Paulding was thoroughly American in spirit and feeling, and his writings did much to confirm and strengthen in the popular mind the sentiments of patriotism engendered by the Revolution and the war of 1812. Their value was recognized officially by his appointment in 1814 or 1815 as secretary of the Board of Navy Commissioners, then first established. He was transferred several years later to the post of Navy Agent for the port of Xew York, which he retained for twelve years under

JOSEPH RODMAX DRAKE.

different administrations and resigned to accept the position at the head of the Navy De|)artment, under the administration of President Van Buren. Upon the accession of President Harrison to office, he resigned and soon afterwards retired to a pleasant residence, " Hyde Park," on the east bank of the Hudson iu the county of Dutchess, where he spent the closing years of his life. He died in the eightysecond year of his age, on the 6th of April 1860. The "Literary Life of James K. Paulding," by his son, AVilliam Irviug Paulding, was published in 1867.

Near the road leading from West Farms to Hunt's Point, on the sound and on the edge of the marshes which border the Bronx River, stands an ancient burial place in which repose the remains of Joseph Rodman Drake, the poet who charmed the senses of thousands with the music of "The Culprit Fay," and strung the patriotic feelings of Americans to the highest tension when his muse sung of the national glory. Dying at the age of twenty-five, his