USA > New York > A history of the state of New York, from the first discovery of the country to the present time: with a geographical account of the country, and a view of its original inhabitants > Part 23
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The period now approached at which it became necessary for the American chief to take leave of his officers, who had been endeared to him by a long series of common sufferings and dangers. This was done in a solemn manner. The officers having previously assembled for the purpose, general Washing- ton joined them, and, calling for a glass of wine, thus addressed them :- " With an heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable." Having drank, he added-" I cannot come to each of you, to take my leave, but shall be obliged to you, if each of you will come and take me by the hand." General Knox, being next, turned to him. Incapable of utterance, Washington grasped his hand, and embraced him. The officers came up successively, and he took an affectionate leave of each of them. Not a word was articu- lated on either side. A majestic 'silence prevailed. The tear of sensibility glistened in every eye. The tenderness of the scene exceeded all description. When the last of the
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officers had taken his leave. Washington left the room, and passed through the corps of light-infantry, to the place of embarkation. The officers followed in a solemn, mute pro- cession, with dejected countenances. On his entering the barge . to cross the North river, he turned towards the companions of his glory, and, by waving his hat, bid them a silent adieu. Some of them answered this last signal of respect and affec- tion with tears; and all of them hung upon the barge which conveyed him from their sight, till they could no longer dis- tinguish in it the person of their beloved commander-in-chief.
The army being disbanded, Washington proceeded to An- napolis, then the seat of congress, to resign his commission. On his way thither, he, of his own accord, delivered to the comptroller of accounts in Philadelphia, an account of the expenditure of all the public money he had ever received. This was in his own hand writing, and every entry was made in a very particular manner. Vouchers were produced for every item, except for secret intelligence and service, which amount- ed to no more than £1,982 10s sterling. The whole, which, in the course of eight years of war, had passed through his `- hands, amounted only to £14,479 18s 9d sterling. Nothing was charged or retained for personal services; and actual disbursements had been managed with such economy and fidelity, that they were all covered by the above moder- ate sum.
After accounting for all his expenditures of public money, (secret service money for obvious reasons excepted,) with all the exactness which established forms required from the infe- rior officers of his army, he hastened to resign into the hands of the fathers of his country, the powers with which they had invested him. This was done in a public audience. Congress received him as the founder and guardian of the republic. While he appeared before them, they silently retraced the scenes of danger and distress through which they had passed together. They recalled to mind the blessings of freedom and peace purchased by his arm. They gazed with wonder on their fellow-citizen, who appeared more great and worthy of esteem in resigning his power, than he had done in glori- ously using it. Every heart was big with emotion. Tears of
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admiration and gratitude burst from every eye. The general sympathy was felt by the resigning hero, and wet his cheek with a manly tear. After a decent pause, he addressed -Thomas Mifflin, the president of congress, in the following words :- 1
" Mr. PRESIDENT,
"The great events on which my resignation depended having at length taken place, I have now the honor of offering my sincere congratulations to congress, and of presenting myself before them, to surrender into their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the service of my country.
" Happy in the confirmation of our independence and sor- ereignty, and pleased with the opportunity afforded the United States of becoming a respectable nation, I resign with satis- faction the appointment I accepted with diffidence ; a diffidence in my abilities to accomplish,so arduous a task, which, how- over, was superseded by a confidence in the rectitude of our cause, the support of the supreme power of the union, and the patronage of Heaven.
" The successful termination of the war has verified the most sanguine expectations ; and my gratitude for the inter- position of Providence, and the assistance I have received from my countrymen, increases with every review of the mo- mentous contest.
" While I repeat my obligations to the army in general, I should do injustice to my own feelings not to acknowledge, in this place, the peculiar services and distinguished merits of the persons who have been attached to my person during the war. . It was impossible the choice of confidential officers to compose my family should have been more fortunate. Permit me, sir, to recommend, in particular, those who have continued in the service to the present moment, as worthy of the favor- able notice and patronage of congress.
" I consider it as an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my official life, by commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of almighty God, and those who have the superintendence of them to his holy keeping.
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" Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of action ; and, bidding an affectionate fare- well to this august body, under whose orders I have long acted, I here offer my commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life."
This address being ended, general Washington advanced, and delivered his commission into the hands of the president of congress, who replied as follows :-
" The United States in congress assembled receive, with emotions too affecting for utterance, the solemn resignation of " the authorities under which you have led their troops with success through a perilous and doubtful war.
"Called upon by your country to defend its invaded rights, you accepted the sacred charge before it had formed alliances, and whilst it was without friends or a government to sup- port you.
" You have conducted the great military contest with wis- dom and fortitude, invariably regarding the rights of the civil power through all disasters and changes. You have, by the love and confidence of your fellow-citizens, enabled them to display their martial genius, and transmit their fame to posterity. You have persevered till these United States, aided by a magnanimous king and nation, have been enabled, under a just Providence, to close the war in safety, freedom and independence ; on which happy event, we sincerely join you in congratulations.
" Having defended the standard of liberty in this new world ; having taught a lesson useful to those who inflict, and to those who feel oppression, you retire from the great theatre of action with the blessings of your fellow-citizens; but the glory of your virtues will not terminate with your military command ; it will continue to animate remotest ages. We feel with you our obligations to the army in general, and will particularly charge ourselves with the interest of those conf- dential officers who have attended your person to this affecting moment.
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" We join you in commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of almighty God, beseeching him to dispose the hearts and minds of its citizens to improve the opportunity afforded them of becoming a happy and respecta- ble nation ; and for you, we address to Him our earnest prayers, that a life so beloved may be fostered with all his care; that your days may be happy as they have been illustrious, and that he will finally give you that reward which this world cannot give."
During this affecting scene, neither Washington nor the president of congress were fully able to preserve their powers of utterance. The mingled emotions that agitated the minds of the spectators were indescribable. After having, by his own voluntary act, resigned his commission, the American chief hastened to his seat at Mount Vernon; to the bosom of his family, and the delights of domestic life.
To pass suddenly from the toils of the first commission in the United States to the care of a farm; to exchange the instruments of war for the implements of husbandry ; and to become at once the patron and example of ingenious agricul- ture, would to most men have been a difficult task. But to the elevated mind of Washington, it was natural and delightful From his example, let the commanders of armies learn, that the fame which is acquired by the sword, without guilt or am- bition, may be preserved without power or splendor in pri- rate life .*
* Ramsay.
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CHAP. XIV.
FROM 1783 TO 1812.
Condition of the Country at the Close of the War Organization of the General Government. In- ternal Concerns of the State. Settlement of the Vermont Controversy. Agriculture, Arts, Munu- factures, and Commerce. Civil Policy. Atten- tion of the Legislature directed to the Subject of Internal Navigation.
SEC. I. The Americans had, for eight years, been subjected to the miseries of a devastating war in their attempts to break the yoke of foreign oppression, and to establish a free and indepen- dent government. They had been sustained, dur- ing this arduous contest, by high hopes of future prosperity, and had anticipated, in the attainment of this object, every other political blessing, as its natural attendant. The object was accom- plished, and Thirteen Independent States arose from the British American Colonies. It now re- mained for them to test, by experience, the excel- lence and permanence of their new institutions.
A short period was, however, sufficient to evince the weakness of the existing system, and its incompetence to subserve the great objects for which it was instituted. The authority of the federal government was found to be too limited to sustain, in a proper manner, the ex ..
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FROM 1783 TO 1812.
ternal relations of the country, and wholly in- adequate to regulate and control the local and conflicting interests of the separate states.
At the termination of the war, the debts of the Union amounted to more than forty millions of dollars. Congress, though authorized by the articles of confederation to borrow money and issue bills of credit, had not the ability to redeem those bills, or the powers requisite for raising a revenue. After an ineffectual attempt to obtain this power from the sev- cral states, even the interest of the public debt remained un- paid, and the public credit was in great measure destroyed.
The restrictions imposed by Great Britain on the trade with the West Indies began seriously to affect the commercial interests of the United States. Congress had not the power to retaliate by passing similar acts against Great Britain, nor would the separate states, always jealous of each other, concur in any measure to compel that government to relax. These embarrassments tended to hasten a radical change in the po- litical system of the United States.
SEC. II. In 1787,* commissioners from all the states of the Union, excepting Rhode Island, assembled at Philadelphia, for the purpose of revising the federal system. The NEW FEDERAL CONSTITUTION was presented to congress on the 17th of September, and soon after sent to the sev- cral states for their consideration. It was adopt- ed by the convention of the state of New York, the following year, by a majority of thirty to twenty-five votes.
The convention for revising the constitution resolved, that, as soon as nine states should have ratified it, it should be car- ried into operation by congress. After much opposition, it was (1783) ratified by the conventions of eleven states. North Carolina and Rhode Island, at first, refused their assent,
* May 10th.
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but afterwards acceded to it; the former, November, 1789; the latter, May, 1790 .*
SEC. III. The more perfect organization of the federal system gave a new aspect to the po- litical affairs of the country. Strength and unanimity now took the place of weakness and disorder. A constitution of more ample powers gave new vigor and efficacy to the measures of the general government, and prepared the way for that unexampled prosperity, which has char- acterized every subsequent period of our na- tional annals.
The first congress, under the new constitution, consisting of delegates from eleven states, was convened at New York, in 1789. General George Washington was found to have been elected, by the unanimous suffrages of the citizens, to the office of president of the United States.
During Washington's administration, the people of the United States began to divide themselves into two great parties, according to the different opinions entertained rela- tive to the measures pursued by the general government. Those friendly to the views of the administration were termed federalists ; and those opposed to them, republicans. In 1797, Washington retired from the office of president, and John Adams was elected as his successor. The parties now became more fully developed, party feeling became general, and party measures were prosecuted with great animosity. The federalists maintained the ascendency until towards the close of Mr. Adams's administration, when the republicans predominated.
SEC. IV. 1788. A general organization act was passed by the legislature, dividing the state into fourteen counties, which were subdivided into townships. The same success, which, at
* See Appendix, No. 3.
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FROM 1783 TO 1812.
this and subsequent periods, characterized the general administration, also attended the inter- nal affairs of the state. The government was happily administered, and the general interests of the community began to assume the most promising appearance.
On the termination of the revolutionary con- test, the inhabitants, no longer engaged in the . defence of the country, or exposed to the depre- dations of the enemy, directed their attention to the pursuits of agriculture, and the arts of peace. By their industry and enterprise, they made rapid advances in repairing the losses which had been sustained during that protracted and desolating war. The increase of wealth, the improvements everywhere apparent, the rapid extension of the settlements, and the general aspect of plenty and prosperity, that pervaded. the state, suf- ficiently evinced the success that attended their exertions.
During the revolution, a considerable portion of the state was in the possession of the enemy, and many of its most fertile tracts constantly exposed to their depredations. Many of the new settlements were entirely broken up. On the re- turn of peace, these were resumed, and many others com- menced, which progressed with astonishing rapidity.
In 1785, the district comprehended between the Oneida reservation, and the Mohawk river above the German Flats, and subsequently divided into the townships of Whites town Paris and Westmoreland, contained but two families. In 1796, there were six parishes, which contained three full regiments of militia, and one corps of light horse .*
Commerce, which, in common with other pur-
* See Appendix, No. 4.
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HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
suits had been interrupted during the war, expe rienced a rapid revival on the return of peace.
The Empress of China, a ship of 360 tons, the first vessci from the United States to China, sailed from New York in February, 1784, for Canton, and returned the following year.
SEC. V. The controversy relative to the New Hampshire grants still continued to agitate the eastern part of the state. Frequent applications had been made by both parties to the general congress, for the interference of that body, but without obtaining any decisive result. In 1789, the legislature passed an act for the purpose of settling this controversy, and acknowledging the territory as an independent state. Commis- sioners were mutually appointed, and, in 1790, the subject was brought to an amicable adjust- ment. The new state was, in 1791, recognised by congress, and admitted into the Union, with the name of Vermont.
It was stipulated that Vermont should pay the sum of thirty thousand dollars to the state of New York ; and that all claim of jurisdiction of the state of New York, and all rights and titles to lands within the state of Vermont, under grants from the colony or state of New York, should cease ; and thenceforth the perpetual boundary line between the state of New York and the state of Vermont should be, as then held and possessed, viz. : the west lines of the most western towns, which had been granted by New Hampshire, and the middle channel of lake Champlain.
SEC. VI. The inhabitants of New York now began to direct their attention to the more sci- entific pursuit of agriculture and the arts. The " Society for the promotion of Agriculture, Arts, and Manufactures," was established in 1791.
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FROM 1783 TO 1812.
During the same year, a joint committee was appointed from the senate and assembly to make inquiries relative to the obstructions in the Hud- son and Mohawk rivers, and the most eligible method of removing them. An act, incorporat- ing the Northern and Western Inland Lock Navigation Companies, was passed the following year. The object of the former was to open a lock navigation from the Hudson to the head of lake Champlain, the latter to open a similar communication, through the valley of the Mo- hawk, between the Hudson and the Ontario and Seneca lakes. Both companies were soon after organized, and commenced operations.
The committee of 1791 reported it as their opinion, that the commissioners of the land office should be authorized to inake proposals to such persons, or association of persons, as will contract to open a water communication between the Mohawk river and Wood creek, with power to grant such person or persons an exclusive right to the profits of a rea- sonable toll on the canal, when so opened, for a limited term of years.
Pursuant to the report, a bill, entitled, " An act for opening communications between Wood creek and the Mohawk river, and between lake Champlain and Hudson's river, and for removing obstructions in the Hudson and Mohawk rivers, was brought into the house of assembly, and became a law, under the title of " An act concerning roads and inland navi- gation, and for other purposes." By this law, the commis- sioners of the land office were authorized to cause a survey to be made between the Mohawk river, at or near fort Stanwix, and the Wood creek in the county of Herkimer, and also between the Hudson river and the Wood creek in the county of Washington ; and to cause an estimate to be made of the probable expense that would attend the making of canals sufficient for loaded boats to pass, and to report the same to
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HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
the legislature at their next meeting. A sum not exceeding $250 was appropriated for defraying the expense of the ser- vice. The commissioners caused the surveys to be made, and reported that the above communications were not only prac- ticable, but attainable at a very moderate expense, when put in competition with their advantages and importance to the state.
The companies, incorporated by the act of 1792, sent to England to obtain a scientific and practical engineer, and, on his arrival, caused a survey to be made from the tide-waters of the Hudson to Oswego, on lake Ontario. The Western Inland Lock Navigation Company soon after commenced three short canals on the Mohawk. The first was at Little Falls; the second, at German Flats; the third, at Rome, connecting the Mohawk river with Wood creek. Each of these canals was about one mile in length, and had several locks. Dams and locks were constructed on Wood creek, to overcome the obstructions in that stream. These works were completed in 1802.
SEC. VII. The business of manufacture had been commenced during the revolution, and con- siderable progress had been made ; but, on the return of peace, owing to the excessive importa- tion of foreign articles, it was mostly abandoned. The commerce of the state had been rapidly in- creasing, and was now in the most prosperous condition.
In 1791, the exports to foreign ports amounted to above :2,500,000. In 1793, 683 foreign vessels, and 1381 coasting vessels, entered the port of New York.
SEC. VIII. 1795. Mr. Clinton, after having for 18 years discharged the office of governor with talents and fidelity, published an address to the freeholders of the state, stating that his re- spect for the republican principle of rotation in office would no longer permit him to fill his re
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303
FROM 1783 TO 1812.
cent honorable station. He was s succeeded by Mr. Jay, who was continued in that office till 1801, when Mr. Clinton again accepted a re- election.
This period is distinguished only by the general and almost unrivalled prosperity, that attended the public and private concerns of the community : and its history would be little more than a detail of the successful pursuit of the various avocations of civil life. The passing of laws for regulating the general and local interests of society, the granting of lands, and organizing the new set- tlements, comprised the usual and ordinary busi- ness of the government.
In 1796, the legislature passed an act, granting an annuity of 85552 to the Oneida Indians, in licu of all former stipula- tions, for lands purchased in 1795; $2300 to the Cayugas, and §2000 to the Onondagas. An act was also passed for the relief of Indians, who were entitled to land in Brothertown. A general organization act, dividing the state into 30 counties, was passed in 1801.
SEC. IX. 1804. Mr. Clinton having been elect- ed vice-president of the United States, Morgan Lewis was chosen to succeed him as governor of New York. Mr. Lewis was succeeded by Daniel D. Tompkins in 1807. Albany was the same year made the capital of the state.
The contest between the two great parties, into which the country was divided, was still continued, and party feeling abated none of its violence. The measures of the general gor- ernment, and the appointment of civil officers, constituted the usual subjects of controversy. In 1800, the republican party in New York obtained the ascendency. After a warmly con- tested election Thomas Jefferson, the republican candidate,
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HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
was chosen president of the United States in 1801. During his administration, commenced the series of encroachments on the American commerce by the British, which resulted in a war with that country in 1812. Mr. Jefferson retired from the office of president in 1809, and was succeeded by James Madison.
SEC. X. 1810. An act was passed by the legislature, " for exploring the route of an inland navigation from Hudson's river to lake Ontario and lake Erie ;" commissioners were appointed for this purpose, who made report the following year. The subject now began to excite very . general interest, and, a bill being introduced by Mr. Clinton, an act was passed, "to provide for . the improvement of the internal navigation of the state." Commissioners were again appoint- ed, and authorized to solicit assistance from the congress of the United States.
. The commissioners appointed De Witt Clinton and Gouverneur Morris to lay the subject before the general government. They proceeded to Washington, exhibited their credentials, and pre- sented a memorial to congress; but were un- successful in their application to that body for . assistance. In March, 1812, the commissioners again made report to the legislature, and insisted that, now, sound policy imperatively demanded, that the canal should be made by the state, and, for her own account, as soon as circumstances would permit. The subject was, however, soon after suspended* by the breaking out of the war with Great Britain.
* An act to this effect was passed on the report of the commissioners in 1814.
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FROM 1783 TO 1812.
The Western Inland Navigation Company, incorporated in 1792, had confined their views to the improvement of the navigation of the Mohawk river, the Oneida lake, and Seneca river as far as the Seneca lake. In 1795, the country was explored, under the direction of the company, as far west as the Seneca lake, and a report made, stating the practicability of considerable improvement in the navigation by connecting those waters. The funds of the company, however, limited their operations to the improvements on the Mohawk river and Wood creek.
The subject remained in this posture until 1803, when Joshua Forman, esq., a member of the legislature from Onon- daga, made a motion in the assembly for a survey to be made, under the surveyor-general, between lake Erie and Hudson river, in order to ascertain the practicability of connecting the several waters. The resolution was adopted, and a survey was accordingly made. Several different routes were explored under the direction of the surveyor-general, who inade report, the following year, stating "that a canal from lake Erie to the Hudson river was not only practicable, but practicable with uncommon facility."
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