this Society have acted a distinguished part. It is rid 

 mark of vanity to say, that this Societ}', by their pre- 

 iiiiums and encouragements stimuh\ted the enterprize, 

 and, by their perseverance, have created confidence in 

 the doubting, and spirit in all. The impression is per- 

 manent, and no obstacles can long detain Berkshire 

 from ranking high on the roll of distinguished merit. 



It is true that the present time is not without its 

 embarrassments. The prospects are obscured by in- 

 cidents, which depend not on the wisdom or prudence 

 of man. The seasons and their effects on human la- 

 bor, are in the disposition of the Most High, who will 

 order every event in perfect wisdom. The produc- 

 tions of the earth, however, in many places, are abun- 

 dant and uncommon. Distinguished mercies are in- 

 termingled with judgments. But in nothing are em- 

 barrassments so severely felt, as in that of our com- 

 mercial relations. For twenty years, the U. States 

 enjoyed almost exclusively, the navigation and com- 

 merce of Europe, as well as of America. During 

 this period, the accumulation of capital, and extent of 

 business, was unparalleled ; and produced changes in 

 society, proportioned to such astonishing causes. 



The return of a general peace, arrested this suc- 

 cessful course of affairs, and produced sudden revo- 

 lutions in commerce and agriculture ; and now aston- 

 ishment, doubt and depression seem alone to remain as 

 the successors of the former state of prosperity, case, 

 and contentmenti Not only has this great revolution 

 in cur affairs taken place, but even the prospect of re- 

 taining any considerable share of our former naviga* 

 tion and commerce is questionable : and we see on ev- 

 ery quarter, business restricted, and enterprise depri- 

 ved of its legitimate pursuits. 



In every country, we behold the government devo- 

 ted to the cultivation of their own resources, and de- 

 termined that their exclusive success shall occupy all 

 their care snd protection. The U. States have noth- 

 ing to hope, and nothing to fear. The road is open 



