The Appendix contains several of the speeches of Mr. Wright in the Senate of the United States: those relative to the pressure and the removal of the deposits-to Mr. Clay's resolutions of Censure-and to the revision and modification of the Tariff law of 1842. Extracts from others of special importance are given in the body of the work, or his views upon the important questions agitated in the State and National Legislatures are stated as briefly and as distinctly as the size of the volume, and the ability of the author, would admit. The Address read before the New York State Agricultural Society has also been inserted, as well because of the importance of the subjects discussed, as for the reason, that it contains the last words of its lamented author to that large class of which he was an honored member-the Farmers of New York. and not of intention. Of one thing he is quite confident, that not a single word has been written, with even the most distant hope of furthering the views or interests of any class, or faction, or party; but the work has been prepared simply and solely to present a complete and impartial life of one of the ablest-by many regarded as the ablest-statesmen that New York has ever produced. To commend this book to those who are familiar with the character and extent of Mr. Wright's services to the State and to the Union, would not only be unwise and indelicate in the author, but it would be justly considered as labor lost. To his political friends and—not his foes, for he had no personal enemies—to those who disagree with him in regard to questions of public policy, it cannot be unpleasant to speak well of the memory of so great and good a man. The sources of information to which the author has had access have been various, and he has freely made use of them. In this connection he takes pleasure in acknowledging his indebtedness to those friends of the deceased who have cheerfully responded to his numerous inquiries. He has spared no pains in his attempt to render the work as full and complete as possible; the utmost care and accuracy have been preserved; and he is conscious of omitting nothing that it was in his power to supply. Errors and imperfections there may be; yet he trusts that he can rely upon a generous public to overlook them. The Appendix contains several of the speeches of Mr. Wright in the Senate of the United States: those relative to the pressure and the removal of the deposits-to Mr. Clay's resolutions of Censure-and to the revision and modification of the Tariff law of 1842. Extracts from others of special importance are given in the body of the work, or his views upon the important questions agitated in the State and National Legislatures are stated as briefly and as distinctly as the size of the volume, and the ability of the author, would admit. The Address read before the New York State Agricultural Society has also been inserted, as well because of the importance of the subjects discussed, as for the reason, that it contains the last words of its lamented author to that large class of which he was an honored member-the Farmers of New York. CONTENTS. 1795.-Introductory Remarks-The Ingratitude of Republics-The Ob- jects of a True Ambition-The Statesman's Reward-The Ancestors of Silas Wright His Parents-His Birth and Early Life-Enters Middlebury College-His Political Sentiments manifested-Graduates -Politics of his Father-Battle of Plattsburg-Commences the Study of Law at Sandy Hill-Removes to Albany and enters the office of Roger Skinner-Is Licensed as an Attorney-Travels for his Health -Anecdote-Locates at Canton-Traits of Character-His Popu- larity-Appointed Postmaster and Surrogate-Kindness as a Friend and Neighbor-His Public Spirit-Nomination as State Senator- Political Parties in the State of New York-The Electoral Law- Canvass for the Presidential Nomination-Movements of the Friends of Adams, Crawford, Jackson, Calhoun, and Clay-Dewitt Clinton 1824.—State of Parties in the Legislature of 1824-Message of Gov- ernor Yates-The Electoral Question brought forward in the Assem- bly-Mr. Flagg-Reference of the Bill to a Committee in the Senate -The Presidential Canvass at Washington-Congressional Caucus -Report in the New York Senate on the Electoral Bill-Discussion thereon-Various Propositions to Amend-Mr. Wright's Plan-His Speech-Postponement of the Bill-The Seventeen Senators-Nom- ination of Colonel Young-Removal of Dewitt Clinton from the office of Canal Commissioner-Course of Governor Yates in regard to the Electoral Question-Extra Session of the Legislature-Adjournment -The Clintonian and People's Convention-Election of Mr. Clinton as Governor-Choice of Presidential Electors-The Subject of an Electoral Law referred to the People.-Objects of those who origi- nated the Proposition—Mr. Wright's Course in relation thereto-Le- gislative Session of 1825-Unsuccessful attempt to Nominate a Uni- ted States Senator-Defeat of Judge Spencer and the Causes thereof |