the General has favoured us, and which other, perhaps an abler officer, whose

are replete with interest.

The following anecdotes exhibit two illustrious men who have long been alike the objects of veneration, in a view equally honourable to both.

५

During my intercourse with General Hamilton at New-York, in 1799, our official engagements produced frequent references to the opinion of General Washington, and I embraced the occasion, to obtain a more distinct view of the private character of that great man than our military relations had permitted.

"There may be many living witnesses of the fact, that Sir Henry Clinton, whilst he commanded in New-York, oc

cupied the house of Captain Kennedy,

rear.

character and dispositions we may have to learn." The General acknowledged these reflections had not occurred to him, but with noble frankness admitted their force, thanked Colonel Hamilton for his suggestion, and the expedition was abandoned. I had heard General Hamilton relative to the fact, of this incident, and making inquiry of

he

gave me the preceding details.

On other occasions, when in conversation respecting this great man, General Hamilton observed, that it was difficult to decide, whether General Washington was greater in the field or in the cabinet; he said the world had very naturally decided in favour of his military capacity, but from the sum of his observations, he considered him at

least equally sound as a statesman; for of the British navy, near the battery; and that there were no buildings at that whatever might have been the jealoutime between it and the river. In these sies or the insinuations of party, it was no humiliation to him to acknowledge, quarters the chief reposed in security. with the ordinary ground in front, rely. that he had in council frequently differing on naval protection for safety in his ed in opinion with President WashingGeneral Washington had by his ton, and that events had generally spies ascertained precisely the ap- proved that he was wrong, and the Presiproaches, not only to Sir Henry's quar- dent right. But he dwelt on a specific ters, but to his bed-chamber, and the trait in General Washington's characenterprise appeared so feasible, that he ter, which it were devoutly to be wished his successors could imitate; this determined to carry him off. The arrangements were made for light whale- was, that in "all appointments to office, boats with muffled oars, and 150 Mar- wherein he was especially called to exerblehead seamen, properly commanded;* cise his own judgment, he nobly divested every thing being ready, the detach- himself of sympathy or antipathy, and ment waited for the approach of night; the agent to the office the ground of his made what he considered the fitness of choice;" as an evidence of the fact, he "there could be little doubt of the sucmentioned, that "Colonel Pickering, at cess of the enterprise, but," said he, the time he was appointed Postmaster"have you examined the consequences general, was no favourite of President of it?" The General inquired "in what Washington, but that he knew the Colonel to be a man of industry and method, respect?" "Why," replied Hamilton, nel to be "it has occurred to me that we shall and had confidence in his integrity; and rather lose than gain by removing Sir as to myself," said he, "there had been Henry Clinton from the command of for some time such a standing, or misthe British army, because we perfectly understanding, between us, that I had no understand his character, and by taking him off we only make way for some

in the interval Colonel Hamilton took

occasion to observe to the General, that

As well as I recollect, Col. Humphreys, of Connecticut, au aid-de-camp to the General, was selected for this service.

more expectation of office than I had of being appointed Pope's nuncio, when I received the invitation to take charge of the treasury department." That a coolness had taken place between the Com

mander in Chief and Colonel Hamilton, respect of the world; my humble suftowards the close of the war, and that the Colonel had left his family, was notorious, but there were very few persons acquainted with the cause, which I shall now submit to my readers, as correctly as memory will serve me, and should I commit an error, will refer to General St. Clair for correction, who is the only man living, within my know ledge, acquainted with the facts.

frage could add nothing to the fame of General Washington, after he has merited the plaudits of mankind, by the rare example of a military chief, who, baving led the armies of his country, to the establishment of her independence, peaceably and proudly laid down his arms, and sought his reward in the bosom of his fellow-citizens. But I will gratify the reader with a fac siThe army was encamped at New- mile of the heads of General WashingJersey at some point east of the Rari- ton's first official letter, dated at Camton, and perhaps at Perackness. The bridge, July 10th, 1775, to the PresiGeneral was just mounting his horse, to dent of Congress, which will perpevisit his advanced post, when be recol- tuate the character of his manuscript, lected a letter he had recently received and record the extent and accuracy of from the British commander, which it his knowledge, in all the variety of occurred to him he might have occasion military details, a subject little underfor whilst at the lines; he called Colo- stood in this country at that period, and nel Hamilton, and requested him "to of which his own opportunities for corhand the letter to him." The Colonel rect information had been superficial. returned to the office, but not being able The comprehension and correctness of to place his hand on it, reported, that his military views, under those circum"it was mislaid." The General re- stances, must excite the admiration of plied, "I must have it." Search was every competent judge, and I do conagain made, without effect, and Colonel ceive clearly demonstrate, that whatHamilton returning, repeated that the ever may have been the force and enerletter had been mislaid, and expressed gy of his mind, when directed to other his sorrow at not being "able to find subjects, military affairs were undoubtit." The General rejoined with warmth, edly his fort. The letter amplifying "Sir, you shall find it." Hamilton was the topics comprised in these heads was astonished, but replied promptly, "I written by Colonel Joseph Reed, then shall find it. Sir, but must let you know, his Secretary, and afterwards Governor that in addressing me, you do not speak of Pennsylvania, the original rough to a menial." The occasion was ho- draft of which is in my possession, and nourable to the parties; it was the the published copy will be found in the quarrel of Sully and Henry; it furnish- first volume of Washington's letters, ed General Washington an occasion for Boston Edition, 1795, page 8.' the display of his magnanimity, and Colonel Hamilton an opportunity to asA considerable part of the first vosert his personal dignity and indepen- lume of these memoirs is devoted to dence of mind. Colonel Hamilton re- tracing military movements in the late tired from Head-Quarters, but was ap

pointed to the command of a battalion war, and detecting the causes of the in the elite corps, at the head of which failure of our early campaigns. A he stormed a redoubt during the siege multitude of reasons dissuade us from of York before the surrender of Corn- making any remarks on this division of the work. In truth, from the political

wallis.

'It would be presumptuous for me to attempt the eulogy of a man who has animadversions interwoven into the deservedly attracted the attention and very texture of these memoirs, and

from which to most readers they cal inaccuracies. His materials appear will derive no inconsiderable accession to be complete, and he has abundantly of interest, we have been debarred fortified himself with documents. Some from entering into a minute investiga- of these are equally novel and curious. tion of their merits. We cannot, how- A part of them were preserved by his ever, conclude our brief and cursory own vigilance; but for a considerable notice of this work without recoin- proportion of the more important pamending it, if due allowance be made pers relating to the revolutionary war, for the prejudices under which it was he is indebted to the New-York evidently written, as a copious source Historical Society, who allowed him both of information and amusement. If every facility of access to their valuthe first volume were republished, sepa- able collections, although the General, rately, a considerable edition of it with an ingratitude he would not might readily be sold. have failed to condemn in another, has omitted an acknowledgment of this courtesy.

General Wilkinson's style is bold and fluent, but marred by many grammati

ART. 8. LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Account and Proceedings of the New-York Historical Society.

AMONG the literary institutions poses, the Society, on the 11th of March

Saml. L. Mitchill, M. D. on Zoology and Geology.

David Hosack, M. D. on Botany and Vegetable Physiology.

which do honour to this city, (of last, resolved to establish lectureships all of which we propose, as opportunity on the various branches of Natural Hiswill admit, to publish an account,) the tory, and appointed the following gen Historical Society, especially since the tlemen lecturers: extension of its plan, occupies a distinguished rank. Its utility is sufficiently evinced by the volumes of its collections already given to the world;-in embracing the animal, mineral, and vegetable kingdoms within the range of its researches, we may expect from its investigations results proportionably important to the wider scope indulged to inquiry.

This Society was incorporated in the year 1804. The objects of the association, as defined in the charter, are the collection and preservation of what ever may relate to the natural, civil, literary, and ecclesiastical history of the United States, and of this State in particular. To carry into effect these par

George Gibbs, Esq. on Mineralogy. Mr. John Griscom, on Chemistry and Natural Philosophy.

The reports made to the Society by the Committees, to whose consideration these several subjects were referred, are subjoined. They will serve to exhibit the spirit in which the Society propose to prosecute their design, and will, we trust, excite a correspondent zeal in the public. The reports are accompanied by circular letters from the Chairmen of the respective Committees, intended to be addressed to gentlemen who might

probably be able to contribute specimens to their cabinets, or facts to their archives.

REPORT ON ZOOLOGY. Pursuant to a resolve of the Historical Society, at the meeting held in the New York fastitution, on the 11th day of March, 1817, the Committee on Zoology offered a Report concerning the means of promoting that Department of Natural Science.

FOR carrying into effect the design of the Society, measures ought to be adopted to form a cabinet of Zoology. Some of the leading objects are comprehended in the following summary; from which it will appear, that the collection of facts, specimens, draw ings, and books, may be commenced immediately; that all the citizens may be solicited to exert themselves, and that much may be accomplished with very little cost.

From the class of Polypes, inhabiting the depths of the ocean, are derived the productions called Zoophytes and Lithophytes. Every article belonging to the Gorgonias and Corals, to the Madrepores and Flustras, and to each of the kindred families, is worthy of a place in the Museum.

GY.

on a board, it is desirable that at least all examination and description. Important adnew species should be brought forward for ditions may thus be made to our ICHTHYOLOTo a people, who already consider their FISHERIES of the utmost importance, both to the States, and to the nation, no additional recommendation is necessary, farther than to ask of our fellow-citizens all manner of communications.

Among the amphibious orders, tortoises, frogs, serpents, and lizards, are so easily preserved, that individuals of this kind are solicited from such persons as feel a generous ardour to favour the views of the Society.

Contributions towards the history of the Mammalia, may be expected from the fur merchants, furriers, and hunters. Almost every thing known under the titles of FURS and PELTRIES, passes through our city, or is contained within it By application to the proper sources of intelligence, there is a confident expectation of a rich return of all the matters comprised in their respective provinIt is not generally understood, what extensive and important knowledge, on these subjects, is in store within a great city, ready to be imparted to those who will seek it.

ces.

Anatomy is the basis of improved Zoolo

The Radiary animals furnish productions gy. The classification of animals is founded no less interesting. In particular, the Asterias with its constellation of sea-stars, and the Echinus with its brood of sea urchins, will furnish many species, easy to be gathered, transmitted, and preserved.

So little has hitherto been done in relation to our Insects, that almost the whole field of ENTOMOLOGY remains to be cultivated. In an effort to form a collection of these numer ous swarms, all hands may be employed. There being no particular difficulty either in procuring and preserving these creatures, it may be expected, that in a few years, all the larger animals of this class may be possessed by the Society, and disposed according to the most approved of the modern systems.

The Crustaceous class will also furnish specimens, easy to be preserved and transported. From the extensive families of Crabs, Lobsters, and their congeners, a becoming diligence will gather abundant supplies.

upon their organization. This can be ascertained only by dissection. The use of the knife is recommended for the purpose of acquiring acquaintance with the structure of animals. It is proposed, that the members avail themselves of all opportunities to cultivate COMPARATIVE ANATOMY, and to communicate the result of their labours and researches to the Society. There is, perhaps, no department of the science more replete with novelty and instruction, and with the means of conferring wide and lasting reputation to those who skilfully engage in it.

To exhibit and perpetuate the researches of the gentlemen who undertake the arduous task of anatomical examination, the accomplishment of SKETCHING and DRAWING is an indispensable qualification. Beyond the representation of internal appearances, whether healthy or morbid, this art applies to all outward forms that stand in need of delinea

procure plates and pictures of natural objects, and bring them for safe keeping and popular utility, to be placed in the portfolios of the Society.

Molluscous animals make important and tion. It is recommended to the members to elegant contributions to Naturalists. Their univalve, bivalve, and mutivalve shells, commonly survive their authors. Their ar rangement into genera and species, forms the science of CONCHOLOGY. It is recommended There would be an inexcusable omission that early and persevering pains be bestowed in passing over unnoticed, the VETERINARY upon this subject, and that these beautiful ART OF PROFESSION. The diseases of domesproductions be methodized after the most tic animals are deeply and intimately conexcellent of the plans that have been propos- nected with the property and comfort of man. ed. Every thing that can illustrate or cure the distempers of sheep, neat cattle, horses, swine, dogs, poultry, and of quadrupeds and

Considering the facility with which fishes may be preserved, by drying their half skins

birds generally, will be highly acceptable. This valuable branch of knowledge, known by the name of Epizootic, deserves more particular cultivation than it has hitherto received among us.

Books on the various branches of Natural History, are eminently desirable. They will constitute the Library which the Society intends to form. There can be no doubt that many important volumes, from Aristotle up to Lamarck, might be collected from their scattered sources, proper pains were taken. It is recommended, that every exertion be made to effectuate this object. Proprietors and authors may frequently be found, will ing to be liberal, as soon as they are satisfied that a worthy occasion presents.

FOSSILS ought to be collected with particuJar care. The organic remains of vegetables and animals, imbedded in stone, or buried in the other strata of the earth, are frequent in our region. Some of them resemble living species; while others are not known, at present, to be inhabitants of this globe. From the Ocean to the Lakes, they present themselves to the eye of the Geologist Let them be gathered into one body. Let the Mastodons, Crocodiles, Encrinites, Pectinites, Ammonites, Belemnites, and other reliques of the

extinct races, be assembled and classed, and then let the philosopher survey the whole, and draw wise and pious conclusions. The city of New-York may be considered as a centre surrounded by wonders of this sort; and the great Lakes, with their tributary streams, exhibit testimonials no less surprising and characteristic.

Zoological research is promoted in several ways by foreign commerce. Living auimals are frequently imported; and these, when ever circumstances are favourable, ought to be examined, and if necessary to be described and figured. Cargoes, and even ballast, often contain excellent specimens, both of the animal and fossil kind. Peculiar creatures are known to inhabit the outer bottoms of vessels, where they may be seen before they are disturbed for the purpose of cleaning and repairing. Sometimes, too, fishes, not usually visiters of our harbours, follow the track of ships from the Ocean, and offer themselves to the curiosity of the Naturalist. All these sources of knowledge deserve to be carefully explored.

Persons who favour the Society with donations, will be honourably noticed and remembered: their offerings shall be duly registered and labelled. As, from its act of incorporation, it possesses succession and perpetuity, the contributions of public spirited individuals are exempted from the fate too often incidental to private establishments. They will endure for a great length of years, and descend to future generations.

Remarks on the more elaborate and expensive preparations of Zoology, are reserved for a future report. In the mean time, it is supposed the matters herein suggested, will, for a season, occupy all the industry of the members and their friends

The Committee, however, cannot close, without an earnest recommendation to the study of MAN. The migrations of human beings from Tartary, Scandinavia, and Polynesia, to the north-western, north-eastern, and south-western regions of America, merit extraordinary attention. There is nothing extravagant in the belief, that colonies, or bands of adventurers, by the way of the Aleutian Islands, the shores of Greenland, and the Pacific Ocean, penetrated our Continent at an early day; and that their descendants settled, by bloodshed and exterminating wars, their respective claims to the country situated south of the middle Lakes, four or five hundred years before the voyage of Columbus.

All which is respectfully submitted.
SAMUEL L. MITCHILL, Chairman.
New-York, 11th March, 1817.

REPORT ON BOTANY AND VEGETABLE
PHYSIOLOGY,

Read at a Meeting of the Historical Society,
held at the New-York Institution, on the 8th
day of April, 1817.

THE Committee, to whom these subjects have been referred by the Historical Society, report

That they have given the necessary directions to have the apartments, assigned them for the branches of Natural History committed to their care, fitted up in such a manner as will be best calculated to display to advantage the various vegetable productions which they may be enabled to collect.

That, pursuant to the resolutions passed at the last meeting of the Society, an application has been made to the Governors of the New-York Hospital, soliciting the use of the Herbarium in their possession, and to have the same placed in the apartments of the Historical Society, as a basis upon which to erect a similar cabinet in this Institution.

The Committee have great pleasure in acknowledging the promptitude and liberality with which the governors of the Hospital have complied with the request of this Society.

The Committee also, with great satisfaction, observe, that the Hortus Siccus referred to, consists of several thousand plants in a very good state of preservation, and well calculated to illustrate both the generic and specific characters of the plants which it contains. Some of these, too, they perceive, have been preserved and designated by the hands of the illustrious Swede himself, being duplicates