The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-11-08
New York Historical Society.

This society held its usual monthly meeting last even
ing in the University the Rev. Dr. Dewitt vice-Pres
dent in the chair. There very large attendance Of
members present.
Mr.. De Peyster made some remarks in relation to
portrait Of De Witt Clinton presented by the family Of
Mr.. Samuel S. Rowland He reviewed De Witt Clinton's
and the peculares Of his character and descrb
ed his personal appearance The painting, he sad
doubt the work of John Wesley Jarvis On notion
vote Of thanks rendered to the family of Mr. Samuel
s. Rowland, FOR their valuable donation
The Rev DR.. Allen, Of Northampton, presented In
dian pot kettle made of soapstone, which had been
poughed in Northampton after being buried for two
for which, well for his gift he received the thanks
Of the meeting.
committee appointed to make the semi
centennial anniversary Of the socetys existence From
this report II appeared that the Hon. George Bancroft
lad been invited, and had consented to deliver
dress in Nbo's Saloon the 20h of November instant
II was aso arranged that the societys guests
proceed from Nblos Saloon the Metropolitan Hotel
where an entertainment would be provided for them
Invitations had been extended to distinguished ind-
vduas both in this and in other countries. The report
was unanimously adopted
The paper of the evening entitled "Reminiscences of
New York and of Christopher Coles then read by
Dr. Francis.
In opening his remarks he compared the appearance of
New York some sixty years with its appearance TO-
day, and contrasted the humble dwellings, Of that date
with the costly edifces which surrounded u.s. He
who has lived during the las three years may well
oe e While 10 and varied
have been brought about feel that have failed
doing justice to the merits Of the authors of those deeds
which have provoked panegyrics. The speaker
briefly passed the character Of Franklin with high
culoyium. lie next referred to Fulton and said that
many scepcs here doubted the success OF his schemes
but when his efforts succeeded in Europe soep-
ticsm in this country disappeared, for it was
at time when book in America sols best with " John
JONES' Pccadly, London,n on the title page He then
referred to the ndomitabe OF DO Witt Gin
ton which caused him to rise superior to every obstacle
aluson-Colone Trumbull-who was behind none of his
contemporaries in patriotism and zeal. His death was
na' o. a. oh t anu ,ne manner OF his death was
Francis then glanced at the state Of education
compared with that Of past period as instance Of
which he was directed 70 recse the sorrows Of
Irving, had to deliver, 'My Voice Is stn for warp
The speaker then passed to the notice Of Christopher
Coles whose life and times had been personal warfare
against conflicting elements There must be stiil he
said some few old Knickerbockers who remember Chris
topher Coles COLES was by birth Irishman, and
traveller Richard Pocock After the death OF his patron
in 1885, he left his native land In 1772 We End him
gagged in giving lessons gunnery to the revolutionists
COLES was the first person who suggested canals He
went into the country and examined the distractions
the Mohawk river and published his opioniops in 17e5
In 1871 we find his among the applicants
for the conveyance of water to the city BY means
inland navigation in the United States s BY canals.
These several projects resulted in trHing pecunary
returns. He vas among the first who commenced tinc-
rant public instruction. He lectured electricity,
mIineralogy, mesmerism and mathematics. President
King might have said OF him in his memoir the
Croton Aqueduct COLES was genuine philosopher,
and could practically declare that 90 bit in the morning
was better than nothing all day He was the first man
in this country who established system of ship
signals. He then took to his telescope and micro
scope. While thus striving to exist, he aided
in the government house. His talents admitted
TO be high, his nature benevolent and lie the
advocate of large federation both in politics and re
eion. 1t his constant aim 10 be useful Many paid
Difference to him amid all bis disappointments Every
body seemed to know him. He q part of the do
mestic history Of New York Ho was lover Of nature
and village city at that time afforded him every op
portuny to enjoy delightful scenery. Dr. Francis in.
terspersed his sketch Of Coles with numerous amusing
anecdotes and concluded his address before the society
with sketch Of New York literature in the end Of the
last century.
Francis for his highly interesting paper after which the
meeting adjourned.