I have duly received your letter of April 28th. and with it a Medal of Gold, commemorating the completion of the Erie Canal, presented in the name of the City of New York by order of the Common Council; the Medal being accompanied by a box made of Maple brought from the Lake in the first Canal boat the Senaca Chief.

I beg the Corporation to be assured that I feel in its full extent, the value of this testimonial of kind respect; and that no one can offer a more cordial tribute of congratulation, than myself, on the event commemorated; an event the more splendid when viewed in its contrast, with occasions to which such emblems have been often dedicated.

As a Monument of public spirit conducted by enlightened Councils, as an example to other States worthy of emulating enterprize, and as itself a precious contribution to the happy result to our Country of facilitated communications and intermingled interests, bringing nearer and binding faster the multiplying parts of the expanding Whole, the Canal which unites the great Western lakes with the Atlantic ocean, is an achievement of which the State of New York may at all times be proud, and which well merited the homage so aptly paid to it by her great commercial Metropolis. Be pleased to accept, gentlemen, individually the expression of my high respect and my best wishes.