The Rev. Rufus W. Griswold offered the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:—

*Whereas,* It has pleased Almighty God to remove from this life our illustrious associate and countryman, JAMES FENIMORE COOPER, when his fame was in its fulness, and his intelligence was still unclouded by age or any infirmity; Therefore,

*Resolved,* That this Society has heard of the death of James Fenimore Cooper with profound regret;

That it recognizes in him an eminent subject and a master
illustrator of our history;

That in his contributions to our literature, he displayed emi-
nent genius and a truly national spirit;

That in his personal character he was honorable, brave, sin-
cere, and generous—as respectable for unaffected virtue as he
was distinguished for great capacities;

That this Society, appreciating the loss, which, however hea-
ily it has fallen upon this country and the literary world, has
fallen most heavily upon his family, instructs its officers to
convey to his family assurances of respectful sympathy and
condolence.

Dr. John W. Francis, Mr. Bancroft, the Rev. Mr.
Bogood, and the Rev. Dr. Hawks, spoke to these
resolutions with much eloquence and feeling, and
their remarks were heard with profound interest.
The Society then adjourned.