The Recorder of the City, and the Committee of the Common Council, then requested of Mr. Colden the Memoir he had prepared at their desire. In presenting it to the Mayor, Mr. Golden said, he had not been unambitious of the part assigned him in the celebration, and wished he could have performed the duty more to his own satisfaction, and in a manner more deserving the honor of having his Memoir placed in the city archives. That, in the Memoir, he had adverted to the circumstances of our country, previously to, and at the time the Canals were commenced, and had endeavoured to trace these great works to their origin, and in their progress to their consummation. That he had, also, attempted to anticipate their advantages and effects, not only in respect to our own State, but in regard to the Union. That, since the Canals were projected, many subjects connected with them had arisen, which had excited great difference of opinion, and much feeling. These points, Mr. Golden said, he had, as far as possible, avoided , but, when he was obliged to notice them, he had endeavoured to divest himself of every kind of bias, and to observe the utmost impartiality and fidelity. That he was, notwithstanding, fearful he might be subject to the charge of injustice, in having omitted to notice some persons, whose claims to be mentioned as friends, and supporters of the Canals, are equal to those of many whose names appear In the Memoir. Mr. Colden said. If there were such omissions they proceeded from want of information; and, when it was considered how little time was allowed for inquiry on this subject, he hoped they would be excused , he trusted, also, he said, that the same consideration would entitle the Memoir to some share of that indulgence which, notwithstanding his best efforts, he was very conscious it would need.