PREFACE.

THE former editions of this work having been so well received, has induced the publisher to issue a fourth, with greater claims to public patronage.

The Biographical Memoirs, which were before too prolix, have been abridged, and many anecdotes and original pieces inserted instead.

The convenient size of this volume as a pocket companion, with the short, correct, and interesting sketches of eminent public characters, it is hoped will insure it a warm reception.

THE

UNIQUE.

DE WITT CLINTON, LL. D.,

A DISTINGUISHED statesman, was born in the year 1769, in Orange county, N. York. In 1784, he entered Columbia college, and at the commencement for conferring degrees, he received the honours of the university. Early in the year 1786, he commenced the study of the law with Samuel Jones, Esq. a celebrated counsellor in New York. He received the usual licences or degrees, but did not immediately commence the practice of the law. He was shortly afterwards appointed secretary to his uncle, George Clinton, then governor of the state, in whose service he continued, during his administration, which ended in 1795.

In 1797, he was elected a member of the assembly for the city of New York. During the period of his legislative career, he de