STACK ANNEX A candid analytical review of the sketches of the history of Dartmouth College and Koors' Charity School THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES CANDID, ANALYTICAL R B V l'lB v ^ SKETCHES OF THE HISTORY OF DARTMOUTH COLLEGE CHARITY jlbHO OL, it WITH A PARTICULAR ACCOUNT OF ROME LATE REMARKABLE PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, TliK YEAR 1 TO THE YEAR 1815. Infandum, Regina, jubes renovare dolorein. -- Quis talia fando, Temperet a laolirymis ?- " ..... - 9*. <** Stack Annex LJ> A REVIEW, &c. Sketches of the History of Dartmouth College and Moors' Charity School, with a particular account of some remarkable proceedings of the Board of Trustees, from the year 1779 to the year 1815, JL HE common interest, which every citizen has in our college, it is thought, will justify an ob- scure individual, in making liis remarks on these " Sketches" of its history. The college was, not on- ly, founded for the benefit of the public ; but has in a great measure, like most other colleges, been support- ed by the public. The different grants of land, were public lands ; the money to build the medical house was public money. Every man in the State, therefore, may be said to have a personal property in the college, and to have a good right to examine, to judge, and to express his opinion on its concerns. The college is a child of the State, and the people may be called upon to defend their own offspring, to secure their own property. These " Sketches" draw the curtain, and present a number of Actors, in a tragic scene of which, we suppose, the people of this State had no concep- tion. But for these sketches, a few powerful individ- uals, by their irresistable force, might have crushed and di iven from office one of the most venerable schol- 841 O28 avs and patriots of the age ; but for these sketches, the public might never have known, that sucli designs had been conceived, that such mysterious measures had been nearly executed. As our ordinary talents render us little capable, so are we little disposed, to criticise these historical sketches. They are " a plain, unvarnished talc." They are a simple and plain statement of facts, art- less and unadorned. Their sincerity and honesty gain the confidence of the Reader. The style is manly and correct ; the author is full of his subject ; but 1 while his sensibilities are alive, he preserves his tem- x per ; while most ardent, he is still decorous ; while most impassioned, he avoids personal invective, and fairly rests the merits of his cause on known facts. How- ever, as he goes over the same period of time, repeat- edly, and several times refers to the same facts, though for necessary and distinct purposes, he is unavoidably involved in some slight repetitions. In a great meas- ure, he makes the board of Trustees their own histo- rians by a connected chain of their own votes. Little is left for opinion, or personal veracity to decide ; re- corded votes are the principal proofs, and the deduc- tions force themselves on the mind. Though a great part of the work is a detail of schemes and plans, which offend and disgust, yet frequently the scholar is seen in the narrator, his extensive research, his pro- found reflections, and the force of his eloquence, please, delight and instruct the reader. The " Sketches" are divided into seven sections, or notes, as the author denominates them. The first is entitled " Theological Establishment." Under this head is given art account of several generous dona- tions from the late Dr. Phillips of Exeter. With one of the last, he expressed his desire, that all might be appropriated to establish a professorship of Divinity. Votes of the Trustees are also given, sequestering this property, " forever," for the support of such profess- orship. Votes of the Trustees are also given, seques- tering in future the tuition bills to procure preaching for the students. Thus they not only pledged them- selves, to employ the donations according to the desirfc of Dr. Phillips ; but they also explicitly proved, that they did not consider preaching to the students, and people of the town, to be included among the duties of their professor of divinity ; because they immediately order the preacher to be paid, not from that fund, but from the tuition bills. It was then fresh in their minds that the last donation in 1789 was given on the express condition,, that this and his other donations in land, as far back as 1780, should be appropriated to a profess- orship of divinity. Like other men, the board of Trus- tees, then perceived that a professor of divinity in a learned university, and a village minister, who may exchange more than half his time with men, ill pre- pared to officiate, as professors of divinity, must be en- tirely distinct offices. The sequel proves, that while a man officiates, as the minister of the village, though he may be dignified with the name of Phillips pro- fessor of divinity, he will neglect the most prominent and necessary duties of his professorship. The duties of a learned professor of divinity are sufficient for one man. Such were the correct apprehensions of the board in 1789, and so they continued, for more than half a score of years. But with the accession of new members to the board, new measures were adopted, the special appropriation of Dr. Phillips' fund was disregarded ; his donations, instead of being allowed to accumulate, till they would support a professor, as was his request and their duty, was suddenly arrested, and the income annually expended ; the difference be- tween the minister of a rural village, and the professor of a college, was forgotten, and therefore, in fact, their professor of divinity, so called, did not for two whole years, deliver a single lecture, although by a vote of the board, he was required to deliver one in each week. It appears, also, that in the third year, he delivered only eight lectures, although there was one vote of the board, that he should deliver one lecture in each week, and another, that he should deliver one in three weeks. Whether there was most of consistency In the board, or of fidelity in the professor, the public may decide ; for he did neither the one nor the other. But, perhaps, it may be expected, that instead of lectures, he was la- boriously employed in constantly preaching systematic aud elaborate sermons to the students. No such thing. He did not preach half the time ; but obtained help, as he could find it, by young candidates, by exchanges, by travelling preachers. If or such picked up instruc- tions to a wealthy village of Hanover, with the stu- dents, was appropriated the fund of the venerablePhil- lips, which was given on the express condition, that it should be applied to support a professor of divinity ; when it was distinctly understood by him and the board, that preaching was not the duty of his profes- sor. Those, who had been long in the board, raised their united voices against such a perversion of the fund ; but their voices were lost in the power of the majority ; and so zealous were they to use this fund, that they voted, " Nor shall he the professor of di- vinity] by any contract or subscription, receive any emoluments, except from the Trustees of said College." With all our knowledge of the men and their measures, and we feel pretty well acquainted with them, we con- fess ourselves a little puzzled to account for this sin- gular vote ; for, before this, it had always been an object with the board, to urge and persuade the vil- lagers to aid them in the support of their minister. Was it to purge their professor from every suspicion of being a mere village parson, though occupied in those services ; or was it indirectly to bestow a gra- tuity on the people, by relieving them from the support of the gospel, that they might be induced to enter more spiritedly into their party views ; or was it a sudden effusion of generosity, meaning nothing. One circum- stance leads to this last construction. At the same session it was voted, that the. people might help sup- port the professor, provided it be done in a way not repugnant to the true intent of the other vote. Per- haps, there may be some occult meaning in the words, true intent ; still with all humility, we do frankly ac- knowledge, that we by no means possess that elevation of intellect, which will enable us to comprehend, or fathom, or imagine, how the people could " contribute towards a compensation to the professor," and yet ho receive "no emolument. 7 ' Whatever may be our views of the gentleman, as a professor of divinity, we certainly shall have most sublime conceptions of his talents as a commentator, when w r e learn how he re- conciles these votes of the Trustees. The Sketches proceed, also, to inform us, that the same neglect of the professors' chair and the village pulpit has been continued. From Aug. 1810 to Aug. 1811, during; thirty-nine weeks of term time, the Professor did not preach half the time, nor did he deliver more than ten lectures ; yet, this being such an advance from his former services, such a meritorious effort of intellectu- al exertions, (for him) that no praise could reward, no vote of thanks could express the sentiments of the honorable Board of Trustees ; therefore, " in consul- tation, solemn and sedate, 79 at the close of the year,, they voted "Whereas the Professor of Divinity has improved certain college lands, not appropriated to him ; and whereas the duties assigned to him, the. year past, have been greater than usual,, voted, that lie be allowed the use of those lands, &c." Lest any stranger should suspect, that this was burlesque, ill- timed, that it was cruel, unrelenting scorn, we assure them, that the good Trustees were never more in earn- est. There was a reason ; there had actually been, as they state, an encrease of intellectual labor and toil. In time past, he had delivered only eight lectures in three years ; now he had delivered ten lectures in one year. The following year, from March to August. in twenty-five weeks, he preached not a third part of the time. For such elaborate fidelity his salary was raised. 8 Do not these facts demand the serious consider- lion of the public? In the ways mentioned, about four thousand dollars of Doctor Phillips' fund have already been perverted, and so, probably -will contin- ue to be, while the present board are in office. May not snch a procedure, in a corporate body of men, so highly respectable for their many virtues, and liberal attainments, so highly distinguished for their elevated stations in society, and the confidence of the public, produce the most injurious efffects on the morals of the people, on the interests of learning, and on the In factions of the opulent? Many donations are made to our seminaries on the express condition that they shall lie, forfeited., unless appropriated according to the u-ill of the donors. May not the legal heirs come forward, and tear up the foundation of any seminary, which has perverted its funds? Such seminaries may become ex- tinct. If no such conditions were annexed to the grant, may not the heirs make their demand under the sanc- tion of common law,, and obtain the abused inheritance of their fathers ? The second note or section is entitled" Religious Ordinances," which we have read through, and if others have, we ask them where else, they have wit- nessed such a continued series of religious schemes, and party management? If appears from the Sketch- es, and from report, that one great complaint against the President was the weight of his character, or his personal influence, among his neighbors, and the as- sociates of his early life. This was peculiarly ob- noxious to certain novi homines, who had come into the neighborhood. They found the President quietly enjoying that confidence, among those, who knew him best, which naturally accompanies superior virtue and talents. They felt themselves, as the hyssop on the wall, shaded by a cedar of Lebanon. Hence, although for the best reason in the world, they did not. for they could not, bring any charge against him, or the church, thev insinuated that he was not vrtho- b dox enough^ that in time to come, he would not be friendly to that pure discipline, which they intended to introduce into the church, therefore, for such rea- sons, eighteen abruptly separated from a church of more than a hundred persons, and were organized, as a church. After some hesitancy, indecision, and wa- vering, this new churcli was patronized by the board, and supplied by them with a Pastor, who is supported from the funds of the college. We have already giv- en their vote, forbidding the Pastor to receive " any emoluments/ 7 except from the Trustees. Thus the very money, which had been sacredly consecrated by Dr. Phillips to support a theological professorship in Dartmouth College, is lavishly expended to main- tain a Pastor for this new church, and other wealthy people of Hanover. The President, and his friends in the college, and the church of the college, against whom the shadow of a charge had not been attempt- ed, are left to support a minister for themselves. But we quit the subject, for unless we quote the whole sec- tion, we can give no adequate view of the siagular procedures of this new body. They commenced a daring crusade, and the Trustees, after vacillating a- while, furnished them with " the sinews of war/'* from the arsenal of the college. The third section traces the rise of the college from its lowest depressions to unexampled prosperity. Near the close of the revolutionary war, and about tha time that President Wheel6ck came into office ; when- the remittances from Great Britain had long been dis- continued, and little or no patronage enjoyed in this country, it seemed as if the dissolution of the college Was near at hand, ks existence indeed for a time was very precarious; for about the year 1780, the Treasurer had declared, that if all the property of the college were sold at auction, it would not cancel its debts. In such a forlorn and helpless state, was Dartmouth College, when President Wheeloek came into office. Undoubtedly; he was the only man U the world, who p would have subjected himself to the privations, and sacrifices, the toils and perils of raiding her from the dust. How was this noble achievracnt effected ? By u hat means has she secured funds, which produce more than five thousand dollars per annum ? The Sketches inform us, and to them we must refer the reader; because it would exceed our limits, to give even an abridged account of the voyages and journeys of the President in Europe and America, of his cares, and enterprises, and labors, all for the benefit of the college. We only remark, that the Sketches repr^u sent the entire Harmony, which existed between tho President and Professors, and between the President, and Trustees, as one considerable source of prosperity to the college. For about thirty years, not a jarring voice was heard. Does not this single fact force con- viction on the mind of every candid man, that " the clashing," icrangling spirit, which the Trustees now dare ascribe to him, must be found in some other breast? Let every mail of common sense, on the face of the earth say, which is most probable, that the President, who for more than half a hundred years, had been peaceful and quiet, the delight of his friends, and highly esteemed by the public, should all at once be- come afire brand of discord ; or that new inhabitants coming into the village, and new members into the board, of different religious principles, (which we know to be a sober fact) should adopt a new course of conduct and become hostile to the President ? Which if most probable, that wealthy individuals in the vicinity, supported by a rich and powerful corpo- ration, a portion of whose funds they were allowed tq enjoy, all of whom being so united, as to form a pha- lanx, formidable to the State ; which, \ve ask, is most probable, that such a body of men, bound together by interest, and roused with party passions, should ven- ture to disturb the repose of a single individual, or that he for the first time should abandon his uniform habits of peace and quietness, and rashly attack such a powerful legion of men ? 11 But to return. Whatever may be ascribed to li ar- wony, still, the more efficacious cause, why the col- lege rose to such an elevation and flourished so many years, is to be found only in the personal sacrifices, and indefatigable exertions of the President. When a tutor for more than a year, lie received no compensa- tion ; when a President, for three years, he made a do- nation of his services, to the college. The salary of the four next years, ke also requested the Trustees to. retain for the college, unless he should make an ap- propriation of jt in his life time. This is the man, iffeom his persecutors represent as worldly, as covet- ous, and sordid; let them shew a list -of donations, more liberal from any, or all of their ruel brother- hood, and we will consent, that he. be their victim, that they lay him on the altar of envy, and kindle its fires. After going abroad to Franea, and Holland, and England, where he obtained generous donations, and additions to the library, and a philosophical ap. paratus, he applied to the Legislators of Vermont, and obtained a valuable tract of land ; lie then appli- ed with similar success to the generous Legislators of New-Hampshire. With all these and a multitude of other extensive exertions, it is a general opinion, that no man in America has spent more time in his study, more days, and nights in intellectual toil ; hence his learned lectures, which have improved the taste, and expanded the views of his pupils ; hence his reputa- tion for learning and science, which has drawn so many students, from distant parts of the country, to extend the blessings of the college, and to encrease its fu,nds. Who would have believed, beforehand, tiiafc any mortal could be found, to object to his enjoy- ing influence in the college, which he has thus reared, watered, and cultivated with his own hands ! Where, where, we anxiously ask, should influence be placed ? Where is the man, who has made such sacrifices ? Where is the man, who will make such sacrifices? Who 1* so likely to study the true interest of the college ? 1* The fourth is a long section respecting the a;o> ernment and instruction of the college. Gladly would we pass over these pages in silence ; deeply do we de- plore the necessity, which these great and powerful men have produced of unveiling their mysteries ; and must we say, their personal indecorum, their party in- tolerance ? Yes, it is so$ however reluctantly ; com- pelled we are to confess, that here is brought to light, all those arts and intrigues, which political clubs sa liberally ascribe to each other. Why all this, in a So- ciety of eminent men, learned men, presiding over a distinguished university ? It was, that no man shouW Ie elected into their board, unless he was hostile to the* President ; it was, that no man should be elected a professor in the college, unless he was hostile to the President ; it was, that no man should be elected a Tutor, unless he was hostile to the President ; it was, that no man should be continued a Tutor, unless he had proved himself hostile to the President. In a caucus the business had been adjusted ; in the board a motion is made ; all debate is suspended ; the vote is called ; the election is declared. Ay, so hastily had the majority agreed, that they lost one important election, merely, because one of them was so much a stranger to the bargain, and to thnir man, that he could not remember his name, and wrote another name, though somewhat similar in sound, or at least having the same initial, though no man had ever heard of this name, as a candidate for office. So, political election^ are sometimes lost, among illiterate peasants, but Who would have expected, who would have believed, that this dignified body, these great, and good, and learned men, Trustees of J)artmouth College, would have de- scended so low, as to agree to support a candidate for an important office, as to write his name, as to inter- dict all debate, as to carry in their proxies, when his name, was not known to them all ; but all distinctly knew that he was hostile to the President, and this was sufficient. At the next meeting of the. board, we II flunk it was, one of them remarked, that the want of harmony among the officers would endanger the In- stitution ; and then with a menacing tone of voice, and a brandished arm, threatened the President with expulsion from office, unless the difficulties were set- tled. What have we written ?- in what world are we? Is there a Son of Dartmouth, whose blood does not burn along his veins at this recital ? Was this man a son of Dartmouth a civilized man a saint ? A- bout this time, also, in the same spirit of despotism and insult, they transferred from the President to their professors the most important branch of instruction. The writers on metaphysics, most abstruse, are torn from this venerable Sage, who by a whole life of in- tense itudy, and by conducting more than thirty clas- ses through them, had rendered them as familiar as. his grammar. They were put into the hands of pro- fessors, whose names we have never read among the adepts in the archives of intellectual philosophy ; they were put into the hands of professors, one of whom we have heard deliver eight lectures in three years ; into the hands of professors, two of whom we have never heard deliver a single lecture in their whole lives ; professors, who geem not to have been elected to assist the President in teaching Theology, Philoso- phy, or the Languages ; but to supplant the Presi- dent, and to hurl him from office. Yes, put into the hands of professors, not apparently intended to build, up the college, or increase its resources of intellectu- al wealth, but to change this celebrated School of the prophets into a camp of confusion and battle. And so far from having any charge against the President, tojttstify this unparalleled oppression, they/etgia the voice of tenderness and friendship ; bnt was ever hy- pocrisy so superficial ? They vote <{ Whereas the du- u ties of the President of this University have bc- if come very multiplied, and arduous, &c. therefore, ( resolved, that in order to relieve the President, &c. ? that in future he be ewnwri from hearing the reel- 14 < tations of the Senior class, &c." It is afflicting to make remarks on this resolve. Good Readers what language would you employ ? Would you not ask these great and wise men, where was their love of orthodoxy and truth, while they were penning this re- Kolve ? Was it asleep, was it gone a journey ? Would you say to them, when we are looking for dignity and wisdom, and humanity, why do you distress us with cruelty, and folly, and falsehood ? Did you imagine that the President would believe, that you truly wish- ed to relieve him from a burden ? Did you imagine that the public would believe you? Did you for a ma- r Bient believe yourselves ? If you had honestly wished to relieve the President would you not certainly have consulted with him on the delicate subject ? Would you not at least have acquainted him with your designs? Why was the vote prepared in a secret conclave, and made to burst upon him in a moment, like an electric cloud? Is it possible to suppose there could beany other motive than to surprise, overbear, and overwhelm the President, while he was unprepared, and una- ware of the yawning gulf? Are we, Good Readers, all bewildered, or was such conduct unbecoming, improper, and wicked, in such a venerable Board ? To relieve a man by insult, to relieve a man by violently wresting from him the de- lightful employment of his life, to relieve a man by riving, not bis heart, but his soul with the poniard of malice, is to improve on all former plans of torture. Of the tears of the crocodile, we have heard before, but now we see them. But if our pen trembles, we have resolved that our spirits shall be c^lm : our silence shall conceal other daring threats ; yet one circumstance more, may be mentioned, because- it developes. their grand object. Having treated our beloved President, as we have, re- lated, it seems that they confidently calculated, that ihey had given him the fatal wound, that he would in ?be anguish of his spirit resign, or that overwhelmed 13 with their abuse he would actually sink and die. " It was, therefore, moved, whether it were not expedient to appoint some person, in case the president should resign or die before their next meeting to take his place." Professor Shurtliff was nominated. Do the annals of civilized society, furnish a more wanton out- rage. For the charter has expressly made provision for such case, and appointed the oldest Professor. But we will imitate Michael the Archangel, when dis- puting with an adversary, and only say, " The Lord rebuke thee." The fifth section respects the property and ex- penditures of the college, for half a dozen years past r and here also we find many things to lament. We shall notice only a single transaction ; this will be a sufficient specimen of the rest, and show how far par- ty violence consults the interest of the college. The* Sketches give us a distinct account, which we have before noticed, that the President had in 1786 com- mitted to the board his salary for four years, reserving to himself the right of appropriating this money, at any time during his life. This right had been ac- knowledged by the board by granting Mm, since that time, the use of it for several years. In 1814 he re- quested that this money with its interest might be se- questered and identified, without delay, for the sup- port of a professorship of Eloquence, and that the Trustees would proceed to the election of some suita- ble person. The scene is , interesting; let us careful- ly observe the conduct of our Trustees on this gener- ous occasion. It is a rare sight to see one man conse- crate probably eleven thousand dollaw to a seminary of learning. We forget to mention, that the President promised to make up the sum sufficient to support a professor. Such donations have commanded the plau- dits of the country. A few years since, when a few such disinterested individuals founded the Theologi- cal Institution in a neighboring State, the country was alive with their praises, our ministers celebrated tkeir 10 generosity in strain* of eloquence, and their fame is travelling through the world ; yet those affluent mer- chants " gave of tlieir abundance," probably less, than their yearly income, while President Wheelock offers to dedicate a large part of the savings of his whole life, to entrench deeply on his capital. But the Rea- der has yet to learn how this munificent donation was received. Did the Trustees from the noble impulse of the moment, instantly, return a vote of thanks? Did they immediately proceed to elect a Professor ? No such thing. What then ? They choose a com- mittee to report a plan for establishing two professor- ships, one of oratory, one of chemistry. But why re- port a plan for establishing a professorship of oratory ? The money is already offered them. Why propose two professorships at once ? Perhaps to anticipate what might soon be publicly known, which was al- ready familiar to several of his friends, that the Pre- sident wished to establish two professorships at his own expense. But how do these Trustees raise funds* for their professorships ? Will one of them make a voyage to Europe, will they apply to Legislators, will they address themselves to affluent individuals? Will they, like the President, take the money from their own purse? All these methods require person- al labor, or personal sacrifices ; and we believe ther Trustees have never endangered their lives or fortunes in such enterprizes. The report of their committee suggests a method far more easy, far more practicable. It is to "encrease the tuition, with the fees of the me- dical students." How easy ! No voyages, no jour- neys, no applications for grants of laud, no collections* of rents, no personal sacrifice of their own riches. In half a minute two thousand dollars are assessed off one or two hundred scholars, and the work is done. But why do they thus burden, and oppress, and dis- courage the patrons of the college? Why assess an unheard of tax on the fathers and students, many of whom are far from being rich ? Many of the pupils 17 pome to our college, chiefly ou account of the expences being less, than at other colleges, why do the Trustees.* then run the hazard of driving these away ? Do thc\ think that, we who live in New-Hampshire, are igno- rant of the value of money, that with all our taxes to the general government, to the State, the county, the town, the parish, we choose to pay one to the college ? Why will not the Trustees receive the President's donation ? For several reasons, i. It is hard and humbling to receive favors from one whom we are injuring, and trying to destroy. $, They have pro- )i m s enough, (when excused from their most, labori- ous duties,) to demolish the President. 3. They have, said, that he was resentful and contentious. If the donation be accepted, it will prove that he is not re- sentful. , They did not wish, that .his offer should ev- er have been made public. 4. They have said, that he was worldly and sordid ; but his donation confutes the slander, and destroys its use. 5. The professor, if elected, under these circumstances, might not be their creature or accomplice. But what was the re- ply of the board to the President ? With his offer of the donation, he had requested the money due, to be paid to him, Unless it were accepted for the professor- ship. Now hear their vote. It is before us, or we should not dare to say what it was. We assert then ; yes, we declare, that they voted (the vote was pre- sented by the same member, who had threatened the President with expulsion from office, the same mem- ber, who had brandished his arm at the President, as though it were a thunderbolt of Jove.) But here is t he vote or resolve. ' Resolved, that, the Treasurer be, and he hereby is directed to pay n-o part, either of the principal or interest of the sum of eight hundred pounds, intended to be granted by the board of trus- tees of Dartmouth College, at its annual meeting in the year 1786 to John W heelock, Esq. then and now President of said College." Is it not evident to the Header, by this time, that mew jnay.be doubly IS ed with high orthodoxy ; and yet have no common honesty to spare ? Mark, good Reader, the temper of these good men. How are the mighty fallen ! It pains the eye of benevolence to see the clumsy attempt at deception, to say nothing of the dishonesty of this re- solve. Though they knew that the money had been earned by years, and years of toil ; though they knew that the money was legally due, yet they with puerile cunning substitute the word " granted," and not grant- ed neither ; but " intended to be granted." Whereas, they well knew that it had been promised ; that itlwd been once actually paid ; but returned by the Presi- dent ; yet they seem to hope, they shall hide the shame of the transaction, by using the equivocal words, " the sum intended to be granted by the board of trustees of Dartmouth College." What was their spirit, when they ordered their Treasurer to pay no part, either of the principal or interest of this sum ? In the name of all that is good, why should not the President be paid some part, and all his salary for four years of service, though he had in his goodness permitted them to enjoy it, a number of years ? We ought not to have forgotten another fact, which shows how ardently these men of patent orthodoxy are lovers of Justice. The Profes- sors in the medical departments were all friendly to the President. This was a violent evil to the Trus- tees ; but they have a remedy as violent. A motion was made that these gentlemen should not be consid- ered as executive officers of college, except in the gov- ernment of the medical students. Why did they not motion, t\\&t no citizen should vote for Governor, unless the nomination should be made from their board ? li- ven such a design may be visible, sooner than is ex- pected. Yet while exhibiting such violence of hos- tility themselves, they are perpetually prating about the hostile spirit of the President. They accuse him of " clashing," " whenever he comes in contact with a man of independent mind."* They set the college * See Sketches page 00. 19 on fire, and then report, that he is the incendiary, and might extinguish the conflagration with a wordy mean- ing, if they mean any thing, that with a word, he could resign, and leave them triumphant. The fact is, They might restore peace without a word, if they would on- ly proceed in the direct path of rectitude, and study only the interest of the College. Where was their love of peace, where was their regard for the interest of the college in 1809, when they chose a professor of Languages ? The President offered them more than three thousand dollars, towards the support of that p4afessorship, if they would only elect a man, whom he could approve. Did their rejection of his propo- sal, and their scorn of the proposed benefaction, give any favorable proof of their fidelity of office? And again in 1811, they might instantly have closed the door of discord, if the new professor would have be- come the preacher of the college church, as he was earnestly entreated, instead of a colleague in the new church. These are the boasting peace makers, ac- cusing the President of clashing, and discord. They mark their victim ; they nail him to the cross ; they trumpet their accusations in Hebrew, Greek, and Lat- in, and if a shriek burst from his bleeding heart, they charge him with all the noise and confusion. Would he cease to groan, would he only die, all would be peaceful as the silent tomb. In the next section, which respects Moors' In- dian, Charity School, among a number, we shall no- tice only one or two transactions. This seminary, as its name imports, was founded expressly for the ben- efit of Indians ; but our Trustees, seeming to forget its design and name, have voted, " That for the present, no part of the funds, of which this board has control, shall be applied to the education of Indians." As well might they appropriate the literary funds of Dart- mouth College to build a citadel at Portsmouth. A- nother vote, not less extraordinary, was to patronize with the money of the College, to a considerable amount, PI the members of Union .Academy ; but when a motiou was made to grant similar favor to the members of Moors 5 School, it was voted in the negative ! ! Moors' School was the germ whence the College sprang ; like the luminaries of heaven, they had shone in concert ; one had borrowed lustre from the other ; the same Trustees were Legislators of both ; the same man was President of both ; both rested on the same base. Why then, this unnatural and violent desertion of their own child, to nourish a stranger ? We might as well en- quire why the needle points to the pole, unless we knew the men and their designs. Moors' School cnn- not strengthen their party, therefore, Moors* School shall not receive the favor of College funds. Union Academy can, powerfully, strengthen theirparty, there- fore, Union Academy shall receive the favor of College funds. By this measure, a large and respectable body of men are to be enlisted in.to the ranks of the party. Every thing has reference to their grand object, visi- ble in all their measures. But why did they divert the funds of Moors' Indian School ? For the same general reason. This is a train, by which they can cause the School to be demolished, or shattered, by & forfeiture of the funds, which it holds from Vermont. In fact, this has been actually attempted. If they do not suc- ceed, in expelling the President from office, which we think the good sense of the State will prevent, then, in spite of the whole State, they can cripple Moors' In- dian School, which is one pleasant field of his labors, one pillar of his comfort and hope. Accordingly, when prosecutions were brought against him in Ver- mont, for there have been two, for not applying their grant to the benefit of Indians, a leading member in the board of Trustees, powerfully, assisted the prosecu- tors. Here, good Reader, is another specimen of the morality practised by our Trustees. Voting, in the board in New-Hampshire, they lift their hands and voices, that the funds may not be appropriated to the Indians. Passing home to Vermont, .they assist a powerful prosecution against the President, that the fund, which is a whole township, shall be forfeited, be- cause it is not appropriated to Indians ! ! ! In the " Sequel of the Sketches" we are inform- ed that the President, baffled in all his endeavors to give a suitable direction to the affairs of the College, despairing of obtaining justice from the Trustees, and despairing of relief from every other quarter, made a motion himself in the board, to refer themselves to the Legislature of the State, that they might examine and rectify what was amiss. The usual majority voted against this motion. A motion was then made to en- ter this motion on their records. This also was nega- tived by the same majority. Why did they recoil from such an investigation ? Here we close the book ; but it has suggested some weighty reflections for the good people of this State. On account of the esteem and respect in which we have, heretofore, holden those dis- tinguished men, who compose the board of Trustees, we have proceeded in this Revieiv with diffidence and concern. If our pen has sometimes involuntarily spark- led with indignation, as it traced certain transactions ; still we have studiously endeavored to direct it in the style of propriety and respect. We still believe them, as a body, great and powerful men. To our mind the evident and glaring obliquity of their conduct presents a surprising instance of that wrong bias, and cruel per- version of influence, which even great men may un- consciously receive. Men feel very different degrees of responsibility acting in concert, from what they do, when alone. Acting in concert, especially with those reputed wise or good, and therefore, capable of bear, ing the responsibility, and of shielding their associates in case of blame, men are less scrupulous of their con- duct. Very differently should we view these Trustees, could we for a moment believe, that if they were act- ing alone, and on their individual responsibility, that they would treat President Wheelock in this manner. " do not believe, that so situated, they would, ap- proach him ill word or deed, or thought, but with de- corum and respect. But when they are combined, not more than fifteen or twenty per cent of the account- ability seems to rest on any one, and i he thinks his neighbor further gone than he." So they assent are impelled to crush a defenceless man. If these gen- tlemen, or their friends, think that our charity for their integrity assesses too heavy a tax on their intellects, let them remember, that sometimes one man has thrown a nation into a phrenzy of guilt, where there were ma- ny more great and wise men, than all the board of Trustees. One Tallyrand roused a numerous assem- bly to abjure their religion, and deny their (rod ; why then should it be thought a strange thing, that another Tallyrand, as old, as subtle, and as heartily a disciple of the Crallick School, should sway five or six men, though great and good, to cruelty and oppression ? We .believe the gentleman will consider this, as well deserved praise, and we are willing to do him justice. But for him, we think the board of Trustees might have continued faithful and consistent ; but for him, we think their funds might have been expended with wisdom and fidelity ; but for him, the President and professors might have continued harmonious and hap- py ; but for him, the College might have continued prosperous and quiet. Weishaupt boasted that he had so modeled the llluminati, that should he be ab- sent or die, they would continue to pursue the course, which he had marked out for them. The leader of our Trustees may exult in the same style. Is it not strange that members from another State should enter the board to exercise tyranny and domination in New- Hampshire ? Those men make themselves famous at home for extracting the very blood, and tearing out the vitals of our College. Is this the cause, that the most violent measures, and the most indecent deport- ment have proceeded from such members ? May we not also, with all due respect, be allowed to qaery whether the board ought not to transact their 33 business with open doors ? Could men execute some of the measures, which we have investigated, had they not been in secret session ? Does there live a man ifi. the world, who would have aided in such measures, had he known, they would have been made public? Such a secret conclave of powerful men, acknowledg- ing no responsibility to any human tribunal, must be dangerous in any State. Will it be said, that the ju- diciary is competent to punish such persons in their individual capacity. We say, No ; for before it shall be necessary for them to proceed to overt violations of itatule law, their pfarns and plots will have assumed the control of the judiciary and legislative powers, and all hope of punishment or remedy will be lost. They are not a noisy torrent, which gives warning before the. mischief comes ; but they are a deadly pestilence, which no eye sees, which no ear hears, hut in its fatal ravages in Society. Another reflection rushes on the mind with full conviction, and were we able we would express it in the most inoffensive language. Have not the Board of Dartmouth College forfeited their trust? Have they not forfeited the confidence of the public, in arresting the accumulation of Phillips' fund, and applying it, jum- bled with other money, to a purpose foreign to the de* sign of the enlightened Donor ? Have they not forfeit- ed the confidence of the public, in perverting the fund of Moors' Indian School ? Have they not violated the charter, and forfeited the confidence of the public, by wresting the duties of the President from his hands, and conferring them on inferior officers ? Have they not betrayed the confidence of the priblic, by transfer- ing the property of the college to Union Academy, exclusively, when the other Academies of the State, and especially Moors' School, have an equal, or su- perior claim ? They will say, that the other Acade- mies are not so orthodox. But pray how has their heresy appeared? Have the Preceptors of New-Ips- wieh Academy poisoned the minds of their pupils with error? What is the charge against Hampton, or Gil- inantown, Amhcrst, Londonderry, Atkinson, and Ex- eter Academies ? Why then is a bounty, virtually, of- fered to young men, to desert these Seminaries, which have been long justly famous, to go into the forest, we know not where, to Union Academy, at best a creature of yesterday, without any character, and as far as we know, without any actual existance ? We wish all reasonable success to Union Academy ; but why should the others be injured? Have not the Trustees also forfeited the confidence of the public in neglecting to accept President Wheelock ? s donation to support a professor of Eloquence, and in refusing to pay him a just debt? To keep themselves in coun- tenance for rejecting this donation, they propose two professorships, to be supported by the students. But will this satisfy the parents of New-Hampshire, ma- ny of whom are in moderate circumstances, to pay two thousand dollars per annum, merely because the Trus- tees find it necessary to carry on their party schemes to reject the President's donation ? Was it ever known before, was it ever heard, that a college refus- ed a donation to support a useful professorship ? Thousands of dollars, they had rejected before. Do the Trustees think that the people of this State are so rich, so affluent, so overflowing with money, that they had rather pay a heavy and unheard of tax, than to receive the money of the President? But, who is this President, whom the Trustees view with such aver- sion ? What evil hath he done ? He is the man, who has spent his life in the instruction of our sons and brothers ; from Ms youth to grey hairs, he has been laboriously employed for our best good. He is the man, who has made the people of New-Hampshire the heirs of the large estates, which he has inherited from his ancestors, which he has received from his ex- cellent consort, and which he has accumulated through a life of carefulness and economy. These estates, my fellow-citizens, he bestows on us. He passes by his 25 own amiable offspring, to make the State his heir, to enrich our college. To prove this, we do not show you his last Will and Testament. No : He conies forward in his life time, and first offers one professor- ship, to the Trustees, who are the representatives of the State in the college. When this shall be duly accepted, a second w'ill follow, a third in his last Vill ; but the Trustees say he is ambitious ; so he is ; trut it is only to do you good, to render you an en- lightened and happy people, when he shall rest in the sepulchre of his fathers. The trustees say, that he is parsimonious and rich ; so he is, but it is only to be- stow his riches on yoll. They say, that he is resent- ful ; so he is, but it is only when your interest is in- jured ; when the funds of your college are perverted. Will you then suffer his foes to sacrifice him on the altar of party intolerance? The Trustees say he is hetprodojc ; so he may be, compared with them, and us, sound Reviewers ; but he is as orthodox as the churches of Geneva, of Holland, or Scotland. He is as orthodox as the churches of the General Associa- tion in Connecticut or Massachusetts. They appeal to creeds and catechisms of other times ; so does he. He is as orthodox as the Theological College of An- O O dover ; they, we have heard, embrace ancient confes- sions of faith ; so does he. As long as we bear with those sacred hosts of professors, why should we per- secute or disturb the president? He may not be so sound in the faith, honored Trustees, as you and we, neither are those churches, still we treat them with decorum and affection ; why then should the Presi- dent alone be excluded from our charity ? Lamentable are the consequences of these party divisions in the college, and if continued may call for a new Seminary, under the guidance of more liberal views. Miserable is the effect on the board itself, producing a feeble, vacillating, discordant procedure ; for all are not united in the disorganizing scheme. Firm, as an oak oh the mountain of storms, remains 20 the Pilot of the State. On the professors the e fleet is deplorable. Those hut a little acquainted with mental improvement, all assure us, that such is the constitu- tion of the human mind, that great progress cannot be made, but in a state of mental peace and tranquility. In vain does the Theologian or Philosopher aspire at high attainments, while his bosom is laboring with some selfish plan, or is agitated with contending pas- sions. Who then is surprised to learn, that the oldest professor has delivered only a few lectures, the fame of which has never been heard, that the others for so many years have never found time, from their distrac- ting pursuits, to write a single lecture, although this duty is imperiously demanded by a law of the board. We confess, that we are ashamed, and mortified, thus to draw the curtain, and show the nakedness of the college ; the aggressors are answerable for the conse- quences ; the truth can no longer be concealed. If possible the effects of such discord are more dreadful on the youthful minds of the students. How power- ful the impulse to neglect their studies, when they see from year to year the most conspicuous and useful labor of the Professors neglected. In such a state, where is that noble emulation, which is the life and vital spirit of a Seminary? What a baleful effect will be soon evident on the character of the State. The fountain is poisoned ; what will be the streams ? The luminary of science is eclipsed, the State must be shrouded in darkness. But duty impels us to a consideration more alarm- ing, than any before suggested ; a consideration, which strikes at oui 4 altars, our firesides, the rights and lib- erties of the people, this imperiumin imperio, this in- dependent government in an independent State, as it claims to be, may soon become an organized aristocra- cy, extending its influence with hallowed pretentions, under a Sectarian banner, to give a tone to the gov- ernment, and to manage the State. We have already seen this board reject with pointed indignation an ap- 37 peal to the Legislature. Was not this independence ? They have no board of Overseers, no Senate, no Coun- sel, no Governor, to interpose a negative. They have refused to admit the Legislature. They have barred their doors against them. Are they not already an irresistable aristocracy ? To whom are they amena- ble ? Are they then absolutely independent ? Is here, no power to control them ? Time may soon unfold what may be the consequences of concentrating such, unbridled power in such an organized body of great, and learned, and influential men, furnished with such ample funds. They may, perhaps, begin to rule the Slate by drawing round them in&n of their own views and way of thinking. They may then glance an eye abroad, and if they discover any institutions rising with extensive popularity, they will lend their patron- age, as the secret mode of gaining influence. May draw men around them of their party views, did we say ? This has long been done. May patronize pop- ular measures, did we say ? Already have they been lavish of their funds to Union Academy. Already two or more of their Professors are of the Board, and one of their Trustees, is President of the Board of Union Academy. Soon may it be expected, that the Laymen of this junto will have s.uch a tender regard ibr pure orthodoxy, that they will vote for none to be Preceptors of Academies, to be Trustees, or Professors, or Presidents of our College ; but of this holy broth- erhood ; and these professors in turn will make every effort to raise lay orthodoxy to seats of power, to make ihose, who elected them, Judges of our Courts, Gov- ernors, and Members of Congress. Already, has not this business proceeded far? This cloud of aristoc- racy, which a few years since appeared in the west- ern horizon, no bigger than a man's hand, now rules the College with a lash of scorpions, and is casting its eye on the government of the State. Soon the am- bitious and aspiring must fly to their standard, bow to their yoke, and wear their badge of orthodoxy, to gain appointments to office. 28 CAN we then be accused of imaginary fears, while we declare our serious solicitude, when we with all possible respect call on the Legislators of the State, to cast an eye to our university ? It has been remark- ably prospered and blest under President Wheelock, before he was thwarted, and embarrassed, and per- secuted, by those who ought to have encouraged, and comforted, and assisted him. The College has proved an immense blessing to the State. It has furnished us with school-masters, and preceptors, and legislators, and judges, and ministers. Lately, we were proud of its rising honors ; but the gold is become dim ; Ichabod is inscribed on its doors. An explosion with- in its walls has shattered its foundations. Hipley, and Woodward, and Smith, and Hubbard, have as- cended, and their mantles are not found. The Pres- ident has been virtually driven from office. He has appealed to your high and venerable tribunal ; his appeal has been silenced, and torn from the records, or rather not admitted. You and you alone have the power of visiting, and regulating what is amiss. Is it not a solecism in civil government for the Trustees to pretend that you have not cognizance of their con- duct? Is it not grossly absurd for them to imagine, they are above the Legislature, because they are Trus- tees of College ? And is it not equally improper, that the Legislature should neglect that body of men, who are giving tone to public opinion, who are forming the minds of your sons, of your future teachers, and governors ? Do you not owe the investigation to your- selves, to the State, to the President, to the College, and to posterity ? While the College was poor, there was little need of Legislative interference ; because there were few temptations to pervert the funds, or to render the College an engine of party ; but having become rich and powerful, unless Legislators turn their attention to the Governors of the College, the Governors of the College will turn their attention to Legislators will assign them their office, and rule the State. As in the Introduction, we confessed our disincli- nation and incapacity to write a learned criticism, we have, therefore, neglected to adduce specimens of the performance, still the following quotations may be ac- ceptable. They manifest ability and the eloquence of truth. Page 44. "Inexpressible is the pain which " I feel," said Governor Gilman, " that a seminary, " built up by the labours and toils of so many years, " should be now prostituted, and the hopes of the " world blighted. Its most important matters are not " now, as in former times, considered and conducted ' by the Board ; but appear to be canvassed, shaped " and consummated, at private meetings of individu- " als abroad : the questions to be solved are not what " will tend to the good of the College and public, but " what will promote the interest of a sect or party. " In the late elections, whether of trustees or execu- " tive officers, it seems as if the main enquiry has not (( been, does he possess talents and virtues, which " will render him publicly useful in office ? but, is he " opposed to the president ? will he join the confed- 66 crated band to hew him down to the dust ? If any " one has a charge against him, let it be specified, let " it be brought forward, let him be fairly tried ; and, " if guilty, he ought to be condemned---but, if nothing <( of this appears, why conduct matters in such a " shape, and carry them to such a length ?" The following is from page 48, &c. and is an ex- tract of a letter from a gentleman of eminence, perfect- ly acquainted with the concerns of the college, to one of the Trustees. " I shall take it for granted, " that the reputation of Dartmouth College has been, <* for several years past, by some means or other, de- " clining. What is the cause ? Is there not some- " thing rotten in Denmark? And are the measures " pursued by the corporation likely to remove the dif- < ficulties that exist." " A schism it seems has happened." " Whence has it arisen ?" " Is the fault with the President ?" 30 " Has he usurped any powers? Does he exercise " more than is allowed by charter? Has he abused " any powers? Is he unfaithful to his trust? Does " he imbue the minds of his pupils with unchristian, " or heterodox principles ; If any of these things are " true, let the charges be substantiated ; let him be o- " penly convicted, and fairly removed. If not ; then " have you not some reason to believe, that, for indi- " rect purposes, a hue and cry has been raised against ({ him ? and will not these charges, on a full and can- " did investigation dwindle to a bugbear?" "Let me ask you a few questions. Is there not a " dark spirit in your Board, wliich is actuated by sin- " ister motives ; which cautiously shuns the light ; " and, yet, which actively, and insidiously, andpow- " erfully operating, subjects some of its members, un- " awares, to its deleterious influence ; and makes them " the dupes of a miserable intrigue ? On what other " principle can you account for the recent proceedings " in the choice of a tutor How should it happen " that six out of ten should unite in , without " his being previously named to the Board ? Was it " the effect of accident or design ? Not the former " certainly ; as well might you say, that accident pror (t duced a world. " " Indeed I have no hesitation in " saying, that instead of honest wisdom, it must have " been the result of wicked design." " And sir, the " circumstances will ever carry to an impartial world, li so far as they are known, prima facie evidence of 66 this truth : especially when it comes to be known, " that was literally a graduate of yesterday ; " that he had taken a leading and active part in the " College difficulties, siding with S against the " President. Nay, w r ho was openly so implacable ia " his hostility to the latter, as to have in temperately " declared, that he would never accept a diploma, if " it must bear on its margin the name of Wheelock. " I would not insinuate ought against the honour or :c honesty of this respectable Board but I do say,, 31 " that under such circumstances, these sir, or some of " them, at least, must have been wittingly the authors, (< or unwittingly the dupes of a most miserable and " shameful intrigue." " Where did it originate! It originated in an " unreasonable and implacable hostility to President " Wheelock ; and good old father N s was its " author." " Hence the cry of want of orthodoxy ; too much " power, &c. Hence the schism in the church and " society. Hence the establishment of S upon " that schism- hence the division among the officers " of College---henee the attempt, in every new ap- " pointment, to strengthen the opposition---hence the " spirit of partywhich is now raging in the College " ---hence, possibly attempts to invade the charter" 66 rights and usages of the Institution." " Do not, do not murder the president by inches. " Either impeach, convict, and remove him ; (it is " your duty, if he is guilty) or support him in his " rightful authority. You will never be able (you " and I know it) to elbow him out of his chair. He " is made of the wrong stuff for that. No, sir, he " will hold it out ; and if necessary die in the last " ditch---consider that Dartmouth College was a child " of his father, and his own life has been engrafted t6 on it---he has devoted to that Institution a life of " more industry, and of less repose, than is to be found " in that of any other man, perhaps, in New-England. " you and I know it well. Has not his whole heart " and soul been wrapt up in its prospects ; in its util- " ity ; in its prosperity ? Is it not a child of his last " fond hopes anctaiffection ? and is it not also, heir ap- " parent to one moiety, at least, of his whole worldly " estate ? Who, else can better manage its affairs ? " Or, who, else, as president of the College, will mer- " it more from the public, or do more for the cause of <' science and religion?" Think and ponder well on these things. Ex- .1- < amine, aud weigh your reasons, before you act ; be" " fore you take any important steps, which you may " possibly find fatal to the interests of the University, " when it shall be too late to retrace your steps, or to " remedy the evil." FINIS. PRINTER'S NOTES. In consequence of the hurry in which the " Sketches" v/eiu through the Press, the following errors escaped notice, some of which were corrected in a part of the impression. Page 9, for consided read considered. 28, Macclion Madame. , Siceeden Sweden. 29, Straghn Straghan. , Mr. Clyde Mr. Flude. 43, recommendations recommendation. , pentioned pensioned. 49, know known. 53, rotine routine. 58, heal heel. 67, seventy -seventy seventy -seven. 79, erase the Note at the bottom. C7" Having received the Review a short time after the Sketches were out of the press, end perceiving them to have raucli the same object^ the Printer, to save himself labor, has taken i be liberty, with apart of them, to stitch them in one book. IE LIBRARY PAMPHLET BINDER Syrocose, N. Y. Stockton, Colif. University of California Library Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. Phone Renew? BUILDi! r i TO ALL Sou Lil