To commemorate this event, that posterity should not lose sight of it -- that future ages should understand it by full and satisfactory proof -- that our countrymen know how to respect and value patriotism as well as to practice it -- that they were as ready to render justice to the merits of a private soldier, as to the officer highest in rank -- and to show, too, that our Revolution was achieved by principles of the highest order, we have assembled to erect this monument. Such an act is in conformity with the usages of the wisest of nations in every period of history, and, whenever neglected, has been a source of censure and regret ; such an act is in conformity with the habits of our own country, for it is consonant to a sense of gratitude in ever}- bosom. Monuments are now rising to the heroes of the Revolution in every part of the United States. Montgomery, Warren, De Kalb and others, are now remembered by a grateful people; and on the banks of our majestic Hudson has lately been placed a tasteful monument to the great and good Kosciusko, who dispensed honors and rewards for the freedom of man. This last tribute of respect has sprung from the purest of all sources-- from the bosoms of the youthful soldiers of our national military school, whose pursuits lead them to search histor}', and to canvass every military character for models of the patriot soldier.

The time, fellow citizens, is fast coming, when the actors in our revolutionary scenes will live but in the remembrance of the few, and in the annals of our country; more or less of their number are daily passing to their ete rnal rest. Within a few days past, the citizens of this county and of this nation were called to mourn the loss of one of the most distinguished members of that valiant band -- the great, -the illustrious John Jay, the American Fabricius : and even while I am speaking, there are only here and there one of the men of that age to be seen ; and he, with whitened locks and solemn demeanor, standing on the confines of eternity-- and taking, as it were, a farewell of us and of all the present generation, i