The distinction which he gained in his judicial capacity, soon elevated him to a different theatre of action, the gubernatorial chair of his native stale. (In 1807, when not thirtythree years of age,) he was put forward as a candidate by the most influential of the republicans of that day, and in the mode in which he administered the government he did not disappoint their choice. Those were turbulent times in politics, but like a skilful pilot, he safely and triumphantly weathered tfie storm, i:ot only that which was raging within our own bounds and among ourselves, but a more painful one which was pouring in upon us from a foreign foe. By his unwearied efforts in repeatedly pressing the subject upon the attention of the legislature, slavery was finally abolished in the state of New York.

The subject of public education and morals, was always near his heart. Tiie benevolent feelings of Gov. Tompkins, prompted him to call the attention of the legislature on repeated occasions, to the abolition of corporeal punishment, and he at length happily effected that of the former; the latter siill remains. So early as 1811, we find him raising his voice in favor of the encouragementof manufactures. In 1812, he prorogued the senate and assembly of the state. In this brief sketch, it is not to be expected that even all the most prominent measures of Gov. Tompkins's administration can be noticed.'"^

We come now, (continues his biographer) to the part which he bore in our late war witli Great Britain, which embraces a most interesting period of his life. Whenever the history of that war shall be written for posterity, his name will fill an ample space.