ANNALS 
 
 OF 
 
 YALE COLLEGE, 
 
 IN 
 
 NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT, 
 
 FROM 
 ITS FOUNDATION, TO THE YEAR 1831. 
 
 WITH AN 
 
 APPENDIX, 
 CONTAINING STATISTICAL TABLES, 
 
 AND 
 
 EXHIBITING THE PRESENT CONDITION 
 
 W^ 
 
 INSTITUTION. 
 
 BY EBENEZER BALDWIN. 
 
 NEW HAVEN: 
 
 PUBLISHED BY HEZEKIAH HOWE. 
 
 183L 
 
 41SS 5
 
 Entered according to an Act of Congress, in the year 1831, by Hezekiah 
 Howe, in the Clerk's office, of the District Court of Connecticut.
 
 ID 
 
 3 r^ s 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 The following sketch was undertaken at the request of a 
 friend, who was desirous to insert a brief notice of the origin, 
 history and present condition of Yale College, in a statistical 
 account of New Haven, which he designed to publish. As the 
 Compiler proceeded in his task, he found the materials so abun- 
 dant, and many of the facts connected with the annals of the 
 College so interesting, that he experienced mnch embarrassment 
 in abridging the narrative within his intended limits, without doing 
 injustice to the subject. Although he had failed in his original 
 design, he concluded that some facts had been gathered, that 
 might be deemed interesting to the patrons of literary institu- 
 tions, and particularly to the Alumni of the College. He is 
 conscious of the imperfections of the sketch in many particu- 
 lars, but beheves that in matters of fact, it will be found gener- 
 ally correct. As to opinions ; he deems it an act of justice to 
 the officers of the institution, to discharge them from all responsi- 
 bility. They may possibly dissent, from some sentiments ad- 
 tn vanced in the progress of the narrative ; but as the sketch has, 
 ^ in its historical parts, been drawn without consultation with any 
 >. members of the faculty, they are not chargeable, either for ex- 
 2 pressions of praise or censure. 
 
 2 The compilation of a work, in relation to a literary institution, 
 would have better fitted the habits and pursuits of an academi- 
 i^ cian ; but if the facts in relation to the College, presented in the 
 J following pages, shall in any degree awaken public interest in 
 "» behalf of a venerable establishment, for whose prosperity, in 
 , common with his fellow alumni, the writer feels an affectionate 
 ^ solicitude, his ambition will be fully gratified. 
 C In witnessing the rapid advancement of the arts and sciences 
 V- in our favored country, it has always been among the most cher-
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 ished of the Author's hopes, that Yale College, situated as It 
 is, in a salubrious climate, iu a city of attractive beauty, and in 
 the heart of an inteHigent population, would continue, as a foster- 
 ed child of the government, to flourish in increasing vigor and 
 usefulness; tliat an academy of fine arts, particularly for instruc- 
 tion in architecture, painting, sculpture, engraving and designs 
 for mamfacturers, might eventually form a branch of the vener- 
 able stock, and that this " City of Gardens;' as it has justly been 
 styled, might become not only a favored seat of science but a 
 school of cultivated taste. The Professorships of Anatomy, 
 Chemistry and Botany, already successfully and reputably es- 
 tablished, in addition to the advantages of extensive Hbraries, 
 would greatly lessen the expenses of an independent institution 
 for the cultivation of the fine arts. 
 
 New Haven numbers among its citizens, gentlemen, in the 
 several departments to which we have alluded, who enjoy a 
 valuable reputation in their several pursuits, and a union of 
 their efforts under the auspices of the College, would add dig- 
 nity and influence to their exertions. The efforts of Mr. Augur, 
 in sculpture ; the Messrs. Jocelyn, in painting and engraving, 
 and Mr. Town in ornamental architecture, are well known 
 among gentlemen of taste, and have greatly contributed to ad- 
 vance the culture of those arts. 
 
 In allusion to the cultivation of the fine arts, it has been re- 
 marked with no less triuh than beauty, by Mr. Webster of Mas- 
 sachusetts, that "Just taste is not only an embellishment of so- 
 ciety, but it rises almost to the rank of the virtues, and diffuses 
 positive good throughout the whole extent of its influence. 
 There is a connexion between right feeling and right principles; 
 and truth in taste is allied to truth in morality. ''' 
 
 But the present condition of the University, perhaps forbids 
 the further indulgences of these illusive hopes, and our desires 
 must be merged in the deeper solicitude, that no narrow system 
 of false economy may overshadow the counsels of an enlighten- 
 ed legislature or check the growth of this noble seminary. May 
 our government long feel the truth of the sentiment, expressed
 
 PllEFACE. V 
 
 with characteristic energy, by the illustrious Clinton; — "It can- 
 not be too forcibly inculcated nor too generally understood, that 
 in promoting the great interests, of moral and intellectual culti- 
 vation, there can be no prodigality in the application of the pub- 
 lic treasure." 
 
 Some of the matters embraced in the following treatise, are 
 so obviously removed from the usual pursuits of the Author, and 
 exhibit such higher claims to science than he can pretend to ad- 
 vance, that justice, as well to himself as to the learned friends 
 who have aided him in the compilation of the appendix, indu- 
 ces him to note his obligations. 
 
 For the Register of Health, &c. he is indebted to the friend- 
 ship of Doctor Henry D. Bidkley, the Secretary of the Med- 
 ical Association of New Haven, who was aided in his investiga- 
 tions by Doctor T^irgil J\l. Dow, his predecessor in office. 
 
 The valuable botanical sketch, is the joint production of Doc- 
 tors Eli Ives, William Tully, and Melines C. Leavenworth. It 
 probably exhibits the most complete statement, in regard to this 
 region, as to that branch of science, that has been pubHshed. 
 
 For the interesting mineralogical article, and statements wvth 
 regard to the Cabinet, he tenders his thanks to Assistant Profes- 
 sor Shepard, of the chemical and mineralogical department. 
 
 Professors Silliman, Olmsted, and Beers, have severally fur- 
 nished, on the application of the Compiler, statements of the ap- 
 paratus attached to their departments. 
 
 In collecting the materials for the early history of the College, 
 it became necessary to examine the Colonial and City records, 
 and it affords the Author pleasure in bearing witness to the ready 
 kindness and intelligent zeal, with which the preceptor of his 
 youth, and the friend of his maturer years, Elisha Munson, Esq. 
 the respectable toivn clerk of New Haven, aided him in all in- 
 vestigations. Mr. Munson possesses much of the ardor and all 
 the intelligence, of an accomplished antiquary. 
 
 In closing this prefatory article, it is proper to explain some 
 references as to authorities. In quoting the authority of Doctor 
 Dwight in support of his statements, the Author has only men-
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 tioned his name with the addition of page. The work referred 
 to, is a statistical account of New Haven, compiled and commu- 
 nicated by Doct. Dwight to the " Connecticut Academy of Arts 
 and Sciences," in 1811. He has in some instances mentioned 
 as an authority during the Presidency of Doctor Stiles, a "Liter- 
 ary Diary." All quotations from the "Diary" of Doctor Stiles, 
 have been taken from the extracts of his biographer, Doctor 
 Holmes. In drafting a sketch of President Dwight's character, 
 most of the materials have been extracted from the preface to 
 his system of Theology, published since his decease. It is be- 
 lieved that acknowledgments have been made in the progress of 
 the narrative for all other important obligations. 
 
 On a review of his sketch, the writer perceives, that he has 
 not alluded in terms sufficiently explicit, to an alteration in the 
 original constitution of the College. The religious test formerly 
 required of the officers, has been abrogated by an ordinance of 
 the Corporation, and for several years past, scientific gentlemen, 
 of various christian denominations, have been elected to aca- 
 demic offices. 
 
 Even before the abrogation of the test, gentlemen of other 
 religious denominations were occasionally elected. Since the 
 abrogation of the test, the field of literary competition for aca- 
 demic offices has been enlarged. As an evidence that no un- 
 friendly sectarian feelings now exist, it may be mentioned that 
 the printed forms of prayer, adopted by the Episcopal Church, 
 have been used when desired, in the services of the chapel, and 
 with the full approbation of the Faculty. 
 
 After the preceeding remarks were made, it was suggested 
 to the author, that a distinguised gentleman, who has exhibited 
 in his life, a rare union of active patriotism as a soldier, and 
 successful exertions as an artist, had proposed to deposit a very 
 valuable collection of paintings in the gallery devoted to the 
 Fine Arts. The writer's opinion need not be expressed, that 
 such a deposit would add greatly to the attractions of the uni- 
 versity. It is hoped that no difficulties may occur, to prevent 
 tlie completion of arrangements in this interesting matter.
 
 'i^ 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Page. 
 From the settlement of the Colony of New Haven, to the time of grant- 
 ing the Charter of the College, . - . . - i 
 
 CHAPTER n. 
 
 From the Grant of the Charter to the establishment of the College at 
 New Haven, - ......19 
 
 CHAPTER in. 
 
 The Rectorship of the Rev. Timothy Cutler, S. T. D. - - - 36 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Rectorship of the Rev. Elisha Williams, - - - - 43 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Rectorship and Presidency of the Rev, Thomas Clap, - - 52 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 The Presidency of the Rev. Napthali Daggett, S. T. D. - - 97 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 The Presidency of the Rev. Ezra Stiles, S. T. D. LL. D. - - 105 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 The Presidency of the Rev. Timothy Dwight, S. T. D. LL. D. - - 133 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 The Presidency of the Rev. Jeremiah Day, S. T. D. LL. D. - - 155 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 The Theological department, .--.-. 170 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 The Law department, ----... 173 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 The Medical department, - - - - - , - 175
 
 Vm CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Commencement celebrations, and award of Literary honors, - - 189 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Facilities. and advantages for literary pursuits at Yale College, arising 
 from local situation and other circumstances, - - - 198 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 A review of the past and present condition of the College, with reference 
 to the character of its treasurers, . . > . - 208 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 SECTION I. 
 
 A brief Analysis of the Catalogue of the College, ... 215 
 
 SECTION II. 
 
 Catalogue of tlie Academic School, ..... 217 
 
 SECTION III. 
 
 List of the present officers of the College, .... 223 
 SECTION IV. 
 
 Terms of admission, course of instructions, and general regulations es- 
 tablished as to academic government. .... 225 
 
 SECTION V. 
 
 Societies and libraries attached to the Institution, ... 233 
 
 SECTION VI. 
 
 Apparatus — Chemical Laboratory of Yale College, ... 236 
 
 Origin of the cabinet of Mineralogy and Geology, - - - 239 
 
 Department of Natural Philosophy, ..... 260 
 
 Medical Apparatus, ....... 263 
 
 Botany — Catalogue of plants, &c. - - - - . 263 
 
 SECTION VII. 
 
 A Register of health, ....... 302 
 
 SECTION VIII. 
 
 List of Benefactors, .... . . qqq
 
 YALE COLLEGE 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 From the settlement of the Colony of New Haven, to the time of 
 granting the Charter of the College. 
 
 This highly respectable institution, ranks among 
 the most interesting of those monuments of benefi- 
 cence and wisdom, which have transmitted the 
 names of the Pilgrims of New England, to the 
 gratitude of their posterity. 
 
 With an enlightened forecast, that we can hard- 
 ly reconcile with the spirit of the age in which 
 they lived, they regarded intelligence and educa- 
 tion as the surest foundations of piety and the 
 safest conservators of liberty. Indeed, it may be 
 considered as the peculiar felicity of our favored 
 country, that its earliest institutions and policy 
 were uncontaminated by the lawless spirit of mili- 
 tary ambition or the lust of unprincipled specu- 
 lation. 
 
 Those who had witnessed and participated in 
 the blessings of a reformation in the Christian 
 world, could not but feel their attacliments weak- 
 ened for those corrupt governments that had for 
 ages fostered and sustained a licentious and bigoted 
 priesthood. 
 
 1
 
 The spirit of religious freedom nourished an at- 
 tachment for civil liberty, and a conviction that 
 even the purity of their holy religion had not es- 
 caped the contaminating effects of despotic regula- 
 tion, led them to discern the fearful inroads that 
 arbitrary power had made on the unalienable 
 rights of man. 
 
 Impressed with such sentiments, the fathers of 
 New England formed the noble resolution of found- 
 ing a new empire. 
 
 With what feelings of honorable pride can the 
 American citizen peruse the record of his country's 
 birth. No miserable vagabonds driven by penury 
 and crime from the abodes of civilized man to gain 
 subsistence and safety in a desert — no wretched 
 mariners compelled by shipwreck to become the 
 unwilling tenants of a wilderness — no ignorant 
 savages, nurtured like the fabled founders of " the 
 eternal city," on a beastly aliment, are ranked 
 among his ancestry ; but he beholds an enlight- 
 ened band of pilgrims, independent in sentiment, 
 fearless in purpose, and rich in intellectual culture, 
 freely abandoning the land of their fathers to plant 
 the tree of liberty and sow the seeds of a purified 
 religion in a virgin soil. Among colonists thus 
 enlightened the interests of learning would, of 
 course, be intimately connected with those of piety. 
 
 They had^een the fruits of religious creeds when 
 arbitrarily imposed by the terrors of power, on an 
 ignorant populace ; the cold ascetic, yielding to 
 the gloom of rej)ulsive superstition ; the ardent
 
 fanatic, inflamed by the spirit of reckless persecu- 
 tion, and the pampered ecclesiastic, rioting in the 
 excess of every sensual indulgence. 
 
 From their own experience they knew that the 
 tenets of their faith had been strengthened by ex- 
 amination, and they felt that the surest mode to 
 quicken and purify the affections was to enlighten 
 the reason. Hence, the establishment of elemen- 
 tary schools occupied the earliest attention of the 
 fathers of New England, and the efforts made by 
 them to advance the cause of education, embar- 
 rassed as they were by the wants and hardships 
 attending feeble and ill provided colonies, and sur- 
 rounded by the perils arising from a jealous and 
 ferocious Indian population, are well calculated, 
 while they excite our admiration, to repress the 
 vain boastings that too often announce the osten- 
 tatious charities of the present age. 
 
 The colony of New Haven, of which the present 
 city* of that name was tlic seat of government, 
 though previously occupied by a few settlers, was 
 regularly organized in the year 1639 ; and on the 
 11th of May, 1665, an union was eficcted between 
 the colonies of New Haven and Connecticut. The 
 united colonies have since been designated by the 
 name of the latter. 
 
 Influenced by the same motives that had induced 
 their brethren of Massachusetts Bayt to commence 
 the foundation of Harvard College, ten years only 
 
 * Dwight, p. 2. } Dvvight, p. 47.
 
 after the settlement of their colony, the inhabitants 
 of New Haven, and subsequently the united colony 
 of New Haven and Connecticut, bestowed earnest 
 attention on this important subject. 
 
 The original design appears to have been, the 
 establishment of a college in each of the New 
 England colonies ; but this intention was checked 
 by " the well founded remonstrances from the 
 people of Massachusetts ; who very justly observ- 
 ed, that the whole population of New England was 
 scarcely sufficient to support one institution of this 
 nature, and that the establishment of a second 
 would, in the end, be a sacrifice of both."* 
 
 The records of New Haven furnish interesting 
 evidence that no local selfishness operated upon 
 the minds of the colonists, and that, although they 
 were unable for a time to found a seminary within 
 the limits of their own territorial charter, they free- 
 ly contributed, according to their humble means, 
 to the support of Cambridge College in Massachu- 
 setts Bay. The following extracts, it is thought, 
 will not be considered as uninteresting. 
 
 It may be remarked, as preliminary to the ex- 
 tracts, that the records of the colony of New Ha- 
 ven commence on " the 4th day of the 4th months 
 called June, 1639." On that day '^ all the free 
 planters assembled," &/C. 
 
 The first Booh of records appears to have been 
 originally the mercantile and commercial account 
 
 * Dwight, p. 48.
 
 book of Mr. Theophilus Eaton, one of the grantees 
 of the colony of New Haven, and afterwards its 
 respectable and efficient Governor. 
 
 The accounts occupy a few pages of the volume, 
 which, even for that purpose, is commenced with 
 somewhat of puritanical quaintness. 
 
 " Laus Deo, in London the 6th of January, 
 Anno Domini 1608." 
 
 Then follow a variety of statements in relation 
 to " Lambe Skinnes," " Glewe," " Padlockes," 
 " Worme Seedes," &.c. 
 
 On the inverted side of this book of accounts the 
 colonial records were begun. 
 
 The following extracts relate to education, so 
 far as regards Colleges, (the modern forms of spel- 
 ling being adopted.) 
 
 1st. " At a General Court, held the 11th No- 
 vember, 1644 — 
 
 " The proposition for the relief of poor scholars 
 at the College at Cambridge was fully approved of, 
 and thereupon it was ordained that Joshua Atwater 
 and William Davis shall receive of every one in 
 this plantation, whose heart is willing to contri- 
 bute thereunto, a peck of wheat or the value of it. 
 
 2d. " A proposition made to the commissioners at 
 Hartford, Ao. 1644, by Mr. Sheppard, pastor of 
 the Church at Cambridge, in the Bay, for a free 
 contribution out of these parts, of a peck of wheat 
 or the value of it, of every person disposed or wil- 
 ling, for an increase of maintenance to the College 
 there begun. That children (to what colony so-
 
 ever they belong) being fit for learning, but their 
 parents not able to bear the whole charges, might 
 be better trained up for public service, was consid- 
 ered, and fully approved; and Mr. Atwater and 
 Goodman Davids were entrusted for that first year 
 to receive and collect it, that it may be sent accord- 
 ingly. 
 
 '' At General Court, held, &c. 16 March, 1645 — 
 
 " Mr. Atwater, the present Treasurer, informed 
 the Court that he had sent from Connecticut forty 
 bushels of wheat, for the College, by Goodman 
 Rodman, for the last year's gift of New Haven, 
 although he had not received so much. 
 
 " At a General Court, held the 4th January, 
 1646— 
 
 " The contributioii for the College was renewed, 
 and Bro. John Hart and Bro. William Leek chosen 
 collectors for the same. 
 
 " At a General Court at New Haven, 17 May, 
 1647— 
 
 " The Governor propounded that the College 
 Corn might be forthwith paid, and that, consider- 
 ing the work is a service to Christ, to bring up 
 young plants for his service, and besides, it will be 
 a reproach that it shall be said. New Haven is 
 fallen off from this service. 
 
 " At a General Court, held in New Haven, 5 
 July, 1647— 
 
 '" It was desired, that as men had formerly enga- 
 ged themselves to contribute a portion of corn to 
 the College, that they would not now be slack in
 
 carrying it to the collectors, but that some 7 or 8 
 days at farthest, those that are behind would pay ; 
 for it's a service to Christ, and may yield glorious 
 fruit to the colonies hereafter. Being that the 
 commissioners have taken order that none should 
 have the benefit of it, but those that shall remain 
 in the country, for the service of the same, the 
 bringing in of which corn was engaged by votes. 
 
 " May 22, 1648. — Samuel Whitehead is -chosen 
 collector for the College Corn for this year, in the 
 room of Anthony Tompson, deceased." 
 
 Some other brief records in relation to Cam- 
 bridge College, but of the same purport as the pre- 
 ceding, may be gathered from the Clerk's Office at 
 New Haven. 
 
 The objects that chiefly influenced the settlers of 
 New England in the formation of the colonies, 
 naturally gave to the clergy a large share of influ- 
 ence, and although the experience of man has 
 shown that ecclesitistical and political power can- 
 not be united without danger to the purity of reli- 
 gion and the cause of civil liberty ; yet, the just 
 and liberal policy pursued by the fathers of New 
 England, forms a striking exception to this almost 
 universal rule ; an exception truly honorable, but 
 arising from peculiar circumstances, and therefore 
 not entitled to the authority of a precedent, to be 
 followed. 
 
 But omitting any further general remarks on tho 
 character and policy of those illustrious men, who 
 laid the broad, liberal, and (as the writer trusts,)
 
 8 
 
 enduring tbnndations of civil and religious freedom 
 in the new world, he proceeds to the more imme- 
 diate object of inquiry, the origin, annals, and 
 present condition of Yale College. 
 
 The enlightened zeal of Presidents Clap, Stiles, 
 and Dwight has furnished abundant materials for 
 a more elaborate statement with regard to the 
 early establishment, endowment, and progress of 
 the institution than the purpose of the writer re- 
 quires ; and confiding in the acknowledged accu- 
 racy of their accounts, he will venture to use both 
 their language and facts, under this general ac- 
 knowledgment, that their essays, together with 
 Doctor Trumbull's History of Connecticut, and 
 Doctor Douglass's Political and Historical Sum- 
 mary, have been his principal guides, with regard 
 to the early history of the institution. 
 
 With a view to a just comparison between past 
 eflbrts and present exertions, it may be proper to 
 exhibit a statement of the ability of those who 
 founded New Haven, (now Yale College) and its 
 benefactors and friends of the present age. 
 
 The intention of founding a literary institution 
 that should perpetuate the just and enlightened 
 sentiments of the colonists, naturally occupied the 
 first attention of men who had abandoned the com- 
 forts of cultivated and refined society, to enjoy in 
 freedom the political and religious creed, that had 
 been the fruit of calm inquiry and investigation. 
 
 Common Schools, where the elements of science 
 were widely diflused among the rising population,
 
 did not satisfy the enlarged views of literary men, 
 and the plan of an institution of higher pretensions 
 and more extended scope occupied the thoughts of 
 the first settlers of Connecticut. 
 
 After various consultations, chiefly in reference 
 to the interests of the Church, and confined in a 
 great measure to the liberal and enlightened clergy 
 of the times, a definite proposition was at length 
 submitted with regard to the establishment of a 
 College in New Haven. 
 
 The following resolution copied from Doctor 
 Dwight's Statistical Account, is the earliest record 
 on the subject that has met the writer's notice. 
 
 " At a General Court, held at Guilford, June 
 28th, A. D. 1652. 
 
 " Voted, the matter about a College at New 
 Haven was thought to be too great a charge for us 
 of this jurisdiction to undergo alone ; especially 
 considering the unsettled state of New Haven 
 town ; being publicly declared, from the deliberate 
 judgment of the most understanding men, to be a 
 place of no comfortable subsistence for the present 
 inhabitants there. But if Connecticut do join, the 
 planters are generally willing to bear their just 
 proportions for erecting and maintaining of a Col- 
 lege there. However, they desire thanks to Mr. 
 Goodyear for his kind proffer, to the setting forward 
 of such a work." 
 
 This resolution was passed thirteen years after 
 the organization of the colony of New Haven, and 
 thirteen years before its union with Connecticut.
 
 10 
 
 Although in the History of Yale College, pub- 
 lished by President Clap in 1765, and which, like 
 all other productions of that eminent man, is re- 
 markable for learning, research, and accuracy, the 
 above quoted resolution of the General Court is not 
 mentioned, yet he is undoubtedly correct in attribu- 
 ting the " design of founding a College in the colo- 
 ny of Connecticut" to the ministers.* He enume- 
 rates the Reverend Mr. Pierpont of New Haven, 
 Mr. Andrew of Milford, and Mr. Russel of Bran- 
 ford, as the " most forward and active" in the en- 
 terprize. 
 
 Originating as they did from the learned ecclesi- 
 astics of the age, the plan and intention of the in- 
 stitution were especially directed to the interests of 
 the Church. 
 
 Indeed, so exclusive was the original intention, 
 that, according to a plan drawn up in imitation of 
 the Protestant Colleges and Universities in France, 
 it was to be erected by a General Synod of the 
 Consociated Churches, who should have such influ- 
 ence in elections as might be necessary to preserve 
 orthodoxy in the Governors ; that the synod should 
 agree upon a confession of faith, to be consented to 
 by the President, Insp^ectors, and Tutors ; that the 
 College should be called the School of the Church, 
 and that Churches should contribute towards its 
 support.t 
 
 Clnp'9 Annals, p. 2. \ Clnp, pp. 2 and 3.
 
 11 
 
 The General or formal Synod above referred to, 
 was not convened, but in " lesser conventions of 
 ministers in associations and councils, and in pri- 
 vate conversation,* ten of the principal ministers 
 in the colony were nominated and agreed upon, by 
 a general consent, both of the ministers and people, 
 to stand as Trustees or Undertakers, to found, 
 erect, and govern a College." 
 
 Their names and residences were as follows : 
 The Rev. Mr. James Noyes, Stonington^ 
 '•' " Israel Chauncy, Stratford^ 
 a u Thomas Buckingham, Sayhrook^ 
 " " Abraham Pierson, Killingworth, 
 " " Samuel Mather, Windsor, 
 " " Samuel Andrew, Milford, 
 " " Timothy Woodbridge, Hartford, 
 " " James Pierpont, Neiv Haven, 
 " " Noadiah Russell, Middletown, 
 " " Joseph Webb, Fairfield. 
 The ministers above named, met at New Haven 
 (in the year 1700) and formed themselves into a 
 Society ,t to consist of eleven ministers, including a 
 Rector, and agreed to found a College in the colony 
 of Connecticut. This agreement was soon after 
 carried into effect at a meeting in Branford, and 
 with a ceremony peculiarly characteristic of the 
 simplicity of the age. 
 
 " Each member brought a number of books and 
 presented them to the body ; and laying them on 
 
 " Clap, p. 3. t Clap, p. 3.
 
 12 
 
 the (able saifl, these words: ' I give these hooks 
 for the founding a College in this colony."* Tlien 
 the Trustees took possession of them, and confided 
 them to the care of the Reverend Mr. Russell of 
 Branford, as Librarian. The number of volumes 
 thus collected consisted of forty folios. 
 
 Hundry additions were made soon after, both of 
 books and money to this small collection, which, in 
 the langjiage of President Clap, " laid a good foun- 
 dation," 
 
 The library was kept at Branford for about three 
 years, when it was removed to Killingworth. 
 
 Soon after the formation of this voluntary and 
 beneficent association, doubts arose in the minds of 
 the members, whether the laws of the country af- 
 forded suflicient protection for their property ; and 
 after consulting the most eminent lawyers on the 
 subject, they at length applied to Judge Sewall and 
 Secretary Addington, of Boston, to prepare a for- 
 mal charter. A large number of ministers and 
 laymen united in a petition to the Colonial Assem- 
 bly, in support of the application. From the tenor 
 of their petition, it appears that the original inten- 
 tion of devoting the institution to the sole benefit of 
 the Church had been changed, as they represented 
 to the Assembly, " that, from a sincere regard to, 
 and zeal for, upholding the Protestant Religion, by 
 a succession of learned and orthodox men, they had 
 proposed that a collegiate school should be erected 
 
 * Clap, p. 3.
 
 13 . 
 
 in this colony, wherein youth should be instructed in 
 all parts of learning, to qualify them for public em- 
 ployments in Church and civil State."* 
 
 In order to aid the application, James Fitch, Esq. 
 of Norwich, a member of the Council, soon after 
 the meeting of the Assembly, made a donation to 
 the College, of GOO acres of land lying inKillingly, 
 and " all the glass and nails which should be neces- 
 sary to build a college house and hall." 
 
 The disinterested application of the learned gen- 
 tlemen who had sought their aid, found a ready 
 welcome in an enlightened I^egislature, and on the 
 9th of October, 1701, the following Charter,t drawn 
 by Mr. Secretary Addington, of Boston, was passed 
 in the Assembly. 
 
 [Colony Seal.] By the Governor in Council, and 
 Representatives of his Majesty's Colony of Con- 
 necticut, in General Court, assembled at New 
 Haven, October 9th, 1701, An act for liberty to 
 erect a Collegiate School. 
 
 " Whereas several well disposed and public spir- 
 ited persons, of their sincere regard to, and zeal for, 
 upholding and propagating of the Christian Protes- 
 tant Religion, by a succession of learned and or- 
 thodox men, have expressed by Petition their earn- 
 est desires, that full liberty and privilege be granted 
 unto certain undertakers, for the founding, suitably 
 endowing, and ordering a Collegiate School, within 
 his Majesty's Colony of Connecticut, wherein youth 
 
 * Clap, p. 4. t Clap, p. 5.
 
 14 
 
 may be instructed in the arts and sciences, who, 
 through the blessiui^ of Ahnighty God, may be 
 fitted for pubhc employments, both in Church and 
 civil State, To the intent, therefore, that all due 
 encouragement be given to such pious resolutions, 
 and that so necessary and religious an undertaking 
 may be set forward, supported, and well managed : 
 " Be it enacted, by the Governor and Company 
 of the said Colony of Connecticut in General Court 
 now assembled, and it is enacted and ordained by 
 the authority of the same, that there be, and hereby 
 is, full liberty, right, and privilege granted unto the 
 Rev. Mr. James Noyes, of Stonington, Mr. Israel 
 Chauncy, of Stratford, Mr. Thomas Bu-ckingham, 
 of Saybrook, Mr. Abraham Pierson, of Killing- 
 worth, Mr. Samuel Mather, of Windsor, Mr. Sam- 
 uel Andrew, of Milford, Mr. Timothy Woodbridge, 
 of Hartford, Mr. James Pierpont, of New Haven, 
 Mr. Noadiah Russell, of Middletown, and Mr. Jo- 
 seph Webb, of Fairfield, being reverend ministers 
 of the Gospel, and inhabitants within the said Col- 
 ony ; proposed to stand as Trustees, Partners, or 
 Undertakers for the said School, to them and their 
 successors, to erect, form, direct, order, establish, 
 improve, and at all times, in all suitable ways, for 
 the future, to encourage the said School, in such 
 convenient place or places, and in such form or 
 manner, and under such order and rules, as to 
 them shall seem meet, and most conducive to the 
 aforesaid end thereof, so as such rules, or orders, 
 be not repugnant to the laws of the civil govern-
 
 15 
 
 ment ; and also, to employ the monies or any other 
 estates, which shall be granted by this Court, or 
 otherwise contributed, to that use according to 
 their discretion, for the benefit of the said Colle- 
 giate School, from time to time, and at all times 
 henceforward. 
 
 " And be it further enacted, by the Authority 
 aforesaid, that the before named Trustees, Partners, 
 or Undertakers, together with such others as they 
 shall associate to themselves, (not exceeding the 
 number of eleven, or at any time be less than 
 seven) ; provided also, that persons nominated or 
 associated, from time to time, to fill up said num- 
 ber, be ministers of the Gospel, inhabiting within 
 this Colony, and above the age of forty years, or 
 the major part of them, the said James Noyes, 
 Israel Chauncy, Thomas Buckingham, Abraham 
 Pierson, Samuel Mather, Samuel Andrew, Timo- 
 thy Woodbridge, James Pierpont, Noadiah Russell, 
 and Joseph Webb, Undertakers ; and of such per- 
 sons, so chosen and associated, as aforesaid, at any 
 time hereafter, have, and shall have, henceforward, 
 the oversight, full and complete right, liberty, 
 power, and privilege, to furnish, direct, manage, 
 order, improve, and encourage, from time to time, 
 and in all times hereafter, the said Collegiate 
 Scliool, so erected and formed by them, in such 
 ways, orders, and manner, and by such persons. 
 Rector, or Master, and Officers appointed by them, 
 as shall, according to their best discretion be most 
 conducible to attain the aforementioned end thereof
 
 16 
 
 " And moreover, it is enacted and ordered by 
 the Governor, Council, and Representatives of the 
 colony aforesaid, met in General Assembly, that the 
 said Mr. James Noyes, Israel Chauncy, Thomas 
 Buckingham, Abraham Pierson, Samuel Mather, 
 Samuel Andrew, Timothy Woodbridge, James 
 Pierpont, Noadiah Russell, and Joseph Webb, 
 Undertakers, Trustees or Partners, and the said 
 persons taken from time to time into partnership, or 
 associated, as aforesaid, with themselves, shall have 
 and receive, and it is hereby given and granted unto 
 them, the full and just sum of one hundred and 
 twenty pounds, in country pay,* to be paid annual- 
 ly, and at all times hereafter until this Court order 
 otherwise, to them and to such person or persons 
 only, as they shall appoint and empower to receive 
 the same, to be faithfully disposed of by the said 
 Trustees, Partners, or Undertakers, for the end 
 aforesaid, according to their discretion : which said 
 sum shall be raised and paid in such ways and 
 manners, and at such a value as the country rates 
 of said colony are and have been usually raised and 
 paid. 
 
 " It is also further enacted, by the authority 
 aforesaid, that the said Undertakers and Partners, 
 and their successors be, and hereby are, further 
 empowered to have, accept, acquire, purchase, or 
 otherwise lawfully enter upon any lands, tenements, 
 and hereditaments, to the use of the said School, 
 
 * Mentioned by President Chip to be equal to £bO sterling.
 
 17 
 
 not exceeding the value of five hundred pounds per 
 annum, and goods, chattels, sum or sums of money, 
 whatsoever, as have heretofore^ already been grant- 
 ed, bestowed, bequeathed, or given, or as from time 
 to time, shall be freely given, bequeathed, devised, 
 or settled by any person or persons whatsoever, 
 upon, and to, and for, the use of the said School, 
 towards the founding, erecting, or endowing the 
 same, and to sue for, recover, and receive all such 
 gifts, legacies, bequests, annuities, rents, issues, and 
 profits, arising therefrom, and to employ the same 
 accordingly, and out of the estates, revenues, rents, 
 profits, incomes accruing and belonging to the 
 said School, to support and pay, as the said Under- 
 takers shall agree, and see cause, the said Rector, 
 or Masters, Tutors, Ushers, or other officers, their 
 respective annual salaries or allowances, as also for 
 the encouragement of the students, to grant degrees 
 or licences, as they or those deputed by them, shall 
 see cause to order and appoint." 
 
 This Charter gave security to the friends of the 
 College, and animated the honorable zeal by which 
 they were influenced. 
 
 In closing the narrative of facts attending the 
 birth of an institution that has been so fruitful in 
 blessings to our country, the writer cannot refrain 
 from a brief notice of the condition of Connecticut 
 when this truly noble Seminary was founded. 
 
 In a discourse commemorative of the events of 
 the last century, delivered by Doct. Dvvight, at its 
 close, he states that Connecticut, in the year 1701, 
 
 3
 
 18 
 
 contained only 28 towns, and that so ignorant were 
 the most eminent European Geographers with re- 
 gard to the country, that even its name is not men- 
 tioned in the works of Cleverius, Heylin, or Buno, 
 who ranked at that period, among the best Geogra- 
 phers of the workl. 
 
 Doctor Trumbull, in a discourse delivered on the 
 same occasion, states the population of Connecti- 
 cut, at the beginning of the last century at 14 or 
 15,000. 
 
 That so obscure a colony, deriving but little en- 
 couragement from the parent country; unknown to 
 the world ; feeble in resources, small in numbers, 
 and surrounded by perils and hardships; should yet 
 direct its noble efforts to the mental cultivation of 
 future generations, affords one of the noblest ex- 
 amples of disinterested philanthropy recorded in 
 the annals of man.
 
 19 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 From the Grant of the Charter to the establishment of the 
 College at New Haven. 
 
 The grant of a Charter, that furnished security 
 to property, and pledged the patronage of the gov- 
 ernment, to the laudable objects of the founders of 
 the College, gave additional impulse to their efforts. 
 
 As illustrating the special motives that influenced 
 the Trustees, the record of their proceedings, at 
 their first meeting, will not be deemed uninterest- 
 ing. 
 
 " At a meeting of the Collegiate Undertakers, 
 holden at Say brook, November 11, A. D. 1701. 
 Present — the Reverend Israel Chatincy, Thomas 
 JBuckins^ham. Abraham Pierson, Samuel An- 
 drew, James Pierpont, Noadiah Russell, Joseph 
 Webb. 
 
 " Whereas, it was the glorious public design of 
 our now blessed fathers, in their remove from Eu- 
 rope into these parts of America, both to plant, 
 and, (under the Divine blessing,) to propagate in 
 this wilderness, the blessed reformed protestant 
 religion, in the purity of its order and worship; not 
 only to their posterity, but also to the barbarous 
 natives: in which great enterprise they wanted 
 not the royal commands and favor of his Majesty, 
 king Charles the Second, to authorize and invigo- 
 rate them.
 
 20 
 
 " We their unworthy posterity, lamenting our 
 past neglects of this grand errand, and sensible of 
 the equal obligations, better to prosecute the same 
 end, are desirous in our generation to be service- 
 able thereunto. 
 
 " Whereunto the religious and liberal education 
 of suitable youth is, under the blessing of God, a 
 chief and most probable expedient. Therefore, that 
 we might not be wanting in cherishing the present 
 observable and pious disposition of many well mind- 
 ed people, to dedicate their children and substance 
 unto God in such a good service ; and being our- 
 selves, with sundry other reverend Elders, not only 
 desired by our Godly people, to undertake as Trus- 
 tees, for erecting, forming, ordering, and regulating 
 a collegiate school, for the advancement of such an 
 education ; but having also obtained of our present 
 religious government, both full liberty and assist- 
 ance, by their donations to such a use; tokens like- 
 wise, that particular persons will not be wanting in 
 their benificence ; do, in duty to God, and the weal of 
 our country, undertake in the aforesaid design. 
 And being now met, according to the liberties and 
 aids granted to us for the use aforesaid, do order 
 and appoint, that there shall be, and hereby is 
 erected and formed a Collegiate School, wherein 
 shall be taught the liberal Arts and Languages, in 
 such place or places, in Connecticut, as the said 
 Trustees, with their associates and successors, do 
 or shall, from time to time, see cause to order.
 
 21 
 
 " For the orderly and effectual management of 
 this affair, we agree to, and hereby appoint and 
 confirm the following rules. 
 
 " 1st. That the Rector take special care, as of 
 the moral behaviour of the Students at all times, 
 so with industry to instruct and ground them well 
 in Theoretical Divinity; and to that end, shall 
 neither by himself, nor by any other person whomso- 
 ever, allow them to be instructed and grounded in 
 any other system or synopsis of Divinity, than such 
 as the said Trustees do order and appoint; but 
 shall take effectual care, that the said students be 
 weekly, (at such seasons as he shall see cause to 
 appoint,) caused memoriter to recite the Assem- 
 bly's Catechism in Latin, and Ames^ Theological 
 Theses^* of which, as also Ames'' Cases of Con- 
 science^ he shall make, or cause to be made, from 
 time to time, such explanations as may, (through 
 the blessing of God,) be most conducive to their 
 establishment in the principles of the Christian 
 Protestant religion. 
 
 " 2d. The Rector shall also cause the Scriptures 
 daily, (except on the Sabbath,) morning and even- 
 ing, to be read by the Students, at the times of 
 prayer in the School, according to the laudable 
 order and usage of Harvard College^ making ex- 
 positions upon the same ; and upon the Sabbath, 
 shall either expound practical theo^k)gy, or cause 
 the non-graduated Students to repeat sermons ; and 
 
 *• It is a singular fact, that neither of those works are mcutioned in the 
 Calalo^^uc of the College Library.
 
 22 
 
 in all other ways, according to his best discretion, 
 shall at all times studiously endeavor, in the edu- 
 cation of the Students, to promote the power and 
 purity of religion, and the best edification of these 
 New England Churches." 
 
 Having passed the above, together with other 
 rules and orders for the regulation of the Collegi- 
 ate School, the Trustees chose the Rev. Abraham 
 Pierson, one of their number, to take charge of its 
 instruction and government, under the title of 
 Rector ; they also chose the Rev. Samuel Russell 
 of Branford, to be a Trustee, to complete the num- 
 ber of eleven, according to the original plan of 
 organization. 
 
 As the Charter did not designate any particular 
 place in the colony, for the establishment of the 
 College, the Trustees, at the same meeting, enter- 
 ed upon the consideration of that subject, and, 
 " after considerable debate," fixed upon Saybrook, 
 "«5 the most convenient jjlace., at present ; unless 
 upon further consideration they should alter 
 their minds.''''* 
 
 The Rector was requested, by the Trustees, to 
 remove to Saybrook, but until that was effected, 
 they directed that the Scholars should be instruct- 
 ed at or near his house in Killingworth. 
 
 As several years had elapsed, since the forma- 
 tion of the College had been contemplated, a num- 
 ber of young gentlemen were preparing for it, 
 
 * Clap, p. 11.
 
 23 
 
 " under the private instruction of the Trustees," 
 and others, and upon the appointment of the Rec- 
 tor and a Tutor, eight Students were admitted as 
 members, and classed " according to the profi- 
 ciency they had antecedently made." 
 
 The first Commencement was held at Saybrook, 
 on the 13th September, 1702, at which time, as 
 appears from the catalogue of the Institution, Ste- 
 phen Buckingliam^ Salmon Treaty Joseph Colt, 
 Joseph Moss, Nathaniel Chauncey and Joseph 
 Morgan, (the first four of whom had been pre- 
 viously graduated at Harvard College,) received 
 their degrees as Masters of Arts. 
 
 They all became ministers of the Gospel, and 
 three of the number, viz. Mr. Buckingham, Mr. 
 Moss, and Mr. Chauncey, were afterwards fellows 
 of the College.* 
 
 The Colonies of New England, having derived 
 their birth, chiefly from religious motives ; and the 
 design of the College having been first suggested 
 by the Clergy, it is not surprising that its influ- 
 ence on the interests of the Church should have 
 occupied a large share of the solicitude of its pat- 
 rons. Although more enlarged views and just con- 
 siderations, have gradually obliterated the secta- 
 rian principles, that entered into the original con- 
 stitution of the College, yet it may be proper to 
 state, as connected with this brief summary, that 
 the General Synod convened at Saybrook, Septem- 
 
 * Trumbull Hist. Conn. Vol. I. p. 502.
 
 24 
 
 t 
 
 ber 9th, 1708, and at which, the confession of faith 
 usually styled the Sai/brook Platform, was adopted ; 
 had its origin principally in the efforts of the Trus- 
 tees of the College. That confession was adopted 
 in the succeeding month of October, by the General 
 Court, as the religious creed of the Colony, and 
 was also adopted by the Corporation of the Col- 
 lege ; and its Trustees and officers, upon their in- 
 troduction to office, " were required to give their 
 assent to it, and to the Westminister Confession 
 and Catechism."* 
 
 Rector Pierson continued to reside at Killing- 
 worth, although the Trustees made several efforts 
 to induce him to remove to Saybrook, and proposed 
 to give him £50 sterling, to bear the charges of 
 removal, and £60 sterling per annum, salary. 
 
 The opposition of the people under his pastoral 
 charge, and the doubts existing in the minds of 
 some of the Trustees, as to the policy of fixing the 
 College at Saybrook, prevented the removal of the 
 Rector, and the Students continued at Killing- 
 worth till his death. This event occurred in April, 
 1707, according to President Clap's account, but 
 according to Doctor Trumbull, on the 5th March, 
 1704. 
 
 His death was justly considered as a great loss, 
 and was a source of deep affliction, both to the 
 College, and the people of his charge. The annals 
 of that period furnish the following notice of his 
 character and biography. 
 
 * Tiumbiill, p. 515. Clap, p. 14.
 
 25 
 
 Rector Pierson was educated at Harvard Col- 
 lege, where he was graduated in 1668. He was 
 " a hard Student, a good Scholar, a great Divine, 
 and a wise, steady, and judicious gentleman in all 
 his conduct." 
 
 He appears first to have settled in the ministry, 
 at Newark, in New Jersey, whence he came to 
 Killingworth, and was installed in 1694. He was 
 greatly respected as a Pastor, and after he was 
 chosen Rector, instructed and governed the infant 
 College with general approbation. " He composed 
 a system of Natural Philosophy, which the Stu- 
 dents recited for many years." 
 
 Upon the death of Rector Pierson, the Reve- 
 rend Samuel Andrew, of Milford, was chosen Rec- 
 tor pro tempore^ until one could be obtained who 
 should reside at the Collegiate School. 
 
 In consequence of this arrangement, the Senior 
 Class were removed to Milford, to be under the 
 instruction of the Rector, until the Commence- 
 ment ; the other Students were removed to Say- 
 brook, and put under the care and instruction of 
 two Tutors. 
 
 The Tutors and Students, being about twenty 
 in number, boarded in private families, and the 
 latter came every day to their Tutors' chambers, 
 to recitations and prayers. Mr. Andrew presided 
 at Commencements, and together with Mr. Buck- 
 ingham, exercised some inspection over Tutors and 
 Students.* 
 
 " Clap, p. 15.
 
 26 
 
 In this obscure condition, the College continued 
 at Saybrook about seven years, and apparently 
 without any considerable efforts to improve its con- 
 dition. 
 
 Although it is the intention of the writer to note 
 ^ji an appendix to this essay, a list of the various 
 benefactions made from time to time to the College, 
 yet the favorable influence produced on the infant 
 institution by several donations of books made in 
 the year 1713, particularly by Sir John Davie, of 
 Groton, who had recently inherited an estate, to- 
 gether with the title of Baronet, induces him to 
 mention it at this time.* " Upon his going to Eng- 
 land he sent a good collection of books to the 
 library." 
 
 The greatest donation, however, was made in the 
 year 1714, by Jeremiah Diimmer, Esq. of Boston, 
 then Colonial agent at London. He sent about 
 eight hundred volumes of very valuable books to 
 the institution, about one hundred and twenty of 
 which, were at his own cost, and the rest by his 
 procurement, from sundry principal gentlemen. It 
 is truly gratifying to every friend of the College, 
 to observe the honorable and scientific names asso- 
 ciated with this benefaction. Sir Isaac Newton, 
 Sir Richard Bhickmore, Sir Richard Steele, Doc- 
 tor Burnet, Doctor Woodicard, Doctor Halley, 
 Doctor Bentleij, Doctor Kennet, Doctor Calami/, 
 Doctor Edwards, the Rev. Mr. Henry, and Mr. 
 
 • Clap, p. 17.
 
 27 
 
 Winston, severally gave a collection of their own 
 works, and Governor Yale put in about forty 
 volumes.* President Clap estimates the worth of 
 these books at £250 sterling. 
 
 Doctor Trumbull states the whole number of 
 students who were graduated at Saybrook, viz. 
 from 1702 to 1713, inclusive, as forty six, of whom 
 thirty four became ministers, and two were elected 
 magistrates. 
 
 Mr. Johfi Hart, and Mr. Phineas FisJc, are 
 mentioned by him as skilful Tutors, and under 
 their instruction many "became excellent scholars, 
 and shone, not only as distinguished lights in the 
 churches, but made a figure in the republic of 
 letters." Seven of them were afterwards fellows 
 of the College at New Haven ; and another was 
 " that excellent man, the Rev. Jonathan Dickin- 
 son, President of the College in New Jersey."t 
 
 Soon after the donations of books above men- 
 tioned, the zeal that had characterized the early 
 efforts of the friends of the College, appeared to be 
 quickened into new activity; but increasing dis- 
 satisfaction with regard to the place where the 
 institution was then fixed, appears to have perva- 
 ded the minds, both of Trustees and Students. 
 Saybrook, New Haven, Hartford, and Wethers- 
 field, each had its advocates, in many cases influ- 
 enced by circumstances of personal accommoda- 
 tion. 
 
 " Clap. t Trumbull, Hist. Con. p. 618.
 
 28 
 
 The Scholars thought that Saybrook was not 
 sufficiently compact, as many of them were obliged 
 to reside above a mile from the place of public 
 exercises, and " they were not pleased with their 
 instruction and government ; there being no resi- 
 dent Rector, and the Tutors sometimes very 
 young."* 
 
 This disaftection having been manifested in 
 marks of disrespect towards the Tutors, the Trus- 
 tees met at Saybrook, on the 4th of April, 1716, 
 and called the Students before them, to explain the 
 causes of their " uneasiness and disorder." 
 
 After an unsatisfactory investigation, and long 
 debate, the Trustees were unable to agree in senti- 
 ments, but at length granted "a sort of toleration, 
 that those Students who were uneasy, might go to 
 other places for instruction, till the next Com- 
 mencement." 
 
 The greater part of the Students went to Weth- 
 ersfield, and were under the instruction of Mr. 
 ElisJia Williams ; some went to other places, and 
 some remained at Saybrook; but the small pox 
 coming there, most of them removed to East Guil- 
 ford,t and continued there until Commencement, 
 under the tuition of the Rev. Mr. Hart and Rev. 
 Mr. R^ussell 
 
 The Collegiate School being in this unsettled 
 condition, the people in several parts of the Colony, 
 began to subscribe considerable sums of money, 
 
 ' <"lap, p. 4. t Clap, p. 17.
 
 29 
 
 for the erection of a College building, to induce 
 the Trustees to set it, where it would best accom- 
 modate them. 
 
 About £700 sterling was subscribed for New 
 Haven; £500 for Saybrook; and a considerable 
 sum for Hartford or Wethersfield. 
 
 At the Commencement at Saybrook, on the 12th 
 September, 1716, the Trustees entered upon this 
 important subject, but not being perfectly agreed, 
 they adjourned to New Haven, to meet on the 17tli 
 day of October following ; when were present, the 
 Rev. Messrs. Samuel Andrew^ Timothy Wood- 
 bridge, Joseph Webb, Samuel Russell, Moses 
 Noyes, John Davenport, Thomas Buckingham,, 
 Thomas Ruggles. 
 
 At this meeting the Trustees voted, " that con- 
 sidering the difficulties of continuing the Collegiate 
 School at Saybrook, and that New Haven is a 
 very convenient place for it, for which the most 
 liberal donations are given, the Trustees agree to 
 remove the said School from Saybrook to New 
 Haven, and it is now settled at New Haven accord- 
 ingly." 
 
 The removal of the College, however, was not 
 effected without great difficulty ; but as the differ- 
 ences of opinions that existed on the subject, are 
 matters, at the present day, rather of curious in- 
 vestigation, than of practical use, the writer omits 
 any minute extracts from the records. 
 
 The minority of the Trustees, made several un- 
 successful applications to the General Assembly,
 
 • 30 
 
 in which they remonstrated against the resolutions 
 of the Corporation. At length the Trustees, at a 
 meeting convened at New Haven, on the 30th Oc- 
 tober, 1717, " finally settled the College at that 
 place, to which vote seven Trustees, for greater 
 solemnity, set their hands,"* viz. 
 
 James Noyes, 
 Moses Noyes, 
 Samuel Andrew, 
 Samuel Russell, 
 Joseph Webb, 
 John Davenport, 
 Thomas Ruggles. 
 Some time before this decisive vote, the Trus- 
 tees had agreed to build a convenient College and 
 Rector's House, at New Haven ; and on the 8th 
 day of October, 1716, the first College edifice was 
 raised. Mr. Andrew was continued as Rector 
 pro tempore^ two Tutors were chosen, and notice 
 given to the scattered Scholars, " that provision 
 was made for their instruction and government 
 here." 
 
 Althouofh much dissatisfaction existed amonsr 
 the inhabitants of the Colony, the intentions of the 
 Trustees were strengthened by the approving vote 
 of the General Assembly, and several generous 
 donations soon gave stability to the institution. 
 
 The greatest of these donations, was from the 
 Hon. Elihu Yale, of London, Governor of the 
 
 *Clap, p. 21.
 
 31 ^ 
 
 East India Company, consisting chiefly of books 
 and merchandize. 
 
 The Trustees were soon enabled to finish the 
 College House, so far as to fit it for the commo- 
 dious reception of Students. It was built of wood, 
 one hundred and seventy feet long, twenty two feet 
 wide, and three stories high ; contained n^r fifty 
 studies, besides the Hall, Library, and Kitchen, 
 and cost about £1000 sterling. 
 
 On the 12th September, 1718, the first com- 
 mencement took place at New Haven ; as the 
 ceremonies on that occasion are noticed in a con- 
 densed and happy manner, by President Clap, his 
 account is given without alteration.* 
 
 " On September, 12th, 1718," says the learned 
 annalist, "there was a splendid commencement 
 held at New Haven, where were present, besides 
 the Trustees, the Honorable Gurdon Saltonstall, 
 Esq. Governor of the Colony of Connecticut; the 
 Honorable William Taylor, Esq. as representing 
 Governor Yale ; the honorable Nathan Gold, Esq. 
 Deputy Governor, sundry of the worshipful Assist- 
 ants ; the Judges of the Circuit; a great number 
 of reverend Ministers, and a great concourse of 
 spectators. 
 
 " The Trustees, in commemoration of Governor 
 Yale's great generosity, called the Collegiate 
 School, after his name, Yale College ; and entered 
 a memorial thereof upon record, which is as fol- 
 lows. 
 
 » Clap, p. 21.
 
 • 32 
 
 "Generosissima, lionoratissimi Domini Elihu 
 Yale Armigeri, Donatione, vigilantes Scholae aca- 
 demicae, in splendido Novi Portus Connecticuten- 
 sis oppido constituta?, Curatores, iEdificium Colle- 
 giale inceptum erectumque, perficere capaces red- 
 diti, Honorem tali tantoq ; Ma)cenati Patronoq ; 
 debitu4>i, animo gratissimo meditantes, Memoriamq ; 
 tantiBeneficii in banc pr?ecipue Coloniam collati,in 
 omne iEvum modo optimo perducere studiosi : Nos 
 Curatores, Negotii tanti, in commune prsesertim 
 hujus Provincia? Populi bonum, Momenti, Cura 
 honorati, oinothumadon consentimus, statuimus et 
 ordinamus, nostras iEdes academicas Patroni mu- 
 nificentissimi Nomine appellari, atque Yalense 
 Colleo-lutn nominari ; ut hsec Provincia diutur- 
 num Viri adeo Generosi, qui, tanta Benevolentia 
 tantaq; Nobilitate,inCommodumillorum maximum 
 propriamque Incolarum, et in prgesenti et futuris 
 saeculis, utilitatem consuluit, Monumentum retineat 
 et conservet. 
 
 Jacobus Noyes, 
 Moses Noyes, 
 Samuel Andrew, 
 Samuel Russell, 
 JosEPiius Webb, 
 Johannes Davenport, 
 Thomas Ruggles, 
 Stephanus Buckingham." 
 
 " Which," says President Clap, " I shall trans- 
 late for the sake of the English reader."
 
 3:^ 
 
 " The Trustees ot" the Collegiate School, consti- 
 tuted in the splendid town of New Haven, in Con- 
 necticut, being enabled by the most generous dona- 
 tion of the Honorable Elihii Yale, Esq. to finish 
 the College House, already begun and erected, 
 gratefully considering the honor due to such and 
 so great a benefactor and patron ; and being desi- 
 rous, in the best manner, to perpetuate to all ages 
 the memory of so great a benefit, conferred chiefly 
 on this colon}^; We, the Trustees, having the 
 honor of being intrusted with an affair of so great 
 importance to the common good of the people, 
 especially of this Province, do with one consent 
 agree, determine and ordain, that our College 
 House shall be called by the name of its munifi- 
 cent patron, and shall be named Yale College : 
 that this Province may keep and preserve a lasting 
 monument of such a generous gentleman, who, by 
 so great a benevolence and generosity, has provi- 
 ded for their greatest good, and the peculiar ad- 
 vantage of the inhabitants, both in the present and 
 future ages." 
 
 " On the Commencement day morning, this mon- 
 ument, both of generosity and gratitude, was, with 
 solemn pomp read off in the College Hall, both in 
 Latin and English ; then the procession moved to 
 the meeting house, to attend the public exercises 
 of the day: wherein, besides the oration made by 
 one of the Bachelors, the Rev. Mr. John Daven- 
 port, one of the Trustees, at the desire of the body, 
 made a florid oration, wherein he largely insisted
 
 34 
 
 upon, and highly extolled the generosity of Gov- 
 ernor Yale. Eight candidates received the honor 
 of a degree of Bachelor of Arts ; and several 
 more were created Masters. And the Honorable 
 Governor Saltonstall was pleased to grace and 
 crown the whole solemnity, with an elegant Latin 
 oration; wherein he congratulated the present hap- 
 py state of the College, in being fixed at New 
 Haven, and enriched with so many noble benefac- 
 tions; and particularly celebrated the great gene- 
 rosity of Governor Yale, with much respect and 
 honor. 
 
 " The Trustees, on the same occasion, sent ap- 
 propriate letters of thanks to Governor Yale, Mr. 
 Dummer, and General Nicholson, for their dona- 
 tions." 
 
 The College being thus permanently established 
 at New Haven, the most judicious measures were 
 adopted, for reconciling the conflicting opinions of 
 many respectable inhabitants, who still manifested 
 symptoms of dissatisfaction. 
 
 "On the same day upon which the commence- 
 ment was carried on at New Haven, something- 
 like a Commencement was carried on at Wethers- 
 field," and degrees conferred on five scholars. The 
 Trustees quieted that, opposition, by subsequently 
 granting to those scholars diplomas under the 
 authority of Yale College, and inserting their 
 names in the catalogue. 
 
 To produce more general harmony, the General 
 Assembly ordered " that a State House should be
 
 35 
 
 built at Hartford, to compensate for the College at 
 New Haven," and that £25 sterling should be 
 given to Saybrook, for the use of their school. 
 
 In December following, the Library was, by 
 order of the Trustees, and with the aid of the 
 Governor and Council, removed from Saybrook to 
 New Haven. The execution of a warrant to that 
 effect, issued to the Sheriff, was resisted by a large 
 number of men, and in the struggle that ensued, 
 about two hundred and fifty volumes of valuable 
 books, and sundry important papers, were convey- 
 ed away by unknown persons, and never recovered. 
 
 This struggle, characterized by indecent vio- 
 lence, and serious loss, closed the academic war, 
 and Yale College became permanently established 
 in New Haven.
 
 36 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 The Rectoi-sliip vi' the Ucv. Timnlliy Culler, 8. T. D. 
 
 The permanent establishment of the College at 
 New Haven ; the convenience of its buildings, and 
 the liberal donations of its benefactors, soon pro- 
 duced an auspicious change in the prospects of the 
 institution; and attracted towards it the "notice 
 of the learned world."* The number of Students 
 increased to about forty, who were under the im- 
 mediate instruction of two Tutors, and received 
 also more attention from their rector Mr. Andrew, 
 from their vicinity to Milford, his place of resi- 
 dence. 
 
 But a spirit of disorder, that had prevailed in 
 the Colony for so long a time, in relation to the 
 College, had weakened the principles of subordina- 
 tion among the Students, and created vicious habits 
 that required the corrective influence of a more 
 energetic government. With a view to effect that 
 object, the Trustees convened in March, 1719, and 
 chose the Rev. Timothy Cutler of Stratford, to be 
 the Resldeut Rector^ until their next meeting. He 
 immediately entered upon the duties of his office, 
 and discharged them in a manner so satisfactory 
 to the Trustees, that at their next meeting, in Sep- 
 tember, they confirmed his appointment. 
 
 * Tninibull, Vol. \\. p. 32.
 
 To compensate the people of Stratford, tljr tlic 
 loss of their Pastor, the Trustees purchased " Mr. 
 Cutler's house and home lot," for the sum of £84 
 sterling, and presented it to them. A rare instance 
 of justice and generosity ; whereby the Trustees 
 evinced that they did not regard the prospect of 
 greater usefulness, (without a reasonable compen- 
 sation to the people,) as alone sufficient to author- 
 ize a dissolution of ministerial obligations. 
 
 From revenues arising chiefly from donations 
 for that particular purpose, the Trustees also built, 
 for the accommodation of Mr. Cutler, a Rector's 
 House, which, with the land, cost £260 sterling.* 
 
 Rector Cutler was popular with the General 
 Assembly, the Clergy, and the Students ; and the 
 College seemed destined, under his judicious gui- 
 dance, to realize the hopes of its founders ; but not- 
 withstanding all these circumstances of outward 
 prosperity, its harmony was soon disturbed by new 
 and unexpected events. At the Commencement in 
 1722, it was discovered that the Rector, one of the 
 Tutors, (Mr. Brown,) and two of the neighboring 
 ministers, (Mr. Johnson of West Haven, and Mr. 
 Wetmore, of North Haven,) "had agreed to leave 
 the communion of the Churches in the Colony of 
 Connecticut, and to go to England for Episcopal 
 ordination." This discovery created great sur- 
 prise in the minds of the people and Trustees, as 
 there was not, at the time, a single clergyman of 
 
 "Clap. p. 31.
 
 38 
 
 the Episcopal order in the Colony,* and but few of 
 the laity inclined to that persuasion. So intimately 
 connected, at that period, were the interests of the 
 Church with the civil government, of the Colony, 
 that on that occasion Governor Saltonstall, a dis- 
 tinguished and learned gentleman, considered the 
 matter of such general importance, "that he public- 
 ly disputed at the Commencement, w ith Mr. Cutler, 
 on the subject of Episcopacy." It need hardly be 
 added, when the sentiments and opinions of the au- 
 dience are considered, " that he was judged by the 
 clergy and spectators in general, to have been supe- 
 rior to Mr. Cutler, as to argument, and that he gave 
 them much satisfaction relative to the subject."t 
 
 In consequence of this discovery, (as was un- 
 doubtedly the expectation of Mr. Cutler,) a disso- 
 lution of the connection between the Rector and 
 College took place. As he had changed his opin- 
 ions, with regard to the religious tenets, to which 
 he had given his assent, when chosen as head of 
 the institution, and as the College was primarily 
 designed to promote the interests of the Presbyte- 
 rian church; his continuance in office, could not 
 have been desirable to either party. 
 
 The Trustees did not, however, proceed with 
 precipitation, but delayed the expression of their 
 resolution, until they had an opportunity to ascer- 
 tain the sentiments of the General Assembly, and 
 the people of the Colony. 
 
 Having effected that object, on the 17th October, 
 1722, among other votes they adopted the following : 
 
 "* Clap and Trumbull. t Clap.
 
 39 
 
 " Voted, That the Trustees, in faithfuhiess to the 
 trust reposed m them; do excuse the Rev. Mr. 
 Cutler from all further service, as Rector of Yale 
 College.* 
 
 " Voted, That the Trustees accept the resigna- 
 tion which Mr. Brown hath made of his office as 
 Tutor. 
 
 " Voted, That all such persons as shall hereafter 
 be elected to the office of Rector or Tutor in this 
 College, shall, before they are accepted therein, 
 before the Trustees, declare their assent to the 
 Confession of Faitli^ owned and assented to by 
 the Elders and Messengers of the Churches in the 
 Colony of Connecticut, assembled by delegation, 
 at Saybrook, September 9, 1708 ; and conffi-med 
 by act of the General Assembly ; and shall partic- 
 ularly give satisfaction to them, of the soundness 
 of their faith, in opposition to Arminian and pre- 
 latical corruptions, or any other of dangerous con- 
 sequence to the purity and peace of our churches. 
 But if it can't be before the Trustees, it shall be in 
 the power of any two Trustees, with the Rector, 
 to examine a Tutor, with respect to the confession 
 and soundness of iiis faith, in opposition to said 
 corruptions. 
 
 "Voted, That upon just ground of suspicion of 
 the Rector or Tutors inclination to Arminian or 
 prelatical principles, a meeting of the Trustees 
 shall be called, as soon as may be, to examine into 
 the case." 
 
 "* Clap, p. 32.
 
 10 
 
 Thus, alter tiio lapse of about three and a half 
 years, the office of Rector again became vacant. 
 
 The loss of Dr. Cutler must have been severely 
 felt, as both his contemporaries, and subsequent 
 writers, who dillered from him in religious creed, 
 have borne honorable testimony to his talents and 
 virtues. 
 
 The writer extracts the following sketch of his 
 character from the appendix to Doctor Holmes' 
 life of President Stiles, p. 387. 
 
 " Doctor Cutler was educated at Harvard Col- 
 lege, in Cambridge, and graduated there in 1701. 
 In the year 1710, he was ordained over a church 
 at Stratford, according to the constitution of the 
 Churches in Connecticut. After his removal from 
 the Rectorate, he went to England, and took E])is- 
 copal orders, and received the degree of Doctor in 
 Divinity, from both the universities of Oxford and 
 Cambridge. He was afterwards Rector of Christ's 
 Church in Boston, and died there in August, 1765. 
 He was a gentleman of superior natural powers 
 and learning; and entertained a high opinion of 
 the constitution of the Churcli of England, and 
 was zealously attached to it.* He was an excellent 
 linguist ; a great Hebrician and Orientalist. He 
 had more knowledge of the Arabic, in Doctor Stiles' 
 judgment, than any man in New England before 
 him, except President Chauncy, and his disciple, 
 the first Mr. Thatcher. He was a good logician, 
 
 * President Clap.
 
 41 
 
 geographer and rhetorician. In the philosophy, 
 and metaphysics, and ethics, of his day, he was 
 great. He spoke Latin with great fluency and 
 dignity, and with great propriety of pronunciation. 
 He was a man of extensive reading in the aca- 
 demic sciences, Divinity, and Ecclesiastical His- 
 tory : and of a commanding presence and dignity 
 in government. He was of a lofty and despotic 
 mien, and made a grand figure at the head of a 
 College."* 
 
 Doctor Dwight states, in his Statistical Account 
 of New Haven, that Doctor Cutler was a native 
 of Charlestown, Massachusetts, and that he died 
 in Boston in 1765, being eighty two years of age. 
 
 After Mr. Cutler's removal, there was no perma- 
 nent resident Rector, for nearly four years. Dur- 
 ing this period, the Trustees, in turns, of about a 
 month each, resided at the College, with the au- 
 thority of Rector. Mr. Andrew presided, and 
 conferred degrees, at the Commencements, in the 
 years 1724, 1725, and 1726. 
 
 It was soon ascertained that this mode of gov- 
 ernment, would not answer the wishes of the Trus- 
 tees ; that ill habits formerly contracted by the 
 Students, were not easily eradicated ; and before 
 the Vice Rector had time to learn by experience 
 how to execute his office to advantage, he resigned 
 his post. 
 
 '* President Stiles' Literary Diary. 
 
 6
 
 42 
 
 During this period, but little occurred affecting 
 the interest of the College, that it is deemed wor- 
 thy of record, except the following. 
 
 In the year 1723, the Trustees sent to Mr. Daniel 
 Turner, of London, a diploma, creating him Doc- 
 tor of Physic. This honor appears to have been 
 the first of the kind bestowed by the College, and 
 in this instance, to have been " conferred in token 
 of their sense of his liberality, in sending to the 
 Library sundry volumes of his own works, on 
 Physic and Chirurgery ; and a collection of other 
 valuable books, principally on the same subject.* 
 
 On the 10th October, 1723, the General Assem- 
 bly passed an act, explanatory of and additional to 
 the Charter, in which it was declared, " That any 
 Trustee might resign his office when he should see 
 cause. That seven Trustees convened at any 
 meeting, properly warned, should be a quorum; 
 and have power to act by a majority then present : 
 and to appoint a clerk to register their acts. That 
 a minister of thirty years of age, might be chosen 
 a Trustee ; and that the Rector should be a Trus- 
 tee ex officio. 
 
 * Clap, p. 31.
 
 43 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Rectorship of the Rev. EUsha Williams. 
 
 The evils resulting from the loose and irrespon- 
 sible system of government, necessarily growing 
 out of monthly changes of Trustees, acting as Vice 
 Rectors ; and probably also, a want of uniformity 
 in Collegiate instruction, arising from the same 
 cause, at length convinced the Trustees, that the 
 reins of executive authority should be confided to a 
 single hand. 
 
 Accordingly, on the 29th September, 1725, they 
 chose the Rev. Elisha Williams, minister of New- 
 ington, a parish of Wethersfield, to be Rector of 
 the College, and appointed Mr. Woodbridge, Mr. 
 Buckingham and Mr. Whitman, to obtain his ac- 
 ceptance thereof* 
 
 On this occasion, the same equitable spirit, 
 that had been manifested by the Trustees, when 
 they solicited the services of Doctor Cutler, 
 governed their conduct. They applied to the 
 General Assembly, requesting them to make satis- 
 faction to the parish of Newington, on account of 
 their minister's removal, and the Assembly accord- 
 ingly released the parish from their County tax for 
 three years. 
 
 * Clap, p. 35.
 
 44 
 
 At the Commencement in 1726, Mr. Andrew 
 still presided, but on the succeeding day, Rector 
 Williams was duly installed in the following man- 
 ner : 
 
 In the Library-room, in the presence of the 
 Trustees, he gave his assent to the Confession of 
 Faith and rules of Church discipline, agreed upon 
 by the Churches of the Colony, in 1708. After 
 dinner he delivered a public oration in the Hall, 
 and the Trustees successively came and saluted 
 him as Rector. 
 
 Soon after the installation of Rector Williams, 
 the condition of the College under his energetic 
 and wise government, began to improve. He sup- 
 pressed the vice and disorder that had so long pre- 
 vailed, introduced many salutary and beneficial 
 rules, and cultivated, among the graver studies, that 
 had before almost exclusively occupied the attention 
 of the Students, who were principally destined for 
 the ministry, a taste for useful and polite literature. 
 During the administration of Rector Williams, 
 many distinguished men w ere educated at the insti- 
 tution. Among them, may be mentioned, as better 
 known to fame, of the Clergy, Eleazer Wheelock, 
 S. T. D. President and Founder of Dartmouth 
 College ; Rev. Aaron Burr, President of Nassau 
 College ; Joseph Bellamy, S. T. D. of Connecticut. 
 Of Civilians, Chief Justice Eliphalet Dyer of Con- 
 necticut ; Philip Livingston, of New York, one of 
 the committee appointed to draft the Declaration of 
 American Independence, and William Livingston 
 Covernor of New Jersey. 
 
 4« 
 
 ft'
 
 45 
 
 During his adininistraiion also, various important 
 additions were made to the funds and property of 
 the College. Among them, was a grant of fifteen 
 hundred acres of land, made by the General Assem- 
 bly, in October 1732; and for which a confirmatory 
 patent was issued. May 16, 1741. 
 
 But the most munificent benefactor of the Col- 
 lege, at this period, was the celebrated Doctor 
 George Berkeley, then Dean of Derry in Ireland, 
 afterwards Bishop of Cloyne. He came to North 
 America, in order to found an Episcopal College, 
 and resided for a year or two at Newport, in Rhode 
 Island, where he purchased a country seat and 
 ninety six acres of land. 
 
 During his residence there, he became acquaint- 
 ed with the Rev. Jared Elliot, of Killingworth, one 
 of the Trustees, the Rev. Samuel Johnson, Epis- 
 copal minister at Stratford, and other gentlemen, 
 who informed him of the state and character of the 
 College. Their information, together with a cor- 
 respondence with Rector Williams, on the subject, 
 were the occasions of his generous donations. 
 
 While he resided at Newport, he presented to 
 the College a copy of his own works, and having 
 abandoned the design of founding a College in 
 North America, returned to London. In the year 
 1732, he sent a deed of his farm at Rhode Island, 
 to the College, but owing to some descriptions and 
 conditions contained in it, not adapted to the state 
 of the College, he sent the next year another deed, 
 in which the terms of the gift were specifically 
 stated. They were in substance as follows :
 
 46 
 
 1st. That the rents of the farm should be appro- 
 priated to the maintenance of the three best schol- 
 ars in Greek and Latin, who should reside at 
 College, at least nine months in a year, in each of 
 the three years, between their first and second de- 
 grees. 
 
 2d. That on the sixth day of May, annually, or 
 in case that should be Sunday, on the seventh, the 
 candidates should be publicly examined, by the 
 President or Rector, and the senior Episcopal 
 Missionary, within the Colony, who should be then 
 present. And in case none should be present, then 
 by the President only. 
 
 3d. In case the President and senior Missionary 
 should not agree in their sentiments, who were the 
 best scholars, the case should be determined by lot. 
 
 4th. That all surplus money, which should hap- 
 pen by any vacancies, should be distributed in 
 Greek and Latin books, to such under graduate 
 Students, as should make the best composition or 
 declamation, in the Latin tongue, upon such a moral 
 theme as should be given them. 
 
 " This premium," observes President Clap, " has 
 been a great incitement to a laudable ambition to 
 excel in the knowledge of the Classics." So far, 
 however, as the writer's knowledge extends, the 
 experience of more modern times has not realized 
 the expectations formed from this benefaction. 
 
 But a more valuable donation, made to the 
 College, by their disinterested benefactor. Doctor 
 Berkeley, was a collection of books, " the finest, (as
 
 47 
 
 President Clap says,) that ever came together at one 
 time into America." " The number was near one 
 thousand volumes, (including those which he had 
 sent before,) whereof two hundred and sixty were 
 folios, and generally very large. It was supposed 
 to have cost at least, £400 sterling, which was con- 
 tributed partly by Doctor Berkeley, but principally 
 by his procurement, by "some generous gentlemen 
 in England." 
 
 At the time of the receipt of the books, and re- 
 peatedly afterwards, the Trustees expressed to 
 Doctor Berkeley, their grateful sense of his gene- 
 rosity, and he has continued to occupy an exalted 
 place in the affections and respect of their suc- 
 cessors. 
 
 In closing this brief notice of the splendid liber- 
 ality of Doctor Berkeley, it may be remarked, that 
 the fostering regard thus shown, by a distinguished 
 prelate of the Episcopal Church, for the prosperity 
 of the College, so soon after the dismission of Doc- 
 tor Cutler, furnishes strong evidence, that the con- 
 duct of the Trustees on that occasion had not been 
 construed by liberal men, to the prejudice of the in- 
 stitution, and the ready zeal of the Rev. Mr. Johnson, 
 of Stratford, who accompanied Doctor Cutler to Eng- 
 land, in producing these benefactions, furnishes 
 honorable and confirmatory proof of the same fact. 
 It was known that some religious creed must neces- 
 sarily be connected with the government of every 
 well ordered institution, and they were not disposed 
 to sacrifice the interests of learninix, because Yale
 
 48 
 
 College had adopted that which was professed by 
 nearly the whole population of the Colony. 
 
 The circumstances of the gift, however, confer 
 additional lustre on the character of Doctor Berke- 
 ley, by placing his beneficence above the selfish 
 considerations of sectarianism. The noble exam- 
 ple of the father, was afterwards copied by his son, 
 the Rev. Doctor Berkeley, of St. Andrews, of whom 
 history records, " that in the work of beneficence, 
 he knew neither sect nor party ; but administered 
 his bounty equally to Nonjurors and Episcopal- 
 ians."* 
 
 But to return to our narrative. Rector Williams, 
 after having discharged his official duties for about 
 thirteen years, with honorable fidelity and talents, 
 and when the College was prospering under his 
 judicious guidance, at length found, that " the sea 
 air, and southerly winds at New Haven, had so far 
 impaired his health, as to incapacitate him at times 
 for business ;',' he therefore resolved to resign his 
 office. This he accordingly did, on the 31st Octo- 
 ber, 1739; on which occasion, the Trustees bore 
 honorable testimony to his worth, by returning him 
 " their hearty thanks for his good service to the 
 College:' 
 
 The character and life of Rector Williams, fur- 
 nish a beautiful illustration of the times in which 
 he lived. The sons of the Pilgrims, were then 
 laying the broad foundations of a future empire ; 
 
 " Percy Anecdotes.
 
 49 
 
 and in their pursuits and extended range of thoughts 
 and occupations, they were rather governed by 
 their anticipations of the future, than by present 
 circumstances. Talents and not money, became 
 the current circulation, and were sought for, and 
 cherished wherever discovered. In the constant 
 changes going on in new colonies, educated men 
 could not confine themselves to single branches, 
 but were obliged to learn every thing, that might 
 conduce to present security or future prosperity. 
 
 Rector Williams was born at Hatfield, and edu- 
 cated at Harvard College, Massachusetts, where 
 he was graduated in the year 1711. He qualified 
 himself for the ministry, and was settled as pastor, 
 over Newington parish, in Wethersfield. He was 
 withdrawn from his pastoral charge in 1726, by 
 accepting the Presidency of Yale College. He 
 continued in the active and honorable performance 
 of the arduous duties of that station, for thirteen 
 years, when he resigned in consequence of ill health 
 in 1739. 
 
 After his resignation, he resided on his own 
 estate, in Wethersfield, probably engaged in agri- 
 cultural pursuits. He was successively chosen and 
 served, as a member of the House of Representa- 
 tives, Speaker of the House, and a Judge of the 
 Superior Court. 
 
 Having thus attained to the highest distinctions 
 
 in ministerial, collegiate, legislative and judicial 
 
 employment, he was induced to resume his clerical 
 
 functions, but blended with a new employment; 
 
 7
 
 50 
 
 and in 1745, went as chaplain in the army, in the 
 celebrated expedition against Cape Breton. 
 
 Talents so versatile, united with such varied and 
 extensive iaiformation, as he possessed, advanced 
 him soon in military rank, and in 1746, he was ap- 
 pointed Colonel of a Regiment, on a proposed ex- 
 pedition against Canada. 
 
 A few years afterwards, he went to England as 
 an agent, to obtain the pay due to himself and 
 Regiment. He there cultivated an acquaintance 
 and intimacy, with many gentlemen of distinction ; 
 and after marrying a lady of superior accomplish- 
 ments, returned to his seat in Wethersfield. 
 
 He died at Wethersfield, July 24, 1755, aged 
 sixty one years. So great a variety of honorable 
 occupations, successfully discharged by a"n individ- 
 ual, is rarely recorded in the history of man. 
 
 His virtues and talents won the applause both 
 of European and American biographers. 
 
 Doctor Doddridge, who was intimately acquaint- 
 ed with him, in England, bestowed upon him this 
 beautiful and comprehensive eulogy. 
 
 " I look upon Colonel Williams to be one of the 
 most valuable men upon earth. He has joined to 
 an ardent sense of religion, solid learning, consum- 
 mate prudence, great candor, and sweetness of 
 temper, and a certain nobleness of soul, capable of 
 contriving and acting the greatest things, without 
 seeming to be conscious of having done them." 
 
 An American writer says of him, " He was a 
 good classical scholar, well versed in logic, meta-
 
 51 
 
 physics and ethics, and in rhetoric and oratory. 
 He presided at Commencement with great honor. 
 He spoke Latin freely, and dehvered orations 
 gracefully, and with animated dignity."* 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Lockwood, who delivered a funer- 
 al sermon at his death, says of his character as 
 President, " He presided with wisdom, gravity and 
 authority; applied himself with care and assiduity, 
 to guard and secure the Students, both from what- 
 ever might blemish and wound their moral charac- 
 ters, and from errors and mistakes in matters of 
 religion; and to form their minds, not only to use- 
 ful knowlege and learning, but to virtue and real 
 piety." 
 
 * Stiles' Literary Diary. 

 
 52 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Rectorship and Presidency of the Rev. Thomas Clap. 
 
 The state of Rector Williams' health, for a con- 
 siderable time previous to his resignation, had pre- 
 pared the Trustees for that event, and enabled them 
 therefore, to appoint a successor, without delay. 
 In the selection made, the influence of Rector 
 Williams, who enjoyed the confidence and esteem . 
 of the Trustees, and had given stability and repu- 
 tation to the College, was undoubtedly fully exert- 
 ed ; as he must have felt, that his own honorable 
 fame was in a great degree, connected with the 
 reputation of an institution, that had flourished so 
 much under his judicious guidance. 
 
 On the day, therefore, of the resignation of Rec- 
 tor Williams, the Rev. Thomas Clop^ minister of 
 Windham, was chosen Rector, and the Rev. Eben- 
 ezer Williams and Samuel Woodbridge, were ap^ 
 pointed to treat with him and his people, in order 
 to obtain his acceptance of the office. 
 
 " The History of Yale College," published by 
 this learned gentleman, in the year 1766, to which 
 the compiler of this essay is indebted, for the most 
 important facts, in relation to the early history of 
 the College, will constitute almost his exclusive 
 guide, during his Presidency. Indeed, with the
 
 53 
 
 exception of some minute particulars, which will be 
 omitted, as uninteresting, in a general history of 
 the College, his narration will be chiefly adopted, 
 both in style and matter. 
 
 The people of Windham, whose attachments to 
 Mr. Clap, based as they were on the excellence of 
 his pastoral character, and his superior learning, 
 were naturally strong, could not easily be persuad- 
 ed to part with their minister. The matter was, 
 however, referred to a council of the Churches in 
 the county, who after a public hearing, advised his 
 immediate acceptance of the office of Rector. 
 
 " At a meeting of the Trustees, on the 2d day 
 of April following, he was installed in the following 
 manner, viz. He gave his consent to the Confession 
 of Faith, and rules of Church Discipline, agreed 
 upon by the Churches in the Colony of Connec- 
 ticut, assembled by delegation, at Saybrook, in 
 1708 ; and gave satisfaction as to the soundness of 
 his principles, according to the act of the Trustees. 
 Then they went into the Hall; the Rev. Mr. 
 Whitman, the Moderator, began with prayer; and 
 one of the Students made an oration proper for the 
 occasion. Then the Moderator made a speech in 
 Latin, wherein he committed the care of instruct- 
 ing and governing the College, to the Rector ; and 
 he concluded the whole with an oration." 
 
 •The Legislature, on this occasion also, made 
 compensation to the people of Windham, for the 
 loss of their Pastor, the value of which was ascer- 
 tained by a singular rule of computation. The
 
 54 
 
 Trustees of College, and the Committee of the 
 Society, agreed to refer it to three members of 
 the General Assembly, to ascertain the amount. 
 " Those gentlemen were of opinion, that inasmuch 
 as Mr. Clap had been in the ministry at Windham, 
 fourteen years, which was about half the time 
 ministers in general continue in their public work; 
 the people ought to have half so much as they 
 gave him for a settlement ; which upon computa- 
 tion, was about fifty three pounds sterling." On 
 application of the Trustees, the General Assem- 
 bly readily granted that sum to the people of 
 Windham. 
 
 Rector Clap entered upon the duties of his 
 office, with the zeal and ability that were expected 
 from his character. His first business was, to give 
 stability and uniformity to Collegiate government, 
 by drawing up, at the request of the Trustees, a 
 body of academic laws. These were compiled, 
 partly from the ancient laws and statutes of the 
 College, partly from important customs that had 
 obtained, partly from the laws of Harvard College, 
 and partly from the statutes of the University of 
 Oxford. Some few new laws were added. 
 
 This body of laws, after minute examination by 
 the individual members, was adopted by the Board 
 of Trustees, in 1745, and subsequently translated 
 into Latin, and printed, in 1748. 
 
 About the same time, the Rector collected under 
 proper heads, all the customs of College, which 
 had been established by practice, and which form 
 ed as large a volume as the statutes.
 
 55 
 
 By adopting this wise course, the Rules of Col- 
 lege became known, and the government was ren- 
 dered more steady and uniform, and less arbitrary. 
 
 Soon after Rector Clap's induction into office, 
 in 1742, he perceived that the Students were de- 
 prived of much of the benefit and advantage of the 
 library, for want of a proper catalogue of the 
 books. This defect he remedied, by correctly ar- 
 ranging and numbering the books, assigning, 
 however, in special honor of Doctor Berkeley, a 
 separate place for those composing his donation. 
 He then prepared three catalogues, referring by 
 figures to the place and number of each book. 
 One catalogue specified the books, as they stood in 
 proper order on the shelves; another, in alpha- 
 betical order; and the third, designated the most 
 valuable books, under proper heads, according to 
 their subject matter. 
 
 By means of these catalogues, the Students were 
 not only furnished with ready guides to any par- 
 ticular books, but their attention was also directed 
 to the best authors, on particular branches of 
 science. The publication of the catalogue, proved 
 very beneficial to the Students. 
 
 About this time, the General Assembly augment- 
 ed their annual grant to the College, so that they 
 were enabled to support three Tutors, one to each 
 class, including the Rector. 
 
 This increase of instructors had an immediate 
 influence on the ju'osperity of the institution, as 
 before, one Tutor had been obliged to attend to 
 two classes, and sometimes more.
 
 56 
 
 As the College increased in reputation and im- 
 portance, defects were discovered in its laws and 
 Charter, and the names of those intrusted with its 
 government were not considered as appropriate to 
 an institution in " a mature and perfect state." 
 
 " The Rector therefore, drew up a draught of a 
 new Charter, wherein the Trustees were incorpo- 
 rated by the name of " The President and Fel- 
 lows of Yale College in New Haven.''"' This draft 
 was revised by the Honorable Thomas Fitch., Esq. 
 and approved by the Trustees, and by them order- 
 ed to be presented to the Honorable the General 
 Assembly, for their sanction ; which was obtained 
 in May following ; and is as follows : viz. 
 
 " By the Governor and Company of His Majes- 
 ty'' s Colony of Connecticut., in New England^ 
 in America. 
 
 " An Act for the more full and complete Establishment of Yale 
 College, in New Haven, and for enlarging the Powers and 
 Privileges thereof. 
 
 " Whereas, upon the Petition of several well 
 disposed and public spirited persons, expressing 
 their desire, that full liberty and privilege might be 
 granted unto certain Undertakers, for the found- 
 ing, suitably endowing and ordering, a Collegiate 
 School, within this Colony, wherein youth might 
 be instructed in the Arts and Sciences; the Gov- 
 ernor and Company of the said Colony, in General 
 Court assembled at New Haven, on the 9th day of 
 October, in the year of our Lord one thousand
 
 57 
 
 seven hundred and one, granted unto the Reverend 
 Messrs. James Noyes, Israel Chauney, Thomas 
 Buckingham^ Abraham Pierson, Samuel Mather^ 
 Samuel Andrew^ Timothy Woodbridge, James 
 Pierpont^ Noadiah Russell, and Joseph Webb, 
 who were proposed to stand as Trustees, Partners, 
 or Undertakers, for the said Society, and to their 
 successors, full liberty, right and privilege, to erect, 
 form, direct, order, establish, improve, and at all 
 times, in all suitable ways, to encourage the said 
 School, in some convenient place in this Colony ; 
 and granted sundry powers and privileges, for at- 
 taining the end aforesaid. 
 
 " And whereas, the said Trustees, Partners or 
 Undertakers, in pursuance of the aforesaid grant, 
 liberty and licence, founded a Collegiate School at 
 New Haven, known by the name of Yale Col- 
 lege; which has received the favorable benefac- 
 tions of many liberal and piously disposed persons, 
 and under the blessing of Almighty God, has train- 
 ed up many worthy persons for the service of God, 
 in the State as well as in the Church. 
 
 " And whereas the General Court of this Colony 
 assembled at New Haven, the tenth day of Octo- 
 ber, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven 
 hundred and twenty three, did explain and enlarge 
 the aforesaid powers and privileges, granted to the 
 aforesaid Partners, Trustees, or Undertakers, and 
 their successors, for the purpose aforesaid ; as by 
 the respective acts, reference thereto being had, 
 more fully and at large may appear. 
 8
 
 58 
 
 " And whereas, the Rev. Messrs. Thomas Clap, 
 Samuel Whitman, Jared Eliot, Ehenezer Wil- 
 liams, Jonathan Marsh, Samuel Cooke, Samuel 
 Whittelsey, Joseph Noyes, Anthony Stoddard, 
 Benjamin Lord, and Daniel Wadsworth, the 
 present Trustees, Partners and Undertakers of the 
 said School, and successors of those before men- 
 tioned ; have petitioned, That the said School, with 
 all the rights, powers, privileges and interests 
 thereof, may be confirmed; and that such other 
 additional powers and privileges may be granted, 
 as shall be necessary for the ordering and manag- 
 ing the said School, in the most advantageous and 
 beneficial manner, for the promoting all good lite- 
 rature, in the present and succeeding generations. 
 Therefore, 
 
 " The Governor and Company of his Majesty's 
 said English Colony of Connecticut, in General 
 Court assembled, this ninth day of May, in the 
 year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and 
 forty five, enact, ordain, and declare, and by these 
 presents it is enacted, ordained and declared ; 
 
 " I. That the said Thomas Clap, Samuel Whit- 
 man, Jared Eliot, Ehenezer Williams, Jonathan 
 Marsh, Samuel Cooke, Samuel Whittelsey, Joseph 
 Noyes, Anthony Stoddard, l^enjamin Lord, and 
 Daniel Wadsworth, shall be an hicorporate Soci- 
 ety, or Body Corporate and Politic; and shall 
 hereafter be called and known by the name of, 
 The President and Fellows of Yale College in 
 New Haven, and that by the same name, they and
 
 59 
 
 their successors shall and may have perpetual suc- 
 cession ; and shall and may be persons capable in 
 the law, to plead and be impleaded, defend and be 
 defended, and answer and be answered unto ; and 
 also to have, take, possess, acquire, purchase, or 
 otherwise receive, lands, tenements, hereditaments, 
 Goods, Chattels, or other estates, and the same 
 lands, tenements, hereditaments, goods, chattels, or 
 other estates, to grant, demise, lease, use, manage 
 or improve, for the good and benefit of the said 
 College, according to the tenor of the donation and 
 their discretion. 
 
 " II. That all gifts, grants, bequests and dona- 
 tions, of lands, tenements, or hereditaments, goods 
 and chattels, heretofore made to, or for the use, 
 benefit, and advantage of the Collegiate School 
 aforesaid, whether the same be expressed to be 
 made to the President or Rector, and to the rest of 
 the incorporated Society of Yale College^ or to the 
 Trustees or Undertakers of the Collegiate School 
 in New Haven, or to the Trustees, by any other 
 name, stile, or title whatsoever, whereby it may be 
 clearly known and understood, that the true intent 
 and design of such gifts, grants, bequests and 
 donations, was to and for the use, benefit and ad- 
 vantage of the Collegiate School aforesaid, and to 
 be under the care and disposal of the governors 
 thereof, shall be confirmed, and the same hereby 
 are confirmed, and shall be and remain to, and be 
 vested in the President and Fellows of the College 
 aforesaid, and their successors, as to the true and 
 lawful successors of the original Grantees.
 
 60 
 
 " III. That the said President and Fellows, and 
 their successors, shall and may hereafter have a 
 common seal, to serve and use for all causes, mat- 
 ters and affairs of them and their successors ; and 
 the same seal to alter, break, and make new, as 
 they shall think fit. 
 
 " IV. That the said Thomas Clap shall be, and 
 he is hereby established the present President, 
 and the said Samuel Whitman, Jared Eliot, Ehen- 
 ezer Williams, Jonathan Marsh, Samuel Cooke, 
 Samuel Whittlesey, Joseph Noyes, Anthony Stod- 
 dard, Benjamin Lord, and Daniel Wadsworth 
 shall be, and they are hereby established the pres- 
 ent Fellows of the said College ; and that they 
 and their successors shall continue in their respect- 
 ive places during life, or until they or either of 
 them, shall resign, or be removed or displaced, as 
 in this act is hereafter expressed. 
 
 "V. That there shall be a general meeting of 
 the President and Fellows of said College, in the 
 College Library, on the second Wednesday of 
 September annually, or at any other time and place 
 which they shall see cause to appoint, to consult, 
 advise, act in and about the affairs and business of 
 the said College ; and that on any special emer- 
 gency, the President and two of the Fellows, or 
 any four of the Fellows, may appoint a meeting at 
 the said College, provided they give notice thereof 
 to the rest, by letters sent [and left with them, or 
 at the places of their respective abodes, five days 
 before such meeting ; and that the President and
 
 61 
 
 six Fellows, or in case of the death, absence, or 
 incapacity of the President, seven Fellows, con- 
 vened as aforesaid, (in which case the eldest Fel- 
 low shall preside,) shall be deemed a meeting of 
 the President and Fellows of said College, and 
 that in all the said meetings, the major vote of the 
 members present shall be deemed the act of the 
 whole ,• and where an equivote happens, the Presi- 
 dent shall have a casting vote. 
 
 " VI. That the President and Fellows of the 
 said College, and their successors, in any of their 
 meetings, assembled as aforesaid, shall and may, 
 from time to time, as occasion shall require, elect 
 and appoint a President or Fellow, in the room 
 and place of any President or Fellow who shall 
 die, resign, or be removed from his office, place or 
 trust ; whom the said Governor and Company 
 hereby declare, for any misdemeanor, unfaithful- 
 ness, default, or incapacity, shall be removable by 
 the President and Fellows of the said College; 
 six of them, a least, concurring in such act. And 
 shall have power to appoint a Scribe or Register, 
 a Treasurer, Tutors, Professors, Steward, and all 
 such other officers and servants, usually appointed 
 in Colleges or Universities, as they shall find ne- 
 cessary, and think fit to appoint; for the promoting 
 good literature, and the well ordering and manag- 
 ing the affairs of said College ; and them, or any 
 of them, at their discretion, to remove; and to 
 prescribe and administer such forms of oaths, (not 
 being contrary to the laws of England, or of this
 
 62 
 
 Colony,) as they shall think proper, to be adminis- 
 tered to all those officers and instructors of the 
 said College, or to such, and so many of them as 
 they shall think proper, for the faithful execution 
 of their respective places, offices and trusts. 
 
 " VII. That the present President and Fellows 
 of said College, and their successors, and all such 
 Tutors, Professors, and other officers, as shall be 
 appointed for the public instruction and govern- 
 ment of said College, before they undertake the 
 execution of their respective offices and trusts, or 
 within three months after, shall publicly, in the 
 College Hall, take the oaths and subscribe the 
 declaration appointed by an act of Parliament, 
 made in the first year of King George the first ; 
 entitled, A?t Act for the further security of his 
 Majestifs Person and Government^ and the suc- 
 cession of the Crown in the Heirs of the late 
 Princess Sophia, being Protestants ; and for ex- 
 tinguishing the hopes of the pretended Prince of 
 Wales, and his open and secret Abettors ; that is 
 to say, the President before the governor. Deputy 
 Governor, or any two of the assistants of this 
 Colony, for the time being ; and the Fellows, Tu- 
 tors, and other officers, before the President, for 
 the time being ; who is hereby impowered to ad- 
 minister the same. An entry of all which shall be 
 made in the records of said College. 
 
 " VIII. That the President and Fellows shall 
 have the government, care and management of the 
 said College ; and all the matters and affairs there-
 
 63 
 
 unto belonging ; and shall have power, from time 
 to time, as occasion shall require, to make, ordain, 
 and establish, all such wholesome and reasonable 
 laws, rules and ordinances, not repugnant to the 
 laws of England, nor the laws of this Colony, as 
 they shall think fit and proper, for the instruction 
 and education of the Students, and ordering, gov- 
 erning, ruling and managing the said College, and 
 all matters, affairs and things, thereunto belonging, 
 and the same to repeal and alter, as they shall 
 think fit ; which shall be laid before this Assembly, 
 as often as required, and may also be repealed or 
 disallowed by this assembly, when they shall think 
 proper. 
 
 " IX. That the President of said College with 
 the consent of the Fellows, shall have power to 
 give and confer, all such honors, degrees or licen- 
 ces, as are usually given in Colleges or Universi- 
 ties, upon such as they shall think worthy thereof. 
 
 " X. That all the lands and rateable estate be- 
 longing to the said College, not exceeding the 
 yearly value of five hundred pounds sterling, lying 
 in this government, and the persons, families and 
 estates of the President and Professors, lying in 
 and being in the town of New Haven, and the 
 persons of the Tutors, Students, and such and so 
 many of the servants of said College, as give their 
 constant attendance on the business of it, shall be 
 freed and exempted from all rates, taxes, military 
 service, working at highways, and such other like 
 duties and services.
 
 64 
 
 " XI. And for the special encouragement and 
 support of said College, this Assembly do hereby 
 grant unto the said President and Fellows, and 
 their successors, for the use of the said College, in 
 lieu of all former grants, one hundred pounds silver 
 money, at the rate of six shillings and eight pence 
 per ounce, to be paid in bills of public credit, or 
 other currency, equivalent to the said hundred 
 pounds, (the rate ©rvalue thereof to be stated from 
 time to time by this Assembly,) in two equal pay- 
 ments, in October and May annually. This pay- 
 ment to continue during the pleasure of this As- 
 sembly. 
 
 " In full Testimony and confirmation of this 
 grant, and all the articles and matters therein con- 
 tained, the said Governor and Company do hereby 
 order, that this act shaH be signed by the Governor 
 and Secretary ; and sealed with the public seal of 
 this Colony : and t!^t the same, or a duplicate or 
 exemplification thereof, shall be a sufficient warrant 
 to the said President and Fellows, to hold, use and 
 exercise all the powers and privileges therein men- 
 tioned and contained. 
 
 " JoNTH. Law, Governor. 
 
 " By order of the said Governor and Company, in General 
 Court assembled. 
 
 '''•George Wyllys^ Secretary." 
 
 This Charter greatly improved the condition of 
 the College, and several valuable donations from 
 individuals and the General Assembly, enabled the
 
 65 
 
 Corporation to extend and perfect their system of 
 instruction. In the year 1747, the number of 
 Students had increased to about one hundred and 
 twenty, and in consequence of the inadequate ex- 
 tent of the buildings, more than one half were 
 compelled to live out of the College. To correct 
 that inconvenience the President projected a 
 scheme for raising a sum of money, by means of 
 a Lottery, for building a new College house. A 
 grant, for that purpose, was obtained of the Gen- 
 eral Assembly, in May, 1747, and by means of it 
 £500 sterling, clear of all charges, was raised. 
 
 Having obtained this accession to their funds, 
 the foundation of the new College house was laid, 
 April 17th, 1750, and the outside was jfinished in 
 September, 1752. 
 
 The building, as originally constructed, was one 
 hundred feet long, forty feet wide, and three sto- 
 ries high, with a cellar under the whole. It was 
 built of brick, and contained thirty two chambers 
 and sixty four studies. 
 
 This is the only College edifice, of that period, 
 that now remains, and even this has been essen- 
 tially altered and enlarged by the addition of a 
 fourth story. It is known, in the language of 
 direction now used by the Students, as the South 
 Middle College. 
 
 The outside of the house having been finished, 
 the President and Fellows, at the Commencement 
 in 1752, ordered that the new College be called 
 and named Connecticut Hall, and then walked, in 
 
 9
 
 66 
 
 procession into it, and the Beadle, by order, made 
 the following declaration. 
 
 " Cum c ProvidentifE Dimna Favorc, per Col- 
 onize Connecticutensis Munificentiam graiissim- 
 am, hoc novum Edfjiciutn Academicunu Funda- 
 tum et Erectum fiierit ; in perpetuam tantce 
 Generositatis Memoriam^ JEdes Ikec nitida et 
 splendida., Aula Connecticutensis nuncupetur. 
 
 " In English thus ; Whereas through the favor 
 of Divine Providence, this new College house has 
 been built, by the munificence of the Colony of 
 Connecticut ; in perpetual commemoration of so 
 great generosity, this neat and decent building 
 shall be called Connecticut HalV 
 
 The necessity of erecting the building was 
 manifested in a striking manner, as upon its com- 
 pletion it was found that, in consequence of the 
 growing popularity of the College, under the 
 judicious government of President Clap, the num- 
 ber of Students had increased to more than one 
 hundred and seventy, and that both houses were 
 insufficient for their accommodation. 
 
 The College being in this agreeable and pros- 
 perous state, the attention of the Corporation was 
 directed, with greater earnestness, towards the 
 religious instruction of the pupils. 
 
 They had voted, in the year 174G, " That they 
 would choose a public Professor of Divinity in the 
 College, as soon as thoy could procure a sufficient 
 support." In the year 1752, the necessity appear- 
 ing to be greater, they voted, " That a Professor of
 
 67 
 
 Divinity in the College would be, upon all accounts 
 advantageous, and therefore resolved^ that they 
 would endeavor to get a support for such a Profes- 
 sor, as soon as may be ; by all such ways and 
 means as prudence should direct : and afterwards 
 ordered, that one half of the College lands in the 
 County of Litchfield, should be leased out for that 
 purpose." 
 
 In October, 1753, the General Assembly resolv- 
 ed, " that one principal end proposed, in erecting 
 the College, was to supply the Churches in this 
 Colony, with a learned, pious and orthodox min- 
 istry ; to which end, it was requisite that the Stu- 
 dents of the College should have the best instruc- 
 tions in Divinity, and the best patterns of preaching 
 set before them. And that the settling a learned, 
 pious, and orthodox Professor of Divinity in the 
 College, would greatly tend to promote that good 
 end and design. And therefore recommended a 
 general contribution to be made in all religious 
 societies in the Colony, for that purpose." 
 
 At the request of the Corporation, and in pur- 
 suance of the advice of the General Association, 
 the President, with the assistance of sundry minis- 
 ters, performed the duty of a Professor of Divinity, 
 by preaching to the Students in the College hall, 
 on the Lord's Day, until a special appointment 
 was made. 
 
 To preserve and secure the religion of the 
 College upon its original foundation and Constitu- 
 tion, the following act was passed.
 
 68 
 
 " At a meeting of the President and Fellows of 
 Yale College, November 21, 1753 ; present, the 
 Rev. Mr. Thomas Clap, President ; the Reverend 
 Messrs. Jared Eliot, Joseph Noyes, Anthony 
 Stodfhird, Benjamin Lord, William Russet, 
 Thomas Ruggles, Solomon Williams, Noah 
 Hohart. 
 
 " Whereas the principal design of the pious 
 Founders of this College, was to educate and train 
 up youth for the ministry, in the Churches of this 
 Colony, according to the doctrine, discipline and 
 mode of worship received and practiced in them ; 
 and they particularly ordered, that the Students 
 should be established in the principles of religion, 
 and grounded in polemical divinity, according to 
 the Assembly's Catechism, Dr. Ames'' Medulla, 
 and Cases of Conscience, and that special care 
 should be taken, in the education of Students, not 
 to suffer them to be instructed in any difierent 
 principles or doctrines; and that all proper meas- 
 ures should be taken, to promote the powder and 
 purity of rehgion, and the best edification and 
 peace of these Churches. 
 
 '' We, the successors of the said founders, being 
 in our own judgments, of the same principles in 
 religion with our predecessors, and esteeming our- 
 selves bound in fidelity to the trust committed to 
 us, to carry on the same design, and improve all 
 the College estate descended to us, for the purposes 
 for which it was given, do explicitly and fully re- 
 solve, as follows, viz.
 
 69 
 
 " 1. That the Scriptures of the Old and New 
 Testaments are the only rule of faith and practice 
 in all matters of religion, and the standard by 
 which all doctrines, principles and practices in 
 religion are to be tried and judged. 
 
 " 2. That the Assembly's Catechism, and the 
 Confession of Faith, received and established in 
 the Churches of this Colony, (which is an abridge- 
 ment of the Westminister Confession,) contain a 
 true and just summary of the most important doc- 
 trines of the Christian religion ; and that the true 
 sense of the sacred Scriptures is justly collected 
 and summed up in these compositions ; and all ex- 
 positions of Scripture, pretending to deduce any 
 doctrines or positions, contrary to the doctrines laid 
 down in these composures, we are of opinion are 
 wrong and erroneous. 
 
 " 3. If any doubt or dispute should happen to 
 arise about the true meaning and sense of any par- 
 ticular terms or phrases in the said composures, 
 they shall be understood and taken in the same 
 sense in which such terms and phrases have been 
 generally used in the writings of Protestant divines, 
 and especially in their public Confessions of Faith. 
 
 " 4. That we will always take ail proper and 
 reasonable measures, such as Christian prudence 
 shall direct, to continue and propagate the doc- 
 trines contained in these summaries of religion, in 
 this College, and transmit them to all fiiture suc- 
 cessions and generations ; and to use the like 
 measures to prevent the contrary doctrines from 
 prevailing in this Society.
 
 70 
 
 ''5. That every person who shall hereafter be 
 chosen a President, Fellow, Professor of Divinity, 
 or Tutor, in this College, shall, before he enters 
 upon the execution of his office, publicly give his 
 consent to the said Catechism and Confession, of 
 Faith^ as containing a just summary of Christian 
 religion, as before expressed ; and renounce all 
 doctrines or principlos contrary thereunto ; and 
 shall pass through such an examination as the Cor- 
 poration shall think proper, in order to their being 
 fully satisfied that he shall do it truly, without any 
 evasion or equivocation. 
 
 " 6. That since every such officer is admitted 
 into his post upon the condition aforesaid, if he 
 shall afterwards change his sentiments, entertain 
 any contrary set of principles or scheme of religion, 
 and disbelieve the doctrines contained in the said 
 Catechism or Confession of Faith, he cannot, con- 
 sistent with common honesty and fidelity, continue 
 in his post, but is bound to resign it. 
 
 '"'' 7. That when it is suspected, by any of the 
 Corporation, that any such officer has fallen from 
 the profession of his faith, as before mentioned, and 
 is gone into any contrary scheme of principles, he 
 shall be examined by the Corporation. 
 
 " 8. That inasmuch as it is especially necessary, 
 that a Professor of Divinity should be sound in the 
 faith ; besides the common tests, before mentioned, 
 he shall publicly exhibit a full confession of his 
 faith, drawn up by him in his own words and phrases, 
 and shall, in full and express terms, renounce all
 
 71 
 
 such errors as shall, in any considerable measure, 
 prevail at the time of his introduction. And if any 
 doubt or question should arise, about any doctrine 
 or position, whether it be truth or error, it shall be 
 judged by the word of God, taken in that sense of 
 it which is contained and declared in the said Cate- 
 chism and Confession of Faith ; as being a just ex- 
 position of the Word of God, in those doctrines or 
 articles which are contained in them. 
 
 " 9. That every person who shall be chosen Pres- 
 ident, Fellow, Professor of Divinity, or Tutor, in 
 this College, shall give his consent to the rules of 
 Church Discipline, established in the Ecclesiastical 
 Constitution of the Churches of this Colony : it 
 being understood that our Ecclesiastical Constitu- 
 tion may admit of additions or alterations, in such 
 circumstances, as according to our Confession of 
 Faith, are to be regulated by the light of nature, 
 and the rules of Christian prudence. And it is 
 especially declared, that if any person shall deny 
 the validity of the ordination of the ministers of 
 this Colony, commonly called Presbyterian, or 
 Congregational, or shall hold, that it is necessary 
 or convenient that such ministers should be reor- 
 dained, in order to render their administration valid, 
 it shall be deemed an essential departure from our 
 Ecclesiastical Constitution ; and inconsistent with 
 the intentions of the founders of this College, that 
 such a person should be chosen an officer in it. 
 
 " 10. Yet, we would suppose, that it is not incon- 
 sistent with the general design of the Founders,
 
 72 
 
 and is agreeable to our own inclinations, to admit 
 Protestants of all denominations to send their chil- 
 dren to receive the advantages of an education in 
 this College : provided that while they are here, 
 they conform to all the laws and orders of it." 
 
 In conformity to the preceding act, the Fellows 
 were required publicly to give their consent to the 
 Catechism and Confession of Faith, in this 
 formula. 
 
 " I, A. B. being chosen a Felloic of Yale Col- 
 lege, do hereby declare, that I believe that the 
 AssemMy''s Catechism, and the Confession of 
 Faith, received and established in the Churches of 
 this Colony, and in this College, contain a true and 
 just summary of the most important doctrines of 
 the Christian religion ; and that the true sense of 
 the sacred Scriptures is justly collected and sum- 
 med up in those compositions. And all expositions 
 of Scripture, pretending to deduce any doctrine or 
 position, contrary to the said doctrines laid down 
 in those composures, I believe are wrong and errone- 
 ous. And I will always take all reasonable meas- 
 ures, and such as Christian prudence may direct, in 
 my place and station, to continue and propagate the 
 doctrines contained in these summaries of religion, 
 in this College, and transmit them to all future 
 successions and generations : and use the like meas- 
 ures to prevent the contrary doctrines from prevail- 
 ing in this Society. 
 
 " I do also consent to the rules of Church disci- 
 pline, established in the Ecclesiastical Constitution 
 of the Churches of this Colony. A. B.'"
 
 73 
 
 In September 1755, the Corporation nominated 
 the Rev. Naptiiali Daggett, Pastor of a Church 
 on Long Island, to be Professor of Divinity. On 
 application to the Presbytery he was dismissed 
 from his charge, and in November following, came 
 and preached in the College hall, to good satisfac- 
 tion. 
 
 After a rigid examination by the President and 
 Fellows, as to his qualifications, and a full compli- 
 ance, on his part, with the statutes of the College, 
 as to the Confession of Faith, &.c. Mr. Daggett 
 was, on the 4th day of March, 1756, duly installed 
 and inaugurated Professor of Divinity, with near- 
 ly the same solemnities and formalities, as are 
 usual at the installment of other ministers, who 
 have been before ordained. 
 
 At this period. President Clap states, that the 
 interest of a donation of £28 10^. made in 1746, by 
 the Hon. Philip Livingston, of New York, and of 
 a donation of £33 10^. subsequently made by Mr. 
 Gershom Clark, of Lebanon, together with the rents 
 of the College lands, agreed to be leased, were 
 sufficient for the annual support of the Professor. 
 
 The President had, on the 10th September, 1756, 
 given a lot of land for the use of a Professor of 
 Divinity, for the time being, who should be settled 
 and continued, according to the act of the Corpo- 
 ration of November 21, 1753, and constantly preach 
 in the College hall or Chapel, except in vacations ; 
 several principal gentlemen, by subscription, con- 
 
 10
 
 74 
 
 tributed for building a house for the Professor 
 under the Hke Hmitations. 
 
 Tlie house Avas raised in June 1757, completely 
 finished the next summer, and cost £287 sterling. 
 
 '• The President, in the presence of a considera- 
 ble number of gentlemen, with all proper formali- 
 ties, put the Professor into the possession of the 
 house ; declaring tliat it was built, for the use of a 
 Professor of Divinity, in the College, who should 
 hold and preach all the doctrines contained in our 
 Catechism and Confession of Faith ; and in case 
 he, or his successors, should hold, teach or maintain 
 any contrary doctrine, he or they would have no 
 right to any use or improvement of it, &.c. ; and 
 the solemnity was concluded with prayer, and sing- 
 ing a psalm." 
 
 At a meeting of the President and Fellows, June 
 29, 1757, the Tutors, and a number of the Students, 
 made application as follows, viz. 
 
 " Whereas, this Reverend Corporation, of their 
 paternal care and goodness, have settled a Profes- 
 sor of Divinity in this Ecclesiastical Society, whom 
 we receive as an able minister of the New Testa- 
 ment, We, the subscribers, members of this Soci- 
 ety, having been admitted members in full com- 
 munion, in sundry churches, and consenting to the 
 Ecclesiastical Constitution of the Churches of this 
 Colony, as agreeable to the word of God, in doc- 
 trine and disci})line, are desirous to attend upon 
 the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, under the 
 administration of the Reverend Professor ; and to
 
 75 
 
 walk together in stated Christian communion and 
 holy subjection to all the ordinances of Christ, and 
 desire the approbation and sanction of this Rever- 
 end body." 
 
 " This was approved of by the Corporation ; and 
 a sermon was preached in the hall by the Profes- 
 sor ; and all proper solemnities attended upon this 
 occasion. And the sacrament of the Lord's Sup- 
 per is accordingly administered in the College hall, 
 or Chapel, on the first Lord's day in each month ; 
 agreeable to the practice of the Colleges in Eng- 
 land." 
 
 In the year 1763, owing to some dissatisfaction 
 that had arisen, with regard to the government and 
 regulations of the College, an attempt was made 
 by some gentlemen, to subject the institution to the 
 visUorial power of Commissioners, to be appointed 
 by the General Assembly. As this attempt was 
 considered as a dangerous attack on the future 
 prosperity of the College, and as unauthorized by 
 law, the President zealously exerted his great 
 talents in defeating its success. 
 
 The history of the transaction displays his ver- 
 satile powers and strength, as a reasoner, in so 
 forcible a manner, that it is believed a transcript 
 will not be uninteresting. 
 
 The following condensed account is extracted 
 from the appendix to Farrar's Report of the cele- 
 brated case of " The Trustees of Dartmouth Col- 
 lege against Wm. H. Woodward," page 40L
 
 76 
 
 *' In the year 1763, an attempt was made, by a 
 number of gentlemen, to procure the legislature of 
 Connecticut to interfere with the government of 
 Yale College^ against the consent of the Corpora- 
 tion. In their memorial they represented, that the 
 General Assembly were the founders of the Col- 
 lege, and had a right to appoint visitors^ and re- 
 form abuses. This right, they suggested, ought to 
 be seasonably and most explicitly asserted and vin- 
 dicated, otherwise the College might become too 
 independent. They therefore prayed that the said 
 assembly would pass an act, to authorize an appeal 
 from any and every sentence given by the author- 
 ity of the College, to the Governor and council of 
 the colony ; and issue forth a commission of visita- 
 tion, enabling some suitable persons to inquire into 
 all the affairs of said College, and either of them- 
 selves rectify abuses, or make report of what they 
 should find, with their opinions thereon, to the said 
 Assembly, at their next session. 
 
 The counsel for the memorialists were Jared In- 
 gersoll and Samuel W. Johnson, Esquires, the two 
 most learned and famous attornies of that day, in 
 the colony. Great expectations were formed, by 
 the enemies of the College, from this measure, and 
 the great ability of tlieir counsel ; and its friends 
 were not without fears and anxieties. That class 
 of people, who had been so long and so strongly 
 opposed to the College, flattered themselves with 
 the pleasing prospect of bringing it to their feet, 
 and of amply reaping the fruit of their past labors.
 
 77 
 
 The Rev. Thomas Clap, the learned President 
 of the College, viewed the cause of too great con- 
 sequence to be trusted in any hands but his own : 
 and judged it his duty to the founders of the Col- 
 lege, to employ his talents for its defence, and to 
 plead the cause himself, in the face of all opposi- 
 tion. This task he executed with uncommon abil- 
 ity and success. 
 
 " The counsel for the memorialists alleged that 
 the General Assembly founded the College, by 
 giving a charter, in the year 1701, which contain- 
 ed a donation of about £60, sterling, to be annually 
 paid out of the public treasury, and by sundry sub- 
 sequent donations, especially five tracts of land in 
 the year 1732; and that the present Assembly, as 
 successors to the founders, had a right of visitation 
 by the common law. 
 
 " To which the President replied : — ' That the 
 General Assembly, in their legislative capacity, 
 have the same authority over the College, and all 
 the persons and estates belonging to it, as they 
 have over all other persons and estates in the 
 colony ; and all that power, which is necessary for 
 the good of the College, or the general good of the 
 community. And that an especial respect and grati- 
 tude is due to them as its greatest benefactors ; yet 
 they are not to be considered as founders or visit- 
 ors in the sense of the common law. That the 
 first Trustees, Undertakers, and Inspectors, who 
 were nominated by the ministers, with the general 
 consent of the people, and by compact became a
 
 78 
 
 society or quasi corporation, (as my lord Coke 
 says,) near two years before they had a charter, 
 were the founders of the College ; and that they 
 formed it by making a large and formal donation 
 of books, above a year before they had a charter 
 from the government. The College had a being, 
 not only in fieri, in the purpose and intention of 
 the Undertakers, (as lord Coke says,)* but in esse, 
 by the donation of books, money and land, actually 
 made to it before it had a charter. That major 
 Fitch of Norwich, made a donation in writing, to 
 the Undertakers, of six hundred acres of land, and 
 some materials to build a College house, in the 
 time of the sitting of the Assembly, some days 
 before the charter was given. And this donation 
 he made to the collegiate school, as ''already set 
 up by the great pains and charges of the minis- 
 ters.'' — That the king, by giving a licence to found a 
 College, does not thereby in law become the found- 
 er in sensu dotationis ; and that he is the founder 
 only of those colleges or hospitals, to which he 
 makes the first donation for founding. My lord 
 Coke distinguishes between Fiindator Incipiens 
 and Fundator Perficiens ; and says, that he is the 
 founder quoad dotationem, (to whose heirs or suc- 
 cessors the law gives the right of visitation,) who 
 makes the^r*^ donation:\ And the right of visit- 
 ation arises in law, from the interest which the 
 founder has in the college or hosj)ital by his dona- 
 
 * Coke 10 Rep. t Coke 10 Rep.
 
 79 
 
 tion. For if it be essentially perverted from the 
 design, for which it was given, the donation he- 
 comes void, and reverts to tlie donor or liis heirs. 
 That the first donation only creates the founder, 
 and all subsequent donations are presumed in law, 
 to be given for the same end and design with the 
 first, unless some particular limitation be expressly 
 made. 
 
 " ' That if a common person makes a donation 
 to found a college or hospital, though ever so small, 
 and the king afterwards endows it with large pos- 
 sessions, yet the common person is the founder, and 
 not the king.* 
 
 " ' That a license to found, and a charter of in- 
 corporation, are in their own nature distinct. Ei- 
 ther may be first in law, (yet they are oftentimes 
 both contained in the same instrument,) and may 
 precede or succeed the first fundamental donation. 
 
 " ' When the fundamental donation is made be- 
 fore the license to found, there the license is only a 
 formal and explicit confirmation from the crown, 
 of what was before done by the general license 
 given by the common and statute law^, whereby 
 every man may give his estate for public, pious, 
 and charitable uses, upon such conditions and reg- 
 ulations as he shall see cause.t And the feoffees 
 in trust are the legal proprietors of such donations, 
 according to the conditions and limitations with 
 which they are made ; and have a legal right to 
 
 * Wood's Institutes. t See 39 Eliz. c. 5. and Connecticut Laws.
 
 80 
 
 hold and lease, and to dispose of the profits quasi 
 corporation^ for those particular purposes ; and 
 may, by a long course of stated and regular con- 
 duct, become a complete legal corporation by pre- 
 scription. And the king's charter or license only 
 makes or declares that to be a legal corporation, 
 ai the firsts which may become such by immemo- 
 rial usage and custom. 
 
 " ' In a license to found, the words founds erect., 
 or any other words of the like import, are indiffer- 
 ent in law, and sufficient to make a foundation; 
 and in the first charter or grant to the College, 
 these words are promiscuously used, and applied 
 to the first Trustees only. The first charter 
 plainly supposes ten Trustees, Partners, or Under- 
 takers, antecedently existing; and a school already 
 founded in fact., (though not fully and completely 
 so in laiv.) by donations of lands, goods and monies, 
 before given ; and therefore gives them a full legal 
 right, liberty and privilege, to proceed in erecting, 
 endowing, and governing the school, which they had 
 a general and imperfect right to do by the common 
 law. And the charter declares them to be in a 
 legal capacity to 'demand, have, hold, and possess 
 all such lands, goods and monies, as have hereto- 
 fore been given, (as well as those which might 
 hereafter be given, for the founding, erecting, and 
 endowing the said school.') 
 
 " ' And there is no intimation, that their giving 
 to the first Trustees, a right to receive sixty pounds 
 out of the public treasury, a year after, and annu-
 
 81 
 
 ally, and to improve it, at their discretion, for the 
 good of the school, should be deemed the founding 
 of it; to be sure not in such a sense as to annul 
 the former foundation; much less could any en- 
 dowments, made thirty years after, make them the 
 founders in the sense of the common law. Besides, 
 the preamble to the charter of 1745, expressly says 
 that the first Trustees founded the College. 
 
 " ' The power of visitation is, by the common 
 law, expressly limited to the statutes of the found- 
 er,* which are the conditions or limitations of the 
 use of the founder's donation ; and the visitor can 
 do nothing but rectify those things, which are 
 plainly repugnant to those limitations, or claim a 
 forfeiture. But as no such statutes made by the 
 General Assembly can be found, such visitors 
 would have no power at all, or be altogether arbi- 
 trary, like the visitors sent to JUagdalen College, 
 by king James II. 
 
 " ' If it should be supposed, that there is any 
 need of overseers, under the name and title of 
 visitors, the first Trustees and their successors may 
 properly be denominated such; and in the first 
 plan of the College, they are expressly called in- 
 spectors. That to have visitors over visitors or 
 inspectors, would make endless trouble and confu- 
 sion. That matters of property must be determin- 
 ed by the stated executive courts, according to the 
 course of the common law ; but to erect any new 
 
 Lord Raymond's Reports, vol. I. p. 7. 
 11
 
 82 
 
 kind of court over the aliairs of the College, which 
 are committed to the President and Fellows, would 
 be an infringement of their charter.' 
 
 " When the arguments had been fully heard and 
 considered, there were but a very small number of 
 the General Assembly, who were of the opinion 
 that they were the founders of the College ; and 
 so they acted nothing upon the memorial. 
 
 "The historian adds, 'The memorialists, and 
 their whole party, were greatly disappointed and 
 chagrined, and the President got nmch honor by 
 the defence, which he made of the College. He 
 appeared to be a man of extensive knowledge and 
 real greatness. In points of law, especially as 
 they respected Colleges, he appeared to be supe- 
 rior to all the lawyers, so that his antagonists 
 acknowledged that he knew more, and was wiser 
 than all of them. •The question relative to the 
 Assembly's being the founders of the College, and 
 having a right of visitation, has never been pub- 
 licly disputed since, and it is believed that it never 
 will be again.' "* 
 
 But notwithstanding the ability displayed by the 
 President, in vindicating what he considered as the 
 essential rights of the College, and the temporary 
 triumph that attended his efforts, the policy of the 
 opposition to the power of visitation may well be 
 questioned. It created unfriendly feelings towards 
 
 "Trumbull lllst. Coiin. Vol. II. p. 327 to 333.— Clap's Annals of Yale 
 College, p. 69 to 77.
 
 83 
 
 the institution, on the part of those whose religious 
 creeds differed from that professed in the College, 
 and the Trustees of an establishment which had 
 been fostered by the government, for the purposes 
 of general education, were "charged with illiber- 
 ality towards all denominations of Christians but 
 their own."* 
 
 Prior to this period, the number of Students had 
 increased so much, that it became inconvenient to 
 use the College hall for the various purposes of a 
 dining room and place for religious and scholastic 
 exercises. The President, therefore, proposed a 
 scheme to build a chapel, with a library room over 
 it. A subscription for this purpose was opened ; 
 and the foundation was laid in April, 1761, and the 
 outside nearly completed that summer. It was 
 built of brick, fifty feet long, and forty feet wide, 
 with galleries, in which were three rostra for ora- 
 tions, disputations, Slc. and a library over the 
 whole. 
 
 In June, 1763, it was opened with a sermon 
 preached by the Professor of Divinity, in presence 
 of the President and Fellows, and a large number 
 of gentlemen. The President and Fellows voted, 
 " that the chapel should hereafter be used for the 
 religious and scholastic meetings and exercises, for 
 which the old College hall has been used hereto- 
 fore." 
 
 The liberality of the citizens of New Haven, 
 subsequently enabled the corporation to erect a 
 
 * J.TiumbuirsWorks, p. 12.
 
 84 
 
 steeple on the chapel, and donations from various 
 quarters, to complete the interior of the building. 
 
 This chapel in modern times, has undergone 
 many alterations, and is at this time devoted solely 
 to academic purposes, under the name of the 
 AthentEum. 
 
 The exertions made for its erection, appear to 
 have closed the important acts of President Clap's 
 administration. 
 
 Causes to which allusion has been already made 
 had rendered Yale College " unpopular among a 
 large proportion of the inhabitants of the Colony. 
 The Trustees, relying on their charter, claimed to 
 be completely independent of the government; 
 and denied its right of visitation, or of any inter- 
 ference with the management of the institution. 
 Many civilians encouraged the Students in oppo- 
 sition to their authority. A petition was drawn 
 and signed by almost every member of the higher 
 classes, addressed to the Trustees, containing a 
 variety of charges against their instructors, and 
 praying for their dismissal from office. All author- 
 ity and subordination were now at an end ; the 
 Tutors abdicated, and the Scholars were dispersed 
 during the summer of the year 1766, After hold- 
 ing the Commencement in September, the Presi- 
 dent resigned his office, and the Professor of The- 
 ology was appointed President pro tempore.'^''* 
 
 Thus ended the academic services of a Presi- 
 dent, (after the hibors of twenty-seven years,) who 
 
 " Trumbull.
 
 85 
 
 was an ornament to tlie science of the age in which 
 he Hved, whose efforts for the substantial interests 
 and prosperity of the College were unremitted, 
 and whose only unpopular traits appear to have 
 been a conscientious religious zeal, and scholastic 
 independence, that could not yield to spirit of an 
 altered age. 
 
 This eminent man died, (a few months after his 
 resignation,) on the 7th January, 1767, aged sixty- 
 four years. He was born at Scituate, in Massa- 
 chusetts, on the 26th June, 1703, was graduated at 
 Harvard College in July 1722, settled in the min- 
 istry, at Windham, in August, 1726, from whence 
 he was removed, fourteen years after, to the Rec- 
 torate of the College. 
 
 A valued friend, who is a lineal descendent of 
 President Clap, has shown to the writer an inter- 
 esting manuscript of her illustrious ancestor. It 
 is entitled by him " Memoirs of some remarkable 
 occurrences of Divine Providence, towards me, in 
 the course of my life, together with some reflec- 
 tions and observations made upon them." It af- 
 fords affecting evidence of the fervent piety and 
 constant religious discipline, by which he regulated 
 his conduct, but as it principally relates to occur- 
 rences of a private and domestic character, cannot 
 be extensively used for the purposes of this sketch, 
 otherwise than as a guide to dates. 
 
 Only one extract will be given, as furnishing a 
 beautiful and energetic example of pastoral zeal 
 Rnd fidelity, during his ministration at Windham.
 
 86 
 
 '^Jan. 1st, 1737. I liavc this last week finished my 
 pastoral visitation of every family in my parish, 
 and catechising the several children in them. And 
 I have also taken down the names and ages of 
 every one; so that I might have a more full knowl- 
 edge and clear remembrance of every soul com- 
 mitted to my care and charge, and the circumstan- 
 ces and condition of each particular person. I 
 find the number of them to be seven hundred and 
 twenty-two. A great number of souls to depend 
 upon the care of one weak and sinful creature ! 
 May God direct and enable me rightly to perform 
 and go through this great work and charge. That 
 I may bear the names and circumstances of every 
 one upon my heart at all times, and especially 
 when I approach unto the throne of God; as 
 Aaron bore the names of the children of Israel on 
 the breast plate upon his heart, when he entered 
 into the holy place." 
 
 The zeal of President Clap, for the advancement 
 of the College, is sufficiently evinced by the facts 
 stated in the preceding narrative. He contributed 
 not only time but money to that object, and man- 
 aged the expenditure of all pecuniary benefactions, 
 with judgment and economy. 
 
 After the building of Connecticut Hall was com- 
 pleted, the Corporation, on the 29th June, 1757, 
 passed the following complimentary vote. 
 
 " Whereas, the Reverend President Clap hath 
 had the care and oversight of building the new 
 College, called Connecticut Hall ; and laying out
 
 87 
 
 the sum of one thousand six hundred and sixty 
 pounds sterhng, which appears to have been done 
 with great prudence and frugahty; and the College 
 built in a very eleff^fit and handsome manner ; by 
 means of his extraordinary care, diligence and 
 labor, through a course of several years ; all which 
 the said President has generously given for the 
 service of said College. And the said President 
 having also, of his own proper estate purchased a 
 lot of land for the Professor of Divinity, which has 
 cost fifty-two pounds, lawful money, and given it 
 to the College for the said use forever. This Cor- 
 poration think themselves bound, and do accord- 
 ingly render their hearty and sincerest thanks to the 
 Reverend President Clap, for these extraordinary 
 instances of his generosity ; and as a standing tes- 
 timony thereof, voted, that this be entered on their 
 records." 
 
 Bishop Berkeley was informed, from time to time, 
 of the situation of the College, and the manage- 
 ment of his generous donations. In a letter to 
 President Clap, dated July 25, 1751, he thus ex- 
 presses his gratification. 
 
 " The daily increase of religion and learning, in 
 the seminary under your auspicious care and gov- 
 ernment, gives me a very sensible pleasure, and an 
 ample recompense for all my donations." 
 
 Doctor Douglas, in his " Historical and Politi- 
 cal Summary of New England," says, " A very 
 considerable produce, in the Colony of Connecti- 
 cut, is a seminary of learning, or Sckoh lllusiris^
 
 88 
 
 called a collegiate College ; and when Professors, 
 in several sciences are endowed, it will be called 
 an University. This plant is vigorous and thriving 
 under the cultivation of the present President, the 
 worthy Reverend Mr. Clap." In a subsequent 
 part of his book, Doctor Douglas says of President 
 Clap, ''This is an ingenious gentleman, mathemat- 
 ically learned ; at this time, 1750, contriving some 
 compendiums, and other improvements in astro- 
 nomical calculations. Many of the Students, 
 (Students in the College about eighty,) are expert 
 in astronomical calculations, from the solid good 
 tuition and instruction of the worthy Mr. Clap, a 
 credit to the Colony." 
 
 Doctor Holmes, in his " American Annals," vol. 
 ii. p. 281, says of President Clap, " He was a man 
 of extensive and profound learning. In Mathemat- 
 ics and Natural Philosophy he was surpassed by 
 few, if any, of his contemporaries in this country. 
 He constructed the first orrery, or planetarium, 
 made in America. His labors and services in the 
 Presidency were very extensive and important, as 
 well as indefatigable." 
 
 But few of the mathematical and philosophical 
 productions of President Clap are preserved for the 
 benefit of posterity. When New Haven was inva- 
 ded by the British troops, during the Revolutionary 
 War, (in 1779,) among other plunder taken off, in 
 a spirit of barbarian wantonness, was a large chest 
 of President Clap's manuscripts, then in possession 
 of his excellent daughter. Madam Wooster, wife
 
 89 
 
 of General David Wooster. President Stiles ad- 
 dressed a letter on the subject to General Tryon, 
 commander of the expedition, representing that "a 
 war against science had been reprobated for ages, 
 by the wisest and most powerful generals ;" and 
 requesting a return of the manuscripts. 
 
 The General promised his exertions in their re- 
 covery, but it afterwards appeared, that many of 
 the manuscripts were thrown overboard, into Long 
 Island Sound. Some were picked up by boatmen, 
 near Fairfield, and others at East Haven, three 
 weeks after the evacuation; but President Stiles 
 expresses his regret, that most of President Clap's 
 manuscripts are "now lamentably and irrecover- 
 ably lost."* 
 
 A manuscript essay, entitled " Conjectures upon 
 the nature and motions of 3Ieteors, which are 
 above the atmosphere,'''' by President Clap, had for- 
 tunately been copied by the Rev. Ebenezer Bald- 
 win, of Danbury, and was found among his papers 
 after his death. It was thus rescued from the fate 
 of the other manuscripts, and was published, at 
 the suggestion of President Stiles, in 1781. It 
 furnishes honorable proof of the author's mathe- 
 matical and astronomical science, and of his pow- 
 ers as a reasoner. His theory, on that interesting 
 subject, has received the sanction of many of the 
 most eminent modern philosophers; and particu- 
 larly, has been ably and elaborately discussed, in 
 
 Life of President Stiles, p. 265. 
 
 12
 
 90 
 
 an essay by Doctor Day, now President of Yale 
 College. 
 
 That President Clap's science was practical as 
 well as speculative, is among other proofs, happily 
 evinced by a fact recorded by the Kev. Jared 
 Eliot, of Killing worth, Connecticut, in an elabo- 
 rate work on Agriculture, published by him in 
 1760, at Boston. The learned author says, " Mr. 
 Tull's wheat drill is a wonderful invention, but it 
 beins the first invented of that kind, no wonder if 
 it be intricate, as indeed it is, and consists of more 
 wheels and other parts, than there is really any 
 need of This I was very sensible of all along, 
 but knew not how to mend it, therefore applied 
 myself to the Rev. Mr. Clap, President of Yale 
 College, and desired him, for the regard which he 
 had to the public, and to me, that he would apply 
 his mathematical learning and mechanical genius, 
 in that affair ; which he did to so good purpose, 
 that his new modelled drill can be made with a 
 fourth part of what Mr. Tull's will cost. This I 
 look upon as a great improvement, and take this 
 opportunity to make my acknowledgments for the 
 favor." 
 
 During the Presidency of Mr. Clap, the direc- 
 tion of Collegiate studies, undoubtedly received a 
 strong bias from his favorite pursuits ; and poetry 
 and belles letters flourished feebly in a soil devoted 
 to the culture of philosophy, mathematics, and 
 polemic divinity. A- poem entitled " Philosophic 
 Solitude^'''' by William Livingston, afterwards Gov-
 
 91 
 
 ernor of New Jersey, is said to be the only produc- 
 tion of this age, in polite literature, now left to the 
 public. 
 
 This account of President Clap will be concluded 
 by a copy of an epitaph, on a monument erected to 
 his memory, in the burying ground at New Haven, 
 and by a biographical sketch, drawn by President 
 Stiles, and inserted in the appendix to Doctor 
 Holmes' life of the latter. 
 
 EPITAPH. 
 
 " Here lyeth interred the body of the reverend 
 and learned Mr. Thomas Clap, the late President 
 of Yale College, in New Haven ; a truly great 
 man, a gentleman of superior natural genius, most 
 assiduous application, and indefatigable industry. 
 In the various branches of learning, he greatly ex- 
 celled ; an accomplished instructor ; a patron of 
 the College ; a great divine, bold for the truth ; a 
 zealous promoter and defender of the doctrines of 
 grace ; of unaffected piety, and a pattern of every 
 virtue ; the tenderest of fathers and the best of 
 friends ; the glory of learning and the ornament of 
 religion ; for thirteen years, the faithful and much 
 respected pastor of the church in Windham ; and 
 near tw^enty-seven years, the laborious and princi- 
 pal President of the College, and having served 
 his own generation, by the will of God, with se- 
 renity and calmness, he fell on sleep, the Tth day 
 of January, 1767, in his sixty-fourth year. 
 
 " Death, great proprietor of al], 
 'Tis thine to tread out empire*, 
 And to quench the starss."
 
 92 
 
 Literary character of President Clap, as deline- 
 ated by Doctor Stiles, from the appendix to Holmes' 
 Life, &-C. 
 
 " President Clap was possessed of strong mental 
 powers, clear perception, and solid judgment. 
 Though not eminent for classical learning, he had 
 a competent knowledge of the three learned lan- 
 guages. He was well versed in algebra, optics, 
 astronomy, and the general course of experimental 
 philosophy. In mathematics and natural philoso- 
 phy, I have not reason to think he was equalled by 
 any man in America, except the most learned Pro- 
 fessor Winthrop. Many others, indeed, excelled 
 him in the mechanic application of the lower 
 branches of the mathematics ; but he rose to sub- 
 limer heights, and became conversant in the appli- 
 cation of this noble science to those extensive laws 
 of nature, which regulate the most stupendous phe- 
 nomena, and obtain throughout the stellary uni- 
 verse. I have known him to elucidate so many of 
 the abstrusest theorems and ratiocinia of Newton, 
 that, I doubt not, the whole Principia of that 
 illustrious philosopher was comprehended by him ; 
 a comprehension which, it is presumed, very few 
 mathematicians, of the present age, have attained. 
 Wollaston's Religion of Nature was the basis of 
 his moral philosoph}', and Westminster Calvinism 
 was his theology. He had thoroughly studied the 
 Scriptures, and had read the most eminent divines 
 of the last two hundred years. In his peculiar 
 manner, he had examined so many authors, through
 
 93 
 
 the tract of time from Jerome to the present day, 
 as well as the three more primitive ages, that, on 
 the fundamental doctrines of religion, I believe 
 him to have been possessed of the sentiments of 
 the whole Christian world. History, ancient and 
 modern, political and ecclesiastical, he was well 
 versed in. He had deeply studied the history of 
 the Assyrian empire ; that of Greece ; that of the 
 Roman empire, through all its periods, and partic- 
 ularly its mutation into an Ecclesiastical State. 
 He studied the rise of Mahometism ; the Saracenic 
 conquests ; the dominion of the Caliphs and Mam- 
 elukes ; the extensive spread of this religion, and 
 the final partition of the interest into several em- 
 pires. He had formed an idea of the powers of 
 Europe, their connexions, balances, and leading 
 springs of policy : and had arranged the principal 
 events and revolutions of the several ages, from 
 antiquity to the present day. He traced and con- 
 sidered, with the closest attention, the causes of 
 greatest extent, and most forcible operation, in 
 effecting public events, which, like the laws of 
 nature, carry in themselves the certain futurition 
 of their phenomena. He well understood the his- 
 tory and geography of the Bible; and took great 
 pains to consider the verification which it mutually 
 gave and received, when compared with profane 
 history. He was well read in the Fathers, and had 
 examined all the remains of the antiquities of the 
 primitive church. He studied the police, worship, 
 and discipline of the Church, in the three first and
 
 94 
 
 two last ages. He greatly studied the councils, 
 general and provincial, and in them was thoroughly 
 versed. He was considerably read in the common 
 law of England, and in the municipal laws of 
 his country. He was so well versed in the Jus 
 Civile., the Institutes of Justinian, the Pandects, 
 the Novellw ; and from the canons, the decretals 
 of the Popes, he had obtained such a general 
 knowledge of ecclesiastical law, that he would have 
 honored a Doctorate in both laws. 
 
 " The labors of his office left a most contempla- 
 tive mind but a few hours for reading. But he 
 had a happy and advantageous method of reading : 
 he always studied on a system, or arrangement 
 with respect to some whole, and read to purpose. 
 A voluminous library before him, he treated as a 
 collection of reports, books delivering the know- 
 ledge and reasonings of the learned world, on all 
 subjects of literature. He seldom read a volume 
 through in course. Having previously settled in 
 his mind the particular subjects to be examined, 
 and what on any subject he needed to ascertain, he 
 then pitched directly on the book or books, and 
 those parts in them, which would elucidate the sub- 
 ject of his enquiry. He would thus, with discern- 
 ment and dispatch, run over fifty volumes, if neces- 
 sary, and select whatever they contained in point ; 
 and thus proceed, till he made himself master of 
 the subject, generally passing unconcernedly over 
 the rest, however attractive and interesting. He 
 thus amassed and digested a valuable treasure of
 
 95 
 
 erudition, having prosecuted almost all the variety 
 of capital subjects in the whole circle of literature. 
 
 " He was indefatigable in labors, both secular and 
 scientific, for the benefit of the College; there 
 being proof of the one, in his building a College 
 edifice and Chapel ; and of the other, in his fre- 
 quent public dissertations on all kinds of literature. 
 
 " As to his person, he was not tall ; yet, being 
 thick set, he appeared rather large and bulky. His 
 aspect was light, placid, serene, and contemplative. 
 He was a calm, still, judicious, great man." 
 
 In a statistical account of New Haven, already 
 referred to. Doctor Dwight thus speaks of Presi- 
 dent Clap. " His character was extensively given 
 in a manner highly honorable to him, in an appen- 
 dix to the life of President Stiles, from the Diary 
 of that gentleman, by the Rev. Dr. Holmes, of 
 Cambridge. As President Stiles knew him inti- 
 mately, the character which he has given of him 
 cannot be questioned. To him who reads his char- 
 acter, there will remain little doubt that he was 
 the greatest man, who ever sat at the head of this 
 institution. 
 
 " Mr. Richard Woodhull, who was five years 
 under his administration, and was himself emi- 
 nently distinguished for his learning and science, 
 once gave me the following character of President 
 Clap, in answer to some inquiries, which I made 
 concerning this subject. ' If I were to give his 
 character in concise terms,' said Mr. Woodhull, 
 ' I should give it in this manner : In whatever
 
 96 
 
 company he was, and whatever was the subject of 
 conversation, he appeared evidently to understand 
 it more clearly, and more comprehensively than 
 any other person present.' As Mr. Woodhull had, 
 not long before, had a controversy with President 
 Clap, he cannot be supposed to have been prejudiced 
 in his favor. The only serious defect in his Presi- 
 dential character was, that he was prone to consider 
 boys as being men."
 
 97 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 The Presidency of the Rev. Napthali Daggett, S. T. D. 
 
 The disordered state of the College, at the timp 
 of the resignation of President Clap, produced 
 deep solicitude in the minds of those, who had so 
 long watched with paternal care over its interests. 
 Doctor Daggett, as has been remarked, was ap- 
 pointed President pro tempore ; but the Corpora- 
 tion were satisfied that a thorough reformation in 
 academic studies and government, was necessary, 
 to revive public confidence, and restore the useful- 
 ness of the institution. The individual exertions 
 of President Daggett, whose course of studies had 
 been especially directed to the Theological depart- 
 ment, would be of little avail, unless supported and 
 sustained by Tutors of popular character, and who 
 could add the embellishments of polite literature to 
 the graver pursuits of the Students. 
 
 The Corporation were most fortunate in their 
 selection. Mr. Ebenezer Baldwin, afterwards pas- 
 tor of the church in Danbury, Mr. Stephen M. 
 Mitchell, afterwards Chief Justice of the state, and 
 Mr. Job Lane ; who are justly styled, in the me- 
 moir of the Hon. Judge Trumbull, " very accom- 
 pHshed scholars," wore chosen Tutors. 
 
 13
 
 98 
 
 After the vacation, the Students reassembled, 
 and order was restored in the institution. 
 
 The management of the College, and particu- 
 larly in the literary and classical departments, was 
 chiefly confided to the Tutors ; and they vindicat- 
 ed, with honorable zeal and talents, their just claim 
 to the trust reposed in them. 
 
 The names of these gentlemen are mentioned, 
 although in a secondary rank of academic power, 
 as we are to trace to the period of their Tutorship, 
 and in a great degree to their personal exertions, 
 an important and salutary change in the course of 
 Collegiate instruction. Although the condition of 
 the institution did not justify immediate and radi- 
 cal innovation, on established usages, yet so far as 
 prudence would admit, the Tutors encouraged the 
 study of the English language, composition and 
 oratory ; and interwove, with severer scholastic ex- 
 ercises, the ornaments of polite and popular learn- 
 ing. 
 
 In this judicious manner, they prepared the way 
 for that thorough change, in the course of instruc- 
 tions, which their distinguished successors in the 
 Tutorship, Messrs. Howe, Trumbull and Dwight, 
 were enabled to perfect. The era of this change 
 was providential. Minds were then forming, which 
 were destined to direct the energies of a young 
 empire, and to give character and dignity to one 
 of the noblest struggles recorded in history. Edu- 
 cation more practical, and talents more popular, 
 than belonged to a system almost monastic, were.
 
 99 
 
 soon to be required, and events proved how wisely 
 the instructors of Yale College had prepared for 
 the emergency. 
 
 In the year 1770, the. General Assembly of the 
 state, resolved to found a Professorship of Mathe- 
 matics and Natural Philosophy in the College, and 
 the Corporation, soon after, elected the Rev. Ne- 
 hemiah Strong, as Professor for that department ; 
 who was inducted into office before the expiration 
 of the year. This appears to be the most impor- 
 tant addition made to the academic officers of the 
 institution during the Presidency of Doctor Dag- 
 gett. 
 
 President Daggett resigned the chair as Presi- 
 dent, on the 1st of April, 1777, retaining his con- 
 nexion with the College, as Professor of Divinity. 
 Although the period of his Presidency, was fruit- 
 ful in incidents affecting the future character of 
 the College, it is not deemed necessary to refer to 
 them, otherwise than as they are mentioned in the 
 following: notice of his character and life. 
 
 PRESIDENT DAGGETT. 
 
 President Daggett was born at Attleborough, 
 Massachusetts, in the year 1727, and educated at 
 Yale College, where he was graduated in 1748.* 
 
 In 1751, he was settled in the ministry at Smith- 
 town on Long Island, where he performed his pas- 
 toral duties with great reputation for about five 
 
 HolmcB' Life of Stiles, p. 39C.
 
 100 
 
 years. In the year 1755, he was chosen Professor 
 of Divinity in Yale College, and was inducted into 
 office on the 4th of March, 1756. He performed 
 the important duties of that department of Colle- 
 giate instruction, for twenty-five years, and until 
 his death ; which event occurred on the 25th of 
 November, 1780. 
 
 In addition to the peculiar duties attached to his 
 Professorship, he also discharged those of Presi- 
 dent of the institution, from the time of President 
 Clap's resignation, in September 1766, till the 1st 
 of April, 1777, when he resigned that charge. 
 
 His appointment to the Presidency was pro tem- 
 pore^ probably because the Corporation of the 
 College, were desirous of retaining his services 
 more exclusively in the Theological department, 
 for which he had been originally selected. He is 
 uniformly represented, by those who have traced 
 his character, as " a good classical scholar, well 
 versed in moral philosophy, and a learned divine."* 
 
 Were no other evidence transmitted to us, of the. 
 superiority of his mind, and the extent of his 
 acquirements, it would be sufficiently evinced by 
 the fact, that he was selected as the first Professor 
 of Divinity attached to the College, at the early 
 age of twenty-eight years, at a period too w^hen the 
 Board of Trustees was entirely composed of cler- 
 gymen, distinguished alike for classical and theo- 
 logical learning, and whose judgments had been 
 
 * Life of Stiles, p. 396.
 
 101 
 
 ripened by maturity of years. Such men, when 
 called upon to fill a professorship, that should carry 
 into effect the original intention of the founders, 
 and make the College " a school of the Church," 
 would weigh with caution the qualifications of 
 candidates. Indeed, President Clap, in his annals, 
 says, that previous to his inauguration and instal- 
 lation, " the President and Fellows met, and spent 
 a day in examining Mr. Daggett, as to his princi- 
 ples of religion, his knowledge and skill in divinity, 
 cases of conscience, scripture history and chro- 
 nology, antiquity, skill in the Hebrew tongue, and 
 various other qualifications for a Professor ; in all 
 which he acquitted himself to the good satisfac- 
 tion of the Corporation." 
 
 The printed sermons of Doctor Daggett, deliv- 
 ered on special occasions, give honorable evidence 
 of his talents as a writer and divine. Among these 
 may be particularly mentioned, a sermon delivered 
 in 1768, occasioned by the death of Mr. Job Lane, 
 before mentioned as a distinguished Tutor of the 
 College, and a sermon preached at Danbury, in 
 1770, at the ordination of the Reverend Ebenezer 
 Baldwin, a fellow laborer with the former, in ad- 
 vancing the literary reputation of the institution. 
 Both these productions do honor to the profound 
 views and cultivated talents of Doctor Daggett. 
 
 During a considerable part of his Presidency, 
 the country was agitated by the high excitements 
 that preceded the Revolutionary War, and by the 
 deep distress and solicitude that marked the com-
 
 102 
 
 mencement and progress of that righteous but fear- 
 ful conflict ; — a period, it might be supposed, ill 
 adapted to the quiet of literary pursuits, or the 
 proper exercise of academic discipline. And yet 
 perhaps, the history of the College does not furnish 
 another period more fruitful in men, truly eminent 
 in every department of learning. 
 
 The peculiar condition of the country, just 
 emerging from colonial vassalage, into the dignity 
 of an independent nation, and filled with high and 
 enthusiastic sentiments of liberty, may readily 
 account for the rapid advancement of aspiring 
 young men, (then entering on the stage of life,) in 
 civil, political, and military rank. But it is among 
 the catalogues of Doctor Daggett's pupils, support- 
 ed as he was by talented and distinguished Tutors, 
 that we must also search for the epic bards of our 
 country — for Trumbull and Dwight, and Hum- 
 phreys and Barlow. How few instructors can adorn 
 their academic laurels with richer jewels. 
 
 His pupil, Doctor Dwight, in his account of New 
 Haven, bears honorable testimony to the worth of 
 his instructor. He says, " Doctor Daggett was 
 respectable as a scholar, a divine, and a preacher. 
 He had very just conceptions of the manner in 
 which a College should be governed ; but he was 
 not always equally happy in the mode of adminis- 
 tering its discipline. A number of persons were 
 not willing to do justice to his merits. I say this 
 with confidence, because I was acquainted with 
 him, for a long time, in the most intimate manner.
 
 103 
 
 The College was eminently prosperous under hia 
 Presidency. His sermons were judicious, clear, 
 solemn and impressive." 
 
 In concluding this brief notice of President 
 Daggett, his character as a patriot should not be 
 omitted. Like most of the New England clergy, 
 his stimulating voice urged on his countrymen in 
 the glorious cause of independence ; and his hand 
 and his heart dared to execute what his judgment 
 approved in others. On the 5th of July, 1779, 
 about two thousand British troops, apparently with- 
 out any other objects than plunder and wanton 
 rapacity, took possession of New Haven. Their 
 approaches from the shipping were resisted only by 
 a few militia and citizens, hastily assembled. 
 Among the most forward of these^ was the vener- 
 able Professor of Divinity of Yale College, who 
 bravely opposed the advance of the enemy, until 
 compelled by wounds to surrender his musket. 
 The fearlessness of his conduct, instead of awaken- 
 ing generous sentiments in the breasts of his foes, 
 excited them to acts of cruelty ; and the violence 
 committed on his person, when a prisoner, ever 
 after affected his constitution, and is supposed to 
 have occasioned eventually his death. 
 
 Had the canvas perpetuated the recollection of 
 this disgraceful instance of predatory warfare, 
 New Haven, like Bunker's Hill, would have shown 
 another illustrious example of the intenseness of 
 that patriotism, that could arm a clergyman's hands 
 with instruments of blood.
 
 104 
 
 After exhibiting in a life of usefulness, such evi- 
 dences of piety, learning and patriotism, the writer 
 believes that President Daggett has earned a just 
 claim to what he describes as an object of univer- 
 sal desire. 
 
 In a sermon preached at the death of Mr. Lane, 
 (already referred to), he says : 
 
 " I believe there is scarce any person to be found 
 who can now be absolutely indifferent to what shall 
 be said of him, when he shall be in his grave. 
 The perpetuating an honorable character was the 
 grand object of ambition, the siimmum bo7ium, 
 with the generality of the heathen worthies, wheth- 
 er in literature, government, or arms. They dis- 
 covered an unbounded desire of immortalizing 
 their names. Optimus quisqiie maxime ducittir 
 lionore. — Cicero. What they discovered, I believe 
 was originally implanted in human nature, although 
 improved in them by education. 
 
 " We may therefore conclude, upon good evidence, 
 that the endearing our name to posterity is a natu- 
 ral good, desirable in itself, suited to gratify an in- 
 nocent passion or desire in human nature, and that 
 it is one of those blessings, whereby the righteous 
 are and will be, distinguished from the wicked, 
 whose names shall rot. Prov. 10. 7."
 
 105 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 The Presidency of the Rev. Ezra Stiles, S. T. D. LL. D. 
 
 (The Corporation oi" Yale College, in common 
 with the literary men of the age, had, for some 
 time previous to the resignation of President Dag- 
 gett, witnessed, with high gratification, the grow- 
 ing reputation and scientific accomplishments of 
 one of the alumni of the institution, the Reverend 
 Ezra Stiles, Pastor of a Church in Newport, 
 Rhode Island. 
 
 The rank that he held among the clergy, and 
 men of letters, pointed him out as a suitable per- 
 son to fill the vacant chair, and accordingly, after 
 a satisfactory consultation with the committee of 
 the General Assembly, on the subject, he was duly 
 elected President in September 1777. In addition 
 to this appointment. Doctor Stiles Avas also chosen 
 Professor of ecclesiastical history, and was for- 
 mally inducted into both offices on the 8th of July, 
 1778J On this occasion, the academic ceremonies 
 were appropriate and impressive. Professor Dag- 
 gett opened the meeting with prayer, the presiding 
 Fellow then deUvered a Latin oration, and com- 
 mitted the College to the instruction and govern- 
 ment of Doctor Stiles. The President replied by 
 addresses in Latin, to the Corporation, and the 
 
 14
 
 100 
 
 various classes of the assembly. A congratulatory 
 oration, in Latin, was then delivered by one of the 
 senio:- Bachelors; to which succeeded a learned 
 oration in the same language, by the President, on 
 the Encyclopedia of Literature. 
 
 After the ceremonies of his induction, the Pro- 
 fessors and Tutors waited upon him, with an address, 
 expressive of the affection and respect with which 
 the College received him as their President. 
 
 Rt the time of his induction, the only regular 
 Professorships were tiiose of Divinity and Mathe- 
 matics, and although the condition of the College 
 had essentially improved, during the Presidency of 
 Doctor Daggett, yet the gloomy state of the coun- 
 try, involved as it was in a desperate struggle for 
 liberty, which required all its resources, seemed to 
 forbid the expectation of any rapid advancement 
 in literary institutions!^ Notwithstanding these dis- 
 couragements, the talents of the President gradu- 
 ally infused new vigor and animation into the 
 establishment. 
 
 [In the year 1780, Professor Daggett died, after 
 a short illness, and was succeeded in that chair by 
 the Reverend Samuel Wales, then pastor of a 
 Church in Milford, Connecticut, who was inducted 
 on the 12th June, 178^ 
 
 On the 12th September 1781, after an interval 
 of seven years, (arising from obstacles growing out 
 of the Revolutionary War,) Commencement was 
 celebrated in public. On this occasion, the Presi- 
 dent introduced the exercises of the morning by a
 
 107 
 
 Hebrew oration, and those of the afternoon by a 
 Latin oration. 
 
 In 1782, a brick dining hall was erected, sixty 
 feet in length and thirty in breadth. In the mod- 
 ern improvements and alterations of Collegiate 
 buildings, this hall has been converted into a chem- 
 ical laboratory and lecture room, and is now used 
 for those purposes. 
 
 jProfessor Strong having resigned his office, the 
 President, on the 2d January of this year, deliver- 
 ed a lecture in the Chapel, on Natural Philosophy, 
 and continued to give occasional lectures on that 
 branch of science, and on Mathematics, until the 
 chair of that Professorship was fillecL? 
 
 In 1783, the number of Students in the College, 
 under the popular government of President Stiles, 
 had increased to two hundred and seventy. Vari- 
 ous additions were made to the philosophical appa- 
 ratus, principally by means of individual liberality 
 and contributions, and the institution attained high 
 rank and reputation. 
 
 The auspicious effects of Doctor Stiles's unwea- 
 ried efforts, aided by his enlightened academic as- 
 sociates, on the character of the College, are hap- 
 pily illustrated in a letter from the first President 
 Adams, acknowledging the honor of a degree as 
 Doctor of Laws, conferred upon him in 1788. " If 
 this honorary degree is, as you inform me, to be 
 considered as a token of affection and esteem, I 
 shall certainly hold it among the most precious of 
 things : since nothing can be more pleasing to me.
 
 108 
 
 or more satisfactory to my highest ambition, than 
 the approbation of an University which has dis- 
 tinguislied itself in Uterature, among the foremost 
 in America, and which is the hght of a Common- 
 wealth that I esteem the purest portion of man- 
 kind." 
 
 In 1790, as " an encouragement to the study of 
 the English language," Noah Webster, Esq. appro- 
 priated a certain proportion of the avails of his 
 Grammatical Instilute, to be given, as an annual 
 premium, to the author of the composition which 
 should be judged best, by the President, Professors 
 and Tutors of the College. 
 
 This donation has subsequently been commuted 
 for a definite sum. 
 
 An important change in the chartered rights and 
 government of the College, was at this time matur- 
 ing. The College had, from its foundation, enjoy- 
 ed the patronage and fostering care of the govern- 
 ment, but had resisted its claim to visitatorial power. 
 The Corporation was composed entirely of clergy- 
 men, and although the original intention of making 
 the College exclusively " a school of the Church,'''^ 
 had for many years been abandoned, no laymen 
 were permitted to have a place among its gov- 
 ernors. 
 
 President Clap had obtained a triumph in argu- 
 ment ; but in doing so, had convinced many, not 
 only private citizens, but legislators, that in some 
 cases, what is legally right, may be positively 
 wrong. Besides, many religious sects, which were
 
 109 
 
 inconsiderable when the College was founded, had 
 increased in numbers, talents and wealth, and they 
 naturally felt desirous, that the supervision of lay- 
 men should be extended to an institution, where 
 pupils of all religious denominations were to re- 
 ceive their education. They very properly thought 
 and contended, that a judicious union of civil and 
 ecclesiastical power, would inspire confidence, re- 
 move long cherished prejudices, and give additional 
 vigor and stability to the College. President Stiles, 
 from the time of his entrance into office, had uni- 
 formly encouraged conferences with the General 
 Assembly, and their personal inspection of the state 
 of the College. 
 
 At the session of the General Assembly, in Oc- 
 tober 1791, a committee was appointed, "-to confer 
 with the President and Fellows of Yale College, 
 relative to the state and circumstances of said Col- 
 lege." This committee attended faithfully to their 
 trust, and were met by the Corporation in a spirit 
 of honorable frankness and candor. The condition 
 of the institution, both as to its management and 
 resources, was communicated by the President and 
 Faculty without reserve, and at the next May 
 session of the Assembly, the committee made a full 
 and satisfactory report. 
 
 After commending the great improvements in 
 discipline and literary exercises, observable in ihe 
 College the committee add, " The treasury is in a 
 much better condition than we apprehended, in 
 Justice to (he Corporation, we are bound to oh-
 
 no 
 
 S€rve, that their finances have been managed with 
 great dexterity, prudence and economy." A just 
 and honorable compHment to a succession of 
 wise, prudent and conscientious men, who had for 
 nearly a century, guarded the funds of this favor- 
 ite Seminary, with almost a miser's care. The 
 Committee close their report, by enumerating, as 
 the most pressing wants of the College, another 
 building to accommodate the Students ; an addition 
 to the library, which then consisted of about three 
 thousand volumes, principally of ancient books; a 
 further provision for the Professorship of Mathe- 
 matics and Natural Philosophy ; and an increase 
 of salaries paid to the Tutors. 
 
 This report was highly acceptable to the Assem- 
 bly, who replied to the frank and confiding conduct 
 of the Corporation, by the passage of the following 
 liberal act, whereby they designed, not only to im- 
 prove the government of the College, but to re- 
 lieve its wants. 
 
 An act for enlarging the powers and increasing 
 the funds of Yale College, (enacted in May 1792.) 
 
 " §1. Be it enacted^ hy the Governor and Coun- 
 cil and House of Representatives in General 
 Court assembled, That 3lr. William Hart, Mr. 
 John Trumbull, and 3Ir. Andreic Kingsbury, be 
 and they are hereby appointed, commissioners, 
 with full power and authority, to receive the balan- 
 ces now due and payable, on all the taxes hereto- 
 fore laid, for the payment and discharge of the
 
 Ill 
 
 principal and interest of the public debt of this 
 state, and all other balances due, and receivable, at 
 the treasury, on all public paper of this state, in 
 trust, and for the purposes in this act hereafter 
 mentioned ; who shall give bonds to the treasurer 
 of this state, with two sufficient sureties, to the 
 acceptance of the treasurer, in the sum of twenty 
 thousand pounds lawful money, conditioned for 
 the faithful discharge of said trust ; and that the 
 receipts of any one, or more of said commissioners, 
 shall be received by the treasurer of this state, and 
 credited in satisfaction, and discharge of the afore- 
 said balances ; and that after the passing of this 
 act, the treasurer of this state shall not receive into 
 the treasury any part of said balances, but shall 
 proceed to enforce the collection thereof for the 
 purposes of this act, in manner as by law is already 
 provided. 
 
 "§2. And be it further enacted^ That said balan- 
 ces, which shall come into the hands of said com- 
 missioners, be, and the same are hereby appropri- 
 ated to, and for the use and benefit of Yale College 
 in New Haven, to be applied in manner following, 
 viz. the sum of two thousand Jive hundred pounds 
 lawful money, out of the avails thereof, for the 
 purpose of erecting a new building or college, for 
 the reception and accommodation of the Students ; 
 and the residue shall be, and hereby is established, 
 as a fund for raising an annual revenue, forever 
 hereafter, to be applied to, and for the support of, 
 necessary professors, in the various arts and scien- 
 ces, for the benefit of said College.
 
 • "2 
 
 " Provided nevertheless^ That the said commis- 
 sioners shall not pay and deliver the said balances, 
 or any part tliereof, to the President and Fellows 
 of said College, until the said President and Fel- 
 lows shall have paid, or transferred to the treasur- 
 er of this state, in legal form, the amount of fifty 
 per cent, on the sum collected on said balances, in 
 some kind and denomination of the public stock of 
 the United States, which now is or hereafter may 
 be issued; or shall have given good and sufficient 
 security, to the satisfaction of said commissioners, 
 conditioned for the payment, or transfer of the 
 same, in such reasonable time as said commission- 
 ers shall judge proper. 
 
 " § 3. And he it further enacted^ That in case 
 this grant shall be accepted, in manner as herein 
 after provided, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, 
 andsix senior assistants in the council of this state, 
 for the time being, shall ever hereafter, by virtue 
 of their said offices, be Trustees or Fellows of said 
 College ; and shall, together with the present Pres- 
 ident and Fellows of said College, and their suc- 
 cessors, constitute one Corporation, by the name 
 and style mentioned in the charter of said College; 
 and shall have and enjoy the same powers, privi- 
 leges and authority, in as full and ample a manner, 
 as though they had been expressly named and in- 
 cluded in said charter : And that in case of vacan- 
 cy, by death or resignation, or in any other way, 
 of any of the present Fellows of said College, and 
 their successors, eyery such vacancy shall forever
 
 113 
 
 ■■V 
 
 hereafter be supplied by them, and their successors, 
 by election, in the same manner as though this 
 act had never passed : And that the said Governor, 
 Lieutenant Governor, and senior assistants, or any 
 four of them, together with the present Fellows of 
 said College, and their successors, or any six of 
 them, shall at all future meetings of said Corpora- 
 tion, be a quorum for the transaction of business. 
 
 " § 4. Provided ahcays^ and it is hereby enacted 
 and declared^ That this act shall not have any 
 force or effect, so far as the same respects the ap- 
 propriating said balances to the use of said College 
 or in any respect adding to, or varying the charter 
 and constitution thereof, unless the same shall be 
 accepted and approved by the present corporation 
 of said College, in legal meeting assembled: And 
 that as soon as a certified copy of such their ac- 
 ceptance and approbation, in legal form, shall be 
 lodged with the secretary of this state for record, 
 the said commissioners shall proceed to pay over 
 and deliver said balances, for the use of said Col- 
 lege, according to the directions of this act. But 
 in case the said President and Fellows shall neg- 
 lect or refuse to accept of said grant, upon the 
 terms and conditions aforesaid, for the term of one 
 year, from and after the rising of this Assembly, in 
 that case, the said commissioners shall hold and 
 retain the sums they shall receive on said balances, 
 subject to the future orders of the Assembly. 
 
 " Provided also, That nothing in this act shall be 
 construed to prevent the General Assembly of this 
 
 13
 
 114 
 
 state, from .ibating or remitting any part of said 
 balances, in favor of any person or town, from 
 whom the same may be due, whenever, on apphca- 
 tion, they shall judge reasonable." 
 
 Some of the provisions of this act were subse- 
 quently modified by the passage of the following 
 act. 
 
 An act in addition to an act, entitled "An act for 
 enlarging the powers and increasing the funds of 
 Yale College,"' (enacted in May, 1796.) 
 
 " § 1. Be it enacted, by the Governor and Coun- 
 cil^ and House of Kepresentattves, in General 
 Court assembled, That the claim of the state to 
 the fifty per cent., reserved in said act, and therein 
 provided to be transferred by the said President 
 and Fellows to the treasurer of this state, in legal 
 forms, in some kind and denomination of the public 
 stock of the United States, be, and the same is 
 hereby relinquished to the said President and Fel- 
 lows, for the use and benefit of said Yale College. 
 
 " Provided nevertheless. That nothing shall be 
 held or claimed under this act, unless said Presi- 
 dent and Fellows shall, within thirty days from the 
 rising of this Assembly, transfer to the treasurer 
 of this state, in legal form, thirteen thousand seven 
 hundred and twenty six dollars and thirty-nine 
 cents, in the deferred stock of the United States ; 
 and upon the said President and Fellows procuring 
 a receipt from said treasurer, for said sum of defer- 
 red stock, transferre<l as aforesaid, any bond or
 
 115 
 
 security, which may have been given for the trans- 
 fer of said fifty jjer cent, mentioned in said former 
 act, shall be cancelled and delivered up. 
 
 "§2. And he it further enacted^ That said 
 President and Fellows, shall annually render to the 
 General Assembly, during their session in October, 
 an account of the receipts and expenditures of the 
 monies belonging to said College." 
 
 At a special meeting of the Corporation of the 
 College, on the 28th June, next following the pas- 
 sage of the first above recited act, they unani- 
 mously voted its acceptance ; and on the 20th of 
 July, a legal notice to that effect was filed with the 
 Secretary of State. 
 
 This happy adjustment of Legislative and Colle- 
 giate powers, was received with general satisfac- 
 tion by all classes of citizens. 
 
 At the subsequent Commencement, the Corpo- 
 ration was organized according to the terms of the 
 act, by the union of the civilians therein specified 
 with the old members ; and they and their succes- 
 sors have since constituted the regular board, for 
 the corporate government of the College. 
 
 The beneficial effects of the act were soon mani- 
 fest. A part of the funds received, were immedi- 
 ately applied to the erection of another College 
 edifice. The corner stone of the building, usually 
 distinguished as South College, was laid by the 
 President, in the presence of the Mayor and Alder- 
 men of the city, of the Officers and Students of 
 the College, and a hirgc number of citizens, in 
 April, 1793. It bears the following inscription. 
 
 \
 
 116 
 
 liZRA STILES, 
 
 Coll. Yal. Prseses. 
 Primvm Lapidem posvit, 
 Acad. Cond. 93. 
 Apr. 15, 1793. 
 
 After laying the corner stone, the President pro- 
 nounced an appropriate discourse, in which he 
 acknowledged the liberality of the General Assem- 
 bly, gave an historical sketch of the College, and 
 commended the edifice which was to be erected, 
 with all the interests of the University, to the 
 smiles and blessings of the Most High. 
 
 This building is of brick, and is one hundred 
 and four feet long, thirty-six feet wide, and four 
 stories high, and was completed on the 17th July, 
 1794. 
 
 Another part of the funds, arising from the grant 
 of the Assembly, was applied to the Professorship, 
 of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy. That 
 office, which had been vacant since the resignation 
 of Professor Strong, in 1781, was now filled by the 
 election of Josiah Meigs, Esq. who was inducted 
 into the Professorship, on the 4th of December, 
 17947; 
 
 On the 18th of February, in this year, Professor 
 Wales, who had been incapacitated, for two years, 
 by bodily infirmities, from perfornting his official 
 duties, closed the scene of his sufferinjjs. 
 
 The contemporaries of Doctor Wales speak of 
 his talents and virtues in the most exalted terms.
 
 117 
 
 He is described by them as " an excellent preacher, 
 who by his distinguished abilities, in union with 
 exemplary piety, added lustre and dignity to the 
 Theological chair." 
 
 The death of this distinguished auxiliary in the 
 cause of science, was soon to be followed by a 
 more unexpected bereavement. 
 
 On the 8th May, 1795, President Stiles was 
 suddenly seized with a malignant fever. Its pro- 
 gress was fearfully rapid, and on the 12th of May, 
 after a confinement of only four days, this truly 
 eminent Scholar and Divine was "gathered to his 
 fathers." 
 
 From the foundation of the College to the death 
 of Doctor Stilesj^wo thousand three hundred and 
 sevehty^^o Styii§jQts had received their education 
 at the institution, of which number, six hundred 
 and eighteen were educated under his Presidency. 
 
 CHARACTER. 
 
 Ezra Stiles was the son of the Reverend Isaac 
 Stiles. He was born at North Haven, in Connec- 
 ticut, on the 10th day of December, 1727. 
 
 In September, 1742, he entered Yale College at 
 the age of fifteen years. 
 
 His principal Tutor was Mr. Thomas Darling 
 of Woodbridge, a gentleman of distinguished abili- 
 ties and science. In consequence of delay in col- 
 lecting the proceeds of the sale of a small estate, 
 that had descended to him from his mother, and 
 which was designed to defray the expenses of his
 
 118 
 
 education, Mr. Stiles was in a great degree depend- 
 ant on the patronage of friends, during his resi- 
 dence at College. In these circumstances, the 
 generous friendship of President Clap, who discern- 
 ed in the fine genius and literary ambition of his 
 pupil, the sure indications of future eminence, was 
 fully exerted, and by various acts of liberality, he 
 contributed to defray the expenses of his education. 
 
 Mr. Stiles received his degree as Bachelor of 
 Arts, in 1746, having attained distinguished rank 
 among the scholars of the institution. 
 
 On this occasion he was respondent in defence of 
 a thesis, which afterwards commended itself to his 
 maturer judgment, and received the support of his 
 more practised pen. 
 
 " Jus reguin non est jure divino hasreclitari- 
 uvn^'^ " The hereditary right of kings is not of 
 divine authority." 
 
 The pursuits of literature, which were so attrac- 
 tive to his inquisitive mind, rendered a longer resi- 
 dence at New Haven, peculiarly desirable to Mr. 
 Stiles, but his straitened circumstances seemed to 
 forbid the indulgence of his wishes. At this time 
 he found another benefactor, in the son-in-law of 
 his venerable College patron. Captain David 
 Wooster, of the British army, (in after times a 
 distinguished General and martyr of the Revolu- 
 tion,) who had married a daughter of President 
 Clap, invited Mr. Stiles to reside in his family at 
 New Haven, during his absence on military duty, 
 at Louisbure.
 
 119 
 
 The invitation was accepted, and his studies, in 
 every department of science, were pursued with a 
 zeal and industry rarely equaled. In a literary 
 diary, kept by him during the greater part of his 
 life, he inserted at this time, the following noble 
 sentiments and resolution, as the guides of his am- 
 bition. 
 
 " I consider myself as a citizen of the intellec- 
 tual world, and a subject of its Almighty lawgiver 
 and judge ; by him I am placed upon an honorable 
 theatre of action, to sustain, in the sight of mortal 
 and immortal beings, that character and part 
 which he shall assign me, in order to my being 
 trained up for perfection and immortality ; and shall 
 therefore, from this time forth, devote my life to 
 the service of God, my country, and mankind." 
 
 In 1749, Mr. Stiles was chosen a Tutor of Yale 
 College, and during the same year was licensed as 
 a preacher. 
 
 About this period, the mind of Mr. Stiles was 
 affected by doubts as to the authenticity of the 
 Scriptures, and although he never avowed himself 
 to be an absolute infidel, yet his scepticism was of 
 such a character, as to render it proper in his judg- 
 ment, that he should qualify himself for another 
 profession. 
 
 The state of his health furnished a reasonable 
 pretext for seeking an employment, deemed less 
 trying to the constitution than the duties of the 
 ministry. He accordingly comnicnced the study 
 of the law, and in November 1753, was admitted
 
 120 
 
 as an attorney, by the County Court at New 
 Haven. 
 
 His biographer mentions, that he practised at 
 the bar until 1755, and his acquirements in all the 
 departments of statute, common and civil law, are 
 said to have been extensive. 
 
 Although his fame and usefulness were not des- 
 tined eventually, to depend on his juridical^learning 
 and exertions, yet the knowledge of law, acquired 
 at this period, was afterwards manifested with great 
 advantage, in the discharge of his high Collegiate 
 dutie3. 
 
 The life of President Stiles is so fruitful in inci- 
 dents, that the confined limits of the writer will 
 only allow him to note, in a brief chronological 
 summary, the most important. 
 
 On the 12th December, 1756, he pronounced a 
 LatinjCuneral oration, in honor of Governor Law. 
 His knowledge of the ancient languages, particu- 
 larly the Latin, was very remarkable, and drew 
 from Professor Meigs, who delivered his funeral 
 oration, this high eulogy, " He wrote this language 
 with surprising facility, and with a purity and ele- 
 gance, that would have honored the age of Augus- 
 tus." 
 
 In September, 1752, he delivered, at the Presi- 
 dent's desire, a Latin half century oration, at 
 Commencement. 
 
 At the Commencement, in 1753, he pronounced 
 a latin oration, in memory of Bishop Berkeley, 
 a distinguished benefactor of the College, who died 
 in January of that year.
 
 121 
 
 On the 5th Fehruary, 1755, he pronounced a 
 Latin oration in the College Hall, in compliment 
 to Doctor Franklin, then o)i a visit to the literati, 
 at New Haven. He had previously paid much 
 attention to the discoveries made hy this distin- 
 guished philosopher, and had repeated his interest- 
 ing experiments on electricity. On this occasion, 
 an ardent friendship, based on mutual worth, was 
 cemented, that was not dissolved during their lives. 
 
 In May, 1755, the second Church and congrega- 
 tion in Newport, Rhode Island, gave Mr. Stiles 
 an invitation to become their minister. About this 
 time the doubts and sceptical feelings, that had so 
 long perplexed his mind, had yielded to a full con- 
 viction of the authenticity of the Christian system. 
 This conviction was the result of calm, patient, 
 and laborious investigation, and to use his own 
 language, his "doubts having given way," he "could 
 honestly devote himself to the service of the great 
 Immanuel." 
 
 A minute statement of facts, connected with this 
 interesting portion of the life of Doctor Stiles, is 
 given by his biographer. Doctor Holmes. 
 
 But notwithstanding his religious sentiments had 
 thus become fixed and stable, he felt great reluc- 
 tance in abandoning the profession of law, for 
 which he had formed a very strong attachment, 
 and his first resolution was to decline the invitation 
 to Newport. This resolution eventually yielded to 
 reflection, and he accepted their proposal. 
 
 16
 
 122 
 
 At the Commencement in September, he resign- 
 ed the Tutorship, having filled that ofilce six years 
 and a half, with eminent usefulness and dignity. 
 
 Mr. Stiles was ordained as Pastor over the 
 Church in Newport, on the 22d October, 1755. 
 
 An extensive pnblic li])rary, called in honor of 
 its found<'r, the lledwood Library, rendered New- 
 port, in addition to other advantages, an agreeable 
 residence for a man of science ; and few were dis- 
 posed to avail themselves more fully of its pleas- 
 ures and advantages, than the new pastor. His 
 faithful attention to pastoral and parochial duties, 
 did not detach his mind from the pursuits of science, 
 and his correspondence with his former associates 
 at College, evince both his affectionate regard for 
 the institution, and his attachment to literary la- 
 bors. Astronomy, at this time, appears to have 
 been his favorite study. 
 
 But the range of enquiries and literary occupa- 
 tions, which bounded the efforts of the most zealous 
 of liis contemporaries, did not satisfy the enthusi- 
 asm of Mr. Stiles. His prompt and ready talents 
 enabled him to discharge faithfully his pastoral 
 duties, and yet reserve a large portion of time for 
 scientific investigations. He extended his views to 
 almost every department of learning, and sought 
 by a correspondence with learned men, in all quar- 
 ters of the globe, to perfect himself in the knowl- 
 edge of every science. His perfect acquaintance 
 with the Latin language, furnished great facilities 
 in such a corresjiondence.
 
 111 a letter written at the age of twenty-six years, 
 to a gentleman in London, he thus forcibly express- 
 es his passion for letters. 
 
 " I am desirous, (and 1 think the ambition not 
 illaudable,) of cultivating a very free, as well as 
 friendly correspondence with gentlemen of letters, 
 in various parts of the world, to whom I would be 
 glad of the honor of being introduced ; for with 
 Mr. Pope, the utmost point of my desire, in my 
 present state, terminates in the society and good 
 will of worthy men; which I look upon, to be no 
 ill earnest of the society and alliance of happy 
 souls hereafter." 
 
 Among his correspondents were learned men of 
 every nation, of different professions and of all 
 religious creeds. The Jesuits of Mexico, the Greek 
 priests of Syria, learned Jewish Rabbis, as well as 
 the philosophers of Europe, were found in the num- 
 ber. By these means he amassed a store of curi- 
 ous knowledge, alike wonderful for extent and 
 variety. 
 
 In his deportment and conduct as a clergyman, 
 while he maintained with firmness and talents the 
 creed that he professed, he also manifested to Chris- 
 tians of all sects, a kind and friendly spirit. " It is 
 one glory of a Presbyterian, (says this truly ami- 
 able man,) to be catholic and benevolent ; — it is 
 anptlier glory to stand fast in the faith. Many do 
 not stop at the distinction between being charitable 
 to another sect and joining it. 1 may have charity 
 for, and a i-ood opinion o( a Lutheran; I may
 
 124 
 
 have a better for a Calvanist, and yet be, strictly, 
 neither. I may have a good opinion of, and Chris- 
 tian affection for, all Protestant churches; I may 
 have a very good oi)inion of those of Geneva and 
 Holland ; but perhaps, best of all for that of Scot- 
 land, or for those of New England." 
 
 On another occasion he says, " Doctor Leland 
 deserves highly of the Christian world. Men of 
 sense, of whatever religion, ought to be treated as 
 he has treated them, with candor and politeness." 
 
 These sentiments were more fully expressed and 
 vindicated by him, in a celebrated sermon, entitled 
 " A discourse on the Christian Union," dehvered 
 before the Convention of the Congregational min- 
 isters of Rhode Island, in April, 1760. This ser- 
 mon is equally distinguished for profound learning 
 and a benevolent and catholic spirit. " Conviction, 
 (says Mr. Stiles,) is not to be labored by the co- 
 ercion of civil or ecclesiastical punishment ; but 
 by the gentle force of persuasion and truth ; not 
 by appeals to the tenets of parties and great men ; 
 not by an appeal to the positions of Arminius or 
 Calvin; but by an appeal to the inspired writings. 
 The only way is to examine our sentiments by 
 Scripture ; then candidly and benevolently enquire 
 how far we are agreed in reality ; to walk together 
 by the same amiable rule, so far as we have attain- 
 ed to think alike ; and to forbear real differences 
 in love, where there appears a sincere love of truth, 
 candor and piety ; remembering we all have the 
 unalienable right of private judgment in religion;
 
 125 
 
 and that liberty of thinking and choosing our reli- 
 gion, liberty of conscience, was the great errand 
 of our pious forefathers into America." 
 
 Mr. Stiles justly considered religious and civil 
 liberty as dependent upon each other, and expresses 
 his sentiments in the glowing language of a Chris- 
 tian patriot. "Possessed, (says he,) of the pre- 
 cious jewel of religious liberty, a jewel of inestima- 
 ble worth, let us prize it highly, and esteem it too 
 dear to be parted with on any terms; lest we be 
 again entangled with that yoke of bondage, which 
 our forefathers could not, would not, and God grant 
 we may never submit to bear." 
 
 This discourse, filled with noble views of reli- 
 gious and civil freedom, was read with great satis- 
 faction, by enlightened men, both in Europe and 
 America, and testimonials of their approbation 
 were communicated to the author, in the most 
 gratifying terms. 
 
 The sentiments of Mr. Stiles, with regard to re- 
 ligious and political creeds, have been particularly 
 referred to, as their influence was afterwards deep- 
 ly felt, in a more elevated sphere of usefulness for 
 which providence had designed him. 
 
 In these learned pursuits, and with an avidity 
 for knowledge that left scarce a field of science 
 unexplored, Mr. Stiles attracted much of the atten- 
 tion of the literary world. 
 
 In March, 1765, the University of Edinburgh 
 conferred on him the tiegrcc of Doctor in Divinity, 
 for which distinction he was chielly indebted to ilu^ 
 inlluence and recommendation of Doctor Franklin
 
 126 
 
 At this period of liis life, the attention of Mr. 
 Stiles was much directed to Jewish and oriental 
 history and antiquities, and as connected with those 
 subjects, and illustrative of sacred history, to the 
 condition of the American Indian tribes. In the 
 progress of his enquiries, he corresponded with the 
 most learned men, in all parts of the world, and 
 particularly with that distinguished scholar and 
 antiquary, Sir William Jones. 
 
 On receiving his honorary diploma from Edin- 
 burgh, Doctor Stiles felt " a sense of shame exci- 
 ted," that so high an ecclesiastical degree should 
 be conferred on one, who was ignorant of the orig- 
 inal language of the Scriptures. 
 
 Although the allurements of other more attrac- 
 tive studies, delayed the fulfilment of a resolution 
 then formed on the subject, yet in the year 1767, 
 he seriously commenced the study of the Hebrew 
 language, devoting also considerable time to the 
 examination of the Arabic, Syriac and Armenian. 
 
 His industry soon rendered him a master of those 
 languages, and his critical skill, both in pronuncia- 
 tion and composition, was subsequently perfected 
 by an intimate literary intercourse and friendship, 
 with Haijus Isaac Caigal, a learned Jewish Rabbi, 
 who resided in Newport, and by frequent attend- 
 ance at the worship of the synagogue. 
 
 But without dwelling minutely on the studies 
 and scientific labors of Doctor Stiles, but referring 
 the reader, for all interesting particulars, to his in- 
 structive biography, compiled by his son-in-law^
 
 127 
 
 Doctor Holmes, we pass on to the commenccnicnl 
 of the revokitionary war. The forecast of Doctor 
 Stiles had prepared him for that event, and his love 
 of liberty, strengthened by an intimacy with 
 Franklin, and other eminent patriots, led him to 
 embark with zeal in a cause, that in his judgment 
 was intimately connected with the interests of re- 
 ligion. 
 
 Soon after the commencement of the Vv^ar, Rhode 
 Island became the theatre of active military ope- 
 rations ; his pastoral flock was scattered, and Doc- 
 tor Stiles removed his family to the town of Digli- 
 ton, in March, 1776. During his residence at this 
 place, he received several invitations for settle- 
 ment; but his attachment to his church at New- 
 port, rendered him reluctant to dissolve a connec- 
 tion, that had been productive of so much mutual 
 happiness. 
 
 At length he received an invitation accompanied 
 by circumstances highly gratifying to his feelings, 
 to settle in Portsmouth for one year. This call he 
 accepted, and removed with his family to that place 
 in May, 1777. 
 
 But before the expiration of this limited engage- 
 ment, the resignation of President Daggett, afford- 
 ed an opportunity to the Corporation of Yale Col- 
 lege, to solicit the services of this eminent scholar, 
 in a more extensive field of usefulness. 
 
 On the 27th of September, he received official 
 notice of his election as President.
 
 128 
 
 A fondness for pastoral duties, strong attach- 
 ments to the people of his charge, and a distrust of 
 his entire qualifications for the office, induced him 
 to hesitate as to the acceptance of the invitation. 
 The pressing advice of his numerous literary 
 friends, added to his own desire to continue his 
 scientific pursuits, under more favorable auspices, 
 at length prevailed, and after relinquishing his pas- 
 toral charge in Newport, he announced, in March, 
 1778, his acceptance of the Presidency. On the 
 20th June he commenced the duties of his office, 
 and on the 8th of July, was regularly inducted, 
 both as President and Professor of Ecclesiastical 
 History. 
 
 The industry and fidelity with which he discharg- 
 ed these important and difficult trusts, have rarely 
 been surpassed, and the extent and variety of his 
 preparatory studies, fitted him, in an eminent de- 
 gree to supply the wants of various professorships. 
 
 This was in effect performed, after the deaths of 
 Professors Daggett and Wales ; when in addition 
 to his regular services, as President and Professor 
 of Ecclesiastical History, he discharged the duties 
 of Professor of Divinity, and delivered lectures on 
 Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, until their 
 vacant chairs were filled. 
 
 To a minute knowledge of the ancient and ori- 
 ental languages, he added that of the French, and 
 encouraged their study both by example and in- 
 struction.
 
 129 
 
 As a preacher, the Rev. Doctor Trumbull says 
 of him, that " he preached with a commanding 
 eloquence and fervor." 
 
 His catholic spirit and conduct, tended greatly 
 to allay excitements, which had been awakened in 
 minor religious denominations, by the rigid exclu- 
 siveness of his predecessor, and which had so 
 nearly proved fatal to the institution. 
 
 His character, as a patriot and friend to civil 
 hberty, has already been the subject of remark. 
 The circumstances attending the invasion of New- 
 port and New Haven, tended to strengthen his 
 abhorrence of tyranny, and quicken his zeal in 
 the cause of freedom. In a sermon, preached at 
 Newport in early life, he had vindicated the con- 
 duct of the judges of Charles the first, of England, 
 and the terrible sentence which closed the career 
 of that infatuated monarch. At New Haven he 
 published, in an octavo volume, the memoirs and 
 traditionary accounts of three of his judges, whose 
 remains are supposed to have been interred at that 
 place. This book affords not only interest to the 
 antiquary, but presents a happy illustration of the 
 President's political sentiments. 
 
 The ardor and enthusiasm of Doctor Stiles, in 
 the pursuit of science, led him into speculations 
 that by many were accounted visionary, and the 
 charge of literary credulity was frequently pre- 
 ferred against him. The lapse of half a century 
 has shown, how easily men of colder temperament 
 might prefer such charges, against an ardent votary 
 
 17
 
 130 
 
 of learning, whose anticipations were soon to be 
 proved the prophetic visions of futurity. 
 
 His successor, Dr. Dwight, thus speaks of his 
 hterary merits. " Doctor Stiles was probably the 
 most learned man in America, at the time of his 
 death; and was probably excelled by few in the 
 world. A very learned Je\yish Rabbi, who lived 
 in Asia, where he corresponded, for some years, 
 with Doctor Stiles, and who afterwards came to 
 America, declared that Doctor Stiles understood 
 and wrote Hebrew, better than any other Gentile 
 whom he had ever known." 
 
 But these notices, gathered chiefly from thei 
 pages of Doctor Stiles' biographer, have already 
 been extended beyond the intended limits of the 
 writer, and they will be closed by a reference to 
 the numerous testimonials, borne to his literary 
 merits, by his contemporaries. 
 
 " The University of Edinburgh, the Colleges of 
 Nassau Hall, and of Dartmouth, conferred on him 
 the degree of Doctor in Divinity; Nassau, the 
 degree of Doctor of Laws. The American Philo- 
 sophical Society, the American Academy of Arts 
 and Sciences, the Connecticut Academy of Arts 
 and Sciences, and the Massachusetts Historical 
 Society, chose him a member of their respective 
 bodies." 
 
 But in the fullness of his labors, in the vigor of 
 intellectual strength, and in the midst of new form- 
 ed plans of future usefulness, death arrested the 
 career of this distinguished man.
 
 131 
 
 This event occurred on the 12th May, 1795, 
 after a severe illness of four days, in the sixty-eighth 
 year of his age. 
 
 It need hardly be added, that the sudden extin- 
 guishment of so bright a luminary, produced a 
 wide-spread gloom, or that the numerous friends 
 who were attached to him, by the bonds of science 
 and Christian fellowship, hastened to offer their 
 tributes of affection to his memory. 
 
 The Reverend Doctor Dana, of New Haven, 
 preached a sermon at his funeral, and subsequently 
 Professor Meigs pronounced a beautiful and finish- 
 ed oration, in commemoration of his virtues. 
 
 His remains were interred in the old burying 
 ground of New Haven, but on its discontinuance 
 as a cemetery, were removed to the present grave 
 yard of the city. 
 
 The Corporation of College have erected a 
 handsome marble monument to his memory. It 
 bears the following just inscription. 
 
 Hie 
 
 Jacet Sepultiis 
 
 EZRA STILES, 
 
 S. T. D. 
 
 LL. D. 
 
 Qui 
 
 Alta Mcnte prsetlitus, 
 Eruditioiie omnigena imbutus, 
 Urbanitate suavissima, 
 "^ Moribus probis, 
 
 Charitate, Fide, Pictatc cvangelica ; 
 Officiis
 
 132 
 
 Paliib, Amici, Praeceptoriss, 
 
 Ecclesi&. ministri, hominis, 
 
 Enitens ; 
 
 suis percarus, 
 
 In Ecclesia magno cultu dignatus, 
 
 Per terras honore habitus, 
 
 Vixit. 
 
 Lacrymis Omnium 
 
 Obiit ; 
 
 Maii XII mo. MDCCXCV to. 
 
 ^tat. LXVIII vo. 
 
 Ecclesaj 1 1 dae. 
 
 Nov. Port. Rhod. Ins. 
 
 Pastor 
 
 annos XXII ; 
 
 Collegii Yalensis 
 
 Tutor 
 
 VI, 
 
 Praeses 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 Scnatus Academicus 
 
 Coll. Yal. 
 
 hoc saxum 
 
 posuit.
 
 133 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 The Presidency of the Rev. Timothy Dwight, S. T. D. LL. D. 
 
 At an early meeting, after the decease of Doc- 
 tor Stiles, the Corporation of the College elected 
 the Rev. Timothy Dwight, S. T. D. then Pastor 
 of a Church in Greenfield, Connecticut, as Presi- 
 dent. He accepted the appointment, (which was 
 made with great unanimity,) and commenced the 
 performance of his official duties in the ensuing 
 Collegiate year. His advancement to the respon- 
 sible station of President, was made under circum- 
 stances highly auspicious to the future prosperity 
 and usefulness of the institution. Professor Silli- 
 man, in an Eulogium pronounced before " the aca- 
 demic body of Yale College," on the occasion of 
 his decease, thus speaks of the qualifications of 
 Doctor Dwight, at the time of his election to the 
 Presidency. 
 
 " Doctor Dwight had now arrived at the forty- 
 third year of his age. In the meridian of life ; 
 mature in experience and in reputation; long prac- 
 ticed in the difficult task of instructing and govern- 
 ing youth ; familiar with the courses of academic 
 learning, and imbued with the principles of most 
 branches of human knowledge; also possessing 
 powers of communication almost unrivalled, and
 
 134 
 
 his whole character surrounded with great dignity 
 and splendor, the public voice, with unprecedented 
 unanimity, designated him to fill the Presidential 
 chair in this seminary, which in May, 1795, was 
 vacated, by the death of the learned and venerable 
 Doctor Stiles." 
 
 So much of the history and character of an in- 
 stitution, to which Doctor Dwight devoted the 
 energies of his life, after the acceptance of its 
 Presidency, must be blended with his personal me- 
 moirs, that a brief chronological statement of aca- 
 demic events, will only be deemed necessary, as 
 prefatory to a sketch of his biography. 
 
 The annals of literary institutions are, like polit- 
 ical histories of nations, so dependant on governing 
 chiefs, that the delineations of personal characters 
 are more satisfactory guides as to results, than 
 mere details of occurrences. 
 
 When he accepted the office of President, the 
 whole corps of instructors consisted of four persons, 
 viz. Josiah Meigs, Professor of Mathematics and 
 Natural Philosophy, Josiah Stebbins, Roger Minot 
 Sherman, and Jeremiah Atwater, Tutors. The 
 entire interests of the institution were, therefore, 
 dependent on five gentlemen; and as Tutorships 
 were usually accepted for temporary support, and 
 literary advantages, and held for short periods, his 
 only permane?it reliance must have been on Pro- 
 fessor Meigs. 
 
 His predecessor Doctor Stiles, had discharged 
 the duties of a Professor of Ecclesiastical His-
 
 135 
 
 tory^ in addition to that of President. Tliostj du- 
 ties, (as being deemed distinct from Presidential 
 obligations,) on the death of Doctor Stiles, were 
 blended, by new academical arrangements, with 
 those of other Professorships. 
 
 President Dwight, soon after his induction to 
 office, applied his vigorous powers to the enlarge- 
 ment of Collegiate advantages. His high reputa- 
 tion and suavity of manners, were calculated to 
 win public support and confidence ; and his expe- 
 rience as an instructor, enabled him to suggest im- 
 provements of a valuable and practical character. 
 Although the funds of the College were small, he 
 endeavored to improve them, by extending the 
 range of studies and attracting to the institution 
 all descriptions of Students. He manifested an 
 early desire to change not only the course of in- 
 struction, but to establish new departments. 
 
 In compliance with the plan of the President, 
 the Hon. Elizur Goodrich was appointed Profes- 
 sor of Law, in the year 1801. In the year 1803, 
 the Rev. Jere3iiaii Day was chosen Professor of 
 Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, to supply 
 the place of Josiah Meigs, Esq. who had accepted 
 the appointment of President of the University of 
 Georgia. 
 
 At this period, the sciences of Chemistry and 
 Mineralogy began to attract the attention of learn- 
 ed and enlightened men, in all nations. Doctor 
 Dwight was sensible of their high importance, in 
 connection with other branches of learning; but
 
 136 
 
 deemed them essential, in a nation, whose physical 
 resources had never been explored by scientific 
 men. 
 
 In the year 1804, Benjamin Silliman, Esq. who 
 had recently been admitted as a Counsellor at Law, 
 was chosen Professor of Chemistry and Mineralogy, 
 and at the request of the Corporation, visited Eu- 
 rope, with a view to the acquisition of practical 
 knowledge, in branches of science, then little un- 
 derstood in this country. 
 
 The success of that mission, has been too often 
 manifested in the writings of the Professor, to need 
 either the comment or eulogium of the writer. 
 
 Immediately after the return of Professor Silli- 
 man, he commenced the organization of his de- 
 partment, in the University, and the delivering of 
 lectures. 
 
 In the year 1805, Doctor Dwight was appointed 
 Professor of Theology. He accepted the office, 
 and discharged, during his whole Presidency, the 
 arduous duties attached to that department of in- 
 struction. 
 
 In the same year, James L. Kingsley^ Esq. who 
 had been, for some time previous, employed as an 
 instructor in the institution, and had by his talents 
 won the favor of literary men, was appointed Pro- 
 fessor of the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin languages. 
 
 The exertions of President Dwight were not 
 satisfied with these important additions to the 
 means of academic instruction. He had obtained 
 accessions to the Theological and Law departments,
 
 137 
 
 and strengthened greatly the classical advantages 
 of the College. His object was to form a Univer- 
 sity. The important profession of Medicine was 
 as yet^ unrepresented ; and as opportunities offer- 
 ed, he urged, both in private intercourse and 
 in public solicitation, aid in furtherance of his 
 project. 
 
 He lived to witness, only the partial completion 
 of his faithful exertions for the benefit of the Col- 
 lege. The founding of the Medical department 
 was effected during his Presidency, but as that 
 branch of the College is separately noticed, it is 
 unnecessary to do more than refer to the chapter, 
 in which its origin and present condition are pre- 
 sented. 
 
 PRESIDENT DWIGHT- 
 
 The biography of this eminent man, even in its 
 prominent incidents, cannot be comprised in the 
 brief sketch allowed by the plan of the writer. 
 His character lives fresh and verdant in the cher- 
 ished recollections of the present age; and will 
 ever occupy a bright page in the ecclesiastical and 
 literary history of his country. 
 
 Under his Presidency, a feeble institution, found- 
 ed in a wilderness, by a few pious but learned 
 clergymen, as a " School of the Church," nourish- 
 ed and fostered by a succession of wise and faithful 
 men, until it rose into the character of a respecta- 
 ble College, attained the dignity of a University, 
 
 18
 
 138 
 
 which coukl, with lionorable pride, rank itself 
 among the first in tlic country. 
 
 The varied excellences of this illustrious man, 
 must be learned from his works, and the statements 
 of more minute biographers; it is our task to pre- 
 sent only a brief outline. 
 
 Timothy Dwight was born at Northampton, 
 Massachusetts, on the 14tli May, 1752. Under the 
 government of parents who possessed distinguished 
 virtues and talents, his mental powers were rapidly 
 developed, and he is represented as having mani- 
 fested very early indications of his future great- 
 ness. 
 
 In his twelfth year he went to Middletown, Con- 
 necticut, for the purpose of pursuing his studies, 
 under the guidance of the Rev. Enoch Hunting- 
 ton, a celebrated divine and scholar. 
 
 In September, 1765, he was admitted a member 
 of the Freshman Class in Yale College. 
 
 The first two years of his collegiate life, owing 
 to the usettled state of the institution, and a per- 
 sonal accident, were in a great measure lost. His 
 Junior and Senior years were devoted to the pur- 
 suit of science, with an intenseness of application 
 seldom equalled. He devoted fourteen hours daily 
 to study. 
 
 In addition to the regular Collegiate exercises, 
 he at this time devoted great attention to the art of 
 penniansiii[), and to poetry and music. In each of 
 these arts he attained great pcrfectioih
 
 139 
 
 His intense application at this period, seriously 
 affected his eyes, and produced a weakness of vision 
 that occasioned much distress in after hfe. It is 
 noted by his biographer, as '• the era of his exces- 
 sive devotion to study, and the acquisition of knowl- 
 edge." 
 
 In the year I7G9, he received his degree of 
 Bachelor, having attained the highest rank in his 
 class. Mr. Dwight was then but a little past 
 seventeen years of age, a circumstance referred to 
 in the award of academic honors. Only one ap- 
 pointment was made from the class about to re- 
 ceive the degree of Bachelors. 
 
 The President sent for Mr. Dwight and Mr. 
 Strong, (aftewards the Rev. Doctor Nathan Strong, 
 of Hartford,) and informed them, that the officers 
 of the College considered them equally deserving 
 of the honor, but as Strong was the oldest, it would 
 be given to him at that time, and to Dwight when 
 the class received their degrees -as Masters. 
 
 A short time after leaving College, Mr. Dwight 
 was employed as Preceptor of a Grammar School 
 in New Haven. In this situation he continued for 
 two years, with great reputation. 
 
 In September, 1771, he was chosen a Tutor in 
 Yale College, in which office he continued for six 
 years. 
 
 During the period of his Tutorship, the charac- 
 ter of the institution was radically changed. The 
 genius of Howe, Trumbull and Dwight, was not 
 content with the acquirement of what, in tiic cant 
 of the times, was called solid learning.
 
 140 
 
 They considered the sciences then taught in the 
 College, as the essential foundation of a good edu- 
 cation; but they did not consider the studies of 
 rhetoric, composition, belles-letters, poetry and ora- 
 tory, as unimportant branches. They were practi- 
 cal as well as ornamental, and received their full 
 share of attention, from those enlightened instruc- 
 tors. 
 
 At this period, Mr. Dvvight devoted much time 
 to the cultivation of poetry. In the first year of 
 his Tutorship, at the age of nineteen years, he 
 commenced writing the poem entitled " The Con- 
 quest of Canaan," and completed it in 1774. 
 
 In the year 1772, he received his degree as 
 Master of Arts. On that occasion he delivered 
 " A dissertation on the history, eloquence and po- 
 etry of the Bible." Although the effort of a young 
 man, it is said to have been characterized by great 
 beauty and strength of style and sentiment. His 
 illustrations were* original, and his criticisms just. 
 This dissertation was published, both in this country 
 and in Europe. 
 
 During his Tutorship, Mr. Dwight engaged 
 deeply in mathematical studies, and carried his in- 
 vestigations to the highest branches of the science. 
 
 In May, 1777, in consequence of the troubles 
 growing out of the Revolutionary War, Collegiate 
 exercises were suspended at New Haven, and the 
 Students, under their respective Tutors, pursued 
 their studies in places less exposed to hostile in- 
 cursioMs.
 
 141 
 
 .■t 
 
 Mr. Dvvight retired with his class to Wethers- 
 field, and continued with them at that place till 
 September. 
 
 In June of this year, he was licensed as a minis- 
 ter, and preached, during the summer, to the con- 
 gregation of the parish of Kensington, in Weth- 
 ersfield. 
 
 In September he resigned his Tutorship, and 
 was soon after appointed Chaplain to General Par- 
 son's brigade, in General Putnam's division of the 
 United States' army. 
 
 He joined the army at West Point, in October, 
 
 1777, and continued in that office until October, 
 
 1778, when domestic afflictions induced him to re- 
 sign. His faithful discharge of his duties won the 
 applause of the most distinguished officers, and his 
 residence at West Point laid the foundation of 
 valuable friendships, which were cherished in after 
 life. In addition to his services as Chaplain, he 
 also animated the patriotism of the soldiers, and 
 kindled their enthusiasm, by the composition of 
 patriotic songs, adapted to the spirit of the times. 
 
 One of his songs, written at this period, com- 
 mencing with the invocation, 
 
 " Columbia ! Columbia ! to glory arise, 
 
 The Queen of the world, and the child of the skies !" 
 
 justly ranks among the most beautiful of our na- 
 tional melodies. 
 
 On leaving the army, the filial and fraternal 
 duties of Mr. Dwight were severely tested. His
 
 142 
 
 father had recently died on a distant journey, at 
 Natcliez, on the Mississippi, leaving a widow and 
 thirteen children, of whom Mr. Dwight was the 
 eldest. 
 
 On receiving the news of this afflicting event, he 
 immediately removed to Northampton, and devoted 
 himself to the care of the paternal property, and 
 the support of the family. 
 
 From the cultivation of a farm, the performance 
 of ministerial duties in vacant congregations, and 
 the establishment of a respectable school, he de- 
 rived a sufficient income to defray honorably this 
 heavy charge. 
 
 Five years, certainly not the least interesting, of 
 the life of this distinguished man, were thus devo- 
 ted, with honorable generosity, to the support and 
 education of his relations. During this period, he 
 also devoted much time to political exertions, and 
 particularly in checking a dangerous spirit of 
 licentiousness, which had grown out of a long pro- 
 tracted war. In the years 1781 and 1782, he rep- 
 resented the town of Northampton, in the state 
 legislature, and is said to have distinguished him- 
 self highly in this new sphere, by his industry, 
 talents and eloquence. A petition for a grant in 
 favor of Harvard College, received his zealous and 
 effectual support; and although in his absence, it 
 was at first denied, he obtained a reconsideration 
 of the vote, and in a speech, " fraught with wit, 
 argument and eloquence," carried the measure 
 triumphantly through the house.
 
 143 
 
 His talents as a legislator, were so conspicuous 
 that many gentlemen, of high standing and influ- 
 ence, solicited him, at this time, to abandon his 
 profession, and devote himself to public life. His 
 attachment to the ministry, however, and his con- 
 viction of its superior usefulness, could not yield to 
 the most tempting offers of advancement in civil 
 life. 
 
 After declining invitations to settle in the minis- 
 try, tendered to him by the churches of Beverley 
 and Charlestown, he at length accepted a call, 
 unanimously made, in May, 1783, by the church 
 and congregation of Greenfield, a parish in the 
 town of Fairfield, in Connecticut. 
 
 He was ordained over that people, on the 5th of 
 November following, and continued as their pastor 
 for twelve years. 
 
 To supply the deficiency of a very limited salary, 
 and enable him to defray the expences incident to 
 an increasing literary reputation, Mr. Dwight es- 
 tablished an academy at Greenfield, for the educa- 
 tion of pupils of both sexes. It acquired an exten- 
 sive and high character, and was continued during 
 the whole period of his residence at Greenfield. 
 More than one thousand pupils were educated at 
 that institution. 
 
 Mr. Dwight's reputation as a preacher rapidly 
 increased, and in literature and theological knowl- 
 edge, he ranked among the best scholars and most 
 distinguished divines of the country.
 
 144 
 
 Owing to a weakness of his eyes, from causes 
 already referred to, he was unable to write without 
 experiencing great pain. He therefore was com- 
 pelled to rely chiefly on extemporaneous efforts in 
 preaching, and by pursuing that course, in a short 
 time acquired a ready, flowing and powerful elocu- 
 tion. 
 
 He composed, while at Greenfield, about one 
 thousand sermons. 
 
 In 1785, he published his poem, entitled "The 
 Conquest of Canaan," which had been written 
 several years before. 
 
 In 1787, Mr. Dwight received the degree of 
 Doctor of Divinity, from Nassau College, New 
 Jersey, at the age of thirty-five years. 
 
 In 1791, he preached the Election sermon before 
 the legislature at Hartford. 
 
 In 1793, he published a sermon on the genuine- 
 ness and authenticity of the New Testament ; and 
 in the succeeding year, a poem called " Greenfield 
 Hill," which, together with " The Conquest of 
 Canaan," was republished in England. 
 
 In the years 1790 and 1791, his influence and 
 talents were successfully exerted in promoting a 
 union of the Congregational and Presbyterian 
 churches throughout the United States. 
 
 In 1794, he received an invitation from the Con- 
 sistory of the Reformed Dutch Church, in the city 
 of Albany, to settle with them as their minister. 
 Their offer, in point of salary, was liberal, and the 
 call unanimous, but causes, deemed by him satis-
 
 145 
 
 factory, uuluced Doctor D\vigh( to decline tlie in- 
 vitation. 
 
 But the cultivated mind and superior talents of 
 Doctor Dwight, were not destined by Providence 
 to the narrow field of village pastoral duties, and 
 the superintendence of a private academy. 
 
 His intellectual and moral power had been long 
 felt and acknowledged by his countrymen, and the 
 Corporation of Yale College, acted not less in- 
 obedience to their own wishes than to the public 
 sentiment, when they requested him, with great 
 unanimity, on the death of Doctor Stiles, to ac- 
 cept the office of President. 
 
 In September, 1795, Doctor Dwight was duly 
 inaugurated and presided at Commencement, and 
 in December following, removed his family to New 
 Haven. The number of Students was at this time 
 one hundfed and ten. 
 
 This was a field adapted to his genius, his varied 
 learning, his skill jn government, and his long ex 
 perience in academic instruction ; but it was em- 
 phatically a field of labor, which left no repose 
 even for his well prepared and vigorous mind. 
 
 The establishment of American Independence, 
 had not been effected, without the moral contami- 
 nation always the result of protracted wars. Li- 
 centiousness, both in conduct and sentiment, had 
 followed the footsteps of liberty, and in the exulta- 
 tion of political emancipation, infidel philosophers 
 found ready listeners, when they represented the 
 restraints of religion as fetters of the conscience, 
 
 19
 
 146 
 
 and moral obligations, as shackles imposed by big- 
 otry and priestcraft. 
 
 Doctor Dvvight adopted the most effectual means 
 to destroy those growing evils. He permitted the 
 class to select the following, as the subject of dis- 
 cussion, at one of their Collegiate exercises. "Are 
 the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament the 
 word of God ?" and encouraged them to exert their 
 full powers, in a free but decorous debate, on which- 
 ever side of the question their inclination might 
 direct them to engage. Nearly the whole of those 
 who took part in the debate, supported the cause of 
 infidelity. After their arguments were concluded, 
 the President examined the whole ground, pointed 
 out the fallacy of their reasoning, and vindicated, 
 in an argument of overwhelming power and elo- 
 quence, the authenticity of the Scriptures. -The 
 effect is described as astonishing. Not only con- 
 viction followed, but even the pride of infidelity 
 was humbled, and its advocates became unpopular. 
 
 The dignity and refinement of Doctor Dwight's 
 manners, his elegant and commanding person, and 
 his superior colloquial powers, were great alixilia- 
 ries in the government of the University. The 
 Students felt, that they could not only regard the 
 President as their scientific guide, but could also 
 discern in him, a model of refined manners; for he 
 brought the accomplishments of a gentleman into 
 the seats of science, and made learning more at- 
 tractive, by uniting it with the graces of polished 
 life. ^ f
 
 147 
 
 His principal duties as an instructor were con- 
 fined to the Senior Class, and so delightful did he 
 make the pursuits of knowledge, that the Students 
 looked forward to the Senior year, as to a season of 
 mental recreation. 
 
 Belles-letters, composition, rhetoric, moral phi- 
 losophy, logic and metaphysics were, among other 
 branches, embraced in his department of instruc- 
 tion. The most approved treatises on these subjects 
 of study, were regarded by him as text books only, 
 and at every recitation, his learned, extensive, and 
 lucid comments formed a principal part of the ex- 
 ercise. The recitations of Saturday, were confin- 
 ed to the examination of the cardinal points of the 
 Christian system. 
 
 Doctor Dwight, soon after his election to the 
 Presidency, effected various important alterations 
 in the Collegiate laws. The statutes of the insti- 
 tution, had been chiefly adopted from those of Eu- 
 ropean Universities, where the footsteps of monar- 
 chical regulation were discerned even in the walks 
 of science. So diflicult was it to divest the minds of 
 wise men, of the influence of venerable follies, that 
 the printed catalogues of Students, until the year 
 1768, were arranged according to respectability 
 of parentage. A remnant of this aristocratic dis- 
 tinction existed, when Doctor Dwight was elect- 
 ed to the Presidency, as the members of the Fresh= 
 man Class were compelled to perform menial ser- 
 vices, and particularly to go on errands, for the 
 two upper classes This debasing custom was 
 abolished in 1804
 
 148 
 
 The whole system of laws, as to punishment, 
 was altered ; pecuniary penalties gave way to more 
 efficient correctives ; the character of the Students 
 was elevated in grade, and the fear of forfeiting 
 that, hy Collegiate censure, became the strongest 
 incentive to correct deportment. 
 
 Although the funds of the College were ex- 
 tremely limited, and its income chiefly dependant 
 on the number of Students, he never permitted that 
 consideration to sway his conduct in the award of 
 punishment, but promptly dismissed those whose 
 conduct was unworthy of gentlemen, and calcula- 
 ted to tarnish the reputation of the institution. 
 
 In 1805, the office of Professor of Theology was 
 permanently confided to Doctor Dwight, who had 
 previously discharged the duties of that chair by 
 virtue of annual appointments. 
 
 During the period of his Presidency, he found 
 little time to devote to his favorite pursuit of poetry. 
 His most important service to the public in this 
 branch of literature, was, in the revision of Doctor 
 Watts' Psalms, made at the request of the General 
 Association of Connecticut, completed in the year 
 1800, and approved by the General Assembly of 
 the Presbyterian Church, and recommended by 
 them, to the Congregational and Presbyterian 
 churches throughout the United States. Besides 
 important alterations in Doctor Watts' version, 
 thirty-three entire Psalms were versified by Doctor 
 Dwighl ^
 
 149 
 
 As has been before remarked, many new Proles- 
 sorships were created during his Presidency, and 
 particularly the Professorship of Chimistry and 
 Mineralogy. Tlie modern improvements in these 
 branches of science, awakened the earnest atten- 
 tion of the President, and his attendance on the 
 lectures of Professor Silliman was as punctual as 
 that of the Students. 
 
 Soon after commencing his duties as Professor 
 of Theology, he adopted the plan of delivering a 
 systematic course of sermons on the mornings of 
 each Sabbath, on the leading doctrines of Chris- 
 tianity ; his discourses in the evening services were 
 of a practical character. 
 
 In 1805, the Corporation appropriated the sum 
 of fifty pounds per annum, to defray the expense of 
 an amanuensis, and although the compensation was 
 small, the advantages thus offered, of a personal 
 intimacy with the President, always made it a 
 situation much sought for, by many young gentle- 
 men, who were pursuing theological studies. The 
 facilities afforded by this arrangement, enabled him 
 to extend his systematic sermons, and preserve 
 them for future publication. Since his death, they 
 have been published in five volumes octavo, both in 
 America and Europe, and justly rank among the 
 most eminent of the standard works on theology. 
 
 The state of Doctor Dwight's health, which had 
 in early life, been seriously impaired b} too intense 
 application to study, had taught him the necessity 
 of fre(ju<'nt and vigorous bodily exercise. During
 
 150 
 
 the Collegiate terms, gardening and walking were 
 favorite occupations; in the vacations, particularly 
 in the spring and autumn, he made extensive jour- 
 neys, principally through New England and New 
 York. 
 
 These periodical journeys were continued for 
 many years, and while they contributed to his per- 
 sonal benefit, enabled him also to extend the sphere 
 of his influence. His ample notes, taken during 
 these numerous journeys, have been published since 
 his death, and form a valuable accession to Amel^i- 
 can literature. 
 
 In addition to the severe duties imposed on Doc- 
 tor Dwight, in the discharge of official functions, 
 his talents and active benevolence were constantly 
 required in the furtherance of plans for the public 
 good; in providing teachers for schools, academies, 
 and Colleges ; in commending pastors to vacant 
 churches; in preaching sermons on important oc- 
 casions; and in furthering the great religious char- 
 ities of the age. 
 
 Our limits forbid us, even to give a list of his 
 various published discourses on interesting occa- 
 sions. 
 
 His exertions greatly contributed to the founding 
 of the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences 
 in 1799; of the 3Iissionary Society of Connecti- 
 cut; of the Society for Foreign Missions, establish- 
 ed in 1809, at Boston Massachusetts; of the Theo- 
 logical Seminary at Andover, of the American 
 Bible Societv, and of numerous other minor estab-
 
 151 
 
 lishments. Of many of these, he was an active 
 and efficient officer. 
 
 In the month of February, 1816, Doctor Dwight 
 was first attacked with the violent disease, to which 
 he eventually fell a victim. 
 
 It is not our intention to follow this eminent man 
 through the acute and agonizing distresses of his 
 protracted sickness, nor to describe the Christian 
 hope and fortitude which sustained him through his 
 sufferings. 
 
 He gained temporary relief from his ffi'st attack, 
 and on the 2d of June, delivered an impressive ser- 
 mon on his partial recovery. 
 
 On the 17th of the same month, the General 
 Association of Connecticut met at New Haven, 
 and Doctor Dwight, though feeble in health, was 
 invited to break the bread at the celebration of the 
 Eucharist. He performed this duty in a manner 
 peculiarly affecting and solemn. More than one 
 thousand communicants, including above seventy 
 clergymen, received the elements. 
 
 During the summer and greater part of the suc- 
 ceeding autumn, although suffering greatly from 
 disease. Doctor Dwight was enabled to preach, and 
 to devote much time both to literary and religious 
 investigations. 
 
 On the third of November, he administered the 
 Sacrament of the Supper, and preached in the 
 College Chapel. 
 
 These were his last public offices as a Christian 
 minister. His paleness and languor continued to 
 increase, and excited deep solicitude in his friends.
 
 152 1^ ^ 
 
 On the 27tli November, he met the Senior Class 
 in their recitation room, for the last time ; but con- 
 tinued to instruct the Theological class at his own 
 house, until within a few days of his death. 
 
 On the 8th of January, 1817, his disease assum- 
 ed a more violent and alarming character, and it 
 soon became evident that he was beyond the hope 
 of medical relief 
 
 He received the communication of his friends as 
 to his true condition, with calmness, and with a 
 Christian resignation, worthy of his life and profes- 
 sion, awaited the time of his departure. 
 
 Pain at length appeared to have exhausted its 
 strength, but not before it had destroyed its victim. 
 On the 11th January, this great and good man 
 calmly and without a struggle, yielded up his spirit. 
 
 His death spread a general gloom through all 
 circles of society. Science mourned over the loss 
 of one of her noblest sons ; philanthropy felt, that 
 a main-spring in that mighty machine, that moved 
 the charities of the age, was broken ; the clergy, 
 that a bright luminary, which like a central orb, 
 had for many years diffused its bright and vivify- 
 ing influence over every path of ministerial labor, 
 cheering and animating them in their Christian 
 duties, was at length extinguished. 
 
 The character of this eminent divine and scholar 
 must be the task of an abler and more elaborate 
 pen. 
 
 The variety and extent of his knowledge, his 
 self command and mental discipline, the lucid
 
 153 
 
 order of his thoughts, his powerful eloquence and 
 energetic reasoning, his vivid but well regulated 
 imagination, the charms of his poetry and the 
 melody of his music, all forbid the hopeless attempt. 
 But he has left better memorials of his worth, than 
 even gifted biographers can prepare. They are 
 traced on every page of his literary works, they 
 may be found in the records of the most important 
 benevolent institutions of the age ; in the prosper- 
 ity of the Church to which the energies of his life 
 were devoted; in the annals of a University, that 
 justly regarded him as its pride and glory ; and in 
 the history of a nation, which he has largely con- 
 tributed to advance in intellectual greatness. 
 
 Every tribute that respect or affection could 
 manifest for his memory, was exhibited at his death. 
 
 His remains were attended to the grave by a 
 numerous concourse of clergy and laity, of every 
 rank; business was suspended, and the shops at 
 New Haven were closed during the solemnities. 
 Numerous sermons were preached on the occasion, 
 in various parts of the country, and in several 
 cities the alumni of the College convened to mingle 
 their sympathies, and bear affectionate testimony 
 to the worth of their departed friend. 
 
 The Corporation of Yale College have erected 
 a marble monument over his grave, which bears 
 the following inscription. 
 
 20
 
 154 
 
 Ific sepultus jacet 
 
 Vir ille admodum reverendus 
 
 TIMOTHEUS DWIGHT, S. T. D. LL. D. 
 
 CoUegii Yalensis Praeses, 
 
 et ejusdem 
 
 Sacrosanctae Theologiae Professor : 
 
 Qui 
 De Literis, de Religione, de Patria 
 
 optime meritus ; 
 
 Maximo suorum et bonorum omnium 
 
 desiderio, 
 
 mortem obiit, 
 
 Die XI. Januar. Anno Domini 
 
 MDCCCXVII. 
 
 ^tatis suae 
 
 LXV. 
 
 On the opposite side. 
 
 Ecclesiae Greenfieldiensis Pastor 
 
 Annos XII. 
 
 CoUegii Yalensis Tutor 
 
 VI. 
 
 Praeses 
 
 XXII. 
 
 Senatus 
 
 CoUegii Yalensis 
 
 Hoc Saxum Posuendum 
 
 Curavit.
 
 155 
 
 (HAP IE R IX. 
 The Presidency of the Rer. Jeremiah Day, S. T. D. 
 
 The decease of President Dvvight, who in all 
 respects, was so well qualified to direct and regu- 
 late the concerns of the University, awakened a 
 general solicitude with regard to its future govern- 
 ment. In selecting his successor, the friends of the 
 institution directed their attention to an academic 
 corps, formed under his judicious and enlightened 
 system, and the Rev. Jeremiah Day, then Profes- 
 sor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, was 
 elected President. He had been educated at the 
 College, had served three years as a Tutor, and 
 fourteen years as Professor of Mathematics and 
 Natural Philosophy, and in the discharge of all 
 his academic duties, had gained the favor of the 
 Corporation and Faculty, and the affections of the 
 Students. The obvious indelicacy of alluding in 
 stronger terms to the fitness of this choice, must 
 restrain the remarks of the writer ; he may how- 
 ever with propriety, advert to the unexampled 
 prosperity of the University, during the Presidency 
 of Doctor Day, as evidence that the wisdom which 
 guided its early councils has not forsaken its paths. 
 
 The annals of the institution, since the election 
 of President Day, arc so familiar to those conver-
 
 156 
 
 sant with the concerns of the institution, or who 
 take an interest in its prosperity, that only a brief 
 chronological statement will be requisite to com- 
 plete the object of this treatise. The Corporation, 
 feeling deeply sensible of the loss of President 
 Dwight, and being fully aware of the fact, that the 
 character of the College was, in public estimation, 
 very intimately blended with his reputation, wisely 
 resolved to amplify the advantages of the institu- 
 tion, by increasing the number of Professorships, 
 and thus strengthening their claims on a continu- 
 ance of favor and confidence. 
 
 At a meeting of the Board, in 1817, the aca- 
 demic corps was modified and extended by the fol- 
 lowing appointments. 
 
 The Rev. Jeremiah Day, S. T. D. was appoint- 
 ed President. 
 
 Alexander Metcalf Fisher, Esq. a Tutor of 
 high reputation in the College, and whose literary 
 pursuits had been especially directed to the study 
 of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, was ad- 
 vanced to the Professorship of those sciences, ren- 
 dered vacant by the appointment of Doctor Day 
 to the Presidency. 
 
 The Rev. Ciiauncey A. Goodrich, then Pastor 
 of a Church in Middletown, Connecticut, was 
 chosen Professor of Rhetoric and Oratory. The 
 establishment of this Professorship, indicated the 
 sentiments of the Corporation in reference to the 
 views of Doctor Dwight, as they added tliereby, a 
 new branch to the classical department of the 
 University.
 
 157 
 
 The chair of the Professorship of Divinity, wiiich 
 had been tilled by Doctor Dwight, was detached 
 from the Presidency, and the Rev. Eleazar T. 
 Fitch appointed as Professor. 
 
 The system of government, established during 
 the Presidency of Doctor Dwight, had proved so 
 efficacious, that but few modifications or additions 
 were deemed necessary, and although the course 
 of academic instruction has been since materially 
 improved, yet in most particulars, the system es- 
 tablished by him, remains unaltered. 
 
 In the early part of the year 1822, Professor 
 Fisher, at the request of the Corporation and 
 Faculty, sailed on a voyage to Europe. His ob- 
 jects were, personal improvement, by an inter- 
 course with the learned men of the old world, and 
 the selection of books and apparatus, for the use of 
 the University. He unfortunately embarked in 
 the ill-fated packet ship Albion. The disastrous 
 shipwreck of that fine vessel, was accompanied by 
 circumstances of such an appalling nature, and 
 produced such peculiar and distressing bereave- 
 ments, that its details will long live fresh in the 
 recollections of those who are conversant with 
 American commerce. Professor Fisher was among 
 the victims ; and probably few of our countrymen 
 could have died at his age, who had earned as 
 valuable a reputation, or whose loss would have 
 excited equal regret. 
 
 Literary men do not present themselves to the 
 public view, in the strong light, in which the more 
 bustling actors on the theatre of life are exhibited.
 
 158 
 
 Vet iiolwilhstaiitliiig the seclusion of Professor 
 Fisher, and his constant devotion to science, he had 
 attracted much of pubHc attention ; and the value 
 attached to his occasional essays, on various 
 branches of learning, had awakened great expecta- 
 tions, with regard to his future efforts. He pos- 
 sessed the rare talent of illustrating the principles 
 of abstract sciences, by exhibiting their connection 
 with popular learning ; and perhaps few gentlemen, 
 so well versed in mathematical science, have mani- 
 fested, in other departments of literature, a more 
 refined and cultivated taste. An essay, written by 
 Professor Fisher, and published in the Journal of 
 Science and Arts, on the principles of Music, in 
 which just rules, derived from mathematics and phi- 
 losophy, are applied to that elegant art, attract- 
 ed, at the time of its appearance, much public at- 
 tention. It is more particularly referred to, as 
 presenting a correct illustration of his genius, which 
 was so happily modeled, that science and taste 
 became mutual helpmates. 
 
 On receiving tlio news of the loss of the packet 
 Albion, Professor Kingslcy, an intimate friend and 
 literary associate of Mr. Fisher, was requested by 
 the Faculty of the College, to pronounce a dis- 
 course on the melancholy occasion. He complied 
 with the request, and drew the character of his 
 friend with such accuracy of delineation, and cor- 
 rectness of coloring, that it cannot be uninterest- 
 ing to those, who regard and cherish the reputa- 
 tion of the University, to indulge the compiler in 
 making liberal extracts. 
 
 f
 
 1 59 
 
 Professor Kingsley says, "The character of Pro- 
 lessor Fisher, such as it appeared to me from fa- 
 mihar acquaintance and long observation, I should 
 fear to delineate in any other place than this, — 
 where there are so many who can testify to the 
 justnesks of the description, and shield me from the 
 charge of fanciful and extravagant panegyric. But 
 here I do not hesitate to exhibit it as it was, — in 
 perfect confidence, that what I say will receive the 
 fullest attestation from those who hear me. 
 
 " I have already alluded to the quickness with 
 which he apprehended the most remote truths : but 
 rapid and almost intuitive as were his perceptions, 
 no one could be more free from the fault of precipi- 
 tate judgment. Caution, no less than activity, con- 
 stituted a prominent feature of his mind ; and on 
 whatever subject he had formed an opinion, seldom 
 could a difficulty be suggested, which he had not 
 foreseen, or an objection which he was not prepar- 
 ed to remove. To this union of a cautious and 
 quick judgment, of ready decision and prudent 
 wariness, no doubt the scheme of study, which he 
 early adopted, and to which he constantly adhered, 
 very greatly contributed. Whatever book he read, 
 it was the subject of which it treated, that received 
 his first and principal attention. He examined the 
 statements and reasonings of an author, less to 
 know his peculiar views and manner of unfolding 
 them, than to aid his own investigations, and obtain 
 materials for thought and reflection. Hence, while 
 he was familiar with books within the range of his
 
 studies, and minutely acquainted with the opinions 
 and reasonings of others, he preserved his inde- 
 pendence of mind. The operations of his under- 
 standing were very httle Hable to be embarrassed 
 with conflicting opinions, adopted at different times, 
 with equal confidence. He was enslaved»to no 
 system, was fascinated with no work on account 
 of its antiquity or its novelty, — he brought the 
 merits of a writer to the standard of his own intel- 
 lect, — and his judgment, though soon formed, he 
 seldom found reason to vary. 
 
 " With a mind so unshackled, he was in a high 
 degree prepared for original investigation : and 
 here perhaps was to be found his most distinguish- 
 ing characteristic. Whatever subject he examined, 
 he was almost certain to find some new method of 
 supporting or illustrating truths already known, or 
 by the aid of discoveries already made, to advance 
 to some new and more remote conclusion. 
 
 " As might be expected, he was confident in his 
 own opinions, — but not impatient of contradiction; 
 he was always candid and ingenuous, — asserting his 
 own views without dogmatism, and defending them 
 without obstinacy. His deportment on all occa- 
 sions, was unassuming and modest, marked with 
 no pretension, and the farthest removed from 
 ostentation or display. If in the society of his 
 friends, or in more enlarged circles, he conversed 
 on subjects connected with his peculiar pursuits, 
 these were never topics of his own selecting, but 
 introduced by others. His studious and retired
 
 161 
 
 habits may have given him, among those who im- 
 perfectly knew him, the appearance of reserve; 
 yet among his familiar acquaintance, his disposi- 
 tion seemed frank and open, his affections warm, 
 and he discovered those quaUties which are usually 
 thought to prepare, in a high degree, those who 
 possess them, for social and domestic life. 
 
 " As to the extent of his scientific and literary at- 
 tainments, the proofs he has given of eminence in 
 mathematical and physical knowledge, leave no 
 room in this department for doubt or hesitation. 
 Whoever has watched the progress of his studies, 
 or the course of his instruction, or has examined his 
 communications to the public, will need no further 
 evidence of talents and acquisitions in his own 
 peculiar province, of the first order. But his re- 
 searches, as before intimated, were not confined to 
 mathematics and physics. The philosophy of the 
 mind was likewise his favorite study. He was 
 familiarly acquainted with the writings of the most 
 distinguished metaphysicians, and had examined, 
 with the closest scrutiny, their various reasonings, 
 speculations and theories. If his knowledge of 
 the exact sciences qualified him to pursue with 
 uncommon advantage, the evanescent and less 
 easily defined objects of intellectual philosophy, his 
 knowledge of the laws of the human mind, its 
 capacity, and the proper region for the exertion of 
 its powers, was no less useful in directing and regu- 
 lating his physical inquiries. This rare union of 
 two kinds of knowledge so different, and the want 
 
 21
 
 IG2 
 
 of which union lias so often been attended with 
 injury to both, was considered by the friends of 
 Professor Fisher, as constituting one of his chief ex- 
 cellencies, and affording the surest promise of future 
 usefulness and distinction. Besides his acquire- 
 ments in the branches of knowledge already men- 
 tioned, and which formed, no doubt, his favorite 
 subjects of research, he ever continued to cultivate 
 a taste for classical learning ; was familiar with the 
 literature of England and France, and indeed, 
 there are few topics of miscellaneous knowledge, 
 to which, with his great industry and exact method 
 in the employment of time, he had not been able to 
 give a portion of his attention. 
 
 " What he was as an officer of this College, is 
 best known to his brethren of the immediate gov- 
 ernment and instruction; — and to them particu- 
 larly, I would appeal for the truth of the declaration, 
 — that here he was a model of integrity and faith- 
 fulness, which it would be well for all in similar 
 stations to imitate, but which few can hope to ex- 
 cel. Who ever knew him neglect or decline any 
 duty ? The interests of the institution, were with 
 him, the primary object of attention and regard. 
 To know those who were under his government 
 and instruction, and to be known by them ; to en- 
 courage the studious, and to expose the negligent 
 and the vicious ; to unite firmness and discretion, 
 a due regard to the circumstances of individuals, 
 with an impartial execution of the laws, was his 
 constant aim, and formed the distinguishing traits 
 of his academic character.
 
 163 
 
 " I have only to add, — that to his other quahties 
 was united a deep sense ol" rehgious obligation. 
 All his conduct seemed marked with an exact and 
 unvarying conscientiousness. Few have manifest- 
 ed a higher reverence for the divine law, or failed 
 less in their obedience to the precepts of the gos- 
 pel." 
 
 The preceding sketch of the character of Pro 
 fessor Fisher, although highly eulogic, it is fully 
 believed does not transcend his merits. 
 
 The following obituary notice, designed as an 
 epitaph, is probably the j>roduction of the same 
 gentleman. 
 
 S. M. 
 ALEXANDKl METCALF FISHER, 
 
 Collegii Yalensis, 
 
 Primo Alumni, delude Tutoris, 
 
 Foiitca Mallicseos ct Philosophiee Natuialis 
 
 Profcssoris ; 
 
 Qui 
 
 Ingf'uio capaci, et accrrimo judicio 
 
 Praeditus, 
 
 In studia doctrinae adco incubiiit, 
 
 Ut cum adhiic intra juvcntutis annos 
 
 Ejus vcrsaretur sptas, 
 
 Fropc f^ummum literarum fastigium 
 
 Attigisset. 
 
 His insuper laudibus, 
 
 CaHcias, qucc virum bonum commcndant, 
 
 Virtutes, 
 
 Comitatem, 
 
 Bcnevolcntiani, 
 
 Morum piobitatem, 
 
 Fidcm in ofliciiti fungcndi;; maximain,
 
 164 
 
 Et summam Dei reveientiaui 
 
 Addiderat. 
 
 Et cum amore literarum 
 
 Et studio alias regiones visendi ductus. 
 
 In Europam navigaret, 
 
 Ad oras Hiberniae, 
 
 Eheu ! tristi naufragio 
 
 Periit : 
 
 Die xxii. Aprilis, anno sacro M.DCCC.XXII. 
 
 -^tatis XXVIII. 
 
 A free, though perhaps not very elegant transla- 
 tion, is subjoined. 
 
 "Sacred to the memory of Alexander Metcalf 
 Fisher, a graduate of Yale College ; afterwards 
 Tutor ; and subsequently Professor of Mathemat- 
 ics and Natural Philosophy in that institution. 
 
 " Endowed with a superior genius, and an accu- 
 rate judgment, he early applied himself to the pur- 
 suits of learning, and so effectually that even in 
 youth he attained almost the highest grade in 
 letters. 
 
 " He added to these endowments, the virtues 
 which adorn a good man ; suavity of manners, be- 
 nevolence, probity, the greatest fidelity in the dis- 
 charge of official duties, and the highest reverence 
 for his God. 
 
 " Attracted by the love of learning, and a desire 
 of viewing foreign regions, he sailed for Europe, 
 but alas, perished in a disastrous shipwreck on the 
 coast of Ireland, on the 22d April, in the year of 
 our Lord 1822, in the twenty-eighth year of his 
 age."
 
 165 
 
 In the year 1822, a new Professorship, connect- 
 ed with the Theological department, was establish- 
 ed. It is designated as " The Dwight Professor- 
 ship of Didactic Theology." The Rev. Nathaniel 
 W. Taylor, S. T. D. then Pastor of a Congrega- 
 tional Church in New Haven, was elected as the 
 Professor, and soon after commenced the discharge 
 of his duties. 
 
 In the same year, the Rev. Matthew Rice But- 
 ton, who had previously been connected with the 
 institution as a Tutor, and had been particularly 
 distinguished for his skill and science in Mathemat- 
 ics, was chosen a Professor, to occupy the chair of 
 Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, vacated by 
 the death of Professor Fisher. 
 
 In the year 1824, the Rev. Josiah W. Gibbs, a 
 graduate, and former Tutor of College, was elect- 
 ed Professor of sacred Literature. The pursuits 
 of Mr. Gibbs had, for some time previous to his 
 appointment, been directed to the study of the an- 
 cient languages of the Scriptures, and biblical 
 criticism. He has since that time become favora- 
 bly known to literary men, as the author of " a 
 Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testa- 
 ment, including the biblical Chaldce, from the Ger- 
 man works of Professor W. Gesenius." The addi- 
 tions of Professor Gibbs have increased the value 
 of the original work, and it has been published 
 both in this country and in England. 
 
 In connection with his duties as a Professor, Mr. 
 Gibbs acts also as Librarian of (he Universitv-
 
 166 
 
 In the year 18*25, llic Rev. Matthew Rice Dut- 
 ton, Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philos- 
 ophy, who had for some time been suffering under 
 the infirmities of a feeble bodily constitution, de- 
 parted this life. Professor Dutton was gifted with 
 great powers of mind, both as a logician and 
 mathematician, and had his health enabled him to 
 bestow more critical attention on his published 
 works, would have left valuable legacies for the 
 literary benefit of his successors. In his charac- 
 ter he exhibited uncommon mildness, and a benev- 
 olence, that won the esteem and affection of a large 
 circle of friends. His habits of thought and ex- 
 pression were clear and logical, and he united the 
 characteristics of a pure and good man, with the 
 accomplishments of a ripe scholar and j)rofound 
 mathematician. 
 
 At the next meeting of the Corporation, after 
 the decease of Professor Dutton, in 1826, Denisojn 
 Olmsted, Esq. who had served two years as a 
 Tutor in the College, and was then discharging the 
 duties of Professor of Chimistry, in the University 
 of North Carolina, was elected as his successor. 
 He soon after announced his acceptance of the 
 office, and has since continued to discharge the 
 duties of tiiat responsible department. 
 
 The increased importance attached to a knowl- 
 edge of the modern languages, particularly the 
 French and Spanish, arising as well from interest- 
 ing changes continually exhibited in the political 
 affairs «>f the world, as from the extension of lite-
 
 107 
 
 rary and commercial intercourse, with nations 
 using those languages, have induced the Corpora- 
 tion to appoint instructors in those branches. 
 
 Mr. Charles A. Coulomb has been appointed to 
 take charge of the French department, and Mr. 
 Jose Antonio Fizarro of the Spanish. 
 
 In addition to the preceding appointments, Mr, 
 Charles Upham Shepard has been elected an assis- 
 tant Professor in the Chemical department, the 
 growing importance of that Professorship, having 
 satisfied the Corporation, that the indefatigable 
 exertions of an individual, would be inadequate to 
 the labor of all its duties, and that the addition of 
 a scientific assistant, would greatly promote the 
 interests of the College. 
 
 But few changes, as has been before remarked, 
 have been made in the course of discipline, since 
 the Presidency of Doctor Day commenced, al- 
 though the regular studies of the University have 
 been considerably extended. The nature and va- 
 riety of these alterations can be ascertained, from 
 an inspection of the " Course of Instruction," &c. 
 prescribed by the Faculty, and inserted in the ap- 
 pendix to this treatise. 
 
 The condition of the College is so fully exhibit- 
 ed in the statements hereafter given, and the im- 
 propriety of discussing the merits of its present 
 officers so obvious, that this sketch of Doctor Day's 
 Presidency will be closed by a reference to the 
 only attempt, recently made, to alter essentially 
 the course of studios.
 
 168 
 
 The following extract from the minutes of the 
 Corporation, explains fully the object. 
 
 " At a meeting of the President and Felloxos of Yale College, 
 Sept. llth, 1827, the following resolution was passed : 
 
 " That his Excellency Governor Tomlinson, Rev. 
 President Day, Rev. Dr. Chapin, Hon. Noyes Dar- 
 ling and Rev. Abel McEwen, be a committee to 
 inquire into the expediency of so altering the reg- 
 ular course of instruction in this College, as to 
 leave out of said course the study of the dead lan- 
 guages., substituting other studies therefor; and 
 either requiring a competent knowledge of said 
 languages, as a condition of admittance into the 
 College, or providing instruction in the same, for 
 such as shall choose to study them after admit- 
 tance ; and that the said committee be requested to 
 report at the next annual meeting of this corpora- 
 tion. 
 
 " This committee, at their first meeting in April, 
 1828, after taking into consideration the case re- 
 ferred to them, requested the Faculty of the Col- 
 lege to express their views on the subject of the 
 resolution. 
 
 " The expediency of retaining the ancient lan- 
 guages, as an essential part of our course of in- 
 struction, is so obviously connected with the object 
 and plan of education in the College, that justice 
 could not be done to the particular subject of in- 
 quiry in the resolution, without a brief statement 
 of the nature and arrangement of the various 
 branches of the whole system. The report of the
 
 169 
 
 Faculty was accordingly made out in two parts ; 
 one containing a summary view of the plan of 
 education in the College; the other, an inquiry 
 into the expediency of insisting on the study of 
 the ancient languages. 
 
 " This report was read to the committee, at their 
 meeting in August. The committee reported their 
 views to the Corporation, at their session in Sep- 
 tember ; who voted to accept the report, and order- 
 ed it to be printed, together with the papers read 
 before the committee, or such parts of them as the 
 prudential committee and the Faculty should 
 judge it expedient to publish." 
 
 The elaborate and learned reports, made in com- 
 pliance with the directions of the Corporation, and 
 referred to in the preceding transcript of their pro- 
 ceedings, have generally been attributed to Presi- 
 dent Day and Professor Kingsley. Their success- 
 ful vindication of the course of instruction pursu- 
 ed at the College, received, with few exceptions, 
 the approbation of men of science, and the lan- 
 guages of Greece and Rome will probably not soon 
 be banished from the studies of the University. 
 
 22
 
 170 
 
 CHAPTEU X. 
 TilK THEOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 
 
 With regard to tliis branch of the University, 
 it will be deemed requisite to offer but few remarks. 
 The College having been founded for the particu- 
 lar advancement of the interests of religion, eccle- 
 siastical literature was a primary object with those 
 who were charged with its government. From this 
 circumstance, many incidents strictly pertaining to 
 a Theological department, have necessarily been 
 connected with the academic narrative. 
 
 President Daggett was the first Professor of 
 Sacred Theology. The Rev. Samuel Wales, Pres- 
 ident Dwight, and Doctor Eleazer T. Fitch, have 
 in succession occupied that chair. Their names 
 have already been mentioned in the progress of 
 this sketch, and with the exception of the last 
 named gentleman, who now occupies that station, 
 their characters have been noted. 
 
 The Professorship of Ecclesiastical History, ap- 
 pears to have terminated on the decease of Presi- 
 dent Stiles, in 1795. In the year 1822, an impor- 
 tant addition was made to the Theological depart- 
 ment of the University, by the appointment of a 
 Professor of Didactic Theology. The Rev. Na- 
 thaniel W. Taylor, S. T. D., then pastor of the
 
 171 
 
 first Congregational Church in New Haven, was 
 appointed to this new Professorship, and has since 
 that period, been in the active discharge of its 
 duties. This important branch of Theological 
 learning, had its origin chiefly in the liberality of 
 Mr. Timothy Dwight, son of the distinguished 
 President of tliat name, who contributed five thou- 
 sand dollars for its foundation. The Professorship, 
 in just compliment to his liberality, and to the Col- 
 legiate services of his father, bears the name of the 
 " Dwight Professorship of Didactic Theology.''^ 
 
 Mention has already been made, of Professors 
 Goodrich and Gibbs ; who, although strictly be- 
 longing to the Theological department, have yet 
 important duties to perform, in the classical con- 
 cerns of the University. 
 
 The number of Students connected with this 
 branch of Collegiate instruction, has been continu- 
 ally increasing, as more full advantages for pro- 
 fessional preparation were provided. During the 
 last year, forty-nine Theological Students were 
 named in the Catalogue. The other particulars, 
 in relation to this branch of the University, are to 
 be found in the general circular, copied in the 
 appendix.
 
 172 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 THE LAW DEPARTMENT. 
 
 The study of the law, as a branch of academic 
 literature, is of recent origin in the English uni- 
 versities. On the continent of Europe, where the 
 civil or imperial law constitutes the basis of the 
 codes adopted in the several nations, lectures on 
 that department of science, and on the modifica- 
 tions peculiar to different countries, have long 
 formed an essential branch of polite as well as 
 professional education. 
 
 The elaborate learning, the systematic precision, 
 and perhaps the more despotic character of the 
 imperial code, for many ages, gave it favor and 
 dignity in the eyes of learned men, who looked 
 with contempt on the unwritten constitution and 
 laws of England, as a mass of absurd and undefined 
 customs. It was even in the middle of the last 
 century, deemed impossible to reduce their unwieldy 
 bulk to the process of any regular analysis. 
 
 Sir William Blackstone, in his admirable lec- 
 tures, delivered at the University of Oxford, tri- 
 umphantly refuted these absurd opinions. Since 
 the commencement of his lectures, in 1753, the 
 study of the English law, both in the mother coun- 
 try, and in nations and colonies which have adopt-
 
 173 
 
 ed, or derived from her their civil pohty, has con- 
 tinued to gain favor as a branch of general educa- 
 tion. 
 
 . In several American Colleges, Professors of law 
 have been appointed, and even, in some of our 
 largest cities, popular lectures have been delivered 
 to auditors of all professions. 
 
 The history of the law department attached to 
 Yale College is very brief 
 
 In pursuance of the scheme, devised during the 
 Presidency of Doctor Dwight, of adding instruc- 
 tions in professional studies to academic pursuits, 
 the Hon. Elizur Goodrich was appointed Professor 
 of Law, in the year 1801. 
 
 Previous to his appointment, Mr. Goodrich had 
 held several important public offices, which had 
 gradually withdrawn him from practice at the bar. 
 His private office did not therefore afibrd advanta- 
 ges important to Students, who were desirous to 
 qualify themselves in the forms and minute details 
 of professional business ; and as the funds of Col- 
 lege would not allow the Corporation to give an 
 adequate salary to their Professor, his lectures em- 
 braced only a general outline of the theory of law. 
 Indeed, it may well be doubted, whether a full 
 course of law lectures can be profitably blended 
 with classical pursuits, unless the time for Collegi- 
 ate education is greatly extended. 
 
 Although the preparatory qualifications for ad- 
 mission have been, of late years, very considerably 
 increased, yet branches of study, of a purely scion-
 
 174 
 
 tific character, and distinct from professional stud- 
 ies, have also multiplied, and are fully sufficient to 
 occupy profitably the whole time of the Student. 
 
 If, according to Fortescue, " viginti annorum 
 lucubrationes,'''' are necessary, for an enlightened 
 understanding of the laws of England, certainly, 
 but a feeble foundation for such an arduous task 
 can be laid, amidst the engrossing cares of elemen- 
 tary and classical pursuits. 
 
 Mr. Goodrich resigned his office in the year 
 1810, having honorably discharged the duties of 
 his Professorship, although of necessity confined 
 within very limited boundaries. 
 
 In the year 1826, the Hon. David Daggett, a 
 Judge of the Superior Court of- this state, and well 
 known as an enlightened jurist, was appointed to 
 the vacant chair. In addition to his public lec- 
 tures. Judge Daggett established a private school 
 of instruction, for those who were pursuing profes- 
 sional studies, with a view to admission as attorneys. 
 
 Samuel J. Hitchcock, Esq. Counsellor at Law, 
 was associated with him in this latter branch, and 
 the school has been for several years in a flourish- 
 ing and vigorous condition. 
 
 The number of pupils will average about thirty. 
 
 The terms of tuition and other particulars, with 
 regard to the law School, are noticed in the ap- 
 pendix.
 
 175 
 
 CHAP T E R XI I. 
 THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. 
 
 For several years before the death of President 
 Dwight, his ardent desire of extending the range 
 of studies pursued at the College, had been mani- 
 fested on all proper occasions. 
 
 On the return of Professor Silliman from Eu- 
 rope, he found in him, not only a zealous and effi- 
 cient auxiliary in promoting his plans, but the 
 establishment of the Professorship of Chimistry, 
 under the charge of that gentleman, who combin- 
 ed in a high degree, popular manners with scien- 
 tific attainments, furnished additional motives, by 
 presenting new facilities, for founding a medical 
 department. 
 
 After various consultations on that important 
 subject, the corporation of Yale College, and the 
 Medical Society of the state of Connecticut, 
 agreed upon certain articles, deemed essential to 
 the proper organization of such a department, and 
 applied jointly to the legislature, for a grant of cor- 
 porate powers to carry their plan into effect. 
 
 In October, 1810, an act, which is the basis of 
 the Medical Institution connected with the College, 
 was passed by the legislature. It is entitled " an 
 act in addition to and alteration of an act, entitled 
 'an act to incorporate the Medical Society.'*'
 
 176 
 
 A reference to the date and title of this act is only 
 necessary, as during the May session of the legis- 
 lature, in 1821, the public statute laws of the state 
 were revised, and re-enacted in a modified form. 
 
 The following sections of the revised statutes, 
 under the title of Medical Societies, relate to the 
 institution. 
 
 " Sect. 7. The Medical Institution, established in 
 Yale College, pursuant to an agreement between 
 the President and Fellows of the Medical Conven- 
 tion, and the President and Fellows of Yale Col- 
 lege, is hereby declared to be a body politic and 
 corporate, to be known and acknowledged by the 
 name of The Medical Institution of Yale College. 
 
 "Sect. 8. The institution shall include a complete 
 course of medical science, to consist of four Pro- 
 fessors ; the first, of chimistry and pharmacy ; the 
 second, of the theory and practice of medicine ; the 
 third, of anatomy, surgery and midwifery; the 
 fourth, of materia medica and botany. And there 
 shall be a joint committee, of an equal number of 
 persons, appointed by the Medical Convention and 
 the Corporation of Yale College, who shall make 
 a nomination, from which nomination the aforesaid 
 Professors shall be chosen by the Corporation. 
 
 " Sect. 9. A cabinet of anatomical preparations, 
 including all things usually found in a collection of 
 this nature ; and a collection of specimens in the 
 materia medica, shall be provided; and a botanical 
 garden shall be established, as soon as the funds of 
 the College will allows
 
 177 
 
 "' Sect. 10. Every medical student shall be re- 
 quired to attend the study of physic and surgery, 
 with some medical or chirurgical professor or prac- 
 titioner, of respectable standing, for two years, pro- 
 vided he shall have been graduated at some College ; 
 otherwise, three years ; and to have arrived at the 
 age of twenty-one years. And every medical stu- 
 dent shall attend one course of each of the above 
 systems of lectures, under the Professors of the 
 Medical Institution of Yale College, or some other 
 public Medical Institution, previous to his being 
 admitted to an examination for a license ; and the 
 course of lectures he is required to attend, may be 
 included within the term he is required to study. 
 Provided that upon the recommendation of the 
 County Medical Societies, respectively, one merito- 
 rious and necessitous person from each county, 
 shall annually be allowed the privilege of attend- 
 ing one course of each of the above lectures, gratis. 
 And if any of the County Medical Societies should 
 fail to recommend as above, the Medical Conven- 
 tion may fill up the vacancy. It shall be the duty 
 of the County Medical Societies to report to the 
 Medical Convention of the state, the names of the 
 persons whom they shall agree to recommend ; and 
 the President of said Convention shall transmit 
 said names, together with such as the Medical 
 Convention may add, agreeably to the above pro- 
 vision, to the Medical Professors of Yale College. 
 And the price of tlie ticket, for the whole of the 
 
 23
 
 178 
 
 above oourso ot lectures, shall not exceed fifty 
 dollars. 
 
 "Sect. 11. The Committee of examination, for 
 the practice of physic and surgery, shall consist 
 of the Professors of the Medical Institution, and 
 an e(|ual number of the members of the Medical 
 Societies, appointed by the Medical Convention; 
 and the President of the Medical Convention shall, 
 ex officio, be President of the Examining Commit- 
 tee, witli a vote at all times, and a casting vote, 
 when the votes are equal; and in case of the 
 absence of the President, a President pro tempore 
 shall be appointed, by the members of the Examin- 
 ing Committee, appointed by the Medical Conven- 
 tion, with the same powers ; which Committee, or 
 a majority of them, shall possess the pow'er, and 
 they only, of examining for a license. All licenses 
 to practice physic or surgery, shall be signed by 
 the President of the Medical Convention, and 
 countersigned by the Committee, or a majority of 
 them ; and the fees or perquisites for admitting or 
 licensing any candidate to practise physic or sur- 
 gery, shall not exceed four dollars, which shall be 
 paid to the Treasurer of the Medical Convention, 
 for the benefit of the same. 
 
 Sect. 12. Each candidate for the degree of Doc- 
 tor of Medicine, shall be required to attend two 
 courses of the above systems of lectures, at the 
 Medical Institution of Yale College, or at some 
 other public Medical Instituti(m, where a similar 
 course of public instruction is i)ursued; which de~
 
 179 
 
 grec, upon the reconiniendcitioii of the Conunittee 
 of Examination, shall he conferred by the Presi- 
 dent of the College, and the diploma signed by him, 
 and countersigned by the Committee, or the major- 
 ity of them. And tlie President of the College 
 shall have power to confer such honorary tlegrees 
 upon those persons whom the Medical Convention 
 shall recommend, as deserving of so distinguished 
 a mark of respect. 
 
 " Sect. 13. For the acconunodation, both of the 
 Students and of the Committee, there shall be but 
 one examination a year, which shall be immedi- 
 ately after the close of the courses of lectures. 
 When a candidate is prevented, by sickness, he 
 may be examined by the Medical Professors at 
 College ; and such examination, with their certili= 
 cate thereof, shall entitle him to the same privileges 
 as though his examination had been by said Com- 
 mittee. 
 
 Sect. 14. All medical Students, who shall have 
 attended two courses of lectures in the Medical 
 Institution, shall have the privilege of attending all 
 future courses gratis. And all persons licensed to 
 practice physic or surgery, agreeably to the fore- 
 going provisions, shall, of course, be members of 
 the Medical Society in the county in which they 
 reside." 
 
 Since the enactment of this general statute, an 
 amendatory act has passed, whose date and tenor 
 can be ascertained from the subjoined co[>y
 
 180 
 
 " An act in addition to and alteration of an act en- 
 titled ' An act to incorporate the Connecticut 
 Medical Society, and to establish the Medical 
 Institution of Yale College. 
 
 Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House 
 of Representatives in General Assembly convened, 
 That the Institution shall include a complete 
 course of instruction in the several departments of 
 medical science, to consist of lectures on the theory 
 and practice of medicine, anatomy and physiology, 
 surgery and midwifery, materia medica and botany, 
 chemistry and pharmacy. And there shall be a 
 joint committee of an equal number of persons 
 appointed by the President and Fellows of the 
 Connecticut Medical Society, and the Corporation 
 of Yale College, who shall make a nomination; 
 from which nomination the Professors of the afore- 
 said Institution shall be chosen by the Corporation. 
 The number of Professors in the Medical Institu- 
 tion, shall not be less than four, nor more than six, 
 and the price of each Professor's ticket shall not 
 exceed twelve dollars fifty cents. 
 
 " Sec. 2. Every candidate for a license to prac- 
 tice medicine and surgery, or for the degree of 
 Doctor of Medicine, v»'ho shall hereafter commence 
 the study of the medical profession, shall exhibit to 
 the Committee of Examination satisfactory evi-*- 
 dence, that in addition to a good English education, 
 he had acquired a competent knowledge of the 
 Latin language, and some acquaintance with the 
 principles of Natural Philosophy, previous to the
 
 181 
 
 commencement of his professional studies. — Every 
 such candidate, provided he shall have graduated 
 at some College, shall be required to study three 
 years, with some respectable physician or surgeon ; 
 and if not a graduate, four years, and to have 
 attended one full course of lectures on the several 
 branches of medical science, and to have arrived 
 at the age of twenty-one years. He shall also be 
 required to produce evidence of good moral char- 
 acter, and of his having pursued professional studies 
 the requisite period of time, and of his having at- 
 tended the requisite courses of medical lectures. 
 
 " Sec. 3. That the 10th and 12th sections* of an 
 act passed May, 1825, entitled ' An act to incor- 
 porate the Connecticut Medical Society, and to 
 establish the Medical Institution of Yale College,' 
 be and the same are hereby repealed. 
 
 " Approved.— June 4th, 1829." 
 
 It constitutes, in connexion with the preceding- 
 sections, the whole public code in relation to the 
 Institution. 
 
 In September, 1812, the first measures were 
 adopted for organizing the institution, in conform- 
 ity with the provisions of the charter, and the fol- 
 lowing gentlemen were appointed Professors. 
 
 iENEAs MuNsoN, M. D. Professor of Materia 
 Medica and Botany. ^^ 
 
 Nathan Smith, M. D. Professor of the Theory 
 and Practice of Surgery and Obstetrics. 
 
 * The 2tl .ind 1th sections of the Iiuvs arc here i)iintcil.
 
 lS-2 
 
 Eli Ix^H, M. D. l*iofcssor ol' the Theory and 
 Practice of Physic. 
 
 Benjamin Sillihian, M. D. LL. D. Professor of 
 Chimistry, Pharmacy, Mineralogy and Geology. 
 
 Jonathan Knight, M. D. Professor of Anatomy 
 and Physiology. 
 
 The first course of lectures began in November, 
 1813, under the embarrassments always attending 
 a new establishment ; but in this instance increas- 
 ed by a deficiency of pecuniary means, and the 
 want of extensive apparatus. The number of Stu- 
 dents who attended the first course was thirty-six, 
 which has since gradually increased, as the advan- 
 tages of instruction have been multiplied. The 
 average number, for the last six years, has been 
 about eighty, and the largest ninety-two. 
 
 In May, 1814, the legislature made a donation 
 to the Institution, of twenty thousand dollars, being 
 a part of the bonus paid by the Phoenix Bank, as a 
 consideration for the grant of their charter. 
 
 This accession to their funds, enabled the Cor- 
 poration to increase greatly the fiicilities for in- 
 struction ; and particularly to purchase an exten- 
 sive stone building, recently crectetl by the Hon. 
 James Hillhouse, together with a tract of land 
 adjoining, and convert the same into a Medical 
 College and Botanical Garden. 
 
 Thcsc premises are situated on Grove street, at 
 a short distance from the principal buildings of the 
 University,
 
 183 
 
 Doctor Munson, at the time of his ai)i)oiiitmeiit, 
 had arrived at a period of hfe, when the infirmities 
 of advanced age, did not allow him to engage in 
 the active duties of an important Professorship. 
 His election to that station was the filial offering 
 of enlightened gentlemen, who regarded him with 
 just pride as their professional father. Probahly 
 the medical history of the state cannot present a 
 life of more devoted zeal and extensive usefulness. 
 His enlightened views, led him early to anticipate 
 the brighter destiny that awaited the profession ; 
 and he lived to behold the sciences of chimistry, 
 botany and mineralogy, which he had cherished as 
 a nursing father in their infancy, attain to matu- 
 rity of vigor and strength. 
 
 This excellent and learned man died on the 16th 
 day of June, 1826, aged ninety-two years. 
 
 An interesting sketch of his life and character is 
 inserted in Thacher's Medical Biography. 
 
 From the commencement of the medical lec- 
 tures, in 1813, till the year 1829, Doctor Nathan 
 Smith held one of the most important Professor- 
 ships. His long experience, as a lecturer and 
 practitioner, was of essential importance in organi- 
 zing the department; and his distinguished reputa- 
 tion created confidence in the establishment. His 
 efficient services were continued until the 26th 
 January, 1829, when he fell a victim to a paralytic 
 attack in the sixty-seventh year of his age. 
 
 On that occasion. Professor Knight pronoiuiced 
 an interest inii: oiilojiinm on the cliarjirtcr ol his
 
 184 
 
 deceased friend, which was pubUshed at the re- 
 quest of the medical class. 
 
 Doctor Smith was bom at Rehoboth, Pdassachu- 
 setts, on the 30th September, 1762, but removed at 
 an early age with his parents, to Windsor county 
 Vermont. 
 
 His youthful years were spent in the toilsome 
 occupations, and exposed to the dangers of a new 
 and frontier settlement. At the age of twenty-four 
 years, he was accidentally present at the perform- 
 ance of a surgical operation. This event deter- 
 mined the inclination of his mind, and the bent of 
 his genius. By indefatigable efforts, he surmount- 
 ed the defects of early education, and under the 
 instruction of Doctor Josiah Goodhue, of Putney, 
 Vermont, a celebrated surgeon of that age, pursu- 
 ed the study of physic and surgery with uncommon 
 ardor. Having completed his preparatory studies. 
 Doctor Smith commenced his professional duties at 
 Cornish, New Hampshire. After practicing for 
 two or three years, he visited Harvard University, 
 where he attended several courses of lectures, on 
 medicine, surgery, natural philosophy, &c. and 
 having received the degree of Bachelor of Medi- 
 cine, returned to Cornish. 
 
 His reputation soon extended, and his efforts 
 were directed with untiring zeal to elevate the 
 character and dignity of a profession, of which he 
 had already become an ornament. With that view 
 he projected the plan of a Medical Institution to 
 be connected with Dartmouth College, and upon
 
 185 
 
 its establishment was appointed Professor of Medi- 
 cine. 
 
 To qualify himself more fully for the responsible 
 duties of his station, he subsequently visited Great 
 Britain, where he spent a year, partly in attendance 
 on the lectures of the celebrated Medical School of 
 Edinburgh, and partly in witnessing the practice 
 of the hospitals of London. 
 
 On his return, his professional reputation and 
 practice rapidly advanced, and the School of Han- 
 over became justly distinguished among the best 
 Medical institutions of the country. 
 
 In the autumn of 1813 he accepted the professor- 
 ship of the Theory and Practice of Physic and Sur- 
 gery, in the Medical Institution of Yale College, 
 and discharged his official duties with eminent zeal 
 and ability. He also delivered, after his removal 
 to New Haven, " a course of lectures on the same 
 branches at Dartmouth College ; one at the Ver- 
 mont University, in Burlington ; and two at the 
 Medical Institution of Brunswick College, in 
 Maine." 
 
 His character, in all the variety and diversity of 
 its elements, is happily drawn by his eulogist. 
 Doctor Knight, to whom the writer is indebted for 
 the principal facts embraced in this brief notice. 
 So great were his services to his profession, and so 
 fully acknowledged, that his Eulogist does not hes- 
 itate to declare, that " the assertion, that he has 
 done more for the improvement of Physic and Sur- 
 
 24
 
 186 
 
 gery in New England, than any other man, will, 
 by no one, be deemed invidious." 
 
 " His acquaintance" (says Doctor Knight) " was 
 not only extensive, but reached to every rank in 
 society. The poor knew him as their benefactor ; 
 the sick, as their skilful, attentive physician ; the 
 rich were honored by his society ; and the wise and 
 the good received him as their friend and compan- 
 ion." 
 
 In September, 1829, Thomas Hubbard, M. D. 
 an experienced practitioner in Windham County, 
 Connecticut ; and William Tully, M. D. of Albany, 
 advantageously known as a Professor in the Ver- 
 mont Academy of Medicine, were appointed to 
 Professorships. 
 
 In addition to the regular Professorships, Timo- 
 thy P. Beers, M. D. the Health Officer of New 
 Haven, and a physician of great experience in the 
 department assigned to him, has been invited to de- 
 liver a course of lectures on Obstetrics. 
 
 The corps of instructors throughout is considered 
 by competent judges as arranged with great felicity, 
 both in regard to literary and professional talents. 
 
 A State Hospital, connected with the Institution, 
 is to be erected the ensuing season ; for which pur- 
 pose a beautiful tract of ground, situated on the 
 southern extremity of the city, has been purchased. 
 This will afford a valuable practical school for the 
 students. 
 
 By the regulations of Yale College, students in 
 the Medical department can attend the classical
 
 187 
 
 lectures of the University, and have access to the 
 Library on the same terms as the Junior and Senior 
 classes. A convenient opportunity of thus supplying 
 the defects of early education, cannot be deemed an 
 unimportant advantage. Indeed the elevation of 
 the Medical profession, in general literature, which 
 drew from Governor Clinton, in a message to the 
 New York Legislature, the high eulogium, that 
 they were " the missionaries of science," renders it 
 necessary, that those who are ambitious of distinc- 
 tion should add to approved theoretical knowledge 
 and pmctical skill, the advantages of extensive 
 learning. 
 
 Although quackery in Medicine, like specious 
 systems in all departments of business, will un- 
 doubtedly always receive support and encourage- 
 ment from credulity and ignorance, yet the true 
 dignity of the profession will keep pace with the 
 growing intelligence of the world, and the advance 
 of society in valuable knowledge. Probably the 
 observation made by Johnson, on the poor success 
 that attended the Medical efforts of Akenside, the 
 poet, would have to be considerably qualified, to 
 render it applicable to the present condition of the 
 profession. He says, " a physician in a great city 
 seems to be the mere plaything of fortune ; his de- 
 gree of reputation is for the most part, totally cas- 
 ual; they that employ him know not his excellence; 
 they that reject him know not his deficicnce. By 
 an acute observer, who had looked on the transac- 
 tions of the Medical world for half a century, a
 
 188 
 
 very curious book might be written on the " fortune 
 of physicians."* 
 
 Tliis evil, so vividly described, has been in a great 
 measure obviated by the successful exertions of 
 modern physicians to elevate the profession in a 
 knowledge of practical and popular branches ; 
 which, being more familiar to the comprehension of 
 mankind than the arcana of medicine, are to a 
 great extent, adopted as guides of judgment as to 
 the qualifications of professors. 
 
 The circular, issued by the Faculty, and copied 
 in the Appendix, presents a brief statement of the 
 course of Medical instruction and expenses at Yale 
 College. 
 
 * Lives of Poets, vol. 2, p. 428. 
 
 '#
 
 189 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Commencement Celebrations, and award of Literary Honors. 
 
 Following the example of a venerable guide, it 
 is proper to make a few remarks on the manner of 
 celebrating the great academic festival, called 
 Commencement. 
 
 President Clap gives the following account of its 
 celebration during the middle of the last century. 
 
 " The public Commencement is ordinarily on the 
 second Wednesday in September annually : at 
 which there is a large assembly, consisting of the 
 President and Fellows, a great number of Minis- 
 ters, and other learned and superior gentlemen. 
 The President begins the solemnity with prayer, 
 one of the candidates for the first degree makes a 
 salutatory oration to the Governor and Council, the 
 Officers of College, and the whole assembly : the 
 others give a specimen of their learning, by disput- 
 ing syllogistically on the questions printed in their 
 theses ; which arc then distributed. The like is 
 done in the afternoon by the candidates for the de- 
 gree of Master of Arts. Then the President, with 
 the consent of the Fellows, gives them their degrees, 
 three at a time, in this form : 
 
 " Pro auctoritatc mihi commissa, admitto vos ad 
 Primum Gradum in artibus ; pro more Acadcmi-
 
 190 
 
 arum in Anglia.* Vobisque tratlo hunc Librum, 
 una cum potestate publico prselengcndi, quoties- 
 cunque ad isthoc munus evocati fueritis : cujus, ba^c 
 instrumenta,t mcmbrana scripta, testimonio sint. 
 
 " The Hke form is used for the Masters, only in- 
 stead of Primum., it is Secundum, : and instead of 
 pr^Blegendi^ it is projitendi ; and sometimes, instead 
 of Primum, the President says, Gradum Bacca- 
 laureatus ; and instead of Secundum, he says, 
 Gradum Magistralem,. 
 
 " Then one of the Masters makes a Valedictory 
 Oration : and the President concludes the whole 
 solemnity with a prayer." 
 
 In several particulars these ceremonies have been 
 altered in modern times. The Valedictory oration, 
 (as well as the Salutatory) is delivered by a candi- 
 date for the Bachelor's degree, and syllogistic dis- 
 putes, " on questions printed in theses," are discon- 
 tinued. 
 
 Orations in English and occasionally poems, by 
 candidates, as well for the Master's as Bachelor's 
 degree, constitute the principal exercises, but are 
 blended with others which will be hereafter noticed. 
 
 At the close of the regular academic proceedings, 
 honorary degrees in Divinity, Law, and Medicine, 
 are conferred. To the credit of the Institution it 
 may be remarked, that these degrees have, for 
 many years past, been bestowed with a very sparing 
 hand. 
 
 * Now — pro more hujusce academice. 
 
 i The President delivers to each of them a Diploma,
 
 191 
 
 The multitude of collegiate Seminaries, which 
 have recently sprung up in our country, have un- 
 fortunately scattered literary diplomas so profusely, 
 that the highest degrees can hardly be consid- 
 ered even as prima facie evidence, either of literary 
 or moral worth. Indeed, Divinity and Law seem 
 to be destined to the fate that has already befallen 
 Physic ; in which last profession, every unfledged 
 licentiate is dubbed a doctor, and as a matter of 
 course adds M. D. to a name, that, perhaps, but the 
 day before, had passed the boundary of legal in- 
 fancy. 
 
 The degree of Doctor of Laws is of late in the 
 most imminent peril, as but few aspirants for liter- 
 ary honors, (not belonging to those professions,) 
 would feel perfectly at home, in being seated in the 
 high places of divinity and physic. 
 
 Hence it is, that a profession, which can rarely 
 address any of its most distinguished members by 
 higher titles than Judge and Esquire, has been as- 
 tonished by the sudden growth of an academic corps 
 of clergymen, physicians, charitable donors, and 
 gentlemen without any definite character, who have 
 strolled accidentally into the fields of science, all 
 bearing collegiate credentials that they are Doc- 
 tors of Laics. In allusion to their qualifications, 
 the lawyer may derive an analogous illustration 
 from Lord Coke. " Every gentleman," (says the 
 learned Commentator,) is an Esquire, but every 
 Esquire is not a gentleman ;" or, perhaps, Sir 
 Thomas Smith's account of the perversion of the 
 term, gentleman., may be more a[)positc.
 
 192 
 
 " As for gentlemen, they be made good cheap in 
 this kingdom ; for whosoever studicth the laws of 
 the realm, who studicth in the Universities, who 
 professeth liberal sciences, and, (to be short,) who 
 can live idly, and without manual labor, and will 
 bear the port, charge, and countenance of a gentle- 
 man, he shall be called master, and shall be taken 
 for a gentleman." 
 
 But American Colleges should not alone bear 
 the reproach of conferring academic degrees, as the 
 rewards of influence and patronage, rather than of 
 merit. Scotland, with high and undoubted claims 
 to literary distinction, long since sacrificed the dig- 
 nity of science to this low and contemptible obse- 
 quiousness. Doctor Johnson, in a sketch of the life 
 of the distinguished Doctor Isaac Watts, makes a 
 remark which fully accords with the writer's views. 
 
 " In 1728, he," (the Rev. Isaac Watts,) " re- 
 ceived from Edinburgh and Aberdeen an unsolicit- 
 ed diploma, by which he became a Doctor of Di- 
 vinity. Academical honors would have more value 
 if they were always bestowed with equal judg- 
 ment."* 
 
 In reference to the practice of the distinguished 
 Universities of England, a comment similar in 
 character is made by Pope. It had been proposed 
 at Oxford to bestow the degree of L. L. D. on Pope, 
 whose reputation was confined chiefly to poetry; 
 and the degree of D, D. on his learned friend, 
 Warburton, who was truly eminent as a divine. 
 
 ' Lives ot Poets, vol. 2, p. 346.
 
 193 
 
 Some doubts, and consequent embarrassments, arose 
 in respect to Warburton. Pope, in a letter to his 
 
 friend Warburton, thus forcibly expresses his feel- 
 ings. 
 
 " Aug. 12, 1741. I have received some chagrin 
 at the delay of your degree at Oxford. As for 
 mine, I will die before I receive one, in an art I 
 am ignorant of, at a place where there remains 
 any scruple of bestowing one on you, in a science 
 of which you are so great a master. In short, I 
 will be doctored with you, or not at all. lam sure, 
 wherever honor is not conferred on the deserving, 
 there can he none given to the undeserving ; no 
 more from the hands of priests, than of princes."* 
 
 But, dismissing the subject of Doctorates, it may 
 be observed, as a singular fact, (whether arising 
 from professional modesty, or pride, or good sense, 
 or want of opportunity to establish an usage, we 
 will not inquire,) that no regularly educated law- 
 yer in this country is ever familiarly addressed by 
 a collegiate title as Doctor. 
 
 Although it is not the design of the writer to in- 
 dulge in criticism, or to give any other than a nar- 
 rative character to his essay, a few remarks in allu- 
 sion to the public exercises of the College, may, 
 perhaps, be allowed, as a pardonable exception to 
 his general plan. Quarterly and Commencement 
 exhibitions are justly regarded as proper means of 
 exciting academic ambition, creating popular in- 
 
 * Swift's Letters, p. 247. 
 
 25
 
 194 
 
 terest for the pursuits of learning, iuul ditTusing a 
 refined taste for intellectual amusement. 
 
 The usages of our country have rendered the 
 annual Commencements of Colleges, fit and inter- 
 esting occasions for social meetings of the fashion- 
 able and learned of the land ; and so elevated has 
 become the character of these assemblages, that 
 gentlemen the most distinguished in professional 
 rank, and statesmen of the most commanding influ- 
 ence, receive as compHnicnts, invitations to assist 
 in collegiate performances. 
 
 The dullness of mere scholastic discussions has, 
 in consequence of the growing attractions of Com- 
 mencement exercises, gradually yielded to compo- 
 sitions of more popular character. But it may be 
 a matter, not of mere expediency, but of grave and 
 serious import, to ascertain whether the dignity of 
 science, the just pretensions of literature and even 
 cardinal interests, have not, in some instances, been 
 sacrificed to the desire of general amusement. 
 
 The exercises of Commencement have varied with 
 the progressive advancement of the College ; but, 
 in the judgment of the writer, some branches have 
 been engrafted, which are in all respects objection- 
 able. 
 
 When Theological studies were almost the ex- 
 clusive occupations of pupils, the discussion of The- 
 ses in Latin and Greek, and even Hebrew, was 
 pardonable, as the audience was principally com- 
 posed of learned clergymen; but when laymen were 
 attracted to the College by the extension of its sys-
 
 195 
 
 » 
 
 tcm, and especially when ladies graced by their 
 presence those academic festivals, it comported 
 better with iwUtc literature to speak in a language 
 intelligible to all. 
 
 Orations in English, formal disputations on in- 
 teresting questions of science, and more familiar 
 discussions called colloquies, on the same subjects, 
 have gradually expelled the defence of Theses and 
 syllogistic encounters ; and the students, instead of 
 expending their energies " in bello grammatticali," 
 (to use an expression of Lord Coke,) are more 
 agreeably and profitably employed in examinations 
 of practical subjects. 
 
 But with the dispute and colloquy the dialogue 
 also made its appearance ; and instead of occupying, 
 as in former times, three formal rostra^ projecting 
 from the centres of the Chapel galleries, and carry- 
 ing on a logical warfare of outposts, the students 
 were provided with a regular stage. 
 
 The facilities afforded by this new arrangement 
 soon changed the character of the primitive dia- 
 logue, and scientific models, such as Cicero has fur- 
 nished in his works, " De Oratorc''^ and " De Nii- 
 ttira Dcorum,''' gave way to ridiculous and timid 
 imitations of the regular drama. 
 
 It is not the purpose of the writer to speak of the 
 moral or intellectual eflect of theatrical represen- 
 lations, but under the full conviction that they can- 
 not form a valuable api)endage of collegiate exer- 
 cises, nor add to the reputation of a literary semin- 
 •ary^ he may be permitted to hope that they will
 
 19.6 
 
 • 
 
 eventually be excluded from the "Schemes" af Yale 
 College, as they have already from those of most of 
 the American Seminaries. 
 
 Dramatic compositions require not only the high- 
 est order of intellect, but talents of a peculiar char- 
 acter. Stage effect, as well as justness of senti- 
 ment and correctness of personification must be 
 regarded, and the numerous failures of distinguished 
 writers should furnish a monitory lesson to others. 
 
 Milton, Johnson, Addison, Young, Thompson, 
 and Byron, have all failed as writers of dramas, 
 fitted for theatrical representations. It need hard- 
 ly be added, that, in the entire absence of scenery, 
 unsupported by female actors, and on a stage sur- 
 rounded by a venerable circle of clergymen and 
 senators, every effort for dramatic display, at Com- 
 mencement, must prove abortive. Cocked hats, 
 laced coats, the fiery passions of war, and the vo- 
 luptuous whisperings of love, but ill assort with such 
 accompaniments. 
 
 It is true the actors have great inducements to 
 regard the " special observance" given by Hamlet, 
 in his charge to the players, " that you o'erstep not 
 the modesty of nature," for a slight breach of the 
 rule in action^ would bring them on the toes of 
 some reverend doctor or conscript father. 
 
 But levity apart, it is seriously believed, that ex- 
 ercises, which do not usually equal the most indif- 
 ferent performances of the theatre, arc not the best 
 adapted to gratify enlightened audiences, or exhibit 
 the proficiency of students in literary attainments
 
 197 
 
 The cultivation of dramatic talent is a very unim- 
 portant branch of general education ; and as the 
 whole system is of modern coinage, and is not com- 
 mended to our regard, even by the " venerabilis 
 ^riigo''' of antiquity, it is hoped it may soon give 
 place to more appropriate academic exercises.
 
 108 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Facilities and Advantages for Literary Pursuits at Yale College, 
 arising from Local Situation and other Circumstances. 
 
 Among facilities for literary pursuits, many con- 
 siderations will suggest themselves to the mind of 
 an inquirer, and physical as well as moral circum- 
 stances must be fairly exhibited, as guides of de- 
 cision. 
 
 New Haven is agreeably situated at the head of 
 a handsome bay, putting up about four miles from 
 Long Island Sound. It is in 41°, 18' N. latitude; 
 72°, 58' W. longitude ; and distant 76 miles N. E. 
 from New York, 34 miles S. S. W. from Hartford. 
 134 S. W. from Boston, and 107 S. S. E. from Alba- 
 ny. Daily stage coaches arrive from, and depart 
 to, those several places, and sloops and steam boats 
 ply daily between New Haven and New York. 
 
 In addition to ordinary channels of communica- 
 tion, a canal has been, for some time, in operation, 
 extending from New Haven to the southern part of 
 Massachusetts, and which will probably be soon 
 completed to Northampton. 
 
 New Haven is one of the semi capitals of the 
 State, and divides with Hartford the Legislative 
 Sessions.
 
 199 
 
 The city occupies a large plain, and was origin- 
 ally divided into nine squares, of sixty rods each, 
 including streets. These squares have subsequent- 
 ty been subdivided by parallel crossing streets. 
 
 The centre square was appropriated by the 
 grantees, for public purposes, and is known by the 
 appellation of the Green. It is a beautiful prome- 
 nade, and has been embellished by rows of fine elms, 
 gravel walks, and an external railing. Several of 
 the public buildings, which are elegant and ex- 
 pensive in their style of architecture, are situated 
 on this square. A new State House, constructed 
 of stone and marble under the superintendence of 
 Mr. Ithiel Town, an architect of cultivated taste 
 and talents, forms a prominent ornament of the 
 city. It is placed on the western side of the square, 
 and presents one of the best copies of ancient models, 
 which our country affords, and is worthy of an 
 artist who has evinced his fondness for his profes- 
 sion by visiting the best schools of Europe, to per- 
 fect himself in his art. 
 
 The principal edifices of Yale College face the 
 western boundary of the Green, and present an im- 
 posing front, including passage ways, of about six 
 hundred feet. 
 
 The extensive lawn spread out in front of the 
 Colleges, it is presumed, must contribute as much 
 to health, as it certainly does to beauty of prospect. 
 
 The College buildings are chiefly constructed of 
 brick, and consist of four principal edifices, occu- 
 ))ied as studies and dormitories by the students;
 
 200 
 
 a Chapel, lor religious worship and ordinary public 
 exhibitions ; a Lyceum ; an Athene um ; a Chimi- 
 cal Laboratory ; an extensive stone Dining Hall, 
 containing also, in the upper story, apartments for 
 the Mineralogical Cabinet ; a separate Dining 
 Hall, for Theological Students ; a large stone 
 building, occupied by the Medical Department ; a 
 dwelling house, for the President; together with 
 wood houses and other appurtenances usually at- 
 tached to so extensive an establishment. 
 
 The buildings are constructed in a plain substan- 
 tial manner, and with a view throughout to con- 
 venience and economy, rather than architectural 
 embellishment. Had circumstances permitted the 
 adoption of a more expensive style, it may well be 
 doubted, whether just taste would have been better 
 gratified ; as the simplicity of the buildings comports 
 with their object, and their extent gives enough of 
 magnificence, while the richness of the surrounding 
 scenery forms a higher ornament than art could 
 have supplied. 
 
 The region in the vicinity of New Haven is in- 
 teresting, both in its mineralogical and botanical 
 characters. The kindness of scientific friends has 
 enabled the writer to present, in the Appendix, 
 valuable sketches on these subjects. 
 
 The climate and position of the city, have always 
 been favorable to health ; and for many years it 
 has not been subject to any violent epidemic dis- 
 eases. Registers of health have not been kept with 
 the accuracy and precision that might have been
 
 201 
 
 expected in a place which has long possessed niaiiv 
 scientific medical gentlemen. Probably this may 
 arise from a defect in municipal regulations, as 
 gentlemen do not often persevere in laborious ser- 
 vices to the public, without, at least, the encour- 
 agement of official countenance and support. 
 
 So far as materials could be procured in relation 
 to the subject, they have been condensed, and are 
 briefly noted in the Appendix. 
 
 It may be remarked, as a pleasing incident to a 
 valuable public improvement, that the passage of 
 the Canal through the city, by occupying the bed 
 of a stagnant and offensive creek, has probably 
 greatly contributed to the health of the city, by 
 substituting a sheet of pure and wholesome water, 
 for an oflensive and dangerous nuisance. 
 
 The scenery of New Haven, although subordin- 
 ate to many weightier considerations, should not be 
 disregarded in estimating its advantages as a place 
 of education. It is not a fanciful idea merely, that 
 external objects operate on the mind, and quicken 
 or deaden its impulses, by their silent influence. If 
 the recollection of the wild mountain scenery of 
 Switzerland can so affect its absent soldiery, as to 
 unstring their iron nerves and produce languish- 
 ment and disease, certainly the cause of such eflccts 
 is not unworthy the attention of practical philoso- 
 phy. Without any very accurate analysis of our 
 feelings, or division o*f our ideas, into those arising 
 from sensation or reflection, it cannot be doubted 
 that they receive a sombre or a brilliant tinge from 
 
 2(»
 
 the irufluence of external objects and scenery. It is 
 not extravagant praise to say. that New Haven, 
 enclosed bv an amphitheatre of precipitous and 
 lofty mountains, at the head of a beautiful bay. 
 spread out amidst gardens and shady walks, in 
 simplicity, perfect neatness, and unostentatious 
 elegance, presents one of the most attractive places 
 for Uterary pursuits that the country affords. It 
 reahzes to the student all the quiet beauties and 
 charming retirement which the school of Plato en- 
 joyed : *• In sacred Academus' shady walks." 
 
 But there are higher and more important con^ 
 siderations to be regarded than beauty of scenery, 
 convenience of edifices, facility of access, interesting 
 localities, or even salubrity of chmate. in selecting 
 a place of education. Moral and literary associa- 
 tions, of an elevated or debased character, are the 
 natural fruits of institutions of learning, and per- 
 haps fiirnish the best tests of faults or excellence in 
 their government. Influence that is felt through a 
 nation, cannot be inactive and torpid at the place 
 of its birth ; and a healthy and sound Seminary 
 ought to exhibit in its domestic fields, some eviden- 
 ces of its skillfiil culture. 
 
 Yale College need not shrink from this test, for 
 there is not an useful occupation, or a grade of so- 
 ciety, in her vicinitv. that she has not contributed 
 to elevate. 
 
 Without preLfcxisiuiis to great leriiuty oi soil, or 
 superior commercial or manutacturing advantages, 
 this metropolis has continued m a steady and vigor
 
 •^03 
 
 oils growth, througli all mutations ol' Ibrcign anil 
 domestic politics. To what is this fact to be at- 
 tributed ? Why has it not shared as largely as its 
 neighbors in the calamitous vicissitudes of a fluc- 
 tuating trade ? I would not answer, as may be 
 anticipated by some, that the receipts from the 
 collegiate institution have been its principal sup- 
 port ; but I would note among its preservative prin- 
 ciples the just influence of a College, that has in- 
 sensibly imbued, with a healthy vigor, a large sur- 
 rounding district, and practically operated on the 
 character of a wide spread population. 
 
 The absurd idea, that learning is only necessa- 
 ry to three professions, has been exploded ; and 
 popular lectures, not only on useful arts, but in 
 history, belles lettres, and ornamental branches of 
 education, are becoming daily more fashionabl#. 
 It need not be added, that when such men as Pro- 
 fessors Silliman, Olmsted, and others, give their 
 aid to plans of general improvement, they have 
 every reasonable prospect of success. 
 
 New Haven derives singular advantages from its 
 local position; and although the facilities for im- 
 provements in horticulture, and in various branches 
 of practical science, aflbrded by its commercial in- 
 tercourse with foreign places, have been greatly 
 neglected, it may justly claim a rank among the 
 most interesting of American Cities. Its popula- 
 tion, consisting of about ten thousand inhabitants, 
 removes it from the contracted and prying selfish- 
 ness of a village, while its literary and connnercial
 
 204 
 
 advantages atibrd all the elements of enlightend and 
 polished society. 
 
 The distribution of moderate fortunes among 
 citizens of various professions, and the necessity of 
 mental or bodily effort for support, are the best and 
 purest stimulants of ambition ; and it may well be 
 doubted, whether, in a richer and more abundant 
 region, with ampler funds and even with an over- 
 flowing treasury, Yale College would have occupi- 
 ed a more honorable rank. 
 
 It has steadily grown with the improvement and 
 advance of our country, and justly proud of its 
 " pilgrim" parentage, it has done homage to its 
 ancestry, by a faithful preservation of puritan prin- 
 ciples. 
 
 The antiquity of the College cannot be ranked 
 sftnong fanciful or trivial advantages. The whole 
 basis of its government is practical, and experience, 
 the unerring test of academic as well as national 
 law, has sanctioned its code and practice. For 
 many years, instructors in all departments have 
 been selected from the Alumni of the College, and 
 uniformity and harmony in the course of instruc- 
 tion have been the result. 
 
 The Library has also acquired a value from this 
 circumstance ; for, although deficient in many 
 modern works, it comprises rare and interesting 
 productions of ancient times, which industry and 
 wealth would in vain attempt to supply, in the 
 formation of a new library. The foundation is thus
 
 205 
 
 secured for such accumulations as liberality may 
 hereafter furnish. 
 
 But aside even from these advantages, resulting 
 from the antiquity of the establishment, it may be 
 properly mentioned as an incident to the College, 
 that literary men have been attracted to New Ha- 
 v^ by the allurements held out by its advantages. 
 
 If it were proper to allude to names ; such men 
 as Noah Webster, in Philology, Percival, in Poetry, 
 and other ardent votaries of science, who have 
 adorned the annals of our national literature, might 
 be referred to, as residents of New Haven, who 
 were attracted to it, not less by its literary advan- 
 tages than by its local beauty. 
 
 But the influence of the College, combined with 
 other favorable circumstances, has been more strik- 
 ingly manifested in the literary character of the 
 city. Numerous Schools, for the education of both 
 sexes, have recently been established in New Ha- 
 ven, and are conducted with much talent and gene- 
 ral approbation. It is probably not an over esti- 
 mate of pupils to say, that, including the members 
 of Yale College, one tenth part of the inhabitants 
 of New Haven is composed of male and female stu- 
 dents, residing in the city for the sole purpose of 
 education. 
 
 The city, therefore, affords all the means of ele- 
 mentary as well as mature instruction ; and so long 
 as the economical and salutary system now exist- 
 ing, shall be continued, will deservedly rank among 
 the most desirable places for education that our 
 country affords.
 
 206 
 
 To relieve his narrative from tabular statements, 
 the writer has inserted such matters in relation to 
 Cabinets, Apparatus, Library, &.c. as he considered 
 interesting, in the Appendix. 
 
 Before closing this chapter, intended to illustrate 
 the facilities and advantages for literary pursuits at 
 New Haven, arising from the long established i^i- 
 flucnce of the College and other incidental cir- 
 cumstances, it would be unpardonable to omit a 
 notice of the " Amei'ican Journal of Science and 
 Arts ;" a periodical work of the highest merit, 
 and which, under the able editorship of its projec- 
 tor. Professor Silliman, has exercised, for several 
 years, a powerful and salutary influence on Ameri- 
 can literature. This ably conducted Journal was 
 commenced in July, 1818, and may be fairly con- 
 sidered, although not subject to its control, as hav- 
 ing received its birth in the generating influence of 
 the University. As a valuable repository of facts 
 and speculations, in regard to the arts and sciences, 
 it has attracted greater attention than any periodi- 
 cal work of the kind has ever received in our coun- 
 try. It has been sustained with untiring industry 
 and unabated vigor, from the commencement, and 
 has probably been the means of collecting and pre- 
 serving a larger mass of valuable facts, in relation 
 to the arts than any original work which has issued 
 from the American press. It were to be wished 
 that the pecuniary profits of this excellent work, 
 bore some nearer proportion to the value of its 
 contents, and that the learned Editor might be
 
 207 
 
 saved from the painful necessity of making any 
 further appeals to his fellow citizens, for additional 
 patronage to a Journal which is honorable to the 
 science of our common country. It derives an ad- 
 ditional value, as being adopted as the acknowledg- 
 ed organ of the Connecticut Academy of Arts and 
 Sciences.
 
 208 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 A Review of the Past and Present Condition of the College, 
 with reference to the Character of its Treasurers. 
 
 In closing this Sketch of an ancient and venera- 
 ble Institution, already extended beyond the origin- 
 al plan of the writer, but a brief space is allowed for 
 a review of its past history, or present condition. 
 
 It has grown from a feeble Ecclesiastical School, 
 into a distinguished University, embracing in its 
 range of instruction almost the whole circle of sci- 
 ences, and affording to those who have completed 
 the usual course of collegiate studies, the means of 
 acquiring accurate knowledge in the professions of 
 active life. 
 
 The progress of the Institution and the changes, 
 both in its government and instruction, furnish a 
 beautiful illustration of the literary and political 
 progress of society, during the last century. 
 
 New England was founded by pious pilgrims, 
 who abandoned the comforts of European life and 
 the delights of cultivated society to enjoy religious 
 freedom in a wilderness. But though their choice 
 was prompt, they could not forget the ecclesiastical 
 oppression that had forced them to quit the abodes 
 of civilized man. In the depths of the forests, they 
 remeiQiJjcred with occasional bitterness of spirit, the
 
 309 
 
 unjust persecutions, which liad driven iheni troni 
 the refinements of pohshed life, and their sentiments 
 with regard to those who differed from them in re- 
 ligious opinions, were imbittcred by their sufferings, 
 A rigid ecclesiastical discipline was established in 
 the colonies, which, though generally wise, was 
 sometimes exercised, in mere matters of conscience, 
 with a severity amounting to persecution. 
 
 Ministers w ere not only the ecclesiastical, but the 
 civil officers and guides of the colonists ; and every 
 new establishment was formed in express reference 
 to the interests of the church. Hence, Theological 
 studies occupied almost exclusively their attention. 
 The ancient languages, as auxiliary to these, also 
 formed an important branch of education. Hebrew 
 and Greek, as the original Scripture tongues, were 
 indispensable ; and the Latin had long been estab- 
 lished, not only as the language of general science, 
 but particularly of ecclesiastical literature. The 
 perfection obtained by many of the early scholars 
 of New England, in these branches, it is believed, 
 has rarely been equalled by educated men of modern 
 times. 
 
 The cultivation of polite literature was attempt- 
 ed to a limited extent, under the rectorship of Mr. 
 Williams, but yielded under the presidency of Mr. 
 Clap, in a great degree to the graver pursuits of 
 mathematics and philosophy. During President 
 Daggett's administration the classical departments 
 were chiefly confided to the Tutors, who embarked 
 in the cause of reform with equal zeal and ability. 
 
 27
 
 210 
 
 From that period the character and just pretensions 
 of the College gradually enlarged, until under the 
 presidency of Doctor Dwight, its landmarks as a 
 University, were judiciously, and, it is believed, per- 
 manently traced and established. 
 
 Its progressive improvement in its new character 
 has been limited only by its contracted funds. 
 Probably the history of literary institutions does 
 not furnish an example of a seminary so flourishing, 
 and yet so poorly endowed. The character and 
 personal efforts of its officers and instructors have 
 built up the Institution, and, although many small 
 benefactions, and some of more generous amount, 
 have occasionally been made, it is believed that the 
 vmproductive property of the College, its buildings, 
 its libraries, its cabinets, and its various apparatus, 
 greatly exceed, in value, the aggregate of all dona- 
 tions. 
 
 The finances of the College have been superin- 
 tended with uncommon vigilance, and husbanded 
 with a care that is seldom equalled, even in private 
 domestic economy. During one hundred and twen- 
 ty-eight years, there have been but five individuals 
 who have held the office of Treasurer. Their 
 names indicate their public and personal worth, for 
 they belong to Statesmen, whose wisdom has been 
 infused into our national councils, and whose talents 
 would have qualified them to govern the resources 
 of an empire. From the year 1702 to the present 
 time, the following gentlemen have successively 
 held that office, and the last still continues his val-
 
 211 
 
 uable services— John Allen. John Prout, Roger 
 Sherman, John Trumbull, James Hillhouse. Mr. 
 Prout was Treasurer for lifty years, and the present 
 incumbent has been in office forty-eight years. 
 Singular and honorable evidences of harmony and 
 wisdom in collegiate councils. 
 
 Only one severe loss has hecn sustained by the In- 
 stitution during the long period of its existence. A 
 citizen of Connecticut blushes when he points to 
 the Eagle Bank, a chartered favorite of the State, 
 supposed to be conducted by gentlemen of integrity 
 and prudence, and is obliged to say ; — there the earn- 
 ings of frugal enterprize, the contributions of chari- 
 ty, funds devoted to science, the savings of many 
 generations, were sacriiiced in a spirit of rapacious 
 and fraudulent speculation. 
 
 In the desolating effects of that failure, Yale 
 College lost a very large portion of its productive 
 funds, and it is now known that the whole income 
 of the Institution, aside from the quarterly bills of 
 students, does not much exceed two thousand dol- 
 lars per annum. The whole burthen, both of teach- 
 ing and support, devolves on the instructors ; and 
 yet, with all these embarrassments, it annually ex- 
 hibits a larger Catalogue than any College in the 
 Union can boast. 
 
 The scattered Alumni, it is true, do now and then 
 cast a look of affectionate solicitude towards the 
 venerable fountain, from whence they drank the 
 waters of knowledge ; but its natural guardians, the 
 Legislators of a State, richer in literary funds than
 
 212 
 
 any State in the Union, who have seen it for a cen- 
 tury and a <|uarter pouring forth its fertihzing 
 streams, through every region of our extensive 
 country, and diftusing a moral influence which al- 
 most compensated the loss of political power ; who 
 have seen it a productive source of income, stimu- 
 lating industry by the expenditure of large sums 
 derived from other regions ; look on with a strange 
 apathy and extend no cheering hand of generosity 
 for its relief 
 
 What is there eminent, what is there enviable in 
 Connecticut but her moral and intellectual great- 
 ness ? Many of her sister States are far her supe- 
 riors in wealth and fertility of soil, and yet, although 
 her wisest and her best have repeatedly appealed to 
 her, by every motive that could influence pride or 
 stimulate patriotism, she seems resolved to cast 
 away her richest jewel. 
 
 Young and well endowed Colleges are rapidly 
 springing up in every section of the country, and 
 public bounty is poured into their treasuries with 
 no sparing hand. The improvements in modern 
 sciences, particularly in their application to useful 
 and practical arts, require constant additions to 
 professorships, libraries, and apparatus. 
 
 The range of instruction is continually extending, 
 and an Institution, however honorable and dear 
 may be its past reputation to the friends of science, 
 that is unable to advance with the spirit of an en- 
 lightened age, or whom poverty forces to a slug- 
 gish and feeble step, must soon yield the palm of 
 honorable competition to more fortunate rivals.
 
 213 
 
 As illustrative of the rapid increase of American 
 Colleges, in variety and extent of instruction, it 
 may be remarked, that although Yale College has 
 existed one hundred and thirty years, more than 
 one half of all the Professors who have ever been 
 appointed are now in vigorous health and in the 
 active discharge of their duties. 
 
 Will the ungenerous appeal to groveling pas- 
 sions much longer influence our Hall of Legislation, 
 that Colleges are for the education of the rich, and 
 that public bounty should not select them as its ob- 
 jects ? States who have long prided themselves on 
 the purity of their democracy, South Carolina, 
 Virginia, and New York, have avowed by munifi- 
 cent appropriations, that this debasing sentiment 
 does not belong to their creed. 
 
 The influence of Colleges is not confined to the 
 narrow limits of a select and favored few. It per- 
 vades every class of society, and is felt through 
 every variety of human occupation. Academies 
 and common Schools derive from hence the lights 
 that guide them on their way. Laying aside the 
 importance of learned and enlightened lawyers, 
 physicians, and divines, there is not a trade or an 
 art which is not invigorated by science. 
 
 Commerce and navigation could not be pursued 
 without its aid : manufactures exhibit it in all their 
 complex and various machinery ; and agriculture, 
 within a few years, has, by the application of sci- 
 ence, risen to its primitive dignity, and become a 
 noble occupation for intelligent man.
 
 214 
 
 Without it, even war itself, the last resort for the 
 protection of liberty, would become a brutal trial 
 of physical strength. 
 
 It would be an interesting task to one competent 
 for its performance, to select from the Catalogue 
 of Yale College, the names of those who, after 
 receiving its honors, have distinguished themselves 
 in the various pursuits of human life, and to give, 
 as an incentive to their successors, brief sketches of 
 their biography. 
 
 Were it made the duty of some gentleman con- 
 nected with the Institution, to collect and arrange 
 the materials of such a work, unanswerable testi- 
 mony, requiring neither the support of argument 
 or speculation, would soon be furnished, that the 
 streams of knowledge have fertilized every field of 
 human cultivation, and that the higher Seminaries 
 of learning are just objects of public beneficence. 
 
 To those familiar with the history and benefits 
 of the Institution no such incentives are required. 
 
 They fervently hope, that this beautiful " tree, 
 of their fathers' planting," nurtured and watered 
 by their children's care, may long continue to 
 spread forth its vigorous branches, fresh in ver- 
 dure and rich in fragrance. They will look for- 
 ward to some more auspicious time, when neither 
 prejudice, nor party, nor false economy, shall long- 
 er triumph over (^lightened intelligence and ele- 
 vated patriotism ; and in the mean time unite in 
 the animating exclamation of President Clap — 
 Dili fioreat alma mater YALENSIA !
 
 215 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 SECTION I. 
 
 A BRIEF ANALYSIS OF THE CATALOGUE OF THE COLLEGE. 
 
 For many years it has Iffeen the custom of the College to pub- 
 lish triennially, a General Catalogue of the Institution, embracing 
 such general facts, in addition to the Oflicers and Alumni, as may 
 be deemed interesting to literary men, and more especially to 
 those who retain an affection for their Alma Mater. 
 
 The last of this series of Catalogues was published at Com- 
 mencement, in the year 1829, and, with the exception of the class 
 graduated in 1830, embraces the whole number of those who 
 have received the honors of the College. 
 
 Adding seventy-one for that Class, to the number specified in 
 the summary of the Catalogue, and it appears that 4426 Students 
 have been educated at Yale College and received the degree of 
 Bachelor of Arts. 
 
 Deducting from that number 1982, who have died, and there 
 remain living of the Alumni, 2444. In addition to the regular 
 Graduates, four hundred and ninety-three, who were educated 
 elsewhere, have received the honors of the College, of whom 
 two hundred and sixty are yet living. 
 
 One thousand and sixty-seven Clergymen arc noted in the Cat- 
 alogue as Graduates ; of whom, 453 were living at the time of its 
 publication. Besides these, 180 Clergymen had received the 
 honors of the College, of whom eighty-one were living. 
 
 From the foundation of the College until the year 1767, inclu- 
 sive, the names of Graduates are arranged according to respecta- 
 bility of parentage ; since that time, as more Republican senti- 
 ments began then to prevail, they have been arranged in alpha- 
 betical order.
 
 21G 
 
 The njmes of those who liavc obtained eminent distinction in 
 civil life, are printed in small capitals, Avith additions of official 
 rank ; ihe names of Clergymen in italics ; and to the names of all 
 are annexed their academic degrees. 
 
 It might be considered an invidious task to make a selection 
 from the eminent men who adorn the Catalogues of this venera- 
 ble Institution, but it may be pardonable in noting those, who 
 have afterwards become heads of other Colleges. 
 
 The following list of Presidents has been compiled from a 
 rapid inspection, but is believed to be correct. 
 Jonathan Dickinson, afterwards President of Nassau Hall, 
 
 New Jersey, was graduated in ■" 1706 
 
 Samuel Johnson, Columbia, (then King's) College, N.York, 1714 
 Jonathan Edwards, Nassau Hall, New Jersey, 1720 
 
 Eleazar Wheelock, Dartmouth, New Hampshire, 1733 
 
 Aaron Burr, Nassau Hall, New Jersey, 1735 
 
 William Samvel Johnson, Columbia, New York, 1744 
 
 Ezra Stiles, Yale College, 1746 
 
 Napthali Daggett, Yale College, 1748 
 
 Timothy Dwight, Yale College, 1769 
 
 Abraham Baldwin, University of Georgia, 1772 
 
 Ehenezer Fitch, Williams', Massachusetts, 1777 
 
 Jo5m/i Me ?^5, University of Georgia, 1778 
 
 Samuel Austin, University of Vermont, 1783 
 
 Azel Backus, Hamilton, New York, 1787 
 
 Edward D. Griffin, Williams', Mass. 1790 
 
 Jeremiah Atwatcr, Middlebury, Ver. and Dickinson, Penn. 1793 
 Jeremiah Day, Yale College, 1795 
 
 Henry Davis, Middlebury, Ver. and Hamilton, New York, 1796 
 David A. Sherman, Kuoxville, Tennessee, 1802 
 
 Horace Holley, Transylvania, Kentucky, 1803 
 
 Bennet Tyler, Dartmouth, New Hampshire, <^804 
 
 Heman Humphrey, Amherst, Mass. 1805 
 
 William H. DeLancey, University of Pennsylvania, 1817 
 
 Edward Rtitledge, Transylvania University, Kentucky, 1817 
 Hector Humphreys, St. John's College, Maryland, 1818 
 
 Edward Beecher, Illinois, 1832
 
 2n 
 
 This respectable list, composed claclly of celebrated divines, 
 bears evidence to the wisdom of those who laid the corner stones 
 of our Republic, and, in the midst of self privations and personal 
 sufl'erings, cheered themselves in the anticipation of a noble har- 
 vest to their posterity, from their faithful planting. If it were 
 not repugnant to the prudent motive already assigned, how foi-ci- 
 bly might this harvest of blessings be illustrated, by alluding 
 particularly to such families as the Trumbulls, distinguished in 
 every ornamental and useful "joursuit, and emphatically the De 
 Medici of Connecticut ; to numerous and illustrious men, who 
 have dignified the Pulpit, the Bar, the Halls of Legislation, and 
 the high places of Medical science ; to Statesmen, who have oc- 
 cupied the foremost rank in council ; to bi'ave and intelligent 
 Soldiers, who have led our countrymen to battle and victory ; to 
 men of letters, who have honorably Avrought in every field of 
 science, or risen on vigorous wing into the regions of imagination 
 and jioetry ; to agriculturalists ; to manufacturers ; to mechanics, 
 with Whitney, (a name imperishable in the annals of art, at their 
 head,) who have laid the foundations of their usefulness and fame 
 at Yale College. 
 
 But enough, perhaps, has been said, to direct the attention of 
 the curious to an examination of the Catalogues of an Institution 
 which has educated more students than any other College in 
 America, (excepting Harvard.) and still maintains, with unabated 
 energy, its well earned eminence. 
 
 SECTION II. 
 
 CATALOGUE OF THE ACADEMIC SCHOOL. 
 
 PRESIDENTS. 
 
 Elected. feft. 
 
 A. D. A^^ 
 
 1701 Rev. Abraham Pierson, IW? 
 
 1719 Rev. Timothy Cutler, S. T. D. n2ii 
 
 1726 Rev. Elisha Williams, '73^ 
 
 1739 Rev. TnoHAs Clais '*''•» 
 
 28
 
 218 
 
 ElectcJ. Left. 
 
 1766 Rev. Napiitali Daggett, S. T. D. 1777 
 
 1777 Rev. Ezra Stiles, S. T. D. LL. D. 1795 
 
 1795 Rev. Timothy Dwight, S. T. D. LL. D. 1817 
 
 1817 Rev. Jeremiah Day, LL. D. S. T. D. 
 
 FELLOWS. 
 
 1700 Rev. James Noyes, 1719 
 
 1700 Rev. Israel Chauncey, * 1703 
 
 1700 Rev. Thomas Buckingham, 1709 
 
 1700 Rev. Abraham Pierson, Pres. 1707 
 
 1700 Rev. Samuel Mather, 1724 
 
 1700 Rev. Samuel Andrew, Pres. p. t. 1738 
 
 1700 Rev. Timothy Woodbridge, 1732 
 
 1700 Rev. James Pierpont, 1714 
 
 1700 Rev. Noadiah Russell, 1713 
 
 1700 Rev. Joseph Webb, 1732 
 
 1701 Rev. Samuel Russell, 1731 
 1704 Rev, Moses Noyes, 1729 
 1707 Rev. John Davenport, 1731 
 1709 Rev. Thomas Buckingham, 1731 
 1711 Rev. Thomas Ruggles, 1728 
 1716 Rev. Stephen Buckingham, 1732 
 1720 Rev. Eliphalet Adams, 17^ 
 
 1734 Rev. Samuel Whitman, 1746 
 1726 Rev. Elisha Williams, Pres. 1739 
 1730 Rev. Jared Eliot, 1762 
 
 1730 Rev. Joseph Moss, 1732 
 
 1731 Rev. Ebenezer Williams, 1748 
 
 1732 Rev. Samuel Woodbridge, 1743 
 1732 Rev, Jonathan Marsh, 1745 
 1732 Rev. Samuel Cook, 1746 
 1732 Rev. Samuel Whittelsey, 1752 
 
 1735 Rev, Joseph Noyes, 1761 
 
 1738 Rev. Anthony Stoddard, 1760 
 
 1739 Rev. Thomas Clap, Pres, 1766 
 
 1740 Rev. Benjamin Lord, S. T. D. 1772
 
 219 
 
 Elected. - l-reft. 
 
 1743 Rev. Daniel Wadsworth, 1747 
 
 1745 Rev. William Russell, oi761 
 
 1746 Rev. Nathaniel Chauncey, 1752 
 1746 Rev. Thomas Ruggles, 1770 
 
 1748 Rev. Elnathan Whitman, 1774 
 
 1749 Rev. Solomon Williams, S. T. D. 170U 
 1753 Rev. Noah Hobart, 177.3 
 1755 Rev. Ashbel Woodekidge, 1758 
 1758 Rev. Moses Dickinson, 1777 
 
 1760 Rev. James Lockwood, 1772 
 
 1761 Rev. Edward Eells, 1776 
 1763 Rev. Jonathan Merrick, 1769 
 1763 Rev. George Beckwith, 1777 
 1766 Rev. Naphtali Daggett, S. T. D. Pres. 1777 
 1769 Rev. Eliphalet William.s, S. T. D. 1801 
 1769 Rev. Warham Williams, 1788 
 
 1771 Rev. Richard Salter, S. T. D. 1780 
 
 1772 Rev. John Trumbull, 1787 
 
 1773 Rev. Stephen Johnson, 1786 
 
 1774 Rev. Noah Welles, S. T. D. 1776 
 1774 Rev. Nathaniel Taylor, 1800 
 
 1776 Rev. Elizur Goodrich, S. T. D. 1797 
 
 1777 Rev. Moses Mather, S. T. D. 1790 
 1777 Rev. Ezra Stiles, S. T. D. LL. D. Pres. 1795 
 1777 Rev. Samuel Lockwood, S. T. D. 1791 
 1777 Rev. Timothy Pitkin, 1804 
 1780 Rev. Enoch Huntington, 1808 
 
 1787 Rev. Josiah Whitney, S. T. D. 1810 
 
 1788 Rev. David Ely, S. T. D. 1816 
 1788 Rev. Nathan Williams, S. T. D. 1808 
 
 1790 Rev. Hezekiah Ripley, S. T. D. 1817 
 
 1791 Rev. Levi Hart, S. T. D. 1807 
 
 1792 Exc. Samuel Huntington, LL. D. 1796 
 
 1792 Exc. Oliver Wolcott, LL. D. 1797 
 
 1793 Hon. William Williams, 1803 
 J 792 Hon. Benjamin Huntington, LL. D. 1793 
 
 #
 
 220 
 
 Elected. Left. 
 
 1792 Hon. JosF.ni Platt Cooke, 1803 
 
 1792»Hon, Htephen Mix Mitchell, LL. D. 1793 
 
 1792 Hon. Willi Am Hillhouse, 1809 
 
 1792 Exc. John Treadwell, LL. D. 1811 
 
 1793 Hon. James Davenport, 1797 
 1793 Hon. Roger Newberry, 1808 
 1795 Rev. Timothy Dwight, S. T. D. LL. D. Tres. . 1817 
 179G Exc. Jonathan Trumbull, LL. D. 1809 
 
 1797 Hon. Heman Swift, 1802 
 
 1798 Hon. Thomas Grosvenor, 1802 
 
 1799 Rev. James Dana, S. T. D. 1812 
 1801 Rev. John Marsh, S. T. D. * 1820 
 
 1801 Rev. Noah Benedict, 1812 
 
 1802 Hon. Oliver Ellsworth, LL. D. 1807 
 
 1802 Hon. Thomas Seymour, 1803 
 
 1803 Hon. John Chester, 1809 
 1803 Hon. Aaron Austin, 1818 
 
 1803 Hon. David Daggett, LL. D. 1804 
 
 1804 Hon. Jonathan Brace, ^, 1806 
 1804 Rev. Nathan Strong, S. T. D. 1807 
 
 1806 Hon. Asher Miller, 1817 
 
 1807 Rev. Andrew Lee, S. T. D. 1823 
 
 1808 Hon. Jonathan Brace, * 1821 
 1808 Rev. Joseph Strong, S. T. D. 1826 
 
 1808 Rev. Achilles Mansfield, 1814 
 
 1809 Hon. David Daggett, LL. D. 1813 
 1809 Hon. Elizur Goodrich, 1818 
 1809 Hon. Matthew Griswold, 1818 
 1809 Rev. Benoni Upson, S. T. D. 1823 
 
 1809 Exc. Roger Griswold, LL. D. 1812 
 
 1810 Rev. Amos Bassett, S. T. D. 1827 
 1810 Exc. John Cotton Smith, LL. D. ; 1817 
 
 1812 Rev. John Elliot, S. T. D. 1825 
 
 1813 Hon. Chauncey Goodrich, 1815 
 
 1813 Rev. Peter Starr, 1818 
 
 1814 Hon. Sephen Titus Hosmer, LL. D. 1815 

 
 221 " 
 
 Elected. Left. 
 
 1814 Rev. Elijah Parsons, . 1821 
 
 181.5 Hon. Henry Champion, 1818 
 
 1816 Hon. Jonathan Ingersoll, LL. D. 1823 
 
 1816 Rev. Isaac Lewis, S. T. D. 1818 
 
 1817 Exc. Oliver Wolcott, LL. D. 1827 
 1817 Hon. Frederic Wolcott, 1823 
 1817 Rev. Jeremiah Day, LL. D. S. T. D. Pres. 
 
 1817 Rev. William Brintnall Ripley, 1822 
 
 1818 Hon. Elias Perkins, 1823 
 1818 Hon. William Bristol, 1819 
 1818 Hon. Elijah Boardman, 1821 
 1818 Hon. David Tomlinson, 1822 
 1818 Rev. Daniel Smith, 
 
 1818 Rev. Andrew Eliot, 1829 
 
 1819 Hon. Sylvester Wells, M. D. 1822 
 
 1820 Rev. Calvin Chapin, S. T. D. 
 
 1821 Hon. John S. Peters, M. D. 1823 
 1821 Hon. Enoch Burrows, 1822 
 
 1821 Rev. David Smith, 
 
 1822 Hon. David Hill, 1827 
 1822 Hon. Orange Merwin, 1825 
 1822 Hon. David Plant, 1827 
 
 1822 Rev. Moses Cook Welch, S. T. D. , 1824 
 
 1823 Hon. Elisha Phelps, 1825 
 1823 Hon. William Moseley, 1825 
 1823 Hon. Austin Olcott, M. D. 1826 
 1823 Hon. Abel Wheeler, 1825 
 1823 Rev. Matthew Noyes, 
 
 1823 Rev. Noah Porter, S. T. D. 
 
 1824 Rev. Daniel Dow, 
 
 1825 Hon. Luther Loomis, 1827 
 1825 Hon. Ebenezer Young, 1826 
 1825 Hon. Robert Fairchild, 1826 
 1825 Hon. John Welch, 1828 
 
 1825 Rev. Aaron Dutton, 
 
 1826 Hon. Ebenezer Stoddard, 1828 
 1826 Hon. Nathan Johnson,
 
 222 
 
 FJectcd. Left. 
 
 1826 Hon. Samuel Church, 1828 
 
 1820 Rev. Abel M'Ewen, 
 
 1827 Exc. Gideon Tomlinson, LL. D. 1831 
 1827 Exc. John S. Peters, M. D. 
 
 1827 Hon. Noyes Darling, 1828 
 
 1827 Hon. Ingoldsby \V. Crawford, 1828 
 
 1827 Rev. Diodate Brockway, 
 
 1828 Hon. John Alsop. 
 
 1828 Hon. Samuel Tweedy, 1829 
 
 1828 Hon. Ebenezer Brockway, 1829 
 
 1828 Hon. Martin Welles, 
 
 1828 Hon. Roger Huntington, 
 
 1829 Hon. Homer Boardman, 
 1829 Hon. John D. Reynolds, 
 1829 Rev. Luther Hart, 
 
 PROFESSORS. 
 Sacred Theology. 
 1755 Naphtali Daggett, S. T. D. Pres. 1780 
 
 1782 Samuel Wales, S. T. D. 1794 
 
 1805 Timothy Dwight, S. T. D. LL. D. Pres. 1817 
 
 1817 Eleazar Thompson Fitch, S. T. D. 
 
 Ecclesiastical History. 
 1777 Ezra Stiles, S. T. D. LL. D. Pres. 1795 
 
 Mathematics and Natural Philosophy. 
 
 1770 Nehemiah Strong, 1781 
 
 1794 JosiAH Meigs, 1801 
 
 1803 Jeremiah Day, LL. D. S. T. D. Pies. 1817 
 1817 Alexander Metcalf Fisher, ^ 1822 
 1822 Matthew Rice Dutton, 1825 
 
 1825 Denison Olmsted, ^ 
 
 Law and Jurisprudence. 
 1801 Elizur Goodrich, 1810 
 
 1826 David Daggett, LL. D. ai 
 
 Chimistry and Mineralogy. 
 
 1804 Benjamin Silliman, M. D. LL. D.
 
 223 
 
 Hebrew, Greek, and Latin Languages. 
 Elected. Left. 
 
 1805 James Luce Kingsley. 
 
 Materia Medica and Botany. 
 1813 iExEAs MuNsoN, M. D. 1826 
 
 1813 Eli Ives, M. D. 1829 
 
 1829 William Tullv, M. D. 
 
 Theory and Practice of Medicine, Surgery, and Obstetrics. 
 1813 Nathan Smith, M. D. 1829 
 
 Surgery. 
 1829 Thomas Hubbard, M. D. 
 
 Theory and Practice of Physic. 
 1829 Eli Ives, M. D. 
 
 Anatomy. 
 1813 Jonathan Knight, M. D, 
 
 Rhetoric. 
 1817 Chauncey Allen Goodrich. 
 
 Didactic TJieulogy. 
 1822 Nathaniel William Taylor, S. T. D. 
 
 Sacred Literature. 
 1824 Josiah Willard Gibbs. 
 
 SECTION III. 
 
 list of the present officers of the college. 
 
 CORPORATION. 
 Rev. Jeremiah Day, S. T. D. LL. D. 
 His Exc. John S. Peters, M. D. 
 Rev. Daniel Smith. 
 Rev. Calvin Chapin, S. T. D. 
 Rev. David Smith, S. T. D. 
 Rev. Matthew Noyes. 
 Rev. Noah Porter, S. T. D. ♦ 
 
 Rev. Daniel Dow.
 
 224 
 
 Rev. Aaron Dutton. 
 
 Rev. Abel M'Ewen. 
 
 Hon. NoYEs Darling. 
 
 Hon. Ingoldsby W. Crawford. 
 
 Rev. DioDATE Brockway. 
 
 Hon. John Alsop. 
 
 Hon. Roger Huntington. 
 
 Hon. Homer Boardman. 
 
 Hon. John D. Reynolds. 
 
 Rev. Luther Hart. 
 
 TREASURER. 
 Hon. James Hillhouse, LL. D. 
 
 STEWARD. 
 Stephen Twining, Esq. 
 
 FACULTY AND INSTRUCTORS. 
 
 Rev. Jeremiah Day, S. T. D. LL. D. President. 
 
 Hon. David Daggett, LL. D. Professor of Law. 
 
 Thomas Hubbard, M. D. Professor of Surgery. 
 
 Benjamin Silliman, M. D. LL. D. Professor of Chimistry, 
 Pharmacy, Mineralogy, and Geology. 
 
 James L. Kingsley, A. M. Professor of the Hebrew, Greek, 
 and Latin Languages. 
 
 Eli Ives, M. D. Professor of the Theory and Practice of Physic. 
 
 William Tully, M. D. Professor of Materia Mcdica and Botany. 
 
 Rev. Nathaniel W. Taylor, S. T. D. Dwight Professor of Di- 
 dactic Theology. 
 
 Jonathan Knight, M.D. Professor of Anatomy and Physiology. 
 
 Timothy' P. Beers, M. D. Lecturer on Obstetrics and Medical 
 Jurisprudence. 
 
 JosiAH W. GiBBs, A. M. Professor of Sacred Literature. 
 
 Samuel J. Hitchcock, Esq. Instructor in the Science and Prac- 
 tice of Law. ^ 
 
 Rev. Eleazar T. Fitch, S. T. D. Professor of Divinity. 
 
 Rev. Chauncky A. Goodrich, A. M. Professor of Rhetoric and 
 Oratory.
 
 225 
 
 Denison Olmsted, A. M. Professor of Mathematics and Natural 
 Philosophy. 
 
 Charles U. Shepard, A. B. Assistant to the Professor of Chem- 
 istry, and Lecturer on Botany. 
 
 Amos Pettingell, A.M. Tutor. 
 
 William A. Larned, A. M. Tutor. 
 
 Horace Bushnell, A. M. Tutor. 
 
 Henry Durant, A. M. Tutor. 
 
 Robert M'Ewen, A. M. Tutor. 
 
 William Carter, A. B. Tutor. 
 
 Frederic A. P. Barnard, A. B. Tutor. 
 
 Robert Bakewell, Teacher of Drawing and Perspective. 
 
 Charles A. Coulomb, Instructor in French. 
 
 JoAquin Rovira, Instructor in Spanish. 
 
 Erasmus D. North, A. B. Instructor in Elocution. 
 
 SECTION IV. 
 
 A STATEMENT OF THE COURSE OF INSTRUCTION, EXPENSES, &.C. 
 IN YALE COLLEGE, AS PUBLISHED BY THE FACULTY. 
 
 TERMS OF ADMISSION. 
 
 Candidates for admission to the Freshman Class, arc exam- 
 ined in Cicero's Select Orations, Virgil, Sallust, the Greek Tes- 
 tament, Dalzel's Collectanea Grasca Minora, Adam's Latin Gram- 
 mar, Goodrich's Greek Grammar, Latin Prosody, Writing Latin, 
 Barnai-d's or Adams' Arithmetic, Murray's English Grammar, 
 and Morse's, Worcester's, or Woodbridge's Geography. Jacob's 
 Greek Reader and the four Gospels are admitted as a substitute 
 for Graeca Minora, and the Greek Testament. 
 
 A candidate for an advanced standing, whether from another 
 College or not, in addition to tlie preparatory studies, is examined 
 in the various branches to which the class he proposes to enter 
 has attended. No one can be admitted into the Senior class after 
 the dose of the January vacation. 
 
 ,29
 
 226 
 
 The stated time of examination for admirfsion into College, is 
 on the day preceding the public Commencement. But persons 
 may be examined in any other part of the collegiate terms. It is 
 requested that they may not be offered in the vacations, except 
 for very special reasons. 
 
 No one can be admitted to the Freshman class, till he has com- 
 pleted his fourteenth year ; nor to an advanced standing without 
 a proportional increase of age. 
 
 Testimonials of good moral character are in all cases required; 
 and those who are admitted from other Colleges must produce 
 certificates of dismission in good standing. The students are not 
 considered as regular members of the College till, after a resi- 
 dence of at least six months, they have been admitted to matricu- 
 lation, on satisfactory evidence of an unblemished moral charac- 
 ter. Before this they are only students on probation. 
 
 COURSE OF INSTRUCTION. 
 
 The Faculty, to whom is committed the government and in- 
 struction of the students, consists of a President ; a Professor of 
 Chimistry, Mineralogy, and Geology ; a Professor of the Hebrew, 
 Greek, and Latin Languages ; a Professor of Mathematics, Na- 
 tural Philosophy, and Astronomy; a Professor of Divinity; a 
 Professor of Rhetoric and Oratory ; and eight Tutors. 
 
 The whole course of instruction occupies four years. In each 
 year there are three terms or sessions. 
 
 The three younger classes are divided, each into two or three 
 parts ; and each of the divisions is committed to the particular 
 charge of a Tutor, Avho, with the assistance of the Professors, in- 
 structs it. The Senior Class is instructed by the President and 
 Professors. Each of the four classes attends three recitations or 
 lectures in a day ; except on Wednesdays and Saturdays, when 
 they have only two. The following scheme gives a general view 
 of the authors recited each term : 
 
 Freshman Class. — I. FoLsom's Livy, from one half to two 
 thirds ; Adam's Roman Antiquities ; Day's Algebra begun ; 
 Graica Majora, Vol. I. begun. IL Folsom's Livy finished ; 
 Greeca Majora, continued through the historical part ; Day's Al-
 
 227 
 
 gebra fniislicd. III. Horace began; (jiroeca Majora, Vul. 11. be- 
 gun ; Playfair's Euclid, five books. 
 
 Sophomore Class. — I. Horace continued ; Gra?ca Majora, con- 
 linued ; Euclid reviewed and finished. II. Horace finished and 
 reviewed; Grajca Majora, continued ; Day's Mathematics ; Plane 
 Trigonometry, Nature and Use of Logarithms, Mensuration of 
 Superfices and Solids, and Isoperimetry ; Mensuration of Heights 
 and Distances, and Navigation. HI. Gra?ca Majora, continued ; 
 Juvenal, Leverett's Edition ; Cicero de Oratore, begun ; Day's 
 Mathematics ; Surveying ; Bridge's Conic Sections ; Spherical 
 Geometry and Trigonometry ; Jamieson's Rhetoric. 
 
 Junior Class. — I. Cicero de Oratore, finished ; Tacitus begun ; 
 Grffica Majora, continued ; Olmsted's Natural Philosophy and 
 Mechanics. II. Tacitus, the History, Manners of the Germans, 
 and Agricola ; Gra;ca Majora, continued ; Natural Philosophy 
 finished and reviewed. HI. Astronomy ; Hedge's Logic ; Tyt- 
 ler's History. At the option of the Student : Fluxions ; Homer's 
 Iliad ; Hebrew, French, or Spanish.' 
 
 Senior Class. — I. Blair's Rhetoric ; Stewart's Philosophy of 
 tlie Mind ; Brown's Philosophy of the Mind ; Paley's Moral 
 Philosophy ; Greek and Latin. II. Paley's Natural Theology ; 
 Evidences of Christianity ; Greek and Latin. HI. Say's Politi- 
 cal Economy. 
 
 In addition to the recitations in the books here specified, the 
 classes receive lectures and occasional instruction from the Pro- 
 fessor of Languages ; the Junior Class attends a course of exper- 
 imental lectures on Natural Philosophy ; and the Senior Class, 
 the courses on Chemistry, Mineralogy, Geology, and select sub- 
 jects of Natural Philosophy and Astronomy. The members of 
 the several classes attend also the private exercises and lectures 
 of the Professor of Rhetoric and Oratory. A course of Lectures 
 on the Oration of Demosthenes for the crown, is delivered to 
 members of the Senior Class. Specimens of English composi- 
 tion are exhibited daily by one or more of each of the divisions ol 
 the Sophomore and Junior Classes. Written translations from 
 Latin authors are presented by the Freshman Class. The lower 
 classes are also instructed in Latin composition. The Senior and
 
 228 
 
 Junior classes have forensic Disputations once or twice a week, 
 before ilicir inslructovs. There are very frequent exercises in 
 Declamation before the Tutors, before the Professor of Oratory 
 and before the Faculty and Students in the Chapel. 
 
 Gentlemen well qualified to teach the French and Spanish lan- 
 guages, are engaged by the Faculty to give instruction in these 
 branches to those students Mho desire it, at their own expense. 
 
 The object of the system of instruction to the undergraduates 
 in the College, is not to give a j)artial education, consisting of a 
 fcvv' branches only ; nor, on the other hand, to give a superficial 
 education, containing a little of almost every thing; nor to finish 
 the details of cither a professional or practical education ; but to 
 commejice a thorough course, and to carry it as far as the time of 
 the students' residence here will allow. It is intended to main- 
 tain such a proportion between the diilerent branches oflitcrature 
 and science, as to form a proper symmetry and balance oi charac- 
 ter. In laying the foundation of a thorough education, it is ne- 
 cessary that all the important faculties be brought into exercise. 
 When certain mental endowments receive a much higher culture 
 than others, there is a distortion in the intellectual character. 
 The powers of the mind are not developed in their fairest propor- 
 tions, by studying languages alone, or mathematics alone, or na- 
 tural or political science alone. The object, in the proper colle- 
 giate department, is not to teach that which is peculiar to any one 
 of the professions ; but to lay the foundation which is common to 
 them all. There are separate schools of Medicine, Law, and 
 Theology, connected with the College, as Afell as in various parts 
 of the country, which are open to all who are prepared to enter 
 on professional studies. With these, the undergraduate course is 
 not intended to interfere. It contains those subjects only which 
 ought to be understood l)y every one who aims at a thorough edu- 
 cation. The principles of science and literature, are the com- 
 mon foundation of all high intellectual attainments. They give 
 that furniture, and discipline, and elevation of the mind, whicJi 
 are the best preparation for the study of a profession, or of the 
 operations which are peculiar to the higher mercantile, manufac- 
 turing or agricultural establishments. ^
 
 229 
 
 For a more particular view of the plan of education in the Col- 
 lege, see Report on the Course of Instruction, published in Vol, 
 XV. of the American Journal of Science. 
 
 The Berkcleian Premium, of about forty-six dollars a year, is 
 given to the scholar in each class who passes the best examina- 
 tion in Latin and Greek ; provided he reside as a graduate in 
 New Haven, one, two, or three years. Premiums arc also given 
 for Latin and English composition, and for declamation in public. 
 
 There are two public examinations of the classes in a year, — 
 one in May, the other in September, — which are continued from 
 four to six days each. The candidates for degrees are also ex- 
 amined at the close of their course of study. 
 
 There are three vacations in a year ; one of six weeks, begin- 
 ning at Commencement, the second Wednesday in September ; 
 the second, two weeks from the second Wednesday in .January ; 
 and the third, four weeks from the first Wednesday in May. — No 
 student is allowed to be absent, without special leave, except in 
 vacations. The absence of a student in term time, even for a few 
 days, occasions a much greater injury to his education, than is 
 commonly supposed by parents and guardians, 
 
 PUBLIC WORSHIP. 
 
 Prayers are attended in the College Chapel every morning and 
 evening, with the reading of the Scriptures ; when one of the 
 Faculty officiates, and all the students are required to be present. 
 They are also required to attend public worship in the Chapel on 
 the Sabbath, except such as have permission to attend the Epis- 
 copal, or other congregations in town. 
 
 EXPENSES. 
 
 The College bills are made out by the Treasurer and Steward 
 three times a year, at the close of each term ; and arc presented 
 to the students, who are required to present them to their parents, 
 guardians or patrons. If any student fails to comply witli this re- 
 quisition, he is not permitted to recite till the bills are paid. 
 
 The annual charges in the Treasurer's bill arc, — for instruc- 
 tion, $33 00; for rent of chamber in college, from C to 12 dol-
 
 230 
 
 ]avs, — average, $9 00 ; for ordinary repairs and contingencies, 
 ^2 40 ; for general damages, sweeping, &c. about $3 30 ; for 
 wood for recitation rooms, about $1 30 : total, §49 00. 
 
 Besides this, the student may be charged for damages done by 
 liimself, and a small sum for printing catalogues, and other occa- 
 sional expenses. 
 
 Board is furnished in commons by the Steward, at cost, about 
 $],60 a week ; or $64 a year, not including vacations. It varies, 
 however, with the price of provisions. Wood is procured by the 
 Corporation, and distributed to those students who apply for it, at 
 cost and charges. 
 
 The students provide for themselves bed and bedding, furniture 
 for their rooms, candles, books, stationary, and washing. There 
 are also, in the several classes, taxes of a small amount, for the 
 fuel in the recitations rooms, catalogues, &c. If books and fur- 
 niture are sold, when the student has no further n^essity for 
 them, the expense incurred by their use will not be great. 
 
 The following may be considered as a near estim.ate of the 
 necessary expenses, without including apparel, pocket-money, 
 traveling, and board in vacations. 
 
 Treasurer's bill, as above, $49 ; board in commons, 40 weeks, 
 from $60 to $70 ; fuel and light, from $8 to $16 ; use of books 
 recited, and stationary, from $5 to $15 ; use of furniture, bed, and 
 bedding, from $5 to $15 ; washing, from $8 to $18 ; taxes in the 
 classes, &c. from $5 to $7 : total, from $140 to $190. 
 
 No students are permitted to take lodgings in town except 
 when the rooms in College arc not sufficient to acommodate all. 
 
 Students who wait in the Hall, are allowed their board ; and 
 those who occupy the recitation rooms, sai^e their room rent and 
 fuel in winter, and receive a small compensation in summer. A 
 cheap boarding house is opened under the direction of the Stew- 
 ard, for those students who wish to boai-d at a lower rate than it 
 is furnished in commons. The price of board here, is about 
 $1,25. 
 
 By a resolve of the Corporation, a sum not exceeding one 
 thousand dollars a year, is appropriated to the relief of indigent 
 students, and the encouragement of merit.
 
 231 
 
 Notes of the several incorporated banks in this State, and such 
 other notes as are taken by the banks in the city of New Haven, 
 are received in payment of the bills. Drafts on New York, Phil- 
 adelphia, and Boston, are received without discount. Money or 
 drafts to pay the Treasurer's and Steward's bill, may be transmit- 
 ted directly to Stephen Twining, Esq. who is Steward and As- 
 sistant Treasurer. 
 
 With regard to apparel, and what is called pocket-money, no 
 general estimate can be made. These are the articles in which 
 the expenses of individuals difTer most ; and in which some are 
 unwarrantably extravagant. There is nothing by which the char- 
 acter and scholarship of the students at this College are more en- 
 dangered, than by a free indulgence in the use of money. Great 
 caution with regard to this, is requisite on the part of parents. 
 What is more than sufficient to defray the ordinary expenses, will 
 expose the student to numerous temptations ; and will not con- 
 tribute either to his respectability, or happiness. 
 
 As a precaution against extravagance,' parents at a distance fre- 
 quently deposit funds with some one of the Faculty ; who, in 
 that case, pays a particular attention to the pecuniary concerns of 
 the student, settles his bills, corresponds with the parent, trans- 
 mits an account of the expenditures, &c. for which he charges a 
 commission. 
 
 A person admitted to an advanced standing, unless coming 
 from another College, pays a sum to the Treasurer, equal to the 
 tuition money, which has been paid by others of the class which 
 he enters. 
 
 THE THEOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 
 
 The Instructors in the Theological Department are a Professor 
 of Didactic Theology, a Professor of Sacred Literature, and the 
 Professors of Divinity and of Rhetoric in the classical department 
 of the College. 
 
 The whole course of instruction occupies three years ; and llic 
 students arc divided into Junior, Middle and Senior classes. 
 
 The time of admission is at the commencement of the first col- 
 legiate term. The terms and vacations arc (he same with (hose
 
 232 
 
 ill the College. The conditions for entrance are hopeful piety, 
 and a Hberal education at some College, unless the candidate have 
 otherwise qualified himself for pursuing advantageously the pre- 
 scribed course of studies. 
 
 No charges arc made for the tuition and lectures. 
 
 No funds have as yet been granted to this department for de- 
 fraying the expenses of indigent students. 
 
 Board may be obtained in private families at from $1 35 to 
 $1 75 per week. 
 
 THE LAW SCHOOL. 
 
 The Law School is under the direction of the Hon. David 
 Daggett, LL. D. a Judge of the Supreme Court in Connecticut, 
 and Professor of Law ; and Samuel J. Hitchcock, Esq. Attorney 
 and Covmsellor at Law. 
 
 The students are required to peruse the most important ele- 
 mentary treatises, and are daily examined on the author they are 
 reading, and receive at the same time explanations and illustra- 
 tions of the subject they are studying. 
 
 A course of lectures is delivered by the Professor of Law, on 
 all the titles and subjects of Common and Statute Law. 
 
 A Moot Court is holden once a week, or oftener, which employs 
 the students in drawing pleadings and investigating and arguing 
 questions of law. 
 
 The students are called upon from time to time, to draw decla- 
 rations, pleadings, contracts, and other instruments, connected 
 with the jiraclice of law, and to do the most important duties of 
 an Attorney's Clerk. 
 
 They are occasionally required to Mrite disquisitions on some 
 topic of law, and collect the authorities to support their opinions. 
 
 The students are furnished with the use of the elementary books 
 and have access, at all times, to the College Libraries, and to a 
 Law Library, comprising every important work, both ancient and 
 modern. 
 
 The terms for tuition are $75 per annum. The course of study- 
 occupies two years, allowing eight weeks vacation each year. 
 Students arc however received for a shorter period.
 
 233 
 
 The Professor of Law will also for the present, ocrasionally de- 
 liver Lectures to the Senior class in College, until arrangements 
 are made for a systematic course to be permanently continued. 
 
 THE MEDICAL INSTITUTION. 
 
 The Instructors of the Medical Institution, arc a Professor of 
 Anatomy and Physiology, a Professor of Surgei-y, a Professor of 
 Obstetrics, a Professor of Chemistry and Pharmacy, a Professor 
 of the Theory and Practice of Physic, and a Professor of Materia 
 Medica, Botany and Therapeutics. 
 
 The Lectures commence six weeks from the Commencement, 
 which is always on the second Wednesday of September, and 
 terminate the last week in February or the first in March. During 
 the course from 65 to 100 Lectures are given by each Professor. 
 
 The students have access to the lectures on Natural Philosophy 
 on paying the fees of the course, and they may attend the lectures 
 on Mineralogy and Geology without charge. The examination 
 for licences and degrees is held immediately after the close of the 
 lectures. 
 
 The Institution is furnished with a Library and an Anatomical 
 Museum. The students have access also to the Library of the 
 College, and to the Cabinet of Minerals. 
 
 The fees, which are paid in advance, arc twelve dollars and fifty 
 cents for each course. The Matriculation fee and contingent bill 
 are seven dollars and fifty cents. The entire expense of a resi- 
 dence of four months, through the course, including fees and all 
 expenses, except clothing, is from 120 to 150 dollars. 
 
 SECTION V. 
 
 SOCIETIES AND LIBRARIES ATTACHED TO THE INSTITUTION. 
 
 Societies for the particular cultivation and advancement of 
 favorite branches of science, are the natural growth of Literary 
 Institutions ; and if organized with wisdom and conducted with 
 
 30
 
 234 
 
 l-iudencc, niuloiiblodly toii.l gieatl}- to promote tlie cause ol 
 learning. Some of (lie most beautiful and finished compositions 
 in our lanffuago, lia\ o been the fruits of such associations ; and as 
 long as the works of Addison and Steele and Johnson are regard- 
 ed, associations for such purposes will continue to receive favor 
 and support. But literary clubs formed in mature life, cannot be 
 considered as' models for the guidance of students. The objects 
 of the first, are, to collect the fruits of learning, for public im- 
 provement ; of the last, to advance individual knowledge, by 
 social intercourse. 
 
 Yale College, in common with the other literary institutions of 
 the country, has several of these societies. 
 
 The first in rank, is tlie " Connecticut Alpha of the <!>. B. K." 
 Tt was organized by charter from the Alpha of Virginia, Novem- 
 ber 13, 1780. The class that was graduated in the year 1781 
 furnished the first members of this society. Membership is be- 
 stowed as a reward of good scholarship and character. As tlie 
 proceedings of the society, except on their anniversaries, are not 
 public, it is impossible to ascertain how far they have advanced 
 the cause of learning. This association does not terminate with 
 the collegiate course, but exists during the lives of members. 
 Their public contributions to literature usually consist of an Ora- 
 tion and Poem, delivered by members appointed in the antece- 
 dent year, at the time of the Commencement celebration. 
 
 Some objections have been made to the primary principle on 
 which this Society is leased ; and it has been thought by man)-, 
 that the distinctions of youthful rivalry, should not be per- 
 petuated through life. Another Society of a general character, 
 called " the Society of the Alumni," obviates this objection. Its 
 origin is traced to the laudable desire, on the part of the Gradu- 
 ates of the University, to create a fund, that might avert the evils 
 resulting from the failure of the Eagle Bank, and provide the 
 means for more extensive instruction. This Society also has oc- 
 casionally an Orator, and as it embraces all ages and ranks, so 
 lects those of mature years and of the highest endoAvments. 
 
 As connected more immediately with the studies of the Uni- 
 versity, the Societies of the Students are the most important.
 
 They are three in miinbcr : the Li/io/iia/i, the Brothers in 
 Unity, and the CaUiopcan. TJicir meetings and orilinary [)ro- 
 cccdings are private, but are .strictly confined to literary pursuits, 
 and chiefly to discassions on scientific questions. Whether the 
 Masonic secrecy required of members is a valuable feature in 
 these Societies, may, perhaps, be a matter of doubt : it probably 
 was adopted with a view to inspire confidence in literary exer- 
 tions, and as a shield for the modesty of young gentlemen, who 
 might act with confidence before their friends, but would shrink 
 under the appreliension of public criticism. All these Societies 
 have valuable Libraries, which are hereafter noted. They have 
 been the gradual accumulations of many years, from small taxes 
 imposed on the members, and probably, in operative value on 
 the pursuits of the Undergraduates, are more important than the 
 General Library of the College. 
 
 The General Library of the College consists of about 10,000 
 volumes, exclusive of pamphlets, comprising, a very valualile 
 collection of ancient ecclesiastical works, and the other books 
 are in general, well selected, rare, and valuable. 
 
 The Society Libraries are composed of works of a less scien- 
 tific, but, perhaps, more practical character than the General Li- 
 brary. They embrace all ihe leading publications in polite Eng- 
 lish literature. 
 
 The Linonian Library consists of 3,300 volumes. The Library 
 of the Brothers in Unity comprises 3,000 volumes." The Callio- 
 pean Society, which is of comparatively recent formation, has 
 made a collection of 2,910 volumes. 
 
 In addition to the above Libraries, there is a collection of 
 books belonging to the Moral Society, consisting of 5 or 600 
 volumes. The aggregate of books in the several Libraries, 
 amount to nearly 20,000 volumes. 
 
 In the cultivation of a just taste for composition, in aiding the 
 students in investigations relating to subjects of academic dispu- 
 
 * A manuscript Catalogue of the books in these two I^ibraries, compiled iu 
 tlic year 1780, has been exhibited to the audior, by a gentleman who Ihcii 
 acted as Librarian of the Brothers in Unity. Their Library then conlaincd 
 163 volumes ; the Library of the Linonian Society contained, at the sainr 
 time, 152 volujnes. 
 
 *^
 
 236 
 
 tation, and in supplying their hours of leisure with the best means 
 of gratification, these Societies and Libraries have proved highly- 
 important, and have uniformly received the encouragement of 
 the Faculty. 
 
 SECTION VI. 
 
 APPARATUS. 
 
 Chemical Laboratory of Yale College. % 
 
 Since April 1804, chemistry has constituted a distinct bi-anch 
 of academical education in Yale College, and since October 1800, 
 full courses of lectures with the appropriate experiments have 
 been given in the Institution. The Laboratory first constructed, 
 although in many respects, a convenient establishment, Avas, from 
 its being an under ground room, not sufficiently light, and wassub- 
 ject to much dampness. To obviate these inconveniences, as well 
 as to secure some important additional advantages, the establish- 
 ment was in the summer of 1820 broken up, and removed to a 
 building fitted expressly for its reception. This building had been 
 occupied as a refectory for the students, but having been freed 
 from that use, has proved adequate to afford every accomodation 
 demanded in a Philosophical Laboratory. 
 
 The building is ninety feet long, thirty feet wide, and one and a 
 half story high, but a steep roof affords an elevation of eighteen 
 and a half feet, for the lecture room. 
 
 The Lecture room is sixty feet long, including the space around 
 the Lecturer, devoted to the fixtures, tables, furnaces, chimneys, 
 &c. This space occupies twenty feet of the sixty, and the re- 
 mainder is filled with benches, which rise so rapidly, that no per- 
 son has any thing to intercept his view. This room is arched, 
 and its greatest elevation is eighteen and a half feet, the versed 
 sine of the arc is eight and a half feet, and the highest bench is 
 a little below the chord-line. 
 
 There is an abundant supply of light, and at the same time the 
 room is easily darkened. Over the Lecturer's head, tliere is a
 
 237 
 
 sky-light and ventilator, communicating directly with the open 
 air, and a screen impedes the fumes from passing to the audience. 
 
 There are two large chimneys facing the audience, and having 
 a circuit completely around them, so that access is obtained in 
 the easiest manner to all the furnaces and fire jjlaces. 
 
 In this part of the establishment, it was intended to embrace 
 every important convenience contained in the best philosophical 
 laboratories, and with this view, particular reference was had to 
 some of the best London Laboratories, e. g, that of the Royal 
 Institution, of the Surry Institution, of Mr. Pepys, &c., also to 
 those peculiar structures and improvements, which experience' 
 had suggested to the person charged with the construction of 
 this laboratory. 
 
 The two chimneys contain, each, nine distinct flues, eighteen 
 in the whole ; which are carried out without any connection be- 
 tween ihcm, quite to the top of the chimnies ; thus aftording an 
 elevation of about thirty three or thirty four feet. Of the eigh- 
 teen flues, three are closed with movable stoppers and held in re- 
 serve, for occasional uses to be connected with portable furnaces, 
 &-C. ; others are employed for stoves, &c. to warm the room 
 and for other purposes : one is devoted to the forge bellows 
 which are in the chamber, being worked by a cord and dis- 
 charging their air through a descending tube ; one is connected 
 with a fixed boiler and distillery ; one receives the tube of a 
 Black's Furnace ; three give vent to fixed brick furnaces for high 
 heats ; two arc for receiving the air in evaporation, deflagra- 
 tions, &c. ; one discharges the vapor of the great boiler when 
 not used in distillation, and tvv^o springing from a. cavity shaped 
 like a common fire place, are provided for carrying ofi' the fumes, 
 gases and eflluvia, which are so often extricated from chcuiical 
 vessels. 
 
 The end of the room, opposite to the class, is covered with 
 glass cases mounted on drawers for the reception of apparatus, 
 &c. and behind these are ample closets. Below^, is a cellar, 
 and above, a lumber garret and a large room for apparatus, 6cci 
 Ik'hiiid the lecture room arc two olllces with distinct entrance ;^. 
 r'ontiguous to these is a work room twenty feet by sc\ ciilceii.
 
 23S 
 
 With a pump, a large Jirc place, Ibrge lieartli, and other accoui- 
 modations intended as a room for coarse work and cleaning, and 
 for stowing away apparatus. There is also a small room, lilted 
 up with a work bench, tools, &c. for mechanical operations, con- 
 nected with practical chemistry. On trial, the new arrange- 
 ments arc found to answer every expectation. 
 
 The chemical apparatus is extensiv'c and various, comprehend- 
 ing all the instruments necessary to the illustration both of the 
 theory and practice of chemistry. A diliiculty which existed 
 twenty five years ago is now in a great measure removed. It is 
 no longer necessary to incur the delay of sending to Europe for 
 most articles of chemical apparatus. Glass in particular, which 
 is liable to considerable waste in chemical experiments, is now 
 easily replaced in our principal cities, nearly all of which, as 
 well as many smaller places, contain glass houses, and among 
 them there are artists who fabricate adroitly every article of chem- 
 ical apparatus. 
 
 Most of the chemical instruments that are made of metals, or 
 of metals and glass united, are easily obtained in this country, - 
 and our mechanics are patient and skillful in constructing almost » , 
 every thing of peculiar forms adapted to particular researches « 
 and experiments.* 
 
 The laboratory has a very large hydro-pneumatic cistern, am! 
 also a spacious one filled with mercury to bo used for gases that 
 are absorbed by water. 
 
 Thci'c is also an apparatus for the compound or hydro-oxygen 
 blow pipe of Dr. Hare. The gases are in separate vessels, hav- 
 ing no connexion except through the capillary point where they 
 are kindled. Each containing vessel is of the capacity of twenty 
 five gallons. 
 
 The Galvanic Apparatus is extensive. 
 
 The Cruickshank troughs contain between six and seven hun- 
 dred pairs of plates of four and six inches. There is a large Ca- 
 lorimotor, and an extensive Dellagrator invented and constructetl 
 by Dr. Hare, besides an Electrical Column of De Luc, and a Gal- 
 vanic Multiplier of Schweigger. 
 
 * Witness tlie numerous iiislrunients of Dr. Hare as described iu his Com 
 pendiuui, and in the Auierican Journal of Science and Arts.
 
 239 
 
 Tlio Cialvanic Magnet ol' Prof. Henry of Albany exceeds any 
 ih'mg lliatlias been elsewhere constructeil. With a galvanir coil 
 of metal, requiring only a fcAv qnarts of acidulated water for its 
 immersion, it lifts^ more than 2000 ll)s. although it weighs less 
 than 60 lbs. and is made of soft iron. 
 
 The laboratory is furnished with all the tests and reagents as 
 well as consumable articles and chemical specimens, necessary 
 to a full and detailed exhibition of the science, which is gone 
 tlivoMirh everv winter in a four months course. 
 
 ORIGIN OF THE CABINET OF MINERALOGY AND GEOLOGV. 
 
 There existed, previous to the year 1802, a small collection 
 of miscellaneous curiosities, among which were a few objects of 
 Natural History; but as very little was known concerning their 
 nature at that early period in this country, and as they were al- 
 together too few in number to attract much interest in the way 
 of study, the college consented to loan the entire collection, 
 except the minerals, to the Columbian INIuseum of New Haven, 
 then owned by Mr. John Mix. After his death, the collection 
 thus loaned, was sold along with the general museum. The 
 articles lost, however, are said not to have possessed much 
 value. The minerals, still left in the possession of the college, 
 were M'ithout names and unarranged ; and the extent of the 
 collection may be judged of from the fact, that the gentleman 
 who was appointed Professor of this department in the year 
 following, took the entire cabinet in a common sized candle- 
 box along with him to Philadelphia for the purpose of learn- 
 ing their names from the then, almost solitary individual in the 
 country who made any pretensions to mineralogical science.* 
 This little collection may be regarded as the nucleus of the 
 Yale College cabinet. Professor Silliman immcdiatclv engaged 
 
 * The gentlemen alluded to, wa.« the late Dr. Aduni Sevhort. who had 
 studied mineralogy under AVerner.
 
 240 • 
 
 in the collection of h^pccimcns, antl on his return from England 
 was able to make a very important addition to the college cabi- 
 net, consisting mostly of fluors, ores of tin, lead and copper from 
 Derbyshire and Cornwall, and of agates, zeolites, and salts of 
 lead from Scotland. The collection, however, still remained 
 very deficient in species, and almost incompetent for the purposes 
 of instruction until 1807, when the college purchased of Mr. 
 Benjamin D. Perkins, for the sum of one thousand dollars, a cabi- 
 net of about two thousand specimens which that gentleman 
 had bought in London. The specimens of which it consisted 
 were small, but well chosen ; and included the majority of the 
 species at that time known. This accession proved of great con- 
 sequence by promoting a taste for the science in the institution, 
 and in preparing the Avay for the splendid addition of the Gibbs 
 cabinet, which was made in the year 1810. 
 
 The great cabinet of Col. Gibbs, and which consisted of about 
 ten thousand specimens, Avas formed by that gentleman during a 
 residence of several years in diflerent parts of Europe. *rhe 
 catalogues and papers which accompany this collection show, 
 that it was formed almost exclusively by three separate purcha- 
 ses ; one, made at Lausanne in Switzerland, another at Paris, 
 and the third in London. 
 
 The collection purchased in Switzerland, was made by Count 
 Razamousky, a Russian nobleman, who had lived for many years 
 in retirement at Lausanne, where he devoted himself to miner- 
 alogical pursuits, in the society cf the celebrated Prof. Struve 
 and other mineralogists of that neighborhood. At length, how- 
 ever, being desirous of returning to his country, he offered his 
 cabinet for sale, and Col. Gibbs became the purchaser. This col- 
 lection, from its richness in Russian and Siberian minerals, form- 
 ed a very precious part of the Gibbs cabinet. It was also well 
 furnished with the mineral productions of Saxony and Dauphiny, 
 and embraced a valuable suite of volcanic specimens from the 
 environs of Padua in Italy, and the borders of the Rhine in 
 Gei-many. 
 
 The French collection, however, constituted by (txr the most 
 valuable portion of this cabinet. It was made by M. Gigot
 
 241 
 
 d'Orcy, one of Uie farmers general under Louis XVI, a man of 
 great opulence, and who fell a victim to the guillotine during 
 the French revolution. Its formation occupied him for forty 
 years ; and was the result of great expense, numerous travels, 
 and an extensive correspondence. The number of pieces in 
 the collection was rising of four thousand ; the majority of 
 which were obtained in France and the neighboring countries. 
 It embraced also a valuable collection of rocks and fossils from 
 Egypt, Franconia, Maestricht, Grignon and Courtagnon. The 
 mineralogical part of the collection was well arranged, and sci- 
 entifically and minutely described. In this condition, the entire 
 cabinet was purchased of the brother of M. Gijot d'Orcy by Col. 
 Gibbs. 
 
 The third division of the Gibbs cabinet was furnished by the 
 Count de Bournon, which consisted chiefly of English minerals 
 and of gems from the East Indies ; the latter derived, for the 
 most part, from the duplicates of the celebrated Grenville col- 
 lection, afterwards bought by the British museum. 
 
 The cabinet of Col. Gibbs arrived in Newport in the year 1807, 
 and having been in part opened in that town, Prof. Silliman was 
 from time to time, allowed access to it; and on the return of the 
 owner during the following year an acquaintance between these 
 gentlemen was formed, which led eventuallj' to the removal of 
 the collection to New Haven. It was the original design of Col. 
 Gibbs to open his cabinet for the public benefit in Boston, or at 
 Harvard College in its immediate vicinity ; but his proposals to 
 that community not having met with the reception he looked for, 
 he was induced in the year 1810 to make the ofier of opening 
 one division of it in Yale College, provided the college would 
 be at the expense of furnishing proper accommodations for its 
 reception. The proposal was immediately acceded to ; and the 
 two contiguous rooms in the north end of the south middle col- 
 lege, in the second story, were made into one, — thus forming a 
 gallery of about forty feet by eighteen, having both sides lined 
 with upright, glazed cases. The portion of the cabinet opened 
 consisted of the collection of M. G. d'Orcy. The impression 
 upon the public mind, and especially upon the students, in favor 
 
 31
 
 i 242 
 
 of mineralogy, produced by this brilliant exhibition, was so grat- 
 ifying to Col. Gibbsi, that in 1812 he brought the remainder of 
 the collection to New Haven, for which the college provided a 
 reception by uniting the two adjoining rooms and connecting 
 them with the first formed gallery by a continuation across the 
 entry ; so that the entire apartment was now about one hundred 
 feet in length. "" 
 
 The collection remained in this room till 1820, when it was re- 
 moved to the more spacious accommodations, which it at present 
 occupies. In 1825, it was purchased of Col. Gibbs at the price 
 of twenty thousand dollars ;* of which sum the officers of Yale 
 College and the citizens of New Haven contributed ten thousand 
 dollars, the citizens of New York three thousand dollars, the 
 alumni of South Carolina, seven hundred dollars, and an individ- 
 ual, five hundred dollars. f 
 
 Besides the collections above described, there has been an ad- 
 dition of from two to three thousand specimens, chiefly domestic, 
 made by donations, exchange, and purchase. Among the prin- 
 cipal donors, may be mentioned Prof. Silliman and Col. Gibbs ; 
 to whom the cabinet owes a large number of valuable articles in 
 geology and mineralogy, and several meteoric stones. Prof. 
 Olmsted also made a donation of specimens, illustrative of the 
 geology and mineralogy of North Carolina. Of foreign rocks 
 and minerals, the contributions of Capt. Hull, Mr. George Jones, 
 Mr. Oliver, Mr. Maclurc, and the American missionaries in the 
 Sandwich Islands, Palestine and Greece, have been the most im- 
 portant. Small collections of newly discovered minerals have, 
 from time to time, been purchased, or obtained by exchange from 
 the Comptoir des Mineraux at Heidelberg, and lately an exten- 
 sive suite of English and European rocks was procured of Mr. 
 Robert Bakewell of London. 
 
 * A sum which cannot be considered exorbitant when we consider the ex- 
 tent and rarity of the collection, and that the institution had enjoyed the use 
 of it for so many years gratuitously ; and besides the owner had sustained the 
 expense of its transportation from Newport to New Haven and of its insur- 
 ance while there. 
 
 \ These subscriptions are alluded to in the inscriptions over the cases in the 
 cabinet.
 
 243 
 
 Descriptive sketch of the Mineral Cabinet. 
 
 In endeavoring to give such a sketch of the contents of thia 
 collection as shall assist the reader to form a general idea of its 
 character, we shall pass over a considerable number of species 
 in silence, and confine our observations to such only as are amonar 
 the most striking for the variety, size and beauty of the speci- 
 mens by which they are illustrated. 
 
 QUARTZ. 
 
 Rock crystals, magnificent for their dimensions, perfection, 
 variety of form, and for their transparency ; single and group- 
 ed ; from Switzerland, Dauphiny, Piedmont and Savoy : also, 
 a large, rolled pebble from Madagascar. Splendid crystalli- 
 zations of smoky quartz ; and dark violet blue amethyst from 
 Siberia, with numerous specimens of various shades of violet- 
 blue, from a dark purple to a light rose, forming veins in common 
 quartz and inclosed in agate balls from Hungary, Hartz and 
 Bohemia. In crystals, penetrated by foreign substances, as chlo- 
 rite or steatite, and oxide of iron ; the former of various shades 
 of green, the latter red or yellow (Compostella hyacinth or iron- 
 flint) : also in masses containing native, capillary copper, and 
 silver, fibres of amianthus, (Cats-eye,) minute scales of mica, 
 (Avanturine,) and crystals, of epidote and rutile. Chalcedony, 
 crystallized, of a smalt blue color, from Tresztyan in Transylva- 
 nia ; also white, in stalactitic and reniform shapes from Iceland, 
 the Faroe Islands, Hiittenberg in Carinthia, Hungary, and Corn- 
 wall ; in red colors (Carnelian,) from India ; of an apple-green 
 color from the oxide of nickel (Chrysoprase,) from Silesia; of a 
 leek-green color, (Plasma,) of a dark leek-green, with blood-red 
 spots, (Heliotrope,) compact, and containing clay and oxides of 
 iron, (Jasper,) striped, banded, Egyptian, red and green from Sax- 
 ony, Silesia, and the banks of the Nile. Woodstones, or agatized 
 wood, and agates of every variety, as ribbon, brecciated, fortifica- 
 tion, moss, eyed, jasper, clouded, petrifaction, &c. &c. from all the 
 celebrated localities in the world. Of the specimens enumerated 
 above, several hundred are cut and polished ; among which a por- 
 tion of an agatized tree, which is cut transversely, and which
 
 244 
 
 shows its bark and the concentric and diverging layers of the 
 lignin, has been much admired. The number of specimens in 
 this species probably exceeds one thousand. 
 
 OPAL. 
 
 Of the precious variety from Czerwenitza in Hungar\> three 
 or four good pieces may be seen in their natural condition ; and 
 of the common kinds, an extensive suite from other parts of the 
 same, and of adjoining countries ; also, the rich red Wood-opal 
 from Transylvania, the Menilite from near Paris in France, and 
 the Hyalite of Bohemia and Hungary. 
 
 EMPYRODOX QUARTZ. 
 
 Several large and handsome pieces of Obsidian from Iceland, 
 Pitchstone from Meissen in Saxony, and Pearlstone from Hun- 
 gary and Spain. 
 
 CARBONATE OF LIME. 
 
 Several hundred crystallized specimens of this interesting spe- 
 cies, offering nearly as many varieties of form ; distinguished 
 also by the size and neatness of the pieces ; from the mines of 
 the Hartz, of Derbyshire, and of Dauphiny. Among the col- 
 lection are two pieces of the Iceland, or double refracting spar, 
 remarkable for their volume and transparency : also, many hun- 
 dred pieces of uncrystallized carbonate of lime, chiefly marbles, 
 and which are handsomely polished ; these last from the southern 
 countries of Europe and Africa. Likewise several enormous 
 groups of the crystallized Fontainbleau sandstone. ^' 
 
 ARRAGONITE. 
 
 Very delicate crystallizations of this species from Offenbanya 
 in Transylvania, the Hartz, England, Clignancourt near Paris, 
 Spain, and particularly of the flos-ferri, or coralloidal variety 
 from Stiria. 
 
 FLUOR. 
 
 About two hundred specimens, chiefly from England and Ger- 
 many, consisting of numerous crystallizations, magnificent on 
 account of the dimensions of the crystals and the variety of forms 
 and colors tlicy present. A large number of the massive varie- 
 ties have been cut and polished.
 
 245 
 
 APATITE. 
 
 Numerous, and well crystallized specimens from Cabo de Gata 
 in Spain, Salzburg, St. Gothard, and the tin mines of England 
 and Bohemia. 
 
 GYPSCM. 
 
 In a large number of specimens, among which are observable, 
 beside the common varieties, the lenticular and macled crystal, 
 called the " arrow-head," and groups of long, slender and trans- 
 parent crystals, of extreme delicacy, from Chremnitz in Hungary. 
 
 ANHYDRITE. 
 
 Several pieces of the granular, blue variety, (Vulpinitc,) from 
 Carinthia, and of the foliated flesh-colored variety from Swit- 
 zerland. 
 
 HEAVY-SPAR. 
 
 More than two hundred and fifty specimens from all the re- 
 markable localities of this substance, and distinguished by the 
 size, transparency, and great variety of crystallization they 
 present. 
 
 STRONTIAXITE. 
 
 Of this rare mineral the collection contains several fine pieces, 
 both massive and crystallized ; from Strontian in Scotland. 
 
 inOCRASE. 
 
 In very numerous and exceedingly splendid specimens ; in 
 loose crystals and engaged in their gangue, exhibiting a consid- 
 erable variety in the modifications of their crystals, shades of color 
 and dimensions of the crystals ; from Siberia, Vesuvius, Bohemia, 
 Tyrol, Norway, and Piedmont. 
 
 GARNET. 
 
 In all the most remarkable varieties of form, color, &c. : among 
 which may be mentioned the large and perfect dodecahedral crys- 
 tals from Fahlun in Sweden, the yellowish brown crystals in cal- 
 careous spar from the Bannat, the cinnamon stone garnet from 
 Ceylon and Carlisle, Mass. the Melanite from New Jersev, and 
 the trapezohedral red garnet from Haddam.
 
 246 
 
 HORNBLENDE. 
 
 An extensive suite of the varieties usually included under trem- 
 olite, actynolite and asbestos, from different countries. 
 
 AUGITE. 
 
 Numerous specimens in basalt and lava from Europe, with va- 
 rieties from different parts of the United States. 
 
 SPINELLE. 
 
 Upwards of one hundred specimens of the spinelle ruby, in 
 varieties, arising out of differences in crystallization, shades of 
 color, size, &.c. which are from Ceylon, and are described in 
 the catalogue of Count Bnurnon ; together with numerous spe- 
 cimens of black and green spinelle from Orange county, N. Y. 
 and Sussex county, N. J. 
 
 CHRYSOBERYL. 
 
 In large and distinct imbedded crystals from Haddam and Sa- 
 ratoga ; and in grains from Brazil and the East Indies. 
 
 BERYL. 
 
 Numerous loose crystals, remarkable for their transparency, 
 variety of color and delicacy of finish ; others slightly adhering 
 together through the intervention of a ferruginous clay ; from 
 Daouria on the confines of China. Two very superb emeralds 
 from Peru, one of which is engaged in its gangue. Among the 
 beryls from the United States, are two gigantic specimens; 
 one from Haddam, a tolerably regular six sided prism, and the 
 other from Acworth in New Hampshire, weighing fifty nine and 
 a half pounds, and which is the extremity of a crystal that meas- 
 ured four feet in length, and weighed two hundred and thirty 
 eight pounds. 
 
 ZIRCON. 
 
 This species is illustrated by numerous specimens, chiefly of 
 loose crystals, coming from the East Indies, Norway, France, 
 and various localities in the United States, particularly, that of 
 Buncombe county, N. C. The specimens from India and Nor- 
 way, are minutely described by Count Bournon.
 
 247 
 
 CORUNDUM. 
 
 The collection in this rare species falls but little short of two 
 hundred specimens, which come from all the principal known 
 localities in the world. Upwards of one hundred and fifty spe- 
 cimens of the dilTerent varieties from India and China are mi- 
 nutely described in Count Bournon's catalogue, among which 
 are found numerous very interesting crystallizations of the red 
 and blue varieties. The collection also contains specimens from 
 several American localities. 
 
 TOPAZ. 
 
 A large collection of detached crystals of diflerent sizes, mod- 
 ifications, and shades of color; from Siberia, Brazil, and Saxony. 
 Also one large piece of the topaz rock from the valley of Dann- 
 eberg, thickly studded with transparent crystals; and a transpa- 
 rent, well formed crystal of uncommon volume, said to have 
 come from New Holland. In addition to which, the cabinet em- 
 braces a good suite of specimens from the Munroe locality. 
 
 AXINITE. 
 
 Several large pieces, well invested by handsome crystals ^of 
 this rare substance from Dauphiny. 
 
 FELDSPAR. 
 
 Above fifty specimens from different parts of Europe, illustra- 
 ting a great variety of forms in the crystallization of this min- 
 eral. Some of the detached crystals are of extraordinary di- 
 mensions ; others are small and nearly transparent. Their lo- 
 calities are chiefly Baveno, St. Gothard, Tyrol and Normandy. 
 
 ANALCIME. 
 
 In fine specimens illustrating the usual forms of crystalliza- 
 tion assumed by this mineral, from Ireland, Scotland and Tyrol. 
 
 HARMOTOME. 
 
 Handsome pieces from Andreasberg. 
 
 PREHNITE. 
 
 An extensive suite of this species ; among which, are finely 
 crystallized specimens from the Cape of Good Hope, Farming- 
 ton, (Conn.) and Scotland.
 
 248 
 
 • , LAUMONITE. 
 
 j^ In finely crystallized specimens of extraordinary dimensions ; 
 from the lead mine of Huelgoet in Brittany. 
 
 MESOTYPE. 
 
 In several interesting pieces from the Faroe Islands and Ire- 
 land, of which one specimen, in particular, from the former lo- 
 cality, in long closely aggregated fibres radiating from three dis- 
 tinct centres, is very remarkable for its size and beauty. 
 
 STILBITE. 
 
 Among the specimens illustrative of this species, is one from 
 Faroe in magnificent white crystals, whose prisms are regularly 
 terminated at both extremities. 
 
 HEULANDITE. 
 
 In several handsome specimens, of which one is particularly 
 worthy of notice for the size, whiteness, transparency and finish 
 of its crystals ; from Faroe. 
 
 APOPHYLLITE. 
 
 In splendid specimens from Sweden and the Bannat. 
 
 NATIVE GOLD. 
 
 In grains and flat pebbles ; likewise engaged in different rocks 
 in the form of regular crystals, imitative shapes and massive : of 
 a gold yellow and brass yellow color. From Siberia, Transyl- 
 vania, Africa, Peru and North Carolina. Also, in specimens dis- 
 seminated through Iron Pyrites, from Beresefskoy, near Cathe- 
 rinebourg in Siberia, and from the gold region of the Southern 
 States. 
 
 NATIVE SILVER. 
 
 From the mining districts of Saxony, Spain, Norway, Siberia 
 and Peru ; in numerous specimens distinctly crystallized, in 
 large plates or leaves, massive, in dendrites, reticulated, and in 
 filiform and capillary shapes. 
 
 VITREOUS SILVER. 
 
 In massive and handsomely crystallized specimens ; the crys- 
 tals are in cubes, cubo-octahedrons, and rhombic dodecahedrons; 
 from Frieberg, Schneeberg and Johanngeorgenstadt, in Saxony.
 
 249 
 
 RED SILVER. 
 
 Several beautifully crystallized pieces of this substance, both 
 of a light and of a dark red color, .are found among the silver 
 ores of the cabinet, from tlic well-known localities of Lorraine, 
 Hartz, Saxony and Spain. 
 
 MERCURY ORES. 
 
 About 100 specimens, chiefly from Idria in Carniola, and Al- 
 maden in Spain ; illustrating the sidphurct in all its varieties, 
 from the crystallized, through the compact (Quicksilver Liver 
 ore) and slaty, to the bright red, friable Cinnabar. Also, speci- 
 mens of native amalgam and oi fluid mercxiry. 
 
 LEAD ORES. 
 
 The collection of the sulphtiret of this metal is extensive, and 
 abounds with extremely fine crystallizations and massive varie- 
 ties, from Brittany, Derbyshire, Saxony, Bohemia and the Ilartz. 
 
 The phosphates and carbonates, in particular, among the salts 
 of lead, are woi'thy of admiration : the former, which are numer- 
 ous, and distinguished for their size and beautiful crystallization, 
 are from Freiburg in the Brisgau, Poullaouen and Huclgoet in 
 Brittany ; the latter, which are very interesting as respects their 
 crystallization, come from the Hartz and the lead Hills of Scot- 
 land, among them are two isolated crystals, (one of which 
 is macled) which it is believed are not surpassed in volume by 
 any specimens of this substance hitherto found. The molyh- 
 dates, sulphates and chro mates also, are in good variety. 
 
 COPPER ORES. 
 
 The collection embraces nearly 1000 specimens of this metal ; 
 among which are noticed several noble masses of native copper, 
 besides smaller specimens well crystallized and in dendrites, from 
 Siberia, Saxony, England and the United States : an extensive 
 suite o{ vitreous and yellow copper ores, the latter of which em- 
 brace fine crystallizations from Baygorry : extremely rare speci- 
 mens of Fahlerz, crystallized in numerous forms, from the Basse 
 Navarre mine of Baygorry : many pieces of the octahedral cop- 
 per ore from England, among which one specimen is distinguish- 
 
 32
 
 250 
 
 ed for its dimensions and the perfection of its crystuls, and a col- 
 lection of large isolated crystals, coated by green carbonate of 
 copper from Chcssy in France : a magnificent collection oi green, 
 and blue carbonates from Siberia, Hungary and the Bannat : sev- 
 eral splendid pieces of the crystallized muriate from Remolinos 
 in Chili, and of the phosphate from Liebethen in Hungary : all 
 the varieties of arseniate from England, as furnished and de- 
 scribed by Count Bournon ; also, two masses of the snlphate^ 
 one of which is of great size. 
 
 IRON ORES. 
 
 These are scarcely less numerous or interesting than those 
 of copper. They embrace good specimens of the precious 
 native (terrestrial) Iron of Canaan, (Ct.) and of North Car- 
 olina. Among the octahedral iron-ore, we have remarkably dis- 
 tinct single crystals, and of very unusual dimensions, from Swe- 
 den ; and a very strong native magnet. The specular iron 
 ores, in particular, of which there are at least 100 speci- 
 mens, are distinguished for the variety of the crystallizations and 
 the rich colors they exhibit: the majority of these come from 
 Framont in Lorraine, a locality which has now ceased to aflbrd 
 these beautiful varieties. The Hydrous Oxide of Iron is illus- 
 trated by upwards of 100 pieces, which present this interesting 
 species under all its varieties of imitative shapes and colors : the 
 specimens are also very striking on account of their dimensions. 
 Among the sulphvrets, which are also represented by an exten- 
 sive suite of specimens, one piece from Elba, covered by very 
 large and splendent cubic crystals, of the yellow ^ ariety, is much 
 admired. 
 
 TIN ORES. 
 
 Very handsome specimens of the tin stone from England and 
 Bohemia ; some of which are engaged in their ganguc, others in 
 isolated crystals of extraordinary size. The collection contains 
 also, the sulphnrct of this metal, at present esteemed so very rare. 
 
 ZINC ORES. 
 
 Upwards of 100 specimens of Blende from numerous localities, 
 presenting the usual varieties of crystallization and color ; also
 
 251 
 
 about 50 of electric calamine and carbonate of zinc, offering a 
 great diversity of crystalline form and mechanical composition. 
 
 SULPIIURET OF ANTIMONY. 
 
 The specimens of this species are mostly from Hungary, Au- 
 vergne, Transylvania and the Bannat ; and are distinguished for 
 their magnitude, and for the size of the crystals they contain. 
 
 COBALT ORES. 
 
 The collection embraces several species of this metal in good 
 variety, especially the arsenical cobalt from Tunaberg in Sweden, 
 of which the crystals are very various in their forms and dimen- 
 sions. 
 
 GREY MANGANESE ORE. 
 
 Among the specimens of this substance, one very remarkable 
 for its size and the perfection of its crystals, is observed ; it 
 comes from the Hartz. 
 
 GRAPHIC TELLURIUM. 
 
 Two very beautiful specimens of this rare ore, from Offenban- 
 ya, in Transylvania. 
 
 ANATASE. 
 
 A single specimen, but very remarkable for the size and num- 
 ber of the crystals it contains, fiom Dauphiny. 
 
 SULPHUR. 
 
 Numerous specimens of a very large size, massive and crystal- 
 lized, from the sulphur mines of Sicily and Spain. One large 
 and very handsome piece, which is of a rich yellow color, and 
 free from foreign matters, is said to come from Java ; another 
 specimen, from Milo, in the Grecian Archipelago, is particularly 
 interesting on account of the very perfect octahedral crystals it 
 contains. 
 
 AMBER. 
 
 In many pieces, some of which contain insects. 
 
 DIAMOND, 
 
 Nine natural crystals, of several modifications of form, and 
 some variety of color ; from the East Indies and Brazil.
 
 252 
 
 METEORIC IRON AND METEORIC STONES. 
 
 Of the celebrated meteoric iron, containing chrysolite, discover- 
 ed by Pallas, near the mountains of Keniir in Siberia, the cabinet 
 enjoys a supply, in which it is doubtful if it is surpassed by more 
 than one or two cabinets in the world. The number of pieces of 
 this iron is five, among which there is no very considerable dis- 
 parity in bulk ; the heaviest of them Aveighs 3 pounds and 7 oun- 
 ces. Among the grains of included chrysolite, may be seen, oc- 
 casionally, those which are possessed of crystalline facets. It al- 
 so contains a fragment, 7^ pounds in weight, detached from the 
 great mass near Red River, in Louisiana : this specimen is free 
 from earthy matter, and possessed of a compact texture. Among 
 the meteoric stones, are two noble specimens from Weston, Con., 
 the largest of which weighs 37 pounds, and the smaller one 4 
 pounds and 10 ounces ; a fragment from Maryland, weighing 2^ 
 pounds ; one from L'Aigle in Normandy, weighing 13 ounces ; 
 together with several good sized pieces from Georgia, Tennes- 
 gee and Virginia, and a small fragment from Stannern. 
 
 COLLECTION OF ROCKS. 
 
 The cabinet contains the principal varieties of all the New- 
 England rocks, as well as those of New York, Lower Canada and 
 Nova Scotia ; also a very perfect suite of specimens for the illus- 
 tration of the gold region of the southern states, together with 
 numerous specimens belonging to the newer formations border- 
 ing upon the Atlantic coast, and distinct petrifactions detached 
 and imbedded, from the states of New York and Ohio. In for- 
 eign rocks, it abounds with rare pieces (polished and unpolished) 
 of granite, sienite, and red and green porphyry, from Egypt and 
 Russia ; primitive slates, gneiss and limestones from the Alps ; 
 greywacke, old red sandstone, carboniferous or mountain lime- 
 stone, mill-stone grit, coal measures, red marie, the oolitic and 
 chalk series, and the fresh-Avater formations, from England, 
 France and Russia : a fine slab of elastic sandstone from Brazil, 
 enriches this part of the cabinet also. The large collection of 
 fossil fishes, fucoides and insects, in marly limestone from 
 Mount Boka in Italy, forms, however, the rarest portion of 
 the geological cabinet. The specimens embrace a very con-
 
 253 
 
 siderable number of distinct species ; and they are all repre- 
 sented in the most perfect manner possible, from the care 
 "which has been observed in quarrying and trimming the pie- 
 ces. The impressions of vegetables upon slates, chiefly from 
 the coal formation near Daix la Chapelle, the Ichthyolites 
 from Mansfeld, the bones of quadrupeds imbedded in calca- 
 reous cement from the cavern of ]\Iuggendorf in Fi'anconia, 
 the large pieces of calcaire grassier and calcaire silicieux, 
 abounding in shells from the neighborhood of Moscow, and 
 the polished pieces of Lumachelli marble, deserve notice al- 
 so, as being very conspicuous in this department of the cabinet. 
 In basalt, trachytic rocks and lavas, the collection is abundantly 
 furnished from Ireland, Scotland, Hungary, Auvergne, Italy and 
 the Sandwich Islands : and, finally, it contains several good spe- 
 cimens of the teeth of the extinct elephant, from Northern Eu- 
 rope and America. 
 
 MINERALOGICAL APPARATUS. 
 
 Connected with the cabinet, is found a collection of several 
 hundred models in wood for the illustration of the subject of 
 crystallography, the common and reflective goniometer, the 
 pyro-electric apparatus of Haiiy, the Blowpipe apparatus of Ber- 
 zelius, <fec. 
 
 GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY OF THE VICINITY OF YALE 
 COLLEGE. 
 
 The facilities aflbrded by the collections just described, are 
 much enhanced by the contiguity of the college to important 
 mineral deposits and rock formations. Without these additional 
 advantages, the greatest accumulations of specimens would be 
 insufficient for inducing any considerable taste for these sciences; 
 much less, for securing in any instance their skilful practice. A 
 student in mineralogy who should be deprived of the opportuni- 
 ty of studying minerals in their natural depositories, of collect- 
 ing, determining and arranging them for himself, would encoun- 
 ter a discouragement no less serious than the scholar in polite 
 learning who should be forced to make his acquisitions through 
 oral instruction entirely, without the privilege of ever being per- 
 mitted to possess, or consult tlie sources of his favorite knowl-
 
 254 
 
 edge. Cabinets of minerals are, in fact, the libraries of their 
 possessors ; and an expert mineralogist without one, would be an 
 anomaly much like that of an elegant scholar, who had no books. 
 In o-eology likewise, it is equally indispensable that the student 
 should have, near by, a considerable variety of rock formations, 
 not only that he may easily possess himself of suites of the im- 
 portant rocks, but that he may see the strata themselves in na- 
 ture, and acquire those preliminary ideas of stratification which 
 no drawings can fully communicate ; and what is still more im- 
 portant, that he may learn the rules of making original research- 
 es, such for example, as relate to the selection of favorable points 
 for observation, the collecting of specimens illustrative of forma- 
 tions, and the examination of the external relations and internal 
 structure of hills and mountains. 
 
 The New England States are peculiarly the primitive region of 
 the United States ; from which source its acknowledged produc- 
 tiveness in simple minerals arises, and to it is no doubt due that 
 widely diffused taste for mineralogy which distinguishes this sec- 
 tion of country. Fortunately, however, for the study of geolo- 
 gy, this apparent favoritism on the part of nature towards the sci- 
 ence of minerals, is in some measure made amends for, by the 
 introduction of several interesting secondary formations, which 
 widen materially the field of geological observation. An ex- 
 tensive deposit of this description crosses the States of Massa- 
 chusetts and Connecticut, and terminates in the immediate vicin- 
 ity of Yale College ; thus affording the teacher of geology at this 
 place, unusual facilities for the illustration of his science, — a fact 
 which elicited the following remark from Prof. Hitchcock in his 
 sketch of the geology of the Connecticut.* " It is a curious cir- 
 cumstance that this Institution should have been fixed by its 
 founders, who must have been altogether unacquainted with ge- 
 ology, at the very focus of most of the Wernerian rock forma- 
 tions. It stands at the southern extremity of the secondary re- 
 gion of the Connecticut ; and had experienced geologists search- 
 ed the whole of New England, they covdd not have found a more 
 eligible situation for a geological and mineralogical school." 
 
 * American Jouiua) of Science, Vol. VII. p. 26.
 
 255 
 
 The city of New Haven is situated upon a plain which Ibrnis 
 the southern extremity of the secondary region above alluded to, 
 and which extends, with a breadth of from 5 to 30 miles, for the 
 distance of 110 miles from Northfield, Mass., to the mouth of 
 New Haven harbor. This region occupies, for the most part, a 
 lower level than the primitive by which it is inclosed, and con- 
 sists of a series of wide and extensive plains, whose surface is of- 
 ten diversified by the sudden uprising of hills and mountains, 
 some of which attain an elevation of one thousand feet above the 
 bed of the Connecticut river, which stream enters this formation 
 at its northern extremity, and follows it southward as far as Mid- 
 dletown, twenty miles distant from Long Island Sound. The 
 secondary thus indicated, constitutes what is usually denominated 
 the Connecticut Valley. It contains no primitive, with the ex- 
 ception of loose masses and bowlders, brought into it from the 
 adjoining country, by causes no longer in action. The protrud- 
 ing strata which break its continuity, consist of a fragmentary 
 rock, generally known by the name of the old red sandstone, 
 with which are connected extensive deposits of Trap, commonly 
 in the form of overlying masses, but sometimes in that of dykes 
 or veins. 
 
 These elevations, which are much broken and interrupted in the 
 limited chains they form, are, for the most part, disposed length- 
 wise of the valley, though at their extremities they generally, by 
 a short su'eep, cross its bed. They present the striking feature of 
 a high, precipitous, rocky front to the west, while, in the opposite 
 direction, they are clothed with soil and vegetation, and slope off 
 gently into the valley below. East and West rock, situated two 
 miles apart and directly in the lear of the city, are remarkable 
 instances of this formation. The mountainous swells which 
 form the banks of this valley, and which often attain an elevation 
 little inferior to the trap mountains they inclose, are exclusively 
 primitive in their character ; and spread themselves in successive 
 undulations over the whole state, running northward with an al- 
 most unbroken continuity across the state of Massachusetts, and 
 finally articulating with the high mountains of Vermont and New 
 Hampshire.
 
 256 
 
 The coming in of llic above mentioned formations so near to 
 the college, rentiers it perfectly easy for the geological student, 
 within the compass of a moderate Avalk, to obtain clear notions 
 of the principles of stratification — of conformable and uncon- 
 formable rocks — of dykes, veins and beds — and of the gradual 
 passage of one rock into another. 
 
 The rocks which may be examined within a few miles of the 
 college, in their natural depositories are the following : trap, red 
 sandstone, granite, gneiss, mica slate, primitive argillite, horn- 
 blende rock and its subordinate slate, chlorite slate, limestone 
 and serpentine ; and by increasing the distance thirty or forty 
 miles, we have dolomite, quartz rock, and scapolite rock. These 
 rocks may also be studied in these localities in all their principal 
 varieties, and along with their usually concomitant minerals. 
 The trap occurs compact and columnar, as well as amygdaloidal 
 and massive ; and contains, at particular spots, the characteristic 
 agate balls and zeolitic minerals. The sandstone possesses its 
 usual diversities from a coarse conglomerate, to an highly com- 
 minuted aggregate — from an exceedingly indurated rock, to one 
 of a soft and slightly coherent texture — from a deep red, through 
 duller hues to an almost perfectly black color, (owing to the pres- 
 ence of bituminous matter,) and occasionally, is found embracing 
 distinct remains of fishes. The customary mineral contents of the 
 red sandstone, heavy spar and ores of copper, are also observable 
 in several places. Granite, gneiss, the primitive slates and lime- 
 stone are all found, in like manner, in this district in their prevail- 
 ing varieties, and characterized by the presence of their common 
 mineral accompaniments; viz. beryl, garnet, staurotide, tremolite 
 and augite. For the study of metallic deposits, good opportuni- 
 ties are afforded by the hajmatite beds of Litchfield county, the 
 powerful vein of sparry-iron at New Milford, and the quartz 
 vein of Munroe, containing bismuth, silver, lead, zinc, arsen- 
 ic, iron and tungsten. The scratches, furrows and pot-holes 
 in strata at high levels, transported bowlders, (lost rocks,) the 
 almost universally difl'used mixture of pebbles, gravel and sand, 
 occasionally containing the teeth of the extinct horse and 
 mastodon, afford, abundantly, the necessary materials for the
 
 257 
 
 knowledge of diluvial action ; while the accumulation of sand 
 and shingle upon the shore of the neighboring coast, and the pro- 
 duction of marsh land from mud brought in by the tides, assisted 
 by marine plants ami mollusca, as well as river alluvion and peat 
 bog, illustrate the nature and progress of alluvial formations. 
 
 From the preceding outline of the geology of the vicinity of 
 New Haveu, its general mineralogical character may easily be 
 inferred. We shall, therefore, only annex a list of a few min- 
 eral deposits which are deemed particularly interesting by miner- 
 alogists, and which are well calculated to excite enthusiasm in 
 the mind of the young collector. 
 
 WEST HAVEN AND MILFORD. 
 
 Verd Antique Marble. 
 
 Chromate of Iron. 
 
 Asbestos. 
 
 Columnar Bitter Spar. 
 
 Sahlite. 
 
 CHESHIRE. 
 
 Thompsonite. In regularly terminated, transparent crystals. 
 
 Analcime. Massive, and in trapezohedral crystals. 
 
 Laumonite. 
 
 Prehnite. 
 
 Chabasie. In transparent crystals upon Prehnite. 
 
 Mesotype. 
 
 Vitreous Copper. 
 
 Heavy Spar. * 
 
 SOTJTHBURY. 
 
 Agate. 
 
 Agatized wood. 
 Prehnite. 
 Rose Quartz. 
 Elastic Bitumen. 
 Fibrous Limestone. 
 
 NEW MILFORD. 
 
 Sparry Iron-ore. 
 
 NEW PRESTON. 
 
 Asbestos. In thin, flexible layers of a white color in Limestone. 
 
 FARMINGTON. 
 
 Prehnite. In very distinct crystals of a handsome green color. 
 
 33
 
 258 
 
 MUNROK. 
 
 Native Bismulli. 
 
 Magnetic Iruii Py^itc^ 
 
 Blende. 
 
 Argentiferous Galena. 
 
 WoU'ram. Massive, and in large octahedral crystals, (pseudo- 
 morphs of Tungsten). 
 
 Tungsten. Massive and in octahedral crystals. 
 
 Yellow Oxide of Tungsten.* 
 
 Tourmaline. Black, and highly finished as respects form 
 and lusti-e. There are two localities in this town, both of 
 which present crystals of several modifications, and nei- 
 ther, any individuals of a common form. The crystals 
 are of unusual dimensions, and for the most part regularly 
 terminated at both extremities. 
 
 Beryl. Thickly imbedded in graphic granite, well crystallized, 
 and of a handsome, green color. 
 
 Topaz. In very large crystals, also in smaller ones wliich are 
 often transparent : colors, white and yellow. 
 
 Chlorophane. 
 
 Pyroxene. In eight sided prisms, also, granular : color green. 
 
 Sphene. 
 
 Garnets. In handsome, trapezohedral crystals. 
 
 HUNTINGTON. 
 
 Red Oxide of Titanium. 
 
 BROOKFIELU. 
 
 Galena. 
 
 CANAAN. 
 
 Pyroxene. In large, white crystals which are found loose in 
 
 the soil and imbedded in dolomite. 
 Hornblende. White varieties, or tremolitc. 
 
 SALISBURY. 
 
 Brown Haematite. 
 Ochery Brown Iron-Ore. 
 Garnet. 
 Staurotide. 
 
 * The minerals of the preceding list are all found at one spot, upon the 
 farm of Mr. Ephraim Lane.
 
 259 
 
 LITCHFIELD. 
 
 Kyanite. 
 
 Corundum. Massive, and in small six sided prisms of a pale, 
 bluish, or reddish color. 
 
 SAYBROOK. 
 
 Sillimaniie. 
 
 HADDAM. 
 
 Chrysoberyl. In crystals of uncommon dimensions and varie- 
 ty of modification : color yellowish green. 
 
 Beryl. Colors yfllow and green : crystals sometimes very 
 perfect and transparent. 
 
 Columbite. 
 
 Albite. 
 
 Tourmaline. In doubly terminated, black crystals. 
 
 Finite. 
 
 Zircon. 
 
 Sulphuret of Molybdena. 
 
 Anthophyllite. 
 
 Garnet. In large, trapezohedral crystals of a rich, red color. 
 
 CHATHAM. 
 
 Arsenical Nickel. 
 Arsenical Cobalt. 
 
 MIDDLETOWN. 
 
 Tourmaline. Colors, black, green and red, or pink. 
 Albite. (Cleavelandite variety). 
 
 BERLIN*. 
 
 Galena. 
 Blende. 
 
 Vitreous Copper. 
 Heavy Spar. 
 Fibrous Limestone. 
 
 " For the knowledge of the localities in this town, the author of this skctr h 
 is indebted to Dr. Percival
 
 260 
 
 Chlorite. Crystallized in geodes. 
 
 Agate. 
 
 Prehnite. 
 
 Mesotype. 
 
 Chabasie. 
 
 The above minerals are all found in Trap 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL PHILOSOPHY. 
 
 The ROOMS devoted to this department are in the Atheneum, 
 (the old Chapel,) and consist of a spacious and convenient lecture 
 room called the Philosophical Chamber, of two apparatus rooms, 
 and several small apartments in the tower, one of which is fitted 
 up for a camera obscura, and another for an astronomical ob- 
 servatory. 
 
 The APPARATUS belonging to the department is, in general, 
 executed in plain style, but the greater part of it is the work of 
 distinguished artists. The instruments are sufficiently various, 
 to furnish the means of illustration, to a full course of lectures in 
 Natural Philosophy and Astronomy. 
 
 Previous to the year 1806, the Philosophical Apparatus con- 
 sisted chiefly of the following articles : — 
 
 Gregorian Telescope, '3^ feet, mounted on a brass stand.* 
 
 Another of similar construction, 2^ feet, very old. 
 
 Orrery. Land Telescope (4 feet,) by Dollond. Astronomical 
 clock. 
 
 Astronomical Quadrant. 
 
 Hadley's Quadrant. 
 
 Air pump — old and damaged. 
 
 Condensing Fountain. 
 
 Electrical Machine. 
 
 Masic Lantern — old. 
 
 * This instrument was lost witli Professor Fisher, who was taking it (o Eng- 
 land for the purpose of having it repaired.
 
 261 
 
 Compound Microscope. 
 
 Mechanical Powers. 
 
 Whirling Tables. 
 
 Pair of Globes. 
 
 Most of the foregoing articles were out of repair, and several 
 of them were entirely useless. 
 
 In ISOG, Professor Silliman purchased in London the greater 
 part of the Philosophical Apparatus now belonging to the depart- 
 ment, comprising an assortment of instruments in Mechanics, 
 Hydrostatics, Pneumatics, Electricity, Magnetism, Optics, and As- 
 tronom}'. Nearly the whole were made by Banks, or under his 
 immediate direction, and they are, in general, of excellent work- 
 manship. The following are some of the most valuable articles : 
 
 Atwood's Machine, for illustrating the laws of falling bodies. 
 
 Large Plate Electrical Machine. 
 
 Electrical Battery of 12 large Jars. 
 
 Lucernal Microscope, a very elegant instrument. 
 
 Solar Microscope. 
 
 Large Burning Lens. 
 
 Large double barrel Air Pump. 
 
 Small do. do. 
 
 Achromatic Telescope, (3 feet.) 
 
 Hadley's Sextant. 
 
 Transit Instrument. 
 
 Equatorial. 
 
 To the foregoing have since been added — 
 
 Variation Compass, furnished with a small transit telescope. 
 
 Hydraulic Ram. 
 
 Coulomb's Torsion Balance. 
 
 Armillary Sphere. 
 
 Pair of 21 inch Globes, by Carey, of the best construction. 
 
 Achromatic Telescope, by George Dollond, 10 feet focal 
 length, 5 inches aperture. 
 
 For these two last articles, namely, the Globes and the Teles- 
 cope, constituting a most valuable accession to this depart- 
 ment, the College is indebted lo its distinguished benefactor, 
 Sheldon Clarke, Esq.
 
 262 
 
 ill addition to the apparatus imported from abroad, various ar- 
 ticles have been added from time to time, which were made by 
 domestic artists, under the dii-ection of the professors. Some of 
 these, which have been constructed at a small expense, serve a 
 valuable purpose in the course of experimental lectures. 
 
 The following is a brief outline of the method of instruction 
 pursued in this department. The pure mathematics are taught 
 chiefly in the way of recitations from the authors mentioned in 
 the scheme of studies, (p. 226). The student is required to come 
 to the recitation room prepared to demonstrate such propositions, 
 or to solve such problems, as are contained in the lesson previ- 
 ously appointed. These exercises are held by the tutors of the 
 respective divisions of the class, under the direction, and with 
 the occasional assistance, of the professor of the department. 
 
 The study of Philosophy is commenced with the Junior year, 
 and vdth the addition of Astronomy, continued through the two 
 remaining years. First, the leading principles of these sciences 
 are learned from text-books, and demonstrated as in the pure 
 mathematics. Secondly, a course of lectures is carried on in con- 
 nexion with these lessons, in which the principles are fully illus- 
 trated by experiments, and their applications to the purposes of 
 the arts, and to the explanation of natural phenomena, are exten- 
 sively pointed out. In this manner the student is conducted 
 through a systematic course of instruction in Natural Philoso- 
 phy and Astronomy. Thirdly, a coui-se of lectures is delivered 
 to the Senior Class, on certain select subjects of Natural Philos- 
 ophy and Astronomy, in which are discussed various topics that 
 either do not fall within the regular system before studied, or 
 which require more elaborate examination ; such topics, for ex- 
 ample, as Meteorology, Acoustics, and various speculations in 
 Astronomy. Both these courses of lectures amount in number 
 to eighty or ninety, and are given by the Professor of Mathe- 
 matics and Natural Philosophy.
 
 '2m 
 
 WKDICAL APPARATUS, 
 
 The Medical Apparatus comprises a collection of dry and wet 
 anatomical preparations ; models on an enlarged scale to exhibit 
 tlie internal structure of the ear and other minute parts ; and a 
 machine for obstetrical demonstrations, &ic. The collection of 
 dry preparations is considered to be more complete than that in 
 most other institutions of a similar character in this country. It is, 
 however, little used in the regular anatomical course to medical 
 students, being considered a very imperfect substitute for the re- 
 cent subject, vfhich is almost exclusively relied on. 
 
 A brief course of anatomical lectures is given in the summer 
 season to the undergraduates in the Academical Department, and 
 to others who may choose to attend, during which the dry prep- 
 arations, and particularly an apparatus called amanikin, are used 
 for the demonstrations. This manikin is a very perfect and in- 
 genious piece of mechanism, constructed in Paris, representing a 
 male figure of the full size, its parts so arranged that the integu- 
 ments, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, viscera and other parts, 
 may be removed in separate pieces, and exhibit each of these be- 
 neath, in regular and natural succession. 
 
 There is also a cabinet of specimens of the materia mcdica, 
 which was considered by the person who made up the collection, 
 to be tlie most complete of any one in the country. 
 
 BOTANY. 
 
 Yale College has no Garden or Conservatory. On tlie first 
 organization of the Medical Department, it was intended speedily 
 to have both, and Mr. Frederick Pursh, the well known author 
 of the Flora America? Septentrionalis, was engaged to take charge 
 of the proposed establishment, as Curator. This arrangement 
 was however never carried into elfect, on account of the subse- 
 quent, and more important engagement of Mr. Pursh, with Lord 
 Selkirk, for the purpose of exploring the north-western parts of 
 America. At another and a later period, Dr. M. C. Leavenworth,
 
 204 
 
 a zealous and successful investigator of American Botany, was 
 engaged to make a collection of indigenous plants for the gar- 
 den ; and, at one time, there was actually a collection of this sort, 
 which was supposed to be the best in the country. But this was 
 accomplished altogether at the private expense of the then Pro- 
 fessor of Botany, as the College had no funds for the purpose. 
 After some time, therefore, the further enlargement and improve- 
 ment of the Garden was abandoned, partly on account of the oth- 
 er engagements of the gentleman who had thus far accomplished 
 all that had been done, and partly on account of the increasing 
 cost of the establishment. Many of the plants however still re- 
 main, but in a totally neglected state. 
 
 It is worthy of remark, that there appears to be a considera- 
 bly greater number of native plants in the immediate and close 
 vicinity of New Haven, than is ordinarily found within the same 
 compass, in the Northern or Middle States. Professor Hitch- 
 cock, of Amherst College, in Massachusetts, has hitherto found 
 but about 1447 species, within a circle of the diameter of 100 
 miles around that Institution, inclusive of all the cryptogamous 
 plants, or 997 species exclusive of the latter ; whereas, within 
 five miles of Yale College, somewhat more than 1150 phenoga- 
 mous plants, and ferns, have already been ascertained. In addi- 
 tion to this, it is probable, that in the private gardens of New Ha- 
 ven, (of which the number is unusually large for such a place) 
 as great a variety of exotics are constantly cultivated, as can be 
 found in almost any part of New England ; so that the advan- 
 tages for the pursuit of Botany, at this Institution, are not incon- 
 siderable in comparison with other parts of our country. 
 
 Catalogue of the phenogamous Plants, and of the Ferns, found 
 
 within fve miles of Yale College. 
 Abies 
 
 Canadensis. M i c h a u x. Hemlock-Spruce. 
 
 nigra. M i c h a u x. f. Black- Spruce. 
 Acalypha 
 
 Caroliniana. Walter. 
 Virginica. L i n n.
 
 265 
 
 Acer 
 
 dasycarpum. E h r h a r t. White-Maple. 
 montanum. Alton, 
 rubrum. Linn. Red-Maple. 
 saccharinum. Linn. Sugar-Maple. 
 striatum. DuRoi. Muosewood-Maple. 
 
 Achillea 
 
 Millefolium. Linn. Yarroio. C* 
 
 Acnida 
 
 Cannabina. Linn. Water-Hemp. 
 
 Acorus 
 
 Calamus. Linn. Sweet-Flag. 
 
 Actsea 
 
 pachypoda. Elliott. White-Cohosh. 
 racemosa. Linn. Black-Cohosh. 
 rubra. B i g e 1 o w. Rcd-Cohosh. 
 
 Adianthum 
 
 pcdatum. Linn. Maidenhair. 
 Adlumia 
 
 cirrhosa. Rafinesquc. DcCandollc. 
 
 ^sculus 
 
 Hippocastanum. Linn. Horse-Chestnut. C. 
 Agrimonia 
 
 Eupatoria. Linn. Agrimony. 
 Agropyron 
 
 repens. Palisot de Beauvois. Couch-grass. 
 
 Agrostis 
 
 alba. Linn. White-top. Fiorin-grass. 
 
 clandestina. S p r e n g e 1. 
 
 Juncea. M i c h a u x. 
 
 lateriflora. M i c h a u x. 
 
 serotina. T o r r e y. 
 
 stolonifera. Linn. 
 
 stricta. W i 1 1 d c n o w. 
 
 tenuiflora. W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 
 Virginica. Linn. 
 
 vulgaris. »S m i t h. Red-top. 
 
 Aira 
 
 aristulata. T o r r e y. 
 
 Cicur, naturalized. 
 
 34
 
 Aira 
 
 crcspitosa. Linn. 
 
 flexuosa. L i n n. Hair-grass. 
 
 pumila. Purs h. 
 
 Aletris 
 
 farinosa. Linn. Unicorn-root. 
 
 Alisma 
 
 triviale. Piirsh. Water-Plantain. 
 
 Allium 
 
 Canadensc. Linn. Meadow-garlic. 
 tricoccum. Ait on. 
 trifloruni. R a f i n c s q u c. 
 
 Alnus 
 
 scrrulata. W i 1 1 d e n o w. Alder. 
 
 Alopecurus 
 
 pratensis. Linn. Fox-tail. C. 
 
 Amarantus 
 
 albus. L i n n. 
 hybridiis. Linn, 
 pumilus. N u 1 1 a 1 1. 
 sanguineus, W i 1 1 d c n o w. 
 
 Ambrosia 
 
 elalior. Linn. Rom an- Wormwood. 
 tritida. Linn. Great-bittcr-wecd. 
 
 Amelanchier 
 
 Botryapium. D e C a n d o 1 1 e. Shad-tree. 
 ovalis. D e C a n d 1 1 c. 
 
 Ammannia 
 
 ramosior. Lin n. 
 
 Ampelopsis 
 
 quinquefolia. Michaux. Creeper. 
 
 Amphicarpgea 
 
 monoica. D e C a n d o 1 1 e. 
 sarmentosa. DeCandolle. 
 
 Anagallis 
 
 Phoenicea. L a M a r c k. Red-PiiuperncJ. 
 
 Andrewsia 
 
 autuninalis. Sprcngcl. Sivciv-stem. 
 
 Andromeda 
 
 calyculata. L i n n. Leather-leaf. 
 Ligustrina. M u h 1 e n b e r sr. Whitchush 
 racemosa. Michaux.
 
 267 
 
 Andropogoii 
 
 furcatus. Muhlenberg, 
 nutans. Linn. Beard-grass. 
 scoparius. M i c h a u x. Broom-grass. 
 Virginicus. Linn. Bent-grass. 
 Anemone 
 
 Aconitifolia. M i c li a u x. 
 nemorosa. Linn. Wood-Anemony. 
 Thalictroides. Linn. Rue-Anemony. 
 Virginiana. Linn. Thimhlc-weed. 
 
 Angelica 
 
 atropurpurea. Linn. (A. triquinata. Mich.) ilwg"e/icfl. 
 villosa. (Ferula villosa. Walter.) 
 
 Anthemis 
 
 Cotula. Linn. May-weed. 
 Anthoxanthum 
 
 odoratum. Linn. Sweet-vernal-grass. 
 Anychia 
 
 capillacea. DeCandolle. 
 
 dichotoma. M i c h a u x. 
 
 Apios 
 
 tuberosa. M ce n c h. Ground-nut. 
 
 Aplectrum 
 
 hyemale. N u 1 1 a 1 1. Adam-and'Eve. 
 
 Apocynum 
 
 Androsajmifolium. Linn. Dog^s-bane. 
 Hypericifolium. A i t o n. 
 pubescens. K. Brown. Indian-Hemp. 
 Aquilegia 
 
 Canadensis. L i n n. Colombine. 
 
 Arabis 
 
 Canadensis. Linn, 
 laevigata. DeCandolle. 
 lyrata. Linn, 
 sagittata. DeCandolle. 
 Thaliana. Linn. 
 
 Aralia 
 
 hispida. Michaux. Dwarf-Elder. 
 nudicaulis. Linn. False-Sarsaparilla. 
 raceraosa. Linn. Spikenard. 
 
 Arctium 
 
 Lappa. Linn. Burdock, C.
 
 268 
 
 Arctostaphylos 
 
 Uva-Ursi. Sprengel. 
 
 Arenaria 
 
 Canadensis. P e r s o o n. 
 lateriflora. Linn. 
 Peploides. Lin n. 
 rubra. Linn. 
 Serpyllifolia, L i n n. 
 
 Arethusa 
 
 bulbosa. S w a r I z. 
 
 Aristida 
 
 dichotoma. M i c h a u x. 
 oligantha. M i c h a u x. 
 purpurascens. P o i r e t. 
 stricta. M i c h a u x. 
 
 Aristolochia 
 
 Serpentaria. Linn. Virginia-Snake-root. 
 
 Aronia 
 
 Arbutifolia. P e r s o o n. Choke-berry. 
 Arrhenatherum 
 
 Avenaceum. PalisotdeBeauvois. Wild-Oat. C. 
 Pennsylvanicum. T o r r e y. 
 
 Artemisia 
 
 Canadensis. M i c h a u x. Wild- Wormwood. 
 vulgaris. Linn. Mugwort. C. 
 
 Arum 
 
 Dracontium. Linn. Green-Dragon. 
 triphyllum. Linn. Wild-Turnip. 
 
 Arundo 
 
 Canadensis. M i c h a u x. 
 Asarum 
 
 Canadense. L i n n. CoWs-foot- Snake-root. 
 
 Asclepias 
 
 amcena. Linn, 
 incarnata. Linn, 
 obtusifolia. M i c h a u x. 
 Phytolaccoides. Lyon, 
 purpurascens. Linn, 
 quadrifolia. J a c q u i n. 
 Syriaca. Linn. Milk-weed. 
 tuberosa. Linn. White-root. 
 verticillata. Linn. 
 
 Asparagus 
 
 officinalis. Linn. C
 
 269 
 
 Aspidium 
 
 Acrostichoides, S vv a r t z. 
 Asplenoides. W i 1 1 d c n o w , 
 marginale. S w a r t z. 
 Nov-Eboracense. S w a r t z. 
 Thelypteris. S vv a r t z. 
 
 Asplenium 
 
 ebeneum. Alton, 
 melanocaulon. Willdcnovv. 
 rhizophyllum. Linn. 
 Thelypteroides. M i c h a u x. 
 
 Aster 
 
 amplexicaulis. W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 Bellidilblius, W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 cordifolius. Linn. 
 Cornifolius. \V i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 corymbosus. Alton, 
 cyaneus. Hoffman, 
 difiusus. Alton. 
 Hyssopifolius. Linn, 
 lanceolatus. W 1 1 1 d e n o w. 
 Llnarifolius. Linn, 
 macrophyllus. Lin n. 
 miser. Linn. 
 Novae-Anglian. Linn. 
 Novi-Belgil. L 1 n n. 
 paniculatus. Alton, 
 polyphyllus. W 1 11 d e n o \v. 
 punlceus. Linn, 
 rigidus. W 1,11 d e n o av. 
 Solidaginoides. W 1 1 1 d e n o w. 
 subulatus. M 1 c h a u X. 
 tenuifolius. L 1 n n. 
 Tradescanti. Linn, 
 umbellatus. Alton, 
 undulatus. Linn. 
 
 Plures indeterminati. 
 
 Atriplex 
 
 hortcnsio. L 1 n n. C. 
 laciniata. Linn, 
 paiula. Linn. 
 
 Ballota 
 
 nigra. Linn. False- Hoar-hound. C. 
 
 Baptisia 
 
 tlnctoria. R. Brown. Wild-Indigo.
 
 270 
 
 Barbarea 
 
 praecox. R. Brow n. Garden-Cress. C. 
 
 vulgaris. R. Brown. Wild-Cress. 
 Berberis 
 
 Canadensis. Miller. Barberry. 
 Betula 
 
 cxcelsa.. A i t o n. Ye How- Birch. 
 lenta. Linn. Black-Birch. 
 Populifolia. A i t o n. White-Birch. 
 piimila. Willdenow. Dwarf-Birch. 
 
 Bidens 
 
 bipinnata. Lin n. 
 
 cernua. Linn. 
 
 Chrysanthemoides. Willdenow. 
 
 connata. Willdenow. 
 
 frondosa. Linn. Cuckolds. 
 Blitum 
 
 capitatum. L i n n. Strawberry -Spinach. 
 Boehmeria 
 
 cylindrica. Willdenow. False-Nettle. 
 Boottia 
 
 sylvestris. B i g e 1 o w. 
 Botrychium 
 
 dissectum. Willdenow. 
 gracile. P u r s h. 
 Virginianum. Willdenow. 
 
 Brachelytrum 
 
 aristatum. PalisotdeBeauvois. 
 
 Briza 
 
 media. Linn. 
 
 Bromus 
 
 ciliatus. Linn. 
 Secalinus. Linn. Chess. 
 
 Cakile 
 
 Americana. N u 1 1 a 1 1. 
 Calla 
 
 palustris. Linn. 
 
 Callitriche 
 
 autumnalis. Linn, 
 terrestris. Rafinesque. 
 verna. M i c h a u x. 
 Calopogon 
 
 pulchellus. R. B r o w n.
 
 271 
 
 Caltha 
 
 palustris. Linn. Marsh- Marigold. 
 Camelina 
 
 sativa. C rant z. False-Flax. C. 
 Campanula 
 
 ainplexicaulis. Michaux. 
 Aparinaides. P u r s h. 
 rotundifolia. Linn. 
 
 Cannabis 
 
 sativa. Linn. Hemp. C. 
 
 Capsella 
 
 Bursa-Pastoris. McEnch. Slwpherd's-Pursc C. 
 Cardamine 
 
 Pennsylvanica. Muhlenberg, 
 rhomboidea. De Can doll e. 
 Virginica. Lin n. 
 
 Carex 
 
 acuta. Linn, 
 anceps. Muhlenberg, 
 aurea. Nuttall. 
 Bromoides. S c h k u h r. 
 Buxbaumii. W a h 1 c n b e r g. 
 caespitosa. Linn, 
 cephalophora. Muhlenberg 
 conoidea. S c h k u h r. 
 crinita. S c h k u h r. 
 cristata. S c h w e i n i t z. 
 dioica. Linn. 
 Festucacea. S c h k u h r. 
 flava, Linn, 
 flexuosa. Muhlenberg, 
 folliculata. L i n n. 
 granulans. Muhlenberg, 
 hirsuta. S c h k u h r. 
 lacustris. S c h k u h r. 
 laxiflora. S c h k u h r. 
 Lupulina. M u h 1 e n b e r g. 
 marginata. Muhlenberg. 
 Miliacea. Muhlenberg. 
 Muhlcnbcrgii. S c h k u h r. 
 multiflora. Muhlenberg. 
 Novae-Angliae. Schwcinitz. 
 oligocarpa. S c h k u h r. 
 ovata. R u d g c. 
 paniculata. L i n n.
 
 272 
 
 Carex 
 
 pedunculata. Muhlenberg, 
 pellita. Muhlenberg. 
 Plantaginea. La Marc k. 
 Polytrichoides. Muhlenberg. 
 Pseudo-Cyperus. Linn, 
 pubescens. Muhlenberg, 
 retroflexa. Muhlenberg, 
 retrorsa. Schweintz. 
 rosea. S c h k u h r. 
 Scirpoides. S c h k u h r. 
 scoparia. S c h k u h r. 
 setacea. T o r r e y. 
 Sparganoides. Muhlenberg, 
 squarrosa. Linn, 
 sterilis. S c h k u h r. 
 stipata. Muhlenberg, 
 stricta, Goodenough. 
 trichocarpa. Muhlenberg, 
 trisperma. Dewey, 
 umbellata. S c h k u h r. 
 varia. Muhlenberg, 
 verna. S c h k u h r. 
 vesicaria. Linn, 
 vestita. S c h k u h r. 
 virescens. Muhlenberg. 
 
 Plures indcterminatas. 
 Carpinus 
 
 Americana. Willdenow. Hornbeam. 
 
 Carya 
 
 amara. N u 1 1 a 1 1. Bitter-Nut. 
 porcina. N u 1 1 a 1 1. Pig-Nut. 
 squamosa. M i c li a u x. (. Shell-Bark. 
 
 Cassia 
 
 Chamaecrista. Linn. Partridge-Pea. 
 Marilandica. L i n n. American-Senna. 
 nictitans. Linn. Wild- Sensitive-Plant. 
 Castanea 
 
 vesca. Willdenow. Chestnut. 
 
 Castilleia 
 
 coccinea. S p r e n g e 1. Queen-of-the-Meadow. 
 Catalpa 
 
 cordil'olia. Elliott. C. 
 
 Caulinia 
 
 flexilis. Willdenow.
 
 273 
 
 Ceanothus 
 
 Americana. Linn. New-Jersey-Tea. 
 
 Celastrus 
 
 scandens. Linn. False-Bitter -Sweet. 
 
 Celtis 
 
 occidentalis. L i n n. Pompion-berry. 
 
 Genchus 
 
 Tribuloides. L i n n. 
 
 Cephalanthus 
 
 occidentalis. Linn. Button-bush. 
 
 Cerastium 
 
 arvense. L i n n. 
 viscosum. Linn, 
 vulgatum. L i n n. 
 
 Cerasus 
 
 Canadensis. D e C a n d o 1 1 e. 
 littorali.s. Beack-Plum. 
 
 nigra. D e C a n d o 1 1 e. 
 obovala. Choke-Cherry. 
 
 Pennsylvanica. DeCandolle. 
 pubescens. DeCandolle. 
 pumila. DeCandolle. 
 Virginiana. D e C a n d o 1 le. 
 
 Ceratophyllum 
 
 demersum. L i n n. 
 
 Chara 
 
 vulgaris. L i n n. 
 
 Chelidonium 
 
 mains. L i n n. Celandine. 
 
 Chelone 
 
 glabra. L i n n. Snakehead. 
 
 Chenopodium 
 
 album. L i n n. Green-Pig-weed. 
 Ambrosioides. Linn. C. 
 anthelminticum. Linn. Oak-of -Jerusalem. 
 Botrys. Linn. Oak-of-Cappadocia. C. 
 hybrid um. L i n n. 
 maritimum. L i n n. 
 murale. Linn, 
 rubrum. L i n n. Rcd-Pig-iveed. 
 
 Chimaphila 
 
 maculata. Purs h. 
 
 umbellata. N u 1 1 a 11. Prince'' s-Pine. 
 
 35
 
 274 
 
 Chrysanthemum 
 
 Leucanthcmum. L i n n. White-Daisy. C. 
 
 Chrysospleniiim 
 
 oppositifoliiim. L i n n. Brooklimc. 
 Cichorium 
 
 Intybus. Linn. Succory. C. 
 Cicuta 
 
 bulbifera. Linn, 
 maculata. Linn. 
 
 Cinna 
 
 Arundinacea. W i 1 1 d c n o w. Indian-Reed. 
 
 Circ9ea 
 
 alpina. Linn. 
 
 Lutetiana. Linn. EiicTianter'' s- Nightshade. 
 
 Claytonia 
 
 Virginica. Linn. 
 
 Clematis 
 
 verticillaris. DeCandolle. 
 Virginica. Lin n. Virgin^ s-hower. 
 
 Clethra 
 
 Alnifolia. L i n n. White-hush. 
 
 Chnopodium 
 
 vulgai-c. L i n n. 
 
 Cnicus 
 
 altissimus. W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 
 arvensis. La M a r c k. Canada- Thistle. 
 
 lanceolatus. H o f f m a n. 
 
 Cnidium 
 
 atropurpureuni. S p r e n g e 1. 
 Canadense. S p r e n g e 1. 
 
 Cochlearia 
 
 Armoracia. L i n n. Horse-lladish. C. 
 
 Coix 
 
 Lachryma. L i n n. Job's-l-ears. C. 
 
 Colhnsonia 
 
 Canadensis. L i n n. Archangel. 
 
 Comarum 
 
 palustrc. L i n n. 
 
 Comptonia 
 
 Asplenifolia. Aiton. Sweet-Fern. 
 
 Conium 
 
 niaciilaUun. Linn. Hcvilocl: ('
 
 275 
 
 Convallaria 
 
 Maialis. L i n n. Lily-of-the- VaJhij. C. 
 
 Convolvulus 
 
 arvensis. L i n n. 
 
 panduratus. Linn. Man-of -the -ground. 
 
 Sepium. L i n n. 
 
 stans. M i c h a u X. 
 
 Conyza 
 
 camphorata. Muhlenberg. 
 
 Coptis 
 
 trifolia. Salisbury. Gold-thread. 
 
 Corallorhiza 
 
 odontorrhiza. R. B r o w n. Heii's-foot. 
 
 Cornus 
 
 alba. L'H e r i t i e r. 
 Canadensis. Linn. 
 
 circinata. L'H e r i t i e r. Mountain- Willow. 
 florida. Linn. Box-wood. Dog-wood. 
 paniculata. L'H c r i t i c r. 
 sericea. L'H e r i t i e r. Red- Willow. 
 Coronilla 
 
 varia. Linn. C. 
 
 Coronopus 
 
 didymus. Smith. 
 Ruellii. D a 1 e c h. 
 
 Corydalis 
 
 glauca. Purs h. 
 
 Corylus 
 
 Americana. W a n g e n h c i m. Hazle-Nut. 
 rostrata. W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 
 Crataegus 
 
 coccinea. L i n n. Thorn-bush. 
 Crus-Galli. A i t o n. 
 
 Crotalaria 
 
 parviflora. W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 
 sagittalis. W i 1 1 d e n o \v. Rattle-box. 
 
 Crypta 
 
 minima. N u 1 1 a 1 1. 
 
 Cupressus 
 
 Thuioides. Linn. White-Cedar. 
 
 Cuscuta 
 
 Americana. L i n n. Dodder-
 
 276 ^ 
 
 Cynoglossiim 
 
 officinale. Linn. Hound'' s-tongue. 
 
 Cyperus 
 
 flavescens. L i n n. 
 flavicomus. Mi c h a u x. 
 slrigosiis. Linn, 
 virens. Michaux. 
 
 Cypripedium 
 
 humile. S w a r t z. Ladies'' -Slipper. 
 parviflonim. S w a r t z. 
 pubescens. W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 spectabile. S w a r t z. 
 
 Cyrtopogon 
 
 dichotomiis. Palisot de Beauvois. 
 
 Dactylis 
 
 glomerata. L i n n. Orchard-grass. C. 
 
 Danthonia 
 
 spicata. Palisot de Beauvois. Wild-Oat. 
 
 Datura 
 
 Stramonium. Linn. Green-Thorn- Apple. C. 
 Tatula. Linn. Purple-Thorn -Apple. C. 
 
 Daucus 
 
 Carota. L i n n. Carrot. C, 
 Decodon 
 
 verticillatus. Elliott. 
 
 Dentaria 
 
 diphylla. Michaux. 
 laciniata. Muhlenberg. 
 
 Desmodium 
 
 acuminatum. DeCandolle. 
 bracteosum. DeCandolle. 
 Canadense. DeCandolle. 
 ciliare. DeCandolle. 
 glabellum. DeCandolle. 
 Marilandicum. DeCandolle. 
 nudiflorum. DeCandolle. 
 paniculatum. DeCandolle. 
 rotundifolium. DeCandolle. 
 viridiflorum. DeCandolle. 
 
 Dianthus 
 
 Armeria. Linn. 
 
 Dichromena 
 
 leucocephala. Michaux,
 
 277 
 Dicksonia 
 
 pilosiuscula. W i 1 1 d e n o \v. 
 
 Diclytra 
 
 Cuciilaria. R a f i ii c s q u e. D e C a n d o 1 1 e. Breech- 
 es-floiver. 
 Diervilla 
 
 Tournefortii. M i c h a u x. Dwarf- Honeysuckle. 
 Digitaria 
 
 filiformis. Elliott, 
 glabra. R cc m e r and S c h u 1 1 e s. 
 sanguinalis. S c o p o 1 i. Crab-grass. 
 serotina. M i c h a u x. 
 
 Dioscorea 
 
 villosa. Linn. False-Yam. 
 Diospyros 
 
 Virginiana. Linn. Persimmon. 
 
 Dipsacus 
 
 sylvestris. Linn. False-Teasel. C 
 Dirca 
 
 paliistris. Linn, heather-wood. 
 
 Draba 
 
 hispidula. M i c h a u x. 
 verna. Linn. 
 
 Drosera 
 
 filiformis. Rafinesque. 
 longifolia. Linn, 
 rotundifolia. Linn. iSun-dew. 
 
 Dulichium 
 
 spathaceum. P e r s o o n. 
 
 Echium 
 
 vulgare. L i n n. • 
 
 Eleusine 
 
 Indica. L a M a r c k. Wiregrass. 
 
 Elymiis 
 
 Canadensis. Linn. 
 
 Hystrix. Linn. 
 
 villosus. Muhlenberg. Lime-grass 
 
 Virginicus. Linn. 
 
 Epigeea 
 
 repns. L i n n. Trailing- Arbutus. 
 
 Epilobium 
 
 coloratimi. M u h T e n b e r g.
 
 278 
 Epilobium 
 
 lineare. M u li 1 e n b e r g. 
 
 palustre. Linn. 
 
 spicaturD. LaMarck. Willoie-herb. 
 
 Epiphegus 
 
 Virginiana. Beech-drop. 
 
 Equisetum 
 
 arrense, Linn. 
 
 hyemale. Linn. Scourins:-Rush. 
 
 palustre. Linn. 
 
 65-lvaticum. Wi lid enow. 
 
 uliginosum. Lino. 
 
 Erigeron 
 
 Bellidifolius. W 11 1 d e n o w. Robert' 6- Plantain. 
 
 Canadensu?. Linn. C-olt's-tail. 
 
 heterophyllag. Muhlenberg. 
 
 Pbiladelphicus. Linn. 
 
 strigosus. Muhlenberg. 
 Eriocaulon 
 
 pellucidum. 31 i c h a u x. Pipevrort. 
 Eriophxiram 
 
 anjrustifolium. Roth, 
 polvctach yum. Linn. 
 Virginicum. Linn. Cotton-grass. 
 
 Ervum 
 
 tetra=permum. Linn. 
 ErMhronium 
 
 Americanum. Smith- Adder' s-tongue. 
 Eupatorium 
 
 Ageratoides. Willdenow. 
 maculattmi. Lino. 
 perfoUatum. Linn, 
 purpuretmi. Linn. Gravelweed. 
 sessiliiolium. Linn, 
 trifoliatum. Linn. 
 Verbenifolium. Michhaux. 
 verticillatum. Willdenow. 
 
 Euphorbia 
 
 Hyjxrricifolia. Willdenow. 
 L'dihyrl-r. Linn. Caper-Spurge. C 
 macula uu Willdenow. 
 Polygonifoha. Linn. 
 
 Fagus 
 
 ferrofiiiiea. A i t o n. Beech.
 
 279 
 
 Festuca 
 
 elatior. Linn, 
 nutans. W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 
 Fragaria 
 
 Virginiana. Linn. Strawbcrri/. 
 
 Fraxinus 
 
 acuminata. L a M a r c k. 
 Juglandifolia. L a M a r c k. 
 pubescens. Walter. 
 
 Fumaria 
 
 officinalis. Linn. Fumitory. C. 
 
 Galeopsis 
 
 Tetrahit. Linn. 
 
 Galium 
 
 Aparine. Linn. 
 Asprellum. M i c h a u x. 
 boreale. Linn, 
 brachiatum. P u r s h. 
 
 CircEEOides. R ce m e r and Schultes. Wild-Li- 
 quorice. 
 micranthum. P u r s h. 
 obtusum. B i e e 1 o w. 
 pilosum. W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 tinctorium. Linn, 
 iritidum. Linn, 
 triflorum. M i c h a u x. 
 
 Gaultlieria 
 
 procumbens. Linn. Winter-green 
 
 Gaura 
 
 biennis. Linn. 
 Gentiana 
 
 crinita. F r ce 1 i c h. Fringed-Geiitian. 
 iSaponaria. Linn. Soap-wort-Gentiav . 
 
 Geranium 
 
 Carolinianuin. L i n n. 
 
 dissectum. Linn. 
 
 maculatum. Linn. Spotted-Geranium. 
 
 Robertianiim. Linn. Her^-R'>hrrt. 
 
 G< rartiia 
 
 flava. L 1 II n. 
 maritima. >" u t t a 1 i. 
 Pe<licularia. Linn, 
 purpurea. Linn. 
 Quercifolia. P u r s b
 
 280 
 Geum 
 
 riv^ale. Linn. Water-Avens. 
 strictum. Alton. 
 
 virbanum. Linn. Herb-Bennet. C 
 Virginianum. Linn. 
 
 Glechoma 
 
 Hederacea. Linn. Gill-groio-by-the-ground. 
 
 Gleditschia 
 
 triacanthos. Linn. Honey-Locust. 
 
 Glyceria 
 
 fluitans. R. Brow n. 
 
 Gnaphalium 
 
 decurrens. E. Ives, 
 margaritaceum. Linn. Everlasting. 
 Plantagineum. Lin n. 
 polycephalum. M i c h a u x. 
 purpureum. W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 uliginosum. Lin n. 
 
 Gomphocarpus 
 
 lanceolatus. E. I v e s. 
 viridiflorus. Sprengel. 
 
 Goodyera 
 
 pubescens. R. B r o w n. Adders- Violet. 
 repens. R. Bio w n. 
 
 Gratiola 
 
 aurea. Muhlenberg. 
 Vii-ginica. Linn. 
 
 Gyromia 
 
 Virginica. N u 1 1 a 1 1. 
 
 Habenaria 
 
 bracteata. R. B r o w n. 
 ciliaris. R. Brow n. 
 fimbriata. R. B r o w n. 
 orbiculata. H o o k e r. 
 Psychodes. Sprengel. 
 
 Hamamelis 
 
 Virginica. L i n n. Witch-Hazle. 
 
 Hamiltonia 
 
 umbellata. Sprengel. False- Toad-Flax. 
 
 Hedeoma 
 
 Piilegioides. P e r s o o n. American-Penny-royal. 
 
 Helenium 
 
 aulumnale. Linn.
 
 281 
 
 Helianthemum 
 
 Canadense. M i c h a u x. Frost- Weed. 
 
 Helianthus 
 
 altissimum. Linn. 
 
 angustifolium. Linn. 
 
 annuum. Linn. Sunflower. C. 
 
 decapetalum. Linn. 
 
 divaricatum. Linn. 
 
 giganteum. Linn. 
 
 Trachelifolium. W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 
 tuberosum. Linn. Sunflower- Artichoke . C. 
 
 Helonias 
 
 dioica. P u r s h. {In reality a distinct genus, viz. 
 Abalon A d a m s o n. 
 
 albiflorum. Rafinesque.) 
 
 Hepatica 
 
 acutiloba. De Candolle. 
 
 Americana. Kerr. De Candolle. Liver-wort. 
 
 Heracleum 
 
 lanatum. M i c h a u x. Masterwort. 
 
 Heteranthera 
 
 reniformis. Muhlenberg. 
 
 Heuchera 
 
 Americana. Linn. Alum-root. 
 Hibiscus 
 
 palustris. Linn. Marsh-Mallows. 
 
 Hieracium 
 
 Gronovii. L i n n. 
 Kalmii. L i n n. 
 paniculatuni. L i n n. 
 scabrum. M i c h a u x. 
 venosum. Linn. Bloodwort. 
 virgatum. Pursh. 
 
 Horcleum 
 
 jubatum. Linn, 
 vulgare. Linn. Barley. <- . 
 Hottonia 
 
 inflata. Linn. 
 
 Houstonia 
 
 coerulea. Lin n. 
 
 Humulus 
 
 Liipulus. Linn. Hop. ■ 
 
 36
 
 282 
 Hydrastis 
 
 Canadensis. L i n n. Yellow-rout. 
 Hydrocotyle 
 
 Americana. Linn, 
 lincata. Michaux. 
 umbellata. Linn, 
 vulgaris. Linn. 
 
 Hydropeltis 
 
 purpurea. Michaux. Water-Target. 
 Hydrophyllum 
 
 appcndiculatura. Michaux. 
 Canadense. Linn. 
 
 Hyoscyamus 
 
 niorer. Linn. Black-Henbane. C. 
 
 Hypericum 
 
 AscjTOides. W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 
 Canadense. Linn. 
 
 corymbosura. Wi lid enow. 
 
 parviflorum. Willdenow. Loic-Centaury. 
 
 perforatum. Linn. John' s-wort. 
 
 Virginicum. Linn. 
 
 Hypopithys 
 
 lanuginosa. Nuttall. 
 
 Hypoxis 
 
 erecta. Linn. 
 
 Hyssopiis 
 
 Nepetoides. Linn. 
 Scrofularifolius. W i 1 1 d e n o \\. 
 
 Ictodes 
 
 fcetidus. B i s e 1 o \v. Skunk-Cabbage. 
 
 Ilex 
 
 Canadensis. Michaux. 
 opaca. A i t o n. 
 
 Impatiens 
 
 fulva. Nuttall. Clear-icort. 
 
 Inula 
 
 Helenium. Linn. Elecampane. C. 
 
 Ipomoea 
 
 purpurea. L a M a r c k. Morning-glory. C. 
 
 Iris 
 
 prismatica. P u r s h. 
 versicolor. Linn. Blue-Flaff.
 
 •283 
 
 Isanthus 
 
 coeruleum. M i c h a u x. 
 
 Isnardia 
 
 paliistris. L i n ii. 
 
 Iva 
 
 Irutescens. Linn. High-water-shrub. 
 Juglans 
 
 cinerea. L i n n. Butternut. 
 nigra. Linn. Black-walnut. 
 
 Juncus 
 
 acuminatus. M i c h a u x. 
 acutus. Linn. 
 
 bulbosus. Linn. Black-grass. 
 efiusus. Linn. Bog-rush. 
 nodosus. Linn, 
 polycephalus. M i c h a u x. 
 tenuis. W i 1 1 d e n o vv. 
 
 Juniperus 
 
 depressa. R a fines que. Dwarf-Juniper. 
 Virginiana. Linn. Red-Cedar. 
 
 Kalmia 
 
 angustifolia. Linn. Dwarf-Laurel. 
 latifolia. Linn. Broad-leaved-laurel. 
 Krigia 
 
 Virginica. Willdenow. 
 
 Lactuca 
 
 elongata. Muhlenberg. Wild-Lettuce. 
 integrifolia. B i g e 1 o w. 
 sanguinea. B i g e 1 o w. 
 
 Lamium 
 
 amplexicaule. Linn. 
 
 Larix 
 
 Americana. M i c h a u x. Hackmatack. 
 
 Lasierpa 
 
 hispidula. T o r r e y. 
 
 Lathyrus 
 
 maritimus. B i g c 1 o w. Beach-Pea. 
 
 Laurus 
 
 Benzoin. L i n n. Spice-bush. 
 Sassafras. Linn. Sassafras. 
 
 Lechea 
 
 minor. L i n n. 
 
 villosa. Elliott. Pinweed.
 
 284 
 Lecontia 
 
 Virgiuica. Cooper. 
 
 Leersia 
 
 lenticularis. Michaux. 
 
 Oryzoides. S w a r t z. 
 
 Virginica. W i 1 1 d e n o w. White-g'rass. 
 
 Lemna 
 
 gibba. Linn, 
 minor. Linn, 
 polyrrhiza. Linn. 
 
 Leotodon 
 
 Taraxacum. Linn. Dandelion. 
 
 Leonurus 
 
 Cardiaca. Linn. Motherwort. C. 
 
 Leontice 
 
 Thalictroides. Linn. Blue-Cohosh. 
 
 Lepidium 
 
 Virginicum. L i n n. Wild-Pepper-Cress, 
 Leptandra 
 
 Virginica. N u 1 1 a 1 1. Culver-root, 
 
 Lespedeza 
 
 angustifolia. N u 1 1 a 1 1. 
 capitata. Michaux. 
 divergens. Purs h. 
 polystachya. Michaux. 
 procumbens. Michaux. 
 prostrata. Purs h. 
 reticulata. Per soon. 
 sessiUflora. Michaux. 
 violacea. Per soon. 
 Liatris 
 
 scariosa. Linn. 
 
 Ligustrum 
 
 vulgare. Linn. Prim. C. 
 
 Lilium 
 
 Canadense. Linn. 
 Philadelphicum. Linn, 
 supcrbum. Linn. 
 
 Limosella 
 
 subulata. E. Ives. Mudwort. 
 
 Linaria 
 
 Canadensis. S p r e n g e 1. 
 vulgaris. B a u h i n. C
 
 285 
 Lindernia 
 
 attenuata. Muhlenberg, 
 dilatata. Muhlenberg. 
 
 Linnsea 
 
 borealis. G r o n o ^' i u s. 
 
 Linum 
 
 usitatissimum. Linn. Flax. C. 
 Virginianum. L i n n. Wild-Flax. 
 Liriodendron 
 
 Tulipifera. L i n n. White-xoood. 
 
 Lithospermum 
 
 arvense. Linn. 
 Lobelia 
 
 Cardinalis. Linn. Cardinal-flower 
 Claytoniana. M i c h a u x. 
 inflata. Linn. Indian-Tobacco, 
 Kalmii. Linn. 
 Syphilitica. Lin n. 
 
 Lolium 
 
 perenne. Linn. Darnel. C. 
 Lonicera 
 
 grata. A i t o n. 
 parviflora. La M a r c k. 
 sempervirens. A i t o n. 
 
 Ludvigia 
 
 macrocarpa. M i c h a u x. 
 
 Lupinus 
 
 perennis. Linn. Blue-Lupine. 
 Luzula 
 
 campestris. W i 11 d e n o w. 
 Lychnis 
 
 Githago. Do Can doll e. Cockle, 
 
 Lycopodium 
 
 Carolinianum. L i n n. 
 clavatum. Linn, 
 complanatum. Linn, 
 dendroideum. M i c h a u x. 
 inundatum. L i n n. 
 lucidulum. M i c h a u x. 
 obscurum. L i n n. 
 rupestre. L i n n. 
 
 Lycopsis 
 
 arvensis. L i n n.
 
 286 
 
 Lycopus 
 
 Virginicus. L i n n. 
 
 vulgaris. P e r s o o n. Water-Hoarhovnd. 
 
 Lygodium 
 
 pal malum. S w a r t z. 
 Lysimachia 
 
 capitata. Pursh. 
 ciliata. Linn, 
 quadrifolia. L i n n. 
 racemosa. La M a r c k. 
 
 Lythrum 
 
 Hyssopifolium. L i n n. 
 
 Malaxis 
 
 Liliifolia. S w a r t z. 
 
 Malus 
 
 coronaria. Miller. American-Crab- Apple. 
 Malva 
 
 rotundifolia. Linn. Mallows. 
 sylvestris. Linn. C. 
 
 Marrubium 
 
 vulgare. Linn. Hoarhound. C. 
 
 Medicago 
 
 intertexta. Desrousseaux. C. 
 Lupulina. Linn. C. 
 
 Melampyrum 
 
 Americanum. M i c h a u x. Cow- Wheat. 
 Melilotus 
 
 alba. Eaton. White-Melilot. C. 
 vulgaris. Eaton. YeUoio-Melilot. C, 
 
 Menispermum 
 
 Canadense. Linn. 
 
 Mentha 
 
 borealis. M i c h a u x. Horse-Mint. 
 
 Canadensis. Linn. 
 
 Piperita. Hudson. Pepper-Mint. 
 
 tenuis. M i c h a u x. 
 
 viridis. Linn. Green-Mint. 
 
 Menyanthes 
 
 trifoliata. Linn. 
 
 Microstylis 
 
 Ophioglossoides. N u 1 1 a 1 1. 
 Mikania 
 
 scandens. W i 1 1 d e n o w.
 
 287 
 Mimulus 
 
 alatus. Lin u. 
 
 ringens. Linn. Monkey-fiower. 
 
 Mitchella 
 
 repens. Linn. Chickberry. 
 Mitella 
 
 cordifolia. La M a r c k. 
 diphylla. L i n n. 
 
 Mollugo 
 
 verticillata. L i n n. Carpetweed. 
 
 Momordica 
 
 echinata. Muhlenberg. 
 
 Monarda 
 
 oblongata. Alton. 
 
 Monotropa 
 
 Morisoniana. M i c h a u x. 
 uniflora. Linn. 
 
 Morus 
 
 alba. Linn. White- Mulberry. C. 
 rubra. Linn. Red-Mulberry. 
 
 Muscari 
 
 racemosum. Miller. C. 
 Myosotis 
 
 palustris. Roth. 
 
 Myrica 
 
 Caroliniensis. W i 1 1 d c n o w. 
 cerifera. Lin n. Bayberry. 
 
 Myriophyllum 
 
 verticillatum. Linn. 
 
 Myrrhis 
 
 Canadensis. M o r i s o n. 
 
 Nasturtium 
 
 amphibium. li. B r o w n. 
 officinale. R. B r o w n. C. 
 
 Nepeta 
 
 Cataria. Linn. Catnep. C. 
 
 Nicandra 
 
 Physaloides. G tf r t n e r. Kite-flower. C. 
 
 Nuphar 
 
 advena. A i t o n. YcUow-pond-Lihj. 
 Kalmiana. A i t o i\.
 
 288 
 Nymphsea 
 
 odorata. A i I o n. White-pond- Lily. 
 
 Nyssa 
 
 aqualica. Linn. Pepperidge. 
 villosa. M i c h a u X. 
 
 CEnothera 
 
 biennis. Linn, 
 chrysantha. Michaux. 
 fruticosa. Linn, 
 pumila. Linn, 
 pusilla. Michaux. 
 
 Onoclea 
 
 sensibilis. Linn. 
 
 Onopordon 
 
 Acanthium. Linn. C. 
 
 Onosmodium ♦ 
 
 hispidum. Michaux. 
 
 Ophioglossum 
 
 vulgatum. Linn. 
 
 Opuntia 
 
 vulgaris. Miller. D e C a n d o 1 1 e. Prickly-Pear. 
 Orchis 
 
 fuscescens. Sprengel. 
 Origanum 
 
 vulgare. Linn. Marjoram. 
 Ornithogalum 
 
 umbellatuni. Linn. C 
 Orobanche 
 
 uniflora. Linn. 
 
 Orontium 
 
 aquaticum. Linn. Golden-cluh. 
 
 Oryzopsis 
 
 asperifolia. Michaux. 
 
 Osmunda 
 
 Cinnamomea. Linn, 
 interrupta. Michaux. 
 spectabilis. W i 1 1 d e n o \v. 
 
 Ostrya 
 
 "Virginica. Willdenow. Ironwood., 
 
 Oxalis 
 
 Acetosella. Linn. Wood-Sorrcl. 
 stricta. Linn, 
 violacea. L i n u.
 
 289 
 Oxycoccus 
 
 macrocarpus. P u r s h. Crane-berry. 
 vulgaris. P e r s o o n. 
 
 Panax 
 
 quinquefolia. Linn. Ginseng. 
 trifolia. Linn. 
 
 Panicum 
 
 capillare. Linn. 
 Crus-Galli. Lin n. 
 dichotomum. Lin n. 
 latifolium. Linn, 
 nitidum. L a M a r c k. 
 prolifenim. L a M a r c k. 
 virgatum. Linn. 
 
 Parnassia 
 
 Caroliniana. M i c h a u x. 
 
 Paspalum 
 
 setaceum. M i c h a u x. 
 Pastinaca 
 
 sativa. Linn. Parsnip. C. 
 Pedicularis 
 
 Canadensis. Linn, 
 pallida. P u r s h. 
 
 Penthorum 
 
 Sedoides. Linn. 
 
 Pentstemon 
 
 pubescens. W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 
 Phalaris 
 
 Americana. Elliott. 
 
 Canariensis. Linn. Ribband-grass. C. 
 
 Phaseolus 
 
 perennis. Walter, 
 trilobiis. Roth. 
 
 Phleum 
 
 pratense. Linn. Timothy. 
 Phragmites 
 
 communis. T r i n i u s. 
 
 Phryma 
 
 leptostachya. Linn. 
 
 Physalis 
 
 obscura. M i c h a u x. Ground-Cherry. 
 Pennsylvanica. L i n n. 
 
 37
 
 290 
 
 Phytolacca 
 
 decandra. L i n n. Poke-weed. C. 
 
 Pinus 
 
 rigida. L i n n. Yellow-Pine. 
 Strobus. Linn. White-Pine. 
 
 Plantago 
 
 cordata. L a M a r c k. 
 lanceolata. Linn. Ribwort. C. 
 major. Linn. Plantain. C. 
 maritima. Lin n. 
 Virginica. Linn. 
 
 Platanus 
 
 occidentalis. Linn. Button-wood. 
 
 Poa 
 
 annua. L i n n. 
 
 Canadensis. T o r r e y. 
 
 capillaris. Linn. 
 
 compressa. L i n n. Bluegrass. 
 
 Eragrostis. L i n n. ^ 
 
 nemoralis. L i n n. 
 
 nervata. W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 
 pectinacea. M i c h a u x. **' 
 
 pratensis. Linn. 
 
 reptans. M i c h a u x. ^ 
 
 spectabilis. P u r s h. 
 
 trivialis. Linn. 
 
 Pogonia 
 
 Ophioglossoides. R. Brown, 
 verticillata. R. Brow n. 
 
 Polanisia 
 
 gra veolens. Rafinesque. DeCandollc. 
 
 Polygala 
 
 cruciata. L i n n. 
 
 paucifolia. W i 1 1 d e n o w. ^ 
 
 polygama. Walter. Low-Centaxiry. -MK^ 
 
 purpurea. N u 1 1 a 1 ^. 
 
 sanguinea. Linn. 
 
 verticillata. L i n n. 
 
 Polygonatum 
 
 multiflorum. D c s f o n t a i n e s. 
 
 Polygonum ,% 
 
 Arifolium. Linn. 
 
 articulatum. L i a n. 
 
 aviculare. Linn. Knotgrass. 
 
 Bistortoide.?. P u r >? h, '' \
 
 291 
 
 Polygonum 
 
 cilinode. Michaux. 
 
 coccineum. W i 1 1 d e n o w- 
 
 Convolvulus. Linn. 
 
 Fagopyrum. Linn. Buck- Wheat. C. 
 
 maritimum. Elliott. 
 
 mite. P e r s o n. 
 
 orientale. Linn. Jack''s-Pride. C. 
 
 Pennsylvanicum. Linn. 
 
 Persicaria. Lin n. Hearfs-ease. 
 
 punctatum. Elliott. Water-Pepper. 
 
 sagittatum. Linn. Scratch-grass. 
 
 scandens. Linn. 
 
 Virginianuni. Linn. 
 
 Polymnia 
 
 Canadensis. Linn. 
 
 Polypodium 
 
 connectile. W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 vulgare. L i n n. 
 
 Pontederia 
 
 cordata. L i n n. Pickerel-weed. 
 
 Populus 
 
 angulata. W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 balsamifera. L i n n. 
 Betulifolia. P u r s h. 
 candicans. Alton. 
 
 dilatata. Alton. Lombardy-Poplar. C. 
 grandidentata. Michaux. 
 hetcrophylla. Linn. 
 * tremuloides. M i c h a u ^. Amcrican-Aspcn. 
 
 Portulaca 
 
 oleracca. L i n n. Purslane. C. 
 Potamogetoii 
 
 diversifolius. Barton, 
 fluitans. L i n n. 
 gramineus. Michaux. 
 heterophyllus. S c h r e b c r. 
 lucens. Linn, 
 natans. Linn, 
 pauciflorus. P u r s h. 
 pectinatus. L i n n. 
 perfoliatus. Linn. 
 
 Potentilla 
 
 anseiina. L i n n. 
 argentea. L i n n.
 
 292 
 
 Potentilla 
 
 Canadensis. Linn. 
 
 Norvcgica. Linn. 
 
 Pcnnsylvanica. Linn. 
 
 simplex. Michaux. Five-finger^ 
 
 Prenanthes 
 
 alba. Linn. White-Lettuce. 
 altissima. Linn, 
 cordata. W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 rubicunda. W i 11 d e n o w. 
 Serpentaria. P u r s h. 
 virgata. Michaux. 
 
 Prinos 
 
 ambiguus. Michaux. 
 
 glaber. Linn. 
 
 verticillatus. L i n n. Black- Alder, 
 
 Proserpinaca 
 
 palustris. Linn. 
 
 Prunella 
 
 vulgaris. Linn. 
 
 Pteris 
 
 aquilina. Lin n. Brake. 
 
 Pulmonaria 
 
 Virginica. Linn. ,- 
 
 Pycnanthemum 
 
 aristatum. M i c h a u x, 
 
 incanum. Michaux. Mountain-Mint. 
 
 lanceolatum. Purs h. 
 
 Linifolium. P u r s b. Wild-Hyssop. '* 
 
 Pyrola 
 
 minor. Linn, 
 rotundifolia. Linn, 
 secunda. Linn. 
 
 Quercus 
 
 alba. L i n n. White-Oak. 
 
 Banisteri. Michaux. Shrub-Oak. 
 
 bicolor. Willdenow. Swamp- White-Oak. 
 
 roccinea. W a n g e n h c i m. Scarlet-Oak. 
 
 discolor. Willdenow. 
 
 montana. Willdenow. Rock-Chestnut-Oak. 
 
 Prinoides. Willdenow. Dwarf -Chestnut-Oak. 
 
 Prinos. Willdenow. Swamp-Chestnut^Oak. 
 
 rubra. Linn. Red-Oak. 
 
 tinctoria. B a r I r a m. Black-Oak.
 
 293 
 
 Ranunculus 
 
 abortivus. Linn. 
 
 acris. L i n n. Butter 'Cup-Crow-foot. 
 
 bulbosus. L i n n. 
 
 fascicularis. Muhlenberg. 
 
 filiformis. M i c h a u x. 
 
 Flammula. L i n n. 
 
 fluviatilis. Linn. W at er- Butter -cwp. 
 
 lacustris. Beck and Tracy. Yellow-Water-hut- 
 
 tcr-cup. 
 lanuginosus. Linn. v 
 
 nitidus. Walter. 
 Philonotis. R e t z. 
 recurvatus. Linn, 
 repens. L i n n. 
 sceleratus. L i n n. 
 
 Raphanus 
 
 Raphanistrum. L i n n. Charlock. C 
 
 Rhexia 
 
 Mariana. L i n n. 
 Virginica. Linn. 
 
 Rhododendron 
 
 nudiflorum. T o r r e y. Rcd-Swamp-Honey-svckh'. 
 viscosum. T o r r e y. White-Swamp-Honcy-svckle. 
 
 Rhodora 
 
 Canadensis. Linn. 
 
 Rhus 
 
 Copallina. L i n n. Dxoarf-Snmach. 
 glabra. Linn. Smooth-Sumach. 
 radicans. Linn. Climhin g-Sumach. 
 Toxicodendron. Linn. Poison-tree. 
 typhina. Linn. Stag''s-horn-Suviach. 
 venenata. D e C a n d o 1 1 e. Swamp'Sitmach. 
 
 Rhynchospora 
 
 alba. V a h 1. 
 glomerata. Vahl. 
 
 Ribes 
 
 Cynosbati. J a c q u i n. 
 
 floridum. L'H c r i t i e r. Black-C arrant. 
 
 lacustre. P e r s o o n. Swamp-Goose-hcrry. 
 
 Oxyacanthoidcs. Linn. 
 
 rubrum. Linn. Red-Currant. V. 
 
 Robinia 
 
 Pseud-Acacia. Linn. Locust-tree.
 
 294 
 
 Rochelia 
 
 Lappula. R oe m u r and S c h u 1 1 e s. 
 Virffiniana. 11 oc m u r and S c h ii 1 1 e s. 
 
 Rosa 
 Rubus 
 
 Carolina. Linn. Sioamp-Rose. 
 rubiffinosa. Linn. Sweet-Briar. 
 
 Canadensis. Linn, 
 flagellaris. W i 1 1 d e n o \v. 
 frondosus. B i g e 1 o w. 
 occidentalis. Linn. Thimhle-herry . 
 odoratus. Lin n. Rose-Raspberry. 
 strigosus. M i c h a II X. Red-Raspberry. 
 trivialis. M i c h a u x. Dew-berry. 
 villosus. A i t o n. Blackberry. 
 
 Rudbeckia 
 
 hirta. Lin n. 
 
 laciniata. W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 
 Rumex 
 
 Acetosa. L i n n. Garden-Sorrel. C. 
 Acetosella. L i n n. Sheep-Sorrel. 
 alpinus. L i n n. Monk^s- Rhubarb. C. 
 Britanica. L i n n. 
 crispus. Linn. 
 
 obtusifolius. Lin n. Broad^leaved-Dock. 
 Patientia. Lin n. Patience. C. 
 sanguineus. Linn. Olcott-root. 
 verticillatus. L i n n. 
 
 Ruppia 
 
 maritima. L i n n. 
 
 Sagina 
 
 procumbens. 
 Sagittaria 
 
 acutifolia. P u r s h. 
 
 graminea. M i c h a u x. 
 
 hastata. P u r s h. 
 
 heterophylla. Purs h. 
 
 obtusa. Muhlenberg. 
 
 pusilla. N u 1 1 al 1. 
 
 rigida. Purs h. 
 
 sagittifolia. Linn. Arroio-wort. 
 
 Salicornia 
 
 herbacea. Linn. 
 
 Salix 
 
 alba. Linn. White -Willow. C- 
 
 %
 
 295 
 
 Salix 
 
 Babylonica. Linn. Weeping-WUluw. (' 
 eriocephala. M i c h a u x. Ruse- Willuw. 
 falcata. P u r s h. 
 grisea. W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 lucida. W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 Muhlcnbergiana. W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 Myricoides. M u li 1 e n b e r g. 
 nigra. W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 obovata. P u r s h. 
 
 vitellina. Linn. Yellow- Willow. C 
 Salsola 
 
 Caroliniana. Walter, 
 Kali. L i n n. 
 
 Sambucus 
 
 Canadensis. Linn. Black-Elder. 
 piibens. M i c h a u x. Red-Elder. 
 
 Samoliis 
 
 Valerandi. L i n n. 
 
 Sanguinaria 
 
 Canadensis. L i n n. Blood-root. 
 
 Sanguisorba 
 
 Canadensis. L i n n. 
 
 Sanicula 
 
 Marilandica. L i n n. Saniclc. 
 
 Saponaria 
 
 oflicinalis. Linn. Suap-wort. C. 
 
 Sarothra 
 
 Hypericoides. N u 1 1 a 1 1. Orange-grass. 
 
 Sarraccnia 
 
 purpurea. L i n n. Side-saddle-flower. 
 Saururus 
 
 cernuus. Linn. Lizard's-tail. 
 
 Saxifraga 
 
 Pennsylvanica. Linn. Water-Saxifrage. 
 Virginicnsis. M i c h a u x. Rock-Saxifrage 
 
 Schollera 
 
 graminifolia. W i 1 1 d c n o w. 
 
 Scirpus 
 
 acicularis. L i n n. 
 acutus. Muhlenberg. 
 Americanus. P c r s o o n. 
 brunneus. M u h 1 c n Ij c r g.
 
 296 
 
 Scirpus ' 
 
 capillaris. Linn, 
 debilis. Muhlenberg. 
 Eriophorum. M i c h a u x. 
 lacustris. Linn, 
 macrostachyos. Muhlenberg, 
 palustris. Linn, 
 pusillus. V a h I. 
 subsquarrosus. Muhlenberg, 
 tenuis. W i 1 1 d e n o w. 
 
 Scleranthus 
 
 annuum. Linn. Knawell. 
 Scrofularia 
 
 Marilandica. Linn. 
 
 Scutellaria 
 
 galericulata. Linn. Scull-cap. 
 gracilis. N u 1 1 a 1 1. 
 integrifolia. Linn, 
 lateriflora. Linn. 
 
 Secale 
 
 Cereale. Linn. Rye. C. 
 
 Senecio 
 
 aureus. W i 1 1 d e n o w. False- Valerian. 
 Balsamita. Willdenow. 
 Hieracifolius. Linn. Fire-weed. 
 vulgaris. Linn. Groundsel. C. 
 
 Senebiera 
 
 pinnatifida. D e C a n d o 1 1 e. C. 
 
 Setaria 
 
 glauca. Palisot de Beauvois. 
 verticillata. Palisot de Beauvois. 
 
 Sicyos 
 
 angulata. Linn. 0/ie-seeded-Cucumber. 
 
 Sida 
 
 Abutilon. L i n n. C. 
 
 Silene 
 
 Antirrhina. Linn. 
 
 inflata. Smith. 
 
 Pennsylvanica. M i c h a u x. Wild-Pink. 
 
 stellata. A i t o n. 
 
 Sinapis 
 
 alba. Linn. White-Mustard. C. 
 nigra. Linn. Black-Mustard. C.
 
 297 
 
 Sison 
 
 aureus. Sprengel. 
 capillaceus. Sprengel. 
 integerrimus. Sprengel. 
 
 Sisymbrium 
 
 canescens. N u 1 1 a 1 1. 
 
 officinale. S c o p o 1 i. Hedge-Mustard. 
 
 Sophia. Linn. C. 
 
 Sisyrinchium 
 
 anceps. C a v a n i 1 1 e s. 
 
 Simn 
 
 latifolium. Linn. Water-Parsnip. 
 lineare. M i c h a u x. 
 
 Smilacina 
 
 Canadensis. P u r s h. 
 racemosa. Desfontaines. 
 stellata. Desfontaines. 
 trifolia. Desfontaines. 
 umbellata. Desfontaines. 
 
 Smilax 
 
 herbacea. Linn, 
 peduncularis. Muhlenberg, 
 rotundifolia. Linn. Green-brier. 
 
 Smyrnium 
 
 cordatum. . Walter. 
 
 Solaniim 
 
 Dulcamara. Linn. Bitter-sweet. 
 nigrum. Linn. Black-Nightshade. 
 
 Solidago 
 
 altissima. W i 1 1 d e n o w. Golden-rod. 
 
 aspera. Alton. 
 
 axillarirf. Pursh. 
 
 bicolor. Linn. 
 
 Canadensis. Linn. 
 
 caesia. Alton. 
 
 flexicaulis. Linn. 
 
 gigantea. Alton. 
 
 graminifolia. N u 1 1 a 1 1. 
 
 Juncea. W i 11 d e n o w. 
 
 laevigata. Alton. 
 
 lanceolata. Linn. [S. graminifol Nntf. 
 
 latifolia. M u h 1 e n b e r g. 
 
 odora. A i t o n. 
 
 patula. M u h 1 e n h e r g. 
 
 ^ 38
 
 298 
 
 Solidago 
 
 recurvata. Willdenow. 
 rigida. Linn, 
 scabra. Willdenow. 
 sempervirens. Linn, 
 serotina. Willdenow. 
 stricta. Willdenow. 
 Ulmifolia. Willdenow. 
 villosa. Pursh. 
 virgata. M i c h a u x. 
 Virg-aurea. Linn. 
 
 Sonchus 
 
 arvensis. Linn. 
 
 oleraceus. Linn. Sow-Thistle. 
 
 Sparganium 
 
 ramosum. S w a r t z. Burr-Reed. 
 
 Spartina 
 
 Cynosuroidcs. Willdenow. 
 glabra. Muhlenberg. Sedge 
 Juncea. Willdenow. 
 
 Spergula 
 
 arvensis. Linn. Spurry. 
 Saginoides. Linn. 
 
 Spiraea 
 
 Salicifolia. Linn. 
 
 tomentosa. Linn. Hardhack^ 
 
 Spiranthes 
 
 cernua. Richard, 
 gracilis. B i g e 1 o vv\ 
 tor tills. Richards 
 
 Stachys 
 
 aspera. M i c h a u x. Hedge-Nettle. 
 
 Staphylea 
 
 trifolia. Linn. Bladder-nut. 
 
 Statice 
 
 Caroliniana. Walter. Marsh- Rosemary, 
 
 Stellaria 
 
 longifolia. M u h 1 e n b e r g, 
 media. S m i t li. Chickweed. 
 pubera. M i c h a u x. 
 
 Stipulicida 
 
 sclacca. M i c h a u x. 
 
 Streptopus 
 
 rose us. M i c Ii a u x
 
 299 
 Symphytum 
 
 officinale. Linn. Comfrey. C. 
 
 Tanacetum 
 
 vulgare. L i n n. Tansy. C. 
 Tephrosia 
 
 Virginiana. P e r s o o n. GoaVs-Ruc. 
 
 Teucrium 
 
 Canadense. Linn. Wood-Sage. 
 
 Thalictrum 
 
 Corynellum. DeCandolle. 
 dioicum. Linn. Meadow-Rue. 
 
 Tiarella 
 
 cordifolia. L in n. Mitre-wort. 
 Tilia 
 
 pubescens. Ventenat. Bast-tree. 
 Tillsea 
 
 ascendens. Eaton. 
 Tragopogon 
 
 Porrifolius. Linn. Salsify. C. 
 Trichodium 
 
 laxiflorum. M i c h a u x. 
 
 Trichostema 
 
 dichotoma. Linn. 
 
 Tricuspis 
 
 Seslerio'ides. T o r r e y. 
 
 Trientalis 
 
 Americana. Purs h. 
 Trifolium 
 
 arvense. Linn. Hare^s-foot. 
 pratense. Linn. Red-Clover. 
 procumbens. Linn. Yellow-Clover. 
 reflexum. Linn, 
 repens. Linn. White-Clover. 
 Triglochin 
 
 maritimum. Linn. Arrow-grass. 
 
 Trillium 
 
 cernumn. T o r r e y. 
 ercctum. Linn. 
 
 Triosteum 
 
 perfoliatum. Linn. False-Gentian. 
 
 Tripsacum 
 
 Dactyloides. VV i 1 1 d e n o w.
 
 300 
 
 Turritis 
 
 glabra. Linn. C. 
 
 Tussilago 
 
 Farfava. Linn. CoWs-foot. C, 
 
 Typha 
 
 latifolia. Linn. Cat-tail-Flag. 
 
 Ulmus 
 
 Americana. Linn. Elm. 
 fulva, M i c h a u X. Slippery-Elm. 
 Uniola 
 
 spicata. Linn. 
 
 Urospermum 
 
 Claytoni. N ii 1 1 a 1 1. Sweet-Cicely. 
 hirsutuni. B i g e 1 o w. 
 
 Urtica 
 
 Canadensis. Linn, 
 dioica. Linn. Great-Nettle. 
 pumila. W i 1 1 d e n o w. Stingless-Nettle. 
 urens. Linn. Dwarf-Nettle. 
 Utricularia 
 
 setacea. IMichaux. 
 vulgaris. L i n n. 
 
 Uvularia 
 
 perfoliata. Linn, 
 sessilifolia. Linn. 
 
 Vaccinium 
 
 corymbosiim. L i n n. Blue- Whor tie-berry. 
 
 Pensylvanicum. LaMarck. 
 
 resinosum. Alton. Black- Whortle-berry. 
 
 Vallisneria 
 
 spiralis. Linn. Tapeweed. 
 
 Veratrum 
 
 viride. Ait on. Green-Hellebore. 
 
 Verbascum 
 
 Blattaria. Lin n. Moth-Mullein. 
 Thapso'ides. W i 1 1 d e n o vv. C. 
 Thapsus. Linn. Great- Mullein. C. 
 
 Verbena 
 
 angustifolia. Michaux. Dwarf- Vervain. 
 
 hasiata. Linn. Blue-Vervain. 
 
 spuria. Linn. 
 
 Urticifolia. Linn. Nettle-leaved-Vervain. 
 
 Vernonia 
 
 Nov-Eboracensis. Linn.
 
 301 
 
 Veronica 
 
 Anagallis. Linn. 
 
 arvensis. Linn. 
 
 Beccabunga. Linn. Brooklime. 
 
 officinalis. Linn. 
 
 peregrina, L i n n. 
 
 scutellata. L i n n. 
 
 Serpyllifolia. Linn. 
 
 Viburnum 
 
 Acerifoliuni. Linn. 
 
 dentatum. L i n n. Arrow-wood. 
 
 edule. Pursh. 
 
 Lentago. Linn. 
 
 nudum. Linn. 
 
 Oxycoccus. Pursli. High-Craneherry. 
 
 Vicia 
 
 Cracca. Linn. 
 
 Villarsia 
 
 lacunosa. V e n t e n a 1. 
 
 Viola 
 
 acuta. B i g e 1 o w. 
 
 blanda. Willdenow. 
 
 Canadensis. Linn. 
 
 cuculata. A i t o n. Blue- Violet. 
 
 lanceolata. Linn. 
 
 Muhlenbergii. T o r r e y. 
 
 ochroleuca. S c h w e i n i t z. 
 
 ovata. Nuttall. 
 
 palmata. Linn. 
 
 pedata. Linn. Parsley -Violet. 
 
 Primulifolia. Linn. 
 
 pubesccns. A i t o n. Yellow- Violet. 
 
 sagittata. A i t o n. 
 
 tricolor. Linn. Pansey. 
 
 Vitis 
 
 aestivalis. M i c h a u x. Sinnmer-Grape. 
 cordifolia. M i c h a u x. Frost-Grape. 
 Labrnsca. L i n n. Fox-Grape. 
 
 Woodwardia 
 
 Virginica. Willdenow. 
 
 Xanthium 
 
 Strumarium. Linn. 
 
 Xylosteum 
 
 riliatum. Purs li. Fly-Honeysvckle.
 
 302 
 
 Xyris 
 
 rtexuosa. Elliott. 
 
 Zannichellia 
 
 palustiis. Linn. * . 
 
 Zanthoxylum 
 
 Fraxineum. W i 1 1 d e n o w. Prickly-Ash 
 Zizania 
 
 aquatica. P u r s h. Wild-Rice. 
 Miliacea. M i c h a u x. 
 
 Zostera 
 
 marina. Linn. Eel-grass. 
 
 Total number of species, 1156. 
 
 SECTION VII. 
 
 REGISTER OF HEALTH. 
 
 In reply to a note, addressed by the author to his friend, Doct. 
 Henry D. Butkley, Clerk of the Medical Association of New 
 Haven, he has been furnished with the following satisfactory re- 
 ply. The table is more complete than was anticipated, as no le- 
 gal obligation rests on the members of the Medical Society, to 
 keep a register, and no provision is made for defraying its expense. 
 
 As the note addressed to Doct. Bulkley, explains as well the 
 nature and intent of the inquiries, as their connection with this 
 treatise, a copy of the correspondence is subjoined. 
 
 To Doct. Henry D. Bulkley, 
 
 Clerk of the Medical Association of the City of New Haven. 
 
 Dear Sir. — I mentioned to you several days since, that I was 
 desirous to obtain from some official source, a bill of mortality 
 of this city for ten or twenty years past, and requested your good 
 offices, in conjunction with those of your predecessor, (Dr. Dow,) 
 in giving me the information. From the loose manner, in which 
 the medical statistics of the city were formei-ly noted, I was fear- 
 ful that I was soliciting from your friendship, a statement, that 
 might occasion some trouble in the compilation. Doctor Dow 
 informs me, that you have been enabled to procure more com-
 
 303 
 
 plete information in relation to the 'subject of my iaiimry ihun Im 
 had anticipated. 
 
 To relieve you from any unnecessary trouble, I will state more 
 particularly my object and the extent of ray wishes. 
 
 In connection with the prosperity of New Haven, its long es- 
 tablished character as a place for the education of youth, cannot 
 be disregarded by its citizens. I refer to its advantages both in 
 the elementary and higher branches of instruction. A consider- 
 able portion of our population, is composed of students of both 
 sexes, who are temporarily residing here, for the purpose of ed- 
 ucation. Having recently bestowed some attention on this sub- 
 ject, I am desirous, in the event of publishing the result of my 
 investigations, to annex such a statement of facts with regard to 
 the health of the city, as may be deemed important to the parents 
 and friends of pupils who may be sent here for the purpose of 
 instruction. 
 
 A period of time not less than ten and not exceeding twenty 
 years, would probably be sufficient for my purpose. 
 
 The general inquiries, to which I am desirous of procuring 
 an accurate answer ai'C the following : 
 
 Ist. What have been the number of deaths in New Haven in 
 each year, say for ten or fifteen years last past. 
 
 2d. The ages and sex of those who have died. 
 
 3d. The number who have died in each year who Mcrc mem- 
 bers of Yale College. 
 
 4th. The proportion of deaths to population at the several 
 times. 
 
 5th. The prevailing diseases, and particularly wheliier any of 
 a contagious or infectious character arc peculiar or connnt)M to 
 this location. 
 
 I am so fully aware of your better skill in arranging a tabic. 
 that will meet my wishes, that I deem it unnecessary to niUi 
 into further particulars. If you can, with the aid of Dorlor r)t)\\ , 
 furnish the facts referred tu iu llic above iiiijiiiriej^, I shiill fit! 
 highly senaiblc of your kindness. 
 
 Youi friend and ulKdiciil iicrvaiil, 
 
 E. IjAI.II\\IN 
 I'cbruaiv yih, iSol.
 
 304 
 
 New Haven, March 19, 1831. 
 
 To Ebenezer Baldwin, Esq. 
 
 Respected Sir. — In reply to a part of the inquiries contained 
 in your note of 9th ult. I send you the annexed statement of the 
 bill of mortality for the city of New Haven for twenty years, 
 ending Dec. 31, 1830. I am indebted to my friend Doct. Dow, 
 for his assistance, and we have endeavored to obtain the facts from 
 such sources only as may be regarded authentic. The deaths in 
 Hotchkisstown and Fair Haven, are not included in this state- 
 ment. With much respect, your obedient servant, 
 
 Henry D. Bulkley, 
 
 Clerk Med. Associat. JV. Haven. 
 
 1811— Total 121. Of these 11 were 
 strangers. Of this number 14 died 
 at the Alms House, and tlieir ages 
 are not recorded. Of the remainder 
 there were — 
 
 Under 5 yrs. 40. Betw.50& GO, 5. 
 
 1814— Total 100. Of this number 2 
 
 were members of College. 
 Under .5 yrs. 27. Betw.50 & 60, 5. 
 Betwn. 5&10, 4. " 60" 70,14. 
 
 Betwn. 5&10, 1. 
 " 10 " 20, 5. 
 " 20 "30, 15. 
 « .30 « 40. 10. 
 " 40 " 50, 11. 
 
 60 
 70 
 80 
 90 
 
 70, 9. 
 
 80, 7. 
 
 90, 4. 
 
 100, 0. 
 
 10 " 20, 8. 
 20 " 30, 10. 
 30 " 40, 13. 
 40 " 50, 9. 
 
 70 " 80, 6. 
 80 " 90, 3. 
 90 " 100, 1. 
 
 1812— Total 91. Of these 14 were 
 blacks, whose ages are not mentioned. 
 Of the remainder there were — 
 
 Under 5 yrs. 34. Betw.50 & 60,7. 
 
 Betwn. 5&10, 4. 
 
 « 10 " 20, 2. 
 
 " 20 '■■ 30, 5. 
 
 " 30 " 40, 4. 
 
 " 40 " 50, 4. 
 
 60 " 70 
 
 70 " SO, 8, 
 
 80 " 90, 2, 
 
 90 "100, 2. 
 
 1815— Total 213. Of these 2 were 
 members of College, and 3 were 
 strangers. 
 
 Under 5 yrs. 121. Betw.50 & 60, 9. 
 
 Betwn. 5&10, 18. 
 
 " 10 " 20, 15. 
 
 " 20 " 30, 7. 
 
 " 30 " 40, 15. 
 
 " 40 " 50, 7. 
 
 60 " 70, 9. 
 70 " 80,11. 
 80 " 90, 0. 
 90 " 100, 1. 
 
 181G— Total 82. Of these 10 were 
 
 blacks. 
 Under 5 yrs. 28. Betw. .50^60,4. 
 Betwn. 5&10, 3. " 60 " 70,4. 
 
 " 10" 20, 4. " 70 " 80, 7. 
 
 " 20 " 30, 7. 
 
 " 30 " 40, 17. 
 
 " 40" 50, 8. 
 
 1817 — Total 77. Including one stran- 
 I ger. 
 
 Under 5 yrs 80. Betw.50 & 60, 17. Under 5 yrs. 22. Betw.50 & 60, 5. 
 
 1813— Total 228. Of these 4 were 
 members of College, and 11 died in 
 the Alms House : the ages of these 
 are not mentioned. Of the remain- 
 der there were — 
 
 Betwn. 5 & 10, 9. 
 
 • 60 ' 
 
 70, 14. 
 
 Betwn 
 
 . 5& 10, 4. 
 
 " 60 ' 
 
 70, 
 
 7. 
 
 '• 10 "20, 12. 
 
 • 70 ' 
 
 80, 16. 
 
 " 
 
 10 " 20, 5. 
 
 •' 70 ' 
 
 80, 
 
 10. 
 
 "• 20 '^ 30, 15. 
 
 ' 80 ' 
 
 90, 3. •• 
 
 20 " 30, 3. 
 
 " 80 ' 
 
 90, 
 
 0. 
 
 '• 30 " 40, 26. 
 
 • 90 ' 
 
 • 100, 2., " 
 
 30 '• 40, 11. 
 
 - 90' 
 
 100, 
 
 1. 
 
 ■• 10 '• 50, 19. 
 
 
 
 " 
 
 10 " 50, 9. 
 
 

 
 .305 
 
 1819— Total 103. I can find no paitic- 1826— Total 151. Of tlic^c 3 wcro 
 ulars on record for this year. | members of Collcfjc. 
 
 1 yr. and under, 23 Betw. 40 St 50, 14. 
 
 1820— Total 135. Of these ." were' 
 
 strangers. 
 Under 5 yrs. 62. Betw. 50 & 60, 6.1 
 
 Betwn. 
 
 Betwn. 5 & 10, 4. 
 
 
 " 60 
 
 " 10 " 20, 12. 
 
 
 " 70 
 
 " 20 " 30, 13. 
 
 
 " 80 
 
 " 30 "40, 11. 
 
 
 " 90 
 
 « 40 « 50, 12. 
 
 
 
 1821— Total 127. 
 
 Of 
 
 these 
 
 1 & 5, 15. 
 
 5 " 10, 7. 
 10 " 20, 11. 
 20 " 30, 23. 
 30 " 40, 23. 
 
 50 " GO, 12. 
 60 " 70, 8. 
 70 " 80, 12. 
 80 " 90, 1. 
 90 " 100, 2. 
 
 4 were 
 strangers, and one was a member of 
 College. 
 1 yr. and under, 21. Betw. 40 & 50, 10. 
 
 70, 6. 
 
 go' 2.^827 — Total 115. One of these a mem- 
 jqq' o'I her of College. 
 
 ' "ilyr. and under, 27. Betw. 40 & 50,11. 
 " 50 " 60, 14. 
 
 60 " 70, 7. 
 70 " 80, 10. 
 80 " 90, 5. 
 90 " 100, 1. 
 
 Betwn. 1& 5,14. 
 
 " 5 "10, 7. 
 
 10 "20, 15. 
 
 " 20 "30, 15. 
 
 30 " 40, 13. 
 
 50 
 60 
 70 
 80 
 90 
 
 60, 14 
 70, 7. 
 80, 4. 
 90, 6. 
 100, 1. 
 
 Betwn. 1& 5, 7. 
 5 " 10, 3. 
 10 
 20 
 
 20, 7. 
 30, 9. 
 
 30 « 40, 14, 
 
 1828- 
 
 Totall46. Ofthese 2 were stu- 
 dents. , 
 1 yr. and under, 34. Betw. 40 & 50, 13. 
 Betwn. 
 
 1822— Total 144. Of these one was a 
 
 member of College. 
 1 yr. and under, 46. Betw. 40 & 50, 7 
 Betwn. 
 
 1 & 5, 23. 
 
 « 50 " 
 
 60, 
 
 6. 
 
 5 " 10, 6. 
 
 ' 60" 
 
 70, 
 
 7 
 
 10 "20, 13. ' 
 
 ' 70 " 
 
 80, 
 
 7 
 
 20 " 30, 15. ' 
 
 ' 80." 
 
 90, 
 
 4. 
 
 30" 40, 10. 
 
 
 
 
 1823— Total 110. 
 
 1 yr. and under, 21. Betw.40 & 50, 6. 
 
 ■ 50 " 60, 17. 
 
 60 " 70, 8. 
 70 " 80, 15. 
 80 " 90, 2. 
 90 " 100, 1. 
 
 Betwn. 1 & 5, 12 
 
 5 " 10, 4 
 
 « 10 " 20, 4 
 
 « 20 
 
 " 30 
 
 Betwn. 1 & 5, 22. 
 
 5 " 10, 10. 
 
 10 " 20, 8. 
 
 20 " 30, 15. 
 
 30 " 40, 16. 
 
 1830- 
 
 30, 7. 
 40, 13. 
 
 1824— Total 141. 
 1 yr. and under, 34. Betw.40 & 50,14 
 
 Betwn. 1& 5,19. 
 
 5" 10, 5. 
 
 10 " 20, 8. 
 
 20 " .30, 10. 
 
 30 " 40, 16. 
 
 50 " 60, 
 60 " 70, 
 70 " 80, 
 80 " 90, 
 90 " 100, 
 
 1825— Total 189. Of this number 2 
 
 were members of College. 
 1 yr. and under, 37. Betw^0& 50,21. 
 - 50 " 60, 10 
 
 60 " 70, 23 
 70 " 80, 15, 
 80 " 90, 3 
 90 " 100, 1. 
 
 Betwn. 1 & 5, 30. 
 " 5 " 10, 9. 
 " 10 "20, 11. 
 " 20 " 30, 19. 
 « 30 « 40, 10. 
 
 1& 5,15. 
 
 " 50 " 
 
 60, 
 
 9. 
 
 5 « 10, 6. 
 
 " 60 " 
 
 70, 
 
 12. 
 
 10 " 20,10. 
 
 " 70 " 
 
 80, 
 
 12. 
 
 20 " 30,15. 
 
 " 80' 
 
 90, 
 
 5. 
 
 30 " 40, 15. 
 
 
 
 
 1829— Total 169. Of these 4 were 
 
 members of College. 
 
 1 yr. and under, 49. Betw.40 &, 50, 14. 
 
 " " 50 " 60, 14. 
 
 60 " 70, 7. 
 
 70 " 80, 13. 
 
 80 " 90, 1. 
 
 Total 171. One of these was a 
 member of College. 
 1 yr. and under, 41. Betw.40 & 50,14 
 
 Betwn. 1&. 5,28. 
 
 5 " 10, 4. 
 
 10 " 20, 5. 
 
 20 " .^0, 20. 
 
 30 " 40, 15, 
 
 50 " 60, 13. 
 60 " 70, 9. 
 70 " 80, 10. 
 90, 11. 
 100, 1. 
 
 80 
 90 
 
 Number of Deaths from 1789 to 1810 
 inclusive. 
 
 53. 
 70. 
 55. 
 51. 
 
 80. 
 
 1789, 
 1790, 
 1791, 
 1792, 
 1793, 
 
 1794, 1!30 
 
 1795, 159. 
 
 1796, 67 
 
 1797, 58 
 
 1798, 78 
 
 1799, 69 
 
 Population in 1810. 
 5,772. 
 
 1800, 79. 
 
 1801, 95. 
 
 1802, 106. 
 
 1803, 145. 
 
 1804, 95. 
 
 1805, 126. 
 
 1806, 106. 
 
 1807, 108. 
 
 1808, 78. 
 
 1809, 116. 
 
 1810, 119. 
 
 nl820. in 1830. 
 
 7.147. 10,653 
 
 39
 
 306 
 
 SECTION VIII. 
 
 BENEFACTORS OF THE COLLEGE. 
 
 In the progress of the classical history of the College, several 
 benefactions have been incidentally mentioned, as they produced 
 important changes in the course of instruction, and had a direct 
 influence on the character of the University. President Clap 
 has formed a list of "the Benefactors of Yale College, with their 
 several donations above 40s. sterling." This list extends from 
 the year 1700, to 1766, and is extracted in full from his treatise, 
 presenting an interesting statement in relation to the early pat- 
 rons of tjie institution. President Clap has adopted the sterling 
 computation, in designating the amounts of donations. 
 
 The benefactors of Vale College, with their several donations 
 above 40s. sterling. 
 
 1700. The founders of the College, 40 volumes of £. s. d. 
 
 books, in folio, value - - - - 30 
 
 1701. James Fitch, Esq. of Norwich; 637 acres of 
 
 land in Killingly ; exchanged for 628 acres 
 of land in Salisbury. 
 
 The Honorable the General Assembly of the 
 Colony of Connecticut, in the annual grant 
 about £.60 per annum, till the year 1755. 
 
 Sir John Davie, of Groton, a good collection 
 of books, the number and value not known. 
 1714. Jeremiah Dummer, Esq. of London; 120 books, 60 
 600 more by his procurement from sundry 
 gentlemen in England, mentioned 1714, 400 
 1716. The General Assembly by sale of the equiva- 
 lent land, 250 
 
 "The Honorable Elihu Yale, Esq. of London ; 
 300 vols, of books, - - - - 100 
 
 In goods in the years 1718 and 1721, 400 
 
 The Honorable Francis Nicholson, Esq. ; a 
 good collection of books,
 
 307 
 
 £. ,5. d. 
 
 ll^ie. Jeremiah Dummer, Esq. ; 76 vols, of books, 35 
 
 Mr. Samuel Mix, of New Haven, - 30 
 
 Capt. Theophilus Munson, " - - 1 1 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Joseph Noycs, " - - 10 
 
 Capt. John Proiit, - - " - - 10 
 
 Mr. Samuel Lambert, - - " - - 10 
 
 John Prout, Esq. Treasurer, " - - 8 
 
 Mr. Nathanael Heaton, - " - - 7 
 
 Joseph Whiting, Esq. - - " - - 
 
 Capt. Francis Brown, - - " - - 6 
 
 Capt. Isaac Dickerman, - " - - 5 
 
 Deacon John Punderson, - " - - 6 
 
 Mr. Richard Miles, - - " - - 5 
 
 Mr. Jonathan Mansfield, - '• - - 5 
 
 Mr. Moses Mansfield, - - " - - 5 
 
 Mr. James Gibbs, - - " - . 5 
 
 ^ * Mr. Daniel Brown, - - " - - 5 
 
 Mr. Jonathan Atwatcr, - " - - 5 
 
 Mr. Joseph Mix, - - " - - 5 
 
 Dr. Ebenezer Allen, - - " - - 5 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Samuel Russel, of Branford, 6 
 
 Mr. Edward Barker, - - " 5 
 
 Capt. John Riggs, of Derby, - - - 5 
 
 Mr. William Moss, " - . - - 5 
 Smaller donations from sundry persons in New 
 Haven, Branford, Milford, Wallingford, and 
 Derby, in money, materials and labor, to- 
 wards building the College. In tlie whole 
 
 about - 100 
 
 The Honorable Governor Saltonstall, - - 60 
 
 1717. Madam Saltonstall, 10 
 
 Jahaleel Brcnton, Esq. of Newport, - - 50 
 Mr. Joseph Peck, of New Haven, two acres 
 
 of Land in the Yorkshire quarter. 
 The proprietors of New Ilavcn eight acren ad- 
 joining to it ; forty acres more near Samuffl 
 Cooper's House,
 
 30« 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 1719. The Rev. Mr. Juseph Moss, of Derby, seven 
 
 acres of land in New Haven. 
 
 1720. Mr. Joseph Moss, Sen. of New Haven, seven 
 
 acres in New Haven, 
 Capt. Samuel Smith, of West Haven, eight 
 
 acres in North Haven. 
 Dr. Daniel Turner, of London, 28 vols, of books, 14 
 1722. A subscription to build the Rector's house, 35 
 
 A general contribution for the same end, 55 
 
 The General Assembly by impost on rum for 
 
 the same purpose, - - - - - 115 
 
 By sale of lands, ----- 120 
 
 •1723. Madam Abigail Woodbridge, of Hartford, a bell, 5 
 
 1729. Jeremiah Dummer, Esq. ; two valuable books, 2 
 
 1730. Joseph Thompson, Esq. of London ; 46 vols. 
 
 of books, ------ 23 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Isaac Watts, of London, all his 
 works then published, and the Berry-street 
 sermons, and since, all his other works, as 
 they were from time to time published, - 8 
 The Hon. Samuel Holden, Esq. ; 'governor of 
 the bank of England, Mr. Baxter's Practical 
 Works, 5 vols, folio, - - - - 10 
 
 1732. The General Assembly 300 acres of land in 
 
 each of the towns of Canaan, Norfolk, Go- 
 shen, Cornwall and Kent. 
 
 1733. The Rev. Dr. George Berkely, bishop of Cloyne, 
 
 96 acres of land on Rhode Island. 
 
 1000 volumes of books, including his own 
 
 Avorks, given A. D. 1730, - - - 400 
 
 1734. Joseph Thompson, Esq. of London ; a com- 
 
 plete set of surveying instruments, - - 21 
 A reflecting telescope, a microscope, barome- 
 ter and sundiy other mathematical instru- 
 ments purchased by subscription of the trus- 
 tees, and sundry other gentlemen, • - 37 
 1738. The Rev. Dr. Watts, two large globes. - - ^
 
 300 
 
 £. 6^ d. 
 1738. The Rev. Dr. Watts, 5 vols, of books in folio, Ty 
 
 1740. The General Assembly, to the first parish in 
 
 Windham, on account of Rector Clap's re- 
 moval, 53 
 
 Mr. Auditor Benson, of London, Johnston's 
 Latin Psalms, 9 Volumes, - - - 2 
 
 1741. The General Assembly, for new covering the 
 
 College, 42 
 
 1742. The Rev. Dr. Thomas Wilson, of London, 30 
 
 of the Bishop of Sodor's Listruction to the 
 Indians, to be given to the students, - - 5 
 Madam Mary Clap, a new bell for the College, 8 
 The General Assembly, for a new kitchen and 
 fence about the Rector's house, - - 40 
 
 1744. Mr. Anthony Nougier, of Fairfield, - - 27 
 
 1745. The General Assembly, for new covering the 
 
 President's house, ----- 51 
 The Hon. Philip Livingston, Esq. - - 28 10 
 
 Mr. Samuel Lambert, and his legatees, one 
 
 hundred and sixty two acres of land in 
 
 New Haven and Wallingford. 
 
 1748. Thomas Welles, Esq. of Glassenbury, for the 
 
 New College, - - - - - . 10 
 
 Dr. Doddrige, 6 vols, of Sermons, - - 2 
 
 1749. Given by the General Assembly, for the new 
 
 College, 363 
 
 1751. Ditto, 50O 
 
 1754. Do. 2S0 
 
 1751. The Rev. Dr. Johnson and the Rev. Dr. Bar- 
 
 clay, five Littleton and West's defence, and 
 other books, ------ 2 
 
 1752. Benjamin Franklin, LL. D. of Philadelphia, 
 
 Bower's History of the Popes, &cc. - - 2 
 
 1756. The Rev. President Clap, a lot of land, for a 
 
 professor of divinity, - - - - I" 
 Mr. Gershoni ( 'lark, of Lebanon, for a profes- 
 sor of divinitv. 33 10
 
 310 
 
 1756. Given by sundry gentlemen, towards purchasing 
 an air-pump, ------ 
 
 Christopher Kilby, Esq. of London ; an astro- 
 nomical quadrant, and Dr. Shaw's travels, 
 
 £. s. d. 
 18 
 
 The forty six following' donations were for building the Pro- 
 fessor'^s house. 
 
 1756. The Rev. Samuel Bird, of New Haven, 
 Mr. Samuel Bradley, of Fairfield, 
 Capt. Daniel Bull, of Hartford, 
 The Rev. President Clap, of New Haven, 
 Abraham Davenport, Esq. of Stamford, 
 Col. Thomas Dyar, of Windham, 
 Eliphalet Dyar, Esq. of Windham, 
 The Rev. Edward Eells, of Middletown, 
 The Hon. Thomas Fitch, Esq. of Norwalk, 
 Capt. James Fitch, of Lebanon, - - - 
 Joseph Fowler, Esq. of Lebanon, 
 John Gardiner, Esq. of Gardiner's Island, 
 Matthew Griswold, Esq. of Lyme, 
 Thomas Hill, Esq. of Fairfield, 
 Capt. Jonathan Hills, of Hartford, 
 The Rev. Noah Hobart, of Fairfield, - 
 Mr. John Hotchkiss, of New Haven, - 
 Hezekiah Huntington, Esq. of Norwich, 
 Jabez Huntington, Esq. of Norwich, 
 Mr. David Ingersoll, of Sheffield, 
 The Rev. Stephen Johnson, of Lyme, 
 Mr. Timothy Jones, of New Haven, 
 Christopher Kilby, Esq. of London, 
 John Ledyard, Esq. of Hartford, 
 The Rev. Samuel Lockwood, of Coventry, 
 Mr. Joshua Lothrop, of Norwich, 
 Phinehas Lyman, Esq. of Suffield, 
 Mr. John Mix, of New Haven, 
 The Rev. Samuel Mosely, of Windham, 
 
 "\ 
 
 3 15 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 7 10 
 
 3 
 
 5 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 4 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 7 10 
 
 2 14 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 8 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 2 15 
 
 2 14 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 7 
 
 7 10 
 
 7 10 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 o 
 
 5 
 
 3 
 
 7 
 
 3 18 
 
 3 15 
 
 2 10
 
 £. 
 
 .v. ./. 
 
 :{ 
 
 I 
 
 •> 
 
 r> 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 5 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 17 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 4 14 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 311 
 
 175C. The Hon. William Pitkin, Es(i. of Hitrll..i.l, 
 Col. Joseph Pitkin, of Hartford, 
 Thomas Seymour, Esq. of Hartforil, - 
 Elisha Sheldon, Esq. of Litclifield, 
 Comfort Starr, Esq. of Danbury, 
 Capt. Samuel Sturges, of Fairfield, 
 Jonathan Trumble, Esq. of Lebanon, - 
 Robert Walker, Esq. of Stratford, 
 Thomas Welles, Esq. of Glassenbury, 
 Capt. Joel White, of Bolton, 
 The Rev. Thomas White, of Bolton, - 
 Madam Elizabeth Williams, of Weatliersfield, 
 The Rev. Solomon Williams, of Lebanon, 
 The Rev. Eliphalet Williams, of Hartford, 
 The Hon. Roger Wolcott, Esq. of Windsor, 
 Roger Wolcott, Jun. Esq. of Windsor, 
 The Rev. Ashbel Woodbridgc, of Glassenbury, 
 Sundry other donations under 40;?. sterling, 
 
 amounting in the whole, - - - - 10"-i o 
 
 The forty two donations following were for building the Chapel 
 
 £. .•?. (/. 
 
 1761. Mr. Enos Ailing, of New Haven, - - 15 
 
 Mr. Nathan Beers, of New Haven, - - 2 12 
 
 The Rev. Samuel Bird, of New Haven, - 4 ir. 
 
 Capt. Daniel Bull, of Hartford, - - - 2 5 
 
 The Rev. President Clap, of New Haven, - 25 
 
 Madam Mary Clap, of New Haven, - - HlO 
 
 The Rev. Moses Dickinson, of Norwalk, - 2 7 
 
 Eliphalet Dyar, Esq. of Windham, - - - J 
 
 The Rev. Edward Eells, of Middletown, - 2 5 
 
 Capt. Ebenczer Grant, of Windsor, - - ~ -^ 
 
 Matthew Oris wold, Esq. of Lyme, - - -^ '•» 
 
 Thomas Hill, Esq. of Fairfield, ' ' ' '^ ''? 
 
 Capt. Jonathan Hills, of Hartford, - - -^ '-J 
 The Rev. Noah Hobart, of Fairfield, - '^ ^'^ 
 
 Mr. John Hotrhkiss, of New Haven, - ^<*» ^*
 
 312 
 
 1761. Hezekiah Huntington, Esq. of Norwich, 
 Jabez Hunliiiiiton, Esq. of Norwich, 
 Jared Ingersoll, Esq. of New Haven, - 
 John Ledyard, Esq. of Hartford, 
 Peter V. B. Livingston, Esq. of New York, 
 Philip Livingston, Esq. of New York, 
 The Rev. Benjamin Lord, of Norwich, 
 Mr. Joshua Lothrop, of Norwich, 
 Phinehas Lyman, Esq. of Suffield, 
 The Rev. Jonathan Merick, of Branford, 
 Mr. John Mix, of New Haven, 
 David Rowland, Esq. of Fairfield, 
 Thomas Seymour Esq. of Hartford, 
 Capt. Jonathan Seymour, of Hartford, 
 Elisha Sheldon, Esq. of Litchfield, 
 Roger Sherman, Esq. of New Haven, - 
 The Rev. Charles Jefiery Smith, of Brook Ha- 
 ven, Long-Island, . . - - - 
 
 Jonathan Trumble, Esq. of Lebanon, 
 Robert Walker, Esq. of Stratford, 
 Mr. Jonathan Welles, of Glassenbury, 
 The Rev. Thomas White, of Bolton, - 
 Capt. Jonathan White, of Lebanon, 
 The Rev. Elnathan Whitman, of Hartford, 
 Madam Elizabeth Williams, of Weathersfield, 
 The Rev. Solomon Williams, of Lebanon, 
 The Rev. Eliphalet Williams, of Hartford, - 
 Sundry lesser donations amounting to - 
 
 1762. The Rev. Jared Eliot, of Kilingworth, - 7 10 
 Bfshop Sherlock, his sermons, 4 volumes, 6 
 
 duplicates, - - - - - - 30 
 
 Dr. Hales and Dr. Wilson, 60 sets of Dr. Le- 
 
 land's View of Deistical Writers, - - 25 
 Daniel Scot J. U. D. his Appendix ad Thesau- 
 
 rum Stephani : 2 vols. fol. - - - 2 
 
 The Rev. John Erskine, several valuable books, 2 
 
 £. 
 
 s.d. 
 
 3 15 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 2 13 
 
 2 
 
 8 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 3 15 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 3 15 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 7 10 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 4 10 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 3 17 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 3 15 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 27 16
 
 313 
 
 1762. Mr. John Hotchkiss, of New Haven, Jefferk-s's £. 5. d. 
 
 History of French America, AVard's Oratory, 
 2 vols. Sheridan on education, and 5 of Dr. 
 Watts' psalm-books, witli notes, - - 4 
 
 1763. Mr. Philip Schuyler, of Albany, an electrical 
 
 instrument and books, - - - - 3 
 
 1765. George Mills, Esq. of New Haven, Jefleries's 
 
 History of French America, - - - 2 
 Thomas VV^hately, Esq. a member of parlia- 
 ment, and secretary to the board of treasury ; 
 the palace of Diocletian, in Cuts, - - 3 
 The Honorable the General Assembly, towards 
 
 finishing the chapel, . . . . 215 13 D 
 
 Richard Jackson, Esq. a member of parliament, 
 and agent for the colony of Connecticut, to- 
 wards finishing the chapel, ... lOQ 
 
 1766. Mr. John Hotchkiss, of New Haven, Ridgley's 
 
 Body of Divinity, 2 vols, folio, - - 2 10 
 
 Public and private benefactions to the college, made since the 
 ter?nination of President Clap's accovnt, arranged chrono- 
 logically. 
 1770. His Excellency Governor Trumbull, a tract of land in 
 Lebanon, value, ... - $100 
 
 1777. Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, of Wethersfield, - $<200 
 The Rev. George Colton, of Bolton, a small donation, 
 
 specific, ----- $)10 
 
 The Rev. Messrs. Salter, Johnson, Lockwood and Pitkin, 
 (of the corporation,) each ten dollars, for a special 
 object, - - - - - ^10 
 
 Owners of the sloop of war Satisfaction, Kennicott's He- 
 brew Bible, with various readings. Vol. I. folio. 
 
 1778. Expences of removing Doctor Stiles's family from Ports- 
 
 mouth, paid by the Treasurer of the State, in compli- 
 ance with an act of the General Assembly, £242 10.j. (W. 
 N. B. The depreciated state of the currency, arising 
 out of the war, renders it impossible to ascertain the 
 true value of this gift. 
 40
 
 314 
 
 A donation iVom President Stiles, spccitic in ol)jcct, $40 
 1779. Elias Beers, Bedfonl's Chronology, and other valuable 
 books alterwards. 
 David Austin, a Planctariun). 
 
 1781. Rev. Nathan Stron^f, of Hartford, a Scioptic glass. 
 Rev. Richard Salter, D. D. of Mansfield, a tract of land of 
 
 200 acres, the rents appropriated to encourage the study 
 of the Hebrew and the Oriental languages. In 1792 it 
 was leased for £470, consideration, and one penny per 
 annum rent, equal to - - - $1,506 67 
 
 1782. Dr. Daniel Lathrop, of Norwich, £500; equal to $1,666 66 
 
 1783. Jacob R. Rivera, of Leicester, Mass. a portrait of the Jew- 
 
 ish Rabbi, Haijm Isaac Carigal. 
 
 1784. Jeremiah Atwater, of New Haven, expense of painting 
 
 the pulpit and gallery of the Chajiel. 
 
 1786. Rev. Stephen Johnson, of Lyme, three copies of his Trea- 
 
 tise on Future Punishment. 
 
 1787. Samuel Lockwood, D. D. £100 ; equal to $333 33 
 
 This donation was on the condition that it should be 
 increased to $1000, and then be applied to the purchase 
 of apparatus. The sum mentioned in the condition was 
 subsequently made up, principally by subscriptions of 
 the citizens of New Haven, and the apparatus procured 
 in the year 1789. 
 
 1788. Rev. John Erskine, D. D. of Edinburgh, several dona- 
 
 tions of books. — N. B. Between the years 1788 and 1795, 
 Doctor Erskine contributed 120 volumes to the library. 
 Rev. William Gordon, of Roxbury, sundry books. 
 
 1789. Rev. Eliphalet Williams, of East Hartford, donation of 
 
 books. 
 
 Hon. Dudley North, M.P. an elegant portrait of Gov. Yale. 
 
 Doctor Price and Mr. Vaughan, of London, Col. John 
 Broome and Mr. Samuel Broome, of New York, their 
 agency in the purchase and free transportation of Phi- 
 losophical apparatus. 
 
 Noah Webster, Esq. of New Haven, Connecticut, a part 
 of the profits of his Grammatical Institute, to be ap- 
 propriated in premiums, for composition, &c.
 
 315 
 
 Capt. Pelcr Poiul, oC Milfortl, a colhoiiuii of American 
 Fossils. 
 
 Rev. Samuel Lockwood, D. D. of Aiulover. lor inrreasp 
 of tlic library ; a Slate certificate for the sum of 
 £336 lis. lawful money; ecjuai to - SI, 122 33 
 
 Rev. Messrs. Jarcd Elliot and Thomas Rup^ules, avails (»f 
 former donations, now vested in United States certifi- 
 cates of stock, to purchase books, - - 8114 98 
 
 His Excellency Governor Trumbull, tlio jiorlrait of his 
 father, the former Governor Trumbull. 
 1792. By virtue of an act of the General Assembly, commis- 
 sioners were appointed, with authority to receive bal- 
 ances due on taxes imposed by the State, and to apply 
 the same for the benefit of Yale Collejrc, on the terms 
 and conditions therein cxj)rcsscd. The sum of £25(H) 
 (lawful money, and equal to $8,333 33 of the present 
 curi'ency of the United Slates,) was appropriated for 
 the erection of a new " Building or College for the re- 
 ception and accommodation of students ;" the residue 
 was to be applied for the support of Professors, «S:c. 
 A reservation of 50 per cent, of the amount collect- 
 ed, formed a section of the Law, at the time of the 
 grant, but was subsequently commuted by an act of the 
 Assembly. The Corporation of the College acceded to 
 the terms imposed by the Legislature, at their next 
 meeting after the passage of the act; and the grant 
 yielded to the funds about $40,030. At liie session of 
 the Legislature, in the year 1800, the Corporation of 
 the College was discharged from the aj)proiiriations im- 
 posed by the acts of 1792 and 1790. 
 
 A donation of books from Mr. William Ilyslop, of Brook- 
 lyn, Massachusetts, the proceeds of money sent by him 
 to Dr. Erskinc of Edinburgh, "to be improved and ap- 
 plied by him for the promotion of piety and literature." 
 
 Mr. Babington, Gisborn's Moral Philosophy, with i<-- 
 marks, sent l)y Dr. Er^kiiir. 
 1794. John Ford, of BraniorcK'a house and farm on cfrlnin con- 
 ditions, spccihed in the grant.
 
 316 
 
 1801. Mr. Jeremiah Atwater, of New Haven, a present of two 
 chandeliers for the use of the chapel. 
 
 1807. Hon. Oliver Wolcott, of Litchfield, last Governor of the 
 State, of that name, . . - . $2,000 
 
 By the tei-ms of his gift the interest is to be applied 
 to the library. 
 
 1811 and 182.5. These two periods are noted in connection in ref- 
 erence to the splendid cabinet procured from Col.Gibbs; 
 the first as the date of a valuable deposit, the second as 
 designating the period of purchase on the liberal terms 
 afforded by the vender. The sketch in regard to the 
 cabinet, inserted in a previous part of this appendix, 
 will give a guidance to the liberal gentlemen, whose 
 efiicient aid eflected the purchase. 
 
 1813. A legacy from Isaac Beers, Esq. of New Haven, 1900 
 
 acres of land in the town of Holland, Vt. 
 
 1814. A grant from the State, of the nominal amount of $30,000 
 
 for the establishment of a medical department in the 
 College. 
 1817. A donation, by legacy, from Noah Linsley, Esq. of 
 Wheeling, Virginia, - - - $3,000 
 
 1820. A marble bust of General David Humphi-eys. Presented 
 
 by his widow. 
 
 1821. Portrait of the first Governor Trumbull, presented by 
 
 his son John Trumbull, Esq. 
 
 1822. For the permanent establishment of the Theological de- 
 
 partment. 
 
 Donations for the Dwiglit Professorship, viz. 
 By Eleazer T. Fitch, D. D. Professor, &c. - - $1,666 66 
 " Wilham Leffingwell, New Haven, (Land,) 1250 00 
 
 (Cash,) 750 00 2,000 00 
 « Timothy Dwight, of New Haven, - - 5,000 00 
 
 " Henry L. Ellsworth, Hartford, - - 1,000 00 
 
 " Jeremiah Day, D. D. President, - - 700 00 
 
 " Benjamin Silliman, LL. D. Professor, - - 150 00 
 
 " J. L. Kingsley, Professor, '- - - , 500 00 
 
 " Anna Townsend, of New Haven, - - 500 00
 
 317 
 
 By Abraham and Jared Bradley, of New Haven, (Land 
 sold for) - - - . 
 
 " Stephen Twining, New Haven, 
 " Hull and Townsend, do. 
 " Dyer White, 
 " William H. Elliott, 
 
 John H. Colcy, 
 Jehiel Forbes, 
 Elihu Sanford, 
 A Lady, 
 Titus Street, 
 
 do. 
 do. 
 do. 
 do. 
 do. 
 do. 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 (Land,) 
 (Cash,) 
 
 t>()() 00 
 100 00 
 
 Stephen Van Rensselaer, LL. D. Albany, N. Y. 
 
 William C. Woodbridge, Hartford, 
 
 Thomas S. Williams, do. 
 
 Cornelia Hubbard, Middletown, 
 
 Harriet W. Cobb, Portland, Me. 
 
 William W. Ellsworth, Hartford, 
 
 Arthur Tappan, New York, 
 
 Jonathan Little, do. 
 
 Richard Varick, do. 
 
 Sherman Converse, do. 
 
 James E. Beach, do. 
 
 A Friend, do. 
 
 Benjamin Curtis, do. ... 
 
 Thomas R. Gould, of Whitesborough, N. Y. 
 
 Orrin Day, of Cattskill, N. Y. 
 
 Garrit Smith, of Peterborough, N. Y. - 
 
 Henry Dwight, of New Haven, 
 
 Hon. David Daggett, do. 
 
 Aristarchus Champion, of Champion, N. Y. 
 
 Elizur Goodrich, Jun. of Utica, N. Y. 
 
 Henry Rutgers, of New York, 
 
 Daniel Metcalf, of Lebanon, Ct. 
 
 Zachariah Lewis, of New York, 
 
 Ebenezer Parker, of Boston, 
 
 Henrietta F. Whitney, of New Haven, - 
 
 Alexander Phoenix, of New York, 
 
 8600 00 
 250 00 
 500 (H) 
 300 00 
 
 300 00 
 
 HK) (HJ 
 
 50 (X) 
 
 50 00 
 
 00 00 
 
 1,000 00 
 500 00 
 150 00 
 500 00 
 
 1,000 00 
 
 50 00 
 
 800 00 
 
 1,000 00 
 500 00 
 200 00 
 5(H3 00 
 100 00 
 500 00 
 250 00 
 100 00 
 250 00 
 250 00 
 100 00 
 500 00 
 
 l,5iK) 00 
 125 00 
 
 000 IK> 
 
 75 00 
 
 500 00 
 
 .5(K> 00 
 
 |.'>0 (H»
 
 318 
 
 By Rev. David Smith, of Durham, - - - Jj^lOO 00 
 
 " Abel Wheeler, of Oxford, - - - 100 00 
 
 " A legacy from Mrs. Martha Denison, of Wilkesbarre, 1,000 00 
 " " " Miss Nancy Starr, of Middletown, 535 00 
 
 " Sundry donations less than $50, - - 290 78 
 
 $27,612 44 
 
 N. B. Of the above donations, the sum of nine thousand two 
 hundred dollars, was invested in the Eagle Bank, and lost by the 
 failure of that institution. 
 
 Donations to the Sacred Literature Professorship, viz. 
 By Richard Varick, of New York, 
 
 " Nehemiah Hubbard, of Middletown, Ct. 
 
 " Sophia Townsend, of New Haven, 
 
 " Joseph Hurlburt, of New London, 
 
 " Eleazar F. Backus, of New Haven, 
 
 " John Davenport, of Stamford, 
 
 " Thomas Darling, of New York, 
 
 " John H. De Forest, of Humphreysville, 
 
 " Richard Hubbard, of Middletown, 
 
 " Arthur Tappan, of New York, 
 
 " John C. Smith, of Sharon, 
 
 " Joshua L. Williams, of Middletown, 
 
 " Other donations, under $50 each. 
 
 Donations for Theological purposes, viz. 
 By Anson G. Phelps, of New York, 
 " Jonathan Little, do. 
 
 " Chauncey A. Goodrich, Professor, 
 " Knowles Taylor, of New York, 
 " A. Phcenix, do. ... 
 
 " A. Tapjjan, do. ... 
 
 " Joseph Otis, of Stratford, ... 
 
 " Donations of less than $50, - 
 
 $1,530 00 
 
 A donation from Roswell Colt, Esq. of Baltimore, in land, 
 estimated from .... $900 to 1000 
 
 $200 00 
 
 500 00 
 
 50 00 
 
 50 00 
 
 1,000 00 
 
 150 00 
 
 50 00 
 
 100 00 
 
 100 00 
 
 1,000 00 
 
 100 00 
 
 50 00 
 
 5,879 22 
 
 $9,229 22 
 
 $ 50 00 
 
 250 00 
 
 500 00 
 
 50 00 
 
 150 00 
 
 100 00 
 
 300 00 
 
 130 00
 
 ;U9 
 
 ^Ad ditional contribution.'^ in the year X'tfirZ. 
 The Rev. Jedediah Morse, D. D. subscription in books, ^00 
 Mr. Samuel F. B. Morse, do. do. ^)() 
 
 Eli Whitney, Esq. Cash, - - - ^i.'SCK) 
 
 This donation, by the terms of the jfvant, was to be applied to 
 a perpetual fund, for the purchase of books, relative to practical 
 Mechanics and Physical scicnceTj 
 
 1S23. A donation from David C De Forest, Esq. late Consul Gen- 
 eral from Buenos Ayres, on specified conditions, S5000 
 Sheldon Clark, Esq. of Oxford, a donation, on terms speci- 
 fied, ----- !s,-,()00 
 18^. William W. Woolsey, Esq. of New York, a tract of land 
 in the town of Lysle, Chenango County, N. Y. on cer- 
 tain conditions, about - - . - i^KKX) 
 An unknown benefactor, for the enlargement of the libra- 
 ry, 8500 
 
 The Benevolent Society of Yale College on their dissolu- 
 tion, on specific terms, 1st. Their library. 2d. Their 
 funds, amounting to - - - - $5G7 36 
 N. B. The interest of this benefaction is to be applied 
 in aid of indigent students, &c. 
 Sheldon Clark, Esq. of Oxford, to estabhsh a scholarship 
 on specific terms, . . - - . $1(X)0 
 
 1825. Citizens of New Haven in aid of purchasing the "Gibbs' 
 
 Mineralogical Cabinet," - - S10,(XH) 
 
 Citizens of New York, do. - - - 83500 
 
 Alumni of Yale College in South Carolina, do. 8800 
 Thomas Day, Esq. of Hartford, on terms specified, 82000. 
 The Rev. John Elliot, D. D. of East Guilford, nine acres 
 
 ofland sold in 1825 for - - - - 83()0 
 
 1826. Daniel Boardman, Esq. of New York, 1010 acres of land 
 
 in Granby, Vt. 
 
 1827. William C. Woodbridge, a large map of Rome. 
 Joseph Stansbury, Esq. of London, Ackermann's history 
 
 of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, with 2(X> 
 splendid engravings ; 4 vols, iniporinl, Ito. 
 Geo. Hoadly, of N. Haven, a portrait of Eh Whitney, Ksq. 
 
 1828. Commodore Isaac Hull, of the United States Navy, a 
 
 collection of pictures and minerals.
 
 320 
 
 Arthur Tappan, Esq. of New York, for the tuition of ben- 
 eficiaries of the American Education Society, of the 
 classes entering in the years 1828 and 1829, more or 
 less. On this benefaction, there has been paid in 2| 
 years, $2,350. Its continuance for li year more ii es- 
 timated at $1,750, - - - $4,100 
 
 Ithiel Town, Esq. of New Haven, a donation of $500 
 
 Isaac Mills, Esq. of do. 100 acres of land in Millsford, 
 Ashtabula Co. Ohio. 
 
 Sheldon Clark, Esq. of Oxford, Ct. for an achromatic tel- 
 escope, and a pair of 21 inch globes, - $1,250 
 
 Samuel S. Lusk, Esq. of Albany, Montanus's Hebrew Bi- 
 ble and Greek Testament, 6 vols. 8vo. from the library 
 of the Rev. John Davenport, the first pastor of N. Haven. 
 
 1829. John McAdam, Esq. of Great Britain, residing at Naples, 
 
 a set of Models of Ancient Temples, and of a Sarcopha- 
 gus at Poestum, through the agency of Wm. McCrackan, 
 Esq. 
 
 1830. Mrs. Humphreys, relict of the late Gen. David Humphreys, 
 
 now Mrs. Walewski, two portraits of Gen. Humphreys. 
 
 1831. From the Legislature, being a part of the bonus on the 
 
 grant of a bank charter to Bridgeport, - $7000 
 Donations hy the Ahimni. 
 1827. The Alumni of Yale College at the Commencement in 1827 
 formed themselves into a society under the following constitution: 
 
 Art. I. This association shall be called the Society of the 
 Alumni of Yale College. 
 
 Art. II. Its general object shall be to sustain and advance the 
 interests of Yale College. 
 
 Art. III. Its officers shall be a President, Vice Presidents, Di- 
 rectors, a Secretary and a Treasurer. 
 
 Art. IV. An Alumnus who pays two dollars annually, shall be 
 a member of the Society, and shall be considered as continuing 
 such, until he gives notice to the Treasurer of his intention to 
 withdraw. 
 
 Art V. One who pays fifteen dollars at one time, shall be a 
 member of the society for ten years. 
 
 Art. VI. One who pays twenty five dollars at a time, shall 
 be a member for life. 
 
 '%
 
 321 
 
 Art. VII. Any person (wlietlier an alumnus m- \m,i) t«rho con- 
 tributes the sum of fifty dollars, sliall l»c a Director for life. 
 
 Art. VIII. Any person (whether an alumnus or not) who con- 
 tributes the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars, shall be au Hon- 
 orary Vice President for life. 
 
 Art. IX. Provides that the officers shall be chosen at the an- 
 nual meeting-. 
 
 Art. X, Provides that all meetings shall be holden at New 
 Haven ; the annual meeting, at the season of commencement. 
 
 Art. XI. The ftmds of the society shall be appropriated to 
 such objects as the donors respectively may specify ; if no object 
 is specified by the donors, the directors shall dispose of them, &c. 
 in accordance with the general objects, and spirit of the associa- 
 tion, and make report to the next annual meeting. 
 
 On the adoption of the above constitution, at a numerous 
 meeting of the Alumni, a book being opened, subscrijjtions highly 
 respectable both in names and amount, were made. It has been 
 enlarged since, and is still open for the further subscriptions of 
 the Alumni, and other benevolent patrons. 
 
 The sums already received (from a larger amount 
 subscribed) is $3,814 50 
 
 Of which has been applied and paid over to the theo- 
 logical department, as specifically directed by the donors 737 00 
 
 83,077 50 
 The remainder, deducting expenses, has been vested in bank 
 stock and other funds, and has been appropriated by the society to 
 the support of one of the professorships, to be hereafter designa- 
 ted, and called the Professorship of the Alumni. 
 
 N. B. The preceding list of benefactions has been compiled from the rec- 
 ords of the College, and the books of the treasurer. The author issens ibic that 
 it is deficient in many respects, and that donations, entitled to notice, may have 
 been in some cases omitted. The notations of benefactions, required the ex- 
 amination of several volumes of records. In the progress of the inquiry, it 
 was ascertained that their names and gifts, had been stated in several books, 
 and under different heads. The errors thus occurring, and which are not 
 chargeable to any intentional omissions, it is lioped, may be hereafter rectified 
 by the publication of a perfect list. 
 
 41
 
 322 
 
 In the year 1822, an application was made to the Legislature, 
 for an appropriation in aid of the funds of the College. As the 
 report of the Committee appointed on that occasion, and of which 
 the present Governor of the State was Chairman, exhibits in a 
 condensed form the various grants made by the State in be- 
 half of the College, it is inserted without diminution. How far 
 the conclusion of the Committee, conforms to the statement of 
 facts and the reasons specified in llie body of the report, it is not 
 the province of the compiler to judge. 
 
 The Committee to whovi was referred the Petition of the Presi- 
 dent and Fellows of Yale College, respectfully 
 REPORT: 
 
 That they have investigated the facts stated in said petition ; 
 and have also taken into consideration the two " resolutions" 
 submitted to them by the House of Representatives — the first di- 
 recting them to inquire concerning the donations made by this 
 State to the Corporation of Yale College — and the latter, direct- 
 ing their inquiries to the mode of instruction, and existing bye- 
 laws, designed to secure to one denomination of christians the 
 government of the College ; and the result of their examination 
 is now submitted. 
 
 The productive capital of the College may be estimated at fifty 
 thousand dollars ; but the same is now subject to a debt recently 
 incurred, by the erection of one new building, the expense of 
 which is about eleven thousand dollars, and if no means can be 
 devised to pay ofl'this sum, it must eventually be deducted from 
 the capital of the corporation ; and will reduce the annual in- 
 come below what appears to be absolutely necessary to the pros- 
 perity of the institution. The number of students has greatly in- 
 creased within a few years past, and we are happy to have it in 
 our power to state, that the )uimber of students now exceeds that 
 of any other College in the United States. 
 
 This fact alone, is conclusive testimony to our minds, that the 
 institution of Yale College is worthy of our greatest exertions, 
 and should excite in every breast that ambition, so sensibly felt by 
 those who delight to behold the State of Connecticut justly claim-
 
 323 
 
 ing a place, in the history of our nation, lo w hith oiherti strive lo 
 attain in vain. This institution ever has been, ami we confKleiu- 
 ly hope ever will be, t)ie pride of our .State, whoso lo<ri!-latiircd 
 have from time to time, extended a fosterin<j hand. 
 
 At the institution of the College, an annual •pfraui u.i, mudi-, 
 which, with some additions, continued forty-four years; and at 
 the expiration of that time, the whole amount was >? 12,399 10 
 Sundry other specific grants, from 1710 to I76(i, 
 
 amounted to 9,168 00 
 
 In the year 1792, the General Assembly authorized 
 the ' Trustees' to receive certain arrearages of tax- 
 es upon condition of paying into the treasury of 
 this State, 50 per cent, of the whole amount col 
 lected, in any description of U. S. stock. Ami 
 subsequently an arrangement was made by which 
 the Treasury of this State realized 813,720 30, 
 'ajid the College realized from this grant 40,629 80 
 
 It appears that notliing more was given until the gen- 
 eral appropriation of 1816, for religion and litera- 
 ture. The College proportion was 8,7b5 JO 
 And 1500 acres of land granted in 1732, in Litchlield 
 
 County, of the value of about 600 00 
 
 The whole amounting to 871,582 60 
 
 This estimate does not include the avails of a lottery which 
 was authorized by the General Assembly in 1747, and from which 
 was obtained the sum of 82,220 00; neither does it inchide the 
 appropriations for the " Medical Institution." For the last four 
 years, the average annual expenditures of tlie College have ex- 
 ceeded the income. 
 
 There has been paid by students for tuition, cVc. an- 
 nually, ■ *'-''-^» '^^ 
 Interest of the College funds, 3,000 00 
 
 Expenditures for the same period : instriKtion, re 
 pairs, incidental expenses, &c 
 
 815,021 00 
 
 8ir>. 171 <H)
 
 324 
 
 The College buildings are now in excellent repair, and are 
 worth more than has ever been given by this State. The Com- 
 mittee regret that public sentiment has been impressed that more 
 frequent grants and donations, and to a larger amount, have been 
 made by the State, than facts will warrant. The present flour- 
 ishing state and high reputation of the Callege, are such, that the 
 buildings are inadequate to the accommodation of all the stu- 
 dents, who resort to this seminary. 
 
 In the year 1708, when our fathers obtained for their posterity 
 the establishment of this College, they were nearly all of one reli- 
 gious denomination, and their primary object was to educate aqd 
 qualify their sons for the ministry, — and as they were strongly 
 impressed with the impropriety of that oppression from which 
 they had just escaped, and to secure themselves against that op- 
 pression, it was required by the bye-laws of the College, that be- 
 fore entering upon the duties of an office in the College, the can- 
 didate should declare his assent to the confession of faith and rjilfes 
 of ecclesiastical discipline, agreed upon by the Churches in this 
 State in 1708, which requisitions continued down to the year 
 1SJ7; since which, by their laws, the candidate has his election, 
 to make that declaration, or in sovie other way, give satisfactory 
 evidence to the President and Fellows, of his religious belief and 
 qualifications. 
 
 The government of the College is established on the plan of 
 that of a well regulated family, marked with all that mildness and 
 humanity, so happily cultivated at the present day. 
 
 The petitioners seek an additional grant from the treasury, to 
 enable them to pay off the expenses of the College lately erected, 
 and to enable them to maintain the character and utility of this 
 institution, and transmit its benefits to future generations. 
 
 The Committee having given to the various subjects referred to 
 them, all that attention their limited time would admit of, are, on 
 the whole, of the opinion, that at present it v/ould be inexpedi- 
 ent to make the grant desired. 
 
 All which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 Signed per order, J. S. Peters. 
 
 May Session, 1822. 
 
 4^1 ^ d 5 
 
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