PREFACE.

THE first and second editions of this work having been so well received, has induced the publisher to issue a third, with greater claims to public patronage.

The Biographical Memoirs, which were before too prolix, have been abridged, and many anecdotes and original pieces inserted instead.

The convenient size of this volume as a pocket companion, with the short, correct, and interesting sketches of eminent public characters, it is hoped will insure it a warm reception.

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THE UNIQUE.

DE WITT CLINTON, LL. D.,

A DISTINGUISHED statesman, was born in the year 1769, in Orange county, New York. In 1784, he entered Columbia college, and at the commencement for conferring degrees, he received the honours of the university. Early in the year 1786, he commenced the study of the law with Samuel Jones, Esq. a celebrated counsellor in New York. He received the usual licences or degrees, but did not immediately commence the practice of the law. He was shortly afterwards appointed secretary to his uncle, George Clinton, then governor of the state, in whose service he continued, during his administration, which ended in 1795.

In 1797, he was elected a member of the assembly for the city of New York. During the period of his legislative career, he devoted

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a large portion of his time to every subject which had relation to the advancement of science; the promotion of agriculture; manufactures, and the arts generally; the establishment 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 improve

ment.

In February, 1802, he was appointed a senator of the United States, in the place of general Armstrong, who had resigned. He continued an active member of this body until October, 1803, when he retired, having been chosen mayor of the city of New York.

In 1806, he was chosen a member of the council of appointment.

In 1807, Mr Clinton was succeeded as mayor by colonel Willet. In 1808, he was again elected mayor of the city. He was also this year chosen a regent of the university. In the senate he still continued his support to the encouragement of free schools, colleges, and manufactures. The records of the proceedings of the senate of New York for the sessions of 1809, '10, '11, exhibit proofs of his great usefulness. Under his auspices the

New York historical society was incorporated; the New York academy of fine arts was incorporated: the orphan asylum and free school societies were fostered and encouraged; and a fur company was established, with a view of diverting that important branch of inland trade from Canada: besides, he introduced laws to prevent kidnapping; for the support of the quarantine establishment, for the encouragement of missionary societies; for the improvement of the public police; for the prevention and punishment of crime; for promoting medical science; and for the endowing seminaries of learning.

In March, 1810, he was appointed one of the commissioners, to report on the improvement of the internal navigation of the state. In consequence of the interruption occasioned by the war, nothing, however, was done. In 1816, a law was passed, constituting a board of canal commissioners, of which Mr Clinton was appointed president. The plan was, to connect lake Erie with the tide waters of the river Hudson.

In 1817, a law was passed, (in consequence of the favourable reports made by the board), authorizing the junction, by canals, of the two