The following anecdote, taken from the spirited eulogium of Judge Conkling, and the subjoined letters, afford abundant evidence of the value attached to the views of Mr. Clinton, and the confidence with which the public regarded his opinions, at the same time that they display the zeal, ability, and disinterestedness of his services.

"Under his auspices a new and most important era has arisen in the history of our country; and so inseparably connected has his name become with the introduction into the United States of canals upon a grand scale, that he has for years been habitually regarded, by the whole American people, as the parent and great patron of the system. That such is the light in which he has been viewed, the proofs are too numerous and evident to require enumeration. There is one, however, which I cannot forbear to notice, especially as it will afford me the opportunity to relate an incident, of which I happened myself to be a witness, and which, independently of the striking illustration it affords of the high estimation in which he was held, possesses, if I mistake not, sufficient of moral grandeur to render it of itself not altogether uninteresting. The proof to which I refer is the formal invitation which he received from the state of Ohio, to be present and assist at the imposing ceremonial which was to mark the commencement of her magnificent canal, and the distinguished honours which were paid him during his visit. This tribute, in itself so high and unequivocal, derived additional value from one of the motives by which it was understood to have been dictated. The decision of the commissioners with respect to the northern termination of the canal, had excited a spirit of dissatisfaction, arising from disappointed hopes, which, joined with the original opposition to the measure, threatened seriously to embarrass and impede, if not, for a time at least, to interrupt the progress of the work. Under these circumstances it was hoped, that the presence of Mr. Clinton would serve to inspire a loftier sentiment of patriotism and self-denial, and thus, in some measure, to allay the spirit of discontent. This hope rested, it is presumed, not upon the expectation of any direct efforts from him to produce reconciliation, but merely upon the supposed moral influence of his high character. That this supposition was founded in no mistaken view of the character and feelings of the people of Ohio, may be inferred from the incident which I will now relate.

"The ceremonies to which I have alluded took place, it will be recollected, upon the anniversary of our independence. The place selected for their performance was a small clearing, in the midst of a gigantic forest. Upon this spot a vast multitude had assembled, among whom were a large proportion of the first citizens of the state. In front of a small stage, destined for the orator of the day, and on which Mr. Clinton, together with the Governor of Ohio, and other distinguished individuals were also seated, rude seats had been constructed sufficiently extensive to accommodate several hundred persons. These were all filled with silent and attentive auditors. At the close of an animated oration (to which I am unwilling, even thus incidentally to allude without bearing testimony to its distinguished merits) Mr. Clinton rose, in compliance with what he understood to be the prevailing wish and expectation, to address the assembled multitude. And when he advanced to the edge of the platform for that purpose, the entire mass of men who occupied the benches which I have described, by one simultaneous movement, which could only have been prompted by one common absorbing emotion of respect, rose from their seats! I may perhaps overrate this tribute - but to me it appears now as then appeared, a momentary gleam, emanating from "the divinity that stirs within us" - a bright but transient vision, at once beautiful and sublime, of all that is most pure and exalted in man; the silent, unpremeditated, spontaneous homage of the heart to virtue. Of its effects upon Mr. Clinton, it is but just to say, that he was sensibly touched by it. For a few moments he was unable to command his feelings, and his voice faltered as he spoke. But his mind soon recovered its wonted equilibrium, and he proceeded to speak in a manner worthy of himself. In the course of his brief address, adverting to the short period which had elapsed since the admission of Ohio into the confederacy, as an independent state, and her unexampled progress in population, wealth and power, he took occasion, I remember, with great felicity of expression, to compare her to a young eagle, which, though just escaped from its eyrie, had already soared aloft and fixed its gaze upon the sun. His address was followed by the most enthusiastic acclamations.

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Transcribed from the original text and html prepared by Bill Carr, last updated 5/22/99.