tions, improve the natural navigation then existing, and ultimately, by different outlets, to connect the same with the ocean. In this class the names of Cadwallader Colden, Sir Henry Moore, George Washington, George Clinton, and Gouverneur Morris, are prominent. In the second class, are to be noticed those who proposed by artificial navigation, or canals, to form a connexion between the waters of the Hudson and Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, or both. Christopher Colles, Jeffrey Smith, Elkanah Watson, Philip Schuyler, Jesse Hawley, and Joshua Foreman, deserve the most honourable mention in this place. Thirdly, those who in the memorable year 1810, have been chiefly instrumental in effecting a direct internal communication between Lake Erie and the Atlantic. In this class Thomas Eddy, Jonas Platt, and De Witt Clinton stand conspicuous. Fourthly, another class of benefactors to this great work, is composed of numerous members of both houses of the legislature, who took a prominent station in devising and sustaining the measures necessary to carry the same into effect; the various canal commissioners, engineers, surveyors, and many private but public-spirited citizens in various parts of the state, who have zealously given their personal attentions and services to this herculean undertaking, and to whom too much praise cannot be ascribed: so great is the number composing this class, that I am compelled at this time to forbear from their enumeration. The commissioners of the canal fund, as distinguished from that of canal commissioners, and composed of the lieutenant governor, the comptroller, the attorney general, the surveyor general, the secretary and treasurer, to whose special care are committed the regulations of the tolls and other circumstances relating to the government of the canal, are entitled to high approbation for their intelligent and faithful discharge of the duties

"

For the good which has been done by individuals or

communities, in relation to this work. let each

have a due share of credit.

Dewitt Clinton