pleasing, and, on that account, he is admirably qualified for a public lecturer. His introductory was, notwithstanding the weather, numerously attended, and we are quite sure that his sound, practical views upon banks, upon general education, and upon the importance of free trade, must have given universal satisfaction. We trust that his lectures will be properly patronized, believing, as we do, that they will prove highly beneficial to all classes of society."

This lecture was, at the request of some English friends, afterwards printed by the author, that same year, during his stay in London. And from the advertisement we take these few lines, as showing the result of the whole university scheme.

"The introductory part of the lecture may require, not only apology, but explanation. It relates to the scheme of a university then current in New York, grounded upon the alleged inadequacy of the college, to which the lecturer belonged, to supply the wants of the city. The popular cry was for a new institution; the friends of the college, while they doubted the necessity, argued for enlargement, as both more safe and more economical; and the mention of it is here retained as adding another proof, by the failure of the whole plan, that these loose schemes of education are more showy than sound, and can never become a substitute for the regular study and academic discipline of youth."

As a part of the university plan then proposed, the trustees made a proposition to the Navy Department, offering facilities in the college for the instruc

tion of the midshipmen and young officers stationed at New York harbor, and Professor McVickar was sent to Washington to explain to the authorities there its nature and advantages. It fell through, but from a home letter we obtain some interesting details of the visit, and some of the causes of failure:

WASHINGTON, April 1, 1830.

At nine, I meet by appointment General Hayne (Mr. Webster's opponent). He is chairman of the Naval Committee in the Senate, where our only hope lies, unless I can effect something with the President, on whom I call at half past two. I will add another page to-night and tell you how I fare. General Hayne I found in his parlor,

rather a small man, youthful in looks, though called forty-five, very gentlemanly and conversable, but with a tone of great decision. He was very frank, explained his views, and put his opposition on the ground of its economy. He was for a great naval school. The government had money, and would spend it, so expense was no consideration. "But," said I," is there not a previous question a legislator should ask, Why the Government should have a surplus revenue?"—"True," said he, "but there I despair."—"Then," said I," you are no good citizen.” This brought on varied talk in which we generally coincided, and I took my leave with his speeches in my pocket, with the impression made by a clear, warmhearted man, but not a rival to Webster.

At seven o'clock, Mr. Hone, Mr. White, and my

self drove to the palace, as they term it. We were ushered through a great and desolate looking hall into a splendid parlor, ceilings twenty-five feet high. The room was empty, the President engaged with the heads of department, but we were begged to wait his leisure. He soon came down accompanied by two gentlemen. The three ladies of his family were soon after introduced, Mrs. Donaldson his niece, a young lady, and Mrs. Haynes of Charleston. Tea and coffee were then served, and as Mrs. Webster waited our return, we soon after withdrew. On taking leave, the President begged me to come up early in the morning, and he would have some conversation with me about our plan, and named half past nine, when I shall attend him, and if I can make a favorable impression do not yet despair of bringing General H. to another view of it. The chairman of the committee in the House, though at first very hostile, I have brought over, though he is altogether an unfit man for chairman, and has no influ

ence.

But I have not told you how I like the President. I tell you plainly that could I forget his name was Jackson, and all the associations connected with it, I should describe him as one of the most gentlemanly old men I have ever met with; mild, courteous, and polite, with an air of sedateness, approaching to melancholy, and with a tinge of disease or feeble health. On the whole, I should describe him as a very interesting man; but I stop to leave room for a second picture.

This second picture is not to be found, but a few extracts from a subsequent letter may be added :— Many old persons to whom I am introduced speak to me of my father, and are very attentive to me on that account, among others General Smith of Maryland. Another came up to me at Mr. Webster's, Sir,' said he, 'yours was one of the greatest commercial houses of our country.'

6

"With Chief Justice Marshall, Judge Livingston secured a bond of acquaintance. We had a long talk and walk together this afternoon; he beat me in the first of course, but I was a little surprised to be distanced by a man of eighty-four. I accompanied him about half-way to Georgetown, and turned back for church, while he went on his solitary walk of eight or ten miles."

Of an evening party at Mr. Webster's he writes:

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My time was divided between Mrs. Webster, as in duty bound and pleasure too, and Mr. Calhoun, whom I find rather a talented than a great man. Indeed, I have found but one great man and that is Webster. He walks among others with a weight of character and talent that overawes. What he says you remember; there is a power and truth in it that one cannot forget."

The following letter from Mr. Webster, written shortly after this visit to Washington, carries on our narrative. To some, perhaps, it will seem a good illustration of the above encomium, but though my father's views, as he grew older, became less enthusiastic on the subject of political economy, he never was