He was employed in tlie public service in various capacities during the revolutionary contest, in all of which he displayed great zeal and ability. ^i After the Revolution he retired from public life and passed a number of years in private pursuits, excepting being a very active member of the convention which framed the constitution of the United States. In 1792, he was appointed minister to France, and remained there in that capacity until October, 1794. <? He returned to America in 1798, and in 1800 was chosen a senator from New York. In the summer of 1810, he examined the route for the Erie canal,

a The above-mentioned picUires are in tlie possession of Lewis Morris, Esq. Fordham.

b Surrogate's office, N. Y. lib. x.viii. 426.

c Brigadier General IMorris received orders from Congress to take possession (with liis whole brigade) of such part of the Sound and Hudson River as he might think most exposed to the enemy.

d Upon the 8th of July, 1775, he was appointed a member of the Committee of rnblic Safety for Westchester county.

« He is said to have been the author of the memorable address of Louis XYL to the French people.

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and took a prominent part in originating and promoting that noble work." " The activity of his mind, the richness of his fancy, and the copiousness of his eloquent conversation, were the admiration of all his acquaintance, and he was universally admitted to be one of the most accomplished and prominent men of our country. "a " He died at Morrisania, November 5, 1816, aged 64. His publications were numerous. A selection from his papers, with a sketch of his life, has been published by Jared Sparks, in 3 vols. 8vo. lS32."b