He passed the remainder of his life at Morrisania. ' An ample fortune, numerous friends, a charming retreat, and a tranquil home were the elements of his happiness and filled up the measure of his hopes.' " x The leisure of his closing years was devoted to study, literary pursuits, and the advocacy of 1 This citation well indicates the tastes and temperament of the man. He possessed a very lovable nature, though marked by great dignity of character. Asked to give his description of a gentleman, Gouverneur Morris wrote the following lines: 'Tis he whose every thought and deed By rule of virtue moves, Whose generous tongue disdains to speak The tiling his heart disproves. AVlm never did a slander forge, His neighbor's fame to wound; Nor hearken to a false report By malice whispered 'round.

Wlm vice, in all its pomp and power, Can treat with just neglect; And piety, though cloth'd in rags, Religiously respect, -,,. , ,. .. , .. , A\ ho to his plighted words and trust Has ever firmlv stood; And_ tbougli he promised to his loss, Hl, nmkes his promise good. Whoso soul in usury disdains His treasures to employ, Whom no reward can ever bribe The guiltless to destroy.

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HISTORY

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useful schemes of public policy, especially internal improvements. He was one of the projectors and earnest promoters of the Erie Canal. He died at Morrisania on the 6th of November, L816, in the sixtyfifth year of his age. " His remains were buried where Saint Anne's Church now stands, the east aisle covering their original restingplace. They were afterward transferred to the family vault, which is the first one east of the church. His wife caused a marble slab to be placed over the temporary tomb, and that still remains." Several of the most notable literary characters of the first half century of the republic were identified with Westchester County by residence.