NEW-YORK, Feb. 20, 1829.

DEAR SIR,

You have honoured me with a request that I would furnish you a sketch of the legislative history of the great projects for the Erie and Champlain Canals, in the years 1816 and 1817, together with notices of the leading members of the legislature during those years, who were friendly to the enterprise, and whose labours were exerted most efficiently in the cause which has been crowned with such splendid success. Although my opportunities for acquiring a competent knowledge of the history of our canal system, have not been limited, yet it is with unaffected sincerity that I apprise you of my fears that I shall not be able to execute the task imposed by your request, in a manner that will at once do justice to the subject, and the gentlemen concerned, and at the same time reflect no discredit upon the volume which I understand you have in preparation for the public eye. I fear, moreover, that it will be impossible to compress the history of the canal measures of 1816-17, and trace the progress of the acts of those years through both houses of the legislature, preserving, moreover, the sketches of the debates of the latter session, included at your request, and which were written down by me at the time, within the reasonable bounds which you may suppose. Still, however, in the hope, perhaps a vain one, that I shall be able to contribute something towards the materials for a future history of the internal improvements of my native state, and also to furnish a modicum of matter not altogether deficient in interest to the reader of the present day, I cheerfully attempt a compliance with your wishes.

Knowing full well that your own personal knowledge, added to your patient researches, have rendered you familiar with the incipient measures from time to time adopted by the state, with a view to the stupendous public works of which I am to speak, I shall come at once to the very letter of your request, and begin with the legislature of 1816.

The legislature commenced its session on the 2^d of February. There had for six years been a board of commissioners to make the necessary examinations and surveys, with a view to the projected canals. The gentlemen in commission at this time, were, Gouverneur Morris, Stephen Van Rensselaer, De Witt Clinton, Simeon De Witt, William North, Thomas Eddy, Peter B. Porter, and Charles D. Cooper. In his opening speech to the legislature, Governor Tompkins adverted to the subject of internal improvement by means of roads and canals, and spoke particularly of the latter as follows:

"It will rest with the legislature whether the prospect of connecting the waters of the Hudson with those of the western lakes and of Lake Champlain, is not sufficiently important to demand the appropriation of some part of the revenues of the state to its accomplishment, without imposing too great a burthen upon our constituents. The first route being an object common with the states of the west, we may rely on their zealous co-operation in any judicious plan that can perfect the water communication in that direction. As it relates to the connecting the waters of the Hudson with those of Champlain, we may with equal confidence count on the spirited exertions of the patriotic and enterprising state of Vermont."

This portion of the speech of his excellency was referred by a concurrent resolution, to a joint committee of both houses, consisting of Messrs. Ross, Tibbitts, Swift, and Peter R. Livingston, on the part of the senate; and Messrs. Oakley, W. Thompson, Lynch, Mooers, Holley, Ford, and Warner, on the part of the assembly. The resolution having originated in the senate, Mr. Ross would of course have been chairman of the joint committee; bur from a pressure of business in the Court of Errors, he yielded the situation, and Mr. Oakley was selected as the head of the committee in his place. It is due to Mr. Ross, however, to state, that although Orange, his own county, was at that time, perhaps, more strongly than any other, opposed to the canal project, yet he had the independence to act uniformly with its friends, during the whole period of his service in the senate.

On the 21^st of February, the memorial of Cadwallader D. Colden and others, of the city of New-York, in favour of the great work, was presented and referred to the committee. This memorial was a masterly document, and deserves a proud rank among the splendid remains of the capacious intellect of its author – De Witt Clinton. On the 1^st of March, a memorial to the same effect was presented from the mayor, aldermen, and commonalty of New-York; and numerous others came pouring in from most of the principal towns and villages in the interior.

There was at that time an opposition, which was strong and general, to the canal project, among the representatives and people of the river counties of the Hudson, and upon Long Island; and this opposition was strengthened by an apprehension, that, even if this work was practicable, the opening a cheap, direct, and easy water communication to the rich garden of the west, would injure the market for their own produce, by an excess of supply. They had no conception of the rapid growth of New-York, nor could they be persuaded that its increase would be proportionably accelerated by every new source of production opened to its market. There were others, sound and intelligent men, and accomplished legislators, who paused and hesitated, if they did not oppose, a project of such vast magnitude, and which, of course, must be undertaken as an experiment. Others, again, though by no means hostile to the project, feared the expense during the years of pecuniary and commercial pressure which succeeded the first flush of business at the close of the war. They were not inimical to the cause of internal improvement, but believed it was yet too soon for the states, single handed, to commence works of such extent. Of this class were Mr. Oakley, Mr. Duer, and others, during the present session, and Judges Pendleton and Emmott, and some others, during the session of the ensuing year. It was from this cause, probably, that on the 27^th of February, Mr. Oakley, at his own request, was discharged from the canal committee, of which he was chairman, and Colonel (now General) Jacob Rutsen Van Rensselaer appointed in his place. Colonel Van Rensselaer was one of the most early, ardent, and, as it proved, efficient friends of the project in the state; and it is a rule of parliamentary courtesy, that the chairman, and a majority of the committee, shall be selected from the friends of the subjects referred.

On the 8^th of March, the canal commissioners before mentioned, made their annual report to the legislature. During the war it had been impossible for them to prosecute the objects of their appointment; but fully convinced of the practicability and importance of the work, and the necessity of taking measures to divert the trade of the west from passing down the St. Lawrence, they recommended the adoption "of such preliminary measures as might be necessary for the accomplishment of this important object." This report was signed by all the commissioners except Gouverneur Morris, who, it has been said, was displeased with sundry alterations in the draft which he prepared, and consequently withheld his name.

On the 21^st, Colonel Van Rensselaer, from the joint committee having the subject in charge, presented an able report in favour of the immediate commencement of both canals, and introduced a bill for that purpose. From this excellent report I have transcribed the following passage which has already proved prophetical.

"The beneficial results to arise from the completion of this navigation, can scarcely be calculated by the most sanguine of its advocates. A country, capable of sustaining as dense a population as any section of the globe, embracing many millions of acres, will pour its productions and its wealth into the heart of our commercial emporium, diffusing blessings of every description to every part of this great and important state; connecting the interests of this, and the states in the north-western section of the union, so intimately as to promise permanence and stability to the system of government established by us, and on which all must rely for the political prosperity and happiness of these United States."

An unsuccessful effort was made by the chairman of the committee, to have the bill taken up on the 29^th of March. On the 3^d of April, however, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole upon the bill, as the first business in the morning – a very unusual circumstance – Mr. Duer in the chair.

The city of Albany had long been crowded with people from every section of the state, who visited the capital from various and opposite motives. Some spoke against the proposed canals, on account of their great expense. The fortunes of others were to be ruined by their success. Active members of the lobby for and against the measure, used every argument that could be brought to bear upon the side of the question which they had respectively espoused; and the general feeling had become greatly excited at the time the bill was first brought forward. All knew that the defence of the bill was in able hands. Jacob Rutsen Van Rensselaer, a gentleman of fine talents and attainments, had long been in public life, and was known as one of the most accomplished and skilful legislators in the country; and the friends of the bill hoped as much from his exertions, as its enemies feared. Neither were disappointed. The committee having been called to order, and the bill read, Col. Van Rensselaer rose and addressed the committee at length, and directly and eloquently in its favour. It was this bill which, notwithstanding all subsequent modifications, was the foundation for those enactments that finally crowned the stupendous undertaking with success. Having made himself accurately acquainted with the subject in all its bearings, he sketched with a master hand the advantages of the contemplated route – the character and localities of the country – the probable and possible cost – disclosed the rich and ample resources of the state – raised the curtain of futurity, and presented a bright vision of the utility that would accrue, and the glory that would redound to the state and the nation at large, in peace and in war, from these works – and triumphantly obviated all objections which he supposed could be raised against it. He appealed manfully to all present to bear witness to his candour and liberality, since he was the representative of a county lying on our greatest navigable river, and having already direct intercourse with the city of New-York, at a very cheap rate. He admitted frankly that, the great canal once finished, the facility of communication, added to the cheapness of the fertile lands at the west, would bring the farmers from thence into the New-York market, on equal, if not more than equal terms, with those of Dutchess, Columbia, &c.; but at the same time, with the forecast of a statesman, he predicted the inevitable result which the increase of business would have upon the growth of New-York – that of creating demand with the increase of supply. His whole manner, which is courteous and dignified, betrayed the strongest anxiety for the success of the bill, and the utmost sincerity and disinterestedness on his own part. He spoke like the friend and guardian of the great interests of the state. When he closed, it was evident he had made a strong impression upon all present; and in the subsequent discussions of the details of the bill, he bore himself in the same frank, fearless, and independent manner. – His honest zeal, and his manly efforts in the great cause, deserve to be long and gratefully remembered by the people of this state.

The consideration of the bill was resumed in committee of the whole, on the 5^th – Mr. Beach, of Cayuga, also an active friend of the canal, in the chair. Mr. Duer this day moved to strike out the clause authorising the commissioners "to commence the work at such time and place as they might think proper." The bill was again taken up on the 10^th – Mr. Ostrander, of Albany, in the chair. During this day’s discussion, Mr. Duer proposed a substitute for the bill, intended only to authorise accurate surveys and estimates, &c. and also an application to the general government, to states, and individuals, for assistance in donations, grants of land, &c.; which, after much debate, was lost 60 to 51. Mr. Oakley then proposed an amendment, authorising the commencing of the work, but not until after the next succeeding session of the legislature. This amendment was also lost, 56 to 53; but the chairman of the committee, and the friends of an immediate prosecution of the enterprise, now found themselves sustained by such small majorities, that they began to tremble for the result; and the proceedings of the following day gave them still more anxiety. For on the 11^th, the house in committee of the whole, reconsidered their vote rejecting Mr. Duer’s substitute, and the same was adopted by a vote of 55 to 52. The same day the committee of the whole was discharged from further consideration of the bill, and it was referred to a select committee, consisting of Mr. Oakley, Mr. Peter A. Jay, Mr. Leavenworth, (then Colonel, and now General Leavenworth,) of the Army, Mr. Russell, and Mr. Vanderpool, (now Judge Vanderpool,) of Kinderhook.

The fate of the bill was now considered more critical than ever. And, though ably and efficiently sustained by General James Lynch, of Oneida, and others, Colonel Van Rensselaer had a host to encounter, in the persons of Messrs. Oakley and Duer, of Dutchess; though, as I have before intimated, neither of these gentlemen were so inimical to the measure, as they were to the premature period at which, as they believed, it was proposed to commence it. In the origin of almost every great public measure, men of even the best judgment and soundest heads, will entertain honest differences of opinion, concerning time, place, expediency, &c. Such had long been the fact in this state, in regard to the canal project. Of those who stood in this posture on the present occasion, the gentlemen last mentioned were at the head. Both occupied a proud rank as men of talents, possessing fine parliamentary address. In the legislature then, as often afterwards, Mr. Oakley was distinguished by the same cool and dispassionate manner, the same clearness of argument and acuteness of perception, which have uniformly distinguished him at the bar, and which now render him the ornament of the bench. His manner was always frank, easy, and unostentatious, and by his patience and untiring vigilance, he had deservedly acquired vast influence in the house. So also with his colleague. Mr. Duer, (now judge of the third circuit.) Uniting with superior talents, a graceful and imposing parliamentary manner; always disclosing his views with perfect candour and sincerity; scorning all the minor artifices of legislation, and bringing to the work a thorough knowledge of whatever subject he undertook to discuss; he also had deservedly acquired a large share of the confidence of the legislature; – and under the influence of such commanding powers, and such address, it is not surprising that the members were induced still again to pause and reflect before they authorised the "passage of the Rubicon," if this figure may be allowed.

The select committee, to whom the bill had been referred, after having been so essentially changed in its features, and taken from the committee of the whole, as before stated, reported, on the 12^th, Mr. Duer’s substitute, with sundry amendments. The selection of the committee on this occasion, was peculiarly fortunate, since, being a member of the committee, and an ardent friend of the project, it brought Mr. Jay out more actively in the cause, than he would otherwise, perhaps, have deemed it his duty to engage. The commanding talents, and high personal character of Mr. Jay, the wisdom of his remarks, and the affability and courtesy of his demeanour, were circumstances eminently calculated to favour the cause which he now vigorously espoused. And the force of his powers was soon felt. The consideration of the bill, in its amended form, was resumed in committee of the whole, on the 13^th, in the morning; when, after an animated debate, the first section was adopted. It was again taken up in the evening session of the same day.

It was during this sitting that a proposition for a local tax upon the lands, twenty-five miles in breadth, along the line of the middle section, was offered by Mr. Oakley, and adopted. This proposition tended very much to soften and abate the fears and opposition of many members, who represented those counties, which it was supposed would be less particularly benefitted by the canals. From this moment things once more assumed a brighter aspect. A great variety of amendments were made to the bill, by which the canal was to be commenced, but the operations of the commissioners were confined to the middle section, extending from Rome to the Seneca River; the expenditures were limited to 250,000 per annum; the commissioners were appointed for eight years; and the whole amount of money appropriated to the object, was 2,000,000 dollars. The commissioners named in the bill were, De Witt Clinton, Stephen Van Rensselaer, Townsend M’Coun, Melancthon Wheeler, Henry Seymour, Joseph Ellicott, Jacob Rutsen Van Rensselaer, Philip I. Schuyler, Samuel Young, John Nicholas, William Bayard, George Huntington, and Nathan Smith. In this shape, substantially, it passed the assembly by a vote of 83 to 16, and was sent to the senate for concurrence.

The bill was taken up in committee of the whole of the senate, on the 16^th, on motion of Mr. Van Vechten. On motion of Mr. Van Buren, it was amended by striking out all those parts which went to authorise the commencement of the work, and making it altogether preparatory, by directing the procurement of more accurate surveys and estimates. The reasons for this course were stated by Mr. Van Buren at considerable length. It being evident, he said, to his mind, that the legislature did not possess sufficient information to justify the passage of a law authorising the commencement of the work, and apprehending that the measure might be prejudiced in the public mind by inconsiderate legislation, he believed this to be the safer course. His amendment was adopted by a vote of 20 to 9. The consideration of the bill was resumed in the senate on the 11^th, and after an unsuccessful motion by Major Cochran to reject the whole, the commissioners, on motion of Mr. Ross, were reduced to five in number, and it was thus adopted. The names of the five commissioners retained were, Stephen Van Rensselaer, De Witt Clinton, Samuel Young, Joseph Ellicott, and Myron Holley.

By these amendments, the bill was reduced substantially to the original proposition of Mr. Duer in the other house; and in this shape it went back for concurrence. The assembly at first refused to concur, and the bill was sent back to the senate. But the senate in turn refused to recede. It was the last day of the session – time pressed – and lest the whole project should be swept by the board and lost, by the talents and address of Mr. Lynch and Mr. Jay the house was finally persuaded to recede from its vote of non-concurrence; and thus passed the act of 1816.

The duties enjoined upon the commissioners by this act were, –

The commissioners met in New-York in May, and the board was organised by the appointment of De Witt Clinton, president, Colonel Young, secretary, and Myron Holley, treasurer; and the season was occupied in a diligent and laborious discharge of their preparatory duties.

At the meeting of the legislature of the following year, Governor Tompkins in his speech, directed their attention to the subject only in the following paragraph: –

"It is respectfully submitted to your wisdom to make provision at the present session, for employing a part at least of the state prisoners, either in building the new prison at Auburn, erecting fortifications, opening and repairing great roads, constructing canals, and in making other improvements."

Governor Tompkins had never been suspected of any very strong friendship for the canal project; and this chilling paragraph, at a time when the public attention was alive upon the subject, was at once construed into a settled hostility, which subsequent events proved too true. "So much of his excellency’s speech as related to canals," was not referred to any committee. This speech was delivered at an extra session, held in November 1816, for appointing presidential electors. No communication was made by the Governor at the opening of the adjourned session, which commenced on the 14^th of January, 1817; and no direct movement on the subject of the canals was attempted for more than a month afterwards. Mr. Clinton, Colonel Young, and Mr. Holley, however, were in attendance at Albany, and were not idle in regard to their high trust.

At length, on the 17^th of February the commissioners presented their report respecting the Erie Canal, and the report on the Champlain Canal project was presented on the 19^th of March following. These reports were replete with valuable information connected with the subject. To quote their own language in the first of these reports, "their investigations had shown the physical facility of this great internal communication, and a little attention to the resources of the state, would demonstrate its financial practicability." The former of these reports was referred to a joint committee consisting of Messrs. Livingston, Tibbitts, and Swift, on the part of the senate; and Messrs. William D. Ford, Pendleton, Child, Eckford, and Wilcoxson, on the part of the assembly. Mr. Ford was chairman of the committee. He was a plain, sensible man, of solid understanding, and though little of a rhetorician, acquired a good share of influence in the house from the confidence reposed in his judgment, and his manifest and unquestioned integrity. He then represented the county of Herkimer; but has since been in congress from the county of Jefferson, where he now resides.

On the 19^th of March, a plan of finance, prepared by the commissioners at the request of the joint committee, was presented to the legislature. This projet is understood to have been chiefly, if not altogether, the work of Mr. Clinton. But in forming the plan subsequently adopted, which was devised with great skill and ability, it is understood that George Tibbitts, Esq. of Rensselaer, then in the senate, was the master spirit. It was to his talents and exertions, probably, more than to those of any other man, that the state is indebted for the substitution, in lieu of sundry financial expedients, of an efficient and durable plan of canal revenue. Mr. Tibbitts’ plan, "was to establish a fund to be managed by the commissioners, the income of which would raise money sufficient to complete the canals in twelve or fourteen years, with seven millions of dollars, and leave a sinking fund sufficient to redeem the debt to be created, at a period not far distant from their completion." Mr. Tibbitts is a gentleman of sound judgment, and of much practical knowledge upon many subjects. I have known him before, and since, in both branches of the legislature, and have seldom seen a more useful man in either.

During the session of congress corresponding with the period of which I am now writing, which was the last session of Mr. Madison’s administration, a bill was introduced into that body, for a just apportionment among the several states, of the dividends arising from the stock owned by the United States in the National Bank, to be applied by the states respectively to the prosecution of works of internal improvement. The amount to be derived by the state of New-York from this source, was estimated at about 90,000 dollars per annum, – no mean item of revenue. And it is probable that the committee were induced to delay their report until that question should be decided. The bill passed both houses of congress, greatly to the satisfaction of the friends of internal improvements at Albany. But most unexpectedly, as one of the last acts of his public life, Mr. Madison put his veto upon it. The indignation felt at Albany on the receipt of this intelligence, was equal to the disappointment. But probably this act of Mr. Madison’s, was ultimately productive of good, in respect to the projects then in contemplation. The feelings of the people and of the legislature were aroused, and there was a very general determination that the state of New-York should put forth her own energies, and commence the proposed works, though of national magnitude, on her own account. Accordingly, on the 19^th of March, the joint committee presented an able and elaborate report, recommending the immediate construction of the Erie Canal, from the Mohawk to the Seneca River, and the entire Champlain Canal. Colonel Van Rensselaer was not a member of this legislature, but the object lay so near to his heart, that he was much of the time at Albany; and so certain was he of the practicability of the work, and of the vast profits and advantages to result from it, that he sent in a proposition which accompanied the report of the committee, for undertaking the whole Erie Canal himself.

The subject was this year first taken up in committee of the whole of the House of Assembly on Tuesday, the 1^st of April, Mr. Duer in the char. In opening the debate, Mr. Ford, as chairman of the committee, avowed himself in favour of the first bill which the committee had reported; but some of his associates preferred a different mode of raising the revenue, or at least a portion of it, by imposing an annual tax upon the real and personal estates, in the several cities, villages, towns, and counties immediately to be benefitted by the canals. Under the direction of the committee, therefore, he now proposed a new bill, embracing such a provision.

The late Judge Pendleton, of Dutchess county, spoke in favour of the substitute, which was received in committee of the whole by a large majority. – From the general scope and tenor of the judge’s remarks, I drew the inference that he was in fact hostile to the entire project, and would oppose the bill throughout. My acquaintance with this gentleman was limited, having been altogether confined to the last half of the session of which I am speaking. I saw enough of him, however, to admire his sterling character, and high and honourable principles. He was a perfect gentleman of the old school, and in the days of chivalry would have been a cavalier of lofty and noble mien. An officer in the war of the revolution, he was attached to the military family of General Greene, in his southern campaigns. In debate he was not eloquent, but he never spoke unless he thought it necessary, and from a sense of duty; and what he communicated was to the purpose; being ever the result of a sound and discriminating judgment. I shall presently have occasion to speak of this gentleman again.

The debate next turned upon a proposition for purchasing the rights secured by their act of incorporation, to the old Western Inland Lock Navigation Company, in which several members were engaged; but before the question was taken, the committee rose and reported progress.

The consideration of the bill was renewed in committee of the whole, on the following day. Mr. Duer opened the debate this morning; and as his remarks not only indicated his present views, but explained very lucidly the course he took, and the motives by which he had been actuated, during the former session, it may not be amiss to preserve in this place a sketch of those remarks made by me at the time.

Mr. Duer said – "That when the important subject now presented for the consideration of the committee was agitated in the house at the last session, he had been decidedly opposed to the bill then reported by a select committee, for engaging the state at once in the execution of the whole work, before we were in possession of a complete survey of the route, or of any previous estimate of the expense; and without providing the means, and creating the funds by which it should eventually be defrayed. Although he had been opposed to that bill, he way by no means unfriendly to the project of the canal; and he therefore felt it his duty to propose a substitute, which was ultimately adopted by both branches of the legislature, and is the law under which the commissioners are acting. He was against all precipitate and inconsiderate measures, lest they should defeat the final accomplishment of the great object which we had in view. But even at that period, he had been willing to authorise the commissioners, from information then before the house, and from the funds then proposed to be provided, to commence the construction of the northern canal, and of the western canal between Rome and Seneca River; confining their operations to those sections in the first instance; and he had accordingly voted for the amendments to that effect, which passed the house, but which were afterwards rejected by the senate. From the information since collected by the commissioners, he thought we were fully warranted in proceeding; his impression was, that the section between the Mohawk and the Hudson ought first to be completed; but upon this section the report of the commissioners is defective – their opinion is against it. If this committee, therefore, should agree in that opinion, he should now, as on the former occasion, be willing to submit his wishes to the judgment of the majority, and vote for the commencement of the Lake Champlain Canal, and for the commencement of a canal from Rome westward; provided adequate funds could be devoted and pledged for that purpose, upon fair and equitable principles.

"The bill under consideration was materially defective. It did not contain the necessary provisions to enable the commissioners to take possession of the lands through which the canals must pass, nor does the bill upon the table empower the commissioners to enter upon other lands adjacent, to procure timber and other materials necessary for constructing the canals. Sir, (said Mr. D.) in order to prosecute the undertaking, it is necessary that the commissioners should have extensive powers. They must have ample power to take possession of any and every description of property necessary for the construction of the contemplated canals. In is nugatory to invest the commissioners with power to contract either with the Western Inland Lock Navigation Company, or with individuals; for you cannot compel them to consent to an agreement, nor even to listen to proposals. The interests of the incorporation, as well as those of other persons, should be subservient to the paramount interests of the state; and a fair compensation, to be ascertained by a person appointed, should be allowed to them for any damages or sacrifices which the public good requires of them. He therefore suggested the propriety of recommitting the bill to a select committee, to be amended upon these principles."

Mr. Barnes, of Oneida, informed his friend from Dutchess, that he was prepared to offer amendments in conformity with the views of that gentleman, when they arrived at the proper stage of the bill.

Wheeler Barnes, Esq. the gentleman whose name is now introduced, had succeeded Mr. Lynch in the legislature, from Oneida. I am thus particular, because the services of Mr. B were of great importance during the discussions upon this subject. His talents were highly respectable, his industry great, his knowledge of the subject precise, and his personal character in every way estimable. In discussing the details of the bill, he was frequently called to the floor, and on all occasions acquitted himself in a manner that entitled him to the gratitude of his constituents and friends of the great cause. His exertions in the house, in the committees, and out of the house, were indefatigable; and I have yet in my possession the notes of a very excellent speech – clear, forcible, and argumentative – which he delivered during the day of which I am now speaking, in reply to Mr. Sharpe of New-York – for since the session of the preceding year, one of those political revolutions which sometimes sweep suddenly over our city, had again occurred, and the new delegation was as strongly opposed to the canal project, as their predecessors had been in its favour.

On this day also, Mr. Emott, (now Judge Emott,) who had succeeded Mr. Oakley, from Dutchess, come out very decidedly, not only against the present bill, but in hostility to any project for embarking in the enterprise at that period, or for a long time to come. The high character and attainments of Mr. Emott, united with talents of the first order, and industry the most untiring, rendered him a formidable antagonist. But the chairman of the committee bore himself manfully, and was ably sustained, as I have already said, by Mr. Barnes, and also by a very eloquent and beautiful speech from John I. Ostrander, Esq. – then a representative of the city of Albany.

The debate was resumed on the 7^th; – the question on which the discussion turned, being a motion to strike out the section imposing the local tax upon real and personal estates in the chief towns, villages, cities, counties, &c. as before mentioned. William B. Rochester, Esq., then a young member from the west, first took the floor in opposition to the motion, but in favour of the bill upon its merits in the broad sense of the term. The late Dr. Sargeant, of Washington county, who had long been an influential member of the house with a certain class of politician, replied to Mr. Rochester, to whom the latter rejoined. These were the virgin parliamentary efforts of Mr. R.; they were able and eloquent, and afforded promise of talents, which, as they ripened into greater maturity, have successively pointed him out for a seat in congress; for the bench of the circuit court; and subsequently to fill two diplomatic situations.

After Mr. Rochester had concluded, Mr. Emott again took the floor in a more formidable and determined manner than during the former debate. He came armed with appalling tables of figures and estimates, and all perceived that before he had concluded he had made an impression unfavourable to the project. Not that he avowed himself decidedly the enemy of the measure; on the contrary, he now declared that he was in favour of the canal, but utterly opposed to all visionary projects, and most especially to the bill under discussion.

The prospect began now for a moment to darken; and serious doubts were again entertained as to the fate of this bill, or any other upon the subject, during that session. On the following day, however, which was the 8^th, after having examined the surveys and calculations of Benjamin Wright, Esq. the principal engineer, Judge Pendleton came out decidedly in favour of the canal system, and delivered a speech of which I reported the following sketch at the time:

"Mr. Pendleton said – The gentleman from Albany, (Mr. Ostrander) had done injustice to his honourable colleague from Dutchess (Mr. Emott) on a former day, in supposing that gentleman had introduced the clause now proposed to be stricken out, and who, he said, had thrown it as an apple of discord among the friends of the Great Canal. Whatever there was of merit or demerit in the measure, Mr. E. had nothing to do with its introduction. Mr. P. said, he had himself proposed in the committee which reported the bill, the propriety of raising a part of the funds necessary for that work, by a tax on the lands and property of the cities, towns, and counties which would derive by the canals, if they could be accomplished, great, and almost incalculable advantages. He then stated, and insisted it was fair in its principle, and perfectly just. With such a tax he was willing to begin the work, but if the whole funds were to be raised by the state, he should feel it to be his duty to vote against the whole bill. Gentlemen, he said, had treated this measure of a local tax as one intended, by those who maintained it, to defeat all the plans that might be proposed for making the canals; yet it was a little extraordinary that a gentleman who is warmly in favour of the bill, and who made the motion to reject this clause, (Mr. Sargeant,) coincided with those who were understood to be avowedly hostile to it, under any modification, and who had seconded that gentleman’s motion. Mr. P. said, it was a principle of equity, that those who were to receive the benefits of the measure, should bear some additional part of the expenses. The committee reported that the counties west of the Oneida, inclusive, had paid annually one million of dollars for the transportation of merchandise and supplies of all kinds from Albany for their clothes, farms, manufactures, &c. and that the average freight to Buffalo, the most distant point, was one hundred dollars per ton – that the price of freight from Montreal to the same point, was about sixty dollars. Suppose sixty dollars to be the average price, it followed that they required upwards of 66,000 tons to supply their wants. If a safe and easy navigation can be effected by means of canals and locks, which he believed to be practicable, at a comparatively small expense, the price of freights at three cents per ton per mile, which was the lowest sum spoken of, would, on an average, enable them to obtain those supplies at ten dollars and a half per ton on the whole route, making a gain of forty-nine dollars and a half, a saving of more than 700,000 dollars per annum on this single charge upon their industry. In relation to the transportation of their produce to market, it was stated that it might be carried to Montreal at thirty dollars. The quantity of tonnage, however, was much greater, as the articles were more bulky, and this item would make the saving in transportation alone one million of dollars per annum in those countries. It would also open a market for their extensive beds of plaster of Paris, as a manure, which would be turning their very stones into gold.

"Mr. Pendleton proceeded. He said the contemplated canals, if they succeeded to the utmost that their friends expected, would be of no direct benefit to a great part of the state. And the taxes for them would fall principally on those who were in that situation. We, said he, in Dutchess county, pay sixty dollars per acre for our lands, so that two hundred acres would be estimated at 12,000 dollars. Whereas the inhabitants on those canals would pay for two hundred acres not more than 3,000 dollars, so that we should pay four times as much as they. The result would raise the value of their farms up to perhaps 9,000 dollars, giving a clear profit to them on the expenditure of our money of three hundred per cent. It had been said that we should be supplied with plaster of Paris, a valuable manure much used by us. Mr. P. doubted whether it could be delivered at Albany on the canals, if completed, cheaper than at New-York from Nova Scotia. He said he understood that the quantity of plaster imported into New-York, was perhaps 75,000 tons per annum, for which was paid about 350,000 dollars; this would be a saving of so much to the country, if it could be supplied from the west; but the midland and southern counties would derive no benefit from it locally. They would have to pay probably the same price for it on their farms in both instances. He had stated the immense local advantages to be derived from these canals if completed. He reminded the gentlemen that he had assumed that they could be made and completed, as they themselves insisted, and if so, the result was inevitable. They could not oppose this without at the same time opposing the whole scheme as in impracticable, visionary project. Then what was the tax? Seventy-five cents on one thousand dollars value. It would probably be on 2,000,000 acres, and would not be more than two and a half cents per acre per annum. The amount for New-York would be 41,000 dollars. This was not a large sum; and from what we have heard from well informed men of that city, a large portion of the people of property were in favour of it, and thought that contribution a moderate one. If those canals were made, it would have an almost incalculable effect on the commerce of that city. What, he asked, had caused its unexampled increase of wealth and population? It was owing to its central position – its great rivers – its open port. This made it the depot of supplies, and for the shipment of the produce of three or four states. Suppose these canals completed, and it would be the emporium not only of our own products, but for the northern part of the western states and territories, and this would increase with the increase of their population, which had been rapid beyond conception. It appeared by documents on the table, that the money paid at Fort Pitt for transportation for goods delivered there from Philadelphia, and carried by wagons, was more than one hundred thousand dollars per month, perhaps eight months in the year. It was ascertained that goods could be delivered there, if the western canal was complete, for one-third the cost of that land carriage. Gentlemen had strongly urged that the enterprise was a national one, and ought to be made solely at the expense of the state. He had already shown the injustice of that principle in its operation on those parts of the state by which no benefit could be derived; but gentlemen had exclaimed against a local tax, as though the whole funds were raised in that mode. The whole amount of the local taxes was proposed to be 96,000 dollars per annum only. If the gentlemen were so desirous of having the canal for their benefit, either they doubted the practicability, and wished the experiment to be made at the expense of the state, or they were so palpably unjust as to which to improve their estates at the people’s expense. Mr. P. said the proposition was so partial, so selfish, so grossly inequitable, that he was surprised any honourable man would support it. He was glad to see many gentlemen from the western country had acted otherwise, thinking it just that they should bear some part of the expense. Another national advantage had been alluded to, arising from the commercial competition between Montreal and Albany, for the trade of the western country. At present, Montreal must be the depot, and the St. Lawrence the channel through which the exports of their and our territories near the lakes must find a foreign market; but it was clear if the canal could be made complete, so as to afford an easy and certain passage for boats of from thirty to fifty tons, eight months in the year, paying three cents per ton per mile, the consequences would be directly the reverse. We should get not only all our own productions from the great lakes and their streams to a foreign market, through Albany and New-York, but theirs also. As it is now, our merchants go to Montreal and form their connexions in trade. This creates a kind of dependence on that country, which might be very injurious in the event of war. Mr. P. concluded by saying he would have no objection to devote some part of the funds of the state to this enterprise, which he believed might be accomplished for seven or eight millions of dollars at most, but he would not think it just or proper to do so wholly at the expense of the state. To obviate, however, some of the objections, he would propose that all moneys advanced for this enterprise by the state, and by individuals, should be repaid out of the profits of the canals after they were completed; and he read two clauses as part of his speech, which he said he should propose, if the principle of local taxation prevailed. If it did not, he should vote against the bill.

Mr. Sargeant replied to Judge Pendleton, as also did Mr. Romaine, of New-York, in a forcible and impressive speech. After which, and a brief rejoinder from Judge Pendleton, the question was taken on the motion to strike out the clause for local assessments, and the same was carried in the affirmative by the close vote of 52 to 51.

In discussing and adjusting various details of the bill during the remainder of the day, Mr. Duer was often upon the floor; and his opinions tended greatly to produce an unobjectionable arrangement of its provisions, and a favourable vote subsequently on the final question. Before the rising of the committee, however, Mr. Duer moved to add, in lieu of the objectionable scheme for local and partial taxation, which had been stricken out, a section equivalent to that of the former session proposed by Mr. Oakley, imposing a tax on lands within twenty-five miles on each side of the canals.

This was the important question to be met at the threshold, on the opening of the debate on the following day, (the 9^th). It was very evident from the late vote upon the question, involving essentially the same principle, but in a somewhat different shape, that there would be a very strong opposition to any system of local taxation whatever. And it was equally evident, that without some such provision, the bill must fail. The debate was recommenced by Mr. Duer on the morning of the 9^th in his ablest manner. His language was at once persuasive and powerful. His close observation, and his deep thought upon the proud results evidently to grow out of this momentous question, revealed to his enlightened understanding the immense utility of the work in contemplation, and the honourable fame to be awarded, by unborn ages, to those who might now or hereafter step forth as its honest, fearless, and successful advocates. He did not hesitate. He avowed his determined purpose in the course of the debates, to sustain the cause and persevere to the end. His reasons for the proposed amendment were plainly and perspicuously assigned, and they were not without their effect upon his hearers.

At this critical point of the struggle, Elisha Williams, of Columbia, who had not hitherto manifested any particular friendship for the project, having been rather reserved, stepped forward in its favour; and events soon proved "the might that slumbered in his arm." The extraordinary powers of this gentleman, as well before a court and jury, as in our legislative halls, is proverbial. No matter what subject comes up, he is always ready to grapple with and master it. Nor is he more remarkable for the readiness and strength of his powers, than for their versatility. For deep and thrilling pathos when required; for sublimity of thought and richness of language, when demanded by his theme; and for logical and grave debate, he is equally as distinguished as for the lighter sallies of his playful and sparkling fancy, the quickness of his wit, and the pungency and severity of his satire. And woe to the hapless wight who, incurring his displeasure by unprovoked attack, subjects himself to the arrows which fly from his ample quiver, or draws forth that scorching torrent of invective, which sometimes flows like a stream of burning lava from his lips! His appearance in debate is commanding; his presence at all times easy and dignified; his countenance almost invariably cheerful, and beaming with good nature; and his mild blue eye, when lighted up with unwonted lustre in pleading a momentous cause, or debating an important question, beams and sparkles with intellectual fire. Altogether he is one of the most eloquent, popular, and commanding public speakers in our country; and although his language has not always the classical polish of Canning, yet those who have had the opportunity of comparing the manner of both, decidedly award the palm to Williams. He would at any time have shone pre-eminently in the federal legislative halls, had he complied with the wishes of those who were anxious to be represented by him in the national councils. His fame, if more limited on account of being confined to a narrower sphere of action, is, however, within that sphere more enviable and exalted.

In the course of the debate in which he now engaged, Mr. W. had occasion for all his powers, and he wielded them with a giant’s might; contesting the ground inch by inch, and defending the bill section by section. But it was in one grand speech, that in the most masterly manner he sustained the motion of Mr. Duer, and argued the question of canal policy, upon the broad ground of its merits. From this time until the battle was fought, and the victory won, he was at his post, and often upon the floor; now gravely answering the objections of the leading opponents of the measure; now nerving the arms, even of the strong, and now dispelling the apprehensions of the timid, and confirming the vacillating and doubtful; now tearing the mask from those pretended friends of the project, who were secretly aiming at the destruction of the bill, and now extinguishing in a breath, by some happy stroke of raillery, the petty objections thickly interspersed by those legislators, who have neither the mind to conceive, nor the judgment to appreciate, any extensive projects of public improvement. He laboured hard to harmonise and soften jealousies and conflicting interests. He, as well as several gentlemen who opposed the bill, represented a county bordering on the Hudson River – a county that might possibly be opposed for the present to so great an undertaking. But he relied on the patriotism and the magnanimity of his constituents; and he was not mistaken. He appealed to the members from New-York, who were almost to a man hostile to the project. He conjured them in the most animated and persuasive manner, not to forget that this was in fact an attempt of the people of the state to supply their favourite city, at the cheapest rate, with every production of the soil in abundance. The glowing picture which he drew of the future greatness and splendour of New-York, when the great channels of inland navigation then under consideration should be completed, is yet floating in my mind, like the fragments of a bright and glorious vision. "If," said he, turning to a leading member of the New-York delegation, "if the canal is to be a shower of gold, it will fall upon New-York; if a river of gold, it will flow into her lap." How true have we already found this prediction! But, strong as was his belief, and sanguine as was his temperament, his anticipations, though then considered extravagant, have fallen far short of the reality, both on the score of revenue derived from these canals, and as regards the incalculable benefit they have conferred upon the state, and country at large.

Mr. Duer’s motion to amend was adopted soon after Mr. Williams sat down, by a vote of 61 to 45. Mr. Sargeant then moved to reject the whole bill, which motion, after brief discussion, was lost, 70 to 30. The battle was now won; and the residue to the time occupied on the bill in the house of assembly , was in a running debate upon its minor details. The question on its final passage, in committee of the whole, was taken on the 10^th of April. The votes stood, ayes 64, noes 36. On the next day it was read the third time, passed, and sent to the senate for concurrence, where, on motion of Mr. Tibbitts, it was made the special order for the following day.

Accordingly, on the 12^th of April, the subject was taken up in the senate; but after a long debate, the committee rose and reported progress before any question was taken. On Monday the 14^th, the discussion was resumed, when Mr. Elmendorf, of Ulster, and Mr. Peter R. Livingston, of Dutchess, successively spoke at length in opposition. Mr. Tibbitts made a very sound and judicious speech in reply, and was followed by Mr. Van Buren, late Governor of New-York, and now Secretary of State, also in favour of the bill. This was Mr. Van Buren’s great speech of the session, and it was indeed a masterly effort. I took notes of the whole debate at the time, but being then young in the business of reporting, and this being the first time I had ever attempted to follow Mr. Van Buren, whose utterance is too rapid for an unpractised pen, and whose manner was on that occasion too interesting to allow a reporter to keep his eyes upon his paper, my effort was little more than a failure. At your request, however, a transcript of the loose notes which were preserved, is here inserted.

"Mr. Van Buren said he must trespass upon the committee, while he stated the general considerations which induced him to vote for the bill. It was a subject which had been so fully discussed, and upon which so much had been said, that he should deem it arrogance to enlarge. The calculations which had been made with respect to the probable expense of the canal, and the ways and means for raising funds, were fit subjects for consideration. But to do this he deemed himself incompetent. He must place great confidence upon the reports of the commissioners upon these points. Mr. V.B. here took a brief review of the measures adopted at the last session of the legislature, in relation to the canal, when a bill similar to the one now before the senate, was under consideration, and stated the reasons why he voted against the bill at that time. We then had no calculations made by the commissioners so minute as at present. Under these considerations, he conceived it his duty at the last session, to move the rejection of the whole bill relating to the commencement of the canal. It was done, and he had the satisfaction to find that most gentlemen have since united with his opinion. Now the scene is entirely changed. We at that time passed a law appointing new commissioners, and applying 20,000 dollars to enable them to obtain all the information possible. We now have the information, and we have arrived at the point, when, if this bill do not pass, the project must for many years be abandoned. His convictions were, that it is for the honour and interest of the state to commence the work at once; we are pledged by former measures to do it. Mr. Van Buren here viewed the proceedings of former legislatures upon the subject, during the years 1810, 11, 12, and 14, when, in consequence of the war, the law appropriating five millions for the canal, was repealed. He proceeded: – Since that period, new commissioners have been appointed, and new authority given, to examine the route for the canal, and report at the present session of the legislature. A law authorising the commencement of the work has passed the popular branch of the legislature, and unless we have the clearest convictions that the project is impracticable, or the resources of our state insufficient, you must not recede from the measures already taken. Are we satisfied upon these two points? We have had able, competent commissioners to report, and they have laid a full statement before us; we are bound to receive these reports as correct evidence upon this subject. In no part of the business have we looked to individual states, or to the United States for assistance, other than accidental or auxiliary. Mr. Van Buren here made some calculations relative to the funds. Lay out of view, said he, all the accidental resources, and the revenue from the canal, and in completing the work you will only entail upon the state a debt, the interest of which will amount to but about 300,000 dollars. He then stated the amount of real estate within the state now, and what it probably would be, if the canal were completed. The tax would not amount to more than one mill on the dollar, unless the report of the commissioners is a tissue of fraud or misrepresentation, this tax will be sufficient, and more than sufficient, to complete the canal. We are now to say that all our former proceedings have been insincere, or we must go on with the work. The people in the districts where we are first to make the canal, are willing and able to be subjected to the expense of those sections. Mr. Van Buren contended that the duties upon salt, and the auction duties, were a certain source of revenue, and that these two sources of revenue would be abundant, and more than abundant, for ever to discharge the interest of the debt to be created. Ought we, under such circumstances, to reject this bill? No, sir; for one I am willing to go to the length contemplated by the bill. The canal is to promote the interest and character of the state in a thousand ways. But we are told that the people cannot bear the burden. Sir, I assume it as a fact, that the people have already consented to it. For six years we have been engaged upon this business. During this time our tables have groaned with the petitions of the people from every section of our country in favour of it. And not a solitary voice has been raised against it. Mr. V.B. said he had seen with regret the divisions that have heretofore existed upon this subject, apparently arising from hostility to the commissioners. Last year the same bill, in effect, passed the assembly, the immediate representatives of the people; and this year it has passed again. This was conclusive evidence that the people have assented to it. Little can be done by the commissioners, other than to make a loan, before another session. The money cannot be lost – there can be no loss at six per cent. We have now all the information we can wish – we must make up our minds either to be expending large sums in legislation year after year, or we must go on with the project. After so much has been done and said upon this subject, it would be discreditable to the state to abandon it.

"He considered it the most important vote he ever gave in his life – but the project, if executed, would raise the state to the highest possible pitch of fame and grandeur. He repeated that we were bound to consider that the people have given their assent. Twelve thousand men of wealth and respectability in the city of New-York, last year petitioned for the canal; and at all events, before the operations would be commenced, the people, if opposed to the measure, would have ample time to express their will upon the subject."

When Mr. Van Buren resumed his seat, Mr. Clinton, who had been an attentive listener in the senate chamber, breaking through that reserve which political collisions had created, approached him and expressed his thanks for his exertions in the most flattering terms.

Mr. Van Buren is an very eloquent speaker; but the character of his eloquence is sui generis. We know of none of the mighty masters of the persuasive art, whom he has adopted for his model; and yet his manner is graceful, and animated when occasion requires, or impassioned when engaged upon an inspiring theme. He has a happy command of language, but his utterance is too rapid. His figure is small, and there is nothing peculiar in his person, excepting the fine formation of his head, which would afford an admirable subject for a craniologist. With manners affable and insinuating, he inspires his friends with the strongest attachment known to political ties; and though self-educated, his professional knowledge is such as to have placed him in the front rank of the bar, while his successful career in politics bears ample testimony to talents of an elevated order, and a tack in the management of men, and in the control of parties, without a living parallel.

Messrs. Livingston, Elmendorf, and Ogden, of Delaware, severally spoke in reply; but when the main question on the enacting clause was taken, it was carried in the affirmative, 21 to 8. In the course of this day's sitting, a very important motion was made by Mr. Van Buren, with success. The bill, as it passed the assembly, authorised the loans to be made on the canal fund only; and that was the best form in which it could in the first instance, be passed in that body. The vital importance of extending the security, was at that time fully appreciated by the friends of the canal, and has been amply confirmed by experience. This amendment was adopted by a vote of 16 to 11. Several other amendments were made to the bill by the senate, but there was none of sufficient importance to require a specification here. Some of these amendments were concurred in by the assembly, among which was the important one mentioned above; and from others the senate receded. The result was, that the bill was successfully carried through both houses in the course of the evening session of the same day, and sent to the Council of Revision. It became a law on the following day, viz. the 15^th of April. Under this act, the first meeting of the commissioners to receive proposals, and make contracts preparatory to the actual commencement of the work, was held at Utica, on the 3^d of June, 1817.

Colonel Young and Mr. Holley, remained to take charge of the commencement of the work upon the middle section, which it was wisely resolved should be first completed. There was foresight in this determination; for it was a period of increasing political excitement, and a portion of the public press had already become the bitter assailants of the president of the board, and were endeavouring to render the work itself unpopular, by attributing sinister views to the great man who it was obvious would share in large measure the glory of success, or, on the other hand, be inevitably crushed by the odium attendant upon defeat. Hence, therefore, it was very possible that the great work might even yet be arrested by the madness of the party. But by constructing the middle section first, the whole country upon the eastern and western sections, anxious to enjoy the like advantages, would compel the legislature to make such liberal appropriations as would be adequate to a vigorous prosecution of the work upon both these extensive sections at the same time, and thus secure a more speedy completion of the whole enterprise.

It was determined to break ground in the vicinity of Rome; and an arrangement was made by the people of that village, with Colonel Young and Mr. Holley, to unite with our joyous national festival, the ceremonies of commencing the excavation of the Great Canal. Accordingly, on the 4^th of July, at sunrise, a large number of citizens, accompanied by the acting commissioners and the engineers, proceeded to the place appointed. The Hon. Joshua Hathaway, one of the pioneers of the west, made a few pertinent observations on behalf of the citizens, and at the conclusion delivered the spade into the hands of the commissioners, by whom it was presented to Judge Richardson, the first contractor engaged in the work. The following neat and pertinent address was delivered by Colonel Young on this occasion:

"FELLOW-CITIZENS: – We have assembled to commence the excavation of the Erie Canal. The work when accomplished will connect our western inland seas with the Atlantic ocean. It will diffuse the benefits of internal navigation over a surface of vast extent, blessed with a salubrious climate and luxuriant soil, embracing a tract of country capable of sustaining more human beings than were ever accommodated by any work of the kind.

"By this great highway, unborn millions will easily transport their surplus productions to the shores of the Atlantic, procure their supplies, and hold a useful and profitable intercourse with all the maritime nations of the earth.

"The expense and labour of this great undertaking, bears no proportion to its utility. Nature has kindly afforded every facility; we have all the moral and physical means within our reach and control. Let us then proceed to the work, animated by the prospect of its speedy accomplishment, and cheered with the anticipated benedictions of a grateful posterity."

Judge Richardson then thrust the first spade into the earth, and the example was followed by the assembled citizens, and his own labourers, each emulous of the other, and all ambitious of the honour of participating in the labours of this interesting and joyful occasion. "Thus, accompanied by the acclamations of the citizens, and the discharge of cannon, was struck the first stroke towards the construction of a work, which in its completion has united Erie with the Hudson; the west with the Atlantic; which has scattered plenty along its borders; carried refinement and civilization to the regions of the wilderness; and which will ever remain a proud and useful monument of the enlightened views of its projectors, and of the wisdom and magnanimity of the state of New-York."

The next important period in the legislative history of the canals, was the session of 1819. The work on the middle section had been prosecuted with such vigour and success, that the canal commissioners felt justified in recommending the necessary appropriations for completing the whole. A bill for this purpose passed the assembly. But it met with much opposition in the senate, and several attempts were made to defeat it, by motions to strike out, first, that part which authorised the construction of the western section; and, secondly, that which in like manner authorised the construction of the eastern section, from Utica to the Hudson River. I believe that it may be truly said of Mr. Van Buren and Colonel Young, that it was to their unwearied exertions, mainly, that the attempts made at this time to cripple the bills, were defeated. At this session of the legislature, Henry Seymour, Esq., was appointed to the board of commissioners, in the place of Mr. Ellicott, resigned. [Subsequently, in 1821, William C. Bouck, Esq. was added to the board.]

The next grand landmark in the bright career of New-York in the work of internal improvement, was the celebration of the completion of the middle section, which event was commemorated on the 4^th of July, 1820, exactly three years from the day of its commencement. This section extended from Utica to Montezuma, on the Seneca River, a distance, I believe, of ninety-six miles. In conformity with previous arrangements, the people from Ontario, Genesee, Cayuga, Onondaga, Madison, and Oneida counties, assembled on the morning of that day, in the basin formed by the junction of the Salina, with the line of the Great Canal at Syracuse. The people, many of them, came in boats from either direction, on the canal. Seventy-three boats, of different sizes, filled with people bearing different standards, and many of them gaily and tastefully ornamented, were present. On board of one of these, the "Oneida Chief," were, his excellency Governor Clinton, Thomas J. Oakley, Esq. then attorney general, John C. Spencer, Esq. then speaker of the house of assembly, Myron Holley, Esq. one of the commissioners, together with the late Col. Charles G. Haines, and Pierre C. Van Wyck, Esq. of this city, with other distinguished gentlemen from New-York, Albany, Utica, and elsewhere. An appropriate address was delivered to an audience of many thousands, by Samuel Miles Hopkins, Esq., then of Genesee county, now of Albany. His speech was every way a national one, embracing the great topics connected with the perpetuity of our republican government, and beautifully proportioned civil institutions, and the prosperity of the American empire. Every heart beat warm with national enthusiasm, and the rising glory of the state of New-York, filled and elevated every mind capable of reflecting on the tendency of the scene, or the new and splendid era opening upon her destinies. After the address, the boats moved in procession down the lateral canal to the basin at Salina, where the day was concluded by the usual festivities incident to great and joyous public occasions. Such a spectacle, in point of novelty and grandeur, had at that time never been witnessed in the interior; and there was a corresponding degree of interest manifested by the people to behold it.

The next period which stands prominently forth in our canal history, and which the scope of your request renders it proper for me to notice, is the completion of the Champlain Canal, and of the eastern section of the Great Erie Canal, together with the ceremonies which marked the descent of the first boat into the Hudson. This important event was celebrated at Albany on Wednesday the 8^th of October, 1823. Extensive preparations were made by the corporation and citizens of Albany, together with the military, and the several literary, benevolent, and other societies of the capital, to honour the day with suitable demonstrations of satisfaction and joy. Invitations having been extended to New-York to participate in the proposed festivities, a public meeting was held at the old Tontine Coffee-house, and a large committee of our citizens deputed to represent the great commercial mart of the state at the political capital. The deputation from this city amounting to about fifty gentlemen, took passage, a part in the Chancellor Livingston steam-boat, and a part in the Richmond, both of which were handsomely decorated with flags and streamers for the occasion. At West Point they were joined by Major Worth, with several officers, and the elegant military band at that post. The day was ushered in at Albany by the ringing of bells and firing of cannon, and at an early hour the people, in countless hundreds, were in motion. The commissioners were descending the canal, after the completion of these portions of their labours; and at sunrise a superb packet-boat, called the "De Witt Clinton," proceeded with a committee, to meet them at the junction of the canals, near the Cahoos, and escort them to the city. At the proper hour, an immense military and civic procession was formed, which marched to the canal near the lock through which it takes its last leap into the bosom of the Hudson. The concourse of people was very great. The windows, and tops of the houses, were filled; the fields covered; and the banks of the canal lined with people for a distance of several miles. At 12 o’clock the aquatic procession, consisting of a long line of boats, handsomely decorated for the occasion, preceded by the "De Witt Clinton," having on board, the great man whose name she bore, together with the commissioners and committee, arrived, and gracefully entered the last lock, beneath a triumphal arch. The ceremony of laying the cope-stone was performed by Ezra Ames, Esq. High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter. The boat was then allowed to descend into the Hudson amidst deafening peals of applause by the multitude, and the still louder roar of artillery. But as you were among the invited guests on that occasion, and standing at the side of your friend, the lamented Clinton, at the proud moment when the vessel met the embrace of the river, I think it not unlikely that the picture yet in your memory will render my sketch comparatively dry and uninteresting. A short address, calculated for this part of the celebration, was here delivered by Dr. Mitchill. After sweeping gaily down the river for some distance, the boats returned to the dock, and the commissioners, joining with the procession, repaired to the capitol, in front of which a spacious pavilion had been erected for the reception of the several committees and distinguished guests. The ceremonies and proceedings were here opened by the late Rev. Dr. Chester, of whom it may most truly be said, "none knew him but to love – none named him but to praise," who addressed the throne of grace in a fervent prayer, characterized by the enthusiasm of gratitude, piety, and patriotism. A congratulatory address was then delivered to the canal commissioners in behalf of the corporation, by Charles E. Dudley, Esq. then mayor of that city, now in the Senate of the United States. – The late William Bayard, Esq. chairman of the New-York committee, thereupon rose and tendered the congratulations of the citizens of New-York to those of Albany, through their committee. His address was brief, but neat and pertinent; and was replied to in an excellent speech by William James, Esq. of the Albanian committee. I wish you had room to preserve all these addresses; but I fear it would swell your volume to an unreasonable size, should you incorporate therein all the documents of this kind which are really worthy of preservation. The exercises at the pavilion were closed by a benediction; a feu de joie was fired by the troops on duty; and the day was concluded by a sumptuous banquet, and a display of fire-works in the evening.

Thus closed the second proud festival of New-York connected with the march of internal improvement. But a greater, prouder, happier scene was then at hand – a day of which it may fearlessly be said, there is none like it in hour history, nor can there probably be another. I need not stop to inform you that I now allude to the day on which was commemorated the completion of the same grand design, then so near its consummation. The work was finished on the 26^th of October, 1825 – eight years and four months from the time of its commencement. Extensive preparations were made for the celebration of this auspicious event, not only in New-York and Albany, but along the whole line of the canal from the Hudson to Lake Erie. It had been arranged that a procession of boats should start from Lake Erie for New-York, immediately as the last blow should be struck. On board of one of these boats Governor Clinton and Lieutenant-Governor Tallmadge, with the canal commissioners, and other distinguished gentlemen took passage; and the other boats were occupied by committees of gentlemen from the different villages along the route, participating in the festivities which everywhere marked the progress of the novel flotilla. To guard against mistake, or disappointment in Albany and this city, in case the work should not be completed within the time designated, pieces of ordnance were planted at suitable points along the whole intermediate distance, so that a signal gun could be fired at the moment the boats should move from the lake into the canal; which signal being repeated from gun to gun, was to serve the double purpose of a grand salute, and a medium of intelligence. The plan was accurately and effectively executed. In one hour and thirty minutes from the firing of the first gun, at Buffalo, its echo was heard in this city; and in about the same period of time, by the same process, the people of Buffalo were apprised of the fact of our having received the grateful intelligence – a distance, both ways, of nearly eleven hundred miles. Throughout the whole extent, from Erie to the ocean, it was a voyage of triumph. Every village had prepared its festival, each vieing with the others to excel; and for the whole week, the commissioners only left one scene of rejoicing to mingle in another.

Suffice it, therefore, to say, in conclusion, that the celebration at Albany was upon a far larger and more brilliant scale than had ever been witnessed in that venerable capital before. The descent of the Hudson presented a glorious spectacle along the whole river – the canal-boats being accompanied by a fleet of steam-boats, all gorgeously decorated with flags and streamers of every variety. The banks were lined with people, whose loud huzzas, mingling with the roar of artillery at every village, proclaimed the joy with which all were animated by the event, and by the beautiful and cheering pageant passing before their eyes like a delightful vision. Of the celebration in this city, I need only say, that we shall "never look upon its like again." It was a tranquil, beautiful day, and a thousand circumstances, both upon land and water, conspired to increase the interest and magnificence of the scene. – Never before was there presented to the eye of man so rich and splendid an exhibition, upon the water, as was displayed on that day in the harbour of New-York. And never, in this country, was there so brilliant a procession upon land, or such universal demonstrations of proud and heartfelt joy among the people. And the prominent figure in this scene of public exultation, was a man whose name will be preserved from the stroke of time, by the benedictions of remotest posterity; – one of those men whom one age is insufficient to appreciate; – whose thoughts and purposes run through many ages; – and whose minds are never fairly developed till their conceptions have been embodied in plans and measures, which continue blessing a nation from generation to generation. That man – need I add his name? – was DE WITT CLINTON.

Dr. DAVID HOSACK.

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Transcribed from the original text and html prepared by Bill Carr, last updated 5/29/99.