were appointed a committee to draft a memorial to the legislature. This memorial was drawn up by De Witt Clinton, and from the masterly manner in which it was written, it was evident he had a complete knowledge of the subject, and evinced the uncommon talents of the author. It was signed by many thousands in this city, and throughout the State. With the legislature it had the desired effect, and was the means of establishing the canal policy on a firm basis, and producing the law of 15th of April, 1817, directing the work to be commenced, which was accordingly done on the 4th of July following.

In the interim, Mr. Eddy evinced the unusual forecast of his mind, and his clear judgment, by his exertions, in connection with De Witt Clinton and Robert Fulton, to the opposition caused by men not capable of forming a correct judgment as to the practicability of the great work. This was done by the publication of pamphlets, essays in newspapers, &c.

The first savings bank in this country was established in the city of Philadelphia, and almost at the same time another at Boston. Mr. Eddy, impressed with the utility of these institutions to industrious persons with small means, saw only another plan of giving scope to that active spirit of philanthropy which fired his soul. His exertions to establish such an institution in New York, failed for a long time to receive competent support. In 1803, however, in company with John Murray, Jr., and Jeremiah Thompson, he met with full success, after triumphantly removing every objection. The New York Savings Bank was thus established, and has remained in full and active operation ever since; and the thousands who have been benefited by its good offices, can attest the value of such an institution. Mr. Eddy was a director, and its vice-president, to the time of his death.

The New York Bible Society is also another monument

of Mr. Eddy's ardent desire to improve the condition of mankind. This branch of the great society which has directly and indirectly effected so much good to the human race, even to the uttermost parts of the earth, was formed in 1806, only two years after the birth of its parent in London. Who can estimate the vast amount of intellectual and moral happiness conferred on a large proportion of mankind, who would otherwise have remained in hopeless darkness, by the introduction of the benign principles of Christianity and its necessary companions, civilization and refinement? The latest moment of Mr. Eddy's life found him an efficient and active supporter of the society he had aided in establishing.

In his connection with the prison system of this State, Mr. Eddy had occasion to observe the full force of the axiom, that "ignorance is the mother of crime" He therefore directed his efforts to the establishment of a free school, for those children not otherwise provided with the means of education. An act of incorporation was obtained for a society for establishing a seminary of this description. Funds were raised by subscription for carrying out this benevolent project, and in a short time great benefits flowed from its operations. From this small beginning has grown the great and splendid system of public instruction which is as honorable to New York as it has been advantageous to her citizens in every walk of life.

We might go on enumerating severally, and descanting on the various public acts of the life of the subject of this memoir, for there was scarcely a plan started within the scope of this truly good man that had in view the public benefit, which may not boast of his active exertions in its favor; but we have displayed sufficient of his actions to show that the predominant impulse which inspired him was philanthropy. His intellectual acquirements, though by no means brilliant, were sufficient to enable him to

shine in the great moral works to which he devoted himself, and the literary compositions he has left behind show him to have been possessed of a strong and discriminating mind. Mild, courteous, and dignified in his personal demeanor, he insured the love and respect of all around him.

Mr. Eddy's death occurred on the 16th of September, 1827, in the sixty-ninth year of his age. He had been failing for months, but at last his exit from the busy scenes of life' was as sudden as that life had been tranquil. His memory will long be revered and cherished by those who are capable of appreciating true worth and excellence.

JONATHAN GOODHUE.

FEW men have been taken from the ranks of life and usefulness, in this community, whose removal has occasioned so deep a sensation as was elicited by the death of the late Mr. Goodhue. It was not that he had sought for popularity, or had aimed at a commanding influence. A constitutional delicacy of feeling had rather led him to shun notoriety, and to shrink instinctively from places which could give him prominence. The strong sensation, then, which was manifested at his death, was but the spontaneous expression of the esteem and affection of the community in which, for so many years, he had lived and acted. In a widely extended intercourse, running through a long and active life, he had left the impress of his character on the minds and hearts of thousands who had known him and who had loved him. He had appeared among them not only as an upright man and an honorable merchant, but as a fellow-being entering warmly into their feelings and anxious for their welfare. This ready-flowing spirit of sympathy and kindness was strongly developed in Mr. Goodhue's character, and was the more impressive from his frank and lively manner, and the strong language with which he gave utterance to his feelings. No one could converse with him without perceiving it. It was spontaneous, and needed only the presence of a proper object to show itself distinctly and fully. There was, indeed, a transparency of character in Mr. Goodhue throughout, which left no doubt with any who conversed with him as to his principles and feelings.

The public demonstrations of sorrow on the occasion of