To defeat his arrogant design and save the state from inroad, it was necessary immediately to exercise fuller powers and more ample resources than had been placed in his hands by the legislature. He proceeded therefore to make such dispositions as were deemed indispensable to secure the exposed points against menaced invasion. To effect these objects he found it necessary to transcend the authority and means vested in him by law, perfectly satisfied that the legislature would approve and sanction what he had done.

In October of this year, Governor Tompkins was appointed by the President to the command of the third military district. He acquitted himself of the command with great ability, and on the disbanding of the troops he received from every quarter letters of compliment and gratitude ; and this was the only recompense for his services in this command which he ever obtained.

During the fall of this year the general government was desirous of fitting out an expedition to dislodge the enemy from Castine in the province of Maine. They had applied to the Governor of Massachusetts to raise the necessary funds for tliis purpose but without effect. In this dilemma the situation of the general government was hinted to Governor Tompkins, who with his individual credit and upon his own responsibilities, immediately raised the money, $300,000, which he placed at the orders of General Dearborn, then commanding in Massachusetts. This noble act of patriotism speaks for itself and comment would be superfluous.''^

" He contributed (remarks the Hon. G. Rathbun) more than any one man in the Union to the success of our arms in repelling- the invaders of our soil, Mr. Tompkins disbursed for the United States very nearly two millions of dollars. Tliis sum was charged to him. Further, he borrowed for the use of the general government more than ore million, three hundred thousand dollars, some of it partly upon the credit of the government, and some of it upon his own responsibility, 6ccJ'^