232 Qn the Correspondence of Governor D. D. Tompkins. 



" Tompkins was the war-governor of that period. By his energy, 

 executive ability and personal pecuniary sacrifices, he had done as 

 much, perhaps more, than the administration itself, in conducting the 

 war on the borders of Canada. His qualifications for the chief magis- 



ginian, devoted to the slave power, while Tompkins was disqualified by 



Ferris Pell, Esq., a New York gentleman, was the author, in 1810, 



Governors Tompkins and DeWitt Clinton, and extols the more highly 

 that of DeWitt Clinton. Still here is his language on one point, which 

 does not have its force abated by any other comparisons which he 

 makes to Governor Tompkins" disadvantage in the same pamphlet. 

 He says: " It is a source of proud and grateful emotion that in that 

 dark and perilous period when our country was assailed l>y a haughty 

 and gigantic foe without, and convulsed by unprincipled factionists 

 within,— that Governor Tompkins stood the undaunted advocate of 

 the Union, amid the din-.- -onilicts of party spirit:— that he breasted 

 the most appalling obstacles which inexperience, want of preparation 

 and political acrimony could interpose, with steady and unwearied 

 perseverance:— that he devoted all his influence, all his authority, and 

 all his talents to protect his native State and to aid the general govern- 

 ment: — assuming responsibilities for the public good, which the law- 

 did not sanction, identifying his pecuniary safety with the safety of the 

 State, withering his constitution and wearing his frame — are truths 

 as undeniable as tltnj are splendid and endearing." 



In further confirmation of what I have already said, I suppose that an 

 audience, embracing so many who cherish a lively interest in the history 

 of the State, will be prepared to listen to an additional analysis of the 

 contents of these manuscripts, though I am as vet but superficially 

 acquainted with them myself. Still I hope to be* able to interest you 

 with what I may communicate. Among the papers received by the 

 State, there are seven original letters from President Jefferson, three 

 from President Madison, twenty-seven from President Monroe, and ten 

 from other presidents. 



From generals of our army, there are thirty-seven from General 

 Robert ^Macomb, seven from General Alexander Macomb, sixty from 



undertaken by him ever failed "). 



