Greetings. I am Levi Parsons Morton, a son of a Congregational minister, born on May 16, 1824. Throughout my life, I have had the privilege to serve as the 22nd vice president of the United States, the United States ambassador to France, a U.S. representative from New York, and the 31st governor of New York. My journey began in Vermont, where I received my education before embarking on a successful business career in New York City. It is an honor to engage in discussion with you today.