkins — that this injustice was done to promote his interests — that he did not interfere to prevent it — that it was done perhaps with his countenance — I confess, it goes hard with me to vote for this bill. — Perhaps in the strong emotions excited by these re- collections, I should lose sight of justice, and even unite with the gentleman from Delaware, did I not remember that it is the fate — I had almost said tlie misery and the curse, of party leaders, to be made re- siponsible for the acts of others, and sometimes to be driven by the force of circumstances into the commis- sion of acts themselves, against which reason and conscience, in cooler moments, would revolt. Such was the persecution of that great and good man whose name has been dragged into this debate — and what did the people, those unerring judges, think of it? — By overwhelming majorities, they denounced it asj unjust and cruel. Mr. Clinton barely escaped defeat, but both branches of the legislature were against him. PROCEEDINGS. 5? Reparation was promptly made, so far as it could be made ; and whatever diversities of opinion may have existed among them on other subjects, the majority of our people have had but one opinion on this subject. Wliy then has this act of party violence and cruelty been dragged from oblivion? Because wrong was then done by our opponents, shall we refuse to do right? The people have punished those who were the authors of this injustice, just as they punished us in 1824, for the removal of Mr. Chnton as canal com- missioner. Let us forget on this occasion the squab- bles of party, and the excesses to which our opponents or ourselves may have been driven. I feel that I may make this appeal, with peculiar force, to the friends of Daniel D. Tompkins. Sir, all who knew that man, know that it was not in his nature to harbour enmity against a human being, and I happen to know that he harboured no unkind feelings against that rival and competitor who has now followed him to the last ac- count. In the year 1823, after the commission of all those acts of injustice to which allusion has been made, I spent a week at his hospitable mansion. In the room assigned to me, and it was the best, there was but one ornament, and that was a bust of De Witt Clinton. This circumstance made a powerful im- pression on my mind. It not only increased my es- teem for the individual, wlio could pay to a rival a compliment so dehcate, but it reminded me of a valu- able truth — a truth which I beg this house not to for- F 58 LEGISLATIVE get — it reminded me how noble, how godlike it wa^, to forgive injuries, to do justice even to an adversary. I therefore call upon the fast friends of Daniel D. Tompkins, men who loved him in life, and who loved him in death, to do what he did, though not called up- on by a thousandth part of the arguments that we are, to forget and forgive. Pass this bill, for you know that he would have done it. Do it, I conjure you — - and do it promptly. If you cannot do it for De Witt Clinton, as he now lies in his grave, do it for him as he was, from 1798 to 1812— the pride of your party and the hope of your state! Do it for James Clinton, who fought for you at Quebec and at Fort Washing- ton ! Do it for George Clinton — my appeal is to party men — do it for George Clinton, the father of your state — the founder of your party ! Mr. Living stoN. — It is with gi^eat regret that I shall vote against the second section of the bill upon your table — all the warm and more kind emotions of gene- rosity; the ardent ebullitions of feeling, the sympathies of the heart, urge me to a contrary course; but the stern dictates of justice, a firm belief that such is my duty, compels me to it. To do so, sir, requires no small effort; on whatsoever side I turn, the emblems of mourning are presented. A nation deplores tlie loss of one of her briglitest sons — each heart not only within these walls, but of every child of America, of every citizen of this state, sympathizes ^^^ith my PROCEEDINGS. 59 own in lamenting the bereavement. He who has added to tlie honours of om^ state, monuments of im- perishable glory. He whose luminous mind, briUiant conceptions, persevering industry, and indefatigable labours have conceived and matured those vast works which have given a fame to our state, exalting her high in the scale of nations, has been suddenly cut down by the fell destroyer, and has left a family whose necessities are great, and whose circumstances de- mand our pity. Every nerve, susceptible of the touch of sensibility, every thrilling sensation of the soul is called into exercise in their behalf ; but before we can indulge them, the objection presented by the section under consideration, "must be removed. If it does not expressly declare, it imphes that a legal demand ex- ists on the part of Mr. Chnton, against this state, for services rendered as a canal commissioner. Sir, I cannot consent to vote for such an admission. Had Mr. Clinton lived, no such claim would have been presented, or ever thought of Would it for one mo- ment have been listened to by this house, had he, in his life time, preferred it? No : then no considera- tions arising from pity — no burst of feehng would have made captive our reason, and I will venture to assert^ that an unanimous vote w^ould have resisted the de- mand. If, had the Almighty spared his life, he could not have been entitled to this grant, by what i-ule of justice are his children to receive it? We have been told that it was feared some gentlemen would not vote 60 LEGISLATIVE to bestow a bounty on his children in consideration of his fame and services, and that they were actuated by conscientious motives, but that it was supposed, the bill in this shape might pass. It is therefore, I pre- sume, that it has been thus presented. Sir, I envy not the possession of that conscience which will prevent a representative of the people of this great and rich state from bestowing a pittance from her coffers to supply the wants of the orphans of him whose talents and labours have enriched those coffers. I cannot vote for this bill as an acknowledgment of indebted- ness; but adopt the substitute offered by the gentle- man from Erie, then joyfully will I unite hand and heart in its support. It has been correctly remarked, that public fame is public property; in return for that, would I bestow the bounty of the state. What a rich inheritance has De Witt CHnton left us. The age in which he lived, pro- claims his fame — the patriot and the statesman unite in eulogising his talents — the wise and the good exalt his virtues — nay, even the asperities of party are bu- ried in his tomb, and those who opposed him in his life time, now chaunt his praise. And sir, unusual as it is for such an universal plaudit to resound through- out the nation, ere yet the sod is green upon his grave, it is not ephemeral. That plaudit shall increase with successive generations, and as long as your country shall occupy a page in the history of nations, his fame will be found conspicuously stamped upon it. What PROCEEDINGS. 61 is there that more exalts our pride of country, than to be enabled to claim as her offspring, a Washington, a Hamilton, a Jefferson, a Clinton? Men, who regard- less of private interest, have devoted their time and talents to the service of their country, and who have left to her the rich inheritance of their fame. Is there a bosom that does not swell with pride, whilst we ex- claim — those were my countrymen? Is there an heart that does not thrill with delight whilst we claim them as brethren in our republic? And must I ask, is there among us one whose conscience is so warped by mi- serly economy, that he would withhold the pittance necessary to preserve them from want? Sir, I can- not believe it. Amend that section so as to remove the idea of legal indebtedness, and then I trust every member of this committee will vote for it. The shame of ingratitude which has so often attached itself to re- publics, should be removed. A more fitting occasion never presented itself to commence this work of re- form. Instances have heretofore occurred which de- servedly fastened this stigma upon us. Not long since the immortal Fulton was removed from this world of care. He also bequeathed to this land the renown of his genius, the benefit of his talents. He also left infants in want, whose claims deserved a re- turn from yo\Ar generosity, if not from your justice. They were disregarded — a foul stain rests upon the escutcheon of your fame. I hope the time will yet arrive when it may be removed. Add not one that 62 LEGISLATIVE will be indelible. Let this occasion be seized witb avidity, to proclaim that New- York will ever consider the orphans of her benefactors, children of the repub- lic, worthy of her nurture, sure of her bounty; and when hereafter others whose public services have benefitted the state, shall pay the debt of nature, to then- offspring also extend the fostering arm of pro- tection and supply. Then will the statesman, while pursuing the arduous labours of his station, bend eve- ry faculty of his mind to the good of his country, un- shackled by the fetters of poverty, or the dread of leaving his children destitute and forlorn. Then will the warrior rush undaunted to the charge, confident that if he falls in his country's cause, his children will find a father and brethren with his countrymen. Then also will be added to democracy the virtue of grati- tude — magnanimous gratitude. Congress has led the advance — the appropriations made to La Fayette evince the gratitude of a republic. He, a warm en- thusiast in the cause of Hberty, embarked both fortune and lif'- in her support. He gained all he expected, the triumph of victory, with a fame of unfading, undy- ing renown. He sought no more ; but in his dechn- ing years, when fortune was adverse to him, this un- ion, in part, paid her debt of gratitude. That debt will always be unextinguishable ; but it is a pleasing re- flection, that we have manifested our feelings — so let us in this case openly avow our intentions in making this grant, by adopting the substitute, and glory in the avowal. PROCEEDINGS. €3 Mr. Tallmadge said, no discussion he had ever witnessed, in any deliberative assembly, had excited in him such painful emotions as this. The character of this debate, said he, is calculated to reflect no hon- our on this house, or on the state. He had fondly hoped, the merits of this bill would have been duly appreciated, and that it would have passed by a si- lent vote — that whilst we thus adapted our proceed- ings to the solemnity of the occasion, the state would be saved from a debate so derogatory to its exalted character. Having gone thus far, said Mr. T., the question is, not how we shall discharge our du,ty with most hon- our, but with the least disparagement, to ourselves and the people whom we represent. By our pro- ceedings a stain has been given to the fair fame of the state, which cannot easily be wiped away, but which he hoped, the result would not render indelible. It has been my lot, said Mr. T., to be ranked amongst the political opponents of De Witt Chnton — but whilst I have censured, what I conceived the aberrations of his political course, I have never failed to award the meed of praise to his pre-eminent talents, and the important services he has rendered to his country. He had his imperfections in pohtical life, as every man in an elevated pubhc station has, who has identified himself with a party. These faults and frailties are buried with him, and we are bound to cherish the fame and the name he has left behind. 64 LEGISLATIVE The violent, party aspect, which this debate has as- sumed, is attributed by the gentleman from Herkimer (Mr. Mann) to the friends of the bill. I appeal, said Mr. T. to the candour of every gentleman of this house, whether this political discussion was not pro- voked by the opponents of this measure. It was not until party spirit obtruded her unhallowed footsteps, on this sacred ground, that the gentleman from Al- bany (Mr. Butler) was compelled to make the elo- quent appeal he did, to the party feelings of the house — which would have been ill-timed under other cir- cumstances, and which he himself, without such pro- vocation, would not have made. It is also said by the gentleman from Herkimer, that the people do not call for the passage of this bill. I know not, said Mr. T., what opportunity that gentle- man has had to ascertain public sentiment. Since the melancholy event which we so much deplore, the pubhc papers received from the remotest corners of the state are clad in mourning, and bear ample testi- mony of the feeling which pervades this whole com- munity, and are the strongest evidence of the satisfac- tion with which the passage of this bill would be hail- ed, by a great, a generous, a magnanimous people. In regard to the district of country where he resided, Mr. T. said he Avas enabled to speak from personal observation. He was home when this event happen- ed. The news of Mr. Clinton's death was felt like an electric shock. Every heart beat in unison with your PROCEEDINGS. 65 own, when the account was received of the measures you had adopted to pay the last sad tribute to his memory. The mtroduction of this bill was also an- nounced, and every man, without distinction of party, applauded no less, the generosity, than the promptness of the act. It is deeply to be regretted, said Mr. T., that any gentleman should feel himself constrained, from a sense of duty, to oppose the passage of this bill; but it is still more to be regretted, that gentlemen who agree with us in the propriety, nay, the necessity of making provision for the minor children of the late governor, should still differ as to the mode of doing it. What matters it, whether it be for his eminent public services in general, or whether we take the services and the time whilst he was canal cummisioner, as a mere guide for the amount which we propose to give. Let us not be deterred from this by the consideration that it may be a reflection on those who removed him from that office in 1824. There may have been at that time reasons satisfactory to them for such remo- val. Mr. T. said he had friends in that legislature near and dear to him, who co-operated in that mea- sure. That he would be the last to arraign their mo- tives or censure their conduct; hut in justice to him- self he felt bound to say, that he openly and unequivo- cally disapproved the act at the time, and he was still satisfied that it was ill-judged, improper and unjust. There seems, says Mr., T. to be a variety of opin 66 LEGISLATIVE ions jas to the nature of the services which have beea rendered by Mr. Chnton. Whilst all agree that the state has received incalculable benefits from his per- sonal exertions, and the influence of his great name; yet some entertain tlie idea, that his services must be reduced to a legered account, and presented in such a legal or equitable shape, that the claim could be en- forced against the state, if the state could be implead- ed. Although we owe to Mr. Clinton a debt we can never pay, and although the proposed appropriation will fall infinitely short of liquidating that debt, still I do not deem it in the technical sense, a legal or equitable claim against the state. Neither is it necessary to the argument that it should be. Shall we be unjust, because we are beyond the reach of law 1 Shall we fail to discharge the obligations we are under, because they cannot legally be enforced against us 1 Shall we abandon the endearing maxims of private life, and disregard tlie precepts of that religion under which we live, which teach us to be just, without reference to the means which the law provides to enforce their observance? Shall we, on entering this hall, lay aside the finer feelings of tlie man, and assume the cold and calculating poHcy of the legislator l Shall we do it on this melancholy occasion, one of all others calculated to arouse the feelings and awaken the sen- sibihty of every one 'I No sir, I cannot graduate my feelings, nor my sense of justice by such a standard. I feel bound to express the will of my constituents ; PROCEEDINGS. 67 and convinced as I am, of the unanimity of senti- ment which pervades this whole state, I cannot for a moment hesitate in giving my vote and my feeble sup- port to this measure. But, it has been asked, what is the nature of this obligation against the state 1 I will tell you, said Mr. T., the nature of it. It is like that claim, which the officers of the Revolution, tottering on the verge of the grave, are presenting to the congress of the United States — a claim for services rendered at the most trying period of our history, and which estab- lished the independence we now enjoy : and without which, we should not, at this time be sitting in judg- ment upon services scarcely less meritorious — claims like the present, which could not legally be enforced against the government, but " such as are founded upon the immutable principles of justice." The ob- ligations we are under to Mr. Clinton, are like those in private life. They arise not from contract. They are elevated above all pecuniary consideration. They have their origin in the reciprocal wants and kindness of our nature. They can be enforced by no human laws — and still we feel their binding influence, beyond all legal obhgations. They are the obligations of gratitude. We have all felt them, and for one, said Mr. T., I am not ashamed to confess, that I still feel them — and palsied be this arm, and blistered be this tongue, if I ever cancel them by any indirection, Such, sir, is the nature of the obligation which rests 68 LEGISLATIVE. upon this state, and which we are now called upon not to cancel, but to recognise by paying this scanty pittance to the orphan children of him, who has con- ferred such lasting benefits upon us. When, said Mr, T., we call upon the justice of the legislature, we might safely rest that call upon the in- trinsic merits of the claim. The force with which the present claim presents itself cannot be resisted if we listen to our own sense of justice and obey the impulses of our own feelings, which are but a faint echo of those which agitate the people of this state. At such a time as this it is unnecessary and idle to search for precedents. But, if gentlemen deem them essential, to remove any remaining scruples from their minds, enough are at hand — and those too, under our own government — the rewards for distinguished and extraordinary services, free from the odious character of pensions, as they exist in foreign gov- ernments, and to which this appropriation has been attempted to be assimilated. Mr. T. said, that in ad- dition to the liberality of congi-ess towards the widow of the late lamented Hamilton, and the recent appro- priation to the widow of the gallant Decatur, which had been alluded to by other gentlemen, he would call the attention of the house to the case of Baron Steu- ben, to whom congress, in 1790, in consideration of his " sacrifices and eminent services" granted an annuity of twenty-five hundred dollars during life — to the act to indemnify the estate of the late Major- PROCEEDING&. 69 general Greene, against a bond on which he was surety for 8,688 pounds sterling — to the act giving a liberal donation to the representatives of Col. George Gibson, " for tlie use and benefit of his heirs," for ex- traordinary services by him rendered to the United States in 1776 — to the case of Arnold Henry Dorh- man, for his " faithful and generous services as agent from the United States to the court of Lisbon ;" where congress allowed for his disbursements about $5,800, although, as recited in the act, there was a " deficiency of vouchers" for the same — but "congress being disposed to acknowledge in the most honourable manner his eminent servdceiit," gi'anted him a complete and entire township of land. This, the gentleman from Herkimer will perceive, was for civil services — and the reason, why the instances of rewards for such services exclusively are not more frequent is, that at the time those important and extraordinaiy services were rendered, the eminent men by whom they were rendered, combined the character of the soldier and the statesman together. In all the cases above alluded to, there was no legal or equitable claim, which could be enforced against the govern- ment. They were claims, however, upon the justice of congress, and were appropriated and allowed as such. If, said Mr. T., we do not find in these acts of con- gress, sufficient authority for the bill under considera- tion, let us boldly establish a precedent m the present G To LEGISLATIVE case : let it remain of record for the benelit of those that live after us. Gentlemen need not be alarmed that the precedent will be a dangerous one. With the exception of the illustrious Lafayette, there has not been an instance during the last century of such eminent services as the present, calling for remunera- tion in the hour of sorrow and of need ; nor have we any reason to believe that the century to come, will produce its parallel. They are, "Like angel visits, few and far between.'' Pass this bill, said Mr. T., and shew to an admiring^ world that you appreciate the services of your great men ; that you venerate their names ; that all political asperities are hid in the grave that covers them ; and when the future statesman, ambitious of that lasting fame which public services confer, is devoting the best energies of his mind to advance the great and permanent interests of his country, let not his high and holy aspirations be stifled by the painful reflec- tion, that for all this, his children shall become penny- less and inherit nought but poverty and the ingrati- tude of that country. Mr. Edgerton said he i-egretted extremely the course this debate had taken, and he felt himself called upon, as the chairman who reported the bill, to ex- press his views, as concisely as possible, as to the grounds which it is intended to embrace. It appeai-s PROCEEDINGS. 71 to me, sir, said Mr. E., that gentlemen take too narrow and too limited a survey in discussing a subject of this nature. What, sir, are our fleets and our navies, our armies and our fortresses of defence, unless man- ned and garrisoned by hearts warmed with a spirit of freedom, and with arms nerved with a love of their country? In vain should we hope for the liberty of the republic, the perpetuity of our free institutions, were it not for public spirit, and a devotion of the best energies of the mind of our public men to the good and to the welfare of their country, I stand not here as the eulogist of any man : such is not my bu- siness as a member upon this floor. But, sir, I am the last man in this house, vrho will not award to De Witt Chnton all that is his due; his elevated character attracts the attention of this state, and his fame has gone forth to our common country ; and to his public reputation are we bound to award the meed of praise. That public spirit, which this bill is intended to foster, to cherish, and to raise, is what I would hope to ac- complish by voting for this proposition. With me it even is of little consequence whether these fatherless children, named in this bill, are in affluence or wan- dering in the pathway of want — in comparison with the importance of pubhc spirit and the capacity to execute pubhc trusts. To De Witt Chnton, all (both the friends of the substitute offered by the gentleman from Erie, and the friends of the original bill) concede talents, prominent, and of the first order. What, sir, 72 LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDINGS. let me ask, prevented him from enriching himseli out of 3^our pubhc treasury had he been so disposed, dur- ing the length of time he has been in public life? How was it with our Washington? did he not only refuse any reward for his services while employed in public life? How was it with Jefferson, after a long hfe de- voted to public service? did he not die poor? Talk not to me of dollars and cents ; if reputation in pubhc life is in question, the value of it to our countiy is past compensation, and with me is of far more consequence than the sum proposed to be given by this bill. The children named in this bill, may have talents, and energy of mind, to rise above all pecuniary considera- tions, and make their way to the temple of fame. — With them, therefore, it may be of little^ comparatively little importance, whether this bill pass or not. But, sir, when I look at the broad principle which this bill embraces, I lose sight of these children, and of the name of the father, great and splendid as it is. Pass this bill, and what do you say to our country? Pass this bill in either of the forms contemplated, and you say with an emphasis, to every successive governor of your state, " Go thmi and do likewisey Encourage this principle in your ]:)ublic oflicers, and our country is safe. You, by this bill, may call from the mine, gems, and the diamond yet unpolished, to .^hine in your chair of state. PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 73 Before the question upon the final passage of this bill was taiten, the speaker, General Root, decided that its passage required the assent of two-thirds of all the members elected, before it could become a law. This decision cttused the defeat of the bill ; for there was not a constitutional majority in its favour upon the final question. The intelligence of the failure of this bill spread rapidly, and a voice of murmuring and disapprobation was heard from every section of the state. The measure was condemned in every pubhc journal, and the following have been selected, to shew the pubHc sentiment. .^.i.^^..^^ PUBLIC SENTIMENT. From the New- York Gazette. Our readers will no doubt observe with regret that the house of Assembly has rejected the bill for the relief of the minor children of om^ late Governor Clin- ton. From the vote in the committee of the whole, it was confidently expected and certainly desired that this bill should have become a law. It is not our pur- 74 PUBLIC SENTIMENT. pose to question the motives of those who opposed it, but at the same time we are satisfied that their con- stituents will cause them to feel their dissatisfaction. The energetic and disinterested exertions of Mr. Clin- ton, in bringing the Erie Canal to a successful com- pletion, are worthy of all praise, and certainly merit some mark of approbation from the legislature. f)rom the New-York Evening Post. We regret to learn that the bill making provision for the payment of certain sums of money to the minor heirs of Governor Clinton, has met with an un- looked for and determined opposition from a part of the Assembly. One of the principal arguments brought against it by its opposers, is that it will amount to a vote of censure upon the conduct of those who removed Mr. Clinton from his office of ca- nal commissioner in 1824. As to the removal of Mr. Clinton in 1824, the pubhc will never think differently of it from what tliey did at the time, and from what they do now, whatever may be done with the bill in question. A new mark of ingratitude will not efface the stain of the old. His removal was against the public feeling at the period, and that feeling was de- clared immediately afterwards, in a manner not to be forgotten. The public feeling now calls for the pass- ing of the law before the Assembly, and we hope that it will not again be trifled with and disobeyed. i PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 75 From, the Rochester Republican. The bill to authorize certain payments to the chil- dren of the late chief magistrate has been rejected — rejected by the representatives, contrary to the univer- sal and fervent prayers, of a people rich in the blessed fruits of his glorious career. The failure of a propo- sition for a statue or a monument — though monuments and statues were freely reared to perpetuate the glory of their benefactors, by republics w^hose names are nevertheless synonimous w^ith ingratitude — would be mitigated by the consideration of his fame being inde- pendent of such frail auxiliaries — co-eternal with the hills traversed by the canals, with the cities springing up on tlieir borders, and with the celebrity which both united have conferred on the state. "The lowliest rill, the mightiest river. Rolls mingling with his fame forever." — But to see the children, whose welfare was sliglited in a zeal for the general good — who might have rolled in wealth and luxury, had their sire directed the ener- gies of his mighty mind to the pursuit of private wealth and emolument, rather than to the advancement and glory of his native state — to see these spurned, and denied the pittance due by the strongest rules of jus- tice, is revolting alike to honour and generosity, and unworthy of the state and age we live in. The spirit of our institutions is essentially economical, and we rejoice at the general vigilance in guarding the public coffers ; but the best of causes may be carried to ex- 76 PUBLIC SENTIMENT, cess, and economy itself degenerate into parsimony. Is it consistent with reason or religion to deny suc- cour to those who have neglected themselves in their anxiety to serve us? And what inducement is there for virtue, genius and patriotism, to spend their meridian vigour in advancing the prosperity of man- kind, if poverty is to be their own lot in decrepitude, and loant the companion of their offspring? lYorn the Utica Intelligencer. The merits of Governor Chnton's character are now beyond the reach of party prejudice or personal mahgnity. The theatre of his fame is too extensive that we should entertain any apprehension lest the efforts of a ferocious politician should circumscribe or diminish it. The industry of a few obscure and intolerant partisans may arrest the pittance which a majority of the house would have afforded to his indi- gent children, but they cannot sully the purity of his character, nor detract from the impressive testimony which our public works, our literary and charitable foundations bear alike to his talents and patriotism. Our feelings are more painfully excited by the reflec- tion that death should afford no protection against the virulence of party. A tenderness for the dead, we hold to be dictated alike by humanity and rehgion, and when this is violated, we deem it no unerring criterion that the head and the heart of the offender are alike unsound. As a citizen of the state of New- PUBLIC SEIV'TIMENT. / 1 York we are mortified that an act of justice towards a distinguished benefactor should be thwarted. From the Poughkeepsle Journal. The bill before the Assembly to pay the minor chil- dren of De Witt Chnton, the salary of canal commis- sioner for the time he held that otiice, has been lost ; and we say lost, for there is little hope of its passing in any shape, when the house have refused to pass it in that shape which was most consistent with its own dignity, most grateful to his offspring, and most ac- eeptable to the people of the state. Clinton had been a commissioner from the first, without fee or reward ; he had devoted Inmself to that service with a tidelity, devotion, capacity and usefulness which no other man could have rendered. We all hailed the measure with exultation, and sup- posed that the bill would have passed with that silent unanimity^ which marks entire and sacred approba- tion, and which would have so nobly become the righteous benefaction. From the Cayuga Patriot. The bill, reported in Assembly, for compensating the services of our deceased governor in relation to the canals, by an allowance to his minor children, has met with unexpected obstacles. We were politically opposed to De Witt Clinton, and had he remained Avith us, and in the field of politics, might probably 78 PUBLIC SENTIMENT. have found ourselves again in the field against him. Still he was a great man, and doubtless rendered the people of this state important services, especially in relation to internal improvements. He was not an acting commissioner, but shall we suppose that the researches of his mind, and his time and attention, were not devoted to those great works, in which his name stands, and will stand, inseparably connected 1 And if so, may he not have rendered as useful servi- ces as any other commissioner '? We presume he did, and justice requires that such services should be compensated. Indeed, the prosperity of the state would be advanced, and the interests of the people promoted, by always rewarding those who bring for- ward salutary and useful improvements. We hope the bill will pass, in some shape. We consider it an act of magnanimity and justice, that will be creditable to the legislature, to the state, and to the country. What, though the lamented Tompkins was treated with ingratitude and cruelty ! shall we therefore per- secute the bereaved family, and unprotected, unprovid- ed orphans of De Witt Clinton? From the Buffalo Journal. Thus has fallen to the ground the offering of the legislature of this state, to the memory and services of one of her greatest benefactors ! There is a hope — but, after what has passed, it is faint and withering — that the bill may yet pass. New objections will Pl/BLIC SENTIMENT. 79 arise, and, in such a case, there is no end to the fastidious scruples of members. As it now stands, the character of the act is destroyed— the bahn which it was intended to pour into the bosom of the family of the deceased, has been turned to gall, and there remains only the disgrace of having refused to do justice, when duty, the voice of the whole state, clear- ly sanctioned the proposition. The memory of CLINTON is embalmed in the hearts of his fellow citizens, and there it cannot be reached by the petty malice of relentless opponents. From the Greene County Republican. It is certainly to be regretted, for the honour of the state, that any opposition should have been made to the passage of the bill ; and more so, that such op- position should have been raised by such unholy means. We had indulged hopes of better things^ from the representatives of a magnanimous and grate- ful people, whose spontaneous voice would have sanctioned any thing within the bounds of reason, to secure from the vortex of want the family of De Witt Chnton. The defeat of this bill will tell rather bad in history, that the just and equitable claims of the fami- ly of the greatest public benefactor of the age, were coldly rejected, by that country whose coffers he iiad filled, and whose glory he had advanced, by a life ably and successfully devoted to its mterests. 80 PUBLIC SENTIMENT. From the Boston American Traveller. We learn with surprise, what we httle expected to find in the public acts of the large and enlightened state of New- York— another evidence of the ingrati- tude of republics, which has for ages been proverbial. The house of Assembly has thus far been successful in its attempts to defeat the passage of the bill direct- ing certain payments to be made to the minor chil- dren of De Witt Chnton. Surely this is a proceed- ing which their constituents can never approve. Nothing, we should suppose, could be more proper, ?ind agreeable to the feelings of the citizens, than for the state, in some such way as this, publicly to recog- nise the services of her most distinguished benefactor. Shortly after the defeat of the bill, a motion ica,s made to reconsider the vote taken upon its final passage^ lohich was concurred in unanimously. The object \vas to recon- cile the opinions and views of members who differed upon the policy and propriety of the 2d section of the bill. General P. B. Porter moved to strike out the whole of the second section of the bill, and insert in lieu thereof, as follows : § 2. In consideration of the eminent services ren- dered to the people of this state, by the said De VV itt Clinton, the further sum of thousand dollars, is hereby granted and appropriated to the use of the said minor children, to be paid out of the treasury, on the waiTant of the comptroller. FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS. 81 The bill thus amended was agreed to by the house by a vote of 88 to 27, and the blank filled witli ten thousand dollars. rUNXSRAXi ARRANGEMZSNTS. CORPORATION OF ALBANY. A SPECIAL meeting of the board Avas held yesterday afternoon at 5 o'clock. The mayor addressed the meeting as follows : Gentlemen — The melancholy event that has induc- ed me to call this special meeting, is already known to you all. The death of Governor Chnton, which occurred last evening, is a public calamity. I presume I have merely anticipated your wishes in affording an opportunity publicly to express our grief on this solemn occasion, and to sympathize with his family, his friends, and our fellow-citizens, in their great affliction. The recorder then offered the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted : The death of Governor Chnton having deprived the nation of one of its most eminent citizens, our state of a public benefactor, and this city of a benevo- lent inhabitant, who was endeared to us as well by a H 82 FUNERAL sense of his public usefulness, as by the knowledge of his private virtues, and the ties of social inter- course — The Common Council of the city of Albany, under the dispensation of providence, deeply deploring the death of Governor Chnton as a pubUc calamity, and sympathizing with the afflicted family and relations of the deceased, Resolve, — That this board will conform to such arrangements as may be made by the committees of the two branches of the. legislature, and will attend the funeral on Thursday next, at 2 o'clock P. M. with its officers, wearing the usual badge of mourning, and continue to wear the same for thirty days. That the several religious, literary and charitable societies in the city, be requested to unite with the municipal and state authorities, in paying the last ti'ibute of respect to the deceased. That the bells of the churches in the city be tolled during the moving of the procession. That it be recommended to the citizens generally, to close their usual places of busness during the time of the funeral solemnities. A meeting of the members of tlie bar of this city, was held in the supreme court room, yesterday after- noon, at 4 o'clock, occasioned by the death of Grovernor Clinton. ARRANGEMENTS. S3 Abraham Van Vechten was appointed chairman, and Harmanus Bleecker secretary. The chairman having in a very feehng manner stated the object of the meeting, the following resolu- tion was unanimously adopted : Resolved, That the members of the bar of this city, deeply impressed by the sudden and afflictive death of the governor of this state, and condoling with his family and the community at large, will unite with their fellow-citizens in manifestations of respect for his memory and regret for the public loss, attend the funeral, and wear the usual badge of mourning. CIRCUIT COURT. At the opening of the Circuit Court and Court of Oyer and Terminer for the county of Albany, at the usual hour yesterday morning. Judge Duer observed, that " the calamity whicli had befallen the state and coun- try, in the sudden death of Governor Clinton, since the adjournment of the court, would necessarily sus- pend its proceedings, from respect both to his office as chief magistrate, and to his character as an individ- ual. The court was induced by a conviction of duty^ as well as by an impulse of feeling, to arrest the pro- gress of the business before them, on so awful and melancholy an event ; attended as it was by circum- stances which have impressed them more deeply with a sense both of the loss to the public, and oi^ the bereavement and afflictions of his friends; and whilst 84 FUNERAL they were aware that an immediate adjournment would be attended with some inconvenience, both to the gentlemen of the bar and to the suitors in attend- ance, yet the court presumed that the sacrifice would be readily yielded as a portion of the tribute due to tlie memory of the deceased." The following order was thereupon directed to be entered on the minutes of both courts : "In consequence of the death ofDE WITT CLIN- TON, late governor of this state, and from respect to his memory: '' Ordered, That this court do now adjourn sine die.'' And both the courts were adjourned accordingly. At a meeting of the citizens of Albany, at the Capitol on the evening of the 12th of Fcbruar}'^, 1828, Isai- ah TowNSEND, Esq. was called to the chair, and Thomas W. Olcott, Esq. was chosen secretary. The following preamble and resolutions, were unanimously adopted. The citizens of Albany, having learnt with unfeign- ed sorrow, the sudden and lamented deoth of his Excellency DE WITT CLINTON, and assembling together to testify the respect they owe to the memory of his exalted talents and eminent services, do resolve as follows : That they sincerely deplore the severe and afflic- tive loss, sustained not only by the state, but the na- ARRANGEMENTS. 85 tion. This distinguished statesman and accomplish- ed scholar, after devoting more than thirty years to the public good, as the firm and decided patron of the arts, the warm and zealous friend of science, and the powerful advocate and supporter of internal improve- ments, of education, and of virtue, is now no more. His public and private worth are identified with the history of his country, and will endure, as long as pa- triotism and freedom preserve their influence over this happy land. That they condole witli his family, relatives and connexions, in this painful and mysterious dispensa- tion of divine providence, by which they have lost an affectionate relative and an illustrious benefactor. That we will abstain from our usual avocations during the day on which his funeral obsequies shall be solemnized, and that they will close their stores and shops. That they will wear the usual badge of mourning on the left arm, on that day. That a committee, consi:.>iting of three persons, from each ward, be appointed to confer with such other committees, as are, or shall be appointed by the legis- lature, the corporation, the bar, the military, or other public bodies, to make arrangements for attending the fimeral of the deceased, and to adopt such other mea- sures as sho.ll be suitable to the occasion. H* 86 FiflSEHAL UNION COLLEGE. The Phi Beta Kappa Society met yesterday, and adopted the following : Whereas Almighty God, by depriving the state of New-York of its late chief magistrate, has deprived our seminaries of learning of one of their most wake- ful guardians and devoted benefactors : and whereas the memory of DE WITT CLINTON, the abiding friend of this institution, is justly endeared to all its of- ficers and members, and especially to the members of this society, of which he was one of the brightest ornaments — Thereupon resolved. That we mingle our heart-felt sorrows at his untimely death, with the sorrows of his family, of his friends, and of that bereaved community, which thus smitten by the hand of providence, is clad in mourning, and overwhelmed with one common sentiment of grief. MASONIC. The Master Masons in the city of Albany and visit- ing brethren, are requested to meet at the Masonic Hall, this afternoon, at one o'clock, to pay the last tribute of respect to De Witt Clinton, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of New -York. The Royal Arch Masons will meet at the same time and place, to pay the last tribute to De Witt Clinton, General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter of the United States. ARRANGEMENTS. 87 The Knight Templars will meet at their Encamp- ment, and then proceed to give the last honours to De Witt Clinton, Grand Master of the Grand Encamp- ment of the State of New- York, and General Grand Commander of the General Grand Encampment of the United States. At a special meeting of the Albany Institute, held in the hall of the society, the vice-president having com- municated to the society the death of De Witt Clinton, one of its honorary members, the following resolu- tions were proposed and unanimously adopted. Resolved, That in common with our fellow citizens of the state and nation, we lament the death of DE WITT CLINTON, late governor of this state. Resolved, That as humble members of a vast com- munity throughout the civilized world, whose efforts are directed to the advancement and diffusion of science, we deeply deplore the loss which our com- mon cause has sustained in the death of one of its most distinguished patrons and successful cultivators. Resolved, That as a faint tribute of respect to the memory of the illustrious dead, we will attend the funeral and wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days. Resolved, That we will cause a marble tablet, with an appropriate inscription, to be placed in the hall of the society, in hor.our of our distinguished member. 88 FUNERAL STATE OF NEW-YORK— GENERAL ORDER. Head- Quarters^ Albany^ Feb. 12, 1828. The commander in chief having received the mel- ancholy intelhgence of the decease of the late com- mander in chief, his Excellency De Witt Chnton, and being desirous of manifesting all proper respect to the memory of a distinguished statesman and citizen, w^ho has so long filled that high office, has deemed it suitable to the occasion to direct the following ar- rangements to be observed at the funeral obsequies of the deceased, and by the militia of the state, late under his command. The usual badge of mourning, consisting of crape on the left arm, and on the sword hilt, w ill be Avorn by all officers in commission until after the next annu- al inspection and review of their respective corps. The company of artillery, throughout the state, having a field piece, will fire a gun at every half hour, from 12 o'clock until sunset of the day next succeed- ing the receipt of the intelhgence of the decease of the late commander in chief. At the capital a gun will be fired on Thursday next, the day of the funeral of the deceased, at every half hour, beginning at sunrise, and ending when the pro- cession moves, and minute guns thereafter, until t'ne funeral obsequies are closed. The mihtary of the city and county of Albany, and its vicinity, wall appear on the day of the funeral, and: such part as may be detailed, will act as an escort to ARRANGEMENTS. 89 attend the remains of the deceased. All officers, not on duty, will join in the procession in uniform with side arms and the usual badge of mourning. Brigadier-general Cooper, of the horse artillery, will command the escort, and make such arrange- ments as may be deemed necessary on this solemn occasion. The commissary-general, and keepers of miUtary stores, will provide the necessary ammunition. The commander in chief feels satisfied that the militia of this state will unite with cheerfulness and zeal in these solemn demonstrations of respect to the memory of the deceased. In rendering due honour to the illustrious dead, we not only reward distin- guished merit and services, but excite to new and continued displays of patriotism and public spirit. By order of the commander in chief, N. F. BECK, Adjt. Gen. STATE OF NEW-YORK. THIRD BRIGADE OF HORSE ARTILLERY. Head- Quarters J Albany^ Feb. 12, 1828. Brigadier-general Cooper, in comphance with the foregoing general orders, hereby directs that the troops and companies therein du-ected to constitute an es- cort to attend the funeral of the late commiuider in chief, assemble completely armed and equipped with the usual badges of mourning, on Thursday the 14th instant, at 2 o'clock A. M. in State-street, 90 FUNERAL Major Webster will direct their formation into line, with the right on Eagie-street, as they move on the ground, and will be obeyed accordingly. Major Gibbons will detail from his corps, a suita- ble detachment, with their field pieces and ammunition, who will be stationed on Robison's hill, to fire half- hour guns, from sunrise until the moving of the fu- neral procession, after which minute guns during the continuance of the obsequies. Major Gibbons will make the necessary requisitions upon the commissary-general, to enable him to com- ply herewith. By order, J. I. KING, Aid-de-camp. FUNERAL OF GOVERNOR CLINTON. Pursuant to the arrangements previously made un- der the direction of the legislature, the funeral of the late Governor Chnton took place on Tliursday last. The day was ushered in, at sunrise, by the dis- charge of cannon, which was repeated every half hour until sunset. The two houses of the legislature convened at 1 o'clock P. M. and after a short sitting, proceeded in a body to the mansion of the deceased. The state officers, the clergy of tlie city, the pall bearers, the relatives of the deceased, his present and late military family, and several other gentlemen were also assembled at the same place. The dwellings of Mrs. Van Schaick, ARRANGEMENTS, 91 iirid of Messrs. Brown, Dudley, Wheaton, Davis, El- men dorf, James and Westerlo, were also most oblig- ingly opened for the accommodation of the corpora- tion of the city, the members of the bar, and other so- cieties. The citizens of Albany were assembled in great numbers at the consistory-room of the North Dutch Church ; whilst the side walk and street, from the re- sidence of Governor Clinton to State-street, were fill- ed by the inhabitants of this county, and the adjoining counties. Immediately after 2 o'clock, a solemn and most appropriate address to the Throne of Grace, was made by the Rev. Dr. Ludlow, who was invited, in the absence of Dr. Chester, to whose congregation the governor was attached, to perform that duty. The coffin was then placed in the hearse, and the solemn knell, vrhich announced the forming of the procession, resounded from all quarters of the city. The procession moved in the following order, un- der the firing of minute guns, which continued until the close of the solemnities. The mihtary escort, consisting of — The ninth regiment of riflemen, under Col. Taylor. A battahon of light infantry, under Lieutenant-colo- nel Bhankland. Commandants of companies. Cap- tains Fry and Groesbeeck. To tliis battalion was at- tached three companies of Ught infantry from Gib- bonsville and Troy. 92 FUNERAL A battalion of artillery, under the command of Major Gibbons. Commandants of companies, Captains Thomas and Preston. A squadron of horse artillery, under Lieutenant^ colonel Van Schaick. Commandants of companies, Captains Green and Fuller. A squadron of the third brigade of horse artillery, under the command of Colonel Consaul. Com- mandants of companies, Major Winne and Captain Brandon. The whole under the command of Brigadier-general Cooper, accompanied by his staff. The clergy of the city and the attending physicians, with scarves. The Hearse, covered by a superb canopy, and drawn by four white horses, their heads decorated witli black plumes and their harness trimmed with crape. The horses were led by grooms properly habited. ' . The following gendemen, in scarves, as PALL BEARERS. General Bogardus, Mr. Crary, Mr. Ellsworth and Mr. Wilkeson, of the Senate — Mr. Bucklin, Mr. Scudder, General Montross, Mr. Wil- liams, Mr. Breese and General Brinkerhotf, of the Assembly. Chief Justice Savage, Judge Sutherland, the Secretary of State Mr. Flagg, the Comptroller Mr. Marcy, and Messrs. J. D. P. Douw and WiUiam James. The Military Association, as an escort to the pall bearers. ARRANGEMENTS. 93 The relatives of the deceased and of his family, in carriages. Among tliem were the venerable John Tayler, late lieutenant-governor, Chief Justice Spen- cer, Chancellor Jones, Judge Woodworth, Judge Duer, and other gentlemen of distinction. The present and late military family of the com- mander in chief, also as mourners. The joint committee of arrangements, in scarves. The Senate, preceded by its officers, the president with a scarf. The Assembly, preceded by its officers, the speaker with a scarf. The attorney-general and treasurer of the state, the canal commissioners, and other state officers. Governor Van Ness, of Vermont, and other stran- gers specially invited. The Common Council of the city of Albany, and their officers. The judicial and executive officers of the county of Albany. The members of the bar, with their distinguished senior, Abraham Van Vechten, at their head. Knights Templiirs, with their banner. Master Masons. Royal Arch Masons, with their officers in full dress. Present and past grand officers of the Grand Chap- ter of the State of New-York, in full dress. Members of the fraternity, to the number of 500, with the insignia of the order. I 94 FUNERAL The faculty of Union College, preceded by their president, Dr. Nott, robed in a scarf; and the Phi Beta Kappa Society of that college. The St. Andrew's Society, with their badges. The officers and members of the Albany County Sunday School Union Societ}'. The fire departments, consisting of several compa- nies, with their banners, the whole under the direction of Allen Brown, as marshal. The masters of vessels and steam-boats. The students at law. The citizens of Albany, preceded by the several ward committees. Citizens of the adjoining counties. The procession moved through North Pearl, Co- lumbia, North Market, State and Washington-streets, to the place of sepulture, where the military escort opened to the right and left, through which the hearse, followed by the relatives and other mourners, and by such of the procession as circumstances would per- mit, proceeded to the vault. The mortal remains of De Witt Clinton were then deposited in the "nar- row house;" military honours were paid to them, and the procession dismissed at half past four. Thus terminated the funeral honours decreed by the representatives of the people of New-York, to her dis- tinguished son. The day was not inappropriate to the occasion; the sky wrapped in clouds, and the cold damp atmos ARRANGEMENTS. 95 pbere, harmonized with the solemn duties to which it was devoted. The utmost regularity was observed throughout ; and the early hour at which the solemni- ties terminated, enabled the immense multitude of spectators to disperse in good season, and with per- fect decoinim. It was alike honourable to our citizens, and indica- tive of the great interest felt on the occasion, to ob- serve the entire suspension of business, and the still- ness and solemnity which every where prevailed. Many interesting circumstances could be mention- ed, to illustrate the general feeling, were it not feared that this account is already sufficiently extended. A few particulars only will be adverted to. Great interest was manifested by the pubhc to see the body, ere it was forever withdrawn from human observation. From an early hour in the morning un- til 1 o'clock, the room in which the coffin was depo- sited, was thronged by respectable visitants who at- tended for that purpose, and many of whom had come from a considerable distance. The side walks of every street through which the procession moved, and the windows of houses, and the roofs of several of them, were thronged by spec- tators of both sexes and of every age. Many of them wore badges, bearing a miniature likeness of Chnton. More than one of the groups thus decorated, were composed of children, whose parents had adopted 96 FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS. this mode of manifesting their own sympathy witii the general feehng. The colours of the several vessels at the wharves of the city, were displayed at half mast. Upon the whole, every thing was done that duty or sympathy required ; and so done, as to confer honour upon the legislature and the state. The solemnities, without being ostentatious, were appropriate and im- posing. They were calculated to call out the finer feelings of the heart — to remind those who witnessed them, of the solemn rites consecrated in ancient days, to the memory of heroes and mighty men, and to fur- nish at the same time, a noble incentive and a bright reward to public virtue. szpRXSsszoisrs OF PUBLIC SENTIMENT. CITY OF ALBANY. From the Signs of the Times, Urn'd are the ashes of CLINTON! DE WITT CLINTON, the patriot and the statesman, the great and the good, has left this subhinary sphere of action, in which he has filled so large a space, for one more kindred. He departed this life on Monday evening last, at an early hour, full of usefulness and honour, in the 59th year of his age. Never, since the formation of our government, has the sympathy and affection of the American pubhc re- ceived so severe a shock, as will be felt in this sud- den loss of Clinton. Washington is entombed in the hearts of his countrymen — but the frost of years and the accumulated glory of a long and useful life, had prepared their feelings for his exit, as the husbandman is prepared for the fruit time and the harvest. The same may be said of George Clinton, and of the im- mortal JetFerson, the effulgence of whose glory shed a hallowed lustre upon the simultaneous disappearance from the aralaxy of American greatness, of another 98 EXPRESSIONS OF brilliant star. Earth, although reluctantly parturient of her pride, clung not to either of these as the fis- sures of the mountain rock cling to the knotted roots of their lofty and luxuriant fixtures. The vicissitudes of human life may successively "Put out the light; and then put out the light; But, " We know not where is that Promethean heat. Which can this light relume !" The pupil of science, who had drank copiously at her thousand streams — the bold and inflexible advocate of truth and of justice, who had, with dignified stern- ness, ministered at the altars of both — the man, on whose heart the God of nature had inscribed devotion to his country and the happiness of mankind, is no more ! And all for which we can hope — and the best for which we can pray, is — that in the long list of rising worthies in the native state of the illustrious departed, some may be found, endowed with the man- tle and spirit, which shall perpetuate, in the scale of the union, that commanding character and influence which has been acquired for it by De Witt Clinton. Although humbly sensible of the infirmity of human nature, and meekly submitting to the repeated admo- nitions of Divine Providence — that vigour of intellect which had distinguished his life, was graciously vouch- safed to him till its latest verge ; and far, far remote must the friends of our country have wished the ca- PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 99 tastrophe, when, but yesterday, as it were, we heard him in accents fervid and solemn, venerating "The sublime association of heroic virtue and national gratitude" — a sentiment, of which, himself was so soon to be- come the object. The public presses of this city, as well as the cere- monies incident to his obsequies, (a detail of which will be found in our subsequent columns,) have alrea- dy rendered so just a tribute to the memory of the il- lustrious deceased, and so far anticipated, as to leave us little but recapitulation. Some abler hand will be his biographer; while Time, in his continuous career, will augment the evidences of his merits, until the fiat of Omnipotence shall sweep into the same undistin- guishable chaos, the marble page of history, and the more enduring materials of our globe upon which his name is indelibly inscribed. JFVom the Albany Daily Advertiser. DE WITT CLINTON. The funeral obsequies are over, and the grave ha^ closed on De Witt Clinton. Standing, as it were, between the living and the dead, we cannot yet appre- ciate his loss. We cannot yet reahse his removal. But the overflowings of a heart which honoured hira while living, and mourns him dead, may occupy a brief space to pour fortli its unaffected sorrow. Chnton was the son of an honoured soldier of the 100 EXPRESSIONS OF revolution, and the nephew of another soldier and statesman of that sublime period. Rising from one office to another, until he reached the highest in our gift, his talents developed themselves to the admira- tion of his native state and country. His views were statesmanlike — he wielded party not merely for its accustomed purposes, but to advance the permanent welfare and lasting glory of the community which had elevated him. So settled was the conviction that he was not a mere politician, but looked to nobler and more enduring honours, that he often numbered among his supporters, those who differed with him on the details of state or national policy. It was his boast, and should now be our pride, that on more than one occasion, he was upborne by the people alone, to place and power. He was a scholar of no ordinary acquirements — a man of genius in all its commanding attributes — a statesman who disdained all the petty arts of the dem- agogue — a patriot who loved his country and died in her service. His is the fame that "follows after" — enduring, expanding, increasing. He fell, as a great man should wish to fall, in the full possession of intel- lectual vigour, "with his buckler on," administering the will and wielding the destinies of a mighty com- monwealth. This is not the time to compare De Witt Clinton with his cotemporaries in the republic. But as the invidious distinction has been taken, where, we ask, PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 101 IS the living individual whose pubUc life can bear the scrutinizing examination of history like his? We are content, however, to take him as the Great Man of the State of New-York. We will garner up his fame — we will transmit his memory to our children, so that when future generations shaU ask for his monu- ment, they may be told, "The State of New- York, ITS GLORY ITS PROSPERITY ITS I^IPROVEMENT IN SCIENCE, LITERATURE AND THE ARTS ALL THESE WERE FOSTERED BY DE WITT CLINTON, AND ITS RE- NOWN IS HIS ENDURING MEMORIAL." lYom the Albany Daily Advertiser. MONUMENT TO CLINTON. Were it within the compass of human means, a statute should be erected to the memory of CLIN- TON, with one foot resting at the commencement of the grand canal at Buffalo, and the otlier at its ter- mination in Albany. The man who staked his repu- tation on the success of the project, and who used all the "giant energies of a giant mind," to the further- ance and completion of the greatest work, in its ef- fects, ever made by man, and t]iat too, when it was ridiculed and opposed by nearly all others, should have honour paid to his memory, commensurate in glory to tlie magnitude of the work of which he may be called the father. But as such a statue cannot be made, we hope that two gigantic monuments will be erected, one in this city a»KA the other at Buffalo, to commemorate the services of this great man, 102 EXPRESSIONS OP From the National Observer. DE WITT CLINTON, the greatest man of the age, has made his exit from this sublunary world; and, as we hope, to a far more exalted and glorious state of existence. He died suddenly, at bis resi- dence in this city, on Monday evening last, of a rup- ture of the heart. This momentous and melancholy event, will produce a great sensation in the moral and intellectual world ; for it was not merely as a politi- cian, but as a pre-eminent scholar, civilian, philoso- pher, patriot and statesman, that De Witt Clinton was known to his country, and to distant nations ; and that his fame will reach to distant ages, and reflect lustre upon human nature. Wliatever may have been his errors, his departure creates a chasm, which is not at present to be filled; for he has not left behind him his equal in talents, or his superior in patriotism, in the United States. The monuments of his vast genius, are to be found in all the great and lasting benefits, which his indefatigable labours, and stupen- dous intellect, have conferred upon us, in our laws, our literary and scientific institutions, and our magni- ficent inland navigation. The name of Clinton, now that it is beyond the reach of envy, and the shafts of malice cannot touch it; now that rivalship is extinct, and there is no long- er the least obstacle to the expression of candid and just opinions, will rise on the wings of fame, and soar sublimely into the regions of immortahty ! The great- PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 103 est of his errors, will be lost sight of in the least of his achievements; and the tears of his country will fall upon the tomb of the man, whose services are in- calculable, and whose virtues, and merits, and stupen- dous labours for her happiness and prosperity, have identified his fame and glory, with her fame and glory, and. rendered them equally imperishable in the annals of human greatness and national splendour. We could not say less — and we cannot say more, at present; for at the moment when our feehngs were shocked, beyond expression, by the annunciation of this deeply interesting, as well as melancholy intelli- gence, we were preparing for a journey, undertaken in support of that sacred cause of freedom and hu- manity, for which, along side of the illustrious de- ceased, we had the honour of contending in the gloomy and ever memorable days of '98. From, the Antidote. It is our melancholy duty to announce the exit of a man, whose name is identified with the fame and glory of the state, and the monuments of art and of science, and of civil and political liberty, upon which her fame and her glory will for ever rest. DE WITT CLINTON is that man. He died suddenly on Mon- day evening last, of a rupture of the heart. The sen- sation produced in this city, by the annimciation of this sudden and unexpected event, is indescribable; and a corresponding sensation will no doubt ac- 104 EXPRESSIONS OF company the spread of the intelhgence throughout the union. We might pen a volume upon this sud- den departure of an incomparable scholar, philoso- pher, civihan, and statesman : but at present, we can only say, — Thus passeih away the glory of this world ! and admonish the reader to reflect upon the instabili- ty of human existence, prosperity and power. Clinton is no more! but his genius, his learning, his stupendous faculties, and the monuments of his talents and his labours for the good of his country and of mankind, are present to the minds of us all : and with this halo of glory encircling his own name, let us recollect, that he bowed in homage to the name of Jesus ; and to the virtues of a truly great mind, added the faith of a Christian. CITY OF NEW-YORK. Prom the Statesman. The name of De Witt Clinton, like that of Benja- min Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, must henceforth be known only in the pages of public history, and on the scroll of immortality. The part of him which belonged to, and connected him with, earth, has re- solved back to its elements; and the spirit by which it was irradiated, has taken its flight from amongst us! But though the man may vanish from the scene of his mortal career, the deeds by wliich that career was rendered eminent and honourable, survive to his I'UBLIC SENTLMENT. 10/) species, and will make themselves known and felt, by their influences upon general happiness, tiiroug^Ii the lapse of all time. From the moment of his entrance on the theatre of pubhc life, Mr. Chnton distinguished himself, not as the politician alone, but as elevating that character into the more exalted one of the statesman. Useful- « ness to his country, and to his fellow men, was the leading object of his studies — the liigh, and, we may add, holy aim of his ambition. In this great pursuit, he was enabled to command success from the perspi- cacity and energy of his mind, and the extent of his general acquirements. How far he has been successful, is evidenced by the advancement of science, the enlargement of pub- lic instruction, the improvement of agriculture and other peaceful arts, and the developement of our internal resources. Under the last head is to be classed the Western and Northern canals, two of the most magnificent works of this, or any, age or coun- try. To his genius and enterprise, to his untiring zeal, and to the influence of his character, are the origin and accomplishment of those grand schemes of public utihty to be exclusively attributed. It is not necessary to enumerate the many points, in detail, wherein the welfare and prosperity of our state have been promoted by his labours ; not immediately alone, but also consequentially, silently, and unobtrusively: Indeed, it would be impossible to ascertain the pro- K 106 EXPRESSION OF portion in which his administration has enriched and advanced the state, in a comparison with the ordi- nary progress of events. In his personal character, there was every thing to admire. Dignity, but amenity of manners; an exem- plary discharge of the domestic duties; a love of let- ters and arts; and a display of all the virtues of so- cial life. At tlie period of his death, he was the appointed eulogist of another distinguished citizen, whose transit from life was almost as sudden as his own. None could have anticipated so fatal an impediment to the performance of that tribute to friendship ; and may we not ask here, who will discharge the task which has thus been interrupted, and who will also express the deep sense of public veneration and regret for his own character and loss? From the New-York Daily Advertiser. GOVERNOR CLINTON. The lamented decease of this great man, is an event which will excite strong emotions in the minds of the inhabitants of every portion of the union, and will be regarded with more than ordinary interest in more distant regions of the globe. As a politician, he has for many years occupied a great share of the public attention. His abilities and influence were such, that he was always sure of being distinguished, even amidst the contentions of party divisions, and PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 107 the vioience of party animosity. Talents like his could not fail to command respect, even from those who were opposed to him in principle. Among his immediate friends and political adherents, he was al- ways regarded with the strongest and most devoted attachment. As a scholar, in the broad sense of the term, he was highly respectable. His public addresses to the legislature, have been extensively and justly admired, both at home and abroad, for the liberal and expan- sive views of policy which they contained, and as ex- hibiting specimens of fine style in composition, equally reputable to his hterary attainments, and his character as a statesman. As the patron, and zealous supporter of the system of instruction and education in the common schools, he will be entitled to the sincerest respect and grati- tude of the present and future generations. To this favourite object he devoted every faculty of his mind and body — exerting himself to the utmost of his pow- ers, and stimulating others by every motive and ar- gument that his ingenuity could urge or suggest. In almost all his messages to the legislature, this impor- tant subject held a prominent place ; and there are abundant reasons for beheving, that it is in a great measure owing to his constant exertions, and his un- wearied perseverance, that the school fund, and the common schools, are at the present time in so flour- ishing a condition. i08 EXPRESSION" OF But the great scheme of policy, which crowns hife character as a man of pre-eminent talents, and the most comprehensive views is that which gave rise to, and carried into complete effect the GREAT WEST- ERN OANaL. The world rarely produces men, who have the sagacity to devise, the wisdom to un- dertake, and the energy to accomplish, a work of this stupendous character. It cannot be denied^ without great injustice to Governor Clinton, that the merit derived from these sources is his due. It is in vain to say that others had contemplated, or brooded over this subject. Whilst they were considering, he was acting. And he acted witli a degree of decision and energy, tliat not merely overcame all opposition, and carried into complete effect his great project — he did more, he silenced the carpings, and checked the sneei^ of his enemies, and forced them to acknowl- edge the supremacy of his wisdom and talents, and the practical and more important effects of his en- larged and enlightened policy. The merit of this magnificent work belongs essentially to him — his name will be forever associated with it, in the same manner that the name of WashIxNgton is coupled with the establishment of our national independence : and if the legislature of the state are desirous of ac- knowledging the debt of gratitude which is due to this great patriot, now the grave has closed upon his earthly remains, and all the passions and feelings to which party anin^osity may have given rise are en- PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 109 tombed together, tliey will give to the great work which unites the western waters with the Hudson, the name of the CLINTON CANAL. From the New- York Enquirer. On all sides and from all parties, we hear but one expression of regret, at the death of Governor Clin- ton. His former enemies unite with his friends in doing justice to his great merits, and lament the be- reavement which the country at large has sustained in his sudden decease. That he had enemies, and very powerful ones, cannot be doubted. Every pub- lic man must have them — a difference of political opinions — an ardent zeal on one or the other side of a question — a candidate for high and important sta- tions — the colhsion cf claims, the collision of interests, and the msgnitude of ^^tate and national views, must, united, create opposition,, denunciation and ill-will. They are, however, buried in the grave with the mor- tal part of him who exists in the memory and in the good opinions of his country — whose hfe has been undoubtedly one of great pubhc usefulness, and who I closed his career in the fulness of fame and surround- ed by the heralds of public trust. After regrets at the dispensation of providence, the t^uestion arises, and very naturally, what are to be the political effects of this sudden event? De Witt Clin- jton occupied as large a space in the political history of the country as lie did in the discharge of the vari- ,-^ 110 EXPRESSION OF ous civil offices which he had successfully filled— and this is a question which will be universally asked, and probably it is from this state and from those who are deeply interested in its politics, that an answer will be expected. Governor Chnton had been more than forty years a politician, and had drawn round him a number of personal friends, whose attachments were sincere and enduring. Whatever differences of opinion had existed in relation to men and mea- sures-r-whatever temporary changes in policy may | have been decided upon, it is clearly evident that Governor Chnton and his friends, as early as the year 1824, manifested a cordial attachment for the venerable and gallant patriot, who is at this moment, an object of so much interest with the American peo- ple, and the friendship was evinced at a period when success w^as more than doubtful. The friendship of 1824, burned brighter in 1^27, and it tended to unite Governor Clinton and his friends with the old republi- can family, of which he was with the patriotic George Clinton, and his father. General James Chnton, uni- formly a member. It was at this moment of good i'eelings, when his prospects were the most flattering — when the calumet of peace had been smoked — when a union of the democratic family had taken place, and this great state was united and tranquil, ^ that he was called hence when about realizing in his own person, the advantages of the great civil revolu- tion, so near at hand. PUBLIC SENTIMENT. Ill From the National Advocate. De Witt Clinton is no more. He is gathered unto his fathers, and sleeps with his ancestors. He expired at Albany on Monday evening last, while sit- ting in his chair, enjoying, apparently, his accustomed health. His death has made a vacuum in the scienti- fic as well as the political world. Ages may roll away ere that vacuum can be filled. He has fallen amidst his usefulness and his greatness, surrounded by the most devoted and the most faitliful of friends. He had not yet numbered three score years, and his fame had spread throughout the land of his nativity, and extended to the uttermost corners of the earth. As the champion of internal improvements, he has erected his own monument, far more imperishable than marble or brass. Mr. Clinton was bred in the school of democracy, and in the year 1798, although but a stripling, he was raiiked among the firmest and proudest pillars that sustained and gave life and energy to the repubUcan party. A history of his public services would require more time and space than can be allotted to this fugi- tive sketch. It is enough for the fame of De Witt Chnton, that, through his mighty and fearless exer- tions, our Northern and Western Canals were com- menced and completed, while more timid and calcu- lating politicians shrunk from, a bold and manly sup- port of the system ; and yet, at a future period, after doubt and uncertainty were removed, these same men J 12 EXPRESSIONS OF attempted to wrest from him the honour which he so richly merited, and had so nobly acquired. But he rests from his labours. Sacred be his manes. Mr. Clinton was an efficient and useful member of nearly all the charitable, literaiy and scientific institu- tions of our state, and the founder of many of them. He retained, in full vigour, until the hour of his death, the powers of his gigantic mind ; and if he had left on record no other evidence of his great research and discriminating talents, but his letter to Judge Ed- wards, on the subject of his interference with the ex- ecutive prerogative, that letter alone would deservedly immortalize his memory. No statesman, in our country, has fallen, whose de- cease will be more sincerely deplored by his personal friends, than Mr. Clinton. They loved him, almost to idolatry, and he merited their attachment; for in pros- perity or adversity, he continued to recognise and support them. He rallied around him some of the most active and zealous politicians in the state, whose sole object, in the coming presidential contest, was the gratification of his wishes, and the promotion of his views. But now that he has become a lifeless clod of the valley, many, very many, of these men will retire from the conflict, and no longer be participators in a struggle where they never had an interest, and where the endearing voice of friendship ceases to call for their exertion. This short obituary of Mr. Clinton is from the pen PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 113 ef a political opponent. But the grave hides from mortal ken his infirmities. Let not the tongue of slander detract from liis merits, nor sully the virtues which gave dignity to him as a man. "The good that he has done lives after him: And let his foibles be interred with his bones." From the Nevy-York MtrchanVs Telegraph. DEATH OF DE WITT CLINTON. The death of ordinary men is daily recorded by the public journahst, without any particular emotions of regret, and oftentimes without a ^-igh; but when indi- viduals, highly distinguished trom the mass of man- kind, by pubhc and private virtues, exalted talents, and deeds that outlast the marbie, are suddenly snatch- ed from the scenes of their usefulness, the sorrow oc- casioned by their loss is too deeply felt to find a ready utterance in words. That a public calamity has fallen upon the people, the mourning garb of our paper has already announced; but it remains for us to add the painful explanation, that the calamity is sustained in the death of De Witt Clinton, a man rich in the possession of every moral and intellectual quahty, that wins the esteem or commands the admiration of the world. This melancholy catastrophe was as sud- den as the grief it creates will be general and lasting. Thus has death, with hasty summons, called from a comirmnity that can but ill sustain so heavy a loss, another great one of the earth, to the silent tomb, on 114 EXPRESSIONS OP which the Spartan's epitaph cannot be engraven — " Sparta hath many a worthier son." As a statesman, he was profound and sagacious ; and though it has been his lot frequently to be assailed by the vitupera- tive tongue of faction, (for where is the public virtue so spotless, or wisdom so pervading, as to escape the censure of malevolence?) yet it will be long, we fear, before the helm of government will be entrusted to hands, able, like his, to guide the state through the storms of party, with advantage to itself, and to his own glory and renow^n. As a scholar, few of any country surpassed him; and the lore of centuries, with which his mind was richly stored, was used with modest prodigaHty, not for ostentatious display, but for the advancement of his country's interest. — As a man, in the various relations of husband, father, friend, he acted according to the impulses of an ex- cellent heart, guided by a sound understanding ; and his death has occasioned a void in the bosom of kin- dred, which the eulogies of a mourning land cannot close. He is gone. He has served his country long and well ; would that he could have served it longer, for we know not how he could have served it better. A leaf of greenest verdure has been added by him to the chaplets of his country's glory ; and his name will be treasured by ten milhons of freemen as an invalua- ble legacy — " One of the few, the immortal names. That were not born to die " PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 115 From the New-York Spectator. The state of New- York has thus lost its highest ornament ; our country one of its noblest benefactors, and the cause of science and improvement a faithful and indefatigable patron. The remarks of Mr. But- ler, in the Assembly, comprehend in chaste language, a well-deserved tribute to the memory of this great statesman. Coming from a political opponent, they do not speak the voice of eulogy, but of simple truth. It is most true, as Mr. Butler observed, that however great a politician may be, merely as such, his memory will scarcely survive his death for a single generation, if he has not identified his name and fame with some great national improvement, or some melioration of the condition of mankind. The name of Clinton belongs to late posterity, not from his political career, though his star so long influenced the tides of party. His popularity will be immortal, because the effects of his labours will endure while our nation has an exist- ence; and will come home to the business and bo- soms of men, in the facihties of education, commerce and internal communication, achieved by his genius and perseverance. Our country has not such an- other man to mourn for. It will be long before an- other can arise to fill so large a space in the minds of our citizens or the feelings of society. It is not our purpose now to write his eulogy, or attempt a sketch of his character and labours. We sympathize deeply with a community which deplores his loss; a loss 116 EXPRESSIONS OF which will be but felt more and more deeply, as llie difficulty of replacing it is experienced. From the Ntw-York Telegraph. The melancholy tidings of the decease of our illus- trious chief magistrate, have thrown a gloom and sor- row over our city, which speak louder than words the language of all hearts, his merited eulogy. The mournful intelligence reached the city on Thursday evening, but spread with rapidity, and produced throughout our whole community but one feeling, that of heart-felt sorrow for the irreparable loss which learning, morals, good order, public improvement, the state, and the nation, have sustained by the dreadful catastrophe which has deprevived us forever of the great friend and promoter of the welfare of each. — The shipping in our port yesterday displayed their flags at half-mast, and the same emblems of mourning were exhibited from the pubhc buildings in the city. In addition to the testimonies of the regret which is experienced at the sudden " dimming of our shining star," and of the admiration with which the exalted character and talents of De Witt Clinton were beheld, we insert the proceedings, adopted in this city — among the citizens of which, as in Albany, and in every other place where the sorrowful tidings have been heard, a general gloom hangs over every brow, the shadow of despondency within. PUBLIC SENTIMENT. - 117 Fi^om the Neiv-York Evening Post. DE WITT CLINTON IS NO MORE ! Apart from the deep regrets which it must occasion to his personal friends, as well as to those who, with- out distinction 'of party, were admirers of his talents and intellectual powers — the intelligence of this un- happy event, which may be looked upon as a national loss, will awaken a general feeling of sorrow through- o .t the union. Mr. Clinton has been universally and justly regarded as a profound statesman and an able scholar, while the policy which has been so success- fully pursued by him, in relation to internal improve- ments, has found but few opponents. He has been taken from among us in the midst of his activity and usefulness, but not until he had impressed the charac- ter of his mind upon the institutions of our state, and identified his name with enterprises, the benefits of which will be reaped by the latest posterity. From the {New-York) Albion. De Witt Clinton was no ordinary man. Endow- ed with commanding intellect, the most persevering industry, and the most inflexible energy in the prose- cution of his designs, he distanced all his competitors in the acquisition of knowledge, and had, even in the earlier periods of his fife, gained a reputation for learning, for political sagacity, and all the attributes of a prompt and powerful writer, which most other men are contented to have won at the close of a protracted L IIB EXPRESSIONS OF life. Thrown by his relation to the venerable George Clinton, when his minority was scarcely finished, into the political arena, the contests of which were then of proverbial fierceness and intensity, he displayed that sternness of purpose and power of argument which afterwards gave character to his administration, as chief magistrate of this state. But his mind was of too fine a cast^ to be obscured and disfigured by those party contests which must, and ever will exist in all free states. Bred to the bar, his professional studies were neither ill directed, nor superficial. Discarding those narrow and confined view^s, which too often bind down the mere lawyer to the despotism of ad- judged cases, and acknowledged precedents, he en- deavoured to combine the noble and more abstruse principles of justice, with the severity of legal adjudi- cations, and has thus exhibited in some of his opin- ions in the Court of Errors of this state, a model for judicial investigation, and a felicitous instance of that mingled equity and strict rule, which should ever characterize a court of the last resort. Systematic in the distribution of his time, and ap- plying his talents directly to every object which they were intended to embrace, De Witt Clinton attained an eminence in general learning and hterature, which even those miglit envy, who had made a single de- partment of them the subject of tlieir investigation. He was a scholar of no mean classical acquirement ' — a lover of the glorious face of nature around us, and PUBLIC SENTIIVrENT. 119 a curious investigator of the singular facts it con- stantly presents; his knowledge of botany, mineralogy, and natural history, rendered his house at once the resort of foreigners as well as Americans devoted to the same interesting enquiries. But his was not that jejune and miserable learning, which treasures up iso- lated facts and unimportant and barren generalities — it applied every item of information to some practical result or some useful conclusion. But, this distinguished man, while he possessed a mind that could devote itself with ardour to investiga- tions of limited extent and importance, was charac- terized by his elevated views of the public weal, by his admirable knowledge of the public resources, and by his broad and comprehensive ideas of public poli- cy. He was a statesman in the largest sense of that term — to this fact, his messages to the legi.sluture, and various other documents which are now matter of his- tory, bear a most ample and noble testimony — they have received the sutfrages of kindred talent on both sides of the Atlantic. The name of Clinton is iden- tified with the power and glory of his native state, — and those reverses, the common lot of UBtion, which shall consign our history to oblivion, shall alone be able to obliterate the monuments of his fame. The ruin which awaits the one, will consign both to one common extinction. De Witt Clinton was not the projector of the Erie Canal — but he seized with avidity an idea which, no doubt, had often been conceived, 12U EXPRESSIONS OF and as often abandoned as an idle but wild and splen- did chimera ; he examined, with his masterly and in- tuitive perception, the practicabihty of the enterprise — he considered the revenues of the state, (which were then hardly a tenth of our present municipal disburse- ments,) — he knew well its resources, and he appreci- ated the pubhc spirit of his fellow-citizens — and hav- ing, in glorious perspective, all the multiplied bless- ings w^hich that great work is now conferring on this people and the union — unmoved by the doubts and fears of friends, and undismayed by the ridicule and liostihty of open enemies — he assumed the patronage of that high enterprise, and perilled his political repu- tation and fortunes upon its success. If Louis XIV. derives the most substantial portion of his glory from the Canal of Languedoc, what praise is due to him, who has caused the waters of the great lakes to com- mingle with those of the Hudson — who has opened a market for the produce of the richest country under the canopy of heaven, — ^involving a coasting trade more extensive than the shores of Europe, — who has added nerve to industry — increased individual com- fort and prosperity— ameliorated the condition of man in these vast regions — and secured, by an indissolu- ble link, the power and greatness of our common country. With far more justice, than truth will ac- cord even to the talents of the great architect, there may be engiaven on that slab which covers all that was mortal of De Witt Clinton, "»S'i qnmris momimen- tum^ ciraanspice.''' PUBLIC SEiNTlMENT. 121 At a meeting of the citizens of tlie city and county of New-York, on the 21st inst. at the large room in the Masonic Hall, Broadway, opposite the Hospital, convened by pubhc notice, for the purpose of ex- pressing their feelings on the death of De Witt Clin- ton, late governor of this state, Morgan Lewis, Esq. was appointed chairman, and Thomas Herttell, ap- pointed secretary. Pliilip Hone^ Esq. late mayor, then rose and ad- dressed the chair as follows : This meeting is convened for the purpose of ex- pressing the sense of the citizens of New-York gene- rally, on the occasion of the death of the late Governor Chnton. The various public institutions of which he was a distinguished member, and several of w^hich were planted and watered by his hand, have already paid this tribute to his memory. But we are assem- bled to express, as far as possible, the sentiments of the citizens of New- York. The benefit of his labours for the public good are felt in every section of the state. But we have participated largely, and we claim the privilege of expressing loudly and deeply our grief on this melanclioly occasion. It is not my intention to pronounce a panegyric on the great and good man whose loss we deplore. — Abler beads will conceive, more practised hands will indite, and more eloquent hps pronounce, his eulogy ; but no heart will be found to feel this bereavement L* 122 EXPRESSIONS OF more sensibly than that of the individual who now addresses you. Engaged a& Governor Clinton has been, in party politics, ever since the commencement of his career as a pubUc man, he was nevertheless deficient in that quality of a poHtician, which is unfortunately too often considered as essential. His was not that cold, cal- culating policy, which, congealing the natural currents of the heart, would check its godlike impulse, and prevent him from loving those who k>ved him, lest it might interfere with his political plans : He was not of that class of politicians, who fearing to do some- thing wrong, are content to do nothing right. By pro- fessional politicians he was condemned for this ; but this it was that endeared him to his friends; and few public men have ever possessed in so great a degree the affections of his personal friends. As a political man, and the leader of a party, he had many adherents and many opponents — talents like his, could not fail to protrude their possessor into the front rank. On all occasions, and if his inchnations had led him at any time to seek the immunity of neu- trality, in relation to questions of a pubhc nature, the voice of his fellow-citizens would have forbidden it. But happily for his fame, his claims are more substan- tial than those merely of the leader of a political sect, [n the silence of the tomb the voice of party is hush- ed, and om^ lamented Clinton will be remembered as Ihe proudest ornament of the state. She weeps for PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 123 him as the enUghtened scholar; the patron, and effi- cient supporter of those hberal institutions which serve to adorn our country, and to mehorate the con- dition of its citizens ; the patriotic and incon^uptible statesman, and tlie active, zealous, fearless advocate of internal improvements; that cause in which his pohtical and personal reputation was so deeply iden- tified, that its. failure would have been his defeat, as its successful accomplishment is his glory. It has succeeded, and his fellow-citizens will not refuse him their gratitude, which alone constituted the ultimate object of his patriotic labours. The legislature of the state are at present engaged in such measures, as are best calculated to assuage the grief of his bereaved relatives, and to redound to their own honour; and we are assembled this day to encourage them in well-doing, by an approval of those measures ; and in mingling our tears with those which have been shed in other parts of the state, to express how deeply this afflictive dispensation of divine provi- dence is felt by the city of New- York. Mr. Hone then offered the following resolutions : Resolved, That we deplore, in common with our fellow-citizens, the dispensation of providence, which has deprived us of our late chief magistrate, De Witt Clinton, and unite with heart-felt sincerity, in the sor- row which has followed him to the tomb. Resolved, That while, in the death of De Witt Clinton, we recognise a nation's loss, which demands 124 EXPRESSIONS OF the expression of a nation's grief, we especially feel the bereavement, as inhabitants of this city, which by his genius, virtues, and untiring exertions, has been rendered the seat of commerce, prosperity and opu- lence. Resolved, That a committee of two persons from each ward, be appointed to consider of and recom- mend such measures as they may deem necessary and proper, for rendering honour to the character and public services of the deceased. Elbert Herring, Esq. seconded the resolutions, and addressed the meeting as follows : Mr. Chairman — It is with much emotion that I second the resolutions just read. The merit of the great man whose death has assembled us, demands an abler eulogist ; and I trust that richer praise and worthier tributes of respect may follow my humble offering. It is, however, grateful to my feelings to mingle my own with the general sorrow, and to manifest regard for the memory of him, who, when hying, I never ceased to lionour. It is creditable to our nature to weep over departed worth ; and it is ahke our duty and interest to mourn over and to deck the graves of the illustrious dead. And could death have struck down a nobler victim? Could tlic grave have closed upon one more devoted to his country, or more useful to the human family, or more endeared to tjie vv'i .se and tlie good ? Early in life, he, whose death we deplore, and niiose memory we PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 125 would honour, was called by his countrymen into pubhc employment ; and from that time till our be- reavement, his mighty mind was consecrated to his ^^ country's service. For more than thirty years he has passed in review before you, occupying many of- ficial stations, shedding lustre upon them all, and im- pressing upon them all the character of his exalted mind. From the commencement to the close his brilliant career, he was the distinguished patron of science and the arts, and the untiring advocate of charitable and moral institutions. Whatever was great, or good, or useful — whatever we respect, or admire, or applaud — whatever tended to dignify hu- man nature and meliorate the condition of man, to promote the cause of virtue, and exalt the character of his country, was sure to find in him zealous sup-/^ port and etficient aid. To his indefatigable exertions the school fund, in a great measure, owes is pros- perity. His etforts have pre-eminently diffused edu- cation through our state ; and to thousands has the book of knowledge been opened, who, but for him, would have been uneducated and unenhghtened, blhid to its beauties and ito blessings, fie saw in the diifu- sion of knowledge, and in the mental culture oi his countrymen, their appreciation of their own rights, their love of freedom, and the stabihty and permanent cy of our civil institutions. Under his fostering care agriculture left her unprcgressivo position, and made rapid strides in improvement. He realized the bless- 126 EXPRESSIONS OF ings that follow in her train. He knew that she dis- pensed wealth, cherished independence, and inculcat- ed morality; and he therefore made it the object of special communication to our legislature. He was the constant advocate of moral and chai'itable institu- tions — he considered them the handmaids of benevo- lence and virtue, ministering to the happiness, and advancing the best interests of society ; and he lent them the influence of his talents and of his great name. And, sir, his energy and influence, and foresight, have intermingled the lakes and the Hudson. 1 he great Western Canal owns him as its efiicient Patron. His comprehensive mind grasped its stupendous im- portance — he viewed in its completion the prosperity of the state, and the glory of the nation — and on its accomplishment he hazarded his renown. That work alone will immortalize his name; and the benefits re- suiting from it will transcend the power of computa* tion. Sir, this is a rapid glance at some of his pub- lic services — less could not be said. But his eulogy will be emprtaticdlly, and sublimely, and beautifully pronounced by the prosperity and aggrandizement of the state and the nation. This illustrious man was in one instant passing before us in his career of useful- ness, with the brilliancy of a meteor, and in the next, the '.: «L'-'ner3 were bearing him to his long home. But h'"; i?; emt^almed in the hearts of his countrymen, because he pursuer^ t'lc best interests, and I'dvanced the true ^lory of his country. We attest his worth PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 127 by our sorrow — and we offer our tribute of mournful respect to this friend of science—this patron of the arts — this ornament of our country' — this benefactor of mankind. Resolved, That these proceedings be signed by the chairman and secretary, and pubhshed. Resolved, That this meeting adjourn to such time and place as shall be designated by the chair- man, by pubhc notice. MORGAN LEWIS, Chairman. Thos Herttell, Secretary. NEW-YORK STATE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI. JVeto-Forfe, February 15, 1828. The president performs the melancholy duty of an- nouncing to the members, that his Excellency De Witt Clinton, governor of the state, and a member of this state society, departed this life at Albany, on Monday evening last. Governor Chnton's public and private life are so generally known, his patriotism and love of country so universally admitted, his philanthropy and talents so justly admired, that his death is at this time to be mourned as a national loss ; while his attachment to the members of the society and his continued exer- tions to promote the best interests of the institution, make him to be regretted as a personal friend. The members of the society will therefore wear the 128 EXPRESSIONS OF usual badge of mourning for thirty days to evince their respect for his memory. By order of Col. RICHARD VARICK, President. Charles Graham, Secretary. British Consulate, New- York, 15th Feb. 1828. The British Consul requests the masters of the several British ships now in port, upon Sunday next, to hoist their colours at half-mast, as a mark of re- spect for the memory of his Excellency De Witt Clin- ton, governor of this state, whose superior endow- ments will justly place him among the first men of this or any age ; by whose death the scientific world has sustained irreparable loss and the country one of its brightest ornaments, Russian Consulate, New-York, Feb. 15th, 1828. His Imperial Majesty's Consul requests of the several Russian ships now in this port, upon Sunday next, to hoist their colours half-mast high as a token of respect for the memory of his Excellency De Witt Clinton, late governor of this state. From the New-York Daily Advertiser. A resolution has been introduced into the house of Assembly at Albany, the object of which is, to allow to the minor children of Governor Clinton, the amount PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 129 of the salary of canal commissioner, dm ing the time in which he acted in that capacity, but for which he declined receiving any compensation. We are glad to see this proposition. It is notliing more than pay- ing a just debt. Tlie circumstances of his dechning to receiving it at the time the services were rendered, can never be considered as a discharge to the state from their equitable liability to pay the salary; and as the family are left dependent, the most obvious princi- ples of justice would induce the legislature to pay to the family the amount which might liave been receiv- ed by him at the time it was due. But we hope that something beyond this Avill be done. By the influence and exertions of Governor Clinton, the state enjoys the benefit of the great West- ern Canal, which is not to be considered merely in the light of a magnificent public work — it must be estimated as a thing of far more importance than such a view of its character would indicate. As soon as the debt incurred for the completion of this great work sliall be paid oft^ the income from the canal will go far towards supplying the necessities of the state for the support of its civil government. We need look forward but a very few years to the period, when by the completion of the canal across the state of Ohio, from Lake Erie to tiie Ohio river, and the settlement of the immense regions upon the shores of the great lakes, to realize the incalculable importance of this stupendous enterprise. The productions of M 130 EXPRESSIONS OF those vast but fertile regions must, to a great extent, pass through this grand outlet to the ocean, and in this city find their principal market. The income arising from this source, in addition to the private emolument which will be realized by carriers, mer- chants, agents, &:c. will be immensely great, and wiU redound to the advantage of the state. What will be the feehngs of respect and gTatitude of the people and government of New-York, fifty years hence, to the memory of the man who planned and executed this highway to the ocean ? And, w^e may emphatically inquire, what will be the feelings of the people of Ohio, and Indiana, of Michigan, and tl;e ten-itories bordering upon the upper lakes, when they realize all the benefits of a cheap, safe, and ready highway to market, for the products of their flourishing regions, and contrast their situation with wiiat it would be if the Erie Canal had never been formed ? A sum from the state treasury, which would place the family of Governor Clinton beyond the reach of want, would never be felt, and we trust never grudg- ed, by the people of this state, who owe liim so much. But how reproacliful would it be to them to leave in penury the beloved offspring of their greatest Bene- factor '? At a meeting of merchants at the Masonic Hall, on Wednesday evening 20t]i inst. to receive the report of a committee on the subject of aflbrding permanent PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 131 and efficient aid in promoting the laudable efforts of the merchants' clerks of this city, connected with tlie Mercantile Library Association ; and with the view of enlarging the operations and giving greater per- manence to the character of this institution — W. W. Woolsey, Esq. being appointed chairman, and Mr. Jno. D. Steele, secretary ; During the discussion of the resolutions, a com- munication was received from the young gentlemen of the library association, reminding the meeting of the early benefactions to their institution of the late chief magistrate of this state, and requesting some tribute to his memory. The coincidence of this fact with the circumstance of the late public bereavement, produced an instantane- ous and unanimous expression of sentiment, that the association about to be formed should be distinguish- ed by the name of the illustrious statesman whose loss is now so generally deplored ; and it was earn- estly recommended as the sense of the meeting that the institution should be styled the CLINTON HALL ASSOCIATION— that the building when erected, CLINTON HALL, might prove a lasting and at the same time a useful monument of the grateful recollec- tion entertained by the merchants of this city of the services of that distinguished statesman ; particularly of the important service rendered to the trade of the city of New- York, by the principal author and execu- tor of that great project, so happily accomplished, by 132 EXPRESSIONS OF which the rich treasures of our northern and western boundaries are poured into the lap of this emporium of American commerce. It was well observed at this meeting, that the mer- diants of New-York, with all their intelligence, activi- ty and enterprise had been wantingto themselves par- ticularly in one respect — in promoting that unity of feeling and combination of effort so essential for the protection of their interests, and so generally attend- ed to by every other class of the community. Th'e estabhshment of this association, and the erection of CLINTON HALL as a common beacon for all en- gaged in trade, there was room to hope would pro- cure this desirable effect, and the institution itself, like a Grand Canal, might bring together every distant interest to unite at any time in one general co-opera- lion for thir mutual benefit. MEETING OF THE BAR. At the opening of the Court of Common Pleas this morning, on it-i being suggested that a meeting of the bar had been called at 12 o'clock, at the City Hall for the purpose of agreeing upon some public expression of their sorrow at the death of Governor Clinton, the court adjourned in order to give the mem- bers of the profession an opportunity to attend. At twelve oV-lock Chancellor Kent took the chair, and Bylvanus Miller was appointed secretary. PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 133 Josiah O. Hoffman, Esq. then moved the following resolutions : The members of the bar of the city of New-York, assembled to express their sense of the pubUc ca- lamity occasioned by the death of De Witt Clin- ton, Resolve unanimously, That they deeply unite in the voice of sorrow, this afflicting dispensation has called forth, not only from the hearts of his family and friends, but from pubhc bodies, scientific, reli- gious and charitable institutions, the tribunals of jus- tice and the legislative councils of the state, who each felt a portion of its character and usefulness identified with his name, and each of wiiich mourns the loss as peculiarly its own. That the death of such a man in the fulness of his acquirements, strength of his intellect, and when his country anticipated still further exertions for its wel- fare and happiness, of which the present and endear- ing monuments of his genius and constancy, afford- ed full assurance, is a bereavement, greatly deplorable by the state he exalted and the age he adorned. Resolved, That the bar of this city, as a tribute of respect to the memory of the deceased, and in testi- iaony of their heart-felt regret, will wear mourning during tlie present session of the legislature. Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be rtiigned by the chairman and secretary, and published in the different newspapers. M* 134 EXPRESSIONS OF Mr. Griffin, in seconding the motion made the fol- lowing remarks : Mr. Chairman — It is no ordinary death that has called us together. When such an individual as a Canning or a Clinton dies, we mourn not as mem- bers of a particular profession, or a particular com- munity, but as members of the great family of man. It is a bereaved world that feels the loss. Our lamented Clinton was a character whom the worthies of antiquity would cheerfully have hailed as a brother. Possessed of a peculiarly commanding person, and a more commanding mind — a mind richly stored with the treasures of ancient and modern learn- ing and animated by an ambition lofty and inflexible, it is true, yet identified with the glory of his country, — wise in deliberation, unbending ia purpose, determin- ed ip action — nature and education formed him to be one of the master spirits of the age in which he iivea. The Pericles of our commonwealth, for near thirty years exercised without stooping to the little arts of popularity, an intellectual dominion in his na- tive state scarcely inferior to that of the illustrious Athenian — a dominion as benignant as it was effective. ;« He was the supporter of every charitable and reU- '\ gious institution — the encourager of every science f and every art. Not confining his literary patronage to the artist and the scholar, he also devoted the pow- ers of his mighty mind to the less brilliant, but not less useful subject of common education. Feeling PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 135 the truth of the great political axiom, that virtue and information, widely diffused, are the only sure pillars of a republican government, he zealously promoted every object calculated to meliorate the moral condi- tion of this state, and laboured, with untiring assidu- ity, to irradiate the liberal mind with the light of knowledge. [He then alluded to the canal policy, and his intim- ate connection with its rise and progress.] JAMES KENT, Chairman. Sylvanus Miller, Secretary. At a meeting of the New-York Historical Society, specially convened at their rooms in the New-York Institution, February 18, 1828, it was unanimously Resolved, That this society unite with their fellow- citizens in deeply deploring the recent death of De Witt Clinton, the late distinguished chief magistrate of the state. And that they in the highest degree appreciate the eminent services which he ha& render- ed in the various offices he successively held ; the propitious influence of his exertions in the promotion of science and literature, and the steady and uniform encouragement of every object intended for the dis- semination of intelligence and the promotior^ of the general good. Resolved, That in this afflictive bereavement, the society has to mourn the loss of one of its earliest and most efficient patrons ; of one who presided over it 13b EXPRESSIONS OF with distinguished abiht)^ ; and of one who enriched its collections of historical materials, by his learned researches and profound investigations. Resolved, That the members of this society will wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days, and that these resolutions be published. At an adjourned stated meeting of the New- York County Medical Society, held on the 18th inst. the following resolutions were moved and unanimously adopted : Resolved, That the Medical Society, of the county of New- York, in common with their fellow-citizens, are deeply sensible of the loss which the American public, and more especially the people of this state, have sustained in the death of De Witt Clinton, the late governor. Resolved, That it is not less the duty, than the in- terest of a free and intelligent people, publicly to ex- press their sense of the desert of great (when occa- sions like the present give opportunity) and good men ; inasmuch as the characters of such men, are among the most valuable property which a commonvi^ealth caii possess, and the right improvement of their ex- amples its most permanent riches. Resolved, That the life and character of our late excellent chief magistrate, are so intimately connected with all the plans which have been designed or adopt- ed for the improvement of this state, for the last thirty PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 13? years, that the gratitude of generations yet unborn will be the memorial of his worth. Resolved, That our profession are deeply sensible of the weight of his council and influence, in organiz- ing the various medical societies throughout this state, and that they will ever cherish a grateful recollection of his services. Resolved, That a committee of five persons be ap- pointed, to confer with a similar committee, to be ap- pointed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in order to the adoption of ulterior measures, by which the profession may testify their respect for the deceased. Resolved, That the members of this society wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days. Resolved, That the foregoing resolutions be pub- lished, with the signatures of the president and secre- tary, and that a copy thereof be transmitted to the family of the deceased. Rxtract from the minutes of a meeting of the trus- tees of The Pubhc School Society of New- York, held February 15th, 1828. Previously to the opening of the business of the meeting, S. Cowdry informed the board of the la- mented and sudden death of our late worthy presi- dent, De Witt Clinton, and he offere.i the follow ng preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted : 138 EXPRESSIONS OF The Trustees of the Pubhc School Society being informed of the sudden decease of his Excellency De Witt Chnton, who, among his other testimonials of public esteem and confidence, has held the office of president of this society from its first organization, Resolved, As the sense of this board, that, while it is our duty to bend with unmurmuring submission to the will of divine providence, we view this event as a signal calamity to our country, to the cause of science and public improvement, and the many useful institu- tions of which the deceased was a distinguished orna- ment and patron. That he occupied a large place in the affection and respect of his countrymen, as one of their most able and successful benefactors, and that, as connected with this and similar associations, the cause of literature and benevolence has sustained, in his death, an unspeakable and irreparable loss. On motion, Resolved, That Messrs. Cowdry, Roose- velt and Collins, be a committee to adopt such further measures in relation to this melancholy event, as shall appear suitable. Resolved, That a copy of the above preamble and resolutions be certified, and forwarded to the widow and relatives of the deceased, and that the proceed- ings of the board on this occasion be pubhshed in our daily papers. Extract of the minutes of the New-York Chamber of Commerce, February 18, 1828. The following preamble and resolutions were moveci PUBLIC SENTIMENt. l39 by W. W. Woolsey, and seconded by Henry Beekman, The members of the New- York Chamber of Coni- merce justly estimating the private virtues and public services of his Excellency De Witt Clinton, late governor of the state, deeply deplore the loss which his death has occasioned to this state and to the na- tion. His devotion to the cause of science and literature, and to the benevolent institutions wliich distinguish the present day : his successful efforts to promote schools among the great body of our citizens, by which nearly half a million of our youth receive the benefits of education : his genius in proj ecting, and his untiring zeal in carrying into effect, the great scheme of internal navigation, which has already united the Hudson with the inland seas of the north, and will soon lead to a similar union with the im- mense waters of the west, and lay open to the com- merce of this city fertile countries whose shores are not inferior in extent to the shores of Europe — all show the superiority of his mind ; that it was directed to the most patriotic objects, and that its efforts have been crowned with the most splendid success. Resolved, That a copy of this minute be transmitted to the family of the late Governor Clinton, witli tlie most respectful assurance that the Chamber of Conj- merce, of New- York, realize the great loss wliich they have sustained, and participate in that sorrow occasioned by this afflictive dispensation of provi- dence. 140 EXPRESSIONS OF Resolved, That the president, vice-presidents, and secretaries, be a committee to perform this melancholy seiTice. On motion. Resolved, As a mark of the sincere re- spect which the members of the Cliamber entertain for the character and services of Governor Clinton, that they will wear the usual badge of mourning, for one month. CITY OF NEW- YORK, In Common Council, Feb 16, 1828. Mr. Seaman presented the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted : The Common Council of the city of New-York having been informed of the death of De Witt Clin- ton, late governor of the state of New-York, and be- ing deeply impressed with this dispensation of divine providence, and feeling, in common with their fellow- citizens, the loss the state of New -York and the nation at large have sustained in his sudden removal from the scene of liis usefulness, and being desirous of ren- dering to his memory a sincere and heart-felt tribute of respect — therefore — Resolved unanimously, That the president's chair be dressed in mourning, and that the members of the Common Council wear crape on the left arm for the space of thirty days. That it be recommended to the shipmasters of the several American vessels now in port to hoist their colours half-mast on Sunday next. K^BLID ^tlNTIMENT. 141 Resolved, That the reverend the clei-gy of the city, be respectfully requested, in tlie name of the Common Council, to notice, in an appropriate and solemn man- ner, in their respective churches, to-morrow, the deep bereavement sustained by our common country, by the death of our cliief magistrate and fellow-citizen, De Witt Chnton. Resolved unanimously. That copies of these reso- lutions be transmitted by his honour the mayor to the family of the late Governor Clinton, with the sincere condolence of the corporation of the city of New- York, with those who are so deeply and more imme- diately afflicted by this dispensation. The following was presented by Alderman Lamb, and adopted: Resolved, That a committee be appointed, with au- thority to make arrangements and to carry them into effect, for such further demonstrations of the respect of this Common Coimcil for the memory of the de- ceased, and of their higli sense of the eminent services he has rendered the city and state, as they may judge proper. REV. DR. MILNOR'S SERMON. The excellent discourse of this excellent divine, on the subject of the national bereavement recently sus- tained in the death of De Witt Clinton, has been printed at the request of the vestry of Ht. George's church, and we have been politely favoured with a N 14^ EXPRESSIONS OF copy of it. We speak high praise when we say that it is written with the usual force and elegance of its erudite and pious author, and treats the question, which has of late been so much discussed, in conse- quence of Bishop Hobart's letter, in a manner that most entirely accords with our views of the subject. Notwithstanding tliat our space will scarcely permit it, we cannot forbear copying the annexed extract, and regret that we are unable to afford room for a more extended one. " The plans of Omnipotence are achieved by human instruments; and it is not inconsistent with the para- mount claims of God to honour those whom he so higl^ly honours, as to constitute them the agents of his benefactions to mankind. To those whom he employs to accomplish his designs of goodness, if faithful in the discharge of the functions committed to their trust, a subordinate measure of gratitude and respect is justly due. They deserve to be honoured while they live; and when they die, a nation's tears may well bedew tlieir graves, and grateful memory delight to perpetuate their fame. The remark is true in the most general sense. The occasion calls for its special application to such as have occupied distinguished public stations. And we do not hesitate to say, that to such, a tribute of re- spect is due; that to render it is consonant widi the apostolic precept in our text ; and, so long as it ex- ceeds not the meHts of its subject, and derogates not PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 143 from the superior reverence we owe to God, it con- travenes no principle of our holy faith. It is but the payment of a well-earned debt, to praise the man whose ambition has employed itself in great, and ex- cellent, and useful objects. It is not to the idle incumbent of hereditary honours ; it is not to the man raised to distinction by base and treacherous artifice, or lawless force ; it is not to one mistakenly elevated to a rank, which he disgraces by arrogance and pride, we are called to render honour ; but to the honest states- man, rising into public favour by inherent worth, and patriotic effort, and constantly employing his distin- guished telents to the public good ; and to the memo- ry of such a man we would advocate, without the smallest scruple, a munificent return of public grati- tude and praise. Flattery, the character of our holy rehgion and of our civil institutions, alike forbid. But where history has already recorded evidences of personal and official worth which time cannot obhter- ate, nor ingratitude itself deface, there can be no of- fence in eulogy. Such is the case of that illustrious man whom we have seen, with awful suddenness, cut down in the midst of his days, and of a career of public useful- ness in which few would venture to present them- selves as his competitors. We can say of De Witt Clinton, not in the sycophantic spirit of Tertullus to Felix, but in the chastened soberness of truth, that "by him we have enjoyed great quietness, and by his 144 EXPRESSIONS OF providence very worthy deeds have been done to our whole nation." Then let us give his memory its due. Let us render honour to whom honour justly appertains. It is doing homage to virtue itself to honour its possessor, and w^ell deserved commenda- tion of the dead may assist to excite tlie living to a noble emulation of his bright example. It is in this view, and under such impressions, that I feel a glow of grateful satisfaction mingled with no ordinary sensibility, in according my feeble tribute of respect to the memory of the distinguished chief magistrate of whom the state has been bereaved. The events in which he bore a conspicuous part will fill a large place in the history of our country ; and some faitliful biographer, of talents commensurate to his noble subject, will hand down the name of Clinton to the admiration of a late posterity.'' At a meeting of the board of Trustees of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, on Friday 22d inst. the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted : Whereas, the College of Physicians and Surgeons deeply participate in the regret manifested by their fellow-citizens on the occasion of the death of De Witt Clinton, late governor of tliis state, therefore, Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed from this board, to confer with the committee of the Medical Society of the county of New-York, appoint- PUBLIC SENTlMEm. 145 ed for the like purpose ; in order to adopt such mea- sures as they may deem proper, in testimony of re- spect for the deceased. Resolved, That the members of this board will wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days. Resolved, That these resolutions be published, sign- ed by the President and Registrar, and that a copy of the same be transmitted to the family of the deceased. In conformity to the first resolution, Dr. A. W. Ives, Mr. James Campbell, Dr. F. U. Johnston, Mr. C. P. White, and Dr. Gilbert Smith, were appointed a com- mittee of this board. JOHN WATTS, Jr. President. N. H. DERING, Registrar. At a meeting of the board of professors of the Rut- ger's Medical Faculty of Geneva College, at their hall, on Friday evening, February 15th, 1828, on motion, resolved, that this board unite with the public in lamenting the loss of their late distinguished fellow- citizen, De Witt Clinton, governor of the state of New-York, whose splendid talents and important services have elevated the character of his native state, and enrolled his name among the most success- ful votaries of science and the greatest benefactors of mankind. Resolved, That the professors of this college, in testimony of their respect for the deceased, wiH N * 146 EXPRESSIONS OF wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days. Resolved, That these proceedings be published. DAVID HOSACK, M. D. President of the faculty. JOHN W. FRANCIS, M. D. Registrar. At a special meeting of the New-York Literary and Philosophical Society, convened at their chamber in the New-York Institution, 18th Feb. 1828, the fol- lowing resolutions were unanimously adopted. On motion, resolved, that this society are deeply sensible of their loss, as well as that of the state and nation, in the death of their late president, De Witt Clinton. Resolved, That Dr. David Hosack, the first vice- president of this society, be requested to pronouce a discourse commemorative of the worth and sendees of the deceased. Resolved, That the members of this society, in testimony of their respect for the talents and virtues of the deceased, will wear the usual badge of mourn- ing for thirty days. Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to carry into effect the above resolutions. Whereupon Professor Renwick, Dr. Van Rensselaer, Philip Hone, WiUiam Gracie and Dr. Pendleton, were appointed. Resolved, That the above resolutions be published. By order, J. VAN RENSSELAER, Secretary. PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 147 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ALUMNI OF COLUMBIA COLLEGE. The association of the Alumni of Columbia College, having heard with deep sorrow of the death of their illustrious associate, De Witt Clinton, late governor of the state, deem it proper for them to make a public declaration of their sentiments and feelings on this very mournful event. Therefore, Resolved unanimously, At a general meeting held at the college-hall, on Tuesday, Feb. 19, that the Alumni of Columbia College, while they mingle their sorrow with that of their fellow-citizens, for the loss of their chief magistrate, whose elevated policy has eminently contributed to raise the glory, and promote the prosperity of the state, do yet feel themselves especially called upon to deplore his loss as the enUghtened and liberal patron of education and sci- ence. As the zealous and steady friend of the col- lege, and as its earliest Alumnus after the termination of the war of independence. Resolved, That in testimony of Mr. Clinton's eminent talents and virtues, and of their sincere soi- row for his death, the Alumni will wear crape on the left arm for thirty days. Resolved, That a copy of Mr. Chnton's last year's address to the Alumni be procured for publication, and that the same be forthwith put to press. Resolved, That the standing committee be empow- ered to carry tlie above resolution into effect, and also to adopt such further measures as may best express 148 EXPRESSIONS OF the sentiments of respect entertained by the Alumni for the memory of their highly distinguished associ- ate. Resolved, That the chairman transmit to the family of Mr. Clinton a copy of the proceedings of this meeting, together with the expression of the sincere condolence of the Alumni for the severe bereavement which the family have suffered. By order of the meeting. NEVV-YORK STATE ARTILLERY— DIVISION ORDERS. Mw-York, Feb. I6th, 1828. The major-general has the melancholy duty of an- nouncing to the corps the death of the late commander in chief, his Excellency De Witt Clinton. He de- parted this life at Albany, on Monday the 11th inst. — On these mournful events, the mind naturally recurs to the character of the deceased, and the heart, with the kind feehngs with which nature has entwined it, brings out its virtues in strong rehef. But in the present event the judgment coincides with the feel- ings, and they unite in portraying the deceased as one, who, more than any other, has contributed to raise his native state to the proud eminence she now enjoys ; as one who on all occasions exerted his great pohti- cal influence in advancing the cause of science, and in fostering those institutions and those arts which '' soften and embelhsh life." But it is needless to detail the virtues of a character an PUBLIC SENTIMENT. ] 49 SO intimately known — his fame will be cherished by his countrymen as indissolubly connected with their own glory — and while wealth and abundance flow on the waters of the magnificent work which his capa- cious mind planned, and his fearless and determined spirit prosecuted to its completion, and amidst the cheerful smiles of industry which now enliven its banks, the name of CHnton will be remembered with increasing feelings of respect and gratitude. In the discharge of his military duties the deceased gained the esteem and confidence of those under his com- mand by his ready attention to their requests and by his kind and courteous demeanour. To the memory of such a man the corps would be desirous to render every possible respect. The military honours to be paid to the deceased are prescribed in general orders which have appeared in the gazettes under the date of the 12th inst. It is thereby directed, that the several companies of artille- ry throughout the state shall fire a gun at every half hour, from 12 o'clock until sunset, after the receipt of the intelligence of the decease of the late commander in chief. To give an opportunity to the several com- panies of the division to unite in the ceremoniol, the major-general has selected Wednesday, the 20th inst. for that purpose. The several corps of the division will appear under arms on that day at the Battery in the city of New- York, at 10 o'clock. They will ap- pear with the usual badges of mourning, which badges 150 EXPRESSIONS 6p are to be worn by all officers in commission until aflei the next annual inspection and review of their respec- tive corps. The drums and other instruments of music are to be with mourning badges, and the standards will be furled with crape knots. The division will be formed in line at 10 o'clock, in open order as for review. — The major-general and suite on the right of the line—- the brigadier-generals and suites on the right of their brigades, and the other officers at their respective posts. The standards of the several regiments will be posted on the right of the whole line, and upon the order given, they will pass the line in front of the offi- cers, and on their return will take post with their re- spective regiments. The hne will salute as the stand- ards pass. The line will then take close order — the standards with a guard of honour will be posted in front of the centre of the line, attended by the major- general, the brigadier-generals, and their suites. The line will then wheel into platoons and march past the standard, saluting as it passes. All the movements are' to be made with drums muffled, and the bands playing a dirge. After the troops have passed the standards, the several detachments will break off and march in slow time to the posts hereafter designated, where the minute guns are to be fired. For this pur- purpose, the commandants of brigades will make the arrangements and give the necessary orders. For the purpose of the firings. General Spicer will order PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 151 detachments with field pieces, to be posted at the fol- lowing places, viz : at Fort Gansevoort, at the North Batter}^, at the north side of Castle Garden, and at Corlaer's Hook, where they will fire as directed by general orders. General Arcularius for the same pur- pose, will order a detachment of horse artillery with two 6 pounders to be posted in front of Manhattan Market on the East river. General Spicer will cause the flag at the Battery to be hoisted at half-mast during the day. The requisite ammunition will be furnished on ap- phcation to Commissary-general Muir, at the arsenal. By order of Major-general Morton. WM. D. HENDERSON, Aid-de-camp. An emergent meeting of the R. W. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of New- York, held at the Grand Lodge Room in the city of New-York, on Tuesday, the 19th day of February, A. L. 5828, the following resolutions w^ere presented and unanimously adopted. Whereas, this Grand Lodge, duly estimating the great loss which they as Masons have sustained, in unison with the great body of their fellow-citizens, in the decease of their illustrious Brother, and M. W. Past Grand Master, De Witt Clinton. Therefore resolved, That the Members of this Grand Lodge do, with their fello\v-citizens, deeply deplore the loss of a man so highly distinguished for his en- 152 EXPRESSIONS OP lightened, liberal and philanthropic mind, and whobe talents and perseverance have conferred a lasting ben- efit on his country, which will be to his name a per- petual monument. Resolved, That an Oration, commemorative of the virtues and talents of the deceased, he pronounced, and a solemn service performed at the next annual communication of this Grand Lodge. Resolved, That the officers and members of this Grand Lodge, as a mark of respect to the memory of their deceased P. G. Master, wear a badge of mourning on the left arm for thirty days, and that the Grand Lodge be put in mourning for the period of twelve months, and that the same be recommended to the subordinate lodges. Resolved, That the foregoing resolutions be com- municated to the family of the late M. W. P. G. Mas- ter, accompanied by a letter of condolence expressive of the deep sense of sorrow entertained by the mem- bers of the fraternity, for the loss of their revered and illustrious Brother. [Note. — Meetings were held by nearly, if not every corporate and public body in the city of New-York, to express their feelings, tut the proceedings of which, for want of room, are omitted, as well as several military and masonic orders.] From the Ontario Repository. The sudden and untimely death of this distinguish- ed man, has produced the deepest sensation through- out the state. A resplendent luminary, moving m jPUBLIC SENTlMENt. 153 meridian glory, has fallen as in a moment from its orbit, and is quenched in darkness forever! It is meet, therefore, that we assume the emblems of mourning, and mingle our griefs and our regrets; for he that " sat chief" among us, who was our guide in council, and our benefactor, has suddenly been taken away, and our eyes shall no more behold him forever! The public honours, the mournful procession, the solemn obsequies, paid to his mortal remains, are tributes of respect, just and appropriate, and bespeak our veneration for his character, and sense of out own bereavement : — but to him, lodged in his dark and narrow mansion, how vain and unavailing! Oh, on his ear, locked in the stillness of death, the voice of eulogy, and the farewell peal of artillery, fall alike unheeded and unheard! How impressive the admonition which this event conveys to tlie living ! how forcible its rebuke to the eagerness of ambition ! Death lays his hand alike upon " the mighty'' and the mean, and levels them both in the dust. Regardless of their plans of pubhc utility, their schemes of ambition^ and their prospects of fame, he utters his stern mandate, " Return ye chil- dren of men." The death of this distinguished citizen, though un- expected, has not been premature. In the midst of his years and his usefulness he lias fitllen; but he has lived to complete a monument to his fame, which the revolutions of time shall neither obUterate nor impair. o 154 EXPRESSIONS O^ Sacceeding generations, when they shall behold those mighty works of internal improvement, which owe their origin and consummation to the enhghtened views and liberal pohcy of De Witt Clinton, shall bless his memory, and proclaim his praises as a statesman and public benefactor. From the Buffalo Emporium. The death of Mr. Clinton, the news of which reached this place on Saturday, is an event of the most afflicting nature; and casts a deep and general gloom over the state. New- York has sustained and irreparable bereavement, and may well display the tokens of sadness; for if it be right to indulge in sor- row and mourning at any dispensation of providence, it is when the public benefactor, the great and good man, pays the debt of nature. At a time when he was considered in the vigour of life, and hardly having reached the zenith of hi« bright career; when we had every reason to liope for a continuance of his usefulness ; while standing at the head of his native state, where the suffrages of an enlightened and grateful people had placed, and long sustained him ; while the eyes of the American repubUc were turned towards him, anticipating the day when his towering genius should wield the desti- nies of the nation — a mysterious prcjvidence has cut him down. A vacancy is left in the councils of New- York not easily supplied. PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 155 As a scholar, a patriot, and a statesman, Mr. Clin- ton stood among the first of the age, if not without a rival. The institutions and public works of New- York, the theatre of his glory, bear imperishable marks of his genius, and pronounce his eulogy. — Long will her citizens cherish his recollection. If Mr. Clinton has received injustice at the hands of some of his cotemporaries, time, the redresser of all wrongs, will make restitution, and justice will be done to his memory. Connected with the history of our country, his name will stand enrolled among the Illustrious of American sages. From the Utica Sentinel. DEATH OF DE WITT CLINTON. Before this paper will have reached our readers, public rumour, which, in transmitting and agitating important occurrences, outstrips all mechanical inven- tions, will have announced to all, that a great man has fallen! De Witt Clinton is no more! The announcement bears with it a flood of sensations, which at first rush with a rapidity too overpowering for utterance. It is not until the tide of our feelings becomes somewhat subdued, that we can trust our- selves to comment upon so solemn an event, to dwell upon the fair and illustrious traits of his character, or glance at the magnitude and extent of his services. — He expired suddenly, of an apoplectic attack, while conversing with two of his sons in his study, on 1/J6 EXPRESSIONS OF Monday evening last, at about seven o'clock, liaving been previously in his usual health. With his last breath departed all remembrance of his faults and every feeling of animosity, inevitably en- gendered by collision with his fellow-beings upon the great theatre of hfe — ^but not so with his virtues, the monuments of his genius, or his fame. These are imperishable. They are engraven indelibly upon the hearts of his fellow-citizens, and impressed with a trace that can never be obliterated, upon the very features of his country. His name is indissolubly connected with the most stupendous work of the age, — a measure, which, in a great degi-ee, owed its adoption to his brilliant genius, its commencement to his forcible eloquence, and its final completion to his vigorous and untiring energies. The Erie Canal will prove a monument more sure and lasting to his fame, than the pyramids of Egypt to the vanity of their builders ; for the one will confer benefits upon man- kind and claim their gratitude, to the remotest gener- ations, Vi'hereas the other can claim no merit but that of crumbling to the dust a few centuries later than those whose vain glory raised them from it. The age in which we live is one of utility ; all efforts tend to this object, every invention of genius has this di- rection ; and he, who should waste his ow^n and the energies of his country for any other purpose, would acquire only an immortality for folly. Utility has been the errand characteristic of all Mr. Clinton's ef- PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 157 forts ; and who can pretend to estimate the value of their practical results ? They can only be developed in the revolution of centuries, and posterity alone can fix the standard at which they are to be estimated. Wherever his genius descended, it shed Hght and beauty ; v/hatever his spirit grappled, it betrayed mas- tery and power. Jfihil tetlgit quod non ornavit^ and we may add, quod non vincit. From the St. Lawrence Gazette. States, like individuals, have their days of prosperi- ty, and days of adversity ! Times of mourning and times of rejoicing! Why is it that the intelhgencers of the day come to us dressed in sable ? Why does the great state of New-York mourn? Is it because her prosperity has fled and adversity overtaken her ?^ No ! She continues her steady march in improve- ment and prosperity — onward — onward ; leaving far behind her sister states ! But she weeps hke a be- reaved mother ! It is the deep-toned mourning for the loss of her native son ! Her De Witt Clinton is no more! He is gone to "that bourne from whence no traveller returns !" Although his grave has closed forever, she can still behold him in his stupendous works — in the moral influence he has ex- erted, and in the rushing spirit of improvement spreading itself with rapidity over the whole coun- try. How has he accomplished this ? Was it be- cause he occupied the highest official station in the 158 EXPRESSIONS OF union — drawing around him the patronage of the chief magistrate of the nation, and wielding the con- stitutional powers of the United States? No ! his highest official station was simply a governor of a single state. But he wielded the mighty energies of his own giant mind, and gave an irresistible impetus to all his grand measures of advancement and im« provement. From the JVestem Courier. "HOW ARE THE MIGHTY FALLEN." The unexpected death of our chief magistrate, will awaken one common sympathy throughout our state. Party animosity will now be buried, and the virtues of a great man's memory be cherished with the generous flow of lamentation and sorrow . At a mo- ment when least expected, he has been snatched away to a home among his fathers. The arm of the Almighty reached him and he fell. In the midst of his usefulness, and in the active duties of his exalted station, he was arrested, and is no more. His career of life has ceased, but not until the value of his character had reached our farthest shores. The sun of his glory has indeed set. No cheering prospects now brighten upon his view. The chamber of our executive is in mourning. It will no longer greet him welcome to a seat in its counsels. All is dark, and dreary, and desolate, where once the statesman presided ; and lonely there may his sue- PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 159 cesser read the uncertainty and mutability of all things human. In life, our deceased governor shared no ordinary part in the commotions of pohtics. The writer of this article was one among his opponents. It shall have no part now in denying his claims to the grati- tude of his country. History will have the full weight of his talents and his worth. The extent of his fame will yet be seen in the school of science. It will descend to distant time, brightening amid the convulsions of our political horizon, an orb whose splendours will outride the tempest of war, and pre- serve from oblivion the memory of his virtues. [Note.— It is necessary to remark, that every public journal in this state, upon the receipt of the mournful intelligence, paid tribute to the memory of Mr. Clinton; but a very large portion are omitted in this work for want of room. Indeed, the great difficultjr the compiler en- countered, was in compressing and abridging the various notices.] HOKOURABZii: TESTIlAOXrV. In the Common Council of the city of Schenectady the following resolutions, offered by Mr. Linn, were unanimously adopted : Resolved, That this Common Council learn with deep regret, the sudden decease of his Excellency De Witt Clinton, governor of this state, and that they feel, in common with their fellow-citizens, the loss sustained by this afflictive dispensation of provi- dence, in thus cutting off, in the midst of his useful- ness, one, ahke celebrated for his public and hm private virtues. 160 EXPRESSIONS OF Resolved, As a testimonial of regret for his decease and respect for his memory, that the members of this board wear the usual badge of mourning for the space of thirty days. At a meeting of the inhabitants of the village of Herkimer and its vicinity, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted : This meeting having received intelligence of thib sudden, unexpected and afflicting dispensation of di- vine providence, in removing from this scene of trial, by death, his Excellency De Witt Clinton, for a long time the governor of this state, while in the bosom of his family, and in the full possession of the highest honours ; and that his mortal remains are to be inter- red with appropriate funeral ceremonies on the 14th inst. at 2 o'clock P. M. — and entertaining sentiments of sincere and unfeigned respect for the private vir- tues and eminent pubhc services of this distinguished man, as well as those emotions of deep regret which it becomes every good citizen to feel and to express, for a loss so great, so striking and so real to this state, and to the nation — Be it therefore resolved unanimously, That in testi- mony of the high respect wliich we bear to the memo- ry of the deceased Governor Clinton, the village bell shall be tolled from two to three o'clock in the after- noon of Thursday the 1 4th inst. and that minute guns be fired during said time — and further, that with the FUBLIC SENTIMENT. 161 exception of the time during which minute guns are to be fired, half-hour guns shall be fired, commencing at 12 o'clock M. and ending at sunset; and that it be, and hereby is recommended to, and enjoined upon, the citizens of this village to keep their stores, offices and shops closed from 2 to 4 o'clock P. M. of that day. Resolved, That the individuals composing this meeting will adopt the usual badge of mourning for the deceased, by wearing crape on the left arm for tlie space of thirty days ; and that the same be re- commended to be worn by our fellow-citizens gene- rally. At a special meeting of the Board of Trustees of the village of Rochester, the following resolutions were adopted : Resolved, That this Board deeply sympathize with the public, in the death of an eminent citizen in the person of their patriotic and distinguished chief ma- gistrate, and deplore the same as a great pubhc loss. Resolved, That it be, and hereby is recommended to the several clergymen in this village to notice this afflicting dispensation, in an appropriate manner from their several pulpits, on Sunday next. Resolved, That it be, and hereby is recommended to the trustees of the several religious societies in this village, to cause the churches belonging to their re- spective societies to be hung with black on said day. 162 EXPRESSIONS OF Resolved, That the clerk cause notice to be given to the respective clergymen in this village of the above resolutions. Resolved, That the clerk cause notice to be given for a public meeting of the citizens of this village, at Christopher's Mansion-House, this evening, to take into consideration such further measures as may be proper to be adopted for testifying their sense of such loss. At a meeting of the citizens of Kingston, the fol- low^ing resolutions were proposed and unanimously adopted : Resolved, That it becomes an enlightened and grateful people to cherish and perpetuate the memory of their fellow-citizens who have distinguished them- selves and added glory to their country by their acts of greatness and goodness. Resolved, That we received the melancholy intelli- gence of the death of De Witt Clinton, late governor of this state, with unmingled feelings of regret and sorrow : That we consider his death a great national loss, and one which will be most severely felt by the state over wliich he has so long, so ably, and so faith- fully presided. Resolved, That the secretary transmit to the family of the lamented Clinton, a copy of the resolutions and proceedings of this meeting. It being intimated to the meeting that the Rev. Mr. PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 163 Gosman had been informally requested to preach a funeral sermon on the occasion for which they have assembled — on motion, Resolved, That a committee be appointed to wait on the Rev. Mr. Gosman, immediately, and request him, in behalf of this meeting, to preach a funeral ser- mon on the event of the nmch lamented death of his Excellency Governor CHnton. At a meeting' of the inhabitants of Canandaigua, the following resolutions were reported, and being severally read, were unanimously adopted : Resolved, That the citizens of Canandaigua deeply lament the afflictive dispensation of divine providence, in the sudden removal, by death, of the late illustrious chief magistrate of this state. Resolved, That in the death of De Witt Clinton, the state of New -York has been deprived of a public benefactor, and the nation of a most distinguished statesman. Resolved, That the legislature of this state, by the unanimity with which they have adopted measures expressive of their respect for the memory of our la- mented governor, and of their sympathy with his be- reaved family, have consulted their own honour and the feelings of theii constituents. Resolved, That it is pecuharly becoming in the citi- zens of the western part of this state, to testify by pub- lic demonstrations, their sorrow for the loss of one i64 EXPRESSIONS OF who has left among them the monument of his fame, in the great and permanent works achieved by his enhghtened policy. Resolved, That the committee above-named be in- structed to take measures for such further public ex- pression of respect for the memory of the late chief magistrate, as they may deem proper. A funeral procession, in respect to Governor Clin- ton, was had at Racket's Harbour on the 21st of February, The regular troops from the garrison, under Major N. S. Clarke, the officers of the 189th regiment of mihtia, a numerous body of citizens, and the masonic fraternity, were in the procession. It proceeded from the Union Hotel to the Presbyterian church, where an eulogy was pronounced by Colonel Ehsha Camp. Minute guns were fired during the funeral solemnities. After the procession was dis- missed, the masonic fraternity retired to their Hall, where they passed resolutions in testimony of their profound grief at the loss of their eminent brother. A civil and military procession was formed at Ba- tavia, in respect to the memory of Governor Clinton. Funeral exercises were performed in St. James' church, and D. H. Chandler delivered an eulogy. — Minute guns were fired and bells tolled during the moving of the procession. In the evening,* a large audience assembled at the PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 165 Masonic Hall, where divine service was performed, and an appropriate address delivered by the Rev. Mr, Salmon. [Note. — It becomes necessary for the compiler again to remark, that public demonstrations of sorrow and regret, were shewn in al- most every village, town, and city within the state, but notices of which are omitted here, for want of room.] Extracts from an eloquent oration, delivered at Cherry- Valley, by James Brackett^ Esquire. " In contemplating the character of such a mar. as Mr. Clinton, the mind naturally seeks for a parallel among the great and distinguished names of antiquity. Pericles, adorning his own Athens; founding schools and diffusing knowledge among her sons ; encourag- ing industry and art ; rewarding ingenuity and great attainments ; caUing in statuaries and painters from the neighbouring states ; and making his native inter- est the pride of Greece, affords the most striking re- semblance. The resemblance holds also in the love of both for elegant literature, useful knowledge, and masculine eloquence. But here, it is hoped, that the parallel may end. Pericles was the last of the Athe- nians, combining the republican firmness and simpli- city with a love of arts and letters, and with his death the glory of x\thens dechned. Mr. Chnton stands the first and pre-eminent benefactor of his native state in her arts, in her improvements, in her scientific advances ; and with his death may not her substanr tail glory become retrograde ; but be progressive, till p 166 EXPRESSIONS OF she shall be the pride and wonder of civihzed, enlight- ened man. " With great men as with mighty rivers, some are admired for the length and rapidity of their course ; some for the salubrity of their waters ; some for the fertility of their banks; some for the depth and safety of their channels; some for the bearing with their cur- rent golden sands ; and some for their majestic march to the ocean. His native Hudson furnishes a strik- ing illustration of Mr. Chnton's character; straight, clear, deep; combining beauty and grandeur with utility ; serving as a channel of communication be- tween the North and West on the one hand, and the South and East on the other. Majestic river! IN- COMPARABLE MAN. "Though dead, he is not lost to the state or com- munity. His name survives : it is stamped on every improvement of his country, on every monument of her art during his age. But is this all? No: histo- ry HAS THE KEEPING OF HIS FAME I and, proud of the treasure, she will hang it up as conspicuously as if it sparkled among tlie signs of the Zodiac. All coming time, will tell of his genius, his industiy, his labours, his patriotism. His example will serve as a beacon to studious, virtuous, aspiring, ambitious youth. — Should tlicy follow it, shipwreck need not be feared. " The noble Romans put the images of their ances- tors into the vestibules of their houses; that, both going in and coming out, they might see them ; and PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 167 thus be incited to remember their virtues, their great and heroic quaUties ; and be taught to emulate both in their hves. The success answered the design. — That repubhc became famous; and increased in wealth, strength, dignity and honour, till con^uption and degeneracy entered and prostrated the fair fab- rick in ruins. " We ought to cherish the example of Mr. Clinton, who has now gone to join the bright galaxy of our departed worthies, and take his stand beside them on the rolls of fame, as the Romans did the busts of their ancestors. Every country has in the characters of her great men her riches?t inheritance. In propor- tion as she cherishes their memories, and imitates their virtues and great and noble quahties, is her pro- gress to true honour and moral elevation. " The state of New-York, true to her own glory, can never forget her Clinton." Extracts from an eloquent address, delivered at Batavia, by the Hon. David H, Chandler. "t4 great man has fdlen — a public benefactor has gone to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets. Nearly a million and a half, who have been the immediate recipients of his muniticence, and of his watchful care, have suddenly, and at a moment they thought not of, been shorn of a patron who loved them, and of a statesman who guarded with untiring zeal their civil and religious liberties. He, who but 168 EXPRESSIONS OF yesterday stood proudly at the helm of the siaie, and with a mind matured and fertihzed by experience, directed the bark safely through every storm which beat upon it, — to-day, sleeps in the narrow house!— That form, upon which nature had stamped her bold- est device — " Where every god did seem to set his seal, To give the world assurance of a man" — has now been committed to the earth, and must short- ly mingle v^^ith the dust from which it was created : — That mind, formed of the richest gems of nature, and profound as science and philosophy could make it, is now a mighty chaos. The tyrant who levels all dis- tinctions, and against whose awful visitations the prince upon the throne is not more secure than the mendicant who begs for bread, has now laid low him., who was more to be envied then princes — him, whose name will be cherished with tenderness and respect, while the potentate and the tyrant shall have been despised, or forgotten. " Upon every page of our history will be recorded the products of his labours, and the munificence of his philanthropy. He has been a tried and faithful public servant, emulous rather of dispensing happi- ness than coveting honours. Through a long life of useful activity, his mind has been vigorously exerted to amehorate the condition of his fellow-citizens ; and although he sought with avidity political distinction, ke never indulged the fallacious hope that it could be PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 169 attained by the assumption of power, or in the con- flicts of party. He was ahvays found indentified with the best interests of his country ; and if by the measures he projected, she were honoured, he was not forgotten. He lived until he became identifi- ed WITH ALL OUR FREE INSTITUTIONS, AND UNTIL THE MEASURE OF HIS FAME WAS FULL, — and yct he died in the full vigour of a useful life, and in the complete possession of those energies of mind, so fruitful in dispensing happiness. He lived until the bitterness of political asperity had subsided, and until the com- mon voice concurred in conferring upon him the dis- tinguished honour of 'PUBLIC BENEFACTOR.'" Extract from an eloquent oration, dehvered at Jacket's Harbour, by Elisha Cainp, Esquire. "We have assembled to deplore the loss of a favourite son of America. One whose virtues, talents and patriotism has shed a lustre upon the character of our country. It is to commemorate events which have benefitted the republic, and to excite to honour- able emulation in its service. It is, to evidence to the world and posterity, that we hold in high estimation, the memory of one who has devoted much time and great talents to the welfare of the community. "He stood as it were in the meridian of his glory; and we had cherished the fond hope, of years of his continued splendour in the honourable discharge of public duty. But a superintending providence ha*^ 170 EXPRESSIONS OF otherwise ordered it, and we bow with submission to the will of Him, who controuls alike the fate of indi- viduals and of nations. " He most sedulously devoted himself to the promo- tion of that Grand Work^ which will perpetuate his fame as long as the water of the lakes shall waft to the ocean, on the bosom of our canal, the produc- tions of the interior of this and the western states. It will remain a monument of wisdom and utility.^ more durable and honourable than any w^hich have ever been erected by kings or conquerors, whose merits have seldom extended beyond a capacity to diminish the number of their fellow-men. Let us review in imagination this highly gifted son of America, in- stead of becoming the first magistrate of our nation, stripped of all his honours, and, by the most unjust calumnies, reduced to the station of a private citizen. View him unmoved by the malevolence, ingratitude and poverty that encompassed him, devising new and splendid plans to promote the welfare of his country. Witness him besieging the legislature, year after year, to enhst them in that grand system of internal im- provement, which was alleged to be too vast to be effected by the resources of our country. Bring to recollection that manly perseverance, in enlightening ihe ignorant, conciliating the envious, and arousing the patriotic, and finally, by the energies of his talents, bending to his views a majority of the legislature, as it were asrainst their own convictions and that of I PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 171 most of their constituents. See him devoting some of his most valuable years and the greatest talents, in gratuitously sustaining, against the weapons of ridi- cule, incredulity and political opposition, those mea- sures which he deemed important to the interests of present and future generations. See him regardless of his own interests and anxious only to secure to his country the benefits he had anticipated, by super- intending the completion of the artificial channel, of which he was the distinguished champion. Where then shall we find his equal amongst the distinguish- ed sons of our country? Who then can cherish any other than sentiments of admiration and respect for the memory of so DEVOTED A BENEFACTOR." From the New-York American. Thus has perished all that can die of such a man. The name of De Witt Clinton is identified with the history of his country, as that of an eminent, active, and most influential pohtician. It is still more glori- ously identified with it as a public benefactor, who availed himself of the power and weight of his political character to foster education, to promote and diffuse the humane and peaceful arts, and to improve the condition and exalt the character of his countrymen. In the great work of internal improvement, he perse- vered through good report and through evil report, with a steadiness of purpose that no obstacle could divert, and when all the elements were in commotion 172 EXPRESSIONS OF around him, and even his chosen associates were ap- paUed, HE ALONE, LIKE COLUMBUS, on the wide waste of waters, in his frail bark, with a dis- heartened and unbeheving crew, remained firm, self- poised, and unshaken. Is it extravagant or unjust to say, that, like Columbus, he was recompensed by opening new worlds to our intercourse — ^vast regions, which the canals of New-York must be the means of subduing, civihzing, enriching I Of Mr. Clinton's political career, we have at no time been the admirer : nor can the event, which we, in common with the nation deplore, in any manner alter our estimate of that. To his personal character, his love of literature, his industrious habits, his devo- tion to humane and liberal studies, his sohcitude for the institutions that adorn, and the charities that con- sole and reheve, the mixed condition of our common nature, we do full justice. In all the private relations of a father and a husband, Mr. Clinton was most exemplary, amiable, and in- dulgent. JSote. — It is worthy of remark, that every public journal in this state, in communicating the intelli- gence, was clad in the habiliments of mourning. — Solemn funeral processions, as upon tlie death of General Wasliington, took place in several towns. Preachers of the gospel spoke of his virtues, and mourned his departure, from within tl^e walls of the sanctuary. In sliort, every proper demonstration of grief was evinced by all classes, upon the extinction OF THE GREAT LUMINARY. PUBLIC SENTIMENT THROUGHOUT THE WLnittta SiUttu. Extracts from a beautiful eulogium from the pen of S. Simpson^ Esq. of Philadelphia. " To die, is the fate of all men — a fate, fixed by the im alterable decrees of nature, which, nor power, nor rank, nor genius can avert; but to die full of years, and crowned with honours, an object of envy to the great, of admiration to the million, of rivalry to the ambitious, beloved by friends, venerated by the world, and lamented by all who appreciate virtue, genius, and learning — is the chosen destiny of the select few, whom God has endowed with the high and command- ing attributes of mind, and exalted in the sphere of humanity, by combining virtue with genius, and be- nevolence with science. To descend to the tomb thus full of glory, thus followed by the tears and the lamen- tations of milhons of free people, is not to die, but rather to change an earthly for an eternal existence ; and to come into the inheritance of that immortality of renown, which is the reward of a life, nobly spent in promoting the felicity of the species, advancing the prosperity of the nation, giving vigour to freedom, and durability and perfection to our free institutions, i74 EXPRESSIONS OlP "Thus has descended to the tomb, DE WITT CLINTON; a man, who, in whatever hght we view him, strikes the beholder with the traits of genius, and the altitude of greatness. ^ s a politician, who could outstrip him in the race of glory? As a statesman, where shall we seek for his equal, or his superior? — As a man, who is more virtuous, amiable, engaging, benevolent, and urbane. As a scholar, who can boast learning more profound, judgment more sohd, taste more refined, imagination more creative, invention more sublime and beautiful, and composition more classical, eloquent, and melodious — simple in its pro- portions, but beautiful in its structure, like the tem- ples of Greece, replete with grace and grandeur, but so chaste, that all traces of labour were lost in the brilhancy of its effect. " His mind was created to soar, and by necessary consequence, the bent of his genius was to improve mankind by new creations. Thus, he has stamped the impress of his genius on the age in which he flourished. A waste of useless waters lay embedded on the earth, accidentally beneficial in a partial de- gree to the powers of man — but directed, governed, and regulated by the genius of Chnton — they became the fountain of abundance, the source of individual opulence, and the basis of national grandeur. "No man in the country could boast superiority to Chnton, in all tl^at related to the science of govern- ment, and none could claim to be his equal in the art PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 175 of government^ two very distinct branches of intellectual power, and but seldom found united in the same indi- vidual. "Such is the grand outline of the colossal genius OF De Witt Clinton. In tilling up the picture, count- less charms attract the eye, and splendid incidents, while they captivate the fancy, also enchain tlie heart. "Among the chief constituent qualities of greatness are moral courage, energy and decision. The noblest invention may project, the acutest ingenuity devise schemes of national utiHty; but they will burst into air, unless reinforced by vigour of execution, and in- flexible determination. These attributes appeared in bold relief in the character of Clinton. When he pro- jected his grand canal system, fools were convulsed with laughter, and factionists thundered their male- diction through the union. But the great mind of Clinton, remained firm and immoveable, sustained by the consciousness of his superior genius, and the force of a colossal intellect, that could see what f others were blind to. Few men possess this 7noral courage in so extraordinary a degree as did De Witt Clinton, because few men are so lavishly endowed with the omnipotence of genius. He lived to see the laugeter of fools converted into adulation of his wisdom; and the gi'owls of party change to the acclamations of ap- plause. " Wherever a river rolls its waters to feed a canal, wherever a college, or a school rears its little spire, or 176 EXPRESSIONS OF lofty dome, to indicate its spiritual aim ; wherever lib- erty is loved, and the rights of the people prized, the name of Clinton will live — not in mouth honour only — but in the deep affections of the heart — in gratitude for his pubhc benefactions and services ; in admira- tion of his genius, and in veneration for his philan- thropy. " Let no one so far mistake, as to suppose I am at- tempting to write the eulogium of De Witt Clinton 1 f am not qualified for the task — I have not set phrases and drilled thoughts, suited to the theme. Nor does Clinton require an eulogium. There too, he is supe- rior to most men, on whom the world, with little dis- crimination, lavish the title of great. His eulogy is written on the page of the nation — not the page of history — ^but on the face of our soil, on our rivers, our canals, our literature, our science, our legislation, our institutions, and our chai'ters of hberty. No, thank God, Clinton's glory requires no presidential honours, no eulogium's extravagance, to make it full, splendid and perfect. From my soul do I pity the man, who appreciates genius by the standard of of- fice, or bestows upon office, the homage that ought only to be consecrated to genius. " In relation to the state of New- York, the works, the name and the glory of Clinton, must form a stupen- dous monument of pride and renown ! Why ? When that question is put, or an answer wanted, all monu- ments will be useless — all worth of no account — all virtue a chimera — all genius a phantasm! PUBLIC SENTIMENT* 177 ' Clinton was a rare example of private virtue in a great public character. His life was unblemished by a spot on his honour, or a stain on his morals ! Does such a man require an eulogist? What combination of the subhme and beautiful can excel such a picture of a patriot citizen^ consecrated to the enduring admi- ration of posterity ? " From the United States Telegraph. At a meeting of the senators and representatives in congress from the state of New-York, held at the capi- tol, in Washington, February 19th, 1828, in conse- quence of the information of the death of his Excel- lency De Witt CUnton, governor of the state of New- York : General Van Rensselaer, of Albany, was called to the chair — Gulian C» Verplank, of the city of New- York, was appointed secretary. The Hon. Martin Van Buren, of the Senate, ad- dressed the meeting nearly in the following VTords : Mr. Chairman — We have met to pay a tribute of respect to the memory of our late governor and dis- tinguished fellow-citizen, De Witt Clinton. Some of our brethren have been so kind as to ask me to prepare a suitable expression of our feehngs ; and I have, in pursuance of their wishes, drawn up what has occurred to me as proper to be said on the occa- sion. Before I submit it to the consideration of the meeting, 1 beg to be indulged in a few brief remarke. 178 EXPRESSIONS OF I can say nothing* of the deceased, that is not famiUar to you all. To all, he was personally known, and to many of us, intimately and familiarly, from our earli- est infancy. The high order of his talents, the untir- ing zeal and great success with which those talents have through a series of years been devoted to the prosecution of plans of great public utility, are also known to you all, and by all, I am satisfied, duly ap- preciated. The subject can derive no additional in- terest or im-portance from any eulogy of mine. All other considerations out of view, the single fact that the greatest public improvement of the age in which we live, was commenced under the guidance of his councils, and splendidly accomplished under his im- mediate auspices, is of itself sufficient to fill the ambi- tion of any man, and to give glory to any name. But, as has been justly said, his life, and character, and conduct, have become the property of the historian ; and there is no reason to doubt that history will do him justice. The triumph of his talents and patriot- ism, cannot fail to become monuments of high and enduring fame. We cannot, indeed, but remember, that in our public career, collisions of opinion and action, at once extensive, earnest, and enduring, have arisen between the deceased and many of us. For myself, sir, it gives me a deep felt, though melancholy satisfaction, to know, and more so, to be conscious, that the deceased also felt and acknowledged, that our political differences have been wholly free from PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 179 that most venomous and corroding of all poisons — personal hatred. But, in other respects, it is now immaterial what was the character of those collisions. They have heen turned to nothing, and less than no- thing, by the event we deplore; and I doubt not that we will with one voice and one heart, yield to his memory the well-deserved tribute of our respect for his name, and our warmest gratitude for his great and signal services. For myself, sir, so strong, so sin- cere, and so engrossing, is that feeling, that I, who whilst livirg, never — no, never, envied him any thing, now that he has fallen, am greatly tempted to envy him his grave with its honours. Of this, the most afflicting of all bereavements, that has fallen on his wretched and desponding family, what shall I say. Nothing. Their grief is too sacred for description ; justice can alone be done to it by those deep and silent, but agonizing feehngs, which on their account pervade every bosom. Mr. Van Buren then submitted the following resolu- tions : The delegation from the state of New- York, to the Senate and House of Representatives of the Congress of the United vStates, having been informed of the sudden death of De Witt C'linton, late governor of that state, feel it due to the occasion, as well as to their own feelings, to unite with the people they rep- resent, in expressing their deep and sincere sorrow for a dispensation of providence, which has, in the 180 EXPRESSIONS 0F midst of active usefulness, cut off from the service oi that state, whose proudest ornament he wras, a great man, who has won, and richly deserves, the reputa- tion of a distinguished pubhc benefactor. Sensibly impressed with respect for the memory of the illustrious dead, they will wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days; and they request that a copy of these, their proceedings, be communicated to the family of the deceased, with an assurance of their condolence at the greatest bereavement that could have befallen them on this side of the grave. On motion of Mr. De GraiF, of Schenectady, the above was unanimously adopted, and the chairman and secretary empowered to communicate them to the widow and family of the deceased. jFVtyn the Charleston {S. C.) Mercury. South Carolina sympathizes with New- York in the great public calamity which she has sustained. — ■ It is an event, indeed, which cannot fail to excite deep emotions of regret in every portion of the union. In him, the state of New- York has lost her immediate friend and benefactor — the patron of education — the encourager of literature — and the gTeat author of her magnificent system of internal improvements. But, he was also an American — his fame and reputation belong to the whole United States, to which he con- tributed largely to give a standing and character abroad. His death is, indeed, a national loss — ngr PUBLIC SENTIMENT. I8l will his name be forgotten, while probity, talent and public service are held in reverence among men, or while a vestige remains of the stupendous work which connects the waters of the Atlantic and Lake Erie. F^om the Easton (Maryland) Gazette. DEATH OF DE WITT CLINTON. The great New-York statesman — the leading advocate and master spirit of the stupendous improve- ments, and of the system of instruction adopted by that state, is no more ! — He transacted official busi- ness during the day, and wrote several letters during the evening of the 11th. At about 7 o'clock, whilst sitting conversing with two of his sons, his head sud- denly fell backwards, and he expired. A rupture of one of the large blood vessels, is supposed to have been the occasion. The legislature in session, adopted every demon- stration of respect usual upon such occasions. From the National (IVashington City) Journal. The loss is not only to New-York ; it is a national loss. Yet he is not lost, for he has left a rich reputa- tion behind him. The fame of our distinguished citi- zens constitutes the most precious of the materials of our national renown; and the fame of De Witt Clinton has already traversed all chmes; it is known as far as science and letters have shed their 182 EXPRESSIONS OF lights on mankind; it will accompany the march of time to the latest ages, become brighter as it proceeds, from the accumulated tributes with which posterity will adorn it. It is a circumstance worthy of remark, that Governor Clinton had accepted the task of pro- nouncing an eulogy on the deceased Emmet. The appointed eulogiser now sleeps with the chosen sub- ject of his eulogy. Other orators must now pro- nounce the eulogies on both. The seat so lately oc^ cupied by Governor Clinton will for the present be filled by the lieutenant-governor ; but the space which he has long occupied in the eye of the nation, it will be long before another citizen of that great state — prolific as she is in greatness — can arise to fill. Prom the Richmond {Virginia) Enquirer. A great man has fallen in Israel ! — Tlie New- York papers are badged in mourning — the whole state is lamenting the death of one of her greatest citizens — one of the first men of his country, and an ornanient to this or any other age. The propriety of this eulo- gy will be immediately admitted, when we announce the death of De Witt Clinton. He was taken off in a moment, in the midst of his family, by a fit of apoplexy, or the bursting of a blood vessel at the heart. This blow will be deeply felt not only by New-York, but by the union and the world. How are the prospects of man disappointed by the visita- tions of providence I A man who was designated for PUBLIC SENTIMENT. l83 the first chair in the nation, is cut off in the very midst of his honours. But his name will go down to posterity full of honour — and his works are his monu- ment. So long as the waves of the Hudson continue to roll, so long will the grand canal remain to per- petuate the name of Clinton. From the New-Haven (^Conn.) Chronicle. Governor Clinton had no superior in America ; and we had fondly hoped that after Mr. Adams, he would have filled the highest office on earth. But he has gone. A nation mourns his loss. From the Boston {Mass.) Patriot and Gazette. We find in the New- York Telegraph of Friday, an appropriate notice of the sudden demise of Governor Clinton, one of the brightest scholars, civihans and statesmen of the age. His memory will be long and fondly cherished. He was emphatically a benefactor of mankind ; and his bold and untiring genius, as an advocate for internal improvements, has erected for him a monument that will endure for ages. From the Pittsfietd (Mass.) Argus. Mr. Clinton was without doubt one of the ablest statesmen and greatest men in our country. The state of New- York cannot boast of so distinguished a son — for while her canals shall continue to bear the products of the West to the Ocean, and Science and Patriotism has a worshipper, the name of De Witt Clinton will be immortal. 184 EXPRESSIONS OF Prom the Baltimore {Maryland) Gazette. The New-York papers received yesterday morning, contain the melancholy intelligence of the sudden death of De Witt Clinton. We join sincerely in the feehng of grief which all the papers, of all parties, ex- press on this occasion. The services of most men who have risen to eminence have generally been con- fined to the circle in which they have moved. Not so with De Witt Clinton. When the wave of time shall have passed over and hidden the labours of his co- temporaries, the services which he has rendered will still exist a landmark above the waters. When the battles of Napoleon shall have been forgotten, the road ' of the Simplon will remain a monument to his memo- ry as eternal as the summit over which it passes : ^o when the noisy politics of the day shall be hushed in everlasting obscurity, the Great Canal, and the thou- sand means of internal communication of which it is becoming the example and prototype, will preserve the name of De Witt Clinton so long as the waters of the Hudson flow, and man trusts the produce of his labour to their bosom. From the Bellows^ Falls (Vermont) Intelligencer. DE WITT CLINTON. In the death of this man, in the fulness of his fame, and in the prime of his intellectual vigour, society has lost a useful and efficient member — and our country a bright and shining ornament. Among the number PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 185 which disapproved of his pohtical course, we were never backward in awarding to him that just tribute which from a long hfe of pubhc services had justly become his due. Extract from a letter from a member of Congress, dated Washington, February 19. "When I first contemplated an answer to your let- ter, I did not anticipate so deeply interesting and sol- emn a topic as has been furnished us by a recent dis- pensation of providence. The death of Governor Clinton is an event calculated to arrest the pubhc attention and produce a pause in the current of our thoughts. The manner was impressive, and seemed a fitting exit for so great a man. It was proper that he should die the governor of a state for which he had done so much, whose gi-eat pubhc works he had lived to accomplish, and upon which his death has en- stamped more deeply the name of their illustrious projector and patron. A great man indeed has fallen. ' He rests from his labours and his ^vorks,' which shall remain perpetual monuments of his fame and usefulness. He was a great scholar, a great states- man." From the Winchester {Virginia) RppvMican. At a special communication of Chnton Lodge No, 139, held at Mason's Hall, Romney, Virginia, on the 186 EXPRESSIONS OF 26th day of February, A. D. 1828, A. L. 5828, the following proceedings were had. Having been informed of the death of De Witt Clinton, governor of the state of New- York, a bro- ther honoured for his devotion to the great principles of masonry, his brilliant talents, his private virtues, his patriotism and benevolence, — we the members of Chnton Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons No. 139, Romney, have convened for the purpose of expressing our unfeigned grief, occasioned by this dispensation of an all-wise providence. Resolved, therefore. That the members of this Lodge feel that our common country, our order, and the great cause of human improvement, have met with a heavy bereavement in the death of our most excel- lent and worthy brother, De Witt Clinton. Resolved^ That the members of this Lodge, (which received its name in honour of our deceased brother) as a testimony of their respect for his memory, will wear the usual badges of mourning for thirty days. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be for- warded by the Worshipful Master to the family of the deceased. On motion. Resolved, That the above resolutions be pubhshed. A copy — Teste, C, TAPSCOTT, Secretary, PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 187 JFhrom the Baltimore {Maryland) Patriot GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER. The officers and members of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Maryland, will attend a special meeting; of said Chapter, to be held in the Maeonic Hall in this city, on the 21st inst. at seven o'clock, to take into consideration the measures proper to be adopted for a due expression of respect to the memory of De Witt Clinton, late General Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons in the United States of America. GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. It having pleased the Almighty to call away, sud- denly, from his career of usefulness and honour, in this life, our late Brother and Companion, his Excel- lency De Witt Clinton, Most Excellent General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Royal Arch Chapter of tlie United States, a bereavement which falls not less heavily on the Masonic Institution, of which he has been, throughout our land, for many years, the ornament and pride, than it does on his country at large; it is fit that the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the District of Columbia, deeply partici- pating in the general sorrow, should obey the dictates of propriety and duty, as well as the impulses of feel- ing, by rendering to the memory of the illustrious de- ceased those tokens of respect and veneration due to his public station, and sanctioned by his private vir- 188 EXPRESSIONS OB' tues. To this end, it is directed that a special coiivo- cation of the Grand Chapter of this District, take place at Mason's Hall, in the city of Washington, on Monday evening, the 25th inst. at 6 o'clock, of which the officers and members of the said Grand Chapter are requested to take notice ; and to which the subor- dinate chapters are requested to send deputations. From the United States {Penn.) Gazette. ^o intimately connected was the late Governor Clinton with the various beneficial societies of a pub- hc and private nature in the state of New- York, that the papers of that state are crowded with notices of the proceedings, resolves, &c. to do honour to the dis- tinguished dead. The Grand Lodge of the state has resolved, that an oration, commemorative of the vir- tues and talents of the deceased, be pronounced, and a solemn service performed at the next annual com- munication. JFVom the Montreal (Canada) Spectator. We regret to notice the death of De Witt Clinton, the upright and learned governor of the state of New- York, an individual whose talents, interest, and enter- prise were directed to the advancement and prosperi- ty of the state over which he ruled. The Erie Canal, the sreat work which he recommended and with great opposition finally effected, will be an everlasting monument to his memory, and his death, we conceive PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 189 will be equally felt by the whole union as by the state with which he was more immediately connected. We may add, that he was a generous friend to the Irish. The late Mr. Emmet, and others who were ex- patriated by the pohtical convulsions of their country, experienced in him, as we have heard, a noble pa- tronage. From the United States (Washington City) Telegraph. A great and shining light is extinguished. De Witt Clinton was emphatically a great man — firm, decided, manly, and upright. Nature gave him a powerful and capacious mind, and he embeUished it with all the graces of education. His imagination, brilliant and comprehensive, was guided by the sound- est judgment, and amidst the labours and cares of po- litical life, he found time to cultivate a classical and poetical taste. Whatever differences may exist with regard to his political career, there can be none as to his personal character. As a man, he was generous, upright and honourable, gentlemanly in his feelings, and affectionate in his friendship. Let political feel- ings rest in the grave — and let liim only be remember- ed as the great statesman, the accomplished scholar, and the honourable man. From the Harrisburgh (Penn) Intelligencer. Our latest papers from New-York, announce the death of De Witt Clinton, who died suddenly on R 190 EXPRESSIONS OP Tuesday, the 12th instant, of an organic aflfection of the heart. When a fellow-being is removed from the common walks of this tran?*ilory life, the regrets of sympathy, or the tears of consanguinity are awaken- ed, but when a fellow-citizen is called off, who has occupied a distinguished place in the politics and civil history of his country, a more than common sensation is produced. The pohtician adverts to the important events with which his name has been con- nected, and the moralist makes an additional reflec- tion on the changing and uncertain character of worldly grandeur and ambition. As the ostensible patron of the great canal system of New-York, and as the opposing candidate of Mr. Madison in 1812 — the name of De Witt Clinton is familiar to every ear. — That he was a man of great and comprehensive mind, and talents of a very superior grade, is a point of al- most general admission. From the Providence {Rhode Island) Journal. DEATH OF GOVERNOR CLINTON. The death of this great man, for such he was, has thrown New-York into a state of gloom and despon- dency, never experienced since the lamented death of General Hamilton. Political friends and foes mingle together in grief, and forgetting his foibles, remember only the virtues of the illustrious man. The death of Governor Clinton will be severely felt by many as a national calamity. New-York has lost her most il- PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 191 lustrious son, and in truth can her citizens say, a great man has fallen. From the Nashville (Tennessee) JVhig. GOVERNOR CLINTON. On Tuesday last the citizens of Nashville united m rendering an unfeigned tribute of respect to the memory of " the governor of the great and patriotic state of New- York." Notwithstanding the inclemen- cy of the weather, a masonic procession was formed on the public square, from whence it moved, accom- panied by a numerous body of citizens, to the presby- terian church, where an appropriate discourse was pronounced by Wrn. G.Hunt, Esq. Of the many who mingled their regrets on this melancholy occa- sion, for the unexpected death of Governor Clinton, we are persuaded that none experienced more poig- nant grief than did his distinguished friend General Andrew Jackson, who came down from the Hermit- age, through the rain, for the purpose of j.nning his fellow-citizens in the performance of this pamful duty. From the Boston (Mass ) Evering Bulletin. With sensations of profound sorrow, we announce the melancholy tidings that De Witt Clinton is no more I This great man expired at his residence in the city of Albany, on Monday evening last, so instan- taneously as to leave a doubt whether his death was occasioned by apoplexy or by a rupture of the heart. 192 EXPRESSIONS OF When the fatal summons came, it found him in the bosom of his family, in conversation with his children. While sitting in his study, his head suddenly dropped forward, and life instantly became extinct. All at- tempts at resuscitation were unavailing. Thus pass- ed away a soul, whose energies have been long and ardently employed in the advancement of his country's prosperity and glory. At this juncture, the death of no individual what- ever could inflict a deeper calamity upon our com- mon country. The intelligence of this afflicting event, will foil like a thunderbolt upon the rising hopes of millions. Those hopes were concentred in him, AS THE ROCK UPON WHICH THE TEMPEST-DRIVEN DESTINIES OF OUR REPUBLIC MIGHT ONE DAY SECURELY REPOSE. To him we looked, as to a promised pal- ladium against the stabs which are daily thrust at our national reputation, amidst the conflicts of contend- ing factions : w^e rehed on this illustrious patriot and statesman, as the medium through which our present unhappy political dissensions might at length be re- conciled. But it is otherwise directed. And, though by this awful bluw, the fondest anticipations of those who feel f live to the future fate of our land are sud- denly crushed — though a cloud of gloomy despon- dency is thus tirrown over the fair prospects of a whole people — it behooves us patiently to submit. — The inscrutable mandate is not for mortals to ques- tion ! PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 193 jFVom the Cincinnati {Ohio) Chronicle. CLINTON IS NO MORE. By a gentleman who has ju^.t reached our city, di- rect from New-York, the melancholy information has been received of the death of Governor Clinton, who expired suddenly in Albany, on the 11th inst. in the bosom of his family, having survived his attack but a few minutes. His native state, as well as the coun- try at large, have sustained a signal loss in the death of this distinguished individual. He was an eminent statesman, possessing very general inteUigence, unit- ed with that enterprise and moral energy of charac- ter, by which works of the greatest magnitude are achieved. Governor Chnton has done much for the state over which he has long presided with dignity, and with whose prosperity and glory his name is inti- mately and advantageously associated. His reputa- tion will outlive the prejudices of party, and his fame will go down to posterity, in connexion with the splendid Erie Canal, which has been executed under his administration, and chiefly through his influence. The importance of his public services to the cause of internal improvement cannot now be fully estimated, but will be more and more appreciated in the lapse of years. From the Georgia Journal. DE WITT CLINTON. It was unanimously resolved at a meeting of the bar, in the town of Macon, (Geo.) that the members 194 EXPRESSIONS OF of the bar of Flint Circuit of the state of Georgia, and those attending from the adjoining circuit, do wear crape on the left arm during the present judicial riding through the several counties of the circuit, as a token of the deep regret which they feel for the death of De Witt Clinton, so distinguished a lawyer, statesman, philanthropist and philosopher, and so great a bene- factor of his country and mankind. firom the Knoxville {Tennessee) Register. Dandridge, 11th March, 5828. The members of this Lodge have heard, with feel- ings of deep regret, of the death of their illustrious friend and brother De Witt Clinton, late governor of New-York. In the death of this distinguished individual, society has sustained a loss not easily to be repaired, and Masonry one of the brightest orna- ments and most able and efficient patrons : There- fore, Resolved, That the members of this Lodge, as an evidence of their respect for the memory of their de- ceased brother, wear an appropriate badge of mourn- ing for the space of thirty days. Resolved, That the foregoing preamble and resolu- tion, be pubhshed in the newspapers printed in Knox- ville. The above is a literal extract from the minutes of Jefferson Lodge No. 52, at its regular communica- tion on the 1 1th March, A. L. 5828. JACOB P. CHASE, Secretary. I PUBLIC SENTIMENT. i 95 From the American {Mass.) Advocate. Most of our readers are already acquainted with the fact that Governor Clinton is no more. He died at his residence in Albany, on Monday evening of last week, of a rupture of the heart, at the age of 59 years. His funeral was attended on Thursday last, by the members of the legislature, civil and military officers, and a large concourse of citizens and strangers. De Witt Clinton was justly and universally esteemed for his private virtues as well as for his public usefulness; and his name will be enrolled on the brightest pages of the future history of our country. Altliough many did not approve of his political course, they will now be disposed to forget what they deemed his errors, and to cherish with grateful feelings the niemory of him who has done so much for the honour of his na- tive state, and for the benefit of our whole country. Washingtm, {D. C.) Feb. 25, 1828. At an extra meeting of the Grand Royal Arch Chap- ter of the District of Columbia, convened this day, by special order of the M. E. G. H. P. for the purpose of evincing its sorrow for the sudden and lamented de- cease of our late Brother and Companion, the M. E. General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the United -States, De Witt Clin- ton, and of adopting measures to testify its profound respect for liis memory : on motion, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted : 196 EXPRESSIONS OF Whereas it has pleased divine providence to re- move from among us our wortliy and most distin- guished Brother and Companion, De Witt Clinton, General Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Ma- sons, which exalted station he had for many years filled with honour to himself and advantage to the whole Masonic Fraternity throughout the United States : And whereas the Grand Chapter of the Dis- trict of Columbia, deeply penetrated with the loss which the Masonic Institution in this country has sus- tained in the decease of so eminent a member, and so valuable an officer, are desirous of evincing the regard in which he was held by them : Resolved, unanimously, That the officers and mem- bers of this Grand Chapter will wear the usual badge of Royal Arch mourning, for the space of thirty days, as a testimonial of their veneration and respect for the memory of the deceased. Resolved, That the officers and members of the Chapters under the jurisdiction of this Grand Chap- ter, be requested, in like manner, to wear mourning for the same space of time, and to clothe their respec- tive chambers in suitable apparel. Resolved, That a public address, on the merits and character of the deceased, be pronounced by some worthy companion Royal Arch Mason, at as early a day as may be convenient ; and that a Masonic Pro- cession, to embrace all Companions and Brethren in the District, resident and sojourning, take place, uiv PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 197 der the direction of this Grand Chapter, on the day of the address, and move from Mason's Hall to the place of its delivery. Resolved, That the Grand Council, the High Priests of the several subordinate Chapters, and the Grand Secretary, be a committee to make every necessary arrangement for the purposes above-mentioned. Resolved, That the Grand Secretary transmit a co- py of the foregoing resolutions to the General Grand Royal Arch Chapter, and to the family of the deceas- ed, and that the same be published in the papers of this city. Attest, EDWARD S. LEWIS, Grand Secretary. ' OHIO. Exti-acts from an address of Caleb Attwater, Esq. of Circleville, Ohio. * "The pubhc services of De Witt Clinton have been worth miUions to the United States. During thirty years he has been a f dthful public servant. — We have seen him in the Assembly and Senate of New-York, an able and faithful legislator. We have seen him in the Court of Errors of New-York, an in- dependent, learned and accomplished jurist. We have seen him in the Senate of the United States, a senator, who did honour to his station, and was the early, intrepid and successful "Friend of Ohio."— For the last fifteen years he has employed his time 198 EXPRESSIONS OP and his talents upon a work which will be gazed on with wonder by all succeeding generations. This work will be the pride and dehght of mankind, so long as human wisdom or pubHc pohcy have a monument remaining on the globe. The grand Chnton canal stretches from the Hudson to the lakes, rousing en- terprise and industry, and enriching the people. Its waters are covered with the productions of every chme and every soil, building up cities, towns and villages, and multiplying all the enjoyments of civilized life. Its vast advantages no mind can estimate. — They affect the destinies of the whole union, and their value increases every day, and will increase so long as this nation exists. " Ohio has lost her oldest, her ablest and best friend. She owes it to him, to his aid and influence in Con- gress, that she was admitted into the union loheii she was. It was objected by several influential members of Congress: 'that Ohio was too young in years and too feeble in numbers, to be thus admitted into the confederacy.' To which Mr. Clinton rephed, 'that her mild chmate, her fruitful soil, her great natural ad- vantages and the absence of domestic slavery, would one day render her the brightest star in the constella- tion of the union.' "To his successful example, to his animating voice, Ohio is indebted for her grand canal. It was his aid and influence which procured us funds, to enable us to carry on this grand work. He made a long and PUBLIC SENTIMENT. l99 tedious journey to be present at its commencement. Had he lived, arrangements were made for his being present at its completion. But alas ! He has been called off from his labours by our Grand High Priest above, to refreshment. No more shall he visit our Lodge, as he did when in this town — no more sbali bis voice be heard among us, because the Grand Ty- ler, death, bas admitted him into the door of the Grand Lodge above, at the command of our Almighty Grand Master." VERMONT. At a regular communication of Mount Calvary En- campment, in Middlebury, Vermont, the following pre- amble and resolutions were unanimously adopted. The Grand Master of our General Encampment has suddenly been removed by death! De Witt Clinton, whose pohtical fame will remain while ca- nals and rocks exist, is now numbered with the illus- trious dead . Whatever the private life of Clinton may have been, his public acts placed him in the rank with the first of pubUc benefactors. His loss is deeply and sensibly felt by an immense comnmnity. His opposers acknowledged him great — ^his friends knew him to be such. Yet great as he was, he could not resist the commanding influence of truth^ nor gainsay divine revelation. He yielded to its impulse, and bow- ed humbly at the Cross of Christ ; and his name will ever remain enrolled among those weary way-worn 200 EXPRESSIONS OP pilgrims, who have espoused the cause of the Chris- tian rehgion " In hoc signo vinces^^'' was his motto. — Guided by these principles, he was eariy found a pa- tron of freemasonry, of learning, of Bible societies, of Sabbath schools, and of other moral and rehgious in- stitutions. By his death we are forcibly reminded that in the midst of life we are in death ; and that whatever elevation of character we may have attained, yet shortly must we all submit as victims of its de- stroying power, and endure the humbhng level of the tomb. On an occasion of so much magnitude as the present, it is laudable to mingle our sympathies with those more immediately bereft — ^therefore, Resolved, That this Encampment consider the late dispensation of divine providence in the removal of their late General Grand Master, De Witt Chnton, by death, as an event deeply afflicting to the public, and especially so to the masonic institution. Resolved, That the jewels and furniture of Mount Calvary Encampment be clad in mourning, and that the members thereof wear the appropriate badge of mourning during their convocations, until the session of the next Grand Encampment. GEORGIA. Masonic Hall., Milledgeville^ March 1 . The afflicting intelligence having reached us, through the medium of the papers, of the sudden death of our estimable brother, De Witt Clinton, the brethren of PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 201 the several lodges of freemasons in this place, assem- bled on Saturday, the 1st of March instant, at their Hall, and appointed a committee to take suitable mea- sures to manifest their sincere regret at his loss; which committee reported the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted : Whereas it has pleased the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, to take to himself our worthy and highly cherished brother, De Witt Clinton, by which divine dispensation the masonic fraternity is deprived of its respected chief, and the nation of a highly distinguish- ed statesman and a patriot — while his native state is plunged in sorrow for his loss, we may be permitted to commingle our tears with those that water his tomb. Although far removed from the immediate masonic circle in which he was wont to preside, yet, as members of the great masonic family, we have viewed with pride the expanding usefulness of our gifted brother. We revered his exalted character while living ; we cherish his memory and mourn his loss now that he is no more. Be it therefore resolved. That the jewels and columns of the Chapter and the several Lodges of this place, be shrouded in mourning for sixty days; and that the brethren do wear crape on the left arm for the same period. Resolved, That a brother be designated to pro- pronounce his eulogy on the ensuing anniversary of St. John's, 24th June next. s 202 EXPRESSIONS OF ' FYom. the National ( Washington City) Intelligencer. The masonic ceremonies which took place in thib city, on Saturday, in honour of the memory of the late Governor Chnton, were amongst the most imposing and solemn which we ever witnessed. The Frater- nity of the District were joined by the Grand Chapter of Maryland, and the procession which they compos- ed, amounting, perhaps, to four hundred, w^as not only the most numerous, but in its general appearance, the most respectable and impressive, which has ever been exhibited in this city. The varied and rich clothing of the different orders ; the intermixture of the mourn- ing appendages ; the solemn strains of two bands of music; the orderly and becoming movement of the long line — combined to give a dignity and solemnity to the scene, highly creditable and appropriate. The public services of tl^e. occasion took place at St. John's Church. The following Ode was sung : Unveil thy bosom, faithful tomb, Take a new treasure to thy trust. And give his sacred relics room To slumber in the silent dust. Nor pain, nor grief, nor anxious fear, Invade Ihy bounds; no mortal woes Can reach the silent sleepers there. And Angels watch their soft repose PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 203 80 Jesus slept: God's dying Son Pass'd through the grave, and bless'd the bed: Rest, rest, dear saint, till from His throne The morning break, and pierce the shade. Break from His throne, illustrious morn! Attend, O! Earth, His sovereign word! Restore thy trust, a glorious form, — He must ascend to meet his Lord. Samuel L. Knapp, Esq. a member of the Fraternity, then rose, and delivered an address, of consideraWe length, on the life and character of the deceased ; as honourable to the talents of the orator, as it was to the memory of the eminent citizen whose merits were its theme. We hstened to the whole discourse with unmingled satisfaction, and frequently with those sen- sations of deUght, which only deep pathos and true eloquence can call forth. * * *t * "| The oration of Mr. Knapp bore testimony to his industry. He seems to have assiduously availed himself of the short period allowed him, to collect a great deal of interesting biographical materials rela- tive to Mr. Clinton ; and, using the lens of fancy with much taste and felicity, he threw, here and there, a poetical ray of much beauty and brightness. The newspapers from New-Orleans, (Louisania,) and from Nashville, (Tennessee,) as well as those from the state of Ohio, were dressed in mourning, in noticing the death of De Witt Chnton. 204 EXPRESSIONS OF, &LC, General Andrew Jackson's toast, at a public dinner, given in Tennessee, on his birth-day, on the 15th March, 1828. The memory of Be Witt Clinton — The patriot, the philanthropist, and the distinguished statesman; in his death. New- York has lost one of her most useful sons, and the nation one of its brightest ornaments. "NOW, DE WITT CLINTON REPOSES IN THE MIDST OF THE CREATIONS OF HIS SCIENTIFIC MIND— and in after ages, when the stranger shall seek his grave, he will find upon it the same simple, but eloquent inscription, which graces the monument of the archiTect of St. Pauls, in London, 'IF YOU SEEK MY MONUMENT, LOOK AROUND.'" 1 V " •'> N "^ ^>*. ...^" ^^ 0^ . -f^ .-V 4^ % V - ^ -^^ 0^ -,^4'. -v *' ■«-.. ^^" ^ '''/ -^o/ .0^ v^^ V .-^ Jg^<^^\; 0' .-^ ♦^ c 9> ^ ^^^.