Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1823-07-31
1iograpbn.
SKETCH or DEWITT CLINTON.
From tie .Nep- York .ii'nsrra.

DEWITT CLINroN is the SON of the late
General James Clinton, of Orange
county. Under the auspices of his Ia
Their, and his uncle, George Clinton, once
yice-president of the United States, he
was brought up republican wing. lie
received collegiate education, pursued
legal studies, and, at very early age,
was private secretary to George Clinton,
then Governor of this state. Soon after
he was clecteda member of the house
of Assembly, and there distinguished as
possessing peculiar ability for practical
business, as being uncommonly apt and
ready in civil affairs, and as being strict
~ a working legislator Afterwards he
served frequently in the senate Of this
state, and in that of the United States.
He next filed The offices of Lieutenant
Governor OF New York, and Mayor of
this city. 1t has been acknowledged,
that during his mayoralfy, he presided
with dignity, impardaiity, and usefulness
and acquitted himself honorabiy IN the
twofold character of the magistrate and
the man. During our WARMTH t.ngland
his zeal and talents powerfully aided and
co-operated with the corporation, to
raise means to provide defence, and to
stimulate the eAertions OF the citizens
for the safety of their country.
After the war, Mr.. CLINTON was twice
called to the guhernatorial chair OF his
native state, from which he has but late
ly retired. To inquire into the cause OF
this, would, perhaps, be deemed de-
parture from the pledge originally gi-
ven, that the Minerva should not inter-
iere in political affairs we therefore
refrain. iiisviews were those OF the ex-
allied statesman. They are finely ex-
emplified in his addresses to The lagisla-
ture. Never have there been nobler
models for the government of great
commonwealth. Fraught with profound
wisdom, deep, though elegant express
sion, and republican principle, they mark
the mind that schemes with prudence,
and acts with decision. His views, his
policy, and his measures, are boldly am
nounced. Taking on himself noble
and unshrinking responsibility, he
does not seek to accomplish his
aims by cautious and timid subter-
fuge but with honest and digniied
candor, he submits bis views TO the
people. These addresses will go down
TO future times as noble memorials OF
his genius, and so will his memorable
speech in the United States senate on
the New-Orleans question. At that cri-
sis of high moment and interest to the
nation, his firmness and force OF argu-
ment were displayed in 2 mastery man
nen The correctness of his views was
justified by the result, and from that time
he was considered as the liberal and lol-
ty minded statesman. If we need fur
Their testimony of his love OF country,
we can find it in his appeals to the peo-
pie, through grand juries, during the war
urging their support OF the nation and
in bis addresses to the commanders OF
the army and navy. They are marked
for boIdness. eloquence, warmth, and an
intense interest in the welfare and ho-
nor of his native land.
Throughout the whole of bis disiin-
guished career, Mr. Clinton has been
the firm friend Of every liberal object.
He has promoted every measure tend
ing TO the protection, The Improvement
and the glory of our state. HE has been
the patron Of literary and benevolent
institutions and while encouraging
science in others, he has himself been
one Of her brightest ornaments. lie
has read much, and written much, and
his compositions are remarkable Tor
polish and strength of genius. Nor has
he been less attentive TO the prosperity
Of his country than to that of science
His penetrating eye early marked the
track between the Lakes and the Hud-
son, and his enc rgetic mind was early
exerted to accomplished great undertake
ing, about which others bad only dream
ed. To this he gave all the power OF
Ills intellect, and all the weight Of his
character. Mark the result: the pro-
iect, after meeting with host Of violent
and bitter opponents, after being attack
ed by ridicuIe, by taunt, by invectsye,
was at last crowned with success, and
triumphed over opposition, passion and
prejudice. Had it not been for the um-
wearied patience, the enduring per-
severance, and the untiring constaney OF
Dewitt Clinton, this splendid wofs would
not have been pouring wealth and plen-
ty into The reasury Of the state, and
waiting the produce of Erie to the wave
Of the atlantic.
In person Hfr. Clinton possesses many
ADVANTAGE which do not always accom-
r,an,. man of his axalted ialent. Ills