Letter from Nathaniel Carter, Esq. to David Hosack, M.D. containing the observations of the Hon. Rufus King, relative to the talents and public services of Governor Clinton.

NEW-YORK, October 28^th, 1828.

DEAR SIR,

I take great pleasure in complying with your request, to state the substance of a conversation which I had with the Hon. Rufus King, at his residence in London, on the 24^th November, 1825, respecting the late Governor Clinton. American papers had just reached England, containing an account of the Grand Canal celebration on the completion of that great work, and the mingling of the waters of Lake Erie with the ocean. Mr. King appeared to feel as lively an interest as myself in the proceedings; and in his remarks on the festival, he took occasion to pronounce a high and flattering eulogium upon the talents and public services of Mr. Clinton. He expressed much satisfaction, that the plans of that illustrious statesman had at length been fully realised, and that the stupendous enterprise with which his reputation was identified, had been crowned with complete success. He rejoiced that Mr. Clinton had outlived the prejudices and passions of his opponents, and was in the full enjoyment of that popularity and public confidence which he had so justly merited. In a word, Mr. King spoke of the late Governor in terms of the most liberal and unqualified praise. This conversation made a deep impression on my mind, not only as manifesting the opinions and feelings of one distinguished individual towards another, but because I was aware they had never been political friends.

Dr. DAVID HOSACK.

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Transcribed from the original text and html prepared by Bill Carr, last updated 5/30/99.