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GIRARD COLLEGE
AND
ITS FOUNDER:
CONTAINING
THE BIOGRAPHY OF MR. GIRARD,
THE
HISTORY OF THE INSTITUTION, ITS ORGANIZATION AND PLAN O0
DISCIPLINE, WITH THE COURSE OF EDUCATION. FORMS CR
ADMISSION OF PUPILS, DESCRIPTION OF THE
BUILDINGS, &C. &C.. AND
~~e  ~ill of   r# ~irara.
BY
HENRY W. AREY,
SECRETARY OF THE GIRARD COLLE0E.
PHILADELPHIA:
C. SHERMAN & SON, PRINTERS,
S. W. CORNER OF SEVENTH AND CHERRY STS.
1861.




Entered, aecording to Act of Congress, in the year 1852, by HENRY
W. AREY, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States
for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
BIThrOTYFP.   Yt J, fAGAN. &G. BHEO  B. InER.




CONTENTS.
BIOGRAPHY  OF STEPHEN  GIRARD.........................I,  a
HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE, AND ITS PLAN OF ORGANIZATION  AND  DISCIPLINE..................................................... 30
DESCRIPTION1  OF THE BUILDINGS.............................. 44
WILL  OF MR. GIRARD............................................................... 57








BIOGRAPHY
OF
STEIPHEN GIRARD.
No contribution hitherto made in this country to the great cause
of human charity, has excited more general interest, or become
more widely known, than the Bequest of Stephen Girard to establish and maintain a College for orphans. The character of the
benevolence, the magnitude of the find, and the splendor of the
building, have all contributed to bring his institution prominently
before the public eye, and to make it the object of pride to every
citizen, and of attraction to every stranger.
The history of any man, whose kind heart could conceive, and
whose vast means could accomplish a purpose fraught with so
much good, would be interesting; but the life of Mr. Girard is
more than this, —it is instructive.  It teaches us what we can do
in the face of obstacles, when we are patient, zealous, and self-reliant; it shows that there is at least a partial omnipotence about
the human will, that can supply the want of wealth; of friends,
and of education; but above all, it exemplifies how the hard toil
of a life-time, and the thirst for gold, may be elevated: and sanctified by being devoted to the claims of humanity.
Although comparatively humble in his origin, and without the
advantages of wealth or education and the influences of friends,
he has reared to his memory the proudest and most enduiing of
monuments. Yet splendid as is the marble structure which stands
1*                                         (5)




6             BIOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN GIRARD.
above his remains, it yields in beauty to the moral monument
The benefactor sleeps among the orphan poor, whom  his bounty
is constantly rearing.  Thus for ever present, unseen but felt, he
daily stretches forth his "invisible hands " to lead some friendless
child from ignorance and vice, to- usefulness and perhaps distinction.
And when, in the fullness of time, many homes have been made
happy, many orphans have been fed and clothed and educated, and
many men rendered useful to their country and tllemselves, each
happy home, or rescued child, or useful citizen will be a living
monument to perpetuate the name and embalm the memory of the
dead "I Mariner and Merchant."
The retiring disposition and unobtrusive character of Mr. Girard, refused to gratify the curiosity, which was not unfrequently
expressed during his life-time, to learn something of his early history.  It is not therefore remarkable that hitherto, in the absence
of all means of knowledge, no reliable information, particularly of
this portion of his life, has existed, and that many erroneous statements have been so frequently made, that Fiction has now almost
grown to be Fact. Among the provisions of his will is the direction, that his books and papers shall be deposited in a room of his
College, and be therein carefully preserved.  Fortunately these
musty records have afforded in a material degree the light which
has hitherto been wanting, and to them the writer has been principally indebted for the materials of this brief Biography.
Stephen Girard was born in Bordeaux on the 21st day of May
1750.  Hlie was the eldest of five children who were descended
from Pierre Girard, described in the registry of Baptism, now preserved in that city, as a sea-captain, and Mdlle. Lafargue his wife.
Without wishing to trespass upon the sacred privacy of domes,
tic life, it is painfully evident even from the scanty light afforded
by his lette's, that the early life of Stephen was by no means a
happy one.  In every one of the few references which are found
in this portion of his history - for it was a subject that he seldom
referred to, —there is the same proof, that his childhood had no
pleasant or sweet remembrances. Sixty-three years afterwards, ho
thus wrote of this portion of his history. "I have the proud sat.




BIOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN GIRARD.                  7
isfaction to know that my conduct, my labor, and my economy
have enabled me to do one hundred times more for my relatives,
than they altogether have ever done for me since the day of my
birth. While my brothers were taught at College, I was the only
one whose education was neglected. But the love of labor, which
has not left me yet, has placed me in the rankls of citizens useful
to society."  The correct cause of this unhappiness is now difficult
to ascertain, but one reason is at least suggested in that not unfrequent source of similar difficulties, — a second marriage by his father. In a letter written in 1789, he thus again refers to this
period of his life.  " I was very young when my father married
again, and since then, I can say with truth, I have made my way
alone, with means gained from my nurse, the sea."
The early career of Stephen affords nothing of particular interest. Entering upon the active pursuits of life at a period when
most children are yet at school, his education was necessarily limited, but he subsequently partially supplied this want, by careful
study and observation, as is sufficiently attested by the neatness
and accuracy of m-any early papers in his hand-writing yet in existence.
Thus impelled by feelings of early disappointment, but most
likely influenced still more by that self-reliance and persevering
ambition which were so characteristic of him, Stephen early decided to throw himself upon his own resources, and, guided no
doubt by the occupation of his father, selected the sea as his future means of livelihood.  In the year 1764, then not quite fourteen years of age, he left his home with the consent of his parents,
and for the purpose of acquiring a practical knowledge of the profession he had chosen, sailed for St. Domingo in the capacity of a
sailor on board a vessel called the " Pelerin," commanded by Captain John Courteau. Upon the termination of this voyage, which
lasted some ten months, he returned to his home, t but soon sailed
again for the French West Indian possessions, between which
islands and Bordeaux he continued to make friequent voyages in the
course of the next nine years. During this time he labored assid



8             BIOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN GIRARD.
ulously to supply the want of early education, and particularly to
perfect himself in nautical information. And with such favorable
results was this industry attended, that his last voyages were performed in the capacity of first officer, or, as the office was then
termed in the French mercantile marine, Lieutenant of his vessel.
Stephen was no idler during these cruises..In addition to
becoming proficient in practical navigation and astronomy, he was
laying the foundation of his future fortune by careful study of
general mercantile operations, and particularly of the products of
these Islands, the habits of their people, and their mode of buying
and selling.
Upon his return to his home at the termination of his sixth
voyage, having now obtained the requisite theoretical and practical
knowledge, he applied for authority to command a vessel.  The
existing laws of France required that in addition to a fixed period
of sea service, the applicant should have made two cruises upon a
national vessel, and should be at least twenty-five years of age.
These two latter requisites were wanting in his case, but the influence of his family was sufficient to obtain a dispensation, and after
undergoing the necessary examination, a license was duly granted
on the 4th of October 1773, which is yet in existence, giving (for
so it reads) "to Stephen Girard of Bordeaux full authority to act
as Captain, Master, and Patron of a'Merchant Vessel."
The early age at which he attained this rapid promotion in the
face of limited education and -other difficulties, sufficiently attests
the zeal and energy with which he must have labored during
these ten years, and gave earnest of that decision of character and
perseverance which so distinguished his after life.
His attention appears now for the first time to have been turned
to the prosecution of commercial affairs in connection with the
pursuit of the sea; and at this. period commences the first continuous record which- is to be found among the, large mass of books
and papers, the accumulation of nearly sixty years of active business
life, which he directs shall be preserved in one of the rooms of
the College. This Record consists of a Journal kept by himself
in a neat and careful style, and contains the invoices and the




BIOGRAPHY OF' STEPHEN GIRARlD.               9
accounts of sales of a quantity of goods suited to a West India
market, which he at this time purchased from sundry merchants
in Bordeaux, partly on his own credit and partly on that of his
father; and from this period, beginning with this moderate investment, really dates the commencement of that magnificent fortune,
which in after years, so abundantly rewarded his industry, perseverance, and economy.
With'these goods, amounting to nearly 16,000 livres, or about
3000 dollars in Federal money, Mr. Girard started on his first
mercantile adventure, and sailed again from his home, (which he
never afterwards revisited,) arriving at St. Marc's, in the island of
St. Domingo, in the month of February 1774. He soon disposed
of his venture there, and at Port au Prince; and, converting the
proceeds into produce, he left the West Indies and arrived for the'
first time in the United States, at the port of New York, in the
month of July of the same year. The business tact and shrewdness displayed in disposing of the articles which he brought with
him to New York, attracted the notice of Mr. Thomas Randall,
then a merchant of that place, whose countenance and assistance
proved of material advantage to him in his subsequent mercantile
arrangements. During the three following years he laboriously
employed his time in trading between New York, New Orleans,
and Port au Prince; in the first instance as mate on board a ship
called L'amiable Louise, Captain Malahard, and subsequently as
master and part owner, jointly with Mr. Randall, of a small vessel
and cargo.
It was in this latter capacity, that in the month of May 1777,
Mr. Girard entered the waters of the Delaware, and arrived for
the first time at Philadelphia. The business facilities and practical information which he had by this time acquired through his intercourse with merchants in New York, New Orleans, and St.
Domingo, joined to the control of a small capital gained by his
thrift and steady labor since his departure from Bordeaux, determined him now to change the dangerous profession of a sailor, for
the less hazardous and more profitable one of a merchant. With
this view he commenced businessand rented a store in Water




10           BIOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN GIRARD.
street, within a short distance of the spot where he afterwards
located himself permanently.
In the month of July of this year, Mr. G-irard was married to
5Mary Lumm, a native of Philadelphia; and soon after the mar.
riage, on the approach of the British troops to take possession of
the city, he left with his wife for Mount Holly in the state of New
Jersey, where he purchased a small property, and where he continued to reside until the evacuation of Philadelphia by the enemy
on the 17th of June 1778, when he again returned and resumed his
business. Although unwilling to dwell upon a subject of so much
delicacy, it is proper to state, that this marriage did not result happily.
There is sufficient evidence among the papers of Mr. Girard to show,
that, as is not unusual in such matters, his reputation while living,
and his memory after death, have both unjustly suffered from erroneous public impressions on this subject.  In the beginning
of the year 1785, his wife exhibited signs of derangement of mind,
which increased until it became necessary to to make application
for her admission into the Pennsylvania Hospital, were she was
accordingly received in September of that year.  Shortly afterwards however, anxious to try every means of restoration, he removed her from that institution, and placed her in the country, but
without benefit. In consequence of this affliction, his domestic
condition became so painful, that he finally determined to return
to his old occupation of a mariner, and by absence seek the tranquillity denied him in his home.  For this purpose he sailed for
the Mediterranean, but upon his return finding that the disorder
of his wife, instead of being lessened, had greatly augmented, he
took measures to place her again in the Hospital.  Mrs. Girard
was admitted anew on the 31st of August 1790, into that institution, where she gave birth in May of the following year to a female child (the only issue of this unfortunate marriage) who died
shortly afterwards, and where she remained until her death in September 1815. Her remains were deposited in the grounds on the
north side of the Hospital.
Upon his return to Philadelphia, Mr. Girard directed his attention particularly to the West India trade, for which his previous




BIOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN GIRARD.                 11
education peculiarly fitted him, and for, which Some advantages
were furnished in the residence in St. Domingo of his brother. John,
who had now become a member of a commercial house at Cape
Francois.
Prosecuting successfully this trade, Mr. Girard in the year 1780'entered.into partnership with Joseph'Baldesqui; for although the
fact is not generally known, he was on two occasions engaged
jointly in business; - first, in the instance just cited, and afterwards in 1786 with his brother John. Neither of these business
arrangements continued long, or proved satisfactory; for his active
mind, and intuitive perception in commercial matters, could ill
brook the restraint and mistakes of others less favored.
The earnest labor, and the strict economy, with which he conducted his business at this period, joined to unusual skill as a
merchant, now rendered his progress to fortune both sure and
rapid.  In 1784 he constructed his first vessel the "Two Brothers," and his brother having arrived in September 1786 to take
his place in the management of the house here, Stephen sailed in
command of this brig for Charleston, and thence to the Mediterranean, returning to Philadelphia in July 1788.  This partnership was shortly afterwards dissolved, and he resumed the management of his business in person, continuing afterwards to reside
uninterruptedly in the city of Philadelphia until his death.
At this period of the life of Mr. Girard, an incident occurred
which deserves more than a passing notice; -- an incident, which
for its moral heroism and self-denying charity, gives to his name
even a higher title than that of being the Founder of the College
for Orphans.
In the latter part of the month of July 1793, a malignant dis.
order, which soon proved to be the Yellow Fever in its most fatal
form, broke out in Water street between Arch and Race streets in
the city of- Philadelphia.  Extending northwards to Vine street,
it was soon communicated to Front, and thence extended to the
parallel streets, and those running east and west.  Every attempt
to stay the disorder. proved unavailing, and the pestilence swept
on with resistless power, gathering fresh force with fresh victims,




12            BIOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN GIRARD.
until the fair city became one vast charnel-house.  All whose
means or circumstances permitted, fled in dismay, and the scenes
of horror and death that were exhibited in the streets of Philadelphia, particularly from the 25th of August until late in the month
of September; could not have been excelled, in proportion to the
population, by the famous plague of Athens, or the pestilence of
London.  The ties of nature were for the moment forgotten, or
ruptured. Authentic cases are recorded, where parent and child,
and husband and wife, died deserted and alone, for want of a little
care from the hands of absent kindred. The public buildings were
closed, most of the churches were shut up, and the few remaining
Dpen were nearly deserted; grass literally grew in the streets, and
nothing disturbed the silence of this desolation, except the occasional wail of some victim which stole out upon the air, or the
rumbling of the cart which carried the sick man to the Hospital,
or the dead man to the grave.
In the midst of this terrific pestilence, an anonymous call appeared on the 10th of September in the Federal Gazette, the only
paper which continued to be published, stating that all'ut three
of the Visitors of the Poor had either fled or succumbed to the
disease, and begging for assistance from such benevolent citizens
as would volunteer their aid.  In consequence of this call, a meeting was held at the City Hall on the 12th and another on the 14th
of that month, at which a committee was appointed of those who
voluntarily offered their services in the dangerous undertaking.
This committee, originally consisting of twenty-seven, but which
ultimately dwindled to twelve members, immediately proceeded to
take active measures for the relief of the distressed.  Their first
care was directed to the organization of the Hospital at Bush Hill,
which was reported by the Physician in attendance as being without order or regulation, far from clean, and in immediate want of
qualified persons to begin and establish the necessary arrangements. These qualified agents were not to be had. Money could
not purchase such self-devotion, for the entrance to that pest-house
was deemed but a passage to the grave. At this trying moment,
two men magnanimously offered themselves as the forlorn hope of




BIOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN GIRARD.                13
the committee.  On the minutes of that body under date of September 15, is found the following extract: "Stephen Girard, and
Peter Helm, members of the committee, commiserating the calamitous state to which the sick may probably be reduced for want of
suitable persons to superintend the Hospital, voluntarily offered
their services for that benevolent employment."  The late Mathew Carey, himself also a member of that body, describing this
incident, writes as follows: " At the meeting on Sunday, September
the 15th, a circumstance occurred to which the most glowing pencil can hardly do justice. Stephen Girard, a wealthy merchant, a
native of France, and one of the members of the committee, sympathizing with the wretched situation of the sufferers at Bush
Hill, voluntarily and unexpectedly offered himself as a manager to
superintend that Hospital.  The surprise and satisfaction excited
by this extraordinary effort of humanity, can be better conceived
than expressed."
To estimate properly the value of this act of self-devotion, we
must call to mind that Mr. Girard was then in the zenith of his life
and already a man of wealth and influence, with a prospect before him
of a long career of happiness, usefulness, and riches. A foreigner,
and without immediate family, it could not be expected that any
strong bonds of sympathy existed between him and the people of
that pestilence-stricken city.  Before him stood probable death in
its most repulsive form; certain and heavy losses were to be
entailed in the neglect of his private interests; the most loathsome
and the most menial duties were to be performed in person; and
the possible reward of all this was a nameless grave upon the
heights of Bush Hill.
On the afternoon of the same day on which he offered his services, Mr. Girard entered upon his duties, and his persevering and
decisive character was immediately felt in every thing.  Order
soon reigned where all'before was confusion; cleanliness took the
place of filth; attendants and medicines were at hand; supplies
and accommodations were provided, and on the very next day he
reported the Hospital as ready to afford every assistance.  The
following interesting extract from a letter written by him at this




14            BIOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN GIRARD.
time to his friend Samatan in Marseilles, describes vividly the con.
dition of things in this unfortunate city.  "The mortality is so
great, and the fear so general, that it is no longer possible to find
nurses for the sick, or men to bury the dead.  In fine, we are in
a most deplorable situation.  Those of our people who have
escaped the disease, have fled from their homes; almost all the
houses are closed, and Philadelphians are not received into the
neighboring villages, without' undergoing quarantine.  The few
who have had the courage to remain, have established a Hospital
at a little distance from the city, for the reception of the unfortunate.  I am the active Director, which causes me much' anxiety.
I do not know when the disease will cease.  I am about leaving
this moment for the Hospital, where the great number of the
sick, who are constantly arriving, requires my constant presence."
For sixty days he continued to discharge his duties at the
Hospital, and up to the 9th of March following, when the committee concluded its labors,: and ceased to exist, his name is
found upon the records as a faithful attendant at its meetings.
And these noble men did not confine themselves to mere efforts to
stay the disease.  They raised upon their individual credit the
necessary funds, until public contributions could reimburse them;
they supplied the poor with money, provisions, and firewood; they
furnished burial for the dead; they received under their care 192
orphan children, (many of. them infants,) whose natural protectors
had perished of the fever; they cleansed and purified all infected
places; and they ceased their labors only when they had taken
precautions against a similar calamity in future, by procuring better
sanitary regulations, and a permanent Hospital for such diseases.
The deadly nature of the sickness may be inferred from the
fact, that during the: period between the Ist of August and the
9th of November, 4031 interments took place in the burial
grounds in and about the city, out of a' population of not quite
25,000 persons who remained in Philadelphia and the Districts
during the Plague.
The feelings which actuated Mr. Girard, and the modest estimate which he placed upon these services may be best infejrre




BIOGtRIAPHY OF STEPHEN GIRARD.               15
from the following extracts of the very few and brief letters which
he appears to have written during the continuance of the disease.
"'The deplorable situation to which fiight and sickness have
reduced the inhabitants of our city, demands succor from those
who do not fear death, or who at least do not see any risk in the
epidemic which now prevails here. This will occupy me for
some time, and if I have the misfortune to succumb, I will have
at least the satisfaction to have performed a duty which we all
owe to each other." (Letter to Les Fils de P. Changeraux and
Co., Baltimore, September 16th, 1793.) "You will receive my
thanks for your high opinion respecting my occupation in the
calamity which has lately afflicted my fellow-citizens.  On that
occasion, I only regret that my strength and ability have not fully
seconded my good will." (To John Ferris, New York, November
4th, 1793.) Among the proudest memorials of its founder which
the College now possesses, is a worm-eaten and dust-covered chest,
containing the records and papers connected with his administration
of the Hospital, during that eventful period.
In 1797 and 1798, the fever again prevailed in Philadelphia
with fearful violence, and again Mr. Girard exhibited the same
enlarged philanthropy, and the same disregard of danger, by
liberal contributions and personal services to the sick and dying.
It has been currently believed, that at the time of the insurrection and massacre which occurred in St. Domingo, in 1793, he
received a large accession to his fortune, from valuables placed
for safety on board of his vessels, then lying there, and which
were never claimed, on account of the owners being destroyed by
the blacks.  It is almost needless to say, that no reliable evidence
for this belief has ever been furnished.  On the contrary, his
books would seem to show that he must have sustained heavy
losses by the destruction of large amounts of goods, in Cape
Francois, when that town was burned by the insurgents, and by
the massacre or bankruptcy of many of the merchants who were
in his debt.
IHis advancement to great wealth was henceforth sure and rapid.
During the period that intervened between 1793 and 1812, his




16            BIOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN GIRARD.
business had extended over a much larger field than hitherto. Not
confining himself as before to the commerce of the West Indies,
or an occasional voyage to the south of Europe, and departing
from the usual custom of merchants in expecting quick returns,
he adopted a system of mercantile operations which proved to
him of incalculable advantage. This consisted in a series of long
voyages, in which, by repeated exchanges at different ports, the
venture was finally returned increased by these accumulated profits.  The grain or cotton of this country, with which his staunch
ships were freighted, was exchanged with the Lisbon trader, or the
merchant of Bordeaux, for the fruits of the one, or the wines of
the other, in order to pay the Russian for the iron or hemp which
the same vessel brought back to him; or the sugar and coffee of
the West Indies, furnished him at Hamburg or Amsterdam with
the outward cargo or the Spanish dollars which were to procure
him at the Spice islands, Calcutta or Canton, the product of those
climes, and thus bring to his doors from each distant portion of the
globe, the added riches of the world.  It was during this period,
that he built the splendid fleet of vessels which he principally
named after distinguished French Philosophers, and which were
then unexcelled in our marine for quality and size. The Rousseau,
the Voltaire, the Helvetius, and the Montesquieu, were among
the most favored and most successful of his vessels.
The skill and judgment required in conducting such complicated
affairs, and the unusual ability exhibited in the letters of instruction to his captains, supercargoes, or consignees, in these voyages,
displaying alike a thorough knowledge of his profession and an
intimate acquaintance with human nature, evidence that Mr. Girard possessed a mind and powers that would have rendered him
eminent in any department of life, and that with the advantages
of extended education he would have been one of the most distinguished, as he certainly was one of the most remarkable men of
his time.
In these letters of instruction, which are admirable models of
their kind, he was most precise and particular in giving directions
for every contingency, and he invariably required the strictest obe



BIOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN GIRARD.                 17
dienee to his orders, let the result be what it might. Ile was also
rigid in demanding from his officers and men, correct habits and
conduct while in his employment.  Having some suspicion of one
of the officers of his ship Voltaire, about to sail in 1815 to Canton, he wrote to Captain [Bowen, " I desire you not to permit a
drunken or immoral man to remain on board of your ship. Whenever such a man makes disturbance, or is disagreeable to the rest
of the crew, no matter who he is, discharge him whenever you
have the opportunity.  And if any of my apprentices should not
conduct themselves properly, I authorize you to correct them as I
would myself.  My intention being, that they shall learn their
business, so after they are free they may be useful to themselves
and to their country."
In 1802 he was elected to represent his fellow-citizens in the
councils of Philadelphia, and he continued for several terms to serve
them in that capacity faithfully and usefully.  For over twentytwo years he also discharged the duties of Warden of the Port, to
which office he was annually appointed by the various state administrations.  For although the absorbing character of his extensive
business, as well as his retiring disposition, prevented him from
seeking any distinction foreign to his occupation, yet he fully recognized the claims that the Public have to the services of every
citizen.  As a Director of many public institutions he also freely
gave his time, which to him really was money: and in the discharge of all these duties he was faithful, prompt, and intelligent.
About the year 1810, the funds belonging to Mr. Girard in the
hands of Messrs.- Baring, Brothers and Co. of London had increased to nearly one million of dollars.  To withdraw this large
amount without danger of loss was a task of no ordinary difficulty,
and his papers show that he experienced much alarm and anxiety
on this account. Exchange in England had fallen below par; the
solvency of the foreign house was for a time a matter of great
doubt, and the difficulties between Great Britain and this country
already threatened war. But by skilful management he succeeded
safely and profitably in extricating his money, principally by pur.
chasing in England United States government stock and shares of
9*`a




18            BIOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN GIRARD.
the Bank of the United States.  Having thus obtained so large
an interest in this bank, upon the expiration of its charter in 1811
he determined to become a banker; and having in June 1812 purchased the banking house of that institution he commenced his
operations.  The business of the National Bank and the funds in
its vaults remained with his institution, and he thus began his
new career with unusual advantages and prospects of success,
while at the same time the distress which would have resulted
from the abstraction of so large an amount of capital from the
community was prevented.
He did not however permit this new occupation to withdraw
him from his former mercantile pursuits.  His trade with China,
the East Indies, and other places east of the Cape of Good
Hope, as well as with the north of Europe, was continued as extensively and as profitably as hitherto.  Although the skill with
which he directed his business gave his operations general success,
it must not be supposed that equal good fortune attended all his
speculations. Occasionally he met with heavy losses, and his eminent genius for his profession was as strongly shown by the celerity with which he recovered from reverses, as by his usual success.
"-We are all the subjects, (he says in one of his letters,) of what
you call'reverses of fortune.' The great secret is to make good
use of fortune, and when reverses come, receive them with'sang
froid,' and by redoubled activity and economy endeavor to repair
them."  A striking instance will best illustrate this trait in his
character.  On the 17th of December 1810, his fine ship the
"Montesquieu " sailed from the port of Philadelphia for Valparaiso,
and thence for Canton, where she arrived on the 19th of February 1812. In November of the same year, she sailed from this
latter place for Philadelphia with a most valuable China cargo on
board. Singular as it may seem, she passed through that immense
extent of sea without meeting a British cruiser or speaking a vessel
that could inform her of the war which then existed between Great
Britain and this country.  She arrived off the capes of the Delaware on the night of the 26th of March 1813, and commenced
discharging guns for a pilot.  This firing soon attracted the atten.




BIOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN GIRARD.                 19
tion of a small schooner called "La Paz," (indignantly described
by Mr. Girard as about the size of a wood-shallop,) then laying
inside the cape off Lewistown, and which proved to be a tender
to the British man-of-war " Poictiers." As soon as the light and
the tide served in the morning, this small and ill-manned craft
pushed out to sea, and sailing up to the unresisting though wellarmed Montesquieu, captured her and her valuable cargo.
The loss of this fine vessel and cargo, neither of which was insured, at his very doors, after passing safely through all the perils
of the sea, was of course a severe trial to Mr. Girard; but he immediately set about repairing the disaster, and after the necessary
negotiations with Sir John Beresford, who then commanded the
English squadron in our waters, he ransomed her for the very
large sum of 180,000 dollars, which he paid in coin. The vessel
was released and proceeded up to the city, and his calculations and
foresight were most fully realized in the result; for it is shown by
his books, that notwithstanding this heavy loss, the cargo brought
him enormous profits, a large portion of the teas producing as high
as $2.14 per pound at auction, in consequence of the scarcity
caused by the war.
Soon after his arrival at Philadelphia, Mr. Girard took the oath
of allegiance to the Government, (the preliminary residence now
required being then not necessary,) and became a citizen of the
United States.  His attachment to his adopted country was sincere and undoubted. In heart and on principle a republican, his
sympathies were soon warmly enlisted for the land which had sheltered him, and under whose free institutions he had prospered.
On several occasions during the war of 1812, he rendered valuable
services to the government by placing at its disposal the resources
of his bank, at times of difficulty and embarrassment. And when,
in 1814, the public credit was prostrated, and the resources of the
country were sorely taxed, he promptly stepped forward and sub.
scribed to a very large loan which the administration had vainly
before sought to obtain.  The sinews of war were thus furnished,
public confidence was restored, and a series of brilliant victories
resulted in a peace, to which he thus referred in a letter written




20            BIOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN GIRARD.
in 1815 to his friend Morton of Bordeaux; —"The peace which
has taken place between this country and England, will consolidate for ever our independence and insure our tranquillity."  In
1814, the government was unable to pay the interest on the public
debt.  Mr. Girard, to whom  the United States were indebted in
a very large'amount, promptly set an example to other creditors by writing to A. J. Dallas, then Secretary of the Treasury,
as follows: "I am of opinion that those who have any claim for
interest on public stock, &c., should patiently wait for a more
favorable moment, or at least receive in payment treasury-notes.
Should you be under the necessity of resorting to either of those
plans, as one of the public creditors, I shall not murmur."
During the period when the neutral position of this country
gave its shipping superior advantages, and when he was rigidly
cautious in forbidding his captains to receive on his vessels any
passenger or cargo other than his own, his letters of instruction
almost always contain the stereotype paragraph,' But if you meet
with American seamen in distress, you are to follow my invariable
rule- take them on board and bring them home free of expense."
One of the most solemn injunctions in his will is the direction that
" by every proper means a pure -attachment to our republican
institutions, and to the sacred rights of conscience, as guarantied
by our happy constitution, shall be formed and fostered in the
minds of these scholars."
From  the period of the establishment of his bank, until his
death, Mr. Girard continued to prosecute uninterruptedly his commercial and banking business.  Although the vast and complicated nature of these occupations would have been sufficient to occupy the entire attention of most men, he found sufficient leisure,
by methodizing his time, to indulge a strong fondness for agricultural pursuits, by cultivating a farm in the neighbourhood of the
city. To this place he paid almost daily visits, directing with
skill its operations, and assisting personally in its labors, and few
of his vessels ever.sailed for distant places without taking: out
orders for choice plants, seeds, or fruit-trees, to adorn and improve
it.  These new varieties of fruits and flowers were gradually ex



BIOGRAPHY OP STEPHEN GIRARD.                 21
tended throughout the neighborhood, and much of the celebrity
which the markets of Philadelphia have enjoyed is thus due to
his enterprise and love of such pursuits.
To every judicious public improvement he was an early and
constant friend, but so retiring was his disposition, that whein the
directors of the Schuylkill Navigation Company, wishing to testify
their gratitude for his kindness in loaning large amounts of money,
and taking large amounts of stock, by formal vote requested him
to sit for his portrait, to be preserved in the archives of the company, he peremptorily refused compliance.
Although cautious not to be imposed upon in affording
relief, the heart of Mr. Girard was not often closed to an authentic case of distress. There is ample evidence to show that his
private charities were much more extensive than the world has
given him credit for. Although differing from the great majority
of denominations in his religious sentiments, he gave freely when
his assistance was asked for the erection of churches and other
Christian institutions.  To his neighbors, especially when sick,
he was attentive and humane, nursing them and administering to
their ailments, in which he had considerable skill, and in which he
always took pleasure. His belief in the many simple remedies
with which he was in the habit of treating the sick, was accompanied, as is not unusual in such cases, with a rather disparaging
opinion of the Medical Profession. In the annual recurrence of
the fever which followed for many years the epidemic of 1793, and
in which his services were always freely rendered to the sick and
poor, he attributed much of the severity of the disease to the ignorance of the local physicians about the nature of the pestilence.
The following humorous allusion to the doctors is found in a letter
written in January 1799 to his friend'Devize, then in France, but
who had been associated with him as physician of the Bush Itll
hospital in 1793.  After describing the effects of the epidemic, lhe
says:-" During all this frightful time, I have constantly remained
in the city, and without neglecting my public duties I have played
a part which will make you smile.  Would you believe it, my
friend, that I have visited as many as fifteen sick people in a day,




2'2           BIOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN GIRARD.
and what will surprise you still more, I have lost only one patient,
an Irishman, who would drink a little.  I do not flatter myself
that I have cured one single person, but you will think with me,
that in my quality of Philadelphia physician I have been very
moderate, and that not one of my confreres have killed fewer than
myself."
As has been already stated, his feelings were early alienated
from his family, yet during his entire life he supported or assisted
such of them as were in need. And it is due to his memory to
record here, that his books furnish unmistakeable evidence, that
the public impression which has usually prevailed on the subject
of his want of kindness to his relatives, has been incorrect and
unjust.
The fame of his large fortune, exaggerated beyond the truth
by popular rumor, joined to the absence of children on whom to
bestow it, caused him to be almost constantly importuned for assistance or relief, from all parts of the country, and from known and
unknown sources.
Although it is reasonable to suppose that most of these applications were destroyed when received, yet a sufficient number still
exist to cause wonder at their frequency, and excite a smile at the
transparent cupidity of their writers.  It is not known at what
period of his life his attention was first directed to the establishment of an Institution for Orphans, but there is reason to believe
that the idea had been entertained for years, and that the details
of its plan had been the subject of long and careful reflection.
It is at least a curious coincidence in connection with this subject, that among his papers are found two anonymous letters, in
the French language, which were sent to Mr. Girard in 1810,
accompanied by a copy of the Testament of Fortune' Ricard, to
whose benevolent bequests the writer earnestly calls his attention.
The main object of these communications, which are written with
unusual ability, would seem to have been to induce him to transfer
his great wealth to his native land.  For this purpose they endeavor to appeal to the feeling which is supposed never to be
extinguished, of attachment to the fatherland, and give a glowing




BIOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN GIRARD.                 23
picture of France, her arts and arms. They refer to the distracted
condition of this country, on the probable eve of a war with the
most powerful nation of Europe, in which the United States
" must" be subjugated, and assure him, that in the anarchy following conquest, his fortune will be scattered and lost. They remind
him that in Europe wealth gives rank and distinction, while here
the man of silver is not respected, but only valued.  Appealing
to his well-known love for agricultural pursuits, they draw  a
striking picture of this "guide and patron of all French merchants" located in the fertile and beautiful fields of Languedoc,
the owner of thousands of broad acres, of beautiful vineyards and
splendid herds; and finally describe him as dying, after founding a
magnificent institution of benevolence in Paris-his name descending to posterity, blessed by the poor and homeless.  And they
conclude with this strikling expression, that he must remember
that "benevolence is the only treasure which the rich man can
take with him to the grave."
In his personal habits, Mr. Girard was a model of regularity
and abstemiousness, and to these qualities must be attributed his
vigorous health, long life, and general freedom from disease. An
early riser, he devoted the day most faithfully to industrious pursuits, and, as has been with justice remarked, his very relaxations
were mere varieties of labor.  His dwelling-house was under the
same roof with his counting-room, in a narrow street near the
river, and in a locality almost entirely occupied by stores.  The
furniture was substantial but plain, and his only equipage was a
homely chaise drawn by a sober-looking farm-horse.  In his dress
and personal appearance, he was as plain as the humblest citizen,
and so far was he from pride of purse, that no stranger could have
distinguished this possessor of millions from any of the toiling
thousands around him.
There is no evidence that he loved money.  The disappointments of his early days, and more particularly the sadness of his
married life, with the absence of those social claims and pleasures
which give to man his usual aims and objects, would seem to have
rendered -business and the accumulation of wealth rather a' neces



24            BIOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN GIRARD.
sary occupation than a source of delight. No one who has had
access to his private papers can fail to become impressed with the
belief, that these early disappointments furnish the true key to
his entire character.  Originally of warm and generous impulses,
the belief in childhood that he had not been given his share of
the love and kindness which were extended to others, changed the
natural current of his feelings, and acting on a warm and passionate temperament, alienated him from his home, his parents, and his
friends. And when in after time there was superadded the years
of bitter anguish resulting from his unfortunate and ill-adapted
marriage, rendered even more poignant by the necessity of concealment, and the consequent injustice of public sentiment, and
marring all his cherished expectations, it may be readily understood why constant occupation became a necessity, and labor a
pleasure. The accumulation of money was then the result, and
not the aim of his labors.  In an action of law brought against
his estate after his death, a letter to the plaintiff from Mr. Girard
was produced and read.  In it, occur these striking words;" When I rise in the morning, my only effort is to labor so hard
during the day, that when the night comes, I may be enabled to
sleep soundly."  What a vista of disappointed hopes and broken
ties, what misery in the midst of millions, is presented in this short
sentence! Still from time to time, the genial affection with which
nature had originally endowed him, beamed forth in spite of the
clouds of affliction and trouble. This was evidenced in his general
love for children, and particularly by the strong affection he displayed for his grand-niece Caroline Lallemand; in the care with
which he nurtured in his own house, and educated, the orphan
daughters of his brother John; in his support for many years, and
until their deaths, of his aunt Lafargue, and his sister Victoire;
in the assistance extended to his brother Etienne, and the kindness
with which he brought to this country and educated his two sons;
and in the interest he always displayed for those who had
been reared in his service, and whose conduct and character pleased
and  satisfied  him.  And when  in  the midst of pestilence
and death, the concealed but still living springs of love for his




BIOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN GIRARD.                 25
race broke forth afresh, no danger was too great, and no service
too severe, for this misunderstood but really kind-hearted man.
HI-e thus compared his own condition with that of his friend
Duplessis, in a letter written to the latter in New Orleans in 1804.
" I observe with pleasure that you have a numerous family, that you
are happy and in the possession of an honest fortune. This is all that
a wise man has the right to wish for. As to myself, I live like a
galley-slave, constantly occupied and often passing the night without sleeping. I am wrapped up in a labyrinth of affairs, and worn
out with care.  I do not value fortune.  The love of labor is my
highest ambition. You perceive that your situation is a thousand
times preferable to mine." No one can become acquainted from
his confidential papers with the scope and power of his mind, and
the grandeur of his enterprises, without becoming also convinced
that he was a most remarkable man, of penetrating sagacity and
massive intellect, and possessing elements of greatness of which
the busy world around him was little aware, when they regarded
him merely as a merchant seeking his profit.
In the winter of 1830, Mr. Girard, while walking in the streets
of Philadelphia, was thrown down by a passing vehicle, and
received such injuries of the head, that, for the first time, a
marked failing was observed in his physical powers. But he had
apparently almost recovered from its effects, when in December
1831, he was attacked by the influenza, then prevailing epidemically.  This soon prostrated him, and the disease resulting in
pneumonia, it was before long evident that he could not survive
the attack. The last few days of his life were spent in an unconscious state, and on the. 26th day of December, at four o'clock
in the afternoon, Mr. Girard ceased to exist.
As soon as his death became known, the authorities of the city
convened and decreed him a public funeral; the flags of the
shipping and public buildings were displayed at half-mast, and
various manifestations of regret for the loss of a distinguished
and useful citizen, were exhibited -by the people. His remains,
attended by an immense concourse of citizens, and by all the public authorities, were interred, on the 30th of December, in the
Q




26            BIOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN GIRARD.
graveyard attached to the Roman Catholic church, at the corner
of Spruce and Sixth streets. These remains were subsequently
removed, and deposited with fitting ceremonies in the vestibule of
his College, on the 30th of September, 1851.
Upon an examination of his last will and testament, it was
found that his benevolence had not been confined to the Institution which formed the principal object of his bounty, but that in
addition to numerous legacies to his relatives and to persons
employed in his service, the Hospital for the sick, the Institution
for the Deaf and Dumb, the Orphan's Asylum, the PMasonic
Fraternity, the Public Schools, and the City of Philadelphia, were
all to receive a share of the fortune which be thus solemnly
devoted to charity and the benefit of his fellow-man.
The widely extended commercial affairs of Mr. Girard were
continued until the hour of his death, and his executors, upon
taking possession of his estate, found upon his books between
thirty and forty outstanding mercantile adventures to different
parts of the world, many of which were of considerable magnitude
The management and settlement of the largest estate which com
mercial enterprise, industry, and capacity, had ever accumulated in
this community, required unusual skill and labor; but such were
the intelligence and ability of the gentlemen to whom he had confided this duty, that his vast affairs were conducted to a successful
issue, without material loss or delay.
Mr. Girard directed that the business of his bank should be
settled apart from that of his individual, estate, and for this purpose in February 1826 he had executed a deed of assignment, to
take effect upon the day of his death, authorizing his Trustees to
take immediate possession of all the assests of the bank, and proceed
to close its affairs as speedily as possible, and transfer the effects
which remained to his executors as a part of his: estate.  The
unusual difficulty of this service may be inferred from the fact,
that on entering upon their duties, his Trustees found a statement
which had been made up to the Saturday preceding his death, from
which it appeared, that his estate was liable on demand for 909,844
dollars, while to meet these claims only 17,350 dollars in specie




BIOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN GMARD.                  27
were found in the vaults of the bank.  Their attention was next
directed to the debts due to the institution, which were ascertained
to amount to 3,479,961 dollars. At this period an unusual pressure existed in the money-market, and to abstract so large an
amount by proceeding to collect it forthwith, would have resulted
in the most ruinous consequences to the commercial community,
while at the same time it was indispensable to guard against a
refusal to pay any demand on the bank.  They managed however
this delicate duty with ability and fidelity, and the affairs of the
institution were closed without producing distress or embarrassment to its debtors, or causing delay or injustice to its creditors.
In selecting his trustees and executors, Mlr. Girard exhibited an
additional proof of that discernment and knowledge of mankind
which had marked his previous career, by choosing gentlemen
whose integrity.and position insured confidence in the discharge of
their duties, and whose business capacity enabled themn to conduct to a favorable termination the complicated affairs of his long
and arduous life, without material dispute, and with promptitude
and satisfaction to all concerned.
His fortune, which amounted to about 7,500,000 dollars, was
disposed of in the following manner. For the erection and endowment of his College, he gave 2,000,000 dollars; to different Institutions of Charity in and about Philadelphia, 116,000 dollars; to
his relatives and next of kin, 140,000 dollars; to the city of Philadelphia for the improvement of its eastern front, 500,000 dollars;
to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for internal improvements,
300,000 dollars; to sundry friends or persons who had been in
his employment, annuities representing a principal sum of 65,000
dollars; and he also bequeathed various legacies to apprentices and
servants, and to those of his captains who would bring his vessels
safely into port. He also devised to the cities of New Orleans
and Philadelphia 280,000 acres of land, situated in the state of
Louisiana; but this land was subsequently lost to the legatees by
a decision of the Supreme Court of the United States. The residue of his wealth was devised to the City of Philadelphiafor the
following purposes; lst, for the improvement and maintenance of




28            BIOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN GIRARD.
his College; 2d, for the establishment of a better system of police;
and 3d, to improve the city and diminish taxation.
The estimate which his fellow-citizens placed upon his character,
may be best learned by the following extract from the eloquent
resolutions adopted by the councils of Philadelphia' at the time
of his death.  "Contemplating the humility of his origin, and
contrasting therewith t'ha variety and extent of his works and
wealth, the mind is filled with admiration of the man, and profoundly impressed with the value of his example. Numerous and
solid as the edifices are, which he constructed in the city and vicinity of Philadelphia, they will contribute but a transitory record of
what he was, when compared with the moral influence that must
arise from a knowledge of the merits, and means, by which he
acquired his immense estate. These merits and means, were probity of the strictest kind, diligence unsurpassed, perseverance in
all pursuits, and a frugality as remote from parsimony as from
extravagance. The goodness of his heart was not manifested by
ostentatious subscription or loud profession; but when pestilence
stalked abroad, he risked his life to preserve from its ravages the
most humble of his fellow-citizens, and wherever sorrow, unaccompanied by immorality, appeared at his door, it was thrown wide
open. His person, his home, and his habits evinced the love of
what was simple, and he was a devoted friend to those principles
of civil and religious liberty which are the basis of the political
fabric of his adopted country."
Howitt, in his " Homes and Haunts of the Poets," describes in
the following sentence the benevolence of such philanthropists as
Stephen Girard, and although referring specially to the old mer.
chant who founded, at Bristol, the school at which the " marvellous
boy," Chatterton, received his education, the extract is a truthful
and fitting conclusion to this brief Biography of the dead mariner
and merchant, who also like Edward Colston, thus has " made his
riches do his generous will for ever."'" You cannot help feeling
the grand benevolence of those wealthy merchants who make
their riches do their generous willfor ever; who become thereby
the actual Fathers of their Cities to all generations; who roll in




BIOGRAPHY OF STEPIIEN GIRARD                29
every year of the world's progress some huge stone of anxiety
from the hearts of poor widows; who clear the way before the
unfriended but active and worthy lad; who put forth their invisible hands from the heaven of their rest, and become the genuine
guardian angels of the orphan race, for ever and ever; raising from
those who would otherwise have been outcasts and ignorant
laborers, aspiring and useful men, tradesmen of substance, merchants the true enrichers of their country, and fathers of happy
families.  How glorious is such a lot!  How noble is such an
appropriation of wealth! How enviable is such a Fame!"
In the following pages will be found a detailed account of the
erection and organization of that magnificent edifice and its
dependent buildings, which now form perhaps the most interesting
object in the vicinity of Philadelphia, if not in all the United
States; and which seem destined, from the almost imperishable
nature of their structure as well as their ample and well-secured
endowment, to carry forward into an indefinite future the beneficent intentions of the wise and far-seeing " Mariner and Merchant."
8*




HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE
AND
ITS PLAN OF ORGANIZATION AND DISCIPLINE.
MR. Girard died on the 26th of December, 1831. As soon as
his executors had advanced sufficiently far in the settlement of
his large estate to authorize the undertaking, the Councils of Philadelphii, who were selected by him as his trustees, took the necessary steps to carry out his intentions. Accordingly, on the 11th
of February 1833, they elected a Board of Directors, to superintend the organization and management of the College in conformity
with his will.
This board, which consisted of eighteen of the most prominent
citizens of Philadelphia, organized on the 18th of the same month
by the election of Nicholas Biddle as chairman, and immediately
entered upon the discharge of their duties.  As the ordinance
creating a Board of Directors conferred no power with regard to
the construction of an edifice for the College, the Councils on the
21st of March appointed a sub-committee of their body, to be
called the " Building Committee," who with eight members of the
Board of Directors, and the architect, were instructed to prepare
a plan for the College Building.
The joint committee met on the 18th of April 1833, and after
due examination, determined that the designs which had previously
been received from all parts of the United States in competition
for the premium offered, should be set aside, and Thomas U. Walter Esq., who had been elected the architect, was instructed to
prepare a plan of the Main Building, with a portico extending
around the entire structure, and conforming in the dimensions and
~ q"O,




IITSTOIY OF TIIE COLLEGE.                31
form of the Cella, or body of the building, to the directions laid
down in the will of Mr. Girard.
The design prepared by this gentleman, substantially the present edifice, was approved by Councils on the 29th of April, and
excavations for the foundations having been commenced on the
6th of May following, the corner-stone of the College was laid
with fitting ceremonies on the 4th of July, 1833.
The main edifice, and out-buildings, were completed and trans.
ferred to the Directors on the 13th of November 1847, making
fourteen years and six months as the entire period occupied in the
execution of the work.
The total amount expended for this construction, not including
the western out-building which has since been erected at a cost of
20,000 dollars, was 1,933,821.78 dollars.  If no depreciation had
taken place in the value of the stocks and loans, originally set
apart by the Commissioners for the Girard Estate to constitute a
Fund, a large surplus would have remained to support the Institution; and if the same rate of interest had continued which was
accruing at the time of the transfer, the College-Fund would have
amounted to 1,500,000 dollars, after deducting the whole cost of
the work.  But during the years 1841-2-3-4, the stocks depre:
ciated immensely in value, and it became finally necessary, in
order to complete the work, to draw on the residuary fund, thus
causing also considerable delay in- the progress of the work.
The following condensed statements exhibits the amounts appropriated and expended in the construction of the College.
On the 20th of April 1833, the Commissioners of the Girard
Estates set apart the following stocks and loans, to constitute the
College Fund, viz.:6331 Shares of stock in the Bank of the United
States........................................   $664,715.00
8 Certificates of loan-Pennsylvania.........    1,221,785.00
1 Certificate of City Corporation..........  113,500.00
Making..................................  $2,000,000.00




32                HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE.
Total amount of interest which accrued from time
to time, on the unexpended portions of the
Fund................................................ $854,536.21
Cash received from sale of refused materials.......   1,587.20
Amount taken from  residuary Fund, to complete
the College..............................   31,525.11
$2,887,648.52
Amount expended for building College..........$1,933,821.78
Loss on sale of stocks at Executors' valuation....... 900,813.30
Amount expended by the Trustees and Directors
unconnected with the building of the College...................................................... 51,835.22
Unexpended balance of appropriation.................. 1,178.22
$2,887,648.52
During the progress of the Building, an unsuccessful effort was
made by the next of kin to Mr. Girard, to defeat the intentions
of the Testator, by alleging that the Institution was illegal and
immoral and by laying claim to the fund appropriated for its
establishment. As a portion of the History of the College, a
brief reference to this incident may be interesting. Among the
private legatees in his will, the Testator named his brother Etienne
and children, and the children of his sister Sophia, and brother
John Girard.  The several legacies so bequeathed were paid to
the legatees, before the expiration of a year after the Testator's
death. After these legacies had been paid, the same parties who
claimed to be heirs and next of kin instituted an action of ejectment in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, to recover from the
city all real estate purchased by Mr. Girard after the date of the
last republication of the will. Under the laws of Pennsylvania,
which at that time did not pass under- a general devise after.
acquired property, they obtained judgment, and recovered from
the city the real estate purchased between the dates of the republication and his death. Subsequently, they filed a bill on the
equity side of the Circuit Court, which was afterwards removed




HISTORY OF TIIE COLLEGE.                  33
on appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States, in which
they laid claim not only to the specific fund for the endowment of
the College, but also to the whole residuary portion of the Testator's estate.
The main ground recited in the bill was that the trusts for the
Orphan College were absolutely void; 1st, because as to the real
estate, the city had no capacity to take by devise; 2d, that if
they had such capacity generally, they could not take it in trust
for other persons; and 3d, that they could not take either real oi
personal property upon the trusts which were declared for poor
orphan children, &c., because the objects of the charity were
altogether indefinite, vague, and uncertain; and therefore the
trusts were incapable of execution, or of being cognizable at law
or equity, or of vesting at law in any existing or possible cestui
que trust. Although not specifically set forth in the bill, yet the
following portion of the will was relied upon as a most important
portion of the argument to invalidate the intentions of the Testator.  "I enjoin and require that no Ecclesiatic, MIissionary, or
minister of any sect whatsoever, shall ever hold or exercise any
station or duty whatever in the said College; nor shall any such
person ever be admitted for any purpose, or as a visitor, within
the premises appropriated to the purposes of the said College.
In making this restriction, I do not mean to cast any reflection
upon any sect or person whatsoever; but, as there is such a multitude of sects, and such a diversity of opinion amongst them, I
desire to keep the tender minds of the orphans, who are to derive
advantage from  this bequest, free from  the excitement which
clashing doctrines and sectarian controversy are so apt to produce.
My desire is, that all the instructors and teachers in the College
shall take pains to instil into the minds of the scholars the purest
principles of morality, so that on their entrance into active life,
they may from inclination and habit, evince benevolence towards
their fel7low-creatures, and a love of truth, sobriety, and industry,
adopting at the same time such religious tenets as their matured
reason may enable them to prefer."
It was objected, that the foundation of the College upon these




34               HISTORTY OF THE COLLEGE.
principles and exclusions,, was derogatory and hostile to the Christian religion, and was void, as being against the common law and
public policy; first, because of the exclusion of all ecclesiastics,
missionaries, and ministers of any sect, and secondly, because it
limits the instruction to be given to the scholars to pure morality
and general benevolence, and to a love of truth, sobriety, and
industry, thereby excluding by implication all instruction in the
Christian religion. The cause was first argued before the Supreme
Court at January Term  1843 by Mr. Stump and Mr. Jones of
Washington on behalf of the Girard heirs, and by MIr. Sergeant
for the city; but the Judges thinking that it was proper to re-hear
the cause before a fuller court, a re-argument was ordered and
took place at January Term  1844, where Mr. Jones and Mr.
Webster appeared for the complainants, and Mr. Binney and MIr.
Sergeant for the City and Executors.
The unanimous decision of the Court was delivered by MIr. Justice Story, establishing in an elaborate opinion that the trust and
charity were valid and legal, and that there was nothing in the
devise creating the College, or in the regulations and restrictions
contained therein, which is inconsistent with the Christian religion
or opposed to any known policy of the State.
During the progress of the Building, the Board of Directors
deemed it advisable to select a presiding officer of the Institution
in advance of its organization, who would prepare a system of discipline and instruction for the College in anticipation of its speedy
completion. Having obtained the necessary authority from Councils, they accordingly on the 19th of July 1836 elected Alexander
Dallas Bache of the City of Philadelphia the first President of
the College, with instructions to visit similar Institutions in Europe, and to procure such books and apparatus as should be needed
in its organization. Upon the return of President Bache in 1838,
efforts were made by the Board to establish schools preparatory to
the completion of the College, which it was now found would
require several years to finish; but in consequence of the opinion
of competent legal authority, that the organization of the Institu



HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE.                 35
tion before the completion of the buildings would be in violation
of the will, the requisite permission was not granted.
Soon after this period, difficulties arose between Councils and
the Directors, which resulted ultimately in the repeal Both of the
ordinance creating the Board, and that authorizing the election of
a President.
From this period, until its completion, the building committee
continued to have charge of the erection of the College, and in
June 1847, the edifice being then nearly finished, a new Board of
Directors was again appointed to organize and manage the Institution. The anomalous character of the College, and the absence
of any light which entirely similar institutions would have afforded,
rendered this duty one of great delicacy, as well as unusual difficulty. To the earnest labor and skill of the gentlemen composing
this Board, is justly due the credit of devising a plan, under which
the College was successfully put in operation, and has since been
prosperously conducted.
The buildings were formally transferred to the Directors on the
13th of November 1847; on the 15th of December following,the necessary officers and agents were elected, the Hon. Joel
Jones, then President Judge of the District Court for the City
and County of Philadelphia, being selected as the President, and
on the 1st of January 1848, the College was opened with fitting
ceremonies, with a class of one hundred orphans who had been
previously admitted.  On the 1st of October of the same year,
one hundred additional boys were introduced, and on the 1st of
April of the following year, a third class of one hundred pupils
was admitted.  Since then, from time to time, as vacancies have
occurred, other orphans have been admitted to'supply their places.
On the Ist of June 1849, Judge Jones resigned the office of
President of the College, and on the 23d of November of the same
year, William H. Allen,LL.D. then professor of Mental Philosophy and English Literature in Dickinson College, Pennsylvania,
was duly elected to fill the vacancy. This gentleman havinig accepted the appointment, was duly installed on the 1st of'January
1850, and has since continued at the head of the Institution.




86               HISTOR f OF THE COLLEGE.
While the Councils of the city of Philadelphia, as Trustees of
MIr. Girard's will, still retain the general supervision of the
Institution, the immediate government of the College is vested in
a Board ofiDirectors, composed of sixteen citizens of Philadelphia,
four of whom are annually elected by the Select and Common
Councils.  This Board holds stated monthly meetings, and is subdivided into various standing committees, who have respectively
charge of the principal departments of the Institution, such as
Instruction, Household, Admission and Discharge, &c. It is also
empowered to make Rules for the government of the Institution,
to decide the course of Instruction, to elect the necessary officers
and agents, to control the expenditures, and to determine the
question of Admission and Discharge of Pupils. The will of
Mr. Girard provides that the Institution shall be for the benefit
of "poor white male orphan" children.  In the absence of a
more specific description of those for whom the Testator intended
the advantages of his College, the first Board of Trustees decided,
under legal advice, that the term " Orphan" should be defined  "a
Fatherless child."  In eleemosynary Institutions in Great Britain
and on the Continent, this definition is generally recognized as its
meaning; and according to our laws, the Father is the Parent on
whom the duties of education and nurture are devolved, and
whose decease may therefore most naturally give rise to the state
of orphanage. But a still stronger reason for this construction,
was the belief that Mr. Girard had attached this sense to the
word in the preparation of his will. This decision has, therefore,
become the rule of the Institution, and the admissions to the
College are thus not confined to those who in the general acceptation of the word are orphans, but includes also such children as
have lost by death the male parent.
If at any time there are more applicants than vacancies, a
preference is given by the will, 1st, to orphans born in the city of
Philadelphia; 2dly, to those born in any other part of Pennsylvania;
3dly, to those born in the city of New York; and lastly, to those
born in the city of New Orleans. - The preference - to — those born
in the city of Philadelphia is defined strictly to include the city




HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE.                  37
proper alone, and does not extend to the Districts, which in this
respect have no rights over any other portion of the state.  There
is no reason to believe that there will be at any time admission
for children born out of Pennsylvania, as the applications from
that State have hitherto been many more than sufficient to fill all
vacancies.
To be qualified for admission, orphans must be between the
ages of six and ten years, and no application is received for admission of a child before he attains thle first named age; nor can he
be admitted into the College after becoming ten years of age,
although the application has been made previously. Applications
for admission are received on the first Monday of each month, at
the office, No. 9 South Fifth street, between the hours of 9 A. M.
and 2 P. M. The mother, or next friend, appearing for such
purpose, is required to produce the marriage certificate, (or in. its
absence some other satisfactory evidence,) and also the certificate
of the physician setting forth the time and place of birth.
Answers to the questions contained in the following form, are
also required to be made in writing, and these statements must
likewise be vouched for by respectable citizens acquainted with
the facts.
[FORM OF APPLICATION.]
To the Directors of the Girard College for Orphans.
The undersigned [mother, relative or friend, as the case may
be] of                  having duly considered the information
given, by the Directors of the Girard College for Orphans, to those
who may desire to place poor white male orphan children therein,
hereby applies for the admission of the said             into
the College, he being a poor, white, male orphan, between the ages
of six and ten years.  The undersigned, in     answers to the
several questions, in the list hereto appended, gives an accurate
statement of facts, and desires that those answers may be considered as if they were statements made herein.
[Name of Applicant.]
4                [Residence: and date of application.]




88                  FORM OF APPLICATION.
QUESTIONS.                      ANSWERS.
1. What is the name of the poor  1. [State the name in full.]
white male orphan, for whose
admission into the Girard College the above application is
made?
2.  When was he born?            2. [State the day, month, and
year.]
3.  Where was he born?           3.
4.  What was his father's name,  4.
and when and where did he
die?
5.  Is his mother living, and if  5.
she is, what is her name, and
where does she: reside? 
6.  Is he sound in mind and bo-  6.
dy, and what diseases has he
had?
7.  What has been his general  7.
moral conduct?
8.  tIas he had any education?   8.
9.  Are there  any pecuniary   9.
means at the disposal of his
mother, or other person, for
his maintenance and education?




FORM OF APPLICATION.                  39
QUESTIONS.                     ANSWERS.
10. By whom, or on what means 10.
has he been maintained since
the death of his father?
I11. What was his father's occu- 11.
pation or trade?
12.                           12.
13.                           13.
14.                           14.
15.                           15.
16.                           16.
The undersigned believe that confidence may be placed in the
foregoing representation, made by, who
applies for the admission of                       as a poor
white male orphan child into the Girard College.
When vacancies occur, the cases of applicants are considered
strictly according to priority of application, and if found to come
within the provisions and intentions of the will, the orphan is admitted upon the execution by the mother or next friend of the
following indenture:WHIEREAS,                      is a poor white male orphan
between the ages of six and ten years, having been born on the
day of               in the year
at                     in: AND W.:erEAS,
has applied for his admission into the




40                   FORM OF INDENTURE.
Girard College for Orphans, and the Directors thereof have assented
thereto: Now THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH, that the Guardians
for the Relief and Employment of the Poor of the City of Philadelphia, the District of Southwark, and the Townships of the Northern
Liberties and Penn, by the authority of an Act of the General Assemnbly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, passed on the 27th
day of February, 1847, entitled 1" An Act relative to the Girard
College for Orphans," do hereby, with the consent of
which consent is signified by    signing and sealing these presents, bind the said              to the Mayor, Aldermen and
Citizens of Philadelphia, and their successors, as trustees under the
will of Stephen Girard, deceased, as an orphan to be admitted into
the said College, to be there maintained and educated according to
the provisions, and in the manner and under all the regulations
and restrictions specified in the said will, and under such others as
the Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of Philadelphia may lawfully
ordain under the said will; and the said orphan         shall
abide by and submit to all such provisions, regulations and restrictions: and the Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of Philadelphia,
hereby covenant, agree and declare to and with the Guardians
aforesaid, that the said orphan               shall be entitled
to have and receive all the benefits of the said College according
to the will of the said Stephen Girard. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF,
the said parties to this indenture have respectively caused their
corporate seals to be hereunto affixed, and the said
hath hereunto set        hand and seal this              day
of             in the year
SEALED AND DELIVERED IN]
TIIE PRESENCE OF
Orphans thus admitted, are fed, clothed, and educated entirely
by the Inititution.  No uniform or distinctive dress is permitted
to boDwern. Although residing permanently in the College, they




EDUCATION OF THE SCHOLARS.                 41
are allowed at stated times to visit their friends at their homes,
and to receive visits from their friends at the College.
If by malconduct a pupil becomes an unfit companion for the
rest, the right to dismiss him summarily is vested in the Directors.
Those scholars who may -merit it, remain in the College until
they arrive at between fourteen and eighteen years of age, at the
discretion of the Board, when they are indentured by the Institu.
tion on behalf of the "Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of Philadelphia," to learn some suitable occupation or trade, until they become
twenty-one years of age, consulting as far as is judicious the inclination and preference of the scholar.
The immediate direction and government of the College is
vested in the President, who is the chief executive officer of the
Institution, and who is responsible for its proper administration.
The subordinate officers are under his sole control, and are responsible to him for the performance of their duties and the condition
of their departments.
The household is under the care of a Matron, Assistant-Matron,
four Prefects and five governesses, who superintend the moral and
social character and conduct of the orphans, and who administer
the discipline of the Institution at all times when the pupils are
not in the schools. These officers have charge of the Dormitories,
Refectories, Lavatories, Section or Study-rooms, where the school
lessons are prepared, and the Play-grounds. -For the- purpose. of
better discipline, the scholars are subdivided into sections, which
have assigned to them distinct officers, buildings, and play-grounds.
The schools are conducted principally, but not entirely, in the
main College Building. Five Professors and male instructors, and
seven female teachers, are employed in the duties of instruction,
and the course of education at present embraces three main divisions, termed Primary School No. 2, Primary School No. 1, and
the Principal Department. As a large proportion of the orphans
admitted into the College have had little or no preparatory
education, the instruction in the first-named of these schools
commences with the Alphabet, and includes Spelling, Reading,
4*




42             EDUCATION OF THE SCHOLARS.
Writing, Arithmetic, Notation and Tables, Grammar, and Geography, the two latter being taught orally.
In Primary School No. 1, the scholar who has been promoted
from the lower department, or whose education at the time of his
admission enabled him to enter it, is instructed in Orthography,
Punctuation, -Reading, Writing, Grammar and Composition, Geography, Mental and Written Arithmetic, commencing with Vulgal
Fractions, Etymology, History (of the United States and England,)
French, and Drawing. The Text Books, as well as the system of
Instruction, are of a higher grade than those in use in Primary
No. 2.
In the Principal Department, the Pupils receive instruction in
Reading, Grammar and Composition, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Surveying, Mensuration  and Astronomy,
Ancient and Modern Geography, General History, French and
Spanish, Penmanship, Drawing and Book-Keeping, Natural PhilOa
sophy, and Chemistry.
In all the departments, for the purpose of better discipline and
instruction, the schools are subdivided into distinct classes of
different grades, under the charge of separate teachers.
The order of exercises on week-days, is as follows: The Pupils
rise at 6 o'clock, take breakfast at 6,- attend morning worship at
7, take recreation until 8, assemble in sections at that hour, meet
in the School-rooms at 9, remain there, with 15 minutes recess,
until 12, then take recreation for half an hour, dine at 12a, take
recreation fromn 1 until 2, remain in the School-rooms from 2 until
5, with recess of 15 minutes, attend evening worship at 5, take
recreation an hour, supper at 6j, assemble in the section rooms at
7, retire to the dormitories from 8 to 10, according to their age.
On Saturday, the schools are not in session in the afternoon.
The hours of recreation are spent by the Pupils either in the
section room, or on the play-ground, where materials for games
and amusements are provided. A bathing pool, is also located in
the western portion of the grounds, which is used by the scholars
at suitable seasons; and Libraries are also furnished for. their
instruction and entertainment.  On proper occasions they are




VARIOUS REGULATIONS.                    43
taken to approved exhibitions, or to visit interesting places, manufactories, and work-shops in or about the city.
On Sundays, the Pupils assemble in their section rooms at 9
o'clock in the morning, and at 2 in the afternoon, for religious
reading and instruction, and at 10i  o'clock in the morning, and
31 in the afternoon, they attend worship in the College Building.
At the daily or Sunday religious exercises, the President, or
some other layman selected by him, officiates, as by the will
Clergymen are not privileged to be admitted into the College.
On week-days, the chapel exercises consist of singing a hymn,
reading a chapter from the Bible or New Testament, and prayer.
On Sundays, in addition, an appropriate discourse, adapted to the
comprehension and situation of the Pupils, is delivered.
The discipline of the Institution is almost entirely administered
through admonition, deprivation of recreation, and seclusion; but
in extreme cases, corporal punishment may be inflicted by order
of the President, and in his presence.
In the case of the death of a Pupil, his friends have the privilege
of removing his body for interment elsewhere; but should this
not be preferred, his remains are placed in the Cemetery attached
to the Institution, and located within its walls. A steward, two
physicians, and a dentist, having charge of their respective departments, are also permanently connected with the Institution.
Citizens are permitted to visit the College on the afternoon of
the first Tuesday in each month, with a permit signed by a Director.  Strangers are admitted on any day of the week, except
Sunday, between 9 o'clock A. M., and sunset, upon the presentation of a permit.
The annual cost per capita, for maintaining, clothing, and educating each Pupil, including the current repairs of the furniture,
buildings, and ground, is about 200 dollars.  The funds for the
support of the Institution are not appropriated directly to the
College, but are in the hands of a Committee of Councils, termed
the Commissioners of the G-irard Estate, who thus exercise a
control and supervision over all expenditures, and who pay all bills
contracted by the Institution.




44            DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDINGS.
The income for the support of.the Institution is derived principally from the rental of the real estate left by Mr. Girard, as the
cost of erecting the buildings, and the immense losses sustained
by the depreciation of the stocks and loans, had completely
absorbed the 2,000,000 dollars and tile accruing interest devoted
to its construction and maintenance.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDINGS.*
THE MAIN BUILDING.
THE general design of this building is that of a Greek temple,
having eight columns on each end, and eleven on each side, counting the corner columns both ways, making in all thirty-four columns.  The order of architecture in which the exterior is composed, is the Grecian Corinthian.  The. columns are six feet in
diameter, and fifty-five in height; the bases are nine feet three
inches in diameter, and three feet two inches high, and the capitals
are eight feet six inches high, and nine feet four inches wide on
the face of the abacus.. The corner columns have one and onehalf inches more diameter than the intermediate ones, for the purpose of overcoming the apparent reduction in their size arising
from their insulated position. Each frustrum composing the shafts,
as well, as the bases, consists of a single piece without vertical
joints.
The shafts are composed of frustra, measuring from two feet six
inches to six feet three inches in height, accurately jointed and set
on milled lead; each shaft is channelled in twenty-four semi-circular flutes, with fillets terminating under the: capital, in water-leaves.
The capitals are each constructed in four courses.' The first
course consists of a single piece of one foot' seven inches in height,
embracing an annular row of sixteen water-leaves; the second is
* Condensed from the Report of the Architect.




DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDINGS.                   45
likewise composed of one piece, which measures two feet nine
inches in height, and contains an annular row of eight acanthus
leaves; the third course is comprised of two pieces with-a vertical
joint running through the middle (this course measures two feet
eleven inches in height and embraces the volutes and the cauliculi); and the fourth course, composed of four pieces, the verticai
joints of which are obscured by honeysuckles, constitutes the abacus, the height of which is one foot three inches.
Thus each capital consists of twelve separate pieces, all of which
are securely dowelled and cramped together, and the joints so disposed between the cauliculi as not to be observed.
These capitals were all carved on the grounds of the College,
of marble from Chester County in the state of Pennsylvania, and
most of the work was executed by American artists. As a specimen of architectural sculpture, they will not suffer in comparison
with the most admired structures of ancient or modern times.
The net amount of marble in each column, including the base
and capital, is 1316 cubic feet; the weight 103 tons, and the cost
12,994 dollars, as follows:Marble for the base................................. $1,304
Workmanship of do.................................... 130
Hoisting and setting of do..................  20
---  $1,454
Marble for the shaft...................60.................6044
Workmanship of do.................................... 572
Hoisting and setting do................................  104
Fluting do.............................................. 480
-  7,200
Marble for the Capital..                 2,680
Workmanship of do.................................1,580
Hoisting and setting do..............................    45
4,305
Rigging, scaffolding, cramping, and lead.....................   35
$12,994
The architrave over each intercolumniation  consists of four




16            DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDINGS.
blocks of marble twenty-one feet five inches in length, four feet
two inches in height, and one foot four and one-half inches in
thickness, extending from column to column. These architraves
are relieved of all superincumbent weight, by resolving it directly
on the columns. This is accomplished by placing a block of granite of two feet by two feet ten inches, and six feet four inches in
height on the top of each column, extending through the architraves. From the top of these blocks a brick arch is turned over each
intercolumniation behind the frieze, to receive the weight of the
cornice, and the frieze is likewise constructed on the principles of
an arch and is kept entirely clear of the architrave, the springers
being supported by the granite blocks on the head of the columns,
so that every architrave in the peristyle might be taken out without interfering with the stability of the structure.
The cornice consists of a congeries of mouldings, enriched with
a dentil band, and crowned with a sculptured cymatium of two feet
four inches in height. The extreme projection of the cornice from
the face of the architrave, is four feet, and its height seven feet
six inches. The whole height of the entablature is sixteen feet
four inches, and of the pediment from the top of the cymatium
seventeen feet eight inches; making the height from the top of the
columns to the apex of the pediment thirty-four feet, and the elevation of the pediment one-ninth of the span.
The exterior of the cella or body of the building measures one
hundred and eleven feet wide, one-hundred and sixty-nine feet long,
and fifty-nine feet eight inches high, including the architrave, which
corresponds with that of the peristyle.  The corners of the cella
are finished with projecting antee of five feet six inches in width,
having bases to correspond with those of the columns. The doors
of entrance are in the north and south fronts. Each door measures
sixteen feet in width, and thirty-two feet in height, in the clear,
and is trimmed on the outside with moulded antepagmenta of two
feet seven inches in width, and crowned with a projecting cornice
supported by richly carved consules, of one foot four inches in
width by six feet six inches in height.
Each flank is pierced with twenty windows, four of which open




DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDINGS.               47
into each room, and one on each flight of stairs. Those which
open into the rooms are grouped and divided by Greek antx, surmounted by architraves and cornices.
The superstructure rests on a stylobate or basement, consisting
of eleven steps, which extend around the entire edifice, thus
imparting a pyramidal appearance to the substructure, which conveys an idea of great solidity, and at the same time affords an
approach to the peristyle from all sides. The steps are constructed
of blocks of marble of ten feet in length, rebated each into the
other, and secured to the foundations by means of heavy cramp
irons. They are also supported by cross walls built five feet from
centre to centre, in which openings are left, so as to allow a free
passage around the whole building.
The floor of the peristyle is composed of slabs of marble, four
inches in thickness, accurately jointed, and laid with hollow spaces
under them, which communicate with the area under the steps,
and with the cellars in which are the furnaces. Thus a continual
circulation of air, at a temperature much above the freezing point,
is kept up under all the steps, as well as under the floor of the
peristyle.
The marble used in the east and west flanks, and the north
front of the cella, as also the steps, the floor of the peristyle, the
roof, the interior floors, and the inside stairways, was obtained
from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.  The material for the
capitals of the columns, with a considerable portion of the bases
and shafts, the south front of the cella, and part of the interior
columns, came from Chester County, Pennsylvania.  And the
remainder, consisting of portions of the shafts and bases of
the columns, and the entablature of the peristyle, with the rest
of the interior columns, was procured from Egremont, Massachusetts.
Every block of marble in the building is set on pieces of milled
lead, in order to prevent fracture at the joints; and every stone
is dowelled into the stones above and below, and at each end, and
also securely cramped to the brick work, and to the adjacent
stones by means of heavy cramp irons.




48            DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDINGS.
The ceiling of the peristyle is composed entirely of cast iron,
enriched with deep sunken panels, and painted and sanded in
imitation of marble.  The weight of this cast iron is 142~  tons,
or 43 tons for each intercolumniation, and the entire cost of the
ceiling was 14,162 dollars.
The roof is composed of marble tiles, four and a half feet long,
four feet wide, and two and three-fourth inches thick in the
middle; the sides being elevated an inch and a half above the
general surface, to prevent the water from running into the joints
at their junction.  Each of these joints is covered with a marble
saddle, four and a half feet in length, ten inches in width, and six
and a half inches in thickness, and hollowed out on the under side
so as to embrace the ridges on two adjacent tiles.  Every upper
tile overlaps the one below six inches; and the under side is
grooved and fitted to corresponding ridges and projections on the
surface, thus preventing admission of water from beating rains or
capillary attraction.  At the same time their construction is
such as to admit of being laid without coming actually in contact
with each other, thus rendering them free to expand and contract
with the various changes of temperature without producing leaks.
These tiles rest on nine inch brick walls, built four feet apart
from centre to centre, across the whole building, on the upper
surface of the third story arches.  This plan of support affords
access at all times to the under side of every tile, and facilitates
examination in case of leakage.
The weight of each roofing tile is 776 lbs., and of each saddle
214 lbs. The whole number of tiles in the roof being 2046, and
of saddles 2061, the aggregate weight of the tiles and saddles is
906 tons; in addition to which, the marble chimney tops and the
cast-iron skylights weigh 20 tons, and the lead and masonry of the
gutters 43~ tons, making the entire weight of the roof 969~ tons,
exclusive of the brick-work which supports it.
The gutters are composed of bricks and flag-stones laid in
hydraulic cement, and covered with heavy milled lead, painted
and sanded. The water is conveyed from the roof by means of




DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDINGS.                4S
four conductors, composed of heavy cast-iron pipes of ten inches
caliber, securely put together and embedded in the walls.
The skylights are composed of cast-iron tiles and saddles, so
formed as to present an exterior appearance corresponding with
the rest of the roof.  In the centre of each tile two lights of glass
are inserted, measuring nineteen inches in width, forty-two inches
in length, and half an inch in thickness; and nine of these tiles,
containing eighteen lights of the above dimensions, are placed
aver each of the rooms in the upper story, and six tiles, having
twelve lights, over each stairway. The weight of the cast-iron
composing these skylights is fifteen and a half tons; and the cost,
including glass and workmanship, was 2800 dollars.
The building is three stories in height; the first and second
stories being twenty-five feet from floor to floor, and the third
story being thirty feet in the clear to the eye of the dome. Each
story is divided, as directed by the will, into four rooms, each fifty
feet square in the clear. All the outside foundation walls of the
cella, and the walls separating the cellars under the rooms, from
those under the vestibules, are six feet four inches thick; and the
rest of the interior foundation walls are three feet four inches
thick.  The thickness of the wall for supporting the columns is
nine feet nine inches; and the intercolumniations, as well as all
other openings, are counter-arched with bricks.
The outside walls of the superstructure, and the interior vestibule walls, are four feet in thickness, and the rest of the interior
walls three feet.
All the rooms and vestibules in the building are vaulted with
bricks; those of the basement, first and second stories, with groin
arches, and those of the third story with pendentive domes springing from the floors.  The reverberation of sound in these rooms,
caused by their arch-formed ceilings, although anticipated by the
architect, is the result of the express directions of the will in their
formation.  This reverberation is now entirely obviated by the
introduction of false ceilings made of canvass stretched over a
light wooden frame.
The piers from which the groin arches spring are four feet
5




5go0           DESCRIPTION OF- THE BUILDINGS.
square, with projections of one foot by two feet in the angles, to
support the bands.  These piers are composed' of bricks and
dressed granite, laid in alternate sections.
The arches are composed of hard burnt paving bricks, and
mortar made of lime, hydraulic cement, and sharp sand.
The chord of these arches on the diagonal, is sixty feet, and
their versed sine, or rise, but eight feet.  Each arch, including
its abutments, contains 117,000 bricks, which, together with the
marble floor on top, makes the weight suspended over each room
about 350 tons.
The third story arches spring out of the corners of the rooms;
the horizontal section at the floor, c: springing line being four feet
square, with bands of one foot six incLes, by four feet. These
bands form semicircular arches on the four walls of each room, of
thirty-two feet two inches in diameter, and from their angles at the
floor, spring the pendentives. The horizontal section of each room
is thus resolved into a circle at the top of the bands, and crowned
with a dome. The dome, as well as the bands and pendentives,
are enriched with deep cofferings, and the eye of the dome is finished with an ornamental fret, and covered with an inner skylight
of sixteen feet in diameter. The domes over the four stair-ways
are similar to those of the rooms, and have inner skylights of ten
feet in diameter. The lateral thrust of the arches is resisted by
iron bands of one inch by five inches, extending around all the
rooms and vestibules. One of these bands is placed one foot below and another one foot above the spring of the first and second
story arches, and one immediately at the spring of those of the
third story, making five complete bands around the building, and
through all the interior walls. Three bands of similar dimensions,
one being embedded in each regula: or architrave moulding, and
one through the frieze, extend around the portico.  Cross bars are
also introduced between the building and the entablature, extending from the upper bar which belts the building, to the frieze over
each column, where they are secured to the top of the granite
posts before described.
All the bars are put together with rivets, and tightened by means




DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDINGS.                51
of draw-wedges, and all the corners are turned around granite posts
of six feet in height, built in the centre of the groin piers. In
order to give additional strength to the banding, diagonal bars are
introduced across each groin pier, and securely riveted to the principal bands.
The aggregate length-of all the bars of this description used
throughout the building is 12,744 feet, and their weight one hundred and fourteen tons. The whole cost of this iron banding was
14,000 dollars.
The vestibules in the first story, and the lobbies over them in
the second and third stories, occupy the northern and southern
ends of the building as directed by the will; they are each twentyfive, by fifty feet exclusive of the space occupied by the stairways.
The vaulting of each vestibule and of each lobby, springs from
marble entablatures supported by eight columns and as many antre,
making in all forty-eight columns and forty-eight antae. The shafts
of these columns are each composed of a single stone.  The order
of those in the first story is Ionic, in the second story a modified
Corinthian, from the tower of the winds at Athens, and the third,
a similar modification of the Corinthian, somewhat lighter and more
ornate.
The stairways are situated in the four corners of the building,
the spaces allotted to them  being each twenty-two feet six inches
wide, and twenty-six feet six inches long. They are all composed
of white marble, and are five feet three inches in width with two
landings on "quarter paces" in each story.  The plan on which
they are constructed, is that of "geometrical stairs," having one
end of each secured in the wall, and one edge resting on the step
below.
All the stairways, as well as the landings, in the upper stories,
are finished with rich balustrades of cast-iron, and mahogany rails,
springing from massive marble newels. The cost of these stair
ways, including. the balustrade, was 18,500 dollars.
The flooring of the interior of the building amounts in the aggregate to 38,130 superficial feet; all of which is done with marble




52              DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDINGS.
tiles prepared expressly, of uniform thickness, and having their
edges worked square so as to prevent them from becoming loose.
The building is warmed by means of furnaces placed under the
vestibules, with flues to convey the warm air to the several rooms
and ventilated by registers opening from  each room into the main
flues.
The following materials were used in the construction of the main
building.
Tons.
177,168 Cubic feet of marble, weighing................     13,537
21,366 Cubic feet of granite, weighing................ 1,717
25,139 Flooring tiles, weighing.........................   409
12,134,980 Bricks, weighing................................ 27,087
12,495 perches of building stone, weighing........... 19,635
Wrought iron for bands, cramps, &c., weighing............   134
Cast iron in ceiling of Portico, weighing...................    1424
Cast iron in water-pipes, weighing..........................   18
Cast iron in sky-lights and inner rims, weighing...........    184
Milled lead for gutters and setting marble, and lead for
cramping, weighing.......................................     48
53,720 Bushels of lime, weighing.........................   1,431
50,224 Bushels of river sand, weighing.................. 3,292
133,646 Bushels of pit sand, weighing..................... 8,759
4,200 Bushels of hydraulic cement, weighing.........   250
Locks, fastenings, glass, lumber in doors and windows, &c.
weighing about................................................  116
MIaking the aggregate weight of the building............... 76,594~
The area on which the building stands, exclusive of the steps,
measures 34,344 superficial feet, of which 12,862 feet are occupied
by the walls, making the proportion of the points of support to the
voids, more than as one to two. The average weight resolved on
each superficial foot of foundation, is about six tons.




DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDINGS.                53
OUT-BUILDINGS.
Mr. Girard directed -that at least four out-buildings, detached
from the main edifice and from each other should be erected;
which buildings he ordered should be sufficiently spacious for the
residence and accommodation of at least three hundred scholars,
and the requisite teachers and other persons necessary in such an
institution.
In compliance with this provision of the will, four out-buildings,
two on the eastern and two on the western side of the College,
have been constructed.  They stand on the same general range,
fronting north and south, the first being at the distance of one
hundred and forty feet from the main building, and the two buildings having an interval between them of eighty-seven feet.
Each of these buildings measures fifty-two feet wide by one hundred and twenty-five feet long. They are three stories in height,
with a basement of seven feet above the surface of the ground,
and are all faced with marble, and roofed with copper, or tin. The
easternmost building, known as No. 1, embraces four separate and
complete dwelling-houses for the officers of the Institution.
The eastern building No. 2, nearest the College, is occupied as
a residence by one hundred of the pupils.  This house contains
four dormitories, each measuring nineteen by fifty-four feet, and two
section rooms of the same size, with a lavatory, and the necessary
rooms for the accommodation of the officers and servants. An
entry or hall, of eight feet in width, extends the whole length
of the building, on every floor or story. The stairways are situated
at each end of the halls, and are composed of marble with wrought
iron balustrades.
In the basement of the western building nearest the College,
known as No. 3, is the general Refectory for the pupils, measuring
eighteen feet six inches in width by one hundred and twenty feet
in length, together with the principal kitchen and scullery, containing improved ranges and steam apparatus for the preparation
of the food. In this building are also the parlors for the officers,
section rooms for a portion of the students, four dormitories, each.5 *




54             DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDINGS.
nineteen by thirty-nine feet in size, and rooms for the subordinate
officers and servants.
A covered passage of eleven feet six inches.in width, is constructed between this building, and No. 4, which is fitted up as a
lavatory.
The western building, No. 4, is divided into sixty-two small dormitories, and also contains the Infirmary of the Institution.
Both of these western buildings have cellars under the basements, and marble stairways throughout, opening into halls of
eight feet in width, which extend from end to end of the buildings on every floor or story.
The spaces between the buildings, both on the east and west of
the College, are inclosed by marble walls, which include gardens
and the necessary offices for the pupils.
In the original plan of the College and grounds, it was proposed
to furnish the supplies of water from springs which rise on the
western end of the estate, the contents of which were forced by
an hydraulic ram  into reservoirs in  the  out-buildings, and
thence distributed to all parts of the Institution. This plan was
rendered necessary, in consequence of the elevation of the College
grounds being above the level of the water basins which supply
the inhabitants of the city and districts. But soon after the Institution was put into operation, it was found that this mode was
not only defective from the liability of the apparatus to get out of
order, but also that the supply of water was altogether insufficient.
To remedy this difficulty, an additional building was erected during
the year 1850, which affords now, by means of steam apparatus, a
plentiful supply of this indispensable element, and of most excellent
quality. This building, known as No. 5, is located at the distance
of one hundred feet from the western out-building, and is constructed
of pointed rubble stone, with marble sills, steps, and belt courses.
It is three stories in height above the basement, and measures fifty
feet in width, by one hundred feet in length. At the north-west
angle of this building a well of sixteen feet diameter has been made,
the water from which is thrown by means of a five-horse engine
and force-pump into four iron tanks, or reservoirs, located in the




DESCRIPTION OF TIIE BUILDINGS.               55
third story, and thence distributed through a four inch iron
main, and with a head of about thirty-five feet, to the kitchens,
lavatories, bath rooms, yards, &c. Each of these tanks is of the
capacity of 2500 gallons, and the water of one of them is heated
by means of coils of steam pipes connected with the boilers in the
basement.  On the first floor, are located the rooms for wasthing,
drying, and ironing the clothes, containing the latest and most
approved steam apparatus for such purposes; and in the south
basement is situated the bakery of the establishment.  The other
rooms in the first and second stories of this building are occupied
by the classes in French and Spanish, Drawing, Writing and Bookkeeping, and also by the Chemical Laboratory.
The out-buildings are heated by furnaces, and the entire grounds
and buildings are lighted with gas procured from the works of the
district of Spring Garden.
The whole Estate is surrounded by a wall of ten feet in height,
by sixteen inches in thickness, with spur piers on the inside, and
buttresses of three feet in width, at intervals of fourteen feet.
The wall is composed of rubble-stone, and covered with a heavy
marble capping; and its entire length is 6843 feet, or something
more than one and a quarter miles.
There are two gates of entrance, one being opposite each front
of the main building; and at the southern entrance are two
octagonal lodges, faced with white marble, each twenty feet in
diameter, and sixteen feet high.  At each entrance are double
gates, the inner one being of iron, and the outer one of wood,
folding into a recess in the marble work. The eastern portion of
the grounds, on which the buildings are located, and which contains
twenty-one acres, has been graded to suit the elevation of the surrounding streets, and is laid out with gravel walks and ornamented
with shrubbery. On the western portion, containing about twenty
acres, are erected a farm-house, barn, and out-houses. At the
extreme western end has been constructed an artificial pool for the
bathing and amusement of the pupils.  The grounds around the
College, as well as the buildings, are drained by means of a three




56            DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDINGS.
feet culvert, with branch barrel drainers of two feet in diameter,
leading from the several yards, kitchens, lavatories, &c.
An avenue of sixty feet in width, one half of which has been
taken from the College grounds, has been opened on the northern,
western, and southern boundaries; and by an Act of the Legislature no street can, at any future time, be opened through the
College premises, without the consent of the Councils of the City
of Philadelphia first had and obtained.
It had been the original intention of Mr. Girard, that the College Buildings should occupy his square of ground comprehended
within the limits of Market and Chestnut, and Eleventh and
Twelfth Streets, in the City proper. But becoming afterwards
by purchase the possessor of the farm of Peel Hall, on the Ridge
Road, he chose the latter as the more desirable site, and it is here
that the College has finally been established. The square at first
allotted for the purpose has been built up with fine dwellings and
stores, the rental of which forms a considerable portion of the
fund devoted to the maintenance of the College.
The site upon which the Girard College is erected, corresponds
well with its splendor and importance.  It is elevated considerably above the general level of the surrounding buildings,
and forms a conspicuous object, not only from the higher windows
and roofs in every part of Philadelphia, but from the Delaware
river many miles below the city, and from eminences far out in
the country.'From the lofty marble roof of the main edifice itself, (to which
access is so easy, that almost every visitor ascends,) the view is
also exceedingly beautiful, embracing the City and its environs for
many miles around, and the course, to their confluence eight miles
below, of both those noble rivers which enclose the City.




THE WILL
OF THE LATE
STEPHEN GIeRAIRD, EsQ.
1, STEPHEN GIRARD, of the City of Philadelphia, in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Mariner and Merchant, being of
sound mind, memory, and understanding, do make and publish
this my last Will and Testament, in manner following: that is to
say
I. I give and bequeath unto "The Contributors to the Pennsylvania hIospital," of which Corporation I am  a member, the
sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars, upon the following conditions,
namely, that the said sum shall be added to their Capital, and
shall remain a part thereof forever, to be placed at interest, and
the interest thereof to be applied in the first place, to pay to my
black woman Hannah (to whom I hereby give her freedom,) the
sum of' two hundred dollars per year, in quarterly payments of
fifty dollars each, in advance, during all the term of her life;
and, in the second place, the said interest to be applied to the
use and accommodation of the sick in the said Hospital, and for
providing, and at all times having, competent matrons, and a
sufficient number of nurses and assistant nurses, in order not only
to promote the purposes of the said Hospital, but to'increase
this last class of useful persons, much wanted in our city.
IT. I give and bequeath to " The Pennsylvania Institution for
the Deaf and Dumb," the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars, for
the use of that Institution.'S)




58                STEPI-IEN GIRARD S WVILL.
III. I give and bequeath to "The Orphan Asylum of Philadelphia," the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars, for the use of that
Institution.
IV. I give and bequeath to "The Comptrollers of the Public
Schools for the City and County of Philadelphia," the sum of
Ten Thousand Dollars, for the use of the Schools upon the
Lancaster system, in the first section of the first school district of
Pennsylvania.
V. I give and bequeath to A" The Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens
of Philadelphia," the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars, in trust
safely to invest the same in some productive fund, and with the
interest and dividends arising therefrom to purchase fuel, between
the months of Mlarch and August in every year forever, and in
the month of January in every year forever, distribute the same
amongst poor white house-keepers and room-keepers, of good
character, residing in the City of Philadelphia.
VI. I give and bequeath to the Society for the relief of poor
and distressed Masters of Ships, their Widows and Children, (of
which Society I am a member) the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars,
to be added to their Capital stock, for the uses and purposes of
said Society.
VII. I give and bequeath to the gentlemen who shall be
Trustees of the Masonic Loan, at the time of my decease, the sum
of Twenty Thousand Dollars, including therein ten thousand
and nine hundred dollars due to me, part of the Masonic Loan,
and any interest that may be due thereon at the time of my
decease, in trust for the use and benefit of "The Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania, and Masonic Jurisdiction thereto belonging," and
to be paid over by the said Trustee to the said Grand Lodge, for
the purpose of being invested in some safe stock or funds, or other
good security, and the dividends and interest arising therefrom to
be again so invested and added to the Capital, without applying
any part thereof to any other purpose, until the whole capital
shall amount to thirty thousand dollars, when the same shall forever after remain a permanent fund or Capital, of the said amount




STEPHEN GIRARD S WILL.                   59
of thirty thousand dollars, the interest whereof shall be applied
from time to time to the relief of poor and respectable brethren; and
in order that the real and benevolent purposes of masonic institutions may be attained, I recommend to the several lodges not to
admit to membership, or to receive members from other lodges,
unless the applicants shall absolutely be men of sound and good
morals.
VIII. I give and bequeath unto Philip Peltz, John Lentz,
Francis Hesley, Jacob Baker, and Adam- Young, of Passyunk
township, in the County of Philadelphia, the sum of Six Thousand Dollars, in trust, that they or the survivors or survivor of
them shall purchase a suitable piece of ground, as near as may be
in the centre of said township, and thereon erect a substantial
brick building, sufficiently large for a school-house, and the residence of a school-master, one part thereof for poor male white
children, and the other part for poor female white children, of said
township; and as soon as the said school-house shall have been
built, that the said trustees or survivors or survivor of them,
shall convey the said piece of ground and house thereon erected,
and shall pay over such balance of said sum as may remain unexpended to any board of directors and their successors, in trust,
which may at the time exist or be by law constituted, consisting
of at least twelve discreet inhabitants of the said township, and to
be annually chosen by the inhabitants thereof; the said piece of
ground and house to be carefully maintained by said directors and
their successors solely for the purposes of a school as aforesaid, forever, and the said balance to be securely invested as a permanent
fund, the interest thereof to be.applied from time to time towards
the education in the said school of any number of such poor white
children of said township; and I do hereby recommend to the
citizens of said township to make additions to the fund whereof I
have laid the foundation.
IX. I give and devise my house, and lot of ground thereto belonging, situate in rue Ramouet aux Chartrons, near the city of
Bordeaux, in France, and the rents, issues, and profits thereof, to
my brother, Etienne Girard, and my niece Victoire Fenellon,




60                STEPHEN GIRARD' S WILL.
(daughter of my late sister Sophia Girard Capayron,) both residing
in France, in equal moieties for the life of my said brother, and,
on his decease, one moiety of the said house and lot to mny said niece
Victoire, and her heirs forever, and the other moiety to the six
children of my said brother, namely, John Fabricius, Marguerite,
Ann Henriette, Jean August, Marie, and MBadelaine Henriette,
share and share alike, (the issue of any deceased child, if more
than one, to take amongst them the parent's share) and their heirs
forever.
X. I give and bequeath to my said brother, Etienne Girard,
the sum of Five Thousand Dollars, and the like sum  of Five
Thousand Dollars to each of his six children above named: if
any of the said children shall die prior to the receipt of his or her
legacy of five thousand dollars, the said sum shall be paid, and I
give and bequeath the same to any issue of such deceased child,
if more than one, share and share alike.
XI. I give and bequeath to my said niece, Victoire Fenellon
the sum of Five Thousand Dollars.
XII. I give and bequeath absolutely to my niece, Antoinetta,
now married to Mr. Hemphill, the sum of Ten Thousand Doliars, and I also give and bequeath to her the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars, to be paid over to a trustee or trustees to be appointed
by my executors, which trustee or trustees shall place and continue
the said sum of fifty thousand dollars upon good security, and
pay the interest and dividends thereof as they shall from time to
time accrue, to my said niece for her separate use, during the term
of her life, and from and immediately after her decease, to pay and
distribute the capital to and among such of her children and the
issue of deceased children, and in such parts and shares as she
the said Antoinetta, by an instrument under her hand and seal,
executed in the presence of at least two credible witnesses, shall
direct and appoint, and for default of such appointment, then to
and among the said children and issue of deceased children in
equal shares, such issue of deceased children, if more than one,
to take only the share which their deceased parent would have
taken if living.




STEPHEN GIRARD'S WILL.                  61
XIII. I give and bequeath unto my niece Carolina, now married
to MIr. Haslam, the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars; to be paid
over to a trustee or trustees to be appointed by my executors, which
trustee or trustees shall place and continue the said money upon
good security, and pay the interest and dividends thereof from
time to time as they shall accrue, to my said niece for her separate
ulse, during the term of her life: and from and immediately after
her decease, to pay and distribute the capital to and among such
of her children, and issue of deceased children, and in such parts
and shares, as she the said Carolina, by any instrument under her
hand and seal, executed in the presence of at least two credible
witnesses, shall direct and appoint, and for default of such appointment, then to and among the said children, and issue of deceased
children, in equal shares, such issue of deceased children, if more
than one, to take only the share which the deceased parent would
have taken if living; but if my said niece Carolina, shall leave no
issue, then the said trustee or trustees, on her decease, shall pay
the said capital, and any interest accrued thereon, to and among
Caroline Lallemand, (niece of the said Carolina) and the children
of the aforesaid Antoinetta Hemphill, share and share alike.
XIV. I give and bequeath to my niece Henrietta, now married
to Dr. Clark, the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars; and I give and
bequeati to her daughter Caroline, (in the last clause above named),
the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars- the interest of said sum
of twenty thousand dollars or so much thereof as may be necessary,
to be applied to the maintenance and education of the said Caroline during her minority, and the principal, with any accumulated
interest, to be paid to the said Caroline, on her arrival at the age
of twenty-one years.
XV. Unto each of the captains who shall be in my employment
at the time of my dec6ase, either in port, or at sea, having charge
of one of my ships or vessels, and having performed at least two
voyages in my service, I give and bequeath the sum of Fifteen
Hundred Dollars- provided he shall have brought safely into
the port of Philadelphia, or if at sea at the time of my decease,
shall bring safely into that port, my ship or vessel last intrusted to
6




62                STEPHtN GIRARD'S WILL.
him, and also that his conduct during the last voyage shall have
been in every respect conformable to my instructions to him.
XVI. All persons, who, at the time of my decease, shall be
bound to me by indenture, as apprentices or servants, and who
shall then be under age, I direct my executors to assign to suitable
masters immediately after my decease, for the remainder of their
respective terms, on conditions as favorable as they can in regard to
education, clothing, and freedom dues: to each of the said persons
in my service, and under age at the time of my decease, I give and
bequeath the sum of F'ive Hundred Dollars, which sums respectively I direct my executors safely to invest in public stock, to
apply the interest and dividends thereof, towards the education of
the several apprentices or servants, for whom the capital is given
respectively, and at the termination of the apprenticeship or service of each, to pay to him or her the said sum of five hundred
dollars, and any interest accrued thereon, if any such interest shall
remain unexpended; in assigning any indenture, preference shall
be given to the mother, father, or next relation, as assignee, should
such mother, father, or relative desire it, and be at the same time
respectable and competent.
XVII. I give and bequeath to Francis Hesley (son of Mrs. S.
Ilesley, who is mother of Marianne iesley,) the sum  of One
Thousand Dollars, over and above such sum as may be due to
him at my decease.
XVIII. I charge my real estate in the State of Pennsylvania
with the payment of the several annuities or sums following, (the
said annuities to be paid by the Treasurer or other proper officers
of the City of Philadelphia, appointed by the Corporation thereof
for the purpose, out of the rents and profits of said real estate here.
inaftcr directed to be kept constantly rented,) namely:1st. I give and bequeath to Mrs. Elizabeth Ingersoll, widow of
Jared Ingersoll, Esq., late of the city of Philadelphia, Counsellor
at law, an annuity, or yearly sum of One Thousand Dollars, to
be paid in half-yearly payment, in advance, of five hundred dollars
each, during her life.




STEPHEN GIRARD' S" WILL.                63
2d. I give and bequeath to Mrs. Catherine Girard, now widow
of Mr. J. B. Hoskins, who died in the Isle of France, an annuity,
or yearly sum of Four Hundred Dollars, to be paid in half-yearly
payments, in advance, of two -hundred dollars each, during her
life.
3d. I giveand bequeath to MIrs. Jane Taylor, my present
house-keeper, (the widow of the late Captain Alexander Taylor,
who was -master of myr ship Itelvetius, and died in my employ.
ment,) an annuity, or yearly sum of Five Hundred Dollars, to be
paid in half-yearly payments, in advance, of two hundred and fifty
dollars each, during her life.
4th. I give and bequeath to _Mrs. S. Hesley, my house-keeper
at my place in Passyunk Township, an annuity, or yearly sum of
Five Hundred Dollars, to be paid in half-yearly payments, in advance, of two hundred and fifty dollars each, during her life.
5th. I give and bequeath to Marianne Hesley, daughter to Mrs.
S. Hesley, an annuity, or yearly sumi of Three Hundred Dollars,
to be paid to her mother, for her:-use, in half-yearly payments, in
advance, of one hundred and fiRty dollars each, until the said Marianne shall have attained the age of twenty-one years, when the
said annuity shall cease, and the said Marianne will receive the
five hundred dollars given to her and other indented persons, according to the clause XVI. of this Will.
6th. I give and bequeath to my late house-keeper, 3Mary Kenton, an annuity, or yearly sum of Three Hundred Dollars, to be
paid in half-yearly payments, in advance, of one hundred and fifty
dollars each, during her life.
7th. I give and bequeath to Mrs. Deborah Scott, sister of Mary
Kenton, and wife of Mr. Edwin T. Scott, an annuity, or yearly
sum  of 7three Hundred Dollars, to be paid in half-yearly payments, in advance, of one hundred and fifty dollars each, during
her life.
8th. I give and bequeath to Mrs. Catherine M'Laren, sister of
Mary Kenton, and wife of Mr. M'Laren, an annuity, or yearly
sum of Three Hundred Dollars, to be paid in half-yearly pay



64                STEPHEN GIRARD'S WILL.
ments, in advance, of one hundred and fifty dollars each, during
her life.
9th. I give and bequeath to Mrs. Amelia G. Taylor, wife of
MIr. Richard LI. Taylor, an annuity or yearly sum of Thlree Hundred Dollars, to be paid in half-yearly payments, in advance, of
one hundred and fifty dollars each, during her life.
XIX. All that part of my real and personal estate, near Washn
ita, in the State of Louisiana, the said real estate consisting of
upwards of two hundred and eighty thousand arpens, or acres of
land, and including therein the settlement hereinafter mentioned,
I give, devise, and bequeath, as follows, namely: 1. I give, devise,
and bequeath to the Corporation of the City of New Orleans, their
successors and assigns, all that part of my real estate, constituting
the settlement formed on my behalf by my particular friend, Judge
Henry Bree, of Washita, consisting of upwards of one thousand
arpens, or acres of land, with the appurtenances and improvements
thereon, and also all the personal estate thereto belonging, and
thereon remaining, including upwards of thirty slaves now on said
settlement, and their increase, in trust, however, and subject to
the following reservations:
I desire, that no part of the said estate or property, or the slaves
thereon, or their increase, shall be disposed of or sold for the term
of twenty years from and after my decease, should the said Judge
Henry Bree survive me and live so long, but that the said settlement shall be kept up by the said Judge Henry Bree, for and
during said term  of twenty years, as if it was his own; that
is, it shall remain under his sole care and control; he shall
improve the same by raising such produce as he may deem most
advisable, and after paying taxes, and all expenses in keeping
up the settlement, by clothing the slaves and otherwise, he shall
have and enjoy for his own use, all the nett profits of said settle.
ment. Provided, however, and I desire that the said Judge Ifen.
ry Bree, shall render, annually, to the Corporation of the City of
New Orleans, a report of the state of the settlement, the income
and expenditure thereof, the number and increase of the slaves,
and the net result of the whole.  I desire that, at the expiration




STEPHEN GIRARD'S WILL.                   65
of the said term  of twenty years, or on the decease of the said
Judge Henry Bree, should he not live so long, the land and improvements forming said settlement, the. slaves thereon, or thereto
belonging, and all other appurtenant personal property, shall be
sold, as soon as the said Corporation shall deem it advisable to do
so, and the proceeds of the said sale or sales shall be applied by
the said Corporation to such uses and purposes as they shall consider most likely to promote the health and general prosperity of
the inhabitants of the City of New Orleans.  But, until the said
sale shall be made, the said Corporation shall pay all taxes, prevent waste or intrusion, and so manage the said settlement and
the slaves, and their increase thereon, as to derive an income, and
the said income shall be applied, from time to time, to the same
uses and purposes for the health and general prosperity of the said
inhabitants.
2. I give, devise, and bequeath to the Mayor, Aldermen, and
Citizens of Philadelphia, their successors and assigns, two undivided third parts of all the rest and residue of my said real estate,
being the lands unimproved near Washita, in the said State of
Louisiana, in trust, that, in common with the Corporation of the
City of New Orleans, they shall pay the taxes on the said lands,
and preserve them from waste or intrusion, for the term of ten
years from and after my decease, and at the end of the said term,
when they shall deem it advisable to do so, shall sell and dispose
of their interest in said lands gradually from time to time, and
apply the proceeds of such sales to the same uses and purposes
hereinafter declared and directed, of and concerning the residue
of my personal estate.
3. And I give, devise, and bequeath to the Corporation of the
City of New Orleans, their successors and assigns, the remaining
one undivided third part of the said lands, in trust, in common
with the Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens of Philadelphia, to pay
the taxes on the said lands, and preserve them from waste and
intrusion, for the term of ten years from and after my decease, and,
at the end of the said term, when they shall deem it advisable to
do so, to sell and dispose of their interest in said lands gradually
6*




66                STEPHEN GIRARD S WILL.
from time to time, and to apply the proceeds- of such sale to such
uses and purposes as the said Corporation may consider most liklely
to promote the health and general prosperity of the inhabitants of
the City of New Orleans.
XX. And, whereas, I have been for a long time impressed with
the importance of educating the poor, and of placing them, by
the early cultivation of their minds, and the development of their
moral principles, above the many temptations to which, through
poverty and ignorance, they are exposed; and I am particularly
desirous to provide for such a number of poor male white orphan
children, as can be trained in one institution, a better education,
as well as a more comfortable maintenance, than they usually
receive from the application of the public funds: and, whereas,
together with the object just adverted to, I have sincerely at heart
the welfare of the City of Philadelphia, and, as a part of it, am
desirous to improve the neighbourhood of the river Delaware, so
that the health of the citizens may be promoted and preserved,
and that the eastern part of the city may be made to correspond
better with the interior. Now, I do give, devise, and bequeath all
the residue and remainder of my real -and personal estate of
every sort and kind wheresoever situate,- (the real estate in Pennsylvania charged as foresaid) unto "the Mayor, Aldermen, and
Citizens of Philadelphia," their successors and assigns, in trust, to
and for the several'uses, intents and purposes, hereinafter mentioned and declared of and concerning the same, that is to say:
so far as regards my real estate in Pennsylvania, in trust, that no
part' thereof shall ever be sold or alienated by the said MIayor,
Aldermen, and Citizens of Philadelphia, or their successors, butthe same shall forever thereafter be let from time to time, to good
tenants, at yearly or other rents, and upon leases in possession not
exceeding five years from the commencement thereof, and that the
rents, issues, and profits arising therefrom, shall be applied towards
keeping that part of the said real estate situate in the city and
liberties of Philadelphia constantly in good repair, (parts elsewhere situate to be kept in repair by the tenants thereof respectively) and towards improving ^the same, whenever necessary, by




STEPHEN GIRARD'S WILL.                   67
erecting new buildings; and that the net residue (after paying
the several annuities herein before provided for,) be applied to the
same uses and purposes as are herein declared of and concerning
the residue of my personal estate; and so far as regards my real
estate in Kentucky, now under the care of Messrs. Triplett and
Brumley, in trust, to sell and dispose of the same, TbaVer it
may be expedient to do so, and to apply the proceeds of such sa'
to the same uses and purposes as are herein declared of and concerning the residue of my personal estate.
XXI. And so far as regards the residue of my personal estate,
in trust, as to two, millions of dollars, part thereof, to apply and
expend so much of that sum as may be necessary, in erecting, as
soon as. practicably may be, in the centre of my square of ground
between High and Chestnut streets, and Eleventh and Twelfth
streets, in the City of Philadelphia, (which square of ground I
hereby devote for the purposes hereinafter stated, and for no
other, forever,) a permanent college, with suitable out-buildings,
sufficiently spacious for the residence and accommodation of at least
three. hundred scholars, and the requisite teachers and other
persons necessary in such a:n institution as I direct to be established,
and in supplying the said college and out-buildings with decent
and suitable furniture, as well as books and all things needful to
carry into effect my general design.
The said college shall be constructed with the most durable materials, and in the most permanent-manner, avoiding needless
ornament, and aittending chiefly to the strength, convenience, and
neatness of the whole: It shall be'at least one hundred and ten
feet ehst and west, and one hundred and sixty feet north and south,
anid shall'be built on lines parallel with High and Chestnut streets,
and Ele4venth and Twelfth streets, provided those lines shall consti.
tute at their junction right angles: It shall be three stories in height,
each story at least fifteen feet high in the clear fromn the floor to
the cornice: It shall be fire-proof inside and outside.  The floors
and the roof to be formed of solid materials, on arches turned on
proper centres, so that no wood may be used, except for doors, windows, and shutters: Cellars shall'be made under the building,




68                 STEPHEN GIRARD' S WILL.
solely for the purposes of the institution; the doors to them from
the outside shall be on the east and west of the building, and
access to them from the inside shall be had by steps, descending
to the cellar floor from each of the entries or halls hereinafter mentioned, and the inside cellar doors to open under the stairs on the
north-east and north-west corners of the northern entry, and under
the stairs on the south-east and south-west corners of the southern
entry; there shall be a cellar window under and in line with each
window in the first story - they shall be built one half below, the
other half above the surface of the ground, and the ground outside each window shall be supported by stout walls; the sashes
should open inside, on hinges, like doors, and there should be
strong iron bars outside each window; the windows inside and outside should not be less than four feet wide in the clear: There
shall be in each story four rooms, each room not less than fifty feet
square in the clear; the four rooms on each floor to occupy the
whole space east and west on such floor or story, and the middle of
the building north and south; so that in the north of the building,
and in the south thereof, there may remain a space of equal dimensions, for an entry or hall in each, for stairs and landings: In
the north-east, and in the north-west corners of the northern entry
or hall on the first floor, stairs shall be made so as to form a doluble stair-case, which shall be carried up through the several stories;
and, in like manner, in the south-east and south-west corners of
the southern entry or hall, stairs shall be made, on the first floor,
so as to form a double stair-case, to be carried up through the several stories; the steps of the stairs to be made of smooth white marble, with plain square edges, each step not to exceed nine inches
in the rise, nor to be less than ten inches in the tread; the outside
and inside foundation walls shall be at least ten feet high in the
clear from the ground to the ceiling; the first floor shall be at least
three feet above the level of the ground around the building, after
that ground shall have been so regulated as that there shall be a
gradual descent from the centre to the side of the square formed
by High and Chestnut and Eleventh and Twelfth streets; all the
outside foundation walls, forming the' cellars, shall be three feet




STEPHEN GIRARD'S WILL.                    69
six inches thick up to the first floor, or as high as may be necessary
to fix the centres for the first floor; and the inside foundation wall,
running north and south, and the three inside foundation walls
running east and west (intended to receive the interior walls for
the four rooms, each not less than fifty feet square in the clear,
above mentioned,) shall be three feet thick up to the first floor, or as
high as may be necessary to fix the centres for the first floor; when
carried so far.up, the outside walls shall be reduced to two feet in
thickness, leaving a recess outside of one foot, and inside of six
inches-and when carrried so far up, the inside foundation walls
shall also be reduced, six inches on each side, to the thickness of
two feet; centres shall then be fixed on the various recesses of six
inches throughout, left for the purpose, the proper arches shall be
turned, and the first floor laid; the outside and the inside wall
shall then be carried up to the thickness of two feet throughout
as high as may be necessary to begin the recess intended to fix the
centres of the second floor, that is, the floor of the four rooms, each
not less than fifty feet square in the clear, and for the landing in the
north, and the landing in the south of the building, where the
stairs are to go up - at this stage of the work, a chain, composed
of bars of inch square iron, each bar about ten feet long, and linked
together by hooks formed of the ends of the bars, shall be laid
straightly and horizontally along the several walls, and shall be as
tightly as possibly worked into the centre of them throughout, and
shall be secured wherever necessary, especially at all the angles, by
iron clamps solidly fastened, so as to prevent cracking or swerving
in any part; centres shall then be laid, the proper arches turned
for the second floor and landings, and the second floor and landings
shall be laid; the outside and the inside walls shall then be car.
ried up of the same thickness of two feet throughout as high as
may be necessary to begin in the recess intended to fix the centres
for the third floor and landings, and, when so far carried up, another chain similar in all respects to that used at the second story,
shall be in like manner worked into the walls throughout, as
tightly as possible, and clamped in the same way with equal care;
centres shall be formed, the proper arches turned, and the third




70                 STEPIIEN GIRARD' S WILL.
floor and landings shall be laid; the outside and the inside walls
shall then be carried up, of the same thickness of two feet
throughout, as high as may be necessary to begin the recess in.
tended to fix the centres for the roof; and, when so carried up, a
third chain, in all respects like those used at the second and third
stories,. shall, in the manner before described, be worked as tightly
as possible into the walls throughout, and shall be clamped with
equal care; centres shall now be fixed in the manner best adapted
for the roof, which is to form the ceiling for the third story, the
proper arches shall be turned, and the roof shall be laid as nearly
horizontally as may be, consistently with the easy passage of water
to the eaves: the outside walls, still of the thickness of two feet
throughout, shall then be carried up about two feet above the level
of the platform, and shall have marble capping, with a strong and
neat iron railing thereon: The outside walls shall be faced with
slabs or blocks of marble or granite, not less than two feet thick,
and fastened together with clamps securely sunk therein, - they
shall be carried up flush from the recess formed at the first floor
where the foundation outside wall is reduced to two feet: The
floors and landings, as well as the roof, shall be covered with marble slabs, securely laid in mortar; the slabs on the roof to be twice
as thick as those on the floors. In constructing the walls, as well
as in turning the arches, and laying the floors, landings, and roof,
good and strong mortar and grout shall be used, so that no cavity
whatever may any where remain.  A furnace or furnaces for the
generation of heated air shall be placed in the cellar, and the heated
air shall be introduced in adequate quantity, wherever wanted, by
means of pipes and flues inserted and made for the purpose in the
walls, and as those walls shall be constructed.  In case it shall be
found expedient for the purposes of a library, or otherwise, to increase the number of rooms, by dividing any of those directed to
be not less than fifty feet square in the clear, into parts, the partition walls to be of solid materials. A room most suitable for the
purpose, shall be set apart for the reception and preservation of
my books and papers, and I direct that they shall be placed there
by my executors, and carefully preserved therein. There shall be




STEPHEN GIRARD'S WILL.                   71
two principal doors of entrance into the college, one into the entry
or hall on the first floor, in the north of the building, and in the
centre between the east and west walls, the other in the entry or
hall in the south of the building, and in the centre between the
east and west walls; the dimensions to be determined by a due
regard to the size of the entire building, to that of the entry, and
to the purpose of the doors. The necessity for, as well as the
position and size of other doors, internal or external, and also
the position and size of the windows, to be, in like manner, decided
on by a consideration of the uses to which the building is to be
applied, the size of the building itself, and of the several rooms,
and of the advantages of light and air: there should in each instance be double doors, those opening into the rooms to be what
are termed glass doors, so as to increase the quantity of light for
each room, afid those opening outward to be of substantial wood
work well lined and secured; the windows of the second and third
stories I recommend to be made in the style of those in the
first and second stories of my present dwelling house, North Water
Street, on the eastern front thereof; and outside each window I
recommend that a substantial and neat iron balcony be placed,
sufficiently wide to admit the opening of the shutters against the
walls; the windows of the lower story to be in the same style,
except that they are not to descend to the floor, but so far as the
surbase, up to which the wall is to be carried, as is the case in the
lower story of my house at my place in Passyunk Township. In
minute particulars not here noticed, utility and good taste should
determine. There should be at least four out-buildings, detached
from the main edifice,.and from each other, and in such positions
as shall at once answer the purposes of the institution, and be consistent with the symmetry of the whole establishment: each building should be, as far as practicable, devoted to a distinct purpose:
in that one or more of those buildings, in which they may be
most useful, I direct'my executors to place my plate and furniture
of every sort.
The entire square, formed by High and Chestnut streets, and
Eleventh and Twelfth streets, shall be enclosed with a solid wall,




72               STEPHEN GIRARD' S WILL.
flt least fourteen inches.tbick, and ten feet high, capped with mar.
ole and guarded with irons on the top, so as to prevent persons
kcom getting over; there shall be two places of entrance into the
Aquare, one in the centre of the wall facing High street, and the
%ther in the centre of the wall facing Chestnut street: at each place
of entrance there shall be two gates, one opening inward, and the
other outward, those opening inward to be of iron, and in the style
of the gates north and south of my Banking House; and those
opening outward to be of substantial wood work, well lined and
secured on the faces thereof with sheet-iron. The messuages now.
erected on the south-east corner of High and Twelfth streets, and
-on Twelfth street, to be taken down and removed as soon as the
College and out-buildings shall have been erected, so that the establishment may be rendered secure and private.
When the College and appurtenances shall have been constructed
and supplied with plain and suitable furniture and books, philosophical and experimental instruments and apparatus, and all other
matters needful to carry my general design into execution; the
income, issues, and profits of so much of the said sum of two million of dollars as shall remain unexpended, shall be applied to
maintain the said college according to my directions.
1. The Institution shall be organized as soon as practicable, and
to accomplish the purpose more effectually, due public notice of
the intended opening of the college shall be given -so that there
may be an opportunity to make selections of competent instructors,
and other agents, and those who may have the charge of orphans
may be aware of the provision intended for them.
2.: A competent number of instructors, teachers, assistants, and
other necessary agents shall be selected, and when needful, their
places, from time to time, supplied: they shall receive adequate
compensation for their services; but no person shall be employed,
who shall not be of tried skill in his or her proper department, of
established moral character, and in all cases persons shall be chosen
on account of their merit, and not through favor or intrigue.




STEPHEN GIRARD'S WILL.                   73
3. As many poor white male orphans, between the age of six
and ten years, as the said income shall be adequate to maintain,
shall be introduced into the college as soon as possible; and from
time to time, as there may be vacancies, or as increased ability
from income may warrant, others shall be introduced.
4. On the application for admission, an accurate statement should
be taken in a book, prepared for the purpose, of the name, birthplace, age, health, condition as to relatives, and other particulars
useful to be known of each orphan.
5. No orphan should be admitted until the guardians or directors of the poor, or a proper guardian or other competent authority,
shall have given, by indenture, relinquishment, or otherwise, adequate power to the Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of Philadelphia,
or to directors, or others by them appointed, to enforce, in relation
to each orphan, every proper restraint, and to prevent relatives or
others from interfering with, or withdrawing such orphan from the
institution.
6. Those orphans, for whose admission application shall first be
made shall be first introduced, all other things concurring - and
at all future times, priority of application shall entitle the applicant
to preference in admission, all other things concurring; but if there
shall be, at any time, more applicants than vacancies, and the applying orphans shall have been born in different places, a preference shall be given — first, to orphans born in the city of Philadelphia; secondly, to those born in any other part of Pennsylvania;
thirdly, to those born in the city of New York (that being the
first port on the continent of North America at which I arrived:)
and lastly, to those born in the City of New Orleans, being the
first port on the said continent at which I first traded, in the first
instance as first officer, and subsequently as master and part owner
of a.vessel and cargo.
7. The orphans admitted into the College,.shall be there fed
with plain but wholesome food, clothed with plain but decent apparel, (no distinctive dress ever to be: worn) and lodged in a plain
7




74                STEPHEN GIRARD S WILL.
but safe manner; Due regard shall be paid to their health, and to
this end their persons and clothes shall be kept clean, and they
shall have suitable and rational exercise and recreation: They shall
be instructed in the various branches of a sound education, comprehending reading, writing, grammar, arithmetic, geography,
navigation, surveying, practical mathematics, astronomy; natural,
chemical and experimental philosophy, the French and Spanish
languages, (I do not forbid, but I do not recommend the Greek and
Latin languages) —and such other learning and science as the
capacities of the several scholars may merit or warrant: I would
have them taught facts and things, rather than words or signs;
and especially, I desire, that by every proper means a pure attachment to our Republican Institutions, and to the sacred rights of
conscience, as guaranteed by our happy constitutions, shall be
formed and fostered in the minds of the scholars.
8. Should it unfortunately happen, that any of the orphans
admitted into the College, shall, from malconduct, have become
unfit companions for the rest, and mild means of reformation prove
abortive, they shall no longer remain therein.
9. Those scholars, who shall merit it, shall remain in the College until they shall respectively arrive at between fourteen and
eighteen years of age; they shall then be bound out by the Mayor,
Aldermen and Citizens of Philadelphia, or under their direction,
to suitable occupations, as those of agriculture, navigation, arts,
mechanical trades, and manufactures, according to the capacities
and acquirements of the scholars respectively, consulting, as far
as prudence shall justify it, the inclinations of the several scholars,
as to the occupation, art or trade, to be learned.
In relation to the organization of the College and its appendages, I leave, necessarily, many details to the Mayor, Aldermen and
Citizens of Philadelphia, and their successors; and I do so, with
the more confidence, as, from the nature of my bequests, and the
benefits to result from them, I trust that my fellow-citizens of
Philadelphia will observe and evince especial care and anxiety
in selecting members for their City Councils, and other agents.




STEPHEN GIRARD'S WILL.                   15
There are, however, some restrictions, which I consider it my
duty to prescribe, and to be, amongst others, conditions on which
my bequest for said College is made, and to be enjoyed, namely;
first, I enjoin and require, that if at the close of any year, the
income of the fund devoted to the purposes of the said College
shall be more than sufficient for the maintenance of the Institution
during that year, then the balance of the said income, after defray
ing such maintenance, shall be forthwith invested in good securities, thereafter to be and remain a part of the capital; but in no
event, shall any part of the said capital be sold, disposed of, or
pledged, to meet the current expenses of the said Institution, to
which I devote the. interest, income and dividends thereof, exclusively: Secondly, I enjoin and require that no ecclesiastic, missionary, or minister of any sect whatsoever, shall ever hold or
exercise any station or duty whatever in the said College; nor
shall any such person ever be admittedfor any purpose, or as a
visitor, within the premises appropriated to the purposes of the
said college: -In making this restriction, I do not mean to cast
any reflection upon any sect or person whatsoever; but as there is
such a multitude of sects, and such a diversity of opinion amongst
them, I desire to keep the tender minds of the orphans, who are
to derive advantage from this bequest, free from the excitement,
which clashing doctrines and sectarian controversy are so apt to
produce; my desire is, that all the instructors and teachers in the
College, shall take pains to instil into the minds of the scholars,
the purest principles of morality, so that, on their entrance into
active life, they may from inclination and habit, evince benevolence
toward their fellow creatures, and a love of truth, sobriety, and
industry, adopting at the same time, such religious tenets as their
matured reason may enable them to prefer. If the income, aris.
ing from that part of the said sum of two millions of dollars, remaining after the construction and furnishing of the College and
out-buildings, shall, owing to the increase of the number of orphans
applying for admission, or other cause, be inadequate to the'construction of new buildings, or the maintenance and education of
as many orphans as may apply for admission, then such further




76                STEPHEN GIRARD S WILL.
sum as may be necessary for the construction of new buildings and
the maintenance and education of such further number of orphans,
as can be maintained and instructed within such buildings as the
said square of ground shall be adequate to, shall be taken from
the final residuary fund hereinafter expressly referred to for the
purpose, comprehending the income of my real estate in the city
and county of Philadelphia, and the dividends of my stock in the
Schuylkill Navigation Company-my design and desire being, that
the benefits of said institution shall be extended to as great a number of orphans, as the limits of the said square and buildings th'erein can accommodate.
XXII. And as to the further sum of Five Hundred Thousand
Dollars, part of the residue of my personal estate, in trust, to
invest the same securely, and to keep the same so invested, and to
apply the income thereof exclusively to the following purposes:
that is to say1. To lay out, regulate, curb, light, and pave a passage or street
on the east part of the City of Philadelphia, fronting the river
Delaware, not less than twenty-one feet wide, and to be called
Delaware.Ivenue, extending-from Vine to Cedar street, all along
the east part of Water street squares, and the west side of the
logs, which form the heads of the docks, or thereabouts; and to
this intent to obtain such Acts of Assembly, and to make such
purchases or agreements, as will enable the Mayor, Aldermen,
and Citizens of Philadelphia, to remove or pull down all the buildings, fences, and obstructions which may be in the way, and to
prohibit all buildings, fences, or erections of any kind to the eastward of said Avenue; to fill up the heads of such of the docks as
may not afford sufficient room for the said street; to compel the
owners of wharves to keep them  clean, and covered completely
with gravel or other hard materials, and to be so levelled that
water will not remain thereon after a shower of rain; to completely clean and keep clean all the docks within the limits of
the city, fronting on the Delaware; and to pull down all platforms carried out, from the east part of the city over the river
1)elaware, on piles or pillars.




STEPHEN GIRARD'S WILL.                  77
2. To pull down and remove all wooden buildings, as well those
made of wood and other combustible materials, as those called
brick-paned, or frame buildings filled in with bricks, that are erected
within the limits of the City of Philadelphia, and also to prohibit
the erection of any such building, within the said city's limits'at
any future time.
3. To regulate, widen, pave, and curb Water street, and to distribute the Schuylkill water therein, upon the following plan,
that is to say-that Water street be widened east and west from
Vine street, all the way to South street, in like manner as it is
from the front of my dwelling to the front of my stores on the
west side of Water street, and the regulation of the curb-stones
continued at the same distance from one another as they are at
present.opposite to the said dwelling and stores, so thatthe regulation of the said street be not less than thirty-nine feet wide,
and afford a large and convenient footway, clear of obstructions
and incumbrances of every nature, and the cellar doors on which,
if any shall be permitted, not to extend fiom the buildings on to
the footway more than four feet; the said width to be increased
gradually, as the fund shall permit, and as the capacity to remove
impediments shall increase, until there shall be a correct and permanent regulation of Water street, on the principles above stated,
so that it may run north and south as straight as possible. That
the ten feet middle alley, belonging to the public, and running
from the centre of the east squares to Front street, all the way
down across Water street to the river Delaware, be kept open and
cleansed as city property, all the way from Vine to South street;
that such part of each centre or middle alley as runs from Front
to Water street, be arched over with bricks or stone, in so strong
a manner as to facilitate the building of plain and permanent
stone steps and platforms, so that they may be washed and kept
constantly clean; and that the continuance of the said alleys, from
the east side of Water street, be curbed all the way to the river
Delaware, and kept open forever. (I understand that those middle or centre alleys were left open in the first plan of the lois, on
the east front of the city, which were granted from the east side
7*




78                STEPHEN GIIRARD S WILL.
of Front street to the river Delaware, and that each lot on said
cast front has contributed to make those alleys, by giving a part
of their ground in proportion to the size of each lot; those -alleys
were in the first instance, and still are, considered public property,
intended for the convenience of the inhabitants residing in Front
-street, to go down to the river for water and other purposes; but,
owing to neglect or to some other cause, on the part of those who
have had the care of the city property, several encroachments
have been made on them  by individuals, by wholly occupying, or
building over them, or otherwise, and in that way the inhabitants,
more particularly those who reside in the neighborhood, are deprived of the benefit of that wholesome air, which their opening
and cleansing throughout would afford.) That the iron pipes, in
Water street, which, by being of smaller size than those in the
other streets, and too near the surface of the ground, cause constant leaks, particularly in the winter season, which in many places
render the street impassable, be taken up and replaced by pipes of
the same size, quality, and dimensions in every respect, and laid
down as deeply from the surface of the ground, as the iron pipes
which are laid in the main streets of the city; and as it respects
pumps for Schuylkill water and fire-plugs in Water street, that one
of each be fixed at the south-west corner of Vine and Water
streets, and so running southward, one of each near the steps of
the centre alley, going up to Front street; one of each at the
south-west corner of Sassafras and Water Street; one of each
near the steps of the centre alley going up to Front street, and so
on at every south-west corner of all the main streets and Water
street, and of the centre alleys of every square, as far as South
or Cedar street; and when the same shall have been completed,
that all Water street shall be repaved by the best workmen, in the
most complete manner, with the best paving water-stones, after
the height of the curbstones shall have been regulated throughout, as well as the ascent and descent of'the street, in such
manner as to conduct the water through the main streets and the
centre alleys to the river Delaware, as far as practicable; and
whenever any part of the street shall want to be raised, to use no



STEPHEN GIRARD'S WILL.                  79
thing but good paving gravel for that purpose, so as to make the
paving as permanent as possible.  By all which improvements, it
is my intention to place and maintain the section of the city above
referred to, in a condition which will correspond better with the
general cleanliness and appearance of the whole city, and be more
consistent with the safety, health, and comfort of the citizens.
And my mind and will are, that all the income, interest, and dividends of the said capital sum of five hundred thousand dollars
shall be yearly, and every year, expended upon the said objects,
in the order in which I have stated them, as closely as possible,
and upon no other objects until those enumerated shall have been
attained: and when those objects shall have been accomplished, I
authorize and direct the said, the Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens,
to apply such part of the income of the said capital sum of five
hundred thousand dollars, as they may think proper, to the further
improvement, from time to time, of the eastern or Delaware front
of the city.
XXIII. I give and bequeath to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars, for the
purpose of internal improvements by canal navigation, to be paid
into the State treasury by my executors, as soon as such laws shall
have been enacted by the constituted authorities of the said Commonwealth as shall be necessary, and amply sufficient to carry into
effect, or to enable the constituted authorities of the city of Philadelphia to carry into effect, the several improvements above specified; namely, 1. Laws, to cause Delaware Avenue, as above
described, to be made, paved, curbed, and lighted; to cause the
buildings, fences, and other obstructions now existing, to be abated
and removed; and to prohibit the creation of any such obstructions
to the eastward of said Delaware Avenue; 2. Laws, to cause all
wooden buildings, as; above described, to be removed, and to prohibit their future erection within the limits of the city of Philadelphia; 3. Laws, providing for the gradual widening, regulating
paving, and curbing Water street, as hereinbefore described, and
also for the repairing the middle alleys, and introducing the
Schuylkill water, and pumps, as before specified - all which




80                STEPHEN GIRARD' S WILL.
objects may, I persuade myself, be accomplished on principles at
once just in relation to individuals, and highly beneficial to the
public: the said sum, however, not to be paid, unless said laws ba
passed within one year after my decease.
XXIV. And as it regards the remainder of said residue of my
personal estate, in trust, to invest the same in good securities, and.
in like manner to invest the interest and income thereof, from
time to time, so that the whole shall form a permanent fund; and
to apply the income of the said fund,
1st. To the further improvement and maintenance of the
aforesaid College, as directed in the last paragraph of the XXIst
clause of this Will.
2d. To enable the Corporation of the City of Philadelphia to
provide more effectually than they now do, for the security of the
persons and property of the inhabitants of the said city by a competent police, including a sufficient number of watchmen, really
suited to the purpose: and to this end, I recommend a division of
the city into watch districts, or four parts, each under a proper
head, and that at least two watchmen shall, in each round or station, patrol together.
3d. To enable the said Corporation to improve the city property,
and the general appearance of the city itself, and, in effect, to
diminish the burden of taxation, now most oppressive, especially
on those who are the least able to bear it: —To all which objects, the prosperity of the city, and the health
and comfort of its inhabitants, I devote the said fund as aforesaid,
and direct the income thereof to be applied yearly, and every
year forever, after providing for the College as hereinbefore
directed, as my primary object. But, if the said City shall knowingly and wilfully violate any of the conditions hereinbefore and
hereinafter mentioned, then I give and bequeath the said remainder, and accumulations, to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
for the purpose of internal navigation; excepting, however, the
rents, issues, and profits of my real estate in the city and county of




STEPHEN GIRARD'S WILL.                  81
Philadelphia, which shall forever be reserved and applied to maintain the aforesaid College, in the manner specified in the last
paragraph of the XXIst clause of this Will: And if the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania shall fail to apply this or the preceding bequest to the purposes before mentioned, or shall apply any
part thereof to any other use, or shall, for the term of one year
from the time of my decease, fail or omit to pass the laws herein.
before specified for promoting the improvement of the City of
Philadelphia, then I give, devise, and bequeath the said remainder
and  accumulations (the rents aforesaid always excepted and
reserved for the College as aforesaid) to the United States of
America, for the purpose of internal navigation, and no other.
Provided, nevertheless, and I do hereby, declare, that all the
preceding beques  and devises of the residue of my estate to the
Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of Philadelphia, are made upon
the following express conditions, that is to say: —First, That none
of the moneys, principal, interest, dividends, or rents arising from
the said residuary devise or bequest, shall at any time be applied
to any other purpose or purposes whatever, than those herein mentioned and appointed; Second, That separate accounts, distinct
from the other accounts of the Corporation, shall be kept by the
said Corporation, concerning the said devise, bequest, College and
funds, and of the investment and application thereof; and that a
separate account or accounts of the same shall be kept in blank,
not blended with any other account, so that it may at all times ap.
pear, on examination by a committee of the Legislature, as hereinafter mentioned, that my intentions had been fully complied
with: Third, That the said Corporation render a detailed account
annually, in duplicate, to the Legislature of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, at the commencement of the session, one copy for
the Senate, and the other for the House of Representative, concerning the said devised and bequeathed estate, and the investment
and application of the same, and also a report in like manner of
the state of the said College, and shall submit all their books, papers,
and accounts touching the same, to a committee or committees of
the Legislature for examination, when the same shall be required.




82               STEPHEN GIRARD' S WILL.
4th. The said Corporation shall also cause to be published in
the month of January, annually, in two or more newspapers, printed in the city of Philadelphia, a concise but plain account of the
state of the trusts, devises and bequests herein declared and
made, comprehending the condition of the said College, the number of scholars, and other particulars needful to be publicly known,
for the year next preceding the said month of January, annually.
XXV. And whereas, I have executed an assignment, in trust,
of my banking establishment, to take effect the day before my
decease, to the intent that all the concerns thereof may be closed
by themselves, without being blended with the concerns of my
general estate, and the balance remaining to be paid over to my
executors: Now, I do hereby direct my executors, hereinafter
mentioned, not to interfere with the said trust in'any way except to
see that the same is faithfully executed, and to aid the execution
thereof by all such acts and deeds as may be necessary and expedient to effectuate the same, so that it may be speedily closed, and
the balance paid over to my executors, to go, as in my Will, into
the residue of my estate: And I do hereby authorize, direct and
empower the said trustees, from time to time, as the capital of the
said bank shall be received, and shall not be wanted for the discharge of the debts due thereat, to invest the same in good securi.
ties, in the names of my executors, and to hand over the same to
them, to be disposed of according to this my Will.
XXVI. Lastly, I do- hereby nominate and appoint Timothy
Paxson, Thomas P. Cope, Joseph Roberts, William J. Duane and
John A. Barclay, executors of this my last Will and Testament:
I recommend to them to close the concerns of my estate as expeditiously as possible, and to see that my intentions in respect to
the residue of my estate are and shall be strictly complied with:
and I do hereby revoke all other Wills by me hitherto made.
In witness, I, the said Stephen Girard, have to this my last
Will and Testament, contained in thirty-five pages, set my hand at
the bottom of each page, and my hand and seal at the bottom of




STEPHEN GIRARD' S WILL.                  88
this page; the said Will executed, from  motives of prudence, in
duplicate, this sixteenth day of February, in the year one thousand
eight hundred and thirty.
STEPHEN GIRARD, [SEAL].
Signed, sealed, published, and declared by the 
said Stephen Girard, as and for his last
Will and Testament, in the presence of us,
who have at his request hereunto subscribed
our names as witnesses thereto, in the presence of the said Testator, and of each
other, Feb. 16, 1830.
JOHN H. IRWIN,
SAMUEL ARTHUR,
S. HI. CARPENTER.
WHEREAS, I, Stephen Girard, the Testator named in the
foregoing Will, and Testament, dated the sixteenth day of February, eighteen hundred and thirty, have, since the execution
thereof, purchased several parcels and pieces of real estate, and
have built sundry Messuages, all of which, as well as any real es:
tate that I may hereafter purchase, it is my wish and intention to
pass by the said Will: Now, I do hereby republish the foregoing
last Will and Testament, dated February 16, 1830, and do confirm
the same in all particulars. In witness, I, the said Stephen Girard, set my hand and seal hereunto, the twenty-fifth day of December, eighteen hundred and thirty.
STEPHEN GIRARD, [SEAL].
Signed, sealed, published, and declared by the 1
said Stephen Girard, as and for a republicaa- 
tion of his last Will and Testament, in the
presence of us, who, at his request, have
hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses
thereto, in the presence of the said Testator and of each other, December 25th, 1830. J
JOHN H. IRWIN,
SAMUEL ARTHUR,
JNO. THOMSON.
WHEREAS, I, Stephen Girard, the Testator named in the
foregoing Will and Testament, dated February 16, 1830, have,
since the execution thereof, purchased several parcels and pieces




84                STEPHEN GIRARD S WILL.
of land and real estate, and have built sundry Messuages, all which,
as well as any real estate that I may hereafter purchase, it is my
intention to pass by said Will; And whereas, in particular, I have
recently purchased from Mr. William Parker, the Mansion House,
out-buildings, and forty-five acres and some perches of land, called
Peel Hall, on the Ridge Road, in Penn Township; Now, I declare
it to be my intention, and I direct, that the Orphan establishment,
provided for in my said Will, instead of being built as therein directed upon my square of ground between High and Chestnut and
Eleventh and Twelfth streets in the city of Philadelphia, shall
be built upon the estate so purchased from Mr. William Parker,
and I hereby devote the said estate to that purpose, exclusively,
in the same manner as I had devoted the said square, hereby directing that all the improvements and arrangements for the said
Orphan establishment prescribed by my said Will as to said square,
shall be made and executed upon the said estate, just as if I
had in my Will devoted the said estate to said purpose - consequently, the said square of ground is to constitute, and I declare it to be a part of' the residue and remainder of my real
and personal estate, and given and devised for the same uses and
purposes as are declared in section twenty of my Will, it being my
intention that the said square of ground shall be built upon and
improved in such a manner as to secure a safe and permanent income for the purposes stated in said twentieth section. In witness
thereof, I, the said Stephen Girard, set my hand and seal hereunto the twentieth day of June, eighteen hundred and thirty-one.
STEPHEN  GIRARD, [SEAL].
Signed, sealed, published, and declared by
the said Stephen Girard, as and for a republication of his last Will and Testament,
and a further direction in relation to the
real estate therein mentioned, in the presence of us, who, at his request, have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses
thereto, in the presence of the said Testator,
and of each other, June 20, 1831.
S. H. CARPENTER,
L. BARDIN,
SAMUEL ARTHUR.




STEPHEN GIRARD S WILL.                  85
Philadelphia, December 31st, 1831.-Then personally appeared
Samuel Arthur and S. H. Carpenter, two of the witnesses to the
foregoing Will and the second Codicil or republication thereof, and
on their oaths did say, that they were present, and did see and
hear Stephen Girard, the testator in the said Will and second republication thereof named, sign, seal, publish, and declare the
same as and for his last Will and Testament, and republication
thereof, and that at the doing thereof, he was of sound mind,
memory, and understanding, to the best of their knowledge and
belief; and at the same time appeared Jno. Thomson, one of the
witnesses to the first republication of said Will, and on his solemn
affirmation did say that he was present, and did see and hear Stephen Girard, the testator in the first republication of said Will
named, sign, seal, publish, and declare the same as and for a republication of his last Will and Testament. And the said Samuel
Arthur, another of the witnesses to said first republication of
said Will, on his oath did further say, that he was present, and
did see and hear Stephen Girard, the testator in the first republication of said Will named, sign, seal, publish, and declare the same
as and for a republication of his last Will and Testament, and they,oth did say that at the doing thereof, he was of sound mind, memory, and understanding, to the best of their knowledge and belief.
Coram,
J. HUMES, Register.
December 31, 1831.-Timothy Paxson and Thomas P. Cope,
two of the Executors, affirmed, and Joseph, Roberts, William J.
Duane, and John A. Barclay, the other Executors, sworn, and
letters testamentary granted unto them.








Offitca  of te    iracX I0t.eget.
PRESIDENT.
WILLIAM H. ALLEN, LL.D.
TEACHERS.
LEMUEL STEPHENS, A.M., Teacher of Natural Philosophy, and
Chemistry.
WARREN HOLDEN, A.M, Teacher of Mathematics.
GEORGE STUART, Teacher of English Studies.
GEORGE J. BECKER, Teacher of Drawing, Writing, and Bookkeeping.
FRANCIS A. BREGY, Teacher of French and Spanish.
WILLIAM G. FISCHER, Teacher of Vocal Music and Prefect.
Miss MARY LYNCH, Fifth Form Teacher.
MISS JANE OVERN, Fourth Form Teacher.
Miss SUSAN M. STATZEL, Fourth Form Teacher.
MIss ANGELINE C. TUIRNER, Third Form Teacher.
Miss KETURAH COLE, Third Form Teacher.
Miss ANNIE SCOTT, Second Form Teacher.
Miss ROSE REILLY, Second Form Teacher.
MIIss EMILY BROWN, First Form Teacher.
SECRETARY AND SUPERINTENDENT OF BINDING OUT.
HENRY W. AREY.
MATRON.
MIss JANE MITCHELL.
ASSISTANT MATRON.
MIRS. FRANCES BIDDLE.
PREFECTS.
THOMAS C. BAILEY,             THOMAS PERRINS,
GEORGE R. MAGUIRE,            JOSEPH T. PRATT.
GOVERNESSES.
MRS. SUSAN WRIGLEY,        MRS. ELIZA LINN,
MIss MARY A. BATEMAN,   MIss ISABELLA MITCHELL.
STEWARD.
SAMUEL OVERN.
PHYSICIANS.
S. L. HOLLINGSWORTH, M.D.,.  JOHN B. BIDDLE, M.D.
DENTIST.
JOSEPH E. PARKER.