Special meeting of the New-York Literary and Philosophical Society.

At a special meeting of the New-York Literary and Philosophical Society, convened at their chamber in the New-York Institution, 16^th February, 1828, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted.

On motion, resolved, that this Society are deeply sensible of their loss, as well as that of the state and nation, in the death of their late President, DE WITT CLINTON.

Resolved, that Dr. DAVID HOSACK, the first Vice President of this Society, be requested to pronounce a Discourse commemorative of the worth and services of the deceased.

Resolved, that a committee of five be appointed to carry into effect the above resolutions. Whereupon Professor Renwick, Dr. Van Rensselaer, Philip Hone, William Gracie, and Dr. Pendleton, were appointed.

Resolved, that the above resolutions be published.

--------------------

Meeting of the Citizens of New York.

At a meeting of the Citizens of the city and county of New-York, on the 21^st of February instant, at the large room in the Masonic Hall, Broadway, opposite the Hospital, convened by public notice, for the purpose of expressing their feelings in relation to the death of DE WITT CLINTON, late Governor of the state, Morgan Lewis, Esq. was called to the chair and Thomas Herttell, appointed secretary.

Philip Hone, Esq. late Mayor, then rose and addressed the chair as follows:

This meeting is convened for the purpose of expressing the sense of the citizens of New-York, generally, on the occasion of the death of Governor Clinton. The various public institutions of which he was a distinguished member, and several of which were planted and watered by his hand, have already paid this tribute to his memory. But we are assembled to express, as far as possible, the sentiments of the citizens of New-York. The benefit of his labours for the public good are felt in every section of the state. But we have participated largely, and we claim the privilege of expressing loudly, and deeply, our grief on this melancholy occasion.

It is not my intention to pronounce a panegyric on the great and good man whose loss we deplore. Abler heads will conceive, more practised hands will indite, and more eloquent lips pronounce, his eulogy; but no heart will be found to feel this bereavement more sensibly than that of the individual who now addresses you.

Engaged as Governor Clinton has been, in party politics, ever since the commencement of his career as a public man, he was, nevertheless, deficient in that quality of a politician, which is unfortunately too often considered as essential. His was not that cold, calculating policy, which, congealing the natural currents of the heart, would check its godlike impulse, and prevent him from loving those who loved him, lest it might interfere with his political plans: he was not of that class of politicians, who fearing to do something wrong, are content to do nothing right. By professional politicians he was condemned for this, but this it was that endeared him to his friends; and few public men have ever possessed in so great a degree the affections of his personal friends.

As a political man, and the leader of a party, he had many adherents and many opponents. Talents like his, could not fail to protrude their possessor into the front rank. On all occasions, and if his inclinations had led him at any time to seek the immunity of neutrality, in relation to questions of a public nature, the voice of his fellow-citizens would have forbidden it. But happily for his fame, his claims are more substantial than those merely of the leader of a political sect. In the silence of the tomb, the voice of party is hushed, and our lamented Clinton will be remembered as the proudest ornament of the state. She weeps for him, as the enlightened scholar; the patron and efficient supporter of those liberal institutions, which serve to adorn our country, and to meliorate the condition of its citizens; the patriotic and incorruptible statesman, and the active, zealous, fearless advocate of internal improvements - that cause in which his political and personal reputation was so deeply identified, that its failure would have been his defeat, as its successful accomplishment is his glory. It has succeeded - and his fellow-citizens will not refuse him their gratitude, which alone constituted the ultimate object of his patriotic labours.

The Legislature of the state are at present engaged in such measures as are best calculated to assuage the grief of his bereaved relatives, and to redound to their own honour; and we are assembled this day to encourage them in well-doing by an approval of those measures; and in mingling our tears with those which have been shed in other parts of the state, to express how deeply this afflictive dispensation of Divine Providence is felt by the city of New-York.

Mr. Hone then offered the following resolutions:

Resolved, that we deplore, in common with our fellow-citizens, the dispensation of Providence which has deprived us of our late Chief Magistrate De Witt Clinton, and unite with heartfelt sincerity in the sorrow which has followed him to the tomb.

Resolved, that, while in the death of De Witt Clinton we recognise a nation's loss, - which demands the expression of a nation's grief, - we especially feel the bereavement as inhabitants of this city, which by his genius, virtues, and untiring exertions, has been rendered the seat of commerce, prosperity, and opulence.

Resolved, that a committee of two persons from each ward be appointed, to consider and recommend such measures as they may deem necessary and proper for rendering honour to the character and public services of the deceased.

Elbert Herring, Esquire, seconded the resolutions, and addressed the meeting as follows:

Mr. Chairman,

It is with much emotion, that I second the resolutions just now offered. The merit of the great man, whose death has assembled us, demands an abler eulogist; and, I trust, that richer praise and worthier tributes of respect may follow my humble offering. It is, however, grateful to my feelings to mingle my own with the general sorrow, and to manifest regard for the memory of him, whom, when living, I never ceased to honor. It is creditable to our nature to weep over departed worth; and it is alike our duty and interest to mourn over, and to deck the graves of the illustrious dead. And could death have struck down a nobler victim? Could the grave have closed upon one more devoted to this country? or more useful to the human family? or more endeared to the wise and the good? Early in life he, whose death we deplore, and whose memory we would honour, was called by his countrymen into public employment; and from that time till our bereavement, his mighty mind was consecrated to the service of his country. For more than thirty years he has passed in review before you, occupying many official stations, shedding lustre upon them all, and impressing upon all the character of his exalted mind. From the commencement to the close of his brilliant career, he was the distinguished patron of science and the arts, and the untiring advocate of charitable and moral institutions. Whatever was great, or good, or useful - whatever we respect, or admire, or applaud - whatever tended to dignify human nature and meliorate the condition of man, to promote the cause of virtue, and exalt the character of his country, was sure to find in him zealous support and efficient aid. To his indefatigable exertions, the school fund, in a great measure, owes its prosperity. His efforts have pre-eminently diffused education through our state; and to thousands has the book of knowledge been opened, who but for him would have been uneducated and unenlightened, blind to its beauties and its blessings: he saw in the diffusion of knowledge and the mental culture of his countrymen, their just appreciation of their own rights, their love of freedom, and the stability and permanency of our civil institutions.

Under his fostering care, agriculture left its unprogressive position, and made rapid strides in improvement. He realized the blessings that flow in her train. He knew that she dispensed wealth, cherished independence, and inculcated morality; and he, therefore, made it the subject of special communication to our Legislature.

He was the constant advocate of charitable and moral institutions. He considered them the handmaids of benevolence and virtue, - ministering to the happiness and advancing the best interests of society; and he lent them the influence of his talents and of his great name.

And, Sir, his energy and influence and foresight, intermingled the Lakes and the Hudson. The great Western Canal owns him as its efficient patron. His comprehensive mind grasped its stupendous importance. He viewed, in its completion, the prosperity of the state, and the glory of the nation. And on its accomplishment he hazarded his renown. The pledge was nobly given. That work alone will immortalize his name; and the benefits resulting from it will transcend the power of computation.

This, Sir, is a rapid glance at some of his public services. Less could not be said. But his eulogy will be emphatically, and sublimely, and beautifully pronounced by the prosperity and aggrandizement of the state and the nation.

This illustrious man was in one instant passing before us in his career of usefulness, with the brilliancy of a meteor, and in the next the mourners were bearing him to his long home. But he is embalmed in the hearts of his countrymen, because he pursued the best interests, and advanced the true glory, of his country. His fame is the rich inheritance of the nation. The splendid legacy is imperishable. It will last as long as the waters of Lake Erie shall wind around the hills and flow over the valleys of the west in its passage to the ocean. It will last, till the stream of time shall mingle with and be lost in the ocean of eternity. We attest his worth by our sorrow; and we offer our tribute of mournful respect to this friend of science, this patron of the arts, this ornament of our country, this benefactor of mankind.

Resolved, that these proceedings shall be signed by the Chairman and Secretary, and published.

Resolved, that this meeting adjourn to such time and place as shall be designated by the Chairman by public notice.

--------------------

SIR,

At a general meeting of the citizens of New-York, a committee was appointed from each ward, to adopt suitable measures to render a tribute of their respect to the memory of De Witt Clinton. By the direction of that committee, we request the favour of you to pronounce an Eulogy on the character and services of that distinguished man.

DAVID HOSACK, M.D.

--------------------

To the preceding requests a verbal answer, accepting the invitation, was communicated to the gentlemen composing the committees, with the promise of informing them when the performance of the duty might be expected.

--------------------

The general committee appointed at a meeting of the citizens in February last, to recommend suitable measures for rendering honour to the memory of De Witt Clinton, met at the City Hall, on the 1^st of November instant, when the special committee reported, that Dr. David Hosack had consented to deliver a Discourse commemorative of the character and public services of De Witt Clinton, at such time and place as might be designated for that purpose. The said committee further reported, that the Consistory of the Middle Dutch Church had kindly granted the use of the said church for the contemplated purpose. Whereupon,

Resolved, that the said report be accepted.

Resolved, that Dr. David Hosack be requested to deliver his Discourse in the said church, on Saturday, the 8^th of November instant, at 12 o'clock at noon.

Resolved, that Dr. John Stearns, Evert A. Bancker, and Elbert Herring, Esqs. Be a committee to make the necessary arrangements.

--------------------

New-York State Society of Cincinnati.

The President informs the members of the Society, that they have been particularly invited to attend the delivery of a Discourse commemorative of the character and public services of his Excellency De Witt Clinton, deceased, late Governor of this state, and at the time of his death a member of this state society. The discourse is to delivered by Dr. Hosack, in the Middle Dutch Church, to-morrow at 12 o'clock, but the members are requested to meet at the City Hall, at half past 11 o'clock, for the purpose of joining in a procession to be formed at the latter place.

--------------------

Extract from the Minutes of the New-York Literary and Philosophical Society.

DEAR SIR,

The members of the New-York Literary and Philosophical Society have been peculiarly gratified by your glowing Biography of their revered President; and they esteem it the vigorous and successful execution of an enviable work. You have vividly portrayed the soul of that illustrious man, warm with the best feelings of humanity, enriched by its most valuable treasures, and ennobled by its loftiest and most extended views. You have evinced, that, to our commonwealth, he was an invaluable citizen; to our country, a bright ornament; and to the world at large, a most distinguished benefactor.

While all mingle their just tribute to his imperishable memory, we would unite in the exclamation,

- Magnâ suprèmum voce ciemus;

for it was in him that we recognised the founder of our institution, and our leading officer until his sad farewell. We mourn his absence; yet we rejoice to think, that, while his works enrich the library of nations, by your complying with the request which it is our pleasing duty to convey to you, your pencil may perpetuate the moral lineaments of our venerated Clinton.

TO DAVID HOSACK, M.D. LL.D.

--------------------

GENTLEMEN,

The same feeling which induced me to undertake the duty with which the Literary and Philosophical Society deemed it proper to honour me, will impel me to comply with the resolution passed at a late meeting of that institution, requesting a copy of my Discourse for publication.

While, therefore, I gratefully acknowledge my sense of the kindness which has dictated the approbation expressed by the resolution of the society, I beg you will also accept my thanks for the courteous terms in which you have communicated their request.

C

--------------------

At a meeting of the general committee, appointed by the citizens to devise and recommend suitable measures to honour the memory of De Witt Clinton, -

Resolved, that the thanks of this committee be presented to Dr. David Hosack, for his able and interesting discourse, commemorative of the character and public services of De Witt Clinton.

Resolved, that Dr. John Stearns, Evert A. Bancker, Elbert Herring, John L. Graham, and Thomas Herttell, Esquires, be a committee, to request from Dr. Hosack a copy of his Address for publication.

--------------------

SIR,

We have the honour to transmit to you the enclosed resolution, passed at a recent meeting of the general committee, in behalf of the citizens. While we cordially concur in this public acknowledgement, we avail ourselves of this opportunity individually to express our thanks for your prompt acquiescence in the general wish, and for the very able manner in which the trust has been executed. We flatter ourselves, you will add to our gratification by giving publicity to a Discourse, equally creditable to the author and the illustrious deceased.

DR. DAVID HOSACK.

--------------------

To John Stearns, M.D., Evert A. Bancker, Elbert Herring, John L. Graham, and Thomas Herttell, Esquires.

GENTLEMEN,

Honoured by the request of the committee of my fellow-citizens, I have endeavoured, to the best of my abilities, to portray the life and services of the late distinguished Chief Magistrate of this state. If in the performance of the duty assigned me, I have, in any measure, realized your expectations, I cannot feel myself at liberty to decline a compliance with the request you have kindly preferred to obtain a copy of my Discourse for publication. I, therefore, submit the same to the disposal of the general committee.

--------------------

At a special meeting of the Rutgers Medical Faculty of Geneva College, held at the College, on the 15^th November, 1828, -

On motion, unanimously resolved, that this Faculty have listened with high satisfaction to the Discourse delivered by their President, Dr. Hosack, commemorative of the life and services of the late Governor Clinton. And further, that this Faculty have ever recognised in the illustrious deceased, the faithful patriot, the enlightened patron of the arts and sciences, and the especial friend and supporter of medical science, and the members of this Faculty.

----------------------------------------

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