"This solemnity at this place on the first arrival of vessels from Lake Erie, is intended to indicate and commemorate the navigable communication, which has been accomplished between our Mediterranean Seas and the Atlantic Ocean, in about eight years, to the extent of more than four hundred and twenty-five miles, by the wisdom, public spirit, and energy of the State of New York; and may the God of Heavens and Earth smile most propitiously on this work, and render it subservient to the best interests of the human race."

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Transcribed from the original text and html prepared by Bill Carr, last updated 5/21/99.