COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY,

FROM ITS ORIGIN IN 1746 TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF 1854. 

P H I L A D E L P H I A.

1877.

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Page numbers in the original publication are shown in brackets as such: [ 3 ]

The following begins the original text:

[ 3 ]

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1877, by

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.

[ 4 ]

JAMES LENOX, ESQUIRE, LL.D.,

DURING THE AUTHOR’S ADMINISTRATION

THIS HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY

DEDICATED.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I PAGE
The Origin of the College 23

The Charters of 1746 and 1748 70

the Two Charters of the College 98

CHAPTER V.

College; and Memoir of his Life 114

CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VII.

of President Edwards 169

CHAPTER VIII.

Memoir of the Rev. Jonathan Edwards, Third President of the College 178

CHAPTER IX.

tion of the Rev. Samuel Davies as President of the College . . . 192

[ 22 ] HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER X. PAGE

The Administration of the Rev. Samuel Davies, Fourth President of the

College 203

CHAPTER XI.

CHAPTER XII.

College 249

CHAPTER XIV.

The Interval between the Death of Dr. Finley and the Accession of Dr.

Witherspoon, from July 18, 1766, to August 17, 1768 . . . . 285

CHAPTER XV.

the College 300

Appendix to the Chapter on Dr. Witherspoon’s Administration 368

CHAPTER XVI.

[ 192 ]

CHAPTER IX.

THE INTERVAL BETWEEN THE DECEASE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS

AND THE INAUGURATION OF THE REV. SAMUEL DAVIES AS PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE.

MR. EDWARDS died on the 22d of March, and the next meeting of the Board took place on Wednesday, the 19th of April, 1758, the instruction of the classes in this interval being conducted by the Tutors, Messrs. Ewing and Halsey.

Exclusive of the Governor of the State and the President of the College, the Board of Trustees consisted of twenty-one members; and of these, eleven were clergymen and ten laymen. On this occasion all the clerical members were present, and only three of the lay members.

The following is a copy of the minutes at this meeting:

"The Trustees met according to appointment at Nassau Hall, on Wednesday, the 19th day of April, Am. 1758.

Present,—William P. Smith and Samuel Woodruff, Esqrs.; the Rev. Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, William Tennent, David Cowell, Richard Treat, Timothy Johnes, Jacob Green, John Pierson, Samuel Finley, Caleb Smith, John Brainerd, Charles McKnight, and Richard Stockton. [ Mr. Stockton was Clerk of the Board.] The Clerk certified that he had duly notified each member of this present meeting.

"The minutes of the last meeting were ordered to he read. It is ordered, that Messrs. Treat, Cowell, and Stockton, or any two of them, be a committee to ascertain the sum of money in the hands of the Treasurer which was given in Trust for the Benefit of poor Scholars, and make Report thereof to the next meeting.

"Messrs. Green, Brainerd, and Smith, appointed the last meeting to inspect the College Fund and settle the accounts with the Treasurer, having not finished the said affair, it is ordered, that they make report of the Business, and also the state of the Expenses for the current year, to the meeting of the Trustees at the next Commencement.

"It is ordered, that the Tuition money and Study Rent until the next Commencement be put into the hands of the Steward of the College, and that he pay the same unto the Treasurer.

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HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY.

lege. It is ordered, that the Treasurer pay unto the Executors of the said Mr. Edwards the sum of One Hundred Pounds, being the one-half of his salary for one year, which he had a right to receive at the end of six months after the last Commencement; the said six months being unexpired notwithstanding.

"The Presidentship of the College having become vacant by the Death of the late Rev. President Edwards, the Trustees, after Prayer particularly on this account being made, and having taken deliberate consideration of the matter, do elect the Rev. Mr. James Lockwood, of Wethersfield, in the Colony of Connecticut, to be the President of the College; and the Clerk is ordered to write a Letter unto the said Mr. Lockwood informing him of the said Election and requesting his acceptance; and Mr. Spencer, one of the members of the Corporation, is desired to wait on the said Mr. Lockwood and deliver him the said Letter.

"It is ordered, that the Expenses attending the moving of Mr. Lockwood’s Family to this Place be paid by the Treasurer.

"It is ordered, that Messrs. William P. Smith, Woodruff, Pierson, Johnes, Green, Caleb Smith, and Brainerd, or any four of them, be a Committee to transact the affair of Mr. Lockwood’s Removal.

"The Rev. Caleb Smith is appointed President of this College until the next Trustee meeting; and the said appointment being made known to the said Mr. Smith, he was pleased to accept the same, and was qualified as the Charter directs.

"Mr. McWhorter, who was heretofore appointed an Usher in the Grammar School, not having accepted the same, and Mr. Strain having at the request of the Board for some time performed the said Business, and being willing to continue therein; It is ordered, that the said Mr. Strain be paid at the rate of £40 per annum for the Time he has acted, and shall act as Usher in the said school.

"The Board adjourned until 7 o’clock to-morrow morning.

"2d Day, 7 o’clock. The Trustees met according to adjournment.

"The Rev, Samuel Finley is appointed to take upon himself the Charge of the College and act as President thereof until the 22d day of May next, and the said Mr. Finley was qualified as the Charter directs." No reason is giver, for this action of the Board just at the close of their session. Only the simple fact is a matter of record.

Here we have a regularly elected President, viz., the Rev. Mr. Lockwood, and two acting Presidents, chosen at the same meeting of the Board. It is obvious why a pro tem. President was chosen upon the election of Mr. Lockwood, who, whatever might be his decision, would not be able at once to take upon himself the charge of the College; and the suggestion of Dr. Green in his " Notes" doubtless assigns the true reason why Mr. Finley was chosen to serve in the office of President for a short but definite period, and that, too, just after Mr. Smith had been qualified to act as President until the next meeting of the Trustees. Dr. Green’s suggestion is this: that Mr. Smith finding he could not attend to the duties of the office before the

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HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY.

CHAPTER IX. REV. JAMES LOCKWOOD ELECTED PRESIDENT.

22d of May, Mr. Finley was chosen to take his place until that time. From the subsequent minutes of the Board it appears that both Mr. Finley and Mr. Smith took upon themselves the oversight of the College for the time allotted to each respectively.

"The next meeting of the Trustees took place at Nassau Hall, on Wednesday, the

t6th of August, AD. 1758. There were present His Excellency Francis Bernard, Esq., the Hon. James Hude, Esq., the Hon. Samuel Woodruff, Esq., William P. Smith, Esq., Peter V. B. Livingston, Esq., the Rev. Messrs. Caleb Smith, John Pierson, Gilbert Tennent, William Tennent, David Cowell, Richard Treat, Samuel Finley, Jacob Green, Alexander Cumming, Charles McKnight, and Richard Stockton, Esq.

"The Clerk certified that he had duly notified each member of this present meeting.

"His Excellency Francis Bernard, Esq., Governor of this Province, having been pleased to attend the present meeting of the Trustees, was qualified as the Charter directs, and took his seat as President accordingly.

The definitive answer of the Rev. Mr. Lockwood, of Wethersfield, the President elect of this College, was read; by which it fully appears that the Rev. Mr. Lockwood had refused accepting the Presidentship agreeably to the choice of this Board; whereupon, after mature deliberation, the Board proceeded to the election of a President of the College, when the Rev. Mr. Samuel Davies, of Virginia, was duly elected. On which the Clerk is ordered as soon as possible to communicate the Notice of the said Election to the said Mr. Davies, and desire his acceptance thereof, and request his answer as soon as may be, and if it suits Conveniency, his attendance at the next Commencement. And the Treasurer is hereby ordered to pay the expenses of removing Mr. Davies’s Family to this Place.

"The Rev. Mr. Smith is desired and hereby empowered to preside until the next Commencement, and then to give the Degrees to the Candidates; and in case of his absence, the Rev. Mr. Cowell or Cummings are hereby empowered to transact the said affair.

"The Board adjourned till 8 o’clock to-morrow morning.

"A Committee was appointed to manage the affair of Mr. Davies’s removal to Princeton; and the same Committee was authorized to send to England for what Books they may think necessary for the use of the College and Grammar School, not exceeding £40 sterling; also to settle with Mr. Robert Smith (who built the President’s house), and the Executor of President Burr, the matter relative to the surplus over and above £600 for which the said house was to have been built; and also to conclude about finishing the President’s house and College."

From this and other minutes it appears that neither the College nor the President’s house was completely finished at the time they were first occupied.

The Rev. Mr. George Duffield, who had served as Tutor from 1754 to 1756, was chosen senior Tutor, with the desire

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HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY.

expressed by the Board that he might be permanently connected with the College. They offered him one hundred pounds a year, with a promise to increase this salary as they reasonably could should his circumstances require it. The offer was not accepted.

There being no regularly organized Presbyterian church in Princeton, and no building for regular religious services on the Sabbath, the President of the College for the time being preached regularly in the College Chapel; and such residents of the village and vicinity as desired so to do were permitted to attend the services in the College, and separate pews were assigned to such as were willing to pay for the use of them. Some of the occupants of these pews having neglected their pew-rents, it was

"Ordered, That the pew-rents in the Hall for the last year be immediately paid unto the Steward of the College, and on failure of compliance of any Person, that such Person forfeit his Pew."

The tuition-fees for a year were increased from three pounds to four pounds proclamation money this additional charge, however, was not to be exacted of any already in college, but of those who should after this time enter the Freshman class.

The Rev. Mr. Finley was "authorized and desired to amend and prepare for the press the Newark Grammar with all possible expedition, and to transmit the same to the President of the College for the time being." This Newark Grammar was a Latin grammar said to have been prepared by President Burr.

An order was passed, that Mr. Finley be paid ten pounds for the time that he inspected the government of the College, and that Mr. Smith should be paid for his services forty pounds.

From a report made by a committee appointed at the last meeting, it appeared "that the fund for poor scholars in the Treasurer’s hands" amounted to the sum of five hundred pounds proc., the interest to be computed from October next; and for this sum the Trustees agreed to be accountable to the Synod of New York and Philadelphia,—the common expense and casualties to which their own funds are liable being excepted.

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HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY.

CHAPTER IX. RELIGIOUS SERVICES ON THE SABBATH.

"The fund here mentioned," says President Green,* "was formed by donations obtained in England and Scotland by Mesers. Tennent and Davies for the education of poor and pious youth for the gospel ministry. It was loaned to the College, and was originally under the guardianship of the Synod of New York, but was now transferred to the Synod of New York and Philadelphia. . . . The fund here referred to was almost annihilated by the depreciation of paper money during the Revolutionary war. The interest arising on the remainder of it is now disposed of annually, for the benefit of some student in the College, by a committee of the General Assembly and a committee of the Trustees."

At a subsequent date, the selection of the beneficiary was given up to the College authorities.

This seems to be a suitable place to say a few words of the Rev. James Lockwood, who was chosen to succeed Mr. Edwards in the office of President of the College, but declined the appointment. "The reasons which induced Mr. Lockwood to refuse the Presidency," says President Green, "cannot now be known. He was a man of great worth and high reputation." The Trustees, however, were not unanimous in his election. This is not apparent from the minutes of the Board; but Mr. Davies, in writing on the subject to his friend Dr. Gibbons, of London, says, "The trustees were divided between him, another gentleman, and myself, but I happily escaped." The other gentleman referred to was most probably the Rev. Samuel Finley, who was also named as a candidate for the office at the time Mr. Davies was chosen.

Mr. Lockwood must have been a man of much more than ordinary merit. In 1766, upon the resignation of President Clap, of Yale College, Mr. Lockwood was chosen his successor. But this appointment he also declined. "The reason given," says Dr. Sprague, "for his non-acceptance in both cases was his strong attachment to the people of his charge, and his consequent unwillingness to separate himself from them. He continued their pastor, greatly respected and beloved, till the close of life. He died July 20, 1772, in the fifty-eighth year of his age, and the thirty-fourth of his ministry." He was very friendly to Mr. Whitefleld, and countenanced his labors in the great revival of 1740. This circumstance probably contributed to his

* See his "Notes."

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HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY.

CHAPTER IX. THE COMMENCEMENT OF 1758.

election as President of the College of New Jersey. His wife was a daughter of the Rev. Moses Dickinson, a brother of President Dickinson. Mr. Lockwood was a graduate of Yale College, as were the first three Presidents of this College, Messrs. Dickinson, Burr, and Edwards.

The Commencement of 1758 took place on Wednesday the 27th of September; but the record of this meeting is so defective that we have the name of only one of the Trustees present on this occasion. Eighteen candidates were admitted to the first degree in the Arts, and seven received their second degree. The record is not in the handwriting of the Clerk, nor is the entry made at the proper page.

As the Rev. Caleb Smith was the President pro tem., and as he had been requested to preside at the Commencement exercises, it is most probable that the degrees were conferred by him.

At an adjourned meeting of the Board, held November 22, 1758, there were present fourteen members,—nine ministers and five laymen.

The Rev. George Duffield having declined the appointment tendered to him by the Trustees at their meeting in August, they now elect Mr. Joseph Treat a Tutor, and order that his salary shall begin from the preceding Commencement. From which order it is evident that without a formal appointment he acted as Tutor, and probably at the request of some one or more of the Trustees.

"The Committee empowered to transact the affair of Mr. Davies’s removal having produced his answer, and the Trustees having considered the same, adjudge that the said answer is final in the Negative."

The Board then adjourned until eight o’clock the next morning. There were present the same persons as on the preceding day. They elected the Rev, Jacob Green, a member of the Board, Vice-President of the College, to serve until a President should be chosen; and it was ordered that his salary be at the rate of two hundred Pounds per annum, for the time he shall serve in the above character. It was also ordered that he should have care and general government of the grammar-school. Mr. Green, accepting this appointment, was qualified as the Charter directed.

It was then "ordered, that there be a meeting of the Trustees on the second Wednesday in May next, principally designed for the Election of a President of the College.

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HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY.

CHAPTER IX. ELECTION OF PRESIDENT POSTPONED.

"Agreeably to this order, there was a meeting of the Board on Wednesday, the 9th day of May, 1759, thirteen members present.

"After acting upon a report from the Referees appointed to settle the dispute between the Executor of Mr. Burr and the Board about the President’s House, and agreeing to pay the surplus of the £600, for which said house was to have been built, the Board adjourned till 2 o’clock P.M.

"At 2 P. M. the Trustees again met. His Excellency Governor Bernard and three other members of the Board having arrived, there were present in all seventeen, nine ministers and eight laymen."

The following is a copy of the minutes at this important meeting

"The Rev. Mr. Samuel Davies was proposed as a Candidate for the Presidency of the College, and admitted, Nem. Con.; and also the Rev. Mr. Samuel Finley was admitted a Candidate in the same manner.

"Whereupon, after mature Deliberation of the Premises, the Rev. Mr. Samuel Davies was duly elected President of this College, and as this Society has been so long a time destitute of a fixed President, and by means thereof the former flourishing State so greatly affected, the Trustees desire and do hereby appoint the Rev. Messrs. Caleb Smith, John Brainerd, and Elihu Spencer, of their number (who design to meet the Synod of New York and Philadelphia on next week), and any other gentlemen of this Board who shall he there, to request the said Synod to dismiss the said Mr. Davies from his pastoral charge, that he may be thereby enabled to accept of the said Office.

"The Reverend Mr. Green having fulfilled the term of his former Election of Vice-President of the College, he is hereby appointed to continue in his said office until a fixed President can attend for the service of that Office.

"It is ordered, that hereafter whenever a Vacancy shall happen in the President-ship of the College by Death or otherwise, that the Clerk with all convenient speed convene Six of the Trustees, and by their appointment shall give Notice (declaring such vacancy) of a meeting of the Trustees at any Time, not less than four months accounted from the date of said Notice, in Order for electing a President, and that all Notices thus given shall be regular to all Intents and Purposes.

Mr. Caleb Smith produced a Plan of Union among the several College in these Provinces, drawn up by Mr. President Clap, of Yale College, in Connecticut; which, being read, was referred for further consideration,

"it is ordered, that there be a meeting of the Trustees of the College at the next Commencement, and that the members take notice thereof accordingly."

Before the next meeting President Davies arrived at Princeton, and entered upon the duties of his office on the 26th of July, although he was not formally inducted, by the taking of the oaths required by the charter, until Wednesday, the 26th day of September, 1759.

From March 22, 1758, the day on which President Edwards died, until the 26th of July, 1759, the day on which President

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HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY.

CHAPTER IX. ELECTION OF PRESIDENT POSTPONED.

Davies entered upon his duties, the space of an entire year and four months, the College was without a regular or permanent President; and although the reverend gentlemen who during this interval presided over the institution were all well qualified for their positions, yet the mere fact that the College was all this time without a permanent head was a great drawback to its prosperity, and made the Trustees the more anxious to secure without further delay the services of Mr. Davies, when it became known to them that if again elected he would accept the appointment.

As mentioned above, the minutes of the Trustees for the meeting of Wednesday, 27th of September, 1758, are very deficient, and a full and accurate account of the negotiations cannot be obtained from the minutes alone. Mr. Davies was first chosen President on the t6th of August, 1758. He referred the question, whether he ought to accept this appointment, to the Presbytery, of which he was a member, and they decided that he ought not to relinquish his pastoral charge. He therefore wrote to the Trustees declining their offer. But upon further reflection, fearing he might have erred in deciding not to accept the Presidency, he writes to the Rev. David Cowell, most probably in reply to a letter from Mr. C., and authorizes him, in case the Trustees cannot agree upon Mr. Finley, to place him again in nomination for the office of President. Mr. Cowell was a Trustee of the College, and a member of the committee appointed by the Board to make provision for Mr. Davies’s removal to Princeton.

On the 27th of September, the day of the annual Commencement, the Trustees must have received notice of Mr. Davies s refusal to accept the office of President; but instead of proceeding at once to the election of another person to said office, they desire Mr. Davies to consent to act as Vice-President of the College until the meeting of the Synod in May next, and to refer the decision of the Presbytery to the Synod for its judgment. But this proposal Mr. Davies declines, and in a letter to Mr. Cowell, of the date of October 18, he revokes the permission which he had conditionally given Mr. Cowell to nominate him a second time for the office of President, and urges the

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HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY.

CHAPTER IX. ELECTION OF PRESIDENT POSTPONED.

choosing of Mr. Finley. The Trustees met again on the 22d of November, and, learning Mr. Davies’s answer, after a full consideration of the subject they postponed the election of a President, and elected the Rev. Jacob Green Vice-President, to preside until a President be chosen, and then adjourned, to meet on the 9th of May next, chiefly for the purpose, as stated in their minutes, of choosing a President for the College.

In a letter of the date of December 25, 1758, Mr. Cowell informs Mr. Davies that it is impossible to unite upon Mr. Finley, that there was a bare quorum of the Trustees to receive his second denial, that the Governor (Governor Bernard) desired them not to proceed to the election of a President at this time, and that they had chosen Mr. Green Vice-President pro tem.

It is evident that a majority of the Trustees present on this occasion were not prepared to choose any other person than Mr. Davies, and it is probable that they still hoped that he might be induced to accept the office should it again be tendered to him.

In Mr. Cowell’s correspondence with Mr. Davies, Mr. C. remarks, The College is to be esteemed of as high importance as any institution in the land. Our beginning was small; God has carried it on until it is a marvel in our eyes."

From information received from the Rev. John Ewing, of Nottingham, Maryland, and formerly a Tutor in the College, Mr. Cowell, in his letter of December 25, was led to censure Mr. Jeremiah Halsey, then the senior Tutor, for endeavoring to prevent Mr. Davies’s acceptance of the office of President. But Mr. Davies, in his reply of March 12, 1757, fully’ exculpates Mr. Halsey; and yet it is very probable that the information which was given him by Mr. Halsey, at Mr. Davies’s own request, had considerable influence in determining him to decline the second proposal made to him.

In his correspondence with Mr. Cowel], which took place between the two meetings of the Board, November 22, 1758, and May 9, 1759, Mr. Davies, while consenting on certain conditions that he should again be nominated for the Presidency, expressly insists that the first election, viz., the one on the 16th of August preceding, should be regarded as null; and that, if the

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HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY.

CHAPTER IX. MR. DAVIES DECLINES PRESIDENCY.

Trustees still desired him to accept the office, they must elect him again, and the election be subject to the consent and approval of the Synod. To this condition the Trustees could have no objection, as they were morally certain that the Synod would give their consent, and as they knew that Mr. Davies could not give up his pastoral charge in Virginia unless the Synod permitted him to do so.

There can be no doubt that the two things which more than anything else made Mr. Davies hesitate in regard to accepting the offer of the Trustees, were his unwillingness to quit his field of labor in Virginia and his knowledge of the fact that there was a division in the Board of Trustees. A minority of the Board held with Mr. Davies himself, that Mr. Finley was the better qualified man for the position; but the majority believed that Mr. Davies was the man for the place, and they determined to get him if they could.

In a letter of the date of January 1,1759, to Dr. Bellamy, the Rev. David Bostwick, of New York, and subsequently a Trustee of the College, remarks, "Mr. Davies sent an absolute refusal, grounded upon information that there was a party against him. The Trustees divided between him and Mr. Finley. And party spirit, I fear, runs pretty high. The majority carried it that Mr. Davies should be tried again. Mr. Green is Vice-President till May." It does not appear from the minutes of the Board that the majority formally decided that Mr. Davies should be tried again; but their action was in accord with such a purpose. Mr. Davies’s own account of the matter is to be found in his farewell sermon, preached at Hanover, Virginia, on the 1st of July, 1759, and confirms the view here given, although it abounds less in details. (See Davies’s ‘ Sermons," in three volumes, published in New York in 1842.)

The officers and teachers of the College during this interval were, the Rev. Caleb Smith, President pro tem.; Rev. Samuel Finley, President pro tem.; Rev. Jacob Green, Vice-President pro tem., Mr. John Ewing, Tutor; Mr. Jeremiah Halsey, Tutor; Mr. Joseph Treat, Tutor.

The Tutors were admirably qualified for their work, and became men of note.

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HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY.

CHAPTER IX. ELECTION OF PRESIDENT POSTPONED.

At the Commencement of 1758, eighteen were admitted to the first degree in the Arts, and the same number at the Commencement of 1759, at the latter of which Mr. Davies presided, although be had little or nothing to do in the instruction of the candidates.

Of the class of 1758 were Peter R. Livingston, chosen, in 1776, President of the Provincial Congress, New York; John Van Brugh Tennent, one of the founders of the first medical school of New York, and its first Professor of Obstetrics; Rev. Wm. Tennent, son of the Rev. Win. Tennent, of Freehold, New Jersey, an eloquent preacher and an ardent patriot; Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, a Member of Congress, and a Lieutenant-Governor of New York; Rev. Wm. Whitwell, of Marblehead, Massachusetts.

Of the class of 1759 were Rev. James Caldwell, A.M., of Elizabethtown, New Jersey, a Trustee of the College; Jabez Campfield, AM., a Surgeon in the American army; Rev. J. Olin Carmichael, A.M., of Delaware; Rev. James Hunt, for many years at the head of a flourishing classical school in Maryland; James Leslie, founder of the " Leslie Trust Fund," for the education at the College of New Jersey of pious and indigent candidates for the ministry; Samuel Spencer, of North Carolina, a Justice of the Supreme Court of that State.

Fourteen of the graduates in these two years became ministers of the gospel, the best known of whom are the five clergymen mentioned above.

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THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE REV. SAMUEL DAVIES, THE

FOURTH PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE.

Mr. DAVIES entered upon the duties of his office on the 26th of July, 1759, as appears from the following minute of the Trustees at their meeting on Wednesday, the 26th of September, being the day of the annual Commencement for that year:

"The Rev. Mr. Samuel Davies having, pursuant to the measures taken by this Board, arrived at Nassau Hall in July last, and entered on the office of President of the College on the 26th day of that month, was now qualified by taking the several oaths as the Charter directs. And the Board unanimously voted that Mr. Davies’s stated salary shall begin from the Thirteenth Day of May last, which was the Day of the Dissolution of his Pastoral Relation from the People of his former Charge." It was on the 17th, and not on the 13th, that this dissolution occurred, as appears from the minutes of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia. It is probable that Mr. Davies announced to his church on the 13th, which was the Sabbath, his purpose to accept the offer of the Trustees of the College and to apply for a dissolution of the pastoral relation.

There was no meeting of the Board between that which occurred on the 9th of May, 1759, at which Mr. Davies was a second time chosen President, and this meeting of the 26th of September; but in pursuance of the wishes of the Trustees, expressed at the time of Mr. Davies’s second election, he did not wait for a formal induction into office to begin his work as President. What special matters occupied his attention from the time of his arrival until the ensuing Commencement we have no means of ascertaining; but, from the character of the man, there can be no doubt that he abounded in labors for

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HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY.

CHAPTER X. ADMINISTRATION OF THE REV. SAMUEL DAVIES.

the upbuilding of the institution as a seminary of religion and learning.

Mr. Davies presided at this Commencement. Eighteen candidates, who had pursued their studies at Nassau Hall, were admitted to the first degree in the Arts; and two others, graduates of Yale College, were admitted to the same honor in this College. The second degree in the Arts was conferred upon eight candidates, seven of whom were graduates of the College.

The Treasurer was directed to "pay to Mr. Davies the sum of £60.17.3, to defray the expenses of removing his family from Hanover (Virginia) to Princetown."

By a resolution of the Board, the Steward was "allowed the sum of Twenty Shillings per annum for every Boarder in the College for the ensuing year, which is to be continued during the time of his continuance in the service." This seems to have been in lieu of a fixed salary, and constituted a part of the expenses incurred by the College in supplying the students with board, the profit or loss from which accrued to the College, and not to the Steward, It was "Ordered, That Mr. Davies’s salary for the first half-year be paid at the end of six months, and half-yearly for the future, when practicable." This expression, "when practicable," shows that in these early times in the history of the College, notwithstanding all the aid they had received from abroad, as well as at home, the Trustees did not always find it easy to meet the necessary expenses of the institution.

The Treasurer was directed to "pay Mr. Green the sum of £100 for his six months’ services in the College." This vote shows that Mr. Green did not perform the duties of the Vice-President for the whole term intervening between his appointment on the 22d of November, 1758, and the 26th of July, when Mr. Davies entered upon his duties as President.*

It is most probable that, upon learning the decision of the Synod in favor of Mr. Davies’s release from his pastoral charge,

* The entire minute of the Synod in reference to the dissolution of Mr. Davies’s pastoral charge may with propriety be here inserted, as showing the carefully considered judgment of the Synod in reference to his duty in this matter. The minute is as follows

"An application to the Synod from the Board of Trustees of the College of New

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HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY.

CHAPTER X. ADMINISTRATION OF THE REV. SAMUEL DAVIES.

Mr. Green deemed it best to retire at once from the government of the College. The six months during which he discharged the duties assigned him expired upon the 22d of May, and it was doubtless for the services rendered during these six months that he received the £100 voted to him on this occasion in accordance with the resolution adopted at the time of his appointment, that his salary should be at the rate of £200 per annum.

The next act of the Board was to "relinquish the grammar-school into the hands of President Davies, to be wholly his property, as it was formerly the property of the late President Burr."

Mr. Davies was granted the liberty of educating any of his sons in the College free from the charge of tuition-money. It is due to the Rev. Jeremiah Halsey, the senior Tutor, that the following minute should be copied into every history of the College

"Voted, That Mr. Halsey, the Senior Tutor, he desired to accept the sum of £20, as an acknowledgment from this Board for his extraordinary Services in Favor of the College."

The following important order was made by the Board in reference to absences from College exercises:

"Ordered, That all licenses for students to absent themselves from the College, or from their stated Duties or Exercises, be granted solely by the President, or in his absence by the Tutor of such student applying for the same.

"The Board then adjourned until 8 o’clock next morning, at which hour the members again assembled, present as before."

From a resolution passed by the Board at this meeting, with respect to the College building and the President’s house, it would appear that neither building had been completely finished at this time.

Jersey for the liberation of Mr. Davies from his pastoral charge, that he may accept the Presidency of said college, to which they elected him, was brought in and read.

"P. supplication was also brought in from Mr. Davies’s congregation, earnestly requesting his continuance with them.

"The Synod, having seriously considered the congregation’s supplication, and fully heard all the reasonings for and against Mr. Davies’s liberation, after solemn prayer to God for direction, do, upon the whole, judge that the arguments in favor of said liberation do preponderate, and agree that Mr. Davies’s pastoral relation to his congregation be dissolved, in order to his removal to the college, and do accordingly hereby dissolve it."

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In reference to the purchase of books the following resolution was adopted:

"That the order for a Committee to send to London for Books for the use of the Collge and the Grammar School be revoked, and that President Davies be desired to send for such Books as shall be requisite for the use of the students for the future, and that he fix the Prices of said Books, and commit them to the care of the Steward of the College for sale; and Mr. Livingston is desired to assist Mr. Davies in said Affair."

The Mr. Livingston here mentioned is Mr. P. Van Brugh Livingston, of New York, a merchant of that city, and a Trustee of the College. The importation of books by the College authorities, for the use of the students, continued, to a greater or less extent, as late as the earlier part of President S. S. Smith’s administration, which extended from the spring of 1795 to the autumn of 1812.

President Davies was desired, as soon as convenient, "to take a Methodical Catalogue of the Books of the College Library, and order the same to be printed at the expense of the College." Such a catalogue was prepared, and it was published January 29, 1760. It was printed at Woodbridge, New Jersey, at the well-known press of James Parker.

A copy of this catalogue has recently fallen into the hands of the writer of this work. It is contained in a small pamphlet of thirty-six pages, the last two of which are wanting. The number of works in the library must have been about eight hundred, the number of volumes nearly twelve hundred. The volumes were numbered as they were placed upon the shelves, and the highest number in the above-mentioned copy of the catalogue is eleven hundred and seventy-five. —This printed catalogue includes the names of ten books belonging to Governor Belcher’s private family and given by him to the College. The Governor’s collection contained four hundred and seventy-four volumes, sixty of which were folios, and many of them valuable works. The other books were chiefly presents from other friends of the institution. These volumes, with all the other books then belonging to the College library, were consumed by the fire of March, 1802, which made Nassau Hall a ruin.

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The following preface to the catalogue sets forth "The Design of the Publication":

"A large and well-sorted Collection of Books on the various Branches of Literature is the most ornamental and useful Furniture of a College; and the most proper and valuable Fund with which it can be endowed. It is one of the best Helps to enrich the Minds both of the Officers and Students with Knowledge; to give them an extensive Acquaintance with Authors; and to lead them beyond the narrow Limits of the Books to which they are confined in their stated Studies and Recitations, that they may expatiate at large thro’ the boundless and variegated Fields of Science. If they have Books always at hand to consult upon every Subject that may occur to them, as demanding a more thoro’ Discussion, in their public Disputes, in the Course of their Studies, in Conversation, or their own fortuitous Tho’ts; it will enable them to investigate Truth through its intricate Recesses; and to guard against the Stratagems and Assaults of Error. It will teach them Modesty and Self Diffidence, when they perceive the free and different Sentiments of Men equally great and good; and give at least such Hints, as their Invention may afterwards improve upon, when they appear in public Life, in a Country where Books are so scarce, and private Libraries so poor and few, that their principal Resources must be their own Invention.

"The College of New Jersey is so evidently adapted and intended for the Advancement of Religion and useful Learning among all Denominations of Protestants, that it has been the favourite Object of public Charity, both in Great Britain and America, from its first Institution. And by that Assistance alone it has been raised from Nothing to its present State in a few Years; a Monument to Posterity of the Generosity of the Age in which it was founded; and a public Proof of the Agency of Providence in Favour of great and good Designs, however impracticable they may appear in their first Projection. Its Library in particular has been almost entirely formed of the Donations of several public-spirited Gentlemen upon both sides of the Atlantic; whose names Gratitude would not put herself to Pain in concealing, were they desirous, or even patient, of the universal Praise their disinterested Charity deserves;

"But after all this liberal Assistance, a survey of its literary Wealth, which is exposed to view in the following Catalogue, will soon convince the Friends of Learning and Nassau Hall how poor it still is in this important Article; to which no Additions can be made from the Treasury, which is far from being equal to other unavoidable and more indispensable Exigencies. But few modern Authors, who have unquestionably some Advantages above the immortal Ancients, adorn the Shelves. This Defect is most sensibly felt in the study of Mathematics and the Newtonian Philosophy, in which the Students have but very imperfect Helps, either from Books or instruments.

"As some valuable Benefactions have been spontaneous Offerings of unsolicited Charity, without any other Excitement than the Knowledge of the Poverty and the public Utility of the Foundation, this Catalogue is published to give Information to such, who are watching for Opportunities of doing good; and to afford particular Benefactors the Pleasure of seeing how many others have concurred with them in their favourite Charity."

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This preface was written by President Davies, and it was probably the first article penned and published by him in the interests of the College after he became its President. The remarks respecting the urgent need of a large and well-selected library for the College were as apposite in every subsequent part of its history, until very lately, as they were when first written.

The recent munificence of John C. Green, Esq., of New York, has made provision for the increase of the College library, and for its preservation, such as in all probability would more than have satisfied the enlarged views and earnest desires of President Davies. All that is now wanting, so far as the library is concerned, is a fund to pay a well-qualified librarian to devote to it his whole time.

The next record had reference to a provision for the Trustees dining together; but it was cancelled,—for what reason, or by whom, it does not appear. It is possible that the record was an error, and that the motion was not adopted. As far as it can now he deciphered, the minute was in these words:

"Voted, That in future at all meetings of the Trustees the Steward of the College be ordered to furnish a Dinner for the Corporation, with proper Liquors, that the several members may have the conveniency of being together, and that the said

"Every Person dining at such Table may deposite what gratuity he thinks proper for defraying the Expense thereof."

The custom here introduced, or proposed to be introduced, has prevailed ever since. At all their meetings the Trustees dine together; but of late years the "proper Liquors" have been dispensed with; and no gratuity is expected of any Trustee or invited guest.

Messrs. Davies, Tennent, and Cowell were appointed a committee to purchase a lot of land contiguous to the College grounds, and belonging to the estate of the late Mr. Samuel Hazard, of Philadelphia. The purchase was made.

At this meeting of the Board, the first ever attended by President Davies, several matters of much interest to the College claimed the attention of the Trustees, but the most weighty of them were embraced in these two resolutions, viz.:

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"Resolved, That Governor Bernard, Messrs. Davies, [W] P. T. Smith, W. Tennent, Finley, Green, Cummings, and Stockton, or any three of them, be a Committee to draw up a System of Regulations concerning Admission into College, with the requisite Qualifications for Degrees, and that all the Trustees who choose to be present have liberty of voting.*

"Resolved, That Governor Bernard, Mr. Hude, Mr. W. P. T. Smith, Win. Smith, Esq., Mr. Woodruff, Messrs. Cowell, Treat, Tennent, Finley, Green, Cummings, and Stockton, be a Committee, any five of whom to be a Quorum, to consider of proper measures to enlarge the Fund and to extend the usefulness of the College. All other Trustees shall have votes in the above Committee."

The last clause in each of these resolutions virtually made the two committees one. They held their first meeting at Perth Amboy, the residence of Governor Bernard, the chairman of both committees, on the 24th of October, 1759. There were present on this occasion his Excellency the Governor, President Davies, Mr. Hude, Mr. Woodrufs Mr. W. P. T. Smith, Mr. [W.] Tennent, and Mr. Cummings.

The following are the minutes of the committee:

"The Committee not being able at present to resolve upon any methods that will have a probable Tendency to increase the Funds of the College, do agree to postpone the consideration of this Affair.

"The Committee then proceeded to take into Consideration the Qualifications necessary to entitle the students to the usual Degrees. And are of the Opinion that a Residence at College for some Time, and proper Collegiate Exercises, are necessary to be enjoined on those youths who apply for said Degrees. And the Committee request the President of the College to draw up some Regulations upon this Head, to be laid before them at their next meeting, to the held] the first Day of December next President Davies to give notice of the meeting."

Whether the committee held another meeting is uncertain, as there is no record of their having done so. But, whether they did or did not, President Davies drew up the proposed regulations, which, with the consent no doubt of the members of the committee, either formally or informally given, were submitted to the Board at their meeting on Wednesday, the 24th of September, 1760, the day of the annual Commencement. The minute of the Board in reference to the action of the committee is in these words:

* These matters received due attention at the time Mr. Burr was chosen President under the second charter, November 9, 1748. But it is probable that in the judgment of the Trustees, as well as in that of President Davies, it was deemed expedient to revise the existing rules and to add to their stringency.

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"The Committee appointed at the last meeting to draw up a System of Regulations concerning Admission into College, and to Degrees of Bachelor and Master of Arts, having produced a Draught thereof, and the same being considered and amended by the Trustees, was confirmed in the Terms following, to wit:

"The conferring of Academical Honours was intended as an Incentive to a laudable Ambition in Study, and as a Reward of literary Merit. And the different Degrees of these honorary Distinctions conferred at different Periods suppose a proportional Increase of literary Merit; and consequently a sufficient Time of Residence in College, for further prosecution of Study, and a proper previous Examination, to discover the Improvement of the Candidates. And when they are promiscuously distributed as cursory Formalities after the usual Intervals of Time, without any previous evidence of suitable Qualifications, they sink into Contempt at insignificant Ceremonies, and no longer answer their original Design. Therefore the Trustees are determined to admit none to a Degree in this College but upon the following terms, in Addition to those already established:

"Graduates from other Colleges, upon producing Diplomas or other sufficient Testimonials, shall be admitted to the same Degree in this, without any previous Examination. But it shall be inserted in their Diplomas and publickly declared by the President in conferring it, that it is conferred Honoris causa, according to the Manner of some Universities abroad. But if they stand Candidates for a higher Degree than they have yet been admitted to, they shall submit to all the Regulations contained in the following Articles.

"All Candidates for a Master’s Degree shall reside in or near the College at least one Week immediately preceding that Commencement at which they expect to receive their Degrees. During which Time they shall submit to the Laws and Orders of the College. And on the Tuesday morning immediately preceding the last Wednesday of September (on which the Anniversary Commencement is always held) they shall attend in the College in order to pass such an Examination as the Trustees then present shall think necessary; especially in such Branches of Literature as have a more direct Connection with that Profession of Life which they have entered upon or have in View, whether Divinity, Law, or Physick, and shall make such preparation for the Commencement as the Officers of the College shall judge proper.

"As so short a Residence can be an intolerable Inconvenience to but very few, and will render the second Degree a real Honor, the Trustees will not dispense with it in ordinary Cases. Yet as the peculiar Circumstances of some Persons of sufficient Accomplishments may render them, incapable of Residence, they are desired to inform the President by Letter, some convenient Time before the Commencement at which they intend to offer themselves Candidates, of the Reason of their Incapacity; that the Trustees may judge whether they are sufficient for a Dispensation for the whole or any Part of the Time required, and what Exercise shall he substituted instead of Residence.

"None shall be admitted to the Honours of the College without Testimonials of their good moral conduct, while absent from College, signed by two or more gentlemen of Note and Veracity, in the Place where they have resided, or unless they are recommended from personal knowledge by one of the Trustees or College Officers."

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Additional regulations respecting the terms of first admission into College:

"Every student shall be obliged to reside in College at least two years before his first graduation; and therefore, after the Expiration of one year from the next Commencement (A.D. 1760), none shall be admitted later than the Beginning of the Junior Year. But that anybody may have Liberty to offer himself at the Public Examination as a Candidate for a Bachelor’s Degree, and if approved shall be admitted thereto accordingly upon paying the sum of Eight Pounds, being the Tuition Money for Two years, exclusive of Degree Fees.

Candidates for the Freshman Class shall be regulated by the Law already made in such case. But Candidates for any of the higher Classes shall not only be previously examined, as usual, butt recite for Two Weeks upon Trial in that particular Class to which they stand Candidates, and then shall be fixed in that or a lower, as the College Officers shall judge them qualified."

How far the rules respecting the examination of candidates for the second degree in the Arts, and of their residence at the College for one week, were carried into effect, and how long they continued in force, we have no means of ascertaining. It is not probable that they were very rigidly enforced, for after the adoption of these rules the Bachelors of Arts admitted to their second degree continued to be in about the same proportion to those who did not receive it that they had previously been. Had Mr. Davies lived, it is probable that he would have enforced the observance of these rules more resolutely than his successors in office were disposed to do, as they doubtless originated with him. There is very little reason, however, for thinking that the experiment would have been a successful one even in his energetic hands, or a very useful one if carried into effect. This remark has special reference to the rule requiring of candidates for the second degree a week’s residence at or near the College. At the present day the proposed examinations of the candidates, except as a mere form, would be a simple impossibility. The demands upon the time and strength of the officers during the week preceding the annual Commencement are as much as they can meet, without engaging in a general examination of the candidates for the second degree, were they but one-half, or even one-fourth, of their present numbers. The present plan is the only feasible one, viz., evidence that the candidate

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has been engaged in professional or other studies, and that he is a person of correct deportment.

A residence of one year is now required on the part of all candidates for the first degree in the Arts, instead of two years called for in this report, which was designed to be a bar to any one’s admission to a higher standing than the Junior class upon his first entrance into College. It seems in strange contrast with this rule that there should be an exception to it, to the extent that anybody may have liberty to offer himself at the public examinations as a candidate for a Bachelor’s degree, and if approved shall be admitted thereto accordingly upon paying the tuition-money for two years, exclusive of the degree-fees. The latter part of this provision is of doubtful propriety, and, so far as is known, there is no instance in the history of the College of a degree having been conferred upon the condition here mentioned.

No change was made at this time in the terms of admission into the Freshman class, with the exception that the candidates must be acquainted with "Vulgar Arithmetic," in addition to the studies previously required.

To incite to diligence in study, it was "Voted, That for the future the President and Tutors, with any other gentlemen of Education who shall choose to be present, shall examine annually," before the Commencement, "the several classes, and that such as are found unqualified shall not be allowed to rise in the usual course."

This whole action shows that there was a desire and a purpose on the part of President Davies to elevate the standard of scholarship, both before and after the conferring of the first degree in the Arts, among those who sought to obtain from the College literary honors.

Besides the measures mentioned above, most of which were designed to stir up the students to greater diligence, several other matters of moment to the College received the attention of the Board and led to action on the part of the Trustees. Among these were the following, viz.: provision for an annual inspection of the Steward’s accounts, and also of the Treasurers, and for a full and regular report by the Examining

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Committee; the purchase of additional lots contiguous to the College; an order that in future no candidate be admitted to a Degree unless he produce a certificate that he is not in arrears to the College; a discretionary power given to the President and Tutors to substitute other punishments, short of suspension, in lieu of fines for minor offences against College order; an authority to substitute Psalmody at evening prayer, for reading a portion of Scripture,—the reading of which had been usual both morning and evening in the Chapel service.

The President and Tutors were authorized to appoint any of the students to read a portion of the sacred Scriptures out of the original language at morning prayers. This indicates that the study of the Scriptures in the original languages was an object of careful attention at this time. Measures were also taken for the preparing of a historical account of the rise and progress and present state of the College. This matter was intrusted to a committee consisting of President Davies, the Rev. William Tennent, Rev. David Cowell, and Richard Stockton. Doubtless the expectation was that President Davies would write the history. But his sudden death, in the course of a few months after, prevented his performing this service for the College. Mr. Cowell, another member of the committee, died a short time before Mr. Davies himself.

As there is no intimation in the minutes of the Board of any material change in the course of instruction during the administration of Mr. Davies, it is more than probable that it continued to be very much the same as it was previously to his accession to the Presidency; with the exception, perhaps, that more attention was given to public speaking. President Green, in his "Notes," remarks of President Davies, "A poet and an orator himself, he turned the attention of his pupils to the cultivation of English composition and eloquence with great effect. He introduced the practice, ever since continued, of delivering monthly orations by members of the Senior class,"

President Green further observes, "The number of students under the administration of President Davies cannot be exactly ascertained. It probably did not at anytime exceed a hundred,

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and at his death it must have come very little short of that number." If an estimate can be made from the number of graduates from 1759 to 1761, the entire number of students in the College at any one time during President Davies’s administration must have fallen considerably short of a hundred; although there is reason to believe that there was a much larger number at the time of his decease than at the time of his accession to the Presidency.

The various matters detailed above indicate that there was at this period of its history an active mind at the head of the College, from whom great things might have been expected had it pleased God to spare him to the institution. But, in the wise and holy ordering of Divine Providence President Davies was removed by death on the 4th of February, 1761; having served the College in his office as President a little more than eighteen months.

The officers of the College during his administration were Messrs. Samuel Davies, A.M., President; Jeremiah Halsey, AM., Senior Tutor; Joseph Treat, Jr., A.B., Tutor; Jacob Ker, A.B., Tutor.

Mr. Halsey was a Tutor in the College from 1757 to 1767, and he was a Trustee in the College from 1770 to 1781. He was an excellent teacher, and a most valuable College officer; and as such was held in great esteem by the College authorities. At the time of his death he was minister of the Presbyterian church of Lamington, New Jersey. He died in1781.

Mr. Treat, in October, 1762, was installed as a colleague of the Rev, David Bostwick, pastor of the Presbyterian church in the city of New York. He left the city at the beginning of the Revolutionary War, and never returned, but served the churches of Lower Bethlehem and Greenwich, in Sussex County, New Jersey, until his death in 1797.

Mr. Ker was ordained by the Presbytery of New Brunswick in 1764, and on the 29th of August in that year he was installed as pastor of the churches of Monokin and Wicomico, Maryland, where he remained until his death, July 29, 1795. In a minute adopted by the Presbytery of Lewes he is spoken

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of as a great and good man, whose loss was sensibly felt by the Church in general, and by that Presbytery in particular.

In the summer of 1759, Governor Bernard was transferred to Massachusetts, as Governor of that Province, and his Excellency Thomas Boone, Esq., succeeded him in the government of New Jersey.

On his first visit to Princeton, July 8, 1760, Governor Boone was attended by Mr. Chief-Justice Morris and several other gentlemen of distinction, and he was introduced into Nassau Hall by the President and Tutors, who presented the following address:

"To his Excellency Thomas Boone, Esq., His Majesty’s Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Province of New Jersey, Chancellor and Vice-Admiral of the same, etc.

"The humble Address of the President and Tutors of the College of New Jersey.

"SIR,—The President and Tutors of the College of New Jersey give your Excellency a most cordial welcome to Nassau Hall, and beg leave warmly to congratulate your Excellency upon your accession to the Government of this Province, where the minds of so many are happily prepossessed in your favor by the agreeable anticipations they have received of your Excellency’s character.

"Though we form a very high estimate, Sir, of the importance of your Excellency’s patronage to the prosperity of this Infant College, which has been founded by one and countenanced by another of your predecessors, yet we would use no artifice to pre-engage your Excellency’s friendship and protection without the sanction of your own well-informed judgment; but we lay ourselves open to your Excellency’s inspection, and invite you to enquire into its constitution, the modes of instruction and discipline, the care taken of the principles and morals of the Students, and their progress in the various branches of literature; and then we shall cheerfully leave your Excellency to follow the conduct of your own judgment and the impulse of a patriot heart, ever friendly to true learning and virtue, but ever an enemy to pedantry, bigotry, and idle pretensions, only begging your Excellency would make some candid allowances for those unavoidable imperfections that result from the present Infant State of this Institution, which has been raised from nothing in a few years, by the hand of public charity recommended only by its poverty and apparent subserviency to the general good.

"We beg leave, Sir, particularly to request your Excellency to honor the next public Examination with your presence, when you will have the best opportunity of informing yourself what are the branches of literature taught in this Seminary, and what proficiency has been made by the young Gentlemen under our tuition.

"We hope, Sir, our future conduct will verify the engagements which we now voluntarily assume to your Excellency, That we shall continue with the utmost assiduity to instil into young minds such principles as thro’ the blessing of Heaven form the Scholar, the Patriot, and the Christian. And should we neglect

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so essential an article of our duty we should anticipate our own doom, and expect your Excellency’s severest animadversions, in conjunction with the other Trustees, of whom you are now President; and who, we doubt not, will give your Excellency proper expressions of their duty and congratulation at their next convention.

"May all the happiness a Patriot can diffuse, or a free People enjoy, attend your administration and may all the felicities which Heaven has made the rewards of such a beneficent administration ever attend your Excellency

"To which his Excellency was pleased to return the following answer:

"GENTLEMEN,—I am exceedingly obliged to you for this polite Salutation on my arrival among you. The proper education of Youth influences so materially all Government, that this laudable Establishment has a natural claim to the patronage of his Majesty’s Substitute; and with the advantage of such eminent and respectable tuition, I have not the least doubt but the Youth will be distinguished by the acquisition of every useful and valuable accomplishment.

"Prince-Town, July 8, 1760."

"His Excellency was also complimented by two young gentlemen of the Senior Class, in a Latin and an English Oration; and an air of sincere congratulation appeared on every countenance."

The same year the Governor was present at the Commencement exercises, and presided at the meetings of the Board, This was the only Commencement attended by Governor Boone, who the next year was made Governor of South Carolina, and it was the second and last Commencement at which Mr. Davies presided.

The following report of the Commencement is copied from the " Pennsylvania Gazette" of October 9, 1760:

"Prince Town, Nassau Hall, September 25, 1760. Yesterday the Anniversary Commencement of the College was held here, The Procession of the Trustees and Candidates from the President’s House to Nassau Hall began at the Ringing of the Bell precisely at 10 o’clock in the forenoon. The Order was, The Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts first, two and two, uncovered; the Candidates for the Degree of Master of Arts followed next, uncovered; and the Trustees, according to their Seniority, the youngest first, and the Governor and President last, concluded, When the Candidates arrived at the steps of the Middle Entrance into the Hall they stopt, and the whole Procession divided itself equally on each side of the gravel Walk, and entered in an inverted Order. The Collegiate Exercises began with a handsome Salutatory Oration in Latin, pronounced by Mr. Jonathan Smith; then followed a Latin Syllogistick Dispute, wherein the Respondent held that ‘ Sermo primitus ab Inspiratione divina Originem duxit,’ which was well maintained and opposed. When this was concluded, Mr. Benjamin Rush arose, and in

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a very sprightly and entertaining Manner delivered an ingenious English Harangue in Praise of Oratory. Then succeeded a Forensick Dispute in English, in which it was held that ‘The Elegance of an Oration much consists in the Words being consonant to the Sense.’ The Respondent, Mr. Samuel Blair, acquitted himself with universal Applause in the elegant Composition and Delivery of his Defence; and his Opponent answered him with Humour and Pertinency. This was succeeded by a Latin Dispute in a Socratick Way, in which the Respondent affirmed that ‘Systema Ethicae perfectum in praesenti Hominum Conditione, sine Ope divirae Revelationis, construi nequit;’ and by a well-composed Valedictory Oration in English by Mr. Enoch Green. The Singing of an Ode on Science, composed by the President of the College, concluded the Forenoon Exercises.

"The Entertainment in the Afternoon began with the Address to His Excellency the Governor [Boone] by Mr. Stockton in the Name of the Trustees. After which the Candidates for the Master’s Degree disputed in Latin the following Question:

‘An Rector civilis ullam, in Rebus Fidei, Potestatem habeat,’ and ‘Nonne absurdum est Deum immutabilem precari,’ which were learnedly defended and ingeniously opposed. The President then descended from the Rostrum, and with the usual Formalities conferred the Degrees of Bachelor of Arts and of Master of Arts.

"Mr. Joseph Treat, one of the Masters of Arts and a Tutor in the College, then ascended, and delivered an elegant, pathetic Valedictory Oration in English, in the Close of which he very handsomely touched upon the present flourishing State of our Public Affairs in North America. The Singing of an Ode on Peace composed by the President concluded the whole, to the Universal Pleasure and Satisfaction of a numerous Auditory."

The Odes, one on Science and the other on Peace, composed by President Davies, and sung at the close of the morning and evening exercises, were many years later confounded with a poetic dialogue recited, with choral songs, at the Commencement of 1762.

The reader will probably observe that in the above account of this Commencement all the substantives are begun with a capital letter,—a mode of writing and printing formerly much in vogue, and to which Dr. Franklin gave a decided preference, as being "so useful to those who are not well acquainted with the language." This appears from a letter of his, of the date of December 26, 1789, to Noah Webster, Esq., "On Modern Innovations in the English Language and in Printing."

Among the graduates of the College during Mr. Davies’s administration who rose to greater or less distinction were the following, in 1760:

Joseph Alexander, D.D. He was very active in the cause of education in both North and South Carolina, and founder of

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a school, which became a college, under the title of Queen’s Museum.

John Archer, M.D. He was a member of the House of Representatives of the United States from 1801 to 1807.

Samuel Blair, D.D., son of the Rev. Samuel Blair, of Fagg’s Manor. When twenty-six years of age he was chosen by the Trustees President of the College, but declined the appointment.

Enos Kelsey. During the Revolution he held a responsible office in the Clothier-General’s office. For many years he was the Treasurer of the College.

Benjamin Rush, M.D. A signer of the Declaration of Independence; Physician- and Surgeon-General for the Middle Military District; member of the Convention for forming the Constitution of the United States; and Professor in the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania.

Jonathan Bayard Smith, a member of the Continental Congress, from Pennsylvania, in 1777 and 1778. Mr. Smith made a large donation of books to the College library.

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MEMOIR OF THE REV. SAMUEL DAVIES, FOURTH PRESIDENT OF

THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY.

PRESIDENT DAVIES was born near Summit Bridge, New Castle County, Delaware, November 3,O.S., 1723. At that time Delaware was a part of Pennsylvania. The year here mentioned is given upon the authority of a table in President Davies’s handwriting. The Bible, upon a blank leaf of which this table was written, was in the possession of some of President Davies’s descendants, residing in Petersburg, Virginia, as late as the year 1853, as appears from a sketch of his life in the "Presbyterian Magazine" for that year. This sketch, although very brief, is very valuable, as it contains information previously published nowhere else, except in Dr. Foote’s" Sketches of Virginia." The year of his birth, as given upon his tombstone, is 1724; and this has been doubtless the occasion of a like error in several of the biographical notices of him. He was of Welsh descent, and his parents were of humble origin, but persons of good character and fervent piety. The mother is said to have been a woman of uncommon powers of mind, and also eminent for her faith and zeal. He was named Samuel, after Samuel the prophet. The mother of the prophet called him Samuel because she had asked him of the LORD; and for the same reason the mother of President Davies called her son Samuel, thereby expressing her belief that God had heard her prayer, as, ages before, he had heard the prayer of Hannah. Like Hannah, we have reason to believe, she had solemnly vowed that if the LORD would give her a man-child she would devote him to the LORD all his days; and from the birth of her son she seems to have regarded him as a child given to her to be trained for the gospel ministry.

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In a letter to his friend Dr. Gibbons, of London, after speaking of these things, President Davies adds, "This early dedication to God has always been a strong inducement to me to devote myself to Him by my own personal act; and the most important blessings of my life I have looked upon as immediate answers to the prayers of a pious mother. But, alas! what a degenerate plant am I! How unworthy such a parent and such a birth !"

In his early childhood he was taught by his mother, and when ten years of age he was sent to an English school some distance from his father’s residence, and remained there two years. At this school he is said to have made rapid progress in his studies. For want of the religious training which he enjoyed at home, he became somewhat careless in his attention to his religious interests; but he still made a practice of secret prayer, especially in the evening. And it is worthy of note that in his prayers at this very time he prayed more earnestly that he might be a minister of the gospel than for any other thing. In the fifteenth year of his age he made a public profession of his faith in Christ, and entered upon a course of study preparatory to the ministry. Two or three of his biographers speak of his uniting with the Church, forgetting that in virtue of his birth he was a member of the Church and that by his baptism in infancy he had been recognized as a member.

His classical studies were begun under the tuition of the Rev. Abel Morgan, a Baptist preacher of much note at that time; but he was afterwards sent to the school of the Rev. Samuel Blair, at Fagg’s Manor, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Under the guidance of this learned and eloquent divine he was trained for the gospel ministry, and on the 30th of July, 1746, being in the twenty-third year of his age, he was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of New Castle. By this same Presbytery he was ordained as an evangelist, February 19, 1747, O. S., with a view to his visiting the Presbyterian churches in Virginia. On the 23d of October, 1746, he was married to Miss Sarah Kirkpatrick, who, with her infant son, died on the 16th of September, 1747. At the time of his licensure his health was quite feeble, and it continued so for some years still, he was resolved that

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while life and sufficient strength remained he would devote himself earnestly to the work of preaching the gospel; and this he did with eminent success. His going to Virginia was not of his own motion, but in compliance with the advice and desire of the Presbytery.

Before visiting Hanover, which was more especially to be the field of his labor, he visited Williamsburg, the seat of the Colonial Government, and petitioned the General Court to grant him "a license to officiate in and about Hanover at four meeting-houses." The court hesitated; but the Governor, the Honorable Win. Gooch, favoring the application, the license was granted.

At this very time there were pending in this court suits against sundry members of the Presbyterian Church, for attending religious assemblies at unlicensed houses and listening to preachers who had not obtained from the General Court permission to preach. From an early date Episcopacy was established in Virginia, and the Church in this Province had been placed under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Bishop of London, whose Commissary resided at Williamsburg, and was a member of the General Court, and also Rector or President of William and Mary College. The first Commissary, the Rev. John Blair, may be regarded as the founder of the College, as he more than any other person was instrumental in obtaining for it a royal charter, and also important grants both from the King and from the Colonial Legislature. Dr. William Dawson, the Commissary when Davies applied for his license, was a liberal-minded man, for those times, and he is believed to have voted in favor of granting the license sought. Yet it would seem from some of his correspondence with the Bishop of London that even he was somewhat disturbed at the success of Mr. Davies, and at the numerous additions to the Dissenters from the ranks of the conformists. Mr. Davies’s labors were most arduous, and no one but a man of resolute will and of great natural resources could have done what he by the grace of God was stirred up to undertake and enabled to accomplish.

Having obtained his license, Mr. Davies went to Hanover, and was received with outbursts of joy. "His coming," says

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Dr. Foote, "with his license was like a visit from an angel of mercy. His ardent sermons refreshed the congregation, and his legal Protection turned the enmity of his opposers to their own mortification." He continued at Hanover several months.

Of his mission Mr. Davies thus writes: "I preached frequently in Hanover and some of the adjacent counties, and though the fervor of the work was considerably abated, and my labors were not blessed with success equal to that of my brethren, yet I have reason to hope they were of service in several instances. The importunities they used with me to settle with them were invincible; and upon my departure they sent a call for me to the Presbytery."

The death of his first wife, which occurred about this time, greatly depressed him this, together with feeble health and threatening consumption, disinclined him to settle anywhere permanently as the pastor of a church; and he continued to travel and preach wherever a favorable opportunity presented itself. Dr. Gibbons, narrating the circumstances as he received them from Mr. Davies, says," Finding himself upon the borders of the grave, and without any hopes of a recovery, he determined to spend the little remains of an almost exhausted life in endeavoring to advance his Master’s glory in the good of souls. Accordingly, he removed from the place where he was to another about an hundred miles distance, that was then in want of a minister. Here he labored in season and out of season, And, as he told me, he preached in the day and had his hectic fever by night, and that to such a degree as to be sometimes delirious and to stand in need of persons to sit up with him." (See Dr. Gibbons’s "Two Discourses, occasioned by the Death of President Davies." London, 1761.)

In the spring of 1748 " he began to recover, though he looked upon it only as the intermission of a disorder that would finally prove mortal. Many earnest applications were made for his pastoral services. The one from Hanover, signed by about one hundred and fifty heads of families, came with renewed importunity, and, aided by the voice of the living messenger despatched by the people to urge their call, moved his heart."

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He accepted their call, "hoping," as he himself expresses it, "I might live to prepare the way for some more useful successor, and willing to expire under the fatigues of duty rather than in voluntary negligence."

"It is scarcely possible," says Dr. Foote, "for a missionary to have gone to Virginia in circumstances better calculated to make an impression in favor of the gospel which he preached. In his domestic afflictions and bodily weakness Davies felt the sentence of death gone out and already in execution. His soul burned with the desire of usefulness, and his tongue uttered the earnest persuasions of a spirit that would reconcile man to God, and lay some trophies at the Redeemer’s feet, before his lips should be locked up in the grave. He longed to carry with him to the heavens some gems for the eternal crown. The people of Hanover were ready for an elevated spirit to lead them on through common and uncommon difficulties, through trials incident to all men, and the trials peculiar to their situation from the laws of the province, complaints, ridicule, indictments, fines, and heavy costs of court, to virtue and eternal life." (Foote’s "Sketches of Virginia," page 163.)

In his second visit to Virginia he was accompanied by his fellow-student and earnest friend the Rev. John Rodgers, who later in life was minister of the Presbyterian churches in New York. But, not being able to obtain a license from the General Court, Mr. Rodgers tarried only for a short time, and Mr. Davies was left alone to minister to the Dissenters in Hanover and the adjacent counties. The different congregations or assemblies to which he ministered were scattered over a large district of country, not less than sixty miles in length, and the licensed places for preaching, of which there were seven, were, the nearest, twelve or fifteen miles apart. A license for Mr. Davies to preach, at a house to be erected for the purpose in the county of New Kent, granted by the court of that county, was revoked by the General Court, which claimed exclusive jurisdiction in this matter. The vexations to which Dissenters in Virginia were subjected at this time—a hundred and twenty five years ago—would seem incredible were it not a thing of unquestionable record. As the religious teacher of his people,

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and also as the advocate and defender of their civil rights and religious liberties, Mr. Davies labored with untiring diligence. He preached with a power that attracted the attention of both friends and opponents; and before the court he maintained, in opposition to the Attorney-General of the Province, and with an ability which elicited the commendation of the members of the bar, the rights of the Dissenters in Virginia to all the concessions in the English Act of Toleration. He wrote to the well-known Dr. Doddridge, of England, and solicited and obtained his aid in bringing to the notice of the Bishop of London the hardships to which the Dissenters were subjected by what he regarded as the false interpretation given to the "Toleration Act" as in force in England and Wales. Dr. Doddridge’s ill health prevented his pursuing the subject beyond sending to Mr. Davies the answer of the Bishop, and copies of some extracts from letters sent to the Bishop from the friends of Episcopacy in England.

To the Bishop’s letter to Dr. Doddridge Mr. Davies prepared an elaborate reply, in which he argues at great length, and with much force, against the position assumed by the Bishop, and the charges insinuated against himself in the letters sent to his Lordship. This reply Mr. Davies sent to Mr. Mauduit, of London, to be communicated to Drs. Avery and Doddridge, leaving it to their discretion whether to forward it to the Bishop or not. Dr. Doddridge died before the letter reached England, and Dr. Avery and Mr. Mauduit decided against sending it; and Dr. Avery so informed Mr. Davies. The length of the letter he regarded as a serious objection to it, and one which he thought was sure to prevent its consideration, and even the reading of it, by the prelate to whom it was addressed. Another reason assigned by Dr. Avery for coming to the decision he did was the fact, that, in replying to a statement made by the Bishop, in his letter to Dr. Doddridge, that the non-conformists of New England were strongly opposed to the appointing of two or three Bishops for the Plantations, as those Provinces were then called, although the Bishops were to have no jurisdiction except over the clergy of their own Church, Mr. Davies says that in the Synod of which he is a member he never heard of an objection

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to the appointment of Bishops for the purpose mentioned in his Lordship’s letter, and that he was extremely surprised at the information received by his Lordship concerning the reception of this proposal by the non-conformists in New England, and that they used all their influence to obstruct it. And Mr. Davies adds, "I never had the least intimation of it before, although some of the principal ministers maintain a very unreserved correspondence with me, and I have also the other usual methods of receiving intelligence from a country so near. If it be true, I think with your Lordship that it was hardly consistent with a spirit of toleration ;" and more in a like strain.

In writing to Mr. Davies the reasons why Mr. Mauduit and himself agreed that it was not advisable to send to his Lordship Mr. Davies’s letter, Dr. Avery says:

"I shall not enter into any debate with you concerning the scheme proposed for erecting a Bishoprick in North America, The less said on that head, either on your side or on our side of the water, I believe the better. But one thing in yours, addressed to his lordship, greatly surprised me. You represent your friends in North America, particularly in New York, Virginia, and Massachusetts, as far as your correspondence reaches, if not as desiring, yet as willing to acquiesce, in having such an ecclesiastical superior officer sent over to America, with power to ordain, confirm, &c. Now all my accounts from Connecticut, the Jerseys, and Massachusetts directly and strongly contradict this. They uniformly speak of it as a measure quite inconsistent with their peace and tranquillity. From both the ministry and laity in these colonies I have received thanks for doing the little I did do, or could do, to prevent so sore a calamity as that seemed likely to prove to the colonies. These I have had from many quarters; and some of them expressed in strong and irritating terms. Yours to his lordship is the first letter I have seen from those parts expressing a desire, or so much as an indifference and coolness, on that head. This most be my excuse for not forwarding your letter to his lordship; though on several other accounts, on which I cannot enlarge, I should not have thought it proper to be put into his hands."

The admirable good sense and great modesty of Davies, as well as his truly catholic spirit, are manifest in his reply to Dr. Avery’s letter informing him why his letter to the Bishop of London was not forwarded to that prelate, as will appear from the following extract:

"Since I received yours I have been uneasy lest my letter to his lordship should be put into his hands without your approbation, as my sentiments therein expressed, concerning the mission of bishops to North America, were different from yours in your letter to me. When I expressed my satisfaction in the proposal, I spake in the

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simplicity of my heart and according to my judgment, which I have had no reason to alter since, but only your dissent, in which I put implicit confidence, as you have better opportunities to discover the consequences of such missions than I. That the settlement of bishops in the dissenting colonies would be injurious to them I can easily see; but I find by the Bishop of London’s letter to Dr. Doddridge that this was not proposed. And I was not able to discern what injury the settlement of a bishop in Virginia or Maryland, where the Church of England is established, would be to the few dissenters in them, and I was not without hopes it might tend to purge out the corrupt leaven from the established church, and restrain the clergy from their extravagances, who now behave as they please, and promise themselves impunity, as there is none to censure or depose them on this side of the Atlantic. However, dear sir, if you think me mistaken, you may take what measure you think proper to prevent any ill consequences that may be occasioned by the unreserved declaration of my opinion in my letter to his lordship. And as I shall hereafter impose upon you the trouble of rescinding and reviewing the papers I may find occasion to transmit to England on the affairs of the dissenters in Virginia, I not only allow, but request you, sir, to correct or suppress them as your superior judgment may direct you. As I judge the matter is of great importance to the interests of religion in this colony, I would not willingly incur guilt by omitting any means in my power to reflect light upon it; but for want of judgment and a more thorough acquaintance with the state of affairs in England, I may sometimes fail in the right choice or prudent use of means for that purpose, and therefore, to prevent any ill consequences, I must call in the assistance of your judgment and that of the Committee."

The committee here mentioned was one which was charged with the duty of looking after the interest of the Dissenters in all matters brought to the notice of the Government or Court. Of this committee, as appears from Mr. Davies’s journal while he was in England, Dr. Avery was for thirty years or more a prominent and active member.

It was at this period, and not during Mr. Davies’s visit to England, as has been said in some sketches of his life, that he obtained the opinion of Sir Dudley Ryder, the Attorney-General of England, sustaining his view of the rights of the Dissenters under the Toleration Act.* This legal opinion was obtained by Dr. Avery, chairman of the above-named committee, who sent a copy of it with the letter from which the above extract was

* It was Sir Dudley Ryder’s opinion, that under the Act of Toleration Dissenters might ask for the licensure of as many houses as they thought necessary, without fear of refusal, and also that this interpretation of the Act extended to Virginia. Whereas the Governor and Council claimed the right to determine the number of houses of worship to be allowed the Dissenters. And the Bishop of London favored this claim of the civil authorities in that Province.

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taken, in order that Mr. Davies might lay it before the Governor and Council of Virginia.

"Here," says Dr. Foote, "the matter rested till Mr. Davies visited England. After his return from England he received two letters from the committee They show the interest taken in the cause of the Dissenters in Virginia by the Dissenters in England, and that all hope of redress from civil authority lay in an appeal to the King."

The labors of Mr. Davies challenge our admiration. They were in season and out of season. Not only did he watch for the spiritual good of his hearers, residents of Hanover and of four contiguous counties, preaching statedly at the seven different licensed houses, and carry on an extensive correspondence with prominent ministers at home and abroad, but he found time to attend the meetings of Presbytery and Synod, to make missionary tours in the counties of Cumberland, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Charlotte, Campbell, Nottaway, and Amelia, and thus prepare the way for the erection of churches in these counties, and to maintain, as we have seen, the religious liberties of his people against the bigotry and tyranny of their oppressors; and all this before attaining the age of thirty years.

The following extract, taken from one of his letters to Dr. Bellamy, and copied from Dr. Green’s "Notes," gives no doubt the most reliable account of his pastoral labors during the first three years of his ministry in Virginia:

"In October, 1748, besides the four meeting-houses already mentioned, the people petitioned for the licensing of three more, which, with great difficulty, was obtained. Among these seven I have divided my time. Three of them lie in Hanover County, the other four in the counties of Henrico, Caroline, Louisa, and Goochland. The nearest are twelve or fifteen miles distant from each other, and the extremes about forty. My congregation is extremely dispersed; and notwithstanding the number of meeting-houses, some live twenty, some thirty, and a few forty miles from the nearest. Were they all compactly situated in one county, they would be sufficient to form three distinct congregations. Many of the church people also attend when there is a sermon at any of these houses. This I looked upon, at first, as mere curiosity after novelty; but as it continues, and in some places seems to increase, I cannot but look upon it as a happy token of their being at length thoroughly engaged. And I have the greater reason to hope so now, as experience has confirmed my former hopes; fifty or sixty families having thus been happily entangled in the net of the gospel by their own curiosity, or some such motive. There are three hundred communicants in my congregation, of whom

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the greatest number are, in the judgment of rational charity, real Christians; besides some who, through excessive scrupulousness, do not seek admission to the Lord’s table.

"There is a number of Negroes, sometimes I see a hundred or more, among my hearers. I have baptized about forty of them within these three years, upon such a profession of faith as I then judged credible. Some of them, I fear, have apostatized, but others, I trust, will persevere to the end. I have had as satisfying evidence of the sincere piety of several of them as I ever had from any person in my life, and their artless simplicity, their passionate aspirations after Christ, their incessant endeavors to know and do the will of God, have charmed me. But, alas while my charge is so extensive I cannot take sufficient pains with them for their instruction, which often oppresses my heart. There have been instances of unhappy apostasy among us; but, blessed be God, not many in proportion to the number brought under concern. At present there are a few under promising impressions, but in general security prevails," etc.

"The home of Mr. Davies," says President Green, "was in the county of Hanover, about twelve miles from Richmond; but his occasional labors were extended through a considerable part of the Colony, and he acquired an influence greater, probably, than any other preacher of the gospel in Virginia ever possessed. It was the influence of fervent piety and zeal directed by a mind of uncommon compass and force. He took pains to instruct the negroes, and a considerable number of them were seals of his ministry. Till this day [ 1822 ] many of the descendants of his negro converts manifest the happy effects of the pious instructions and example of their parents."

In the autumn of 1752 the Synod of New York held their sessions at Newark, New Jersey, the day after the College Commencement. Mr. Davies was present at the meetings of the Synod, and on this occasion he met President Edwards, who was on a visit to his son-in-law, the Rev. Aaron Burr. Writing to a gentleman in Scotland under the date of November 24 of that year, Mr. Edwards says, "When I was lately in New Jersey, in the time of the Synod there, . . . I then had the comfort of a short interview with Mr. Davies, of Virginia, and was much pleased with him and his conversation. He appears to be a man of very solid understanding, discreet in his behavior, and polished and gentlemanly in his manners, as well as fervent and zealous in religion." High praise from a high source! No doubt this interview confirmed the exalted opinion Mr. Davies had of the great talents, learning, and piety of Mr. Edwards,* and increased his desire that Mr. Edwards

* In his farewell sermon to his people in Hanover he speaks of Edwards "as the profoundest reasoner and the greatest divine that America has ever produced."

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upon leaving Northampton should remove to Virginia, and to effect which he labored with his wonted promptness and assiduity. But Mr. Edwards removed to Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and his connection there with the Indian missions prevented his entertaining the earnest solicitation of Mr. Davies and his friends, that he should come to Virginia and settle there, where adequate provision for the support of himself and family was promised, and, we may add, was virtually secured.

In the account given of President Burr’s administration, chapter vi., mention was made of the fact that, at the request of the Trustees of the College, the Rev. Messrs. Gilbert Tennent and Davies visited Great Britain and Ireland to solicit funds in aid of the College, and more especially for the erection of suitable buildings for the accommodation of the officers and the students. Mention was also made of the great success of their mission, whereby ample funds were obtained for the erection of the edifice known as "Nassau Hall," and for the building of the Presidents house, and the foundation of the charitable fund of the College, which by several bequests in later times was much augmented, and has done a great work in opening the way for the liberal education of poor and pious young men who were willing and even desirous to devote themselves to the gospel ministry. Of these matters we shall not here speak further; but of Mr. Davies’s visit to England and Scotland, of his preaching, and of the numerous and valuable acquaintances formed by him while abroad, and of the deep impression which be made upon the minds of those with whom he came into contact, it is both proper and just that something should be said in a sketch like this.

Having agreed to accompany Mr. Tennent in this agency in behalf of the College, in case the Synod of New York should approve of his so doing, Mr. Davies left Hanover on Monday, the ₃d of September, 1753, to attend the sessions of the Synod of New York, to be held in the city of Philadelphia, in the early part of October, and that he might have an opportunity to confer with the College authorities and to make the requisite preparations for his voyage to England. His memorandum under the date of September 3, 1753, O.S. in these words:

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"This morning I felt the painful rupture of the tender relative ties which bind me to Hanover. I took my leave of some thousands yesterday in public, and to-day I parted with some select friends, and my dear, dear spouse, my honored parents, and three helpless children, and left them in tears. To thee, O Lord, I then solemnly committed them, and now I renew the dedication. I know not that I shall ever see them again, but my life and theirs are in the hands of Divine Providence, and therefore shall be preserved as long as is fit," etc.

On his way to Philadelphia and Newark, Mr. Davies spent several days at the house of his friend, and his successor in the office of President of the College, the Rev. Samuel Finley, who was then residing at Nottingham, Maryland. Here he met a committee of his Presbytery, and in conjunction with Messrs. Finley, Roan, and (Robert) Smith, revised and corrected a draft drawn up by Mr. (John) Blair, of a warning or testimony of the Presbytery of New Castle (New Side) against several errors and evil practices of Mr. John Cuthbertson, a native of Scotland.*

The five members of the Presbytery here mentioned all became men of note; and it is worthy of remark that two of them, viz., Davies and Finley, were, some years after, Presidents of the College of New Jersey, that Mr. Blair was the first prominent Vice-President and Professor in the College, and that Dr. Robert Smith was the father of the Rev. Dr. S. S. Smith, the seventh President of the College. From Nottingham he went to Fagg’s Manor to see Mrs. Blair, the widow of the Rev. Samuel Blair, his venerated teacher, under whose guidance he was prepared for the office of the holy ministry, and of whom he speaks in this connection as "the great Mr. Blair," and elsewhere as "the incomparable Mr. Blair." On the 15th of September he reached Philadelphia, and was kindly received by Mr. Tennent and his other friends there. Upon visiting his dear and valuable friend Captain Grant of that city, he was

* The errors on which the Presbytery animadvert are these: "That God has made over Christ and all his benefits to all that hear the gospel by a deed of gift (as he affects to speak), so that every sinner that hears the gospel offer ought to put in a claim of right to him as his Saviour in particular. That saving faith consists in a persuasion that Christ is mine, and that he died for me in particular. That redemption is universal as to purchase. That civil government, both heathen and Christian, is derived from Christ as mediator."

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shown a letter received by that gentleman from Mr. De Berdt, of London, in which was the following sentence:

"That the principles inculcated in the College of New Jersey are generally looked upon as antiquated and unfashionable by the Dissenters in England." "A dismal omen," adds Mr. Davies, "to our embassy, and, I fear, to the interests of religion.’’

He reached Newark on the following Thursday, "and was received with much affection by the worthy President," and was honored with a visit and with free conversation with his Excellency the Governor, and on the next day he waited on Governor Belcher, at Elizabethtown, in company with President Burr and his lady. The Governor treated him with marked attention, and insisted upon his preaching for Mr. Spencer, pastor of the church in that town, which he did on Sunday, the 30th of September. On the preceding Sabbath he preached twice in Newark; and he also heard President Burr preach a farewell sermon to the candidates for a degree at the Commencement to take place on Wednesday of that week. Mr. Burr’s text was, "And now, my son, the Lord be with thee and prosper thee." "And I was amazed," says Mr. Davies, "to see how readily good sense and accurate language flowed from him extempore. The sermon was affecting to me, and might have been to the students."

On Commencement-day Mr. Davies delivered a thesis (Personales Distinctiones in Trinitate sunt aeternae), and vindicated it against the opponents, and afterwards was honored with the degree of Master of Arts.

While in Newark, he spent a part of his time in drawing up a petition from the Synod of New York to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Upon leaving Newark, he visited New York, and Elizabethtown, took leave of Governor Belcher, lodged at the house of the Rev. John Brainerd, who had succeeded his brother, David Brainerd, as a missionary among the Indians, at or near Cranbury, and visited the Indian town or settlement. He then proceeded to Philadelphia, to attend the Synod, which convened in that city on Wednesday, the 3d of October. On Friday evening he heard Mr. Bostwick preach, and inserts in his journal this remark

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respecting him: "He has, I think, the best style extempore of any man I ever heard." *

Mr. Davies preached several times in Philadelphia, and occasionally in neighboring places, while waiting for the sailing of the vessel in which he and his associate, the Rev. Gilbert Tennent, were to take their passage. And during this period he found time to attend a meeting of his Presbytery at Fagg’s Manor, and to visit his intimate friend the Rev. John Rodgers, at St. George’s, Delaware. The delay in the sailing of the vessel was a severe trial to his patience, and the more so from the circumstance that it was probable that it would add much to the discomforts of the voyage, which proved to be the case. The pilot did not leave the ship until the afternoon of the 18th of November, and it was not until the 25th of December that the fellow-voyagers reached the city of London. The vessel having ascended the Thames, they landed near London bridge, and were conducted to the house of Mr. De Berdt, the gentleman named above as a correspondent of Captain Grant, of Philadelphia, and of whom Mr. Davies says in his journal that he "is a most amiable, pious gentleman, and entertained us very kindly till we could provide a lodging."

Mr. Whitefield very promptly and kindly invited them to make his house their home; but upon consultation with some other friends they deemed it expedient to decline his generous offer, and to take lodgings and board in a private boardinghouse; which they did. Not only by this eminent preacher but by sundry other of the leading non-conformists were they courteously received and entertained. Prominent among these were the Rev. Mr. Stennet, of the Baptist Church, to whose kind offices they were indebted for much of their success in London; the Rev. Mr. Gibbons, minister of the Independent congregation at Haberdashers’ Hall, and Mr. Davies’s correspondent, and who upon the death of Mr. Davies published a volume of his sermons, with a sketch of the author’s life.

* Mr. Bostwick was at this time minister of the Presbyterian church of Jamaica, Long Island, and in 1755 he removed to the city of New York and took charge of the Presbyterian church in that city. In 1761 he was chosen a Trustee of the College of New Jersey, and held this office till his death.

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Of these two distinguished preachers Mr. Davies makes frequent mention, expressive of his high respect, and of his great indebtedness to them. In his "Diary," under the date of January 8, 1754, a fortnight after his arrival in London, he makes this entry:

"Dined at Mr. Eleazer Edwards’s, . . . of the Baptist persuasion. Here we enjoyed Mr. Stennet’s company, and his son’s. He is a judicious, prudent, and candid gentleman, and has more influence in court than any dissenting minister in London. Mr. Tennent having visited Mr. Partridge, the Agent of Pennsylvania, was advised to apply to some of the court, particularly to the Lord Chancellor, Lord Halifax, and Mr. Pelham [the Prime Minister], and he seemed inclined to do it, But to me it appeared very doubtful; I was afraid, in case the College should be discountenanced by them, they would find some flaw in the charter, and so overset it; and that a refusal at court would have a bad influence upon those who otherwise might contribute towards it. We consulted Mr. Stennet, and he was fully of my mind."

Mr. Stennet accompanied Messrs. Tennent and Davies to the Duke of Argyle’s when they went to deliver to his Grace the letter for him given to them by Governor Belcher. The Duke having advised them to call upon Lord Halifax, or Lord Duplin, both of whom were members of the Board of Trade and Plantations, Mr. Stennet went for them to Lord Duplin and consulted him in confidence, and his Lordship assured Mr. Stennet that he would do nothing to their injury.

On the day after their arrival in London they were visited, says Mr. Davies, "by a venerable old gentleman, Mr. Hall, author of some of the ‘Lime Street Sermons,’ who seems to be of a true puritanic spirit and full of religion ;" by Mr. Gibbons, "my dear correspondent, who informed us of the general apostasy of the Dissenters from the principles of the Reformation;" and by good Mr. Cruttenden, who sent me over ten pound sterling worth of books to be distributed among the poor in Virginia." *

* This last-named gentleman, Mr. Robert Cruttenden, the Rev. Richard Webster thinks (see note to page 557 of his History) was probably the friend who suggested to Mr. Davies, after his return from England, a plan for obtaining, if practicable, some three or four young Africans, who still retained their native language, were pious, and of good abilities, to be educated at the College of New Jersey for missionaries. Whether Mr. Davies availed himself of this suggestion is not known. But nearly twenty years after, the well-known Dr. Samuel Hopkins, a pupil of the Rev. Jonathan Edwards, and his first biographer, adopted a like scheme, and in

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In the prosecution of their work they called upon all or nearly all the Dissenting ministers in London and its vicinity, and in general they were kindly received and encouraged, although not a few of these ministers had no sympathy whatever with Messrs. Tennent and Davies in their religious views and feelings, being tainted with anti-Calvinistic and latitudinarian principles. The diversity of views among the Dissenters was a source of no small embarrassment to these agents of the College; and on this head Mr. Davies makes this remark:

"There are so many parties here that it is very perplexing to us to know how to behave so as to avoid offence, and not to injure the business of our embassy. The Independents and Baptists are more generally Calvinists than the Presbyterians, though I fear some of them are tainted with Antinomianism."

By Mr. Chandler, a Presbyterian minister of much note, they were advised to represent, in their petition for the College, that it would be of use "to keep a sense of religion among the German Protestant emigrants settled in the British plantations, to instruct their children in the principles of our common Christianity, and to instruct them in the knowledge of the English language, that they may be incorporated with the rest of his Majesty’s subjects." Mr. Davies adds, "Mr. T. approved of the addition, but I could not help scrupling it, because the College is not immediately intended to teach the English language; but I submitted." They finally, however, determined to "soften the terms in the clause about the German Protestants." On the day following that of their call upon Mr. Chandler, viz., on January 19, 1754, they "were sent for by a company of lords and gentlemen who have the disposal of the money lately given by the King for the support of schools among the Germans in Pennsylvania." "Mr. Chandler," adds Mr. Davies, "who is the Company’s Secretary, introduced our affairs, and our petition

conjunction with the Rev. Dr. Ezra Stiles, afterwards President of Yale, formed the design to prepare two African youths, members of his church in Newport, Rhode Island, for preaching the gospel in Western Africa. That they might be prepared for their missionary work, it was judged expedient to send them to Princeton, New Jersey, to be for a season under the tuition of the Rev. Dr. Witherspoon. How long they continued here, and what proficiency they made in their studies, are matters respecting which we have no record. See Dr. Alexander’s "History of Colonization," pages 48—523.)

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was read. There was no time to consider it, and it was deferred until their next meeting." It does not appear that the petition was ever again brought before them for consideration; but Mr. Chandler himself gave it his countenance and recommendation, as did some sixty or more of the Dissenting ministers, including Baptists, Independents, and Presbyterians. Among these are some of the well-known scholars of that day,—e.g., Rev. Drs. Lardner, Jennings, Guyse, Benson, Price, and Mimer. The Rev. Dr. Samuel Chandler, spoken of above as the Rev. Mr. Chandler, was an eminent scholar, and he had the happiness to number among his pupils Archbishop Secker and Bishop Butler. His sermons were published in four volumes quarto, and as early as 1725 he published his "Vindication of the Christian Religion."

There was danger at one time that Mr. Chandler would discountenance the efforts of Messrs. Tennent and Davies, a copy of Mr. Tennent’s famous Nottingham Sermon having been placed in his hand, with this very end in view, through the agency of a member of the Synod of Philadelphia. But upon receiving a full explanation of all the facts, Mr. Chandler signed their petition. Messrs. Tennent and Davies waited also upon Mr. Penn, the Proprietor of Pennsylvania, and were kindly received by him; but he gave them no encouragement, regarding himself as under peculiar obligations to favor the Academy in Philadelphia. From a Mr. Cromwell, a great-grandson of the Protector, Mr. Davies received three guineas for the College. Messrs. Tennent and Davies, while yet in London, dined with the Marquis of Lothian, and at dinner met Lord Leven, the King’s Commissioner and representative at the sessions of the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland. These noblemen favored their mission and encouraged them in their work.

Mr. Davies was frequently invited to preach by the Dissenting ministers of London, and he was repeatedly urged to prepare a volume of his sermons for publication, which he tells us he had serious thoughts of doing. An anecdote has been very current in the United States to the purport that on one occasion his Majesty George the Second heard Mr. Davies preach, and that he was so delighted with the eloquence of the speaker as

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to express aloud his approval, and to call down upon himself a reproof for his interruption of the service; and that by invitation Mr. Davies waited upon the King and received from him a handsome donation for the College. There is not the least foundation for this story. His "Diary" shows beyond all doubt that Mr. Davies never saw his Majesty, and that he had no desire to see him or the members of his court, lest inquiry should be made respecting the validity of the charter given to the College by Governor Belcher, and the character of the charter essentially altered, if not totally suppressed.

Upon leaving London, Messrs. Tennent and Davies went directly to Edinburgh, where they met with a very kind reception from all classes, clergy and laity, nobles and commoners.

In their application to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland they were successful beyond all expectation. On Monday, the 27th of May, their petition was received by the Assembly, and it was agreed to without an objection from any one. Their cause was ably advocated by Mr. Lumsden, Professor of Theology at Aberdeen, who, without any conference with either Mr. Tennent or Mr. Davies, urged that it was the duty of the Assembly to promote such institutions as the College of New Jersey, and especially among the Presbyterians in the Colonies. Mr. Lumsden was seconded by Mr. McLagan, and a committee was appointed to draw up an act and a recommendation for a national collection. Of this committee Mr. McLagan was a member.

"The approbation of the General Assembly," says Mr. Davies, in his " Diary," May 27, 1754, "will be attended with many happy consequences; particularly it will recommend our College to the world, and wipe off the odium from the Synod of New York as a parcel of schismatics."

The action of the Assembly was the more pleasing to Messrs. Tennent and Davies, from the circumstance that special pains had been taken by one or more of the members of the Synod of Philadelphia to excite a prejudice against their mission by means of a letter written for this very purpose, and by the distribution of copies of Mr. Tennent’s Nottingham Sermon. Mr. Tennent and Mr. Davies waited also upon the Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge, of which the Marquis of

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Lothian was the President, and at the request of the Society gave them their advice as to the best method of conducting the mission among the Indians. The members of the Society also drew up a letter in favor of the College of New Jersey, to be annexed to the Act of the General Assembly. On the same day Messrs. Tennent and Davies dined with his Grace the Lord Commissioner.

Edinburgh, and to very crowded auditories, having among his hearers on one occasion the Lord Provost and the Magistrates of the city. He preached three times in the College Kirk, and evidently with much acceptance, and to the profit of not a few of his hearers. He had every reason to be pleased with his reception in Edinburgh, and we are not surprised at his remark,—

"I met with more Christian friendship in Edinburgh than anywhere in Great Britain. There is too general a decay of experimental and practical religion, and yet there is a considerable number of pious people in the City." (Davies’s Journal, June 15, 1754.)

Under the same date with the above he adds:

"I find a great number of the clergy and laity have of late carried church power to an extravagant height, deny to individuals the right of judging for themselves, and insist upon absolute universal obedience to all the determinations of the General Assembly. I heard several speeches in the House on this head which really surprised me. The nobility and gentry, who are lay elders, are generally high-flyers, and have encroached upon the rights of the people, especially in the choice of their ministers. Violent settlements are enjoined by the authority of the General Assembly, and there is no prospect of redress. There is a Piece published, under the title of ‘The Ecclesiastical Characteristics,’ ascribed to one Mr. Weather-spoon [Wither-spoon], a young minister. It is a burlesque upon the high-flyers, under the name of moderate men, and I think the humor is nothing inferior to Dean Swift."

It never occurred to Mr. Davies while penning the above sentence that this "one Mr. Weatherspoon" would ever have any connection with the College of New Jersey, much less that they would both be Presidents of it; and yet within fifteen years from this time they both were,—Mr. Davies from 1759 to 1761, and Mr. Witherspoon from 1768 to 1794.

After spending a month or more at Edinburgh, Mr. Tennent

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left for Ireland, to present the cause of the College to the Irish Presbyterian Synod, and Mr. Davies went on a visit to Glasgow, where he was kindly received and hospitably entertained. The freedom of the city was presented to him, and at the same time it was conferred upon Mr. Tennent and Mr. President Burr, although they were not there. Mr. Davies tarried at Glasgow about ten days, and preached there six times. He formed firm friendships with some of the leading ministers of that city, and more especially with Mr. Gillies,—afterwards the Rev. Dr. Gillies, —by whom some of his letters to his English and Scotch correspondents were preserved and published. Upon the decease of the Rev. Mr. McLaurin, another of his Glasgow friends, he made in his "Diary" the following entry: "That city has lost one of its brightest ornaments, the Church of Scotland one of its most excellent ministers, and the College of New Jersey one of its best friends." The attentions which were paid to him in Glasgow were owing, no doubt, in part to the circumstance that Governor Dinwiddie, of Virginia, without Mr. Davies’s knowledge, had kindly commended him to his brother, the Provost of the city, and to his brother-in-law, the Rev. Mr. McCulloh, at Cambuslang. This gentleman, "an humble, holy minister of Christ," as Mr. Davies calls him, had a conversation with Mr. Davies about a donation of two hundred pounds for propagating the gospel among the Indians.

Mr. Davies also visited the Rev. John Erskine, of Culross, afterwards the Rev. Dr. Erskine, of Grey Friars’ Church, Edinburgh. This distinguished divine took a lively interest in the welfare of the College, and revised and prepared for the press a sermon of Mr. Davies’s on I John ii. 2, and published it, with a preface in favor of the College, which, says Mr. Davies, "has already had happy effects in Braintree, and excited sundry to double their intended benefactions." At the place named resided Mr. Samuel Ruggles, a gentleman of wealth and of great liberality, who first subscribed thirty pounds to the fund for the College, and who subsequently increased his subscription and made it fifty pounds.

Upon his way from Edinburgh to London, Mr. Davies stopped at Durham, and waited upon his Lordship the Bishop of that

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diocese. This right reverend prelate, the immediate successor of the eminent scholar Bishop Butler, "gave me," says Mr. Davies, "a condescending reception. He particularly inquired whether the Church of England had any share in the management of the College, complained of the intolerant principles of the Dissenters in New England, asked me if I had waited upon the Archbishop of Canterbury, or obtained the consent of the Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts, and told me until I had done so he could not in a public character do anything in favor of the design. But he gave me five guineas as a private person; which afforded me no small satisfaction, as it may open the door for further benefactions in the Established Church." But it did not.

Mr. Davies also visited Norwich and several of the other larger towns and cities in England. He reached London on the 1st of October, and found there a letter from Mr. Tennent, informing him that Mr. Tennent, having finished his applications in the west of England, intended to come to London as soon as possible, to prepare to embark for America.

"The prospect of so speedy a return gave, me," says Mr. Davies, "no small pleasure; but the prospect of a winter passage was very shocking, especially as I had such a melancholy time in my last voyage, and in the present diffident state of my mind I am not a little intimidated at the dangers of the ocean."

Nor is his state of mind at all surprising, in view of the perils then attending a voyage across the Atlantic in midwinter. Among the reasons urged by the friends of Episcopacy in America for the consecration of one or more Bishops in this country was the loss of life on the part of the candidates who went to England to be admitted to orders by the Bishop of London. The Rev. Dr. Thomas Bradbury Chandler, in his Appeal, asserts that one-fifth of all who had gone to England for ordination, up to 1767, had died of disease or had been lost at sea.

Mr. Tennent left London on the 13th of November, in a vessel going directly to Philadelphia. Mr. Davies sailed on Friday, the 15th of the same month. The reasons for not returning home in the same vessel are briefly given by Mr. Davies in his Diary," under the date of November 18: "The impossi

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bility of getting the Trustees together, and of my travelling home by land from Philadelphia, determined me, with Mr. Tennent’s consent, to deny myself the pleasure of his company and sail directly for Virginia, that I may the sooner see my earthly all at home." After a long and tempestuous voyage, he arrived at York, Virginia, on the 13th of February, 1755, and reached his own home on Saturday, the 15th of that month, "and found all well. What shall I render to the Lord for all his goodness ?"

The above recital gives a succinct view of Mr. Davies’s labors and of his success in fulfilling the duties of his mission in behalf of the College; but it gives no intimation of his anxieties and trials occasioned by his long and painful separation from his family, to which he often refers in expressions of earnest feeling. Nor has any mention been made of the sudden and threatening attacks, superinduced, doubtless, by his untiring and arduous labors, one of which, an apoplectic fit, as it was regarded by the physician in attendance, came very near terminating, his life, during his visit to the city of Norwich, in the month of September, 1754.

The sums of money collected by Messrs. Tennent and Davies, although far exceeding the most sanguine expectations of themselves and of the Trustees, are by no means the full measure of their services to the College and to the interests of religion and learning in the American Colonies. Their mission added much to the reputation and the usefulness of the College, and turned the attention of not a few persons of influence and of wealth to the great importance of promoting Christian education among all classes in this country. Their preaching, and more especially the preaching of Mr. Davies, attracted much attention, and doubtless was productive of much good. In the course of the eleven months which Mr. Davies spent in England and Scotland he preached sixty or seventy times, and he was earnestly solicited, in conversation and by letters, to publish some of these discourses.

While he diligently and successfully prosecuted the work of collecting funds for the College, he at the same time availed himself of every opportunity to further the interests of his Dis

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senting friends in Virginia, and to secure for them all the privileges conferred by the Act of Toleration upon Dissenters in England. The hope that he might accomplish something in this line was a strong inducement with him to accede to the proposal of the Trustees that he should accompany Mr. Tennent to Britain. And the last thing which he did before leaving London was to call upon Dr. Avery, Mr. Mauduit, Dr. Stennet, and others with the petition sent to him from Virginia, in reference to the rights of the Dissenters there under the English Act of Toleration, and to solicit their aid in this matter which he had so much at heart. At his earnest request these gentlemen promised their assistance; nor were they unmindful of their engagement. They conferred with the committee of the deputation of Protestant Dissenters in regard to the expediency of presenting the petition to the King in Council, and it was deemed imprudent to present it at that time. The committee gave it as their advice that the Dissenters in Virginia should apply first to the County Court; and if refused, then to the Governor and Council; and if refused by them, to use the house for which a license had been sought, as if it had been licensed; and if prosecuted for so doing, to let the committee know. At the same time the committee sent them private instructions, in case any persons should be prosecuted for using such unlicensed houses, that they should appeal to the King in Council, and the committee engaged to prosecute the appeal. But no appeal was ever made. By the time Mr. Davies returned home, the state of public affairs in Virginia was so much changed, in consequence of the incursions of the French and of the Indians upon the western frontiers, that the Colonial Government, which depended in no small degree upon the aid of the Dissenters to repel these hostile aggressions, had less time and probably less inclination to molest these loyal men, who were ready to lay down their lives, if need be, in defence of their country. Mr. Davies was among the foremost in urging upon his friends the duty of taking up arms in defence of their King and of their homes; which, under the influence of his powerful appeals, they promptly did, and in large numbers.

In a note to a sermon preached on the 17th of August, 1755,

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to the first volunteer company raised in Virginia after Braddock’s defeat, occur these words:

"I may point out to the public that heroic youth, Cal. Washington, whom I cannot but hope Providence has hitherto preserved in so signal a manner for some important service." Washington was then in the twenty-fourth year of his age, By his prudence and courage he had rescued from destruction the remnant of Braddock's army.

About this time, too, the Established clergy became involved in a controversy with the Legislature with respect to the payment of their stipends of sixteen thousand pounds of tobacco, "whether they should be paid in kind or at an estimated value." "While this contest waxed hotter and hotter, Dissenters of different names," says Dr. Foote, "multiplied, and the rigor of the courts relaxed. This unadvised proceeding of the clergy did more for the Dissenters than all their appeals to natural and constitutional law had been able to accomplish." The Revolution of 1776 put an end to all the restraints to which the Dissenters had been subjected by the laws of Virginia, and gave them that perfect freedom in all matters of religion for which Mr. Davies so long and so earnestly contended. But amidst all his labors in defence of civil and religious liberty, he never forgot that his chief business was to preach the gospel; and this he continued to do most diligently to all classes, rich and poor, white and black.

In December, 1755, the Presbytery of Hanover was formed, and of this Presbytery Mr. Davies was the first Moderator. It comprised all the Presbyterian ministers in Virginia and North Carolina, with their respective charges. "Of the whole Dissenting interests in these two colonies, Mr. Davies," says President Green, "was the animating soul. He made his influence felt everywhere; he transfused his spirit into the bosoms of his associates, and roused them by the force of his example. His popularity in Virginia was almost unbounded; so that he was invited and urged to preach in almost all the settled portions of that colony."

Three years and a half after his return from England, Mr. Davies was chosen President of the College of New Jersey.

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By the advice of his Presbytery he declined this invitation; but subsequently, with the approval of the Synod, he accepted the office upon a tender of it a second time; and he entered upon its duties on the 26th of July, 1759.

In the sketch given of his administration, it was shown that his career, though short, was brilliant, and that the highest hopes were entertained by the friends of the College that his direction of its affairs would be attended with the happiest results. But these hopes were doomed to a sudden and unexpected disappointment; and it is by no means improbable that his constant and earnest devotion to his official duties served to undermine his strength, and caused him to succumb the more readily to the fever of which he died.

"Towards the close of January, 1761," says President Green, "he was seized with a bad cold, for which he was bled. The same day he transcribed for the press his sermon on the death of George the Second.* The day following he preached twice in the College Chapel. The arm in which he had been bled— surely for a reason sufficiently obvious—became much inflamed, and his febrile disposition was much increased. On the morning of the succeeding Monday he was seized, while at breakfast, with violent chills, succeeded by an inflammatory fever, which in ten days terminated his life." "The violence of his disease deprived him of the exercise of his reason through most of his sickness, …. and even in his delirium he manifested what were the objects which chiefly occupied his mind. His faltering tongue was continually uttering some expedient to promote the prosperity of the Church of Christ and the good of mankind."

He died on the ₄th of February, 1761, in the thirty-eighth year of his age.

A sermon on the occasion of his death was preached in London on the 29th of March, by his friend and correspondent, the Rev. Dr. Thomas Gibbons; and another at Princeton on the 28th of May, by the Rev. Dr. Samuel Finley. (Sprague’s "Annals.") The one by Dr. Finley was printed at the request of the Trustees; and it was republished in London by Dr. Gibbons, in connection with his own sermon. Both these discourses were prefixed to the first volume of Mr. Davies’s sermons, edited by Dr. Gibbons. The Rev. David Bostwick, of New York, another intimate friend, who had been intrusted with the printing of President Davies’s sermon on the death of

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George the Second, wrote a preface to this sermon, "in which the talents, piety, and usefulness of Mr. Davies were exhibited, and eulogized with much warmth." (President Green’s Sketches.) These were the first tributes of respect to the memory of this remarkable man and most eloquent preacher; but they are not the only ones. Memoirs of President Davies have been given to the public by the Rev. Dr. John Rice, of Virginia, in his "Literary and Evangelical Magazine;" by the Rev. Dr. Green, in his Sketch of the College; Rev. Dr. Allen, in his "Biographical Dictionary;" Rev. Dr. Foote, in his "Sketches of Virginia;" Rev. Dr. Sprague, in his "Annals of the American Pulpit;" and Rev. Albert Barnes, in a preface to the third New York edition of Davies’s sermons. Mention of him and of his writings is made in Middleton’s "Biographia Evangelica," in Allibone’s "Dictionary of Authors," and in other publications.

Distinguished as he was in various respects, he was preeminent in the pulpit, of which fact the great demand for his published sermons is sufficient evidence were there none other. Before the close of the last century not less than nine editions were printed in England. (See Dr. Green’s Sketches of the College.) And the publishers of the first stereotyped edition in this country tell us that in 1842, "notwithstanding four large American editions have been published, the book is entirely out of the market." Fifty years ago—viz., in 1822— Dr. Green remarked, "Probably there are no sermons in the English language which have been more read, or for which there has been so steady and unceasing a demand for more than half a century." And to this remark he justly and wisely adds the following criticism:

"They are certainly not distinguished for minute accuracy of language, or those terse periods which many later compositions of the same kind possess. Nor can they, in all their parts, be vindicated from the charge of something that appears loose, tumid, and declamatory. The general run of the sentences, however, is harmonious; and they everywhere contain so much just thinking, such powerful reasonings, such pungent addresses to the conscience and the heart, with such an unction of piety, and such a popularity of manner, as may well account for the favorable reception they have met with. The reader soon ceases to attend to anything but the subject discussed, and is carried delightfully along by the powerful charm of genius and piety in happy union."

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The following is a list of President Davies’s published works as given by Dr. Sprague in his "Annals of the American Pulpit":

"A sermon on Man’s Primitive State, 1748. ‘The State of Religion among the Protestant Dissenters in Virginia, in a Letter to the Rev. Joseph Bellamy,’ 1751. A sermon preached before the Presbytery of New Castle, 1752. A sermon preached at the installation of the Rev. John Todd, 1752. ‘Religion and Patriotism the Constituents of a Good Soldier:’ a sermon preached before a company of volunteers, 1755. ‘Virginia’s Danger and Remedy:’ two discourses occasioned by the severe drought, and the defeat of General Braddock, 1755. Letters showing the State of Religion in Virginia, particularly among the Negroes, 1755—1757. A sermon on the Vessels of Mercy and the Vessels of Wrath, 1757. A Sermon on Little Children invited to Jesus Christ, 1757. ‘The Curse of Cowardice:’ a sermon before the militia of Virginia, 1758. A Valedictory Discourse to the Senior Class in the College of New Jersey, 1760. A sermon on the Death of George II., 1761. He was also the author of several important documents of a public nature, and various hymns and ether pieces of poetry of no small degree of merit.

"A collection of his sermons, including most of those which had been printed in his lifetime, was published after his death, in three volumes octavo."

To the above list may be added a sermon on John ii. 2, revised and edited by the Rev. Dr. Erskine, of Scotland, from the manuscript notes of Mr. Davies, furnished by himself, 1754; his "Diary" or journal of his mission to England, from July 2, 1753, to February 53, 1755, given in Dr. Foote’s "Sketches of Virginia;" also sundry letters, including those to Dr. Doddridge, the Bishop of London, and Dr. Avery, respecting the condition of the Dissenters in Virginia. The sermon before the Presbytery of New Castle, 1752, was on Isaiah lxii. 1; and when he was in England he was urged by friendly ministers and others in various parts of Great Britain to give this sermon a second edition, which in his "Diary," September 28, 1754, he expresses his purpose to do.

In his "Notes," published in 1822, President Green makes the following mention of the family of President Davies :

"Of the family left by President Davies the writer is able to give but little information. The funeral sermon preached by Dr. Finley is dedicated to Mrs. Martha Davies, the mother, and Mrs. Jean Davies, the widow, of the late President Davies. Of his widow, it is only known that she returned to her friends in Virginia, and remained there till her death. Her eldest son, Colonel William Davies, was educated at Nassau Hall, and graduated in 1765. He studied law, and settled at Norfolk, in Virginia. In the Revolutionary War he obtained the rank of a Colonel in the American Army, was an officer of distinguished merit, and possessed in an eminent degree the esteem and confidence of the commander in-chief, the illustrious Washington. He was well known to the writer [ Dr. Green], and was unquestionably a man of powerful mind, highly cultivated, and enriched by various knowledge. He died in Virginia a few years since. John Rodgers Davies was also educated at Nassau Hall, and graduated in 1769. He likewise studied the law. Samuel Davies, the third son, was settled in Petersburg, and died there sev

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eral years ago.* His mother, Mrs. Martha Davies, made a part of the President’s family at the time of his death. The writer [ President Green] has been well informed that when the corpse of her son was laid in the coffin, she stood over it in the presence of a number of friends, for some minutes, viewing it attentively, and then said, ‘There is the son of my prayers and my hopes,—my only son,—my only earthly support. But there is the will of God. and I am satisfied.’ This eminent saint was received into the family of the Rev. Dr. Rodgers, of New York, and by him was treated with the utmost kindness and veneration till the time of her death."

President Davies was buried by the side of President Edwards, and over his remains the following inscription was placed:

Sub Hoc Marmore sepulchrali,

Mortales Exuviae

Reverendi perquam Viri,

Samuelis Davies, AM.

Collegii Nov-Caesariensis Praesidis,

Futurum Domini Adventum praestolantur.

Ne te est, Viator, ut pauca de tanto

Tamque dilecto Viro resciscas,

Paulisper morari pigeat.

Natus est in Comitatu de Newcastle, juxta Delaware,

III Novembris, Anno Salutis reparatae,

MDCCXXIV. S. V.

Sacris ibidem initiatus, XIX Februarii,

MDCCXLVII.

Tutelam pastoralem Ecclesiae

In Comitatu de Hanover, Virginiensium, suscepit,

Ibi per XI plus minus Annos,

Ministri Evangelici Laboribus

Indefesse, et favente Numine, auspicato perfectus.

Ad Munus Praesidiale Collegii Nov-Caesaniensis gerendum

Vocatus est, et inauguratus, XXVI Julii,

MDCCLIX S. N.

Sed, proh Rerum inane ! intra Biennium, Febre correptus,

Candidam Animam Coelo reddidit IV Februanii, MDCCLXI.

Heu quam exiguum Vitae Curriculum!

Corpore fuit eximio; Gestu liberali, placido, augusto

Ingenii Nitore,

Morum Integritate, Munificentia, Facilitate,

Inter paucos illustris,

* In a letter from the Rev. David Bostwick to the Rev. Dr. Bellamy, of the date of March 17, 1761, Mr. Bostwick observes: "The people of Philadelphia have collected £95 per annum for five years to support his three sons at College, and Philadelphia and New York have raised between four and five hundred pounds for the widow and two daughters, for he left very little estate."—J. M.

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Rei literariae peritus; Theologus pronlptus, perspicax,

In Rostris, per Eloquium blandum, mellitum

Vehemens simul, et perstringens, nulli secundus,

Scriptor ornatus, sublimis, disertus.

Praesertim veno Pietate,

Ardente in Deum Zelo et Religione Spectandus,

In tanti Viri, majora meriti,

Memoriam duraturam,

Amici hoc qualecunque Monumentum,

Honoris ergo St Gratitudinis, posuere.

The following extracts will conclude this memoir:

"Mr. Davies’s death has struck us with astonishment, and spread a gloom over the whole country. The loss cannot be expressed. I believe there never was a College happier in its President, or in a more flourishing State. He far exceeded the expectation of his best friends. As you were not personally acquainted, you can hardly conceive what prodigious uncommon gifts the God of heaven had bestowed upon that man to render him useful to the would,—but he is gone ! O what he might have been, what he might have done, had he lived ! But methinks I hear the admonition, Be still, and know that I am God."

"His sermon on the death of his late Majesty I purpose to send you with this; the first impression, tho’ 1000, is gone; a second is in the press. It was the last work of a public nature he even did."—Rev. .Mr. Bostwick’s letter of March 17, 1761, to the Rev. Joseph Bellamy.

"As to his natural genius, it was strong and masculine. His understanding was clear, his memory retentive, his invention quick, his imagination lively and florid, his thoughts sublime, and his language elegant, strong, and expressive."

His appearance in company was manly and graceful; his behavior genteel, not ceremonious; grave, yet pleasant, and solid but sprightly too, In a word, he was an open, conversable, and entertaining companion, a polite gentleman, and a devout Christian,"

"In the sacred desk, zeal for God and love to men animated his addresses, and made them tender, solemn, pungent, and persuasive; while at the same time they were ingenious, accurate, and oratorical. A certain dignity of sentiment and style, a venerable presence, a commanding voice, and emphatical delivery concurred both to charm his audience and overawe them into silence and attention."

"Nor was his usefulness confined to the pulpit. His comprehensive mind could take under view the grand interests of his country and of religion at once; and these interests as well as those of his friends he was even ready zealously to serve,"

"His natural temper was remarkably sweet and dispassionate, and his heart was one of the tenderest towards the distressed."

"He was among the first and highest examples of filial piety."

"In a word, think what might rationally be expected in the present imperfect state, in a mature man, a Christian in minority, a minister of Jesus, of like passions with others, in a gentleman, companion, and cordial friend, and you conceive of President Davies.’’

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"I never knew one who appeared to lay himself mere fully open to the reception of truth, from whatever quarter it came, than he."

"The unavoidable consciousness of native power made him bold and enterprising. Yet the event proved that his boldness arose, not from a partial, groundless self-conceit, but from true self-knowledge. Upon a fair and candid trial, faithful and just to himself, he judged what he could do; and what he could, when called to it, he attempted; and what he attempted he accomplished." (From Dr. Finley’s Sermon on the Death of President Davies.)

The above is the testimony of men who knew him well, and who were able to form a correct judgment of such a man as Samuel Davies.

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At the time Mr. Davies was first chosen President, some of the Trustees were in favor of electing Mr. Finley, and on the death of Mr. Davies no other person appears to have been thought of to supply his place. Before the meeting of the Trustees, which had been appointed for the 28th of May, there was, doubtless, more or less correspondence among the members of the Board in regard to this important measure, and an understanding that Mr. Finley would be their choice. Mr. Bostwick, a devoted friend of President Davies, in his letter to Mr. Bellamy, of the 27th of March, 1761, speaking of the death of Mr. Davies, adds, "Our eyes are on Mr. Finley, a very accurate scholar, and a very great and good man. Blessed be the Lord that such an one is to be found. The internal state of the College is good, and the management of the Tutors so generally approved, that there will be no pro tempore President, and the time appointed for choice is the 28th of May." At this date, however, as appears from the minutes of the Board, a quorum did not assemble. "Express messengers were despatched to several of the absent members, and on Monday, June 1, 1761, being called over, the following members appeared, viz. Messrs. William Smith, Samuel Woodruff, John Pierson, Gilbert Tennent, William Tennent, Caleb Smith, Jacob Green, John Brainerd, Samuel Finley, Elihu Spencer, Charles McKnight, John Light, Richard Stockton."

The following proceedings of the Board at this meeting are copied from their minutes:

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Harris, of New Brunswick, were duly elected Trustees of the College in the room of the Rev. Messrs. Davies and Cowell, deceased, and of Mr. Cummings removed to Boston, and Mr. Livingston resigned. Mr. Bostwick was qualified as the Charter directs, and took his seat accordingly."

"It having pleased a Sovereign God since our last meeting to remove by death the late reverend and ingenious Mr. Davies, President of the College, the Trustees proceeded to the election of a President, whereupon the Rev. Mr. Samuel Finley, of Nottingham, in the Province of Pennsylvania, was unanimously chosen President of the College in the room of the said Mr. Davies. And the said Mr. Finley, being informed of the above election, was pleased modestly to accept the same. Whereupon Mr. Treat, one of the members of the Board, is desired to attend the meeting of the Presbytery to which Mr. Finley belongs, to request that he may be liberated from his present pastoral charge."

"It is ordered, that Mr. Finley’s salary as President of the College be the sum of £200, proclamation, per annum, with the usual privileges and perquisites. And that the expense of moving Mr. Finley’s family to this place be paid by the Treasurer."

There is evidently an inaccuracy in the minute respecting the election of two of the new Trustees, in which they are said to have been duly elected in the room of Messrs. Davies and Cowell, deceased. Mr. Davies was a Trustee only in virtue of his being the President of the College; and the only person who could succeed him as a Trustee would be his successor in the office of President. Mr. Finley, by accepting this office, thereby vacated his seat at the Board as a regular and permanent member, which made one of the two vacancies among the clerical members of the Board that were filled by the election of the Rev. Messrs. Bostwick and Reed.

The next meeting of the Board took place on Wednesday, the 30th of September, 1761, the day of the annual Commencement. His Excellency Governor Boone was present on this occasion, and so were all the Trustees but three, making the number in attendance twenty.

Although Mr. Finley upon being chosen President of the College had signified his willingness to accept the office, he could not formally do so until he had obtained the consent of the Presbytery of which he was a member; and therefore his inauguration as President was deferred until this meeting of the Trustees. Having taken the prescribed oaths, he appears to have taken his seat at the Board without any other formality or ceremony.

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The Trustees next attended the Commencement exercises, when fourteen young gentlemen were admitted to the first degree in the Arts, and three others to their second degree. It appears from a minute adopted at this meeting that one of the students was in considerable arrears for his tuition, and the Board directed that, "in case these arrears were not fully discharged before the end of the ensuing vacation, he should be dismissed from the College." Nothing is said of his ability to pay the tuition-fees; the only thing mentioned is that he was in arrears for his tuition. At this time no provision had been made for the payment of the tuition-fees of young men in indigent or moderate circumstances, except to a small extent in the case of those preparing for the ministry. Of late years, happily, any worthy youth unable to pay his tuition-fees has had them remitted upon an application to the President or other officer of the College having the oversight of this matter.

The decision reached in the case just mentioned led to a further consideration of the whole subject of College dues, and to the adoption of the following minute:

"The Trustees taking into consideration the damages the Institution has sustained by the Deficiency in the Payment of the Students’ Quarterly Bills,* IT IS ORDERED, That for the future every Student who enters College be obliged to give sufficient security by Bond or otherwise to the Treasurer for the punctual payment of all his Dues to the College, which Law [is] to take place at the expiration of the present year, in case no objection appears to this measure at the next meeting of the Trustees.’’

The rule now in force on this subject, and which was adopted many years ago, is, that all charges for College expenses shall be paid in advance at the beginning of each term.

The settlement of the Steward’s accounts was generally one of the items of business which demanded the attention of the Board; and it is evident from the various resolutions on this subject that there was no little difficulty in adjusting these accounts to the satisfaction of the parties concerned.

* The bills for the entire year, at this period in the history of the College, amounted to about £25.6.0 proc. These included charges for tuition, £4; board, £15; washing, £3; fire-wood and candles, £2; room-rent, £1; and contingent charges, 6 shillings.

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Happily for the College, this whole system of providing meals for the students has been given up; yet payments for board continue to be made to the Treasurer of the College, for the better security of the boarders and of the boardinghouses. The change here referred to took place in 1855.

The examination of candidates for degrees was ordered to be held in future on the third Wednesday in August. Previously to this the examination took place on the last Wednesday in July. No change was made in the time of the annual Commencement.

For his extra services while the College was without a President, the Trustees made Mr. Halsey, the senior Tutor, a present of twenty pounds in addition to his salary.

The following extracts will explain themselves, while they show the action of the Board in reference to matters of more or less interest in the history of the College

"Voted, That the Treasurer of the College pay President Finley the sum of £22.11, it being the expense of his removal to the College."

"Voted, That President Finley’s salary begin from the third Wednesday in June last, it being the time of his dismission from his people at Nottingham."

"Ordered, That Mr. Stockton, the Clerk, be desired to return the thanks of this Board to the Gentlemen in Philadelphia who have generously undertaken the management of the Lottery now on foot in favor of the College."

"Ordered, That all moneys arising from the Lottery made in Philadelphia, for the Benefit of the College, be deposited in the hands of Mr. Sergeant, the Treasurer, as soon as possible, and that the said moneys be by him immediately put out to Interest as soon as opportunities present."

"Voted, That President Finley be desired to print his Sermon preached at the funeral of Mr. Davies, at the Expense of the College, and that they be disposed of for the Benefit of the College."

A few extracts from this sermon are given at the close of our memoir of President Davies. This sermon was not preached at Mr. Davies’s funeral, but at or near the beginning of the summer term of the College, Thursday, May 28, 1761. The Trustees were to have had a meeting on the previous Thursday, May 21, for the purpose of choosing a President in the room of Mr. Davies. But, a quorum not assembling on that day, they could not proceed with this business, and they only took measures to secure the attendance of a sufficient number on the 1st of June.

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The next meeting of the Board was held on Wednesday, the 29th of September, 1762, the day of the annual Commencement. His Excellency Governor Hardy was present, and took his seat as President of the Board. The following address to the Governor, and his reply, are copied from the New York "Mercury" of October 18, 1762, there being no note of them in the minutes of the Board:

"To his Excellency Josiah Hardy, Esq., Captain-General, Commander-in-Chief in and over

his Majesty’s Province of Nova Caesarea, or New Jersey, and territories thereon depending in

America, Chancellor, and Vice-Admiral in the same.

"May it please your Excellency We, his Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Trustees of the College of New Jersey, with the greatest pleasure take this opportunity of pubickly congratulating your Excellency upon your appointment to and acceptance of this Government. And we are particularly happy in believing, from the specimen your Excellency has already given of your good Disposition, that the loss we sustained in the speedy removal of your immediate Predecessor is made up in you; and that as the College of this Province has been favoured with the patronage of each of our Governors since its Institution, your Excellency will be pleased to take it under your Protection. We can assure you that the general Principle of preparing youth for public service in Church and State, and making them useful members of Society, without concerning ourselves about their particular religious denomination, is our grand Idea. And we [hope], when you shall be pleased to look into the Constitution of this Seminary of Learning, and, by honouring us with your personal Attendance at our Meetings, see the Manner of our Procedure, you will conceive it an object worthy of the notice of the Supreme Magistrate.

"We acknowledge the Honour your Excellency has done us by your present Attendance, and we most heartily wish you a long-continued and prosperous Administration in this Province. Signed in the name of the Trustees,

"RICHARD STOCKTON, Clerk.

"To which his Excellency was pleased to return the following answer:

"GENTLEMEN,—I hereby thank you for your Address. It will be at all times a particular satisfaction to me to give you every assistance in my power in promoting the prosperity of this useful Seminary of Learning.

"PRINCET., Sept. 27, 1762." "JOSIAH HARDY.

The following account of the proceedings at this Commencement is given in the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of the 21st of October, in a letter dated

"Princeton, September 30, 1762. Yesterday the Trustees of the College of New Jersey, with His Excellency the Governor, attended the Commencement. After the usual Procession, and a solemn Invocation of the Divine blessing on the

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business of the day and the candidates for the honors of the College, the exercises were introduced by

"2. The young gentlemen gave an agreeable specimen of their skill in Disputation, which was carried on alternately in the syllogistic and forensic way. The subject of the first, which was syllogistic, was the following Thesis:

"‘Conservatio non eat Continua creatio,’ which was well defended and opposed.

"3. This was followed by a forensic dispute on this question: ‘Whether a Prince endowed with the virtues of civil government, but not with military, is to be preferred to one of the most shining military genius if he is destitute of the virtues necessary for governing in peace?’ Which was decided in the affirmative, after being debated on both sides with much spirit and eloquence.

"4. To relax the attention of the audience, an English oration on politeness was pronounced by Mr. Joseph Periam, which gave universal satisfaction for the justness of the sentiments, the elegance of the composition, and the propriety with which it was delivered.

"5. The Thesis next debated was, ‘Anima humana dum in corpus infunditur a Deo immediate creatur,’ which afforded pleasure to the learned portion of the Auditory.

"6. The exercises of the forenoon were concluded by a forensic dispute on this subject: ‘Whether moral as well as mathematical truths are capable of demonstration?’ Which was judiciously maintained and determined in the affirmative to general satisfaction.

"7. The entertainments in the afternoon were begun by a dispute, which was very ingeniously managed by the respondent, on this Thesis: ‘Sensus moralis qta simplex perceptio atque moralis obligationis fundamentum non datur.’

"8. The last question disputed by the Bachelors, being, ‘Whether Noah’s Flood was Universal?’ gave agreeable amusement to the Auditory by the popular and pertinent manner in which it was canvassed.

"9. A Valedictory oration in English, pronounced by Mr. Isaac Allen with graceful ease and propriety, closed the exercises of the candidates for the honor of Bachelor’s degree.

"10. The following Thesis was learnedly defended and opposed by the candidates for Master’s degree: ‘ Deus hominem sine virtute non primario creavit neque creare potuit.’

"11. After this, twenty-one young gentlemen were admitted to the honor of Bachelor of Arts, and twelve to the second degree. In behalf of the last-mentioned candidates was agreeably delivered an English oration by Mr. James Lyon.

" 12. Mr. Ker, who for some time past had officiated in the character of a Tutor, took his leave of the society in a short Valedictory address.

"The whole concluded with a Poetical Entertainment given by the candidates for Bachelor’s degree, interspersed with choruses of Music, which, with the whole performance of the day, afforded universal satisfaction to a polite and crowded auditory."

The entertainment here referred to was entitled "The Military Glory of Great Britain." In his notes of President Davies’s

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administration, Dr. Green speaks of it as "a poetic dialogue, the subject of which was the glorious achievements of the British arms both by sea and land," and which was supposed by him to have been written by President Davies, and to have been recited at the Commencement of 1760 (see his "Notes," page 339); but it was a part of the exercises of the class of 1762, at least eighteen months after the death of Mr. Davies, and there was in this class talent fully equal to such a production.

A copy of this dramatic exercise has been recently given to the College library. It is printed in a quarto pamphlet, and on its title-page it is spoken of as performed at the close of the Commencement of 1762. Dr. Green’s account of it is given from a recollection of what he heard in his boyhood, as he himself says.

At this meeting of the Board there was a further recognition of Mr. Halsey’s valuable services, and a vote to add fifteen pounds per annum to his salary.

The President’s salary was also increased by adding to it fifty pounds proclamation money a year, with the profits of the grammar-school; and it was voted that he be paid his salary half-yearly; and, further, that he should have the privilege of educating his sons at the College, as in the case of President Davies, without charge for their tuition.

The following minute was adopted in regard to the tuition-fees of students entering advanced classes:

"The Trustees having considered the Law formerly made by this Board, ordering that the Students who enter in any year after the Freshman year should pay the Tuition Money of the preceding years; It is now Voted, That those who enter this year and hereafter shall enter the Sophomore Class, shall only pay the sum of thirty shillings proc.; and those who enter the Junior year, shall pay the sum of forty shillings entrance money, besides the ordinary tuition,"

Among the more important measures of the Trustees at this meeting were the following:

1. The confirming of the gift of a lot of land which ten of the Trustees, not a quorum of the Board, had made to sundry inhabitants of Princeton for the erection of a church building.

2. Requesting Mr. Win. Peartree Smith, a member of the

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Board, to draw up a full account of the College from its foundation, and to print the same at the expense of the College.

3. Ordering the erection of a kitchen for the use of the College.

4. The appointment of managers of the first and only lottery ever granted to the College by the Legislature of the Province, and the returning of the thanks of the Board to the Legislature for the privilege given.

The sum authorized to be raised by this lottery was three thousand pounds proc.

5. The appointment of Messrs. Samuel Blair and James Thompson to be Tutors.

The next meeting was held on Wednesday, the 28th of September, 1763, the day of the annual Commencement. His Excellency William Franklin, Esq., recently appointed Governor of the Province, President Finley, and fourteen of the Trustees, were present on this occasion. The Trustees availed themselves of the opportunity now afforded by the Governor s presence to present to him an address, which, with his answer, is taken from the "New York Gazette" of October 11, 1763, there being no reference to it in the minutes of the Board:

May it please your Excellency:

"The Trustees of the College of New Jersey deem themselves happy its this opportunity of presenting your Excellency with their respects; and beg that you will be pleased to accept their congratulations upon your appointment to this Government. They have only to wish that a more early day had been in their Power.

"Your Disposition to favor every institution calculated to promote Learning and the general Good of Mankind is not to be doubted; and therefore with Pleasure we beg leave to recommend to your Excellency’s Patronage the College under our care. We can assure you that we have endeavored to form it on such a plan, and to conduct it in such a manner, as to make it of the most general and extensive usefulness, Our Idea is to send into the World good Scholars and useful members of Society. Your Excellency’s Predecessors, since the founding of this College, have severally, in their turns, been pleased to think it worthy of their regard; which, with the Benefactions of the Public Spirited at home and abroad, under the divine blessing, has brought it to its present flourishing state. We hope for and expect its increase under your Excellency’s Influence.

"The Governor of this Colony, for the time being, by the Charter of Incorporation is a member and President of our Board; and we hope your Excellency will be pleased to honor this Institution by your personal attendance in these capacities. Your Excellency has our roost cordial wishes for your Public and Domestic Hap-

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piness, and for your Peace, Comfort, and Usefulness in the Administration of the Government of this Province.

"To which his Excellency was pleased to give the following Answer:

"GENTLEMEN,—My cordial Acknowledgments are due to you for this obliging Testimony of your Regard. I am fully sensible of the Utility of the Institution under your care, and have the highest opinion of the merits of the Gentlemen by whose good Management it has been brought, in so short a space of time, to its present flourishing condition. If my endeavors can in any way contribute to the further perfecting of this salutary work, you may depend it shall never be wanting."

Nineteen members of the Senior class were admitted to their first degree in the Arts, and eleven graduates to their second degree. Several of those admitted to these degrees at this time became distinguished in the several professions.

The Rev. Charles Beatty was chosen a Trustee, in the room of the Rev. Caleb Smith, deceased, and John Berrien, Esq., in the place of James Hude, Esq.

Among the matters which claimed the attention of the Board at this time was the grant of a lot of land which had been made to the inhabitants of Princeton for the erection of a church edifice, and in reference to this there is the following minute:

"It is ordered, That Mr. Wm. P. Smith, Mr. Woodruff, Dr. Redman, Mr. Treat, and Mr. Brainerd be a committee to settle with the Congregation of Princeton the matter respecting the lot of land which this Board heretofore has ordered to be conveyed to them, for the erection of a church and for a burying-ground, and that the said committee have full power to offer the Congregation such terms as they think proper, in consideration of their releasing their claim to the said lot of land, or to make such other agreement with the said Congregation touching the premises as the said committee shall judge proper."

"It appears from this minute," says President Green, "that the lot granted by the Trustees to the Congregation of Princeton, for the erection of a church and for a burial-ground, was expected to revert to the College. This, however, did not take place. The transactions between the Trustees of the College and the Congregation of Princeton relative to this concern were numerous and of long continuance. A particular detail of them will not he given. The result was that in 1762 and 1763 a church was built on the lot originally given by the College; that the Trustees of the College lent about £700 to the congregation to aid in building the church; that a burial-ground was obtained in another place, as a donation from Dr. Thomas Wiggins; that the money loaned to the congregation was eventually paid; that the inside of the church, as well as of the College edifice, was destroyed by the British and American armies during the Revolutionary war, and repaired at a very considerable expense; that the church was entirely consumed, except the walls, which were of brick, by a fire which took place by accident in February, 1813;

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that it was rebuilt at the expense of the congregation, with the aid of $500 contributed by the College; that the College has by contract an exclusive right to the church on the day of Commencement, on the evening that precedes it, and at such other times as the faculty shall state in writing that it is needed for the public exercises of the institution; and also a claim to one-half the gallery for the use of the students on the Sabbath."

Upon what authority Dr. Green says that the burial-ground mentioned above was the gift of Dr. Wiggins the writer of this history is unable to discover; and he apprehends that it is an error, and that the error arose from the fact that Dr. Wiggins, either then or subsequently, owned some twenty acres of land, more or less, adjacent to the lot used by the College and congregation for a burial-ground, and which lot was purchased by the College of the Hon. Thomas Leonard, in 1757, several years prior to these transactions between the College and the people of the town. Of Judge Leonard’s deed to the College mention is made in the first volume of the Minutes of the Board, pages 193, 340, and 361. The cemetery now in possession of the First Presbyterian Church of Princeton is an enlargement of the above-mentioned burial-ground by adding to it several acres of land, a part of Dr. Wiggins’s real estate, bequeathed by him, in 1804, to the trustees of said church.

The church was burnt again in the summer of 1834, and was rebuilt at the expense of the congregation, with some aid from the College, at which time the College relinquished all claim to the use of the church for public exercises, with the exception of those connected with the annual Commencement.

At this meeting of the Board measures were taken for the purchase of a small lot of ground adjacent to the College grounds, and belonging to Mr. Robert Smith, of Philadelphia, the architect and builder of the College edifice.

The next minute of the Board is important, as indicating the time when the spring vacation began, and is as follows: "It is ordered, that a meeting of the Trustees be attended on Wednesday before the second Monday in April next, at which time the Spring vacation begins."

The annual Commencement at this time was held on the last Wednesday in September, and the autumnal vacation began at the close of the Commencement exercises. This plan of having

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two terms and two vacations continued for more than a hundred years, viz., from the foundation of the College until the year 1867, in which year the plan of having three terms and three vacations was introduced. But before this, viz., in 1844, a change was made in the day of holding the Commencement from the last Wednesday in September to the last Wednesday in June, and a corresponding change occurred in the College terms and vacations.

Mr. Wm. P. Smith having declined the service of drawing up an account of the College, the President of the College, Rev. Dr. Finley, was desired to do the same, and to have his draft ready to lay before the Board at their next meeting in the ensuing spring.

The salaries of the President and of the Tutors were all increased at this meeting of the Board: the President’s to three hundred pounds proc. per annum, the Senior Tutor’s to seventy-five pounds, and those of the two Junior Tutors to sixty-five pounds each; and it was ordered that the late Tutor, Mr. Ker, should be allowed twenty-five pounds in addition to his salary.

It was also ordered, "That an English School be forthwith erected in this College, which is to be under the inspection and government of the President of the College for the time being."

A grammar-school, in connection with the College, was established in Mr. Burr’s time. Respecting these schools the following remarks occur in the account of the College published by order of the Trustees, in 1764:

"There is a grammar-school annexed to the College as a nursery for it, under the general inspection of the President, though not a part of the original constitution. This was first set up by President Burr, and has been handed down to his successors, the Trustees taking it under their patronage during the several vacancies in that office. Besides the Latin and Greek languages, into which the youth are here initiated, they have been early taught the graces of a good delivery, and spent a small portion of every day in improving their handwriting, for which purpose a proper attendant hath been hitherto provided. But this expedient being found by experience not fully to answer those purposes, it was lately judged proper that an English school should be also established, for the sole intention of teaching young lads to write well, to cipher, and to pronounce and read the English tongue with accuracy and precision."

The next meeting of the Board occurred on Wednesday, the

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20th of June, 1764. At this meeting there were present his Excellency Governor Franklin, President Finley, and thirteen other Trustees. Robert Ogden, Esq., of Elizabethtown, New Jersey, was chosen Trustee of the College, in the room of the Rev. David Bostwick, deceased, and the Rev. Lambert De Ronde, of New York, in the room of the Rev. Jacob Green, resigned.

"The President informed the Board that he had erected an English school in the College, and employed a master for that purpose," of which the Board expressed their approval, and desired the President "to carry on the same in such manner as he shall think most advantageous for the College."

The following minute occurs in reference to Mr. Samuel Blair, who, two years after, was chosen President of the College, but who declined the appointment upon learning that Dr. Witherspoon was willing to accept the Presidency should he receive a second invitation so to do:

‘The Trustees having received information that Mr. Samuel Blair, lately a Tutor of this College, has done extraordinary services in his office, it is ordered, That £25 be presented to the said Mr. Blair by the Treasurer in consideration thereof."

There is no intimation whatever as to the character of these extraordinary services, and, for some good reason, no doubt, nothing further is said in regard to them. At the preceding meeting of the Board, in September, 1763 the President of the College, Dr. Finley, was requested to prepare for publication an account of the College. It is probable that the declining state of his health and his various and arduous duties prevented his attending to this matter personally, and that he placed tile materials for such a history in the hands of Mr. Blair to prepare the desired account; that it was written by Mr. Blair under the direction and, it may be, under the supervision of Dr. Finley, and printed by order of the Trustees, as stated in the title-page of the pamphlet containing said account, although no mention of any of these things is made in the minutes of the Board.

This account is spoken of by President Green and others as Dr. Finley’s history of the College. But the writer’s name is not given on the title-page, and the pamphlet itself is entitled "An Account of the College of New Jersey, in which are described the Methods of Government, Modes of Instruction, Manner and Expenses of Living in the same, &c., with a Prospect of the College neatly engraved. Pub-

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lished, by order of the Trustees, for the information of the public, particularly of the friends and benefactors of the institution in Europe and America. Woodbridge in New Jersey. Printed by James Parker, 1764."

From a comparison of dates, it appears that the presenting of the twenty-five pounds took place the very year in which the account of the College was published by order of the Board. The conjecture given above finds abundant corroboration in the fact that within a few years after its publication the pamphlet is mentioned as the work of Mr. Blair. Mr. Madison, the fourth President of the United States, was a student and a graduate in 1771 of the College. In a letter of his, of the date of August t6, 1769, to the Rev. Thomas Martin, who had been an inmate of his father’s family and Mr. Madison’s tutor, this sentence occurs : "I have been as particular to my father as I thought necessary for this time, as I send him an account of the institution wrote by Mr. Blair, the gentleman formerly elected President of this place." (See Mr. Madison’s letter in Professor Cameron’s "History of the American Whig Society," pages

231, 232.)

The manner in which Dr. Finley and his administration of the College are spoken of in the pamphlet makes it evident that the pamphlet was not all written by him, and the unity of the style shows it to be the work of one individual, and that individual we believe to be Mr. Blair.

Here it may not be amiss to say that in the view given of the origin of the College we differ from Mr. Blair, who speaks of the College only under the second charter, and who probably was not aware that the College was in existence under a. previous charter, given by the Honorable John Hamilton, President of the Council and acting Governor of the Province.

It seems to have been a favorite aim of some of the leading friends of the College, after the granting of the second charter, to regard Governor Belcher as its founder; and Mr. Blair not unnaturally adopted their view of the case. But, for reasons assigned in the chapter on the College charters, it is only in a very limited sense that he can be styled its founder.

The pamphlet here referred to is one of forty-eight pages, small octavo, neatly printed; and of course the account given

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of the origin of the institution, and of its progress and condition for a period of sixteen years, must be a very succinct one. Still, it is a very valuable work to any one desirous to learn the state of the College at the time of its publication.

Of the meeting of the Board and of the exercises at the Commencement September 26, 1764, there is no record in the minutes of the Trustees. Two blank pages were left for the insertion of these minutes.

It appears from the minutes of September 25, 1764, that the Rev. John Rodgers, then of St. George’s, Delaware, afterwards of New York City, was chosen a Trustee at the meeting of the Board in September, 1764. And in the triennial catalogue are given the names of those who were admitted to their first degree in the Arts. The programme of the Commencement exercises for the year 1764 gives the names of all who took part in these exercises, with the exception of the Salutatory and Valedictory orators. (See pages 268—272, post.)

The next Commencement of the College was held on Wednesday, the 25th of September, 1765, and it was the last one at which President Finley presided. The College was in a very flourishing condition, the number of students larger than at any previous date in the history of the institution, the attention to study and the orderly behavior of the students highly commendable. Thirty-one members of the Senior class were admitted to the first degree in the Arts, and eleven to their second degree.

Dr. William Shippen, of Philadelphia, was chosen a Trustee, in the room of the Rev. John Pierson, resigned, and Mr. Joseph Periam was chosen a Tutor. Mr. Periam was also chosen Clerk of the Board, in the room of Richard Stockton, Esq., resigned. It appears from the minutes that Mr. Periam had discharged the duties of a Tutor during the previous year without a formal appointment by the Board.

The President of the College having informed the Board that sundry inconveniences had resulted from having the English school kept in the College building, he was requested to make provision for it elsewhere, and in such manner as he thought proper.

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The first order touching the planting of shade-trees on the College grounds was passed at this meeting of the Board; and it may interest the students and graduates of the College to know that the two very large sycamore-trees standing near the front gate of the President’s yard at this date, December 6,1872, and in their full vigor, are the remnants of the trees planted in the autumn of 1765.

The President’s salary was increased one hundred pounds.

It was ordered, that every student and graduate, the officers of the College excepted, who makes use of the College library, should pay the sum of two shillings and sixpence every quarter of a year, to be expended for the use of the library. And it was further ordered, that no student of the College should be allowed to have the key of the library; and that every person who is admitted there should be introduced by one of the officers of the College.

The door to the cupola of the College was ordered to be kept constantly locked; it was also ordered that no person should be permitted to have the key but the President, the Tutors, the Steward, and the servant charged with the care of the belfry. The main object of this order was probably to guard against the danger from fire, the roof and belfry being wholly of wood, although the outer walls were entirely of stone and all the inner walls of brick. Every possible care was taken by the College authorities, both before and at this time, to protect the building from fire,—by digging an additional well, and providing a fire-engine, ladders and buckets, and everything that would be of use in case of a fire. These precautions were all right and proper, and may have prevented an earlier destruction of the main building than that which took place in March, 1802.

The next meeting of the Board was held at Nassau Hall, on Wednesday, the 25th of June, 1766. From the minutes of this date it appears that the Trustees received, by the hands of Dr. Redman, one of their number, an order for one hundred pounds sterling, for the use of the College, in support of a Divinity professor. This was the gift of Mr. John Williamson, of Hanover, Virginia, to whom the Board returned their thanks for his generous donation. And the gift was as seasonable as it

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was generous, for it enabled the Board not long after to appoint a Professor of Divinity, in the person of the Rev. John Blair. The order was upon Mr. Samuel Waterman, of London; and the obtaining of the money was intrusted to the care of Richard Stockton, Esq., a member of the Board, who had gone to New York on his way to London, on his private affairs, but who availed himself of the opportunity to render the College not only this particular service, but others of even greater moment, as will appear in the course of this history.

A committee, consisting of the Honorable William Smith and the Rev. Messrs. De Ronde and Rodgers, was appointed to prepare an address to his Majesty "for his gracious condescension to these Colonies in the repeal of the Stamp Act ;" and also a petition, to be presented at the same time, for a grant of sixty thousand acres of land in the Province of New York, from the lands then recently added to New York front the Province of New Hampshire. The address and the petition were accordingly prepared, and, being signed by the Honorable Edward Shippen, the acting President of the Board at this meeting, were sent to Mr. Stockton, with the request that he should take such measures and engage such friends of this institution in London to assist him in this matter as he should be advised by the Rev. Dr. Chandler would be most expedient. A letter was written by the committee to the reverend Doctor, soliciting his aid. The Dr. Chandler here spoken of is the same gentleman who is mentioned by Mr. Davies as exercising his friendly offices in behalf of the College at the time Messrs. Tennent and Davies visited London.

Upon his return home, Mr. Stockton reported to the Board "that he had the honor of presenting to his Majesty the address of the Trustees, which was very graciously received; that the petition was lodged in the Plantation Office; and that my Lord Shelburne had promised him to lay the same before the King in Council,’ The Board returned their thanks to Mr. Stockton for his services to the College while in Great Britain.

Whether the petition was ever brought to the notice of the King and Council is not known; but one thing is certain, that it did not obtain for the College the grant of land asked for in the petition.

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"The Rev. Mr. De Ronde" (of New York) "having laid before the Board a plan for the introduction of a professor of divinity to be obtained from Holland, for the service of the Dutch as well as English Presbyterian Churches in these parts, the Trustees having maturely considered the same, are of the opinion that the proposal is not yet ripe for prosecution, and therefore defer the further consideration thereof to the next meeting." At the next meeting it was again deferred, and this was the end of it. In 1769, Mr. De Ronde resigned his place at the Board.

" It was ordered, That no student hereafter board out of the College unless by permission of the President, or, in his absence, of the next senior officer, to be given only in case the student applying for such permission produce a certificate of a physician that the state of his health renders such an indulgence necessary."

Dr. Finley was not present at this meeting of the Board. The cause of his absence is apparent from the following minutes:

"As Dr. Finley, the President of this College, is now in a languishing state, and as it is highly probable that he wilt be removed by death before the next Commencement, or at least that he will be unable to preside at the public exercises on that occasion, the Trustees have unanimously appointed the Rev. Mr. Spencer to preside on that day, and to confer the degrees in the usual manner; and the said Mr. Spencer was pleased to signify his acquiescence in this appointment. And the Trustees do further direct, that in case of the President’s death, the fees and perquisites usually paid to the President for the degrees be received by the eldest Tutor, to be disposed of as the Trustees shall hereafter direct."

"It having pleased our holy God to visit Dr. Finley, the worthy President of this College, with great and distressing illness, whereby he is at present entirely unable to perform the duties of his important station; and it appearing necessary for the welfare of this institution that some person be invested with the power and authority of the President, in order the better to manage the affairs of the Seminary; this Board have appointed the Rev. Mr. Wm. Tennent to act in the room and stead of President Finley during his absence, and do hereby invest him with full power and authority to execute the said office until next Commencement, or during President Finley’s absence and disability; and Mr. Tennett was qualified accordingly."

Dr. Finley died on the 17th of July, 1766, in the city of Philadelphia, to which city he had gone that he might have the benefit of the best medical skill, and he was buried there by the side of his intimate friend, the Rev. Gilbert Tennent.

The following references to his illness and death, and to the services of Messrs. William Tennent, Spencer, and Halsey, occur in the minutes of this meeting of the Board:

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"The Trustees taking into consideration the good services of the Rev. Mr. William Tennent since the disability and death of the late Rev’d and worthy Dr. Finley, do unanimously agree to present the said Mr. Tennent with the sum of twenty pounds, besides defraying his necessary expenses in town during that time; and also to the Rev. Mr. Elihu Spencer, the sum of ten pounds, in consideration of his presiding and conferring the degrees at the public Commencement; both which sums Mr. Baldwin, the Steward, is directed to pay the said gentlemen."

"Whereas sundry weighty and important reasons have induced this Board to augment the late worthy President’s salary, from time to time, to the sum of £400; but inasmuch as the occasion of the late necessary augmentation is removed, and the present low state of the College funds will not allow this Board to continue that salary for the future in its present circumstances; it is agreed, therefore, that the stated salary of the next President shall be £250, with the usual perquisites."

"The Trustees also considering the great and important services that have been rendered to this institution by Mr. Jeremiah Halsey, over and above the necessary duties of his office as Tutor of the College, do, in consideration of his extraordinary and faithful services, unanimously agree that the sum of sixty-one pounds, being the graduation money, by calculation, now in his hands, be presented to him, or whatever the fees may amount to, be the same more or less."

Mr. Jonathan Edwards, a son of President Edwards, was unanimously chosen a Tutor of the College, in the room of Mr. Periam, resigned.

The following extracts, from the authorized account of the College mentioned above, will show the course of instruction during the Presidency of Dr. Finley. (See pp. 23—30.)

"As to the branches of literature taught here, they are the same with those which are made parts of education in the European Colleges, save only such as may be occasioned by the infancy of this institution. The students are divided into four distinct classes, which are called the Freshmen, the Sophomore, the Junior, and the Senior. In each of these they continue one year, giving and receiving in their turns those tokens of respect and subjection which belong to their standings, in order to preserve a due subordination. The Freshman year is spent in Latin and Greek languages, particularly in reading Horace, Cicero’s Orations, the Greek Testament, Lucian’s Dialogues, and Xenophon’s Cyropaedia. In the Sophomore year they still prosecute the study of the languages, particularly Homer, Longinus, &c., and enter upon the sciences, geography, rhetoric, logic, and the mathematics. They continue their mathematical studies throughout the Junior year, and also pass through a course of natural and moral philosophy, metaphysics, chronology, &c.; and the greater number, especially such as are educating for the service of the church, are initiated into the Hebrew. . . . The Senior year is entirely employed in reviews and composition. They now revise the most improving parts of Latin and Greek classics, part of the Hebrew Bible, and all the arts and sciences. The weekly course of disputation is continued, which was also carried on through the preceding year. They discuss two or three theses in a week; some in the syllogistic and others in the forensic manner, alternately; the forensic being always performed in the Eng-

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lish tongue. A series of questions is also prepared on the principal subjects of natural and revealed religion. These (disputationsl are delivered publicly, on Sundays, before a promiscuous congregation, as well as the College, in order to habituate them early to face an assembly, as also for other important and religious ends, to which they are found conducive. There is likewise a monthly oration-day, when harangues, or orations of their own composition, are pronounced before a mixed auditory. All these compositions before mentioned are critically examined with respect to language, orthography, pointing, capitalizing, with other minutiae, as well as more material properties of accurate writing."

"Besides these exercises in writing and speaking, most of which are proper to the Senior class, on every Monday three, and on other evenings of the week, excepting Saturdays and Sundays, two out of each of the three inferior classes, in rotation, pronounce declamations of their own composing on the stage. These too are obviously examined and corrected, and occasion taken from them early to form a taste for good writing. The same classes also, in rotation, three on Tuesday evenings, and two on other evenings, with the exceptions just mentioned, pronounce, in like manner, such select pieces from Cicero, Demosthenes, Livy, and other ancient authors, and from Shakspeare, Milton, Addison, and such illustrious moderns, as are best adapted to display the various passions, and exemplify the graces of Utterance and gesture. A good address, and agreeable elocution, are accomplishments so ingratiating, and so necessary to render a public speaker, especially, popular, and consequently useful, that they are esteemed here as considerable parts of education, in the cultivation of which no little pains are employed.

"The classics are taught, for the three first years, in nearer the usual method of grammar-schools than in the last. The students then revise them, principally as examples of fine composition. They first give a more literal translation of a paragraph, afterwards the sense in it paraphrase of their own, and then criticise upon the beauties of the author in which work they are assisted by the President. No authors are read more particularly with this view than Homer, Horace, and especially Longinus…

"Each class recites twice a day: and have always free access to their teachers, to solve any difficulties that may occur. The bell rings for morning prayer at six o’clock, when the Senior class read off a chapter from the original into English. The president then proposes a few critical questions upon it, which, after their concise answers, le illustrates more at large. The times of relaxation from study are about an hour in the morning, two at noon, and three in the evening; and in these are included the public meals. Evening prayer is always introduced with psalmody; and care is taken to improve the youth in the art of sacred music."

The usual method of instruction in the sciences is this. The pupils frequently and deliberately read over such a portion of the author they are studying, on a particular science, as it is judged they can be able thoroughly to impress upon their memories. When they attend their recitations, the tutor proposes questions on every particular they have been reading. After they have given, in their turns, such answers as show their general acquaintance with the subject, he explains it more at large; allows them to propose any difficulties; and takes pains to discover whether his explications be fully comprehended. Advantages which are seldom attainable in the usual method of teaching by lecture.

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"In the instruction of the youth, care is taken to cherish a spirit of liberty and free enquiry; and not only to permit, but even encourage their right of private judgment, without presuming to dictate with an air of infallibility, or demanding an implicit assent to the decisions of the preceptor."

"The Senior, Junior, and (towards the conclusion of their year) the Sophomore classes are allowed the free use of the college library, . . . and especially to assist them in preparing their disputatious and other compositions."

"On the third Wednesday in August annually,* the Senior class are examined by the trustees, the college officers, and other gentlemen of learning then present, throughout all the branches of literature they have been here taught. And if approved as worthy of academical honors, the president assigns them the parts they are respectively to perform at the anniversary commencement; the general proceedings of which are so publicly known as to supersede all necessity of description. They are then graduated Bachelors of Arts. After an interval of three years they are usually admitted to the Master’s degree."

The rules adopted, while Mr. Davies was President, in reference to the conferring of the second degree in the Arts (see page 210), continued in force during the administration of President Finley. Although the author of the above extracts deemed the general proceedings at the annual Commencements to be so well known to the public as to do away with the necessity of any mention of them as they were at that time; still, the students and graduates of the present day will read with pleasure the following programme of the Commencement exercises of 1764, copied from Dr. Green’s Sketch of the College.

Dr. Green transcribed it from a paper in the handwriting of President Finley, sent to him by Dr. James Edwards Burr Finley, of Charleston, South Carolina, a son of President Finley. This gentleman is mentioned by Dr. Green under the name of Ebenezer Finley, which was the name of an elder brother, who died several years before Dr. Green received the paper.

"THE PROCESS, ETC.

The Trustees, being at the President’s house, the candidates standing at the door, two and two, upon his saying,

Progredimini Juvenes, they walk,—

All seated, Prayer succeeds.

Praeses (capite tecto).

‘Auditores docti ac benevoli, Juvenes primam Lauream ambientes, cupiunt vos per Oratorem salutare; quod illis a vobis concessum fidunt.’

Ascendat Orator Salutatorius.

* * * * * * * * * * *

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Distribuantur Theses.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Quoniam, docti Auditores, accurata disputandi Ratio ad verum a falso secernendum plurimum valet, Juvenes Artibus initiati, parvula quaedam eorum in ea specimina, vobis jam sunt exhibituri.

Prima Disputatio, syllogistice tractanda—

Thesis est,

Mentiri, ut vel Natio conservetur, haud fas est.

Qui hanc Thesin probare atque defendere statuit, ascendat.

Foster

Qui Thesin oppugnari judicavit, ascendat.

Primus Opponens—Lawrence.

Quanquam concederetur Sermonem ad felicitatem hominum provehendam constitutum fuisse, attamen non aeque nobis constat quid temper ad eum finem conducit; sed majus credendum est Mendacium nunquam ad eum facere; dum exemplum Virtutis omnibus prodesse potest.

Secundus Opponens—Smith.

Determinatio.

Mentiri, quacunque de causa, ignobile et sua Natura pravum esse, res ipsa clamat, at ferme ab omnibus, praecipue Virtutem colentibus, conceditur. Quod si omnino faa esse possit, Deus comprobat; et si ille possit prohare, non est necessario verax; sed impossibile est eum mentiri, ergo et mendacium probare.

Nec ratio Veritatis ab hominum Felicitate, sed Dei Rectitudine pendet; et quoniam sibi semper constare necesse est, non potest non esse rectus. Ergo falsum necessario improbat, ut ejus naturae oppositum; et vetat Malum facere, ut quidvis Bonum inde sequatur, etiam ut Natio conservetur.

* * * * * * * * * * *

The following is an English forensick Dispute, which, for Reasons often mentioned, is introduced, viz., it entertains the English part of the Audience, tends to the cultivation of our native language, and has been agreeable on former occasions; which I presume are sufficient apologies for continuing the custom.

Who undertakes the defence of this position ?—Miller.

Whoever has any objections against what has been offered, let him speak.— Tredwell.

Who judges it fit to answer these objections ?—McCreery.

Determination.

Although I see no necessity of accounting for all dreams from the Agency of other Spirits (any more than to interest them in the Reveries of the mind, when lost in mere imaginary scenes, while we are awake, without reflecting that they are not realities); yet that foreign Spirits have access to ours, as well when we are asleep as awake, is inconsistent with no Principle of Reason. And if some dreams cannot be otherwise accounted for, than by having recourse to foreign Spirits, we must then admit their agency; since there can be no effect without a cause. And

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though it must be granted that our own Spirits at the same time think, yet there is no Inconsistency in supposing that other Spirits gave Occasion to their thinking of some subjects rather than others, as is the case in conversing together when we are awake.

What has been matter of fact is certainly still possible; and we know that in some cases infinite Wisdom chose to employ Angels to communicate divine Instructions in Dreams, which establishes the general Doctrine. And Experience assures us that Impressions made on these Occasions are very deep and lively; and, as has been observed, those very Dreams, that come from fulness of Business, or other causes mentioned, shew us the Temper of our Minds, and in that view are useful and significant.

* * * * * * * * * * *

To unbend the Mind by an agreeable Variety, as far as may consist with the Exercises of the Day, an English intermediate Oration is next to be delivered.

Ascendat Orator intermedius.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Thesis proxime discutienda, modo pene forensi, eas,

Lux Rationis sola, Incitamenta ad Virtutem satis efficacia, non praebet.

Qui hanc Thesin primus defendere statuit, procedat.—Woodhull.

Qui primus opponit Thesi procedat,

Lawrence,

Leake.

Qui Objectiones refellere, rt Thesin firmare suscipit, procedat.

Recta notatum fuit, quod Naturam Peccati probe scire necessarium est, ad Virtutem rite aestimandum. Peccato enim ignoto, odisse illud nequimua; et sine Peccati odio, nulla datur Virtus. Et quoniam clarum est, quod homines, Luce Naturae sola freti, ignorarunt quid sit virtus, et quales ejus Consequentiae in Seculo futuro; nesciverunt Deum, verae Virtutis Exemplar, nec non Amorem at Satisfactionem Domini Salvatoris, quae sola sunt Incitamenta ad Virtutem idonea; Thesis Valet.

The next Thesis is—

Nullam veram Virtutem habet, qui omnes non habet.

In English—

He has not one true virtue, who has not every one.

Who undertakes to defend this position ?—Tuttle.

If any think to oppose it, let him appear.—Hazard.

Who judges he can confute these arguments, let him speak.—Clagget.

Determination.

That the Thesis is true, appears demonstrable both from the Simplicity of the Soul and the Nature of Virtue. As the soul cannot be divided into any Parts, if one vice is prevalent it possesses the soul entirely, and the whole principle of action is vitiated. And as Virtue is a Disposition of Mind to whatever is morally good, and Goodness must be uniform and of a piece, it can no more be dismembered than the Soul: therefore whatever mixture of vice there may be with virtue, one of then; must necessarily predominate; for seeing that they are perfectly opposite to each other, it is as impossible for a Person to be under the governing power of both at once, as for Fire and Water to subsist together, without the one’s being extinguished or the other evaporated.

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Virtue consists in the Love of God and Man, nor can it be separated. The Pretence is not tolerable, that a Hater of his Brother should be a Lover of God. Now ‘tis certain that one cannot love and hate the same thing at the same Time, and in the same Respect. There must then be such a necessary Connexion of all virtues, that one cannot possibly be without all; consequently a single virtue, where any vice prevails, is but a counterfeit.

Exercitia quae restant ad tertiam Horam P. M. postponuntur.

The remaining exercises of the Day begin at three o’clock, afternoon.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Orator hujus Classis valedictorius ascendat.

Exercitia, quae a Candidatis secundi Gradus prastanda sunt, jam sequuntur.

Thesis disputanda haec est, scil:

Jephtha Filiam non immolavit.

Ascendat hujus Quaestionis Respondens.—Mr. Ker.

Ascendat primus qui hanc Thesim veram esse negat.

Determinatio.

Fatendum est, quod in hac Quaestione docti in Partes abeunt. Sed ut Theseos Veritas appareat, considerandum est quod fuit Jephthae Votum. ‘Qui—vel, quodcunque—exierit e foribus Domus meae, in Occursum meum, ant Domini, et, Val, offeram illud in Holocaustum,’ q. d., vel aptum ant at Sacriflcium, vel non: si prius, erit in Holocaustum; si non, erit Domino sacrum, devotum. Hebraese Voces non aliter necessario significant; nam Vau saepe disjunctive sumitur, ut multis exemplis patet. Adde, quod Dens detestatus est humanas Victimas, et improbavit; quod cum Sacerdotes saltent norunt, non verisimile est Jephtham eos in tanta causa non consuluisse. Nec parvum habet momentum, Filiam ejus Spatium deflendi, non Mortem sed Virginitatem, petiisse; cum enim dicitur Jephtha fecisse quod voverat, sequitur, et non cognoverat Virum.

Descendant Candidati hujus Collegii ambientes.

Ad Curatores.

Juvenes, quos coram vobis, Curatores honorandi ac reverendi, jam sisto, publico Examini, sectindum hujus Academae Leges subjecti, habiti fuerunt omnino digni qui Honoribus academicis exornarentur: Vobis igitur comprobantibus, illos ad Gradum petitum, tote Animo admittam.

Eadem Auctoritate regia, virum Davidem McGregor, Novangliae, de Religione et Literis bene meritum, ad secundum in Artibus Gradum, Honoris causa, admitto.

Eadem Auctoritate, Reverendum Nathan Ken, Davidem Caldwell, Concionatotem Evangelii, necessario absentem; Reverendum Johannem Strain, hujus Collegii alumnos, ad secundum in Artibus Graduin admitto. Hoc Anne etiam,

Jacobus Thompson, AM.; Thomas Henderson, A.M.; Johannes Lefferty, A.M.

Forum constituendi A.B.

Auctonitate, regio Diplomate mihi collata, pro More Academiarum in Angus, vos ad primum in Artibus Gradum admitto; vobisque hunc Librum trade, una cum Potestate in Artibus praelegendi et docendi, quotiescunque ad hoc Munus evocati fueritis; cujus, hoc Instrumentum, sigillo nostri Collegii ratum, Testimonium sit.

Forma constituendi A.M.

Auctoritate, regio Diplomate mihi collata, pro More Academiarum in Anglia, vos ad secundum in Artibus Gradum admitto; vobisque hunc Librum trado, una cum

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Potestate in Artibus praelegendi, publiceque profltendi ac docendi, quotiescunque ad hoc Munus evocati fueritis: cujus hoc Instrumentum, sigillo nostni Collegii ratum, Testimonittm sit.

In constituendo A.M. honoraries, inseratur htec Clausula, scil—ad secundunt in Artibus Gradum, Honoris causa, admitto.

Orator Magistralis valedictorius.

Rev. McGregor.

Rev. Nathan Ken.

Dialogue.

Prayer."

The rules for admission into the several classes were very much the same as in the preceding administrations; as will appear from a comparison of the following extracts, from the account of the College in 1764, with the requisites for admission in Mr. Burr’s time:

"Candidates for admission into the lowest or Freshman class must be capable of composing grammatical Latin, translating Virgil, Cicero’s Orations, and the four Evangelists in Greek; and by a late order [ made in Mr. Davies’s administration] must understand the principal rules of vulgar arithmetic."

"Candidates for any of the higher classes are not only previously examined, but recite a fortnight upon trial, in that particular class for which they offer themselves; and are then fixed in that, or a lower, as they happen to be judged qualified. But, unless in very singular and extraordinary cases, none are received after the Junior year."

"Besides these examinations for admission into the respective classes, and the last examination of the Senior class, previous to their obtaining the first collegiate honors, the three inferior classes, at the end of every year, are examined in such of the classics, arts and sciences, as they have studied, in order for admission into the next. And such as are found unqualified are not allowed to rise in the usual course. These, in like manner as the last examination of the Senior class, are attended upon by the president and tutors, in conjunction with any other gentlemen of liberal education who choose to be present. Dr. Finley hath also instituted quarterly examinations of the three classes before mentioned. But these are not so universal as the former, being restricted to what they have studied during the quarter. They have been found to answer excellent purposes; for thereby the instructors can easily observe the gradual progress each one makes, and are thence enabled to encourage or warn them, as their several cases require. Hence also it may be easily imagined, it hath not a little conduced to the assiduity and carefulness of the students in their daily preparations."

From the beginning, the government and discipline of the College were administered by the President and the Tutors;

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and with eminent success. During the year in which the above-mentioned account of the College was published, viz., 1764, there were one hundred and twenty students, and there were "very few whose conduct rendered them obnoxious even to the milder methods of punishment." The laws authorized the infliction of fines, but at this period in the history of the College this mode of punishment seems to have been given up; and admonition, private and before the classes, and suspension from the privileges of the College, became the exclusive punishments for violations of the established rules of the institution. Expulsion, then as now, could be inflicted only with the consent of the Trustees.

At the conclusion of this "account of the College of New Jersey" it is spoken of as "a College originally designed for the promotion of the general interests of Christianity," as well as the "cultivation of human science." And the writer of the account adds, "To the singular favor of Heaven on the means of instruction here used, it must be gratefully ascribed that many youth who have come to Nassau Hall for education, without any just sense of the obligations either of natural or revealed religion, have been here effectually reformed, become men of solid and rational piety, and now appear upon the stage of public action employing their talents to the honor of the Supreme Bestower and in promoting the good of mankind."

In the year 1762 there was an unusual attention on the part of the students to the subject of religion, and at the close of the College year, viz., in September, one-half of the students were deemed to be hopefully pious.

An interesting account of this work of grace, written by the Rev. Dr. John Woodhull, is given in Dr. Green’s Historical Sketch of the College.

During Dr. Finley’s administration the following-named gentlemen were members of the Faculty, viz.:

The Rev. Samuel Finley, President from 1761 to 1766.

Jeremiah Halsey, A.M., pastor of the church at Lamington, New Jersey, Tutor from 1757 to 1767.

Jacob Ker, AM., pastor of the churches at Monokin and Wicomico, 1764 to 1795, Tutor from 1760 to 1762.

Samuel Blair, A.M., pastor of Old South Church, at Boston, Tutor from 1761 to 1764.

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James Thompson, A.M., Tutor from 1762 to 1770.

Joseph Periam, AM., Tutor from 1765 to 1766.

1761. Rev. Israel Reed, A.M., pastor of the Presbyterian church of Bound-brook, New Jersey, of the class of 1748.

1761. David Bostwick, AM., pastor of the Presbyterian church of New York.

1761. I)r. John Redman, Physician, of Philadelphia.

1761. Dr. Robert Harris, Physician, of New Brunswick, and afterwards of Philadelphia.

1763. Rev. Charles Beatty, AM., successor of the Rev. William Tennent as

pastor of the church of Neshaminy.

1763. Hon. John Berrian, Judge of the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

1764. Robert Ogden, Esq., of Elizabethtown, New Jersey.

1764. Rev. Lambert De Ronde, of New York City.

1765. Rev. John Rodgers, D.D., of St. George’s, Delaware, and afterwards of New York.

1765. Dr. William Shippen, Professor of Anatomy, Philadelphia.

Of one hundred and thirty graduates of the College who were students during the presidency of Dr. Finley, fifty-nine became ministers of the gospel.

Carolina.

1761. Hon. Thomas Henderson, A.M., member of the Continental Congress, and also of the United States House of Representatives.

1761. Rev. Nathan Ker, AM,, Goshen, New York.

1761. Rev. David Rice, of Virginia and Kentucky.

1762. Hon. Ebenezer Hazard, AM., Postmaster-General of the United States.

1762. Rev. James Manning, D.D., the first President of Rhode Island College, now Brown University, and in 1786 a member of the Continental Congress.

1762. Rev. Joseph Periam, a Tutor of the College, distinguished for his attainments in mathematics, metaphysics, etc.

1762. Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant, a grandson of President Dickinson, and a member of the Continental Congress.

1762. Rev, Hezekiah Smith, S.T.D., of Massachusetts, an eminent Baptist preacher.

1763. Rev. James Boyd, of Pennsylvania, a Trustee of the College.

1763. Rev. Robert Cooper, D.D., of Pennsylvania.

1763. David Cowell, A.M., M.D., of New Jersey, for two years the Senior Physician and Surgeon of the United States Military Hospitals.

1763. Rev. John Craighead, AM., of Pennsylvania. He raised a company from the people of his charge, and joined the army in New Jersey under Washington.

1763. Rev. Samuel Eakin, AM., of West Jersey.

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1763. Rev. John Lathrop, D.D., of Massachusetts, a Fellow of Harvard College.

1763. Hon. William Patterson, LL.D., a member of the Continental Congress; also of the Convention to form a constitution for the United States, Attorney-General and Governor of New Jersey, and a Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

1763. Hon. Tapping Reeve, L.L.D., founder of the Litchfield Law School, and Chief Justice of Connecticut,

1763. Rev. John Simpson, A.M., a native of New Jersey, hut a resident of North Carolina.

1763. Rev. William M. Tennent, D.D., of Abington, Pennsylvania, a Trustee of the College.

1763. Right Rev. Thomas John Clagget, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Maryland.

1764. Rev. Win. Foster, AM., of Pennsylvania, a teacher of theology.

1764. Rev. Joseph Smith, AM., of Western Pennsylvania.

1764. Hon. Thomas Treadwell, a member of the U. S. House of Representatives.

1763. Rev. John Bacon, A.M.. a member of the U. S. house of Representatives, and President of the Senate of Massachusetts.

1765. Rev. Joe Benedict, D.D., of Connecticut, a Biblical, classical, and mathematical scholar.

1765. Colonel Wm. Davies, AM., of Virginia, eldest son of President Davies. Colonel Davies was an officer held in high esteem by Washington.

1765. Rev. Jonathan Edwards, D.D., President of Union College, New York.

1765. Robert Halsey, AM., of Elizabethtown, New Jersey, a prominent physician.

1765. Hon. Richard Hutson, a member of the Continental Congress, and Chancellor of South Carolina.

1765. Rev. Samuel Kirkland, A.M., a missionary to the Seneca tribe of Indians. He contributed very much to the founding of Hamilton Academy, now Hamilton College.

1765. Robert Ogden, AM., Esq., of Elizabeth, New Jersey, a counsellor-at-law.

1765. Ebenezer Pemberton, LL.D , an eminent classical teacher.

1765. David Ramsay, M.D., of South Carolina, a member of the Continental Congress, and author of "The American Revolution," and other works.

1765. Rev.Theodore Dirck Romeyn, D.D., of New Jersey, Professor of Theology in the Dutch Reformed College.

1765. Hon. Jacob Rush, LL.D., Chief Justice of Pennsylvania.

1766. Rev. Jacob Van Artsdalen, A.M., of New Jersey, a Trustee of the College.

1766. Hon. Waightstill Avery, A.M., Attorney-General of North Carolina.

1766. Rev. Hezekiah Balch, D.D., President of Greenville College, Tennessee,

1766. Hon. Oliver Ellsworth. LL.D., Chief Justice of the United States, and a member of the Convention to form a constitution for the United States.

1766. David Howell, LL.D., a member of the Continental Congress, and Professor of Law in Brown University.

1766. Rev. David McCalia, D.D.,of Pennsylvania, Virginia, and South Carolina.

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1766. John McPherson, A.M., Aid de Camp of General Montgomery at the attack on Quebec.

1766. Hon. Luther Martin, LL.D., Attorney-General of Maryland, and a member of the Convention to form the United States Constitution,

1766. Nathaniel Niles, A.M., Judge of the Supreme Court of Vermont, and a member of Congress from that State.

1766. Rev. James Power, D.D., one of the pioneer preachers of Western Pennsylvania.

1766. Rev. Isaac Skillman, D.D., pastor of a Baptist church, first in Boston, Massachusetts, and then in Salem, New Jersey.

1766. Micah Townsend, A.M., Secretary of the State of Vermont.

1766. Rev. John Woodhull, D.D., an eminent minister and teacher of theology, and for forty-four years a Trustee of the College.

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MEMOIR OF THE REV. SAMUEL FINLEY, D. D., FIFTH PRESIDENT

OF THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY.

DR. FINLEY was a native of Ireland. At the time of his birth, 1715, his parents resided in the county of Armagh. In 1734 they came to America, and arrived at Philadelphia on the 28th of September. The family settled in West Jersey. Before leaving Ireland he began to prepare for the gospel ministry; and with this end in view he made considerable progress in classical learning, in which he afterwards became a proficient. After his arrival in this country he devoted several years to study, giving special attention to theology. It is thought, and it has even been affirmed, that he completed his studies at the Log College. But of this there is no certain evidence. It is rather a matter of conjecture, founded upon the well-known facts that his religious views were fully in accord with the teachings of that school; that he labored assiduously and boldly in support of the measures adopted by the Tennents and their friends for the promotion of religion; and that at this time the Log College was the only preparatory school for the ministry within the bounds of the American Presbyterian Church. But these facts do not determine this question, as he may have pursued his studies privately under some approved divine.

He was licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of New Brunswick on the 5th day of August, 1740, and was ordained by the same Presbytery on the 13th of October, 1742. His preaching was attended with great success, especially in Pennsylvania and in the lower counties of New Jersey. In 1743, calls for his ministerial services were made by the churches of Cohansey and Deerfield, New Jersey, and from Milford, Connecticut. The Presbytery sent him to Milford "with allowance

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he should preach for other places thereabouts when Providence may open a door for him." Being at Milford, he went by request to preach for the Second Society in New Haven. As this Society or Church had not been recognized either by the civil authority or by the New Haven Association, it was contrary to a recently enacted law of the Province for any one to preach for said Society, although it had been organized in conformity with the usages of the Congregational churches. Whether Mr. Finley had any knowledge of this prohibitory enactment is not known. He accepted the invitation, and on his way to the place of meeting he was arrested and confined. This occurred on the 5th of September, 1743, and on the 11th of the same month he was presented by the grand jury, and was sentenced to be transported out of the Colony as a vagrant, and under this sentence he was removed from the Province. In the following month he petitioned the Colonial Assembly to review the case, but his petition was refused. This of course prevented his going again to Milford.

For six months he preached as a stated supply for a new congregation in Philadelphia, of which the Rev. Gilbert Tennent became the first pastor.

In June, 1744, Mr. Finley accepted a call to the church, at Nottingham, Maryland, at which place he continued in the faithful discharge of his pastoral duties for seventeen years. Here he established an academy, which acquired a great reputation, and one well deserved. Among his pupils at Nottingham were Governor Martin, of North Carolina, Governor Henry, of Maryland, Dr. Benjamin Rush, his brother, Judge Jacob Rush, Ebenezer Hazard, Esq., Colonel John Bayard, and the Rev. Dr. William M. Tennent, of Pennsylvania, the Rev. Dr. McWhorter, of Newark, New Jersey, and the Rev. Dr. James Waddell, of Virginia.

He was, says Dr. Sprague, an accomplished teacher, and among his pupils were some of the very best scholars of the day. He boarded most of them in his own house and at his table. He often indulged in a vein of pleasantry with them.

In the summer of 1745, Mr. Finley, in company with the Rev. Gilbert Tennent, and by appointment of the conjunct

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Presbyteries of New Brunswick and of New Castle, waited upon Governor Gooch, of Virginia, with the view to repel certain insinuations and charges made against the Rev. John Roan, a member of the New Castle Presbytery, who by order of his Presbytery had spent some months in Virginia in missionary labors. Mr. Rowan’s zeal and success, and perhaps some unguarded expressions, stirred up the wrath of his opponents, who hesitated not to charge him and the New Lights generally "with reflecting upon and vilifying the Established Religion," and who were so far successful that they enlisted in their movement against Mr. Roan the influence of that eminently candid and liberal-minded Governor. Messrs. Tennent and Finley were kindly received by Governor Gooch, who gave them permission to preach in Hanover. They continued there a week, and "much good was done by their ministry. The people of God were refreshed, and several careless sinners were awakened." (See report of their visit by Mr. Samuel Morris, in Foote’s "Sketches of Virginia.")

Upon the death of President Davies, Dr. Finley was unanimously chosen his successor, Davies’s own opinion of Finley’s qualifications for the office is apparent from the following extracts. Writing to the Rev. Mr. Cowell, of Trenton, a Trustee of the College, in reference to the choice of a President, he says:

"I recommend Mr. Finley, from long and intimate acquaintance with him, as the best qualified person, in the compass of my knowledge, in America,—incomparably better qualified than myself. Though the want of some superficial accomplishments for empty popularity may keep him in obscurity for some little time, his hidden worth, in a few months, or years at most, will blaze out to the satisfaction and even astonishment of all candid men. A disappointment of this kind will certainly be of service to the College."

The letter from which this extract is made was written after Mr. Davies had declined the appointment of President, and also after he had refused to act as Vice-President for six months.

On another occasion Davies speaks of Finley as "the best of men, and my favorite friend."

The College flourished greatly under his administration of its

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affairs, and he himself enjoyed in a very high degree the confidence and respect of the Trustees, as is evident from their resolutions and minutes, and still more from the liberal provision they made for his support when his protracted illness, which ended in death, rendered necessary an increased expenditure of funds. His reputation was not limited to the Colonies. He was well known to not a few of the prominent Presbyterian and Dissenting ministers in Great Britain, with some of whom he kept up a friendly correspondence. Such was the opinion which they entertained of him as a scholar and a divine that, without his knowledge, they procured for him from the University of Glasgow the degree of Doctor in Divinity. This is said to have been the second time that this degree was ever conferred upon an American divine by a British university, the Rev. Dr. Francis Allison, of Philadelphia, being the first to receive this honor.

The diligence and earnestness with which Dr. Finley devoted himself to the discharge of his official duties, after a few years sensibly and most seriously affected his health. As mentioned in the sketch of his administration, he went to Philadelphia for medical advice and attendance, and he died in that city on the 17th of July, 1766, in the fifty-first year of his age.

"When he first applied to the physicians in Philadelphia," observes Dr. Green, "he had no apprehension that his dissolution was so near as it afterwards appeared, for he observed to his friends, ‘If my work is done, I am ready. I do not desire to live a day longer than I can work for God. But I cannot think this is the case as yet. God has much more for me to do before I depart hence.’

"About a month before his death his physicians informed him that his disease appeared incurable. Upon which he expressed his perfect resignation to the Divine will, and from that time till his death he was employed in setting his house in order. Upon being told by one of his physicians that according to present appearances he could live but a few days longer, he lifted up his eyes, and exclaimed, ‘Then welcome Lord Jesus."

All his remarks and all his conversations with his friends indicated a tranquil and even a joyous state of mind in view of his departure. He had no doubt as to his personal interest in Christ, and he felt assured that, for him, to die would be gain. Upon seeing a member of the Second Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia he said, "I have often preached and prayed among you, my dear sir, and the doctrines. I preached to you are now

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my support, and, blessed be God, they are without a flaw. May the Lord bless and preserve your church! He designs good for it yet, I trust." To a person from Princeton he said, " Give my love to the people at Princeton, and tell them I am going to die, and that I am not afraid to die."

On the day before his death, "with a pleasing smile and with a strong voice, he cried out, " Oh, I shall triumph over every foe! The Lord hath given me the victory! I exult! I triumph !" And he did triumph over death, and, committing his spirit to his Lord, he fell asleep, in the assured hope of a happy resurrection.

Dr. Finleys remains were interred in Philadelphia by the side of his friend the Rev. Dr. Gilbert Tennent, the heat of the weather not-permitting their removal to Princeton. His funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Richard Treat, D.D., of Abington, Pennsylvania, a Trustee of the College. A large number of the College students attended the funeral, and he was carried to his burial by eight members of the Senior class. The Trustees caused a cenotaph to be erected to his memory in the graveyard at Princeton, in a line with and nigh to the tombs of his predecessors in the office of President.

Ebenezer Hazard, Esq,, of Philadelphia, formerly Postmaster-General of the United States, and, as before mentioned, a pupil of Dr. Finley’s at the Nottingham Academy, gives this testimony to his honored preceptor:

" He was remarkable for sweetness of temper and politeness of behavior. He was given to hospitality, charitable without ostentation, exemplary in the discharge of all relative duties, and in all things showing himself a pattern of all good works. As a divine he was a Calvinist in sentiment. His sermons were not hasty productions, but filled with good sense and well-digested sentiment, expressed in language pleasing to men of science, yet perfectly intelligible by the illiterate. They were calculated to inform the ignorant, to alarm the careless and secure, and to edify and comfort the faithful."

Another pupil, the late Rev. Dr. John Woodhull, of Monmouth, New Jersey, thus speaks of him in a communication written at the request of Dr. Green:

"Dr. Finley was a man of small stature, and of a round and ruddy countenance. In the pulpit he was always solemn and sensible, and sometimes glowing with fervor. His learning was very extensive. Every branch of study taught in the

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College appeared to be familiar to him. Among other things he taught Latin, Greek, and Hebrew in the Senior year. He was highly respected and greatly beloved by the students, and had very little difficulty in governing the College. He died in Philadelphia, of a complaint in the liver, and requested to be carried to the grave by some of the Senior class. This was done accordingly, and I was one of those who were bearers of his corpse."

In early life President Finley manifested a fondness for public disputation, and sometimes an undue warmth and earnestness in maintaining his views. But mature age and Christian experience corrected this tendency to harsh judgment and expression; and he became an acknowledged model of courteous deportment and sweetness of temper, a man greatly beloved.

Soon after he was licensed he went within the bounds of the Donegal Presbytery, in Pennsylvania, and gave his countenance to the Rev. Alexander Craighead in his disorderly opposition to the Presbytery, by taking part in reading to the people Mr. C.’s defence of himself. January 20, 1.741, he preached, at Nottingham, Maryland, a sermon on Matthew xii. 27, 28: "If I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out ?" This sermon was published under the title of "Christ Triumphing and Satan Raging," and was reprinted both at Boston and at London. He also wrote a letter in commendation of Mr. Whitefield, which was published.

Dr. Finley’s other publications were:

"A Refutation of Mr. Thomson’s Sermon on the Doctrine of Conviction," 1743. A sermon on 2 Thessalonians ii, 11, 12,-against the Moravians, being the substance of several sermons preached in Philadelphia, showing the Strength, Nature, and Symptoms of Delusion, 1743. "A Charitable Plea for the Speechless," 1747, and a Vindication of it, in 1748. A sermon preached at the ordination of the Rev. John Rodgers, at St. George’s, Delaware, 1749. A sermon on the death of the Rev. Samuel Blair, 1751. A sermon from 2 Cor. x. 4, preached at Newark, New Jersey, before the Synod of New York, 1754. A sermon entitled "The Curse of Meroz, or the Danger of Neutrality in the Cause of God and our Country," 1757. A sermon on the death of President Davies, 1761. A sermon preached at the funeral of the Rev. Gilbert Tennent, D.D., 1764.

A few years before the publication of his "Charitable Plea for the Speechless," and not long after his licensure by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, Dr. Finley engaged in a public debate on the mode and subjects of baptism with the Rev. Abel Morgan, Jr., of Middletown, New Jersey, a Baptist preacher

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of much note in those days. The debate was begun at Cohansey, in West Jersey, and resumed at Cape May, at which latter place there was at this time "a powerful revival of religion, in which," says Dr. Sprague, "the labors of Baptist and Presbyterian ministers were to a great extent intermingled." At this time, as we learn from the Rev. Richard Webster, two elders and six members left the Presbyterian Church for the Baptist. To the Charitable Plea Mr. Morgan replied in a pamphlet entitled "Anti-Pedo-Rantism, or Mr. Saniuel Finley’s Charitable Plea for the Speechless examined and refuted, the Baptism of Believers maintained, and the Mode of it by Immersion vindicated." To this Dr. Finley published a rejoinder in vindication of his plea, to which Mr. Morgan published a reply, and this ended their discussion, (See Sprague’s "Annals of the American Pulpit," vol. vi. page 34, art. Abel Morgan, Jr.)

Dr. Finley was twice married. His first wife was Miss Sarah Hal], whose mother was the second wife of the Rev. Gilbert Tennent. She is spoken of by President Green as a lady of amiable character, who was truly a helpmeet to her husband, and by Dr. Sprague as a lady of rare excellence. By her Dr. Finley had eight children. She died in 1760, previously to his leaving Nottingham. The year following he married Miss Ann Clarkson, whose father, Matthew Clarkson, had been an eminent merchant in New York, and who was a lineal descendant of David Clarkson, B.D., one of the two thousand ministers ejected for non-conformity in England in 1662. Miss Clarkson was also a lady distinguished for her piety.

Dr. Finley’s son Ebenezer Finley was graduated at Nassau Hall in 1772, and resided in Charleston, South Carolina. By some persons he has been confounded with his brother James E. B. Finley, a physician of Charleston. William Perroneau Finley, LL.D,, a grandson of President Finley, was also graduated at this College, in 1820, with great distinction. He studied law, and he is now(1873) engaged in the practice of his profession. For several years he was President of Charleston College. Professor Morse, so well known for his connection with the electro-magnetic telegraph, is a grandson of Dr. Finley’s daughter, Mrs. Breese, wife of Samuel Breese, Esq., of New Jersey.

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The cenotaph erected to the memory of President Finley by the Trustees of the College has the following inscription:

Memoriae Sacrum

Reverendi Samuelis Finley, S.T.D.

Collegii Neo-Caesariensis

Presidis,

Armachae in Hibernia natus, AD. MDCCXV.

In Americam migravit, Anno MDCCXXXIV.

Sacris ordinibus initiatus est, Anno MDCCXLIII,

apud Novum Brunsvicum,

Neo-Caesariensium.

Ecclesiae Nottinghami, Pensylvaniensium,

Munus pastorale suscepit, XIV. o Kal. Julii, MDCCXLIV;

Ibique, Academiae celeberrimae

din praefuit.

Designatus Praeses Collegii Neo-Caesariensis,

Officium inivit, Id. Julii MDCCLXI.

Tandem, dilectus, veneratus,

Omnibus flendus

Morti occubuit, Philadelphiae,

XV. o Kal. Sextilis, A.D. MDCCLXVI.

Artibus literisque excultus.

Prae caeteris praecipue enituit.

Rerum divinarum scientia.

Studio divirae gloriae flagrans

summis opibus

Ad veram Religionem promovendam,

et in concionibus,

et in sermone familiari

Operam semper navabat

Patientia, modestia, marsuetudo

Miranda

animo moribusque enituerunt,

Ob charitatem, observantiam, vigilantiam,

erga juvenes fidei suae mandatos

fuit

insignissimus

Moribus ingenuis, pietate sincera,

Vixit omnibus dilectus,

Moriens triumphavit.

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THE INTERVAL BETWEEN THE DEATH OF DR. FINLEY AND THE

ACCESSION OF DR. WITHERSPOON, FROM JULY 18, 1766, TO AUGUST 17, 1768.

DURING Dr. Finley’s last illness, his death being apprehended, the Trustees, at a meeting held on the 25th of June, made provision for the government of the College by appointing the Rev. William Tennent "to act in the room and stead of President Finley," and by investing him "with the power and authority of the President."

The Board had their next meeting on Wednesday, the 25th of September, the day of the annual Commencement, and admitted the members of the Senior class, thirty-one in number to their first degree in the Arts, the Rev. Elihu Spencer presiding and conferring the degrees. The usual exercises on such occasions were attended to, and also the ordinary routine of business, but the Trustees thought it best to defer the election of a President, for which they appointed a special meeting to be held on Wednesday, the 19th of the ensuing November. Mr. Jonathan Edwards, son of the late President Edwards, was chosen a Tutor of the College.

In reference to the salary of the President, they adopted the following minute:

"Whereas sundry weighty and important reasons have induced this Board to augment the late worthy president’s salary from time to time to the sum of £400, but inasmuch as the occasion of the late necessary augmentation is removed, and the present low state of the College funds will not allow this Board to Continue that salary for the future in its present circumstances, it is agreed, therefore, that the stated salary of the next president shall be £250, with the usual perquisites."

Having met on the day appointed, they elected the Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon, of which the following is the record:

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"It having pleased a holy and wise God to remove by death the late Reverend and worthy Dr. Samuel Finley from the Presidentship of the College, the Board proceeded to the choice of another to succeed him in that office; when, after mature deliberation, the Reverend Dr. Witherspoon, of Paisley, Scotland, was duly elected as the Charter directs, nemene contradicente, and it is ordered, that a copy of this minute lie enclosed and transmitted to the said Dr. Witherspoon, in a letter, signed by the President, from this Board. praying his acceptance of the said office. And it is further ordered, that a letter, in like manner, be transmitted to Richard Stockton, Esq., one of the members of this Board, now in London, enclosing the above to his care; and requesting his personal application to Dr. Witherspoon, to solicit his acceptance, and informing him that this Board will defray his, the said Mr. Stockton’s, expenses in his journey to Scotland for the said purpose; and also that another letter, to be signed in like manner, be transmitted to Mr. Denny’s De Berdt, Merchant in London, enclosing a duplicate of the letter to Dr. Witherspoon, in case the said Mr. Stockton should not happen to be in London, requesting the said Mr. De Berdt to forward the same; and that he would be pleased to use his influence and interest for the same purpose.

Ordered, That Messrs Spencer, Redman, and Shippen do prepare draughts of said letters, to be laid before this Board to-morrow morning.

Resolved, That in case of Dr. Witherspoon’s acceptance of the Presidentship of this College, the sum of one hundred guineas be allowed to defray the expenses of his removal and voyage; and that his salary do commence on the day of his arrival in North America."

On the following day the committee charged with this duty submitted drafts of letters to Dr. Witherspoon, Richard Stockton, Esq., and Mr. De Berdt, which were read and approved.

It was then ordered, that these letters be transcribed and signed by the President of the Board (for the time being), Mr. William Peartree Smith; who was requested to despatch the same by the first vessel bound from New York to London. All which was done, as appears from a report made by Mr. Smith at the next meeting of the Board.

Mr. Jonathan Edwards, elected a Tutor at the last meeting of the Board, appeared, and was qualified in accordance with the charter.

The Rev. William Tennent, who (both before and after the decease of President Finley) had discharged the duties of President of the College pro tempore, greatly to the satisfaction of the Board, was again requested to take upon himself the charge and burden of this office until the services of a permanent President were secured; and he having complied with this request was qualified as directed by the charter.

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At this meeting there was begun a most important negotiation in reference to the establishment of sundry professorships in the College, and the selection of the incumbents from the two parties in the Presbyterian Church which, before the reunion of the Synods of New York and of Philadelphia, had been known under the designations of Old Side and New Side.

The first minute relative to this business is in these words:

"Messrs. George Bryan, John Johnson, William Allison, James Meas, and Samuel Purviance, from Philadelphia, waited upon the Board, and presented a petition signed by some gentlemen of Lewistown, in Pennsylvania; and also a letter signed by twenty-six gentlemen of Philadelphia, requesting and recommending, among other things, the establishment of several Professorships in the College.

Ordered, That the said papers do lie on the table for further mature consideration."

The following remarks on this overture are copied from the Notes of President Green, and they give within a comparatively narrow compass a clear view of the ends sought to be attained by the respective parties. On one point, however, the writer dissents from his venerated preceptor, viz., as to the origin of the College, which was originally established, not by the Synod of New York, or under its auspices, but by the leading ministers of the Presbytery of New York:

"In order to understand fully the nature of a negotiation of which this minute gives the first intimation, but which will afterwards be found to have occupied the most serious attention of the Board, it will be necessary to recollect what has been said in regard to the rival Synods of New York and Philadelphia; and that the College was the offspring and favorite child of the former of these bodies, It has been cursorily mentioned that the schism was healed in the year 1757, and that the two Synods were again united. This, notwithstanding much of the spirit which had produced the separation still remained, and indeed was not extinct till many years after this period. The cause and peculiarities of the Synod of Philadelphia had been denominated the old side, and those of the New York Synod the new side; and these shibboleths of party remained long after the formal union of the Synods. It is hoped that none of the acrimony with which they were once used any longer exists; but they still serve as convenient designations of parties which once divided the Presbyterian Church.

"The College of New Jersey, notwithstanding the adverse circumstances which it experienced in the death of four Presidents in less than nine years, had, on the whole, been advancing in reputation ever since its establishment; and under Dr. Finley had probably risen higher than at any preceding period. At his death it was unquestionably the most reputable institution of which the Presbyterians could boast. This circumstance, it is believed, induced the old side party to seek an alliance with it;

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and if a cordial alliance could have been formed, it would, without doubt, have been an event highly favorable for the College, and for the Presbyterian Church at large. That some of the leading men in each party hoped that this might be effected, and honesty labored to bring it about, there is good reason to believe. But there was still too much of party views and feelings to admit of such an issue. The whole transaction bears marks of jealous caution and diplomatic arrangement on both sides. The College being now without a President, and known to be in great want of funds, the opportunity was thought to be favorable for obtaining a participation, by the old side party, in the whole government and instruction of the institution, in consideration of the pecuniary aid which that party could afford to give. But the Board of Trustees proceeded, as we have seen, to elect a President, even before they opened a negotiation; and with a design, it is believed, to foreclose all interference or propositions in regard to the choice of that officer. On the other hand, such representations were speedily made in Scotland of the state of the College as were calculated to induce Dr. Witherspoon to refuse the Presidency, and which actually had that effect till his misapprehensions were removed by an agent of the Board. The writer has in his hands the unquestionable evidence of this fact, although it does not appear in the records of the Trustees." (See Dr. Green’s " Notes.")

Of the precise character of this evidence the venerable writer gives us no intimation; but his positive declaration is conclusive as to the existence of such evidence at the time he penned this Statement.*

On the next morning, November 20, the Trustees continued their sessions, and in the minutes for that day the following record occurs:

"A letter was delivered into this Board, signed by several gentlemen of Baltimore, Maryland, on the subject-matter of those presented yesterday.

Ordered, That the said letter do lie with the others on the table for further consideration."

Resolved, That Messrs. Woodruff, Tennent Spencer, and Rodgers be a committee forthwith to wait upon the gentlemen from Philadelphia who have signified it to be their desire to meet a committee of this Board in order to a free conference on the subject-matter of sundry letters, &c., which have been delivered by them; anti that the said committee do report the result of the said conference to this Board."

"The committee appointed to wait upon the gentlemen from Philadelphia, being returned, reported, That they had a full and free conference together upon the subject-matter of the petitions and letters presented by those gentlemen. That the said gentlemen observed that the proposals made to the Trustees being upon the footing that the President’s chair was vacant, they were disconcerted in their gen

* It is probable that "the unquestionable evidence’ mentioned by Dr. Green was contained in a letter from the Rev. Charles Beatty to Rev. Dr. Treat, of Abington, Pennsylvania. (See sketch of Dr. Witherspoon’s Life.)

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eral plan by the election of Dr. Witherspoon to the Presidentship before their proposals were presented; that the said plan being thereby altered, they were not authorized to determine absolutely what would be done hereafter by their constituents respecting the general object they had in view; that nevertheless they were truly desirous that some effectual method might be taken to complete the proposed design. That a proposal was made by the said committee, viz., that on the supposition of the nomination of two gentlemen for Professorships, to wit, the Rev. Messrs. Blair* and McDowell, on the condition that money could be raised by the friends of this Institution to support them, Whether their constituents would be satisfied, and they would undertake to promote a subscription for their support; to which the said gentlemen replied, That however desirous they were to accomplish so excellent a design, they would not at present engage for the future conduct of their constituents."

"The Board, taking in mature consideration the above Report, came to the following resolution

Whereas it is an object of their greatest concern that union and the strictest harmony among all the friends and patrons of religion and sound literature might be promoted by every proper method, and that this Institution may have every possible advantage of increasing its Reputation and advancing the cause of Learning; And as there appears reason to expect great and happy consequences both to the interest of religion and of this Seminary from putting into execution the general design of the proposals made, they will gladly do everything in their power to accomplish this said end; and accordingly declare themselves greatly desirous that a sufficiency of moneys by subscriptions or otherwise might be obtained to accomplish this noble design; and are cheerfully willing to join in any particular method that can be devised for raising the necessary funds.. For though this Board would gladly proceed to the election of Professors without delay, were there funds sufficient to support such an additional expense; yet they judge it by no means expedient to take that step before they have a certain medium for their support."

The above extracts comprise all the action on this subject at this meeting of the Board.

The Rev. John Blair, of Fagg’s Manor, Pennsylvania, was chosen a Trustee of the College, in the room of the Rev. John Light or Leydt, pastor of the Dutch Reformed Church, New Brunswick, resigned.

* Knowing that some of the Trustees, and probably a majority, were desirous, even at this time, to appoint Mr. Blair Professor of Divinity in the College, the Rev. James Caldwell, of Elizabethtown, the Rev. Alexander McWhorter, of Newark, neither, at that time, a Trustee of the College, and Mr. Jonathan Edwards, Jr., then a Tutor in the College; were earnestly in favor of having Dr. Hopkins appointed instead of Mr. Blair. They were of the opinion that the requisite funds to sustain Mr. Blair could not be had from the friends of the College, and this encouraged these gentlemen to make a strenuous effort to secure the appointment of Dr. Hopkins. (See letter of Mr. Caldwell, in the Bellamy Manuscripts.)

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"As the Grammar School connected with the College was "likely to become chargeable to the College funds," the Board resolved that the teacher (Mr. Avery) might continue the school in the College, on his own account, if he thought it expedient; but that they would no longer be responsible for its support.

Mr. Samuel Breese, one of the Executors of the Estate of Dr. Finley, deceased, requesting an order of this Board upon the Treasurer, for the payment of the salary which became due to the said Dr. Finley at the time of his death, tile Clerk is directed immediately to make out an order on Mr. Sergeant for the payment of whatever sum remained due to the said Dr. Finley as his salary at the time of his death, together with the interest of the same from the day of his decease; and that he take a discharge of the same from the Executor of the Estate."

The next meeting of the Board took place on Wednesday, the 3oth of September, 1767, the day of the annual Commencement.

After the exercises usual on such occasions, eleven candidates were admitted to the first degree in the Arts.

The next day, October 1, the Board met again; sixteen Trustees being present. The Hon. Edward Shippen, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, one of the Trustees named in the second charter of the College, tendered his resignation, for the reason that "he finds himself incapable, through growing infirmity and distant residence, of giving attendance." His resignation was accepted.

Mr. William Peartree Smith "communicated a letter to this Board from the Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon, wherein that gentleman is pleased to decline an acceptance of the Presidentship of this College, to which he was elected in November last."

"Mr. Halsey, eldest Tutor of this College, now thought fit to resign his office; and requesting testimonials in his favor from the Trustees, It is ordered, That an ample certificate be made out, to be signed by the Clerk in the name of this Board and sealed with the Corporation seal, certifying the said Mr. Halsey's faithful services and good conduct during his Tutorship in the College, with Recommendation of him as a Gentleman of Genius, Learning, and real Merit."

The Rev. William Tennent, the President pro tem, submitted the draft of sundry laws for the better regulation and order of the College; which were read, considered, amended, and unanimously adopted.

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The first one empowered the officers of the College to examine the classes at any time of the year, at their discretion.

The second prohibited the students from taking any part in the choice of orators for Commencement and other public exhibitions.

The third was a law to prevent damage to the several rooms and apartments of the College and to the furniture of the same. In accord with this last regulation, Mr. James Thompson, one of the Tutors, was appointed "Inspector of the Rooms," and was allowed five pounds per annum for this service.

The committee, Messrs. Woodruff and Ogden, to examine into the general state of the College funds, reported "that they find the sum total in the hands of the Treasurer, in Bonds, Notes, &c., to amount to the sum of £2815.3.1, of which they find only £950, or thereabouts, to be at present under actual improvement at interest."

Soon after the opening of their session this day, Mr. Stockton mentioned to the Board that there were several gentlemen from Philadelphia now in town, viz., Messrs. George Bryan, William Allison, John Chevalier, John Boyd, and John Wallace, who had informed him that they had something to offer to this Corporation, and were desirous of being heard. Mr. Stockton was accordingly requested immediately to wait upon those gentlemen and inform them that the Trustees were now ready to hear them.

"The Philadelphia gentlemen, being introduced by Mr. Stockton, begged leave to remind the Trustees that they had the last year presented sundry papers and letters containing proposals relative to the establishment of a Faculty in this College; that their constituents were still very desirous that the general plan should be carried into execution if the circumstances of the College would possibly admit of it; and prayed that the same might be reconsidered. The said gentlemen were then assured that this Board would come to some determination thereon as soon as possible."

"Ordered, That the several letters and proposals above mentioned be read and maturely considered; which were read and considered accordingly."

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Resolved, That Messrs. Stockton Ogden, and [Dr. W.] Shippen be a committee to confer more fully with those gentlemen on the subject-matter of said proposals.’’

This committee had a conference with the delegates from Philadelphia, and made the following report to the Board, viz.:

"That they find those gentlemen and their constituents still heartily desirous of concurring with the Trustees of this College in the establishment and support of a Faculty, and promising to unite their utmost endeavors to raise the necessary funds to carry the same into speedy execution; that the said gentlemen being asked by the Committee whether the appointment of all or any of the particular persons to Professorships in their proposals named and recommended was intended as a Term of their acceding to and assisting in the establishment proposed, replied, That it was not the intention to make the appointment of ally of the particular persons named by their constituents a term of the proposed Union; but that any other gentlemen who might be deemed qualified for their offices, and indiscriminately chosen without regard to party distinctions, would be acceptable to them."

The Board having taken the whole into mature consideration were unanimously of the opinion that the constitution of a Faculty to consist of well-qualified Professors in the several branches of Academical Science to be chosen without regard to any little party differences would greatly subserve the interests of Religion and Learning in this Seminary, and would tend to the better and more perfect instruction and government in the same. And it was accordingly resolved, that in pursuance of said plan, the choice of a Faculty to consist of Professors in some of the most essential parts of literature be entered upon to-morrow morning."

October 2, 9 o’clock A.M. Met according to adjournment, and present as yesterday. The Trustees having thought proper, pursuant to their resolution of yesterday, to enter upon the choice of a Faculty, to Consist of Professors in the most necessary branches of education in the College, did, in the first place, proceed to the appointment of a Professor of Divinity and Moral Philosophy when, after mature deliberation the Rev. Mr. John Blair, of Fog’s [Fagg’s] Manor, in Pennsylvania, and one of the members of this Board, was chosen to that office. Adjourned to 3 o’clock P.M.

"The Trustees now proceeded to the choice of a Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, when Dr. Hugh Williamson, of Philadelphia, was duly elected to that office; and Mr. Jonathan Edwards, now a Tutor in this College, was also duly chosen to the Professorship of Languages and Logic.

The Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon having thought fit to decline the invitation of this Board to the Presidentship of the College, the Trustees proceeded in the choice of a President to succeed the reverend and worthy Dr. Finley, deceased. After mature deliberation, the Rev. Mr. Samuel Blair, of Boston, in New England, was duly elected President of this College, and also Professor of Rhetoric and Metaphysics. Nemine contradicente.

Mr. George Bryan, of Philadelphia [one of the delegates from that city to confer with the Board], was unanimously chosen a Trustee, in the room of Edward Shippen, Esq., resigned."

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"Voted, That the sum of one hundred pounds proclamation he allowed to the Rev. Mr. William Tennent in consideration of his services to this College as Vice-President pro tem, from the 19th of November last to the present Commencement; and ordered, That the Treasurer pay unto the said Mr. Tennent the said sum of £100 of the first moneys that he may have in his hands.

Voted, That the annual salaries of the President and Professors, now chosen, to commence from the time they shall respectively enter upon their several offices, shah he as follows;

To the President and Professor of Rhetoric and Metaphysics £200

Professor of Divinity and Moral Philosophy £ 175

Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy £150

Professor of Languages and Logic £125

"The Trustees having now, pursuant to the plan proposed, nominated and chosen several gentlemen of reputation in the literary world and undoubted skill in these branches of science to which they are designed, do find, that notwithstanding they have annexed the most moderate salaries to the respective offices, the present state of the College revenues renders it impossible for them to provide the sum total of the said salaries, and that it is therefore not in their power immediately to invite and introduce together the four Professors elect to the actual execution of their offices, as a Faculty, even should they all acquiesce in their present election, which is yet an uncertainty; and as four Instructors are immediately requisite to carry on the business of the College, it is resolved to continue the present constitution under a Vice-President and three Tutors, at least during the year ensuing,—that at the end of the year the President elect be called to the exercise of his office,—and if, in the interim, any means may be devised to enable the Trustees to support two other Professors (viz., the Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, and the Professor of Languages and Logic), in that case the gentlemen now elected to those offices shall be called to enter upon the same, and the constitution by a Faculty shall then take place.

"Pursuant to the above resolution, the Rev. Mr. John Blair, who is pleased to accept of the Professorship of Divinity and Morality, was chosen Vice-President until the next Commencement, and was accordingly qualified to [hold] those offices, as the Charter directs.

"Mr. Joseph Periam was also duly elected Senior Tutor of the College, in the room of Mr. Jeremiah Halsey resigned, and [was] qualified, as the Charter directs.

"Mr. James Thompson, Second Tutor, and Mr. Jonathan Edwards, Junior Tutor, whose services and conduct in their respective offices being much approved, were requested by Mr. Tennent, in the name of this Board, to continue in their said offices for the year ensuing, to which they were pleased to signify their compliance."

"Voted, That there be allowed the sum of one hundred pounds proc. to each of the Tutors, as their respective salaries for the year ensuing,"

"Voted, That the expenses that may accrue to the Rev. Mr. John Blair, in the removal of himself and family to Nassau Hall, be defrayed out of the College treasury.’’

"Dr. Shippen is desired to inform Dr. Williamson, by letter, in the name of this

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Board, of his election to the Professorship of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, and to acquaint him with their resolution to defer calling him to the exercise of the said office for at least one year, and until they are enabled to provide the support annexed to the same.

"Mr. Spencer is desired to notify the congregation at Fog’s [Fagg’sl Manor of Mr. Blair’s election to a Professorship in this College, and to pursue the necessary steps, in behalf of this Board, for obtaining the said. Mr. Blair’s discharge from his pastoral office, in order to his speedy removal."

"The Rev. Wm. Kirkpatrick, of Amwell, New Jersey, was elected a Trustee, in the room of Mr. Blair, resigned."

"Mr. Blair was released from his pastoral charge, and removed to Princeton. None of the other Professors accepted their appointments; and no reference to their appointments occurs in the subsequent minutes of the Board, with the exception of the following minutes, of December 10, 1767* " The Trustees having thought it expedient, in order to enable them to establish and support a number of Professors in this College, that subscriptions in this and the neighboring colonies should be set forward among the friends of religion and learning, and Mr. [W. P.] Smith presenting a draught of a preamble to said proposed subscription papers, the one designed to be subscribed by such persons as may choose to contribute a sum us gross, the other as an annual subscription to continue for seven years, since the 1st of August, 1768, the same were examined and approved; and. Mr. Bryan is desired to order three hundred of each sort to be forthwith printed at Philadelphia, and to distribute a number of each to every member of this Board, who mutually engage to use their host endeavors to promote subscriptions in the Country. And the said Mr. Bryan is directed to draw upon the Treasurer for the expense of printing the same."

"This Board being informed that the Synod of New York and Philadelphia have lately appointed an annual contribution to be made in the several congregations throughout their bounds for the laudable purpose of promoting Christian knowledge, and conceiving a yearly appropriation of some part of said contribution for and towards the support of a Divinity Professor in this College would perfectly accord with the views of the Synod in the said appointment, as the well training up and instruction of our youth in the doctrines of Christianity would be one of the most effectual means to accomplish the excellent purposes designed by said contributions, It is therefore ordered, That the Rev. Mr. Rodgers do prepare a draught of a letter to said Synod, requesting an annual appropriation of part of those collections towards the maintenance of a Professor of Divinity in this College, to be laid before the Board this afternoon."

Mr. Rodgers, pursuant to order, laid before the Board a draught of a letter to the Reverend the Synod of New York and Philadelphia; which being read and approved, it was ordered that the same be transcribed and signed by the Clerk, and that Mr. Rodgers do present it at the next meeting of said Synod."

This letter was laid before the Synod, at their sessions in

* On page 181 of the first volume of Minutes there is a reference to the plan for appointing Professors, butt no reference to the particular appointments now made.

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Philadelphia, in the month of May, 1768, and the following is the minute of the Synod’s action in regard to it:

"A supplication was brought in from the honorable the Board of Trustees of the New Jersey College, praying assistance in supporting a Professor of Divinity, from the last year’s collection, and was fully considered, and the Synod judge that they cannot give any part of the money collected last year towards the support of a Professor of Divinity in said College, but do agree, and hereby order, that a general collection be made for this purpose in all our congregations; and that the money raised by this separate collection be applied particularly by this Synod, yearly, for this purpose till expended; and in the mean time, in order to assist in supporting a Professor of Divinity in said College, the Synod do agree to give the present Professor the sum of fifty pounds out of the money now in the hands of our Treasurer, to be refunded next year.

"Ordered, That Mr. Treat, our Treasurer, pay this sum to the Trustees of the College of New Jersey."

Mr. Blair, the Professor of Divinity, was the Moderator of the Synod this year.

Under the date of the. 25th of May, 1769, the following minute occurs in the records of the Synod:

"The Synod do agree to give the honorable Board of Trustees of the New Jersey College, towards supporting a Professor of Divinity in that institution, sixty pounds for the last year, and sixty pounds for the current year, out of the collections made in our congregations for this purpose, agreeable to an order of last session. The fifty pounds lent that honorable Board last year is refunded."

At the opening of the next term after his election, Mr. Blair, as Vice-President, took the oversight of the College, and, aided by the three Tutors above named, conducted its instruction and government, as previously ordered by the Board,—it being expressly said at the time of their appointment that the President elect, the Rev. Samuel Blair, and the Professors elect of Mathematics and of Languages, were not expected to enter upon the duties of their respective offices for at least one year.

"These arrangements," says President Green, "appear to have been proposed on the one side, and acceded to on the other, with a view to show a conciliatory disposition. One professor of the old side party was chosen; and at the same meeting one gentleman of that party was unanimously elected to fill a vacancy which had taken place in the Board of Trustees. While this was done, effectual care was taken to give no pledges which could produce subsequent embarrassment. These measures were, perhaps, the best which the circumstances in which the Board was placed would admit; yet it seems strange that any one should seriously

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expect that they would ever be carried into effect. It is believed by the writer [ Dr. Green] that many members of the Board, at this very time, cherished a pretty sanguine hope that Dr. Witherspoon would yet become the President of the College. That event, whether expected or not, did at length take place; and not a word afterwards appears tin time records in regard to the appointments which were now made, nor in reference to any part of this negotiation and agreement relative to a faculty. There had never, indeed, been any open or avowed opposition to the election of Dr. Witherspoon. And when he entered on his office, his prudence, talents, and weight of character not only put an end to party measures in the Board of Trustees, but contributed greatly to produce effect in the councils of the Church to which he belonged."

At the meeting of the Board at which the matters above mentioned took place,

"Mr. Tennent communicated a letter from Mr. Stephen Sayre, of London, merchant, wherein he is pleased to offer, if properly empowered, to exert his endeavors in England for obtaining benefactions in favor of this College. Resolved, That the thanks of this Board be transmitted to that gentleman for his polite and generous offer, and that Mr. Rodgers do write to the said Mr. Sayre in the name of this Board, expressing their grateful acknowledgments for his proffered services in England; and at the same time to enclose a general commission from the Trustees of this College, to be signed by the Clerk in their name, and sealed with the Corporation seal, empowering him to act as their agent and attorney in soliciting and receiving benefactions in Books, Philosophical Instruments, and subscriptions for the use of said College, and to employ any attorneys under him for said purpose." *

Mr. Halsey, who had been a Tutor for ten years, having resigned his office, the Trustees, in addition to the testimonial which they directed should be given, voted him forty pounds over and above his regular salary for the year.

The Treasurer was ordered to collect the outstanding debts of the last lottery with all possible despatch.

A committee was appointed to settle Mr. Stockton’s account with the College while he was in Great Britain.

* "Stephen Sayre, the gentleman named in this minute," says Dr. Green, "was a native American, and graduated at Nassau Hall in 1757. He was at this time an eminent London merchant, and afterwards the high sheriff of that city. His kind dispositions towards his Alma Mater were certainly commendable; but there is no record of any donations which he obtained for the College. Perhaps his earnest expectations were disappointed by the ardent controversies which about this time tooc place in regard to the claims of the mother-country and the colonies. In those controversies Mr. Sayre participated deeply. He eventually left Britain, returned to his native country, and lived in retirement to a very advanced age. He died in Virginia about four years since, about the year 1818."

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Provision was made for a new edition of the Newark (Latin) Grammar, to be revised and published by the Rev. Mr. Caldwell, and Messrs. Reeve and Pemberton, masters of the grammar-school at Elizabethtown.

December 9, 1767, a special meeting of the Trustees was called, in accordance with the charter, at the request of six members of the Board.

At this meeting Mr. Wm. P. Smith, the senior Trustee present, and who presided on this occasion,

"communicated a letter from the Rev. Samuel Blair to the Honorable William Smith, Esq., the President of the Trustees at their last meeting, wherein the said Mr. Blair declines accepting the Presidentship of this College, to which he was chosen; and the said office was accordingly declared to be vacant."

At this same meeting

"Mr. Stockton communicated to the Board sundry letters he had recently received from Scotland, informing him that the difficulties which had prevented Dr. Witherspoon’s acceptance of the Presidentship to which he had been chosen were now removed, and that upon a re-election he would esteem it a duty to enter into this public service. The Board, receiving the intelligence with peculiar satisfaction, proceeded immediately to a re-election, when the said Dr. Witherspoon was again unanimously chosen to the said office;" and it was

"Resolved, That the salary to be allowed Dr. Witherspoon as President of the College be according to the propositions made to him its the letter wrote him by the President of this Board upon his former election; together with the explanation thereof mentioned to the said Dr. Witherspoon by Mr. Stockton, one of the members of this Board, in his letter from Edinburgh, dated 2^nd March, 1767. And that the same sum of one hundred guineas, as on his former election, be allowed him for the expenses of removing himself and his family to this place."

Resolved, That the President of this Board he desired immediately to transmit a copy of the above vote to Dr. Witherspoon; and also to send a duplicate of the same by the first opportunity, to be accompanied with his letter, requesting the said Dr. Witherspoon to hasten his coming over as soon as he conveniently can."

The Rev. Samuel Blair mentioned above as having declined the Presidency was the son of the Rev. Samuel Blair, of Fagg’s Manor, Pennsylvania, and, like his father, was distinguished for talent and learning as well as for piety. He was also a nephew of the Rev. John Blair, the Professor of Divinity and Moral Philosophy. He was a graduate of the College in 1760, and was a Tutor for three years during the administration of President Finley, and, as mentioned in the sketch of that administration, he was the author of the account of the College published

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by order of the Trustees in 1764. At the time of his election as President of the College he was a colleague of the Rev. Dr. Sewall, minister of South Church, Boston. He was not thirty years of age when he was chosen President. Speaking of this event, and of his declining the appointment, President Green, in his "Notes," observes, " But at that time a youth of higher promise was probably not to be found in the American Church."

"The writer," continues Dr. Green, "has learned from good authority that as soon as Mr. Blair had ascertained that a re-election of Dr. Witherspoon would secure his services and influence in favor of the College, a voluntary and prompt tender of the resignation here recorded prevented the embarrassment in which the Trustees might otherwise have beets involved. Dr. Witherspoon has been known to mention this act as an instance of disinterestedness and generosity highly creditable to Mr. Blair.

"This gentleman, shortly after his resignation of the Presidency, fell into a valetudinary State, which induced him to resign his pastoral charge in Boston, and which rendered his subsequent life little else than a long disease. He resided for many years at Germantown, in the neighborhood of Philadelphia, and performed such ministerial services as his health would permit. For two years he served as chaplain its Congress. The writer recollects many pleasing hours spent in his company in an acquaintance of nearly thirty years’ continuance. He died about two years since [iSao]."—~See Dr. Green’s " Notes.")

After their second election of Dr. Witherspoon, the Trustees passed a resolution designed to prevent candidates from entering any other than the Freshman class; but this order was soon repealed and the previous rule re-established.

"Voted That the practice of sending Freshmen upon errands, or employing them as servitors in any manner whatsoever, he from henceforth totally discontinued.’’

"Mr. Stockton having informed the Board that he had received when in England the sums of one hundred pounds sterling, which was given to the Trustees of this College in trust for and towards the support of a Divinity Professor in the same, by Mr. Williamson, of Hanover, in Virginia; Resolved, That Dr. Redman do transmit the thanks of this Board, by letter, to the said Mr. Williamson for his generous donation.

The grammar-school in connection with the College having been discontinued after the death of President Finley, the Trustees now appointed a committee "to consider of ways and means for setting and promoting the same, . . . and to report at the next meeting.’’

During this interval the following gentlemen were chosen Trustees:

The Rev. John Blair, in the room of the Rev. John Light (Leydt), resigned.

Hon. George Bryan, in the room of Hon. Edward Shippen, resigned.

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The Rev. William Tennent, President pro rem., from July 17 to October 2, 1767.

The Rev. John Blair, Vice-President, from October 2, 1767, to August 17, 1768; Professor of Divinity and Moral Philosophy until the annual Commencement, Septeber 27, 1769.

Mr. James Thompson.

Mr. Joseph Periam, Senior Titter upon Mr. Halsey’s resignation.

Mr. Jonathan Edwards.

At the annual Commencement of 1767 there were eleven graduates, and at that of 1768 there were also eleven; total for both years, twenty-two. Of these, eight became ministers of the gospel. The most distinguished of these graduates in afterlife were—of the class of

1767. Francis Barber, A.M., of New Jersey, a classical teacher of much repute; also Lieutenant-Colonel in the U. S. Army.

1767. Nathaniel Ramsay, A.M., of Maryland, a lawyer of eminence, a Colonel in the Revolutionary Army, and a member of the Continental Congress.

1767. Samuel Witham Stockton, AM., Secretary of State for New Jersey; previously he was Secretary of the American Commission to the Courts of Austria and Prussia.

1768. Rev. Robert Blackwell, D.D., of Philadelphia, an Episcopal clergyman, a Chaplain and also a Surgeon in the U. S. Army.

1768. Ephraim Brevard, M.D., reputed author of the Mecklenburg Resolutions; a Surgeon in the U. S. Army.

1768. Pierpont Edwards, A.M., a son of President Edwards, Judge of the U. S. District Court for Connecticut, and a member of the Continental Congress.

1768. Wm. Churchill Houston, A.M., Professor of Mathematics in the College of New Jersey; a member of the Continental Congress.

1768. Adlai Osborne, during the Revolution a Colonel in the U. S. Army; also a Trustee of the University of North Carolina.

1768. Rev. Thomas Reese, D.D., of South Carolina, a scholar and a minister of much repute.

1768. Rev, Elias Van Bunschooten, a minister of the Reformed Dutch Church.. He left a large legacy to Queen’s College, New Brunswick.

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TO NOVEMBER 5, 1794.

DR. WITHERSPOON was inaugurated on the 17th of August, 1768, at a special meeting of the Board called for this purpose. The minute of the Board in reference to his inauguration is as follows: "The Rev. Dr. Witherspoon being now arrived from North Britain to preside at the head of this Institution, pursuant to his re-election at the last meeting, was duly qualified as the charter directs; and, having taken the oaths of office as one of the Trustees and President of the College, took his seat accordingly."

So far as appears from the minutes, there was no other ceremony connected with his entrance upon the duties of his office; but in a short sketch of his administration, given by the Rev. Dr. Ashbel Green before the Alumni Association in 1840, and published in the "Presbyterian Magazine" for 1854, it is expressly said that he delivered a Latin inaugural address on the union of Piety and Science. The venerable author of this statement confirmed it by adding, "I had an opportunity, when a member of the Senior class in College, of perusing the Address, in the handwriting of its author; but it has not been found among the manuscripts which were left by the Doctor at the time of his death."

Dr. Witherspoon was most cordially welcomed by the Trustees and other friends of the College, and also by the community at large. They all expected great benefits to result to the College from his accession to the Presidency; and in this they were not disappointed.

The first order passed by the Board, after his inauguration, was one directing the Treasurer of the College to pay Dr.

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Witherspoon, "with the first moneys that may come into his hands, one hundred guineas, the same being the sum that was voted by this Board for defraying the expenses of his removal to this country." This shows the low condition of the College funds at this time.

The following resolutions were also passed:

"Voted, That the salary of the President of this College be fixed at three hundred and fifty pounds proclamation money of this Province, exclusive of house and the customary use of the College lands. Which sum of £350 is equal to £206 sterling money of Great Britain, mentioned to Dr. Witherspoon at his first election, in a letter sent him by order of this Board, and agreeable to an explanation of the same in Mr. Stockton’s letter written to him from Edinburgh, 2d of March, 1767."

There is no mention in the minutes of the meeting at which Dr. Witherspoon was chosen President of the College that his salary should be three hundred and fifty pounds proc. At a meeting of the Trustees, held some weeks before his election, it was agreed that the President’s salary should be two hundred and fifty pounds proc., with the usual perquisites. It is not improbable, however, that in the letters sent to Dr. Witherspoon and to Mr. Stockton there were intimations of a willingness to make his salary three hundred and fifty pounds.

"Voted, That the President’s salary do commence from the fifteenth day of May last, being the day of his discharge from his pastoral office at Paisley to enter upon this service.’’

"Dr. Witherspoon, President of this College, having, at the request of several friends to this Institution, taken a tour from Paisley to London, and from thence to Holland, and having thereby done eminent service to this College, It is ordered, That the thanks of this Board be given to the said Dr. Witherspoon, and that the Treasurer is ordered to pay unto him the balance of his account of expenses on that service, amounting to the sum of £42.9.0, sterling money of Great Britain."

Of the precise character of this "eminent service" no mention is made in the minutes of the Board. It no doubt consisted, in part, in a successful effort to enlist the kind feelings of sundry friends of religion and learning in behalf of the College, and to prepare the way for benefactions in books, apparatus, and gifts to the College treasury. For at the time the above minute was made we find also the following:

"The President having informed the Board that he had brought over a considerable number of Books for the use of the College, amounting to about 300 volumes,

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which were gifts of sundry friends abroad, and that he soon expects another considerable benefaction in Books, the Trustees do most thankfully accept the same, and request that the President will be pleased, by letter, in their name, to express to the several Benefactors their grateful acknowledgments for these useful donations.’’

It was next "Voted, That Dr. Witherspoon be allowed the privilege of educating his sons in this College, without payment of tuition-money or other occasional fees."

After a reference to the action of the Board in 1758 on the subject of College habits, of which action, however, no mention is made in the minutes of that year, but to which there is an allusion in the minutes of 8752, the following stringent rule was adopted, viz.:

"That from and after the next Commencement Vacation in this present year, 1768, all the officers and students of Nassau Hail shall appear uniformly habited, in a proper collegiate black gown and square cap, to be made in the manner and form of those now used in some of our neighboring colleges, and perfectly uniform, excepting proper distinctions that may be devised by the officers of the College to distinguish the habits of the President, Professors, and Tutors from those of the students. And it is hereby strictly ordained, That no resident student or undergraduate, subject to the rules and orders of the College, shall at any time, after the next Commencement vacation, appear either at church, in the College Hall at prayer, or at any other collegiate exercises, or at any time abroad, or out of the Hall (excepting the back-yard of the College only, and that on necessary occasions), without being clothed in their proper College habits, on penalty of five shillings proc. money, to be levied upon every student who shall offend against this law."

How far this rule was ever enforced is not known. To us it seems ill adapted to an American college, not to speak in stronger terms. If it ever went into operation to its full extent, it happily soon ceased to be of binding force with respect to some of its provisions. For many years, indeed, the students were required each to wear a black gown at all services in the College Chapel and at all public declamations; but at this day (1873) College habits are seen only at Commencements and other exhibitions, and this has been the case for nearly, if not quite, fifty years.

The law respecting College habits, passed in 1751, was repealed by the Trustees at the only meeting at which President Edwards was present, viz., of February 16, 1758. But to this repeal no reference is made in the preamble to this order. The

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action of the Board in 1758 may have escaped the recollection of the author of the above minute, who, probably, was Mr. Wm. P. Smith, the gentleman who, in the year 1752, procured two habits, one for the use of the President, and the other as a pattern for the habits to be worn by the students, who were left at liberty to wear them or not, as they pleased. It is not improbable that Dr. Witherspoon, just arrived from Scotland, where college habits were customary, was in favor of the rule now adopted. The minutes show that Mr. Smith was present at this meeting of the 17th of August, 1768.

The next meeting of the Board was on Wednesday, the 28th of September, 1768. Eleven members of the Senior class were admitted to their first degree in the Arts, among whom were Ephraim Brevard, the author of the Mecklenburg Resolutions; Pierpont Edwards, a son of President Edwards, and Judge of the United States District Court in Connecticut; and Wm. Churchill Houston, the first Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in the College, and afterwards a member of the Convention that formed the Constitution of the United States.

At this meeting William Livingston, Esq., of New York, was chosen a Trustee. This gentleman was afterwards Governor of New Jersey, and ex officio President of the Board of Trustees.

Mr. Wm. P. Smith communicated a letter from Mr. Jonathan Smith, of Philadelphia, one of the executors of Colonel Peter Bayard, of Maryland, wherein he informed the Board that Colonel Bayard left to the College a legacy of twenty pounds, to be paid within one year after his decease, to be applied to the education of candidates for the ministry; and that the executors were prepared to pay the same. The Treasurer was ordered to receive the same and to give the executors a full discharge.

A new arrangement was made with the Steward for the boarding of the students, according to which the Steward engages to "find and provide for the said scholars such food as has been heretofore served up to them, and Small Beer to drink, at the Price of six shillings and sixpence proclamation money of New Jersey, by the week," or, in other words, for eighty-six and one-third cents a week.

The attention of the Board was given very much to the aug

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mentation of the funds of the College, and to the collecting of moneys due the Corporation. And while the Trustees, in the straitened condition of the College treasury, were liberal towards the President, they were not equally generous towards Mr. Blair, the Professor of Divinity and Moral Philosophy. To him they gave but one hundred and seventy-five pounds proc.; and when the congregations of Maidenhead (now Lawrence) and Kingston desired to secure his services as their preacher, on alternate Sabbaths, for the ensuing year, the Trustees consented to his acceptance of their offers on the condition that of the ninety-five pounds which he was to receive for this service he should pay to the Treasurer of the College, for the use of the institution, forty-five pounds; and this they required on the ground that it was a part of his official duty to preach to the students. Had their consenting to this arrangement involved the incurring of additional expense on the part of the Board for the Supply of the pulpit, the condition would not have been unreasonable; but Dr. Witherspoon was on the ground, and was ready and willing to preach to the students. We shall find, however, that the Trustees thought better of this demand on their part, and relinquished it. Mr. Blair was a man of rare talent and learning, and an able preacher. He was chosen Professor of Divinity and Moral Philosophy, and pro tem. Vice-President of the College, after Dr. Witherspoon declined his first invitation from the Board to become the President, and for nearly a year before Dr. Witherspoon’s arrival in this country Mr. Blair was at the head of the institution.

But notwithstanding all their efforts to obtain funds, and their success to some extent, by contributions from individuals and from the churches under the care of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, it was found very difficult, if not impossible, to meet all the demands upon the treasury of the College. To relieve the Board from their pecuniary embarrassment, Mr. Blair, of his own motion, addressed to the Trustees a letter, of the date of April 6,1769, offering to resign his place in the College. The paper was read and ordered to be entered on the minutes, and was made the basis of the Board’s action in this matter.

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"GENTLEMEN,—I do hereby gratefully acknowledge the honor you have conferred upon me in calling me to this Institution as Professor of Divinity and Moral Philosophy, and it would be very agreeable to me, in itself considered, to continue in this service. But it is a very discouraging consideration that the funds are so very inadequate to the expense as to render it very doubtful whether after the utmost efforts a sufficient capital can be raised. In the course of divine Providence, too, a state of things very different from that in view at the time of my election has taken place. If, therefore, it appears to the Board that the business they have been pleased to assign me may devolve upon the President, and thereby the expense of my salary be saved, in that case I would willingly resign. And the dismission may take place at what time this Honorable Board may judge most convenient. This matter is submitted to your consideration by, Gentlemen, your very

humble servant, J. BLAIR..

April 6, 1769.

"The Board, taking into consideration the above request of Mr. Blair, do agree to his resignation for the reasons therein mentioned, particularly on account of the insufficiency of the College Funds for the present support of a Divinity Professor. And they consider this application as a distinguished proof of his disinterestedness and public spirit; so they look upon themselves as obliged to give him the thanks of the Board for his services in the College, of which they will retain a grateful sense, and to testify their entire approbation to his Whole conduct, both in the point of instruction and government, during his continuance in office. And it is Resolved, That the said Mr. Blair’s salary as Professor of Divinity do Continue until the next Commencement. And it is also voted, That the sum of one hundred pounds be allowed him over and above the same, to become payable at the next Commencement, together with the remission of the moneys which were to have been paid by him into the College Treasury in consideration of the relinquishment of his services as a preacher to the students for the last half-year; which the Board have considered as a reasonable compensation for the difficulties and expenses the said Mr. Blair may be put to upon so sudden a removal. And it is further Resolved, That a former vote of this Board reflecting a Faculty to be established in this College be, for the reasons above, wholly vacated and annulled.

The Board then proceeded to the election of a Divinity Professor in the room of Mr. Blair resigned, when the Rev. Dr. Witherspoon, President of the College, was unanimously chosen; and in consideration of the additional services thereby required of him they added fifty pounds a year to his salary, to begin on the last Wednesday in September next, the day of the annual Commencement."

Dr. Witherspoon acquainting the Board "that from accounts received from Boston near £1000 proc. hath been subscribed, and part of the same remitted, for the use of this College, the Board requested that he would be pleased, by letters in their name, to return the thanks of the Trustees of this College to the Benefactors who have so generously assisted the Institution."

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Of the three gentlemen elected Professors in 1767, Mr. Blair was the only one who entered upon the duties of the chair to which he was called. At the time of his appointment he was pastor of the Presbyterian church of Fagg’s Manor, Pennsylvania, and the principal of the Classical and Theological School established by his brother, the Rev. Samuel Blair, his predecessor both in the church and in the school.

Upon leaving Princeton he was settled as pastor of the church at Goodwill or Wallkill, in the State of New York. He was a man of eminent piety, and of a sound and vigorous intellect: a logician of a high order. His treatises " On the Nature, Uses, and Subjects of the Sacraments," "On Regeneration," and "On the Nature and Uses of the Means of Grace," exhibit clear, discriminating, and candid views of these important topics, and as such must commend themselves to the pious and intelligent reader, whether he can or cannot assent to all his positions.

Mr. Blair was a native of Ireland, born there in 1720, and died at Wallkill, December 8,1771.

His letter, given above, shows him to have been a man of noble and generous impulses, and entirely free from all seflish aims and considerations.

The President moved "that an extract from a letter to him from William Phillips, Esq., of Boston, might be inserted in the minutes." The same was ordered to be inserted accordingly, and is in the words following:

"My two brothers have subscribed £100 each (Boston lawful), which, with my subscription, makes £300, or 1000 dollars; which I mention, as we are desirous it may he kept by itself, as it may be applied to some particular use hereafter, provided the funds of the College shall admit thereof, and you advise to such appropriation. In that case it may be enlarged."

"The Board, considering the Intimation in the above extract contained, desired the President of the College to write to the said Mr. Phillips, and refer the appropriation of money subscribed by himself and brothers to such uses and purposes as he or they shall think fit to direct."

This generous gift, or rather the disposing of the annual increase of the same, became the occasion for a time of a serious discussion between a committee of the Board and the President, as to the right of the latter to expend the income from this

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fund for the benefit of the College, at his discretion. Contrary to the judgment of the committee which made a report upon this subject, and especially of the author of the report, the Board finally decided that it was the intention of the donors that Dr. Witherspoon should have the disposal of the income from this fund.

"The Board being informed that the Rev. Mr. Caldwell, of Elizabethtown, had taken a journey to the eastern parts of Long Island, and had set on foot a subscription there, as well as at Elizabethown, for the use of the College," Mr. W. P. Smith (the Clerk) "was desired to give to Mr. Caldwell the thanks of the Board, and to request his endeavors to have the money collected when payable, and sent to bins; and that he remit the same, when received, to the Treasurer of the College, taking his receipt in discharge."

Hoping, from information received, that considerable benefactions would he obtained from the friends of learning and religion in South Carolina should a personal application be made to them by a duly-authorized agent, the Board requested the Rev. Dr. John Rodgers, of New York, a member of the Board, to undertake this service; which he consented to do, with the understanding that provision should be made for the supply of his pulpit during his absence.

Other friends interested themselves in behalf of the College, as appears from the following minute:

"The Board being informed that several friends of the College in different parts of the country have set on foot subscriptions to increase the funds, do approve and gratefully acknowledge the measures taken by them for this purpose, and do recommend the further promoting and encouragement of like subscriptions."

Upon the examination of the Treasurer’s accounts, it appeared that there was due to the Treasurer the sum of £183.11.6. What was the amount of the bonds held by the College at this time does not appear from the report of the committee charged with the duty of making this examination.

The next meeting of the Board was held on Wednesday, the 27th of September, 1769. This was the day of the annual Commencement; and this Commencement is one of note, from the following circumstances:

I. That the class then graduated was the first one which had had the privilege of being under the tuition and guidance of Dr. Witherspoon.

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2. That not a few of the graduates on this occasion became men of note in their day; and one of their number, Samuel Stanhope Smith, succeeded Dr. Witherspoon in the office of President of the College.

3. That at this Commencement the degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred upon two distinguished civilians of our country, viz., John Dickinson and Joseph Galloway, Esquires, of Philadelphia—this being the first time that this degree was conferred by the Trustees of this institution.

Upon the resignation of Mr. Periam, Mr. Jeremiah Halsey was chosen Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, with a salary of one hundred and twenty-five pounds; but he declined the appointment. Mr. Wm. Churchill Houston, the Master of the College grammar-school, was then chosen a Tutor in the room of Mr. Periam. At the same time Mr. Tapping Reeve was appointed a Tutor in the place of Mr. Pemberton, resigned.

The Rev. James Caldwell was chosen a Trustee to fill the vacancy occasioned by the decease of the Rev. William Kirkpatrick; and the Rev. John Blair, the late Professor of Divinity and of Moral Philosophy, was elected a Trustee in the room of the Rev. Mr. De Ronde, resigned. The Rev. Mr. Caldwell was also appointed "an agent of the Board to solicit subscriptions for the benefit of the College in Maryland, Virginia, the two Carolines, and Georgia,"—the Trustees engaging to pay his expenses, and also the expense of supplying his pulpit during his absence.

Mr. Caldwell was well received at the South, and his mission was attended with happy results. The subscriptions obtained by him for the College were estimated at not less than one thousand pounds proc., over and above all expenses. Some of the subscriptions were in moneys, and others in the produce of the country. The subscriptions in Georgia, for the most part, were to be paid in produce.

To the payment of their debts, as well as to the soliciting of funds, the Board now gave their attention. Preceding the record of the matters just mentioned occurs the following minute, under the date of September 28, 1769:

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"Whereas an order hath heretofore been made on the Treasurer for the payment of a certain Bill of Exchange formerly drawn for the sum of £125 sterling by Mr. Field, Bookseller, of London, on Mr. Jeremiah Halsey; and as a debate hath arisen relating to the rate of Exchange and Interest to be allowed on said Bill, it was now referred to the Board to ascertain the same, which being taken into consideration, the Exchange was fixed as supposed to be at or about the Time of presentation of said Bill, at the rate of 72 1/2; the sum therefore (including the Interest, also now calculated and allowed) was found to amount to £248.6. 6 proclamation money of New Jersey, which the Treasurer of this College is hereby warranted to pay in full discharge of said Bill of Exchange."

The chief interest of this extract is the evidence it furnishes that the purchasing of books in London for the use of the students, begun in Mr. Burr’s administration, was still continued.

But money matters were not the only things to which the attention of the Board was given, essential as these were to the very being of the College.

"The Board taking into consideration the great want of a Philosophical Apparatus, for the use of the students in this College in Natural Philosophy, of which it has long been destitute, It was now Resolved, That Dr. Witherspoon, Mr. Bryan, Dr. Shippen, Dr. Redman, Dr. Harris, Mr. Beatty, and Mr. Caldwell, or any three of them, be a committee to consult and determine upon such and so many of the instruments belonging to an Apparatus as may be judged by them to be the most necessary and immediately wanted. And the said committee are empowered to send their orders to England for the same as they conveniently can: Provided the amount of the cost exceed not the sum of £250 sterling."

Arts, and five graduates of the College to the second degree. Four gentlemen received the honorary degree of A.M., and five others the degree of Doctor in Divinity. This was the first occasion on which this degree of D.D. was conferred by this College. The gentlemen upon whom it was conferred were,— The Rev. Robert Finley, of Glasgow, in North Britain; the Rev. John Gillies, of Glasgow, in North Britain; the Rev. Archibald Laidly, of New York; the Rev. George Muir, of Paisley, in North Britain; the Rev. Ebenezer Pemberton, of Boston, New England.

Mr. Pemberton was one of the Trustees of the College under the first charter, as well as under the one given by Governor

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Belcher. Having resigned his pastoral charge in New York, and having removed to Boston in 1754, he vacated his seat at the Board.

At this meeting of the Trustees provision was made for the sending of a small vessel from Philadelphia to Georgia in order to receive such of the promised benefactions as were to be made from the products of the country.

Some misunderstanding having arisen with respect to the import of a law passed by the Board in December, 1767, "for ascertaining the power and authority of the respective officers of the College," which officers at this time were the President and the Tutors,—there being no Professors or fully-organized Faculty,—the Trustees thought it proper to declare "that the President of the College for the time being is invested with the sole direction as to the methods of education to be pursued in this Seminary." The rule giving each particular officer "the sole authority of directing the times and manner of the recitations" of their respective classes was passed at a time when there was no regular President, and was designed for the guidance of the officers then in the charge of the College.

In their explanatory minute of their former action, the Trustees pay the following compliment to Dr. Witherspoon

"And the Trustees are the rather induced to make the above explanation and amendment of said law, for that when it was enacted the President elect was resident in Great Britain, and it was uncertain how long a time might elapse before he should actually take the chair; but now he hath actually taken upon himself the charge of the College, and the Trustees have been so fully satisfied from experience of his great abilities in the management of the Institution committed to his care, and with high pleasure have seen his indefatigable labors and success in raising the reputation of the College, they are clearly of the opinion that all the authority above declared to be annexed by the said law to the office of President of the College, is highly proper to be put into the hands of the Rev. Dr. Wither-spoon, the now President."

Further order was taken in regard to the investment of the College funds, and to the safe-keeping of all writings, records, and papers belonging to the Corporation, and with respect to the recording of the deeds in the possession of the Board; and also in reference to the management of the library and for the preservation and increase of the same; each student, and each

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resident graduate, being required to pay to the Steward of the College for the use of the library "eighteen pence per quarter."

For various purposes the Steward of the College appears to have discharged the duties of a deputy treasurer.

A legacy of fifty pounds, from the estate of the late Mr. Robert Walker, was paid to the Treasurer of the College by Richard Walker, Esq., of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, brother of the deceased, to be expended at the discretion of the Rev. Messrs. Treat and Beatty, two Trustees of the College, in aiding poor and pious youths pursuing their studies at this College with the design of entering the ministry.

Information being received of the decease of the Honorable Win. Smith, of New York, the Rev. Jeremiah Halsey is chosen to supply his place at the Board.

In the summer of 1770, and again in 1772, there was manifest among the students an unusual interest in the subject of religion and of personal piety, of which further mention will be made in the memoir of Dr. Witherspoon.

The Tutors, Messrs. Thompson and Reeve, having resigned, Messrs. Richard Devens and Samuel S. Smith were chosen to fill their places.

The following minute shows that the Trustees still continued to recognize their close connection with the Presbyterian Church:

"Resolved, That Mr. Caldwell be desired, in the name of the Board, to transmit letters to the several Presbyteries belonging to the Synod of New York and Philadelphia who have set forward subscriptions in their respective bounds for the benefit of this College, praying their care and diligence to collect or take proper securities for the moneys subscribed, and that they be pleased to direct that exact accounts of the same be brought to the next meeting of the Synod, and that Dr. Witherspoon, Dr. Rodgers, Mr. Treat, and Mr. Bryan be a committee to settle with the Presbyteries."

Dr. Witherspoon was desired to return the thanks of the Board, by letter, to such gentlemen as were known to be most active and zealous in obtaining the late subscriptions. This collection of funds for the College was the result of the action by the Synod the year previous.*

A committee was appointed to consider the expediency of

* See Minutes of the Synod, pages 396 and 397.

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applying to the Council of Proprietors at Perth Amboy for a grant of one thousand acres of land for the use of the institution, with power to make such application, if judged advisable. Upon conference, and probably alter some inquiry, the committee deemed it inexpedient to pursue the matter, and so reported to the Board.

A new agreement was entered into with the Steward, according to which each student was required to pay in advance, for commons, the sum of £7.10 every half-year, which sum for twenty-one weeks, a half-year, exclusive of the vacation, was at the rate of £7.1 3/4 proc., or 95 5/18 cents, a week; and it was further ordered, that all College charges should be paid half yearly, in advance. It was afterwards ordered, that in case three students were lodged in the same room, they should pay in all only five pounds a year rent.

At the Commencement of 1771 there were but twelve graduates; but of these several attained great eminence, and one of them, James Madison, became tile fourth President of the United States.

In the account of the competition of the students on the 24th of September, 1771, the day preceding the annual Commencement of the College, it is stated, in the "Pennsylvania Chronicle," that premiums were awarded in reading the English language with propriety, and in Orthography,—1. To Aaron Burr, of the Junior class; 2. To W. Linn, of the Junior class; and, 3. To Belcher P. Smith, of the Sophomore class. In extempore exercises in Latin, to H. Brockholst Livingston and David Witherspoon, both of the Freshman class, equally. In reading the Latin and Greek Languages with proper quantity,—1. To John Witherspoon, of the Sophomore class; 2. To Aaron Burr; 3. To Henry Lee, of the Sophomore class, For the translation of English into Latin, to Henry Lee.

In public speaking the competitors were numerous, and it was very difficult to decide the pre-eminence; but the majority of the votes gave the premiums,—1. To W. Bradford, of the Freshman class; 2. To W. Linn; 3. To Hugh Hodge, of the Freshman class.

The exercises on the 25th of September were as follows:

1. The Latin Salutatory, "De societate hominum," by Mr. Brackenridge.

2. The proposition, "Mendacium est semper illicitum," was defended by Mr. Williamson, and opposed in a syllogistic way by Messrs. McKnight and Taylor.

3. " Moral qualities are confessedly more excellent than natural; yet the latter are much more envied in the possessor by the generality of mankind; a sure sign of the corrupt bias of human nature," was supported by Mr. Black, and opposed by Mr. Cheeseman, and answered by Mr. Taylor.

4. An Oration on "The advantages of an active life," by Mr. Campbell.

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The business of the forenoon concluded with an anthem.

5. At three o’clock.—An Oration on "The Idea of a Patriot King," by Mr. Spring.

6. An English forensic dispute on this question: "Does Ancient Poetry excel the Modern ?" Mr. Freneau, the Respondent, being necessarily absent, his arguments, in favor of the Ancients, were read. Mr. Williamson answered him, and Mr. McKnight replied.

7. A Poem on "The Rising Glory of America," by Mr. Brackenridge, was received with great applause by the audience.

8. An Oration on "The Power of Eloquence," by Mr. Ross.

The students sung an anthem, and twelve members of the Senior class were admitted to the first degree in the Arts, and six Alumni of the College proceeded Masters of Arts.

9. A pathetic Valedictory Oration on Benevolence was pronounced by Mr. Bedford.

Mr. James Madison was excused from taking any part in the exercises.

The most important measure adopted by the Board at this time was the establishing of the Professorship of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, and the appointment of Mr. Houston, the senior Tutor, as the incumbent. The minute relating to this subject is as follows

"Pursuant to a Plan heretofore concerted, for the establishment of Professorships in various branches of learning in this College, as soon as funds should be found to admit of their support, the Trustees resumed the consideration of that measure; and conceiving it to be expedient that a Mathematical Professor, as most immediately requisite, be now chosen in the place of one of the Tutors, proceeded to the election of a Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, when William Ch. Houston, MA., now Senior Tutor in the College, was declared to be unanimously elected to that office. It was then resolved that for the present the salary of the said Mr. Houston, as Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, be the sum of one hundred and twenty-five pounds proc., and that the Board will hereafter provide for his better support, as their funds will admit and the future situation of the said Professor shall reasonably require, as it is intended by this Board that the said Professorship shall be permanent in this College for the future."

In adopting the first part of this minute the Trustees seem to have forgotten their action at the time of the Rev. Professor Blair’s resignation, when they resolved, "That a former vote of this Board respecting a Faculty to be established in this College be, for the reasons above, wholly vacated and annulled."

Mr. Houston accepted the appointment, and for twelve years discharged the duties of his office with great fidelity and success, and to the entire satisfaction of the Trustees, at the end of which time he resigned, to enter upon the practice of the law.

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Professor Houston was a native of North or South Carolina, and a graduate of the College of New Jersey in 1768. While yet a student, he had charge of the grammar-school under the control of the President of the College. In 1769 he was chosen a Tutor, and in 1771, as above mentioned, he was elected Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy. He was a member of the Continental Congress in 1780, and he was chosen a member of the Convention to prepare a Constitution for the United States. But ill health prevented his taking a seat in this body. He died at Frankford, Pennsylvania, in 1788, before the completion of his forty-third year; yet he had the reputation of being a scholar, a teacher, a lawyer, and a statesman of much more than ordinary ability.

A committee was appointed "to examine into the state of the College funds, to take an exact list of all bonds, notes, &c., now in the Treasurer’s hands, an account of all interest due, and to inquire into the state of the securities. And the said Committee are empowered to direct the immediate prosecution of all such bonds, notes, &c., as they may judge to be in precarious circumstances. The Committee is also desired to make out as precise an account as possible of all the Donations, Benefactions, and Subscriptions made or received since the arrival of Dr. Witherspoon, in addition to the then Funds of the College, together with an account of all moneys disbursed; distinguishing on what particular accounts, and what sums in each account respectively; and snake report of the whole at the next meeting."

There is no record in the minutes of the Board of any report from this committee. A special meeting of the Board was held on the 11th of March, 1772.

In consequence of representations made to the Board that there was "a fair prospect of collecting a considerable sum for the use of this College, in the West Indies, the Trustees requested Dr. Witherspoon to engage in this service, and provision was made to defray the expenses of his agency. Dr. Witherspoon consenting to undertake this labor, the Rev. Elihu Spencer, one of the Trustees, was chosen to act as Vice-President during Dr. Witherspoon’s absence.

"Dr. Witherspoon informed the Board that his son, Mr. James Witherspoon, proposed going to Barbadoes, and generously offered his service for the benefit of the Institution. The Board therefore cheerfully agree to make out a commission for Mr. Witherspoon, enabling him to receive such benefactions as he may have the opportunity of obtaining either in Barbadoes, Antigua, or any other of the West India Islands:"

The Board, taking into consideration the encouraging prospects of obtaining benefactions in Barbadoes and other of the Windward Islands, think proper to send an agent more expressly for said purpose, and desire the Rev. Charles Beatty to

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undertake the service in conjunction with Mr. Witherspoon, or otherwise, as may appear most advantageous to the general design. The summing up of this promising effort is to be found in the following minute of the Board, under the date of September 30, 1772 "Dr. Witherspoon did not undertake the tour to the West Indies, according to the appointment of the Board last Spring, for very sufficient reasons which occurred after the meeting. Mr. Beatty, according to appointment, went to Barbadoes, where he died on the 13th of August, before he made any collections for the College."

Upon learning that Mr. Edward Ireland, of Barbadoes, had shown particular kindness to Mr. Beatty, it was ordered, "That Mr. W. P. Smith, the Clerk, write to Mr. Ireland a letter of thanks in the name of the Board."

Within ten days after consenting to visit the West Indies, and doubtless to prepare the way for his solicitation of benefactions, Dr. Witherspoon penned an address to the inhabitants of Jamaica and other West India Islands in behalf of the College, in which he gave a succinct account of the origin and design of the College, and of the facilities it offered to the people of the West Indies for the education of their children.*

Upon the death of Mr. Beatty, the Board, not being prepared to appoint another agent for this mission to the West Indies, referred the further prosecution of it to the judgment of a large committee, of which the President of the College was made the chairman; and here the matter ended.

"The Board being informed that some persons in the County of Essex refused to pay their subscriptions to the College, Mr. [W. P.] Smith was desired to prosecute them in the name of the Board, if they refuse upon further application to them."

Dr. Witherspoon and Mr. Halsey were appointed a committee to arrange matters for the drawing of a Lottery at New Castle, Delaware, for the benefit of the College; and a bond was ordered to be given to George Monroe and others, "in the penalty of fifty thousand pounds proclamation money, with condition to indemnify them from all damages, costs, and charges which they may sustain by reason of their becoming managers of the Lottery."

Elias Boudinot, Esq., was chosen a Trustee, in the room of John Berrien, Esq., deceased.

It was ordered, "That fifty pounds proc. should be paid to Mr. Halsey for his services in the management of a previous lottery."

* This address is to be found in the fourth volume of his works, published in 1800, by W. W. Woodward, of Philadelphia.

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Mr. Halsey, having been requested to collect the deeds belonging to the College, laid before the Board a number of deeds, one of which was a deed from Nathaniel Fitz Randolph for the lot on which the College stands, and another was a deed from Thomas Leonard for a burying-ground.

From a perusal of the minutes of the Board, it would seem that from the accession of Dr. Witherspoon to the presidency until the present time the attention of both President and Trustees had been directed almost exclusively to the property of the College, and to the increase of its resources; but this was far from being the case. We do not, indeed, find any detailed reports of the course of instruction, yet occasionally in these minutes we get a glimpse of what the President and Tutors were doing, and of the encouragement which they received from the Trustees; and we are assured from the success attending their teachings, and from the eminence attained by many of their pupils, both in the Church and in the State, that the instruction was most ably and efficiently conducted.

Among the minutes of the Board at this date, September, 1772, is the following

"Teaching Hebrew being considered by the Board of great importance, especially to those who intend to study Divinity, Mr. Devens, one of the present Tutors in the College, is appointed to instruct those in Hebrew who offer themselves for that purpose. And although the Board do not enjoin it upon all, as a part of College study necessary for a degree, yet they direct the President earnestly to recommend the knowledge of Hebrew, and to take such methods as he judges most convenient to engage the students to learn as far as necessary."

The passage of this resolution at this time probably led Dr. Green to think that the introduction of Hebrew as a College study was due to Dr. Witherspoon.

Candidates for the first degree in the Arts were required to submit their speeches to the President for correction and approval at least four weeks before the Commencement; and it was resolved the next year that any candidate who should neglect to comply with this order should be denied his degree.

Mr. Devens, a Tutor, having resigned on account of ill health, Mr. James Grier was chosen to supply his place.

The custom, which continues to the present time, was now

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introduced of appointing a committee of the Trustees to attend the final examinations of the students for their degrees.

With one exception, the Senior class of 1773 was the largest class graduated at this College during the presidency of Dr. Witherspoon. It contained twenty-nine members, three of whom became Governors of their respective States, and three others Presidents of three different colleges. The Governors were Henry Lee, of Virginia, Morgan Lewis, of New York, and Aaron Ogden, of New Jersey. The college Presidents were James Dunlap, of Jefferson College, Pennsylvania, John McKnight, of Dickinson College, Pennsylvania, and John Blair Smith, of Hampden Sidney College, Virginia, and afterwards of Union College, New York. The Commencement this year (1773) was honored by the presence of his Excellency Governor Franklin.

A committee, consisting of Dr. Witherspoon, Mr. Spencer, and Mr. Boudinot, was appointed to procure a public dinner at the next Commencement, and to give invitations to such strangers attending the exercises of that day as they may judge proper. The dinner was provided, and the expense was £ 11.15. The bill was ordered to be paid, but at the same time it was "ordered, that there be for the future no public dinner at the expense of the Board." The dinner here spoken of appears to have been the first and for some time the only public dinner at the expense of the Board.

Mr. S. S. Smith resigns his office of Tutor, and Mr. Richard Devens, for a time a colleague, and who had resigned on account of ill health, was now reappointed, but he continued in office only until the ensuing spring.

The Clerk was directed to collect all the by-laws and regulations which had been made from time to time and to lay them before the Board.

It appears from a minute of this date, September, 1773, that a legacy had been left to the College by Mr. James King, of Delaware; but what was the sum given, or the purpose of the bequest, does not appear from the minutes of the Board.

A meeting of the Board was held on the i₉th of April, 1774,

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at which Governor Franklin, President Witherspoon, and twelve other Trustees were present.

Among the minutes of this meeting is the following:

"And whereas it has been represented, and upon inquiry it hath appeared to this Board, that Samuel Leake, a member of the present Senior class, was not long since singularly active in encouraging and promoting some unwarrantable and riotous proceedings among the students, particularly in publickly burning the effigies of his Excellency Governor Hutchinson, and also insulting an honourable member of this Board for endeavouring in a very becoming manner to prevent the said riot-ous proceedings; and the Board being also informed that the said Samuel Leake, notwithstanding his conduct, hath been appointed by the Faculty to the honour of the Salutatory Oration at the ensuing Commencement, this Board doth highly disapprove of his designation to that honour, and do hereby vacate that choice, and direct the President of the College to appoint another Orator in his room."

This order of the Board was as severe a censure of the Faculty as of Mr. Leake, who appears to have been the first scholar in his class, and who, on the score of merit as a scholar, was entitled to the position assigned him by the Faculty; and if permitted to take any part in the Commencement exercises, there does not appear to be any sufficient reason why he should not have the place of Salutatory orator. Although the President, Dr. Witherspoon, and the other members of the Faculty could not approve of the conduct of Mr. Leake and of his companions on the occasion here referred to, yet it is not improbable they looked with a more indulgent eye upon the offences of these young men than did a majority of the Board, and that the Faculty sympathized, to some extent at least, with their pupils in their disapproval of sundry obnoxious acts of the Governor of Massachusetts, and of the support he gave to those measures of the British Ministry which eventually drove the Cob-flies into rebellion and to establish a government for themselves free and altogether independent of the English Crown. Two years later the very men who severely condemned young Leake were as rebellious against British rule as he ever was, and two more earnest rebels were not to be found than the President of the College and the Trustee to whom, it is believed, reference is made in the minute cited above, and who was a resident of Princeton. In fact, the Trustees were all of them rebels and supporters of the Confederation.

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After his graduation Mr. Leake received from Dr. Witherspoon a written certificate of his qualifications to teach Latin, Greek, and Mathematics, to which was appended the following:

"I must also add, that he gave particular attention to the English language while here, and is probably better acquainted with its structure, propriety, and force than most of his years and standing in this country."

Mr. Leake became a distinguished lawyer and an eminent Christian man, and he died at his residence in the city of Trenton in the year 1820.

His son-in-law, the Rev. Elijah Slack, LL.D., was Vice-President of the College and Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy from 1812 to 1817.

In the summer following this action of the Board in reference to Mr. Leake, John Adams, the second President of the United States, visited Princeton, and of this visit President Adams has left the following account. It is taken from his Life by his grandson:

"August 27, 1774. About 12 o’clock we arrived at the tavern in Princeton which holds out the sign of Hudibras, near Nassau hall. The College is a stone building about as large as that at New York. It stands upon rising ground, and so commands a prospect of the country. After dinner Mr. Pigeon, a student, son of Mr. Pigeon, of Watertown, to whom we brought a letter, took a walk with us, and shewed us the seat of Mr. Stockton, a lawyer of this place and one of the Trustees of the College; as we returned we met Mr. Euston [Houston], professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, who kindly invited us to his chamber. We went. The College is conveniently constructed: instead of entries across the building, the entries are from end to end, and the chambers are on each side of the entries. There are such entries one above another in every story; each chamber has three windows, two studies with one window in each, and one window between the studies to enlighten the chamber.

"Mr. Euston [ Houston] then shewed us the Library; it is not large, but has some good hooks. He then led us into the Apparatus; here we saw a most beautiful machine,* an orrery or planetarium constructed by Mr. Rittenhouse, of Philadelphia. It exhibits almost every motion in the Astronomical world: the motions of the sun and all the planets, with all their satellites, the eclipses of the moon, sun, &c. He shewed us another orrery which exhibits the true inclination of the orbit of each of the planets to the plane of the ecliptic. He then shewed us the electri

* For a full description of this machine, see vol. i. of the " Transactions of the American Philosophical Society."

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cal apparatus, which is the most complete and elegant I have seen. He charged a bottle and attempted an experiment, but the state of the air was not favorable. By this time the bell rang for prayers: we went into the chapel; the President soon cause in, and we attended. The scholars sung as badly as the Presbyterians in New York. After prayers the President attended us to the balcony of the College, where we had a prospect of an horizon of about eighty miles in diameter. We went into the President’s house and drank a glass of wine. He is as high a son of liberty as any man in America."

The following important minute in reference to the finances of the College was adopted:

"The Treasurer’s accounts being called for, it appeared necessary that the state of the College funds should be more carefully examined and adjusted than could be done by the Board during the present session: they do therefore appoint Messrs. [W.] P. Smith, Mr. Livingston, Mr. McWhorter, Mr. Boudinot, and Mr. Caldwell, or any three of them, a committee to meet at Princeton, on the 15th of August next, at 5 o’clock p.m., and as often afterwards as they may judge necessary, to examine, adjust, and state the College funds, and draw up a plan for the conduct of the Treasurer, with respect to the management of the fund in his hands, and report the same to the next meeting of the Board. And for this purpose they have power to call upon the Treasurer for his accounts, and for any bond and papers belonging to the College in his hands. And the Treasurer is ordered in the mean time to collect all the bonds, notes, securities or their vouchers, the property of the Trustees, and to do all other things in his power that will enable the Committee to form a just estimate of the College funds."

The committee went to work in earnest, and made a very laborious examination of all matters connected with the finances of the College, and made their report in April, 1775, exhibiting the state of the several accounts to September, 1774. Although not chairman of the committee, Mr. Boudinot was the author of the report, as may be inferred from what is said in a like report made by him in 1793. (For further notice of these reports, see Appendix.)

The records for the year 1776 are very brief. Wednesday, the 25th of September, was the day for the annual Commencement, and as ten of the Trustees, including the Governor of the State and the President of the College, were assembled on that occasion, and as the exercises for the day had been assigned some time before, it is highly probable that these exercises were attended to in the usual manner; but, as there was not a quorum of the Board present, the usual degrees could not be conferred at this time. The Trustees who were present agreed

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to recommend that the first degree in the Arts should be conferred upon the candidates for this distinction at the next meeting of the Board; and they directed their Clerk to summon the Trustees to a meeting to be held on the third Wednesday of the following November.

The following N. B. is appended to the minutes for 1776:

"The incursions of the Enemy into the State and the depredations of the armies prevented this meeting: and indeed all regular business in the College for two or three years."

This last remark shows what otherwise is apparent from an inspection of the first volume of the minutes of the Board, viz., that the minutes for this period were not entered at once in the volume, but some few years after.

The next meeting of the Board was held at Cooper’s Ferry, New Jersey, on the banks of the Delaware, May 24,1777, Governor Livingston, Dr. Witherspoon, and eleven other Trustees being present. The young gentlemen, twenty-seven in number, who in September last, 1776, were not admitted to their first degree in the Arts, for the want of a quorum of the Board, now received that honor; and it was resolved, "That they receive their diplomas as soon as the confusions of the war will admit of it."

The following extracts are taken from the minutes of the Board at this meeting:

"It was proposed for consideration, whether it will he expedient to collect the students of the College and endeavor to proceed with their usual instruction. After deliberation, Agreed, that if the enemy remove out of this State, Dr. Wither-spoon is desired to call the students together at Princeton, and to proceed with their education in the best manner he can, considering the state of public affairs. And if more students can be collected than the Doctor can instruct himself, he is directed to obtain such assistance as may be necessary.

"Dr. Witherspoon, Mr. Stockton, and Mr. Spencer were appointed a committee to determine what repairs are necessary for the convenience of the students, and to order them to he made. But they are directed to go no further than shall appear requisite to save the building, and to accommodate those students who may be collected."

"Dr. Witherspoon was desired to move the Congress to resolve that troops shall not hereafter be quartered in the College."

The Trustees, receiving information of the decease of Jonathan Sergeant, Esq., the Treasurer of the College, appointed a

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committee to settle with Mr. Sergeant's executors, and to take charge of the College funds, and to put them into "the Continental loan office," unless a more advantageous investment could be made. Mr. Sergeant had been Treasurer from September 26, 1750, and he had also been an active and efficient friend of the College. He was a son-in-law of the Rev. Jonathan Dickinson, the first President. At this meeting, also, intelligence was received of the decease of the Rev. William Tennent, of Monmouth County, New Jersey, a Trustee named in the charter given by Governor Belcher. As the preceding history shows, Mr. Tennent was several times chosen President of the College pro tempore, and discharged his duties to the entire satisfaction of the Trustees and other friends of the institution. He was an eminently good man, and an earnest and successful minister of the gospel. The Rev. George Duffield was elected a Trustee in his room.

The Clerk was directed to give Mr. Brainerd an order upon Dr. Ewing, one of the executors of the late Treasurer, for the sum of thirty pounds, two years interest of three hundred pounds lodged in the hands of the Corporation, at the disposal of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, for the support of an Indian mission, and by that body granted to Mr. Brainerd.

There were no Commencement exercises in 1777, but the members of the Senior class, seven in number, were subsequently admitted to the first degree in the Arts, and were accounted graduates for this year. In an address to the public through the newspapers, Dr. Witherspoon states these degrees were confirmed at the next meeting of the Board; and no doubt this was true, although the fact is not mentioned in the minutes of the meeting, which was held on the 16th of April, 1778.* At. this meeting Governor Livingston, Dr. Witherspoon, and twelve other Trustees were present. Three new Trustees were chosen. These were the Rev. Azel Roe, of Woodbridge, New

* In the minutes for September 25, 1782, the following occurs: "Resolved, likewise, that John Noel, Samuel Vickers, and James Hanna, alumni of the College, who on account of the confusions of the war have not received their degree of B.A, at the regular time, be now admitted to it." And in September 28, 1790, an order was passed for inserting in the catalogue for the year 1777 several names which had been omitted in the printed catalogue.

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Jersey, John Bayard, Esq., of Philadelphia, and Dr. Nathaniel Scudder, of New Jersey.

It was unanimously " Resolved, That application be made to the Legislature of this State to confirm the Charter," to reduce the number requisite for a quorum, and to make such other alterations as the late revolution and the circumstances of the country may render necessary. And a committee was appointed to make a draft of a charter as conformable as possible to the existing one, excepting the alterations just indicated.

Mr. Joshua M. Wallace, Jr., was chosen Treasurer of the College, but he never took upon himself the duties of the office; and at the meeting of the Board, April 21, 1779, Wm. Churchill Houston, Esq., was chosen Treasurer, and for some years he discharged the duties of this office as well as those of his Professorship. Some years after Mr. Wallace was chosen a Trustee of the College.

It was "agreed to present a petition to the Council, and another to the Assembly [of the State], requesting them to enact a law to exempt the masters and students of the College from military duty; and Dr. Witherspoon was appointed to draw up and to present these petitions on behalf of the Board." These petitions were eventually granted by the Legislature.

It was also "Resolved, That an attempt shall be made to revive the College studies, so long interrupted by the war;" and. Dr. Witherspoon was desired to publish in the New Jersey, Lancaster, and Fishkill papers that due attention will be given the instruction of youth in the College after the 10th of May next.

It was ordered, "That Mr. Halsey prepare a just statement of the accounts of the last College Lottery, and lay them before the Board at their next meeting."

There is in the minutes of the Board no record of any meeting of the Trustees at the regular time for the annual Commencement, but from an account of the proceedings published in the "New Jersey Gazette" of October 21, 1778, it appears that the Commencement exercises took place at Princeton, on Wednesday, the 30th of September, and that the first degree in the Arts was conferred upon five members of the Senior class, three of whom took part in the exercises. Orations were also

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pronounced by two of the candidates for the degree of Master of Arts.

The next meeting of the Board was held at Princeton, on Wednesday, the 21st of April, 1779. The embarrassed condition of the finances very naturally demanded and received the first attention of the Board, and measures were taken to secure the moneys due to the College, and for the soliciting of pecuniary aid in Pennsylvania and in New England. It was also found necessary to make further repairs to the College edifice, which had been much injured during the time it was occupied by the troops; and the resolutions adopted respecting the extent to which the repairs should be made show both the injury which had been done to the building and the low state of the College funds. The Trustees had petitioned Congress for a remuneration of their losses, and they seem to have had some hope that their claim would be allowed and paid. The sum actually received was very small as compared with the damage done by the American soldiery.

William Livingston, Esq., having been chosen Governor of the State, and thereby the President of the Board, Jonathan Bayard Smith, Esq., of Philadelphia, was chosen a Trustee in his room,

The following minute shows that the Trustees were desirous to deal liberally with the officers of the College:

"Agreed, That notwithstanding the interruption of the College exercises by the war, their salaries shall be continued to Dr. Witherspoon and Professor Houston. They are, however, to give as much attention to the instruction of such youth as may be sent to the College as their circumstances and those of the place will admit, till the building shall be repaired, and the state of public affairs will afford an opportunity to conduct the education in the College in a more complete manner."

In September of this year the Commencement took place as usual, and six of the students were admitted to their first degree in the Arts. They all became men of more or less note; the most distinguished of them being the Hon. Richard Stockton, LL.D., of Princeton, New Jersey.

Dr. Moses Scott, of New Brunswick, appointed an agent to make collections for the College in the State of Pennsylvania, reported that he had collected, exclusive of his expenses,

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the sum of four hundred and fifteen pounds, which he had paid to Dr. Witherspoon.

The most important measure taken by the Board at this time, September 29, 1779, was the appointment of the Rev. Samuel S. Smith Professor of Moral Philosophy. This appointment was made at the suggestion of Dr. Witherspoon; and the minute respecting it is evidence that the proposal was highly acceptable to the Trustees. The Professor elect was then at the head of an academy, subsequently chartered under the name of Hampden Sidney College, Prince Edward County, Virginia. He came to Princeton, and began his duties here on the 12th of December, 1779.

Dr. Witherspoon offered to relinquish one-half of his salary of four hundred pounds a year, provided the Board would make the proposed appointment, and would allow the tuition-money of the students for the ensuing year to himself, Professor Houston, and the Professor to be elected; this to be done with the understanding that if they required the assistance of a Tutor in the instruction of the students they were to pay him,

Before Professor Smith’s arrival, notice was given in the public papers by President Witherspoon and Professor Houston that the vacation of the College would end on Monday, the 8th of November, and that of the grammar-school on the 27th of October. The latter part of the advertisement is as follows:

"As there is a universal complaint of the want of opportunities of educating youth among us at present, it is proper to inform the public, that agreeably to former advertisements, the instruction in this School and College has been regularly carried on since the enemy left the State. The Grammar School is numerous and flourishing, and the difficulties in the way of filling the College are now in a great measure removed. The repairs of the building are in great forwardness, and will go on without interruption, so that there will he comfortable accommodations for as many as may probably attend this fall. Tho’ the number of under-graduates or proper College members did not exceed ten, yet one or other of the subscribers was constantly upon the spot. Now another Professor is chosen, and a tutor engaged, so that parents and guardians may depend upon the utmost care being taken of the youth. Boarding may be had at the same price as formerly, making allowance for the state of the currency.

"The French language is taught, and great attention paid to every branch of English Education.

"Signed,

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The above is taken from the "New Jersey Gazette" of the date of October 13, 1779, published at Trenton, New Jersey.

Four or five months after, viz., on the 24th of February, 1780, Dr. Witherspoon prepared an address to the public, giving some information respecting the College and the grammar-school, which were, to use his own words, "beginning to recover from the desolations they have suffered in consequence of the war, as the scholars are collected from the most distant parts of the continent, and even the West Indies." His main object, however, seems to have been to give some good advice to .the teachers and parents of youth who were preparing to enter college. ("New Jersey Gazette" for March 15, 1780.)

At the Commencement held on Wednesday, the 27th of September, 1780, the Trustees had a meeting as usual on such occasions, and conferred the first degree in the Arts upon six candidates for this honor. At this and at the preceding Commencement premiums were awarded to the successful competitors for them in the matters of grammar, syntax, etc., of the Latin and English languages.

Dr. Witherspoon reported to the Board "that the Legislature have passed an act confirming the charter of the College, but have not thought proper to lessen the quorum."

"The Rev. Robert Smith reported that himself and others had taken some pains in Pennsylvania to make collections of money for the College; and he delivered to the Board two hundred and thirty-eight pounds ten shillings, which were collected in the Forks of the Brandy-wine, and paid to Dr. Witherspoon."

"Dr. Witherspoon proposed, that if the Board would continue the salary of four hundred pounds to himself and Professor Smith, with the tuition-money, they would procure a sufficient number of tutors to carry on the instruction of the College without any further expense to this Board."

"Resolved, That the Board do agree to the above proposal."

"Dr. Witherspoon was directed to state an account against the public for the rents of the College while it was used by their agents as a barracks and hospital, and to endeavor to recover the money as soon as possible."

"Mr. Halsey was desired to settle the accounts of the last College Lottery speedily; and in the first place to call in and pay out all debts due to or from the Lottery, particularly to discharge the debt due to Mr. Geddes, and then to lay the whole of the accounts before Mr. Boudinot, who was empowered to settle with him on behalf of the Board."

The Mr. Geddes here named had drawn a prize of several hundred pounds in-the last lottery, the pay of which was

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deferred for some years, owing no doubt, in a great measure, to the failure to raise funds at this time through the lottery. The settlement of Mr. Geddes’s claim gave the Board much trouble. One happy result of this was, that no further effort was made for thirty years to obtain authority to-draw another lottery for the benefit of the College, and, more happily still, the only other endeavor to obtain permission to draw one was unsuccessful. This last application for a lottery was made in 1813 or 1814, and was denied; but not from any scruple of conscience on the part of the members of the Legislature, for while they refused permission to the College of New Jersey they allowed the Trustees of Queen’s College, now Rutgers, to raise by lottery for the resuscitation of that institution some twenty or thirty thousand dollars.

The next meeting of the Board was held on the 3oth of May, 1781, and in the mean time three of the Trustees had died. These were the Hon. Richard Stockton, the Rev. Jeremiah Halsey, and the Rev. John Brainerd; and in their room the Board elected his Excellency Joseph Reed, Esq., President of the State of Pennsylvania, the Rev. Dr. Alexander McWhorter, who had returned to Newark from the South, and the Rev. James Boyd.

The Board continued their sessions to next day. "The Rev. James Caldwell laid before the Board his account current with the corporation, containing an account of the moneys received and paid by him as one of the committee for managing the treasury since May 26, 1777." This account was referred to the committee for collecting and stating an account of the funds. It is evident that Mr. Caldwell, who had taken an active part in soliciting funds for the College, and who at this time was the Clerk of the Board, had the principal share of the labor assigned to the committee charged with the duties of the Treasurer. It is also evident, from the arrangement made with the President and the Professors of the College with respect to the tuition fees, that the income of the College from this source was altogether inadequate to the support of the President and Professors,—their salaries amounting to six hundred pounds a year. And two-thirds of this sum, if not the whole of the six

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hundred pounds, were payable in coin, and not in the currency of that time, as appears from the following minute:

"In the agreement made with Dr. Witherspoon last September, the minutes do not express in what kind of money he-was to be paid; it is therefore now agreed, in the presence of Dr. Witherspoon, that he is to receive his salary in gold and silver, and not in current paper money of a depreciated value, which he has voluntarily agreed to receive his salary in for the two years preceding."

Hence in view of the funds requisite to pay the salaries of the officers of the College, to meet the incidental expenses, and to make the extensive repairs which were necessary to render the College edifice fit for the purposes of its erection, it must be obvious that there was need of large pecuniary assistance from the friends of the institution to meet all the yearly expenses and sustain the high standing and character which the College had attained as a place for the education of youth. Funds were solicited and liberally given; not for a permanent endowment, but for the meeting of pressing wants and immediate liabilities; and by means of these generous gifts the Trustees were enabled to maintain a Faculty composed of able men and of accomplished instructors equal to any in the land.

At this time "a proposal was laid before the Board, signed by William C. Houston and Samuel S. Smith, for conferring both the higher and the intermediate degrees in Theology and Law, in some method similar to those practised by the Universities in Europe, together with a draught of a plan for that purpose."

It was read, and the consideration of it deferred. At the next meeting of the Board it was referred to a committee consisting of Governor Livingston, Dr. Witherspoon, Mr. Boudinot, and Mr. Spencer, to consider and report thereon. The committee appear to have made a favorable report, but what were its peculiar features is not known, as the plan is not given in the minutes of the Board.*

From the beginning, one of the Trustees had been chosen Clerk of the Board whenever a vacancy occurred in that office.

* At the meeting held September 25, 1787, the Board adopted the following resolution: "That no person be admitted to the degree of Doctor in Divinity or Doctor of Laws unless with the consent of two-thirds of the members present." But this resolution, as inconsistent with the charter, was repealed in 1794.

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But at this meeting a motion was made to choose a Clerk who should not be one of the Board; "many inconveniences having arisen from one of the members officiating in that department, the same was agreed to, and the Rev. Samuel S. Smith was unanimously chosen to that office."

The selecting of a member of the Faculty to discharge the duties of Clerk to the Board was continued until the year 1823, when the Trustees resolved to make another change, and they chose one of their own number, then a resident of Princeton, their Clerk. Since that time the Clerks of the Board have been selected from the body of the Trustees.

It was resolved to petition the Legislature again for an alteration in the charter, by which the number requisite for a quorum should be lessened, and also to ask the General Assembly "to prevent the quartering of troops in the College, which is frequently practised."

"Mr. Boudinot having offered to the Board the draft of a petition to that purpose, Ordered, That it be signed by the President of the Board, and delivered into the hands of Dr. Scudder to be presented to the Assembly."

Two years after, the following minute occurs: "The honorable Legislature of this State, in consequence of an application made to them by the Board through Dr. N. Scudder, have been pleased to pass a law enabling the Board to hold its sessions by smaller quorums than formerly." This alteration in the charter made nine members of the Board regularly converted a quorum, provided the President of the Board, the President of the College, or the eldest Trustee, were one of the nine. The act as now passed was limited to five years; but it was subsequently re-enacted and made perpetual.

At the Commencement of 1781, six young gentlemen were admitted to the degree of Bachelor of the Arts, five of whom had pursued their studies at Princeton and had passed the usual examinations. The sixth, who was from Virginia, had completed his studies under the care of Professor Smith. The Commencement this year took place on the 26th of September.

"The Committee of Repairs reported that they had not been able to effect much in repairing the College, through a failure

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of the remittances that were ordered at the last session of the Board." Whereupon the following order was passed:

"Ordered, That every pupil who shall hereafter enter the College shall pay entrance money of one guinea, which, together with the rents of the chambers, shall be appropriated by the Treasurer as a fund to discharge the expense of such repairs as shall be judged to be indispensably necessary in the College. And as these moneys will arise too slowly to answer the demands of the workmen, President Reed [ of Pennsylvania] and Colonel Bayard are requested and authorized to borrow the necessary sum on the credit of the said fund."

This they were unable to do, and so reported at the next meeting of the Board. But they themselves generously advanced towards the repairs the sum of thirty-nine pounds, which was repaid to them by credits on the College bills of their sons.

"Dr. Witherspoon was requested to do his utmost to recover payment of the account against the United States, given to Congress, pursuant to an order of the Board, September 27, 1780, and was empowered to receive it in the name of the Trustees, and to carry it to their credit in the account of salary."

Two days after the Commencement, viz., on the 28th of September, 1781, Dr. Witherspoon prepared a communication addressed to the public on the condition of the College and with respect to the provision made for the teaching and boarding of the students. It was published in the " New Jersey Gazette" for October 10, 1781.

The following are the more important of the particulars mentioned:

1. That a considerable part of the College is already repaired, and that the Trustees have given directions for the completion of the repairs without delay; and that, as formerly, the under-graduates would be required to lodge in the College building, unless exempted by special permission from the President.

2. That board would be furnished by the Steward of the College for the moderate sum of ten shillings a week, and that no student would be permitted to board out of College without express license from the President, or, in his absence, from the senior Professor.

3. That every new scholar, at his first coming to College,

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must pay one guinea entrance, and at the rate of six pounds per annum tuition, and two pounds per annum for chamber rent; and that the charges for tuition and board must be paid every six months in advance, and that punctuality in making these advance payments would be rigidly insisted on.

The most particular and doubtless the most accurate account of the condition of the College edifice at this time is one given by the Rev. Dr. Ashbel Green, who was President of the. College from 1812 to 1822. It is contained in an address before the Alumni Association in 1840, in which he says:

"I entered this College on the 9th of May, 7782 The College buildings at that time consisted only of this edifice [ Nassau Hall], the President’s house, and a dwelling for the Steward, originally constructed for a College kitchen, and then used as such, although the family of the Steward had their residence in it. The lower and upper stories of this edifice still remained in the ruined state in which they had been left by the British and American armies, entirely uninhabited and uninhabitable, except that on the lowest story [now the cellar], at the east end, Dr. Witherspoon had fitted up a room for his grammar-school, and opposite to it, on the south side, another room was so far repaired as to be used for a dining-room, and in the fourth story [now the third] the Cliosophic Society had repaired one of the half-rooms in the north projection of the College, in which their meetings were held. The Whig Society was not reorganized till the summer of my first session in the College, and its its reorganization I had a leading part. In the two middle entries [the present cellar being then the first or lowest story], rooms enough had been repaired to accommodate all the students, whose whole number was, I believe, little, and but a little turned of forty. Some of the rooms in these entries still lay waste, and the whole building still exhibited the effects of General Washington’s artillery, who, in the battle of Princeton, caused it to be fired upon to drive out British troops who had taken refuge in it."

The annual Commencement for 1782 was held on the 25th of September of that year. Eleven candidates were admitted to the first degree in the Arts.

At a meeting of the Board at this time, Mr. Isaac Snowden, of Philadelphia, and the Rev. Jonathan Elmer, of Essex County, New Jersey, were chosen Trustees, in the room of Dr. Nathaniel Scudder and the Rev. James Caldwell, both deceased.*

* The deaths of these excellent men are remarkable for the manner of their occurrence. Both were killed instantly,—Dr. Scudder by a musket-ball fired by one of a refugee party, from whom the doctor and his associates were endeavoring to rescue some of their friends, who by this party had been taken prisoners and carried

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"Dr. Witherspoon represented to the Board the pains he had taken to have the accounts of the College against the United States given in to Congress, pursuant to an order of the Board of September 27, 780. Resolved, That Dr. Witherspoon take that account into his own hands and endeavor to compound it with the States, or otherwise turn it to the best advantage in his power and carry it to the credit of the Trustees.

"Messrs. John Bayard, Elias Boudinot, and Jonathan B. Smith were appointed to settle the old account between Dr. Witherspoon and the Trustees, previous to the year 1775."

From an examination of the Treasurer’s accounts, it appeared that the bonds and the certificates of stock, with the interest due on them, amounted to the sum of £3411.0.3. The balance in the hands of the Treasurer at this date was £13.18.

The following minutes are among the records of this meeting:

"Ordered, That the Treasurer do pay to Dr. Witherspoon on account six hundred pounds, including two hundred and seventeen pounds already paid to him by a bond on Mr. Elias Woodruff" (Steward of the College).

This bond was returned to the Board, with their consent.

"Resolved, That the management of the College be continued in the hands of Dr. Witherspoon, in the same manner as it has been ever since the confusions of the war."

"Ordered, That the Treasurer do immediately write to every obligor in arrear for interest on their respective bonds, that unless the interest is discharged without delay their bonds will be put into suit without further notice,—which he is to do accordingly,—the moneys arising therefrom to be applied to discharge the President’s salary."

-----

off from Colt’s Neck, Monmouth County, New Jersey. His death occurred on the 16th of October, 1781. It was said of him, "Few men have fallen in this country that were so useful, or so generally mourned for in death." His pastor, the Rev. John Woodhull, a Trustee of the College, preached at his funeral a sermon from the words, "And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah, and Jeremiah lamented for him."

Mr. Caldwell was killed by a sentinel at Elizabethtown Point, to which place he had gone to meet and to conduct to the town a sister of one of his parishioners, who was expected from New York in a flag-sloop. As Mr. Caldwell was about to step on board the sloop to return a small bundle which had been handed to him with the request that he would take it to the town, his murderer ordered him to stop, and upon his doing so the soldier presented his musket and shot him. He fell and expired immediately. He was an earnest and active patriot, as well as an able and devoted minister of the gospel. His wife was shot by a British soldier on the 8th of June, 1780. Both husband and wife were highly respected and greatly beloved. Mr. Caldwell’s murderer was tried and executed.

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These orders show the confidence reposed in Dr. Witherspoon, and also the low state of the College revenues.

"A letter from his Excellency John Dickinson, Esq., Governor of the Delaware State, to the President of the College, to be communicated to the Trustees, was read, enclosing a promissory note for £100, and proposing that the interest of so much of it as the Trustees may judge proper might annually, or as often as they approve, be applied in procuring a gold or silver medal to be bestowed upon the student who shall compose the best dissertation on some one of the following subjects, viz.:

"1. A zeal for religion clear of bigotry and enthusiasm.

"2. A liberality of sentiment untainted by licentiousness.

"3. A purity of manners free from censorial austerity.

"4. What are the most proper measures to be adopted by a government for promoting and establishing habits of piety and virtue among a people?

"5. No one or more of the United States can ever derive so much happiness from a dissolution of the Union as from its continuance.

"The direction of the whole, together with a power of changing the subjects, to be vested in the Board.

"Resolved, That the Board do accept of the donation, and that a letter of thanks be written to Governor Dickinson, in the name of the Trustees, and signed by the President."

The following are the only other minutes in which mention is made of the Dickinson medal for thirty-four years:

September 24, 1783.—"According to the tenor of Governor Dickinson’s donation last Fall, a partial meeting of the Trustees in the Spring appointed as the subject to be written upon for his medal the fourth question proposed by him, viz., ‘What are the most proper measures to be adopted by a government for promoting and establishing habits of piety and virtue among a people? One dissertation only appearing before the Board, the President was directed to republish the subject, and to invite the students to enter into this competition, and to bring in their dissertations at the next examinations for degrees, or at the utmost against the next Commencement; and the President and the Professor of Divinity and Moral Philosophy were directed to provide a medal, with proper devices, to be given on the occasion."

September 29 and 30, 1784.—" The medal given by Dr. Dickinson, President of the State of Pennsylvania, was adjudged to Mr. Joseph Clay, of the present Senior class, for the best dissertation, on the subject proposed by the Board at their last stated meeting."*

"Ordered, That the subject to be proposed for the medal next year be the second mentioned in the letter accompanying Dr. Dickinson’s donation, viz., ‘A liberality of sentiment untainted by licentiousness."

* Mr. Clay was a native of Georgia. After leaving College he studied law, and became an eminent jurist, and U. S. District Judge for his native State. In 1801 he became a Baptist preacher. Mr. Clay’s dissertation was published with a dedicatory preface to Governor Dickinson.

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September 28, 1785.—" Whereas there was but one dissertation for Dr. Dickinson's medal produced, and that not in proper time to have the same examined and a judgment formed upon it at present, Resolved, That it be referred to the Faculty of the College for their decision; and that all future dissertations for medals be brought in to the Faculty at or before the last examination of the Senior class, that a judgment may be formed upon the same in proper season, and the victor be publicly announced on the day of commencement.

"Ordered, That the subject to be competed on for Dr. Dickinson’s medal be the third contained in his letter to the Board, viz., ‘A purity of manners free from censorial austerity.’ "

September 23 and 24, 1788.—" Ordered, That the subject to be competed on for Dr. Dickinson’s medal be the following: ‘No one or more of the United States can ever derive so much happiness from a dissolution of the Union as from its continuance.

September 29 and 30, 1789.—" On the subject of Dr. Dickinson’s and Dr. Minto’s medals, Resolved, That the Faculty of the College be empowered to examine the essays that have been produced, and decree the said medals according to their judgment."

Dr. Minto’s medal, of the value of five pounds, was for the best essay or dissertation on either of the following topics:

1. The unlawfulness and impolicy of capital punishments, and the best method of reforming criminals and making them useful to society.

2. The unlawfulness and impolicy of African slavery, and the best means of abolishing it in the United States, and of promoting the happiness of free negroes.

The form of expression used in the last minute, viz., that of September 30, 1789, indicates that there were some competitors for the medals named, but how many is not said or known.

One thing is certain in regard to competitions for these medals, that they ceased to take place, and most probably from an unwillingness on the part of the students to engage in them, and that the Trustees, finding this to be the case, ceased to propose any more topics for handling and for competition. These competitions, it is evident, were not favorites with the students, and it is by no means improbable that they came to an end with the tacit if not with a formal consent of Governor Dickinson, whose death did not take place until February, 1808, and the last that we hear of any competitions for his medal was in September, 1789, more than eighteen years before his death.

According to the terms of Governor Dickinson’s letter, it was left to the discretion of the Trustees how much of the interest of his promissory note for one hundred pounds should

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be expended for a medal, and how often, his proposition being this: "that the interest of so much of it as the Trustees may judge proper might annually, or as often as they approve, be applied in procuring a gold or silver medal," etc. After a fair and full trial for several years, the matter was dropped; and there is no evidence that Governor Dickinson ever expressed any dissatisfaction with the action or non-action of the Board in regard to it.

At the Commencement of 1783, fourteen candidates were admitted to their first degree in the Arts.

This was a memorable occasion in the history of the College, rendered so by the presence of General Washington, of the National Congress, and of two foreign Ministers. Driven from Philadelphia by a turbulent corps of soldiers, Congress had assembled at Princeton, and they held their sessions in the library-room of the College, which was in the front projection, and on what is now the second or middle story of the building. This room has been divided into two by the passage-way leading from the front door of the edifice to the large room in the rear. This alteration was made upon the rebuilding of Nassau Hall after the fire of March, 1855.

During the time that Congress held its sessions at Princeton, Dr. Boudinot, a Trustee of the College, was the President of that body. "As a compliment to the College, to their own President, as well as to the President of the College, who had recently been one of their own members, Congress determined to adjourn and to attend the Commencement."

The Valedictory orator on this occasion was Ashbel Green, the same who for many years was a Trustee of the College, and for ten years its President. The exercises were held in the First Presbyterian Church, then the only one in Princeton. At the close of his Valedictory, Mr. Green made an address of some length to General Washington. Speaking of this occurrence, in his account of Dr. Witherspoon’s administration, Dr. Green observes that his address to the General "was received with manifest feeling; and next day he met me in the entry of the College as he was going to a committee-room of Congress, took me by the hand, walked with me a short time, flattered

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me a little, and desired me to present his best respects to my classmates, and his best wishes for their success in life. There had never been such an audience at a Commencement before, and perhaps there never will be again. Dr. Witherspoon was of course highly gratified.

The only business transacted by the Board on that day, after the Commencement exercises, was the adoption of the following minute:

"The Board being desirous to give some testimony of their high respect for the character of his Excellency General Washington, who has so auspiciously conducted the armies of America,

"Resolved, That the Rev. Drs. Witherspoon, Rodgers, and Johnes be a committee to wait upon his Excellency to request him to sit for his picture, to be taken by Mr. Charles Wilson Peale, of Philadelphia. And that his portrait when finished be placed in the Hall of the College, in the room of the picture of the Late King of Great Britain [ George the Second ], which was torn away by a ball from the American artillery in the battle of Princeton."

On the following day "Dr. Witherspoon reported to the Board that his Excellency General Washington had delivered to him fifty guineas, which he begged the Trustees to accept as a testimony of his respect for the College." The following resolution was then passed:

"Resolved, That the Board accept it, and that the same committee who were appointed to solicit his Excellency’s picture do at the same time present to him the thanks of the Board for this instance of his politeness and generosity."

As provided for in the above resolution, General Washington’s portrait, in full length, was painted by Mr. Peale, and in the background of the painting there is a representation of the battle of Princeton, and a portrait of General Mercer, who fell mortally wounded at this battle. General Mercer is represented as lying upon the ground, supported by an officer supposed to be a surgeon, and standing by this officer there is another bearing the American flag. It is said that General Mercer had a brother who strongly resembled him in appearance, and that Mr. Peale availed himself of this resemblance in painting his picture of the general. The portrait was placed in the old College Chapel.

From the position of the American army, of the College

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building, and of the portrait of the King in the College Chapel, it may readily have been that the portrait was destroyed by a cannon-ball; and from the above minute it appears that this was the received tradition in regard to it. It is known that the building was struck in different places by cannon-balls during the affair at Princeton; and one may have entered the chapel, where the portrait of his Majesty was hanging, and destroyed it. But, be this as it may, the portrait was destroyed, and the frame, regilded, now contains a full-length portrait of General Washington. The portrait of his Majesty was presented to the College by Governor Belcher, to whom the College was indebted for its second charter and for his liberality and earnest devotion to its interests.

Professor Houston, having engaged in the practice of the law, resigned his offices of Treasurer and of Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy. The thanks of the Board were presented to him for his past services. Professor Smith was chosen Treasurer in the room of Professor Houston.

"Dr. Witherspoon proposed to the Trustees that they ought now to take the provision of teachers upon themselves; the minute of September 29, 1779, should be revised, and that it should be entered upon record that his proposal in the first part of the minute was intended to be permanent; and that during the whole time that Professor Smith shall continue in his office, one-half of his salary shall be paid. to said Professor; and that in the event of death or resignation, or in any other way his ceasing to be in that office, the President’s salary shall return to its former channel.

"Resolved, That the Board do approve of this proposal and interpretation, which they consider as an act of generosity towards this corporation; and that Dr. Smith do hereafter draw for that part of his salary according to the established mode.

"The Board taking into their attention the provision necessary to be made for Dr. Smith, and considering his situation as the immediate representative of the College, and in the President’s house exposed to more expense than usual in his office, Resolved, That two hundred pounds per annum be allowed him additional to the sum which he already draws out of the former salary of the President."

Dr. Witherspoon had removed from the President’s house to his own private residence, known under the name of Tusculum, about a mile and a half from the College, and on a road running northward from the main street of the town, and directly opposite the College.

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Mr. James Riddle, who had been Tutor in the College since the war, resigned his office; and, the Trustees deeming it best to employ two Tutors rather than one, Messrs. Ashbel Green and Samuel Beach were elected to that office.

For reasons assigned in the minute on the subject, the students were, by a resolution of the Board, prohibited from attending any dancing-school.

Dr. Witherspoon gave in his account with the Trustees, which was examined and approved, and from which it appeared that the College was indebted to him in the sum of £881.13.3.

The committee to examine the account were Messrs. William Peartree Smith and John Bayard.

An extra meeting of the Board was held on the 22d of October, 1783. The principal object of the meeting was "to consider and adopt measures for repairing the funds of the College, which have been so greatly injured during the late war."

"It appearing that the necessities of the institution could not admit of any further delay, and that the favorable dispositions of the people of Europe towards America afforded a promising prospect of supplying them, by applying to their generosity, Resolved, That a mission be sent thither as soon as possible for the purpose of soliciting benefactions for the College."

Dr. Witherspoon and General Reed were requested to undertake the mission, to which they were pleased to consent.

The following minute shows the low condition of the College treasury at this time:

"It being necessary that the debt due from the corporation to Dr. Witherspoon should be discharged, in order to enable him to undertake the voyage, and the treasury not being in a condition to answer this demand immediately, Messrs. Snowden and Bayard offered to advance to him, on the credit of the Board, any moneys that might be necessary to equip him for his voyage.

"Resolved, That these gentlemen have the thanks of the Board, and their offer be accepted, and that they be empowered to draw upon the commissioners in Europe for the sums which they may advance; and that, in all events, the treasury of the College be answerable for that sum.

"Resolved, That all other expenses which may be incurred by the commissioners in the execution of their mission be allowed to them out of the College treasury.

"General Reed was pleased to offer to the Board to serve them in England without any expense to the corporation. Ordered, That the thanks of the Board be presented to General Reed for this generous proposal."

The mission accomplished nothing. Dr. Witherspoon visited

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Scotland, and obtained in all not more than what was just sufficient to meet his expenses. It does not appear that General Reed obtained anything for the College. The matter of surprise is, that they and the other Trustees ever imagined that there was ground for a reasonable hope that any funds could be collected in Great Britain at that time for an American College, and that College the one most distinguished for the rebel character of its President and guardians.

The following extract from the commission given by the Board to Dr. Witherspoon and General Reed shows in strong language the depressed condition of the College finances:

"Whereas the College of New Jersey was founded by private liberality for the promotion of religion and learning, and had by the blessing of Heaven arisen to an eminent degree of reputation and usefulness before the late unhappy war; but being occupied as barracks by the contending armies; its library and philosophical apparatus destroyed, the funds of the College for the support of professors and masters, in consequence of the ravages and events of war, sunk and almost annihilated, the very existence of this benevolent and useful institution is become doubtful unless some certain and effectual relief can be obtained from the friends of virtue and literature who have not been exposed to such dreadful calamities."

It was resolved to present a congratulatory address to his Excellency—Van Berkel, Ambassador from the States of the United Netherlands to the United States of America; and by request Dr. Witherspoon prepared an address, which was agreed to by the Board. His Excellency was present at the recent Commencement. In the address reference was made to the name of the principal edifice as derived from Holland.

In view of Dr. Smith’s state of health, they deemed it imprudent for him to take charge of the College pulpit during the absence of Dr. Witherspoon, and they therefore resolved to ask supplies for the pulpit from the Presbyteries of New Brunswick and of New York.

The following minute in regard to Governor Belcher’s portrait was adopted at this meeting of the Board:

"The Trustees, being extremely sorry that the picture of his Excellency Governor Belcher, which hung in the College Hall, has been destroyed during the late war, appointed Mr. William P. Smith to endeavor to procure an original painting from some of the remaining friends or relations of the family in New England, or if that should be impracticable, then to procure the best copy that shall be in his power,

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that it may be placed where his picture formerly hung, as a testimony of the gratitude of the Board for the eminent services formerly rendered by his Excellency to this institution."

Mr. Smith’s efforts to obtain another portrait were not attended with the desired success. At this time there is a portrait of the Governor, a copy of one in the picture-gallery of the Athenaeum in Boston. The copy was made at the expense of the late Professor George M. Giger, and by him presented to the College.

The next Commencement of the College occurred on the 29th of September, 1784. On this occasion the Trustees, as usual, held a meeting. Twenty-seven candidates were admitted to the first degree in the Arts.

"The Rev, Ezra Stiles, President of Yale College, and Doctor of Divinity in the University of Edinburgh, was admitted ad eundem in this College, and the degree of Doctor of Civil and Canon Laws [LL.D.] was conferred on the Rev. Doctor Stiles, and on the Honorable Samuel Spencer, Esq., Chief Justice of the State of North Carolina.

"Messrs. Win. P. Smith and Robert Ogden, Esqrs., the Committee appointed to examine and make report on Dr. Witherspoon’s account of receipts and disbursements in his mission to Europe on behalf of the College, reported that such was the disposition of the people in Europe in general, and in Great Britain particularly, that, notwithstanding the most faithful and prudent exertions, it was impossible to effect anything of importance in that country for the benefit of the College; and that, after an examination of the credits and debits of his account, they found a balance, in favor of the College, of only five pounds fourteen shillings."

These credits included the money advanced by Messrs. Snowden and Bayard to enable Dr. Witherspoon to go to Europe.

Dr. Witherspoon reported, "That when he left Europe, he and General Reed devolved their trust on a number of gentlemen in Britain, who engaged themselves, as far as should be in their power, to accomplish the object of their mission, and to make what collections they should be able on behalf of the College, and to remit it to the order of the Board." Whereupon it was resolved, "That Dr. Witherspoon be appointed to correspond with those gentlemen relative to the subject of the trust devolved upon them, and to make report thereon, from time to time, to this Board." It does not appear from the minutes that any report was ever made.

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The European mission proving to be a failure, the Trustees next sought the aid of the Presbyteries composing the Synod of New York and Philadelphia. The minute of this action is as follows:

"The Board, observing with extreme affliction the unsuccessful result of the European mission, determined to make one more application to the charity and generosity of the people in America, for whose general use the institution was founded, and to which it is still faithfully dedicated; and in the first place to apply to the several Presbyteries that compose the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, entreating them to exert themselves with industry and zeal for the support of an Institution so serviceable to the general interests of religion, which they have devoted themselves to promote. And resolved, That a memorial on this head be addressed to the Moderators of the several Presbyteries in the name of the Board, in the terms following:

"The memorial of the Trustees of the Collage of New Jersey to the several Presbyteries composing the Synod of New York and Philadelphia sheweth, That among the ruinous consequences of the late war, in the depreciation of the continental money and destruction of the College buildings, the funds and revenues under the care of your memorialists have been almost annihilated. That in order to re-establish these, and to repair their buildings, and to carry on the designs of the institution, application bath been lately made to obtain assistance from the friends of literature in Europe; but, unhappily, your memorialists have, from sundry unexpected causes, failed in their foreign solicitations, and have not obtained even so much as to defray the expenses of the undertaking. It is therefore become absolutely necessary to make a general application to the friends of religion and learning in this country who wish success to an institution of so much importance to our civil and religious interests. Your memorialists have in consequence deemed it a proper measure to apply themselves to the respective Presbyteries belonging to the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, wishing to impress them with a lively persuasion of the necessity of a general exertion throughout all our churches for the support of this College under its present state of depression. Your memorialists must refer to your wisdom the methods most proper and prudent to pursue in soliciting the aid of the people under your respective charges, and in making such personal or public applications throughout your several churches and districts as shall be judged best and likely to be most effectual.

"By order of the Board of Trustees. JOHN WHITHERSPOON, President."

The writer has given this memorial in full, and has underscored the expression "throughout all our churches," that the reader may see that the Trustees of 1784, as well as their predecessors, recognized their close and intimate relations to the Presbyterian Church of this country. May their successors in office never forget it or disregard it !

On the 2d of August there was .a special meeting of the

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Board. "The principal object of the meeting was to consider of and adopt measures for the augmentation of the funds of the institution; and for the reimbursement of those gentlemen who advanced the necessary moneys to Dr. Witherspoon for his arrears of salary, and for defraying the expenses of his mission to Europe on behalf of the College."

Several committees were appointed to solicit funds in New Jersey and in Pennsylvania, and the Trustees residing in the city of Philadelphia were empowered to vest such proportion of the unfunded securities subscribed as they may think proper in lands lying in Pennsylvania. Two contingent bequests of one hundred pounds each, for the support of poor scholars at the College, by Mr. William McConkey, of Monmouth, New Jersey, were reported at this meeting.

Dr. Witherspoon was requested to prepare and present to the Board at their next meeting a statement of the accounts of the College from the time that his ledger was discontinued to the time then present. He was also authorized to settle with the executors of the late Rev. Mr. Caldwell, and to give them a final discharge upon the receipt of the balance due to the College.

A committee was appointed to direct and assist the Treasurer in calling in all the outstanding debts of the Corporation, and to vest them in public securities, funded on the excise or other certain revenues in Pennsylvania. In case the money due upon any of the bonds could not be recovered in time for such investment, the committee were required to get a renewal of such bonds, with sufficient securities.

The next Commencement was held on the 28th of September, 1785. Ten candidates were admitted to their first degree in the Arts. The Rev. John Mason having tendered his resignation, and the Honorable Joseph Reed and the Rev. Dr. Elihu Spencer having departed this life since the last meeting of the Board, John Beatty, Esq., the Rev. William Mackay Tennent, and the Rev. Alexander Miller were chosen Trustees of the College.

"Dr. Witherspoon delivered to the Board ninety-two dollars in liquidated final settlement securities, a subscription to the

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funds of the College, received of Dr. Benjamin Rush, of Philadelphia."

Mr. Stephen Cook, of the island of Bermuda, was requested to take one or more of the subscription papers prepared by order of the Board, and to make application to the inhabitants of that island for aid in behalf of the College.

In their pecuniary embarrassment the Trustees availed themselves of every possible chance of obtaining funds for the support of the College. Many of their efforts resulted in very little or nothing; but the result of the whole was that they were enabled to carry on the instruction of the College without any further interruption, although often in great straits for funds. It was in view of existing difficulties that they adopted the following minute:

"The Trustees pressed with the difficulties of supporting the necessary officers of the College, and considering that the tuition and the rent of the institution have not been raised in any proportion to the increased prices of other articles since the war, Resolved, That two pounds per annum shall be levied upon each student in addition to the present rates, under the title of rent."

Mr. Ashbel Green, at this time the senior Tutor in the College, was chosen Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, with a salary of one hundred and fifty pounds per annum.

The following order was made:

"Ordered, That if any collections can be made by the friends of the College in the Board, or elsewhere, for the education of poor and pious youths for the gospel ministry, it shall be sacredly appropriated to that purpose alone; the Board taking from every young person so educated an obligation, that if he shall afterwards enter into any other lucrative profession , he will refund to this corporation the moneys expended in his instruction and provision."

This the writer regards as an unwise measure. If we can suppose a young man disingenuous enough to avail himself of aid from such a fund to enable him to obtain a liberal education, he having no intention to enter the ministry, he will readily devise ways and means to escape from any obligation, written or oral, to repay the money so obtained. But if a poor youth enter upon his studies with the intention of entering the

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ministry, and, on account of failure of health, or from a conviction that he was not called of God to the work of the ministry, should give himself to some other calling, he ought not to be required to refund the money given to him. He acted in good faith in receiving the proffered aid, and in giving up his studies for the ministry he continues to act honestly, and no such impediment should be put in the way of his following the dictates of a good conscience by laying upon him, while yet a poor youth, an obligation to refund the moneys thus far advanced for his education. Should he engage in another profession, or in some profitable employment, he would, without any such written obligation, refund, if in his power to do so, with a due regard to higher obligations, what he received in the way of help, as some educated at this College have done, or expend in the assisting of others as much as they ever received, and even more.

As a matter of fact, it is not known that any one who gave a written, obligation to refund ever did so. The practice of requiring such an obligation was long since discontinued in this College.

The following resolutions were adopted at a meeting of the Board held on the i₉th of April, 1786:

"This College having suffered greatly by the public during the late war; and there being some probability that in the distribution of lands in the new States to the westward Congress might be induced to make a liberal grant of lands to the institution,— "Resolved, That the President, Dr. Rodgers, and Dr. Beatty be a committee to present to Congress a petition to this effect, when they may think it most prudent and convenient,"

But no lands were given.

"Resolved, That the practice of wearing College habits, agreeably to the order of the Board in the year 1768, be revived as soon as the Faculty of the College shall judge it convenient, and at farthest after the next fall vacation.

Ordered, That a complete catalogue of the graduates of this College be prepared and published at the expense of the present Senior class; and in collecting and preparing the catalogue for the Press, Mr. Green was desired to render his assistance to the class."

The next Commencement took place on the 27th of September, 1786, and there was a large attendance on the part of the Trustees.

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Twenty-five members of the Senior class were admitted to the first degree in the Arts.

"A letter was received from the Rev. Mr. Woodhull enclosing three hundred and sixty-six dollars and ten cents, . . . which sum was the subscription of General Forman, John Burrows, and Tunis Vanderveer, Esqrs."

"Dr. Smith, the Treasurer of the College, requested leave to resign that office. The Board accepted the resignation, and elected to the office Dr. Thomas Wiggins, of Princeton."

"Mr. Gilbert T. Snowden Lone of the Tutors) was appointed Librarian, and overseer of College repairs, with a salary of five pounds per annum; and [it was] ordered, That each student pay five shillings at the beginning of each session for the use of the Library.

" That a blank book should be provided, in which all donations to the Library should he entered.

And, That all moneys belonging to the institution shall be paid in the first instance to the Treasurer, and that the Treasurer pay the salaries of the officers of the College; and that in all other cases he pay no moneys except to the express order of the Board."

The most important action of the Board at this meeting was the last, and it is embodied in the following minute:

"The Board of Trustees considering the situation of Dr. Smith with regard to the institution, and the duties he is necessarily called to discharge, appointed him to the office of Vice-President of the College."

The next meeting of the Board was held April 18, 1787.

"The Rev. John Woodhull, one of the Trustees, presented to the Board two hundred and fourteen dollars and seventeen cents, in Pierce’s final settlement notes, received of Kenneth Hankinson, Esq., and the balance of one formerly received in part from Tunis Vanderveer, Esq. Mr. Woodhull also reported that he had obtained of Mr. Dirck Sutphin a bond of £100, on account of Mr. Wm. McConkey, for the education of poor youth in the College.

"The thanks of the Board were presented to Mr. Woodhull for his diligence in this matter."

From a report of the committee on the late Treasurer's account, it appeared that there was due to him the sum of £301.14.7. They reported also that the Treasurer elect, Dr. Thomas Wiggins, declined the appointment on the terms prescribed by the Board. Upon which the Board resolved to proceed to another election. Richard Stockton, Esq., was chosen, neither did he accept the office.

Professor Ashbel Green, the Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, and Mr. Gilbert T. Snowden, a Tutor of the College, having resigned their offices, it was resolved to

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appoint two Tutors in their room. Mr. James McCoy was chosen in the place of Mr. Green, and Mr. Samuel Finley Snowden in the room of Mr. Gilbert Tennent Snowden. But neither of these gentlemen accepted the appointment, and in their room Messrs. John W. Vancleve and James Henderson Imray were chosen Tutors by the Faculty, agreeably to an authority given to them by the Board.

The Hon. William Patterson was chosen a Trustee, in the place of Robert Ogden, Esq., deceased.

A committee of finance was appointed, and its duties prescribed.

It was ordered, that the Faculty prepare and present to the Board at their next meeting a system of laws for the internal government of the institution.

The next Commencement of the College took place on Wednesday, the 26th of September, 1787. The Board met on the day preceding, and continued in session on Wednesday and Thursday.

Dr. Rodgers, Dr. McWhorter, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Tennent were appointed a committee to prepare some regulations by which the Board may be directed in conferring the higher degrees in Theology and Law. Although the proposal of Professors Houston and Smith on this subject had met with favor from the committee to whom it was referred, and in general was acceptable to the Board, it appears from this and other minutes that it did not fully meet the views of the Trustees.

The Rev. Dr. Johnes, a Trustee of the College, presented to the Board in public securities the sum of $107.10 collected by him for the education of poor and pious youth at the College. The thanks of the Board were presented to Dr. Johnes for his zeal in promoting the interests of the College.

"The Committee to prepare rules for the conferring the highest degrees reported the following, which were adopted by the Board:

" 1. No person shall be admitted to the degree of Doctor in Divinity or Doctor of Laws unless with the consent of two-thirds of the members present of the Board.

"2.That no person shall be admitted to either of these degrees unless his name have been proposed to the Board at least one day before conferring the degree.

"3. It is recommended, in all cases where gentlemen are to be proposed for either of these degrees, their names be reported to the Faculty of the College at

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least ten days before the deliberations of the Board), whose duty it shall be to make all necessary enquiries concerning the merits of the candidates, and report thereon to the Board."

The first of these rules was afterwards repealed, as inconsistent with the charter of the College.

The committee appointed at a previous meeting to petition the Legislature to exempt the property of the College from taxation, reported that the Legislature had not complied with the request.

Walter Minto, L.L.D., a distinguished mathematical scholar and astronomer, was appointed Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, and held this office until his decease, in 1796.* He was a native of Scotland, educated at Edinburgh, and before his coming to America had made himself known to the scientific world by his mathematical and astronomical publications.

The Rev. Manasseh Cutler, LL.D., of Connecticut, a man of much note in his day, gives the following account of the College at this time (1787): "I then called upon Dr. Smith, Vice-President of the College, to whom I also had letters. He is a young gentleman, lives in an elegant style, and is the first literary character in this State. He waited on me to the College, introduced me to all the tutors, and showed me the apartments of the College. The building is of three stories, has three cross entries, and a long one in the first story. The chambers open into these entries and render the communication more convenient. The library is small. . . . The cabinet and the philosophical apparatus are very indifferent. The only article worthy of notice was the orrery made by Mr. Rittenhouse. This is an elegant machine, and much exceeds any that has been made in Europe. . . . I was much pleased with the Hall and the stage erected for the exhibition. It is well formed for plays, which are permitted here, and the dialogue speaking principally cultivated. The Hall is ornamented with several paintings, particularly the famous battle in the town," etc. The remark concerning the permitting of plays on the College stage

* An interesting sketch. of Dr. Minto is given in the "Princeton Magazine" for 1850, from the pen of the editor.

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is only in so far correct as dialogues may be classed under this head. To a communication to the New Jersey Historical Society, by President Tuttle, of Wabash College, we are indebted for the above extract from Dr. Cutler’s ‘Journal." The same gentleman communicated to the "Newark Daily Advertiser," in a letter of the date of August 23, 1873, a description of some pamphlets recently found by him in the course of his antiquarian researches, and among these pamphlets is one with the following title-page: "The Military Glory of Great Britain, an Entertainment given by the late candidates for Bachelor’s degrees, at the close of the Anniversary Commencement, in Nassau Hall, New Jersey, September 29, 1762. Philadelphia: printed by Wm. Bradford, MDCCLXII." Dr. Tuttle quaintly remarks that "the careful reader of this poetical drama will be convinced that Shakspeare and Ben Jonson arc in no danger from this competitor." But our object in referring to it in connection with Dr. Cutler’s remark respecting the College stage is to show the wide range given to College exhibitions in the earlier periods of the College history.

The Commencement for the year 1788 was held on Wednesday, the 24th of September. Dr. Timothy Johnes, a Trustee named in Governor Belcher’s charter of the College, resigned his seat at the Board, and the Rev. Andrew Hunter, of Woodbury, New Jersey, was chosen in his place. The thanks of the Board were tendered to Dr. Johnes "for his long and faithful services."

There having been some relaxation permitted during and since the war in the law requiring a residence of two years in the College previous to receiving the first degree in the Arts, it was "Ordered, That after the next session of the College the law be strictly enforced."

Mr. Isaac Snowden, Jr., was chosen Treasurer of the College, and took the oaths of office.

Mr. Imlay having resigned his position of Tutor, Mr. Vancleve and Mr. Samuel Harris were chosen Tutors by the Board, and were qualified as required by the charter.

The following resolution was adopted in regard to the

Faculty:

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"Whereas regular Professorships are now established in this institution, it is therefore resolved and ordered, That the president and professors form the faculty, and that the government of the College be vested in the said faculty, whose authority shall extend to every part of the discipline, except the final expulsion of a student, which shall not take place unless by the order of this board, or unless six trustees shall have been convened for the purpose, and their consent obtained."

The Commencement for 1790 took place on Wednesday, the 28th of September. Fourteen candidates were admitted to their first degree in the Arts.

"It was ordered, That the names of Mr. James Bayard, Thomas H. McCalla, James Crawford, and James Brownfield, omitted to be inserted in the catalogue for the year 1777, be now inserted in their proper place."

The Rev. Ashbel Green was chosen a Trustee, in the room of the Rev. Dr. Duffield, deceased, and the Rev. James Armstrong, in the room of the Rev. Alexander Miller, resigned.

Dr. McWhorter, from the committee appointed to settle with Elisha Boudinot, Esq., executor of Mrs. Esther Richards, reported that they had made a partial settlement of the legacy left by that lady to the College, and that they had received from Mr. Boudinot, in loan-office certificates, of the date of 1778, three thousand dollars, and of the date of 1779, three hundred dollars, which he is directed to pay to the Treasurer.

The thanks of the Board were presented to Mr. Boudinot for his care and attention to the interests of the College in ascertaining and securing the legacy left by Mrs. Richards to this institution. Mr. Silas Wood was chosen a Tutor in the place of Mr. Samuel Harris, deceased.

"It was ordered, That the Treasurer provide a folio book, in which shall be recorded the benefactions which have been, and may be, at different times, made to this College, with the names of the benefactors."

Most of the philosophical apparatus belonging to the College having been destroyed or carried off during the late war, the Board "resolved to use their utmost endeavors to procure such a sum of money as shall be adequate to supply the deficiency."

The Commencement for 1791 took place on the 27th of September, and the Board met, according to adjournment, on the

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preceding day, Governor Patterson, President Witherspoon, and eighteen other Trustees being present. Twenty-five candidates were admitted to their first degree in the Arts. The degree of LLD. was conferred upon the Hon. Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State, and also upon the Hon. Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury.

A committee from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church waited upon the Board to inquire into the state of the fund for the education of pious youth, which was deposited in the treasury of the College, the interest of this fund having been placed at the disposal of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, now the General Assembly. The Board, not being prepared at once to give a definite answer to the committee from the General Assembly, appointed a committee of five members to inquire into the condition of the fund, and to report to the Rev. Nathaniel Irwin, the Chairman of the Assembly’s committee. The College committee consisted of Dr. Harris, Dr. Boudinot, Jonathan B. Smith, Esq., Isaac Snowden, Esq., and Dr. Green, all of the city of Philadelphia. Richard Stockton, Esq., was chosen a Trustee, in the room of Governor Patterson, who, in virtue of his office as Governor of the State, was the President of the Board.

Mr. Isaac Snowden, Jr., having resigned the office of Treasurer, Mr. John Harrison, of Princeton, was chosen Treasurer of the College. The Board resolved to renew their application to Congress for a reimbursement of damages sustained by the College during the war, and for rent while it was used for the service of the United States; and Dr. Boudinot, Dr. Green, and Mr. Jonathan Bayard Smith were the committee to make the application.

A committee was also appointed to make another revision of the laws of the College.

The next meeting of the Board was held on Tuesday, the 25th of September, 1792, and on the following day the usual Commencement exercises took place, and the first degree in the Arts was conferred upon thirty-seven graduates. This is the largest number ever graduated at this College up to this date, and for several years after.

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"The committee appointed at the meeting of the Board, in September last, to examine into the whale stock of the College, and bring forward the accounts to April, 1792," made a report through their chairman, Dr. Boudinot. "The report was approved, and the same committee continued, and directed to endeavor to make a final report at the next meeting of the Board."

"A copy of the Will of Mr. James Leslie, of New York, leaving a certain legacy to the Direction of the Trustees of New Jersey College, for the education of poor and pious youth with a view to the ministry of the gospel in the Presbyterian Church, was produced to the Board. Ordered, That the same be recorded at large in the book to be appropriated to record all Donations to this College."

On the 20th of August, 1793, there was a special meeting of the Board to consider a proposal, or suggestion, from the Trustees of Queen’s College, New Brunswick, in reference to a union of the two colleges. The minutes relative to this matter are the following:

"A letter was laid before the Board from Archibald Mercer, Esq., in the following terms: ‘In the Board of Trustees of Queen’s College in New Jersey, Resolved, That a committee be appointed to confer with the trustees of the College of New Jersey, or a committee of said trustees, on the subject of a federal union between the Colleges.

"‘Ordered, That the committee consist of General Frelinghuysen, Dr. Lion, A. Mercer, A. Kirkpatrick, and James Schureman, Esqrs.

"‘SIR,—I take the earliest opportunity to convey to you the above resolution of Queens College, being, with respect,

"‘To the Rev. Dr. WITHERSPOON, President of the Board of Trustees of the College of New Jersey.’

"Resolved, That a committee of this Board be appointed to meet with the committee above appointed on the part of the trustees of Queen’s College, or with the Board of said Trustees, and confer with them on the subject of an union of the two colleges, who shall lay the result of their conference before this Board at their next meeting; and

"Resolved, That the committee consist of the following gentlemen: Dr. Witherspoon, Dr. Rodgers, Dr. Boudinot, Dr. Beatty, Colonel Bayard, and Mr. Woodhull.

"Ordered, That the President transmit a copy of the above resolution to the President of the Board of Trustees of Queen’s College."

At the next meeting of the Board, which occurred on Wednesday, the 25th of September, the day of the annual Commencement, the committee made their report, which was as follows:

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"The committees of the Trustees of the College of .New Jersey and Queen s College, appointed to confer upon the subject of a union between the two colleges, met here this day, in pursuance of notice previously given for that purpose, viz.:

"From the College of New Jersey.—The Rev. John Witherspoon, D.D., the Rev. John Woodhull, Elias Boudinot, John Bayard, Esqrs.

"From Queen’s College.—Archibald Mercer, Frederick Frelinghuysen, James Schureman, Andrew Kirkpatrick, Esqrs.

"The committees appointed Elias Boudinot, Esq., Chairman, Andrew Kirkpatrick, Esq., Clerk, and then went into a free conference on the subject of the proposed union: whereupon,

"Resolved, unanimously, That a perfect incorporating and consolidating union between the two colleges will be the most proper and beneficial union, and will tend to the promotion of learning.

"Resolved, unanimously, That in order to effect this union application be made by both colleges to the legislature for a new charter; that the trustees to be named in the new charter consist of twenty-eight in number. That is to say, the Governor of the State for the time being, the President of the college for the time being, and thirteen of the trustees of each of the said colleges, being inhabitants of New Jersey, to be chosen and named by their respective boards.

"Resolved, unanimously, That no person not an inhabitant of the State of New Jersey shall at any time be a trustee of the college so to be constituted;

"Resolved, unanimously, That an institution at New Brunswick be established and supported by the bye-laws of the trustees of the said college, in which shall be taught the learning preparatory to entering the first class in the college, and that no other institution at Princeton shall be supported at the expense of the said trustees in which the same things shall be taught.

"Resolved, unanimously, That the present officers of New Jersey College be the officers of the college to be established on the foregoing principles.

"Resolved, That the foregoing resolutions be submitted to the boards of trustees of the said two colleges, by their respective committees, for their consideration.

The consideration of this report was postponed until the next meeting of the Board. As there was a bare quorum present, it was deemed inexpedient to decide so important a measure as that presented in the report of the two committees, and for this reason the consideration of it was deferred, and the President was authorized to call a meeting of the Board when in his judgment circumstances would justify it. The small number in attendance at this meeting was due to the general panic in the community occasioned by the prevalence of the yellow fever in Philadelphia.

Twenty-one members of the Senior class were admitted to their first degree in the Arts.

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Mr. John Abeel, one of the Tutors, having resigned his office, the Faculty were authorized to appoint another in his room, if they find it necessary.

The next meeting of the Board was held at Princeton, on the 13th.of December, 1793. The first business, after reading the minutes of the previous meeting, was the reading of the following letter from Archibald Mercer, Esq.:

"SIR—The trustees of Queen’s College-met yesterday, and, I am sorry to inform you, wholly rejected the report of the committees respecting the proposed union of the Colleges.

"I have the honor to be, Sir, with the utmost respect,

"To the Rev. Dr. JOHN WITHERSPOON, President of the Board of Trustees of the College of New Jersey."

Thus ended this negotiation, and no further action was taken in regard to it by the Trustees of the College of New Jersey. The writer thinks it doubtful whether the Trustees of the College of New Jersey would have given their consent to the proposed union had they discussed the measure and taken a vote on the proposed plan,—one most extraordinary-feature of this plan being that which compels every trustee of the united colleges to be an inhabitant of the State of New Jersey, inasmuch as some of the most valuable trustees of these institutions were residents of New York and Philadelphia, and had been so from the beginning.

It is known that Dr. Witherspoon, after accepting the office of President of this College but before coming to this country, made a visit to Holland in the interests of the College, but what special objects he had in view are not clearly known. But while in Holland he visited Utrecht, where the Rev, Dr. John Livingston, then a student of theology, was pursuing his professional studies, and they had an interview and a conversation in reference to the proper policy to be pursued in America by the friends of true religion and sound learning, and. came to an understanding that they would favor the adoption of a scheme according to which the Reformed Dutch Church should establish a theological professorship of their own, but

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that for the academical education of their youth they should avail themselves of the facilities afforded by the College at Princeton. But this measure did not meet the views of the larger party in the Reformed Dutch Church, which at the time of Dr. Witherspoon’s arrival in this country had taken measures for obtaining a charter for a college to be under the control of members of their own Church, and in 1770 they succeeded in obtaining from Governor Franklin and his Council such a charter. (See Judge Bradley’s Centennial Discourse at Rutgers College in 1870.)

The friends of both institutions at this day can probably see that it was better for the interests of religion and learning that the negotiations for a union of the two colleges were unsuccessfull. Each college has done a great and good work for the best interests of both the Church and the State, and it is hoped they will continue to be generous rivals in this good work, and be able to increase in usefulness as they advance in age, wealth, and members.

Mr. William P. Smith having tendered his resignation as a Trustee, it was accepted, and the thanks of the Board were tendered to him for his long and faithful services. Mr. Smith was a Trustee for forty-five years.

The Hon. William Patterson was chosen a Trustee in the room of Mr. Smith, resigned, and the Rev. Jacob Van Arsdalen and Joseph Bloomfield, Esq., were chosen in the place of the Rev. Dr. Robert Smith and the Rev. Israel Read, deceased.

At the next meeting of the Board the Committee on Accounts presented a brief account, and the Committee was continued.

"A question having arisen, whether this corporation have a right to appropriate the charity of Mr. Leslie to defray the expense of the maintenance and clothing as well as of the instruction of poor and pious youth for the gospel ministry, it was determined by the corporation.that they have this right." *

* A report was made to the Board, at this meeting, of the certificates deposited in the office of James Ewing, Esq., Commissioner for New Jersey. The amounts of these certificates were as follows:

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Mr. Silas Wood having resigned the office of Tutor, Mr. David English was elected a Tutor in his room.

The next meeting of the Board was held on the 23d and 24th of September, 1794, and it was the last meeting ever attended by Dr. Witherspoon, who died a few weeks after.

The Commencement exercises took place on the 24th. The number of candidates admitted to the first degree in the Arts was twenty-seven.

Dr. Rodgers made a report of the moneys in the hands of Mr. Leslie’s executors in New York, from which it appeared that they had in their possession bank shares and bonds, and cash to the value of £71l.15.1 New York currency)* There were also two houses in the city of New York, value uncertain.

The Committee on Accounts was continued.

The Faculty of the College, finding their salaries insufficient for the support of their families, in consequence of the great increase in the prices of all the necessaries of life, which are from twenty-five to ten per cent, higher than they were two or three years ago, request the Board to devise some means of augmenting their salaries in proportion to the augmentation that has taken place in the price of grain.

Mr. JAMES LESLIE’S LEGACY.

One certificate, six per cents $4,364.32

" " three per cents 2,273.41

" " deferred stock . . . . 4,039.76

$10,677.49

MRS. RICHARDS’S LEGACY.

One certificate, six per cents $1,119.15

" " three per cents 1,291.60

" " deferred stock . 559.57

$2,970.32

COLLEGE FUNDS.

One certificate, six per cents $3,404.63

" " three per cents 1,643.47

" " deferred stock . . . . 402.31
$5,450.41

* "Resolved, That the Rev. Dr. Rodgers be empowered to receive whatever sums are in the hands of Mr. Leslie’s executors in the city of New York."

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This the Faculty conceived might be done "without encroaching on the College funds destined for other purposes, by increasing the tuition, etc., of the students. This it is hoped will appear neither unreasonable nor improper to the Trustees, as they have found it both reasonable and necessary to raise the price of board with the Steward fifty per cent, within a few years."

The Trustees postponed the final decision of this subject to the next meeting.

Dr. Rodgers was desired to request the executors of Mr. Leslie, in New York, to invest the whole property coming to the College in stock of the Bank of New York, and to transfer the same to the Trustees of the College.

The Treasurer reported that he had received from seventy-nine students, for tuition-fees and room-rent, one thousand one hundred and seventy-five dollars; from which it appears that the annual charge for tuition and rent of room to each student was a little less than thirty dollars, being eleven pounds New Jersey currency.

The Committee on Accounts made a report, and was continued, in order to bring up the accounts to the present date.

The foregoing detail shows the great difficulties with which the College had to contend throughout the administration of Dr. Witherspoon, and the strenuous efforts made to meet and overcome them. These difficulties might all have been summed up in a few words,—a want of funds and a want of students; both of these wants being occasioned chiefly by the impoverished condition of the country consequent upon the war of the Revolution. At the time Dr. Witherspoon took charge of the College it was much embarrassed for want of funds, and the energetic measures adopted to supply this want gave good ground to hope that this hindrance to the success and usefulness of the institution would soon be removed. But shortly after began the political troubles which ended in a change of government, and which finally gave, freedom and independence to the country, laying the foundation of its subsequent prosperity, but, as their immediate result, producing for several years great financial embarrassment.

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It is believed that no general statement of the affairs of the institution can make so deep an impression, respecting the trials and struggles to which the President, Trustees, and other officers and friends of the College were subjected during this period of its history, as a recital of their constant and untiring efforts in its behalf; and this is our apology, if one be needed, for dwelling so long upon these things.

But there is a brighter side to this picture of College affairs. For notwithstanding all the impediments in the way, occasioned by the dispersion of the students, the occupation and dilapidation of the College building by both British and American soldiery, the destruction of property and of funds, and the injury done to the apparatus and the library, in as short a time as possible the College was again opened for the reception of students, and more ample provision than ever before was made for the thorough instruction of the pupils in all those branches which in that day claimed the attention of college youth.

Although the College exercises were for a time suspended, yet every year there were some candidates for the first degree in the Arts,—whose names are given in the Triennial Catalogue of the College; the smallest number being five, in 1778, and the largest thirty-seven, in 1792. And although the average number of graduates did not exceed nineteen a year, there is probably no period in the history of the institution during which so large a proportion of the students, in after-life, rose to distinction. This may be accounted for in part by the circumstances of the country, which called forth all the energies of which these men were possessed, but still not a little may be claimed for the training which they here received under their able and patriotic teachers.

Of the four hundred and sixty-nine graduates of the College from 1769 to 1794, one hundred and fourteen became ministers of the gospel, of whom seventy five were graduated from 1769 to 1776. After the war began, the candidates for the ministry were much fewer in number in proportion to the whole than they were before that event. Many of these ministers, who were trained under Dr. Witherspoon and his associates in the Faculty, became prominent and influential men in the Church and in the community at large. Among them were the following-named Presidents and Professors of Colleges in the Middle and Southern States, The names are given in the order of their graduation. Of the class of

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1769. Samuel Stanhope Smith,—Dr. Witherspoon’s successor in the Presidency of the College of New Jersey.

1772. Andrew Hunter, Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy in the same College.

1772. Samuel Eusebius McCorkle, Professor of Moral and Political Philosophy in the University of North Carolina.

1772. John McMillan, Vice-President of Jefferson College, Pennsylvania, and Professor of Theology in the same College.

1773. Thaddeus Dod, the Founder and President of Washington Academy, afterwards Washington College, Pennsylvania.

1773. James Dunlap, President of Jefferson College, Pennsylvania.

1773. William Graham, Founder and President of Liberty Hall, afterwards Washington College, Virginia.

1773. John McKnight, President of Dickinson College, Pennsylvania.

1773. John Blair Smith, President of Hampden Sidney College, Virginia, and, also of Union College, Schenectady, New York.

1774. Thomas Harris Maccaulle, President of Mount Sion College, South Carolina.

1775. Samuel Doak, President of Washington College, Tennessee.

1783. Ashbel Green, President of the College of New Jersey.

1784. Ira Condit, Vice-President of Queen’s College, now Rutgers, New Jersey, and Professor of Moral Philosophy in the same.

1787. Robert Finley, President of the University of Georgia.

1787. Elijah D. Rattoone, President of Charleston College, South Carolina, and a Presbyter of the Protestant Episcopal Church.

1789. Robert Helt Chapman, President of the University of North Carolina.

1791. Joseph Caldwell, President of the same University before Dr. Chapman.

1793. John Henry Hobart, Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church, New York, and Professor of Pastoral Theology and Pulpit Eloquence in the Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church.

1794. Henry Kollock, Professor of Theology in the College of New Jersey.

Some of those here named were eminent as preachers of the gospel as well as teachers in the higher seminaries of learning.

To this list may be added the names of not a few others who were men of note as able and successful pastors of churches, e.g.

1769. Samuel Niles, at Abington, Massachusetts.

1769. Elihu Thayer, at Kingston, New Hampshire.

1770. Nathaniel Irwin, at Neshansiny, Pennsylvania.

1770. Nathan Perkins, at West Hartford, Connecticut.

1771. John Black, at Upper Mars Creek, York County, Pennsylvania.

1771. Samuel Spring, at Newburypoxt, Massachusetts.

1772. Joseph Eckley, at Boston, Massachusetts.

1772. James Grier, at Deep Run, Pennsylvania.

1772. William Linn, at New York City, Reformed Dutch Church..

1773. John Francis Armstrong, at Trenton, New Jersey; a Trustee of the College.

1773. Ebenezer Bradford, at Rowley, Massachusetts.

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1773. Lewis Feuilleteau Wilson, at Concord, North Carolina.

1774. Stephen Bloomer Balch, at Georgetown, District of Columbia.

1774. James Hall, at Fourth Creek, Concord, and Bethany, North Carolina.

1775. John Durburrow Blair, at Richmond, Virginia.

1775. Isaac Stockton Keith, at Charleston, South Carolina.

1775. James McCrie, at Steel Creek, North Carolina.

1775. John Springer, at Washington, Georgia.

1778. William Boyd, at Lamington, New Jersey; a Trustee of the College.

178!. Joseph Clark, at New Brunswick, New Jersey; a Trustee of the College.

1783. Gilbert Tennent Snowden, at Cranbury, New Jersey.

1784. Joseph Clay, at Savannah, Georgia; Baptist Church.

1787. John Nelson Abeel, at New York; Reformed Dutch Church.

1788. Aaron Condict, at Hanover, New Jersey.

1789. Thomas Pitt Irving, at Hagerstown, Maryland; Principal of the Academy there, and Rector of the Episcopal Church.

1790. George Spafford Woodholl, at Princeton, and a Trustee of the College.

1793. Isaac Van Dorem, at Hopewell, New York; Reformed Dutch Church, and afterwards Principal of the Newark Academy.

Of the graduates from 1769 to 1794 inclusive, six were members of the Continental Congress, twenty became Senators of the United States, and twenty-three members of the House of Representatives. Of the class of

1769. John Beatty, Delegate to the Continental Congress, from New Jersey.

1769. John Henry, Delegate to the Continental Congress, from Maryland.

1771. Gunning Bedford, Delegate to the Continental Congress, from Delaware,

1771. James Madison, Delegate to the Continental Congress, from Virginia.

1773. Morgan Lewis, Delegate to the Continental Congress, from New York.

1773. Henry Lee, Delegate to the Continental Congress, from Virginia.

UNITED STATES SENATORS.

1770. Frederick Frelinghuysen, from New Jersey..

1772. Aaron Burr, from New York.

1773. Aaron Ogden, from New Jersey.

1774. John Ewing Calhoun, from South Carolina.

1774. Jonathan Mason, from Massachusetts.

1775. Isaac Tichenor, from Vermont.

1776. Jonathan Dayton, from New Jersey.

1776. John Rutherford, from New York.

1779. Richard Stockton, from New Jersey.

1780. Abraham R. Venable, from Virginia.

1781. William Branch Giles, from Virginia.

1781. Edward Livingston, from Louisiana,

1784. James Ashton Bayard, from Delaware.

1785. Robert Goodloe Harper, from Maryland.

1788. David Stone, from North Carolina.

1789. Mahlon Dickerson, from New Jersey.

1790. John Taylor, from South Carolina.

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1791. Jacob Burnet, from Ohio.

1792. George M. Bibb, from Kentucky.

1794. George Washington Campbell, from Tennessee.

MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES HOUSE

1769. James Linn, from New Jersey.

1772. David Bard, from Pennsylvania.

1774. Win. Stevens Smith, from New York.

1775. John Andrew Scudder, from New Jersey.

1776. Nathaniel Alexander, from North Carolina.

1776. John W. Kittera, from Pennsylvania.

1781. William Crawford, from Pennsylvania.

1782. Conrad Elmendorf, from New York.

1782. John A. Hanna, from Pennsylvania.

1784. Peter R. Livingston, from New York.

1785. James Wilken, from New York.

1786. John Henderson Imlay, from New Jersey.

1787. Evan Alexander, from North Carolina.

1788. Nathaniel W. Howell, from New York.

1788. Win. Kirkpatrick, from New York.

1788. Nicholas Van Dyke, from Delaware.

1789. Isaac Pierson, from New Jersey.

1789. Ephraim King Wilson, from Maryland.

1789. Silas Wood, from New York.

1792. Wm, Chatwood, from New Jersey.

1792. Peter Early, from Georgia.

1792. George C. Maxwell, from New Jersey.

1794. Thomas M. Bayly, from Virginia.

1794. James M. Broome, from Delaware.

Of the above-named members of Congress,

James Madison was the fourth President of the United States.

Aaron Burr was the third Vice-President.

John Henry was Governor of Maryland.

Gunning Bedford was Governor of Delaware.

Henry Lee was Governor of Virginia.

Morgan Lewis was Governor of New York.

Aaron Ogden was Governor of New Jersey.

Isaac Tichenor was Governor of Vermont.

Nathaniel Alexander was Governor of North Carolina.

Wm. Branch Giles was Governor of Virginia.

David Stone was Governor of North Carolina.

Mahlon Dickerson was Governor of New Jersey.

John Taylor was Governor of South Carolina.

Peter Early was Governor of Georgia.

And to this list of Governors of several of the States may be added William Richardson Davie, Governor of North Carolina, also Envoy, with Ellsworth, an older graduate, to France,

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Not a few others became distinguished,—some for their culture of letters, some for their medical skill and knowledge, others for their legal attainments and as judges, some as army officers, and others still as active and useful citizens. Of these, without undertaking to mention all, the following include the best-known:

1770. James Witherspoon, of New Jersey, son of President Witherspoon, killed at the battle of Germantown.

1771. Hugh Henry Brackenridge, of Pennsylvania, Judge of the Supreme Court.

1771. Charles McKnight, of New York, Surgeon-General of the United States Army.

1771. Donald Campbell, of New York, Colonel in the United States Army.

1771. Philip Freneau, of New Jersey, Poet, and Writer on Politics.

1772. Win. Bradford, of Pennsylvania, Attorney-General of the United States.

1773. Hugh Hodge, of Pennsylvania, Physician, Surgeon in the United States Army.

1774. John Noble Cumming, of New Jersey, General in the Army.

1775. Andrew Kirkpatrick, of New Jersey, Chief Justice.

1775. Charles Lee, of Virginia, Attorney-General of the United States..

1775. Spruce Macay, of North Carolina, Judge of the Superior Court,

1775. John R. B. Rodgers, M.D., of New York, Physician, and Professor in Columbia College.

1776. John Pintard, of New York, chief founder of the New York Historical Society.

1777. John Young Noel, of Georgia, Lawyer of much eminence.

1778. Jacob Morton, of New York, Justice of the City Court, etc.

1779. Andrew Bayard, of Pennsylvania, Trustee of the College.

1779. Matthew McCallister, of Georgia, Judge of the Superior Court.

1779. James Riddle, of Pennsylvania, Judge of the Supreme Court.

1779. Aaron Dickinson Woodruff, of New Jersey, Attorney-General.

1780. Ebenezer Stockton, of New Jersey, Physician, Assistant-Surgeon in the United States Army.

1783. Nathaniel Lawrence, of New York, Attorney General.

1783. Jacob Radcliff, of New York, Judge of the Supreme Court.

1783. George Whitefield Woodruff, of Georgia, Attorney-General.

1784. Gabriel Ford, of New Jersey, Judge of the Supreme Court.

1784. Samuel Bayard, of New Jersey, Trustee and Treasurer of the College.

1785. John Vernon Henry, of New York, Lawyer, Doctor of Laws.

1788. John Wells, of New York, Lawyer, Doctor of Laws.

1789. David Hosack, of New York, Professor in the College of Physicians and. Surgeons, Doctor of Laws.

1791. Elias Van Artsdale, of New Jersey, Lawyer, Doctor of Laws.

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1792. Charles Wilson Harris, of North Carolina, Professor in the University of North Carolina, and afterwards an eminent lawyer.

1792. John C. Otto, of Pennsylvania, Vice-President of the College of Physicians.

1793. John Neilson, of New York, Physician.

1794. John N. Simpson, of New Jersey, an efficient friend of popular education and internal improvements.

Of the graduates named above as admitted to their first degree, from 1769 to 1780 inclusive, more than twenty were officers in the United States Army during the War for Independence, and all of them young men.

Of the course of instruction in the year 1772, and of the government of the College, Dr. Witherspoon, in an address to the inhabitants of Jamaica and other West India islands, gives the following account "The regular course of instruction is in four classes, exactly after the manner and bearing the names of the classes in the English Universities,—Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior. In the first year they read Latin and Greek, with Roman and Grecian antiquities, and Rhetoric. In the second, continuing the study of the languages, they learn a complete system of geography, with the use of the globes, the first principles of philosophy, and the elements of mathematical knowledge. The third, though the languages are not wholly omitted, is chiefly employed in mathematics and natural philosophy. And the senior year is employed in reading the higher classics, proceeding in the mathematics and natural philosophy, and going through a course of moral philosophy. In addition to these, the President gives lectures to the juniors and seniors, which, consequently, every student hears twice over in his course,—first upon chronology and history, and afterwards upon composition and criticism. He also taught the French language last winter, and it will continue to be taught to those who desire to learn it.

"During the whole course of their studies, the three younger classes, two every evening formerly, and now three, because of their increased number, pronounce an oration, on the stage erected for that purpose in the hall, immediately after prayers; that they may learn, by early habit, presence of mind, and proper pronunciation and gesture in public speaking. This excellent practice, which has been kept up almost from the first foundation of the College, has had the most admirable effects. The senior scholars, every five or six weeks, pronounce orations of their own composition, to which all persons of any note in the neighborhood are invited or admitted.

"The College is now furnished with all the most important helps to instruction. The library contains a very large collection of valuable books. The lessons of astronomy are given upon the orrery lately invented by David Rittenhouse, Esq., which is reckoned by the best judges the most excellent in its kind of any ever yet produced; and when, what is commissioned and now upon its way is added to what the College already possesses, the apparatus for mathematics and natural philosophy will be equal if not superior to any on the continent.

‘There is a fixed annual commencement on the last Wednesday of September, when, after a variety of public exercises, always attended by a vast concourse of the politest company from different parts of this province and the cities of New York and Philadelphia, the students whose senior year is expiring are

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admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Arts; the Bachelors of three years standing to the degrees of Masters; and such other higher degrees granted as are either regularly claimed or the Trustees think proper to bestow upon those who have distinguished themselves by their literary productions or their appearances in public life.

"On the day preceding the commencement last year [ 1771 ] there was (and it will be continued hereafter) a public exhibition and voluntary competition for prizes, open for every member of the College. These were first, second, and third prizes on each of the following subjects:

1. Reading the English language with propriety and grace, and being able to answer all questions on its orthography and grammar.
2. Reading the Latin and Greek languages in the same manner, with particular attention to true quantity.
3. Speaking Latin.
4. Latin versions.
5. Pronouncing English orations. The preference was determined by ballot, and all present permitted to vote who were graduates of this or any other College.

"As to the government of the College, no correction by stripes is permitted. Such as cannot be governed by reason and the principles of honor and shame are reckoned unfit for a residence in a college. The collegiate censures are,

1. Private admonition by the president, professor, or tutor.
2. Before the Faculty.
3. Before the whole class to which the offender belongs.
4. The last and highest, before all the members of the College assembled in the hall. And, to preserve the weight and dignity of these censures, it has been an established practice that the last or highest censure, viz., public admonition, shall never be repeated upon the same person. If it has been thought necessary to inflict it upon any one, and if this does not preserve him from falling into such gross irregularities a second time, it is understood that expulsion is immediately to follow.

"Through the narrowness of the funds the government and instruction has hitherto been carried on by a president and three tutors. At the last commencement the trustees chose a professor of mathematics; and intend, as their funds are raised, to have a greater number of professorships, and carry their plan to as great perfection as possible."

These extracts give a clear view of the course of instruction in 1772, and of the provision made for conducting it. It also exhibits the opinions then held as to the principles upon which the government of youth in a college should proceed. Before the close of Dr. Witherspoon’s administration the Faculty was enlarged, and consisted of the President, the Vice-President, who was also Professor of Divinity and Moral Philosophy, the Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, and two Tutors.

In the address from which the above extracts are taken, Dr. Witherspoon does not mention to what extent religious instruction was given in the College; but apparently assuming that this matter was fully and properly attended to, he disavows for himself and his associates any intention or desire to proselyte the

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youth of denominations other than their own to the peculiar and distinctive views of the Presbyterian Church; and in conclusion on this head he adds, "It has been and shall be our care to use every means in our power to make them good men and good scholars; and if this be the case, I shall hear of their future character and usefulness with unfeigned satisfaction, under every name by which a real Protestant can be distinguished."

THE AMERICAN WHIG AND CLIOSOPHIC SOCIETIES.

A few years before Dr. Witherspoon ‘s accession to the Presidency, and certainly as early as the years 1765 and 1766, two literary societies were organized in the College, under the names of the "Well-Meaning" and" Plain-Dealing" Clubs. In consequence of some difficulties arising between these two associations, they were both required to suspend their meetings and to disband their organizations. In the summer, however, of 1769, and doubtless with the consent of the College authorities, the adherents of the Plain-Dealing Club revived their association, under the name of the "American Whig Society ;" and in June, 1770, the members of the Well-Meaning Club reorganized their association, and took the name of the "Cliosophic Society." Tracing its origin back to the Well-Meaning, the Cliosophic Society held its hundredth anniversary in June, 1865. Whereas the American Whig Society, not regarding itself as strictly a continuation of the Plain-Dealing, celebrated its centennial anniversary in June, 1869.

As the histories of these Societies have been given to the public by Professors Giger and Cameron, with that fulness and general accuracy which preclude all occasion for saying anything further in regard to them, the writer of this work deems it unnecessary to add anything to what they have so well said respecting the Societies of which they were the chosen historians.

The following-named gentlemen were members of the Faculty during Dr. Witherspoon's administration, from 1768 to 1794.

John Witherspoon, D.D., LL.D., President, and, from 1769 to 1783, Professor of Divinity.

John Blair, AM., Professor of Divinity and Moral Philosophy from 1767 to 1769.

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William Churchill Houston, A. M., Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy from 1771 to 1783.

Samuel Stanhope Smith, D.D., Professor of Moral Philosophy from 1779 to 1795; Professor of Divinity and Moral Philosophy from 1783 to 1795; Vice-President from 1786 to 1795.

Ashbel Green, AM., Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy from 1785 to 1787.

Walter Minto, LL.D., Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy from 1787 to 1796.

James Thompson, A.M., Tutor from 1762 to 1770.

Joseph Periam, A.M., Tutor from 1765 to 1766, and from 1767 to 1769.

Jonathan Edwards, A.M., Tutor from 1766 to 1769.

Ehenezer Pemberton, AM., Tutor from 1769 to 1769.

William Churchill Houston, AM., Tutor from 1769 to 1771.

Tapping Reeve, AM., Tutor from 1769 to 1770.

Richard Devens, AM., Tutor from 1770 to April, 1773; and again from September, 1773, to 1774.

Samuel Stanhope Smhh, A.M., Tutor from 1770 to 1773.

James Grier, A.M., Tutor from 1773 to 1774.

John Duffieid, AM., Tutor from 1773 to 1775.

Lewis Feuilleteau Wilson, AM., Tutor from 1774 to 1775.

Janses Dunlap, A.M., Tutor from 1775 to 1777.

John Springer, A.M., Tutor from 1775 to 1777.

George Faitoute, A.M., Tutor from 1777 to 1777.

From 1777 to 1781 there were no Tutors. The few students in College during this period were instructed solely by the President and Professors.

James Riddle, AM., Tutor from 1781 to 1783.

Ashbel Green, AB., Tutor from 1783 to 1785.

Samuel Beach, A.B., Tutor from 1783 to 1785.

Gilbert Tennent Snowden, A.M., Tutor from 1785 to 1787.

John W. Vancleve, A.M., Tutor from 1787 to 1791.

John Henderson Imlay, AB., Tutor from 1787 to 1788.

Samuel Harris, A.B., Tutor from 1788 to 1789.

Silas Wood, A.M., Tutor from 1789 to 1794.

John Nelson Abeel, AM., Tutor from 1791 to 5793.

Robert Finley, A.M., Tutor from 1793 to 1795.

Charles Snowden, A.M., Tutor from 1793 to 1793.

David English, AM., Tutor from 1794 to 1796.

Most of the gentlemen named here as Tutors of the College became men of much note in the Church or State; and not a few of them attained to great distinction in their several professions. For further information respecting them the reader is referred to the Triennial Catalogue of the College, and to the Rev. Dr. Samuel Alexander’s "Princeton College."

Of those gentlemen who were Trustees of the College at the time Dr. Witherspoon was inaugurated as President, only two were members of the Board at the time of his death. These were Rev. Dr. John Rodgers, of New York City, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church there, and Dr. William Shippen, founder of the first medical school in Philadelphia.

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The following were chosen Trustees after Dr. Witherspoon’s accession to the Presidency viz., in

1768. William Livingston, Esq.; from 5776, ex officio President of the Board, being Governor of the State.

1769. Rev. John Blair, late Vice-President of the College.

1769. Rev. James Caldwell.

1770. Rev. Jeremiah Halsey.

1772. Rev. l)r. Robert Smith.

1772. Rev. Dr. Alexander McWhorter.

1772. Elias Boudinot, Esq.

1777. Rev. Dr. George Duffield.

1778. Colonel John Bayard.

1778. Dr. Nathaniel Scudder.

1779. Rev. Dr. John Mason.

1779. Jonathan Bayard Smith, Esq.

1780. Rev. Dr. John Woodhull.

1781. Hon. Joseph Reed.

1781. Rev. James Boyd.

1782. Isaac Snowden.

1782. Rev. Jonathan Elmer.

1785. Dr. John Beatty.

1785. Rev. Wm. Mackay Tennent.

1785. Rev. Alexander Miller.

1787. William Paterson, Esq., to 1790, when he became ex officio President of the Board, being the Governor of the State.

1788. Rev. Andrew Hunter.

1790. Rev. James Francis Armstrong.

1793. Hon. William Paterson, re-elected.

1793. Rev. Jacob Van Artsdale.

1793. Joseph Bloomfield, Esq.

Treasurers of the College during Dr. Witherspoon’s administration:

Jonathan Sergeant, Esq., Treasurer until 1777.

Upon his decease a committee was appointed to settle with Mr. Sergeant’s executors and to take charge of the funds.

Wm. Churchill Houston, Esq., Treasurer from 1779 to 1783.

Rev. Samuel Stanhope Smith, Treasurer from 1783 to 1786.

Upon Dr. Smith’s resignation, two gentlemen were chosen, one after the other, but both declined to act. It is therefore probable that Dr. Smith continued to discharge the duties of the Treasurer until the appointment of

Mr. Isaac Snowden, Jr., Treasurer from 1788 to 1791.

Mr. John Harrison, Treasurer from 1791 to 1794.

The following statements respecting the course of study and the College charges

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are copied from the advertisements annexed to the charter and the laws, in a pamphlet published in 1794, the last year of Dr. Witherspoon’s presidency.

"The studies of the different classes are the following:

"Freshman, Greek Testament, Sallust, Lucian, Cicero, and Mair’s Introduction [to Latin Syntax].

"Sophomore, Xenophon, Cicero, Homer, Horace, Roman Antiquities, Geography, Arithmetick, English Grammar and Composition.

"Junior, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Practical Geometry, Conic Sections, Natural Philosophy, English Grammar and Composition.

"Senior, Natural and Moral Philosophy, Criticism, Chronology, Logick, and the Classicks.*

"The ordinary expenses for each student are:

Entrance money 4 dollars and 67 cents.
Tuition do 8 "— " per session.
Library do 67
Damage do 67

Room Rent ..... 5 " 33

Board with the Steward ... 1 " 67 " per week."

At this time—1794—the Faculty was composed of the following-named persons:

John Witherspoon, D .D., President.

Samuel Stanhope Smith, D.D., Vice-President and Professor of Moral Philosophy.

Walter Minto, LL.D., Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy.

Robert Finley, A.M., Tutor.

Silas Wood, AM., Tutor.

All were, or became, eminent men.

* " Besides the authors above mentioned, the following are at present taught in the College:—Wettenball’s Greek Grammar; Ovid’s Metamorphoses; Kennet’s Roman Antiquities; Guthrie’s Geography; Lowth’s English Grammar; Simpson’s Algebra; Bossut’s Elements of Geometry, manuscript; Minto’s Trigonometry, Practical Geometry, and Conic Sections, manuscript; Sherwin’s Logarithms; Moore’s Navigation; Helsham’s Natural Philosophy; Nicholson’s Natural Philosophy; Witherspoon’s Moral Philosophy, Criticism, and Chronology, manuscript; and Duncan’s Logic."

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TO THE CHAPTER ON DR. WTTHERSPOON’S ADMINISTRATION.

THE most perplexing matter in the report made in April, 1775, respecting the condition of the College funds, was the discrepancy between the statements of the committee and certain claims of the President.

Dr. Witherspoon had received sundry moneys for the College, and had also incurred sundry expenses, for which he claimed a credit. Some of these the committee thought ought not to be allowed, as they had been incurred without authority from the Board, and, in the judgment of the committee, unnecessarily. The President and committee also differed as to the right of the President to expend, at his discretion, for the benefit of the College, the income from the fund given by Wm. Phillips, Esq., and his brothers, of Boston; and in settling the account the committee refused to allow the President the credits claimed by him for payments made from the interest of this fund. But upon the President’s producing the following letter from Mr. Phillips, the Board yielded this point, and the President continued to dispose of the avails of this trust for College purposes. (The letter is taken from page 313 of the first volume of the Minutes of the Board):

DEAR SR,—Your esteemed favor of the 19th ult. I have before me, and I thank you for your affectionate expressions of regard for me in my ejected state. I have great cause for thankfulness that I am not imprisoned in Boston.

"I do not recollect the particular directions I gave as to the disposal of the interest arising on the donation of my mother’s [brothers’] and mine.’ You were the cause of obtaining it, from the confidence we had in you, as well as the affection for that Seminary.

It is my desire, and doubt not of my mother’s [brothers’] that you personally bestow the interest of the above donation till you hear farther from us, as you have the best opportunity of knowing the most proper objects; at the same time desire, when anything offers, either to lay out the Capital in any article, or dispose of the

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interest in any other way that may appear to you more for the general good of the College, you would advise me thereof."

The use of the word mothers for brothers’ is, no doubt, a clerical error in copying the letter into the College records.

The minutes of the April meeting of 1775, at which this report of the committee was made in detail, are not on record, but it appears from a statement of the report of 1793, mentioned above, that the report of 1775 was approved by the Board, but that at a subsequent meeting of the Trustees, in 1778, they passed the account of Dr. Witherspoon upon the examination and report of another committee, who, it is alleged by Dr. Boudinot, had none of the former proceedings before them. But this special committee had before them what the first committee had not, viz., Mr. Phillips’s letter, given above, and also some of the papers referred to in Dr. Boudinot’s report of 1794, upon the strength of which the Doctor and the committee could and did say, and that, too, after including all accounts between the College and Dr. Witherspoon, as far back as 1775, disregarding the settlement of 1778:

"Your committee, moreover, feel it to be a duty not to close this report without declaring that, whereas it appears to have been apprehended that some inquiries heretofore made by this committee were intended to implicate the character of Dr. Witherspoon, no such design was ever in the contemplation of the committee. And they do now most cheerfully report, that these inquiries are answered to their entire satisfaction, from papers furnished by the President himself, and in such a manner as must convince every person who understands the subject that there is no foundation whatever for any impeachment or suspicion of the President’s integrity."

A happy conclusion, and happily arrived at before the decease of Dr. Witherspoon, who died within less than two months after this report was made.

The first report disallowing Dr. Witherspoon’s sundry claims, and making him largely a debtor to the College, was made nineteen years before his decease, and was appended to a report made seventeen years after the first one. More than a year after Dr. Witherspoon’s death, Dr. Boudinot presents yet another report on the funds of the College, in which he takes occasion to say:

"Another sum is a donation from three brothers, the Messrs. Phillips, of Bos

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ton, amounting to about £535. Seven per cent. interest has constantly been credited to himself by the late Dr. Witherspoon for twenty years past, amounting to £738.16, without regard to the interest received by this Board on this sum, or any losses of the general fund during the war, by depreciation or otherwise, and without any responsibility, as to the appropriation, to this Board. This sum was refused to be allowed by the committee of 1774, which refusal was confirmed by the Board, but afterwards rescinded and allowed to the Doctor, on his producing a letter from the Donors, dated two years after the disallowance by said committee. This fund has suffered so materially by this transaction, that some attention is due to it from the Board."

At the time the Board received the money they recognized in express terms the right of the donors to dispose of the interest of this fund, and even the fund itself, at their pleasure for the good of the College; and the right to dispose of the income from the funds, the Messrs. Phillips transferred to Dr. Witherspoon until they should order otherwise.

The only further action of the Board in this matter was the adoption of the following resolution: " Resolved, That the interest arising from the donation of the Messrs. Phillips, of Boston, which has hitherto been submitted to the personal appropriation of Dr. Witherspoon, the late President, agreeably to the instruction of the donors; and the principal of the donation now falls into the general stock, subject to the appropriation of the Board." The appropriation was not to the Doctor personally, but made by him personally without instructions from the Board. (On page 160 of the Minutes an extract from the letter of the Messrs. Phillips was inserted at the request of the President.)

Whether Dr. Witherspoon was indebted to the College or the College to him at the settlement of September, 1774, reported in April, 1775, turns very much upon the question whether his assuming to pay £243.1.4 of Mr. Baldwin’s indebtedness to the College, and also £115.6 for Mr. Woodruff (Stewards of the College), are to be viewed as debts due by Dr. Witherspoon to the College or to the persons named. In the latter case the College was indebted to him.

The following passages from a notice to the public, of the date of September 28, 1781, published in the " New Jersey Gazette" of October 10, 1782, will serve to throw some light on these

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assumptions of debt on the part of Dr. Witherspoon: "The entrance money and the chamber rent must be paid to the Treasurer, the tuition to the President, and the board to the Steward, in advance for six months. This last circumstance of paying in advance every six months will not be in any instance dispensed with, as the Trustees have renewed or ratified the former law, that if complaint is made by the Treasurer or Steward that any student has not made his, advance for the current half-year, the President must either dismiss him from College or be himself answerable for the debt.

"With regard to enforcing punctuality in the payments, the reader will easily perceive that the burden must be wholly on the subscriber, who has already suffered so much by arrearages and pledging himself for persons at a distance, that nobody need expect a repetition of the same expensive and dangerous complaisance."

In money matters, as well as in all others, Dr. Witherspoon’s course was not only perfectly correct, as finally acknowledged by the Committee on Accounts, but truly generous, especially during the period when the currency of the country was greatly depreciated. When, according to the understanding between the Trustees and himself, he was entitled to receive his salary in gold and silver, he, of his own accord; took it for two years in the depreciated currency; and in reference to his liberal and generous conduct in consenting to relinquish a large part of his salary that better provision might be made for the instruction of the students, the Trustees expressed their views by the adoption of the following resolution: "Resolved, That this Board do approve of this proposal and interpretation [of a previous agreement], which they consider as an act of generosity towards this corporation."

At this very time the Board was indebted to Dr. Witherspoon in the sum of £881.13.3, as appears from the report of Messrs. W. P. Smith and John Bayard, the committee appointed to examine the Doctor’s accounts.

Upon the return of Messrs. Tennent and Davies from Great

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Britain, they deposited with the Trustees of the College the sum of £357.4.6 sterling, given to them while they were yet abroad, for the education of poor and pious youth at the College of New Jersey,—the beneficiaries, candidates for the ministry, to be designated by the Synod of New Jersey, and also the allowances to them respectively.

After his return home, the Rev. Gilbert Tennent received from a gentleman in Scotland two hundred pounds sterling, regarded as equal to three hundred pounds proc. of New Jersey, which sum the donor requested should be given to the Trustees of the College, "in trust for one or other of the following purposes, viz.: to the support of a pious and well-qualified missionary in preaching the gospel among the Indians in North America; or the supporting a pious and well-qualified schoolmaster in teaching the Indians the English language, and the principles of natural and revealed religion; or for maintaining a pious and well-qualified Indian youth at the College of New Jersey while prosecuting his studies there, in order to instructing his countrymen in the English language and the Christian religion, or preaching the gospel to them; or for maintaining a pious and well-qualified youth of English or Scotch extract, at that College, during his preparatory studies for teaching; or preaching the gospel among the Indians, in case an Indian youth of suitable qualifications cannot at some particular time be obtained; with the express limitation, that the Synod of New York (by whatever name that body in time coming be called) shall direct and determine to which of the uses before mentioned the yearly interest of the aforesaid principal sum shall be, from time to time, applied; and which of the candidates for that particular use shall be preferred; and how the overplus above what may answer the particular use at any time pitched on (if any such overplus be) shall be employed, as in providing Bibles or other good books conducive to promote the general design."

The Board accepted these trusts on the conditions prescribed. Twenty years after, we find the following minutes, of the date of September 27, 1775

"The committee appointed at the last meeting to give their

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opinion upon the appropriation of the interest of the £300 lodged in our treasury by the Synod are not prepared to deliver a report.

"The Board, however, agreed that Mr. Brainerd should enjoy that interest for the present year, according to the request of the Synod, and the Clerk was directed to give Mr. Brainerd an order to receive it.

"The Board, considering that they paid 6 per cent, interest and ran all the risk of the principal for the £500 lodged with them by [for] the Synod of New York, that they might apply the interest of it to the education of pious youth, according to the direction of the committee of the Synod appointed for that purpose, Resolved, That they would not hereafter allow more than 5 per cent. for that sum, and appointed Dr. Witherspoon, Dr. Rodgers, Mr. Treat, Mr. Spencer, Mr. McWhorter, or a majority of them, to be a committee to report this resolve to the Synod of New York and Philadelphia. If the Synod should not agree to the allowance of 5 per cent., the committee were instructed to deliver the money to that body, and were empowered to draw upon the Treasurer for the sum."

The Synod did agree to the proposed reduction in the rate of interest, and the money remained in the College treasury. During the Revolutionary War the funds of the College suffered a depreciation in their value to the extent of sixty-six per cent of the entire capital; and these trust funds were made to bear their share of the loss.

It is somewhat remarkable that there should have arisen in the mind of any one a doubt as to the right of the Synod to direct to whom and for what purposes the interest accruing from these particular funds should be paid, when the persons who deposited these funds in the College treasury did provide in express terms for the Synod’s control of the interest, and so informed the Synod and the Board; and for twenty years both Synod and Board had acted upon this understanding, without any doubt or scruple as to its correctness.

In the minute cited above, the fund for the education of poor and pious youth is spoken of as lodged by the Synod of New York." It is not improbable that the word by was inadver

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tently used for the word for, for the substitution of which would make the statement both precise and exact. With respect to the other fund, it was stipulated by the giver himself that the interest should be devoted to one or other of several purposes as directed by the Synod, by whatever name that body might be known in time to come; and yet we find the Committee on Accounts in 1775 (the committee named above), in their general report, questioning the extent of the Synod’s powers as to these funds, and holding that, in regard to the fund for the education of poor and pious youth, the power of the Synod extended no further than to the mere nominating of the individuals to whom the income of this fund should be appropriated, and that this appropriation should be for their education exclusively,—that is, for the payment of their tuition-fees only,—and not at all, for maintenance while engaged in pursuing their studies, and that the allowance made to each one should be determined by the Trustees and not by the Synod. It is rather extraordinary that the writer of the report, Dr. Boudinot, should consider himself better qualified to judge of the design of the donors than Messrs. Tennent and Davies, who received these funds, who deposited them with the Trustees, and who, in a letter to the Synod, from London, of the date of October 25, 1754, say, "We do by virtue of said trust [the intrusting the funds to their care for the purpose specified] put the said sum into the hands of the Trustees of the College of New Jersey, in trust, to be applied to the education of such youth of the character above mentioned as shall be examined and approved of by the Synod of New York, or by whatever name that body of men may be hereafter called, and by them recommended to the Trustees of said College, to be divided among such youth in such proportion as the Synod shall think fit." (See Minutes of the Synod of New York, for October, 1755.) The only tenable position taken by the writer of the report is that the money ought to be drawn from the College treasury by order of the Trustees, and not upon an order given by the Committee of the Synod. A record of the depositing of this fund is not to be found in the minutes of the Board; yet in the subsequent minutes there are repeated references to it.

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Of the other charitable fund of two hundred pounds sterling, three hundred pounds proc., the College Committee on Accounts say, "With respect to the £300 given with the design of educating scholars for Indian missionaries, the annual interest of this money has been usually applied to the use of the Rev. Mr. Brainerd, but upon what principle your committee are unable to comprehend, as it appears to them to be acting quite beyond the powers granted by the charter, and which, for weighty reasons, the committee beg leave to recommend to the full consideration of this corporation as a matter that greatly concerns its Being as well as its Interests. Upon the whole, the committee are clearly of the opinion that the income of these moneys ought to be solely appropriated to the purpose of educating such young men as shall be directed by the Synod, or other persons pointed out by the donor, and a particular account be kept of such dispositions, so that it may at all times appear that the trust has been duly performed."

This is a most extraordinary report, involving both the Board and the Synod in the charge of violating the trust confided to them conjointly, and that for twenty years; and furnishing upon the face of it complete evidence that the writer did not understand or disregarded the terms of the trust as laid down in the letter written by the donor himself, at the very time he gave the money, and which was recorded in the minutes of the Board for September, 1756; the very first purpose mentioned for which the interest of the trust might be expended being "the support of a pious and well-qualified missionary, in preaching the gospel among the Indians of North America." Was not Mr. Brainerd just such a missionary? The report does not state correctly the design of the trust when it omits all mention of the fact just stated, and simply speaks of the educating of scholars for Indian missionaries as the design of it. If the design is to be inferred from the language of the donor, there can be no question as to the propriety of paying the interest of this fund to Mr. Brainerd while engaged in preaching to the Indians and in maintaining a school among them. These are the two objects first mentioned to which the income may, at the discretion of the Synod, be given. The educating of

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youths for teachers of the Indians was a secondary object of the trust; at least it was mentioned after the other two; and the provision that they should be educated at the College of New Jersey would seem at least to justify the Trustees in accepting the trust, even if they were not clearly authorized by their charter to hold funds for other than educational purposes under their own direction. The report assumes and asserts that under the charter the Board had no right to receive this fund for any other than educational purposes, and that they should hold it for the education of youths of a certain character to be designated by the Synod, and for nothing else. If in accepting the trust the Trustees went beyond their just powers, it is certain that they did not misconceive their duty under this special trust, but had most faithfully fulfilled it.

Twenty-one years after this report on the finances of the College was presented, the writer of it, in another report, made April, 1796, makes use of the following language: "The charitable funds require the particular attention of the Board. The first sum carried to this account consists of moneys collected by Messrs. Tennent and Davies, in England, on a mission from and at the expense of this Board. Yet these gentlemen have thought proper of their own motion, without the consent of the Board, and, as your committee conceives, any act of the donors, by an instrument executed by them, to put the sum of £500 under the direction of another body no ways legally connected with this corporation, and so inattentive has this Board been to the circumstances of this case that in their minutes they have deliberately recognized this sum as lodged with them by that body of men, and agreed to allow them 5 per cent, interest for it, without there being even a color of right for such a transaction in the opinion of a majority of your committee. Since then another body of men [the General Assembly], equally unconnected in law with the corporation, have claimed the right to dispose of this money, as representing those who first laid claim to it, who now call upon this Board to account for the net proceeds thereof."

"The next is that of the £200 sterling given by an unknown person in Scotland, through Messrs. Tennent and Burr,

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for divers particular uses, two only of which can be executed by this Board, viz., that of educating an English or Scotch youth, or an Indian youth, for the purpose of preaching the gospel to the Indians, with the condition that the Synod of New York and Philadelphia shall determine to which of the purposes it shall be applied, and which candidate shall be preferred, the last of which only can be allowed to that Reverend Body. Your committee cannot but observe that the interest of this sum has been repeatedly paid to a purpose wholly foreign to the duties of their trust limited in their charter, and which cannot be justified by any of the powers contained therein."

If Governor Belcher, who gave the charter in the name of the King, and who had it drawn up under his own eye, and dictated its terms, and who presided at the meeting of the Board at which this special trust was thankfully received by the Board and cheerfully accepted, saw no objection to its terms; if such an eminent lawyer as the Honorable William Smith, of New York, who was also present when the trust was accepted, had no scruples and intimated no doubt as to the right of the Board to accept the trust with the conditions thereto annexed; if Presidents Burr, Davies, Finley, and Witherspoon, in succession, and for a period of forty years, did not discover that the Trustees, by giving effect to the wishes of the donor, were endangering the being as well as the interests of the College, it cannot be regarded as a matter of surprise that the Rev. Dr. Ashbel Green, a member of the committee, and President of the College at a later period, entered his dissent from this part of the report, which was evidently written in a captious and faultfinding spirit. The imputation cast upon Messrs. Tennent and Davies was wholly gratuitous, and as uncalled for as gratuitous. They informed the Synod, and, no doubt, informed the Board, in their report of the results of their mission, that the moneys here in question had been intrusted to themselves personally to aid a certain class of youth in obtaining an education, and that they, in virtue of that trust, had put the moneys into the hands of the Trustees of the College for the aid of such young men as might be recommended by the Synod. Those who

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forty years before employed Messrs. Tennent and Davies in their laborious but eminently successful agency for the College were well satisfied with their course, took no exception to their conduct, and expressed their gratitude for their valuable and unrequited services.

What was to hinder the Board from taking the school at Brotherton, New Jersey, under their care, and employing Mr. Brainerd to superintend it for them, if in no other way they could accomplish the main object of the trust? The charter authorized the Board to establish a school anywhere in New Jersey, as appears from the section relating to property.

If it were so, that under the charter the Trustees could not fulfil all the terms of the trust, in the case of the two hundred pounds received from Scotland, why did not the committee recommend that the trust itself be surrendered to the Synod, or to other parties, who could legally administer it, instead of insisting that the Board should in future restrict the expenditure of the income therefrom to the education of a Scotch, English, or Indian youth, or propose that application be made to the Legislature for authority to administer this special trust in the manner specified by the donor?

Influenced by the statements and reasoning of the report of April,1793, the Trustees decided that the Board, by the intention of the donors, was under no obligation to take any direction or advice from the Synod of New York, or their successors, in the disposal of the money obtained by Messrs. Tennent and Davies in the island of Great Britain ; and it was ordered, "That a copy of the minute on this subject should be sent to the Committee of the General Assembly appointed to designate the beneficiaries, and to apportion to them their respective allowances from the fund in question."

The General Assembly appointed a committee to confer with the Trustees in regard to this decision, and the result, was, that the Board rescinded their resolution and restored matters to their former footing.

Yielding to the representations of the Committee on Accounts, made April, 1796, that the charter did not warrant their holding any funds, in trust or otherwise, except for the purposes of edu

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cation, the Board resolved, that the interest arising from the fund for the support of an Indian mission, etc., should be appropriated by the Board to the education of a youth to be designated by the General Assembly. And it does not appear that the General Assembly, although informed of this resolution of the Board, made any objection to it; influenced, probably, by these two considerations: 1, that the Indian mission at Brotherton, Burlington County, New Jersey, to the support of which the interest of this fund had often been voted, had been given up; and, 2, that the original fund of two hundred pounds sterling had been reduced to sixty eight pounds sterling, or one hundred and two pounds proc. of New Jersey. The fund for the education of poor and pious youth, collected in Britain by Messrs. Tennent and Davies, was reduced to one hundred and fifty-two pounds six shillings and five pence proc., or £101.10.11-1/3 sterling.

These funds being so much diminished, the General Assembly finally gave up all control of the interest, and permitted the Trustees to dispense it at their discretion.

As it may be as well to present at one view all matters relating to the finances of the College during Dr. Witherspoon’s administration, brief mention will here be made of the other funds, with some comments on the report of the Committee of Accounts respecting them.

In their report of April, 1775, this committee gave a statement of the receipts from May, 1769, to September, 1774, and of this account of particulars they observe, "Hence it will be seen that since May, 1769, the Treasurer has received in donations and subscriptions divers sums to the amount of £7468.1.1, and that he had received, prior to the present account, before May, 1769, £311.13.6.

"Without these seasonable and providential aids your committee are of the opinion that this corporation must ere this time have become totally bankrupt. For in 1769, before any of these donations were received, the clear stock was (including the charitable appropriations) about £3000, of which about £1800 only was upon interest; and now the whole stock but little exceeds £6000. Hence it appears that since that time

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there hath been expended of what ought, or at least might, have been capital, a sum not much short of £5000."

Here there is an unqualified censure, which is not warranted by the facts of the case. The minutes of the Board furnish evidence that the College was in pressing need of funds that could be expended as soon as received, and that funds were solicited and obtained with the expectation that a considerable portion of them would be expended in paying the debts and some of the current expenses of the institution, and in making the best possible provision for the instruction of the students.

From the committee’s own showing it appears that the entire sum received during these five years from interest of moneys loaned, tuition-fees, rent of rooms, proceeds of lotteries, and other sources, exclusive of bonds and donations, amounted to only £4617.2.2, while the expenditures for salaries, for philosophical and astronomical apparatus, for ordinary and extra expenses (including those of agencies to solicit funds, for lottery agencies, repairs of buildings, improvement of the grounds, paying of debts contracted before September, 1769), and appropriations from the trust funds, amounted to £8058.2.5, showing that the expenses exceeded the ordinary income by £3441.0.3,* which excess of the expenses was paid from the donations given not so much for the endowment of the College

* As given by the committee, the expenditures and the receipts from September, 1769, to September, 1774, five years, are as follows:

EXPENDITURES.

1774, September 28

To old debts discharged, including those due to Mr. Field (book

seller of London) and Mr. Sergeant (the Treasurer) £649.5.8
Philosophical apparatus 416.13.4
Orrery 284.4.0
Officers’ salaries for four years 3461.4.1
" Omitted in the above 730

Extra and ordinary expenses, five years . . . .2210. 2.0

" Charitable appropriations (from the trust funds) . .306.13.4

[ Total ] £8058.2.5

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as for placing the institution in a condition in which it should be fully able to accomplish the end for which it was established. This was done; and had not the War of the Revolution come on soon after, there is abundant reason to believe that the number of the students would have greatly increased, and that the resources of the institution would have been largely augmented. If to this sum of £3441.0.3 be added the £302.9.7 refused Dr. Witherspoon by the committee, but finally allowed him by the Board, the excess of the expenses above the ordinary receipts would be £3743.9.10, which could be paid only from the donations, which, according to the committee’s report, amounted to the sum of £7468.1.1. But, taking the case as it is presented by the committee, the difference between the donations from May, 1769, to September, 1774, £7468.1.1., and the excess of the expenditures above the receipts, £3441.0.3, is the sum of £4027.0.10, which added to the £3000, the stock in 1769, would make the whole fund, in September, 1774, £7027.1.10. This sum, diminished by the moneys reported to be in the hands of the President and of the Treasurer respectively, and amounting to £1230.5.7, leaves £5796.15.3, which, according to the committee’s own statement, is very nearly the sum actually invested in bonds and notes deemed to be good, and which, as estimated by the committee, "but little exceeds £6000." The difference between £6ooo and £5796.15.3, viz., £203.4.9 is very much short of the £5000 which the committee intimated had been improperly expended. Had the Trustees undertaken to conduct the College upon the basis laid down in the report of the

RECEIPTS.

1774, September 28.

1769, to this day £2449.11.5
Lottery, old account received . 108. 7.10

Lottery account, cash received from Virginia, being amount of Samuel Mania’s bond 170.13. 0

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committee, they would never have had £7468.1.1. of donations either to invest or to expend. In the report of April, 1796, it is said that the donations since the year 1768, the time of Dr. Witherspoon’s accession, amounted "to the enormous sum of £22,061.19.5, a part of which was Continental money." But how much was Continental money the committee do not say in their report, nor have we the accompanying statement of the various donations which make up this large sum. What proportion was paid in Continental money must be a matter of conjecture: if one-third, then its value, £17 for £1, would give as the value of this portion of the donations £433; if one-sixth, then their value would have been £216.10; and if but one-twelfth, their value would have been £108.5, according to the value of the Continental money as given in their report on Mr. Leslie’s funds. Take it at one-sixth of the whole donations, then the value of the donations when made would have been, in the ordinary currency, £18,384, and this sum includes the £4529 received from the estate of Mr. Leslie and £1127 from the estate of Mrs. Richards, making together £5006, leaving to be accounted for £13,378 of donations. Of these not less than £3000 were invested, as has been made to appear from the report made in April, 1775, and which from 1777 to 1779 depreciated in value to £1000,—being a loss of £2000,—leaving but £11,378. The College stock, in 1791, was estimated at £958.6, irrespective of the trust funds, and which may be fairly regarded as donations invested, and worth, before the depreciation in the currency, £2874.18, which, deducted from the £11,378, will leave of the donations £9503.2 for excess of expenditures above the regular College receipts from 1775 to 1796,—the darkest financial period in the history of our nation,—or less than £500 a year from donations, to assist in supporting a corps of teachers and meeting all the ordinary expenses of the College, and the extra expenses incurred from injury to the College buildings, from loss of library and apparatus, from loss of funds from depreciation of stocks, from diminution in the number of students, and from a partial or total failure of persons indebted to the College. The College building was rendered unfit for use by the soldiery of Britain and America, and

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the demands to meet the current expenses were great; and had not the friends of the College generously come forward and contributed funds, not for investment, but to meet pressing demands, the College would have failed, or its Faculty would have been reduced below what its own interests and those of the community required.

That no mistakes were made by the College authorities of that day in regard to financial matters, it is not the design of these remarks to maintain, but it is their object to show that there was more cause for approval than for censure, and that it would have been ruinous to act upon the rule laid down by the committee in regard to the expenditure of funds, in the circumstances in which, during the whole of Dr. Witherspoon’s administration, the College was placed.

No words can express so strongly the hold which Dr. Witherspoon and his associates had upon the confidence and good will of the community at large, and more especially upon the friends of religion and learning, as the fact that in their depressed condition, after a long and arduous civil war, they should have come forward with such great liberality to sustain an institution requiring help to the extent that the College of New Jersey did.

The living gave cheerfully, and the dying, with confidence, made bequests to the trust funds of the College, to secure what the friends of the College themselves had so much at heart, the preparation of pious youth for the gospel ministry.

Not to speak now of smaller bequests, it was during the administration of Dr. Witherspoon that Mrs. Esther Richards made her bequest to the College—for the purpose named—of nearly £1127, or $3000, and Mr. Leslie his of more than £4500, or $ 12,000,—gifts still sacredly devoted to the purpose for which they were given, and which have been of unspeakable service to the College and to the Church, in the yearly training of a number of pious youth at the College for the Church.

[ 384 ]

A MEMOIR OF THE REV. JOHN WITHERSPOON, D.D., LL.D., THE

SIXTH PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY.

DR. WITHERSPOON was born in the parish of Yester, Scotland, on the 5th of February, 1722. His father, the Rev. James Witherspoon, was the minister of the parish church, and he is said to have been an uncommonly able and faithful preacher. His mother, a devoted Christian woman, was a lineal descendant of the great Scottish Reformer, John Knox; and also of his son-in-law, the famous John Welsh, minister of Ayr, whose wife, Elizabeth, was the youngest daughter of John Knox, a woman in every respect worthy of such relationships. Elizabeth’s mother, Margaret Stewart, was a daughter of Lord Ochiltree; and "the family of Ochiltree was of the blood royal."

At the age of fourteen Dr. Witherspoon entered the University of Edinburgh, where he pursued his studies for seven years. Upon being licensed to preach, he was invited to be an assistant minister with his father, with the right of succession; but receiving from the Earl of Eglinton, with the hearty consent of the people, a presentation to the parish church of Beith, in the west of Scotland, he decided to settle at Beith, and there he was ordained to the work of the ministry. After a few years he was translated to Paisley, a large and flourishing town celebrated for its various manufactures; and here he remained until, at the earnest request of the Trustees of the College of New Jersey, he left Scotland to take charge of this institution, which he did in the summer of 1768.

Dr. Witherspoon was the sixth President of the College.

During his residence at Paisley he was invited to Dublin, Ireland, to take the charge of a large congregation in that city. He was also called to the city of Rotterdam, in Holland, and to

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Dundee, Scotland. All these calls he declined, being unwilling to give up his important charge at Paisley, and to enter anew upon the work of a parish minister and the formation of personal and family friendships. And when first invited to become the head of the College of New Jersey, he thought it his duty to decline the offer, especially in view of the fact that his family were unwilling to leave their native land for the trials and hardships of a new country. But, in the providence of God, he was led to review his decision, and both he and his family came to the conclusion that it would be their duty to go to America, should the offer above mentioned be renewed.*

* After this sketch was begun and nearly finished, the writer received from his friend the Rev. Dr. C. C. Beatty, of Steubenville, Ohio, copies of two or three letters written by his grandfather, the Rev. Charles Beatty, during a visit to Scotland in 1767. As these letters have a special value in connection with the subject of this memoir, the following extracts are here subjoined. The letters are addressed to the Rev. R. Treat, of Abington, Pennsylvania. Both Mr. Beatty and Mr. Treat were at this time Trustees of the College of New jersey.

In his letter of the date of October 15, 1767, Mr. Beatty says, "On Saturday I went to Paisley, sent for Dr. Witherspoon to my Inn, who in a very friendly manner invited me to lodge at his house. At first I was reluctant, imagining that I could not be agreeable to Mrs. Witherspoon no more than she would be to me, according to the idea I had formed of her. However, upon. his insisting upon it, I consented; and I must confess I was very agreeably disappointed, for instead of finding a poor, peevish, reserved, discontented, &c., I found a well-looking, genteel, open, friendly woman,—which perhaps you will be surprised at. I preached for the Dr. both parts of the day, and he lectured only; he appears to me, as I before observed to you, to be a good speaker and preacher, tho’ not a fine speaker. I cannot think he is so old as you have heard,—tho’ I did not ask his age. I see him make no use of spectacles, neither in public nor private. Mrs. Witherspoon, on Monday before I came away, having an opportunity, made some modest apology to me for her conduct when Mr. Stockton was there: she seemed to be much concerned for it. She told me to this effect that at that time, and for some time before, she was in a weak state of health, and that in that situation things appeared very gloomy to her,—crossing the sea, and that her husband might soon die, and she be left in a strange land, &c. I need say nothing to you now about choosing a President for Jersey College,—for before now you will be fixed either by a choice in America or here. Dr. Witherspoon has had a call to a congregation in Dublin this last summer, but he declined it. In short, he told me that the call to the College had been much on his mind, and that nothing had ever given him"—The words immediately following have become illegible, but the form of expression indicates the great difficulty he had had in coming to a decision whether to accept or decline the invitation to the College.

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Upon Dr. Witherspoon’s refusal to accept the proffered appointment, the Trustees chose the Rev. Samuel Blair, a graduate of the College, but at this time pastor of the South Church, Boston, President, with the expectation that he would enter upon the duties of the office in the autumn of 1768. Learning that Dr. Witherspoon would probably accept the presidency of the College should it again be tendered to him, with a promptness that did him the highest honor Mr. Blair at once resigned his claim to the office, that the Trustees might have it in their power to elect Dr. Witherspoon a second time. This they did on the 9th of December, 1767, and they did it unanimously.

Released by the Presbytery from his pastoral charge, he took his final leave of the church at Paisley in the month of May, 1768, preaching a farewell discourse from the words in Acts xx. 26, 27: "Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." It appears from the minutes of the Trustees, of the date of August 17, 1768, in an order respecting the time when Dr. Witherspoon’s salary should begin, that his connection with the church at Paisley ended the 15th of May preceding. And as this was a Sabbath-day, it was probably the day on which his farewell discourse was delivered. The month, but not the day of the month, is prefixed to this discourse in the posthumous edition of his works, printed and published by W. W. Woodward, Philadelphia, in the year of out Lord 1800.

It is said that a wealthy relative promised to make the Doctor his heir if he would not go to America.

Under the date of October 29, 1767, Mr. Beatty adds, "I had the other day letters from some of my friends in Edinburgh. One writes that there was a subtle letter wrote over from Princeton, under a pretence to encourage Dr. Witherspoon to accept the call of N. Jersey College; but it was quite the reverse. Complaint is also made that the Synod wants to take what was collected in Scotland out of the hands of the corporation; and that the widows’ fund will, &c.,—but I shall be able to set that matter in another light."

Mr. Beatty had undertaken an agency, by the appointment of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, to collect moneys for the establishment of a fund for the aid of ministers, their widows and families.

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Dr. Witherspoon and his family sailed from Glasgow, and, after a tedious voyage, arrived at Philadelphia on Saturday, the 6th of August, 1768. In that city they were hospitably entertained at the house of Mr. Andrew Hodge; and when in a measure recovered from the fatigues of their passage, they left Philadelphia for Princeton. Here they were received with every demonstration of respect and kindness, and became for a time the guests of Richard Stockton, Esq., the gentleman through whom Dr. Witherspoon received the intelligence of his first election to the presidency of the College, and who, being in London at that time, went to Scotland to confer with Dr. Witherspoon on the subject of his removal to America. On the evening of the Doctor’s arrival in Princeton the College edifice was illuminated; "and not only the whole village, but the adjacent country, and even the Province at large, shared in the joy of the occasion." *

The reception given him was very grateful to his feelings, and he is said to have alluded to it in modest and becoming terms in his first public discourse after his accession to the presidency.

His inauguration took place on the 17th of August, 1768, and on this occasion, or at the ensuing Commencement, on the 28th of the next month, he delivered an address in Latin on "The Union of Piety and Science." Although the College was in much repute at home, and was favorably known in Great Britain and Ireland, Dr. Witherspoon’s administration of its affairs added much to its reputation and usefulness.

It is said by President Green that "the method of instruction by lecture had never been practised in this institution till it was introduced by Dr. Witherspoon," and that "he delivered lectures on four different subjects, namely, on Composition, Taste, and Criticism, on Moral Philosophy, on Chronology and History, and on Divinity."

His lectures on these several subjects, with the exception of those on Chronology and History, or the outlines of them, are published in Woodward’s edition of his works.

* Dr. Green’s Address before the Alumni Association in 1840.

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We are inclined to doubt the accuracy of the statement that Dr. Witherspoon was the first at this College to use the method of teaching by lecture, as something very like it must have been employed by President Edwards on the few occasions on which he met the students.* And in his letter of October 19, 1757, to the Trustees, he expresses his willingness, in case he should accept their offer, "to do the whole work of a Professor of Divinity in public and private lectures." It may have been, generally, and in some parts of the curriculum was the case, that the topics or theses included in the recitation were discussed by the teacher at the close of that exercise rather than apart from it.

In an account of the College published by order of the Trustees in 1764, four years before Dr. Witherspoon’s arrival in this country, the author of the account, after mentioning the methods of instruction pursued in the College, speaks of them as offering "advantages which are seldom attainable in the usual method of teaching by lecture." (See account of President Finley’s administration, page 266.)

Dr. Green also attributes to Dr. Witherspoon the introduction of the study of the Hebrew and French languages into the College course of instruction. This, so far as the Hebrew is concerned, is unquestionably an error. In the account of the College just referred to, it is expressly said that "the greater number [of the students], especially such as are educating for the service of the Church, are initiated into the Hebrew." And in his letter mentioned above, President Edwards says, "It would be out of my way to spend time in constant teaching of the languages, unless it be the Hebrew tongue, which I should be willing to improve myself in by instructing others;" the implication from which is that even in Mr. Burr’s time the Hebrew language was made a College study. And in the accounts of the College published in 1764, it is said," They now

* Since the above was written, the writer has learned that Mr. Lewis Evans, of Philadelphia, was employed by President Burr in the summer of 1755 to deliver twelve lectures on Natural Philosophy, and that these lectures were accompanied with experiments in electricity.

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revise the most improving parts of the Latin and Greek classics, part of the Hebrew Bible, and all the arts," etc.*

Of Dr. Witherspoon’s labors as an officer of the College, and as an instructor of youth, and also of his efforts to increase the funds and the usefulness of the institution, full mention was made in the account of his administration of its affairs from the summer of 1768 to the autumn of 1794.

In addition to his duties as President of the college, Dr. Witherspoon discharged those of minister to the Princeton church and congregation. Not that he was formally installed as pastor of this church, but that, in conformity to the course pursued by his predecessors, he preached regularly on the Sabbath to the students of the College and to the inhabitants of the village, who in these days were wont to worship together.

In the year 1770 there was manifest among the students of the College an unusual interest on the subject of religion, and a like state of things occurred also in the winter and spring of 1772. The fruits of these religious awakenings were most happy, as they gave to the Church not a few of her ablest ministers and elders, and to the State some of her best and most influential citizens. As usual in such times, some were very earnest friends to these religious revivals, and others were zealous opponents, deeming them evidence of the fanaticism of those who favored them. That the friends were always discreet, or that the opponents were always sincere and honest, is more than could reasonably be looked for in youth under this condition of things. Hence it should occasion no surprise that the more ardent of the youth, on whichever side arrayed, should regard the cautions given them by their wise and faithful President as evidence that he was not fully in sympathy with those who viewed these religious excitements as the work of the Holy Spirit, and as evidence that God had heard their prayers and had crowned with success their efforts for the conversion of not a few of their fellow-students. And this was actually the case

* Recently the writer has learned from a letter of Mr. Joseph Shippen, a graduate of 1753, that the Hebrew grammar was a study of the Freshman class in 1750.

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in the present instance, as appears from a letter of the date of April 18, 1772, addressed to the Rev. Dr. Bellamy by one of the students, Mr. F. Bradford, afterwards pastor of the Congregational church of Rowley, Massachusetts, and from a statement made by Colonel Aaron Burr, who was also a student at that time, and published by his executor and biographer. Messrs. Bradford and Burr were fair representatives, one of the decided friends, and the other of the equally decided opponents, of the revival.

The exact truth on this head may doubtless be gathered from the following remarks by Dr. Ashbel Green, who was intimately acquainted with Dr. Witherspoon’s opinions on this and other subjects; no man more so. These remarks are copied from an address before the Alumni Association of Nassau Hall, delivered in September, 1840, at the time of the annual Commencement.

"It was, if I rightly remember, in the fourth year of Dr. Witherspoon’s presidency that a general revival of religion took place in the College. Several ministers of the gospel, and several men in secular life, received in this revival those impressions of religion which they carried with them through the remainder of their lives. With several of these I had in early life an acquaintance. With one I formed a most endeared friendship, and from him I received a number of particulars, which of themselves would enable me to contradict what I have heard (for I have not personally received),—a statement made in the ‘Life of Colonel Burr,’ that Dr. Witherspoon thought and spoke light of this revival, and that he was, in fact, opposed to it. But in truth such a statement is so contrary to the known and avowed sentiments of Dr. Witherspoon, and even to what he declared in his ‘Lectures on Theology’ were his chief motives in coming to this country, that it cannot be correct, and I feel bound to make this declaration on the present occasion. He might, and I know he did, endeavor to correct some irregularities and imprudences, which usually take place when youth are under the excitement of strong religious feeling; but that he rejoiced in the revival itself, instead of opposing it, there is every reason to believe,"

From the very beginning of the controversies which led to the War of Independence and to the, severance of the thirteen united Colonies from their allegiance to the British Crown, Dr. Witherspoon openly and boldly took the part of his adopted country. And on the 17th of May, 1776, the day selected by the National Congress to be observed as a day of fasting and of prayer, he preached a sermon, the subject of which,

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"the dominion of Providence over the passions of men," was founded upon the words of the 10th verse of the lxxvi. Psalm : "Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain." This discourse was subsequently published with a dedication to the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Congress of the United States of America, and with an appendix containing an address to the natives of Scotland residing in America."

In handling his subject he went fully into a consideration of the state of affairs in the American Colonies, and gave some wholesome advice, in view of the arduous contest and the civil strife which were already begun, and pointed out the result which, in the ever overruling providence of God, might be hoped for in this struggle for civil and religious liberty; and he took occasion to warn his hearers and readers of the importance of being prepared for death, which could be only by repentance towards God and by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; such faith and repentance being intimately connected with a belief in the natural depravity, of man, from which sinful condition they could be rescued only by the grace and power of God.

Several things in this discourse are in full accord with the advice given in a pastoral letter written by Dr. Witherspoon and issued by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia the year before, viz., in May, 1775. This letter recommends to all under the care of the Synod to avow their allegiance to the British Crown; and this was assented to by the entire Synod, with the exception of the Rev. Jeremiah Halsey, who was a year in advance of his brethren in refusing allegiance. During this year a great change took place in the views and feelings of the whole community. This change is clearly pointed out in the following passage from Dr. Witherspoon’s speech in Congress on the conference proposed by Lord Howe:

"We were contending for the restoration of certain privileges under the government of Great Britain, and we were praying for a reunion with her. But in the beginning of July, with the universal approbation of all the States now united, we renounced this connection, and declared ourselves free and independent."

The following short extracts will show why it was that Dr. Witherspoon took such a deep interest in the contest between the Colonies and the mother-country:

"You are all my witnesses that this is the first time of my introducing any political subject into the pulpit. At this season, however, it is not only lawful but

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necessary: and I. am willing to embrace the opportunity of declaring my opinion without any hesitation, that the cause in which America is in arms is the cause of justice, of liberty, and of human nature. So far as we have hitherto proceeded, I am satisfied that the confederacy of the colonies has not been the effect of pride, resentment, or sedition, but of a deep and general conviction that our civil and religious liberties, and consequently, in a great measure, the temporal and eternal happiness of us and our posterity, depend on the issue. . . . There is not a single instance in history in which civil liberty was lost and religious liberty preserved entire. If, therefore, we yield up our temporal property, we at the same time deliver the conscience into bondage.

"You shall not, my brethren, hear from me in the pulpit what you have never heard from me in conversation; I mean railing at the King personally, or even his ministers, and the parliament and people of Britain. . . . I do not refuse submission to their unjust claims, because they are corrupt or profligate. . . . I call this claim unjust of making laws to bind us in all cases whatsoever, because they are separate from us, independent of us, and have an interest in opposing us.

This is the true and proper hinge of the controversy between Great Britain and America. This, however, is to be added, that such is their distance from us, that a wise and prudential administration is as impossible as the claim of authority is unjust. Such is and must be their ignorance of the state of things here, so much time must elapse before an error can be seen and remedied, and so much injustice and partiality must be expected from the acts and misrepresentations of interested persons, that for these colonies to depend wholly upon the legislation of Great Britain would be, like many other oppressive connections, injury to the master and ruin to the slave."

The views of Dr. Witherspoon, given in the above extracts, met the hearty approval of the friends of civil and religious liberty in this country; and they doubtless present, distinctly and fairly, the grounds of opposition to the absolute supremacy of the British Government in all matters pertaining to the Colonies. The colonists, for the most part, were especially jealous of their religious freedom, and, for good reasons, were apprehensive that if their secular affairs were once under the absolute control of the British Government their religious liberty would soon be lost, by the renewed efforts which would be made to subject the people of this country to the jurisdiction of the English hierarchy in all matters connected with the education and religious instruction of the people.

This apprehension, perhaps more than any one thing else, induced the friends of religion generally to act in concert with those whose aim was simply a political one,—the separation and the independence of the Colonies. -

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It seems to have been assumed, both by the Government and the Church of England, that wherever the Crown went it of course carried Episcopacy with it. Upon no other principle can we account for their persevering efforts to establish diocesan Episcopacy in the Colonies generally. Of the attempts made to establish the Episcopal Church as a branch of the English Government in America, and the influence which these attempts had in bringing on the War of the Revolution, a detailed and very interesting account is given in Dr. Hodge’s" Constitutional History of the Presbyterian Church," vol. ii. pages 448—497.

The sermon of which we speak was republished at Glasgow, and it was accompanied with notes by an unfriendly hand. In these notes Dr. Witherspoon was spoken of as " a traitor and a rebel;’ and no doubt this Glasgow edition of the sermon had much to do in defeating the Doctor’s efforts to collect funds for the College when, after the termination of the war, he went to Scotland to solicit aid to repair the wastes which the institution had suffered from the protracted conflict.

It is rather surprising that a man of Dr. Witherspoon’s repute for wisdom and sound judgment should ever have consented to engage in such an undertaking, especially at such a time.

The failure of his mission to England and Scotland was, however, attended with one happy result, viz., that the Trustees were thereby made to know that, if the College was to be restored to its former prosperity and usefulness, it must, under God, be due to the efforts and liberality of its friends at home, and more especially to the countenance and aid of the members and judicatories of the Presbyterian Church; and to them they again made an earnest and successful appeal.

In May, 1776, Dr. Witherspoon was chosen a member of the Convention which gave to New Jersey her republican Constitution.

"It has always been understood," says Judge Elmer, in his valuable "History of the First Constitution of New Jersey," "that the Rev. Dr. Witherspoon, President of Princeton College, took an active part in preparing it;" and he adds, "This instrument bears quite as prominent marks of a clerical as of a legal origin, although two eminent lawyers, Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant and John Cleves Symmes, were members of the Committee. The Rev, Jacob Green, of Morris County, was the Chairman."

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On the 22d of June, Dr. Witherspoon was chosen by the Convention, or Provincial Congress, a representative of New Jersey in the Continental or General Congress.

On the 4th of July, 1776, he voted for the Declaration of Independence, and his signature is affixed to the document containing that declaration. The Articles of Confederation between the States he signed in November, 1778, and in 1780 he left Congress, but was induced to return to it the next year.

At the close of 1782, the exigencies of the country no longer demanding of him a sacrifice of his own interests and those of the College, he retired from all service in the National Councils, and gave himself up to the work of restoring the College to its condition before the war. Of the character of the sacrifices here referred to we may form some idea from the following extract from a letter written by Dr. Witherspoon to a friend in Scotland. The letter is of the date of March 20, 1780, and it was penned at the Doctor’s farm, near Princeton.

…."I have now left Congress, not being able to support the expense of attending it, with the frequent journeys to Princeton, and being determined to give particular attention to the revival of the College. Professor Houston, however, our Professor of Mathematics, is a delegate this year; but he tells me he will certainly have to leave it next November. I mention this circumstance to confirm what I believe I wrote you formerly, that the members of Congress in general not only receive no profit from that office, but I believe five out of six of them, if not more, are great losers in their private affairs. This cannot be otherwise, for none of the delegates are allowed to have any lucrative office whatever either in their own States or in the United States; though their expenses should be fully borne, their time is taken up and their private estates are neglected. . . . You know that I was always fond of being a scientific farmer, . . . I got a dreadful stroke from the English when they were here, they having seized and mostly destroyed my whole stock, and committed such ravages that we are not yet fully recovered from it.

"As to public affairs, it seems to be yet undetermined whether we shall have peace soon. Greatly do I and many others desire it; and yet were our condition ten times worse than it is, nothing short of the clear independence of this country would be accepted."

It is by no means improbable that had he fallen into the hands of the English army in the early part of the war he would have received the ordinary treatment of "a traitor and rebel," if the following account of an attempt to burn him in effigy be correct. It is taken from Frank Moore’s "Diary,"

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of the date of July 30, 1776, and it is said to be given on the authority of a soldier in Howe’s amly.

"Just before the thunderstorm last week the troops on Staten Island were preparing figures of Generals Washington, Lee, and Putnam, and Dr. Witherspoon, for burning in the night. The figures had all been erected on a pile of fagots, the generals facing the doctor, and he represented as reading to them an address. All of them, excepting General Washington, had been tarred and prepared for the feathers, when the storm came on, and obliged the troops to find shelter. In the evening, when the storm was over, a large body of the troops gathered around the figures, which, being prepared, were set on fire amid the most terrible imprecations against the rebels. One of the party seeing that Generals Putnam and Lee and Dr. Witherspoon burnt furiously and were almost consumed, while General Washington was still standing, with the tar burning off, ran away frightened, and was soon followed by most of his companions. Next morning the figure was found as good as it ever was; a fact which caused a good deal of fear among the Hessian troops, most of whom were superstitious, and it was not until some of the officers told them the cause of its not burning that they appeared contented. The reason was that, having no tar on it before the rain commenced, it became saturated with water, and the tar only would burn."

This story, true or false, serves to show that in the opinion of both friends and foes Dr. Witherspoon was one of the most prominent in advocating the Revolution; or, to use an expression of John Adams, the second President of the United States, respecting him, he was "as high a son of liberty as any man in America."

While yet a member of the Provincial Congress, Dr. Witherspoon came to be regarded "as profound a civilian as he was known to be a philosopher and divine." He had clear and decided views concerning all matters of public interest, and in regard to several important measures his opinions were in advance of those of the majority in the National Congress. Particularly was this the case with respect to the emission of unfunded paper, and the purchase of supplies for the army by allowing a commission on the moneys expended, to both of which measures he was much opposed. Some who in Congress dissented from his views on these subjects afterwards adopted them, and at their suggestion he published the speeches in which he had given utterance to them. At this day, few persons acquainted with such matters will venture to question the soundness of his positions. Demagogues who know better

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may, for party or personal considerations, advocate a different course.

The Doctor was a leading member of different committees, and occasionally he took part in the discussions that arose in Congress; but before speaking upon any important question he was wont to commit his thoughts to writing; and then, watching for a favorable opportunity, he introduced what he had to say by first alluding to something said by a preceding speaker, and thus he gave to his speeches the air of extemporaneous remarks, while they had all the advantage of a logical and compact arrangement. He knew that he was master of his subject, and those who heard him knew that what he was about to say was worth hearing. And yet, perhaps, there were but few men in such an assembly as well qualified as he to take part in an extemporaneous discussion.

He was a man of heroic spirit and of resolute purpose, and in the darkest aspect of public affairs he never despaired of the final triumph of the cause in which he had engaged, and which he regarded as the cause of religion as well as that of civil liberty.

His wisdom and foresight as a statesman are shown in a clear and strong light by the ground he took in reference to the original confederation of the States.

" He complained of the jealousy and ambition of the individual States, which were not willing to entrust the general government with adequate power for the common interest. He then pronounced inefficacy upon it. But he complained and remonstrated in vain. He particularly remonstrated against the tardy, inefficient, and faithless manner of providing for public exigencies and debts by requisition on the several States. He insisted on the propriety and necessity of the government of the Union holding in its own hands the entire regulation of commerce, and the revenues that might be derived from that source. These, he contended, would be adequate to all the wants of the United States." (See sketch of his life in Dr. Rodgers’s Funeral Sermon.)

The evils against which he protested so earnestly in the plan of confederation between the States were happily corrected in the Constitution of 1789, and he was permittedt o see his views on these points fully sustained by the adoption of this Federal Constitution, established for the very purpose of effecting a more perfect union of the States.

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Although he became a statesman, he ceased not to be a minister of the gospel, but continued to preach as opportunity offered, and to discharge all other duties which pertained to the sacred office. But, great as were the services which he rendered the country by his wise counsels in the National Congress, and in the sessions of Presbytery and Synod, with respect to national affairs, it admits of question whether his example on the whole would not have been more salutary had he confined himself to matters which properly belong to a minister of the gospel at the head of a college.

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dient or desirable that ministers should be members of the Legislature or take part in the affairs of state, it may be well to cite, in addition to the above, another passage from the same article

"Perhaps it may be thought that they are excluded from civil authority that they may be more fully and constantly employed in their spiritual functions. If this had been the ground of it, how much more properly would it have appeared as an order of an ecclesiastical body with respect to its own members. In that case I should not only have forgiven, but approved and justified it; but in the way in which it now stands it is evidently a punishment, by loss of privilege, inflicted on those who go into the office of the ministry, for which, perhaps, the gentlemen of Georgia may have good reasons, though I have not been able to discover them."

It is by no means improbable that Dr. Witherspoon found, from his own experience, that constant attention to civil affairs for a term of years had no tendency to promote a minister’s usefulness, but, on the contrary, that it required increased watchfulness on his part to prevent a decline in personal piety and in devotion to the work of his holy calling.

Before he was chosen President of the College he had attained, both at home and abroad, a well-earned reputation as a man of great talent, learning, and piety, and he was regarded as the head of the orthodox party of the Church of Scotland, and as their leader in the General Assembly of the Established Kirk. His opponent at the head of the Moderates, as the dominant party was styled, was the well-known historian, Dr. William Robertson, Principal of the University of Edinburgh. Although usually in a minority, Dr. Witherspoon on one occasion carried, in the Assembly, an important measure against his rival’s opposition, upon which Dr. Robertson said to him, in a pleasant manner, "You have your men better disciplined than formerly." "Yes," replied Witherspoon; "by urging your politics too far you have compelled us to beat you with your own weapons. (See Dr. Rodgers’s Funeral Sermon.)

His translation from Beith to Paisley was earnestly opposed by the Presbytery of Paisley, on account of his being the reputed author of the "Ecclesiastical Characteristictis,’ a keen and severe satire upon the Moderates in the Church of Scotland. From the Presbytery the question of the transfer came to the Synod of Glasgow and Ayr, and by the Synod the Presbytery

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was instructed to receive the Doctor as a member of their body and to install him as pastor of the church at Paisley. His removal from Beith to Paisley took place in January, 1757, and in that or the next year he was chosen Moderator of the Synod. In 1768 he left Paisley for America. Here he soon became the leading man in the different Church courts of which he was a member, and to the close of his life he was held in the highest esteem by his brethren in the ministry. He was chairman of the large committee appointed by the Synod of New Jersey and Philadelphia, in 1785,

"to take into consideration the constitution of the Church of Scotland, and other Protestant Churches, and, agreeably to the general principles of Presbyterian government, compile a system of general rules for the government of the Synod and the several Presbyteries under their inspection, and the people in their communion, and to make report of their proceedings herein at the next meeting of Synod."

He was also the chairman of another committee, appointed at this same meeting, to confer with like committees from the "Dutch Reformed Synod, and from the Associate Reformed Synod, with respect to the measures that should be taken to promote a friendly intercourse between the three Synods; and to devise a plan of some kind of union among them, whereby they might be enabled to unite their interests and combine their efforts for promoting the great cause of truth and vital religion."

This action arose from a report made by a committee appointed, the year before, to meet one which it was expected would be appointed by the Dutch Reformed Synod, to adjust matters of difference existing between them, and to enter upon an amicable correspondence on subjects of general utility and friendship between the Churches.

The committees from the three Synods met, and they conferred at large upon the matters intrusted to them, and made an interesting report, which is given in the printed Minutes of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, pages 518—522.

At this same meeting of the Synod, in May, 1785, measures were first taken for the division of the Synod into four separate Synods, and for the establishing of a General Synod, or Assembly; and at a meeting held in May, 1788, all the requisite steps

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having been taken, the proposed division of the Synod was consummated, and Dr. Witherspoon was appointed to open the sessions of the first General Assembly with a sermon, on the first Thursday in May, 1789, and to preside until a Moderator be chosen. At the same time he was appointed chairman of a committee to revise the chapter in the Directory respecting the mode of inflicting Church censures, with instructions to lay the revision before the General Assembly at their first meeting to be considered and finally enacted. The same committee was also charged with

"the duty of revising that part of the draught for a directory for worship which respects public prayer and prayers to be used on other occasions, and to prepare it for printing with the Constitution."

These things show the active part he took in the organization of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in this country. He was a member of the Assembly in the years 1787, 1791, 1792, and again, but for the last time, in 1794 in November of which year he departed this life.

Dr. Witherspoon was distinguished for the variety and accuracy of his knowledge: religion, ethics, politics, literature, Science, and matters pertaining to common life had all received from him more or less attention; and his published works afford evidence of his familiarity with most of the subjects here named.

Simplicity and plainness of style, strength and purity of language, perspicuity of statement, and vigor of thought are characteristics of all his writings.

His discourses from the pulpit are worthy of special notice, on account of their numerous and most happy quotations from Scripture, both for proof and for illustration. In the respect just mentioned, Dr. Witherspoon’s sermons are particularly deserving the attention of young ministers, who cannot fail to add to the impressiveness of their discourses by following so admirable an example. No language is better understood by most hearers in Christian congregations than the language of the Bible; and an apposite citation of Scripture texts enforces with wonderful power the lessons to be inculcated.

Dr. Witherspoon, as we learn from Dr. Green,

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"was wont to deliver his discourses from memory, and yet he never repeated from memory any considerable portion of Scripture, however perfectly recollected, but opened the Bible, and read it from the sacred text. His action in speaking never exceeded a graceful motion of his right hand, and the inclination of his body forward, when much in earnest. His greatest defect in public speaking was the lowness of his voice when he began. For, although his voice was remarkably articulate, the distant part of a large audience could not hear it distinctly for a few sentences at first; afterwards, if profound silence was observed, all that he said was easily audible by every attentive hearer. He affirmed that the nature of his voice required this gradual increase of its volume to prevent its failing altogether. Yet, take his pulpit addresses as a whole, there was in them not only the recommendation of good sense and powerful reasoning, but a gracefulness and earnestness, a warmth of affection and solemnity of manner, especially toward and at their close, such as were calculated to produce the best effects of sacred oratory. Accordingly, his popularity as a preacher was great. The knowledge that he was to conduct a public service usually filled the largest churches in our cities and populous towns, and he never failed to command the attention of his audience. . . . His public prayers were admirable, plain in language, correct, methodical, abounding in a choice selection of Scriptural phrases, and, uttered with the appearance of deep devotional feeling. When offered on special occasions their appropriateness was singularly excellent. His manner of introducing and administering the Lord’s Supper surpassed any other performance of that sacred service which the writer [Dr. Green] ever witnessed." (See "Sprague’s Annals," vol. iii.)

There can be no better authority in regard to the matters mentioned in this extract than that of its author, a favorite pupil and, in later life, an intimate friend of Dr. Witherspoon; and there can be no room for doubt that we have here the deliberate judgment of the community in general with respect to Dr. Witherspoon’s preaching; and yet it occasions us no surprise that, at the time of the religious excitements which occurred in the earlier part of his presidency, he should have been regarded by some of his pupils as "a dull preacher,"—this being the expression used by one of them, in a letter to the Rev. Dr. Bellamy, to convey an idea of the opinion entertained of Dr. Witherspoon’s preaching by the writer of the letter and by some of his fellow-students. It is not improbable, however, that as their warmth of feeling subsided, and they were able to look at matters more calmly, they formed a juster estimate of their President as a preacher,—instructive, earnest, and faithful.

DR. WITHERSPOON AS A TEACHER.

There can be no doubt as to Dr. Witherspoon’s great ability

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as a teacher, in awakening the attention of his pupils to the subjects handled by him, and in impressing upon their minds the truths he sought to inculcate. The influence he exerted in moulding the views and opinions of a large number of youth who in after-life became leading men both in Church and in State, without any direct or explicit testimony on this head, would suffice to show that his reputation as a teacher rested upon a firm basis.

Of the four hundred and sixty-nine graduates of the College during Dr. Witherspoon’s presidency, one hundred and fourteen became ministers of the gospel; and of these ministers nineteen became Presidents or Professors in different institutions in the States of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee; thirteen of the nineteen being Presidents of the colleges with which they were severally connected. Not less than twenty-seven others became men of note and able and successful pastors of churches in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and District of Columbia.

Of the three hundred and fifty-five graduates not ministers of the gospel, a very large number became distinguished civilians, and not a few efficient officers in the United States Army.

One was for eight years President of the United States.

One was for four years Vice-President.

Six were members of the Continental Congress.

Twenty were Senators of the United States.

Twenty-three were members of the United States House of Representatives.

Thirteen were Governors of individual States, viz., the States of Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Three were Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Twenty or more were United States officers in the army of the Revolution.

Thirty others, at least, became distinguished, some for their culture of letters, some for their medical skill and knowledge,

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others for their legal attainments and as judges and attorneys-general, and others as active and useful citizens.

The names of the persons here referred to are given in our history of Dr. Witherspoon’s administration.

At the time Dr. Witherspoon entered upon the duties of his office as President of the College, the speculations of Berkeley were attracting the attention of the riper scholars among the students, who were fascinated by the acuteness of their author and by the novelty and boldness of his positions. But this did not long continue, and the common-sense view of things which was beginning to prevail in Scotland soon gained the ascendency here, under the guidance of the new President, and on the part of the students the doctrine of the idealists became a matter for jest rather than for serious debate. As an instance, "He has only swallowed a red-hot idea," was the sportive remark of one of them respecting a fellow-student who had been too eager to partake of some hasty-pudding.

In this connection should be stated what Dr. Ashbel Green, in his "Life of Dr. Witherspoon," says respecting his mode of treating the Ideal system of Berkeley, and of the origin of the common-sense system of Metaphysics. "He first reasoned against the [Berkeleyan] system, and then ridiculed it till he drove it out of the College. The writer [Dr. Green] has heard him say that, before Reid or any other author of their views had published any theory on the Ideal system, he wrote against it, and suggested the same trains of thought which they adopted, and that he published this essay in a Scotch magazine." *

It will readily be conceded, by those familiar with the history of our country and also with that of our College, that of the statesmen graduated here during the administration of President Witherspoon, James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, was the ablest and most eminent; and few will question the propriety of placing at the head of the teachers

* This passage is copied from President McCosh’s admirable "History of the Scottish Philosophy," and not directly from President Green’s "Life of Witherspoon."

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and divines trained here during the same period Samuel Stan-hope Smith, the immediate successor of Dr. Witherspoon in the presidency of the College. This eloquent preacher and elegant scholar, without a rival among his class-mates, was one of those students who were carried away with the subtleties of the Bishop of Cloyne. But under the more practical view of things presented by Dr. Witherspoon in his lectures on Moral Philosophy, he embraced the opinions of his new preceptor, and maintained them ever after.

Bishop Berkeley’s great abilities no one can question, and he was a man to be loved and honored for his noble qualities of head and heart.

To point out the influence exercised by Dr. Witherspoon in moulding the views and character of Mr. Madison, I shall employ the language of Mr. Madison’s biographer, William C. Rives, himself a statesman and a scholar:

"We have seen," says Mr. Rives, "how liberal and expansive a field of inquiry was opened to the students by the additions which Witherspoon made to the previous curriculum of the College. The increased attention paid to the study of the nature and, constitution of the human mind, and the improvements which had been lately introduced into this fundamental part of knowledge by the philosophical inquiries of his own countrymen, constituted a marked and a most important feature of Dr. Witherspoon’s reforms. Mr. Madison formed a taste for these inquiries which entered deeply, as we shall hereafter have occasion to remark, into the character and habits of his mind, and gave to his political writings in after-life a profound and philosophical cast, which distinguished them eminently and favorably from the productions of the ablest of his contemporaries.

* * * * * * * * *

"It is a matter of natural and interesting inquiry to learn what were the personal relations formed between that eminent man, who was at the head of this seat of learning and patriotism, and the pupil, upon whom more than upon any other one he seems to have impressed the distinctive characteristics of his own mind, for no intelligent reader acquainted with their works can fail to remark how much the same clearness of analytical reasoning, the same lucid order, the same precision and comprehensiveness combined, the same persuasive majesty of truth and felicitous diction, shine forth in the productions, whether written or spoken, of both. Such intellectual affinities, joined to moral worth, could not but form a strong bond of friendship, and of mutual confidence, attachment, and respect, between them. These sentiments are warmly manifested by the pupil in a letter written from Princeton to his father the 9th of October, 1771 ‘I should be glad if your health and other circumstances should enable you to visit Dr. Witherspoon during his stay in Virginia. I am persuaded you would be much pleased with him, and that he would be very glad to see you.’"

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Mr. Rives adds, "Dr. Witherspoon continued to feel a lively interest in the studies and pursuits of his pupil after the formal connection of the latter with the College was terminated. Young Madison, appreciating at its just value the aid of so enlightened a guide and counsellor, and desiring to avail himself of the riches of the College Library, determined after his graduation to pass one year more at Princeton as a private student. The preceptor and pupil were destined to meet again, after the lapse of nine years, in the supreme councils of the country, as co-workers in the great cause of national independence and national union."

Mr. Bancroft also refers to Dr. Witherspoon’s influence in impressing upon Mr. Madison’s mind the only true views on the subject of religious liberty. Speaking of the declaration of rights submitted to the Convention of Virginia in May, 1776, he remarks:

"Only one clause received a material amendment. Mason had written that all should enjoy the fullest toleration in the exercise of religion. , . . A young man, then unknown to fame, of a bright hazel eye, inclined to gray, small in stature, light in person, delicate in appearance, looking like a pallid, sickly scholar among the robust men with whom he was associated, proposed a change. He was James Madison, the son of an Orange County planter, bred in the school of the Presbyterian dissenters under Witherspoon at Princeton,* trained by his own studies, by meditative rural life in the Old Dominion, and by an ingenuous indignation at the persecution of the Baptists, by innate principles of right, to uphold the sanctity of religious freedom. He objected to the word toleration, because it implied an established religion, which endured dissent only as a condescension; and as the earnestness of his convictions overcame his modesty, he went on to demonstrate that all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion according to the dictates of. conscience.’ His motion, which did but state with better dialectics the very put. pose which Mason wished to accomplish, obtained the suffrages of his colleagues. This," adds Mr. Bancroft, "was the first achievement of the wisest civilian of Virginia."

DR. WITHERSPOON’S WRITINGS.

Dr. Witherspoon’s first publication appeared in the year 1753, under the title of "Ecclesiastical Characteristics, or The Arena of Church Polity," a keen satire, aimed at certain principles and practices then prevailing in the Church of Scotland. So great was the popularity of this work that no less than five editions of it were issued within ten years from the time of its first appearance. The name of the author was not given on the title-page, but it was generally and correctly ascribed to

* The italics by the copyist.

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him; and the manner in which it was received, by both friends and foes, was an earnest of the position he was soon to occupy in the councils of the Scottish Kirk. The work was favorably spoken of by the Bishops of London and of Oxford, and it is mentioned in President Davies’s "Diary," during his visit to England and Scotland in 1753—4, as "a burlesque, the humor of which is nothing inferior to Dean Swift’s." At the close of the introduction to this essay occurs the following:

"N. B—I shall make very little use of Scripture, because that is contrary to some of the maxims themselves; as will be seen in the sequel."

This performance was defended in a later one under the title of ‘ A Serious Apology" for the Characteristics.

In 1756 he published his "Essay on Justification," which has been repeatedly reprinted; and in the next year appeared his Serious Inquiry into the Nature and Effects of the Stage," being an attempt to show that the contributing to the support of a public theatre is inconsistent with the character of a Christian. What gave rise to the writing and the publication of this treatise was the representation in the theatre at Edinburgh of a tragedy written by a minister of the Church of Scotland. In 1784, Dr. Witherspoon published his "Practical Treatise on Regeneration," and at the same time he republished several of his other works. These were all issued from the London press, in three volumes.

A sermon entitled "Seasonable Advice to Young Persons" was preached by Dr. Witherspoon, on Sabbath, the 21st of February, 1762, at the Laigh Church, Paisley, from the 1st verse of the 1st Psalm: " Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful." The sermon was soon after published, and to it was prefixed "an authentic narrative of a disorderly and riotous meeting, on the night before the celebration of the Lord’s Supper in that place, which gave occasion to the discourse."

In this "authentic narrative" he makes mention of mock preaching and praying, and use of the words employed in administering the Eucharist, and he gives the names of sundry

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young men engaged in these wicked and disgraceful acts. The righteous indignation of the author of the sermon and of "the authentic narrative" against the conduct of the persons concerned is more to be commended than the judgment exhibited by him in publishing their names, especially if it were the aim of the author of the narrative to bring the guilty parties to a sense of the sinfulness of their conduct, and to repentance for it. At the close of the narrative, the Doctor suggested that one of the party who considered himself aggrieved by the charge made against him, and who was a young lawyer,—a Writer to the Signet,—should prosecute one of his associates who had given the information respecting his impious allusion to the Lords Supper, and get him punished in the manner he justly deserved if the charge were false. Acting perhaps upon this suggestion, the party chiefly implicated, or some other one of the company, brought suit against the Doctor himself for defamation of character. And although it is more than probable that the charges against the whole company were substantially true, yet, the evidence adduced failing, in the opinion of the judges, to establish their guilt undeniably, the Doctor was subjected to a fine and costs, which greatly embarrassed him, and laid his friends under pecuniary obligations from which they were not relieved at the time he left Scotland for America. The gentleman who communicated some of these facts in a letter to Dr. Green—the letter in "Sprague’s Annals," vol. iii.—gave it as his impression "that had it not been for the friendly interference of those particularly interested in his welfare, he would have been prevented at the time from leaving the country." And had he been so prevented, who can conceive the loss which would thereby have been sustained by the College and by the country at large?

The circumstances here detailed remind us of a like indiscretion on the part of President Edwards while pastor of the church at Northampton, Massachusetts (of which mention was made in our sketch of his life). And it is not a little remarkable that the two most eminent men ever at the head of our College should have involved themselves in great and apparently needless troubles from a lack of discretion in dealing

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with sundry wayward young persons under their pastoral oversight by giving publicity to their faults and their names. But these were isolated cases. On the part of neither was there ever a repetition of the mistake; and throughout Dr. Witherspoon’s administration of twenty-six years he was eminently happy in directing the government and the discipline of the College.

The edition of his works published in Philadelphia, in 1800, by W. W. Woodward, printer, under the supervision of the Rev. Dr. Ashbel Green, contains all of his writings ever given to the public. Some of the pieces were not prepared for the press by the author, and several of them are in an unfinished state. His speeches and articles relative to the war and to various political measures contain much valuable information respecting the country at that period of its history, and the circumstances contributing to the first success of the Colonies in their struggle for independence. One of these was the ignorance of the British Government in regard to the opinions of the people and their determination to maintain their liberty at all hazards. In his article on "The Controversy about Independence the following passage occurs:

"The conduct of the British Ministry during the whole of the contest, as hath been often observed, has been such as to irritate the whole of this continent to the highest degree and unite them together by the firm bond of necessity and common interest. In this respect they have served us in the most essential manner. I am firmly persuaded, that had the wisest heads in America met together to contrive what measures the ministry should follow to strengthen the American opposition and to defeat their own designs, they could not have fallen upon a plan so effectual as that which has been steadily pursued. One instance I cannot help mentioning, because it was both of more importance and less to be expected than any other. Where a majority of the New York Assembly, to their eternal infamy, attempted to break the union of the colonies, by refusing to approve the proceedings of Congress and applying to Parliament by separate petition, because they presumed to make mention of the principal grievance of taxation, it was treated with ineffable contempt. I desire that it may be observed that all those who are called the friends of America in Parliament pleaded strongly for receiving the New York petition:

which plainly showed that neither one nor the other understood the state of affairs in America. Had the ministry been prudent, or the opposition successful, we had been ruined; but with transport did every friend to American liberty hear that these traitors to the common cause had met with the reception which they deserved."

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" Nothing is more manifest than that the people of Great Britain, and even the king and the ministry, have been hitherto exceedingly ignorant of the state of things in America. For this reason, their measures have been ridiculous in the highest degree, and the issue disgraceful."

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CHAPTER 16. MEMOIR OF THE REV.JOHN WITHERSPOON.

time to time are his "Essay on Justification" and his "Practical Treatise on Regeneration," but his entire works are a valuable addition to any library, private or public. His theology was that of the ‘Westminster divines, as set forth in the Confession of Faith and in the Catechisms of the Presbyterian Churches of Scotland and of the United States. We are informed by the editor of this edition of his works that Dr. Witherspoon did not intend his lectures on Moral Philosophy for publication, and that he viewed them as nothing more than a syllabus or compend upon which he might enlarge before a class. In this manner they were used by Dr. Green himself during the ten years that he was President of the College. The lectures, as published, undoubtedly contain much valuable information respecting the various opinions entertained by preceding writers on the subjects which he handles, and also just comments on the views taken by them, rather than a precise and sharply defined exposition of his own views.

From a letter of his, of the date of March 20, 1780, to a Glasgow friend and correspondent, it appears that his health after his removal to America had been good, with the exception of a succession of fits, thought by his physician to be of an apopletic kind. From these, however, he recovered, and at the date of his letter he had much improved in health since these comparatively recent attacks. It has been supposed that these fits may in a measure be traced to a shock given to his nervous system while he was yet a young minister residing at Beith, in consequence of having been taken a prisoner by the High-landers in the service of the Pretender after the battle of Falkirk, January 17, 1746, and kept in close confinement by them for a fortnight: he being at that time in a feeble state of health from over much study. ) Not apprehending any danger, he had gone to be merely a spectator of the expected conflict.

A short time before writing the letter above mentioned, he gave up his house at the College to his son-in-law, the Rev. Dr. Smith, the Professor of Moral Philosophy, and retired to his house and farm, about a mile, or a little more, from the College. At this rural retreat, named by him Tusculum, he resided

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fifteen years, devoting his leisure hours to the improvement of his health and his farm.

His .duties at the College, however, continued to demand much of his time and attention; nor did he remit in his devotion to the affairs of the College even after he lost his sight, which happened a few years before his decease. He employed generally one of the students to read to him and to act the part of an amanuensis in conducting his correspondence. He also continued to preach, having a sermon read to him, which without any further aid he was able to pronounce on any given occasion,—the psalms and hymns and passages being repeated from memory.

It is probable that his farming was not a success, and added but little, if anything, to his income. And it is said that certain speculations into which he was induced to enter for the purchase of lands in the newly-formed State of Vermont involved him in pecuniary embarrassments, which became a source of trouble and anxiety. He was drawn into this adventure, as appears from one of his letters, chiefly from a hope that he would have it in his power to render a service to such of his fellow-Scotchmen as might emigrate to America, by securing for them an opportunity to buy good land, contiguous to the best markets, upon the most favorable terms. For his share in this undertaking he was sharply attacked in an article published in a Scotch paper, and was charged with a want of proper regard to the interests of his native country. Although he successfully repelled the charge brought against him, it would have been better had no occasion been furnished for the bringing of it. Ministers had better remain poor than engage in moneymaking schemes, failure in which is sure to bring more or less reproach, and success no honor.

Dr. Witherspoon was noted for his social qualities. And although he never forgot what was becoming a gentleman, and especially a minister of the gospel, he made himself agreeable to the young as well as to those of mature age, and his company was eagerly sought by them, whether their object was instruction or pleasure. He possessed a vein of abundant humor, and his wit was of a special kind, of which some of his

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published works furnish ample proof, without any reference to the traditions respecting it still prevalent. His sermons, it is believed, show no trace of it.

Many other matters, which with great propriety might have been introduced in the foregoing sketch, were given in the account of Dr. Witherspoon’s administration. These, if not wholly passed without notice, have been but little dwelt upon in this sketch of the Doctor’s life.

The following remarks are copied from Dr. Rodgers’s funeral discourse:

"Accustomed to order and regularity in business from his youth, he persevered in his attention to them through his whole life. And, I may add, there was nothing in which his punctuality and exactness were more sacredly observed than in the devotional exercises of the Christian life. Besides the daily devotions of the closet and the family, it was his stated practice to observe the last day of every year, with his family, as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer; and it was also his practice to set apart days for secret fasting and prayer, as occasion suggested. Bodily infirmities began at length to come upon him. For more than two years before his death he was afflicted with loss of sight, which contributed to hasten the progress of his other disorders. These he bore with a patience and even with a cheerfulness rarely to be met with in the most eminent for wisdom and piety. Nor would his active mind, and his desire of usefulness to the end, permit him, even in this situation, to desist from the exercise of his ministry and his duties in the College, as far as his health and strength would admit. He was frequently led into the pulpit, both at home and abroad, during his blindness, and always acquitted himself with more than his usual solemnity and animation. And we all recollect the propriety and dignity with which he presided at the last Commencement. He was blest with his reasoning powers to the very last.

"At length he sunk under the accumulated pressure of his infirmities, and on the 55th day of November, 1794, in the seventy-third year of his age, he retired to his eternal rest, full of honor and full of days."

The more immediate cause of his death was the dropsy.

From the University of Aberdeen he received the degree of Doctor in Divinity, and from Yale College the degree of Doctor of Laws.

DR. WITHERSPOON'S FAMILY.

When Dr. Witherspoon came to this country, his family consisted of himself, his wife, and five children, three sons and two daughters. His wife was Elizabeth Montgomery, daughter of Robert Montgomery, of Craighouse, Ayrshire, Scotland. His three sons entered the College of New Jersey, and became

graduates of this institution. James, the eldest son, was an aide to General Nash in the War of the Revolution, and was killed at the battle of Germantown, Pennsylvania. John, the second son, was a physician, and settled in the parish of St. Stephen, South Carolina. He died in 1795. The third and youngest son, David, settled in New-Berne, North Carolina, where he practised law. He married the widow of General Nash, and he was the father of the Rev. Dr. John R. Witherspoon, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in 1836.

The eldest daughter, Ann, became the wife of the Rev, Dr. S. S. Smith, Dr. Witherspoon’s successor in the office of President of the College; and her sister, Frances, was married to Dr. David Ramsay, a physician and a historian of much note, whose residence was in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Ramsay was a member of the National Congress, and for one year he was the President of that body.

Mrs. Witherspoon died in 1789, and about a year and a half after her death Dr. Witherspoon married Mrs. Dill, the widow of Dr. Dill, a physician of Philadelphia, and a step-daughter of the Rev. William Marshall, a minister of the Associate Church. By this marriage he had two daughters, of whom one died in infancy; the other, Mary Ann, was married to the Rev. Dr. James S. Woods, who for many years was the faithful and honored pastor of the Presbyterian church at Lewistown, Pennsylvania.

EPITAPH.

By order of the Trustees of the College, a slab of marble, with the following inscription, was placed on Dr. Witherspoon ‘s grave:

Reliquiæ Mortales

Johannis Witherspoon, D.D., LL.D.

Collegii Neo.Cæsariensis Præsidis, plurimum venernadi,

sub hoc marmore

inhumantur.

Natus parochio Yesternensi Scotorum,

Nonis Februarii, MDCCXXII. V. S.

Literis humanioribus in Universitate Edinburgensi

imbutus.

Sacris ordinibus initiatus, Anno MDCCXLIII.

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Munus pastorale

per viginti quinque annos perfunctus est,

primo apud Beith, deinde apud Paisley.

Præses designatus Aulæ Nassovicæ, Anno MDCCLXVII.

in Amerieam migravit, Anno MDCCLXVIII.

Idibus Sextilis.

Maxima expectatione Omnium,

Munus præsidiale sucepit.

Vir eximia pietate ac virtute

Omnibus dotibus animi prællens

doctrina, atque optimarum artium studiis,

penitus eruditus,

Concionator gravis, solemnis.

Orationes ejus sacæ

præceptis et institutis vitæ

præstantissimis,

necnon expositionibus sacrosanctæ scripturæ

dilucidis

sunt repletæ.

In sermone familiari comis, lepidus, blandus,

rerum ecclesiæ forensium

peritissimus.

Summa prudentia,

et in regenda, et instituenda juventute,

præditus.

Existimationem collegii apud peregrinos

auxit:

bonasque literas in co multum provexit.

Inter lumina clarissima, et doctrinæ et ecclesiæ,

diu luxit.

Tandem, veneratus, dilectus, lugendus omnibus,

animam efflavit, XVI. Kal. Decem.

Anno Salutis Mundi, MDCCXCIV.

ætatis suæ LXXIII.

END OF VOL. 1.