tihvary of t^he theological ^^minavy 
 
 PRINXETON • NEW JERSEY 
 PRESENTED BY 
 
 A. G. Cameron, Ph.D. 
 5.18.11 
 
 O 
 
 ^:?61 
 
/ 
 
AN 
 
 HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 OF THE 
 
 COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 
 
 vf T \Vi 1 «. \ O "A ^ "^ 
 
 Prodesse QLiani. Conspici." 
 
 PHILADELPHIA : 
 
 JOSEPH M. WILSON, 
 
 No. Ill South Tenth Street, below Chestnut Street. 
 
 1859. 
 
Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1859, by 
 
 JOSEPH M. WILSON, 
 
 m the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of 
 
 Pennsylvania. 
 
 STEREOTYPED BV 
 
 JESPER HARDING & SON, 
 
 INaUIKER BUH-DING, SODTH THIRD 6TKEET, PIIIU. 
 
.A. Ij xj nvL ]sr I 
 
 OF THE 
 
 COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY, 
 THIS HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 OF THEIR 
 
 A L ]M A MATER 
 
 IS 
 
 RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED. 
 
PEEFACE. 
 
 The want of a connected historical account of the rise and pro- 
 gress of the College of New Jersey has long been experienced, 
 especially by the Alumni and those interested in her welfare. The 
 following pages were written with the design of supplying this want ; 
 though, from the limited plan originally adopted, it was impossible to go 
 into all the details that might be desired, but all sources of information 
 have been fully explored ; and it is also proper to state, that all infor- 
 mation upon the subject, from whatever source, has been freely used. 
 The design was to arrange and connect facts hitherto separated. 
 Should the friends of Nassau Hall, by the perusal of these pages, 
 and by the contemplation of her former successful career, be led to 
 rally more heartily around her, and to uphold her in her glorious 
 work, the writer's time will not be considered as spent in vain. 
 
AN 
 
 HISTOEICAL SKETCH 
 
 COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 
 
 The College of New Jersey traces its origin to the great schism 
 of the Presbyterian Church in America, Avhich took place in 1741. 
 
 In that year the Synod of Philadelphia, owing to grievances, dissat- 
 isfactions, and misunderstandings, was divided ; the excluded brethren 
 forming themselves into two Presbyteries, that of Londonderry and 
 that of New Brunswick. 
 
 They determined to meet subsequently as a Synod every year. 
 They, however, did not assume the title of Synod till joined by the 
 Presbytery of New York ; when, imder the name of the Synod of 
 New York, they met for the i&rst time at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, 
 September 19th, 1745. 
 
 As the question of an unconverted ministry and disagreement in 
 reference to candidates, were a chief cause of the schism, it was na- 
 tural that each body should make vigorous efforts for the education 
 and introduction of unexceptionable men into the sacred office. Two 
 motives actuated them in this course, viz : the desire to extend the 
 knowledge of the gospel, and the less praiseworthy one of party, 
 which induced each to vie with the other in efforts to establish and 
 strengthen itself. 
 
 The Synod of New York, from its position, having all the territory 
 east of the Delaware, from its superiority in numbers and in zeal, 
 and from the readiness with which it obtained additions to its ministry, 
 as well as from the character of its people, held a decided preeminence 
 over the other body. New Jersey, besides being under its jurisdic- 
 tion, was the residence of some of its principal supporters ; and here, 
 where the views of Presbyteries were extensively and popularly re- 
 ceived, it was deemed best to establish an institution, whose great object 
 should be to qualify and send out able men as ministers of the gos- 
 pel. Accordingly a strenuous effort was put forth to carry out this 
 design ; not, however, without considerable opposition from the court 
 'party, and from members of other denominations. 
 
 But '■'• Perseverantia omnia vincif was the watchword ; the members 
 of the Synod saw the need of such an institution, and the good that 
 would ultimately accrue to the church and nation from it ; with com- 
 mendable energy, therefore, they undertook the task, and Nassau's 
 
 (9) 
 
10 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 hoary walls still remain as monuments of the indomitable zeal, perse- 
 verance, and courage of her pious founders. 
 
 It is highly probable that the treatment David Brainerd received at 
 the hands of the officers of Yale College, stimulated his friends, among 
 whom were Messrs. Dickinson and Burr, who were strongly attached 
 to him, to erect a college of their own ; indeed it is related that Mr. 
 Burr said : — " If it had not been for the treatment received by 
 Mr. Brainerd at Yale, New Jersey College would never have been 
 erected." - 
 
 The Log College on the plains of Neshaminy in Pennsylvania, may 
 be referred to as possessing some interest in its connection with the 
 College of New Jersey. Established by Rev. "William Tennent, an 
 immigrant from the North of Ireland, it had educated many of. those 
 who were now anxious and laboring to found a similar institution, 
 but on a more extended scale. 
 
 The humble cabin in which many of them were prepared for the 
 ministry, around which many tender associations centered, was now 
 crumbling into ruins ; it had performed its work, but its cherished 
 friends, the Tennents, Blairs, Finley, Smith, Rogers, Davies, Dickin- 
 son, and BuiT, unwilling- that its memory should perish, resolved that 
 it should be continued, and that in the Province of New Jersey, an 
 edifice should be erected, surpassing the lowly ctibin of Neshaminy, 
 whose influence for good to the church and the world might be felt 
 and acknowledged through ages yet to come. 
 
 Influenced by such considerations, and incited by such motives, the 
 Synod of New York, after much difficulty and opposition, obtained a 
 charter from President Hamilton, which, if recorded, cannot now be 
 found ; all that remains in regard to it is the following : — 
 Mem. of A charter to incorporate sundry persons to found a colledge, 
 for^a'ca- passed the great seal of this Province of New Jersey, tested by 
 ledge. John Hamilton, Esq., President of His Majesty's Council, and 
 Commander in Chief of the Province of New Jersey, the 22d October, 
 174G. 
 
 It has been conjectured that the first charter from President Ham- 
 ilton was not recorded, owing to the hope entertained of subsequently 
 obtaining a more liberal one. Be this as it may, under the first char- 
 ter the institution was commenced in Elizabethtown, and Rev. Jona- 
 than Dickinson appointed the first President. Who the trustees Avere 
 under the first charter, or in what manner Mr. Dickinson was ap- 
 pointed President, is unknoAvn ; probably he was better qualified to 
 teach than others of his brethren, and had been in the habit of receiv- 
 ing pupils into his family, as no public buildings had been provided 
 for the students while he lived. It is supposed that the number of 
 students at the time of his decease was about twenty. To his duties 
 as teacher, he joined the practice of medicine, though it is likely he 
 was assisted by a tutor in the instruction of his pupils. He died in 
 Elizabethtown, October 7tli, 1747. 
 
 The building in which the students were instructed, and which 
 proved an embryo college, is said to have been contiguous to the 
 Eirst Presbyterian Church in that place, and the foundation walls are 
 
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 11 
 
 Still pointed out as the original basis of the novr flourishing Nassau 
 Hall. 
 
 , At the time of his decease the school was removed to Newark, and 
 entrusted to the care of Rev. Aaron Burr. It is also uncertain in 
 what way he was appointed to the Presidency now left vacant by the 
 death of ]Mr. Dickinson ; but from his being for a year or more en- 
 gaged in the superintendence and instruction of youth, it is probable 
 that he was in some way connected with the institution, previous to 
 its removal to Newark. On the day of his election to the Presidency, 
 a class was ready for graduation, and under the charter of Governor 
 Belcher he conferred tlie degree of A. B. upon the following gentle- 
 men, viz : Enos Ayres, Israel Read, Benjamin Chesnut, Richard Stock- 
 ton, Hugh Henry, Daniel Thane. 
 
 The enlargement of the college charter by Governor Belcher took 
 place about this time. The present charter was granted September 
 14th, 1748. At a meeting held at New Brunswick by the trustees, 
 on the 13th October following, they voted an address to Governor 
 Belcher whom they considered as the patron and foumler of the insti- 
 tution. In the minutes of the Trustees of the College, the charter is 
 the first entry made ; the next is the following extract : — 
 
 " On Thursday, October 13th, 1748, convened at New Brunswick — 
 James Hude, Andrew Johnson, Thomas Leonard, Esq'rs'; Messrs. 
 John Pierson, Ebenezer Pemberton, Joseph Lamb, William Tennent, 
 Richard Treat, David Cowell, Aaron Burr, Timothy Jones, Thomas 
 Arthur, ministers of the gospel ; William P. Smith, Gent. ; thirteen 
 of those nominated in the charter to be trustees of the College ; who 
 having accepted the charter, were qualified and incorporated according 
 to the directions thereof ; and being a quorum of the corporation, pro- 
 ceeded, as the charter directs, to choose a clerk. 
 
 " Thomas Arthur chosen clerk of the coi-poration. Voted, that an 
 address be made to the Governor, to thank his Excellency for the 
 grant of the charter ; and that at least one of our number be appointed" 
 to wait on his Excellency and present the same. 
 
 " An address being drawn up by the Rev. Mr. Burr, was read and 
 approved. 
 
 " Ordered, that the Rev. Mr. Cowell wait upon his Excellency and 
 present the address to him. 
 
 " Ordered, that a copy of the address be taken by the clerks and in- 
 serted in the minutes. 
 
 "To his Excellency Jonathan Belcher, Esq., Captain General and 
 Governor in Chief of the Province of New Jersey, and territories 
 thereon depending in America, and Vice-Admiral of the same : The 
 humlile address of the Trustees of the College of New Jersey : 
 
 " May it please your Excellency : — 
 
 ^^'e liave often adored that wise and gracious Providence which has placed your 
 Excellency in the chief seat of government in this province ; and have taken our part 
 with multitudes in congratulating New Jersey upon that occasion. 
 
 Your long known and well approved friendship to religion and learning left us no 
 room to doubt your doing all that lay in your power, to promote so valuable a cause 
 in these parts ; and upon thi^s head our most raised expectations have been abundantly 
 answered. We do, therefore, cheerfully embrace this opportunity of paying our most 
 
12 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 siucere and grateful acknowledgments to your Excellency, for granting so ample and 
 •well contrived a cliarter for erecting a seminary of learning in this province, -which has 
 been so much wanted and so long desired. And as it has pleased your Excellency to 
 intrust us with so important a charge, it shall be our study and care to approve our- 
 selves worthy the great confidence you have placed in us, by doing our utmost to pro- 
 mole so noble a design. And since we have your Excellency to direct and assist us 
 in this important and difficult undertaking, we shall engage in it with the more free- 
 dom and cheerfulness ; not doubting but by the smiles of Heaven, under your protec- 
 tion, it may prove a flourishing seminary, of piety and good literature ; and continue 
 not only a perpetual monument of honour to your name, above the victories and tri- 
 umphs of renowned conquerors, but a lasting foundation for the future prosperity of 
 Church and State. 'J'hat your Excellency may long live a blessing to this province, 
 an ornament and support to our infant college, — that you may see your generous de- 
 siijns for the public good take their desired effect, and at last receive a crown of 
 glory that fadeth not away, is and shall be our constant prayer. 
 
 By order of the trustees, 
 
 Thomas Arthur, Cl. Cor. 
 
 New Brunswick, October IWi, 1748. 
 
 To this address the Governor returned his hearty thanks, assuring 
 them of the pleasure it gave him to be placed at the head of govern- 
 ment, of his desire to promote the cause of Christ, and of his willing- 
 ness to take the college under his protection and make it ' A semi- 
 nary of true religion and good literature.' On the 9th November, 
 following, the trustees met at Newark, there being present his Excel- 
 lency, Governor Belcher, Esq., James Hude, Thomas Leonard, Wil- 
 liam Smith, Esq'rs, Peter V. B. Livingston, William P. Smith, Samuel 
 Hazard, Gent., and John Pierson, Joseph Lamb, Aaron Burr, Richard 
 Treat, Samuel Blair, William Tennent, David Cowell, Tim. Jones, 
 Jacob Green, Thomas Arthur, ministers of the gospel. 
 
 At this meeting Rev. Aaron Burr was unanimously chosen to the 
 Presidency of the college. The vote being made known to him, he 
 accepted the office, and took the oath required by the charter. In 
 the afternoon he delivered a Latin oration, and after the usual schol- 
 astic disputations, the gentlemen previously mentioned were admitted 
 to the degree of Bachelor of Arts. After this the degree of Master 
 of Arts was conferred upon Governor Belcher ; this Avas followed by 
 a salutatory oration by Mr. Thane ; the President concluding the 
 meeting with prayer. At a meeting in the evening it was voted that 
 the anniversary commencement be held in future on the last Wednes- 
 day in September, and the next one at New Brunswick. Hon. An- 
 drew Johnson was appointed treasurer. It was also voted that all 
 diplomas and certificates of degrees, should be signed by the President 
 and at least six trustees ; that the trustees should use their utmost en- 
 deavours to obtain benefactions for the college, and besides these, the 
 following gentlemen were appointed to receive subscriptions, viz : 
 Messrs. Kinsey and Hazard at Philadelphia ; P. Van Brugh Living- 
 ston and P. Smith at New York ; Read and Smith at Burlington ; 
 Read and Cowell at Trenton ; John Stevens at Amboy ; Samuel 
 Woodruff at Elizabothtown ; Thomas Leonard and John Stockton, 
 Esq., at Princeton ; James Hude, Esq., and Thomas Arthur at New 
 Brunswick ; Henderson and Furman at Freehold ; John Piersou at 
 Wootjbridge ; and Mayor Johnson at Newark. 
 
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. ' 13 
 
 Resolving to meet on the third Thursday in May next, at Maiden- 
 head, Mr. Tennent concluded the meeting with prayer." 
 
 Thus it seems the trustees obtained a charter, granting all desired 
 and necessary powers, but owing to the want of funds were unable to 
 do anything on an extensive scale. Their abilities to build up the 
 infant institution, were far from being commensurate with their most 
 earnest wishes and prayers ; indeed so limited were their resources, 
 that some began to look upon the undertaking as a wild and useless 
 scheme; but not so with those engaged in the work. They trusted 
 in the favour of those who had encouraged the enterprise, in the bene- 
 ficence of the friends and advocates of sound learning, and above all 
 in the over-ruling hand of Him in whose name and for whose glory 
 the whole plan had been conceived and carried out. Althou'gh many 
 responded liberally to the call addressed to them by the 1:rustees, 
 still it was found impossible to accomplish the original desio-n with the 
 present limited means ; accordingly in this emergency it %-as deter- 
 mined to appeal to the mother country for aid in the great work. 
 The President was urgently requested to visit Great Britain on this 
 errand, but owing to some reasons, among which was his recent mar- 
 riage, he declined. 
 
 In 1751, some of the trustees desired Rev. Samuel Davies to under- 
 take the journey to England and Ireland for the purpose of " repre- 
 senting the affair," and obtaining contributions for the college. At 
 first he totally declined, but upon the trustees agreeing to "support 
 his family and supply his pulpit during his absence, he consented to 
 go. The Rev. Gilbert Tennent having about this time lost both his 
 wife and mother, and being thus deprived of his family, consented to 
 accompany Mr. Davies on the anticipated mission. They set sail No- 
 vember 17th, 1753, and reached London, December 25th. On their 
 arrival Whitefield invited them to stay with him, showed much favour 
 towards the object of their journey, and remarked that they should 
 "come out boldly; for this would secure the afi'ections of the pious, 
 from whom we might expect the most generous contributions." A 
 recommendation of their object was subscribed by sixty-seven minis- 
 ters, comprising Baptists, Presbyterians, and Independents : and while 
 laboring to secure their good will and co-operation, they obtained 
 two hundred pounds. They then had copies of their petition printed, 
 to be distributed among the friends of the cause, and before the sev- 
 enth of May their subscriptions amounted to seventeen hundred pounds. 
 Fifty pounds were given by a churchman, William Belcher, Esq.; 
 and Mr._ Cromwell, a great-grandson of the Protector, on hearing 
 Mr. Davies preach, came to him, and thanking him with tears, gave 
 him three guineas. On visiting Edinburgh they secured an 'order 
 fi-om the Assembly for a national collection, through the recommenda- 
 tion of the Committee of Bills ; a letter in their favour was also published 
 by the_ Scottish Society for propagating Christian knowledge. They 
 also visited Glasgow, and were hospitably received. Mi\ Tennent 
 subsequently crossed over to Ireland and obtained over five hundred 
 pounds ; while Mr. Davies at Newcastle received from Lord Ravens- 
 worth, three guineas ; from James Bowes, Esq., five pounds ; 
 
14 msTomcAL sketch of the 
 
 from tlie Bishop of Durham, fire ^lineas ; from Aldennan Hankey, 
 of London, five pounds ; Samuel liuggles, Esq., of Bramtree, pro- 
 mised thirty, but gave fifty pounds. Their mission was very success- 
 ful, as under the date of April 7th, 1754, they state that about twelve 
 hundred pounds had already been collected. On November loth, they 
 sailed, and reached York in Virginia, February 13th, 1755. 
 
 At this time the students were scattered in private lodgings in the 
 town of Newark, and the public academic exercises held in the county 
 court-house. To this time also, (Feb. 1757,) is referred a most extra- 
 ordinary revival of religion in the college. Mr. G. Tennent Avas de- 
 sired to come and witness it, which he did, and bore evidence to the 
 Avork of divine power among the students. 
 
 We now return a little to note some preliminaries to the jDcrmanent 
 location of Nassau Hall at Princeton. 
 
 At a meeting of the trustees held in Newark, September 27, 1752, 
 being the anniversary of the commencement. Governor Belcher in his 
 address urged the necessity of a college edifice being erected for the 
 accoii]modation of the students, and a house for the President and his 
 family, as the number of students and prosperity of the undertaking 
 demanded them. From the minutes it appears that the trustees 
 made overtures to the people of New Brunswick, to establish the col- 
 lege in that place, but they neglecting to reply in time, it was voted 
 that the college be "fixed" in Princeton, about midway between 
 New York and Philadelphia, upon condition that its inhabitants 
 would secure to the trustees two hundred acres of woodland, ten 
 acres of cleared land, and one thousand pounds proc. money; that 
 one half of this be paid in two months after the foundation was laid, 
 and the other half in six months afterwards ; that they should give 
 bonds for the money, and a title for the land; a bond also being 
 given by the trustees for the fulfilment of their part of the agreement. 
 The trustees then appointed the following committee to transact this 
 affair with the residents of Princeton, viz : Messrs. President Burr, 
 Samuel Woodruff, Jonathan Sergeant, Elihu Spencer, and Caleb Smith. 
 This committee having performed the duty assigned them, and the 
 people of Princeton having complied with the terms proposed, Messrs. 
 Cowell and Hazard were appointed to get a deed for the land. Adja- 
 cent to seven acres given the college, the trustees agreed to purchase 
 ten more from Mr. Horner, and ordered the treasurer to pay fifty 
 pounds proc. in two months, and fifty pounds in a year afterwards ; 
 provided Mr. Horner would give a "well executed deed" for it. Mr. 
 Cowell Avas appointed to superintend the surveying thereof, and re- 
 ceive the deed. They appointed also the folloAving building commit- 
 tee, viz : Thomas Leonard, Esq., Samuel Woodruff", Esq., Messrs. 
 Cowell, William Tennent, Burr, Treat, Brainerd, and Smith, to act 
 for the trustees in erecting the college, and also a house for the Presi- 
 dent. They also voted, in Princeton, July 22, 1754, that the founda- 
 tion be laid immediately ; that the plan proposed by Doct. Shippen 
 and Mr. Robert Smith be, in general, the plan of the college ; that 
 the college be built of brick, (it is built of stone,) if they could be ob- 
 tained in Princeton ; that it be three stories high, without a cellar ; 
 
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 15 
 
 S 
 and that Messrs. Samuel Hazard and Robert Smith select the spot 
 for the building and mark out the ground. At a meeting held in 
 Newark, September 25, 1754, it was voted that the college be built of 
 stone, and the President's house of wood; only the former part of 
 this w:is earned into effect, the President's house being constructed 
 of brick. * 
 
 In 1755, Governor Belcher donated his library, consisting of 474 
 volumes, many of them being very valuable, to the college ; some of 
 tliese were purloined by the American and British armies durino- the 
 Kevolution, being taken by the troops of Cornwallis as far as North 
 Carolina, and afterwards found there ; he also gave a full-lenrrth pic- 
 ture of himself, a pair of globes, ten pictm-es, being the heads^ of the 
 Amgs and Queens of England, and a large carved, gilded coat of 
 arms. 1 or this grant the trustees presented him an address, expres- 
 sing their liveliest sentiments of gratitude for the fovour and zeal he 
 had shown towards the institution, for the recommendations he had 
 made of it m Great Britain, and for the donation recently made re- 
 questing, that as he Avas considered the " founder, patron, and bene- 
 factor" of the college, the edifice in Princeton be called, and hereafter 
 known as Belcher Hall. To this be returned an answer which was 
 read at the meeting of trustees in Newark, September 29th, 1756 In 
 this reply after thanking them for the address, giving praise and 
 thanks to God for the establishment and encouragement of the colleo-e 
 and assimng them of the interest he should ever have in it he p?o- 
 ceeds : — ■ ^ 
 
 " I take a particular grateful notice, of the respect and honor you 
 are desirous of domg me and my family, in calling the edifice lately 
 erected m Princeton by the name of Belcher Hall ; but you will be 
 so good as to excuse me, while I absolutely decline such an honor for 
 I have always been very fond of the motto of a late great persona o-e 
 J^rodesse quam conspicL But I must not leave this head without ask- 
 ing the honor of your naming the present building Nassau Hall ; 
 and this I hope you will take as a further instance of my real regard 
 to the future welfare and interest of the college, as it will express the 
 honor we retain, in this remote part of the globe, to the immortal 
 memory of the glorious King William the Third, who was a branch of 
 the illustrious house of Nassau, and who, under God, was the great 
 deliverer of the British nation, from those two monstrous furies. Popery 
 and Slavery." 
 
 It is gratifying to see such a manly expression of sentiment in re- 
 gard to that system of iniquity which has so long held so many in 
 worse than Egyptian bondage. He understood and fearlessly declared 
 the abominations of that system of Romanism which still raises its 
 hydra head on the free and blood-bought land of Columbia; and one 
 cannot but compare his bold Protestant course with the carelessness or 
 unwillingness ot public men in the present day to say anything on this 
 subject. He knew the great truth, which in modern times is foro-otten 
 or at least very seldom mentioned, that true liberty, in every sense of 
 the word, could not subsist with popery ; he knew that while the Man 
 ot sm and Son of perdition, who opposeth and exalteth himself above 
 
16 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP THE 
 
 all tliat is called God or is worshipped ; that while that Wicked ex- 
 isted, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth and 
 destroy with the brightness of his coming, nothing but abject slavery 
 of mind and conscience would be the inheritance of men. What would 
 he have thought had he known that in a century from his time, men in 
 Ills own province would not care or da?'e to say aught against the vile 
 svstem of bastard Christianity which he detested ; that whenever they 
 did venture to say anything on the subject it was either done anony- 
 mously or over an assumed signature in a public newspaper ; and that 
 the plan of false religion which has committed thousands to the flames, 
 and wiiose baleful influence he hoped to see counteracted by the valiant 
 sons of Protestant Nassau — what, I say, would he have thouglit had 
 he known that in 1859, that same false religion would be established 
 in the land, and be flourishing like a green bay tree ? What would 
 have been his emotions had he known that, on the 23d December 1858, 
 the senate chamber of the American nation would be prostituted by 
 the services of Romanism, and the- chief council of the land directed 
 by a form of worship connected with a church which nearly all Protes- 
 tants acknowledge is idolatrous, and which in apocalyptic vision is 
 branded as the Great Whore ? 
 
 The sons of Nassau should remember this ; that their Alma Mater 
 being herself grounded and settled in Protestant principles expects 
 her cliildren to uphold the same ; that all proper and lawful means 
 should be employed for arresting "the monstrous fury. Popery;" that 
 tlie doctrines and dogmas of the man of sin are gaining ground ; that 
 there is a viper stealthily advancing whose poison will prove most fatal, 
 whose slimy coils around the body politic are increasing and strength- 
 ening every day, and which it will prove well nigh a death-struggle to 
 remove. Let them never forget, especially those just entering the 
 battle of life, that as recruits in that army they must take a position, 
 and whether that position shall be a conspicuous and elevated one for 
 the cause of truth, rests in a great measure with themselves ; let their 
 first aim be to plant the banner of truth where ignorance and super- 
 stition now prevail ; let them learn to baffle the wiles of the crafty ad- 
 versary, all the more insidious and dangerous because of his noiseless 
 approach and consequent inattention of the watchman ; let them be 
 assured of this one thing, that while the Infinite Source of all truth 
 exists, while his providence ever favors its development and dispersion, 
 and till time itself shall be no more, " Magna est Veritas et prieva- 
 lebit." 
 
 In consequence of Governor Belcher's declining to have the college 
 named after himself, the trustees voted that, " the said edifice be, in 
 all time to come, called and known by the name of Nassau Hall."- 
 Owing to the liberal aid derived from the mother country, the trustees 
 were enabled to proceed rapidly in the erection of the necessary build- 
 ing, which being nearly completed, " and considered as sacred to lib- 
 erty and revolution principles, was denominated Nassau Hall." The 
 building could accommodate about 147 students, allowing three to each 
 room. These were 20 feet square, each of them having two bedrooms 
 adjoining. There Avas also a hall nearly 40 feet square, with a gallery 
 
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 17 
 
 in it ; here was an organ, obtained by voluntary contribution ; oppo- 
 site this a rostrum was erected for the speakers at the public exhibi- 
 tions. On one side of the hall hung a full-length portrait of the king, 
 and opposite it a similarly sized one of Governor Belcher, surmounted 
 by his coat of arms, carved and gilded ; both having been bestowed 
 by the latter. The library was on the second floor, and was a large 
 room, containing in 1764 about 1200 volumes, all of which were be- 
 stowed by the friends of the institution in Euroj^e and America. On 
 the first floor was a dining room suitable for the accommodation of all 
 the students, besides apartments for the kitchen, &:c. The building 
 was constructed of stone, and considered the best arranged edifice for 
 a college in North America. It was so far complete in 1757, that the 
 students could be provided for in it ; this being the case, they, to the 
 number of about 70, left Newark and took up their residence in 
 Princeton. 
 
 The trustees now began to see the great advantage of having a 
 building exclusively for the use of the students ; and the circumstances 
 of the college soon began to be in a most prosperous condition. The 
 number of students rapidly increased, the administration of law and 
 government was ably maintained, and from the position and influence 
 of men who had been educated within her walls, Nassau Hall be- 
 gan to assume that importance in the country which she has so ably 
 sustained till the present time. President Burr took upon himself 
 chiefly the labor of instruction, being sometimes aided by only one 
 tutor ; and Avhile the college remained at Newark, no more than two 
 assistants were ever connected with him. In addition to these du- 
 ties he superintended a grammar school during the whole time of his 
 presidency, where students were qualified for several classes in col- 
 lege. After his death the trustees took this school under their care 
 as being already a part of the institution. During Mr. Burr's pre- 
 sidency all the degrees were conferred in Newark, except at the sec- 
 ond commencement, which was held in New Brunswick ; and in 175T 
 the degrees were conferred by the Hon. William Smith, Esq., Presi- 
 dent Burr having died two days before the commencement. 
 
 Thus we see the permanent establishment of an institution calcula- 
 ted to bless the church and world, an institution founded by the 
 strenuous efibrts of a few brave spirits and liberal hearts, and destined 
 to be a great luminary, whence streams of light should issue to en- 
 lighten and gladden the remotest nations of the earth. It is to be 
 regretted and lamented, but at the same time should be mentioned, 
 that although the influence of Governor Belcher and the popularity 
 of the trustees Avera so great, still all their efi"orts were fruitless in 
 obtaining the patronage and favor of the province. At this time the 
 legislature did not and would not do anything for the infant organiza- 
 tion. The expenses of building, &c., were met by the funds collected 
 in Britain and Ireland ; although it is perhaps unknown what the ex- 
 act amount of these benefactions was. The success of the college was 
 so great during Mr. Burr's presidency, that we find Mr. Clap urging 
 the establishment of a professorship of divinity in Yale College, so 
 that its character for orthodoxy might be sustained, and at the same 
 3 
 
18 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 time students might be prevented from being draira away by Jersey 
 College. 
 
 The death of President Burr was a severe blow to the church and 
 world. Especially did the college feel his loss ; and owing to the 
 death also of Governor Belcher nearly at the same time, it was feared 
 that the consequence to the college would prove most disastrous ; but 
 the great Disposer had directed otherwise ; and although two of its 
 pillars were suddenly and almost simultaneously removed, still it stood 
 secure on its deep-laid foundation. It is related that the President's 
 death was hastened, if not caused, by the eiforts he made to prepare 
 and preach the funeral sermon of Governor Belcher, who died Au- 
 gust 31, 1757. Mr. Burr soon followed his friend, for on the 24th 
 September following, his o'wn tabernacle returned to the dust, while 
 his name was embalmed in Nassau's walls, there to remain, as in the 
 hearts of her sons, a cherished memorial of the friend of virtue, religion, 
 and learning, of the assiduous and zealous patron of the college, of 
 the patriotic philanthropist, and of the minister of God. 
 
 Two days after -his death the trustees to the number of twenty met 
 to choose a successor to the late venerable President. The Rev. 
 Jonathan Edwards of Stockbridge was elected nearly unanimously. 
 They also directed a letter to the Honorable the Commissioners for 
 propagating the gospel among the heathen in America, in the province 
 of JNIassachusetts, desiring that they would release INIr. Edwards from 
 his Indian congregation in Stockbridge, in order to his accepting the 
 office. At the same time the sum of twenty pounds was ordered to 
 be paid Mr. Edwaiids for the expense of removing his family to Prince- 
 ton. A letter was also sent to Mr. Edwards in regard to his accept- 
 ing the presidency ; this, together with the earnest solicitations of the 
 board and the requests of Rev. Messrs. Caleb Smith and John Brain- 
 erd, who were sent to induce him to accept, led him to receive the 
 appointment and undertake the duties of the office assigned him. In 
 the mean time Rev. David Cowell was appointed President till the 
 next meeting of trustees, which appointment he accepted. It was also 
 voted that he should engage an usher for the grammar school ; and 
 at the meeting held February 16, 1758, he was paid eleven pounds 
 for his services. At this meeting Mr. Edwards was qualified as a 
 trustee of the college, and took his seat accordingly. 
 
 It was voted that the law re(|uiring students to wear particular 
 habits be repealed ; that the President have the care and government 
 of the grammar school, and introduce Geography, History, and Chron- 
 ology, if he deemed it proper. This President's administration, how- 
 ever, Avas too short to allow him to do much, as his presidency lasted 
 only al)out two months ; his inauguration occurring only about five 
 weeks ])reccding liis decease. He reached the college in January; was 
 inoculated for the small pox, this disease being prevalent about 
 Princeton at this time, on the 13th February, and died on the 22d 
 March 1758. He preached several times in the college chapel with 
 great acceptance ; but it seems he did not do anything in the way of 
 teaching, excepting the giving of some questions in divinity to the 
 senior class : when they came together again, they were much 
 
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 19 
 
 pleased and edified by the light the President threw upon the subject. 
 After his death the trustees met April 19th, 1758, and ordered that 
 the treasurer pay Mr. Edwards' executors one hundred pounds, being 
 his salary for half a year. The Rev. James Lockwood of Wethers- 
 field, Conn., Avas elected to fill the place of Mr. Edwards, and Rev. 
 Caleb Smith appointed to act as President till next meeting of trustees. 
 It seems however that Mr. Smith could not attend to this duty, and 
 Mr. Finley was appointed to preside till that time in his stead. At 
 the meeting held August 16th, 1758, Francis Bernard, Esq., Governor 
 of the province, being President of the board, the refusal of Mr. 
 Lockwood was received, and on this being made known, the Rev. 
 Samuel Davies of Virginia was duly elected President of the college. 
 On the next day it was voted that Messrs. Caleb Smith, David Cowell, 
 and Richard Stockton, or any two of them, be a committee to remove 
 Mr. Davies to Princeton ; also that the pew rents in the college chapel 
 be paid immediately to the steward of the college, on pain of tlie own- 
 ers losing their seats. These pews were held by the inhabitants of 
 Princeton, there being no public house of worship) in the place, except 
 the college chapel ; the President being the pastor and stated preacher. 
 The board next met September 27th, 1758, on the day of the annual 
 commencement. It is not known who conferred the degrees — most 
 likely jNIr. Smith or Mr. Cowell ; the bachelor's degree was conferred 
 on eighteen, and the master's degree on seven. Another meeting 
 was held November 22d, when a negative answer from Mr. Davies 
 Avas received. On the next day Rev. Jacob Green was chosen to 
 serve till a President could be elected, and the government committed 
 to him. At the meeting on May 9th, 1759, Rev. Messrs. Davies and 
 Finley were proposed as candidates for the presidency, and Mr. Da- 
 vies was again elected ; the Rev. Messrs. Caleb Smith, John Brain- 
 erd, and Elihu Spencer were appointed to meet the Synod of New 
 York and Philadelphia, and urge his dismissal from his congregation, 
 in order to his accepting the office tendered him. At this meeting 
 Mr. Caleb Smith presented a plan of union among the colleges in the 
 provinces, drawn up by President Clap of Yale College, which being 
 read was referred for farther consideration ; but it seems that this 
 was never revived. 
 
 The college was already beginning to feel the want of a President, 
 when !Mr. Davies was elected ; a man celebrated in the province as a 
 popular and eloquent preacher. In a letter to a friend he speaks of 
 the revival of religion which seems to have still been felt at this time. 
 The religious concern was first awakened by the son of a " consider- 
 able gentleman" in New York being taken sick in the college and 
 aroused to a sense of his guilt and danger. His conversation made 
 considerable impression on some of the students, and they communi- 
 cated their feelings to others, till at last the movement became gene- 
 ral throughout the college before the President and others became aware 
 of it. In consequence of his second election, Mr. Davies accepted the 
 oflice of President ; he reached Princeton in July, entered upon his 
 duties on the 26th, and took the oath of ofiice September 26th, 1759. 
 At the meeting held this day it was voted that if Mr. Davies wished 
 
20 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 to educate any of his sons in the college that they be free from tuition 
 money ; that the President take a catalogue of the books in the library, 
 and have the same published at the expense of the college ; and that 
 Governor Bernard, Messrs. Davies, P. T. Smith, W. Tennent, Finley, 
 Green, Cummings, and Stockton, or any three of them, be a committee 
 to frame a system of regulations concerning admission into college 
 with the necessary qualifications for degrees. This committee reported 
 at the meeting held September 24th, 1760. The substance of their report 
 was, that candidates for the second or master's degree, if alumni of the 
 college, should reside at college, in ordinary cases, for one week be- 
 fore the conferring of that degree, and submit to the laws and orders 
 of the college, and be examined on such branches of literature as the 
 trustees then present should think necessary, and make such prepara- 
 tion for commencement as the officers of the college should judge pro- 
 per ; that graduates from other colleges should be admitted ad cundem 
 without examination ; but that it should be inserted in their diplomas, 
 and publicly declared by the President, in conferring their degrees, 
 that they were conferred honoris causa ; and that if they were candi- 
 dates for a higher degree than they had elsewhere received, they should, 
 like the alumni of the college, reside a week at the college, and sub- 
 mit to examination ; that testimonials of good moral character, signed 
 by two or more gentlemen of note and veracity in the place where they 
 resided, should be required from all who might be candidates for the 
 master's degree, unless personally known to the trustees, or officers of 
 the college ; that any person might have liberty to offer himself at the 
 pu1)lic examination, as a candidate for a bachelor's degree, and if ap- 
 proved he should be admitted thereto accordingly, upon paying the 
 sum of eight pounds, being the tuition money for two years, exclusive 
 of degree fees ; that candidates for any class higher than the freshman, 
 should not only be previously examined as usual, but recite for two 
 weeks upon trial, in that particular class for which they might stand 
 candidates, and then should be "fixed" in that, or in a loAver class, as 
 the college officers should judge them qualified ; that for the future the 
 President or tutors who shall at that time officiate, have liberty to 
 appoint any of the students to read a portion of the Sacred Scriptures 
 out of the original language at evening prayers ; and that when they 
 think proper they may substitute psalmody instead of the reading of 
 the Scriptures. At this time small pecuniary fines were inflicted for 
 slight offences or omissions of duty ; this continued till the time of 
 Dr. Witherspoon, and was then abolished. Messrs. Davies, W. Ten- 
 nent, Cowell, and Stockton were appointed to draw up a history of the 
 college, they however were prevented from doing so. In September, 
 1762, it was assigned to W. P. Smith, Esq., he also declined the ser- 
 vice, and the President was then desired to do it. Dr. Finley was then 
 President and undertook the task, publishing an historical account of 
 the institution from its beginning ; this appeared in 1764.* 
 
 Tlie number of students uiuler jNlr. Davies probably reached nearly 
 one hundred, although the exact number is unknown. lie devoted all 
 
 * On August 6th. 1770, the senior class unanimously agreed to appear at the en- 
 8uin"; commencement dressed in American manufactures. 
 
COLLEGE OF NEW JEKSET. 21 
 
 his time and energies to the affiiirs of the college, and introduced the 
 practice of English composition and eloquence with much success. To 
 his new charge he applied himself with great assiduity ; the work be- 
 ing familiar to him, he having trained several for the ministry, besides 
 preparing others for college. He was also successful, and exhibited 
 skill in the management of the college. But his great labors soon 
 wore him down ; being a very close student, he often sat up till mid- 
 night and rose with the sun. At last he sank under his accumulated 
 duties and closed his life in peace, February 4th, 1761. 
 
 From the time of his decease till the next meeting of trustees, it 
 appears that the college was under the care of the tutors. When this 
 meeting occurred, Rev. Samuel Finley, of Nottingham in Pennsyl- 
 vania, was unanimously chosen his successor. Mr. Finley accepted 
 the appointment, and measures were taken to dissolve his connection 
 with his pastoral charge, and remove him to Princeton. At the meet- 
 ing, September -SOth, 1761, he took the oaths required and assumed 
 the duties of his office. About this time the President's salary Avas 
 increased to two hundred and fifty pounds per annum, proclamation 
 money, and it was ordered that the President's sons have the same 
 educational advantages aiforded those of Mr. Davies. 
 
 Previous to this, no public house of worship had been erected in 
 Princeton, but the residents had hired peAvs in the college chapel, and 
 at the same time the commencements were held in the same place ; in 
 consequence of this, a piece of land belonging to the college was given 
 to the inhabitants of the village and its vicinity, for the pm-pose of 
 erecting a suitable church thereon. Until this time the college edifice 
 and the President's house were the only buildings erected ; but at a 
 meeting, September 29th, 1762, a committee consisting of Messrs. 
 President Finley, William Tennent, M'Kuight, the treasurer, and the 
 clerk, was appointed to superintend the erection of a kitchen. A 
 part of the main building had hitherto been used for this purpose, but 
 now a proper building was erected for culinary uses. At this time 
 also the thanks of the trustees were returned to the legislature of the 
 province for granting permission to make a lottery for the benefit of 
 the institution. In consequence of the grant of land for the site of 
 a church, and the loan of seven hundred pounds for building the same, 
 the colleo-e had an exclusive right to use the church on commence- 
 nients, on the evenings preceding them, and at such other times as the 
 faculty required ; and also one half of the gallery, for the students on 
 the Sabbath. 
 
 During the Revolutionary war both the inside of this church and 
 of the college were destroyed by the American and British armies, and 
 afterwards repaired at much expense. In February, 1813, the church 
 was destroyed by fire, except the brick walls, and again restored by 
 the congregation, the college contributing $500. The President's 
 salary was now increased to three hundred pounds per annum. An 
 English school was also established, but owing to its causing inconve- 
 niences it was ordered to be removed from the college. 
 
 So much money was now due the steward from persons educated 
 in the college, that it was ordered that every student should pay his 
 
22 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 bills at the end of every fall vacation, and in default to be dismissed ; 
 unless security be given that the money would be paid in six weeks 
 afterwards ; and that every student not producing a certificate from 
 the steward of his being in no arrears, two days before commencement, 
 should have his name struck off the printed Thesis and Catalogue, 
 and not allowed to perform any commencement exercises or receive a 
 deo;ree. This measure, though apparently harsh, was absolutely ne- 
 cessary in order to secure the salaries of the officers. At the present 
 time, (1859,) all bills must be paid in advance; the balance being re- 
 funded if the student leaves before the close of the session. On Sep- 
 tember 25th, 1165, it Avas ordered, "that hereafter no other articles 
 whatsoever be kept in the buttery and sold to the students, save only 
 bread, butter, candles, and small beer;" also that the bell-man deliver 
 the key of the cupola to none but the President, tutors, or steward. 
 This was necessary, for the fire in 1802 commenced in the cupola, 
 and was probably caused by too free access thereto : that every stu- 
 dent and graduate, college officers excepted, who use the library, pay 
 to the steward two shillings and six-pence for the use of the same ; 
 that no student have the library key, and that every person introduced 
 be accompanied by an officer; that the President's salary be increased 
 one hundred pounds per annvmi ; and that Mr. Ogden get sixty-two 
 good leather fire-buckets to be used in case of fire. 
 
 At a meeting, June 25th, 1766, mention is made of a donation of 
 one hundred pounds by Mr. John Williamson of Hanover, Virginia, 
 for the support of a professor of Divinity. This is the first donation 
 for this object mentioned in the minutes of the college. Until the 
 founding of the Theological Seminary at Princeton in 1812, those 
 graduates desiring to study theology were under the care of the Pres- 
 ident of the college ; but about a year after the above donation, Rev. 
 John Blair was appointed professor of Theology, and held the office 
 till the time of Dr. Witherspoon, as well as the direction of the col- 
 lege. He then resigned the office, and Dr. Witherspoon was invested 
 with it, together with his own duties as President. An address was 
 drawn up at this meeting to be presented to his majesty for his "gra- 
 cious condescension" in repealing the stamp act, and also a petition 
 asking for a grant of sixty thousand acres of the land lately added to 
 the province of New York from the territory of New Hampshire ; these 
 were prepared and sent to Mr. Stockton, then in London, who being 
 introduced to the king, presented the address, Avhich was graciously 
 received ; the petition was placed in the plantation office, Lord Shel- 
 burne promising to lay it before the king ; this however was the last 
 of the petition, it never being heard of afterwards. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. De Ronde introduced a plan for obtaining a professor, 
 of divinity from Holland, for the service of both Dutch and English 
 Presbyterian Churches. The trustees not approving the scheme, 
 referred it to the next meeting. Complaints were now made of the 
 detriment to the college by students boarding out of the building ; it 
 appearing that quite a number were out, they Avere ordered to return 
 in ten days, unless a physician certified that the health of the students 
 re( quired his continuance in town ; and not even Avas this alloAved till 
 
COLLEGE OP NEW JERSEY. 23 
 
 the permission of the President was obtained, or of the tutors. It 
 seems however that students whose parents or guardians lived near 
 college were permitted to live with them ; but at the present time, 
 ( 1859,) all the students board in the town, either in clubs or in private 
 houses. 
 
 Dr. Finlcy's health now began to fail, and as the probability was 
 that he would be removed by death before the next meeting, the 
 Rev. Mr. Spencer was appointed to preside at commencement and 
 confer the degrees. This gentleman accepted the appointment and 
 performed the duty assigned him. The President being absent in 
 Philadelphia, whither he had gone for medical advice, Mr. William 
 Tennent was appointed to take his place till next commencement, or 
 during President Finley's absence and disability; he signified his ac- 
 ceptance and was accordingly qualified. The following minutes occur 
 at the meeting held September 24, 1766, after Dr. Finley's decease, 
 ( July 17, 1766,) and before the election of his successor. The affair 
 of Mr. De Ronde was now brought up and postponed. The tutor of 
 the college, Mr. Jeremiah Halsey, having performed many faithful 
 services above his usual duties, was presented with sixty-one pounds, 
 it being the graduation money. This gentleman held the office of 
 tutor, it is supposed, longer than any other, was one of Nassau's 
 best scholars, a preacher of the gospel, afterwards settled as a minis- 
 ter, and a trustee of the college for some years. On account of the 
 low state of the college funds, the President's salary diminished from 
 four hundred pounds to two hundred and fifty, with the usual perquis- 
 ites, per annum. The annual charge at this time was, — 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 Tuition money, -----4 
 
 Boarding, Steward's ^ 
 
 salary and servants' V - - - 15 
 
 wages inclusive, J 
 
 Chamber rent, - - - - 
 
 Washing, ----- 
 
 Wood and candles, - - - 
 
 Contingent charges, - _ - 
 
 Total, ----- £25 6 
 
 The fund, about this time, was a little over X1300. But a lottery 
 being started by gentlemen in Philadelphia, this was increased to 
 nearly X2800. The appropriation of <£500 at this period, from Col. 
 Alford of Charlestown, Mass., was particularly acceptable in building 
 up the institution, as well as showing the good will of others for its 
 ultimate success. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. John Woodhull of Monmouth, New Jersey, furnishes 
 the folloAving facts : — "Dr. Finley was of small stature, of a round and 
 ruddy countenance ; in the pulpit, sensible and solemn, with consider- 
 able fervor : of extensive learning, being familiar with every branch 
 taught in college. He taught Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, in the se- 
 nior year. When he died, he requested to be carried to the grave by 
 members of the senior class, I being one of them. The number of 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 
24 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 students at this time was about one hundred. Thirty-one commenced 
 in the dass before mine, and the same number in the class to which I 
 belonged. These were the largest classes that had commenced at that 
 time. My class lost thirteen or fourteen, not, however, by expulsion. 
 There were about fifty boys in the school, and about one hundred and 
 fifty in all in the edifice, most of whom boarded in the college and ate 
 in the dining-room, at a table by themselves. The college was never 
 in a more flourishing condition, the number never being so great 
 before. There were some revivals of religion before Dr. Finley's 
 time ; but in his time, there was something general. It began in 
 1762, in the freshman class, to which I belonged. It contained 
 twenty-five or thirty members, and almost as soon as the session com- 
 menced, meetings for prayer were held once a week. One of the 
 members became deeply impressed, and this affected the whole class. 
 The other classes, and soon the whole college, became impressed ; every 
 class became a praying society, and the whole college met once a week 
 for prayer ; there was also a private, select society. Meetings were held 
 in the town and country ; probably every one in the college was more or 
 less affected ; two members of the senior class were considered op- 
 posers of the work, but both afterwards became ministers of the gos- 
 pel. The work continued about a year ; fifteen of my class were sup- 
 posed to be pious, and in college, about fifty, or nearly one-half of 
 all the students." It was during this presidency that the Cligsophic 
 Society was founded, viz : in the year 1765. This society is private 
 in its nature, being held by the members, once a week, for literary 
 purposes. 
 
 At the meeting held after Dr. Finley's death, the trustees did not 
 proceed to elect a successor, but appointed a meeting for that purpose, 
 to 1)0 held Nov. 19, 1766. At this time, the Rev. Dr. AVitherspoon, 
 of Paisley, in Scotland, was duly elected nejn. con. ; it was ordered that 
 a letter be sent him, requesting his compliance, and at the same time, 
 another was addressed to Mr. Stockton, then in London, desiring him 
 to use his influence in inducing Dr. W. to accede to the proposal ; also, 
 tlmt should he accept, the sum of one hundred guineas be allowed to 
 dcfrny his expenses, and that his salary commence on the day he 
 landed in North America, j\Ir. William Tenncnt was continued in 
 his office as President -pro tern. The grammar school becoming charge- 
 able to the college, it was resolved to continue it no longer, and that 
 Mr. Avery, the teacher, be discharged from service ; still, if he was 
 disposed to keep the school at his own risk, he might be at liberty to 
 do so. At the meeting held Sept. 30, 1767, a letter from Dr. "With- 
 erspoon was read, in which he declined the office tendered him ; the 
 chief cause of this was the unwillingness of iNIrs. Withcrspoon to leave 
 her native country. She, however, afterwards became reconciled to 
 the removal. Mr. Ilalscy, the senior tutor, now resigned his office, 
 and requested testimonials from the trustees, Avliich were cheerfully 
 granted. Mr. James Thompson, tutor, was appointed inspector of the 
 rooms, with five pounds a year for his trouble ; this was the first col- 
 lege inspector. The college funds were now as follows : — In the trea- 
 surer's hands, £2815 3s. Id., of Avhich only about .£950 were at inte- 
 
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 25 
 
 rest. On the 2d October, the trustees met, and elected Rev. John 
 Blair, of Fagg's Manor, Penna., as professor of Divinity and Moral 
 Philosophy ; Dr. Hugh Williamson as professor of Mathematics, and 
 Mr. Jonathan Edwards, now tutor in college, to the professorship of 
 Languages and Logic. Dr. Witherspoon having declined the presi- 
 dency, Rev. Samuel Blair, of Boston, Mass., was elected President and 
 professor of Rhetoric and Metaphysics. In view of Mr. Tennent's 
 services as vice president j)ro tern, the treasurer was ordered to pay 
 him «£100. The salaries of the officers were fixed as follows : — 
 To the President and Professor of Rhetoric and Metaphysics, <£200 
 To the Professor of Divinity and INIoral Philosophy, - - 175 
 To the Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, - 150 
 To the Professor of Languages and Logic, - - - - 125 
 
 Mr. Blair, having accepted the office assigned him, was appointed 
 vice president till next commencement : none of the others ever ac- 
 cepted their appointments. Rev. Samuel Blair also declined the pre- 
 sidency, and as it was learned, at this time, that Dr. Witherspoon, if 
 again elected, would accept the office, he was accordingly unanimously 
 re-elected. It was now ordered that all students enter the lowest 
 class in college ; this was soon repealed, and the students now 
 enter the classes they are qualified for. "Voted that the practice of 
 sending freshmen upon errands, or employing them as servitors in any 
 manner whatsoever, be from henceforward totally discontinued." Mr. 
 Stockton informed the board that the sum of one hundred pounds, given 
 by Mr. Williamson, of Virginia, had been received by him while in 
 England ; for this donation, Dr. Redman was appointed to transmit 
 the thanks of the board to the donor. It was also ordered that the 
 grammar school be again revived, under the patronage of the board. 
 A letter was drawn up to be transmitted to the synod, requesting an 
 appropriation in support of a professor of Divinity ; this proved suc- 
 cessful, for a contribution was ordered in all the churches under the 
 synod, to be annually paid. 
 
 In December, 1767, the trustees adjourned till the next commence- 
 ment, expecting that Dr. Witherspoon would not arrive before that 
 time ; he, however, did arrive in August following, and at a special 
 meeting of the board, Aug. 17, 1768, was inaugurated. On his ac- 
 cession, the college finances were, from a variety of causes, in a very 
 low and declining condition ; but the reputation he held excited the 
 liberality of the public, and by his oAvn efforts, which were extended 
 from Massachusetts to Virginia, the monetary affairs were soon raised 
 to a flourishing condition. The war of the revolution, however, was a 
 severe blow to the college, obstructing its progress, and nearly de- 
 stroying its resources ; still, much of the credit for sustaining the in- 
 stitution, was due to the manly enterprise and exalted talents of its 
 President. Such, indeed, were his numerous and noble qualities, that 
 it was with much difficulty his friends in Scotland were induced to 
 give him up. A gentleman possessed of considerable property, and a 
 relative of the doctor's family, promised to make him his heir if he 
 would not go to America ; this fact shows the pure and disinterested 
 motives which actuated him in undertaking so arduous and difficult a 
 4 
 
26 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 task. Much advantage was derived from liis superintendence, from 
 the example he set the students, and from the direction and tone he 
 gave to the literary pursuits of the college. In his opinion, the course 
 of instruction had been too superficial, arising from the circumstances 
 of the infant country. The metaphysics and philosophy taught, par- 
 took too much of the dry and uninstructive forms of the schools ; in- 
 stead of these, he introduced all the modern and liberal improvements 
 made in Europe, making the philosophical course comprehend the 
 general principles of policy and public law, and with these, joined a 
 system of sound and rational metaphysics, avoiding the doctrines of 
 fatality and contingency, the barrenness of the schools, and the ab- 
 surdities of the materialists and spirituahsts. 
 
 With such a man at the head of the institution, it is not to be won- 
 dered at that students began to increase, and the condition of things 
 assumed an appearance of prosperity. The foundation of a course of 
 history was laid by him, and the principles of taste and good writing 
 were admirably explained and illustrated in his own manner. The 
 course of learning was considerably diverted by him. Literary re- 
 search became more varied, profound, and extensive ; with these 
 he joined a happy facility of arousing the inquiries and emulation of 
 young men, and at the same time an excellent method of preserving 
 the regularity and government of the college. Under him many of 
 America's noblest patriots, legislators, and ministers received the ele- 
 ments of their education. In the year 1769, the American Whig 
 Society was organized ; being a literary association similar to the 
 Cliosophic society above mentioned. These societies originated in two 
 earlier ones, called the " Well meaning," and " Plain dealing" societies. 
 These latter were voluntary associations, and existed prior to the acces- 
 sion of Dr. Witherspoon, as the tradition states. But they changed 
 their names after his times ; the " Well meaning" taking the title of 
 the Cliosophic, and the " Plain dealing," that of the American Whig 
 Society. At first these bodies were of a sectional character ; those 
 coming from eastern New Jersey, New York, and New England, joined 
 the Cliosophic ; while those from West Jersey^ Pennsylvania, and the 
 Southern states, united with the American Whig. 
 
 The war of the Revolution, however, which joined the whole coun- 
 try as one man and banished all petty feuds, removed and destroyed 
 this sectional feeling, and at the present time it is unknown ; for stu- 
 dents from all parts of the country connect themselves Avitli either 
 society. The war having interrupted tliese bodies, they were revived 
 after its close ; Dr. Green, together with his room-mate, being chiefi}'- 
 instrumental in resuscitating the American Whig Society. Soon after 
 his matriculation. Dr. Green drew up a paper, pledging the subscribers 
 to join the society provided the original constitution could be found, 
 and if enough old members could be collected and be willing to receive 
 them into their fellowship. Fortunately both the constitution and old 
 minutes were found, having been preserved by a graduate of the col- 
 lege, and were produced at the re([uest of the old members when met 
 to receive the new ones. On inquiry it was also found that a lady in 
 town had preserved some of the furniture of the old hall, which she 
 
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 27 
 
 was willing and desirous to return. The furniture consisted of the 
 following articles, viz : " a looking-glass of considerable size, a pair 
 of brass andirons, and two octavo volumes of Johnson's abbreviated 
 dictionary." Nine new members were admitted, and the faculty gave 
 permission to meet inthelibrary room of the college till the hall should 
 be repaired. These two literary societies have held their meetings in 
 three places, viz : The first place was in the fourth story of NASSAU 
 Hall, in the two half rooms which, with the entry between them, filled 
 the front projection of that edifice. The second location was in the 
 two rooms over the present library, in the building west of North Col- 
 lege ; these they occupied entirely. A few years ago, with the aid of 
 the alumni, two spacious halls for these societies were erected ; they 
 are elegant buildings, of the Ionic order, sixty-two feet long, forty-one 
 wide, and two stories high. The columns of the porticos arc copied 
 from those of the Temple on the Ilissus ; the model of the buildings 
 in other respects is that of a Temple in the island of Teos. These 
 halls are situated at the south end of the campus : the American Whig 
 being to the east, and the Cliosophic towards the west. The funds for 
 their erection were collected from graduate members and from those 
 still in college. Each hall possesses a valuable library, now number- 
 ing, together, some ten thousand volumes. These societies are strictly 
 secret, confer diplomas, and keep up a constant rivalry with each 
 other. Before the Revolution a paper war broke out between them 
 and raged so violently that the college authorities had to put it down. 
 The greatest harmony and good feeling, however, now prevail between 
 them ; each striving for the honors of the college, each exerting a 
 great influence for good among its members ; and some go so far as to 
 say that the advantages derived from them are not inferior to those of 
 the college itself, which perhaps is true in regard to the particular ob- 
 jects they are designed to effect. 
 
 The college, by the efforts of Dr. Witherspoon, continued to flourish, 
 the course of education being guided with great success and reputation, 
 till the outburst of the American Revolution suspended the President's 
 duties and dispersed the students. The people of New Jersey saw in 
 this great man just the qualities requisite to make him a delegate to 
 the great American council. Besides being a member of the various 
 committees and conventions of the state, he was sent to represent New 
 Jersey in the United States Congress, and remained for seven years a 
 member of that body. Now began that struggle so memorable in the 
 history of the world, and the result of which proved so glorious to the 
 heaven blest land of Columbia, a contest in which many of Nassau's 
 sons engaged, in which their Alma Mater was dishonored and shorn 
 of her beauty, but out of which she was destined to rise phoenix-like 
 from her ruins, and again put on the plumes of glory and triumph, all 
 the more resplendent because of her late violated rights being re- 
 stored and her unsullied honor vindicated ; a contest in which they 
 were finally to triumph over the haughty tyrants in their determina- 
 tion to preserve and maintain their "lives, liberty, and the pursuit of 
 happiness," free and untarnished from the foul touch of foreign op- 
 pression. To the true patriot, every spot on which a contest for his 
 
28 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 country's rights occurred is doubly dear. What spot then more dear 
 to every American heart, to every genuine lover of liberty, than the 
 blood-l)ought plains around Nassau Hall ? Where can the affections 
 of a free people circle more strongly than around these fields, bedewed 
 with the blood of freemen, the price of liberty? Where more vene- 
 rable walls than those of Old Nassau ? Though once defiled by the 
 vile minions of oppression, do they not still bear the marks of Free- 
 dom's sons while exterminating the foe ? 
 
 The contest had been long and varied ; despondency had seized 
 the minds of many ; New Jersey had been taken and occupied by the 
 enemy ; Philadelphia had been sui'rendered ; the American army scat- 
 tered ; the crisis was at hand, and Washington seeing its approach, 
 resolved to make a bold stroke ; victory or death being the stakes at 
 issue. The British army was safely quartered in Nassau's walls, as 
 the American army, led by its chief, approached from Trenton, Janu- 
 ary 3, 1777. By a circuitous route he reached Princeton, and was 
 immediately in contact with the enemy. The brave Mercer of Vir- 
 ginia led the van, being directed to secure the bridge over the adjoin- 
 ing stream. Here the British, 17th, attacked him. The militia, of 
 which the advanced party was mostly composed, soon gave way, and 
 the few regulars were too weak to hold their ground. After three 
 volleys the British charged. The Americans havrng only rifles, and 
 being exhausted during the past twenty-four hours, recoiled from the 
 enemy's bayonet. Vainly did their commander try to rally them, 
 his broken troops gave way and the van was entirely routed ; Mercer 
 fell while gallantly rallying his men. Washington in person followed 
 close in the rear, and galloping through the broken and dismayed 
 ranks, called upon the faltering fugitives to renew the attack ; for a 
 while the dismay and panic prevailed, but at last being supported by 
 the veterans who saved their country at Trenton the day before, he 
 attacked the enemy with great fury, causing them in turn to recoil, 
 broke their line and separated the regiments, compelling Col. Man- 
 hood to force a passage through a part of the American troops and 
 retreat to Maidenhead, (Lawrence.) Then the discomfited troops ral- 
 lied in line, again the fatal rifle is leveled, again the smoke disap- 
 pearing, the victorious chief is seen hmu\ying over the field, directing 
 everything and encouraging his men ; then was seen the enemy re- 
 treating, broken, defeated ; then rushed through Princeton the reflex 
 tide of battle ; then thundered at Old Nassau's walls the order to 
 surrender ; then quailed the foreign oppressor, America was victorious, 
 the Scarlet Livery surrendered, and the battle of Princeton was won. 
 
 This engagement was one of the most fatal to the oflScers in the 
 Revolution ; the Americans losing one General, two Colonels, one 
 Major, and tlu'oe Captains. The loss to the enemy was upwards of " 
 one hundred killed on the spot, and nearly three hundred taken pris- 
 oners ; the American loss was somewhat less. During this battle the 
 British took refuge in the college ; AVashington attacked them and a 
 shot from his cannon passing through a window, struck ofi" the head 
 of a portrait of King George Avliich liung in tlie library. After the 
 conflict Gen. Washington presented fifty guineas to the college; with 
 
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 29 
 
 this a portrait of himself, painted by the elder Pealo of Philadelphia, 
 was purchased, and now occupies the frame once surrounding the por- 
 trait of King George II. Together with this portrait there remain 
 the identical electrical machine used by Dr. Franklin, and the orrery 
 or planetarium constructed by Mr. Rittenhouse of Philadelphia. 
 
 The tradition in reference to the two cannons in the campus is as 
 follows : — They were used in the Revolution ; the large one being left 
 in the vicinity of the college, remained till the war of 1812, when the 
 American troops came and took it to New Brunswick ; there it was 
 condemned as unfit for use and left. A contest now began betAveen 
 the inhabitants and those of Princeton as to who should possess the 
 old relic of the Revolution ; at last the townsmen of Princeton resolved 
 to obtain it, and having secured from Mr. Phineas Withiugton four 
 horses and a driver, and from Mr. John Gulick a large wagon which 
 he kept at his mill near Kingston, they started one night and brought 
 it to Princeton. The little cannon was left after the war at a mill, 
 near the present canal, on the road going east from Queenston, after- 
 wards it was brought to Princeton as the nearest town, and lay for a 
 long time in front of the college campus ; then when the road was 
 being repaired it was set up as a post at the head of Witherspoon 
 Street, whence it was removed to its present position in the campus 
 by the students in 1858. 
 
 During 1776 and the two following years there was no college 
 commencement held, although some students had been partially in- 
 structed as early as the summer of 1778, by the President and pro- 
 fessor of Mathematics. 
 
 A public commencement was held in 1779, and the degree of B. A. 
 conferred on six students. The exercises were never discontinued 
 after this, though the students were few, and their increase very 
 gradual. When Dr. Green entered the college, (1782,) the number 
 was but little over forty. Dr. Witherspoon was then in Congress, 
 and the instruction and government were conducted by his son-in-law, 
 Rev. Samuel Stanhope Smith, aided by Mr. James Riddle as tutor. 
 In the autumn of 1782, Dr. Witherspoon left Congress, finally, and in 
 the following winter resumed his lectures to the senior class. In the 
 svmimer of 1783, the Continental Congress met in Princeton, the 
 members finding accommodations in the village, and the committees 
 using the vacant rooms of the students. Dr. Elias Boudinot was 
 President of the Congress at that time. They held their sittings in 
 the library-room of Nassau Hall, a room nearly as large as the one 
 in Philadelphia. Shortly after the meeting, the Fourth of July Avas 
 celebrated : then, for the first time the Wliig and Cliosophic Societies 
 appointed speakers to represent each, before a public audience ; these 
 were, for the Whig Society, Mr. Ashbel Green, and for the Cliosophic, 
 Mr. Gilbert T. SnoAvden. Who should speak first Avas decided by lot, 
 and it fell upon Mr. Green to precede, Avhich he did, with a discourse 
 on " The superiority of a Republican government over any other form." 
 The members of Congress Avere present, and the President thereof in- 
 vited the orators to dine Avith him, Avhich they did. When the class 
 graduated this year there were present on the stage, the trustees, the 
 
30 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP THE 
 
 graduating class, the wliole of Congress, the ministers of France and 
 Holland, and the commander in chief of the American arm3^ Mr. 
 Green was the valedictorian, and he concluded his speech •w'ith an ad- 
 dress to Washington, who colored considerably when thus directly re- 
 ferred to. 
 
 The Revolutionary struggle being nearly over, and Dr. Wither- 
 spoon feeling the advance of age, wished to resign his office ; but 
 through his attachment to the college he was induced to cross the 
 ocean again for its benefit ; this visit however did not meet the Avishes 
 of all, still the enterprise and zeal of the President were none the less 
 valued and esteemed. After his return he Avithdrew partially from 
 the duties of active life, except those devolving upon him as President. 
 The outward man however began to decline, and for more than two 
 years his sight failed him ; this however he bore with much patience, 
 and even cheerfulness, till at last on the 15th November, 1794, he 
 entered into rest, in the seventy-third year of his age. 
 
 In the following spring Rev. Samuel Stanhope Smith was appointed 
 his successor, and at once undertook the duties of the ofiice with which 
 he had been familiar for a long time, and which he had performed with 
 much alnlity. Under his administration the college advanced pros- 
 perously, there being associated with him. Dr. Walter Minto, a most 
 distinguished mathematician, and Dr. John Maclean, -professor of Chem- 
 istry, '' who for clearness of understanding, and largeness of compre- 
 hension, had few equals in those branches of science to which he de- 
 voted himself." 
 
 But a most disastrous event soon occurred which damped the hopes 
 of many friends of the college. On the 6th of March 1802, all the 
 combustible part of the college was entirely consumed by fire. The 
 cause of this has never been entirely explained. At first it was sup- 
 posed to be the Avork of some malcontent students, and several of 
 them were strongly suspected of being the incendiaries ; but after the 
 aflfair Avas largely investigated, it was concluded to have been the 
 work of accident rather than design. The board of trustees Avas im- 
 mediately summoned, and a plan proposed of sending through the 
 United States to the friends of the college a subscription for the pur- 
 pose of restoring the edifice now in ruins. Dr. Green Avas requested 
 to Avrite an address to the public at this time ; it Avas printed and 
 Avidely circulated, and doubtless was of great benefit in calling the 
 attention of the public to Nassau's great calamity, and in inciting 
 her friends to lend a helping hand in this her hour of need, in 
 building up her ruined walls, and restoring her former beauty and 
 greatness. The influential members of the board Avere desired to use all 
 their efforts in their respective localities in collecting subscriptions, 
 while the President Avas directed to go in person through the Middle 
 and Southern states on the same errand. During his absence Dr. 
 Green had the OA-ersight of the college, and assisted the faculty in its 
 government, in counseling Avith them, inspecting the institution, at- 
 tending examinations, administering discipline, and in preacliing on 
 the Sabbath ; he Avas in fact one of the most active and efficient of 
 those Avho aided in restoring the college from its disaster ; refusing 
 
COLLEGE OP NEW JERSEY. 31 
 
 also to receive any remuneration for liis valuable services. In a sliort 
 time, by the united labors and great liberality of its friends, " the 
 building rose like a phoenix from its ashes;" a larger library was 
 obtained, more ample and convenient accommodations were provided 
 for the students, and for several years after this event the increase 
 of pupils was greater than had ever been before known. Dr. Smith 
 here appears also to have been another of the principal agents in re- 
 storing the institution to such a pitch of prosperity and usefulness. 
 
 From this period nothing happened but such as is common in places 
 of public instruction till 1812, when the venerable President, af- 
 ter repeated attacks of the palsy, and feeling himself unable to attend 
 to his duties in the college, resigned his office, much to the regret of 
 the students and friends of the institution. This took place at the 
 commencement this year, after Avhich he retired to a house allotted 
 him by the trustees ; they also continued the greater part of his 
 salary during the remainder of his life. He died August 21st, 1819. 
 
 " The spirit of insubordination, which showed itself among the stu- 
 dents, and their increasing tendency to tumult and revolt against the 
 exercise of just and lawful authority, was the spring out of which 
 flowed all Dr. Smith's anxieties and difficulties in discliargino- the du- 
 ties of his high and responsible station. From this fruitful source, 
 storm after storm succeeded in the institution, which required all the 
 address, influence, and knowledge of human nature, which he could 
 summon to his aid, to prevent from leading to its utter ruin. On 
 these occasions his readiness of resource, his firmness and decision of 
 character, his commanding powers of eloquence, and all those talents 
 that constitute real greatness, as it is capable of being exhibited in 
 active life, conspicuously appeared. The dignity of his presence 
 overawed disaflection and revolt. Never did he address himself in 
 vain to the students under his care. His eloquent appeals to their 
 understandings, their pride of character, and their sense of duty were 
 always irresistible. Armed with his powers, the authority of college 
 never failed to triumph. Confusion and wild uproar heard his voice 
 and was still." 
 
 Rev. Ashbel Green was unanimously elected, August 14th, 1812, to 
 succeed Dr. Smith in the Presidency of Nassau Hall. Dr. Miller 
 was active in this election, having visited every member of the board 
 of trustees and persuaded them to vote for him. After much hesita- 
 tion, through the advice of friends, among whom were Dr. Rush and 
 others, he accepted the appointment, resigning his pastoral charge, and 
 assuming the chief authority in the institution in which he had form- 
 erly been a tutor during the time of Dr. Witherspoon. 
 
 Dr. AVoodhull and his son appeared before the Presbytery on the 
 part of the trustees asking for his dismissal, and on October 29th, he 
 left Philadelphia and came to Princeton. The faculty of the college 
 then comprised. Dr. Green, President ; Mr. Slack, Vice President ; 
 Mr. Lindsley as senior, and Mr. Clark as junior tutor. They met 
 before the close of the vacation and agreed to hold a day of special 
 prayer in view of the duties before them ; they held one meeting to- 
 gether, and then each member kept the day in private by himself. 
 
32 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 The President's first address produced considerable eifect, some being 
 even moved to tears ; this however was transitory, for to his mortifi- 
 cation he found most of the students bent on giving trouble. From 
 his account it seems that discipline had grown somewhat lax previous 
 to his arrival, and he entered on his duties with the determination to 
 reform it or. fall in the attempt ; and for some time it seemed uncer- 
 tain which alternative would folloAV. He had cards of invitation 
 printed, and adopted the plan of bringing the students in companies 
 of eight to his own table. This had little effect in reclaiming the evil 
 ones, and was abandoned after March 11th, 1814. President Green 
 says : — " The trustees of the college also failed to make a Board, both 
 at the beginning and end of the session ; so that I had to contend with 
 the disorderly students without taking the oath of office. Tliis hap- 
 pily was unknown to the young rogues, or perhaps they were ignorant 
 that it was necessary ; otherwise they would have made the plea, tliat I 
 was not the lawful President of the college. One of the trustees who re- 
 sided in Princeton told a friend of mine, who repeated it to me, that 
 I would not be able to maintain my ground against the insubordinate 
 youths of the institution. In this however he made a mistake. The 
 session closed triumphantly in favor of the authority of the college." 
 At this period every sort of devisable insubordination was practiced. 
 It was borne for a short time, but at last became intolerable. Three 
 or four during the session were admonished, and seven or eight dis- 
 missed. The custom was introduced of sending private circulars to 
 the parents or guardians of each student, containing his literary stand- 
 ing and moral conduct, besides requesting their advice in assisting the 
 instruction and discipline of the college. Contrary to the usual cus- 
 tom, the junior and senior classes from the llcvolution till this time 
 read no Greek or Latin, their whole time being occupied witli mathe- 
 matics, natural and moral philosophy, belles-lettres, criticism, compo- 
 sition, and eloquence. And in President Green's own class, one of its 
 members did not even know the Greek alphabet, yet was admitted to 
 the bachelor's degree. Another came to him Avith Dr. Witherspoon's 
 Latin Salutatory, desiring him to construe it ; and as late as his pre- 
 sidency, one man in the senior class was found " totally ignorant of 
 classical literature." It was now ordered that the senior class pre- 
 pare a recitation in Longinus. Very few of them could do this, and 
 as the fault was not theirs, the Iliad was substituted. At the next 
 commencement in 1813, there occurred a large addition to the number 
 of students. At the meeting of trustees in May, the measures of the 
 faculty during the preceding session were sanctioned. After this 
 meeting the President attended the General Assembly, and with others 
 succeeded in getting the vote for the location of the Presbyterian 
 (0. S.) Theological Seminary at Princeton. He also nominated Dr. 
 Miller, at the request of the Board of Directors, for the professorsliip 
 of Ecclesiastical History and Church Government. After his return 
 to Princeton he heard the theological students recite " Blair's Lec- 
 tures," accompanied with his own remarks on composition; this he did 
 at the re(iucst of Dr. Alexander, Dr. Miller not being yet in office. 
 Many of the students at tliis time, together with the tutor, Mr. Lind- 
 
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 33 
 
 sley, were very sick ; more being ill this session than during the whole 
 of President Green's administration. In his government of the col- 
 lege he confesses his mistake in thinking that, when the institution was 
 once reduced to a quiet and orderly state, it would continue so, not 
 considering that it changes its inmates every four years ; he found by 
 experience that discipline must always be exercised, else disorder 
 would certainly ensue. During two weeks, after the session of 1814 
 began, the utmost order and regularity prevailed. The system of the 
 President seemed to be operating well, and already he was felicitating 
 himself on its success, when suddenly, without any obvious cause, dis- 
 order began to appear and mischievous attempts of all sorts were made. 
 Part of the "south campus" was burned, and an "infernal machine" 
 fired in the college building ; stealing was carried on, the walls were 
 disfigured, and on the way to the refectory " clapping, hissing, and 
 screaming' ' were the order of the day ; the whole assuming the ap- 
 pearance of a deep laid conspiracy to overturn the order and autho- 
 rity of the college. This state of things went on till the "Big 
 Cracker" capped the climax, on the evening of January 9th, 1814. 
 The following account of it is derived from President Green's report 
 to the trustees : 
 
 On Sabbath, Jan. 9, 1814, it was discovered, about two o'clock 
 A. M., that the college privy was on fire. The steward being the 
 first to see it, called upon the tutors, who, with some orderly students, 
 soon extinguished the fire so noiselessly, that the majority of the stu- 
 dents did not know it till daylight. In the morning it was discovered 
 that the door of the prayer hall had been opened and entered, either 
 by the carelessness or treachery of the servant having the key, and 
 that arrangements had been made for a most destructive work, in con- 
 nection with the other fire. Loose powder, some tinder, and a lax-ge 
 peg, were found on the stage before the pulpit. The day passed off 
 quietly, but in the evening, a little after nine o'clock, the tremendous 
 explosion of the "Big Cracker," took place. This was made by en- 
 closing about two pounds of powder in a log, and then by a train, set- 
 ting it off. The explosion cracked the adjacent walls from top to bot- 
 tom, and broke nearly all the glass in the entry, besides considerable 
 in the other entries, and forced part of the wood through the door of 
 the prayer hall, opposite. Providentially, no one was injured, though 
 the tutors and a number of students passed it only a few minutes be- 
 fore the discharge. The President being in his study, hastened to the 
 college. Soon, the students peaceably retired to their rooms. The 
 faculty held a meeting in a student's room, secured the remains of the 
 infernal machine, made arrangements for watching the building all 
 night, took measures for investigating the matter next morning, and 
 adjourned a little after midnight. From the appearance of the tiling, 
 it was concluded that it had been prepared out of the college edifice ; 
 at all events, it appeared, and was afterwards confessed by one of the 
 actors in the affair, that the design was to start the fire in the prayer 
 hall, while the other building was burning, and had this plan succeeded, 
 it is impossible to calculate the damage that might have been done. 
 On Monday (the next day) efforts were made to ferret out the guilty 
 5 
 
34 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 parties ; but for two days in vain. At length proof was obtained 
 against two persons in town, who were formerly students, that they 
 were engaged in constructing the cracker. A prosecution in the 
 criminal court was immediately commenced against these, and they 
 were held to appear and stand their trial in Ncav Brunswick, on the 
 8th of March. One of them, on account of his youth and compara- 
 tive innocence, was discharged. But their arrest and prosecution Avas 
 the signal for other disorders in college ; the management of the affair 
 became very difficult, as not an individual, for a number of days, could 
 be found guilty. The leaders of the disorder also incited the younger 
 students to act, while they kept themselves screened. On the day of 
 the trial, seven students were subpoenaed as witnesses, some being 
 suspected, and some not. They, with the senior tutor, Avho was also 
 subpoenaed, started for New Brunswick, and were gone three days. 
 The principal culprit pleaded guilty, threw himself on the mercy of 
 the court, and was fined one hundred dollars and the costs of the pro- 
 secution. Four declined giving testimony, on the plea of implicating 
 themselves. This was expected, and enabled the trustees to exercise 
 their authority, and dismiss them from the college. After dismissal, 
 one of them, a member of the senior class, returned to the President 
 and said that all concerned in the plot were wilhng to surrender 
 themselves to the discretion of the faculty. A meeting was then 
 called, and nine appeared and confessed, declaring they were all (this 
 was untrue) that were concerned in the affair, and asked forgiveness ; 
 they were forgiven, on condition that their conduct in future should 
 be unexceptionable ; but if not so, then their former behavior would 
 be called into account. Some time afterwards, the chief culprit re- 
 turned, but the President sent him a note, forbidding him to come on 
 the college grounds. The next day, during examination, crackers 
 were brought in ; the fticulty met in a tutor's room, and resolved to 
 dismiss two or three students. On the following day, the faculty ad- 
 monished four students, and dismissed two. Another meeting was 
 held in the evening, and a pistol was fired at the door of one of the 
 tutors. On the following day, another cracker was heard in the 
 building, and in the evening a company of students behaved very im- 
 properly in the front campus. Afterwards a student was dismissed 
 for writing an insolent letter to a trustee ; two others were similarly 
 treated, and the remainder called up and required to renounce their 
 insubordinate principles, and thus the matter ended. 
 
 During the collegiate year of 1814, nothing unusual occurred, ex- 
 cept the suicide of a youth who had been sent to a grammar school 
 about four miles from Princeton. Students were often sent off in this 
 way, when they came to college, unfitted for any of the regular classes. 
 At this time, the students of the Theological Semiiuiry worshiped 
 with the college students, on the Sabbath. Drs. Miller and Alexan- 
 der taking turns, with Dr. Green, in preaching to them. It was 
 during this winter and the spring of 1815, that tlie great revival of 
 religion, during the presidency of Dr. Green, took place. He gives 
 the foUowmg account of it : 
 
 " On this subject, I have thought it my duty to make a correct, 
 
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 35 
 
 tliough it must be a very summary, statement to tlie Board ; both be- 
 cause the subject is important and interesting in itself, and because 
 imperfect and erroneous accounts respecting it have been circu- 
 lated. 
 
 " For nearly a year past, that is, since the commencement of the 
 last summer session, a very large proportion of the students have at- 
 tended on all the religious exercises and instructions of the college, 
 with more than ordinary seriousness, and the minds of some of them, 
 as now appears, were ripening, through this whole period, for what 
 has since taken place. There was nothing more apparent, however, 
 for six weeks after the commencement of the present session, than an 
 increase of this serious attention to the religious duties of college ; an 
 increase both of the degree of seriousness, and of the number of those 
 in whom it was visible. Every religious service, both on secular days 
 and on the Sabbath, was attended with a solemnity, which was sensi- 
 ble and impressive. In this manner the revival commenced, or rather 
 became apparent, in the second week of January, (the session began 
 six weeks after the last Wednesday in September,) without any un- 
 usual occurrence in providence, without any alarming event, without 
 any extraordinary preaching, without any special instruction, or other 
 means that might be supposed peculiarly adapted to interest the mind. 
 The divine influence seemed to descend like the silent dew of heaven ; 
 and, in about four weeks, there Avere very few individuals in the col- 
 lege edifice, who Avere not deeply impressed with a sense of the im- 
 portance of spiritual and eternal things. 
 
 " There was scarcely a room, perhaps not one, which was not a 
 place of earnest, secret devotion. For a time, it appeared as if the 
 whole of our charge Avas pressing into the kingdom of God ; so that, 
 at length, the inquiry in regard to them, was not, who was engaged 
 about religion ? but, who was not ? After this state of things had 
 continued, without much variation, for about two months, it became 
 manifest that a change was taking place. Some were becoming con- 
 firmed in the hopes and habits of evangelical piety; some were yet 
 serious, thoughtful, and prayerful, though perhaps not in so great a 
 degree, or at least, not so apparently, as once they had been ; while 
 some were plainly losing the impressions which they had lately felt. 
 And such has continued to be the state of this interesting concern to 
 the time of making this report. The result is, tliat there are some- 
 thing more than forty students, in regard to whom, so far as the time 
 elapsed Avill permit us to judge, favorable hopes may be entertained 
 that they have been made the subjects of renewing grace. Perhaps 
 there are twelve or fifteen more, Avho still retain such promising im- 
 pressions of religion, as to authorize a hope that the issue, in regard 
 to most of them, may be favourable. And nearly the whole of the 
 remainder show a great readiness to attend on all the social exercises 
 of religion ; not only on those which are stated and customary, but 
 those which are occasional, and the attendance on which is entirely 
 voluntary. Thus, of the students who are now in the college, a ma- 
 jority may be viewed as hopefully pious, and a large proportion of the 
 
36 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 residue appear to possess mucli tenderness of conscience, and show a 
 very desirable regard to religious duties and obligations. 
 
 " It has already been intimated that this revival of religion com- 
 "menced without noise, and without any other means than those which 
 had been a considerable time in use. But having thought it my duty 
 to converse with my pupils, as often as they requested it, at the time 
 when their minds were filled with anxious fears and inquiries ; and 
 also to examine them individually and carefully, since hope has, in 
 some measure, succeeded to fear, I have had a favorable opportunity 
 to inquire, and have attentively inquired, after the instrumental 
 causes of this revival, as indicated by the views and feelings of the 
 parties concerned. Four such causes appear to have had a manifest 
 agency : — 
 
 " 1. And chiefly, the study of the Holy Scriptures ; accompanied with 
 comments on the portion read, and a practical application of the lead- 
 ing truths contained in it. God has remarkably honored and blessed 
 his own word. Strange as it may seem, this study of the Bible has 
 always been a favorite one among the youth of the college, not ex- 
 cepting the most gay and dissipated. Pains have indeed been taken 
 to render it interesting ; but the degree in which it has been so, has 
 been truly surprising. And, under the divine blessing, it has served 
 to instruct and enlighten the youth in their duty ; it has rendered their 
 minds solemn and tender, beyond what they were, themselves, aware 
 of at the time ; it has given them a deep reverence for the truths of 
 divine revelation ; it has qualified them to hear preaching with advan- 
 tage ; and at length, revealed truth has, we trust, been powerfully and 
 effectually applied to their consciences, by the Spirit by whom it was 
 indited. 
 
 " 2. The circumstances in which the students have attended on public 
 \srorship, have been peculiarly favorable to their religious improve- 
 ment. They have worshiped, in consequence of the burning of the 
 church in this place, in the prayer hall of the college, for more than 
 two years past. For about eighteen months they have worshiped 
 separately from the people of the town ; and have, with the theologi- 
 cal students, who joined them partially at first, and generally of late, 
 formed an audience or congregation by themselves. This has given an 
 opportunity, which has been carefully improved, to choose such sub- 
 jects, and adopt such a manner, in preaching to them, as appeared 
 best calculated to arrest their attention. Appropriate addresses have 
 frequently been made, and the service has, in all respects, been con- 
 ducted Avith a special view to their advantage and religious edification. 
 In these circumstances, they have felt an unusual interest in the 
 solemnities of the sanctuary, they have felt that they were the parties 
 directly and particularly concerned in these solemnities, and the good 
 effects of this sentiment have been incalculably great, and were very 
 apparent before the revival Avas visible. In a word, this mode of con- 
 ducting public worship must be considered as having been a powerful 
 instrumental cause, both in producing an awakened attention to reli- 
 gion at first, and in cherishing it through the whole of its progress. 
 
 " 8. The effect of moral discipline has been manifestly favorable to 
 
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 87 
 
 this revival. This discipline, vigorously and vigilantly maintained, 
 has preserved the youth, generally, from those practices, habits, and 
 vicious indulgences, which counteract, dissipate, and destroy all serious 
 and religious impressions. It has had an influence in preventing 
 that hardness of heart and insensibility of conscience, which are the 
 natural and usual effects of unrestrained vice. It has formed a practi- 
 cal testimony against the moral vileness of several things which youth 
 are apt to consider, if not as entirely innocent, yet, as evidences of 
 manliness and spirit. After many efforts to resist these effects of dis- 
 cipline, by the least virtuous part of the college, the attempt Avas seen 
 to be in vain ; and it was clearly perceived that the effects mentioned were 
 sensibly felt, by the great mass of the students, before the revival. It 
 was also very noticeable that the revival made its appearance with an 
 act of discipline. A student (one of three dismissed at the same time) 
 was almost immediately seized with a remorse of conscience and an- 
 guish of mind that were very affecting, he has since become hopefully 
 pious. But before anything of this was known in the college, the re- 
 marks which were made when the dismission of the three students was 
 announced, seemed to produce a powerful effect on a number ; and 
 during that week feelings and exercises which had, in a certain de- 
 gree, long existed in secret, could no longer be concealed. Nearly at 
 the same time, an admonition, given in private, was remarkably blessed 
 to the individual concerned. 
 
 "4. The few pious youth who were members of college before the re- 
 vival, were happily instrumental in promoting it. They had, for more 
 than a year, been earnestly engaged in prayer for this event. When 
 they perceived the general and increasing seriousness which has been 
 noticed, several of them made an agreement to speak, privately and 
 tenderly, to their particular friends and acquaintances, on the subject 
 of religion. And what they said was, in almost every instance, not 
 only well received, but those with whom they conversed became imme- 
 diately and earnestly engaged in those exercises which, it is hoped, 
 have issued in genuine piety. A public profession of religion, made 
 by two of the students wdio had been a good wdiile thoughtful, had also 
 at this time much influence, apparently, both in producing and deep- 
 ening impressions in many others. 
 
 "The special means made use of to promote and cherish this revival, 
 besides the circumstances already mentioned, were the following : A 
 short address on the subject of religion was made, after prayers, on 
 every Saturday evening. In preaching on the Lord's day morning, 
 subjects were selected suited to the existing state of the college ; in 
 this particular we are deeply indebted to the theological professors, 
 who have generally conducted the morning service. A particular re- 
 ference was often made to the religious attention which had been ex- 
 cited among the students, in the marks which accompanied their Bible 
 recitations. A weekly lecture, intended for the students exclusively, 
 was given by myself, on every Tuesday evening. A social prayer- 
 meeting was held, on every Friday evening, at which one of the theo- 
 logical professors commonly made an address. A family prayer meet- 
 ing (as the students called it) was, every evening, held among them- 
 
38 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 selves, at which a large proportion of the whole college attended. 
 Smaller and more select associations for prayer were also formed. The 
 individuals whose minds were anxious and laboring, were, as often as 
 they requested it, carefully conversed and prayed with in private ; in 
 this service I am to acknowledge the assistance receiTed from the pro- 
 fessors of the Seminary, from their pupils, and from the pious students 
 of the college. Finally, writings of approved character, on doctrinal 
 and practical religion, were pointed out and recommended to the peru- 
 sal of the students ; and a short system of questions and counsel was 
 drawn up by myself, for the use of those who began to cherish the hope 
 that they had entered on a life of practical piety. 
 
 " Having thus mentioned the chief instrumental causes of this revi- 
 val, and the means used to cherish it, to guard it, and to direct it, I 
 shall conclude my report on this subject with a few short remarks, 
 offered with a view to give a correct apprehension of its nature and 
 character. 
 
 "1. It has been, so far as I am able to judge, remarkably free from 
 extravagance and enthusiasm. I know of nothing, in regard to this 
 revival, that I think would be called extravagant or enthusiastic, by 
 any one who really believes in the great doctrines of the Protestant 
 Reformation. Particular pains were early taken to guard against the 
 evil here contemplated; and, by the divine blessing, they have been 
 made so successful, that I am not acquainted with a single incident or 
 occurrence, indicative of intemperate feeling or conduct, that we are 
 called to regret. 
 
 " 2. There has been no sectarian spirit accompanying or mingling 
 with this revival. There are students in the college belonging to four 
 or five different denominations of Christians. At first, there appeared 
 to be some apprehension in the minds of those who were not Presby- 
 terians, lest they should be drawn into a union with this denomination 
 if they yielded to the sentiments and feelings which began to be pre- 
 valent. But I told them, in the first address that I made to them on 
 a Tuesday evening, that it was my fixed purpose to inculcate no doc- 
 trine or tenet that was not found in all the public orthodox creeds of 
 Protestant Christendom — that I was indeed earnestly desirous that 
 they should all become real practical Christians, but that I had no 
 wish to make a single proselyte. This, I believe, removed every ap- 
 prehension, and the intimation then given has been sacredly regarded. 
 Not a single thing has been said by myself, nor, I am persuaded, by 
 the theological professors who have preached to them, that has had any 
 intentional tendency towards proselytism. On the contrary, every 
 thing has been general. The great catholic doctrines of the gospel 
 have been exclusively inculcated. It is believed that there is not an 
 individual of the college who would, if questioned, complain that he 
 has, in any instance, felt himself pressed with opinions which inter- 
 fered with his educational creed. 
 
 '' 8, There has been no neglect of study. A report was circulated 
 that study was laid aside in the college to attend to religion. Nothing 
 could be more false. Study has probably never been pursued with 
 more diligence and success. Our pupils were informed that if at any 
 
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 39 
 
 particular recitation, an individual should find that his mind had been 
 so exercised as not to permit him to get his lesson, he should, on ap- 
 plication to his teacher, be specially excused ; and this indulgence has 
 been frequently asked and granted. But not a single recitation of a 
 class has been omitted ; and every individual lesson or recitation, in- 
 cidentally omitted, has been strictly required to be made up for the 
 quarterly and semi-annual examinations. It was early and earnestly 
 inculcated on the youth of the college, that not only did Christian 
 duty require as regular an attention as possible to all the lawful con- 
 cerns of life, but that their minds would act more vigorously and more 
 correctly on religious subjects, and in religious duties, if a suitable 
 portion of their time should be diligently employed in their proper 
 studies. 
 
 " There have been no compulsory exercises. Every thing, beyond 
 the stated religious instructions and duties of the college in ordinary 
 times, has been perfectly voluntary; unless the short address, on 
 Saturday evening after prayers, may be considered as a slight exception. 
 No one has suifered either censure or reproach, who chose to be absent 
 from any religious exercise or engagement which had its origin in this 
 revival. 
 
 " Such, gentlemen, is the statement which I have judged it proper 
 to make to you, in regard to a work which, in its salutary efficiency, 
 has been all of God ; and the whole praise of Avhich is to be ascribed, 
 most unfeignedly, to Him alone." 
 
 When the revival began, the whole number of students was one 
 hundred and five ; of these twelve were professors of religion. Dr. 
 Green mentions that, "On the 26th September, 1815, in the after- 
 noon, the Directors being present, we laid the corner-stone of the 
 Theological Seminary. I introduced the services with a few remarks. 
 Dr. Alexander then read the introduction of the plan of the Seminary ; 
 and I then made a prayer standing on the stone, which was after- 
 wards deposited." Most of the subjects of the revival belonged to the 
 senior class which consisted of forty-two members. The accession 
 at the beginning of the next session was greater than usual, sixty be- 
 ing admitted and making the total number one hundred and thirty- 
 six. In regard to the government, discipline, and moral and religious 
 state of the institution at this time. Dr. Green says : — " Our winter 
 sessions are always considered as more exposed to difiiculty in main- 
 taining good order in the college than the summer session. The con- 
 finement occasioned by the weather, the length of the nights, and 
 other circumstances of the season, seem to generate and favor mis- 
 chievous designs beyond what takes place in other portions of the 
 year. It has already been stated that we had an accession of sixty 
 students last fall ; and I have reason to believe that there was a com- 
 bination formed, similar to the one which took place two years before. 
 In fact the very same violations of law, in all their varieties, were at- 
 tempted and begun." 
 
 By the prompt and vigilant exertions of the faculty, however, they 
 were very soon counteracted ; and on the whole, proved a feeble and 
 abortive effort. 
 
40 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 "About mid-winter, there was for a fortnight a very peculiar state 
 of things in regard to religion. Almost every member of the house, 
 the profane as well as the pious, seemed to be held in still and sol- 
 emn suspense, waiting for and expecting another revival of religion. 
 Two individuals Avere very deeply affected, and a number more were 
 slightly impressed. But here the favorable indications terminated; 
 and in two weeks more, everything returned to its ordinai-y state, 
 and has so continued till the present time. It is proper that the 
 Board should be informed that we judged it to be indispensable to 
 commence prosecutions in no less than three instances against students 
 that had been dismissed from the college for insults and injuries com- 
 mitted by them after their dismission. Two dismissed students, re- 
 siding in Trenton, made an expedition to this place for the express 
 purpose of exploding gunpowder in the college edifice, which they did 
 in a manner not only to endanger the property of the corporation, but 
 the limbs and lives of the students of the institution. They were 
 both apprehended and bound over for trial, but although the violation 
 of the laAV Avas palpable, and the proof direct and unequivocal, the 
 grand jury refused to find a bill of indictment." 
 
 In the first session in 1816, little out of the usual routine happened 
 except the suspension of three, and the dismission of seven students. 
 But in the session Avhich began in November, and about the middle of 
 January, 1817, crackers were again fired in the college, and on the 
 19th, it being the Sabbath, a serious riot began, evidently with the 
 intention of interrupting or preventing the usual religious exercises. 
 This project, hoAvever, was providentially defeated. Dr. Miller con- 
 ducted the services in the morning, and in the afternoon at the Bible 
 recitation, the President spoke to the students about the matter. 
 
 Dr. Green continues : — " Last night, or rather this morning at two 
 o'clock, there Avas a A^ery serious riot in the college. A great deal 
 of glass was broken ; an attempt AA^as made to burn the out-buildings, 
 and the bell was rung incessantly. The doors of the college, of the 
 tutor's rooms, and of the religious students, were first barred. The 
 vice-president broke into the college through a window in the base- 
 ment story, and Avith the assistance of the tutors quelled the riot. 
 Dr. Miller preached in the prayer hall a very impressive sermon from 
 the words, 'Be ye also ready,' Avhich Avas improved at the close 
 as a kind of funeral sermon for Dr. DAvight." The next day it Avas 
 agreed to write to the parents of three of the students to remove them 
 from college. On the following day a student informed the President 
 of all those who Avere disaffected, and it AA'as found, from other sources, 
 that the rioters were determined to make their great effort that night. 
 Tliey Avere anticipated, however, and fourteen dismissed. 
 
 During tlic session of 1818 and 1819, little worthy of note occurred, 
 except that a considerable number of students Averc dismissed, and 
 others "lectured" before the faculty. About this time an attempt 
 was made to induce the Legislature to patronize the college. A me- 
 morial Avas draughted and taken to Trenton by the President and 
 some of the trustees. They returned home ; and after efforts to get 
 the memorial before the houses, the President returned also, having 
 
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 41 
 
 little hope of its ultimate siicess. He visited Trenton a second time, 
 talked with every influential member of both houses, attended their 
 meetings and made statements favorable to the institution. They 
 seemed pleased and some promised to favor the object, so that he came 
 home with brighter hopes of success, but like many previous ones, 
 they were doomed to disappointment. It was not without reason 
 thought, that those who voted for the college, would not have done so 
 had they not known that a majority was against them. Dr. Green 
 remarks : — "When in the Revolutionary war of our country, the col- 
 lege edifice had suiFered greatly from being a barrack, alternately 
 for each of the contending armies, the Legislature of the State, through 
 the influence of Dr. Witherspoon, had voted a sum of money, (I think 
 it was eighteen hundred pounds,) strictly appropriated by law to re- 
 pair the college edifice, { and it w^as inadequate to the purpose.) Such 
 was the state of the popular mind in New Jersey, that the members 
 who had voted to repair the college remained at home at the next 
 election. Such at least was the current report, and which was fully 
 believed. The members of the Legislature, from a desire to retain 
 their places, refused to patronize the college. Nor has it ever received 
 any patronage (except what has been mentioned) from the Legislature 
 of the State, although it brings into the State annually some thousands 
 of dollars." 
 
 The summer session began May 13th, 1819, with a considerable 
 accession of students. From this time till 1822, nothing out of the 
 usual course of a literary institution happened till February of that 
 year, wdien, because the faculty refused to give a holiday to all the 
 students, a written memorial, numerously signed, was presented, which 
 "it was impossible to consider in any other light than as an insult." 
 The upshot of this was that all who signed it had to disavow their 
 principles before a meeting of the faculty. 
 
 At the spring meeting of the trustees, they resolved to discontinue the 
 professorship of Chemistry and Experimental Philosophy. President 
 Green opposed this, saying that if any objection existed against his 
 son, (Avho held the office,) to remove him at once, but not to set aside 
 the professorship, as in his opinion it would be an injury to the col- 
 lege; his remonstrances, however, were useless. This circumstance 
 seems to have influenced the President in resigning his office, and is 
 the thing meant by " some other considerations not necessary to be 
 specified," in the letter of resignation. 
 
 " To the Board of Trustees of the College of New Jersey : 
 • " Gentlemen, — My age and infirmities, with some other considera- 
 tions not necessary to be specified, admonish me to retire from the 
 arduous and responsible office of President of this College. That of- 
 fice therefore I do hereby resign, conscious of having endeavoured 
 for ten A^cars past to discharge its duties wdth fidelity, and often with 
 anxieties and exertions which I ouglit never to recollect without lively 
 gratitude to God, that he sustained me under them. In bidding adieu 
 to the college, it affords me much satisfaction that I do not leave it 
 in an unprosperous state ; as is fully evident, I apprehend, from the 
 state of its buildings, its literary apparatus, its funds, its course of 
 6 
 
42 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 study, its number of pupils, its reputation among sister institutions, 
 and the public at large. That it may prosper yet more and more, 
 that the design of its pious founders may ever be sacredly regarded, 
 that a gracious God may direct all your counsels and bless all your 
 measures for the good of the important institution committed to your 
 care, and that you may at last receive the reward of good and faithful 
 servants, is, and shall be, the earnest prayer of, 
 
 " Gentlemen, "with great respect, 
 
 "Yom* obedient servant, 
 "AsHBEL Green. 
 
 "Nassau Hall, Septeviher 21tJi, 1822." 
 
 Thus ended the successful administration of Dr. Green ; an admin- 
 istration which, although attended with many difficulties and trials, 
 yet finally closed with law and good order in the ascendency, and left the 
 institution in a healthy and growing condition. President Green was 
 in the habit of meeting the pious students weekly, for prayer for the 
 revival of religion in the college ; and an agreement existed between 
 the professors and pupils of the Seminary to offer up prayer daily at 
 eight o'clock in the evening for a revival of pure religion in Nassau 
 Hall, as well as in the other colleges of the country. To President 
 Green also belongs the honor of first introducing the study of the Bi- 
 ble into the college as a regular exercise and recitation ; this practice 
 has been followed by other colleges in the country. A weekly reli- 
 gious lecture for the benefit of the students was also by him established. 
 
 " Dr. Green was succeeded in the year 1823 by the Rev. James 
 Carnahan, D. D., who held the chair more than thirty years ; probably 
 the period most marked by prosperity ; which it has largely owed to 
 the fidelity, diligence, wisdom, and exemplary gentleness of this excel- 
 lent man. President Carnahan is reputed an excellent classical 
 scholar, and a sound teacher of philosophy and religion. Less bril- 
 liant than his predecessors, he brought to the service of education a 
 balance and constancy of solid qualities, and an administrative talent 
 in finance, which, joined to proverbial truth and uprightness, have 
 made his green old age peculiarly honorable. His agreeable retire- 
 ment is within sight of the Tuscidum of Witherspoon." 
 
 " The present condition of Princeton College is prosperous in a 
 high degree. In the departments of jNIathematies and Physical Sci- 
 ence, it has acquired some eclat from the methods and labors of Pro- 
 fessor Henry, now of the Smithsonian Institution, but again professor 
 elect in the college, and the eminent astronomer, Stephen Alexander." 
 In regard to the former gentleman much has been said, especially in 
 relation to the magnetic telegraph. The following extracts from the 
 minutes of the annual report of the Smithsonian Institution for the, 
 year 1857, may set this matter in a clearer light. Professor Henry- 
 says : — 
 
 " In the discharge of the important and responsible duties which 
 devolve upon me as Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, I have 
 found myself exposed, like other men in public positions, to unpro- 
 voked attack and injurious misrepresentation. Many instances of 
 this, it may be remembered, occurred about two years ago, during the 
 
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 43 
 
 discussions relative to the organic policy of tlie Institution. . . . 
 During the same controversy, however, there was one attack made 
 upon me of such a nature, so elaborately prepared and widely circula- 
 ted by my opponents, that, though I have not yet publicly noticed 
 it, I have from the first thought it my duty not to allow it to go un- 
 answered. I allude to an article in a periodical, entitled ' Shaffner's 
 Telegraph Companion,' from the pen of Professor S. F. B. Morse, 
 the celebrated inventor of the American Electro-Magnetic Telegraph. 
 In this, not my scientific reputation merely, but my moral character 
 was pointedly assailed; indeed, nothing less was attempted than to 
 prove that in the testimony whicli I had given, in a case where I was 
 at most but a reluctant witness, I had consciously and wilfully devia- 
 ted from the truth, and this, too, from unworthy and dishonorable 
 motives. Such a charge coming from such a quarter, appeared to me 
 then, as it appears now, of too grave a character and too serious a 
 consequence to be withheld from the notice of the Board of Regents. 
 . . . The article of Mr. Morse was published in 1855, but at the 
 session of the Board in 1856 I was not prepared to present the case 
 properly to your consideration, and I now (1857) embrace the first 
 opportunity of bringing the subject ofiicially to your notice, and asking 
 from you an investigation into the justice of the charges alleged against 
 me. . . . My life, as is known to you, has been principally devo- 
 ted to science, and my investigations in difierent branches of physics 
 have given me some reputation in the line of original discovery. I 
 have sought, however, no patent for inventions, and solicited no re- 
 muneration for my labors, but have freely given their results to the 
 world, expecting only in return, to enjoy the consciousness of having 
 added, by my investigations, to tlie sum of human knowledge, and to 
 receive the credit to which they might justly entitle me. I commenced 
 my scientific career about the year 1828, with a series of experiments 
 in electricity, which were continued at intervals up to the period of 
 my being honored by the election to the office of Secretary of this 
 Institution. The object of my researches was the advancement of 
 science, without any special or immediate reference to its application 
 to the wants of life or useful purposes in the arts. It is true, never- 
 theless, that some of my earlier investigations had an important bear- 
 ing on the electro-magnetic telegraph, and brought the science to that 
 point of development, at which it was immediately applicable to Mr. 
 Morse's particular invention. In 1831 I published a brief account 
 of these researches, in which I dx'ew attention to the fact of their ap- 
 plicability to the telegraph ; and in 1832, and subsequently, exhibited 
 experiments illustrative of the application of the electro-magnet to the 
 transmission of power to a distance, for producing telegraphic and 
 other effects. The results I had published were communicated to Mr. 
 Morse, by his scientific assistant. Dr. Gale, as will be shown on the 
 evidence of the latter ; and the facts which I had discovered were 
 promptly applied in rendering effective the operation of his machine. 
 "In the latter part of 1837, I became personally acquainted with Mr. 
 Morse, and at that time and afterwards, freely gave him information 
 in regard to the scientific principles which had been the subject of my 
 
44 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 investigations. After Ins return from Europe, in 1839, our intercourse 
 was renewed, and continued uninterrupted till 1845. In that year, 
 Mr. Vail, a partner and assistant of Mr. Morse, published a Avork pur- 
 porting to be a history of the telegraph, in which I conceived manifest 
 injustice was done me. I complained of this to a mutual friend, and 
 subsequently received an assurance from Mr. Morse that if another 
 edition were published, all just ground of complaint shoidd be re- 
 moved. A new emission of the work, however, shortly afterwards 
 appeared, without change in this respect, or further reference to my 
 labors. Still I made no public complaint, and set up no claims on 
 account of the telegraph. . . . After this, a series of controver- 
 sies and lawsuits having arisen between rival claimants for telegraphic 
 patents, I was repeatedly appealed to, to act as expert and wit- 
 ness in such cases. This I uniformly declined to do, not wishing to 
 be in any manner involved in these litigations, but was j&nally com- 
 pelled, under legal process, to return to Boston from Maine, whither I 
 had gone on a visit, and to give evidence on the subject. My testi- 
 mony was given with the statement that I was not a willing witness, 
 and that I labored under the disadvantage of not having access to my 
 notes and papers, which were in Washington. That testimony, how- 
 ever, I now reaffirm to be true in every essential particular. It was 
 unirapeached before the court, and exercised an influence on the final 
 decision of the question at issue. I was called upon on that occasion 
 to state, not only what I had published, but what I had done, and 
 what I had shown to others in regard to the telegraph. It was my 
 wish, in every statement, to render Mr. Morse full and scrupidous jus- 
 tice. While I was constrained, therefore, to state that he had 7nade 
 no discoveries in science, I distinctly declared that he Avas entitled to 
 the merit of combining and applying the discoveries of others, in the 
 invention of the best practical form of the magnetic telegraph. My 
 testimony tended to establish the fact that, though not entitled to the 
 exclusive use of the electro-magnet for telegraphic purposes,' he was 
 entitled to his particular machine, register, alphabet, <fcc. As this, 
 however, did not meet the full requirements of Mr. Morse's compre- 
 hensive claim, I could not but be aware that, Avhile aiming to depose 
 nothing but truth and the Avhole truth, and while so doing being ob- 
 liged to speak of my own discoveries, and to allude to the omissions 
 in Mr. Vail's book, I might expose myself to the possible, and, as it 
 has proved, the actual danger of having my motives misconstrued and 
 my testimony misrepresented. But I can truly aver, in accordance 
 with the statement of the counsel, Mr. Chase, (now governor of Ohio), 
 that I had no desire to arrogate to myself undue merit, or to detract 
 from the just claims of Mr. Morse." 
 
 Tliis statement Mr. Henry made to the Board of Regents of the 
 Smithsonian Institution, and the Chancellor, Chief Justice Taney, 
 stated " that it would be seen by the report of the decision of the 
 Supreinc Court, in the case in Avhich Professor Henry was a Avitness, 
 that, ill the opinion of the court, Professor Morse had produced no 
 testunony that could invalidate the testimony of Professor Henry, or 
 
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 45 
 
 impair in any degree its weight, and gave full credit to it in the 
 judgment it pronounced." 
 
 A special committee of the Board of Regents was appointed to inves- 
 tigate this affair. The following extracts are from the report of said 
 committee : " The committee have carefully examined the documents 
 relating to the subject, and especially the article to which the commu- 
 nication of Professor Henry refers. . . . The first thing which 
 strikes the reader of this article is, that its title is a misnomer. It is 
 simply an assault upon Professor Henry ; an attempt to disparage his 
 character ; to deprive him of his honors as a scientific discoverer ; to 
 impeach his credibility as a witness and his integrity as a man. It is 
 a disingenuous piece of sophistical argument, such as an unscrupulous 
 advocate might employ to pervert the truth, misrepresent the facts, 
 and misinterpret the language in which the facts belonging to the other 
 side of the case are stated. 
 
 " Mr. Morse charges that the deposition of Professor Henry ' con- 
 tains imputations against his (Morse's) personal character,' which it 
 does not ; assumes it is a duty ' to expose the utter non-reliability of 
 Professor Henry's testimony ;' that testimony being supported by the 
 most competent authorities, and by the history of scientific discovery. 
 He asserts that he ' is not indebted to him (Professor Henry) for any 
 discovery in science bearing on the telegraph,' he having himself 
 acknowledged such indebtedness in the most unequivocal manner, and 
 the fact being independently substantiated by the testimony of Sears 
 C. Walker, and the statement of Mr. Morse's own associate, Dr. 
 Gale. 
 
 " The essence of the charges against Professor Henry is, that he gave 
 false testimony in his deposition in the telegraph cases, and that he 
 has claimed the credit of discoveries in the sciences bearing upon the 
 electro-magnetic telegraph which were made by previous investigators ; 
 in other words, that he has falsely claimed what does not belong to 
 him, but does belong to others. In a letter dated April 24th, 1839, 
 he (Mr. Morse) thanks Professor Henry for a copy of his ' valuable 
 contributions,' and says, 'I perceive many things (in the contribu- 
 tions) of great interest to me in my telegraphic enterprise.' Again 
 in the same letter, speaking of an intended visit to the Professor at 
 Princeton, he says : ' I should come as a learner, and could bring no 
 contributions to your stock of experiments of any value.' And still 
 further : ' I think that you have pursued an original course of experi- 
 ments, and discovered facts more immediately bearing upon my inven- 
 tion than any that have been published abroad.' 
 
 " In another place, Mr. Morse says : ' To Prof. Henry is unques- 
 tionably due the honor of the discovery of a principle which proves the 
 piiacticahility of exciting magnetism through a long coil, or at a dis- 
 tance, either to deflect a needle or to magnetize soft iron." What 
 Dr. Morse here describes as a 'principle,' the discovery of which is 
 unquestionably due to Prof. Henry, is the law which first made it pos- 
 sible to Avork the telegraphic machine, invented by Mr. iNIorse, and for 
 the knowledge of which, Mr. Morse was indebted to Prof. Henry, as 
 is positively asserted by his associate, Dr. Gale. This gentleman, in 
 
46 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 a letter dated "Washington, April 7, 1856, makes the followinfi conclu- 
 sive statement : . . . ' Tiie sparseness of the Avires in the mag- 
 net coils, and the use of the single cup battery were to me, on the first 
 look at the instrument, obvious marks of defect, and I, accordingly, 
 suggested to the Professor (Morse) without giving my reasons for so 
 doing, that a battery of many pairs should be substituted for that of a 
 single pair, and that the coil on each arm of the magnet should be in- 
 creased to many hundred turns each ; which experiment, if I remember 
 aright, was made on the same day with a battery and Avireonhand, fur- 
 nished, I believe, by myself, and it was found tliat while the original ar- 
 rangement would only send the electric current through a few feet of 
 Avire, say 15 to 40, the modified arrangement would send it through as 
 many hundred. ... At the time I gave the suggestions above 
 named, Prof. Morse was not familiar with the then existing state of 
 the science of electro-magnetism. Had he been so, or had he read and 
 appreciated the paper of Henry, (American Journal of Science, Vol. 
 19, p 400,) the suggestions made by me, would naturally have oc- 
 curred to his mind, as they did to my own. But the principal part of 
 Morse's great invention lay in the mechanical adaptation of a power to 
 produce motion, and to increase or relax at will. It was only neces- 
 sary for him to know that such a power existed, for him to adapt 
 mechanism to direct and control it. My suggestions were made to 
 Prof. Morse, from inferences drawn by reading Prof. Henry's paper 
 above alluded to. Prof. Morse professed great surprise at the con- 
 tents of the paper, when I showed it to him, but especially at the re- 
 marks on Dr. Barlow's results respecting telegraphing, which were 
 new to him ; and he stated at the time, that he was not aware that any 
 one had ever conceived the idea of using the magnet for such pur- 
 poses. . . . L. D. Gale.' 
 
 "It further appears, that principally for the information thus commu- 
 nicated, Mr. Morse assigned to Dr. Clale an interest in the telegraph, 
 which he afterwards purchased back for $15,000, as appears from 
 the . . . letter of Dr. Gale. ' It thus appears, both from J\Ir. 
 Morse's own admission, down to 1848, and from the testimony of 
 others most familiar with the facts, that Prof. Henry discovered the 
 law or "principle," as Mr. Morse designates it, which was necessary to 
 make the practical working of the electro-magnetic telegraph at con- 
 siderable distances possible ; that Mr. Morse was first informed of this 
 discovery by Dr. Gale ; that he availed himself of it at once, and that 
 it never occurred to Mr. Morse to deny this fact, until after 1848. . . 
 Mr. Henry Avas the discoverer of a principle, Mr. Morse was the in- 
 ventor of a machine. . . . But there were obstacles in the way 
 which he could not overcome until he learned the discoveries of Prof. 
 IIcTU-y, and applied them to his machine. These facts are undeniable. 
 They constitute a part of the history of science and invention.' 
 Sears C. Walker deposes : 
 
 " 'In consequence of some statements made by me, in my official re- 
 ports, relative to the invention of the receiving magnet, a question 
 arose between ]Mv. Morse and myself as to the origin of this invention. 
 It was amicably discussed by Mr. Morso, Prof. Henry, Dr. Gale, and 
 
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 47 
 
 myself, with Prof. Henry's article . . . before us. The result 
 of the interview was conclusive to my mind, that Prof. Henry was the 
 sole discoverer of the law on which the intensity magnet depends for 
 its power of sending the galvanic current through a long circuit. I 
 was also led to conclude that Mr. Morse, in the course of his own re- 
 searches and experiments, before he had read Prof. Henry's article, 
 before alluded to, had encovmtered the same difficulty Mr. Barlow and 
 those who preceded him had encountered, that is, the impossibility of 
 forcing the galvanic current through a long telegraph line. His own 
 personal researches had not overcome this obstacle. They were made 
 in the laboratory of the New York University. I also learned at the 
 same time, by the conversations above stated, that he only overcame 
 this obstacle by constructing a magnet on the principle invented by 
 Prof. Henry, and described in his article in Silliman's Journal. His 
 attention was directed to it by Dr. Gale.' . . . We quote a letter 
 to Prof. Henry, from Prof. James Hall, of Albany, late President of 
 the American Association for the Advancement of Science : ' While 
 a student of the Rensselaer school, in Troy, New York, in August, 
 1832, I visited Albany with a friend. . . . Our principal object 
 was to see your electro-magnetic apparatus, of which we had heard 
 much. You showed us your laboratory . . . and in a larger 
 room in an upper story, some electric and galvanic apparatus. 
 In this room, and extended around the same, was a circuit of wire 
 stretched along the wall, and at one termination of this, in the recess 
 of a windoAv, a bell was fixed, while the other extremity was con- 
 nected with a galvanic apparatus. You showed us the manner in 
 which the bell could be made to ring by a current of electricity, 
 transmitted through this wire, and you remarked that this method 
 might be adopted for giving signals, by the ringing of a bell at the 
 distance of many miles from the point of its connection with the gal- 
 vanic apparatus.' 
 
 " Mr. Henry has always done full justice to the invention of Mr. 
 Morse. While he could not sanction the claim of ]Mr. Morse, to the 
 exclusive use of the electro-magnet, he has given him full credit for the 
 mechanical contrivances adapted to the application of his invention. 
 In proof of this, we refer to his deposition, and present also the fol- 
 lowing statement of Hon. Charles Mason, Commissioner of Patents, 
 taken from a letter addressed by him to Prof. Henry, dated March 31, 
 1856 : 
 
 " ' Sir : — Agreeably to your request, I now make the following state- 
 ment. Some two years since, when an application was made for an 
 extension of Prof. Morse's patent, I was, for some time, in doubt as 
 to the propriety of making that extension. Under these circum- 
 stances, I consulted with several persons, and, among others, with 
 yourself, with a view particularly to ascertain the amount of invention 
 fairly due to Prof. Morse. The result of my inquiries was such as to 
 induce me to grant the extension. I will further say that this was in 
 accordance Avith your express recommendation, and that I was, proba- 
 bly, more influenced by this recommendation, and the information I 
 
48 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 obtained from you, than by any other circumstance, in coming to that 
 conchision.' 
 
 '' To sum up the results of the preceding investigation in a few 
 words, we have shown that Mr. Morse himself has acknowledged the 
 value of the discoveries of Prof. Henry to his electric telegraph ; that 
 his associate and scientific assistant, Dr. Gale, has distinctly affirmed 
 that the discoveries were applied to his telegraph, and that previous 
 to such application it was impossible for Mr. Morse to operate his in- 
 strument at a distance; that Prof. Henry's experiments were witnessed 
 by Prof. Hall and others, in 1832, and that these experiments showed 
 the possibility of transmitting to a distance a force capable of produc- 
 ing mechanical effects, adequate to making telegraphic signals ; that 
 Mr. Henry's deposition of 1849, which evidently furnished the motive 
 for Mr. Morse's attack upon him, is strictly correct in all the histori- 
 cal details, and that, so far as it relates to Mr. Henry's own claim as 
 a discoverer, is within what he might have claimed with entire justice ; 
 that he gave the deposition reluctantly, and in no spirit of hostility to 
 Mr. Morse; that on that, and other occasions he fully admitted the 
 merit of Mr. Morse as an inventor ; and that Mr. Morse's patent was 
 extended through the influence of the favorable opinion expressed by 
 Prof. Henry. 
 
 " Your committee come unhesitatingly to the conclusion that Mr. 
 Morse has failed to substantiate any one of the charges he has made 
 against Prof. Henry, although the burden of proof lay upon him, and 
 that all the evidence, including the unbiased admissions of Mr. Morse 
 himself, is on the other side. Mr. Morse's charges not only remain 
 unproved, but they are positively disproved. 
 
 " Your committee recommend the adoption of the following reso- 
 lutions : 
 
 ^'•Resolved, That Prof. Morse has not succeeded in refuting the state- 
 ments of Prof. Henry in the deposition given by the latter in 1849 ; 
 that he has not proved any one of the accusations against Prof. Henry, 
 made in the article in Shafler's Telegraph Companion, in 1855 ; and 
 that he has not disproved any one of his own admissions in regard to 
 Prof. Henry's discoveries in electro-magnetism, and their importance 
 to his OAvn invention of the electro-magnetic telegraph. 
 
 '■'■Resolved, That there is nothing in Prof. Morse's article that dimin- 
 ishes, in the least, the confidence of this Board in the integrity of 
 Prof. Henry, or in the value of those great discoveries, which have 
 placed his name among those of the most distinguished cultivators of 
 science, and have done much to exalt the scientific reputation of the 
 country. 
 
 "■Resolved, That this report, with the resolutions, be recorded in the 
 proceedings of the Board of Regents of the Institution. 
 
 " The report was accepted, and the resolutions were unanimously 
 adopted." 
 
 The above extract has been made, because considerable has already 
 been said upon the subject, and because it was desired that a more 
 extended knowledge of the facts in the case should be disseminated. It 
 was also desired that the truth should appear in its proper light, in 
 
COLLEGE OP NEW JERSEY. 49 
 
 reference to one who has done honor to Nassau Hall, as well as ob- 
 tained a celebrity in the scientific world. 
 
 President Carnahan was invested with the authority of the college 
 some time before the commencement in 1823. During his term of 
 office the circumstances of the Institution were much changed for the 
 better ; the nvmiber of members in the faculty was increased, numer- 
 ous revivals of religion occurred, especially in 1852, when a large num- 
 ber of students made a profession of religion and connected themselves 
 with the church. Some of the buildino;s also were erected during his 
 term of office. The practice of keeping a refectory, which existed 
 from the beginning of the college, was laid aside entirely after the great 
 fire of March 10th, 1855. The house occupied by the President was 
 built at the same time with the main college edifice ; the vice-presi- 
 dent's house was built for Dr. Maclean, father of the present Presi- 
 dent, about the year 1800; the library and philosophical hall in 1803; 
 and the building now known as the Old Refectory, to the east of East 
 College in the year 1834. East College was built about 1833, and 
 West College in 1836, while the present College Chapel dates only as 
 early as 18-47. The new Halls of the Societies were also erected in 
 his time, the Cliosophic being occupied in the fall of 1838, and the Amer- 
 ican Whig about a year afterwards. " In 1839, the recitation rooms 
 were modernized, and the present Junior and Senior Rooms added to 
 the number. The Library Avas also extended into the small room. In 
 1840, the large cannon was planted, with the assistance of the stu- 
 dents, in the Middle of the Back Campus. On January 27th, 1834, 
 the present system of grading yy^^ adopted. In 1843 the commence- 
 ment was changed from the last Wednesday in September to the last 
 Wednesday in June." The small cannon, which now stands to the 
 south of the large one, was planted by some members of the class of 
 1859 at midnight, on the 16th of October, 1858. 
 
 Although the time of Dr. Carnahan's presidency was longer than 
 any of the other presidential periods, yet it is by no means as full of 
 startling events or unusual incidents. It seems to have been a quiet, 
 successful, prosperous administration. In consequence of old age and 
 increasing infirmities he tendered his resignation to the trustees at the 
 end of the collegiate year 1853. But by their earnest solicitation, he 
 continued to hold the office for a year longer; and at the commence- 
 ment in 1854, the Rev. Dr. John Maclean was inaugurated in his 
 stead. 
 
 The following is taken from the Newark Daily Advertiser of 
 Thursday, March 3d, 1859. 
 
 " We announce to-day the death of Rev. James Carnahan, D. D., 
 late President of Princeton College, which occurred last night at the 
 house of his son-in-law, William K. McDonald, Esq., in this city. 
 Although by his decease a valuable member of society has been rcr 
 moved, expressions of regret are scarcely appropriate, for he had 
 reached a ripe old age, after a long life of usefulness and Christian 
 benevolence. His character was distinguished by mildness joined to 
 firmness and vigor, his learning was extensive, his practical ability in 
 the ordinary affairs of life exceedingly acute, and the effect of his labors 
 1 
 
50 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 has been most -Qseful in every department of society with which he 
 was connected — as a man, a Christian clerfryman, the head of a 
 most important educational institution, and an efficient co-operator in 
 numerous schemes of benevolent enterprise. Of late years, through 
 age and physical disabilities he has retired from active pursuits, and 
 of scarcely no other person could it be said more appropriately that 
 he has been gathered like a shock of corn fully ripe. 
 
 "The deceased was born November loth, 1775, in Cumberland Co., 
 Pa. In November, 1798, he entered the junior class in the College 
 of New Jersey, and received the first degree in the arts in September, 
 1800. He read Theology under John MacMillan, D. D., in Western 
 Pennsylvania. In 1801, he returned to Princeton as tutor, and re- 
 sio-ned* his tutorship in the fall of 1803. He was licensed by the Pres- 
 byter}^ of New Brunswick, which assembled at Baskenridge in April, 
 l'804:, to preach the gospel, and preached in the vicinity of Hacketts- 
 town, Oxford, and Knowelton. On January 5th, 1805, he was or- 
 dained and installed pastor of the united churches of AVhitesborough 
 and Utica in the state of New York. In February, 1814, he moved 
 for his health to Georgetown, D. C, and opened a classical and 
 mathematical school, teaching there for nine years. In May, 1823, 
 he Avas chosen President of the College of New Jersey, was inaugu- 
 rated on August 5th, 1823, and after a service of thirty years, re- 
 sio-ned in 1853, and his connection with the college was dissolved 
 June, 1854. He was in different capacities connected with the college 
 for thirty-five years, viz : two years as a student, tAVO as a tutor, and 
 thirty-one as President. He was one of the trustees of the college at the 
 time of his death, and also President of the Board of Trustees of the 
 Theological Seminary. 
 
 " The deceased was associated with many illustrious persons of the 
 past, most of whom have disappeared. He was one of the last of the 
 venerable men, who for so many years rendered Princeton renowTied 
 for its intellectual and moral greatness. During the long period he 
 presided over the college, he was unceasing in his devotion to its 
 interests. The improvements made during that time, Avere summed 
 up on his resignation in 1854, in the following article prepared for our 
 columns : 
 
 " ' In 1823, when Dr. Carnahan came into office, the faculty con- 
 sisted of a President, vice-president, a professor of Mathematics, and 
 two tutors, (total five.) When he retired in 1854, the Faculty Avas 
 composed of a President, vice-president, six professors, tAVO assistant 
 professors, three tutors, a teacher of Modern Languages, and a lec- 
 turer on Zoology, (total fifteen.) In the annual catalogue for the year 
 1823, there Avere the names of 125 students. In that of 1854, the. 
 names of 254 students. The Avhole number of graduates to the pre- 
 sent time (107 years) is 3390. Numl)er of graduates before 1823, 
 (76 years,) 1680. From 1823 to 1854, inclusive, (31 years,) 1710. So 
 tliat Dr. Carnahan as President has confei-red the first degree upon a 
 greater number of alumni, by 30, than all his predecessors taken to- 
 gether.' 
 
 " So much for the record. Aside from this numerical increase it may 
 
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY, 51 
 
 be stated that during the same term of 31 years, the East and "West 
 Colleges, a Professor's house, a Refectory, two large and commodious 
 buildings for the accommodation of the Literary Societies, and a Chapel 
 house has been built. A house and lot for the use of a professor, and 
 seven acres of land, for recreation grounds and wash house, have been, 
 purchased. The Recitation and Lecture rooms have been enlarged 
 and seated, and a Portrait Gallery has been commenced. The Lom- 
 bardy poplars, which formerly disfigured the public grounds of the 
 college, have been removed, and their places supplied with native trees 
 — the elm, the ash, the maple, and the tulip poplar. The library has 
 received annual additions. The chemical and philosophical apparatus 
 has been greatly improved and enlarged, and the entire front of the 
 college grounds has been inclosed by a substantial iron fence." 
 
 It has been observed by another that, " Thus ends the longest 
 Presidency of the college, and the longest of the century, excepting 
 that of Dr. Nott of Union College. His term of office was the most 
 prosperous of any in the history of the college. . . . He sup- 
 plied by his solid and sober suited qualities all that he lacked in ad- 
 dress and accomplishments, his fault being that he run the apostolic 
 injunction not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, 
 beyond the letter of the text, and probably beyond its spirit." 
 
 There is a slight mistake in the above quotation in reference to the 
 time of his death ; it occurred at eight minutes past seven on the 
 morning of Thursday, March 3d, instead of March 2d, as stated in 
 the newspaper report. His funeral took place at Princeton on Tues- 
 day the 8tli of March. Although the day Avas cloudy and threatened 
 rain, there was considerable attendance from abroad. The services 
 were held in the First Presbyterian Church. The students met in their 
 respective halls and marched to the Church, the Whigs occupying the 
 West and the Cliosophics the East gallery ; in the pulpit were the • 
 Rev. Drs. Maclean, Cooley, Steams, and McDonald. The last named 
 gave out part of the 17th Psalm which was sung, Dr. Steams followed, 
 reading the 90th Psalm, (which Dr. Carnahan recited, verbatim, at 
 evening prayers the night prior to his decease,) and part of the 15th 
 chapter of 1st Corinthians, commencing: " But some man will say, &c." 
 After praying he gave place to Dr. MacDonald, who delivered a dis- 
 coui'se from 1 Cor. xv. 13 — 20, calling attention to the doctrine therein 
 contained, which was the foundation of Dr. Carnahan's hopes as well 
 as of his ministerial messages to others ; and dwelling particularly on 
 the bearing of Christ's resm-rection on the foundation of our faith. A 
 short biographical sketch was then given, interspersed with notices of 
 the speaker's personal interviews with the venerable President prior 
 to his removal to Newark, where he went October 29th, 1858, and 
 did not return till brought by sorrowing friends preparatory to his 
 being consigned to the house appointed for all living. The last con- 
 nected words which he uttered were, " Oh ! the blessed gospel of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ." 
 
 The services being concluded at the church, he was conveyed to the 
 cemetery and committed to the grave by the side of his wife. His 
 resting place is in a line with the graves of the illustrious Presidents 
 
52 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 "who preceded him, and who with him, hy their learning and virtues, 
 have given a name and position to Nassau Hall of which she may 
 justly be proud. 
 
 The Rev. John Maclean, D. D., was inaugurated as the tenth Pres- 
 ident of the College of Now Jersey, on the 28th of June, 1854, the 
 day of the annual commencement. " The ceremonies on this occasion 
 took place, in the presence of the trustees and Faculty, and of a 
 large assembly of the graduates and other friends of the college. 
 Rev. Dr. John McDowell, senior trustee of the college, began the 
 exercises with the following remarks : 
 
 " ' We are convened to inaugurate a President of this venerable and 
 important college. The trustees have made it my duty to introduce 
 the services on this occasion, with a brief narrative of the events which 
 have issued in the interesting exercises, in which we are now to be 
 engaged. After the commencement, a year since, was finished, and 
 the Board of Trustees had returned to their place of meeting, in the 
 College Library, the Rev. Dr. James Carnahan unexpectedly pre- 
 sented to the trustees a written communication, resigning his oifice 
 of President of the college ; and giving as his reasons, his advanced 
 ao-e, and increasing; infirmities. The session of the trustees was then 
 about closing, and they had not time to deliberate on the choice of a 
 successor. They felt reluctantly constrained to accept the resignation ; 
 which they did, passing resolutions highly approving of the adminis- 
 tration of Dr. Carnahan ; and at the same time requested him to con- 
 tinue to hold the office, and perform its duties, until a successor was 
 chosen. To this request Dr. Carnahan kindly consented. 
 
 " 'At the stated semi-annual meeting of the Board in December last, 
 they proceeded to the election of a President, when the Rev. Dr. 
 John ISIaclean, who had, almost from the time of his graduation, been 
 a valuable ofiicer of the Institution, in several departments of instruc- 
 tion, and for many years its vice-president, was chosen. 
 
 " ' Dr. Carnahan Avas then requested to continue to hold the office of 
 President, and perform its duties until the close of the commencement, 
 which has taken place this day. To this he consented. 
 
 " ' Dr. Carnahan has occupied the presidential chair of this college, 
 longer than any of his distinguished predecessors, from the foundation 
 of the college. He has now been President thirty-one years, and his 
 administration has not only been the longest, but also very successful. 
 The college has grown, and prospered under it. The number of stu- 
 dents, when he commenced his administration, was about one hundred 
 and twenty. The whole number for the year now closing is two hun- 
 dred and fifty-six. At the meeting of the trustees in December last, 
 a committee was appointed to make arrangements for the inauguration 
 of Dr. Maclean. 
 
 " ' Agreeably to the report of that committee, approved by the Board, 
 we are now met for this purpose. The usual oaths reijuired to be 
 taken by the President will now be administered by the Hon. Henry 
 \Y. Green, Chief Justice of the State of New Jersey.'" 
 
 The following oaths required by the charter were subscribed by the 
 President elect ; and then administered to him by the Chief Justice : 
 
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 53 
 
 1. " I do swear, that I will support the Constitution of the United 
 States ; so help me God." 
 
 2. " I do sincerely profess and swear, that I do and will bear true 
 faith and allegiance to the government established in this State, under 
 the authority of the people ; so help me God." 
 
 3. "I do solemnly promise and swear, that I will faithfully, impar- 
 tially, and justly perform all the duties of the President of the col- 
 lege of New Jersey, according to the best of my abilities and under- 
 standing ; so help me God." 
 
 A true copy, — E. F. Cooley, Clerk. 
 
 The oaths having been taken, the Chief Justice handed to Dr. 
 IMaclcan the keys of the college, and thus addressed him : — 
 
 "In the name and by the authority of the Board of Trustees, I de- 
 liver to you the keys of the College of New Jersey, hereby declaring 
 that you are duly invested with all the powers, privileges, and prero- 
 gatives, and charged with all the duties of the office of President of 
 that institution. 
 
 " We commit Nassau Hall, its interests and its reputation, to your 
 guardian care, with the earnest injunction, and in the confident hope, 
 that those powers will be exercised and those duties performed by you 
 in such manner, as shall most eminently conduce to the diffusion of 
 knowledge, the promotion of virtue, the honor of our country, and the 
 glory of God." 
 
 Dr. Maclean replied: — "Having just given the most solemn pledge 
 which it is in my power to give, that I will faithfully discharge the 
 duties of my office, I shall only thank you for the very kind terms in 
 which you have been pleased to announce the confidence reposed in 
 me, by yourself and the other trustees of the college." 
 
 As he left the chair of the President, the Rev. Dr. Carnahan thus 
 addressed his successor : 
 
 " Mr. President : — When the interests of an important public insti- 
 tution are concerned, private considerations and personal feelings 
 oug;ht to be laid aside. For this reason I do not rise to congratulate 
 you, as perhaps some may think I ought, on being placed in a station 
 which your long, faithful, and efficient services have merited. My 
 object is rather to express my wishes for the prosperity of the college 
 and the success of your administration. Sir, the interests of a sa- 
 cred institution, which originated in the piety and patriotism of 
 great and good men, long since gone to their rest and reward, are now 
 in a great measure placed in your hands. 
 
 " Your own experience and observation have taught you, that to train 
 the minds, and form the intellectual and moral habits of youth, who 
 are to be the future ministers of the gospel, the physicians, the legisla- 
 tors, the judges, the executive officers of our State and national govern- 
 ments, is no small and insignificant undertaking. When I call to 
 mind how much the happiness or misery of parents or friends, how 
 much the success or failure of the free institutions of our country, 
 how much the purity or corruption of our holy religion, in a word, 
 how much the temporal and eternal well-being of thousands yet unborn, 
 depends on the bias given to the minds of young men during their 
 
54 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 training in college ; I am constrained to believe tliat your office is one 
 of immense responsibility ; an office wliich no man wlio looks to his 
 own peace and comfort only, ought to covet. Its duties are nume- 
 rous and difficult, its cares and anxieties unceasing. And permit me 
 to say that, in your case, the responsibility is increased by the consi- 
 deration that this college has existed more than one hundred years ; 
 that it has maintained a high and honorable place among similar in- 
 stitutions in our land ; that the sons of Nassau Hall, in public and in 
 private life, have not been inferior to those of any other college in our 
 country. In view of these facts, the thoughts that this time-honored, 
 and I may say, God-favored institution, may now possibly fail, is 
 painful and oppressive. But it cannot, must not fail. Founded in 
 faith, with a view to promote the glory of God and the best interests 
 of men, God has, in a remarkable manner, sustained and prospered 
 this college in circumstances the most trying. And our prayer and 
 hope is, that he will continue his favor. And, if in these feeble hands, 
 supported by yourself and other able and honored coadjutors, the 
 usual previous number of students in the college has been more 
 than doubled, and the graduates of the last thirty-one years have 
 equaled in number those who have received the first degree in the 
 Arts, under all my predecessors, from the origin of the college to the 
 time I came into office ; have we not cause to hope and believe that 
 the College of New Jersey shall live and be a blessing to our country 
 and to the church of God, for ages yet to come ? Be assured, sir, 
 you have my hearty wishes, and my most fervent prayers for the 
 prosperity of the college, and for the success of your adminis- 
 tration." 
 
 To his address. Dr. Maclean said, in reply : 
 
 " That I had your best wishes, and that I should have your fervent 
 prayers for my successful administration of the affiiirs of the college, 
 I was well aware. For this public expression of your feelings, I 
 thank you most sincerely." 
 
 After this, the President elect delivered his inaugural address, the 
 object of which was, first, " to give a brief sketch of the origin and 
 design of this institution ; and, secondly, an exposition of the mode in 
 which the instruction and government of the college will be conducted 
 by my colleagues and myself." Having finished his address. Dr. 
 Maclean said it Avas truly gratifying to him, and would, no doubt, give 
 pleasure to all present, that his first official act, as President of the 
 college was, to announce to the audience, that by a unanimous vote, 
 the trustees had conferred the degree of Doctor of Laws, upon the 
 late venerable President of the college, Dr. James Carnahan. 
 
 The exercises were then concluded with prayer and the benediction, 
 by the Rev. Dr. W. W. Phillips, of New York. 
 
 At the day of prayer for colleges, in Feb. 1855, an influence began 
 to be exerted, which became extended, to a groat degree, through the 
 whole institution. This religious feermg pervaded the minds of most 
 of the students, and continued till tlie commencement, in June, 1856. 
 Many of the professed children of God were encouraged and strength- 
 ened, while a goodly number were brought to seek the truth as it is 
 
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 55 
 
 in Jesus. It is believed that, during this time, fifty or more were 
 brought to a sense of their natural condition, and led to a consecra- 
 tion of themselves to the service of God, by an open profession of 
 faith in the Saviour. 
 
 Since that time, no unusual manifestations of the Spirit's working 
 have appeared, yet the religious sentiment is quite strong among the 
 students, and it is hoped, that by the blessing of God upon the efforts 
 of his people, many who come here careless in reference to their 
 spiritual interests, and who seek only temporal knowledge, may be 
 brought to consider their ways, as well as be instructed in that knowl- 
 edge which is profitable for this life, and still more for the life to come. 
 Indeed, it could hardly be otherwise, amid such abounding means of 
 grace. The idea has gained great currency that the temptations and 
 snares of college life are particularly dangerous to youth. Now, to 
 an extent, this is true ; but that they are more so than in similar places 
 where boys and young men are beyond parental oversight, is utterly 
 denied. 'Tis true that to those whose habits of steadiness and virtue are 
 unformed or unstable, college life is especially perilous ; but so is every 
 other course of life where the supervision and government of parents 
 and guardians is removed ; such persons, if left to themselves, are not 
 safe anywhere ; but to those, on the contrary, who have suflicient de- 
 cision to say No, where evil presents itself in any form, it is asserted 
 most unequivocally, that college presents no more difficulties than 
 other places ; in fact, far less. It is believed that a student who is dis- 
 posed to lead a religious life, and follow after the fruits of holiness, 
 instead of being hindered, will most assuredly be prospered and en- 
 couraged in every good word and Avork. Hence, if parents would 
 hope for their sons to be kept from extravagance, folly, and sin, while 
 in college, let them teach them to govern themselves, to know the 
 right and follow it, to know the evil, to shun it, and to be able to re- 
 sist the allurements of companions when solicited to do wrong ; let 
 them give their sons a moral and religious preparation, as well as an 
 intellectual one, and then with the blessing of God, together with their 
 own pious counsels, they may expect them to come forth with a moral 
 and religious as well as a merely mental training, which shall prepare 
 them to stand out as beacons to others, to do good to themselves, to 
 their fellow men, to the church, and to the world. Then only will 
 they be fitted for the duties of life, when they understand and perform 
 their duties to their God. Many parents err on this point. They 
 seem to think that when they have carried their sons through a course 
 of intellectual training,, that their duty with them is ended, that there 
 is nothing more to be done in preparing them for life's battles ; but 
 never was there a greater mistake. This is good as far as it goes, but 
 it stops too short of the mark. An educated man, who is ignorant of, 
 or careless about religion, is little better than a madman armed with 
 deadly weapons, who is as likely to assail his friends as his foes. If 
 parents give their children this deadly weapon, let them at the same 
 time teach them to level it with the eye of faith against the bulwarks 
 of error, superstition, and sin. 
 
 About half past eight o'clock on the evening of March 10th, 1855, 
 
56 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 a destructive fire broke out in tlie second storj of j^ASSAU Haxl. 
 The occupant of the room being absent at the time, the first intima- 
 tion of the fire was the rising of the smoke through the ceiling to the 
 room above. It is believed that nearly all in the room was burned 
 before the fire spread any farther, for as soon as the door was broken 
 open an immense volume of fire and smoke issued forth carrying all 
 before it. From the want of water, little could be done to arrest the 
 flames, and by twelve o'clock the building was a mass of ruins. The 
 whole interior of the edifice was destroyed, and nothing left but the 
 naked, blackened walls. A great amount of property belonging to 
 the students was destroyed ; some losing as much as to the value of 
 two hundred dollars. A large and valuable librai'y also, owned by the 
 riiiladelphian Society, was nearly all consumed. Since that time the 
 building has been entirely rebuilt and rendered fire-proof; it is heated 
 by eight furnaces, and is among the best of the kind in the country. Old 
 Nassau is now recovering from the heavy stroke, and stands as securely 
 as ever, though shaken once by the storm of war and scathed on two 
 occasions by the devouring element. Its condition is now more pros- 
 perous than ever before ; the number of students is nearly three hun- 
 dred, and everything augurs a successful and glorious career for the 
 great NATIONAL College of the thirty-three independent States of 
 North America. [See appendix A.) 
 
 HISTORY OF THE PHILADELPHIAN SOCIETY OF NASSAU HALL. 
 
 Through the kindness of a graduate the following facts have been 
 obtained and are here presented with the design of perpetuating them, 
 and Avith the hope that they may conduce to the better and more ex- 
 tended knowledge of the religious history of the College. 
 
 " Among the early religious associations formed by the students of 
 this institution, was 'the Nassau Bible Society, which was organized 
 February 27th, 1813. Its object was to aid in supplying the destitute 
 witli copies of the Sacred Scriptures. And this enterprise was not 
 confined to the pious students alone for support, but most of those then 
 members of the college lent a helping hand in forwarding this noble 
 work. Such indeed was the zeal Avith which its members labored that 
 they resolved to supply every destitute family in the state of New 
 Jersey with a copy of the Bible. Here then, among the students of 
 our renowned institution, originated an idea which resulted in the 
 Parent Bible Society determining to furnish every family in the United 
 States with the word of God. On the 11th of June, 1817, there was 
 also organized by the students of both College and Theological Semi- 
 nary a Tract Society, the object of which was to scatter abroad those 
 little messengers of pi^ecious truth, so happily styled by another, 
 ''Manna for the soul." For many years the objects of both these 
 societies were faithfully carried out by those who considered it a privi- 
 lege to be so profitably and honorably employed. But Avithout noticing 
 at length the good which these societies accomplished, it is sufficient 
 for our present purpose to know, that their influence upon the minds 
 
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY. 57 
 
 and hearts of the students was for good, and their general tendency was 
 to unite the pious students more closely in the bonds of Christian love. 
 In little bands they assembled in private rooms and united in prayer 
 and praise to that God whom they had found to be the Source of light 
 and life to their own souls, and who had so abundantly blessed their 
 eiforts to do good to others. Impressed with the unity of their wants 
 and desires, the idea at length occurred to a member of one of these 
 praying assemblies, that an association should be formed in which all 
 the pious students of the college might become members, and meet to- 
 gether from week to week for social worship. Having made known his 
 meditations to a few of his friends, a meeting was held by four young 
 men, viz : Messrs. Peter J. Gulick, Martin Tupper, Tobias Epstein, 
 and James Brainerd Taylor, in room No. 21 North College, on Friday 
 evening, February 4th, 1825. Mr. Tupper was called to the chair, and 
 Mr. Taylor chosen Secretary. After having engaged in prayer, a pro- 
 posed constitution was read and adopted ; and thus originated the 
 Philadelphia^ Society of Nassau Hall. 
 
 "Its object, as expressed in the first article of its constitution, was to 
 promote personal piety and holiness among all its members, and those 
 ■with -whom they might associate. That the founders of our beloved 
 Society were sincere, and deeply interested in what they undertook, is 
 evident from the following extracts taken from letters written by Mr. 
 Epstein to a friend immediately before and after the organization of 
 the Philadelphian Society. (It is to be remembered that these letters 
 were written without any expectation of their ever being made public.) 
 ' 1823, December 8th. My religious privileges are very great indeed. 
 There are about seventeen professors in the College, and they are very 
 much united and like brothers.' '1824, January 20th. I hope you 
 will pray for me constantly, as I need much help in the midst of temp- 
 tation. I feel at present as if I could devote my all to the service of 
 God. I feel a great desire that God may come amongst us and pour 
 out his Spirit upon the College. We need it much. Pray for us and 
 believe Ave may see wondrous things, many here snatched from de- 
 struction and death and made to repose in the Lord.' ' 1825, Febru- 
 ary oth. I enjoy great religious privileges here. It is an error that 
 we cannot enjoy the presence of God as well in college as at home. I 
 find that the fault lies in myself if I do not have the peace of the gos- 
 pel reigning in my soul. I think a college is a preferable place for a 
 pious student, at least one like our OAvn. Our Avhole Faculty are pro- 
 fessors of religion.' ' 1825, July 5th. We haA'e a little society in 
 college called the Philadelphian Society, in Avhich when we enter Ave re- 
 ncAV our allegiance to Christ and faithfulness to one another. I am 
 one of the founders. I am refreshed in the company of my brethren.' 
 Such AA'ere the feelings and desires Avhicli prompted the founders of the 
 Philadelphian Society to begin so noble a work. Nor did they succeed 
 without surmountino; great difficulties. From the best information 
 which can noAV be obtained, it is CAddent that from the first the society 
 had opposers. Some on account of its novelty ; but the most bitter op- 
 position was raised on account of its goodness. The principal contents 
 of the constitution were as follows : 
 
58 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 
 
 "1. The setting forth of the object of the society, -which was, as pre- 
 viously stated, to promote personal piety and holiness among all its 
 members and those with whom they might associate. 
 
 "2. That to become a member of this society it was requisite that the 
 applicant should be a professor of religion. 
 
 " 3. Any member guilty of immorality, or in any way bringing re- 
 proach upon the cause of Christ, should be disciplined by society. 
 
 '• 4. The society should meet every Saturday evening and the meeting 
 to be open to members only. 
 
 "5. That every month the subject of Missions should be brought be- 
 fore society, and a collection taken up for the benefit of the cause. 
 
 " 6. Tracts should be distributed among all students of the College on 
 the first Sabbath of each month. 
 
 "7. All the members should hold themselves bound in honor to make 
 no unnecessary disclosures of any rules or transactions of this frater- 
 nity. 
 
 " The constitution has since been so amended as to abolish all secrecy, 
 and permit the members to invite their friends to all, except business 
 meetings, provided each invitation extended to but one meeting at a 
 time. It is worthy to be here remarked that propositions have been 
 made to admit all at all times, but our society has ever steadfastly fol- 
 lowed the example of our Saviour and his disciples, in retiring from 
 the world to some private room, for social converse and prayer. In 
 addition to the regular Saturday evening meetings, the Philadelphian 
 Society established, Aug. 1826, what is now known as the Sabbath 
 morning prayer meeting, and at a still later period, it instituted the 
 Thursday evening lecture in the Sophomore recitation room. Thus, 
 from its origin till the present, our society has endeavored to increase 
 its usefulness, and has left nothing undone which seemed conducive to 
 the carrying out of its original object. The next thing of importance, 
 in the history of the Philadelphian Society, is the destruction of its 
 records and library, by the burning of Nassau Hall, March 10th, 
 1855. In that building, on the fourth story, immediately over the 
 old Chapel or Picture gallery, the society had long held its meetings, 
 and kept its valuable library. On the evening of the above mentioned 
 conflagration, the exercises of the society were just closed, when the 
 cry of fire was heard from below. The records, and nearly all the 
 library, were destroyed. The old constitution was replaced from the 
 memories of two of the former secretaries, and is still retained as the 
 constitution of the society. The library has also, to a great extent, 
 been restored, by contributions from the members, and a library dona- 
 tion from the Presbyterian Board of Publication. In the spring of 
 1855* a proposition was passed, doing away with the old method of 
 giving the Missionary collections to the Presbyterian Boards of For- 
 eign and Domestic Missions, and that the society should obligate 
 itself to support two heathen children at school each year, provided 
 the amount rcfiuired did not exceed ^25 each. The passing of this 
 proposition caused mucli dissatisfaction among the meuibers, and after 
 an unsuccessful trial of two years, the old plan of ffivin<!; the contribu- 
 tions to the Missionary Boards was restored." 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 APPENDIX A. 
 
 The followiug iu the hand- writing of Dr. Finley may be of interest. 
 
 The Process of the Publick Commexcement in Nassau Hall ; 
 September, A. D, 176-4. 
 
 The Process, &c. 
 
 The Trustees being at the President's house, — the candidates standing at the door ; 
 two and two, upon his saying, — 
 
 " Progredimiui Juveues." 
 
 They walk — 
 
 1. The Bachelor Candidates. 
 
 2. The Masters. 
 
 .3. The Tutors, and any ministers present. 
 
 4. Tlie Trustees. 
 
 5. The President — the Governor at his right hand. 
 AH seated — Prayer succeeds. 
 
 Praeses ( capiie fecfo.) 
 " Auditores docti ac benevoli, Juvenes primam Lauream ambientes, cupiunl vos 
 per Oratorem salutare ; quod illis a vobis concessum fiduut.'' 
 Ascendat Orator salutatorius. 
 
 Distribuenfttr Tlieses. 
 Quoniam, docti Auditores, accurata disputandi Ratio ad verum a falso secernendum 
 pliirimum valet, Juvenes artibus iniliati, parvula quaedam eorum in ea Specimiua, 
 vobis jam sunt exhibituri. 
 
 Prima Disputatio, syilogistice tractanda — 
 
 Thesis est, 
 ]\Ientiri, ut vel Xatio couservetur, haud fas est. Qui hanc Thesin probare atque 
 del'endere statui, ascendat. 
 
 FOSTEK. 
 
 Qui Thesin oppugnari judicavit, ascendat. 
 
 Primus Opponens. — Lawrence. 
 Quanquam concederetur vSermonem ad felicitatem hominum provehendam constitu- 
 tura fuisse, attamen nou aeque nobis constat quid semper ad eum finem condncit ; 
 sed niagis credendum est Mendacium nunquam ad eum facere ; dum Exemplum Yir- 
 tutis omnibus prodesse potest. 
 
 Secundus Opponens. — Smith. 
 
 Determinatio. 
 
 Mentiri, quacunque de causa, ignobile et sua Natura pravuni esse, res ipsa clamat, 
 et ferme ab omnibus, praecipue Virtutem colentibus, conceditur. Quod si omnino 
 fas esse possit, Deus coniprobat ; et si ille possit probare, non est uecessario verax ; 
 sed impossibile est eum mentiri, ergo et mendacium probare. 
 
 Xec ratio Yeritutis ab hominum Felicitate, sed Dei Rectitudine pendet ; et quo- 
 niam sibi semper constare necesse est, non potest non esse rectus. Ergo falsum ne- 
 cessario iniprobat, ut ejus naturae oppositum : et vetat Malum facere, ut quidvis Bo- 
 num iude sequatur, etiam ut Xatio couservetur. 
 
 59 
 
60 APPENDIX. 
 
 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 cul- 
 tivation of our native language, and has bceo agreeable on former occasions ; which 
 I presume are sufficient apologies for continuing the custom. 
 
 The thesis is, 
 
 Somnia non sunt universaliter inania, et nihil significantia. 
 
 Ill English. 
 
 All dreams are not useless and insignificant. 
 
 Who undertakes the defence of this position ? — Miller. 
 
 Whoever has any objections against what has been offered, let him speak. — 
 
 The AD WELL. 
 
 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 otherwise be 
 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 though it must be granted 
 that our own Spirits at the same time think, yet there's 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 iu some 
 cases Infinite Wisdom chose to employ Angels to communicate divine instructions in 
 dreams ; which establishes the general doctrine. And experience assures us that im- 
 pressions made on these occasions, are very deep and lively ; and, as has been observed, 
 those very dreams that come from fullness of business, or other causes mentioned, 
 show us the temper of our minds, and in that view are useful and significJint. 
 
 To unbend the mind by an agreeable variety, as far as may consist with the exer- 
 cises of the day, an English intermediate Oration is next to be delivered. 
 Ascended Orator intermedins. 
 
 Thesis proxime discutienda, modo pene forensi, est. Lux rationis sola, incitamenta 
 ad virtutem satis efficacia, non praebet. 
 
 Qui banc Thesin primus defendere statuit, procedat. — Woodhcll. 
 
 Qui primus opponit Thesi, procedat. — Lawrence, Leake. 
 
 Qui objectiones refellere, et Thesin firmare suscipit, procedat. 
 
 Determinatio. 
 
 Recte notatum fuit, quod naturam peccati probe scire necessariura est, ad virtutem 
 rite aestimandum. Peccato enim ignoto, odisse illud nequimus ; 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 ; resciverunt 
 Deum, verae virtutis exemplar, nee non amorem et satisfactionem Domini Salvatoris, 
 quae sola sunt incitamenta ad virtutem idonea ; thesis valet. 
 
 The next TJiesis is, 
 
 NuUam 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 fit to oppose it, let him appear — Hazard. 
 
 Who judges he can confute these arguments, — let him speak — Clao(;et. 
 
 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 tlian the soul ; there- 
 fore whatever mixture of vice there may be with virtue, one of them nmst necessarily 
 
APPENDIX. 61 
 
 predominate ; for seeing that they are perfectly opposite to each other, it is as impos- 
 sible for a person to be under the governing power of botli at once, as for fire and 
 water to subsist together, without the one's being extinguished, or the other evaporated. 
 
 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. kow 'tis cer- 
 tain 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 connection 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 praestauda sunt, jam sequuntur. 
 
 Thesis disputanda haec est, scil : 
 
 Jephtha filiam non immolavit. 
 
 Ascendat hujus quaestionis respondens — Mr. Kerr. 
 
 Ascendat primus qui hanc thesiu veram esse negat. 
 
 Deferminatio . 
 
 Fatendum est, quod in hac quaestione docti in partes abeunt. Sed ut theseos 
 Veritas appareat, considerandum est quod fuit Jephthae votum — " Qui — vel, quodcun- 
 que — exierit e foribus domus meae, in occursum meum, erit Domini, et, vel, offeram 
 illud in holocaustum." q. d, vel aptum erit ad sacrificium, vel non : si prius, erit in 
 holocaustum ; si non, erit Domino sacrum, devotura. Hebraeae voces non aliter ne- 
 cessario significant : nam Vau saepe disjunctive sumitur, ut multis exemplis patet. 
 Adde, quod Deus detestatus est humanas victimas, et improbavit ; quod cum sacer- 
 dotes saltem noruut, non verisimile est Jephtham eos in tanta causa non consuluisse. 
 Nee parvum habet momentum, filiam ejus spatium deflendi, non mortem sed virgini- 
 tatem, petiisse ; cum enim dicitur Jephtha fecisse quod voverat, sequitur, et non cog- 
 noverat virum. 
 
 Descendant candidati houores hujus Collegii ambientes. 
 
 Ad Curatores. 
 
 Juvenes, quos coram vobis, Curatores honorandi ac reverendi, jam sisto, publico 
 examini, secundum hujus Academiae leges, subjecti, habiti fuerunt omnino digni qui 
 honoribus academicis exornareutur ; vobis igitur comprobautibus, illos ad gradum 
 petitum, toto animo admittam. 
 
 Eadem auctoritate regia, virum Davidem McGregor, Novangliae, de religioue et 
 literis bene meritum, ad secundum in artibus gradum," honoris causa, admitto." 
 
 Eadem auctoritate, Eeverendum Nathan Kerr, Davidem Caldwell, concionatorem 
 evangelii, uecessario absentem ; Reverendum Johannem Strain, hujus Collegii alum- 
 nos ; ad secundum in artibus gradum admitto. 
 
 Hoc anno etiam, Jacobus Thompson, A. M., Thomas Henderson, A. M., Johannes 
 Lefferty, A. M. 
 
 Forma constituendi A. B. 
 Auctoritate, regio diplomate mihi collata, pro more Academiarum in Anglia, vos 
 ad primum in artibus gradum admitto ; vobisque hunc librum trado, una cum potes- 
 tate in artibus praelcgeudi et docendi, quotieseunque ad hoc munus evocati fueritis : 
 cujus, hoc instruraentum, sigillo nostri Collegii ratum, testimonium sit. 
 Forma consiihtendi 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' po- 
 testate in artibus praelegendi, publicequo profitendi ac docendi, quotieseunque ad hoc 
 munus evocati fueritis : cujus, hoc iustrumentum, sigillo nostri Colleo-ii ratum testi- 
 monium sit, ° ' 
 
 In constituendo, A. M. honorarios, inseratur haec clausula, scil : — '' ad secundum in 
 artibus gradum, honoris causa, admitto." 
 Orator magistralis valedictorius. 
 Rev. McGregor. 
 Rev. Nathan Kerr. 
 
 Dialogue. 
 Prayer, 
 
G2 APPENDIX. 
 
 APPENDIX B. 
 
 TERMS OF ADMISSION. 
 
 Candidates for admission to the Fre.-iliman, or lowest class, are examined in Cipsar's 
 Commentaries, (5 books,) Sallust, Virgil, {Eclogues, and six Books of the yEneid,) 
 Cicero's Select Orations contained in the volume in IJsum Delphini. Mair's Introduc- 
 tion to Latin Syntax, the Gospels in the Greek Testament, Bullions' or Felton's 
 Greek Reader, and two books of the Anabasis, or other authors equivalent in quantity, 
 together with Latin and Greek Grammar, including Latin Prosody ; also, on English 
 Grammar, Arithmetic, the Elements of Algebra, (through simple equations,) Geogra- 
 phy, ancient and modern. 
 
 Every student admitted to a class higher than the Fresliman, is examined on all the 
 previous studies of the class which he wishes to enter. 
 
 An accurate acquaintance with the studies required for admission is indispensably 
 necessary, in order to receive the full advantage of the College course. 
 
 It is found from experience, that Students imperfectly prepared for the classes 
 which they enter, are embarrassed in their future progress, and are seldom able to 
 repair the want of solid preparatory instruction. 
 
 To prevent disappointment, it should 1)e distinctly understood, that a thorough 
 knowledge of preliminary studies is more likely to ensure admission and to enable the 
 Student to improve the advantages of this Institution, than a superficial acquaintance 
 ■with some higher branches of literature and science. 
 
 In all cases, testimonials of moral character are required ; and if the Student has 
 been a member of another College, he must bring with him a certificate from the 
 President or Faculty, that he is free from censure in that institution. 
 
 COURSE OP INSTRUCTION. 
 
 The whole course of instruction requires four years ; namely, one year in each of 
 the four classes into which the Students are divided. 
 
 The Freshman and Sophomore classes are instructed by the Professors of Ancient 
 and Modern Languages and of Mathematics, aided by the Tutors. The Junior and 
 Senior classes by the President and Professors. 
 
 The studies of the several Classes are as follows : 
 
 FRESHMAN CLASS. 
 
 FIRST TER>r. SECOND TERM. 
 
 Livy, Horace, (Odes,) 
 
 Xenophon's Anabasis, Xenophon's Memorabilia, 
 
 Archeology, Latin and Greek Exercises, 
 
 Latin and (Jreek Exercises, Algebra completed, 
 
 Algebra, (ITacklcy's,) Geometry. (Playfair's Euclid,) cnnnnenccd. 
 Biblical History and Geography, (Cole- Biblical History and Geography, 
 man's.) 
 
 SOPHOMORE CLASS. 
 
 FIRST TERM. SECOND TERM. 
 
 Horace, (Satires and Epistles,) Cicero de Officiis, de Amicitia, et de Se- 
 
 Demosthenes de Corona, nectute, 
 
 Latin and Greek Exercises, Homer's Iliad, 
 
 Ratio and Proportion, (Alexander's,) Plane and Spherical Trigonometry, with 
 
 Geometry, (Playl'air's Euclid.) completed, their applications to Mensuration, Sur- 
 
 Plane Trigonometry, veying, Navigation, «fec. 
 
 Archaeology, History. 
 
 History. Hodge's Way of Life. 
 
 JUNIOR CLASS. 
 
 FIRST TERM. SECOND TERM. 
 
 Rhetoric, (Wliately and IMair,) Rhetoric, 
 
 Trench on Words. Differential and Integral Calculus, (Alex- 
 
 Analytical (jJeometry, including Conic Sec- ander's,) 
 lions, (Young's,) Mechanics, 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 63 
 
 JUNIOR CLASS— (CONTINUED.) 
 
 FIRST TKRM. SECOND TKRM. 
 
 Tacitus, (Germania and Agricola,) Natural Philosophy, 
 
 Sophocles, Juveual and Persius, 
 
 Evidences of Christianity, (Alexander's,) Thucydides, 
 
 History. Natural Theology, (Paley's,) 
 
 Hora3 Paulinas, ( Paley's,) 
 Agassiz and Gould's Zoology, 
 Civil Architecture, Botany, 
 Physical Geography, History. 
 
 SENIOR CLASS. 
 
 FIRST TERM. SECOND TKRM. 
 
 Logic, ( Whately,) Moral Philosophy, ( Alexander,) 
 
 Intellectual Philosophy, (Walker's Reid,) Butler "s Analogy, 
 
 Butler's Analogy, Constitutional Law, 
 
 Natural Philosophy, Natural Philosophy, 
 
 Astrononi}', Astronomy, 
 
 Chemistry, Chemistry, 
 
 Geology, Mineralogy, 
 
 Political Economy, Geology, 
 
 Aristotle's Art of Poetry, Zoology, 
 
 Longinus. General Eeview of Studies, 
 
 All the classes have Bible recitations on the Sabbath, and also a recitation iu the 
 Greek Testament, or on the Evidences of Christianity, on ^Monday morning. 
 
 All the Students are required frequently to produce original essays. Those of the 
 three lower classes pronounce orations, in the presence of their respective classes. 
 The members of the Senior Class deliver orations of their own composition, as often 
 as the Faculty may direct. 
 
 Lectures. — In addition to the recitations of the several Classes, the following 
 courses of lectures are delivered on the principal branches of science and literature, 
 namely, a course on 
 
 Religion, Natural and Revealed, Presid't. Logic, Prof. Atwater. 
 
 Physics Prof. Henry. Physical Geography,... Prof. Gcyot. 
 
 Mechanical Philosophy, Prof. Alexander. Geology, Do. 
 
 Physics, Do. Roman Literature, Prof. Giger. 
 
 Astronomy, Do. Civil History, Prof, Matile. 
 
 Rhetoric Prof. Hope. Fine Arts, Rev. Mr. Dod. 
 
 English Literature, Do. Chemistry, Dr. Schanck. 
 
 Political Economy, Do. Zoology, Do. 
 
 Esthetics, Prof. Moffat. Anatomy & Physiology, Do. 
 
 Greek Literature, Do. Mineralogy, Do. 
 
 Intellectual Philosophy, Prof. Atwater. Botany, Do. 
 
 Moral Philosophy, Do. 
 
 Gentlemen not connected with the College have the privilege of attending the 
 above lectures by making application to the several lecturers. 
 
 Other lectures are frequently given at the same hours in which the recitations 
 are heard, and are therefore attended by none except the members of the several Classes. 
 
 Examinations. — Four public examinations take jjlace during the College year ; 
 cue in the middle, and one at the close of each session. Absence from these examina- 
 tions is found to be very injurious to the improvement of a student, and renders him 
 liable to be placed in a loWer class. Reports respecting the behavior, and scholar- 
 ship of the students, are sent to the parents or guardians after each examination. 
 
 English Grammar, Arithmetic, and Geography, being required for admission, are 
 not included in the College course of instruction ; but in order to secure attention to 
 these studies, indispensably necessary in every situation of life, the Classes are exam- 
 ined on them twice a year, and deficiencies, if any exist, are reported to the parents 
 and guardians. 
 
 Public Worship. — Prayers are offered in the College Chapel every morning and 
 evening, when one of the Faculty officiates, and all the Students are required to be 
 present. They are also required to attend worship in the Chapel on the Sabbath, 
 except such as have permission to attend service iu town. 
 
64 . APPENDIX. 
 
 Libraries. — The College Library contains ten thousand six hundred volumes, and 
 is opened on Monday and Tuesday of each week for the accommodation of the Stu- 
 dents. Resident Graduates have the privilege of taking out books upon tlie same 
 terms as Under Graduates. In the libraries belonging to the two literary societies 
 there are nine thousand volumes. The total number of volumes, therefore, iu the 
 three libraries, is nineteen thousand six hundred. 
 
 Apparatls. — The College possesses a valuable set of Astronomical, Philosophical, 
 and Chemical Apparatus, a well-selected Mineralogical Cabinet, a Mu?eum of Natu- 
 ral History, a large collection of drawings for the illustration of the lectures on Ar- 
 ciiitecture, Natural Philosophy, Astronomy, and a full-sized Mauiken for the illustra- 
 tions of the lectures on Natural Theology and Anatomy. 
 
 Expenses. — The stated Hxpenses of the College each session, paid in advance, inclu- 
 ding'i'uition, Room-rent, Fuel, Library-, Servant's Wages, Washing, are from $.57 to $66. 
 
 A. deduction of §3.00 from the above bill is made in favor of those students who 
 dispense with all attendance of servants in their private rooms. 
 
 The price of Board varies from S2.00 to 84^00. All bills for board must be paid 
 in advance to the Treasurer of the College ; and paid in full for the session. If any 
 student change his place of boarding, without the consent of the President of the Col- 
 lege, he shall forfeit the sum of $fy to be paid to the Treasurer. 
 
 No Student is permitted to take a room, or to lodge out of the College buildings, 
 unless all the rooms belonging to the College are occupied. 
 
 New Students pay a matriculation fee of five dollars, and thirty-three cents for a 
 copy of the printed laws. 
 
 Each member of the Senior Class is required to pay $9 .50 for a diploma at the be- 
 ginning of the second session of the Senior year, when he pays the other college bills. 
 
 When a Student is dismissed from College for any cause, the whole amount ad- 
 vanced for board, washing, and fuel, from the time of dismission, will be refunded to 
 the order of his parent or guardian. 
 
 Terms and Vacations. — The College year is divided into two Terms or Sessions. 
 The Annual Commencement is on the last Wednesday in June, and the first term of 
 the next College year begins the 11th of August and closes on 'I'hursday the 22d of 
 December. The second term begins on Thursday the 2d of February, and ends on 
 the last Wednesday in June — the day of the Annual Commencement, 
 
 It is particularly recommended that, when practicable, all the students spend their 
 vacations at home with their parents or friends ; or when this is inconvenient, that 
 they take boarding elsewhere than in Princeton. It is found that when a number of 
 young persons are collected together without regular occupation or study, the tempta- 
 tions to idleness and dissipation are often too strong to be resisted. 
 
 It is highly important that the students should return to College iu time to attend 
 the first recitations or lectures of their respective classes, since an absence of a few days 
 at the time when a new branch of study is commenced, seldom fails to embarrass the 
 whole course, and in some cases it is impossible to make up the loss. 
 
 Pi:buc Exkrcises. — The Annual Commencement takes place on the last Wednes- 
 day in June. 
 
 On the day preceding the Commencement, an oration is delivered before the two 
 Literary Societies by a member of one of them. 
 
 On the evening preceding the Commencement, orations are pronounced by eight 
 members of the Junior Class, four from each Hall. 
 
 The Annual Meeting of the Alumni Association of Nassau Hall is held in the 
 Ciillege Chapel on Commencement day. 
 
 Pkoiiiiutkd Skcrkt SoriKTiES. — The following resolutions in regard to Secret So- 
 cieties w(>re passed, unanimously, by the Trustees of the College, at their meeting on 
 the 28th and 2!)th of June, 185.5. ' 
 
 Resolved, That with respect to prohibited secret societies, the Trustees approve 
 of the action of the Faculty in their requiring students about to enter College, to 
 pledge themselves not to join any secret societies, and that they urge the Faculty to 
 put an end to these secret societies. 
 
 Resolved, That the President be directed at the opening of the next session of 
 the College, to amiounce publicly to the students, that the subject of prohibited secret 
 societies was dflilierately considered by the 'I'rustees, and the Facultv were, by a 
 unanimous vote, required promptly to dismiss any student known after that date to be 
 a member of such an association. 
 
APPENDIX. 65 
 
 Fkee Scholarships. — The attention of Teachers and other friends of the College, 
 and especially of students preparing for admission, is invited to the provision famished 
 by these scholarships, for bringing the advantages of the Institution within the reach 
 of such students as may qualify themselves to win such distinction. Under tliese 
 conditions, the attainment of a free education becomes an honor to the bolder, because 
 it is au evidence of a superior preparation. 
 
 The competition fur such of these scholarships as are at the disposal of the Faculty, 
 at the close of tlie present term, or at the beginning of the next, will be conducted oa 
 the following principles, viz : 
 
 1. Preference will always be given to applicants for the Freshman Class. 
 
 2. The relative attainments in all cases to be determined by the Faculty. 
 
 3. The successful competitors to retain their scholarships during their College 
 course, unless forfeited by neglect of study, or by improper conduct. 
 
 4. Candidates must in all cases present testimonials of good moral conduct. 
 
 5. Any person or persons contributing a Thousand Dollars shall have the privilege 
 of giving a name to such scholarship ; and in case any contributor shall prefer to do 
 so, he may retain the right to nominate the incumbent. 
 
 6. Any Church contributing a Thousand Dollars, may, if they desire it, place upon 
 that foundation the sons of their ministers; or, in lieu of that, may nominate some 
 candidate for the ministry, to receive its avails. 
 
 7. Any town or district contributing one or more scholarships, may offer the 
 privilege of such scholarships as a premium for superior attainments ; provided always 
 that such persons shall be fully prepared, in the judgment of the Faculty, for the 
 classes into which they seek admission. 
 
 8. The proceeds of all vacant scholarships, to be at the disposal of the Trustees. 
 The advantages sought for, in the founding of these scholarships, are, — 
 
 1. To extend the prosperity and usefulness of the Institution by means of an en- 
 dowment which, besides strengthening and enlarging its educational provisions, may 
 place its advantages within reach of a large, important, and growing class of young 
 men, who could not otherwise enjoy the privilege. 
 
 2. To prevent the deterioration of education by inadequate provisions, and, to 
 stimulate the preparatory and academic traiinng of students, by offering the privilege 
 of a free education, as an inducement and reward to higher preparation. 
 
 3. To elevate by this means the standard of liberal and professional training, 
 wherever the influence of the College may reach. 
 
 Persons desiring to found such scholarships, while not in a condition to pay down 
 the principal, may do so by transmitting sixty dollars annually, or thirty dollars 
 semi-annually, to any officer of the College, and securing the principal, ^1000, by 
 bequest, or in whatever form they may prefer. In such case, the scholarship would, 
 of course, lapse on the failure of the parties to pay the amount in question. 
 
 It is believed that the founding of such scholarships will prove a most efficient 
 means of promoting the interests of the Institution, and the cause of liberal and pro- 
 fessional education in the country. The co-operation of the friends of Princeton, es- 
 pecially of the Alumni, is earnestly solicited, for the purpose of enlarging this fund, 
 Avhether by donations of their own, or by seeking to call out the benevolence of such 
 friends, as may have it in their power, to promote these great objects, by gift, or 
 bequest. 
 
 Besides this form of endowment, a friend of the College has signified his purpose to 
 endow one of the Professorships, in the sum of $25,000. If this munificent example 
 should be followed, in the case of other leading Professorships, the scope and power 
 of the Institution would be greatly enhanced ; while its provisions would be thereby 
 brought within the reach Of a much larger number of students. 
 
 TRUSTEES. 
 
 His Excellency, WILLAM A. NEWELL, Governor of the State of New Jersey, 
 
 And, ex-officio, President of the Board of Trustees. 
 
 Ret. JOHN MACLEAN, D. D., LL. D., President of the College, 
 
 And, in the absence of the Governor, President of the Board. 
 
 John M'Dowell, D. D., Philadelphia. ^Matthew Newkirk, Esq., Philadelphia. 
 
 William Shippen, M. D., Philadelphia. William W. Phillips, D. D., N. Y. City. 
 
66 . APPENDIX. 
 
 C.YANREXssELAER,D.D..Burling'ton,lS'. J. Wm. Pexmxgtox. A. M., Newark, X. J. 
 James S. Green, A. M. Princeton, N. J. Charles Hodge, D. D., Princeton, N. J. 
 Lewis Coxdict, M. D., Morristown, N. J. Henry W. Green, LL. D., Trenton, X. J. 
 LuciusQ.C. Elmer, A. M.,Brirlf>eton, N. J. James W. Alexander, D. D., X. T. City. 
 *J.Carnahan,D.D.LL.D., Princeton. X.J. Eli F. Cooley, D. D., Trenton, X. J. 
 S. H. Pennington, M. D., Xewark, X. J. Isaac Y. Brown, D. D., Bordciitown, X. J. 
 John X. Campbell, Albany, X. Y. Daniel Haines, A. M., Hamburgh. X. J. 
 
 David Magie, D. D., ElizaJjeth, X. J. J. C. Green, Esq., {Elect.) X. Y, City, 
 Charles S. Olden, Esq., Treasurer. 
 
 FACULTY OF ARTS. 
 
 Eev. JOnX MACLEAX, D. D., LL. D., 
 
 President. 
 
 JOSEPH HEXEY. M. D., LL. D., 
 
 Emeritus Professor of Xatural Philosophy. 
 
 STEPHEX ALEXAXDER, LL, D., 
 Professor of Mechanical Philosophy andAstronoray. 
 
 Eev. MATTHEW B. HOPE, i\L D., D. D., 
 
 Professor of Belles Lettres and Political Economy. 
 
 Eev. JAMES C. MOFFAT, D. D., 
 
 Professor of Greek. 
 
 Eev. LYMAX H. ATWAl^ER, D. D.. 
 
 Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy. 
 
 AEXOLD GUYOT, LL. D., 
 Professor of Geology and Physical Geography. 
 
 GEO. MUSGEAYE GIGEE, A. M., 
 Professor of Latin. 
 
 Eev. JOHX T. DUFFIELD, A. M., 
 
 Professor of Mathematics. 
 
 J. stillwell schaxck, a. m., ^l d., 
 
 Professor of Chemistry and Lecturer on Zoology. 
 
 Eev. WILLIAM A. DOD, A. M., 
 
 Lecturer on the Fine Arts. 
 
 HEXEY C. CAMEEOX, A. M., 
 
 Adjunct Professor of Greek. 
 
 IIEXRY M. BAIED, A. ]\l., 
 Tutor in Greek, and Teacher of French. 
 
 JAMES McDOUGALL, Jr., A. M., 
 
 Tutor in Mathematics. 
 
 D. S. GEEGOEY, A. B., 
 
 Tutor in Belles Lettres. 
 
 GEESHOM H. XIMMO, A. B., 
 
 Eegister. 
 
 CAEL LAXGLOTZ, 
 
 Teacher of German. 
 
DATE DUE 
 
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 GAYLORD 
 
 
 
 PRINTED IN U S A.