nelius
Vanderbilt was, at the time of his death, one of the richest men in
the world. Among his charities was a gift of one million dollars to
the "Central University of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South," in
Nashville, Tennessee, which, in consequence of this munificence, was
named, in honor of him, Vanderbilt University. He was known by the
sobriquet of "Commodore."

_____

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

_Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to Cornelius Vanderbilt._

_Whereas_, Cornelius Vanderbilt of New York, did, during the
spring of 1862, make a free gift to his imperilled country of his
new and staunch steamship "Vanderbilt," of five thousand tons
burthen, built by him with the greatest care, of the best
materials, at a cost of eight hundred thousand dollars, which
steamship has ever since been actively employed in the service of
the republic against the rebel devastations of her commerce; and

_Whereas_, The said Cornelius Vanderbilt has in no manner sought
any requital of this magnificent gift, nor any official
recognition thereof; therefore,

_Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled_: That the thanks
of Congress be presented to Cornelius Vanderbilt for this unique
manifestation of a fervid and large-souled patriotism.

SECTION 2. _And be it further resolved_, That the President (p. 408)
of the United States be requested to cause a gold medal to
be struck, which shall fitly embody an attestation of the
nation's gratitude for this gift; which medal shall be forwarded
to Cornelius Vanderbilt, a copy of it being made and deposited
for preservation in the library of Congress.

Approved January 28, 1864.

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_The Secretary of State to Cornelius Vanderbilt._

To Department of State,
CORNELIUS VANDERBILT, Esq., Washington, April 17, 1866.
New York.

Sir: I have to inform you that the Congress of the United States,
by a resolution of the 28th of January, 1864, an attested copy of
which is herewith sent, offered you their thanks for your
generous gift to the nation during the last war, of the steamer
"Vanderbilt," and requested the President to cause a gold medal
to be struck and forw