35 



derfully energetic people. Inhabiting a State urivalled in its fortu- 

 nate position among the constellation with which we are numbered 

 possessing the great entrepot of our national commerce and through 

 our magnificent works of internal improvement, become the carriers 

 for almost half an empire, disbursing, annually, millions of revenue 

 derived from our public works, through our State Treasury culti- 

 vating a soil eminently kind in its agricultural productions enjoying, 

 almost without a parallel, the benefits of civil, religious, and literary 

 nstitutions, steadily shedding their lights and their influences over a 

 well ordered and rapidly improving people 5 it is with a heart of ex- 

 altation that I feel our course to be onward, to the consummation of 

 a more perfect day. We shall attain the great and beneficent objects 

 we demand ; and if we do not now succeed, I have an abiding confi- 

 dence that our fervent wishes will yet be accomplished a crowning 

 work among the munificent institutions which grace, and dignify, 

 and elevate your State. 



In contemplating the progress thus far, of your Society, and the 

 results of your labors, you have just cause of satisfaction. You 

 found the ore in its drossy you have ascertained the method of its 

 separation, and defined the process of working it successfully into 

 those useful and enduring forms which not only benefit the State, but 

 redound to your own good name. You have only to persevere, and 

 higher more perfect attainments await your exertions. 



In noV taking a final official leave of you resigning, I trust, to 

 more efficient hands, the honorable post to which, a year ago, your 

 kind partiality assigned me, I can only regret that I have not possess- 

 ed more ability to aid your exertions, and a more extended influence 

 to draw into your support. My honest efforts, such as they were, 

 have been devoted to your service> May Heaven's choicest favors 

 rest upon your labors for the welfare of your fellow-men. 



