ernment, to recommend a system of restrictive measures, in our intercourse with foreign nations, in preference to an open declaration of war, in defence of the indisputable rights and privileges, which had been obtained by the struggle of a seven years war for independence. Pursuant to this policy of government, the well known non-intercourse and non-importation acts were passed; and finally, as a last resort, it was enacted that an embargo be laid on all ships and vessels, in the ports and places, within the limits or jurisdiction of the United States, cleared or not cleared, bound to any port or foreign place; and that no clearance be furnished to any ship or vessel, bound to such foreign port or place, except vessels under the immediate direction of the President of the United States. These important acts, however, did not produce the desired effect; on the contrary, Great Britain, though contending with almost the whole world in arms against her, persisted with an unaccountable obstinacy in her encroachments upon our neutral rights. Every attempt to secure the tranquillity of the country for the future, or to obtain indemnity for outrages already committed, were alike unavailing. Triumphing in her boasted supremacy on the ocean, she seemed to set at defiance every power which complained of insult or injury.

At length the United States became aroused to a sense of their real situation. Dependence upon Great Britain, or an appeal to arms, appeared to be the only alternative. The latter was, of course, preferred by a nation of freemen; accordingly, in June 1812, Mr. Calhoun, then chairman of the committee of foreign relations, introduced into congress, which was passed by a large majority, a resolution, that War be, and the same is hereby declared to exist, between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the dependencies thereof, and the United States of America, and their territories; and that the President of the United States, be authorised to use the whole of the land and naval forces of the United States, to carry the same into effect, and to issue to private armed vessels of the United States, commissions, or letters of marque and general reprisal, in such form as he shall think proper, and under the seal of the United States, against the vessels, goods and effects of the government of the said United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the subjects thereof.

This important event, as may well be imagined, produced great sensation throughout the country, which was then ex

1

tremely agitated by the conflicts between the two great federal and republican parties. The war, however, notwithstanding the unfavorable aspect at its commencement, was terminated successfully. National honour was acquired, and the rights and privileges for which we contended, were acknowledged and conceded by Great Britain, in a treaty of peace, concluded between the two countries at Ghent, in the month of December, 1814.

Upon the accession of Mr. Monroe to the Presidency, in the formation of his cabinet, he selected Mr. Calhoun to preside over the important department of war; a trust at that time, particularly responsible, in consequence of the change of the situation of the country, from that of hostility, to a state of peace and tranquillity. The ability and success with which he performed the arduous and delicate duties of his office, it is unnecessary here to relate. The careful and judicious re duction of the army, together with its present just and admi rable organization, bear ample testimony to the wise and pat riotic views of the secretary. Mr. Calhoun continued in the office of secretary of war during the whole of Mr. Monroe's administration. In 1824, when the people of the United States were about to select from among her able patriots and statesmen, a new president and vice-president, Mr. Calhoun was at first, warmly supported by a portion of his fellow citi zens, for the highest office in the power of a free people to bestow. Other distinguished individuals were also presented to the public view, who, although not superior to him in point of talents, were, perhaps, from longer experience in public life, considered as more justly entitled to that high office. Under this impresssion, his friends were induced to withdraw his name from the list of candidates. His admiring fellow citizens, however, duly appreciating the ability and fidelity with which he had served them, made choice of him to fill the second highest office in their gift-that of Vice-President of the United States, which he now fills with dignity, and in the full confidence of the people, that he will long continue to be a blessing to his country.

DE WITT CLINTON.

DE WITT CLINTON, the present governor of the State of New-York, is the son of the late Major-General James Clinton, who so highly distinguished himself, both in the French war and in that of our national independence. He was born in the county of Ulster, in the State of New-York, in 1764, where he received an excellent education. He was early brought into public life, being selected by his uncle, George Clinton, who was for many years governor of that state, and afterwards, vice-president of the United States, as his private secretary. During several years of the political excitement which existed not only between the various parties in his native state, but throughout the whole United States, he took a most conspicuous part; and although young, was recog nised as one of the ablest scholars and statesmen, of which the country could boast.

Possessed of splendid talents, and upheld by powerful family connections, he soon occupied an important station in the councils and government of the state. As Mayor of the City of New-York, and as Senator in the State Legislature, he was alike distinguished for the firmness, ability and patriotism with which he discharged these important trusts. He was afterwards elected a Senator in the Congress of the United States, and remained in that important situation, during several years of the most critical and interesting period of our national history. It is supposed that it was in a great measure owing to his influence and exertions, that war with Spain was at that time avoided. That nation, more powerful then, than she is at present, possessing that immense territory extending west of the Mississippi, endeavored by arbitrary measures, not only to interrupt, but wholly to obstruct the navigation of the United States on that majesric river, which was the only outlet for the products of the western states to the Atlantic. The feelings of that part of the country were never more highly excited, than they were, upon this outrageous attempt on the part of Spain. A declaration of war was insisted upon by those, whose interests were affected; but a majority in the national councils, were opposed to so serious a measure; and were in favour of obtaining the desired object, by friendly negotiation, rather, than to have recourse to arms.

It was during the discussion of this subject in the Senate, that Mr. Ross, a distinguished statesman from Pennsylvania, whose constituents, west of the Alleghany Mountains, were almost entirely dependent upon an uninterrupted navigation of the Ohio and Mississippi, declared, that he would be the first to take up arms and lead his fellow-citizens to the conquest of New-Orleans; to which Mr. Clinton immediately replied, in an under tone of voice, that if he did, he would be the first to hand a halter to the hangman, for his execution.

A favourable adjustment of all difficulties on this highly important subject, soon after took place. Spain transferred the country to France, of whom by purchase, the United States obtained possession of those vast and extensive territories of the west. In 1812, Mr. Clinton was supported by a large proportion of his fellow-citizens, for the office of Presdent of the United States; they considering him, as the most suitable person to guide and direct the national councils, at that eventful period. He received the almost unanimous vote of his native state, as well as a majority of the NewEngland states. Mr. Madison was however again elected. The friends of Gov. Clinton were earnestly solicited to withdraw their support of him, as a candidate, by the assurance that at the expiration of Mr. Madison's administration, he would receive the majority of votes of the people of the United States, for that office. They however, in their reply, considered Mr. Clinton not at liberty, consistent with a due regard to the rights and interests of the American people to withdraw himself as a candidate for the office of president, at the then ensuing election. They represented the nomination of Mr. Madison by a caucus, at that time, as a criminal intrigue, which staked the honour and fortune of the United States, against an office, which brought on war without preparation; and as then conducted, left no hopes to avenge the violated rights, or to retrieve the tarnished glory of the country.

Mr. Clinton was subsequently chosen Governor of the State of New-York, in which office he continued until the year 1824, when he declined being considered as a candidate for re-election. Throughout his whole public life, he was distinguished for decision of character, for constancy and firmness of mind, which were almost unparalleled. Notwithstanding his engagements in public life as a statesman, Mr. Clinton never lost sight of his literary, and philosophical pur

suits. He had early imbibed a taste for classical and scien-
tific acquirements, in the attainment of which, he has ever
held a pre-eminent rank. As president of various societies,
nstituted for the promotion of learning, and the cultivation
of the arts and sciences, he has perhaps been more particu-
arly distinguished than any other individual in the U. States.
The various communications and addresses made by him
these enlightened associations, have shed a lustre upon the
terature of our country, and have been received both in this
ountry and in Europe, as an acquisition to the general fund
f information, so essential to the peace, happiness and
rosperity of mankind.

But by far the most important act of the public life of this
istinguished individual, was the projection and final comple-
on of the great canal between Lake Erie and the Hudson,
y which the waters of the American Mediterranean are
ited with those of the Atlantic Ocean. Although, perhaps,
r. Clinton was not the first to conceive this great under-
king, it is now universally acknowledged, that it was owing
his unwearied exertions and commanding influence, both
an enlightened individual, and a public benefactor, that
is vast object was ultimately accomplished. It was at first
lently opposed, by the personal and political opponents of
r. Clinton, as a wild and visionary scheme of an aspiring
litician and it required the patience of years, and the ir-
sistible reasonings of a statesman and patriot, before the
blic could be induced to support their chief magistrate in
› execution of the project. Time, however, unveiled their
es, and the necessary measures to commence the under-
ing were adopted by the legislature.

Mr. Clinton, as Governor of the State of New-York, is joying the respect and admiration of his countrymen. Acstomed to the honours of the public, he appears desirous of aining those reserved for him in future, only through pubservices. That these will be performed, in whatever situon of public life he may be placed, his long-tried integrity doubt Dewit Clinton died the 14th day of February 1828 in his chair without Complaning of any indig/position __ he was

I talents leave no room for doubt.

in the year 1764 agi bager