ments are injudicious and many of them very Scandalous. The dissatisfaction among the Bucktails is general. We think that the Army ought to stand on the Senate Bill: so say all judicious friends. John Brush a valuable friend wishes the appointment of Post Master in Poughkeepsie. He has a brother in your house from Ohio. Can you promote the object and confer with him on this subject? Yours Sincerely, DE WITT CLINTON. Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, in Congress, Washington. Gen. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. My Dear Harriot, Washington Feb. 17. 1821. Before the Mail closes, I must acknowledge the receipt of Mag's, Adeline's and your letter of 11th Inst. dismiss my love, all fears about me. I am in perfect health and only wish for the happy moment when I shall embrace you this life of separation is a horrid one to me. If I return to this place, I pray to God to be enabled to bring you with me. I shall then be perfectly happy, and make you so too; my every happiness is centred in you; you first warmed my heart, which love has increased with time until you have became part of myself. I now feel in high spirits that two weeks from this day will close the Session. Dear Genl. Chas. G. Haines to Gen. Van Rensselaer. * * New York, 27 Feb., 1821. You will this day receive a Letter from a Committee, requesting information as to your return to this City from Washington. A public Dinner has been decreed to you, and on no ground must you shrink or disappoint us. I had the honor of bringing forward the proposition to a number of highly respectable Citizens at Washington Hall, and it was received with unbounded enthusiasm. It has gone through the City and inspired the same elevated and honourable feelings. This will not be a party Dinner. The Committee of Arrangements are taken from various quarters. It will be strictly a CITIZENS DINNER, and one of the most respectable that has ever been given in this City. Our political prospects are glorious. With one bold effort we can prostrate the Jacobins. I am glad to see the old North behave so nobly on the Missouri question. Stand firm God and the Nation are with you. Again I say, you must not disappoint your friends. Sincerely Yours, Hon. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Washington, CHAS. G. HAINES. The Missouri Compromise allowed slavery south of 36° 30′ north latitude, and in that state. "Missouri had applied for admission. The question arose should she be admitted as a slave state? After a strong debate, it was decided that slavery should be tolerated in Missouri, but probibited in all the territory of the United States north and west of Arkansas. "March 3, 1821. A resolution providing for the admission of the state of Missouri into the Union on a certain condition was approved and signed by the president." My dear Harriet, Gen. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. Washington, March 3, 1821. We have this evening finished the Missouri question, and have been beaten by a Majority of Three. The subject was so warmly contested that to allay the terrible storm, that was brewing with danger to the Union, Mr. Clay proposed the "Missouri Compromise," which allows slavery in that State even after admitted, but prohibits it north of 36° 30'. The contemptible bargaining Yankees were frightened by the braggadocio Southern Nabobs, some bolted, and others voted against us. They are a despicable set, and instead of governing, which they had the opportunity to do, they gave all up. They are not fit for negro drivers to the people of the South, and even they despise such vacillation and political servitude. I am respected even by the Southerners because I have ever opposed them manfully. We would have defeated the whole clique, had the three members from our State acted as firmly as they said they would, never to give up the question whatever might be the consequence. Those three firm men: Caleb Tompkins (a brother of the Vice-President) Walter Case and Harmanus Peck of Schenectady bolted upon the last question. We sat without dinner every day this week until nine o'clock at night. Our caucus, in which a strenuous effort was vigorously put forth against Slavery in any shape whatsoever, might have won honorable fame to itself, and greatly benefited the country if they had only acted with firmness and courtesy. But with an impetuous and inconsiderate rashness our Government is being placed in an attitude of peril, and from this critical emergency we have tried to save her by wholesome measures which have been frustrated. Mr. Clay as a sagacious counsellor and statesman has exerted his influence to bring around the practical measure upon which this amicable agreement between the North and South has now been adjusted, and the honor, if there is any in this affair, belongs to him for a successful issue to his well meant efforts. The House does not meet tomorrow, therefore I shall take a ride on horseback for ten or twelve miles out into the country. I have been so much confined that I much need the diversion, but I am in perfect health of body, only just heartily home-sick and never wished so much to see you; but it is impossible to say when that wished for moment will arrive. Write me how Tompkins and politics come on; about my friend Judge Van Ness &c., with all the items of home news. I received Adeline's letter yesterday, and one to day from a Gentleman saying he had attended our girls splendid party, and that all the guests were pleased. This gentleman is Peter Gansevoort; I wish much I could have made one of the happy number. Good night my Love, kiss our little ones for me and big ones too. me unalterably your affectionate Husband. SOL. VAN RENSSELAER. Mrs. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. Believe "The admission of Missouri as a state into the Union, was made, by its connection with the subject of slavery, one of the most violently contested questions that ever agitated the councils of the nation. A bill had been introduced into congress, providing for the admission of Missouri, on the condition, that all children of slaves, born after the passage of the act, should be free, after reaching the age of twenty-five years, and that the further introduction of slavery should be prohibited. The excitement in congress infected the people when this bill was defeated and the north was arrayed against by the south." CHAPTER XVIL APPOINTMENT OF ALBANY POST MASTER. Tribute of Respect. The following letters were copied in the New York Columbian prefaced by these remarks: "We have obtained from the gentlemen whose names are subscribed to the following correspondence, copies thereof for publication. The sentiments contained in the letter to Gen. Van Rensselaer, as well as his answer, do honor to the parties, and cannot fail to sink deep into the minds of all good men. probable that this correspondence would never have met the eyes of the public, had it not been for the calumnies on the character of Gen. Van Rensselaer, which have recently appeared in the factious papers of this city." Sir, To Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer. New York, March 5, 1821. As friends to personal merit as friends to elevated and manly principles and as friends to the honor and credit of the state of New York, a large and respectable number of your fellow citizens, in this city, are anxious to greet your return from the seat of government by some public testimony of esteem and respect compatible with the tone of popular feeling, inspired by your removal from the office of adjutant general; and the just appreciation of your important services to the state and to the nation. They have agreed to give you a public dinner, and only wait your acceptance of this proffered tribute of regard, to make the necessary arrangements. In times when worth, valor and talent are proscribed in the civil commotions of a state, there is a gratification in seeing a free and intelligent people indicate their regard and attachment for the victims of party exclusion - for men who deserve the gratitude of the present age, and the gratitude of posterity for men, whose deeds of bravery will ever form an illustrious example on the page of history, and whose political course has been distinguished by integrity, honor, firmness and decision. Your early military services, your brilliant exploits, during the late war, your scars and your wounds, nobly received in the defence of your country, as well as your recent services on the floor of Congress deserve far more than any homage which we can render you. Please to inform us on what day we shall have the pleasure of waiting on you. Gentlemen, ROBT. BOGARDUS, ISAAC M. ELY, J. LE ROY, BENJ. G. MINTURN, Committee. City Hotel New York, March 6, 1821. Your flattering demonstration of public regard has been received with the most grateful sensibility. However little I may deserve, for any services rendered, so distinguished a mark of approbation, or be entitled to your animated eulogiums, it is solacing to reflect, that my motives have been justly appreciated. In the various public stations, to which I have been called by the indulgent confidence of my fellow citizens, it has ever been my ambition to promote the prosperity, and maintain the honor of the State. And their approbation constitutes the most welcome reward for past, and the noblest incentive to future exertions. I regret that my health is so impaired by recent fatigue, as to compel me to decline your flattering invitation. Be pleased to accept on behalf of yourselves and your fellow citizens, the assurance of my most grateful respect. SOLOMON VAN RENSSELAER. To Robert Bogardus, Benj. C. Minturn, Benjamin Ferris, Charles G. Haines, Isaac M. Ely, Jonas Mapes, J. Le Roy, Committee. "March 14, 1821. General Solomon Van Rensselaer was yesterday unanimously nominated for a re-election to Congress by the Albany County Federal Rupublican Convention for Representative to Congress." On February 12th, while General Van Rensselaer was attending to his congressional duties at Washington, he was removed by the new Council of Appointment from the office of adjutant generala situation he had been allowed to retain during the administration of Governors Jay, George Clinton, Lewis, Tompkins and De Witt Clinton's till this year, having fulfilled the duties of the responsible station to the entire satisfaction of the country. Upon being superseded by William L. Marcy, Esq., the above re-nomination was immediately made. At the time of election by an overwhelming majority over the Democratic candidate, Hon. Harmanus Bleecker, it was certified that: "Solomon Van Rensselaer, by the greatest number of votes in the Ninth District was elected Representative for this state in the House of Representatives of the Seventeenth Congress of the United States." This official return was hailed with great joy by numerous friends. Dear Sir, Judge Van Ness to Gen. Van Rensselaer. New York May 16, 1821. I saw the Chancellor [James Kent] yesterday and had a long'talk with. him on the subject of the Convention. I am authorized in saying that if you think proper to nominate him as one of your candidates, he will not decline. We all here think he ought to be in the convention and I hope you will send him if you can. I also think it of the highest importance that the Chief Justice [Ambrose Spencer] should be in the convention. I have this day written to the Patroon in relation to the Chancellor. It would be well enough for you to mention this to a few confidential friends. You may say you are authorized to declare that if the Chancellor is nominated he will not decline- my name need not be mentioned. I wrote to Dr. Bay on these subjects. I shall be at home on Sunday. God bless you. W. W. VAN NESS. Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer Albany. "This convention of the people of the State of New York, assembled at Albany, on the twenty-eighth day of August, 1821, pursuant to an act of the legislature of the said state, entitled 'an act recommending a convention of the people of this state, passed March 13th.' The object of this convention was to decide, by a majority of votes as given against the amended constitution, then it should be deemed rejected by the citizens of this state: But if a majority of the said votes are for the amended constitution, then the same shall be deemed to be ratified, and confirmed, by the citizens of the state." The First Session of the seventeenth congress began December 3, 1821, and General Van Rensselaer entered upon his second congressional term. Representatives of the State of New York in Congress: XVIIth CONGRESS.-Cadwallader D. Colden, Silas Wood, C. C. Cambreleng, John I. Morgan, Jeremiah H. Pierson, William W. Van Wyck, Walter Patterson, Silas Tuthill, Charles H. Ruggles, Richard McCarty, Solomon Van Rensselaer, John D. Dickinson, John W. Taylor, Nathaniel Pitcher, Reuben H. Walworth, John Gebhard, Alfred Čonkling, Samuel Campbell, James Hawks, Joseph Kirkland, Thomas H. Hubbard, Micah Sterling, Elijah Litchfield William B. Rochester, David Woodcock, Elijah Spencer, Benjmain Ellicott. Senators - Rufus King, Martin Van Buren. Philip P. Barbour of Virginia was chosen speaker of the house. Officers of the Government of the United States: James Monroe, president, Daniel D. Tompkins, vice president; John Q. Adams, secretary of state; William H. Crawford, secretary of the treasury; John C. Calhoun, secretary at war; Smith Thompson, secretary of the navy; Return J. Meigs, post-master general; John Marshall, chief justice. Officers of the Government of the State of New York: His Excellency De Witt Clinton, governor; John Taylor, lieutenant gov.; James Kent, chancellor; Ambrose Spencer, chief justice; William W. Van Ness, Joseph C. Yates, Jonas Platt, John Woodworth, justices of S. C. John V. N. Yates secretary of state; John Savage, comptroller; Benjamin Knower, treasurer; Simeon De Witt, surveyor general; Samuel A. Talcott, attorney gen.; William L. Marcy, adjutant, general; Gerrit V. Denniston, judge advocate general; Archibald Campbell, deputy secretary. DIED. At his seat in Greenbush, Rensselaer county on Tuesday evening December 11th, 1821, MAJOR NANNING I. VISSCHER aged forty-nine. Major Visscher received his first commission, as ensign, in the United States army under President Washington, at the early age of nineteen, and entered into immediate service. He received regular promotion in our then small military establishment, and served under Gen. Wayne during the whole of that dangerous warfare, until our Indian enemies were driven back and peace was made with them. Possessing an ardent zeal for the service, and being rigidly exact in the performance of every military duty, he was entrusted by his general with the command of several important military posts, and often placed in highly responsible situations, where his bravery and prudence rendered him essentially useful. He was again promoted by President Adams in the second regiment of infantry, in 1801, where he remained till 1810, when he was transferred to the rifle regiment. Having obtained permission to go to England, on his private affairs, about the commencement of the late war, he hastened the settlement of his business in that country, and, on his return, solicited from government employment, with a rank to which he justly deemed his long service, and the augmentation of the army entitled him. The places he had a right to expect, however, having been filled up with officers who had been junior to him in rank, he felt himself bound to tender his resignation. Major Visscher was ever considered a valuable officer and a worthy citizen. His urbanity of manners and gentlemanly deportment, gave him many friends. Those who were more particularly intimate with him, and had an opportunity to know his unaffected generosity and genuine goodness of heart, will long |