SKETCHES 
 
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 WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 WILLIAMSTOWN, MASS 
 
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 H. S. TAYLOR, PRINTER. 
 

 Of^^pi^ ' C^*-t' 4*Wr^ //^^V' ^^^ *** 
 jr^ TO THE ^ 
 
 ALUMNI OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE, 
 
 WHO, THOUGH COMPARATIVELY SMALL IN NUMBER, ARE ADORNING 
 EVERY PROFESSION, 
 
 AND WHO HAVE EVINCED BY SUBSTANTIAL MEMENTOS, 
 THEIR LOVE FOR THEIR ^ALMA MATER, 
 
 THIS WORK IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, 
 
 BY THE AUTHORS. 
 
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 PREFACE. ,^ 
 
 Kind reader : you hold in your hand, a publication 
 making no lofty pretensions for literary merit, or gen- 
 eral interest; and which, therefore, cannot suffer a 
 great fall in your estimation, when you come to read 
 it. The authors of it are students in college mere 
 boys, yet in their ' 'teens.' Inspired by the spirit which 
 possesses all Yankees, they have written this work, 
 without the supervision of older and wiser heads. If 
 then, its pages should show that Phaeton-like, we have 
 sometimes lost our way, and perhaps turned over, the 
 blame rests with us alone. We trust, however, that 
 none of our errors are of such a nature as to injure 
 the college, in whose welfare, we feel a lively interest. 
 If it were so, we should surely shed tears of repentance, 
 though perhaps too late. 
 
 We claim not the merit of originality. The materials 
 from which the following pages have been compiled, 
 were gathered from various sources ; and it is with the 
 view of giving to these scattered materials a more pop- 
 ular and accessible form, that we present this work to 
 the public. If the information conveyed shall serve to 
 enlighten and interest any in regard to the origin, 
 struggles, and present prosperity of the college ; or if 
 
VI PREFACE. 
 
 it shall recall one pleasing remembrance of days gone 
 by, to any of her sons, we shall feel that we have not 
 labored in vain. 
 
 In preparing the history of the college, we are in- 
 debted for much of our information to addresses 
 delivered at the dedication of the Chapel, in 1828, and 
 at the Semi- Centennial Celebration, in 1843 ; also to 
 biographical sketches of Presidents Fitch and Moore, 
 in the Quarterly Register ; the life of Dr. Griffin, and 
 certain valuable manuscripts, and much oral informa- 
 tion, with which we have been kindly favored, and for 
 which we are truly grateful. We have clothed the 
 facts given us in the best garments to be found in our 
 scanty wardrobe. 
 
 In the second part, we have endeavored to give such 
 a sketch of the present state of the college, its regula- 
 tions, its customs, and its attractions, as shall present a 
 correct picture to those who are unacquainted with the 
 subject, but wish to become so. This part in particular, 
 we are aware, betrays a lack of the ' labor limse.' And 
 if asked why it has not been bestowed, our excuse 
 might be the same which a New England lady would 
 give for not imitating the Chinese woman who filed a 
 crowbar down to a needle ; it would take too long, and 
 not be in the fashion of this age of steam. 
 
 In committing the work to the public, we feel sure 
 that whatever may be its reception, the attempt was 
 prompted by a love for the college, and a heartfelt de- 
 sire for its continued prosperity. 
 
 D. A. VTells, 
 
 S. H. Davis. 
 Williams College, June, 1847. 
 
# * 
 
 PART I. 
 
 WILLIAMS COLLEGE AS IT HAS BEEN, 
 
SKETCHES 
 
 )3 o >a 
 
 OF 
 
 WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 SKETCH OF COLONEL WILLIAMS. 
 
 Since Williams College* owes its origin and its name to Col. 
 Ephraim Williams, we have thought it proper to introduce a short 
 sketch of his life. Col. W. was born at Newton, near Boston, about 
 the year 1713. During his early life he followed the seas, visiting 
 most of the European countries. In this way he acquired a general 
 knowledge of men and things, which compensated, to a great degree, 
 for his want of a liberal education ; and a gracefulness of manners for 
 which he was always distinguished. At his father's desire he relin- 
 quished his ocean life, and turned his attention to military affairs, 
 which in those days necessarily engaged the attention of every citizen 
 more or less, and for which he had uncommon talent. In the war 
 between England and France, 1740 '48, he was called into action, 
 and served with honor as Captain of a company raised in New 
 England for the Canada service. 
 
 After the peace concluded at Aix-la-Chapelle, in 1748, the General 
 Court granted to Col. Williams two hundred acres of land in the town 
 
 * The name is sometimes erroneously written with an apostrophe : i. e. 
 * William's ' or * Williams' College.' This is as improper as it would be to say 
 Harvard's University, or Yale's College. 
 
 2 
 
10 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 of Hoosack, (which included Williamstown and Adams,) and gave 
 him command of the line of forts west of the Connecticut. During 
 this command he resided principally at Forts Hoosack and Massachu- 
 setts, situated in the town of Hoosack, the former near the present 
 locality of the colleges, and the latter three miles and a half to the 
 east. Thpe ferts formed the bulwark of the frontier, and under their 
 protection, .the settjlemerits in this region began. The inhabitants 
 became ^rd/e^itlj^ attached tp their patriotic defender, and at this time 
 he'.fipst mtipiaXed to iheni his purpose of devoting his property to the 
 Establishment of a free school for the advantage of the frontier settlers. 
 
 On the commencement of hostilities in 1755, he was again called 
 into active service. The regiment under his command was ordered to 
 join the army of Gen. Johnson, who was then marching to repel the 
 French invasion from the north. A presentiment of coming death 
 seems at this time to have overshadowed the mind of Col. W. ; for 
 before he joined the army he made his will at Albany, on the 22d of 
 July 1755, by which he devoted his property to the foundation of a 
 Free School among the settlers, whose hardships and dangers he had 
 shared, and in whose welfare he felt a lively interest. 
 
 On the morning of the 8th of September of the same year, a 
 detachment consisting of one thousand soldiers and two hundred 
 Mohawk Indians, under the command of Col. Williams, was sent 
 forward by Gen. Johnson to intercept the advance guard of the 
 French army, marching down under Baron Dieskau. Having dis- 
 covered the approach of Col. Williams, by means of his Indian 
 runners, Dieskau formed his regulars across the road, and ordered his 
 Canadian and savage allies to station themselves in advance on the 
 right and left, under cover of the woods. The detachment of Col. 
 Williams had advanced some distance into this skilfully arranged 
 ambuscade, when the terrific Indian yell pierced the woods in all 
 directions, and a heavy firing was suddenly commenced by the regu- 
 lars in front, and the concealed enemy on both sides, which did great 
 execution and thinned off rank after rank of the sturdy New England- 
 ers. Col. Williams fell among the first being shot with a musket 
 ball through the head. 
 
 His remains are still resting in obscurity in the place where he fell. 
 A large rock bearing his name, on the road from Glens Falls to Cald- 
 well, near Lake George, is pointed out by the inhabitants as marking 
 the spot, but it is believed erroneously. 
 
 Col. Williams was a patriot and a hero: as such he deserves a 
 monument over his grave. 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 11 
 
 * When on Europe's red plains heroes gallantly perish, * 
 
 Fame spreads her broad pinions their exploits to tell ; 
 While the smooth chiseled busts their resemblances cherish, 
 And well-sculptured urns mark the place where they fell.' - 
 
 And the more does Col. Williams deserve some solid testimonial of 
 respect over his resting-place, because in the darkest hour of the 
 Colonies' existence, when the thoughts of most men were absorbed in 
 the bloody struggles with the French and Indians, he remembered the 
 interests of learning, and provided for the education of coming 
 generations. For his countrymen, he lived ; for his countrymen, he 
 died ; and his bones lie loose among the rocks, without even a slab of 
 marble to tdl tlie traveler that he is passing the grave of a patriot and% 
 philanthropist. Do not justice and gratitude demand of the Corpora-' 
 tion of Williams College the erection of a handsome monument to its 
 generous founder 1 
 
 *% 
 
 
'^^i 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 THE PEEE SCHOOL. 
 
 The property of Col. Williams, at the time of his death, was not very 
 g considerable. It consisted chiefly in notes and bonds, and in lands in 
 ^Hampshire and Berkshire counties. After several small bequests to 
 his relatives, he willed ' that the remainder of his lands should be sold}^, 
 at the discretion of his executors, within five years after an established 
 peace ; and that the interest of the monies arising from the sale, and 
 also the interest of his notes and bonds, should be applied to the sup- 
 port of a Free School, in a township west of Fort Massachusetts ; 
 provided the said township fall within Massachusetts, upon running 
 the line between Massachusetts and New York, and provided the said 
 township, when incorporated, be called Williamstown.' Both of these 
 conditions took place. * 
 
 John Worthington, Esq., of Springfield, and Israel Williams, Esq., 
 of Hatfield, the executors of the will, sold the lands and loaned the 
 monies arising from the sales. The yearly interest was again loaned, 
 and thus the fund was annually growing under their faithful care from 
 the death of Col. W. in 1755 till 1785. They then applied to the 
 Legislature for an act enabling them to fulfil the benevolent intention 
 of the testator. An act was accordingly passed, incorporating * Wil- 
 liam Williams, Theodore Sedgwick, Woodbridge Little, John Bacon, ^ 
 Thompson J. Skinner, Israel Jones, and David Noble, Esquires, the**|* 
 Rev. Seth Swift, and the Rev. Daniel Collins, trustees of the donation 
 of Ephraim Williams, for maintaining a Free School in Williamstown.' 
 
 The trustees held their first meeting at Pittsfield on the 24th day of 
 April, 1785. William Williams, Esq. was elected President, and Rev. 
 Seth Swift, Treasurer. Finding the funds which were now transferred 
 to the treasurer by the executors, insufficient to erect a building for 
 the school, a committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions. In 
 1788 a committee was appointed to erect a school house. This 
 building (now called West College) was completed in 1790, and is of 
 the following dimensions : 82 feet long, 42 broad, and 4 stories high. 
 About this time the Corporation petitioned the Legislature for a 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 13 
 
 lottery to raise ^1200, which was granted, and the avails of it amounted 
 to .1037. 18s. 2d. 
 
 At a meeting of the Free School Corporation in October, 1790, a 
 committee was appointed to procure a preceptor ; to whom they offered 
 a salary of .120. The instructions of this committee we insert as an 
 excellent epitome of what constitutes a good teacher. He was to be 
 ' a man of good moral character ; of the Protestant religion ; well 
 acquainted with the English and learned languages, the liberal arts, 
 and the sciences ; apt to teach ; with talents to command the respect 
 of his pupils ; of mild disposition ; and of elegant and accomplished 
 manners.' The committee, thus instructed, procured the services of. 
 Rev. Ebenezer Fitch,* of whose moral and intellectual attainment^ 
 we need only say that the trustees resolved that the committee had r 
 .fulfilled their duty. 
 
 At the same meeting the Corporation adopted a seal which was 
 used for some years after the school had become a college. Its device 
 was a teacher surrounded by three pupils with books in their hands, 
 and the motto, ' E liberalitate E. Williams, Armigeri.' 
 
 The Free School (so called agreeably to the will) was opened Oct^ 
 
 20, 1791, with Mr. Fitch as Preceptor and Mr. John Lester as assist- 
 
 .;/ant : an usher was afterwards added. There were two departments : 
 
 ^^%L grammar school, or academy, and an English free school. In the 
 
 former, all the branches which composed the course of education in 
 
 the colleges were taught : a yearly tuition of 35 shillings was charged. 
 
 *' The latter was chiefly composed of boys from the higher classes in the 
 town schools, to whom gratuitous instruction was given in the common 
 English branches. 
 
 The school soon became quite popular. Young men resorted to it 
 from every part of the Union and from Canada. Its growing reputation 
 
 f ^and usefulness strengthened the desire of the trustees to convert the 
 
 '*!; 
 
 * Mr. Fitch was born Sept. 26, 1756. He entered Yale College in 1773. He 
 was highly esteemed in College as a diligent and virtuous student. After 
 receiving his degree in '77 he passed two years at New Haven as a resident 
 graduate. He then taught school a year in New Jersey, and in 1780 was 
 appointed tutor in Yale College. This office he resigned in '83, and engaged 
 in the mercantile business in company with Henry Daggett, Esq., of New 
 Haven. In June, of the same year, he sailed for London, on business of the 
 firm, and returned the following winter. Three years after he was again 
 appointed tutor in Yale College, and officiated as senior tutor and librarian 
 till 1791. During this time he united with the church, and was licensed to 
 preach. He came to Williamstown, Oct. 1791, and from this time his life is 
 incorporated with the history of the School and College. 
 
14 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 school into a college, which indeed seems to have been their design 
 from the beginning ; as we infer both from the acts of the corporation 
 and from the willingness of Mr. Fitch to leave his high post at Yale, 
 and become a preceptor. It seems to have been understood that the 
 school was to be but temporary ; and that as soon as the way was 
 prepared it was to assume the name of a college, the dignity of which 
 it always bore. 
 
 Accordingly, at a meeting of the trustees in May, 1792, a petition 
 was prepared to be sent to the General Court at its next session, asking 
 for an act incorporating the school into a college. This petition set 
 forth the prosperity of the school ; the eligibility of the situation for a 
 college ; and the advantage of establishing another college, to the 
 * reputation of the state and the interests of learning. It concluded as 
 follows : * We hope it is a laudable wish that we indulge of seeing 
 Massachusetts the Athens of the United States of America, to which 
 young gentlemen from every part of the Union may resort for instruc- 
 tion in all the branches of useful and polite literature ; and we cannot 
 entertain the least doubt but the object of our present memorial 
 perfectly coincides with the object of such wish. Your memorialists 
 therefore humbly pray your Honors that the Free School in Williams- 
 town may be incorporated into a College by the name of Williams 
 Hall, and that the nurturing, liberal hand of the Legislature may be 
 extended to it by a grant of lands in the easterly part of this Common- 
 wealth, or in such other way as to your Honors may seem fit.' 
 
 This petition proved successful, and we now pass on to notice the 
 rise and progress of * Williams College.' 
 
 *i* 
 
^ .m-^r:^^m 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT FITCH. 
 
 The act of incorporation changing the Free School into a College, 
 under the name of Williams College, was granted by the Legislature, 
 June 22, 1793. 
 
 By this act all the trustees of the Free School were made trustees 
 of the College ; and in addition to them were added the Rev. Stephen 
 West, D. D., Henry Van Schaack, Hon. Elijah Williams, and the 
 President of the College for the time being. Gen. Philip Schuyler, 
 Hon. Stephen Van Renssalaer, and Rev. Job Swift, were subsequently ~.^ 
 elected. The charter allowed the board to consist of 17 members, 
 including the President ; empowered them to fill all vacancies ; to 
 confer the usual academic degrees and doctorates ; and to hold 
 property to the amount of .6000. The property vested in the Free 
 School was also transferred to the College, and a grant of $4000 
 made from the State treasury, for the procurement of a library and 
 philosophical apparatus. 
 
 The first meeting of the board was called by Mr. Skinner, August 
 6, 1793, (notice having been previously given in the Stockbridge 
 paper.) All the trustees were present. The meeting having been 
 organized, Mr. Fitch was unanimously elected President, Rev. Stephen 
 West, D. D., Vice President, and Daniel Dewey, Secretary. A com- 
 mittee waited on Mr. Fitch, who attended, and signified his acceptance 
 of the office. 
 
 From the records of this meeting we extract the following items : 
 * Voted, That Commencement be on the first Wednesday of Sep- 
 tember.' * That a grammar school be connected with the college.' 
 ' That Mr. Noah Linsley be appointed Tutor, with a salary of ^65 
 per annum, and Mr. Nathaniel Steel, master of the Grammar School, 
 with a salary of .60.' * That the salary of the President be .140, 
 and the corporation provide him with a house.' * That each person 
 who applies for admission be able to accurately read, parse, and 
 
16 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 construe, to the satisfaction of the President and Tutor, Virgil's 
 JEneid, Tully's Orations, and the Evangelists in Greek ; or, if he 
 prefers to become acquainted with French, he must be able to read 
 and pronounce with a tolerable degree of accuracy and fluency, Hud- 
 son's French Scholar's Guide, Telemachus, or some other approved 
 French author.' ' That Messrs. Skinner, Swift, and Noble, be a 
 committee to counsel the President.' The thanks of the board were 
 also voted to Mr. Noble for the present of a bell. 
 
 At a subsequent meeting it was also voted, * That a committee be 
 appointed to procure a well, and prevent the rooms from smoking.' 
 * That a public dinner be provided at the next commencement, for 
 the President, Trustees, and officers, of the college, together with 
 such other gentlemen as the President may invite.' ' That Mr. 
 Elijah Dunbar be appointed Senior Tutor.' * That the Monitor be 
 allowed for his services the sum of 13 shillings, and in future an 
 annual stipend, equal to one quarter's tuition.' Hon. Theodore 
 Sedgwick was appointed Professor of Law and Givil Polity. A code 
 of laws not differing materially from those now in use, was prepared 
 and accepted at this meeting. j| 
 
 In October 1793, Mr. Fitch commenced his duties as President, 
 and the college was duly organized by the admission of three small 
 classes. President Fitch, and Tutors Linsley and Dunbar, constituted 
 the first Faculty. From 1795 to 1799, Mr. Samuel McKay, a gen- 
 tleman of amiable character, and a good scholar, was Professor of 
 the French Language. Prof. M. resigned in 1799, and since then the 
 Professorship has been discontinued. Jeremiah Day, since President 
 of Yale College, was Tutor from 1796 to 1798. The Academy 
 continued for several years in connection with the college ; it was 
 found to be a convenient place for the preparatory studies, and students 
 more advanced had the privilege of reciting with the college classes. 
 
 The President's house was built in 1794. 
 
 At the time of the establishment of Williams College, there were 
 already four other colleges in New England, viz : Yale and Dartniouth 
 Colleges, and Brown and Harvard Universities. 
 
 Under the influence and persevering efforts of President Fitch, 
 Williams College increased rapidly, and soon, from a humble begin- 
 ning, was raised to a station of high and acknowledged usefulness and 
 respectability. The first commencement was held on Wednesday, 
 Sept. 2, 1795. Samuel Bishop, John Collins, Chancy Lusk, and Dan 
 Stone, were the first that received academic honors at this institution. 
 Chancy Lusk took the valedictory. The second class, graduating in 
 1796, consisted of six members ; the third ten ; and the fourth thirty. 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 17 
 
 The first three commencements were held in a small meeting house, 
 the first one built in the town. This was found to be so small and 
 inconvenient, that the Trustees voted to hold their succeeding com- 
 mencements at Pittsfield, or Lanesboro, unless the town would provide 
 them with a more suitable place : but before the next commencement, 
 measures were taken to erect a new, and more commodious building. 
 Towards the expenses of this building, the corporation contributed 
 one hundred pounds, on condition that seats should be reserved for 
 the students, and that they should have the use of the house on all 
 public days. The fourth commencement was held in the present house, 
 then in an unfinished state. The early commencements were attended 
 by numerous collections of people from the vicinity, and from a distance, 
 and by various distinguished and literary characters. At the first com- 
 mencement, President Fitch delivered an able and popular address to 
 the graduating class ; but this practice was afterwards discontinued. 
 During the administration of Dr. Grifiin, it was resumed again and 
 continued for some years. 
 
 In January, 1796, the Legislature granted two townships of land, 
 which were sold the May following, for about $10,000, and the avails, 
 with a considerable sum beside, amounting in all to $12,400, were 
 applied to build East College, which was erected in 1797. It was a 
 brick building of four stories, one hundred arid four feet by ninety- 
 eight. It was convenient for students ; contained thirty-two rooms 
 -and three recitation rooms ; and was regularly occupied until 1842, 
 *>when it was destroyed by fire. With a portion of the grant from the 
 *' Commonwealth at the time of its incorporation, a small, but well 
 selected library was procured, and some philosophical apparatus. 
 
 In 1795, the two literary societies were formed, and a library under 
 the name of the Adelphic Union was commenced. A catalogue of 
 the college printed in 1795 contained the names of 77 students. The 
 following note was appended : * Besides the above members of college 
 there are about fifty students in the academy connected with the col- 
 ' lege.' This catalogue, according to Dr. Robbins, the antiquarian, was 
 the first catalogue of the members of a college ever printed. The 
 same thing was done at Yale the year following', and the plan was 
 subsequently adopted by the colleges generally. It was first printed 
 on a single sheet, but afterwards in the form of a pamphlet, and con- 
 tained the names of the Trustees and Faculty, which were before 
 omitted. The first Triennial Catalogue was issued in 1799, and has 
 since been regularly continued. 
 
 According to Dr. Fitch, the expenses of the Free School and coK 
 lege, from 1789 to 1800 were as follows : For WestCoUege, $11,700; 
 3 
 
18 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 President's house and land, $2,400 ; for East College, $12,400 ; for 
 the meeting house, $333 ; library, $567 ; total, $28,000. The funds 
 received for the same time were the Williams fund, $11,000; from 
 the lottery, $3,500 ; subscriptions, $2,000 ; legislative grant, $4,000 ; 
 two townships of land, $10,000 ; total, $30,500; leaving a balance in 
 the college treasury at the close of the year 1799, of $2,500. 
 
 For a series of years after its establishment, the college continued to 
 advance with accelerated progress in reputation and prosperity, stu- 
 dents resorting to it from all parts of New England, New York, and 
 Canada. And such was the rapidity of its growth that in 1804, nine 
 years after the first class graduated, it enrolled upon its catalogue 144 
 students. In 1802, the whole number of volumes in the college library 
 amounted to over two thousand ; while that of the Adelphic Union 
 contained 375. 
 
 Some of the causes that contributed to the early prosperity of this 
 college were that the necessary expenditures of the students were less 
 than elsewhere ; its retired situation, and the character of the commu- 
 nity, presenting few inducements to extravagance or dissipation. The 
 principal means of instruction in all our colleges at that time, were 
 the personal application of the students, and the recitation of the 
 classes. Professional lectures on scientific subjects had not then come 
 into fashion, and the apparatus for illustration was poor and limited. 
 
 In choosing Dr. Fitch for the first President of Williams College, 
 (a station for which by his learning, talents, and experience in teach- 
 ing, he was eminently qualified,) the trustees were united and happy ; 
 and that they were neither unwise nor disappointed is sufficiently 
 evident. In his hands, and under his care the college soon acquired 
 a celebrity and influence not surpassed by any sister institution of any 
 period, under circumstances no more favorable to success. 
 
 The following statement will show that the average yearly number 
 of students graduating during the twenty-one years of President Fitch's 
 administration was greater than under either of the succeeding Presi- 
 dents, Doctors Moore or Griffin. The whole number of students 
 which graduated under President Fitch, amounted to 460, averaging 
 nearly 22 annually. The six classes under President Moore, contained 
 90, average 15 yearly. Fifteen under Dr. Griffin, contained 311 ; yearly 
 average, about 21. The ten classes which have thus far (1847) grad- 
 uated under President Hopkins, have contained 299 ; average nearly 30. 
 
 The following extracts from some of President Fitch's letters, will 
 we think be read with interest in this connection : 
 
 * January, 1796. The number of students is increasing rapidly, so 
 that we are already in want of another college edifice. We hope to 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 19 
 
 obtain from the state a grant of two townships of land in Maine, which, 
 if obtained, will enable us to erect another building. At present we 
 have a very likely collection of young men. They are very studious 
 and orderly, and scarcely give us any trouble.' 
 
 ' January, 1799. Things go on well in our infant seminary. Our 
 number is hardly so large as last year. The scarcity of money is one 
 cause of the decline ; some leaving through mere poverty. But our 
 ambition is to make good scholars, rather than add to our numbers ; 
 and in this we mean not to be outdone by any college in New England. 
 Perseverance in the system we have adoptedj will eventually give repu- 
 tation to this institution in the view of all who prefer the useful to the 
 showy.' 
 
 ' June, 1801. Our college is prospering. We have admitted forty-* 
 five Freshmen and nine Sophomores, and expect to make the number 
 up to sixty before commencement.' 
 
 * January, 1802. Our Freshman class this year is not so large as 
 usual ; but we expect it will increase to twenty-five or more. A larger 
 number, however, are professors of religion, and will I hope make 
 pious and useful ministers.' 
 
 * April, 1802. We have lately had trouble in college. The '^: 
 judgments we drew up and published to the classes respecting their 
 examinations in March, gave ofience. Three classes in succession 
 were in a state of insurrection against the government of the college. 
 For ten days we had a good deal of difficulty ; but the Faculty stood 
 firm, and determined to give up no right. At last, without the loss of 
 
 a single member, we reduced all to due obedience and subordination. 
 Never had I occasion for so much firmness and prudence ; not even in 
 the great rebellion of 1782 at Yale. Most of the students are now 
 much ashamed of their conduct. The present generation I trust will 
 never burn their fingers again. They have found that we will support 
 our authority.' 
 
 March, 1803. We have both our College buildings full of students. 
 This is truly encouraging.' 
 
 In the year 1798, when our country resolved to resist the aggressions 
 of France, and pledged the support of government by various addresses, 
 one was sent by the students of Williams College, with the approbation 
 of the Faculty. President Adams returned a polite answer, commend- 
 ing the patriotism of the students, and spoke in flattering terms of the 
 flourishing state of so young an institution. 
 
 In 1804 a strip of land of no great value was granted to Williams 
 and Bowdoin Colleges, and - in 1805 another township of land was 
 granted, which sold for $4,500, and also one in 1809, which brought 
 nearly |5,000. 
 
20 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 The commencement of 1807 was a mournful occasion. President 
 Fitch's eldest son, having been admitted to College, died the evening 
 before the commencement. The President presided at the exercises 
 with great propriety, and the next morning attended the funeral of 
 his son. 
 
 At a meeting of the board of Trustees, Sept. 1805, it was voted to 
 break and discontinue the former seal of the corporation, and to adopt 
 a new one with the following device, viz : a globe, telescope, inkstand, 
 and pens, below a wreath of laurel, above a morning glory, with this 
 motto, ' E Liberalitate, E. Williams, Armigeri.' 
 
 In the year 1806, a professorship of Mathematics and Natural Phi- 
 losophy was established. Mr. Gamaliel Olds, formerly a Tutor, was 
 elected to this professorship. It was also voted at this time to discon- 
 tinue the Grammar School, on account of the paucity of students. 
 
 Thus far, with the exception of the disturbance alluded to in Presi- 
 dent Fitch's letters, nothing had occurred to check the prosperity of 
 the College, or to cause any difficulty. In the summer of 1808, 
 however, some disturbance took place among the students, of which 
 Professor Dewey of Rochester, then residing at Williamstown, has 
 favored us with the following account : 
 
 * In the spring and summer of 1808, there was an attempt of the 
 Sophomore Class to prevent the continuance of some of the officers of 
 College after the commencement. The students supposed the Tutors 
 to be elected annually ; and that by a petition to the Trustees against 
 a re-election, the desired end would be secured. To effect their 
 object they enlisted the interest of two members of the senior class, 
 then about to graduate. So much was said and done by these two 
 Seniors, that the Faculty obliged them to make some acknowledgment 
 of the impropriety of any such interference on their part, before they 
 could be permitted to perform their parts at the Commencement, and 
 receive their degrees. Though the Seniors believed a change of 
 tutors to be important, they were sensible that it was not their part to 
 meddle with such a matter, and the affair was settled with them. The 
 commencement passed off pleasantly, and as the tutors remained in 
 their office, it was supposed the whole matter was settled ; and the 
 students returned after vacation, with the intention, as they said, of 
 going on in peace and good will. 
 
 ' Professor Olds had felt that the students were too much disposed 
 to present petitions on subjects over which they had no control, and 
 in which their interference was entirely improper. This practice he 
 wished to have broken up, and this he designed to effect. He felt that 
 the tutors had been injured by the course of the students, and that the 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 21> 
 
 Faculty were abused by it. He had led the Seniors, by the direction 
 of the Faculty, to make their acknowledgment in the case, aiid he 
 expected to bring the class more particularly concerned in the petition 
 to do the same. The Faculty agreed on the course to be pursued, and 
 the President and Professor Olds presented the subject to members of 
 the offending class, which was now under the care of Professor Olds. 
 When the acknowledgement of the wrong and the renunciation of the 
 practice were proposed, each individual refused to put his name to the 
 paper. The Junior Class was now therefore in direct opposition to a 
 measure resolved on by the Faculty. Recitations were suspended in 
 that 'class, and the whole college was in a state of high excitement. 
 The expulsion of some of those most deeply implicated was feared. 
 
 * When the state of things was reported to the Faculty, the President, 
 with the advice of one of the Trustees, refused to sustain the officers 
 in the attempt, and disclosed that he had been mistaken in the facts, 
 or he should not have consented to require the Juniors to make the 
 proposed acknowledgment. He took a stand in favor of the Students, 
 and against the Professor and Tutors. He said the matter had been 
 managed by Professor Olds, in whom great confidence was placed, and 
 who had great influence with the Faculty and the Students ; and that 
 Professor Olds had come to conclusions and had led them to adopt 
 measures, which the true state of the facts, and the feelings and 
 intentions of the students did not authorize. He therefore told the 
 Professor that the proposed measure was not proper or called for, and 
 must be given up. ^' 
 
 * Professor Olds felt that his honor was compromitted, and that he 
 could not hold a respectable standing in the eyes of the students, and 
 that he must be sustained or leave the college. In a few hours the 
 resignation of the Tutors was sent to the President, and soon after that 
 of Professor Olds. 
 
 ' The college was then without any officer except the President ; 
 and as the vacancies could not be supplied immediately, a recess of 
 four weeks was given to the students, and they returned to their homes. 
 
 ' A few were disgusted by the procedure, and took dismissions from 
 .the College. At the end of the recess most returned, and Chester 
 Dewey, John Nelson, and James W. Robbins, having been called to 
 the tutorships, the remainder of the year was employed in quiet and 
 profitable study. For two years the students pursued an unexceptiona- 
 ble course in all things. Order, peace, study, and good feelings ruled. 
 
 * Professor Olds felt that he was greatly injured by the decision of 
 the President, and his failing to sustain him when the trial came. 
 The President, whom the Trustees judged to have decided correctly, 
 
22 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 felt that he had been led into a mistake by the misrepresentations of 
 Professor Olds, not as intending any error, but carried beyond the 
 facts of the case by the influence and strong feelings of the Professor. 
 He regretted that he had not earlier scrutinized the case, but believed 
 he had now taken the only wise, because the only right, course. 
 
 ' Professor O. doubtless misjudged on the dishonor of his situation. 
 So high was the estimation of his talents by the students, and so great 
 his influence with them, and so strong their attachment to him, that 
 they uniformly declared many times in the year or two following, that 
 they should have entertained all respect and regard for the Professor, 
 as they believed he had erred honestly, and with the best intentions. 
 By resigning, and leaving the College, he lost much of their respect, 
 as it seemed to charge them with a criminal intention, which they dis- 
 owned. There is another apology for Professor Olds, to be found in 
 the fact that he had labored to support the Tutors ; and as they could 
 not consistently remain, he was bound to share with them the results.' 
 
 From this shock, increased by exaggerated reports respecting the 
 extent of the disorders which had prevailed, the college did not recover 
 during the administration of President Fitch. The Institution was 
 then at its height. The rooms of both buildings were fully occupied, 
 and the four classes then on the ground, produced more graduates than 
 any successive four classes, up to 1834. The class that entered the 
 fall after the disturbance graduated but twenty, while the four suc- 
 ceeding classes together numbered but eighty-nine. This was owing 
 in some measure to the fact that other colleges had in the meantime 
 been founded, which diminished the average number of students. It 
 may here be remarked that it was at this time that Gordon Hall, Sam'l 
 J. Mills and others, began their eflbrts, which resulted in the formation 
 Qf the A. B. C. F. M. Mr. Hall graduated in 1808 ; S. J. Mills in 
 1809. 
 
 In 1810 Mr. Chester Dewey was elected to the professorship vacated 
 by Mr. Olds. Ebenezer Adams, of Exeter, N. H., was also elected 
 Professor of Mathematics, but declined. 
 
 In May, 1811, Woodbridge Little, Esq., of Pittsfield, one of the 
 first Trustees, made a donation of $2,500, for the education of talented 
 and indigent young men for the Gospel ministry, and at his death, in 
 1813, increased the sum to $5,700 ; the interest of which is applied 
 annually to the above purpose. 
 
 In February, the Legislature granted $3,000 per year, for ten years, 
 from the tax on banks, the interest of one fourth of which constitutes a 
 fund for the payment of bills of such studejits as may require assist- 
 ance. This was most providential, and served to sustain the college 
 during the troubles which afterwards followed. 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 23 
 
 In May, 1815, a professorship of Languages was established, and Mr. 
 Ebenezer Kellogg appointed Professor. At the same meeting of the 
 Trustees, the Prize Rhetorical Exercise on the evening preceding 
 commencement was instituted. 
 
 We have now traced with perhaps too great minuteness, the history 
 of the college as far as the year 1815. For twenty years had Dr. 
 Fitch successfully, and with distinguished ability, presided over its 
 interests, and with the exception of Dr. Manning of Brown University, 
 what first President ever retained his station for so long a period in 
 this country ? But now the college by a concurrence of circumstances, 
 had begun to decline. Since 1808 the institution had not enjoyed the 
 reputation and prosperity of former years, and notwithstanding all the 
 exertions of the President and Professors, aided by the counsel and 
 cordial co-operation of a judicious and active board of Trustees, it still 
 seemed to decline. Dr. Fitch had long believed, and it would seem 
 had induced others to believe, that it was desirable and expedient to 
 have a younger and more popular man to stand at the head of the 
 institution. The funds of the college were small, and the salary 
 which he received was wholly inadequate to the support of his large 
 and expensive family. And in addition, he could not bear to see 
 this object of his affections, which he had so carefully nurtured and 
 watched over for so many years, droop under his care. Especially he 
 could not endure the thought of having the cause of its decline attrib- 
 uted to himself Under all these circumstances. Dr. Fitch thought it 
 his duty, and judged it expedient that he should resign.* He accord- 
 ingly tendered his resignation to the Trustees, May 2, 1815. By per- , 
 mission, he immediately left college for the remainder of the summer, 
 his salary continuing until the end of the year. In his absence, Prof. 
 Dewey discharged the duties of President. Before leaving, Dr. Fitch* 
 delivered an affectionate parting address to the students, which in the 
 end was productive of much good. He returned to the college in 
 August, presided at commencement, inducted Professor Kellogg into 
 his office as Professor of Languages, and then resigned. He staid 
 long enough to receive Dr. Moore, and leaving town in October, was 
 soon after installed pastor of a church in West Bloomfield, New York. 
 
 At a meeting of the President and Board of Trustees of Williams 
 College, May, 1815, the following vote was unanimously passed : 
 * Whereas the Rev. President Fitch has signified his intention of 
 
 * The attempt to remove the college to Amherst, is assigned by Mr. Durfee, 
 in his life of Fitch, as reason for his resignation. This is believed to be erroneous. 
 
24 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 resigning at the next commencement, and whereas, in consequence of 
 the state of the funds, the corporation has not been able to give him such 
 a salary as his station and expenditures have required, voted, that there 
 be granted to the Rev. Dr. Fitch the sum of twenty-two hundred dol- 
 lars, to be paid in one year from the time of his resignation.' This 
 sum was cheerfully paid to Dr. Fitch as a remuneration for his long 
 and faithful services as President of the college, and was esteemed by 
 him as an act of generosity ; while the Board considered it as an act 
 of justice. 
 
 Having retired at the age of sixty from a life of so much care, toil, 
 and activity as his had been. President Fitch soon began to experience 
 and exhibit the enfeebling effects of age. He continued however to 
 discharge the regular and active duties of pastor to the church in 
 Bloomfield for twelve years, when he was compelled by his increasing 
 infirmities, to retire. He however occasionally preached after his 
 dismission until within a short tinie previous to his decease. 
 
 In the summer of 1828, he again in his seventy-second year, visited 
 Williamstown, and after proceeding as far east as Boston, returned. It 
 was his last visit to the scene of his labors, and was a source of much 
 satisfaction to him, during the remainder of his days. He died at 
 Bloomfield, N. Y., March 21, 1833, aged 76 years. 
 
 In personal appearance. Dr. Fitch was rather below than above the 
 middling stature. His countenance was grave but pleasant, and by no 
 means austere. His appearance and deportment was always gentle- 
 manly and dignified ; though sometimes, through his great modesty, 
 not marked with perfect ease and elegance. He possessed native 
 powers of mind of a high, if not of a pre-eminent order ; characterized 
 by solid strength rather than brilliancy, and capable of deliberate and 
 manly rather than high-wrought efforts. His memory was strong and 
 retentive ; possessed of a large fund of useful anecdotes, vt^hich were 
 ever at his command, and which he employed with happy success at the 
 recitations, and to enliven and instruct in the social circle. During 
 his presidency he was extensively known as a man of solid and varied 
 learning, engaging with ardor and perseverance in the investigation of 
 every subject to which he turned his attention. 
 
 He possessed the faculty of governing to that degree, that he was 
 revered and beloved by all his numerous pupils : so much so that all 
 who graduated during his presidency, or had any connection with him 
 otherwise, invariably speak of him in the highest terms of respect and 
 veneration. He took a deep interest in the cause of education, and was 
 prominent in the establishment of the American Education Society and 
 the Theological Seminary at Auburn. 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 25 
 
 As a christian, Dr. Fitch was sincere, devout and consistent ; and 
 no one could be in his society long, without perceiving that his mind 
 was strongly imbued with religious feeling. 'He was,' says his 
 biographer, * desirous of knowing his duty, and when ascertained, was 
 ready beyond most men, to perform it. As a preacher his sermons 
 were distinguished for their plainness of style, clearness of illustration, 
 soundness of argument, and simplicity of the gospel ; while his 
 accuracy in rhetorical composition was sometimes carried to excess.' 
 
 His life was gentle and the elements 
 So mixed in him, that Nature might stand up, 
 And say to all the world, this was a man ! ' 
 
 In closing this imperfect sketch of the life and character of the first 
 President of Williams College, we feel it our duty to say, that to no 
 one does this College owe a deeper debt of gratitude, than to President 
 Fitch. For its interests and welfare he labored assiduously and 
 constantly, and by his efforts it obtained rank, character, and standing. 
 Diligent, faithful and active, he was unwearied in his efforts to promote 
 the happiness and welfare of all confided to his care; faithfully 
 maintaining at the same time strict and healthful discipline. 
 
 Afler his decease, his manuscripts fell into the hands of his son, an( 
 were afterwards destroyed by fire. His cotemporaries, like himself, 
 having nearly all passed away, little save the general incidents of his life 
 can now be rescued from oblivion. A valuable memoir of his life has, .Jk' 
 however, been published by the Rev. Calvin Durfee of Dedham, Mass., . 
 to which we are indebted for much of our information respecting him. 
 
 On a large and beautiful monument, erected over his grave at 
 Bloomfield, is the following inscription : 
 
 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 THE REV. PRESIDENT PITCH, D. D. 
 
 WHO WAS BORN AT CANTERBURY, CONN., 1756; 
 
 GRADUATED AT YALE COLLEGE IN 1777; 
 
 TUTOR IN THE SAME EIGHT YEARS ; 
 
 PRESroENT OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE TWENTY-TWO YEARS; 
 
 PASTOR OF THE CHURCH AT WEST BLOOMFIELD TWELVE YEARS. 
 
 HE DIED MARCH 21, 1833. , 
 
 ^n Id) ^i^^i #' 
 
 *The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.' 
 4 
 
^^v 
 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 ADMLNISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MOORE. 
 
 Immediately on the receipt of President Fitch's resignation, May 2, 
 1815, the board of Trustees proceeded to the election of a President, 
 to supply the vacancy. The Rev. Leonard Woods, D. D., of Andover, 
 was unanimously elected President, and Professor of Divinity ; Rev. 
 Zephaniah Swift Moore, D. D.,* Prof, of Languages at Dartmouth 
 College, being chosen as a substitute. It was voted to raise the salary 
 of the President from one thousand to fourteen hundred dollars. Dr. 
 Woods declining the office, the Board thereupon notified Mr. Moore, 
 who accepted, and was inaugurated with appropriate ceremonies, Sept. 
 3, 1815. His address on this occasion has been highly spoken of as a 
 finished and elegant production. 
 
 At a meeting of the Board in the spring of 1815, the following vote 
 was passed, probably introduced by the Rev. Mr. Packard of Shelburne : 
 * Voted, that a committee of six persons be appointed, to take into 
 onsideration the subject of a removal of the college to some other 
 part of the Commonwealth ; to make all necessary inquiries which have 
 a bearing on the subject, and report at the next meeting.' The 
 committee reported in September, that ' a removal of Williams College 
 from Williamstown, is inexpedient at the present time and under 
 existing circumstances.' 
 
 This appears to have been the first suggestion, made in the secrecy 
 of the session, and apparently without any serious intent, concerning a 
 removal of the College to Connecticut river. It does not appear, as 
 
 * Zephaniah Swift Moore was born Nov. 20, 1770, at Palmer, Mass. He 
 graduated at Dartmouth in 1793, and immediately took charge of an academy 
 in Londonderry, N. H. After remaining here some time, he studied divinity 
 and settled first at Tolland Ct., and afterwards removed to Leicester, Mass. In 
 1811, he accepted the appointment of Prof, of Languages at Dartmouth, where 
 he remained four years. He was elected President of Williams College in 1815, 
 and on his resignation in 1821, became President of the Collegiate institution at 
 Amherst, afterwards called Amherst College, and was inaugurated Sept. 1821. 
 He died June 30, 1823, aged 53. 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 2!Z 
 
 Dr. Griffin states, (see sermon at the dedication of the chapel,) to have 
 been immediately divulged or thought of to any extent. Very little 
 was said about it during that summer, and our informant, who was at 
 that time a member of College, states, that so far as he knew, no one 
 entertained the slightest idea that any serious attempt would be made 
 to remove the institution. When Dr. Moore accepted the presidency, 
 in that year, having been informed, (probably by Dr. Packard, who 
 was the originator of the plan, and also one of the committee appointed 
 to notify Dr. Moore of his election,) of the vote taken by the Trustees 
 and the advantages consequent to a removal, he expressed a strong 
 desire that the Board would not relax their efforts to effect this change, 
 and also openly declared at the time of his inauguration, that he was 
 convinced that the College would never prosper in its present location. 
 ;\ When the feelings of the community became excited afterwards on 
 this subject, Dr. Moore, in defence of his conduct, assigned as a reason, 
 that he came with the expectation that the College would be removed 
 immediately. This may be so, and without doubt was the case, but at 
 the same time it is sufficiently evident that until after Dr. Moore came 
 to Williamstown, but little was said by those connected with the College 
 concerning its removal, and that such a plan was thought of was 
 scarcely known among the community at large. 
 
 ;< Soon after President Moore entered upon his duties, he began to 
 agitate the subject publicly. The vote taken by the Trustees in the 
 spring was made known, and spread like wildfire. Rumor with its 
 hundred tongues went through the country, and during the six years 
 that Dr. Moore remained at the College, the expectation was contin- 
 ually kept alive, that the College would be removed. The leading 
 argument employed by Dr. Moore, and the one by which all the 
 Trustees but three were induced to vote for a removal, provided the 
 consent of the Legislature could be obtained, was its retired and 
 sequestered location. It was supposed that but one College could be 
 supported irf Western Massachusetts, and it was urged that the situation 
 of this instead of being in the corner of the county of Berkshire, 
 should rather be in. the centre of the adjoining county of Hampshire. 
 
 The consequence to the College of the agitation of such measures, 
 was obvious. Few would attach themselves to a falling interest. 
 Many immediately left the College to graduate elsewhere. The last 
 class that graduated under Dr. Fitch, numbered 24. The first under 
 President Moore, but 16, while the second contained but 7. The 
 whole number of students in 1819, was only 87. 
 
 No farther action was taken in reference to this subject until the fall 
 of 1818, when a communication was received from the Trustees of 
 
28 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 Amherst Academy, requesting the Board to unite the College with a 
 proposed literary institution, to be established at Amherst. No action 
 was taken upon this communication by the Trustees ; but from this 
 time open and secret movements were at work to effect a removal 
 of the College to Northampton, or some other place in the county of 
 Hampshire. President Moore especially was active and strenuous in 
 his exertions, and by his influence many from this section of the 
 county were induced to believe that the College would never prosper 
 in its present location. 
 
 The faculty generally were in favor of removal ; Prof. Kellogg in 
 particular, who was afterward ascertained to be the author of many 
 able anonymous articles in favor of removal, which appeared from time 
 to time in the public prints. 
 
 At a special meeting of the Corporation of Williams College, held 
 Nov. 10, 1818, the following resolutions were adopted with slight 
 opposition : ' Resolved, That it is expedient to remove Williams 
 College to some more central part of the State, whenever sufficient 
 funds can be obtained to defray the necessary expenses incurred, and 
 losses sustained by removal. Resolved, That in order to guide the 
 Trustees in determining to which place the College shall be removed, 
 and to produce harmony, the following gentlemen, viz : Hon. James 
 Kent, Chancellor of the State of New York ; Hon. Nathaniel Smith, 
 Judge of the Supreme Court of Connecticut ; and the Rev. Seth 
 Payson of New Hampshire, be a committee, to visit the towns in 
 
 ampshire County, and determine the place to which the College shall 
 e removed ; the Trustees pledging themselves to abide by their 
 decision, provided the requisite sum be raised.' 
 
 The Board then adjourned to meet at Pittsfield in May next, at which 
 time and place, the committee reported that the proper place to remove 
 to, was Northampton. An address to the public was also prepared and 
 printed, setting forth the reasons for the intended removal of the 
 College, and requesting donations to increase its funds, and to promote 
 its prosperity at its new location, viz : at Northampton. 
 
 The following reasons were set forth in the address, which was 
 extensively circulated : * That since its establishment in 1793, other 
 Colleges have sprung up about it, and had almost wholly withdrawn 
 the patronage it formerly received from the North and West. That 
 owing to the want of support, its funds have become so reduced, that 
 the income falls short of the expenditures, and the Trustees for this 
 reason are unable to maintain the institution in its present state, and 
 enable it to compete with other Colleges. These circumstances have 
 induced the Trustees, .after mature reflection and deliberation, to 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 2^ 
 
 think a removal of the College, to a situation more central and more 
 convenient of access, necessary to its support and continuance in 
 usefulness.' 
 
 A proposition was also made to the Trustees of Amherst Academy, * 
 requesting them to unite their charitable funds with the College, in 
 case it was removed to Northampton, but it was rejected, unless they 
 would change the location to Amherst.- The President and others 
 were instructed to petition the Legislature on the subject of removal, 
 and request leave to do so. The reasons brought forward in this 
 petition were substantially the same with those in the address to the 
 public. This petition met with a spirited opposition on the part of the 
 inhabitants of the town and county, and upon their own responsibility, 
 they raised a subscription of $17,500, which was laid before the 
 Legislature, and which was to be paid to the College, in case it should 
 not be removed. 
 
 This subscription, raised against the wishes of a majority of the 
 Trustees, and which they could not refuse without a fraud upon the 
 Legislature, was made payable in ten years. At the expiration of this 
 time, the subscribers were called on, and in some cases payment was 
 refused. So much dependence had been placed on this fund by the 
 College, that it was found impossible to do without it, and legal mea- 
 sures were reluctantly resorted to. One case was carried to the Su- 
 preme Court and the decision being in favor of the corporation, the 
 remainder was collected without difficulty. It was, however, unjustly ^ 
 made the ground of much ill feeling, and much odium was thrown on*w 
 the College on account of the measures pursued. This subscription, 
 it must be remembered, was procured by those not connected with the 
 College, and was one of the principal reasons that influenced the Leg- 
 islature to refuse permission for removal ; and under these circum- 
 stances, the collection of this sum, guaranteed to the College by the 
 subscribers, and which was necessary for its very existence, could not 
 have been otherwise than honorable and just. 
 
 Nor were the inhabitants in Hampshire and the adjoining counties 
 inactive. Fifty thousand dollars, together with lumber and other mate- 
 rials for building, were subscribed in a short time, and pledged to the 
 College in case of removal. So far indeed had matters progressed, 
 that the situation for the College had even been fixed on, while the sub- 
 ject of removal was the principal topic of discussion throughout the 
 western part of the State. 
 
 s. In the mean time the Collegiate Institution at Amherst had com- 
 menced operations, while the prospects of Williams College were indeed 
 gloomy. It seemed to be upon the brink of ruin, and even its warmest 
 
 1 
 
30 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 friends were in serious doubt whether it would much longer have a 
 name and a place among the kindred institutions of the land : regard- 
 ing the time as not distant when ^ fuiV must be written upon its empty 
 walls. The number of students continued to decrease. The College 
 did not support itself, but drew upon its funds for maintenance. The 
 few students that remained were generally in favor of retaining the 
 College at Williamstown, and as an illustration of their feelings, the 
 following anecdote may not be inappropriate. ^: 
 
 Rev. Mr. Packard of Shelburne, (who from the first was very active 
 in relation to the removal of the College) had on one occasion attended 
 a meeting of the Board at Williamstown, and in a speech had expressed 
 himself strongly on the facility with which the College could be 
 removed to Northampton. This coming to the ears of the students 
 they adopted the following plan to expose the fallacy of the Reverend 
 gentleman's reasoning. He always came upon an old gray horse, and 
 as was the fashion of the times, with a huge pair of saddle bags dang- 
 ling on each side. On the evening previous to his departure from 
 town, this horse was duly tarred and sheared of his tail and mane, while 
 his master's saddle bags were well filled with bricks and mortar, taken 
 from West College. So much of the story is undoubtedly true ; for 
 the remainder we cannot answer, viz : that as the old gentleman, 
 astride of his charger, moved off the next morning, from among the 
 crowd of students collected to witness his departure, loud cries were 
 heard, * The College is in motion ! Packard is carrying it off ! ' 
 The petition to the Legislature was laid before that body, and afler a 
 long and vexatious discussion and consideration, in consequence of the 
 subscription of $17,500, and of the representations and remonstrances 
 from the inhabitants of Berkshire county, permission to remove the 
 College was refused to the Trustees. 
 
 Strong expectations however had been excited in Hampshire county, 
 that there would be a College there, and the people of Amherst, taking 
 advantage of the opportunity, raised large subscriptions, and erected 
 buildings for the reception of students, with the expectation of obtain- 
 ing a charter. Dr. Moore, having stated his intention of leaving Wil- 
 liams College at or before the next Commencement, (1821), a proposi- 
 tion was made to him to place himself at the head of the institution 
 there. He accepted their invitation, and at a meeting of the Trustees 
 of Williams College, held July 17, 1821, resigned his office, to take 
 effect after the next Commencement, and sooner if they desired. * 
 
 The Trustees then proceeded to an election of President to supply 
 the vacancy. Rev. Thomas McAuley, L. L. D. Professor of Natural 
 Philosophy at Union College, was unanimously elected. The Trustees 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 31 
 
 at the same time published a circular, announcing the election of Dr. 
 McAuley, and their determination, (now that the matter of removal 
 was settled) to stand by the College and restore it to its former 
 usefulness and respectability. 
 
 Dr. McAuley, however, declined, as well as Rev. Chauncey A. Good- 
 rich, of New Haven, Professor in Yale. The condition and prospects of 
 the College were now disheartening. Dr. Moore had resigned ; while 
 the two others who had been elected did not feel disposed to leave 
 permanent and profitable situations elsewhere, to place themselves at 
 the head of an institution which it was thought must soon go down. 
 
 The students also began to be discouraged. Many left on account 
 of Dr. Moore's resignation, and went to Amherst. The members of 
 the senior class, supposing that there would be no Commencement, 
 had about made up their minds to leave, and take their degrees at other 
 Colleges. Some had already done so, and the rest wavering, had called 
 a class meeting to determine what to do ; when two individuals, most 
 nobly and with a determination to sustain the reputation and honor of 
 their Alma Mater, addressed the class ; declared their intention of 
 remaining, and of having a Commencement ; that if left alone they 
 would still graduate in the usual manner, and perform the several parts 
 which would have been allotted to the others. 
 
 Influenced by such a spirit, the remainder concluded to stay ; the 
 Commencement came off" as usual, thirteen taking degrees. Dr. Moore 
 presided at the exercises, which were well attended, and immediately 
 left for Amherst, where he was inaugurated in September. His 
 continuance there, however, was short. He died within two years 
 after leaving Williamstown, in the fifty-third year of his age. His 
 remains repose in the burying-ground at Amherst, beneath a neat 
 marble monument erected by the Trustees. While living, he greatly 
 exerted himself to build up Amherst College, and bequeathed to it, in 
 his will, the sum of five thousand dollars. 
 
 In regard to the conduct of Dr. Moore during his connection with 
 Williams College, a variety of opinions have existed. We would not 
 wish to be in the number of those who judge harshly of him, for we 
 believe that in whatever he did he acted conscientiously, and endeav- 
 ored to promote the interests of the College. His situation was in 
 many respects delicate and embarrassing, yet we think it evident that 
 if Dr. Moore had exerted the same energy and zeal in sustaining the 
 interests of this College which he afterwards displayed at Amherst, its 
 affairs would never have been reduced to so low a state. If the location 
 of the College was the cause of its. decline during the Presidency of Dr. 
 Moore, how shall we account for the uncommon degree of prosperity 
 
32 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 and reputation which, notwithstanding its subsequent embarrassments, 
 it has since enjoyed. We do not, however, wish to dwell upon his 
 failings, if they were failings ; but would rather conceal them, leaving 
 to each to form his own opinions in respect to his merits and his deeds. 
 In personal appearance Dr. Moore was prepossessing ; corpulent, and 
 modest-looking. He was popular with the students, especially at Ami? 
 herst, and in all his intercourse with them was courteous and aifable. 
 During his connection with Williams College the people of Williams- 
 town and the vicinity were much opposed to Dr. Moore, for the stand 
 that he took in relation to the removal ; but this asperity of feeling was 
 in a great measure mitigated by their estimation of his talents and 
 acquisitions, and by their belief of his sincerity in attempting to 
 advance what he considered to be the highest interests of the College. 
 
 
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Wu.. f9&mKiBk 
 
 CHAPTER V, 
 
 ADMINISTRATION OF DR. GRIFFIN. 
 
 Dr. McAuley and Prof. Goodrich having declined the office of 
 President, the Trustees then made choice of Rev. Edward Dorr 
 Griffin,* at that time minister in Newark, N. J. ; and a committee was 
 immediately sent to notify him of his election. Dr. Griffin had for 
 some time been interested in the College, from its connection with 
 Missionary operations, and coming directly on to meet the Trustees, 
 arrived at Williamstown, on Commencement day about noon, and took 
 a seat upon the stage. 
 
 . It having been intimated that he would not accept the appointment, 
 a feeling of despondency had taken possession of all interested in the 
 continuance of the College, but his unexpected appearance at that 
 time, revived their hopes, and thenceforth things began to assume a 
 brighter aspect. 
 
 Dr. Griffin having accepted the appointment, he was inaugurated 
 President and Professor of Divinity, Nov. 14, 1821. A large number 
 
 * Edward Dorr Griffin was born at East Haddam, Ct. Jan. 6, 1770. He 
 entered Yale College in 1786, at the age of 16, and graduated in 1790, with the 
 highest honors of his class. He first turned his attention to Law, but being 
 converted, afterwards gave himself to the study of Theology, and settled at 
 New Hartford, in 1796. In 1801 he became pastor of the first Presbyterian 
 church at Newark, where he remained preaching with great success until 
 1809 ; in 1808 he received the degree of D. D. from Union College. The 
 Theological Seminary at Andover, being at that time about to commence 
 operations, Dr. Griffin accepted the Professorship of Pulpit Eloquence, having 
 previously declined a call to the Park Street church in Boston. He remained at 
 Andover until 1811, when owing to repeated solicitations from Boston, he at last 
 consented to go, and was installed Pastor of the above named church in July, 1811. 
 He here labored with great success, and acquired the reputation of being the 
 most eloquent preacher at that time in New England. Among those converted 
 under his preaching, was the Rev. Mr. Taylor, since known as the Bethel 
 preacher, who was at that time a rough sailor. For various reasons, Dr. Griffin 
 was induced to leave Boston in 1815 and return to Newark, at the invitation of 
 the church there, where he remained seven years, until 1821, when he was 
 elected President of Williams College. 
 
m 
 
 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 of people were drawn together from the neighboring towns, by the 
 interest of the occasion. Rev. Dr. Hyde, the Vice President, after 
 making a short Latin address to the President elect and receiving his 
 answer, and after the blessing of heaven had been invoked on the 
 President in his new station, by the Rev. Dr. Shepard, proceeded to 
 invest him with the office in the usual form, and committed to him the 
 instruction and government of the Institution in a serious and interest- 
 ing manner. 
 
 An inaugural address was then delivered by the President, in which 
 he traced the influence of the higher institutions of learning upon all 
 the inferior schools, their connection with the happiness of society, the 
 interests of civil and religious liberty, and the cause of vital piety in 
 our own and other lands; he alluded with great eloquence to the exer- 
 tions of Mills and Hall, which led to the establishment of the American 
 Board of Commisioners for Foreign Missions, and waked the churches 
 to a great and long-neglected duty. In the course of this able and 
 elegant discourse, he showed how all the principal branches of study 
 conduce to such valuable results. This was followed by a congratula- 
 tory address from Prof Kellogg in Latin. A sermon was also preached 
 by Rev. Dr. Humphrey. The College choir of singers then performed 
 two or three pieces selected and executed with good taste. 
 
 Dr. Griffin had precisely the kind of reputation needed by the 
 College in such a crisis. Confidence was revived ; a comparatively 
 large class entered ; and the College continued to increase in numbers 
 and prosperity. 
 
 The Berkshire Medical Institution, having been established at 
 Pittsfield about this time, was placed under the care and supervision 
 of the College ; the degree of M. D. being conferred by the President, 
 at the regular Commencements. * This connection was dissolved after 
 a few years. 
 
 At the Commencement of 1821, the Alumni being desirous of doing 
 something to aid and sustain the College in its desperate situation, 
 formed themselves into a society, to be called the Society of Alumni. 
 The object of this society is perhaps best explained by the following 
 notice calling the meeting together, which we extract from one of the 
 newspapers of that day : 
 
 Williams College. A meeting of the Alumni of Williams 
 College will be held at the College chapel, Sept. 5, at 9 A. M., to 
 consider the expediency of forming a Society of Alumni. The meeting 
 is notified at the request of a number of gentlemen educated at the 
 Institution, who are desirous that the true state of the College may be 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. W5 
 
 known to the Alumni, and that the influence and patronage of those 
 it has educated may be united for its support, protection, and improve- 
 ment. A general meeting is requested. August 25, 1821 . 
 
 The meeting having assembled pursuant to notice, the following 
 preamble and constitution were adopted : 
 
 ' For the promotion of literature and good fellowship among our- 
 selves, and the better to advance the reputation and interests of our 
 Alma Mater, we, the subscribers, graduates of Williams College, do 
 form ourselves into a society, and adopt the following Constitution : 
 
 Art. 1. This society shall be called the Society of Alumni of 
 Williams College. 
 
 Art. 2. This society shall meet annually at the College, at the time 
 of the annual Commencement. 
 
 Art. 3. An address shall also be delivered at each meeting by one 
 of its members chosen for that purpose. 
 
 Art. 4. The officers of this society shall consist of a President, 
 Vice President, Secretary, and an Executive Committee of three 
 members, to be chosen by ballot at the annual meeting.' 
 
 The remaining articles specify the duties of the officers, &c., and 
 are of no great interest. The first President was Dr. Asa Burbank. 
 Hon. Elijah H. Mills, a distinguished U. S. Senator was elected first 
 orator. This appointment was not fulfilled. The first oration 
 delivered, was in 1823, by Rev. Dr. Woodbridge of Hadley, which was 
 well worthy of the occasion. Since that time, the annual oration 
 before the Alumni has seldom failed. This was the first association of 
 the kind ever formed, and the example has since been followed by 
 nearly every College in the United States. Who can tell how great the 
 influence of such associations may become in cherishing kind feeling, 
 in fostering literature, in calling out talent, and in leading men to act, 
 not selfishly, but more efficiently for the general cause, through partic- 
 ular institutions 1 
 
 We have now come to a most interesting epoch in the history of 
 Williams College. Steadily and surely, under the able and judicious 
 management of Dr. Griffin, was it recovering from the embarassments 
 under which it had well nigh fallen, when misfortunes again gathered 
 around it, and it was again doubtful whether it would longer have an 
 existence or not. 
 
 In February, after a long dispute in the Legislature, a charter 
 was granted to Amherst College, by a small majority. Great efforts 
 had been made to prevent this by the friends of the College, and it 
 had been so often used as an argument in opposition to that Semi- 
 
86 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 nary, that two Colleges could not be sustained in the western part of 
 this State, that the doctrine now came back upon the College like a 
 refluent wave, and it was generally supposed would be a death blow 
 to the institution. This story had been so often told that it had come 
 to be believed, and the inference was that Williams College must go 
 down. A panic seized the public mind and extended to the College. 
 A number of the students immediately took dismissions, while a very 
 small class entered at the ensuing Commencement. The whole 
 number sunk from 120 to 80, and little prospect appeared of there 
 being any increase. It was now seen that in order to extract the seeds 
 of consumption, which had lurked in the College for eleven years, 
 something must be done to convince the public that it would live and 
 flourish on this ground. It was believed that nothing was needed to 
 give stability to the institution but to fasten this conviction in the 
 public mind. It was evident, notwithstanding interested reports to the 
 contrary, that it was well situated for a healthful, moderate sized College, 
 in one of the most beautiful vallies in America, in a region perfectly 
 healthy, far removed from the temptations of cities and large towns, in 
 the midst of a population distinguished for morality and religion, 
 where living was as cheap as in any town in the United States, and 
 where sufficient range was still left for a College. 
 
 As a last resort, therefore, the Trustees determined to raise twenty-five 
 thousand dollars, to found a new professorship and build a chapel.* 
 
 Such an addition to the funds, officers, and buildings, would, it was 
 thought, certainly restore confidence in the public mind and accomplish 
 everything. But this fund was to be raised. Unless it could be done, 
 and the institution be placed on a stable and prosperous footing, two of 
 the Professors had determined to leave, a third was apparently sinking 
 into the grave, while the Trustees disheartened and discouraged by 
 eleven years conflict and troubles, would have given up in despair of 
 doing anything further. It must be evident to every one, who reflects 
 on the situation of the College, that the crisis had come, and that 
 its fate was staked on raising the twenty-five thousand dollars ; the 
 subscription being void unless completed before the last day of Novem- 
 ber 1826, ten months being allowed to obtain the same. To attempt 
 to raise this sum seemed hopeless, and the most practical men 
 pronounced with emphasis and concern, that in the embarassed state 
 of the country it never could be done. Notwithstanding, Dr. Griflin 
 encouraged by a powerful revival of religion, undertook the work, and 
 
 *Before the present building was erected, the chapel was situated in West 
 College, south end, comprising a portion of the second and third stories. 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. -^ 
 
 accomplished what no other man could have done. In four weeks he 
 raised twelve thousand dollars. The fund was completed ; a profes- 
 sorship of Rhetoric and Moral Philosophy endowed, and the work on 
 the chapel immediately commenced. Such is the history of the darkest 
 period in the annals of the College and which we hope will be the last. 
 From that time it has been felt that the College was permanent, and it 
 has been going on side by side with sister institutions, doing its part 
 in carrying on the great business of education in this country. 
 , In 1827, Prof Dewey having resigned, Mr. Sylvester Hovey was 
 elected in his place. Mr. Augustus Porter, was at the same time 
 chosen Professor of Rhetoric and Moral Philosopy. Prof Porter died 
 in 1830, aged 31. 
 
 The chapel was completed in 1828, at a cost of ten thousand dollars, 
 and on the second of September of the same year, was dedicated by 
 the President, Dr. Griffin, who at the same time preached a sermon, in 
 which he gave a concise history of the College from the foundation to 
 that time. In 1828, Joseph Burr, of Manchester Vt., left to the College 
 by will a legacy of one thousand dollars, the interest of which was to 
 be devoted to increasing the Library. 
 
 In 1828, Dr. Emmons was appointed Professor of Chemistry and 
 Natural History. 
 
 In 1829, Mr. Albert Hopkins was elected Professor of Astronomy 
 and Natural Philosophy vice Prof Hovey resigned. 
 
 In 1830, Dr. Mark Hopkins was elected Professor of Rhetoric and 
 Moral Philosophy, vice Prof Porter deceased. 
 
 In 1832, a measure of great importance to the College was under- 
 taken by the Society of Alumni. In consideration of the meager 
 condition of the Philosophical and Chemical apparatus ; it was voted 
 at a meeting held September 5, to attempt to raise the sum of four 
 thousand dollars, to be expended for the benefit of these respective 
 departments. Immediate action was taken upon this subject, and in a 
 comparatively short time the sum (including interest) of $4,511 was 
 subscribed and paid. This sum has since been applied, under the 
 direction of a committee, for the purchase of instruments. In the 
 raising and appropriating of this fund, great credit is due to Professor 
 Kellogg, for his unwearied and constant exertions. 
 
 In 1834, Professor Albert Hopkins was sent to Europe, to procure 
 the necessary apparatus. Professor H. went out at his own expense, 
 his salary, however, continuing during his absence. 
 
 A Professorship of Chemistry was established the same year, Mr. 
 Edward Lasell being appointed Professor of the same. At this time, 
 for the sake of increasing the' funds of the College, the respective 
 
38 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 officers, with a spirit of generous self-sacrifice, voluntarily agreed to 
 relinquish a portion of their respective salaries ; each Professor, from 
 the small salary of $800 giving up $100, while the President, with 
 a salary of $1400, reduced it to $1000. Such a spirit is not often 
 &et with in our public men, and is worthy of remembrance. It is to 
 this unity of attachment and feeling, that the preservation of the College 
 during so many and successive misfortunes, (greater than which have 
 not been encountered by any Institution,) is in a great measure 
 attributable. 
 
 In 1834, a bequest of $1000 was received from the will of Hon. 
 Ezra Starkweather, the interest of which was to be applied to the 
 assistance of indigent students. 
 
 Dr. Griffin continued to preside over the institution with distin- 
 guished ability and success, till the spring of 1833, when it became 
 evident that his services were drawing to a close, and that the infirmi- 
 ties of age and disease were gathering upon him. From this time, 
 however, notwithstanding occasional attacks of paralysis, he continued 
 to exert himself for the College, until 1836, when he found it neces- 
 sary to resign, whiclj he accordingly did at the meeting of the Board 
 of Trustees in August. His resignation was accepted with the deepest 
 regret that circumstances rendered this step necessary, and with strong 
 emotions of gratitude for the services he had rendered. 
 
 As soon as arrangements could be made, he left Williamstown and 
 the scene of his labors for ever. On the morning of his departure, 
 (September 28,) the students waited on him in a body, to take their 
 leave of him, and presented him with a respectful and affisctionate 
 address. The old gentleman was much affected, and with overflowing 
 feelings replied to them from his carriage. Dr. Griffin returned to 
 Newark, where he soon after died, November 8, 1837, having been 
 President of the College fifteen years. 
 
 In personal appearance, Dr. Griffin was tall, over six feet in height, 
 well built, large and portly. He was rather prepossessing in his 
 appearance, but had an authoritative and commanding look. His 
 person was uncommonly suited to excite attention, and awaken respect 
 and interest. His towering height, expressive countenance, and 
 gentlemanly deportment, all together, gave him such an aspect, that no 
 one could once see him without a distinct recollection of him ever after. 
 In any collection of men, he was the person on whom the attention of 
 a stranger would be first fastened. 
 
 Providence appears to have brought Dr. Griffin to Williams College 
 just in time to save it from extinction. The obligations to him are 
 great, not because he showed an uncommon tact or skill in managing 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. ^9 
 
 its "affairs in reference to education, but because his reputation and 
 personal efforts were the means of raising it from obscurity, and giving 
 it character and standing before the public. His talents were of a high 
 order, both brilliant and profound, and exhibited a combination of 
 qualities not often united in the same individual. He was distinguished 
 for his boldness of thought, and the eloquence with which he expressed 
 himself, on every occasion. As a minister of the gospel, he was 
 eminent and successful. 
 
 The following inscription is taken from his monument at Newark : 
 
 SACRED 
 
 Ko tl)t picmots of ti)t 
 REV. EDWARD DORR GRIFFIN, D. D. 
 
 WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE 
 IN THE HOPES OF A GLORIOUS IMMORTALITY, 
 
 NOV. 8, 1837, 
 
 OKI TTlHlEi ^71H1 TI^^ @\F m^ ^1. 
 ' They that turn many to rigbteousnen, shall shine as the stars forever and ever 1 ' 
 
 .'*; 
 .*^' * 
 
 w 
 
yfefl^lL^^lJA: k-i 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT HOPKINS. 
 
 Upon the resignation of President Griffin, the Trustees unanimously 
 elected Prof. Mark Hopkins, President and Professor of Moral and 
 Intellectual Philosophy. Dr. Griffin presided at the Commencement 
 exercises for the last time, in 1836, and on the fifteeftth of September 
 of the same year. Prof Hopkins was inaugurated President of Williams 
 College. The ceremony was performed in the chapel, in the following 
 manner. The record of the Trustees in regard to the election was 
 first read by the Secretary of the Board, and a charge delivered to the 
 President elect, by the Vice President, Rev. Dr. Shepard of Lenox. 
 The exercises closed with an inaugural address from the President. 
 
 In 1838, the Professorship of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy 
 was abolished, the department of Prof Hopkins being termed the 
 Professorship of Natural Philosophy and Astronomy ; while a new 
 Professorship of Mathematics was at this time established, Mr. John 
 Tatlock being appointed Professor of the same. 
 
 In the spring of 1837, the building of an Astronomical Observatory 
 (the first on this continent designed exclusively for such an object,) 
 was commenced wholly on the responsibility, and nearly all at the 
 expense of Prof Hopkins. The original plan extended only to the 
 erection of a small edifice which might serve as a convenient place for 
 deposit of a valuable Transit instrument ; but it was thought best 
 afterwards to enlarge the design so as to accommodate other instru- 
 ments, which at some future time might be furnished. The building 
 so far as the outside was concerned was finished in the fall of the same 
 year. The work was resumed the ensuing spring, and in June, 1838, 
 the instruments having been mounted and arranged, the building was 
 dedicated by an address from Prof. Hopkins. The cost of the 
 Observatory, exclusive of the fixtures in and about, was not far from 
 two thousand dollars ; to aid in defraying which, four hundred dollars 
 were subscribed by four gentlemen in Worcester, Boston, New York, 
 and Williamstown, the remainder of the expense devolving upon Prof 
 Hopkins. This sum has since been partially repaid to Prof Hopkins 
 by the Trustees, and in honor of the efforts and generosity of Prof 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 41 
 
 Hopkins, it was unanimously voted that the building be called the 
 * Hopkins Observatory.' 
 
 In the summer of 1842, with the money repaid by the corporation, 
 a Magnetic Observatory was also constructed and presented, together 
 with the land on which it stands, to the College by Professor Hopkins. 
 This Observatory was likewise one of the first in the country. 
 
 On Sunday, October 17, 1841, the building long known as the East 
 College was destroyed by fire. The fire took in the afternoon while 
 the students were at church, and was communicated, as is supposed, 
 from a stick of wood falling from the fire place upon the floor, in a 
 room situated on the North Hall, fourth story, and on the west side. 
 When first discovered, as the students were returning from church, 
 it had made such progress that there was but little hope of saving the 
 building ; in addition to which the height of the building and the want 
 of any adequate supply of water, combined to render all attempts to 
 extinguish the flames abortive. The students were however enabled 
 to save most of their furniture and books, with the exception of those 
 in the immediate vicinity of the fire. 
 
 All of the immense concourse assembled showed a laudable zeal in 
 ^saving property of every description , but the means taken were not 
 always adapted to the end in view, as exemplified by the throwing of a 
 .valuable cabinet of minerals belonging to Professor Hopkins from the 
 third story windows, as well as looking-glasses, trunks, etc., while 
 stove-pipes, bedsteads, and such articles, were carefully carried down 
 stairs. The building being old, the flames spread with great rapidity, 
 and in a short time the edifice which fond recollections had rendered 
 dear to many, and which for nearly half a century, unscathed, had 
 withstood so many storms and partial burnings, was soon a smoulder- 
 ing ruin. 
 
 While the south end of the College was burning, the Astronomical 
 Observatory was at times in great danger, and was saved only by cov- 
 ering the combustible parts with wet blankets. The Theological 
 library was entirely destroyed. But the loss that fell with the greatest 
 weight upon the students, was the destruction of the rooms belonging 
 to the Literary Societies. These apartments had been but recently 
 fitted up in this building, and were situated in the third story ; the Lo- 
 gian in the north-west and the Technian in the south-west corner. To 
 each was allotted a space occupied by one large study room, and bi^d 
 rooms belonging to it, together with the end of the hall adjoining. The 
 rooms were plain, but at the same time fitted up with great taste and 
 elegance. The major part of the Libraries and furniture was removed, 
 though not without great injury, the students exerting themselves to 
 
"42 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 the utmost to save all that was possible, and not deserting their posts 
 until compelled by the increasing heat. 
 
 The articles saved from the flames were heaped promiscuously 
 together in the yard and green in front, without respect to ownership 
 or nature. The goods were afterwards for security stowed in the chapel ; 
 for although the articles were carefully watched in spite of wind and 
 cold, by the ladies, who generously volunteered their assistance, 
 there were some, even in the quiet and moral village of Williamstown, 
 who were willing to save property not only from the devouring element, 
 but also from the owners. 
 
 The fire, though severely felt by some, on account of the loss of 
 books and furniture, did not break up the regular course of studies, 
 even of the Junior and Senior classes, for more than one day ; and the 
 Junior class recited the regular lesson of the day on the next morning 
 in the Philosopical lecture room. The students by the activity of the 
 faculty and the kindness of the inhabitants of the town, were without 
 exception furnished with comfortable rooms before the close of the next 
 day. There being no insurance, the loss fell heavily on the College, 
 but a meeting of the Trustees being immediately called, active 
 measures were at once taken, and in a comparatively short time $9,000 
 was subscribed to aid in re-building. A petition was also sent to 
 the Legislature for aid, but for several reasons was not successful. 
 During the ensuing spring and summer, two new Colleges, called East 
 and South Colleges, were erected at an expense of $11,000. 
 
 In 1842, a full suit of the minerals of the State of New York, was 
 presented to the College by Dr. Ebenfezer Emmons of Albany. 
 
 On Wednesday, August 16th, 1843, in accordance with previous 
 arrangements, the Society of Alumni celebrated the Semi-centennial 
 Anniversary of the founding of the College. The gathering at this 
 anniversary, of Alumni and others, was large ; every college build- 
 ing and house, public and private, was crowded to excess. His 
 Excellency the Governor, and the Lieutenant Governor of the Com- 
 monwealth, were escorted into town, together with other distinguished 
 gentlemen, the evening previous, by a band of music and a long train 
 of carriages, and gentlemen on horse-back. 
 
 Agreeably to public notice, the Alumni assembled in the Chapel 
 at 8 o'clock on Wednesday morning. Here were assembled men of 
 every profession Judges and Magistrates, Pastors and Teachers, 
 some whose locks were white with the frosts of many winters and 
 others in the full strength of manhood ; some of whom had not pressed 
 the hands of their classmates or revisited the scenes of their youth, 
 since the parting of the class on Commencement day. Curious, pain- 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 43 
 
 ful, and interesting, was the recognition of venerable men, who when 
 life was bright before them had left this pleasant valley, to return after 
 the lapse of years, when the visions of youth had departed, and the 
 sober realities of old age had gathered around them. Delightful were 
 the congratulations : a hurried review was taken of the past ; new 
 pledges of friendship were given and received, while a spontaneous 
 and universal, though silent prayer, went up to Heaven for the long- 
 continued prosperity and usefulness of their Alma Mater. 
 
 The meeting was called to order by Judge Morris, of Springfield', 
 who as President of the association, took the chair. A book was pro- 
 cured, in which each of the Alumni present, in the order of time, 
 beginning with the first class, enrolled his name, year of graduation, 
 and residence, each being read off by the President. It was voted 
 that the book be preserved among the archives of the society, and pre- 
 sented at the next half-century meeting, in 1893. There was at this 
 time only one surviving member of the first class of graduates, in 1795, 
 who was not present. The only representative of the second class 
 was the Rev. Dr. Robbins. After him, Judge Walker of Lenox, of 
 the class of 1798 ; Rev. Dr. Fisher of Albany, and William Patrick 
 of Canterbury, Conn., of the class of 1799; Caleb Knight of Wor- 
 thington, Thomas Day of Hartford, Rev. Jared Curtiss * of Charles- 
 town, Mass., John Dickinson of Amherst, of the class of 1800 ; Judge 
 Morris, of Springfield, 1801 ; Lieutenant Governor Childa, and J. W. 
 Robbins, 1802. 
 
 After the reading of the names by the President, the society 
 proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year. Judge 
 Betts of New York, was unanimously elected President. At 10 
 o'clock a procession was formed in the following order : Graduates of 
 this and other colleges, in the order of their graduation ; Trustees and 
 Faculty of the College ; strangers and undergraduates ; and proceeded 
 to the church, which was filled to overflowing. The exercises con- 
 sisted of addresses by President Hopkins, and the Rev. Dr. Robbins, 
 of the class of 1796, a prayer by the Rev. Dr. Edwards, followed 
 by the benediction by Rev. Dr. Fisher, of the class of 1799. The 
 address of the President occupied the attention of the audience for 
 nearly an hour and a half, and was marked by strength and origin- 
 
 *Mr. Curtiss being Chaplain of the Charlestown Prison, was introduced to 
 the audience as the only one of the Alumni who was known to have been in 
 State Prison ; and he had been there eighteen years, and did not blush to tell it. 
 Some one suggesting that the presence of the Governor rendered it a favorable 
 time to apply for a pardon, the Governor remarked that it would be impossible 
 to let Mr. Curtiss out so long as he continued his present course of conduct. 
 
44 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 ality of thought, and beauty and elegance of language. So touching 
 and true were some of his allusions, in awakening emotions and 
 recollections of the past, that the eyes of many unaccustomed to weep 
 were suffused with tears. After welcoming the Alumni in his own 
 name and in that of their venerated Alma Mater, to her quiet seats, to 
 that green spot in the memory of the past, to these familiar scenes, 
 these remembered walks, to the sound of that bell not unwelcome now, 
 to these circling and unchanged mountains, and the scenery unsur- 
 passed, he thus briefly reviewed the changes that had passed since the 
 founding of the College : 
 
 * Fifty years ! What changes do these words suggest ! Some of 
 them occurring in those ordinary and ever-repeated movements of 
 nature which return upon themselves, and some in that onward march 
 of things which is made known only as the scroll of Divine Providence 
 is unrolled. Fifty years ! so many times has the verdure of spring 
 been seen to brighten this valley, and to creep up the sides of these 
 mountains ; so many times have their tops slept in the sunlight of the ' 
 summer noon ; so many times have they put on the gorgeous robes of 
 autumn, and been swept bare, and rested in the embrace of winter. 
 These changes have passed upon them, but they are still the same/' 
 Not so those who have looked upon them. Of those who were in 
 active life at the commencement of this period, but few, if any, remain. 
 He that was then an infant clinging to his mother's bosom, is now a 
 man with gray hairs upon him, and his children grown up around him. 
 In the meantime, with the regularity of the seasons, there has come the 
 Senior Examination, and then the Commencement, with its greetings, 
 and partings, and wide dispersion ; with its gathered crowd that has 
 come in like the rush of a brook after a shower, and has again dispersed, 
 leaving these streets solitary and quiet. During this time more than a - 
 thousand young men have received the honors of this Institution. 
 Here they have been agitated with hopes and fears, and have shared 
 the pleasures and perils of this miniature world. From this retreat 
 they have looked out upon the ocean they were to sail, and have 
 gathered strength and skill for the voyage. Ah ! who can tell how^ 
 many anxious thoughts, how many hopes and fears of parents, how 
 many fervent prayers have clustered round, and ascended for all these ! 
 During this time too, the heads of the three venerable men who have 
 presided over the institution, have been laid low. Fitch, and Moore, 
 and Griffin, whose voices have been so often heard in this place, and 
 were once so familiar to many of you, where are they ! ' 
 
 After noticing the changes that had taken place during this time, ili^ 
 this valley and in the world, he passed on to the subject of his discourse^ 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 45 
 
 which was the Law of Progress of the race, and the connection of 
 this College with the mighty movements of the last fifty years. The 
 concluding portion of the address was as follows : 
 
 * Brethren Alumni, you have come up at the call of your committee, 
 to celebrate this semi-centennial anniversary. You have come, but 
 our number is not all here. Many whose hearts are with us, are 
 detained by business, or prevented by distance ; but many, too, are 
 where no call of ours could reach them. Some rest beneath the soil of 
 their own New England ; some beneath the prairies of the far West ; 
 some are with Mills in his ocean bed, and some slumber with Hall and 
 Richards, and my own beloved classmate and associate Tutor, the 
 beloved Hervey, * on India's coral strand.' 
 
 * Along the earlier years of our catalogue, the stars have gathered 
 thickly. In all, 217 are known to have terminated their earthly career. 
 And those stars will continue thus to gather, as, one by one, we too 
 go down to the tomb. When another half century is passed, and the 
 call shall go forth for the centennial gathering, we shall not hear it. 
 Possibly indeed, as we now venerate the age, and are to be instructed 
 by the wisdom of one who was within one year of the very earliest of 
 the Alumni, so those who shall be gathered then, may hear the voice 
 of one whose words shall fall with weight, as from the height of these 
 earlier times; possibly they may listen to one who now hears me. But 
 long before that time, the most of us will have done what we have to 
 do for the weal or the wo of man. The impressions which we choose to 
 make in the yielding materials of time, will, before that, have been made, 
 and have become set in the eternal adamant of the past. What then 
 remains to us in this period of the birth-throes of coming wonders, but 
 to meet our responsibilities as patriots, as scholars, as christians, as the 
 Alumni of an institution where the fire of a benevolence practically 
 embracing the world was first kindled in this country, and upon whose 
 altars that fire has never gone out 1 Let us then throw ourselves upon 
 the tide of this great movement the advancing tide of Christian 
 progress which we trust is to rise, and swell, and flow over the whole 
 earth. We are here to-day to build up not merely local or sectional 
 interest. We have, indeed, our personal feelings, we have associations 
 dear to us, connected with this spot. But there are higher considera- 
 tions than these, and we would do nothing, and ask nothing for this 
 institution, except as it may be, and ought to be, in its place, one of the 
 grand instrumentalities through which we can labor most effectually 
 for the highest good of man. As such we cherish it. As such we 
 commit it to th guardian care of Him who has hitherto watched over 
 it. As such we hope to see its influence expanding as a seat of all 
 
46 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 liberal culture, but especially as connected with the great cause of 
 Christian benevolence, till those plans and movements vv^hich originated 
 here shall be consummated, and they shall not teach any longer every 
 man his brother, saying, * Know^ the Lord ; for all shall know him from 
 the least to the greatest.' 
 
 Rev. Dr. Robbins of Hartford, then pronounced-a truly original and 
 elaborate address, occupying about two hours in delivery, in which he 
 gave a brief sketch of the history of the College, accompanied with 
 many well digested thoughts in relation to the obligations of students. 
 
 The services being concluded, the Alumni, invited guests, and others 
 repaired to the College green, where under a building erected for the 
 occasion, a sumptuous and elegant collation was prepared. After 
 having feasted liberally, the intellectual repast was again renewed in 
 numerous and spirited addresses. Judge Betts of New York led the 
 way, by a glowing description of the advantages of this institution, and 
 the benefits conferred by it, not only on individuals, but also upon the 
 community at large, and in concluding called upon His Excellency 
 Governor Morton. The Governor responded in a very happy speech, 
 which was received with the liveliest applause. He was followed 
 by Professor Dewey of Rochester, New York, Lieutenant Governor 
 Childs of Pittsfield, Judge Dewey of Northampton, Rev. Dr. Nelson 
 of Leicester, Rev. Dr. Edwards of Andover, Hon. Emory Washburn, 
 Rev. Dr. Brigham, Rev. J. N. Danforth, Erastus Benedict, Esq., and 
 many others, all Alumni. The remarks of these gentlemen were cal- 
 culated to awaken good feeling, revive old associations, and excitenew 
 hopes. The company, increased and enlivened by the presence of a 
 large number of ladies, continued in this delightful interchange of 
 sentiment until the shades of evening suggested the necessity of 
 retiring. The usual Commencement exercises took place on the 
 following day. 
 
 In 1844-5 Amos Lawrence, Esq., of Boston, made, at different 
 times, several munificent donations, amounting in all to over $20,000. 
 With a portion of the above sum, a Professorship has been founded, 
 and which, in honor of Mr. Lawrence, has been styled The Lawrence 
 Professorship of Languages. In addition to his repeated gifts, Mr. 
 Lawrence has also enriched the College Library by numerous costly 
 and valuable contributions. 
 
 In August of the same year. Professor Kellogg resigned his office of 
 Professor of Languages, having been unable for some time past, on 
 account of ill health, to attend to all his College duties. He died at 
 Williamstown, October, 1846, having been connected with the College 
 for a period of 30 years. 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 47 
 
 In 1845, Professor Tatlock was appointed Professor of Languages, 
 Mr. John Darby of Georgia, being appointed Professor of Mathematics. 
 
 The old Laboratory being inconvenient, a new and commodious 
 building was erected at this time, and the chemical apparatus greatly 
 enlarged. 
 
 In 1846, Dr. Shepard, long Vice President, and a firm friend of the 
 College, died at Lenox. 
 
 The same year, Professor Darby having resigned, Professor TatloclP 
 was appointed Professor of Mathematics, and Rev. Nathaniel H. Griffin 
 elected Lawrence Professor of Languages. The same year, Mr. 
 Lawrence having made a donation of $6,000, a library building was 
 erected, of octagonal form, and situated upon a lot adjoining East and 
 South Colleges. By vote of the Board of Trustees, this building is 
 called ' Lawrence Hall,' in honor of its philanthropic and generous 
 founder. For the further accommodation of students, a new college 
 building is to be erected, (1847) on a lot south-east of West College. 
 A botanical garden, and the erection of a conservatory, are also 
 contemplated. 
 
 We have now traced the history of Williams College from its origin, 
 through the administrations of its successive Presidents, to the present 
 time. Fifty-four years have elapsed since President Fitch first assumed 
 the care and government of the infant institution. It came into exis- 
 tence at the commencement of a new era, when society was beginning 
 to advance, and was experiencing new views concerning man's nature 
 and his rights. 
 
 In effecting the many changes that have since taken place, in 
 swelling the mighty movement of the last fifty years, we claim that 
 Williams College, obscure as she has indeed been to many, has done 
 something, even much. We claim as its great distinction, that it was 
 here and through its agency, that American Missions had their origin. 
 We claim for it the honor of originating the first Society of Alumni ; 
 the founding of the first Astronomical Observatory ; and the formation 
 of the first Horticultural and Landscape Gardening Association, in 
 this country. 
 
 The number of her sons is not large, but the proportion of them who 
 have been men high in office, influence, and honor, is not small. The 
 whole number of graduates, up to 1846, is 1192. Many of these 
 would never have been educated had it not been for Williams College. 
 In the words of another, ' embosomed among the mountains, it has 
 exerted a suggestive power, and called out many such men as become 
 most useful, when educated. They have come from the yeomanry of 
 the country, from the plough and workshop, with clear heads and firm 
 
48 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 nerves, industrious habits, and unperverted tastes, in need, it may be, 
 of polish, but susceptible of the highest. They have come because they 
 have felt high impulses struggling within them, and have made their 
 own way. They are intellectually, the working men of the land, 
 energetic, practical men, whose influence has been, and is, extensively 
 felt. It is probably by bringing forward such men, as teachers, as 
 ministers, as practical men in every profession, and diffusing in society 
 the leaven of their influence, that this college has done most good.' 
 
 Of the whole number of graduates, nearly one half have been or will 
 be ministers of the gospel. About 300 are dead. Of this number, 
 five have been Chief Justices of States ; three, Presidents of Colleges ; 
 four U. S. Senators ; forty-one U. S. Representatives ; twenty-five State 
 Senators, and Judges of Probate ; nine, Professors of Medical Colleges ; 
 twenty-six. Professors in other Colleges ; two, Lieut. Governors ; seven, 
 U. S. District Court Judges ; four. Professors, and one. President of 
 Theological Seminaries ; and four. Judges of the Supreme Court. In 
 stating this proportion, it should be remembered that none of the 
 above probably graduated within the last ten years, the number for 
 which time, has been greater than at any former consecutive period. 
 
 The present condition of the College is eminently prosperous, and 
 we do not hesitate to say, that under the government and care of the 
 present faculty of working men, and with the present and continually 
 increasing advantages and facilities for instruction, as good an educa- 
 tion can be obtained here as at any other Institution in the country. 
 
 In reflecting on its past history, on what, with scanty means, and 
 even struggling at times, for its very existence, Williams College has 
 done, we reasonably anticipate that with increased advantages, a high 
 and glorious career of usefulness and prosperity is yet reserved for it. 
 ' Semper honor, nomenque suum, laudesque manebunt.' 
 
I- 
 
 ( PART II. 
 
 k WIELIA'MS COLLEGE AS IT IS 
 
 1847. 
 
TEUSTEES. 
 
 Rev. mark HOPKINS, D. D. 
 
 Rev. timothy MATHER COOLEY, D. D. 
 
 Hon. CHARLES AUGUSTUS DEWEY, LL. D. 
 
 Hon. DAVID BUEL. 
 
 DANIEL NOBLE DEWEY, Esq. 
 
 Rey. EMERSON DAVIS. 
 
 Hon. WILLIAM PORTER. 
 
 Rev. HORATIO N. BRINSMADE, D. D. 
 
 HENRY LYMAN SABIN, M. D. 
 
 CHARLES STODDARD, ESQ. 
 
 Rev. THOMAS ROBBINS, D. D. 
 
 Hon. EMORY WASHBURN. 
 
 Hon. GEORGE N. BRIGGS, LL. D. 
 
 Rev. JOHN TODD, D. D. 
 
 Rev. ABSALOM PETERS, D, D. 
 
 FACULTY. 
 
 Rev. mark HOPKINS, D. D., President, 
 
 and Professor of Intellectual and Moral Philosophy. 
 
 EBENEZER EMMONS, M. A., M. D., 
 
 Professor of Natural History. 
 
 ALBERT HOPKINS, M. A., 
 
 Professor of Natural Philosophy and Astronomy. 
 
 Rev. JOSEPPI ALDEN, D. D., 
 
 Professor of Rhetoric^ Political Economy y and American History. 
 
 EDWARD LASELL, M. A., 
 
 Professor of Chemistry. 
 
 Rev. NATHANIEL H. GRIFFIN, M. A., 
 
 Lawrence Professor of Languages. 
 
 JOHN TATLOCK, M. A., 
 
 Professor of Mathematics and Librarian. 
 
 JIENRY B. HOSFORD, M. A., 
 
r 
 
 ^ -r'^ 
 
 ^: . 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 THE SITUATION OF THE COLLEGE. 
 
 The location of a College is the first consideration of its founders, 
 and afterwards also, of those deciding upon its merits. The young 
 man who intends to spend four years of his life at a College, will very 
 naturally first inquire about the situation of the place. He will want 
 to know if the climate is healthy and agreeable, if the scenery is 
 pleasant ; and if the artificial, as well as the natural features of the 
 place are favorable to mental and moral progress. If these are the 
 questions which he asks, and which must be answered in the affirma- 
 tive, to determine his choice, he will soon be found presenting himself 
 for admission at Williams College. 
 
 It may be that we are somewhat prejudiced ; it would be strange if 
 we were not ; but, for ourselves, we prefer the situation of Williams 
 College, in all respects, to that of any other. 
 
 In the first place, we like the climate. Some might suppose that a 
 town, situated as this is, among the northern mountains, would be intol- 
 erably cold. But this is not so. There are times, to be sure, during our 
 Williamstown winters, when we can imagine what the winds might do if 
 ^olus should let them loose together. There are times too when we 
 can readily infer what might be the effects of heavy frosts and severe 
 cold. But these times are rare ; the average temperature here during 
 the winter months, is higher than in towns many miles to the south. 
 The coldest year on record was 1834 ; the average temperature was 42 
 Fahrenheit. The average temperature for the few past years, is 46^. 
 The fact is, the giant mountains which surround us, muffled in their 
 white, winter drapery, protect us from the bleak winds which howl in 
 vain for admittance to our snug retreat. However, we have breezes 
 enough to ventilate the valley, and to refresh and invigorate our bodies. 
 The weather in summer is not so warm as to be enfeebling. On the 
 whole, the climate may be called salubrious. The death-bell seldom 
 tolls, and then, usually, to announce the death of some aged person who 
 has lived out the appointed years of man. 
 
 In the next place, we like the scenery. The valley in which we are, 
 7 
 
54 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 seems to have been hollowed out on purpose for a college. Two rivers 
 run through it. The Green River is a small, impetuous stream, dashing 
 over a rocky bed. Its waters are green, 
 
 ' As if the bright fringe of herbs on its brink 
 Had given the stain to the waves they drink.' 
 
 The Hoosac is a deeper and more quiet river, winding through rich 
 meadows. The mountains surrounding us on every side are thickly 
 wooded. In summer, when these mountain trees are arrayed in their 
 green livery, we challenge even the Swiss to show a more beautiful 
 region. When they put on the variegated vestments of Autumn, 
 
 ' They seem groups of giant kings, in purple and gold, 
 That guard the enchanted ground.' 
 
 And when in winter the leafless branches are loaded with snow, the 
 picture is changed, but not spoiled. 
 
 If living in the midst of such scenery has any effect upon students, 
 (and who will deny that it has,) it surely is not to produce effeminacy 
 nor gloom. When the weary student turns from the dull printed page, 
 his eye rests upon the pictured book of Nature, open before him. He 
 strolls forth, not through a wilderness of houses, but over green fields, 
 shaded by pleasant trees, and watered by gentle brooks. He thus 
 invigorates his body, cultivates a love for nature, and if his thoughts 
 are rightly directed, 
 
 * The mountain, river, forest, field, and grove. 
 Remind him of his Maker's power and love.' 
 
 Of course, our horizon, bounded as it is by the highest mountains in 
 the state, is rather limited ; so that a traveler affirmed that he started 
 from Williamstown just at sunset, and after riding a dozen miles west, 
 found it broad noon. Afler stripping this remark of the hyperbole 
 in which travelers usually enwrap what little truth they tell, there is 
 something in it. The sun is, perhaps, hidden from our view some 
 minutes earlier than in surrounding towns. But 
 
 * What though they say, with phizzes long, 
 Our days are sooner past ? 
 We would reply, with reason strong, 
 They're sweeter while they last.' 
 
 Finally, we like the situation of Williams College because it is in a 
 quiet country village. In fancy and reality, the Academic groves have 
 ever been planted in the country. The scholars of ancient and modern 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 55 
 
 times have always sought rural retirement for the prosecution of their 
 labors. Some may prefer the city. It may be that some minds are 
 disposed to study by the din of machinery, the rattling of pavements,|| 
 and the deafening cries of city hucksters. But men that can study 
 amid such confusion must be curiously organized. The majority of 
 men make most progress in literary pursuits in the country, where the 
 stillness is unbroken save by the gentle music of nature. 
 
 Not only is a retired village better adapted to the mental progress of 
 students, but it is also more favorable to their morals. This should 
 not be overlooked. The temptations incident to college life, are, to 
 be sure, numerous enough any where : but they are necessarily more 
 dangerous in the city than in the country. In a city lurk the artful 
 panderers to vice. They know how to clothe it in seductive garb. 
 They know the weak points of the young ; and they use their 
 knowledge with, alas ! too sure success. The syren voice of pleasure 
 is too enchanting to be disregarded ; and the youth treads almost 
 unconsciously down the winding path of vice. He easily conceals his 
 progress from his parents and instructors, and graduates thoroughly 
 dissipated. In the country it is not so. Vice puts not on such 
 fascinating forms, and is pursued with greater danger of detection ; 
 while virtue presents greater attractions, and is easily and safely 
 followed. 
 
 * Away the vicious pleasures of the town. 
 Let empty, partial fortune on us frown, 
 But grant, ye powers, that it may be our lot, 
 To live in peace, from noisy towns remote.' 
 
 To balance these advantages, what objections are urged against 
 country colleges 1 The greatest is, that a * knowledge of the world ' 
 is not gained. In the view of some it is the goal of perfection to 
 be * men of the world ; ' compared to this, every other attainment 
 dwindles into insignificance. Our city Colleges are crowded with 
 worms of this kind, who would scorn to remain ' book-worms,' but 
 who long for the time when they shall become the gay butterflies of 
 fashion. And to be sure the city student does see more of ' the 
 world,'' but he sees it at a time when he is least fitted to profit by the 
 sight. He looks not with the calm eye of the philosopher, but with 
 the impassioned gaze of youth. He is likely to be beguiled from his 
 books by its bewitching splendors, and perhaps, allured from the paths 
 of virtue. A knowledge of men and manners is undoubtedly worth 
 possessing, but we would ask if college life is the best period for its 
 acquisition, and if it is ever worth the loss, or even hazard of moral 
 purity. 
 
56 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 The country student sees less of the world during his College course. 
 He learns less of fashion's forms, but not necessarily less of true polite- 
 ness. And does he not acquire physical, moral, and mental habits 
 which shall enable him, when he enters the world, the stronger to bear 
 up against its rude blasts, the better to withstand its temptations, and 
 to lead as honorable and useful a life as if he had spent four years in 
 vibrating between the halls of fashion and the halls of learning ? 
 
 We have given our principal reasons for liking the situation of 
 Williams College. There are some minor ones. It is easy of access. 
 This could not have been said with truth a year ago. We then led a 
 sort of hermit life up here among the mountains. But the completion 
 of the Adams and Pittsfield Rail Road, coming within five miles of us, 
 almost joins us to the net-work of railroads, which now pervades our 
 country. The railroad will probably soon be extended through this 
 town. 
 
 Another advantage resulting from our country location, is the small 
 expense necessarily incurred by the students. The tuition is low and 
 the board cheap. For this reason our college is peculiarly favorable 
 to those who in their poverty are struggling for an education. Many 
 such come here. They are usually men who become an honor to the 
 nation and the glory of their Alma Mater. 
 
mmt' 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 COLLEGE BUILDINGS, LIBRARY, AND APPARATUS. 
 
 The West College is the most ancient and venerable of the 
 college buildings. It was built just after the adoption of the Consti- 
 tution of the United States ; and like that substantial document,- it is 
 based on firm foundations ; it has remained unshaken by storms within 
 or without ; and promises to endure "^for ages. It is four stories high. 
 The walls are of brick, and very thick. It stands on an eminence, 
 and is conspicuous from a great distance. On the roof is perched a 
 small tower, in which the College bell once made its tintinnabulating 
 revolutions, when this edifice was the only college building on the 
 ground, and served for chapel, libraries, recitation and lodging rooms. 
 The building is at present occupied by the Sophomores and Freshmen. 
 It underwent thorough repairs about a year since. 
 
 The Chapel stands several rods to the east of the West College, and 
 on the opposite side of the street. It is of brick, three stories high, 
 with a handsome steeple. It was completed in 1828. About one half 
 of the building is occupied by the Chapel ; the rest is used for various 
 purposes. 
 
 Joined to the Chapel building, on the east side, is the Chemical 
 Laboratory, which was completed in 1845. It contains a large room 
 for lectures and experiments, an apparatus-room, and a convenient 
 work-room. The Laboratory is supplied with all the conveniences 
 and improvements of modern times. 
 
 The Astronomical Observatory stands in the centre of the East 
 College Garden. It is built of marble, in an octagonal form, with 
 two wings, and a dome in which is the large Herschelian telescope. 
 The main lower room is used for the recitations of the Junior Class in 
 Astronomy. For this purpose the celestial concave is mirrored over- 
 head, and the most important circles, signs, and constellations of the 
 heavens are drawn upon it. 
 
 The Magnetic Observatory is of brick, in an octagonal form. It is 
 the most easterly of the college buildings. In it is the large variation 
 transit instrument, by which the variations of the needle are observed 
 daily. 
 
^ 
 
 58 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 The East and South Colleges were erected in 1842. They are 
 of brick, three stories high, and contain rooms for the Seniors and 
 Juniors. Each room has two bed-rooms and two closets. From the 
 West to the East College, through the hollow, there is a raised gravel 
 walk. This walk, though it now echoes to the tread of peaceful and 
 sober students, owes its origin to war and intemperance. During 
 the administration of the elder Adams, a war with the French being 
 expected, the army was called out, and a company was stationed in 
 this town awhile, on their way to Canada. During their stay, the 
 students hired them to build this walk, and paid them in whiskey ; an 
 article of which soldiers then, as now, were fond ; and which students' 
 were then permitted and permitted themselves to deal in. 
 
 Lawrence Hall, the new library building, is just completed. It is 
 a very beautiful and convenient edifice. Its form is an octagon, whose 
 diameter is forty-eight feet, and each side twenty feet long by thirty-six 
 high. It is two stories in height constructed of brick and marble, 
 the second story is the proper library room, and is sufficiently capa- 
 cious to receive from twenty to thirty thousand volumes. It has eight 
 alcoves, separated from each other by partitions proceeding from each - 
 of the eight angles to within twelve feet of the centre, thus leaving a . 
 circular space, twenty-four feet in diameter. The dome is supported 
 by eight Ionic columns. It takes its name from Amos Lawrence, 
 Esq., of Boston, by whose liberality it was erected. 
 
 In addition to these buildings, another will soon be erected. It 
 will stand in the centre of the west College garden, and will contain, 
 besides two large recitation rooms, a dozen or more rooms for the 
 accommodation of Students. 
 
 The College Library is well selected, and for a country College is 
 quite large. It has been kept, of late years, in the third story of the 
 Chapel building. 
 
 The apparatus belonging to the College is extensive in all the de- 
 partments, and additions are constantly being made. Much of it was 
 purchased in Europe, a few years since, by Professor Hopkins. 
 
 Among the apparatus, are the following instruments : Atwood's 
 Machine ; Mechanical Powers ; Model of a Steam Engine ; Whirling 
 Tables ; Hydrostatic Press ; Montgolfier's Hydraulic Ram ; Self-Reg- 
 istering Rain Guage; Air-Pumps of different kinds ; Hiero's Foun- 
 tain; Intermittent Fountain; Jet d'eau in vacuus; Sonometer; two 
 large Electrical Machines; Coulombs' Torsion Balance; Electrical 
 Battery ; Dipping Needle with agate planes ; Large Variation Tran- 
 sit; Wollaston's Goniometer; Improved Magic Lantern; Biot's. 
 Prism ; Speculums, Mirrors, and Lenses of various kinds ; Solar and 
 
SKETCHES ^F WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 59 
 
 Compound Microscopes ; Camera Obscura, and Camera Lucida ; 
 Telescopes of various kinds and sizes ; Transit Instrument ; Orrery ; 
 Dolland's Micrometer; Astronomical Clock; Large Compound Blow- 
 pipe ; Galvanic Batteries ; Daguerreotype Apparatus ; Barometers and 
 Thermometers of various kinds ; and a Mannikin. 
 
 We have not given by any means, a catalogue of the apparatus, but 
 merely a list of some of the larger instruments. There are two others 
 which deserve a more particular notice ; the Pantometer and the 
 Polariscope. 
 
 The former instrument was invented by Prof Hopkins some years 
 ago. It is, as its name denotes, a universal measurer. It is intended 
 to answer a variety of purposes, both magnetic and astronomical. It 
 may be used either to obtain the variations or dip of the needle, as an 
 azimuth and altitude instrument, or as an equatorial. 
 
 The Polariscope is an elegant piece of apparatus, recently procured 
 from the distinguished optician, M. Soleil, of Paris, at a cost of seven 
 hundred and fifty francs. At the time of its importation, it was the 
 only one in America. It is intended to illustrate that particular con- 
 dition of light which is denominated polarized light. The instrument 
 is elegant in its construction. Its exhibitions are of singular and 
 extraordinary beauty, especially those of colored and circular polari- 
 zations, opening to the eye in the interior structure of the commonest 
 crystaline pebble, a new world of wonders, so full of lights and lovely 
 shadows, and such exquisite and gorgeous colors, as to surpass even 
 the dreamings of philosophy. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 REGULATIONS AND EXERCISES OF THE COLLEGE. 
 
 In this chapter we propose to follow a young man from his entrance 
 to College through the course, and mention the principal regulations 
 which will affect him, and the exercises which he will be required to 
 perform. In order to give, if possible, some vivacity to the mass of 
 detail which our design will oblige us to insert, we propose to give to 
 our imaginary student the name of A. B. This name we consider 
 peculiarly appropriate ; for when he enters, he is in the * a - b ab ' of 
 science, and when at last we bid him good-bye, as a graduate, he has 
 only become an ' A. B.' 
 
 On the day before Commencement, that is, the day before the third 
 Wednesday in August, A. B. presents himself for admission. He 
 might come at any other time during the year, but this is the regular 
 time. For admission to the Freshman class, A. B. is examined in 
 Geography, Vulgar Arithmetic, and Algebra through simple equations ; 
 in English, Latin, and Greek Grammar, including Prosody ; in Virgil, 
 and Cicero's select Orations ; in CaBsar's Commentaries or in Sallust ; in 
 the Greek Testament, and in Jacob's, Colton's, or Felton's Greek 
 Reader. If A. B. passes a satisfactory examination in these studies, 
 and cjan produce testimonials of good moral character, he is declared 
 to be admitted to Williams College. And after, perhaps, remaining 
 through the next day to attend the exercises of Commencement, he 
 goes home to his friends to enjoy a four weeks' vacation, with the new 
 dignity of a Freshman. 
 
 At the expiration of the vacation, A. B. comes on to begin his labors. 
 We shall not attempt to describe the strange feelings which will come 
 over him at the opening of this new scene in his existence. Four long 
 years lie before him ; strange faces are around him ; new labors await 
 him. He may perhaps advert to the scenes of his boyhood, and as 
 the image of * sweet home' rises before him, an unbidden tear trickle 
 from his eye. But although there is nothing unmanly in bestowing a 
 tender thought upon parents and friends, yet we shall not permit our 
 hero long to indulge in such a reverie. He must commence his duties. 
 
 A. B. is woke up early on the first morning of the term by the ring- 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 61 
 
 ing of the chapel bell. In fifteen minutes after, it will begin to toll, 
 and he will join the crowd thronging to the chapel to attend prayers. 
 At the close of the day, he will obey a similar summons ; and these 
 religious exercises, he will be required to attend morning and evening, 
 every day of his college course. If he is ever absent, a monitor from 
 his class will notify his instructor, who will call upon him for an excuse. 
 
 At nine o'clock A. M., the bell will ring again. This is for study 
 hours. There are six hours in the day allotted to study, and during 
 this time, A. B. must be in his room. During the first term of the 
 year, the study hours are from nine till eleven, A. M. ; from two till 
 four, P. M. ; and from seven till nine, in the evening. 
 
 At eleven o'clock A. M., the bell will call A. B. to recitation. 
 There are three recitations every day : one before breakfast ; one be- 
 fore dinner ; and one before supper ; excepting Wednesdays and 
 Saturdays, when the afternoon recitation is omitted. A. B's studies, 
 during his first term will be, Combe on Health and Mental Education ; 
 Livy ; Dalzel's Groeca Majora, vol. I ; Euclid, four books ; and exer- 
 cises in Latin Composition. 
 
 On the Sabbath, A. B. will always be required to attend service in 
 the town church, unless necessarily detained. This duty, together 
 with many others, he will find enjoined upon him in a pamphlet 
 containing the College Laws, which will be placed in his hands within 
 a few days after his entrance. 
 
 During the first week of his residence in College, A. B. will be 
 required to subscribe the following engagement : ' I, A. B., promise on 
 my faith and honor, that during the term time, and while residing^ at. 
 College, I will neither drink any intoxicating drink, nor supply it to 
 others, nor have any agency in introducing it into College.' If he 
 should ever violate this, he will be dismissed from College. 
 
 Besides the regular exercises in recitation, mentioned above, there 
 are some miscellaneous exercises which A. B. will be required to 
 perform. He will have to declaim before his class as often as twice a 
 term, during the course. He will have to declaim before all the classes 
 in the chapel about eight times during his course. During his Fresh- 
 man and Sophomore year, he will be called upon in the class once or 
 twice a term for a written translation from Latin or Greek. Other 
 exercises will come in as he advances. 
 
 . We will suppose that our friend has passed safely along through 
 this term. It is the third Wednesday in December, and the term 
 closes. A vacation of six weeks is before him. We will leave him to 
 go to his admiring friends, and recount to the gaping multitude the 
 wonders of College life, which of course seem more wonderful to him, 
 8 
 
62 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 after his short experience, than they ever will again. After he has 
 been home a day or two, his parent or guardian receives a letter post- 
 marked Williamstown. It is opened with great curiosity. In it is 
 found, on the first page, a record of his absences, tardinesses, and 
 unprepared lessons during the term; also, his general deportment, 
 marked No. 1, probably, which ' denotes a high degree of industry, 
 correctness of moral conduct, and of manners.' 
 
 This long vacation comes in the winter, so as to enable those who 
 may wish to teach school, to do it and lose as little term time as 
 possible. We will suppose however, that our hero finds no necessity 
 for earning his own living ; and now, after six weeks, having probably, 
 enlightened the whole' community, and told his college adventures 
 until his friends are satiated, he willingly comes on to begin another 
 term, and gather a new stock of stories. 
 
 A. B's studies during his second term Freshman, are Livy continued ; 
 Homer's Iliad, two books ; and Algebra. His miscellaneous duties, 
 this term, are the same as before. The time of study hours remains 
 the same till the twentieth of March, when they are from half after 
 eight till eleven o'clock, A. M. ; from two till half after four P. M., 
 and from half after seven^ till nine, in the evening. 
 
 About the middle of this term, if A. B. has conformed to College 
 rules and behaved regularly since his entrance, he will become a 
 regular member of the College, by subscribing the following engage- 
 ment. ' I, A. B. on condition of being admitted a member of Wiliams 
 College, promise on my faith and honor, to observe all the laws and 
 regulations of this College ; particularly that I will faithfully avoid 
 the use of profane language, gaming, and all disorderly behavior.' 
 This ceremony is called the matriculation. 
 
 Near the close of the second term. A, B., with the rest of his class, 
 will be publicly examined in the branches studied during the two 
 terms. The faculty and such other gentlemen as may please to attend, 
 will be present. After the examination, the faculty will make up their 
 judgment of the literary merit of the members of the class, and the 
 result be communicated to them. And during the course, an examin- 
 ation of the class will occur annually at this time, in the studies 
 pursued during the two previous terms. This term will close on the 
 first Wednesday in May. A vacation of three weeks will ensue, 
 during which time we leave A. B. to his domestic pleasures. 
 
 The studies of the summer term, are Horace through the odes ; 
 Herodotus and Thucydides, and Algebra concluded. This term. A.'' 
 B. will be expected to read two compositions in the class, as well as 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 63 
 
 perform the other miscellaneous duties. Composition writing is kept 
 up from this time through the course. The exercise is so arranged 
 that he will have to write twice each term. 
 
 The time for study is changed again this term. The study hours 
 a^e from eight o'clock till eleven, A. M., and from one till five, P. M. 
 
 Near the close of the term, the class is again examined in all the 
 studies since admission to College. This examination is annual, and 
 after spending two or three years in College, becomes of course, quite 
 laborious. On success in this examination, depends admittance to the 
 next year. 
 
 ^{ The third term closes at Commencement. The evening before 
 Commencement, there is a prize Rhetorical exercise. At this exhibi- 
 tion three Freshmen, three Sophomores, and three Juniors speak 
 original pieces ; and a prize is awarded for the best performance in 
 each class, by a committee of three persons designated by the Professor 
 of Rhetoric. The exhibitors are elected by their several classes. 
 
 We' now greet our friend A. B., as a Sophomore. We trust he will 
 wrap himself in none of that foolish dignity which some Sophomores 
 put on ; we trust he will add by his example no significancy to that' 
 pithy word, ' Sophomoric' We are aware that it is a period of his 
 education when A. B. will feel wiser than he ever has or ever will 
 again. But he must overcome this feeling. He will do well to reflect 
 if he can, upon the time when even he was a Freshman, and perhaps 
 as unsophisticated and verdant as any of those whom he now looks 
 down upon as Freshmen. And when he imagines that he is plunging 
 to the lowest depths of the ocean of truth, he will do well to remem- 
 ber that even Newton, after his life of labor, asserted that he had only 
 picked up pebbles on its shores. But especially let him avoid that 
 most foolish of all Sophomore pranks breaking windows. The sport 
 of this is hardly discoverable. We used to account for the enthusiasm^ 
 with which some engaged in it by supposing that their ears were so" 
 fully developed that they could catch music from the rattling of the 
 glass. But the rationale of it lies deeper than this. Solomon wrote a 
 passage which explains it fully : ' It is as sport to a fool to do mischief.' 
 
 The studies of Sophomore year are as follows : First Term. 
 Horace, Satires and Epistles ; Euclid finished ; Logarithms and Trig- 
 onometry ; Woolsey's Greek Tragedies ; Blair's Lectures on Rhetoric. 
 Second Term. Euclid reviewed ; Hedge's Logic ; Mensuration, 
 Navigation, and Surveying, and Greek Poetry. Third Term. 
 Spherical Trigonometry, and Analytical Geometry ; Jackson's Conic 
 Sections, and Cicero de Officiis. The miscellaneous exercises remain 
 as before. : ',*^\ . ' 
 
64 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 It will be perceived that the studies thus far are chiefly Languages 
 and Mathematics. By the discipline thus gained, A. B. will be pre- 
 pared for the pursuits of Junior year, which involve more of the 
 practical. The studies of the first term Junior, are Wayland's Political 
 Economy; GroBca Majora, vol. II.; Olmsted's Natural Philosophy; 
 Chemistry, duintilian begun. During this term lectures on natural 
 Philosophy are delivered to the class, and continue through the year. 
 A course of Chemical lectures is also commenced and resumed again 
 the third term. *.. 
 
 In addition to the miscellaneous exercises of previous years, debates 
 are commenced in the class this term, and kept up through the rest of 
 the course. Six usually debate at an exercise. It is so arranged that 
 A. B. will be called upon to debate once or twice a term. 
 
 If A. B. has studied well enough to rank among the first fourteen 
 scholars of his class, he will receive an appointment at the end of this 
 term, as speaker at the Junior Exhibition ; which occurs at the end of 
 the second term. 
 
 The studies of the second term Junior, are duintilian continued ; 
 Demosthenes, and Plato's Gorgias ; Evidences of Revealed Religion ; 
 Olmsted continued, and Botany. Lectures are given this term on 
 Botany. 
 
 The third term, Junior year, the studies are Astronomy, Tacitus, 
 and Fluxions, or French. The compositions this term, are required 
 to be on philosophical subjects. Lectures are given on Mineralogy and 
 Geology. 
 
 Our friend A. B. has now completed three years of his course. We 
 have said nothing in relation to his breaking any college laws ; for 
 we thought it well that an imaginary student should do nothing wrong. 
 But in order to explain the principles of the college government 
 in regard to punishment, we insert the following passage from the 
 College Laws : ' The punishments are mostly of the moral kind, and 
 addressed to a sense of duty and the principles of honor, and are the 
 following : private admonition by an officer of the College ; formal 
 admonition before the class, with acknowledgment of the fault and 
 promise of amendment ; admonitions or concessions before the Faculty ; 
 putting the offender on a state of probation ; suspension from the 
 privileges of the College for a limited time ; rustication j private dis- 
 mission ; and formal expulsion.' 
 
 The studies of the Senior year are different in their nature from 
 those of the three others. No branch of Mathematics or Languages 
 is studied. The studies of the first term, are Campbell's Philosophy of 
 Rhetoric ; Anatomy, Stewart's Elements of Intellectual Philosophy, 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 65 
 
 and Whately's Rhetoric. Lectures are given on Anatomy and Phys- 
 iology, on Rhetoric, and on Intellectual and Moral Philosophy. During 
 this year, the recitation before breakfast is omitted. 
 
 In addition to the other miscellaneous exercises, there is a weekly 
 exercise in reading this term ; also, a weekly critical exercise which is 
 kept up through the year ; one member reads a composition, and the 
 rest of the class pass judgments upon it, subject to the decision of the 
 presiding officer. Every Saturday forenoon through the year, there is 
 a recitation in Vincent on the Catechism. Each member of the class 
 is required to speak an original declamation on the chapel stage during 
 the first or second term of this year. 
 
 A. B's studies during the second term, Senior year, will be Wayland's 
 Elements of Moral Science ; Story on the Constitution ; Paley's Polit- 
 ical Philosophy ; and Kame's Elements of Criticism. He will hear 
 lectures on Intellectual and Moral Philosophy, and on International 
 Law. 
 
 We now have accompanied our fancied friend to his last term in 
 College. The four years which looked so long at his entrance have 
 slipped almost away. The past will seem like a dream. He will doubt- 
 less see many things which he would wish had been done differently. 
 It is always the case with one who reflects. It has well been said : 
 * A man needs to live one life to know how to live another.' 
 
 The studies of the third term are Kames continued ; Butler's 
 Analogy; and Paley's Natural Theology. The Seniors remain in 
 College but seven or eight weeks, this term. On the Tuesday preced- 
 ing the third Wednesday in July, and on the said Wednesday, the 
 Seniors are publicly examined for the degree of Bachelor of Arts, 
 by the Faculty, the Standing Committee of the Trustees, the Secretary 
 of the Corporation, and any other gentlemen of liberal education, who 
 may please to attend. They are examined in the several languages, 
 arts, and sciences, which compose the course. After the examination, 
 the chairman of the standing committee reads a list of those candi- 
 dates who have been approved ; and those thus recommended are enti- 
 tled to the degree of Bachelor of Arts at the next Commencement. 
 
 On the evening of the last day of the Senior Examination, the 
 Adelphic Union Exhibition is held in the Chapel. There are four- 
 teen exhibitors, chosen equally from the two Literary Societies : all 
 members of the Senior Class. 
 
 The time between this and Commencement is called the Senior 
 vacation. A. B. we leave to enjoy himself as he pleases. On the 
 Saturday evening preceding Commencement, he will probably return. 
 
66 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 On the next afternoon, the President preaches the Baccalaureate Ser- 
 mon to the graduating class. 
 
 Commencement is on the next Wednesday. The exercises consist 
 principally of orations- from the graduating class. The appointments 
 are given out at the close of the second term. All those who by their 
 scholarship, conduct, etc., during their college course have attained a 
 required standing, receive honors ; and their appointments, which are 
 all equal, are allotted at the discretion of the Faculty. 
 
 At nine o'clock the procession is formed at the East College, and 
 marches to the church. The President commences the exercises with 
 prayer, After a piece of sacred music, the Salutatory Oration in 
 Latin is delivered. Then follow the other pieces, interspersed with 
 music. There is generally a forenoon and an afternoon session. 
 The speaking in the afternoon closes with the Valedictory Address. 
 
 After the Valedictory, the degrees are conferred, and the exercises 
 closed with prayer. The form used in conferring the degrees is as 
 follows : * Pro auctoritate mihi commissa, admitto vos ad primum gra- 
 dum in artibus ; et singulis juribus, privilegiis, et honoribus ad istum 
 gradum pertinentibus, frui et gaudere jubeo ; cujus, haec instrumenta, 
 sigillo collegii munita, testimonio sint.' 
 
CHAPTITR IV. 
 
 COLLEGE SOCIETIES 
 
 There are two Literary Societies in College ; the ' Philologian 
 Society,' and the ' Philotechnian.' They were formed in 1795. They 
 receive their members by allotment, which relieves them from the., 
 excitement and trouble of ' electioneering.' They meet every Wednes- 
 day evening in their respective Halls, which occupy the third story of 
 the South College. These rooms are handsomely furnished. On 
 public occasions, the Philologians wear a blue ribbon, and the Technian 
 a white one. 
 
 There is a pleasant rivalry existing between the two Societies ; just 
 sufficient to give zest to their exercises and stimulate each to excellence, 
 but not hot enough to hinder their forming together the ' Adelphic 
 Union.' The library belonged to the * Adelphic Union ' until four or 
 five years ago, when it was divided between the two. Each Society 
 has now a very good library. 
 
 There is an annual exhibition of the Adelphic Union, on the evening 
 of the third Wednesday in July. The annual Address before the 
 Adelphic Union, is delivered on the evening before commencement. 
 
 The ' Theological Society ' was formed soon after the Literary 
 Societies. It usually numbers from twenty to thirty members ; pious 
 young men, from all the classes. They meet once a fortnight, usually 
 on Sabbath morning. The exercises are essays and disputations on 
 moral and religious subjects, and dissertations on texts of Scripture. 
 They have a library of several hundred volumes. 
 
 The ' Mills Society op Inquiry ' was formed in 1820. It holds 
 its meetings once a fortnight, alternating with the Theological Society. 
 Since its organization it has had 135 members. They have a conside- 
 rable library. The characteristic of the Society is set forth in the 
 following covenant, which the members are required to sign : ' We 
 pledge ourselves to the cause of missions, resolving to devote our 
 personal services to the heathen, or the destitute in our own land, and 
 in all our efforts to aim at nothing short of the conversion of the world 
 to Christ.' The Mills and Theological Societies usually have a public 
 address on the Sabbath evening before Commencement. 
 
68 . SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 The * Handel and Haydn Society ' was formed soon after the 
 incorporation of the College. Its members constitute the College 
 choir, who make melody ( ' in their hearts/ we trust, if not with their 
 voices,) at evening prayers. The paraphernalia of the Society consists 
 in a musical library, and various musical instruments. They meet 
 every Thursday evening. 
 
 The ' Franklin Society ' was formed in 1820. Any student may 
 become a member by the payment of $3.00. This entitles him to 
 the use of text books from the ' Franklin Library ' during his course. 
 It was first called the ' Benevolent Society,' and was formed by the 
 Theological Society, to supply indigent students with text books free 
 of expense. But in a few years the present name and plan were 
 adopted. The library contains sixteen hundred books, in good repair. 
 The Librarian is chosen from the junior class, and occupies the Soci- 
 ety's room in East College. 
 
 The ' Lyceum of Natural History ' was founded in 1835, on the 
 ruins of the ' Linnean Society.' It was originally a secret society, 
 called the Phi Beta Theta ; (Phusis, Biblos, Theou, Nature, the book 
 of God ;) but dropped its veil in about a year, and assumed its present 
 title. The object of the society is * the study of the Natural Sciences, 
 and the prosecution of antiquarian researches.' They have a room in 
 the South College, where they meet once in two weeks, and listen to 
 reports from the committees on the various branches of Natural His- 
 tory. The room is well stored with specimens, although many were 
 lost in the fire. They have also a very valuable library. The society 
 have sent out two expeditions to procure specimens, which were emi- 
 nently successful ; the first in 1835, to Nova Scotia, and the second 
 in 1840, through this county, and the eastern part of the state of New 
 York. 
 
 The ' Horticultural and Landscape Gardening Association,' 
 was formed in 1835. It includes nearly all the students. Its object 
 is ' to improve and ornament the college grounds.' To the good influ- 
 ence of this association, the fragrance and beauty of the college gar- 
 dens, and the health and vigor of the students bear ample testimony. 
 
 There are three secret societies in College. They usually number 
 from fifteen to twenty members each, taken from all the classes. 
 
 The ' Kappa Alpha ' Society was started here in 1834. Since that 
 time, they have had one hundred and ten members. They have 
 branches in two other Colleges. 
 
 The ' Sigma Phi ' came here nine months after. They have had 
 one hundred and three members. They have five other branches. 
 
 The ' Chi Psi ' began in 1842, since which time, it has had thirty 
 eight members. There are branches of it in seven other Colleges. 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 69 
 
 The ' SociAi, Fraternity' is an anti-secret Society, founded in 1836. 
 Most of the students not connected with secret societies belong to the 
 S. F. Its motto is ' Ouden Adelon,' (nothing secret' 
 
 The last four Societies wear badges. That of the Kappa Alpha is 
 a diamond-shaped gold key. The badges of the Sigma Phi and Chi 
 Psi are gold breast pins, formed of the two Greek letters which form 
 their respective titles, united in a monogram. The badge of the S. 
 F., is a square gold key. Each of the badges bears various devices 
 which it would be difficult to represent without an engraving, which 
 unfortunately, was not procured in time for insertion. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 COLLEGE LIFE. 
 
 Almost as many different ideas are formed of college life, by the 
 world without, as there are individuals to form them. Some think 
 that college is a sort of heathen paradise, where a desire for pleasure 
 is the only motive power ; where books hide their faces in the dust, 
 and where the course of life is one continued round of gaiety and 
 dissipation. Accordingly, if they meet with a student, who is straying 
 for a while from the enchanted circle, they ascribe to him the spirit of 
 his place, and burden him with the blame of every practical joke, 
 however wicked and unfeeling, perpetrated in the vicinity. These 
 persons, especially if religious in profession and prejudice only, will 
 tell, with long countenances, of college temptations ; and consider it 
 almost impossible for the fire of religion to retain its glow, or even its 
 ^ lukewarmness,' in a student's breast. 
 
 Others regard college as a sort of monastery, where Science and 
 Religion, clothed in their sternest garbs, govern like tyrants. They 
 pity the poor fellows who have doomed themselves to such a hermit 
 life among musty books ; rising to their labors * while it is yet night,' 
 and prolonging the same by the light of the ' midnight lamp.' This 
 class coijsider piety as inseparable from a life in college ; as we once 
 heard a devout old lady say of a young man, whose character was up 
 for remarks : * Of course he 's pious ; he 's been to college ! ' 
 
 It is difficult to say which of the above classes is most at -fault. At 
 any rate, neither is right. The student has his pleasures, but he is 
 not always pursuing them. He studies ; but seldom becomes a recluse. 
 His temptations are numerous, but no more formidable than assail 
 young men of active minds and strong feelings in other walks of life. 
 Neither are all students Christians, by any means. Would that they 
 were. 
 
 In order to correct, if possible, some false notions, and to impart, 
 perhaps, some new ones, we propose to attempt a short description of 
 college life. We know of no better way to effect this, than to insert 
 some extracts from a student's journal, which give his first impressions 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. '71 
 
 of his new course of life, some descriptions of certain customs, and 
 various reflections and remarks. Of course, not much method is pre- 
 served in so rambling a composition as a private journal. The first 
 extract contains an account of a Freshman's first experience : 
 
 * Friday, 10 o'clock P. M. The term began yesterday. I arrived 
 last night, was examined, and had a room assigned me in the fourth 
 
 't'story of this monstrous pile of bricks, called West College. My 
 room-mate is rather a boisterous fellow, a Dutchman, full of practical 
 and theoretical jokes. Fear he will interfere somewhat with the course 
 of study I intend to pursue. For if sleepless nights and laborious 
 days will accomplish it, I intend to stand first in my class. I have 
 always been considered the first scholar in my native town, and my 
 father and teachers justly expect me to excel here. Have not seen my 
 superior in the class. 
 
 * About light, this morning, was awoke by the chapel bell rolling 
 around at a furious rate, and emitting its hoarse notes of command, 
 as if it were at once proud of its office, and impatient of restraint. 
 Was just dreaming of delivering the college valedictory, and fancied 
 I saw the proud look of my father as he listened. (Mem. To be up 
 before the bell rings after this.) Dressed as quick as possible and 
 went over to the chapel. Several of our class were already there ; 
 but as the higher classes, lazy fellows, were not up yet, we had to wait 
 till the bell was tolled. 
 
 * The religious exercises occupied some fifteen minutes. What an 
 odd look does a man present, who has just emerged from his bed. I 
 presume that of the 175 students who were present, not a dozen had 
 been out of the land of Nod long enough to lose their residence. In 
 fact, I am told that some of the seniors retain it, and go back after 
 prayers. After the religious exercises, which occupied about fifteen 
 minutes, and consisted in reading the Bible, and in prayer, we came 
 over to the Livy recitation. This took about an hour. In going to 
 breakfast, was accosted by a Sophomore, who appeared to know me 
 said he took an interest in new comers invited me to his room. 
 Clever fellow, I guess, and a suitable man for a friend. His name is 
 Fair speech. 
 
 * After breakfast, studied Greek till 11 o'clock. Had to help my 
 chum a good deal. He is far my inferior in the languages. As I was 
 passing through the hall from recitation, Fairspeech threw a tumbler 
 of water in my face. But he said it was a mistake, and felt so bad, I 
 really pitied him. (Mem. To call on Fairspeech and show him that 
 I retain no hard feelings.) The afternoon recitation was in Mathe- 
 
^2 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 matics. Like college life very much. Every thing goes on like clock 
 work.' . 
 
 So ended the Freshman's first day in college. He of course, has 
 not yet learned the hollowness of some friendship. The second day, 
 betrays him into like error : 
 
 * Saturday. Called on Fairspeech. Like him still better. Rather 
 an amusing incident occurred at my entrance. F. handed me a chair, 
 and as I sat down, pulled it away, and I sprawled on the floor, to the 
 laughter of the company. Mr. F. did not laugh though ; but kindly 
 helped me up, apologizing with his wonted politeness, saying that he 
 just then thought to dust out the chair. F. then drew me out in con- 
 versation. Told him my history, and my intentions. He seemed to 
 sympathize with me fully ; said he stood first in his class for three days 
 after admission, when his eyes failed him. (Mem. To take special 
 care of my eyes.) 
 
 * This afternoon, took a long walk over these hills. Enjoyed the 
 scenery very much.' 
 
 The next extract is dated some four or five weeks after the above, 
 and shows that the scales had begun to fall from the Freshman's eyes : 
 
 * Am now pretty well acquainted. Found that Fairspeech only 
 wanted to ' gas ' me, which he did pretty effectually. Come to meas- 
 ure swords with my classmates, find my prospects for the valedictory 
 rather dubious. We have had several lessons in Physiology, with 
 accompanying lectures from the President. These are designed to 
 give some important information in regard to health. But why need 
 any one be sick who breathes this pure air, and wanders over these 
 hills?' ,^ ,,. \, , , ,. , 
 
 The next extract gives an account of a Wednesday in collie, some 
 two months after our friend's entrance. 
 
 ' Wednesdays, we have only two recitations. The afternoon is 
 devoted to an exercise in speaking, &lc. It was my turn to declaim 
 to-day. Spoke that eloquent extract, commencing, * Venerable men ! 
 you have come down, &lc.' Got quite excited in the delivery. Splen- 
 did audience ! All the students in the college were present. Two 
 spoke from each class. But though I say it myself, I think I rather 
 took the lead to-day. I felt that I held the audience in my power, and 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 73 
 
 could sway them as I would. There is a magic in eloquence. The 
 President and the Professor of Rhetoric sit on the stage, and criticise 
 each speaker. I was criticised as little as any one was told that 1 had 
 * no tone and the elements of a good speaker.' Oratory is a department 
 in which I hope to make a great proficiency. Mean to practise read- 
 ing aloud some eloquent writer. (Mem. To draw out Burke for this 
 purpose.') 
 
 * This evening, joined the Philo-Technian Society. Admission fee, 
 $5. We have a beautiful room to meet in, and the entertainment is of 
 the highest order. Freshmen give declamations and compositions ; 
 Sophomores, compositions and disputes; Juniors, compositions and 
 orations ; and Seniors, orations and debates.' 
 
 - The following betrays the large ideas of our young friend on read- 
 ing, dated near the close of the first term. It is well to aim high, but 
 our friend evidently formed greater purposes than he could execute, 
 as will be seen in the sequel. 
 
 :^ . * Looked over, this evening, a book of advice to students. An article 
 on * general reading ' struck me forcibly. Immediately resolved in- 
 
 ^wardly to read a great deal while here. The libraries are large. My 
 opportunities never will be better. I have adopted the following scheme 
 for my college course. History ; Rollin, Josephus, Gibbon, Hal- 
 lam's Middle Ages, Hume's England, Bancroft's United States, and 
 Alison's Modern Europe ; also, some minor histories to fill up the 
 
 , intervals. Biography ; Lives of all the great men in whom I become 
 interested by other reading. English Literature ; Shakspeare, 
 Milton, Addison, Pope, Young, Swift, Goldsmith, Burke, and Cowper. 
 I think this course, well pursued, will employ me through college, 
 and make me at graduation a man of great general information*. 
 Began Rollin to-night. (Mem. To draw the 1st vol. of Shakspeare * 
 from the Library, and the lives both of Shakspeare and Rollin.') 
 
 Here is an extract written during the second term. Freshman year, 
 which contains a fact worth noticing. Though somewhat sanguine 
 ,and unsophisticated in some of his notions, our young tyro has made 
 no mistake in this. 
 
 , * Called on the President and two or three of the Professors to-day. 
 Was struck with the affable and familiar manner with which they 
 treated me. How different from my old Academy teacher, who used, 
 when I called on him, to assume the dignity of a Turkish Sultan. 
 
74 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 The instructors here, on the contrary, seem to consider the students as 
 young gentlemen desirous of an education, and themselves as their 
 friendly guides, not sentinels nor police officers. The result is, that 
 the students almost universally regard the faculty as their friends, and 
 of course, treat them with respect.' 
 
 We pass now to g. new college year. The Sophomore now looks 
 upon the Freshman as the butterfly does on the caterpillar, although he 
 himself was one so little while ago. 
 
 'Here I am at the beginning of Sophomore year not a poor 
 Freshman, forlorn, friendless and verdant but acquainted with every 
 student and all the faculty. I stand well in my class, and have a high 
 reputation as a writer, speaker and debater ; am acquainted somewhat 
 with the ladies, and courted for my conversational power. But hold ! 
 suppose somebody should read this ! Would'nt I be called green ? 
 
 * A year ago, the then Sophomores hectored me somewhat. They 
 would lock me in if I left my key outside, smoke me out, duck me, fcc. 
 I told them then that every dog must have his day. Yes, said they, and 
 every puppy too ; you'll have your's. Puppy or no puppy, my day has 
 come. I must repay those indignities to the present freshmen. Rather 
 odd revenge this visiting the iniquities of one generation on the 
 third. But so goes the world. . 
 
 * Carried a composition to Professor , to-day, to be criticised. 
 
 It was one of my finest efforts. Subject, ' the Extensive Flight and 
 upward Aim of the American Eagle.' The Professor told me it was 
 rather Sophomorical. Wonder what he intended by that epithet. If 
 he meant to insinuate anything personally disrespectful, shall not soon 
 
 forget it. (Mem. To treat Professor , with a marked coldness 
 
 until an explanation be made.') 
 
 * The examinations which round off Sophomore year are past. There 
 are now three or four days of leisure, during which, the student is in 
 a sort of chrysaline state, changing from a Sophomore into a Junior. 
 As the occasion seemed to invite to some kind of recreation, our class 
 voted last week to perform the funeral obsequies of Euclid a gentle- 
 man who has ceased to instruct us forever. Accordingly the burial 
 took place last night. The class assembled in the recitation room in 
 full numbers, at 9 o'clock. The deceased, much emaciated, and in a 
 torn and tattered dress, was stretched on a black table in the centre of 
 the room. This table, by the way, was formed of the old blackboard, 
 which like a mirror, had so often reflected the image of old Euclid. 
 In the body of the corpse was a triangular hole, made for the post 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. ' W 
 
 mortem examination, a report of which was read. Through this hole, 
 those who wished were allowed to look ; and then placing the body on 
 their heads, they could say with truth that they had for once seen 
 through and understood Euclid. 
 
 * A eulogy was then pronounced^ followed by an oration and the 
 reading of the epitaph, after which, the class formed a procession, and 
 marched with slow and solemn tread to the place of burial. The spot 
 selected was in the woods half a mile south of the Colleges. As we 
 approached the place we saw a bright fire burning on the altar of turf, 
 and torches gleaming through the dark pines. All was still save the 
 occasional sympathetic groans of some forlorn bull-frogs which came 
 up like minute guns from the marsh below.' 
 
 * When we arrived at the spot, the sexton received the body. This 
 dignitary presented rather a grotesque appearance. He wore a white 
 robe bound around his waist with a black scarf, and on his head a 
 black, conical-shaped hat, some three feet high. Having fastened the 
 remains to the extremity of a long black wand, he held them in the 
 fire of the altar until they were nearly consumed, and then laid the 
 charred mass in the urn, muttering an incantation in Latin. The urn 
 being buried deep in the ground, we formed a ring around the grave, 
 and sung the following dirge, written for the occasion : 
 
 ' Why gathers this band in mourning here ? 
 Why bend we in sorrow over the bier ? 
 Oh ! well may we weep and in sadness mourn, 
 For from us a friend by death has been torn. 
 Then weep ! brothers, weep ! 
 For he sleeps his last sleep, 
 ' ' With whom we have all held sweet converse together. 
 
 ^ ' Then brothers, come turn 
 
 One last look at his urn, 
 And leave him there gently to slumber for ever. 
 
 ' We ne'er shall forget while memories last, 
 How Playfair loved us, and clung to us fast; 
 He led us to conquer in the Elements' war, 
 Though some of us show full many a scar. 
 
 But now the fierce battle, 
 
 With its din and its rattle, 
 Hath passed, and the sky is beautifully clear. 
 
 See ! that triangle host. 
 
 With a rectangle's ghost, 
 In a tangent-like course, is leaving our sphere. 
 
 'T is well then to gather in sorrow now, 
 T is well o'er our hero's corse to bow ; 
 
76 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 In sackcloth and ashes most humbly we mourn ; 
 We weep that a loved one is from us borne. 
 
 And his spirit e'en now, 
 
 With the freshmen below, 
 Is far, very far from the home of the blest ! 
 
 Then shout loud and long 
 
 The funeral song. 
 Ere we in sweet slumbers lie down to our rest.' 
 
 ' Then lighting our torches by the dying fire, we retraced our steps 
 with feelings suited to the occasion.' 
 
 We are aware that some of the foregoing extracts do not speak very 
 highly for the good sense of the writer. We might have made a 
 different selection ; but we purposely chose such passages as set forth 
 in strong colors, the failings which are apt to characterize Freshmen 
 and Sophomores. Although these failings are not necessary, they are, 
 when seen, often useful. The student profits by his hard lessons. He 
 learns by his freshman experience, that some professions of friendship 
 are hollow; that his sanguine expectations cannot all be fulfilled. Be- 
 fore he completes his Sophomore year, he begins to discover that 
 his knowledge does not embrace all science and literature, and repents 
 of the empty pretensions which Sophomore vanity prompted him to 
 make. In the remaining quotations, the reader will notice a compar- 
 tive absence of these weaknesses. 
 
 ' I have now reached the half-way house of my college course. 
 How strangely my views and feelings have changed since I came on 
 here two years ago. Well did an old man say, ' Freshmen know 
 everything; Sophomores more than that; Juniors are comparatively 
 ignorant; and Seniors know nothing at all.' I begin to feel my 
 ignorance. How foolish seem the failings of my past course ! How 
 conceited I was ! I loved distinction as a scholar more than knowl- 
 edge. I liked to have it thought that I recited well without much 
 study. But I now believe that industry is not a very shameful virtue. 
 A man must not be ashamed to be called a ' grub' in college, if he 
 would shine in the world.' 
 
 ' Wednesday. Joined the Natural History Society this afternoon. 
 This association meets once in two weeks. There are committees in 
 the various departments of natural science, who report on the different 
 specimens procured. To-day we heard some very interesting reports 
 on the Cicuta, the Fish Hawk, &/C. I was added to the committee on 
 Botany. 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 77 
 * Was interrupted a moment just now, by the entrance of Mr. C. , 
 
 the gentleman who makes the beds, sweeps, takes up the ashes, and 
 supports the dignity of the title, 'Professor of dust and ashes.' He 
 is a tall, well-made man; forehead high, and eyebrows prominent, 
 phrenologically indicative of great mental power. He has smoothed 
 the sheets wrinkled by the restless repose of genius, for more than 
 thirty years. He will regale one for hours, if invited, with choice bits 
 of college gossip, and scraps of college history and biography, no 
 where else to be obtained. He is a devout, conscientious man. His 
 calm, philosophic spirit is rarely ruffled by the perplexities of his avo- 
 cation. * Fortunate Senex ! ' May he long continue his philanthropic 
 labors. * Serus in ccelum redeat.' 
 
 *I always supposed before I came here, that college government 
 must be very galling. I knew that to be under tutors and governors 
 at any period of life was naturally irksome, and thought that at the age 
 of students, it must be exceedingly so. I imagined that the Faculty 
 would take pains to impress on their subjects the almost oriental des- 
 potism with which they could sway their tiny sceptre. But I find on 
 experience, that my imaginings were groundless. I have never felt 
 the halter draw. I have occupied my circle ; the Faculty, theirs ; 
 the circumferences meet ; they do not cut. So I have now come to 
 the conclusion that a young man who regards at all the object of his 
 coming here, will experience no trouble from college government. It 
 is not here as at some other colleges which 1 have heard of, where the 
 student is treated as an infant ; where he is watched in all his out- 
 goings and in-comings, his down-sittings and up-risings, as if it were 
 feared that he were plotting treason ; where he is considered a rogue 
 until he proves himself honest ; and where he is liable to dismission 
 on the slightest suspicion ; or, worse than all, the testimony beguiled 
 from him by the siren voice of feigned friendship is magnified into an 
 accusation sufficient to banish him from college. No ! thank fortune, 
 such is not the course pursued by the Faculty of Williams.' 
 
 * Looked out my window just now, and saw a decrepit old horse, 
 whom some fun-loving students or other had been arraying in all sorts 
 of trumpery. He had boots on his feet, pantaloons on his legs, and 
 his body covered with old carpets. A pipe was stuck in his mouth, 
 and an antiquated umbrella hoisted over his head. On his side was 
 fastened a flaming notice, * Oats wanted Inquire inside.' In this 
 regalia, the unfortunate animal, compared to whom, Don duixote's 
 Rosinante was a perfect Bucephalus, was moving off at about half the 
 10 
 
78 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 velocity of the minute-hand of a clock. I was immediately struck with 
 the analogy between this beast and that other animal, styled by late 
 writers on natural history, a dandy. Both sport in useless and often in 
 borrowed finery. Both lack mental power. Yet there are two essential 
 differences. First, the horse is degraded contrary to his will, while the 
 dandy voluntarily degrades himself Secondly, that horse, with all 
 the load of incongruities upon him, is not ridiculous ; the dandy is. 
 Humanity alone can become ridiculous.' 
 
 The remaining extracts are dated at different periods during Senior 
 year. 
 
 ' A Senior ! How all that the student knows of dignity and literary 
 ease, clusters around that name ! It signifies the ' otium cum digni- 
 tate,' which is the bright object of hope to cheer the weary pilgrim 
 through three years of toil. And yet, when the bright bubble is 
 within one's grasp, it proves as empty as any other. Senior dignity, 
 like a new pair of boots, is very uncomfortable. And although the 
 exemption from a recitation before breakfast seems to afford a super- 
 abundance of time, the studies are so much more difficult, and so many 
 new duties in writing, reading and debating, stare one in the face, that 
 there is little time to spare. On the whole, I agree with him who 
 said, * Nunquam se minus otiosum esse, quam cum otiosus esset.' 
 
 In olden time, a Senior was quite a consequential personage. The 
 lower classes were required to touch their hats to him, to stand when 
 they entered his room, until desired to sit, and to give him the prefer- 
 ence on all occasions. But that custom has died out. There is very 
 little class distinction here, less than at other colleges. Freshmen and 
 Sophomores are much more haughty than Juniors and Seniors, and all 
 the classes are on terms of familiarity. It is perhaps partly owing to 
 the influence of the secret societies, who take men from all the classed, 
 and of course pay special deference to the new comers during the time 
 of electioneering.' 
 
 * Gravel day. On the second Monday of the first term in the year, 
 if the weather be at all favorable, it has been customary from time 
 immemorial to hold a college meeting, and petition the president for 
 * Gravel day.' We did so this morning. The day was granted, and 
 recitations being dispensed with, the students turned out en masse to 
 re-gravel the college walks. The gravel which we obtain here is 
 of such a nature that it packs down very closely, and renders the walks 
 as hard and smooth as a pavement. 
 
 ' The Faculty grant this day for the purpose of fostering in the 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 79 
 
 students the habit of physical labor and exercise, so essential to vigor- 
 ous mental exertion. On the same principle, they give us, near the 
 close of the second term what is called ' chip day,' when we put the 
 grounds in order, and remove the ruins caused by a winter's siege on 
 the wood-piles.' 
 
 ' Spring is opening. The last snow-drift on the towering peaks 
 above us, has melted away, and the breezes blow mildly and warmly 
 over the valley. The Horticultural Society, which embraces nearly 
 every student in college, have .divided their summer's task among them, 
 A share in the cultivation of a beautiful flower-bed has fallen to my lot. 
 Many improvements in the college grounds are to be made this 
 summer. What a blessing is a large and luxuriant flower-garden.' I 
 agree perfectly with the following passage in * Kames' Elements of 
 Criticism,' on the importance of a neat college garden. * It is not easy 
 to suppress a degree of enthusiasm, when we reflect on the advantages 
 of gardening with respect to virtuous education. In the beginning of 
 life, the deepest impressions are made, and it is a sad truth, that the 
 young student, familiarized to the dirtiness and disorder of many 
 colleges, pent within narrow bounds in populous cities, is rendered in 
 a measure insensible to the elegant beauties of art and nature. Is 
 there no man of fortune suflliciently patriotic to think of reforming this 
 evil ? It seems to me far from an exaggeration, that good professors 
 are not more essential to a college, than a spacious garden sweetly 
 ornamented, but without anything glaring or fantastic, so as upon the 
 whole to inspire our youth with a taste, no less for simplicity than for 
 elegance. (Changing a word or two.) In that respect Williams 
 College may justly be deemed a model.' 
 
 * Two weeks more, and my studies in college will be finished. How 
 little do I know 1 How little have I read 1 How feeble the execution 
 of the scheme of reading which I find entered on my journal during 
 the buoyancy of Freshman year ! A sense of my ignorance and my 
 incapacity for holding a station as a scholar, sometimes overwhelms 
 me with melancholy. Would that I could enter college again with my 
 present experience ! But this is an idle wish. My business now is, 
 to remedy immediately the faults I discover. If I do this, my four 
 years in college will not have been wasted ; for it is half the business 
 of education to unlearn evil. 
 
 * Perhaps I have mistaken the object of college life. It is not to 
 gather facts merely, but to acquire discipline. Better know how to 
 use the pencil skilfully than to own a dozen pictures without. I 
 believe I have gained some facility in directing and fixing my powers 
 
80 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 on a specific object ; and although I cannot yet, as old Dr. Emmons 
 would have his theological students do, ' look at the point of a cambric 
 needle for a half an hour without moving an eyelid,' I can look 
 longer and steadier than I could four years ago. I have not richly 
 freighted my ship, but I trust I have acquired some little skill in man- 
 aging its helm and its sails ; and I know where the freight is, where 
 my course lies, where the rocks are hid, and I humbly hope I may 
 reach the port towards which I steer.' 
 
 * Senior examination has passed. It, occupied two whole days. 
 Hot ! Hot ! Hot ! It was a trying time, physically as well as intel- 
 lectually. The last link of college duties is broken. After four weeks 
 of vacation, we shall attend Commencement, receive our diplomas, and 
 enter the world as freshmen. How I dread to leave ! I never knew be- 
 fore how many and strong are the ties which bind one to his Alma Mater. 
 My college life has constituted the golden days of my existence. It^has 
 left indelible impressions on my soul, many of which I shall delight to 
 review. Never shall I revisit or remember these scenes without feeling 
 my pulses thrill again with the warm gush of youth. 
 
 ' To my classmates, I feel new affection as the day of parting 
 approaches. All past difficulties and petty animosities are drowned in 
 the bitter cup of separation. Some whom I at times used to regard 
 almost with aversion, seem now like brothers. We probably never 
 shall all meet again on earth. We shall be scattered far and wide, as 
 the winds scatter the winged seeds of the trees in Autumn. But God 
 grant that when we meet in another world, it may be to part no more.' 
 

 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 EXCURSIONS IN THE VICINITY. 
 
 The location of Williams College, if we regard the pleasures and 
 advantages of natural and romantic scenery, is perhaps unsurpassed 
 by that of any other college in the country. Environed as it is by 
 some of the loftiest mountains in New England, in a region replete 
 with scenes of historic interest, and abounding in wild and picturesque 
 view^s, the surrounding country, as might be expected, presents many 
 objects well worthy of the attention of the tourist and geologist, and 
 which by numerous and delightful associations have become hallowed 
 in the memory of every graduate. Notwithstanding the complaints of 
 former times, we cannot but regard the situation of Williams College 
 as most fortunate ; as calculated to awaken those finer feelings in the 
 heart of every student, which arise from a frequent contemplation of the 
 sublime and beautiful, and the influence of which may in some meas- 
 ure account for the ardent and cherished attachment which has ever 
 characterized the Alumni of this Institution. In this chapter, therefore, 
 which we have denominated Excursions in the vicinity, we propose 
 to accompany our reader to some of the most interesting of these 
 places, and point out as well as we are able, the distinctive features 
 and history of each. 
 
 The first place of note which we propose to visit is the site of Fort 
 Massachusetts, situated about three miles from the college, on the road 
 to North Adams, and interesting both from the historical associations 
 connected with it, as well as from the few scattered relics that yet remain 
 upon the ground. * The plough has passed over its rude lines, but 
 what scenes of humble heroism, and almost forgotten valor are asso- 
 ciated with its name. It was the bulwark of the frontier in the day of 
 its infancy. The trembling mother on the banks of the Connecticut, 
 in the heart of the Commonwealth, clasped her babes closer, at an 
 idle rumor that Fort Massachusetts had given way. A hundred vil- 
 lages reposed in the strength of this stout guardian of New England's 
 Thermopylae, through which for two generations, the French and 
 Canadian foe strove to burst into the colonies.' 
 
SS SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 This fort was built in 1741-2, and was part of the line of defence 
 erected to protect the northern and western settlements of New Eng- 
 land against French and Indian hostilities. It was at that time the 
 most extreme northern outpost, in the very centre of the wilderness, 
 the nearest settlements being Albany and Springfield. The enemy, 
 directed their principal movements towards Connecticut river; but 
 some came down the Hudson, and proceeding eastward, up the Hoosic, 
 appeared at intervals in the neighborhood of this fort, beneath whose 
 walls many bloody skirmishes took place. 
 
 The first action of any importance occurred on the 20th of August, 
 1746, when an attack was made by upwards of 900 French and Indians, 
 under Gen. Vaudreuil. The garrison at that time consisted of thirty- 
 three persons, including women and children ; of this number twenty-two 
 only were effective men, who were miserably supplied with ammunition. 
 Notwithstanding these unfortunate circumstances, the fort was most 
 bravely defended for forty-eight hours, when they were compelled to 
 surrender, the means of defence being wholly exhausted. The terms 
 of capitulation stipulated that none of the prisoners should be delivered 
 into the hands of the Indians ; but this condition was most shamefully 
 violated on the succeeding day, on the plea that there was danger of 
 mutiny in the army ; the Indians being irritated because they were 
 cut off from the profits of the conquest. One half were accordingly 
 delivered up, the sick and infirm immediately butchered, and the re- 
 mainder carried captive to Canada. The enemy lost forty-five men, a 
 portion of whom, from the quantity of bones discovered during the 
 summer of 1846 in the rear of the Magnetic Observatory, possibly 
 were buried in that place. The fort, which was destroyed, was re- 
 built the succeeding summer by Col. Williams, who was attacked on 
 the 25th of May, 1747, by a large party of the enemy, who came with 
 the design of hindering the undertaking, but were repulsed with con- 
 siderable loss. In 1748, another action took place. Col. W. was 
 compelled to retire, after some sharp fighting within the walls. 
 
 After the death of Col. Williams, the command of the fort devolved 
 on one Capt. Wyman. The last attack was in June, 1756, when the 
 enemy killed a few men whom they unexpectedly surprised in the 
 fields. 
 
 The Rev. Stephen West, afterwards Dr. West, and first Vice Pres- 
 ident of the College, was stationed at this fort as chaplain, from 1755 
 to 1757. 
 
 The following incident is said to have occurred in 1746. It was the 
 daily custom of an old Indian, to come upon a ledge of rocks, (by the 
 side of which the present road now passes,) in full sight of the 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 83 
 
 garrison, and provoke them with insulting gestures and taunting 
 exclamations. The old fellow had cautiously calculated the interven- 
 ing distance, and safe beyond the reach of shot from the fort, would 
 calmly await any attempt to approach him, when he would retire to the 
 adjoining woods, where on account of the numbers and strength of the 
 enemy scouting in the vicinity, it was highly imprudent to follow. 
 This scene was daily repeated for some time, and what measures to 
 take the garrison were for a time at a loss to know. To submit to 
 these repeated outrages was not to be thought of by the stern old 
 settlers for an instant. 
 
 Among the various topics that formed the subject of conversation at 
 that time, the merits of a famous long gun, celebrated along the bor- 
 ders for its power to send a ball to a great distance, held a prominent 
 place. This gun was owned in Springfield, and without delay a 
 messenger was despatched on the long and perilous journey of seventy- 
 five miles, through a trackless wilderness, to obtain it. In five days, 
 the man, fortunately escaping the enemy's outposts, returned, having 
 effected his object, and when the unsuspecting Indian again made his 
 appearance, a sure and fatal shot prevented him from ever repeating 
 the performance. So the story runs. That the shot was a long one, 
 any one who will take the trouble to examine the distance, will not for 
 a moment doubt. 
 
 The locality of this fort is still indicated by the print of the cellar, 
 
 and by horse-radish, which was planted by the soldiers, and still grows 
 
 upon the spot. Beneath an apple tree, a short distance from the road, 
 
 are two rude monumental stones, one of which bears the following 
 
 inscription : 
 
 1746 
 
 ' ELISHA NIMS. 
 
 The inscription upon the ot,her, with the exception of the date, 1748, 
 and a few other rude characters is nearly obliterated. Tradition having 
 asserted, that the gallant Nims was shot in the back, by the Indian 
 above referred to, while carrying water to the garrison, (from the 
 Spring which still bubbles at the foot of the hill,) a party of students 
 a few years since, while making some explorations in the vicinity, 
 opened the grave, designated by the stone as his. A skeleton was 
 there found, with a bullet imbedded in one of the vertebras ; having been 
 undisturbed and in a good state of preservation, for nearly a hundred 
 years. The vertebrae containing the ball is still to be seen, in the Mu- 
 seum of the N. H. Society, at the College. The foundations of the 
 chimnies, together with some traces of the walls, were at the same time 
 discovered. 
 
84 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 It was probably while stationed at this fort, (from 1747 to 1755,) 
 that the mind of Col. Williams, foreseeing that brighter days were yet 
 to dawn upon the infant settlement, and that the little groups of log- 
 cabins, the smoke from whose chimnies had just began to curl up 
 amid the lonely and mysterious woods, would soon give place to pros- 
 perous and thriving villages, resolved thus early, to devote his property 
 to the cause of future education, the result of which fifty years after- 
 wards, was the establishment of Williams College. 
 
 Leaving Fort Massachusetts, and proceeding about a mile across the 
 fields, towards the eastern extremity of Saddle Mountain, you enter a 
 wild and beautiful gorge, which is well worthy the attention of all 
 lovers of romantic scenery. Following the mountain stream, that 
 rushes in miniature cascades, along the narrow bottom of the ravine, 
 now half concealed by the thick foliage, and at times apparently lost 
 amid the huge boulders and broken trunks that are scattered in every 
 direction, you come at last to a beautiful water-fall, falling by a series 
 of successive leaps, a distance of about sixty feet, over the opposing pre- 
 cipice into a circular rock basin, whose placid and miror-like surface 
 presents a pleasing contrast with the turbulence and foam of the stream 
 above. The scenery around is of the wildest and most romantic char- 
 acter. 
 
 The steep moss-covered rocks that rise on either side, the lofty and 
 primeval forests that crown their summits and hang over the gulf, the 
 accumulated rocky masses below ; all remain unmodified by the hand 
 of man, just as the mighty agencies of nature have left them. This 
 spot, although so near the College, is so effectually concealed among 
 the recesses of the mountains, that its very existence was comparatively 
 unknown until within the last five years. In honor of the generous 
 benefactor of the College, this place has received the name of 
 Lawrence Gorge. 
 
 Two miles east of Fort Massachusetts, situated in the town of 
 Adams is a natural bridge. A small stream flowing over the soft 
 white lime stone, has excavated for itself a deep chasm, from fifteen 
 to twenty feet wide, and thirty rods in length. The rocks terminate 
 on the south in a steep precipice, over which the waters of the brook 
 once fell, but finding in some places natural fissures, and wearing 
 away the rocks themselves in others, the present stream now flows 
 far below its former bed, leaving two masses of rock which connect the 
 opposing sides and form natural bridges. The upper bridge is now 
 much broken ; the lower one, which is yet perfect, is beautifully arched, 
 and spans the stream now flowing fifty feet below. Singular and gro- 
 tesque cavities of different figures and dimensions, worn by the action 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 85 
 
 of the water, appear on either side of the precipice, while the adjoining 
 rocks, even in some places that appear inaccessible, are covered with 
 the names and initials of numerous visitors. The scenery about the 
 bridge is very fine, and the place itself, is well worthy of a visit. 
 
 But the principal object of attraction in the vicinity of the college, 
 is Saddle Mountain ; so called from the appearance which its summits 
 have been fancied to have, at a distance, though we think it would be 
 somewhat difficult to trace the resemblance. This mountain, properly 
 speaking, does not belong to either of the three great ranges that 
 traverse the State, in various directions, but is in fact, an insulated 
 eminence, connected at its southern extremity with the Taconic, 
 and at the northern, with the Hoosic, ranges of mountains, running 
 diagonally between them, and surrounded by vallies. This mountain, 
 with the exception of some peaks of the White Mountains, is the most 
 elevated point in New England, rising by barometrical measurement, 
 3600 feet above the tide water of the ocean, and 2800 feet above the 
 situation of the colleges. It is chiefly the insulated character of this 
 mountain, that renders it so striking an object in the surrounding 
 scenery ; and seen from the adjoining towns, to the south and east, 
 presents a grand and imposing appearance. The highest peak has 
 received the more poetical designation of Grey Lock, from the singular 
 and fantastic appearance of the frost, which, wreathing itself during 
 the winter months, along the dark evergreens, and extending for a 
 great distance in an apparently horizontal line, it needs no great effort of 
 the imagination to regard as the grey locks of the venerable mountain. 
 This distinct line of congelation, sinking lower and lower as the 
 cold increases, and covering more of the mountain with its grey and 
 sparkling mantle, and exhibiting a contrary result from an increase 
 of temperature, is a most interesting and beautiful phenomenon. 
 
 Grey Lock is to the student in his rambles, what Mecca is to the 
 Mahometan ; and a pilgrimage to the summit is considered necessary, 
 at least once during the collegiate course. There is an ancient and 
 time-honored custom which has existed from the establishment of the 
 College, of granting to the students, once a year, a certain day of 
 relaxation and amusement, known by the name of ' Mountain Day.' 
 It usually occurs about the middle of June, when the weather is most 
 favorable for excursions to the mountains and other places of interest 
 in the vicinity. It is customary on this and other occasions during 
 the summer, for parties to pass the night upon the summit, both for the 
 novelty of the thing, and also to enjoy the unrivalled prospect at 
 sunrise next morning. We invite our readers to accompany us upon 
 one of these excursions ; for we think that the general features of the 
 11 
 
86 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 mountain can be better described in this way than in any other. The 
 summit of Grey Lock is accessible by various routes ; but the one 
 usually preferred by students, is to pass directly over the nearest point, 
 (called Prospect Mountain,) and descending the other side, join the 
 main road that comes up the Hopper. 
 
 We will suppose our party, each amply supplied with provisions and 
 a huge pile of blankets, to leave the College about the middle of the 
 afternoon. After proceeding about a mile over the adjoining fields, we 
 arrive at the base of Prospect Mountain ; and here our labor properly 
 begins. The elevation to be overcome is about 1800 feet. The sides 
 of the mountain are extremely steep, and covered with a thick growth of 
 trees and under-brush. After toiling up the lower part of the mountain, 
 which to some extent has been cleared, and stopping here and there to 
 refresh yourself with the wild berries, which, in tempting profusion, 
 flourish on every side, or to admire the green valley below, you pass 
 from the broad, clear sunlight, to the thick gloom of the almost 
 impenetrable woods. And now for the ascent ; ' Hoc opus, hie labor,, 
 est : ' as every one will readily say who has experienced it. Now 
 clambering over the trunks of fallen trees, catching at this and that 
 twig to assist us ; now stopping to dislodge from the bed, where the 
 last deluge had left it, some nicely poised boulder, and send it crashing 
 down the precipitous side ; now resting, and then pushing forward 
 with renewed zeal, we at last, weary, and ready to sink with exhaustion, 
 reach the summit. The view which unexpectedly bursts upon you here 
 is surpassingly beautiful. Below you is a valley, completely encircled 
 by a huge wall of mountains, with two silver-like streams crossing it in 
 opposite directions. In the centre is the village of Williamstown, and 
 on an eminence in the midst, stand the Colleges and the Astronomical 
 Observatory. On your right, the vast slope of the Hoosic Mountains, 
 stretching far away into Vermont ; on the left, the Taconic range, 
 stretching northerly still farther, while in the far-off horizon you wit- 
 ness peak after peak towering one above another, until blended in the 
 distance. Behind you Grey Lock rises in silent grandeur, and the 
 vast gulf of the Hopper is a thousand feet below you. The view from 
 Grey Lock may have more of sublimity and grandeur, but that from 
 Prospect Mountain, we regard as by far the most beautiful. 
 
 But our time is short, and the way is yet long ; so once more 
 resuming our bundles, we again commence our march, by descending 
 the southern slope, which is divested of trees and is comparatively a 
 gentle declivity. On reaching the bottom we again commence the 
 ascent, but now by a carriage road, which was constructed with great 
 labor, some years since, by the contributions of the inhabitants of the 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 87 
 
 adjoining towns. The ascent is moderate, the road circuitous and 
 winding, now descending amid seemingly impenetrable thickets of 
 evergreens and the decayed accumulations of centuries, and now 
 mounting up and catching a faint glimpse of the world beneath. In 
 about three hours after leaving the Colleges, we reach the summit. 
 Here in the midst of a cleared space of about an acre, is a wooden 
 building of two stories, from the top of which rises a tower, with an 
 elevation of about fifty feet from the ground, erected partly for 
 meteorological purposes, and partly in order to afford to visitors a more 
 uninterrupted view of the surrounding country. The second story 
 formerly contained an ingenious apparatus for registering the strength 
 and direction of the wind, together with some other instruments ; but 
 the apartment was forcibly entered, and the whole machinery shame- 
 fully destroyed or carried away by some persons unknown. The 
 tower and building which have suffered considerably from the action 
 of the elements, and still more from the destructive propensities of 
 visitors, is yet in a tolerable state of preservation. 
 
 On reaching the summit, a huge fire is speedily kindled; spruce 
 boughs are collected for beds, and fuel for the fire during the night. 
 After performing these duties, and witnessing the gorgeous spectacle 
 at sunset, the party proceed to supper with an appetite not a little 
 heightened by their long and fatiguing walk. The evening is generally 
 spent in merriment and conversation around the fire, (for, although 
 the heat in the valley below may be most oppressive, there are few 
 times in the course of the season, when a fire on Grey Lock is at all 
 uncomfortable,) or in enjoying the singular appearance of the sentinel- 
 like peaks below you, seen through the thick gloom of the evening. 
 One of the most impressive circumstances at this time and spot, if the 
 air be clear, and the winds at rest, is the solemn stillness which pervades 
 the whole place, and the feeling of solitude which invariably steals 
 over you. Not a light can be seen from any human habitation, not a 
 sound breaks in upon the serene quiet which there reigns ; while the 
 appearance of the surrounding forrest, so wild and unreclaimed from 
 a state of nature, greatly heightens the sublimity of the scene. As 
 the evening advances the circle around the fire by degrees breaks up, 
 and each wrapping himself in his blanket and selecting the most 
 comfortable place among the spruce boughs, lays himself away for a 
 night's rest. 
 
 The scene at sunrise, from the top of the tower, is unequalled, and 
 any description would fail of giving any adequate idea of the magnifi- 
 cence of the spectacle. ' I know of no place,' says President Hitchcock, 
 in the Geological Survey of the State, 'where the mind is so forcibly 
 
88 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 impressed with the idea of vastness, and even of immensity, as when the 
 eye ranges abroad from this eminence. Towards the south, you have a 
 view, more or less interrupted by spurs from the Taconic and Hoosic 
 ranges of mountains, of that fertile valley that crosses the whole of 
 Berkshire county. On your right and left you look down upon, or 
 rather overlook mountains, which from the valley beneath, seemed of 
 towering height and grandeur.' In the distance, is the Hudson, 
 winding majestically through a region of country, thick with count- 
 less towns and villages, while far beyond, standing in bold relief against 
 the western sky, the blue peaks of the Catskills are distinctly visible. 
 In another direction, the principal towns of Berkshire, interspersed 
 here and there with some beautiful sheets of water, are spread out 
 before you, as upon a map ; while farther to the east, the eye wanders 
 over the valley of the Connecticut, chequered with cultivated fields and 
 forests, the view being limited by Mt. Tom in one direction, and 
 Monadnoc at the farthest extremity, on the other. As the sun rises, 
 the scene becomes changed. The mist gradually rising and filling the 
 whole valley, presents the appearance of a vast sea of vapor, 
 
 Where vales and mountains round 
 Stand motionless in solemn silence bound, 
 Like leaning masts of stranded ships appear, 
 The pines that near the coast their summits rear. 
 Of mountains, woods and plains, a pleasant shore, 
 Bound calm and clear the chaos still and hoar.' 
 
 This mist, by a refraction of the sun-rays, assumes at times, a beau- 
 tiful golden appearance, as if the beauties of the landscape below, 
 resolved by some magic power, had risen in vast and gorgeous 
 exhalations around us. 
 
 Descending the mountain by a different route, and following the 
 naked summit of Bald Mt. (the southwest peak of Saddle Mt.,) nearly 
 to its extremity, you find yourself upon the edge of a gulf, at least' a 
 thousand feet deep, the four sides of which apparently converge to a 
 point at the bottom. This place, from its peculiar form, is called the 
 Hopper. The sides, which are extremely steep, are covered for the 
 most part, with bright patches of evergreens and other trees of various 
 species ; but in some places the rocks are left bare for hundreds of 
 feet, exhibiting the strata in some instances, to the very base. On the 
 northern side may be seen traces of several avalanches, by which the 
 trees and loose soil have been swept away in some cases, from a height 
 of 1600 feet, and of considerable width. The most remarkable of 
 these slides, occurred in 1784, when a vast accuonulation of earth, 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 89 
 
 trees and rocks, descending from an elevation of 1400 feet, produced 
 a sudden deluge in the narrow valley of the Hopper below, destroying 
 in its course a dwelling house, the inmates of which barely escaped 
 with their lives. A similar slide took place in 1823, and several 
 smaller ones have since occurred, the paths of which are yet destitute 
 of vegetation. Vestiges of earlier avalanches may be perceived in 
 other places, through the stunted growth or the peculiar character of 
 the trees that have sprung up since. Traces of diluvial action seen 
 in furrows and scratches on the rocks, occur in various places on Bald 
 Mountain. There are some other places of interest connected with 
 Saddle Mountain, and an excursion there in the summer, will not fail to 
 furnish ample gratification. 
 
 To the north of the College, on the road leading to Bennington, is 
 a curious geological phenomenon, called the ' Weeping Rock.' The 
 water exuding from the limestone cliff, heavily impregnated with 
 calcareous matter, drops continually upon a mass of sand and gravel, 
 which it has cemented into a firm and solid rock. Specimens of 
 conglomerate may be obtained here, most singular in their aspect, and 
 sometimes beautiful in their appearance. 
 
 There is a legend about these grey old rocks, which runs as follows : 
 That as the last Indian, standing here, bade adieu to the homes and 
 the graves of his forefathers, to his rivers and mountains, and recount- 
 ing his tale of oppression and wrong, turned away from them forever, 
 the rocks wept, and since that time, through sympathy, have con- 
 tinued to pour out fountains of tears. Hence the name ' weeping 
 rocks.' 
 
 A few miles farther north, upon the summit of a neighboring 
 mountain, is a natural curiosity, known by the name of * Snow Hole.' 
 Here, in a huge crevice or fissure of unfathomable depth, the snows 
 that accumulate during the winter, are preserved unwasted and in all 
 their original purity throughout the year. This place is considerably 
 resorted to during the summer months, both on account of the beautiful 
 prospect to be obtained from the summit, as well as to enjoy the novelty 
 of snow-balling during the months of July or August. The mountain 
 is situated in New York State, and forms a portion of the manor of 
 Van Renssellaer. 
 
 In an adjoining valley, near the route by which you ascend the 
 mountain, is a stone monument, marking the three corners of the three 
 States of New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont, which at this place 
 intersect with one another ; one side of the stone being in New York, 
 another in Massachusetts, and a third in Vermont. The curious may 
 here gratify themselves by visiting in a short space of time, three 
 different towns, each situated in different counties and States. 
 
90 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 The battle field of Bennington, to which excursions are sometimes 
 made, is situated fourteen miles to the north of the colleges. 
 
 In preparing this sketch of a few of the numerous and beautiful 
 places of resort in the vicinity of Williams College, we have of neces- 
 sity been obliged to omit many, which some may deem more worthy of 
 a place than those we have mentioned ; but we think it sufficient to 
 say, in closing, that if wild and romantic scenery, the sharp bold 
 mountain, the craggy and precipitous cliff, the beautiful cascade, or the 
 gently winding river, can add any thing of attraction or interest to a 
 place, then surely the country in the vicinity of Williams College, 
 possesses these attractions. 
 
 ' Scenes of suah beauty, varying in the light 
 Of living nature, cannot be portrayed 
 By words, nor by the pencil's silent skill, 
 But is the property of him alone 
 Who hath beheld it, noted it with care, 
 And in his mind recorded it with love.' 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 MORAL AND RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE OF THE COLLEGE. 
 
 We have reserved until the last the subject at the head of this 
 chapter, because we regard it as the most important of all. Knowledge 
 is power ; educated men will exert a more powerful influence in the 
 community in which they reside, than the uneducated. The high 
 places in society are for the most part filled by the graduates of colleges, 
 or by those who have in some way received an education that is 
 equivalent to it. The leading men in our National and State Legisla- 
 tures, judges, lawyers, physicians, and clergymen are educated men. 
 In every town and village in our country, there are found a few men 
 that exert a great influence ; they are the oracles of wisdom ; they are 
 the men who have received a better education than those among whom 
 they dwell, 
 
 How important it is then, that the men sent out from our colleges 
 from year to year, be men of moral and religious principle. It is not 
 enough that they exert an influence ; it should be a healthful influence. 
 A mind may be well stored with human science, but destitute of moral 
 principle; such minds are a curse to the community rather than a 
 blessing. Educate well an immoral or unprincipled man, and he is 
 only abler prepared to corrupt and destroy. No college, therefore, can 
 be regarded as a blessing to the state or nation in which it is located, 
 unless its guardians make provision for the moral, as well as for the 
 intellectual culture of those who resort to it. 
 
 The Trustees of this College have always been men who appreciated 
 the necessity of moral and religious training, and have appointed from 
 time to time, those men to instruct, who would carry out their views 
 men of principle, and of an active piety who would labor for the 
 spiritual welfare of those committed to their charge. Under such 
 auspices, it might have been expected that the influence of this college 
 would be as good as it was great. 
 
 Williams College sprung into being during the French Revolution, 
 when French liberty and French philosophy were pouring in their 
 
92 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 flood of impiety and infidelity, and threatened to sweep away every 
 thing serious. In the early classes there were very few professors of 
 religion. Many of the students made Volney their oracle, and openly 
 avowed the principles he inculcated. 
 
 Although the number of pious students was at first small, they were 
 men of active and efficient piety, and did much to restrain and en- 
 lighten their companions. For four or five years, a prayer-meeting 
 was sustained every evening in the week. At the ringing of the bell 
 at nine o'clock in the evening, as many as were disposed met together 
 in a private room, read a chapter, listened to a few expository or hor- 
 tatory remarks, and united in prayer. The whole exercise did not 
 exceed fifteen minutes. 
 
 Infidelity gradually diminished, and the number of pious young men 
 that entered College, after the year 1800, was considerably increased. 
 There was, however, no special attention to religion in College until 
 the summer of 1806. * Some of all the classes shared in it. It 
 brought religion into the ascendant.' Gordon Hall was a subject of 
 that revival. Samuel J. Mills and James Richards were then members 
 of the College. 
 
 An important fruit of this revival was the awakening in the minds 
 of the young men above mentioned, and of others, a missionary spirit, 
 which resulted in the organization of the American Board of Foreign 
 Missions. In September, 1808, an association was formed on this 
 ground, with a written constitution, the objects and character of which 
 are thus stated in the original document : 
 
 * The object of this Society shall be to effect in the persons of its 
 members, a mission or missions to the heathen.' 
 
 * No person shall be admitted who is under any engagement of any 
 kind, which shall be incompatible with going on a mission to the 
 heathen.' 
 
 * Each member shall keep absolutely free from every engagement, 
 which, after his prayerful attention, and after consultation with the 
 brethren, shall be deemed incompatible with the object of this society ; 
 and shall hold himself in readiness to go on a mission when and where 
 duty may call.' 
 
 This constitution was originally signed by Samuel J. Mills, and 
 James Richards, and Ezra Fisk, and Cyrus W. Gray, and Robert C. 
 Robbins, and Daniel Smead ; and afterwards by Gordon Hall. Said 
 Dr. Griffin in speaking of this society, at the dedication of the Chapel : 
 * I have been in situations to know that from the counsels formed in 
 that sacred conclave, or from the mind of Mills himself, arose the 
 American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, the American 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 93 
 
 Bible Society, the United Foreign Missionary Society, and the African 
 School, under the care of the Synod of New York and New Jersey ; 
 besides all the impetus given to domestic missions, to the Colonization 
 Society, and to the general cause of benevolence in both hemispheres. 
 
 We have been told by one who was then a member of college, that 
 Algernon Sidney bailey, though his name is seldom mentioned in 
 connection with this subject, did as much as any one to awaken a 
 missionary spirit. From Professor Hopkins' Narrative of Revivals in 
 Williams College, we learn that this Bailey was a man of uncommon 
 piety. ' He was mighty,' it is said, ' in prayer, and a terror to the 
 wicked, both in town and college.' In the summer of 1805, he with a 
 few others, held a prayer meeting, over the Hoosic, at a distance from 
 college, to pray for a revival among the students, it being supposed 
 that such a meeting could not be held in College without interruption 
 and ridicule. In that meeting, it is thought, was the beginning of the 
 revival of which we have just spoken. 
 
 At the close of the year 1811, there were but twenty professors of 
 religion in College, and several of these were inefficient as Christians. 
 
 ' The Senior class appears to have embodied most of the active 
 piety which remained, and as this class entered upon its last year, 
 distressing apprehensions began to be entertained lest religion should 
 altogether go out in the institution.' In the spring term, (1812) a 
 Senior conversed with all the professors of religion in College, and 
 established a Sabbath morning meeting, which has been continued to 
 the present time, and is now observed in all the colleges and theological 
 seminaries of New England, as a concert of prayer for colleges. This 
 meeting was thronged. The disorderly spirit which had prevailed was 
 hushed, and the solemnity of death reigned through the institution. 
 Charles Jenkins, then a Junior, went to Professor Dewey one forenoon, 
 and said, ' We (the class) wish not to have a recitation at eleven ; but 
 to meet in the recitation room, and hear you on the subject of religion.' 
 Jenkins had been a deist, but now, ' his voice faltered, and the big tear 
 stood in his eye.' He said ' the truth was all before him, and he could 
 find no refuge in error.' He soon became a new man. This was the 
 Rev. Charles Jenkins, who died in Portland in 1831. The Professor 
 met the class. ' The feeling was so deep that several minutes elapsed 
 before anything could be said. The place was truly a Bochim.' 
 This revival changed entirely the aspect of College.' ' The whole 
 number that cherished hopes was between thirty and forty, nearly all of 
 whom were in the three lower classes.' The Junior exhibition was 
 dispensed with, and in its stead a sermon was preached by Professor 
 Dewey. 
 
 12 
 
94 SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 The next revival was in the summer of 1815. The first indication 
 of seriousness was in connection with the preaching of the President, 
 Dr. Fitch, which was more than usually pungent. The converts were 
 mostly from the upper classes, so that its influence upon the College 
 was more transient than that of 1812. 
 
 During all the presidency of Dr. Moore, the subject of the removal 
 of the College was agitated, and though about half of the students were 
 professedly pious, religion was in a low state. 
 
 In 1824, a deep seriousness pervaded the whole College, but there 
 was only one conversion ; that was William Hervey who went on a 
 mission to India, where he died in 1832. At this time, one of" the 
 Professors said, * Is it possible that God has shaken this College to the 
 centre, to bring out one conversion ? ' * His conversion,' says Professor 
 Hopkins, * was worth this and infinitely more.' It is supposed that the 
 idea of an annual fast for the conversion of the world originated with 
 Hetvey. 
 
 In the autumn of 1825, there was another revival, which continued 
 through the spring term of 1826. Our limits will not allow us to give 
 the particulars. The reader is referred to Professor Hopkins' account 
 of revivals in Williams College, in the Quarterly Register, vol. 13; 
 to which article we are indebted for most of the facts in this chapter. 
 
 The number of students then in College was 85 ; 43 were hopefully 
 pious before ; 27 indulged hopes during the revival ; 15 remained 
 without hope, 11 of whom were absent from College. 
 
 This revival came at the darkest hour of the College's existence. It 
 seemed a special interposition of Providence to preserve the Institution 
 from extinction. It forced upon the churches the irresistible im- 
 pression, * Heaven has decreed that this College shall live.' In the 
 strength of it Dr. Griffin went forth, and in a wonderfully short time, 
 in a season of commercial embarrassment, raised $25,000 for the 
 funds of the sinking college. * He was convinced that it was an 
 institution dear to Christ,' and he devoted his powerful energies to its 
 up-building, with an enthusiasm which such a conviction alone could 
 have inspired. And when success was attained, he could not but 
 exclaim : ' This College has been saved by the Holy Ghost ; and to 
 the Holy Ghost let it be forever devoted, as a scene of revivals of 
 religion, to raise up ministers and missionaries for Christ and his 
 Church.' * I will go home,' said he, * and preach this doctrine to the 
 Trustees, and Faculty, and students, and the people of the town, and 
 to all the friends of Williams College. I would it were written on the 
 broad side of heaven, where all the friends of the College might read 
 it till the final conflagration.' 
 
SKETCHES OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 95 
 
 In the autumn of 1826, there were eleven conversions, mostly in the 
 Freshman class. During the three succeeding years, the religious 
 history of the College became dark. There was a great increase of 
 impiety and wickedness. At the commencement of the spring term 
 of 1829, the religious aspect of College was greatly changed. There 
 was a deep feeling among professors of religion : more than twenty 
 gave up their hopes ; there were several conversions. 
 
 There was considerable religious interest in 1832, and it is thought 
 that the revival of that year contributed more than that of any former 
 year, to permanent religious order. It led Christians to act from a 
 principle of steady devotedness, of personal exertion, and self-sacrifice. 
 
 In 1834, the religious influence in College was increased by the 
 admission of a large number of pious young men, who had been sub- 
 jects of the revivals that occurred through the country extensively in 
 1831. About this time, the College Church was formed, A tutor, 
 who was appointed this year, was much devoted to the spiritual wel- 
 fare of the students. Meetings, continuing fifteen or twenty minutes, 
 were holden every day at noon, which had a salutary influence. One 
 young man, who had embraced infidel sentiments, was greatly annoyed 
 by these meetings, although he did not attend them. He heard the 
 singing ; it arrested his attention ; led to serious reflection ; and finally 
 to his conversion. 
 
 In the spring of 1838, there was a season of spiritual refreshing, 
 which resulted in the conversion of several individuals, though the 
 work was not as deep nor as thorough as in some former years. The 
 years 1840, and 1842, also witnessed powerful out-pourings of God's 
 Spirit. And in the spring of the present year, (1847,) when this 
 account was written, holy influences were at work. Many were 
 converted. Many Christians were strengthened in their faith, and 
 many professors discovered that they had built their hopes on the sand, 
 and founded their future hopes, as they trusted, on the Rock, Christ 
 Jesus. 
 
 Thus has this College, from its early years to the present time, been 
 peculiarly favored by the visits of the Holy Spirit. Although the 
 Institution has sometimes struggled for its very existence, and has 
 passed through the fire, and, if we may so speak, ' through the valley 
 of the shadow of death,' God has raised it up friends. He has made it 
 an object of love to the church, as the birth-place of American Mis- 
 sions. Long may these sacred influences hover around us, until 
 heathen nations shall join with us in blessing God for the establish- 
 ment of Williams College. 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 THE WILL OF COLONEL WILLIAMS. 
 
 The following copy of the will of Colonel Williams, kindly furnished 
 by a friend, was received too late for insertion in the chapter containing 
 a sketch of his life. We therefore present it in an appendix, thinking 
 it may be of interest, both from its connection with the foundation of 
 the college, and as an object of curiosity to the antiquarian. 
 
 'In the name of God, Amen. I, Ephraim Williams, of Hatfield, in the 
 County of Hampshire, in New England, now at Albany, in the province of New 
 York, on my march in the expedition against Crown Point, being of sound and 
 perfect mind and memory, ( blessed be God therefor, ) but not knowmg how * 
 God in his providence may dispose of my life, and remembering the uncertainty 
 of it at all times, I do therefore make, and publish this, my last Will and Tes- 
 tament, in the following manner : 
 
 First, I give my soul into the hands of God that gave it, and my body to the 
 dust, from whence it was taken, humbly hoping for pardon, acceptance, and a 
 resurrection to immortal glory, through the merits and mediation of a glorious 
 Redeemer ; and as touching such worldly estate, wherewith it has pleased 
 God to bless me in this life, I give, bequeath and dispose of the same, in manner 
 and form following, that is to sa}'^ : 
 
 /fern. It is ray will and desire, that my just debts and funeral charges be 
 first paid and discharged by my Executors, hereafter named, out of my estate. 
 
 Ittm. It is my will and desire that the deed I gave my brother Elijah 
 Williams, of my house and homestead at Stockbridge, and my note hand, 
 payable for one hundred pounds, in twelve months after my parents' decease, 
 as also his mortgage deed and his bond to me, be destroyed, and made of none 
 eflfect. 
 
 Item. I give and bequeath unto my beloved brothers, Josiah Williams and 
 Elijah Williams, and the heirs of their bodies, my homestead at Stockbridge, 
 with all the buildings and appurtenances thereunto belonging, with all the stock 
 of cattle, and negro servants now upon the place, to be equally divided between 
 them, upon the following conditions, and not otherwise, viz : That they pay 
 annually to my honored mother, for her support, twenty-six pounds, thirteen 
 
APPENDIX. 97 
 
 shillings and four pence, and also, provided they fulfil the obligations I laid 
 myself under, in a certain bond to my honored parents, for their support, and 
 decent interment, exclusive of the money I then obliged myself annually to 
 pay her ; provided also, that they pay unto my sister Judith Williams, or the 
 heirs of her body, the sum of one hundred pounds, and to the heirs of my 
 sister Abigail Dwight, born of her body, the sum of one hundred pounds, to 
 be paid them severally, within twelve months after my honored mother's decease. 
 In case my sisters, Judith or Elizabeth should come to die without heirs ; then 
 it is my will that her, or their part or parts shall devolve to the heirs of my 
 sister Abigail Dwight. 
 
 Item. It is my will, that in case one of my aforesaid brothers die without 
 issue, then the whole of the above bequest revert to the survivor, and the 
 heirs of his body, provided he fulfil the above obligations laid on them both; 
 but in case my said brothers die without issue, then my will is that the above 
 mentioned estate be sold, and the money be put out to interest, and that the 
 said interest shall be used for some pious or charitable purposes, as the propa- 
 gating Christianity, the support of the poor in the county of Hampshire, or for 
 schools on the frontier, in the county aforesaid, to be at the direction of my 
 Executors, herein after named, and after their decease, to be at the direction of 
 the justices of the sessions for the county aforesaid; but in case my brother, 
 Elijah Williams, should deny, or refuse to destroy the above mentioned 
 writings, as above directed, then it is my will he pay to my honored mother, 
 annually, for her support, twenty-six pounds, thirteen shillings and four pence, 
 and also the sum of thirteen pounds, six shillings and eight pence, to my broth- 
 er Josiah Williams, annually, until my honored mother's decease, after which, 
 to pay to my sisters, and the heirs of my s ster Abigail Dwight, as above 
 directed, and that, within one twelve months after my honored mother's decease ; 
 also to pay to my brother Josiah Williams, or the heirs of his body, the sum of 
 four hundred pounds, and in case my said brother Josiah should die without 
 issue, then it is my will that my brother Elijah shall pay the said sum of four 
 hundred pounds to my executors, to be appropriated by them to some"; or all the 
 public uses above mentioned. 
 
 Item. I give and bequeath unto my beloved brother, Thomas Williams, one 
 hundred pounds, to be paid him out of my bonds; but in case of his decease in 
 the present expedition, to be equally divided amongst his five daughters, viz : 
 Elizabeth, Anne, Cynthia, Mary and Martha. 
 
 Item. I give and bequeath to my beloved cousin, Thomas Williams, son to 
 my brother, Thomas Williams, nine hundred dollars of land, known by the 
 name of the Equivalent, and joining upon the township of Stockbridge ; and in 
 case he dies without issue, I give it to my beloved cousins, Erastus Sergeant 
 and John Sergeant, to be equally divided between them ; but in case one dies 
 without issue, the whole to go to the survivor ; if they both die without issue, 
 the whole to be appropriated to the public uses, as before mentioned. 
 
 Item. I give and bequeath to my loving cousins, Elijah Graves, Moses 
 Graves, John Graves, and Martha Graves, children of Moses and Martha 
 Graves, the sum of one hundred pounds, to be equally divided between them ; 
 in case any dies without issue, then the whole to go to the survivor or survivors ; 
 and in case they all die without issue, then the said hundred pounds to be 
 appropriated to the public uses, as above directed, the said money to be taken 
 out of Moses Graves' and Elisha Chapin's joint bond, and to be put on interest 
 until the children come of age. 
 
98 APPENDIX. 
 
 Item. I give and bequeath to my beloved cousins, James and John Gray, 
 sons of James and Sarah Gray, fifty acres of land lying north of the great 
 pond, in Stockbridge, so called, bounded upon land of their father, James Gray, 
 on the east, by Jo&iaii Jones' land on the west, by the great pond on the south, 
 and the town line on the north, to be equally divided between them ; but in 
 case they die without issue, then th^ said land to be disposed of for public uses, 
 as aforesaid. 
 
 Item. I give and bequeath to my loving cousins, William Williams, and 
 Israel Williams, sons of Israel Williams, Esq., and Sarah, his wife, two lots of 
 meadow land in Hatfield, Great Meadow, the contents of which, and the bounds, 
 may be seen in a deed given to me of the same, by Moses Graves, of Hatfield. 
 The lot lying nearest to Fine Bridge, I give to William, and the other to Israel, 
 and in case one of them dies without issue, then both lots to go to the survivor ; 
 if they both die without issue, then the lots to be disposed of for public uses, 
 as above directed. 
 
 Item. I give and bequeath to ray beloved cousins, Eunice Williams, Jerusha, 
 Elizabeth, and Lucretia Williams, daughters of Israel Williams, Esq., and 
 Sarah, his wife, the sum of twenty pounds each. In case any of them die 
 without issue, their part to be equally divided among the survivors ; and in 
 case they all should die without issue, the money to be disposed of for public 
 uses as aforesaid. 
 
 Item. I give and bequeath to my loving cousin, Elizabeth Williams, over 
 and above the twenty pounds above mentioned, my silver cream pot and tea 
 spoons. 
 
 Item. I give and bequeath unto my loving brother, Thomas Williams, all my 
 wearing apparel, and my shoe buckles ; but in case my said brother should die, 
 I then give them to my surviving brothers, to be equally divided among them. 
 
 hem. I give to my beloved friend and kinsman, Israel Williams, Esq., of 
 Hatfield, my sorrel mare, now at Northampton, and my bald colt, now at 
 Sheflield. 
 
 Item.. I give to my trusty and well beloved friend, Jr>hn Worthington, Esq., 
 of Springfield, my Chambers' Dictionary, with the whole of Pope's works, 
 and some other books that came in the same box, now in his hands, and also 
 my French fire arm, my case of pistols and hanger, in case the French don't 
 get tliem ; but if he dies without issue, then the above articles to be given to 
 the eldest male heir in Colonel Israel Williams' family. 
 
 Item. I give and bequeath to my beloved brother, Thomas Williams, my fire 
 arm, now in possession. 
 
 Item. I give the remaining part of my library, not yet disposed of, (excepting 
 my large Bible, and Ridgley's Body of Divinity,) to my beloved brothers, 
 Thomas and Elijah Williams, to be equally divided between them; but in case 
 my brother Thomas dies, his part to go to his son Thomas; and in case my 
 brother Elijah dies without issue, then his part to be given to my cousins, 
 William and Israel Williams, to be equally divided between them, over and 
 ab'ive the lots of land bequeathed them above ; and it is my will and desire, 
 further, that my cousin William Williams, above mentioned, shall have the 
 perusal of the books hereby given to my brothers, Thomas and Elijah, any 
 reasonable time upon his desire. 
 
 Item. I give and bequeath unto my brother Thomas Williams* two eldest 
 daughters, three silver spoons, now at Hatfield, and a silver tankard now at 
 
APPENDIX. 99 
 
 Stockbridge, and what silver may be bequeathed me by my aunt Cooke in 
 New Town. 
 
 Item. I give to my brother Josiah, my large Bible, and Ridgley's body of 
 Divinity. 
 
 Item. I give to Solomon and Israel Stoddard, sons of my great benefactor, 
 John Stoddard, deceased, my two colts now at Northampton. 
 
 Item. I give and devise and remit to the poor, distressed and imprudent 
 Captain Elisha Chapin, the sum of one hundred pounds, to be deducted out of 
 the bond given jointly by Moses Graves and said Elisha Chapin ; the said 
 hundred pounds to be remitted out of said Chapm's part. 
 
 Item It is my will, and pleasure, and desire, that the remaining part of 
 lands not yet disposed of, shall be sold at the direction of my executors, within 
 five years after an established peace, and the interest of the money, and also 
 the interest of my money arising by my bonds and notes, shall be appropriated 
 towards the support and niaintainance of a free school, (in a township west of 
 Fort Massnchusetts, commonly called the West Township,) forever, provided 
 the said township fall within the jurisdiction of the province of the Massachu- 
 setts Bay, and, provided also, that the Governor and general Court give the 
 said township the name of Williamstown ; and it is my further will and desire 
 that if there should remain any monies of the above donation, for the said 
 school, it be given towards the support of a school in the East Township, where 
 the fort now stands; but in case the above provisos are not complied with, then 
 it is my will and desire that the interest of the above mentioned monies be 
 appropriated to some pious and charitable uses, in manner and form as directed 
 in the former of this, my last Will and Testament. 
 
 Lastly. 1 nominate and appoint my trusty and well beloved friends, Israel 
 Williams, Esq., of Hatfield, and John Worthington, Esq , of Ppringfield, in the 
 County of Hampshire, and I'rovince of Massachusetts Bay, of New England, 
 to by Executors of this my last Will and Testament, and thereby revoke, disa- 
 nul, and make void all former Wills and Testaments by me heretofore made, 
 done or executed ; and I do hereby confirm and allow this, and no other, to be 
 my last Will and Testament, and desire it may be observed as such. 
 
 In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and seal, the twenty-second day 
 of July in the twenty-ninth year of his Majesty's reign, and in the year of 
 our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty-five. 
 
 Signed, sealed, published, pronounced and 
 declared, by the said Ephraim Williams as 
 
 his last will and testament, (the erasure at EPHRAIM WILLIAMS, (Seal.) 
 the word Hatfield, being first made,) in the 
 presence of us, who were present at the 
 signing. 
 
 William Williams, Jr. 
 
 Noah Belding. 
 
 Richard Cartwright. 
 
MISSIONARIES WHO HAVE GRADUATED AT THIS 
 COLLEGE. 
 
 The following graduates of Williams College have been, or are Missionaries 
 of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. 
 
 GoRno.v Hall, born Tolland, Mass., 1784 ; graduated 1808; went to Bom- 
 bay in 1813 5 died at Doorle Dhapr^or, 182(). 
 
 Samui.l J. Mills, born Torringford, Ct , 1783; graduated 1809; went on 
 missionary tours through the western and southern sections of the United 
 States, from IH1"2 to 1815; went to Kngland, and from thence to Africa, in 1818, 
 and ditd at sea, June 16, of the same year. 
 
 Jamks Richards, born Ahington, Mass., 1784; graduated 1809; went to 
 Ceylon in Ilb ; died August 3, 1822. 
 
 LuTHKR Rice, born Norihboro' Mass, 1783; graduated PBIO; went to Cal- 
 cutta, became a Baptist; willidrew from the A. B. C F. M., returned to 
 America in 1813, and labored in the cause of Baptist missions. 
 
 Alfred Wright, born Columbia, Ct., 1788; graduated in 1812; went to 
 the Choctaw Indians 1821. 
 
 Jonas Ki.ng, born Hawley, Mass, 1792; graduated 1816; went to Jerusalem 
 in 1823 to Foros in Greece, in 1828, and to Athens in 1831, where he still 
 labors. 
 
 John C. BRiGHAM,born New Marlborough, Mass., 1794; graduated 1819; 
 went on a missionary tour through South America, 1822, 3, and 4 ; is now 
 Correspondmg Secretary of the American Bible Society. 
 
 William Richarps, born I'lainfield, Mass., 1793; graduated in 1819; went 
 to Sandwich Islands in 1822; since 1838 has held the offices of Foreign Am- 
 bassador, and Secretary of State under the government of the Islands 
 
 William Hervky, born Kmgsburv, JN. Y., 1709; graduated 1824; went to 
 Bombay in 1831 ; died May 13, 1832 " 
 
 Mollis Read, born Newfane, Vt , 1802; went to Bombay in 1830, returned 
 in lrt35, and is now pastor ot a church in Derby, Ct 
 
 Henry R. Hoisington, born Vergennes, Vt., 181)1; graduated 1828; went 
 to Ceylon, in 1833. 
 
 Samuel Hutchings, born New York City, 18f;6; graduated in 1828; went 
 to Ceylon in 1833. 
 
 David B. Lyman, born New Hartford, Ct., 1803; graduated 1828; went to 
 Sandwich Islands, in 1831. 
 
 Charles Robinson, graduated in 1829; went to Bankok, in 1833. 
 
 Simeon H. Calhoun, born in Boston ; graduated in 1829; went to Greece 
 and Turkey in 1836, as agent of the American Bible Society ; went to Syi-ia 
 in 1p43. 
 
 Lowell Smith, born Heath, Mass., 1802; graduated in 1829; went to the 
 Sandwich Islands in 1832. 
 
 Nathan Benjamin, born Catskill, N. Y., 1811 ; graduated in 1831; went to 
 Greece in 1836; to Nicomedia in 1846. 
 
 John Dunbar, born Palmer, Mass., 1804; graduated in 1832; went to the 
 Grand Pawnees in 1834. 
 
 CusHiNG Eells, born Blandford, Mass., 1810 ; graduated in 1834 ; went to 
 Oregon in 1838. 
 
 OzRo French, born Dummerston, Vt., 1807; graduated in 1834 j went to 
 Bombay in 1839. 
 
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