tion, the ardor of his patriotism displayed itself
by his uniting with a body of his college companions, in a military
movement, in the revolutionary contest. He afterwards returned for a while
to his _alma mater_, with the approbation of President Witherspoon. He was
next appointed a sub-commissioner for American prisoners in New-York, and
had frequent intercourse with the notorious Cunningham, the keeper of the
Provost; visited the Sugar House, occupied by the unfortunate prisoners of
war, in Crown street (now Liberty street); the Dutch Church in Nassau
street, the Scotch Church in Little Queen street (now Cedar street), and
also the Friends' Meeting House in Queen street (now Pearl street), near
Cherry street, all tilled with the wretched victims of tyranny. He
interceded in their behalf with the German General Heister, and with Henry
Clinton, the British commander. He became acquainted with Knyphausen,
William Smith the historian of New-York, Lord Howe, and others, and he has
described, as an eye-witness, the scenes occurring at Washington's
inauguration, in 1789. He was an advocate of the Federal policy of that
day, and was a member of our State Legislature when it held its sessions
in this city. Time forbids my detailing the objects to which he directed
his attention during a long career of usefulness. Several of our important
municipal regulations still in force were suggested by him. He was an
earnest champion and successful advocate for the incorporation of the Bank
of New-York. He was one of the founders of the Tammany Society, in those
days made up of gentlemen of all political parties, and the express object
of which was to preserve the history and habits of our red brethren. He
urged the plan of a Registry of Mortality in this city, and was appointed
the first City Inspector. The New-York Historical Society must look upon
him as its chief founder. Some of its most precious treasures are fruits
of his munificence. He was among the most strenuous, with Bishop Hobart,
in establishing and increasing the library of the Protestant Episcopal
Seminary, and was not deficient of contributions towards it. He was active
with Elias Boudinot in projecting the American Bible Society. The first
Bank of Savings mainly originated with him. He revived the Chamber of
Commerce after its long repose. He convened the first assemblage of our
citizens at the Park; for the purpose of obtaining a public expression of
opinion in favor of