A Discourse on the Life, Character and Writings of Gulian Crommelin Verplanck Delivered before the New-York Historical Society, May 17th, 1870

In this carefully crafted address, a 19th‑century orator steps before the New York Historical Society to honor a man whose influence touched law, literature, and public service. Listeners are treated to vivid recollections of Verplanck’s upbringing in a storied Wall Street mansion and the deep roots his family traced back to the early Dutch settlers of the Hudson Valley. The speaker weaves together anecdotes of the subject’s civic work, literary pursuits, and the quiet, enduring presence he held in the city’s cultural life.

The discourse balances factual detail with personal reverence, revealing how Verplanck’s commitment to education, charity, and legislative reform left a palpable void when he passed. Through descriptive portraits of his country estate, his family heritage, and his role in shaping public institutions, the talk paints a portrait that feels both intimate and historically significant. Listeners will come away with a richer sense of a bygone era and the steadfast character of a figure whose contributions helped mold early American society.