PAPERS OF THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF DELAWARE. IV. MEMOIR OF- JOHN M. CLAYTON. BY-- JOSEPH P. COMEGYS. THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF DELAWARE, WILMINGTON: 1882. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1882, by Joseph P. Comegys, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. PRESS OF FERRIS BROS., WILMINGTON, DEL. The following Memoir consists of pa pers which were read before the Historical Society of Delaware, on two several occa sions, with additions subsequently made by the au hor. MEMOIR OF JOHN M. CLAYTON. MR. PRESIDENT AND GENTLEMEN OF THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF DELAWARE: I should state, before I commence my reading of this memoir, that I have exhibited the subject of it in a most favorable light. A memoir should do nothing less; especially when prepared, as this has been, at the instance of a Society concerned in presenting the distinguished men of the State, and the features of her history, in the best view for public admiration. With this in my mind, and yet not forgetting the duty I owed to truth, I have delineated the character and achievements of John M. Clayton as they appeared to me, his cotemporary and admirer; though not insensible, however, to knowledge of infirmities of nature common to most of us. I have presented him as he should be shown to the people of Delaware, in his public aspect, as tradition, personal knowledge, and |