the projected dinner was unhappily interrupted by the decease of the poet, in whose honor it was intended to be given. I met Mr. Hackett and Mr. Verplanck, and agreed upon the day when I was to notify Halleck—and an hour after that meeting, I heard the sad news of his death.
I now have the honor to introduce Mr. Duyckinck, the Chairman of this Committee, who will read the resolutions he has prepared.
Mr. Duyckinck thereupon submitted the following resolutions, which were adopted unanimously:
Resolved, That the Members of this Society, in common with their fellow-citizens and countrymen, express the sense of the loss which America has sustained in the death of Fitz-Greene Halleck.
Resolved, That while knowing the author and paying that tribute of heartfelt admiration of his genius as a poet, which had been ever accorded by all acquainted with his writings, we cherish the recollection of his personal worth and amiability of character, the charm of his enlivened conversation, and the grace which his presence imparted to social life.
Resolved, That Wm. Cullen Bryant, the life-long friend of the poet, be invited to prepare a memorial paper on the life and genius of Fitz-Greene Halleck, to be read before this Society at a special meeting, to be held for that purpose.
Resolved, That we express our sympathy with the surviving sister of our deceased friend, in the affliction which she has sustained in being deprived of her beloved brother and companion, of many years.
Resolved, That a certified copy of these Resolutions be communicated to Miss Halleck.
Previously to offering the resolutions, Mr. Duyckinck presented the following communication relating to Mr. Halleck, which he had received, as Chairman of the Committee, from Mr. Frederic de Peyster.
