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History of the University of North Carolina.
Volume I: From its Beginning to the Death of President Swain, 1789-1868:

Electronic Edition.

Battle, Kemp P. (Kemp Plummer), 1831-1919


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(title page) History of the University of North Carolina. Volume I: From its Beginning to the Death of President Swain, 1789-1868
Kemp P. Battle
x, 1-880 p., ill.
Edwards & Broughton Printing Company, Raleigh, N. C.
1907

Call number C378 UE1 v.1 c.9 (North Carolina Collection, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)


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HISTORY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA
FROM ITS BEGINNING TO THE DEATH OF
PRESIDENT SWAIN, 1789-1868

BY

KEMP P. BATTLE,
ALUMNI PROFESSOR OF HISTORY IN THE UNIVERSITY

VOLUME I.
TO BE FOLLOWED BY VOLUME II, BRINGING THE HISTORY TO THE
PRESENT TIME

PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR BY
EDWARDS & BROUGHTON PRINTING COMPANY, RALEIGH, N. C.
1907


Page verso

Copyright, 1907,
BY KEMP P. BATTLE.


Page iii

        TO THE MEMORY OF
MY FATHER AND MOTHER, WHO
INSTILLED INTO MY BRAIN AND HEART FROM
EARLIEST BOYHOOD
PRIDE IN AND AFFECTION FOR MY ALMA MATER,
THIS BOOK IS LOVINGLY DEDICATED.

KEMP PLUMMER BATTLE.


Page v

INTRODUCTION.

        This history was written amid many interruptions. Sometimes long intervals elapsed before the pen could be resumed. I certainly aimed at accuracy. If there is any failure in this regard it is accidental. Similar disturbances during the important process of proof-reading caused errors, but they do not obscure the meaning. The book is larger than I expected, and hence some of the half-tones prepared for this volume will be reserved for its successor. Except where absolutely necessary for true portraiture, I have carefully refrained from wounding the feelings of any one.

        It may be said that I have dwelt too much on the pranks and frolics of students. My reason for detailing them is that they show, first, the social habits of the people generally, because the University is a microcosm of the State, and, second, they were largely caused by the defective system of discipline.

        I have endeavored to follow the careers in after-life of the honor men. It will be seen that a common belief that success at the University is no indication of success afterwards is altogether erroneous. I have endeavored also to note distinctions won by any who did not attain honors. In the Appendix, as far as our records show, the positions, however humble, held by our alumni in the Confederate Army, are given.

        It may be objected that the subjects of the speeches by graduates unnecessarily encumber the volume. My reasons for recording them are, 1st, that they show what the students were thinking about, and, 2d, that the students of the present and future may have a treasure-house of themes, which may aid them in solving the difficult question, "what must I write about?"

        I acknowledge with the deepest gratitude my obligations to Professor Collier Cobb, for aid in obtaining the faithful half-tones which grace the book, to Dr. J. G. deR. Hamilton, for the preparation of the very laborious and thorough index, and to Dr. C. L. Raper, for assistance in reading proofs of the first part of the volume.


Page vi

        One fact, not appearing on any record at Chapel Hill, has come to my knowledge since the volume was printed, that the Delta Psi Fraternity, with a large membership, was in the University from 1854 until some time during the war. I will be glad if all who may notice such derelictions will notify me of the same. I promise to give the proper corrections in the second volume.

        I further express my thanks to the Honorable Board of Trustees for giving me free access to the University archives. I have explored them industriously, and used them with pains-taking endeavor to be accurate.


Page vii

CONTENTS.


Page x

ILLUSTRATIONS.


Page 1

History of University of North Carolina.

CHAPTER I.

THE CHARTER AND ORGANIZATION.

        It might be claimed that the Centennial year of American Independence was likewise the Centennial year of the University of North Carolina, although the charter was not granted until 1789.

        In December, 1776, a Convention, then called Congress, of enlightened men met at Halifax to form a Constitution for the new free State of North Carolina, under whose protection the people could maintain the independence they had declared a few months before.

        Without an army or navy, they had entered on a war for existence with a nation powerful, populous and wealthy, having the tradition of invincibility, which had, under Marlborough, within the century, broken the power of the Great Louis of France--had, with heavy hand, crushed the fortunes of the Pretender at Culloden--had sent Wolfe to storm the Heights of Quebec; had swept the seas with her fleets. The Revolution, if it failed, was Rebellion. The penalty of defeat was the doom of traitors. The State had barely two hundred thousand inhabitants, widely scattered, and badly armed, and divided in sentiment. But, notwithstanding these odds, this Congress, with wisdom unparalleled and faith approaching sublimity, provided for the interest of unborn children. They knew that those children would not be capable of freedom without education. They knew that there could be no education without teachers. They knew that teachers could not be procured without colleges. They knew that their leaders in the pulpit and in civil offices had received their education in distant States and even in the mother country across the ocean. They resolved that their youth, seeking intellectual advancement, should not be temporarily expatriated in order to obtain it. They made the requirement of the University a part of the fundamental law. On the 18th of December, 1776, in the Constitution of


Page 2

the new State, then first adopted, are found these golden words, written amid storms and thunderings, to be made good when the sun shone on a free and united people: "All useful learning shall be duly encouraged and promoted in one or more universities."

        Tradition has it that this provision in the Constitution was due to the Scotch-Irish of Mecklenburg. Smarting under resentment caused by the disapproval by the Crown of the charter of Queen's College, its friends procured from the people of the county a positive instruction to their delegates to the Halifax Congress of 1776 to provide for a State college. Among these delegates was Waightstill Avery, a graduate of Princeton, likewise a member of the committee which reported the Constitution, and the tradition which credits him with being the draftsman of the University and public school clause is certainly plausible.

        That our forefathers thought that the University and the public school system were necessarily part of one organism is proved by their connection in the Constitution. The section in which the General Assembly is commanded to provide the University is as follows: Section 41--"A school, or schools, shall be established by the legislature for the convenient instruction of youth, with such salaries to the masters, paid by the public, as may enable them to instruct at low prices: and all useful learning shall be duly encouraged and promoted in one or more universities." It was clear to the statesmen of a hundred years ago, and it ought not to require argument to prove it, that money spent for schools without providing teachers is mere waste and folly. And certainly our forefathers who, with their hearts sore from the attempted domination of the Church of England in colonial times, inserted in the Constitution that, "no clergyman, or preacher of the gospel, of any denomination, shall be capable of being a member, either of the Senate, House of Commons, or Council of State, while he continues in the exercise of the pastoral function," together with other provisions, completely serving the connection between the Church and the State, never designed that state schools should look to religious colleges exclusively for their teachers, nor did they wish to be dependent on other States.


Page 3

        During the War of the Revolution the mandate of the Constitution lay dormant. Inter arma silent leges. When Caswell and Lillington were beating McDonald at Moore's Creek Bridge, and Campbell, Shelby, Cleveland, Sevier, Williams and McDowell were capturing Ferguson's forces at King's Mountain, and Cornwallis and Greene were wrestling for the victory at Guilford, and Fanning was carrying as prisoner from Hillsboro the Governor of our State, and the momentous question whether our ancestors were patriots or traitors, was still undecided, there was no time for erecting universities. And after the war, industry must have time for restoring plenty to wasted lands and statesmanship to form a settled government in the place of a nerveless confederacy. In the month of November, 1789, our State, after a hesitation of a year, entered the American Union. In the month of December, as if forming part of a comprehensive plan, the charter of the University, under the powerful advocacy of Davie, was granted by the General Assembly. The Trustees under the charter comprised great men of the State, good men of the State, trusted leaders of the people.

        The first named, and the chairman, was Governor Samuel Johnston, who, in legislative, executive and judicial stations, in war and peace, left the impress of his wise conservatism on the State. There were James Iredell, one of the earliest Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States, and Alfred Moore, his successor in this high office. There were the first Federal District Judge, Colonel John Stokes, and John Sitgreaves, his successor.

        There were the three signers of the Constitution of the United States: Hugh Williamson, the historian William Blount, afterwards Senator of the United States from Tennessee, and Richard Dobbs Spaight, who left Trinity College, Dublin, when scarcely of age, to fight for the independence of his native State. He served as delegate to the Congress of the Confederation, and of the United States, and as Governor of North Carolina. Of others destined to be Governors, there were Samuel Ashe, then Judge, Benjamin Williams, and the first benefactor of the University, Benjamin Smith, and William Richardson Davie, its father. There were military men,


Page 4

who had been conspicuous fighters in the Revolution: General Joseph Graham, scarred with wounds in the defence of Charlotte under Davie, the father of the revered statesman, William A. Graham, whose last public appearance was in behalf of the University; General Thomas Person, whose hatred of injustice began with the disastrous struggles of the Regulation, William Lenoir, Joseph McDowell, the elder, and Joseph Dixon (or Dickson), who aided in thwarting the plans of Cornwallis by the capture of Ferguson at King's Mountain; Henry William Harrington, an active militia general in service on our southern borders.

        Of the State judiciary we find three judges under the court law of 1777--Samuel Spencer, John Williams, and Samuel Ashe, already mentioned, whose name is worthily represented by his descendants, Thomas Samuel Ashe, late of Anson, and Samuel A. Ashe, of Raleigh; and of others distinguished in the history of the State--Archibald McLaine and Willie Jones, bold and active patriots, Stephen Cabarrus, long Speaker of the House of Commons, and John Haywood, the popular State Treasurer. There were the first two Senators of the United States--Samuel Johnston and Benjamin Hawkins, and of those destined to be members of the lower House of Congress were Charles Johnson, then Speaker of the State Senate, who had fought for the Stuarts at Culloden, James Holland of Guilford, Alexander Mebane of Orange, Joseph Winston of Surry, and William Barry Grove of Cumberland. We find in the list John Hay, the eminent lawyer of Fayetteville, who gave his name to Haymount; James Hogg, an enlightened merchant of Fayetteville and of Hillsboro; Adlai Osborne, the highly esteemed Clerk of Rowan Superior Court; the eminent teacher and divine, Rev. Samuel E. McCorkle, D.D.; and prominent and useful members of the State legislature, Frederick Hargett, Senator of Jones, Robert W. Snead, Senator of Onslow, Joel Lane, Senator from Wake, owner of the land bought for the site of the city of Raleigh, John Macon, Senator of Warren, brother of the more eminent Nathaniel Macon, John Hamilton, commoner of Guilford, William Porter, commoner of Rutherford, and Robert Dickson of Duplin.

        The moving spirit of this distinguished band was William


Page 5

Richardson Davie. He was no common man. He had been a gallant cavalry officer in the Revolution. He had been a strong staff on which Greene had leaned. He had been conspicuous in civil pursuits; an able lawyer, an orator of wide influence. With Washington and Madison, and other great men, he had assisted in evolving the grandest government of all ages, the American Union, out of an ill-governed and disintegrated confederacy. He was beyond his times in the advocacy of a broad, generous education. His portrait has been drawn by a masterly hand, Judge Archibald Murphey, one of the most progressive and scholarly men our State has known. In his speech before the two Societies at Chapel Hill in 1827 he says: "Davie was a tall, elegant man in his person, graceful and commanding in his manners. His voice was mellow, and adapted to the expression of every passion; his mind comprehensive yet slow in its operations, when compared with his great rival (Moore); his style was magnificent and flowing; he had a greatness of manner in public speaking which suited his style, and gave to his speeches an imposing effect. He was a laborious student, arranged his discourses with care, and where the subject merited his genius, poured forth a torrent of eloquence that astonished and enraptured his audience."

        He had, in the Constitutional Convention of 1787, at a critical moment, caused the vote of North Carolina, then one of the large States, to be cast for a compromise, the equality of States in the Senate, without which union would have been impossible. In the State Conventions of 1788 and 1789 he had advocated the adoption of the new Constitution with equal ability. It was his foresight and wisdom which provided the University, by whose means North Carolina could keep pace in culture and influence with her sisters. He drew for the University the Plan of Studies pursued for many years, and maintained its interest by his purse, his eloquence, his counsels, and constant attention to its exercises. The Dialectic Society is the fortunate owner of an excellent portrait of this great man--the picture of a man of military bearing, strikingly handsome, a gentleman, a scholar and a statesman.

        Such were the guardians into whose care the General Assembly committed the institution provided for the youth of North


Page 6

Carolina. Six of them--McLean, Person, Ashe, Jones, Lane and Mebane--were carrying into effect the mandate of the Constitution for which as members of the Halifax Congress of 1776 they had voted. Twenty-three, viz: Hargett, Smith, McDowell, Hay, Grove, Cabarrus, Samuel Johnston, Charles Johnson, Robert Dickson, Hamilton, Person, Sneed, Mebane, Stokes, Holland, Winston, Blount, Williamson, Hawkins, Lane, Lenoir, Davie, and Porter, were members of the Convention of 1789, and of them only Dickson, Hamilton, Person, and Lenoir voted against the ratification of the Constitution of the United States.

        The charter, granted by the General Assembly, was ratified December 11, 1789. The preamble, in wise and weighty words, asserts that, "in all well regulated governments it is the indispensable duty of every legislature to consult the happiness of a rising generation, and endeavor to fit them for an honorable discharge of the social duties of life by paying the strictest attention to their education, and that, a University, supported by permanent funds and well endowed, would have the most direct tendency to answer the above purpose."

        Among the provisions of the charter, in addition to the usual powers of corporations, are the following:

        The Trustees were a self-perpetuating body, having cooptative powers; being authorized to fill vacancies occurring by death, refusing to act, resignation or removal from the State.

        The principle of having the Trustees distributed in the judicial districts was to be retained in all elections.

        The first meeting of the Trustees was directed to be on the third Monday of the next General Assembly at Fayetteville, at which time were to be elected a President of the Board, and a Secretary. At all subsequent, regular, or annual meetings, the members present, with the President and Treasurer, or a majority without either of these officers, were to be a quorum.

        Special meetings could be called by the President and two Trustees, notice being given to every Trustee, and advertisement to be made in the State Gazette. These meetings were prohibited from appropriating money, and from electing the President and Professors of the University. They, however, could fill a vacancy until the next annual meeting.


Page 7

        The meeting, at which the site of the University should be fixed upon, was to be advertized in the Gazette for at least six months and special notice given to each Trustee.

        The Treasurer was to give bond, payable to the Governor, in the sum of £5,000 ($10,000), and to hold office for two years. If he should prove delinquent recovery was to be had as in the case of Sheriffs.

        The Treasurer was directed to publish annually in the State Gazette a list of moneys and other donations under penalty of £100 ($200) at the suit of the Attorney-General, the penalties to belong to the University. The Treasurer was ordered to pay annually to the Treasurer of the State all moneys received by him, on which the State was to pay six per cent interest, the principal to be a permanent fund. (This was repealed four years afterwards.)

        The site of the University was not to be within five miles of the seat of government, or any of the places of holding the courts of law or equity.

        The Trustees could appoint a President of the University, and the professors and tutors, whom "they may remove for misbehavior, inability, or neglect of duty." They could "make all such laws and regulations for the government of the University and preservation of order and good morals therein as are usually made in such seminaries, and as to them may appear necessary: Provided, the same are not contrary to the inalienable liberty of a citizen or to the laws of the State."

        The power of conferring degrees was given to the Faculty of the University, that is to say, the President and Professors, but the Trustees must concur.

        Any subscriber of £10 ($20), payable in five equal annual installments, was entitled to have one student educated free of tuition.

        The public hall, and the library and rooms of the college shall be called by the names of one or another of the six largest subscribers within four years. "And a book shall be kept in the library in which shall be entered the names and places of residence of every benefactor to this seminary, in order that posterity may be informed to whom they are indebted for the


Page 8

measure of learning and good morals that may prevail in the State."

        The foregoing summary shows some provisions which appear strange in our eyes. For example, that any number of Trustees, no matter how small, should be a quorum, if only the President of the Board and the Treasurer should be present, neither of whom was necessarily a member. Then, again, the prohibition of locating the University within five miles of the seat of government or of any court town is contrary to our experience. It was doubtless on account of the rowdyism and drunkenness during court week, then so prevalent, now happily passing away. The provision that only the State should be the custodian of the donations of money and pay interest on the same, the University being prohibited from using the principal, seems inconsistent with the imperative duty of erecting buildings. Note also that only the President and Professors, excluding tutors, constitute the faculty, and that the Trustees have no power of conferring degrees, but can only confirm or reject the nominations of the faculty. The provision that a student should have his tuition for four years on a payment of $20 by a subscriber seems reckless, unless there was a general idea prevalent that tuition should be nearly free. The appeal to the vanity of the wealthy is interesting, firstly, because it shows that the projectors of the University, even in those dark days, had grand ideas as to the future, when without a dollar in sight they estimated no less than six buildings, to be essential, and, secondly, because the promise of honoring benefactors was made irrespective of the amounts to be given.

        The fear that the Trustees might, in making their by-laws, be more severe on the students than would be consistent with the "Rights of Man," for which so much blood had been spilt, is shown in the protective clause that those laws should not be "contrary to the inalienable liberty of a citizen." It will be seen in the sequel that the young men interpreted this in the broadest latitude as negativing all restraint. The construction of this charter provision by the Trustees, that the professors and tutors were to be like police officers in carrying out the discipline of the institution, led to serious evils for very many years.


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        The locating of the Trustees in the several judicial districts in those days of bad roads, although possibly propitiating favor, was fatal to wise management. The expedient of giving wide powers to an executive committee of seven, which works so wisely now, had not then been thought of.

        The power of the Trustees of filling vacancies in their body seemed harmless, if not wise. It was destined, however, to place the institution under the suspicion of being aristocratic, a suspicion fatal to its popularity in the days when there existed among the people a real fear of the introduction of English class distinctions and of a government monarchical in nature, though not in name. The provision was changed eventually, as will be seen.

        On the whole, it seems probable that some of these outre provisions were inserted on the motion of members hostile to the movement, or by its friends for the purpose of placating them. Like the Fundamental Constitutions of the Lords Proprietors, the charter of the University is another evidence that all good government is the product of experience and growth, and can not be planned beforehand by the wit of man.

        There was no appropriation of money made for erection of buildings or other expenditure for the new institution. An act was, however, passed which conferred on it certain claims, which the officers of the State had been unable to collect. These were arrearages due from sheriffs and other officers prior to January 1, 1783, none of them less than six years old and some far more. The proceeds of sales of confiscated lands were excepted from the gift, probably because the legislature deemed them easily collectible. A further exception was made of all the arrearages due by Robert Lanier, treasurer of the judicial district of Salisbury, and also those from the sheriffs of that district, but if they should not settle their dues in two years, the University was authorized to have all the uncollected residue.

        The delinquents, sixty-eight in number, whose accounts were turned over by the act, were officers of the State or counties, some distinguished and of high character--such as General Horatio Gates, Governor Burke, Colonel Benjamin Cleveland.


Page 10

General Hogan, Marquis de Bretigny. Evidently many were for agencies during the war, in which vouchers were lost or captured by the enemy, or the settlements of the agencies destroyed. Colonel Waightstill Avery, for example, was included in the list, but he promptly proved that there was a mistake, and his name was at once struck off. The following list shows more clearly the employments of those indebted to the State according to the Comptroller's report, which debts were transferred to the University: namely, Clerks, Sheriffs, purchasers of confiscated property, Judges (fees for lawyer's licenses), entry-takers, agents, purchasers of lots in Raleigh, commissionaries (commissaries?), purchasers of western lands, buyer of eleven head of cattle, also of four head of cattle, buyer of one horse, hirer of McKnight's negroes (McKnight was a Tory), debtors for specie certificates, also for "old dollar money," also for officer's certificates, entries of western lands, and certificates of the Auditors of the Upper Board of Salisbury.

        At the same session was granted a right, shadowy, uncertain, well nigh in nubibus, but which in the course of time by skillful management brought considerable money into the treasury. This grant was such property as had escheated, or should thereafter escheat, to the State. This by the energy and good management of the Trustees, after a long period, was the source of the endowment of the University, lost in the Civil War. Many denizens of foreign birth left no heirs, citizens of North Carolina, and under the law as it stood until 1831, their lands escheated to the State; and in a like manner obscure soldiers of the Continental Line, to whom land warrants were granted for their services in the war, died leaving no heirs to inherit their claims. Of course the revenue from this source naturally diminished as the years rolled away from the Revolution, and it was still further diminished by acts of the Legislature giving the lands to a remoter heir, being a citizen, when the next heir is an alien, and giving the widow all the estate if her husband should die without an heir. At this day the chances of an escheat are worth but little, as an alien stands on the same footing with a citizen in regard to the possession of real estate.

        It was not from parsimony but hard necessity that the long services of our patriot soldiers, in hunger, and thirst, and cold,


Page 11

and nakedness, were paid for in a paper currency, like that of which the conquered Confederates have had such bitter experience. To this meagre dole was added for faithful service warrants for land to be located in a country of great fertility, but the homes of bears, panthers, and Indians, the western region of Tennessee, then a part of the domain of North Carolina. To a private was given 640 acres, to a lieutenant 2,560, to a Captain 3,840, to a Major 4,800, to a Colonel, or Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding, 7,200, to a Brigadier-General 12,000 acres. To the great General Greene, who had by his genius retrieved the fortunes of the war after Gates' disastrous failure, they gave 25,000 acres.

        The gift of the unclaimed land warrants was for years to the University like the cool waters near the parched lips of Tantalus. North Carolina, in 1789, ceded all its territory of Tennessee to the United States. The new State, after its admission into the Union in 1796, claimed all the rights of sovereignty, and refused to give effect to the grants made by North Carolina.

        The State of North Carolina would never have secured an acre of these lands. No argument but that they were to be used for education, had any weight with the legislators of Tennessee. The Trustees sent to plead their cause one of their most enlightened members and most skilled in the arts of managing men, Judge Archibald Murphey. Even he, with all his eloquence and address, was forced to a hard compromise. Two-thirds of the warrants were given to the College of East Tennessee and College of Cumberland, and one-third to the University of North Carolina. It was not until 1835, after suffering untold privations, staggering under a debt of nearly $40,000 to the banks, that funds were gathered from this source and from the donations of Smith, Gerrard and others, to lift its head above the waters. A detailed narrative of the negotiations will be given hereafter.

        It is pleasant to note that by the providence of our ancestors the enemies of our country's freedom contributed, albeit unwillingly, to the enlightment of our people. But it is of pathetic interest to know that the ignorant soldiers of America, who,


Page 12

after countless sufferings filled uncoffined graves, were not only gaining liberty for their country but, unintentional benefactors, were building a great institution of learning. They did glorious work, those "unnamed demigods of history," as Kossuth called them, blindly suffering martyrdom for a cause they dimly understood, but that cause triumphant and leading to never ending blessings of free institutions and liberal education.

        The first meeting of the Trustees was on the 18th of December, 1789, seven days after the ratification of the charter. To copy from the record those present were:

        

  • The Hon. Charles Johnson, of Bertie, Chairman.
  • Hon. S. Cabarrus of Chowan.
  • James Holland of Rutherford.
  • Benjamin Smith of Brunswick.
  • John Stokes of Surry.
  • Hugh Williamson of Edenton.
  • William Blount of Tennessee.
  • Thomas Person of Granville.
  • William Porter of Rutherford.
  • William Lenoir of Wilkes.
  • Joseph Dixon of Lincoln.
  • Robert Dixon of Duplin.
  • Alexander Mebane of Orange.
  • John Hamilton of Guilford.
  • William R. Davie of Halifax.
  • Frederick Hargett of Jones.
  • James Hogg of Orange.

        It will be noticed that the only persons dignified with the affix "Hon.," are Johnson and Cabarrus. That was because they were Speakers of the Senate and of the House respectively, and represented those august bodies. The title was then restricted as a rule to the actual incumbents of these and such high officers as President, Governor and Judge. It is now rapidly descending to the same dead level as that occupied by Mister, which itself has experienced the like degradation. Johnson, the grandfather of the late eminent Dr. Charles E. Johnson, of Raleigh, was a relation of Governor Gabriel and of Governor Samuel Johnston, but omitted "t" from his name because, having, when barely of age, fought for Charles Edward, he wished to conceal his identity.

        It was thought for years, until the Supreme Court settled the question by deciding to the contrary, that the University is a private corporation. That the earliest Trustees thought differently is proved by the fact that they did not formally accept the charter, but organized at once as public officers.

        Messrs. Davie and Hogg were requested to prepare blanks for subscriptions, one as specially directed by the Act of Assembly, the other on the principle of a mere donation.


Page 13

        Mr. Davie made the agreeable announcement that Colonel Benjamin Smith offered a gift to the University of 20,000 acres of land warrants. The Trustees recorded their thanks for "the liberal and generous donation."

        Another early friend of the institution should be held in grateful remembrance. Governor Alexander Martin showed his interest by frequent attendance on the meetings of the Board, by occasional timely gifts and by advocating in his message to the General Assemblies its establishment and maintenance. In the fall of 1790 he wrote, "This institution already stamped with importance, having the great cause of humanity for its object, might do honor to this and the neighboring States, had it an adequate support, where our youth might be instructed in true religion, sound policy and science, and men of ability drawn forth to fill the different departments of government with reputation, or be formed for useful and ornamental members of society in private or professional life." He then recommends a loan for erecting buildings to "give it a more essential than a paper being."

        The second meeting of the Board of Trustees, the first prescribed by the charter, was held likewise in Fayetteville on the 25th of November, 1790. General William Lenoir, of Wilkes County, President of the Senate, a hero of King's Mountain, on the nomination of the Speaker of the House, Stephen Cabarrus, was made President of the Board. He, first of a long line of eminent men who held this office, was the last survivor of the original Trustees, dying at the age of 88, just fifty years after the enactment of the charter. In such high estimation was he held that an eastern county and a western town were named in his honor.

        Changes had occurred in the Board of Trustees. The old heroes were dropping off. The venerable Robert Dixon gave way to James Kenan, grandfather of our worthy Trustee and President of our Alumni Association; and battle-scarred Judge Winston to Alexander Martin, who, like our Vance, had been Governor in times of war, and, after a long interval, in times of peace occupied the executive chair. James Hogg proceeded to the welcome duty of presenting to the Board patents for the 20,000 acres of land, donated at the preceding meeting by


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General Smith. On the resignation, by Colonel Lenoir, of the chairmanship, Governor Alexander Martin was chosen as his successor. On balloting for the office of Treasurer, John Craven, the State Comptroller, an old bachelor of Halifax County, was unanimously elected. His bondsmen were Colonel John Macon, of Warren, and General Thomas Person, of Granville. James Taylor, a Commoner from Rockingham County, was with like unanimity chosen Secretary. It was agreed that the place of the next meeting should be selected by ballot. Hillsborough, Salem, Williamsburg (now Williamsboro), Goshen (in Granville), Rockingham and Wake Court House were placed in nomination. The vote of the majority was for Hillsboro. It is pleasant to note the care taken to satisfy all sections that the location of the University should be fairly made. It was resolved that at the next meeting on the third Monday of July, 1791, the special business should be the selection of the site. Each Trustee was notified of this and a copy of the resolutions was ordered to be published in the State Gazette for six months. [In those days the General Assembly designated some newspaper as the official organ of the State. At this date it was the North Carolina Journal at Halifax, published by Hodge & Willis. Hodge was the uncle of the prominent Raleigh citizen, William Boylan, and brought him from New Jersey to assist him in his publications.]

        The Board of Trustees ordered that the efforts to obtain donations should be continued. As was hoped by its friends, the University was a more successful collector than the State. On December 6, 1790, the empty treasury was gladdened by the receipt of $2,706.41, paid by John Harvey, Clerk of Perquimans Court, recovered from a delinquent "Commissioner of Specifics." This was by the Trustees, as then required by the charter, invested in United States stock created by the financial ability of Alexander Hamilton.

        At the July, 1791, meeting Robert Burton, of Granville, father of Judge Robert H. Burton, of Lincolnton, and great grandfather of the distinguished North Carolina General, Robert F. Hoke, and great-great-grandfather of the still more distinguished (in athletic circles) Captain of our football team which


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took the scalp of the University of Virginia team at Atlanta--Dr. Mike Hoke--was chosen Secretary in the place of James Taylor, resigned. Probably on account of the meagre amount of money on hand and in sight, no steps were taken to select the site, but vigorous action was had for the collection of the arrearages and escheats granted by the Assembly. Each Trustee was authorized to act as agent of the Board in the matter of escheats, and attorneys, vested with full powers of collection and compromise in regard to them and the arrearages, were appointed in each judicial district. As evidently the lawyers who combined ability, integrity, activity, and friendship to the University, were chosen, I give their names. They were Edmund Blount for the Edenton District, David Perkins for that of New Bern, William H. Hill for that of Wilmington, Thomas F. Davis for that of Fayetteville, Adlai Osborne for that of Salisbury, Waightstill Avery for that of Morgan, William Watters for that of Hillsborough, and John Whitaker for that of Halifax. The sensibilities of the modern lawyer will be shocked by the statement that they were required to give bond with good security for performance of duty.

        The Trustees made a manly implied confession of ignorance on the subject of the great task resting on their shoulders and displayed a proper carefulness to perform their duties intelligently, when they appointed Rev. Dr. McCorckle, the teacher, Benjamin Hawkins, the Federal Senator, and Dr. Hugh Williamson, an ex-professor of the University of Pennsylvania, then a member of Congress from the Edenton District, to procure for the use of the Board information respecting the laws, regulations, and buildings of the universities and colleges in the United States, together with an account of their resources and expenditures, and an estimate of the cost of the necessary buildings for our University. The confidence of the Board in James Hogg, Alfred Moore, and John Haywood, was shown by taking away from a large committee, previously appointed, the power of selecting a device for a seal of the corporation, and conferring it on them. They chose the face of Apollo, the God of Eloquence, and his emblem, the rising sun, as expressive of the dawn of higher education in our State.


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        At New Bern, in December, 1791, William Lenoir, in behalf of a committee, consisting of himself, Stephen Cabarrus, Benjamin Williams, John Haywood (the Treasurer), Joseph McDowell, of Pleasant Garden, and Samuel Johnston, made a woeful report on the finances, present and prospective, of the institution. The total cash was $301.24, received from arrearages. There was hope that more would be realized, which the committee estimated at $300. The University owned also a certificate of United States loan for $2,706.41, of which under the charter only the interest, six per cent, could be used. The subscription papers sent out had not been returned and the amount to be expected from them was not ascertainable.

        The committee pathetically state that they are "pained when they reflect how extremely illy the resources of the Trustees are proportioned to their necessities." As to the claims due the State from Colonial days, no evidence is found in regard to them "other than a report or list of balances made out by a committee of the Assembly in 1773."

        As to the arrearages voted to the University, which arose under the State government, it is stated that for many years after the Revolution the revenue business was under a Treasurer in each district, some of whom knew not how to keep accounts; that the Treasurer of New Bern had fled the State, carrying his books with him; the Treasurer of Salisbury District had died, leaving his account in such bad shape that the executor, William Lanier, had induced the General Assembly to close them by settlement. When Treasurers duly settled their accounts, their books and papers were sent to the agent of the State in Philadelphia to be used in supporting the claims of North Carolina against the United States for troops and supplies furnished during the Revolution, and the only evidences of debts accessible are the statements of the Comptroller as to balances appearing on his books.

        Of these there had been delivered to the Trustees claims against seventy-three persons. The nominal amount was in round numbers $11,410, ranging all the way from $2,660 against one person to $3 against another. One claim was for $4.10, the equivalent of $410 "old Dollar money." Among them was an account against Governor Burke for about $100,


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another for "£1,056 Dollar Money," scaled down to $35.40; another against no less a man than Colonel Benjamin Cleveland for $368.00. Doubtless many of these claims had been settled and the vouchers lost during the war.

        As has been stated there had been collected the sum of $2,706.41 from the arrearages due by delinquent collecting officers. By activity and skill the attorneys of the University succeeded eventually in wresting from this source the scarcely hoped for total of $7,362, of which the interest only could be used.

        Steps were again taken to raise money by subscription. On November 5, 1792, papers were circulated inviting donations payable one year after the selection of the site. Most of the promises by citizens of Orange County were made on condition that the location should be therein.

        On December 23, 1791, a committee, whose names are not given in the journal, reported a memorial to the General Assembly asking for a loan of $10,000 in order to erect the buildings necessary for opening the institution. The measure was placed under the charge of Davie, who was a member of the House for the Borough of Halifax. His speech in support of it is thus described by Judge Murphey in his address of 1826: "I was present in the House of Commons when Davie addressed that body upon the bill granting a loan of money to the Trustees for erecting the buildings of the University, and although more than thirty years have since elapsed. I have the most vivid recollection of the greatness of his manner and the powers of his eloquence on that occasion." The appeal was successful. The loan was afterwards converted into a gift--the only appropriation ever made from the State Treasury until the annuity of $5,000, granted in 1881, with the exception of $7,000 for the suffering officers soon after the Civil War.

        This loan was not secured without a struggle. There were many members who believed that the people's money should not be expended for any purpose other than the prevention and punishment of crime, settling disputes among citizens and other similar governmental functions. The vote was 57 to 53 in the House of Commons and 28 to 21 in the Senate. Among those


Page 18

who supported the measure in the House were Messrs. Richard Blackledge and John Lanier of Beaufort, David Stone of Bertie, Joseph McDowell, Jr., of Burke, David Vance of Burke, Thomas Granberry of Gates, Wm. E. Lord and Benjamin Smith of Brunswick, Richard Benbury of Chowan, Willis Alston of Halifax, Ebenezer Slade of Martin, Timothy Bloodworth of New Hanover. The affirmative Senators were Joseph McDowell (Quaker Meadows) of Burke, Gautier of Bladen, F. Campbell of Cumberland, Carney of Craven, Charlton of Bertie, Dauge of Camden, Kennedy of Beaufort, Humphries of Currituck, Reddick of Gates, Eborn of Hyde, Gray of Johnston, Hargett of Jones, Dixon of Lincoln, Mayo of Martin, Person of Granville, Sneed of Onslow, Benford of Northampton, Skinner of Perquimans, Moye of Pitt, Williams of Richmond, Willis of Robeson, Singleton of Rutherford, Lane of Wake, Macon of Warren, Swann of Pasquotank, Dickens of Caswell, Johnson of (county doubtful).

        Opposed to the bill were Wade of Anson, Bell of Carteret, J. Stewart of Chatham, Tyson of Moore, Graham of Mecklenburg, J. A. Campbell of New Hanover, Turner of Montgomery, Quails of Halifax, Wynns of Hertford, Hill of Franklin, Winston of Stokes, Clinton of Sampson, Berger of Rowan, Griffin of Nash, Galloway of Rockingham, Edwards of Surry, Hodge of Orange, Wood of Randolph, Gillespie of Guilford, Caldwell of Iredell, Phillips of Edgecombe. A very few did not vote, among them, Wm. Lenoir, it not being the custom for the Speaker to vote except in case of a tie. On inspecting the list it will be found that three of the affirmative Senators. Stone, Hargett and Lane, were on the Committee of Location, Reddick was for eleven years Speaker of the Senate, Dixon and Lane were Trustees. Of the opponents Hodge and Stewart would have probably voted differently if they had foreseen the location in Orange, near the Chatham line. It is surprising to see New Hanover, noted for its liberality, in this column. Doubtless Campbell misrepresented his constituents. It is equally surprising to see General Thomas Wynns and General Joseph Graham opposing higher education. The mistake of Graham is amply atoned for by the constant and active friendship to the University of his broad-minded sons and grandsons.


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        It was not until January, 1792, that further steps were taken to select the University site. On that day a resolution was passed appointing Judge John Williams, General Thomas Person, General Alexander Mebane, Colonel John Macon, Colonel Benjamin Williams, Colonel Joel Lane, and General Alfred Moore, or any three of them, to examine the "most proper and eligible situations whereon to fix the University, in the counties of Wake, Franklin, Warren, Orange, Granville, Chatham and Johnston," and ascertain the terms on which such situation can be bought and report to the next meeting. Probably the committee failed to act, as no report was made by them. Action under the resolutions was not had, by common consent a different method being deemed advisable.

THE LOCATION.

        A second resolution was passed that the Board meet at Hills-borough on the 1st of August, 1792, in order to determine the location, and that due notice be given to each Trustee.

        At the time and place appointed the attendance of members proved the interest taken in the question. There were present 25 Trustees out of 40. The largest number in these days of easy railroading is 39 out of 80, in 1885, when six professors were elected. Such patriotic sacrifice of comfort in the heated dog-days deserves to be recorded. Those who answered to the roll-call were as follows:

        Alexander Martin, Governor, of Guilford; Hugh Williamson, the historian, of Chowan; Benjamin Williams, afterwards Governor, of Moore; John Sitgreaves, Judge United States District Court, of Craven; Fred. Hargett, State Senator, of Jones; Richard Dobbs Spaight, the elder, elected Governor that year, of Craven; William H. Hill, member of the Legislature and of Congress, of New Hanover; James Hogg, merchant, of Cumberland; Samuel Ashe, then Judge, afterwards Governor, of New Hanover; John Hay, lawyer, of Cumberland; William Barry Grove, member of Congress, of Cumberland; Col. Wm. Polk, member of the Legislature, then of Mecklenburg; Judge John Williams, of Granville; Alexander Mebane, afterwards member of Congress of Orange; Joel Lane, member of the Senate, of Wake; Alfred Moore, then member of the Legislature,


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afterwards Judge of the Supreme Court, of Brunswick; Willie Jones, of Halifax; Benjamin Hawkins, Senator in Congress, of Warren; John Haywood, State Treasurer, then of Edgecombe; Rev. Dr. Samuel E. McCorkle, a distinguished preacher and teacher, of Rowan; William Richardson Davie, afterwards Governor, of Halifax; Joseph Dixon, State Senator, afterwards member of Congress, of Lincoln; Joseph McDowell, Jr., member of the Legislature, of Burke; William Porter, member of the Legislature, of Rutherford; Adlai Osborne, Clerk of the Superior Court of his county, a well-read and influential man, of Rowan.

        According to localities, counting New Hanover as an eastern county, and Cumberland, Warren and Guilford as middle counties, there were ten eastern, nine middle and six western trustees.

        Willie Jones submitted a motion, which was adopted, that the Board would not select any particular spot, but would choose by ballot a place with liberty of locating within fifteen miles thereof.

        The places in nomination were as follows: Raleigh, in Wake County; Williamsboro, in Granville County; Hillsboro, in Orange County; Pittsboro, in Chatham County; Cyprett's Bridge, over New Hope, in Chatham; Smithfield, in Johnston County; Goshen, in Granville County.

        The Board proceeded to ballot and Cyprett's or Cipritz's Bridge, now Prince's Bridge, on the great road from New Bern by Raleigh to Pittsboro, was chosen. The fifteen miles radius allowed a range over wide areas of Chatham, Wake and Orange; from the highlands of New Hope to the hills of Buckhorn; from the Hickory Mountain to the eminence overlooking our beautiful capital on the west. The same influences which secured that the capital should be located within ten miles of Isaac Hunter's plantation, in Wake County, that is, as near the centre of the State as possible, carried this vote.

        On the 4th of August, 1792, the Board adopted an ordinance to carry into effect the selection of the University site within the circle described. One commissioner from each judicial district was appointed by ballot. There were from the Morganton


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District, Wm. Porter, of Rutherford; the Salisbury District, John Hamilton, of Guilford; the Hillsboro District, Alex. Mebane, of Orange; the Halifax District, Willie Jones, of Halifax; the Edenton District, David Stone, of Bertie; the New Bern District, Frederick Hargett, of Jones; the Wilmington District, William H. Hill, of New Hanover; the Fayetteville District, James Hogg, of Cumberland. They were to meet in Pittsboro on November 1, 1792, prepared to visit in person all places deemed eligible.

        At the appointed time a majority convened in Pittsboro, viz.: Hargett, Mebane, Hogg, Hill, Stone, and Jones. It was an excellent committee. Senator Hargett, a Revolutionary captain, had already assisted as commissioner in locating and laying out the city of Raleigh. Alexander Mebane had been a member of the Convention which framed the State Constitution and a useful officer of the Revolutionary army. He had long served the county of Orange in the State Legislature, and the year after this was elected to the Congress of the United States. James Hogg was an influential merchant, afterwards of Hillsborough, among whose descendants are the Binghams, Norwoods, Webbs, Hoopers, and others. Wm. H. Hill, a descendant of Governor Yeamans, was an able lawyer of Wilmington, afterwards State Senator and member of Congress. David Stone, then a member of the House of Commons from Bertie, afterwards Governor and Senator of the United States, was a well educated and accomplished young man. Willie Jones was one of the most active and influential men of the Revolutionary and post-Revolutionary periods, as Chairman of the Committee of Safety, wielding executive authority in 1776, a member of the Continental Congress, likewise a commissioner to select the site for the seat of government.

        We have the journal of these Commissioners, giving a brief account of their labors among the wooded hills of Chatham and Orange in the early days of November, when the forests were clothed with their changing hues of russet and green, gold and crimson, when the squirrels chattered in the hickories and the deer peered curiously through the thick underwood, and the hospitable farmers welcomed them with hearty greetings,


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and the good ladies brought out their foamiest cider and sweetest courtesies, while on the sideboard, according to the bad customs of that day, stood decanters of dark-hued rum and ruddy apple brandy and the fiery juice of the Indian corn, which delights to flow in the shining of the moon. I give some extracts from the report submitted by the Chairman, Senator Hargett, as it is more satisfactory to have the narration in the language of the old soldier who saw bloody service under Washington.

PITTSBORO, Nov. 1st, 1792.

        Sundry commissioners appointed by the board of trustees of the University of North Carolina to view the country within fifteen miles of Cypret's bridge, and to fix on the seat of the University, met according to the order of the board, to-wit: Frederick Harget, Alexander Mebane, James Hogg, William Hill, David Stone, and Willie Jones.

November 2nd.

        Appointed Frederick Harget Chairman; proceeded to view the Gum Spring belonging to Philip Meroney; also Matthew Jones's, John Mentoe's, and Matthew Ramsey's lands (near Pittsboro), and received their proposals. Sundry gentlemen of the county of Chatham offered further donations to the amount of four hundred and odd pounds, (exclusive of £1302 offered as a donation to the board at Hillsboro), provided the University was fixed at the fork of Haw and Deep rivers; and Ambrose Ramsey, Patrick St. Lawrence, George Lucas, John Mebane, Panthareup Harman and Thomas Stokes, guaranteed to the amount of £1,500; they having all the subscriptions to themselves, provided the University was established in the aforesaid fork.

November 3rd.

        Proceeded to view Richard Kennan's place, and Lasseter's Hill, and received the proposals of the respective proprietors.

November 4th.

        Mr. David Stone absent. The other commissioners proceeded to Captain Edwards' and the widow Edwards' places, on the north side of Haw River and received proposals.

November 5th.

        Viewed Tignal Jones' place, commonly called "Parker's." No proposals were offered by the proprietor; but Tignal Jones, junior, and Robert Cobb offered a donation of 500 acres of land adjoining the place.

        Willie Jones handed to the commissioners an offer of Col. Joel Lane, of 640 acres near Nathaniel Jones', at the cross-roads, in Wake County, provided the University was fixed at said Nathaniel Jones'. Then proceeded to view New Hope Chapel Hill, in Orange County.


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November 6th.

        Received offers of donations of land to the amount of 1,290 acres of land, eight hundred and forty of which lie on Chapel Hill or adjoining thereto, and the remainder within four or five miles or thereabouts.

November 7th, 8th, and 9th.

        Received also subscriptions for donations in money to the amount of £798, or thereabouts; but it must be observed these donations, both land and money are conditional; that is to say that the University shall be established on Chapel Hill for the seat of the University. Same day several persons executed deeds for their respective land-donations to the University, viz:

        
Col. Jno. Hogan for 200 acres No. 1
Mr. Benj. Yergan for 51 acres No. 2
Mr. Matthew McCauley for 150 acres No. 3
Mr. Alex. Piper for 20 acres No. 4
Mr. James Craig for 5 acres No. 5
Mr. Christ'r Barbee for 221 acres No. 6
Mr. Edmund Jones for 200 acres No. 7
Mr. Mark Morgan ex't'd bond with surety to convey for 107 acres No. 8
Mr. John Daniel executed bond with surety to convey for 107 acres No. 9
Mr. Hardy Morgan, deed for 125 acres No. 10
1,180

        Mr. Thomas Connelly, who subscribed 100 acres, or thereabouts, and Mr. William McCauley, who subscribed 100 acres, could not immediately convey, but have promised to execute deeds and deliver them to Mr. James Hogg, who will transmit to the board.

        Mr. John Hogan entered into contract to make and deliver 150,000 bricks at 40c. per hund. as per contract.

        Mr. Hogan also presented proposals for leasing some of the land on Chapel Hill, which are submitted to the board.

        Mr. Edmund Jones made proposals for supplying plank and lumber, which are presented to the board.

FREDERICK HARGET,
Chairman.

JAMES HOGG,

ALEX. MEBANE,

WM. H. HILL.


        The board taking the foregoing into consideration concurred therewith.

        This report shows that, not discouraged at having failed to secure the location of the seat of government at what is now


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the village of Haywood, at the confluence of Haw and Deep Rivers, a determined effort was made to secure the University at the same point. If it had met with success our boys could add boat races to our athletic contests. The land speculators of one hundred years ago bought lots in this town of paper in the confident belief that it was destined to be a commercial and manufacturing city, but Haywood has taken its place by the side of Brunswick, Bath and other vanished or dwarfed "boom-towns" of the past.

        Notice also that Joel Lane, having secured the location of the capital on part of his broad acres, sought ineffectually to capture the University. This shows the combination which carried the vote for Cypritt's Bridge as the centre of the circle inside of which its home should be. Lane had been a Halifax man and was a warm friend of Davie and of Willie Jones. The influence of these three, together with that of the Cape Fear Trustees, was greater than any other locality could command.

        Let me describe the spot selected more particularly, as it appeared to the eyes of the Commissioners.

        The construction of railroads has made a wonderful change in the relative importance of our public highways. In the old days those who made tobacco rolled it away to Petersburg, little wheels being attached to the hogsheads. Those who made corn generally converted it into hogs and drove them on foot to Philadelphia or Charleston. Wheat was ground into flour and sent by wagon to distant markets--to Fayetteville, Wilmington, New Bern, and Petersburg, and the villages by the way. The corn and rye not fed to swine were changed to whiskey and the fruit into brandy, and that which escaped the capacious throats of the neighborhood drinkers was peddled along the road to the rural drinkers or sold in bulk to the village shops. In violation of all rules of political economy a man was at the same time an agriculturist, a manufacturer, a transporter, a wholesale merchant, a retailer and a voracious consumer.

        The returning wagons carried home supplies of molasses and sugar, iron and salt, shot and powder and flints, not forgetting the ribbons and combs and such paraphernalia that ladies


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in all ages will obtain to gild the refined gold of their personal charms. They were the vehicles also of the news of the day, there being no post-office nearer than Tarboro. The wondering neighbors heard from these drivers what was going on in the big world--that Washington had consented to accept a second term of the Presidency, that the heads of the King and Queen of France had rolled into the guillotine basket, that the allied armies had been driven back from the Rhine; and then what has proved to be of more importance than all the victories of the armies or the discrowning of kings that a Yankee schoolmaster, named Whitney, had invented a machine for picking seed out of cotton; and every old lady paused in the musical whir of her spinning-wheel to listen to the astounding intelligence, not more than three months old, that in the old country a man named Arkwright was spinning yarn by water power, and more incredible still a preacher, named Cartwright, was weaving cloth by wood and iron instead of human muscle.

        From these causes the roads of those days, though over them rolled no modern carriages or effeminate buggies, or bicycles, or horse-scaring automobiles, frequently resounded with the heavy wheels of the covered wagons; and the cross-roads were places of importance where wagoners and the neighbors met for business and social enjoyments, listened to political speeches, and more rarely to homely but heart-stirring sermons.

        The great roads from Petersburg to Pittsboro and the country beyond, and from New Bern towards Greensboro and Salisbury crossed on this eminence. At the northeast corner of the cross was a chapel of the Church of England, a sad relic of the futile efforts to establish a church in North Carolina. The locality was called New Hope Chapel Hill or the Hill of New Hope Chapel. The eminence is a promontory of granite, belonging to the Laurentian system, and extends into the sandstone formation to the east, which was once the bed of a long sheet of water stretching from near New York to the centre of Georgia. We have in our Museum pieces of rock formed from the mud and sand at the bottom of this old bay on which are ripple marks of the waves and prints of the plants and animals that grew in its shallows. It was on


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this plateau, elevated 250 feet above the country on the east, 503 feet above the ocean, then as now celebrated for its magnificent forests of oak and hickory, its springs of cool and purest water, its pleasant, mudless, dustless soil, its genial, healthful climate, on whose hillsides the mountain flora blossom, that the home of the University was fixed.

        We are fortunate in having a contemporary description of the site in Davie's own words, when he was full of enthusiasm after eating his dinner, according to tradition, under the old poplar which bears his name.

        "The seat of the University is on the summit of a very high ridge. There is a very gentle declivity of 300 yards to the village, which is situated in a handsome plain, considerably lower than the site of the public buildings, but so greatly elevated above the surrounding country as to furnish an extensive and beautiful landscape, composed of the heights in the vicinity of Eno, Flat and Little Rivers."

        "The ridge appears to commence about half a mile directly east of the building, where it rises abruptly several hundred feet. This peak is called Point Prospect. The flat country spreads out below like the ocean, giving an immense hemisphere in which the eye seems lost in the extent of space."

        "There is nothing more remarkable in this extraordinary place than the abundance of springs of the purest and finest water, which burst from the side of the ridge, and which have been the subjects of admiration both to hunters and travelers ever since the discovery and settlement of this part of the country."

        It will be noticed that the name Point Prospect has been changed to "Piney" Prospect. In old times point was pronounced a pint, and the change was natural, especially as the hill has pines growing on it and masses of these trees are the chief features of the scenery. I add that the water flowing from these springs into the creeks north and south of us have created an endless variety of hill and dale, with surprising wealth of flora, even the rhododendron of the mountains, which Gray stated until Dr. Simonds showed him our plant, could not grow below 1.800 feet.


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THE DONORS OF THE SITE.

        Nearly all of these donors were part of that band of immigrants, which leaving Pennsylvania sought on the waters of the Haw, the Deep, the Yadkin, and the Catawba a more peaceful home, one farther removed from warring Indians and scheming Frenchmen in the countries bordering on the Alleghany and the Monongahela. They were of plain, honest, unambitious stock, possibly more moved to their generosity by the hope of increasing the value of the broad acres retained by them than by love of letters and far-seeing patriotism.

        Most of what I know of their history I derived from my most intelligent friend, the late Captain John R. Hutchings, whose farm lies in full view from Piney Prospect on the extreme right.

        Col. John Hogan was an officer of the Revolution, in the militia service, which was arduous and perilous, especially when Cornwallis' headquarters were at Hillsboro and armed bands of British and Tories were harrying the central counties. His residence was in the county of Randolph, and his descendants are in that and Davidson counties. One of them was the estimable wife of Dr. Wm. R. Holt, a President of the North Carolina Agricultural Society and the introducer of Devon cattle and other blooded stock into the valley of the Yadkin. She was the nearest relation to the benefactress of the University, Mary Ruffin Smith.

        Matthew and William McCauley were of the few who came over directly from the north of Ireland. They were from the county of Antrim. According to tradition Matthew, when a youth, became involved in one of the numerous insurrections against British rule, and, concealed in a hogshead, was shipped as freight to the colonies in the new world. Settling on Morgan's Creek he, by industry and skill, succeeded in buying much land and establishing a mill on that creek of such wide celebrity that the roads in the neighborhood were marked off by the number of miles to it. He owned also a blacksmith shop, which met with a large patronage in the days when nails and horseshoes were made by hand. His dwelling still stands, low-pitched, high-roofed, with small windows on the old Hillsboro and Pittsboro road. The mill has gone to decay.


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        Matthew McCauley was thrown on his own resources before having an opportunity to procure book education, but was a very intelligent man and good citizen. A story told on him seems to prove the truth of the statement that "there are no snakes in Ireland." Shortly after his arrival in Orange County he was struck by the beauty of a rattlesnake which crossed his path. He caught it, fortunately around the neck, and carried it to an old lady with the inquiry, "what is this pretty beast?" Following the terrified advice of the lady he succeeded in throwing it away so as to escape its poisonous fangs. Another story was considered very mirthful in the old days. A neighbor made him a gift of a pair of snuffers, most useful when home-made tallow candles were in vogue. He carried them home in triumph, and when the light became dim snuffed the candle with his fingers as usual and deposited the charred end of the wick in the snuffers with the triumphant remark that it was very "usiary," (useful).

        He was a faithful soldier in the Revolutionary army. The General Assembly raised the grades of officers of the line, so that he was after the war a captain, but on the roster of Continental officers he is placed as first lieutenant of the 10th Regiment of Continental troops, his commission being dated April 19, 1777, Abraham Shepard being his colonel. While engaged under orders in recruiting service he was captured by the Tories and imprisoned for three months. Such was his hatred of Tories that even in old age, though of only medium size, he was eager to pick a quarrel and fight with any of that party whom he chanced to meet.

        He left many children. One of his sons settled in Kentucky. Another, a lawyer, William by name, was a student and then steward of the University. William left two sons, one of them, Samuel, was once Mayor of Monroe; the other, Charles Maurice Talleyrand McCauley, was a gallant captain in the Confederate army, a good lawyer and, as Senator from Union in the General Assembly, was always a supporter of the institution, which his grandfather helped to provide. A grandson, bearing the honored name of Matthew McCauley, resides on a part of the old plantation, though not in the old home.


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        William McCauley, a brother of the first Matthew, lived a few miles west of Chapel Hill in the district called the "Great Meadows," a leader in his county. He is the ancestor of the prosperous merchant of Chapel Hill, David McCauley, who is also a descendant of Matthew McCauley, by the "spindle," i. e., female line. William was a member of the lower house of the General Assembly during most of the Revolutionary War, and of the Senate from 1784 to 1788 inclusive. The confidence of the people of Orange was further shown to him by sending him as a delegate to the Convention of 1788 held at Hillsborough, which postponed the ratification of the Constitution of the United States. In common with the rest of the Orange delegates he voted for the postponement.

        Benjamin Yeargin was a son of the Rev. Andrew Yeargin, a Methodist preacher in Virginia and North Carolina, after whom the first Methodist church in Virginia, Yeargan's Chapel, was named. Benjamin was a worthy farmer, owning the land for a long distance along Bowlin's Creek. He was also the schoolmaster of the neighborhood. His mill, part of the mudsill still in situ, at a romantic defile called Glenburnie, was the first in the southern part of Orange County. His dwelling-house was near the creek. The northern part of his land is the farm owned by Mr. Oregon Tenney, and in it boarded President Polk, Judge William H. Battle and other students who preferred to walk nearly two miles over the rough hills rather than take meals at Steward's Hall. One of his sons, Mark Morgan Yeargin, was a student of the University in 1807, and settled at Henderson in Kentucky. His descendants are now over many States, principally North Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky. Two of them, Leonidas Hillary Yeargan, of New York, and Hillary H. L. Yeargan, M.D., of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, have published a neat booklet--the origin and genealogy of the Yeargan family from 1730 to 1890. *

        *The name was spelt differently by different members of the family, Yeargin, Yeargan, Yeargon.


        Christopher Barbee, familiarly known as "Old Kit," one of the largest landowners of this county, had his residence on a commanding eminence called The Mountain, three miles


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east of the village of Chapel Hill. He was a familiar figure for many years, said Dr. Charles Phillips, riding into the village on horseback with a little negro behind him, his destination being his blacksmith shop on Main street. He had two sons, William and Willis. William increased an estate already considerable, and at one time represented the county in the Legislature. Willis was a physician in the same neighborhood, after being a student of the University in 1818. One of the granddaughters of William Barbee married Wm. R. Kenan, of Wilmington. Their son was a recent student and instructor in the University. A great-grandson, William B. Stewart, was a graduate in 1881, and another, John Guthrie, was a student in 1896. A grandson, Belfield William Cave, was a graduate of 1848; and another, William F. Hargrave, was a student in 1866. The mill at the foot of the upper Laurel Hill, to which so many pilgrimages are made by young men and maidens, was known for many years as Barbee's Mill, and then Cave's Mill, after the name of one of his sons-in-law.

        The land on which the mill just mentioned was built was in 1792 the property of John Daniel, another of the donors. His residence was on the road between the mill and the village, and the grave of the owner is very near it. He was the surveyor for the Trustees, and his map of the University lands and vicinity is in our archives. After his death his family moved to the Mississippi Territory, now State.

        Mark Morgan, one of the earliest settlers, lived on his lands, bought of Earl Granville, three miles southeast of the village, the land reaching to the summit of New Hope Chapel Hill. Of his two sons John moved west in 1823, and Solomon lived and died on the homestead. Half of his land, about 800 acres including the homestead, descended to his daughter, Mary Elizabeth, the wife of Rev. James Pleasant Mason. She bequeathed it to the University to found a fund in memory of her daughters, Martha and Varina, who died within a month of one another just after budding into womanhood.

        In the latter part of his life. Solomon, who had been a man of neighborhood prominence, a Justice of the Peace, became feeble-minded and a guardian of his property was appointed


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He was allowed to have a horse of his own, and on one occasion swapped horses with a traveler, obtaining in exchange a noble black much superior to his own. Discovering that he had been overreached the trader endeavored to procure a rescission of the trade, and on Solomon's refusal threatened to appeal to his guardian. "Oh," said Solomon, "my guardian was appointed to keep people from cheating me and not to keep me from cheating them." And he kept his horse. It was his son Samuel who, when under conviction of his sins in consequence of the eloquent preaching at a revival, was heard, when on his knees in a solitary hay-loft, to utter this unique prayer, "Oh, Lord! they accuse Sam Morgan of doing this and that wicked thing, but, Oh Lord! it's a d--d lie."

        Hardy Morgan was the brother of Mark. His lands lay on Bowlin's Creek, east of the village, now the property of Robert F. Strowd. The son, Samuel, who inherited the home place is described as "one of nature's noblemen," so free from guile as to lose nearly all his property by becoming surety for Sheriff Nat King who fled to Tennessee after bankrupting his friends. One of his slaves, Tom, having been bought by a trader who designed to carry him to the Southwest for sale, ran away and for several years had two hiding places, one a cave on Morgan's Creek and the other in a very thick copse of wood near his old master's residence, under the lee of overhanging rocks. Rough boards leaning against the rocks made a dismal shelter from the rain. Under them was a shoemaker's bench and a pile of leaves for his couch. He lived partly by robbery, partly by food brought by his mother, whose cabin was near, but on the opposite side of the hill. There seemed to be little desire to molest him until he began to break into the stores of the village in search for meat. Then a posse was summoned for his capture. Marching through the forest at regular intervals--a process known as "beating the woods"--the men aroused him from his lair, and, on his refusal to stop when commanded, he was shot in the legs, captured and then sent south for sale. I have never seen the cave on Morgan's Creek but visited the den in the woods the day after his capture. I remember the shoemaker's bench and the fragments of leather, the scattered bones,


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relics of his solitary meals, and my young mind was shocked inexpressibly at the resemblance of poor Tom's habitation to the lair of a wild beast.

        It is gratifying to know that the old age of Samuel Morgan was relieved by the acquisition of a competent livelihood in right of his wife. Allen, the other son of Hardy Morgan, was dissipated and he and his descendants became impoverished.

        James Craig lived in the house still occupied by one of his descendants in the extreme western part of the village. He was a quiet, reserved, good man, so absent-minded that on one occasion he rode on horseback to New Hope church and then walked home about seven miles, forgetting that he had a horse, saddled and bridled, hitched near the church door. I heard President Andrew Johnson, in a speech delivered from President Swain's front steps, tell how, when on his way from Raleigh to seek his fortune in Tennessee, having walked from Raleigh, 28 miles, penniless and weary, he begged for a supper and a night's lodging at James Craig's. With softened voice he spoke of the cordial hospitality with which he was received, and how after abundant meals and a good night's rest he was cheered on his lonely journey by kind words and a full supply of food in his pockets.

        For many years "Craigs," or "Fur (far) Craigs," as the place was called, to distinguish it from a Craig residence nearer the village, was a favorite boarding house for those not adverse to long walks. Dr. Hooper tells in his "Fifty Years Since" how ambitious "spreads" of fried chicken and other dainties were served up to parties of students, seeking a change from the monotony of the ancient Commons. I remember that on one sad occasion a squad of unfortunates, among them one destined to be an eminent Confederate general, whose hands bore the signs of the presence of the dreaded sarcoptes scabei, were quarantined at this remote spot in sulphurous loneliness, under the sway of the terrible demon, "Old Scratch"

        Two of James Craig's children lived to the advanced age of 84 or 85 years on the homestead. His son James graduated at the University in 1816 in the class of John Y. Mason, Wm. Julius Alexander, and others. James Francis Craig, his grandson,


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a student of the University in 1852, recently died on the old homestead. Another grandson, Wm. Harrison Craig, a graduate of 1868, is a successful lawyer in Arkansas.

        Alexander Piper was a plain farmer who removed to Fayette County, Tennessee, many years ago.

        Edmund Jones, a most valuable citizen in his county, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Marrying Miss Rachel Alston he settled as a farmer near Chapel Hill, but soon after the location of the University removed to Chatham County and established himself on Ephraim's Creek, on the present line of the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad, midway between Siler City and Ore Hill. He is buried about twelve feet from the road. He died in 1834 at the age of 85 years. He left three sons, two of whom resided in North Carolina, and the third moved West. His descendants are scattered all over the South and Southwest. One of his sons, Atlas Jones, was an alumnus, then a tutor of the University, 1804-'06, then a Trustee. He was a lawyer of prominence and a member of the General Assembly from Moore County. A lawyer of much natural ability, but of irregular habits, often in the Legislature from Anson, noted for his power of discomforting opponents by humorous ridicule, Atlas Jones Dargan, was named after him.

        Thomas Connelly was once owner of the Matthew McCauley mill tract. Seized by the fever for emigrating he removed to Georgia. He sold his Orange County possessions and his name has disappeared from this neighborhood. He was a Virginian and married Miss Mary Price, of Norfolk, in that State. He died at the age of 82, leaving eleven sons and five daughters, most of them married. His descendants are scattered from Georgia to Texas.

THE LAYING OF THE CORNERSTONE OF THE OLD EAST
BUILDING.

        The report of the Commissioners was referred to a committee consisting of Davie, McCorckle, Jones, Ashe, and Sitgreaves. Jones, as chairman, reported an ordinance ratifying their action, which was unanimously adopted. At a previous


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meeting a committee of which Senator Hawkins was chairman, recommended the plan of a building 120 feet by 50, three stories high, with a dining-room on the first floor 40 feet by 30, and a public hall on the second and third floors of the same dimensions. This plan was for want of means not approved, and on motion of Davie the location and construction of a building sufficiently large to accommodate 50 students, and also the laying out the village of Chapel Hill and selling lots therein, were directed to be entrusted to seven commissioners, styled the Building Committee, to be elected by ballot.

        The following were chosen: Alfred Moore, W. R. Davie, Fred. Hargett, Thomas H. Blount, Alexander Mebane, John Williams and John Haywood, certainly worthy of full confidence.

        The committee reported, through John Haywood, at their meeting in Fayetteville in December, 1793. They had met in Hillsboro in April of that year and contracted with George Daniel, of Orange County, for making 350,000 bricks for 40 shillings ($4) per thousand. On the 10th of August following they met at Chapel Hill, marked off sites for the buildings, "together with the necessary quantity of land for offices, avenues and ornamental grounds." They then laid off the village into lots. In addition to the beauty and natural advantages of the place, they reported that it is "happily accommodated to the introduction and direction of several important public roads, which it is highly probable will in the future lead through it." They found that a tract of eighty acres, belonging to Hardy Morgan ran inconveniently near the buildings, and therefore bought it for $200. On the 19th of July they contracted with James Patterson, of Chatham County, for erecting a two-storied brick building, 96 feet 7 inches long and 40 feet 1 1-2 inches wide, for $5,000, the University to furnish the brick, sash weights, locks, hooks, fastenings and painting. The building was to contain 16 rooms with four passages, and to be finished by the 1st of November, 1794. The cornerstone was laid on the 12th of October, 1793, and on the same day the lots in the village, reserving a four-acre lot for a residence for the President, were sold for £1.534 ($3,168), payable in one and two years, good security being given. It was thought


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that "the amount of the sales furnishes a pleasing and undeniable proof of the high estimation in which the beautiful spot is held." The report is signed by Davie, Moore, Mebane, Blount, and Haywood, from which it is inferrible that Hargett and Williams did not act. The 80-acre tract included the land east of the buildings next to the Raleigh road, which is propably the oldest cleared land of the University site. There are traces on it of a cottage, which was probably tenanted at the time of the purchase.

        The 12th of October was the date of many great events in the world's history--of the discovery of America by Columbus, of the birth of that grand evolution of Anglo-Norman-American character, Robert E. Lee, and of our active, progressive, and able ex-President of the University, George Tayloe Winston. In the year 1877 it was made a holiday, University Day. General Davie, as Grand Master of the Free and Accepted Order of Masons, officiated, and Rev. Dr. Samuel E. McCorckle delivered the address, on the occasion of the laying of the corner-stone.

        We have fortunately an account of the proceedings of this day so memorable, written by Davie himself, the chief actor. I will endeavor to take the veil from this picture of long ago, and wipe off the dust which obscures it.

        The Chapel Hill of 113 years ago was vastly different from the Chapel Hill of to-day. It was covered with a primeval growth of forest trees, with only one or two settlements and a few acres of clearing. Even the trees on the East and West Avenue, named Cameron by the Faculty in recognition of the wise and skillful superintendence by P. C. Cameron of the extensive repairs of our buildings prior to the re-opening in 1875, were still erect. The sweetgums and dogwoods and maples were relieving with their russet and golden hues the general green of the forest. A long procession of people for the first time is marching along the narrow road, afterwards to be widened into a noble avenue. Many of them are clad in the striking, typical insignia of the Masonic Fraternity, their Grand Master arrayed in the full decorations of his rank. They march with military tread, because most of them have seen service, many scarred with wounds of horrid war. Their faces are


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serious, for they feel that they are engaged in a great work. They are proceeding to lay the foundations of an institution which for weal or woe is to shape the minds of thousands of unborn children; whose influence will be felt more and more, ever widening and deepening as the years roll on, as one of the great forces of civilization.

        Let us transport ourselves in imagination and look on this strange procession and see if we can recognize any of them as they step firmly in the pleasant sunshine of the autumnal sun.

        The tall, commanding figure most conspicuous in the Grand Master's regalia is that of William Richardson Davie, whom I have heretofore described. The distinguished looking man, "small in statue, neat in his dress, elegant in his manner," next to Davie, is Davie's great rival, Alfred Moore. Judge Murphey gives us a vivid picture of him also: "His voice was clear and sonorous, his perception quick and judgment almost intuitive. His style was chaste and manner of speaking animated. Having adopted Swift for his model, his language was always plain. The clearness and energy of his mind enabled him almost without an effort to disentangle the most intricate subject and expose it in all its parts to the simplest understanding. He spoke with ease and with force, enlivened his discourse with flashes of wit, and where the subject required it with all the bitterness of sarcasm. His speeches were short and impressive. When he sat down every one thought he had said everything he ought to have said." His learning and acquirements secured for him a seat on the bench of one of the most august tribunals in the world--the Supreme Court of the United States.

        In that procession appeared one too who had highest reputation among his contemporaries as an enlightened lawyer, William H. Hill, heretofore described, father of the brilliant young man whose death filled the whole State with grief, Joseph A. Hill.

        We next see one who was for many years the most popular man in North Carolina, John Haywood. For forty years--1787 to 1827--he was Treasurer of the State. His hospitality was unbounded. He made it a rule to invite specially to an entertainment at his house at each session of the General Assembly,


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which then met annually, every member. His kindness and charity were absolutely inexhaustible. In reading over the University records I find that for over thirty years he scarcely missed a meeting of the Board, whether held at Chapel Hill or Raleigh. His name is perpetuated not only by the memory of his distinguished sons, but by one of our loveliest mountain counties and by a neighboring town, which once aspired to be the capital of the State and site of the University.

        Marching with Haywood was Gen. Alexander Mebane, of the old Scotch-Irish stock, who settled the Haw Fields in Alamance, something of whose history has been given.

        In that procession was also John Williams, founder of Williamsboro, in Granville County, whose strong, sturdy sense enabled him to step with short interval from the bench of the carpenter to the bench of the judge of the first court under the Constitution of 1776. He was likewise a member of the Congress of the Confederation.

        Thomas Blount, member from Edgecombe, soon to enter Congress and to become an attached colleague of Nathaniel Macon, was likewise present.

        Prominent in this procession was the venerable Hargett, Senator from Jones, plain, solid, but eminently trustworthy.

        After these came other Trustees. Who they were, with the exception of McCorkle, we have no record.

        After the Trustees march State officers, not Trustees; among them Judge Spruce McKoy, of Salisbury, and doubtless John Taylor, the first Steward of the University, and the officers of the county; and then followed the gentlemen of the vicinity, the donors of the land and their neighbors, and among them Patterson, of Chatham, the contractor for the building. Since that day we have had processions, year by year, on our Commencement days, and in their columns men learned and distinguished in all the pursuits of life, but never has there been a procession more imposing than that which laid the cornerstone of the Old East, on the 12th day of October, 1793.

        The orator of the day, Dr. Samuel E. McCorkle, was one of the most noted educators of that period. He was one of the sturdy Scotch-Irish, who made the north of Ireland famous throughout all lands for triumphs of intelligent industry and


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thrift, whose glorious defence of Londonderry stands unexcelled in the annals of human valor and endurance; who gave to North Carolina many of its leaders in war and peace--Grahams and Jacksons, Johnstons, Brevards, Alexanders, Mebanes and hosts of others, but above all most of its faithful and zealous instructors of youth, such as Dr. Caldwell, of Guilford, and Dr. Caldwell, of the University, Dr. Ker and Mr. Harris, its first professors, and that progenitor of a line of able and cultured teachers and founder of a school eminent for nearly a century for its widespread and multiform usefulness, William Bingham, the first.

        Dr. McCorkle was among the foremost of these. He was beyond his generation as a teacher. His school at Thyatira, six miles west of Salisbury, spread abroad not only classical learning but sound religious training. He attached to it a department specially for teachers--the first normal school, I feel sure, in America. The first class which graduated at our University consisted of seven members; six of them had been pupils of Dr. McCorkle. And it is gratifying that one of the first graduates of the revived University was a relative of his, George McCorkle, of Catawba, the Chief Marshal of 1876.

        The name Zion-Parnassus, which he gave to his school at Thyatira, shows how he combined the culture of the Bible and the culture of the Muses. The first Board of Trustees of the University was composed of the greatest men of the State, and among them--Senators, Governors, Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States and of the State--was Dr. McCorkle, the solitary preacher and solitary teacher. He was one of the best friends the University had; worked for it, begged for it, preached for it. It was most fitting that he should deliver the first address at the University, to be followed by a long line of eloquent men.

        We have a report of the address made by Dr. McCorkle on this momentous occasion. It is replete with wisdom and noble thoughts, and proves that the estimation placed on him by the men of his day was fully earned.

        "Observing on the natural and necessary connection between learning and religion, and the importance of religion to the


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promotion of national happiness and national undertakings, he said," "It is our duty to acknowledge that sacred scriptural truth, except the Lord build the house they labor in vain who build it. Except the Lord watcheth the city the watchman walketh but in vain." For my own part I feel myself prostrated with a sense of these truths, and this I feel not only as a minister of religion, but also as a citizen of the State--as a member of the civil as well as the religious society."

        After laying down the proposition that the happiness of mankind is increased by the advancement of learning and science, the doctor observed, "Happiness is the centre to which all the duties of man and people tend. . . . To diffuse the greatest possible degree of happiness in a given territory is the aim of good government and religion. Now the happiness of a nation depends on national wealth and national glory and cannot be gained without them. They in like manner depend on liberty and good laws. Liberty and laws call for general knowledge in the people and extensive knowledge in matters of the State, and these in turn demand public places of education. . . . How can any nation be happy without national wealth? How can that nation or man be happy that is not procuring and securing the necessary conveniences and accommodations of life; ease without indolence and plenty without luxury or waste? How can glory or wealth be procured without liberty and laws? They must check luxury, encourage industry and protect wealth. They must secure me the glory of my actions and save me from a bow-string or a bastille. And how are these objects to be gained without general knowledge? Knowledge is wealth--it is glory--whether among philosophers, ministers of State or religion, or among the great mass of the people. Britons glory in the name of Newton and have honored him with a place among the sepulchres of their kings. Americans glory in the name of Franklin, and every nation boasts of her great men, who has them. Savages cannot have, rather cannot educate them, though many a Newton has been born and buried among them. Knowledge is liberty and law. When the clouds of ignorance have been dispelled by the radiance of knowledge power trembles, but the authority of the


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laws remain inviolable; and how this knowledge productive of so many advantages to mankind can be acquired without public places of education I know not."

        The eyes of the orator kindled as he looked into the future. "The seat of the University was next sought for," he said, "and the public eye selected Chapel Hill--a lovely situation in the centre of the State, at a convenient distance from the capital, in a healthy and fertile neighborhood. May this hill be for religion as the ancient hill of Zion; and for literature and the muses, may it surpass the ancient Parnassus! We this day enjoy the pleasure of seeing the cornerstone of the University, its material and the architect for the building, and we hope ere long to see its stately walls and spire ascending to their summit. Ere long we hope to see it adorned with an elegant village, accommodated with all the necessaries and conveniences of civilized society."

        "The discourse was followed by a short but animated prayer, closed with the united amen of an immense concourse of people."

        We thank thee for thy golden words, thou venerable father of education in our State. On this foundation the University desires to rest, the enlightenment of the people, their instruction not alone in secular learning but in religious truth, leading up to and sustaining liberty by demanding and shaping beneficent laws under which wealth may be accumulated and individual happiness and national glory be secured, all sanctified by the blessings of God; these are the objects, these are the methods, these are the good rewards of the University.

        But the beginnings of the University were in troublous times. Its struggles were not only with want and penury, but with ignorance and prejudice and a wild spirit of lawlessness.

        All the world was in a ferment. The passions of the era flamed across the ocean and enkindled sympathetic passions in our midst. Furious efforts were made to force the United States into alliance with the French Republic. The vision of the sister democracies of the Old World and the New, marching shoulder to shoulder to plant in every capital the standard of universal freedom, and conquering together a universal peace,


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aroused every sentiment of romantic philanthropy and quixotic gratitude.

        The rage of parties was strong in North Carolina, as elsewhere. It stood in the way of all measures for the advancement of the public good. It stimulated bad passions, prevented co-operation, divided the people into hostile camps. In the general excitement the cause of education was little regarded, and but for the wisdom of such men as Davie and Moore and Mebane and Haywood and Hill the new-born University would have been strangled in its infancy.

        The population of the State was only about 400,000, of whom about 100,000 were slaves. The permanent seat of government had just been chosen. The city of Raleigh was located in 1792, the State-house was not finished until 1794. The inhabitants of the State lived remote from one another, and mutual intercourse was prevented not only by long distances but by the execrable roads and the almost entire absence of spring vehicles. The two-wheeled sulky and stick-back gig were possessed by the better class, while only a few of the wealthiest could boast of the lumbering coach. Most traveling was on horseback, it being quite the fashion for the lady to sit behind the gentleman and steady herself by an arm around his waist.

        The diffusion of intelligence through most of the regions of the State was by the chance traveler or the wagoner. In 1790 there were only 75 post-offices in all the Union, now there are over 70,000. There were only 1,875 miles of post roads in all the Union, now there are over 400,000. Then there was only one letter to 17 people, now there are over 20 letters to each person. Then there were only 265,500 letters carried in a year; now there are largely over 1,000,000,000. Then the postage was from seven to 33 cents, according to distance; now for two cents a letter will go with great certainty to the shores of the Pacific, even to distant Alaska among the frozen latitudes. In his message to the Legislature of 1790 Governor Alexander Martin complained that there is only one mail route in the State, and that runs only through the seaboard towns; that only a few inhabitants derive advantage from that establishment in comparison to the general bulk of the people of the interior country.


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Five years afterwards Prof. Harris, when a weekly mail had been established, writes, "Our news at this place (Chapel Hill) has given us more trouble and disappointment than information. I joined Mr. Ker, acting president, in getting Browne's daily paper, but it has not arrived by the two last posts, and if it does not come more regularly we must discontinue it." The old records show that it was a common practice to send a special messenger, called an "express," when important communication became necessary between the University authorities and the Trustees.

        The state of education was at a low ebb. There were no public schools and few private schools. I am fortunately able to give information on this subject from Judge Archibald Murphey, an early student of the University; after his graduation one of its professors. He says: "Before this University came into operation in 1795 there were not more than three schools in the State in which the rudiments of a classical education could be acquired. The most prominent and useful of these schools was kept by Mr. David Caldwell, of Guilford County. He initiated it shortly after the close of the war and continued it for more than thirty years. The usefulness of Dr. Caldwell to the literature of the State will never be sufficiently appreciated, but the opportunities of instruction in the school were very limited. There was no library attached to it. His students were supplied with a few of the Greek and Latin classics, Euclid's Elements of Mathematics and Martin's Natural Philosophy. Moral Philosophy was taught from a syllabus of lectures by Dr. Witherspoon in Princeton College. The students had no books on history or miscellaneous literature. There were very few indeed in the State, except in the libraries of lawyers who lived in the commercial towns. I well remember that after completing my course of studies under Dr. Caldwell, I spent nearly two years without finding any books to read except old works on theological subjects. At length I accidentally met with Voltaire's History of Charles XII. of Sweden, and an odd volume of Smollett's Roderick Random and an abridgement of Don Quixote. These books gave me a taste for reading which I had no opportunity of gratifying


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until I became a student of the University in 1796. Few of Dr. Caldwell's students had better opportunities of getting books than myself, and with those slender opportunities of instruction it is not at all surprising that so few have become eminent in the liberal professions. At this day (1827) when libraries are established in all our towns, when every professional man and every respectable gentleman has a collection of books, it is difficult to conceive the inconvenience under which young men labored thirty or forty years ago." And yet there were men who, like Judge Murphey, conquered all these difficulties and rose, conspicuous for learning and science.

        I am satisfied that Judge Murphey was mistaken as to the number of classical schools. There were others, but very far from being sufficient to supply the needs of the State.

        The North American Review in 1821 said that, "In an ardent and increasing zeal for the establishment of schools and academies for several years past, we do not believe North Carolina has been outdone by a single State. The academy at Raleigh was founded in 1804, previously to which there were only two institutions of the kind in the State. The number at present is nearly forty, and is rapidly increasing. Great pains are taken to procure the best instructors from different parts of the country, and we have the best authority for our opinion, that in no part of the Union are the interests of education better understood and under better regulation than in the middle counties of North Carolina. The schools for females are particularly celebrated and are much resorted to from Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia. In the year 1816 the number of students at academies within the compass of forty miles amounted to more than one thousand."

        Soon after the laying of the cornerstone of the Old East, the President's dwelling was begun. This was located opposite to the present Commons Hall, and is now occupied by Prof. Gore. It was the residence of Professor Ker, then of Professor Gillaspie; then for some years of President Caldwell. In the year 1807 he married the widow of William Hooper, son of the signer of the Declaration of Independence, who had removed from Hillsboro to Chapel Hill in order to educate her sons; he


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then removed to her residence at the southeast corner of Franklin and Hillsboro streets. This caused the "President's house" to become the residence of professors.

SALE OF VILLAGE LOTS.

        After the ceremonies of laying the cornerstone, was had the sale of villages lots. A careful inspection of the map of the town preserved among the Harris papers and of the deeds given by the Commissioners of sale show clearly the plan. A broad avenue, called the Grand Avenue, 290 feet wide, being the distance between the eastern side of the East Building and the western side of the West Building, was laid out on paper, extending from the north front of the South Building northwardly to the limits of the University land, considerably beyond the present village school-house. Person Hall (Old Chapel) was located to front on this avenue.

        Another avenue about 150 feet wide was designed to extend from the South Building eastwardly to Piney Prospect. The lots on both sides of Franklin or Main street, with the exception of those included in the Grand Avenue, were squares of two acres each, as were also those along Columbia Avenue. These two-acre lots were numbered 1 to 24; those west of Columbia Avenue, beginning at the south, being numbers 1, 3, 5, 7; those on the east being 2, 4, 6, 8; the two latter as well as 5 and 7 being on Franklin street. To the east of 6 on Franklin street were the odd numbers 9 to 23, the spaces occupied by Grand Avenue and Raleigh street not being included; that at the southeast corner of Franklin and Raleigh streets being No. 19. Similarly on the north side of Franklin street from No. 8, usually known as the Hargrave lot, to the east are the even numbers 10 to 24; that known as the Thompson lot being No. 18.

        Besides these there were five lots of four acres each, Nos. 1 and 2 being the lots from Commons Hall to the Pittsboro road. Nos. 3 and 4 being east and west of Grand Avenue and north of Rosemary street, No. 5 being east of Hillsboro street and north of Rosemary, and No. 6 being the Battle lot, touched by no street, evidently set apart for sale because a spring was within its limits.


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        The campus, then called ornamental grounds, was planned to be far larger than at present. It was a square, extending eastwardly to the front line of No. 6 four-acre lot, and the same distance into the forest on the south, beyond the old brickyard. The general changes in the plan have been the restricting of the campus into its present stone-wall limits and the sale of that part of the Grand Avenue which lies north of Franklin street. The first encroachment was a Union church, called the village chapel, for holding religious services on Sunday nights, on Franklin street about the middle of Grand Avenue, the professors contributing the major part of the building fund. In the course of time the lot on which it was situated was sold to the Presbyterians for their church, and the lots to the west of it were disposed of for various purposes. The old village chapel was moved northward and was recently the town school-house. Another portion of Grand Avenue was bought by the Methodists as a site for their church, and, when they concluded to build another, some northern Congregationalists bought it for a school and church for the colored. It has since been sold into private hands.

        Long afterwards, about 1830, when Gerrard Hall was built, the authorities of that day had a quixotic notion to force the University to turn its back to the village and its face towards the south, a stately east and west avenue to run from the Raleigh to the Pittsboro road. The southern porch of Gerrard Hall, recently taken down, is a memento of this abortive project.

        It is interesting to read the list of purchasers at the sale of 1793. I regret that I have been unable to find the number of the lots each purchased, but by the researches of Mr. S. M. Gattis I can give fair specimens. The last descendant of an original purchaser who continued to hold the land bought was Mrs. Mary Kenan, of Wilmington, wife of Wm. R. Kenan, whose mother, Mrs. Jesse Hargrave, was a granddaughter of Christopher Barbee. She has recently sold it. The following is the list of purchasers, the terms of sale being twelve months' credit:


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Christopher Barbee £105.10 $211.
Wm. Hayes £ 50.5 100.50
John Daniel 28. 56.
Samuel Hopkins, No. 14 33. 66.
Hardy Morgan, No. 12 75. 150.
Edmund Jones, No. 13 100. 200.
George Johnston, No. 11 71. 142.
Nathaniel Christmas 40. 80.
Alfred Moore, No. 17 32. 64.
Charles Collier 67. 134.
Stephen Gapins 40.10 81.
James Patterson, Nos. 4 and 5 108.10 217.
John Caldwell 29. 58.
Jesse Neville 76.10 153.
John Grant Rencher, Nos. 20 and 19 and 4 acre No. 5 114.5 228.50
Daniel Booth 52. 104.
Chesley Page Paterson 82. 164.
Lewis Kirk 58. 116.
Ephraim Frazier 55. 110.
Archibald Campbell 54.10 109.
John Carrington 107. 214.
Andrew Burke, four acre No. 6 and four acre No. 3 125. 250.
Total £ 1504. $3008.

        The Commissioners reported £30 more than this. The auctioneer was John G. Rencher, and he was paid $20. John Daniel was the surveyor and received $16.

        The lot bid off by Alfred Moore, one of the Commissioners, for £32 ($64) was transferred to William H. Hill, and by him to Thomas Taylor, a merchant. After building a house on it and living therein for many years Taylor removed to Tennessee, selling it to the University. It is the land east of the Episcopal church extending to the Raleigh road, now occupied by Dr. Alexander.

        The Charles Collier lot ($134) is that at the corner of Hillsboro and Franklin street, now owned by the heirs of Henry Thompson.

        John Grant Rencher was the father of the late Abram Rencher, member of Congress and Charge d' Affairs to Portugal. He bought No. 5 lot of four acres for $74.50, No. 19, that


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at the southeast corner of Franklin and Raleigh streets, and that opposite for $77 each.

        The four-acre Battle lot, No. 6, was purchased by Andrew Burke, a merchant of Hillsboro, for $150. The highest priced were the two-acre lots No. 11, where is now Roberson's Hotel, $142, or $71 per acre, the purchaser being George Johnston; No. 12 opposite, on part of which is the residence of the late Dr. W. P. Mallett, sold to Hardy Morgan for $150, or $75 per acre; and No. 13 (the Chapel Hill Hotel lot) to Edmund Jones for $200, or $100 per acre. The two-acre lot adjoining the campus on the west, brought only $95, and that at the southwest corner of Franklin street and Columbia Avenue, was sold to James Paterson, the contractor for the East Building, for $122.

        Nearly all of these purchases were for speculative purposes and it is doubtful whether any money was made on the re-sales. Investors should take warning by these figures of the danger of holding unimproved land in towns of slow growth. Number 19 ($77), one of the most beautiful building sites in the village, the house on which, burnt in 1886, was the residence of Presidents Caldwell and Swain and which sheltered three Presidents of the United States, Polk, Buchanan, and Johnson, is now worth exclusive of buildings about $1,000. The $77 paid in 1793 at six per cent compound interest would be over $12,000, and until 1848 moneys lent were not taxed.

        It is noticeable, as showing the progress of prices in real estate, that the acre which is now the Presbyterian Manse, then without a building on it, was in 1847 bought by Prof. W. M. Green, since Bishop of Mississippi, for $37.50. In 1892 Prof. Collier Cobb gave for three-fourths of an acre adjoining $300.

        The first effort to start the University on its educational career was peculiar and proved abortive. On the 12th of December. 1792, the Curriculum Committee inserted an advertisement in the newspapers as follows: "Proposals from such gentlemen as may intend to undertake the instruction of youth" are invited, the instruction to embrace "Languages, particularly the English: the Belles Lettres: Logic and Moral Philosophy; Agriculture and Botany, with the principles of Architecture."


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No gentlemen offered themselves for this stupendous task.

FIRST PLAN OF STUDIES AND BY-LAWS.

        On December 4, 1792, at a meeting of the Trustees at New Bern, Messrs. McCorckle, Stone, Moore, Ashe, and Hay were appointed a committee to report a plan of education, and Hugh Williamson was afterwards added. Of these McCorkle, Stone, Moore, and Ashe have already been described. Hay was an able lawyer from Fayetteville, from whom Haymount is called, occasionally a member of the General Assembly, a strong Federalist with a sharp tongue, which often embroiled him with the Republican judges, Ashe, Spencer and Williams. His beautiful daughter was the first wife of Judge Gaston. Dr. Hugh Williamson had the reputation of having much varied learning, especially in the sciences. He was a graduate of the Literary Department of the University of Pennsylvania, was educated to be a Presbyterian preacher, but after serving two years left the ministry on account of ill health. After being Professor of Mathematics in his alma mater for a short while he obtained the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the University of Edinburgh, and practiced his profession in Philadelphia. Engaging in a coasting commercial venture at the opening of the Revolutionary War, he was forced, in order to avoid capture, to run into Edenton, in North Carolina, and there concluded to settle. When the militia was called out for the unfortunate Camden campaign he volunteered his service as surgeon, and remained in the hands of the British in order to care for the American wounded. He was afterwards member of the North Carolina Legislature, member of the Congress of Confederation and of the Convention of 1787, and a signer of the United States Constitution. Marrying a lady of wealth living in New York, he removed his residence to that city and there wrote his History of North Carolina. He also published a volume on the climate of America as compared with that of Europe, and was an active co-operator in advancing the interests of the University of North Carolina until his death in 1819. Jefferson said of him that he was a "very useful member of the Congress of the Confederation." of "acute mind and of a high degree of


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erudition." Of the committee the only college-bred men were McCorkle, Stone and Williamson.

        Dr. McCorkle, as Chairman, reported in December, 1792, in general terms that, considering the poverty of the University, the instruction in literature and science be confined to the study of the languages, particularly the English, the acquirement of historical knowledge, ancient and modern; Belles Lettres, Mathematics and Natural Philosophy; Botany and the theory and practice of Agriculture, best suited to the climate and soil of the State; the principles of Architecture. The committee recommended the procurement of apparatus for Experimental Philosophy and Astronomy. In this they included a set of Globes, a Barometer, Thermometer, Microscope, Telescope, Quadrant, Prismatic Glass, Air-pump, and an Electrical Machine. They were of the opinion that a library be procured, but the choice should be deferred until additional funds should be provided.

        The report is remarkable as being far ahead of the times. Notwithstanding that the chairman and the second on the list, Stone, were graduates of Princeton, a seat of the old curriculum, viz.: the Classics, Mathematics and Metaphysics, prominence is given to scientific studies and those of a practical nature. It is strikingly like the plan adopted by Congress for the establishment of the agricultural and mechanical colleges, in which, to use the words of the act, "Without excluding the classics, and including military tactics, shall be taught the branches of learning relating to Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts." And I find that the course of studies, from which the classics were excluded, was called by the name adopted in 1870, the Scientific Course, although the Faculty adopting the latter had no knowledge of the scheme of 1792.

        It is certainly to the honor of Dr. McCorckle that, while he established over a hundred years ago in the wilds of North Carolina a Normal School, the first probably in America, he likewise drew up a scheme for the more practical instruction which all institutions of higher learning at the present day have to a greater or less extent adopted. It is probable, however, that as the University of Pennsylvania, the alma mater of Dr. Hugh Williamson, was conspicuous in exalting scientific studies, his


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influence had weight in the report of the committee. I find that Dr. John Andrews, Provost of that institution, as late as 1810, writes that the principal teachers of Latin and English are not styled professors, but masters--that these schools were considered distinct from the college, subordinate to it and only kept up as nurseries of the philosophical classes. He thought that on the death or resignation of the Rev. Dr. Rogers, the head of the English school, it would be abolished altogether.

        On January 10, 1794, the Board ordered the scheme of the Committee to be carried into effect, and that the exercises should begin on the 15th of January, 1795. The annual Commencement was to be on the Monday after the 10th of July each year, after which "there should be a time of recreation or holiday of one month only." The next vacation was to begin on the 15th of December and end on the 15th of January of each year.

        The prices for tuition were as follows:

        For Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and Bookkeeping, $8 per annum.

        For Latin, Greek, French, English Grammar, Geography, History and Belles Lettres, $12.50 per annum.

        Geometry with practical branches, Astronomy, Natural Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, Chemistry and the principles of Agriculture, $15.00 per annum.


        No President was to be chosen, but a Presiding Professor only, to occupy the President's house and to be responsible for all the teaching. His style was "Professor of Humanity," his salary $300 a year and two-thirds of the tuition money.

        The Professor of Humanity and three Trustees, or the President of the Board, were authorized to employ assistance when needed. The salary of a tutor was to be $200, one-third of the tuition money, free board at Commons, and the use of a room in the "Old East." The word "Humanity," more often in the plural form, "the Humanities," was held to include grammar, logic, rhetoric, poetry and the ancient classics, opposed to mathematics and the natural sciences.

        Charles Wilson Harris, a recent graduate of Princeton, was chosen, in the spring of 1795. Tutor of Mathematics.

        It was likewise resolved to build a Steward's House, to be


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ready at the opening of the institution, the size of the edifice to be at the discretion of the Building Committee.

        The students were to be allowed, but not compelled, to live in the University building and board at Commons.

        Absalom Tatom, of Hillsborough, who was afterwards a Commoner from that borough and, by his criticism of the University as being aristocratical, provoked violent denunciation by President Caldwell, and Walter Alves, of the same town, the new Treasurer, were added to the Building Committee.

        A committee, composed of John Haywood, Davie, James Taylor, Adlai Osborne and Rev. Dr. McCorkle, reported that, as instructed, they had examined into the financial condition of the institution. That, "on the 1st of November, 1794, the institution would have in ready cash £6,297, 9s, 6d, ($12,594.95), exclusive of the hard money, which by that time for interest will be three hundred dollars, or thereabout. This interest was payable by the United States on bonds invested in the new debt created for discharging the Revolutionary obligations of the General and State governments.

        The Committee, to report "the quantity and quality of the meats and drinks to be furnished to students," was composed of Col. Wm. Lenoir, David Stone, Joel Lane, Robert Porter and John Haywood. The diet recommended seems sufficiently generous.

        For Breakfast.--Coffee and tea, or chocolate and tea, one warm roll, one loaf of wheat or corn flour (the secretary spells it flower), at the option of the student, with a sufficiency of butter.

        For Dinner.--A dish or cover of bacon and greens, or beef and turnips, together with a sufficient quantity of fresh meats, or fowls, or pudding and tarts, with a sufficiency of wheat and corn bread.

        For Supper.--Coffee, tea, or milk at the option of the Steward, with the necessary quantity of bread or biscuit.


        The Committee adds that "it is expected Potatoes and all other kinds of vegetable food will be furnished, and plentifully, by the Steward," with a clean table cloth every other day. "They are of opinion that no drink other than water be provided, the word "drink" here meaning spirituous, vinous or malt fluids." The report was adopted.


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        It is manifest that there is abundant room for differences between the Steward and his hungry patrons. Neither the size, nor the weight of the rolls, loaves, bacon, beef, is specified. As no fresh meats and fowls were required when puddings and tarts were on hand, the first course, bacon with beans, or in lieu thereof, beef and turnips, must have been a trifle lonesome. And if the Steward, as he had the right to do, concluded to serve corn-bread, hot or cold, without butter, even the advocate of Spartan simplicity might find it unsavory. It must be noted too that the age and strength of the butter, which was not imperative except at breakfast, might be a matter of serious wrangling. It seems to have depended on the sympathetic temperament of the Steward whether the expectation of the unlimited supply of vegetables was realized in all seasons. Our history will show abundant heart-burnings resulting from the want of more stringent provisions in the summary of that officer's duties.

        In addition to furnishing food, the Board required the Steward to give the floors, passages and staircases a fortnightly washing, to have the students' rooms swept and beds made once a day, and to have brought from "the spring" at least four times a day a sufficient quantity of water in the judgment of the Faculty. The spring mentioned was near the Episcopal Church rear wall, the head of the streamlet going through Battle Park. It was then bold and pure. General Clingman informed me that it was used as late as 1831.

        The first Steward was John Taylor, usually called Buck Taylor. For his services he was to receive $30 a year for each student. He was required to enter into bond with good security in the sum of $400 for the performance of his duty. An inspection of a copy of the bond shows that the uncertainty in regard to the vegetables was partly removed by adding other words, so as to read "potatoes and all kinds of vegetable food usually served up in Carolina in sufficient quantities." The hours of meals were for breakfast and dinner eight and one, and for supper "before or after candle light, at the discretion of the faculty." The provision was added that if milk should be served at supper, neither coffee, tea, nor chocolate should be


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required, "unless by boys who eat no milk." Eating milk has an odd sound to our ear, but it must not be understood that the lacteal fluid hardened into the likeness of cheese. In 1796, for some reason not explained, the requirement of milk was dispensed with until after July 1st, while wheat bread and biscuit might be lacking until the same date. The house of the Steward stood for fifty years at the crown of the hill east of Smith Hall, in the middle of Cameron Avenue--a two-storied wooden building painted white. Taylor held the contract until he gave place to Major Pleasant Henderson, a Revolutionary soldier, uncle of Chief Justice Leonard Henderson.

        John Taylor was a fine specimen of the bold, frank, rough, honest, Revolutionary veteran, a good citizen, but perhaps too ready to assert his rights and resent injuries by first law. He owned a plantation three miles west of Chapel Hill, now called the Snipes place. When he came to his death-bed he requested to be buried on the summit of a woody hill overlooking the cultivated fields, so that he could watch the negroes and keep them at their work. The monument is a sandstone slab, and on it, "To the Memory of John Taylor. Born June 22, 1747; died May 28, 1828. A Patriot of 1776."

        At this meeting General Davie was requested to prepare a book-plate for the University books. It will be noticed that his Revolutionary title of Colonel is dropped for that of a higher rank, which of course was in the militia. There is a tradition that when he was afterwards a special Commissioner to France, Napoleon, although generally treating him with marked consideration, showed disgust when he learned that the title was not gained on the gory battlefield.

        The names of the earliest donors of books to the Library should be known. They were: Honorable Judge Williams, 3 volumes; James Reid, Esq., of Wilmington, 21 volumes; Wm. R. Davie, 6 volumes; Rev. David Ker, 3 volumes; Richard Bennehan, 32 volumes; Araham Hodge, 10 volumes; Centre Benevolent Society of Iredell, 11 volumes; Francis W. N. Burton, 2 volumes. In 1797 Joseph P. Gautier, Senator from Bladen, a lawyer, made the handsome gift of 174 volumes of French books.


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        The Trustees placed in the hands of Hugh Williamson $200, to be used in the purchase of "such Grammar, Classical and other books as in his opinion will be first needed," and the Professor of Humanity was directed to sell them to the students at cost. It is interesting to note the titles of some of these books and their prices:

        
48 Ruddiman's Rudiments each $0.28
24 Whittenhall's Greek Grammar each .37½
48 Webster's Grammar each .33 1-3
6 Scot's Dictionary each 1.00
36 Corderii each .28
24 Erasmus each .47
2 Clark's Nepos each 1.33
10 Sallust each .87½
6 Cicero Delphini each 2.00
6 Virgil Delphini each 2.25
6 Horace Delphini each 2.25
6 Young's Dictionary each 2.25
6 Schrevelius' Lexicon each .25
6 Greek Testaments each 1.67
4 Lucian each .90
3 Xenophon each 2.50
6 Nicholson's Philosophy (Natural) each 2.67
4 Homer each 3.75
6 Epictetus each .31

        It will be observed that Dr. Williamson rightly estimated the paucity of numbers likely to be in the higher Greek classes. The prices also point to the general slender demand for both Latin and Greek: $2.50 for Xenophon, $3.75 for Homer, $2.25 for Cicero, Virgil, and Horace would distress the average student even in our day. Money was much more difficult of attainment then than now.

        The by-laws of the University were written at first by Dr. McCorkle, then referred to a committee, amended and adopted finally on the 6th of February, 1795. The following is a faithful summary.

        The duties of the President, or Presiding Professor, were to superintend all studies, particularly those of the Senior class, provide for the performance of the morning and evening prayer, to examine each student on every Sunday evening on questions previously given them on the general principles of morality and


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religion; to deliver weekly lectures on the Principles of Agriculture, Botany, Zoology, Mineralogy, Architecture and Commerce; report annually at least to the Trustees on the state of the University, with such recommendations as he saw fit to suggest.

        The officers of the University collectively were called the Faculty, with power to inflict the punishments prescribed by the Trustees, and to make temporary regulations when the Board was not in session.

        No officer to be removed without a fair hearing.

        Four literary classes were prescribed, called First, Second, Third, and Fourth.

        The studies of the First Class were English Grammar, Roman Antiquities, and such parts of the Roman historians, orators and poets as the professors might designate, and also the Greek Testament.

        The Second Class to study Arithmetic, Bookkeeping, Geography, including the use of globes, Grecian antiquity and Greek classics.

        The exercises of the Third Class to be the Mathematics, including Geometry, Natural Philosophy and Astronomy.

        The Fourth Class to study Logic, Moral Philosophy, Principles of Civil Government, Chronology, History, Ancient and Modern, the Belles Lettres, "and the revisal of whatsoever may appear necessary to the officers of the University."

        It was provided that if any studies should not be finished in one year, they should be completed in the next. E converso, if those assigned to one year should be finished before the end of the session, those of the next should be anticipated.

        For admission into the First, i. e., the lowest class, successful examinations should be had on Cæsar's Commentaries, Sallust, Ovid or Virgil and the Greek Grammar. Equivalent Latin works were accepted.

        Those electing to study the Sciences and the English language to be formed into a Scientific class, or pursue the chosen subjects with the Literary classes.

        Those entering the Third class at, or after, the middle stage of its progress, should pay eight dollars; those entering the Fourth in its first half, $12.50; in the second half, $15.00.


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        Three quarterly and a final examination were required of each class.

        Attendance on prayers twice a day was required, and morning prayer was at sunrise.

        From morning prayer to breakfast was to be study hour. One hour was allowed for breakfast and amusement, after which three hours were devoted to study and recitation, i. e., until 12 o'clock.

        Study hours began again at 2 o'clock p. m. and continued until prayers at 5 o'clock, after which was a "vacation" until 8 p. m., "when the students shall return to their lodgings and not leave them until prayers the next morning."

        Each class to have one of its members a monitor to report those absent without leave, and also the disorderly and vicious.

        Students all to speak, read and exhibit compositions on Saturday mornings. Saturday afternoons were allowed for amusements.

        All were required to attend divine service on the Sabbath. In the afternoon they were examined on the general principles of religion and morality. They were enjoined to reverence the Sabbath, to use no profane language, not to speak disrespectfully of religion or of any religious denomination. Keeping ardent spirits in their rooms, association with evil company, playing at any game of hazard, or other kind of gaming and betting, were prohibited. They must treat their teachers with respect. And an aristocratic principle was introduced when it was further ordered that they treat "each other according to the honor due each class." A general injunction to observe the rules of decency and cleanliness was prescribed.

        A fee of $5.00 per term, payable half yearly in advance, was exacted for room rent and repairs of accidental damages. One causing wilful damage must pay four-fold. If the mischief-maker was unknown, the real damage was assessed on all the students. Payment of dues was necessary to obtaining degrees.

        The students were required to cleanse their beds and rooms of bugs every two weeks.

        To ensure understanding of the rules it was ordered that the students copy them in note books.


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        With regard to punishment the by-laws were framed with conscious recognition of the fact that University life is separate and apart from that of the State. A "Declaration of Rights" was prefixed. "The students charged shall have timely notice and testimony taken on the most solemn assurance shall be deemed valid without calling on a magistrate to administer an oath in legal form."

        The grades of punishment were:

  • 1. Admonition by any University officer, or by the Faculty.
  • 2. Admonition before the whole University.
  • 3. Admonition before the Trustees.
  • 4. Suspension.
  • 5. Total and final expulsion.

        It was gravely provided that no pecuniary mulcts should be inflicted for non-attendance on prayers or recitations, but in addition to admonition, an abstract of the report of the monitors of such absence must be sent to the offender's parent or guardian.

        The "monitors' bills," or reports, were to be read publicly every Monday evening, and offenders "brought to account."

        The laws were to be publicly read once a year, and an address delivered on the advantage and necessity of observing the laws. This address was to be either by a member of the Faculty, or by a student appointed for the purpose.

        A hundred years' experience discloses a marked change not only in words, but in the spirit of the University laws.

        In the administration of the criminal law a regular trial of offenders was originally contemplated. Witnesses were called for and against the accused, their solemn affirmation being taken as an oath. In practice it was found of course that students could not be compelled to inform on one another. Now the practice is to have no witnesses at all. The executive officer satisfies himself that there is strong presumption of guilt, so strong, that if the accused refuses to answer, this refusal is to be considered as confession. If the accused positively affirms certain facts, they are, as a rule, accepted without calling any witnesses. His denial, unless inconsistent with known facts, is admitted to be true. It is not a criminal trial at all, but the


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accused is allowed to exculpate himself from suspicion, so grave, that without such exculpation, guilt is conclusively presumed. The executive officer never arraigns a supposed offender on a mere suspicion or guess, with the intention of calling up one after another until the offender is discovered. This would ruin his authority and would justify students in refusing to answer, because obviously the plan would be equivalent to making students indirectly inform on one another. After much disturbance and many clashes this is the final outcome--the evolution of University trials. It is more satisfactory than any preceding method. A practice of many years has shown not one serious mistake on the part of the executive officer, and extremely rare cases of deception on the part of the accused. In these the scorn of their fellows was sufficient punishment.

        It is occasionally urged that the Faculty should invoke the power of the courts for punishment of student offenders. It has been done once at least, and threatened oftener in old times, but it seems to be against principle. The Faculty stand in loco parentis, and ought except in extreme cases rather to employ counsel to defend their children "in law" than prosecute them.

        The evolution of punishments is interesting.

        Up to a recent period admonition before the Faculty was practiced freely. Experience has shown that this created irritation without effecting reformation, and it has been discontinued. The President takes the duty.

        Admonition before the whole University has been long ago abandoned as mischievous and useless. The same may be said of admonition before the Trustees. Suspension for from two weeks to six months was practiced until 1868. Obviously this punishment was very injurious to the scholarship of the student. It was not dreaded to a great extent by those who were not in awe of parents. Often the offenders engaged board a few miles from Chapel Hill and had a jolly time "rusticating," reading novels, hunting or fishing. Sometimes they plunged into the dissipations of neighboring towns. So the "total and final expulsion" was divided into "dismission," and "expulsion," the latter being only inflicted in cases of flagrant enormity.


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For offenses for which formerly suspension for a definite term was inflicted, the punishment is now dismission from the University without report to the Trustees. It then rests entirely with the Faculty whether the offender shall be allowed to return, and if so, when and on what conditions. If the offence is an atrocious one the case is reported to the Trustees and, in addition to dismission, expulsion is recommended. If the Trustees concur, on no terms can there be re-admission. A milder form of dismission is a notification to the offender that he must withdraw, or a request to the parents to order him home. This allows easier admission to other institutions. Sometimes offences are overlooked in consideration of pledges to refrain from the particular misconduct. General pledges of good conduct, once a favorite with the Faculty, are now not required, as being a snare for the thoughtless.

        If it should become absolutely necessary, the Presiding Professor, with the advice of three Trustees, could employ a teacher of reading, writing, arithmetic, and bookkeeping.

        The Trustees had a high conception of the office of President. Before going into the election of the Professor of Humanity, it was ordered that neither he nor any assistant shall have "any manner of claim, right or preference whatever to the Presidency of the University, nor to such employments as it may hereafter be thought advisable to fill, but they shall be considered as standing in the same situation as though they had received no appointment from the Board."

ELECTION OF PRESIDING PROFESSOR.

        The election was by ballot on the 10th of January, 1794. It does not appear that there were any applicants, but the following were placed in nomination: Rev. John Brown, who had been a pupil of Dr. McCorkle, pastor of Waxhaw Church, afterwards a Professor in the University of South Carolina, and President of that of Georgia; Rev. Robert Archibald, a graduate of Princeton, pastor of Rocky River Church, afterwards embracing the doctrine of universal salvation, but it did not save him from being dropped from the Presbyterian roll; Rev. James Tate, an excellent Presbyterian divine from New Hanover; Rev. George Micklejohn, generally called Parson


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Micklejohn, who had been a minister of the Church of England in Colonial times, having under his jurisdiction, besides many others, the New Hope Chapel. He was a Tory and was forced to change his residence to the Albemarle country for fear of his influence over the Regulators. He was a rough, honest gentleman of the old Scotch school, according to tradition, who would hire a man to attend his services by the bribe of a generous drink out of his bottle of brandy. Many surmised that the choice would fall on Dr. McCorkle, a Trustee, who delivered the address at the laying of the corner-stone of the Old East; but, while his learning was conceded, Davie distrusted his executive ability. A story of McCorkle as a farmer shows that this distrust was well founded. He was used to carry into the field volumes on theological subjects for his diversion in intervals of manual labor. A neighbor seeking him on business found him stretched sub tegmine querci, deep in his studies, while his negro plowman was fast asleep under another tree, and the mule was cropping the grateful corn-tops.

        In a letter of Davie's, written at a later period, is the suggestion of another objection to Dr. McCorkle, by reason of a distrust of the wisdom of all preachers. Speaking of some criticisms of the University, he wrote, "Bishop Pettigrew has said it is a very dissipated and debauched place. Some priests have also been doing us the same good office to the westward. Nothing, it seems, goes well that these men of God (the italics are his) have not some hand in." Dr. McCorkle must have been included in this sneer. Davie, in truth, had imbibed some of the skepticism then so prevalent among the educated classes.

        Although he was not chosen, the good Doctor had no resentment against the University. This is proved by his collection of a subscription from his congregation at Thyatira for the use of the University, the only instance of congregational help given in the early days. Whether a business man or not he was possessed in a large measure of piety and force. Born August 23, 1746, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, he was brought to North Carolina when nine years of age to a farm fifteen miles west of Salisbury. He was a bright student at the school of Dr. David Caldwell, graduated at Princeton in 1772 in the class of Aaron Burr, whose father of the same name


Illustration

        OLD EAST BUILDING.

        (Drawn by John Pettigrew, a student 1797.)

        OLD EAST BUILDING.


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was President of the College. After his ordination as a minister of the Presbyterian Church he was for awhile a missionary in the counties of Hanover and Orange in Virginia. He then settled at Thyatira, near his father's homestead in Rowan County, in North Carolina, and connected himself with the Presbytery of Orange. In 1785 he established his school. His person is described as tall and manly, his delivery in the pulpit grave and solemn, his language impressive and thrilling. He lived until January 21, 1811, on his death-bed dictating minute directions as to his funeral. His wife was Elizabeth, daughter of William Steele, a sister of General John Steele, a prominent Congressman of his day.

        Of Andrew Martin, also nominated, I have been able to learn nothing. Possibly he was a relative of the Governor.

        Over these nominees Rev. David Ker, thirty-six years old, born in North Ireland and educated at Trinity College, Dublin, a recent immigrant, Presbyterian pastor in Fayetteville, adding to his small salary by conducting the high school in the town, was chosen to inaugurate the new institution.

        In order to be ready for the opening on the 15th of January, 1795, the work on the East Building and the President's house was ordered to be pushed. The contractor was Samuel Hopkins, as Martin Hall was the builder of Steward Hall, and Phileman Hodges of the Old Chapel, or Person Hall. It may be of interest to some that George Daniel made 150,000 bricks for $266.67 at one time and at another for $333.30. In the same year John Hogan received $400 for the same work. The clay and the fuel for burning were from the University lands. It certainly shows a striking difference between old ways and new that the lime for mortar was obtained from shells brought up the Cape Fear to Fayetteville and thence hauled by wagons to be burned in Chapel Hill. Now, instead of from the ocean which breaks upon our coast, we get our lime from the far-distant State of Maine.

THE OPENING OF THE UNIVERSITY, JANUARY 15, 1795.

        The opening of the University on the memorable January 15, 1795, gave no prophecy of the swarms of students annually appearing at the openings of our day. The winter was severe and


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the roads almost impassable. Governor Richard Dobbs Spaight, whose energy and devotion to duty had been shown when, as a student of twenty, he hastened to sail for America, ran the hazard of being captured by British vessels in order to throw in his fortunes with his native State, had braved the discomforts of twenty-eight miles of red mud and pipe clay and jagged rocks stretching from Chapel Hill to Raleigh. It is recorded that he had attendants, and we can assuredly guess that among them were State Treasurer John Haywood, and John Craven, the Comptroller, the first University Treasurer. The gazette of the period, the North Carolina Journal, merely states that there were present "several members of the corporation and many other gentlemen, members of the General Assembly," then in session. We may almost certainly see in attendance the members from Hillsborough and Orange, Samuel Benton, father of the great Senator, "Old Bullion," Thomas Hart Benton; Walter Alves, son of James Hogg; and William Lytle, son of Colonel Archibald Lytle who fought so bravely under Sumner at Eutaw; also William Cain, the Senator from Orange, whose liberality to the institution has been mentioned; William Person Little, Senator from Granville, and Thomas Person, Commoner, both nephews of the University's benefactor, detained at home by the infirmities of age; John Baptist Ashe, Commoner from Halifax, afterwards elected Governor but dying before taking his seat, in place of General Davie then employed on official duty elsewhere. Of course the ever-active Joel Lane, Senator from Wake, who offered broad acres to secure the University at Cary, was on hand. And it is reasonably certain, judging from the interest they took in the new institution, that John Macon, Senator from Warren, Daniel Gillespie, Senator from Guilford, whose son was afterwards Presiding Professor; and the brilliant young Commoner from Fayetteville, afterwards the first Chief Justice of our Supreme Court, John Louis Taylor, were willing to add eclat to the occasion by their presence. Of course in attendance were Alexander Mebane, the Congressman, and James Hogg, the rich merchant, Trustees, Commissioners to select the site, and members of the Building Committee.


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        The morning of the 15th of January opened with a cold, drizzling rain. As the sighing of the watery wind whistled through the leafless branches of tall oaks and hickories and the Davie poplar then in vigorous youth, all that met the eyes of the distinguished visitors were a two-storied brick building, the unpainted wooden house of the Presiding Professor, the avenue between them filled with stumps of recently felled trees, a pile of yellowish red clay, dug out for the foundation of the Chapel, or Person Hall, a pile of lumber collected for building Steward's Hall, a Scotch-Irish preacher-professor, in whose mind were fermenting ideas of infidelity, destined soon to cost him his place, and not one student.

        The proverbial optimism of the press as to matters hoped for did not fail the ancestor of our modern newspapers. The editor of the Journal kindly comments: "The Governor, with the Trustees who accompanied him, viewed the buildings and made report to the Board, by which they are enabled to inform the public that the buildings prepared for the reception and accommodation of students are in part finished, and that youth disposed to enter the University may come forward with the assurance of being received." The editor goes on to state the terms of tuition and board in apparently naive unconsciousness that he was giving the University a first-class advertisement. When I state that this important item appears in the issue of February 23d, forty-nine days after the event, we must give the palm for furnishing news more promptly, if not more reliably, to the modern reporter.

        The learned Presiding Professor, Dr. David Ker, reigned in his solitary greatness for the greater part of the period of revolution of the wintry moon. It was not until the 12th of February that the first student arrived, with no companion, all the way from the banks of the lower Cape Fear, the precursor of a long line of seekers after knowledge. His residence was Wilmington, his name Hinton James.

        For two weeks, in his loneliness, he constituted the entire student body of the University, with no Sophomores saluting his ears with diabolical yells, nor teaching him to keep step to the rhythm of whistling music. For two weeks he was the first-honor man of his class.


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        It was of good omen that this first-fruit of the University was worthy to head the list of her students. The Faculty records show that he performed his duties faithfully and with ability. For several years the students were required to read original compositions on Saturdays, and those deemed especially meritorious were posted in a record book. The name of Hinton James occurs often on this Roll of Honor. His taste took a scientific and practical direction. One of his subjects was "The Uses of the Sun," another "The Motions of the Earth," a third "The Commerce of Britain," a fourth "The Slave Trade," a fifth "The Pleasures of College Life," and a sixth the "Effects of Climate on the Minds and Bodies of Men."

        After leaving the University, James became a civil engineer of usefulness in his section of the State, as an assistant to Chief Engineer Fulton, who was brought from Scotland at a salary of $6,000 a year payable in gold, to improve the navigation of our rivers. In passing from Wilmington down the beautiful Cape Fear, I was shown by my intelligent friend, the late Henry Nutt, some of James' works for deepening the channel, which had withstood the floods and tides of sixty years. He was likewise called into the service of his country as a legislator for three terms, beginning with 1807, for two of them being the colleague of a lawyer of great reputation in the old days, William Watts Jones.

        The next arrivals were, a fortnight later, Maurice and Alfred Moore of Brunswick, and their cousin, Richard Eagles, of New Hanover; John Taylor of Orange, and from Granville William M. Sneed, and three sons of Robert H. Burton, the Treasurer of the University, namely, Hutchins G., Francis and Robert H. Burton, Junior. It is pleasant to record that all of these turned out to be good men. The two Moores were sons of Judge Alfred Moore. Maurice served Brunswick County in the General Assembly and then became a planter in Lousiana. He it was who had the misfortune to shoot Governor Benjamin Smith in a duel. Alfred Moore, whose bust may be seen in Gerrard Hall, was a cultivated and popular man, reaching the dignity, once considered as nearly equal to that of Governor, of the Speakership of the House of Commons. He would have gone higher, if he had not lacked ambition. His name and


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talents have descended to his scholarly grandson, Alfred Moore Waddell. The father of Richard Eagles gave the name to Eagles Island, opposite Wilmington. The son, like the father, was a man of wealth and high standing in a cultivated community. John Taylor, son of the first steward of the University, was for many years Clerk of the Superior Court of Orange and was the grandfather of our big-brained mathematician--the late Ralph H. Graves. Of the Granville men, William Morgan Sneed was seven times State Senator and twice Commoner. Of the three Burtons, Hutchins G. was thrice elected Governor of the State, after being a Congressman. Francis Nash Williams Burton was a lawyer of large practice in Lincoln and the adjoining counties, while Robert, his partner, was at one time Judge of the Superior Court. A daughter of Judge Burton married the eminent lawyer, Michael Hoke, and was the mother of one of General Lee's best Major-Generals, Robert F. Hoke, and grandmother of Secretary Hoke Smith. I give these particulars in order to show that the University made a good start on its grand career. Its earliest sons were leaders in good works.

        The numbers reached forty-one by the end of the term. During the second term they rose to nearly one hundred, but such was the dearth of good schools in the State that at least one-half of them were unprepared to enter the University classes.

        It became necessary to inaugurate a Preparatory Department, or "Grammar School," for the benefit of these juveniles, many of them belonging to the "small-boy" genus. The profession of teachers was then, and years afterward, at such a low ebb that obtaining competent professors was a most troublesome problem.

        Among the earliest students besides those I have named we find men afterwards notable for good works: such, for example, as Ebenezer Pettigrew, a member of Congress, father of General J. Johnston Pettigrew, a still more eminent son of the University; Thomas D. Bennehan, famed for bounteous hospitality, long a Trustee of the institution, which his father, Richard Bennehan, assisted in its young days; James Mebane, Speaker of the House of Commons, father of another University gradute


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and Speaker of the Senate, Giles Mebane. I could name many others.

HARRIS ELECTED.

        The increase in numbers led to the election of a Tutor of Mathematics, in the sphing of 1795. The choice fell on Charles Wilson Harris, a recent first-honor graduate of Princeton, nephew of Dr. Charles Harris, a noted physician of his day, who taught at his home probably the first medical school in the State. Young Harris had a strong mind, elegant literary tastes, courtly manners, and weight of character. These two, Ker and Harris, sustained the burdens of instruction and discipline during the first year of University life, and sustained it with conspicuous fathfulness and ability. It was a great misfortune that Ker the next year went off into infidelity and wild democracy, thus raising up two sets of enemies in the Board of Trustees, Christians and Federalists, so that he deemed it prudent after eighteen months to resign his charge.

        For the first year and a half, however, these two, Ker and Harris, had the difficult and unpleasant task of classifying and instructing the unorganized mass of all ages from mature young men to mere boys, some with a smattering of algebra and the classics, others innocent even of arithmetic and grammar.

        We have no letters of Dr. Ker written from Chapel Hill, but by the kindness of William Shakespeare Harris and other relatives this want is abundantly supplied by those of his associate. Charles W. Harris was an elegant writer. His style is free from ostentation, his ideas are clearly and strongly expressed, his penmanship is good, and his spelling in advance of his age as a rule. It is strange, however, that he gives to Chapel in Chapel Hill two p's instead of one.

        On the 10th of April Harris writes to his uncle, Dr. Charles Harris: "We have begun to introduce by degrees the regulations of the University and as yet have not been disappointed. There is one class in Natural Philosophy and four in the languages." He continues, "The constitution of this college is on a more liberal plan than that of any other in America, and by the amendment, which I think it will receive at the next meeting of the Trustees, its usefulness will probably be much promoted.


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The notion that true learning consists rather in exercising the reasoning faculties and laying up a store of useful knowledge, than in overloading the memory with words of dead languages, is daily becoming more prevalent." He then enters upon praises of Miss Wollstonecraft's book on the "Rights of Women," as containing the true principles of education, and states that though the laws at present require that Latin and Greek be understood by a graduate, they will in all probability be mitigated in their effect.

        He was of a social nature, and deplored the lack of congenial society. "My only resort," he wrote, "is to Mr. Ker, who makes ample amends to me for the want of any other. He is a violent republican and is continually deprecating the aristocical principles which have lately prevailed much in our executive." We can see that Harris' political faith was swerved by this well-educated, able and experienced middle-aged clerical politician, for he sneers at some strong words of praise of Washington by one Rev. Stanhope Smith, saying that "tho' he be the greatest man in America the encomium smells strong of British seasoning."

        He rejoiced that the Trustees resolved to inaugurate a museum and took active steps to procure for it specimens.

        Although the articles given have been lost, the names of the donors should be remembered and the objects given recorded. The context shows that some of the specimens were given three years later.

        "Honorable Judge Williams," An Ostrich egg.

        Mrs. Allen Jones, Halifax, Pieces of Cloth made of bark brought from Otaheite by Capt. Cooke. The tooth of a young mammoth from the banks of the Ohio.

        Frank Burton, Granville, A sea leaf. A viol containing a reel.

        Col. Adlai Osborne, Centre, A piece of Asbestos. A pine limb and a piece of resin petrified.

        Hutchins Burton, Senior, The incisors of a Beaver.

        Messrs. Caldwell and Gillaspie, A Pocupine skin. A Beech nut petrified.

        His Excel. Gov. Davie, A testaceous bracelet from an Indian grave near Nashville. Curious stones, bones of nondescript animals, specimens of Indian clothing, and their arts and manufactures.



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        As Harris had read some medical books while living with Dr. Harris, and, as there was no physician nearer to Chapel Hill than Hillsboro, he charitably kept a small stock of medicine for the students and the neighborhood, to be sold at cost. He sent a plot of the University lands, well drawn, with a broad avenue leading N. 69 E. from the contemplated Main (now South) Building to "point-prospect" (now Piney Prospect). The campus then contained 98¾ acres; about twice as large as the present campus. His opinion of the suitableness of the locality for its purpose, accords with Davie's--"Most happily situated; a delightful prospect, charming groves, medicinal springs, light and wholesome air, and inaccessible to vice." "This last enconium by Mr. Charles Pettigrew, the Bishop-elect from Edenton, added when he visited us." The inaccessibility to vice was a pleasing delusion, as the good Dr. Pettigrew found on a subsequent visit. Two years afterwards he writes to Caldwell of his dread lest his sons, John and Ebenezer, may have "all fear of the Almighty eradicated from their minds by the habitual use of oaths and imprecations, which report says, and which my own ears have informed me, are too common impletives *

        * This word is not in Webster.


in the conversation of the students." Those conversant with the social history of the times know well that the students used no worse language than was common in all social gatherings of men.

        Harriss expressed much concern about the education of his younger brother, Robert. "He is growing fast and receiving none of those improvements which he ought. I could not prevail with my father to let him come to this place.--It can scarcely be pecuniary want that hinders his complying with my request. Nor can it be I hope any distrust of my principles, as I have heard suggested. He and I have been very free in speaking on tenets, and I never observed any great degree of disapprobation. If the latter be the cause I have no more to say."

        There is only one other allusion in all his letters to the deviation of his faith from that of his Presbyterian forefathers. That looked only to the denial of the doctrine of the Trinity


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as usually understood, not by any means atheism, or denials of other truths of Christianity. If his apostasy had been rank, his Ruling Elder father would have regarded it not only with disapprobation, but horror. Nor would that father have placed his peculiarly beloved son, as within a few weeks he did, under the charge of an infidel elder brother, all the more dangerous because of his winning manners, strong mind and wide and varied reading. I think it is clear that Charles Harris' unbelief would in our day be regarded as not more heterodox than that preached by Dr. C. H. Briggs, Dr. Wm. Robertson Smith and other able divines, who have a large following in their respective churches, although regarded by the majority as lacking the true faith. In other words, he was like those called among Episcopalians, "Broad Churchmen." It must be remembered that a hundred years ago there was much greater intolerance of differences of opinion than now.

        The first public examination was held on the 13th of July, 1795, the first of the long series of Commencements, which have produced more eloquence, brought together more distinguished men and beautiful women, provided a more abundant supply of unadulterated fun, and married off more congenial couples than any other similar occasion, in the land. Previous notice was given in the newspapers, over the signature of the Governor, Richard Dobbs Spaight. In an enthusiastic editorial in the North Carolina Journal, it was stated that the "young gentlemen" had submitted with a degree of cheerfulness and promptitude to the regulations of the University, which does them the greatest honor.--The Commons have exceeded the expectations both of students and of strangers. The spirit of improvement, order and harmony, which reigns in this little community, emulously engaged in the noble work of cultivating the human mind, is most commendable." The editor at the same time gives glowing praises of the Academies of Thyatira, under Dr. McCorkle, the Warrenton, under Rev. Marcus George, the Chatham under Rev. Wm. Bingham, and the New Bern, under Dr. T. P. Irving, as capable of furnishing students to the University.

        There is no contemporary account of this first Commencement,


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but the deficiency is partly supplied by a letter from Hinton James, heretofore mentioned, written when he was about sixty years old. The public interest had not been aroused sufficiently to ensure a large attendance of visitors. Only one lady graced the occasion, the wife of the Governor, the first of the long procession of the thousands of the brightest and best of the womanhood of the land,--Mary (Leach) Spaight, well remembered as one of the most handsome and attractive of her sex.

        There were only about a dozen of the gentlemen of the State, the leaders of the hosts of the friends of higher education. Among them were "the University Father," General Davie, and the Secretary of State, James Glasgow, whose frauds in his office had not been discovered; the merchant, James Hogg, and the eminent Attorney-General and Judge, Alfred Moore, the elder. These Trustees attended in pursuance of an ordinance of the Board that at every examination it should be the duty of one Trustee from each judicial district in alphabetical order to visit the classes and report the result of their inspection to the Board. As might have been expected, the attendance of the Trustees, at all times spasmodic, soon ceased altogether.

        It must have been an occasion of a staid and dignified nature, with no regaliad marshals, or dancing, or other amusements, to attract the fancy of young people.

        Oral examinations in the class-rooms and declamations and reading of compositions in one of the East Building rooms, fitted up for a public hall, in the presence of elderly gentlemen and Mrs. Spaight and probably Mrs. Mary Ker, the wife of the Presiding Professor, constituted the exercises.

        We have a letter from Davie written a few days afterwards, in which he says that the students acquitted themselves well, but with the refrigerating addition, "everything considered." The Trustees were disgusted with the exorbitant charges of the contractors, Patterson of Chatham and Hopkins, for extra work; in Davie's opinion four times what they ought to have been. There is abundant evidence all through the early records of the watchful economy of the guardians of the interests of the University.


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        The letter was addressed to Treasurer John Haywood, who was absent from the meeting on account of the death of his first wife. It is interesting to see what kind of consolation the free-thinker, Davie, offers to one afflicted. "I regret exceedingly the various causes which produced your absence from the Board. However, as the Arabs say, 'God would have it so and men must submit.' Under misfortunes like yours there is no comfort because nothing can be substituted. The only recourse of the human mind in such cases is in a kind of philosophic fortitude, the calm result of time, reason and reflection." Contrast this with the Christian's consolation, "Sorrow not as they who have no hope."

GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

        On this occasion the Board determined to erect a house for a Grammar School, which should contain three or four lodging rooms, and thus relieve the congested state of the dwellers in the Old East Building. It would also separate from the older the very young students, some of whom were of such tender years, though tough in conscience, that it was necessary for their benefit to introduce corporal punishment. This school building was situated in the woods, south of Rosemary Street and west of the late public school, a place peculiarly lonely, but near two never-failing springs of purest water.

        Richard Sims, an advanced student from Warren County, seems to have been the first master of the Grammar School. In the month of December, 1796, was chosen Nicholas Delvaux, and with him on account of the rapid increase of numbers, was associated Samuel Allen Holmes, who had been a preacher. The antecedents of both of these teachers are unknown. Soon afterwards Holmes was promoted to the University and William Richards, late a teacher in the Academy of Mr. Marcus George in Warrenton, was placed in the Grammar School in his stead.

        It has been mentioned that those of the early students who wrote the best compositions were rewarded by having their names posted on an honor roll. The first who won this distinction was in August, 1795, Richard Sims, of Warrenton,


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his theme being "The Employment of Time." The second was Thomas A. Osborne on Habit. The third was Thomas A. Osborne on the question, "Do Savage or Civilized Nations Enjoy the Most Happiness." The fourth Edwin Jay Osborne on "The Uses of Geometry." The fifth by Edwin Jay Osborne on "Self Government." He divided honors in the sixth with Hinton James, the themes respectively being, "The Uses of the Passions" and "The Uses of the Sun." In the next week the same Osborne and Henry Kearney were the first, on "The Distinction Between Resentment and Revenge," by the former, and "The Uses of the Moon," by the latter. This honor roll was discontinued after the first year.

THE LITERARY SOCIETIES.

        The Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies have been such a large part of our university life that I must give their origin.

        It was doubtless through the influence of Tutor Harris, who had seen the benefits of the renowned Whig Society of Princeton, of which he was a member, that the first literary society of the University was formed, as his name is the first on the list of signers to the preliminary articles. It was organized on the 3d day of June, 1795, under the name of "The Debating Society." The first President was James Mebane, of Orange, afterwards of Caswell; the first Clerk or Secretary was John Taylor, of Orange; the first Treasurer was Lawrence Toole, who changed his name to Henry Irwin Toole, of Edgecombe, grandfather of Bishop Joseph B. Cheshire; the first Censor Morum, Richard Sims, of Warren, afterwards Principal of the Grammar School.

        The objects of the society were expressed to be the cultivation of a lasting friendship and the promotion of useful knowledge. The members pledged themselves under hands and seals to obedience to the laws of the society and due performance of the regular exercises. I give the names of those fathers of the Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies.

        

  • Charles Wilson Harris Cabarrus.
  • Adam Haywood . . . . . . . Edgecombe.
  • Robert Smith . . . . . . . Cabarrus.
  • Alexander Osborne . . . . . . . Iredell.
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  • Edwin Jay Osborne . . . . . . . Rowan.
  • William Houston . . . . . . . Iredell.
  • William Dickson . . . . . . . Burke.
  • James Mebane . . . . . . . Orange.
  • John Pettigrew . . . . . . . Tyrrell.
  • Richard Eagles . . . . . . . New Hanover.
  • Hinton James . . . . . . . New Hanover.
  • Haywood Ruffin . . . . . . . Greene.
  • Richard Sims . . . . . . . Warren.
  • Lawrence Toole . . . . . . . Edgecombe.
  • Henry Kinchen . . . . . . . Franklin.
  • William Morgan Sneed . . . . . . . Granville.
  • Ebenezer Pettigrew . . . . . . . Tyrrell.
  • William C. Alston . . . . . . . Halifax.
  • Hutchins G. Burton, Senior . . . . . . . Granville.
  • Evan Jones New . . . . . . . Hanover.
  • John Taylor . . . . . . . Orange.
  • Maurice Moore . . . . . . . Brunswick.
  • Alfred Moore . . . . . . . Brunswick.
  • Thomas Davis Bennehan . . . . . . . Orange.
  • Francis Nash Williams Burton . . . . . . . Granville.
  • Allen Green . . . . . . . South Carolina.
  • Allen Jones Davie . . . . . . . Halifax.
  • Hyder Ali Davie . . . . . . . Halifax.
  • David Cook . . . . . . . Unknown.
  • Nicholas Long . . . . . . . Franklin.
  • George Washington Long . . . . . . . Halifax.

        There was no constitution eo nomine, but there were "Laws and Regulations," some of which are worthy of mention. The officers were a President, Censor Morum, two Correctors, a Clerk, and Treasurer. The President and Treasurer held offie for three weeks, the other officers for six weeks.

        The Censor Morum was clothed with powers and duties which would not be tolerated in this generation, "to inspect the conduct and morals of the members and report to the society those who preserve inattention to the studies of the University, in neglect of their duties as members, or in acting in such a manner as to reflect disgrace on their fellow-members." This making the society responsible for attention to University exercises has been long ago abandoned, after the effort came near breaking it into fragments. This powerful officer, evidently modelled after the august Censors of Rome, presided in the absence of the President.


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        The society met on Thursday evenings only. The members were divided into three classes. These read, spoke and composed alternately. There was a debate at each session, two opposing members previously appointed opening, and then the other members had a right to discuss the question, but were not compelled to do so.

        It was the duty of each member of the class whose turn it was to "read" to hand in a "query," then called "subject of debate," and out of these one was chosen for the next meeting by the society.

        It must be noticed that the "reading" mentioned above meant the reading aloud of an extract from some author. Of the other two classes one declaimed memorized extracts, and the other read aloud short essays of their own composition.

        Two votes were sufficient to negative an application for membership. The term "black-ball" was not then in vogue. The new members when admitted were required to "promise not to divulge any of the secrets of the society." The stringency of this provision has been since materially modified.

        It was made dangerous to "take umbrage at being fined," and to denote it by word or action," because, if the fine should be found to be legal, the accused must pay a quarter of a dollar for his squirming. There was mercifully no penalty for showing umbrage by a gloomy countenance unless the gloom was evidenced by frowning or other facial action.

        There seems to have been no fine for laughing or talking, unless a speaker was interrupted.

        The practice of wearing hats in the society, as is permitted in the English Parliament, was forbidden. The President, however, of at least one society, the Dialectic, was after some years required to preside with hat on, often a high-crowned beaver borrowed for the purpose.

        The admission fee was one quarter of a dollar. If a member absented himself for three months, without obtaining a diploma of dismission, he must seek a new admission.

        A member could leave the society without asking its consent, nor was any student compelled to join it. But having once left there could be no re-admission.


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        It shows the high purpose of the founders of the society, that the first motion made after the admission of members, at the first meeting on June 3d, 1795, was for the purchase of books. It passed unanimously. The mover was Tutor Harris.

        The first speech made in this parent of the Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies was by James Mebane who sustained the affirmative of the first query ever debated, "Is the study of ancient authors useful?" He was answered by Robert Smith. I am proud to state that the classics won the day.

        At the second meeting, on June 11, 1795, it was agreed to admit no more new members. A great moral question was then discussed, the names of the speakers being omitted. This was "Is the truth always to be adhered to?" the decision being "that breaches of faith are sometimes proper." It is gratifying to observe that the decisions of the queries debated were as a rule conservative and sensible.

        On the 25th of June, 1795, Maurice Moore moved that the society be divided. The motion was laid over for one week and on July 2d was taken up and carried. The new organization was called "The Concord Society." We can only conjecture the cause of the new movement, as no reason appears on the journal. It is possible that there was in it an element of party feeling. Jeffersonian Democracy claimed to be the peculia advocate of the "Rights of Man." The name Concord, and the substituted Philanthropic, and the addition of the word Liberty to the motto of the other society, look in this direction.

        Another reason for the division was probably to have the number so small as to allow and require every member to perform some duty at each weekly meeting. The prohibition of further addition to the membership of the first society seems to show this.

        A third reason for the change was, I think, hostility to the extensive powers and duties of the Censor Morum, heretofore described. I make this conjecture because the officer was omitted in the new body, and when it was restored after many months his duties were carefully confined to behavior of members in society. Even this however proved unsatisfactory and


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the name was changed to Vice-President. It will now be admitted that the seceding students were right in their attitude. The Dialectic Society eventually came to the same conclusion.

        For some weeks it was allowable to belong to both societies, which was practicable as they met on different nights in order to have the use of the same room. The first student, Hinton James, and Maurice and Alfred Moore were for awhile active members of both. When the duplicate membership was forbidden they elected the new.

        I cannot find an official list of the "Fathers" of the Concord or Philanthropic Society, but after carefully examining the journal I think that the following can be relied on:

        

  • Hinton James . . . . . . . New Hanover.
  • Richard Eagles . . . . . . . New Hanover.
  • George Washington Long . . . . . . . Halifax.
  • John Taylor . . . . . . . Chapel Hill.
  • William McKenzie Clark . . . . . . . Martin.
  • David Gillespie . . . . . . . Duplin.
  • Edwin Jay Osborne . . . . . . . Salisbury.
  • Evan Jones . . . . . . . Wilmington.
  • Nicholas Long . . . . . . . Franklin.
  • James Paine . . . . . . . Unknown.
  • Alexander McCulloch . . . . . . . Halifax.
  • David Evans . . . . . . . Edgecombe.
  • Henry Kearney . . . . . . . Warren.
  • Thomas Hunt . . . . . . . Granville.
  • Lewis Dickson . . . . . . . Duplin.
  • John Bryan . . . . . . . Sampson.
  • Lawrence Ashe Dorsey . . . . . . . Wilmington.
  • Joseph Gillespie . . . . . . . Duplin.
  • In all, 18.

        The residence of James Paine does not appear further than that he was from North Carolina.

        The records of the Dialectic Society state that the following remained in the Debating Society at the time of the division, their full names and residences having already been given, viz.: Messrs. Harris, Houston Toole, H. and F. Burton, R. Smith, Bennehan, Kinchen, Sims, Haywood, Ruffin, James, Green, A. Osborne, W. Dickson, Sneed, J. and E. Pettigrew, Davie, Mebane, M. and A. Moore. Of these, as was said, James and the two Moores soon became members of the other, and John Pettigrew followed a year afterwards.


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        The first meeting of the Concord Society was August 10, 1795. David Gillespie was the first President, Evan Jones the first Treasurer, Henry Kearney the first Clerk. The first debaters were George W. Long and Henry Kearney, on the question "Which is best--an Education or a Fortune?" It is consistent with the honorable career of the society that the decision was in favor of education.

        The first President, son of James Gillespie, of Duplin, member of Congress for eight years, was evidently a most promising student. By the courtesy of David S. Nicholson, I give a copy of the certificate granted him on his leaving the University, the first document in the nature of a diploma ever granted.

        We, the undersigned Professors of the University of North Carolina, have had under our particular care Mr. David Gillespie of this State. He has studied Greek and Latin and the elementary Mathematics in their application to Surveying, Navigation, etc. He has also read under our care Natural Philosophy and Astronomy. His behavior, while at this place, has met with our warmest approbation. Mr. Gillespie, being about to leave the University to attend Mr. Ellicot in determining the Southern boundary of the United States, we have thought proper to give him this certificate.

CHAS. W. HARRIS,
Prof. of Math. and N. Phil.

SAM'L HOLMES,
Prof. of Lang.

W. L. RICHARDS,
Teacher of French and English.

University, N. C., September 22, 1796.

        To this was attached the certificate of Sam. Ashe, Governor, attested by Roger Moore, Private Secretary, with the great seal of the State, that the above-named were professors of the University as alleged.

        After working for about a year it occurred to the members of both societies that English names were not of sufficient dignity. Accordingly on the 25th of August, 1796, in pursuance of a motion made by James Webb, of Hillsboro, a week preceding, the name Debating was changed into its Greek equivalent, Dialectic. And four days afterward, on the 29th of August, 1796, the Greek Philanthropic took the place of Concord, on motion of David Gillespie. I have no information


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as to whether, when this name was adopted the pronunciation was wrongly Phi-lanthropic instead of Phil-anthropic. Johnson's dictionary, then the standard, gives no countenance to it, and I am inclined to think that the mispronunciation, prevalent here for many decades, arose from the custom universal among students of abbreviating names in common use, and from the euphonic wish to have the nickname sound like Di. Those familiar with university life know well that undergraduates would smash every dictionary in the land before they would be called Phils., or, as it soon would have become, Phillies.

        The Fundamental Laws, afterwards called Constitution, and the course of proceedings of the two societies were much alike.

        In the Concord for a short while new members could be admitted by a majority vote. The first restriction was the requirement of two-thirds in case the applicant was under fifteen years of age. I notice no other material differences, and I make no further distinction between the two in endeavoring to reproduce their action.

        In the declamations, then called "speaking," we miss Patrick Henry's "give me liberty or give me death," because that speech was written by Wirt long afterwards, nor of course do we find Emmet's, "Let no man write my epitaph." In their places were Cicero's denunciations of Verres, and Demosthenes' thunderings against Philip, Micipsa's plea against Jugurtha, Brutus over the body of Lucretia, Catalines' speech to his soldiers, and the like.

        It is surprising that the stock utterances of our Revolutionary sires, such as Otis, Adams, Henry, Rutledge, R. H. Lee, were not reproduced in our halls. It is in accord with the hatred of Great Britain which had not all waned that there were no selections from the great English orators.

        The readings were extracts from history, poetry, the Spectator, and the like literature. They were generally serious; occasionally comic, for example, "The Stuttering Soldier." "The Bald-headed Cove." "Anecdote of Miss Bush." It shows the difference in the habit of matutinal sleeping that one of the essays was in ridicule of "The Boy Who Lay in Bed After


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Sunrise." The extract chosen by David Gillespie from the preface to Murray's Grammar, just out of press, was of sufficient gravity.

        Not many of the subjects of composition are given. Among them I notice "Oratory," "Eloquence," "Unpoliteness," "Industry."

        But the subjects chosen for debates, and the votes taken thereon, throw much greater light on the intellectual attitude of the students. I therefore cull from the records of both societies such of those subjects as will show the tastes and opinions of the members during the first two years of the university life.

        I have already shown that the decision was that education is better than riches. It was likewise decided that public education is of more advantage than private, and horribile dictu, that the schoolmaster is of more advantage to society than the preacher. The members were of the opinion that wisdom tends to happiness; that modern history is of more value to students than ancient; that a liberal education is more conducive to happiness than a savage life. The theory of Rousseau, that savage is on the whole happier than civilized life, was at one time affirmed; at another, negatived. It was voted that the French language is of more value than the Latin.

        In an unguarded moment one of the societies agreed to discuss whether traveling improves the mind, whereupon there is the following curious entry, "As the question intended for debate is not "thinkable," the opponents coincided in opinion. The debate was therefore not a good one, but, after the regular business was over, we debated on this question, "Does a man with a competency, or he who is in a very affluent station, enjoy most happiness." The admirers of Solomon will be gratified to know that competency was successful.

        This incident reminds me that Mrs. Delphina E. Mendenhall, of Guilford, a Quakeress, presented to the Dialectic Society Dymond's Essays, advocating universal peace. When a student I induced the Query Committee to report the question, taken from the essays, "Is War Ever Justifiable?" The great debaters in the society declared that it was altogether one-sided,


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refused to discuss it, and censured the committee for adopting a query on one side of which nothing could be said. As it was not my turn to speak, I had not crammed on the subject from Dymond and was unable to bring forward a single Quaker argument in order to avert the displeasure of the house.

        The last educational topic will astonish readers of this generation. It was however discussed seriously in a literary society of an American university, "Shall Corporal Punishment be Introduced Into the University?" The memory of smarting backs and knuckles produced an emphatic No! I must explain that the small boys in the institution had not then been separated from the rest and placed in a preparatory department.

        The members were fairly orthodox, although infidelity and lawless theories were so prevalent throughout the world. It was decided that Religion makes mankind happy, that Self-Conceit does not produce happiness, that the Bible is to be believed, that the Profligate is more unhappy than the Moralist, that Polygamy is not consistent with the will of God, that temporary marriages would not conduce to the good of society, that Suicide can never be justifiable. Even on the concrete question, whether Lucretia was justifiable in killing herself, it was voted that the poor lady was blameable, although by her martyrdom she inaugurated popular government in Rome.

        On what is called the Jesuitical doctrine of Pious Frauds, it was voted that they are wrong, although on the similar question whether it is ever allowable to tell lies the members agreed with military men, statesmen and others that occasion may arise to justify them. As to which is most despicable the Thief or the Liar, the decision was that the Thief was the worst. Indeed on another occasion it was solemnly voted that he ought to be hung instead of receiving the milder punishment of forty stripes save one. On the question, "Is Debauchery or Drunkenness most prejudicial," drunkenness was pronounced the lesser evil. The miser was considered an unworthy character evidently, because it was discussed whether we have the right to kill him and distribute his property. He was spared. A blow was struck at the Sermon on the Mount when it was decided that it is not consistent with reason to love one's enemies.


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It is gratifying that they thought that actions cannot be politically right and morally wrong. Whether duelling is ever justifiable was discussed several times. Twice it was sustained and once the decision was adverse, though it is significant that Tutor Harris then opened the debate. Salaried ministers of the gospel should breathe more freely on learning that the students of 1796 deemed it conformable to the Christian religion for preachers to get wages. Fun-lovers should be comforted in knowing their opinion, that "moderate fortune and good humor are preferable to a large estate and bad disposition."

        Other decisions were: that Health is better than Riches; that love of mankind is more prevalent than love of money; that Flattery is sometimes useful; that the pursuit of an object gives greater happiness than the enjoyment; that Pride is essential to happiness; that a man is happier in seeking his own approbation than in seeking that of others; that a state of Nature is a state of war; that the Immortality of the soul is not deducible from reason; that beasts have no souls. It is surprising that young men in the last decade of the 18th century, with the war spirit hot throughout the world, debated with warmth, but could not be brought to a decision, the question, "Is it justifiable to kill one who is threatening one's life?"

        Among the moral and religious questions it should perhaps be mentioned that the opponents of such amusements as dancing, fox hunting, horse racing, and the like, had the strength to bring forward the query, "Is it politic for the Trustees to permit a Dancing School at the University?" They were out-voted.

        During the first years of the University the students were totally debarred from the society of ladies of their own age, as the village was merely on paper. It is to be noted, however, that none the less was their interest in all questions of a social nature. "Does a matrimonial or single life confer most happiness" was gravely decided in favor of marriage. "Are Talents or Riches greater recommendations to ladies?" was asked, and the society honored the fair sex by answering "Talents." "Are ladies or wine most deleterious to students?" was another question,


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the palm for deleteriousness being awarded, I grieve to say, to the ladies. Greater gratitude was shown, however, in the decision of the next, "Is female modesty natural or affected?" nature getting the credit. The members wrestled with this rather nebulous speculation, "Is love without hope, or malice without revenge, most injurious," but never came to a conclusion. I presume this was one of the "non-thinkable" subjects. The members knew their own minds however on this question, "Should a man marry for gold or for beauty?", the preference being given to the red metal.

        Of course questions of public policy were frequently debated. Indeed one enthusiastic member proposed that the Constitution of the United States should be discussed clause by clause, but this was too great a task. The extent of the powers granted by the Constitution, the unconstitutionality of acts of Congress, seem not to have attracted attention. I find only questions of expediency or the reverse. For example, "Is an excise tax consistent with the principles of Liberty?" answered in the affirmative. "Are standing armies useful?" answered No. "Are the salaries of United States officers too great?" answered Yes. "Is the neutrality of the United States in the French-British War consistent with gratitude?" answer, Yes. "Should the United States pay the British debts?" answer, No. "Which is best a pure Democracy or a mixed government?" answer, Mixed. "Should foreigners be allowed to hold offices in the United States?" answer at one time, Yes; at another, No. "Should army officers be appointed by the executive or Legislature?" answer, by the executive. "Should our diplomatic intercourse be diminished?" answer, No. "Is there just cause of war by the United States against France?" (February, 1797), decision, No. In April the same discussion arose and the war spirit gained the vote. Should our Navy be increased?" decision, Yes. "Should the United States further negotiate with Algiers?" Decision, No. "Is it equitable and politic to confiscate private property in war?" decision, Yes. "Is Spain blameable for obstructing the navigation of the Mississippi?" decision, Yes. "Are treaties contrary to the Law of Nations binding?" decision, Yes. "Should the United States adopt Sumptuary Laws?" decision, Yes.


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        It is remarkable that the question should have been debated, "Is the Constitution of England or the United States preferable?" The decision, as might be expected, was in favor of the United States. The members pronounced themselves in favor of a protective tariff. They anticipated the action of this State sixty-one years in declaring for free suffrage for both branches of the General Assembly. This shows the preponderance of Western members. They likewise voted against the use of paper money. When this question was called, Robert Burton, afterwards a North Carolina judge, and Nathaniel Williams, afterwards a Tennessee judge, who had been appointed to open the debate, declined to speak for the reason that they knew nothing of the subject. This excuse was unanimously disallowed and they were promptly fined.

        When it was argued "Is peace or war most useful?", it is honestly recorded that the vote was in favor of war "from the arguments." That Commerce is useful to Nations only passed by a majority vote. As to the relative advantageousness of Commerce and Agriculture, the preference was given to commerce. Was not this the old contest between Poseidon against Athena, Neptune against Minerva?

        On the slavery question the members on the whole took the Southern view, yet there was evident a want of enthusiasm, if not positive doubt. It is likely that the decision on the query, "Whether Africans have not as much right to enslave Americans as Americans to enslave Africans?" viz.: that "Africans have as good right, if not better," was in a jocular spirit. But there was no joking in the declaration that Death is preferable to Slavery, but it is probable that they meant slavery to white people. The fact, however, that the members discussed the question "Whether slaves are advantageous to the United States?" and "Whether the importation of African slaves is of advantage to the United States?" shows that there was difference of opinion, although the majority was in the affirmative in both cases. A spirit of doubt as to the beneficence of the institution seems to be implied in the question "Should slavery be abolished at this time?", notwithstanding that the members answered no.


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        I give a few miscellaneous questions perhaps worthy to be recorded. The right of the Legislatures of the States to instruct members of Congress was debated but not decided. It is noticeable that a serious discussion was had as to whether public offices should be venal, i. e., at liberty to be bought and sold. The decision was adverse. It is in affirmance of what political economists say of the abominable evils of the poor laws of England at this time that a debate was had as to the propriety of making any provision for paupers, although the conclusion was favorable. The members voted that the fathers should retain the power of disinheriting altogether their children, although admirers of French ways contended otherwise. The latter, however, succeeded in obtaining a majority vote that Louis XVI. was justly beheaded. The members showed their jealousy of the Federal government by voting on one occasion that official salaries were too high, and on another that members of Congress should be paid less wages than soldiers. They voted at one time that bodily strength is better than valor in war, and at another that ingenuity is superior to bodily strength. It seems that the vegetarian theory, one of the first modern absurd "isms," had penetrated to our wilds, because the prohibition of animal food was discussed, but it was too much to expect our keen-stomached students with visions of ham and roast beef, or the savory fried chicken at to-morrow's dinner, to vote against their consumption.

        In the spring of 1796 both societies voted to substitute a play for all other exercises, and the members made preparations with enthusiasm. This action was probably stimulated by the advent of a tutor, Mr. Richards, who had been an actor. The scenery was purchased at Williamsboro, but it does not appear why such apparatus was in that village. Such was the zeal of the amateur Thespians that one of the members who agreed to take two parts and failed without excuse was incontinently expelled from one of the societies. I regret that I can find no description of this great dramatic performance.

        As showing the contrast between the reading room of 1796 and that of one hundred years later I state that a motion was made in one of the societies that the Halifax Journal be subscribed


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for in behalf of the members; whereupon Alexander McCulloch, brother-in-law of William Boylan, one of the editors, generously offered the use of his copy, and the motion was withdrawn. A subsequent motion to buy the Fayetteville Hinerva was defeated, as one paper was deemed sufficient. The following is the first list of books ever purchased by either society. It shows taste for solid reading--not a novel among them.

  • Locke on the Human Understanding.
  • Woolstonecraft's Rights of Women.
  • Gillie's Greece.
  • Sully's Memoirs.
  • Beccaria on Crimes and Punishments.
  • Brown on Equality.
  • Mosheim's Ecclesiastical History.
  • Goldsmith's History of England, 4 volumes.
  • Gibbon's Decline and Fall.
  • Helvetius on the Human Mind.
  • Porcupine's Bloody Buoy.
  • Porcupine's Political Censor.
  • Love and Patriotism.
  • The Federalist.
  • Smith's Constitutions.

        The most active of the earliest members of the Debating Society were, in order of their names, Wm. Houston, Lawrence Toole, Robert Smith, Francis Burton, James Webb, Richard Simms, Alexander Osborne, Wm. M. Sneed, Hutchins G. Burton, Wm. Dickson and Samuel Hinton. In the Concord Society the leaders were David Gillespie, E. J. Osborne, George W. Long, Hinton James, Evan Jones, Henry Kearney, Nicholas Long, Wm. Alston, David Cook, Lawrence A. Dorsey, Joseph Gillespie. Of these David Gillespie, E. J. Osborne and George W. Long were most prominent.

        The professors of the University were admitted to be active members of one or the other society, but do not often appear in the debates.

EARLY STUDENT LIFE--THE PETTIGREW LETTERS.

        By the kindness of Miss Caroline Pettigrew, granddaughter of Ebenezer Pettigrew, who with his brother John was a student of the University from the spring of 1795 to the fall of


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1797, I am able to give glimpses of the inner life of the University in its infancy from letters written by them to their father. Their father was Rev. Charles Pettigrew, of Tyrrell County, who was chosen Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church, but was prevented, by the breaking out of yellow fever in Philadelphia at the time, and failing health afterwards, from being consecrated. I have also been permitted by Mr. Norman Jones, of Raleigh, to examine a letter dated April, 1795, written to his mother by his ancestor, Nicholas Long, grandson of Colonel Nicholas Long, of the North Carolina Continental line.

        Letters by children to their parents were then as a rule much more formal than is now usual. Long addresses his mother as "Honored Mother;" but the Pettigrews wrote "Dear Father." Long's father was dead and his mother had married a Methodist preacher, Rev. Daniel Shine. He sends his "respects" to Mr. Shine. A married sister he calls Sister Hill, and the husband of another sister he calls "Brother Green." The Presiding Professor he called Rev. Parson Ker. The Pettigrews sign themselves, or rather John signs for both, "your dutiful sons." They always send their "duties" to their mother and compliments to all others. In one letter the word "compliments" was in the message to the mother, but it was scratched out and "duties" substituted. Bishop Pettigrew's letter to Jackey and Ebley, as he calls them, are exceedingly affectionate and wise.

        The boys saw no newspapers. Weeks intervened between letters. The postage to Bertie County, where Dr. Pettigrew once lived, is usually endorsed 17 cents. Once John informed him that he was forced to pay at Chapel Hill 12 1-2 cents when his father prepaid the same amount. The latter afterwards retorted: "What you designed for frugality accidentally resulted otherwise. You thought by your two letters on the same sheet, or rather half sheet of post paper, to save expenses, but I find 44 cents on the letter. 45 is just the postage of three letters. Your putting two wafers and two addresses has made it a double letter for which they charge double postage." The consistency of the charges of the Postal Department seems open to criticism, judging from the foregoing statements.


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        We learn from these letters, and from other sources, something of the modes of travel to and from the University. Some came on horseback, some in "chairs" or double sulkies, others in carts. Long wrote that, if "the boy" would start by daybreak with the horse, he might make the journey from his home, Sandy Creek, in Franklin County, 65 miles, in one day. The following extract from one of the Pettigrew letters shows the difficulty of transporting persons and things. "Send up a double chair with a portmanteau and a pair of saddle-bags (as our chests will be too unhandy to be carried in a chair), in which we could carry our clothes and some particular books, but as there are a great many of them it would be needless to attempt carrying them all in a chair. In my opinion it would be best for the rest to stay until December when the boys who will come from Bertie will be coming up in a cart, and as the cart will be going back empty I have no doubt they would take down a chest of books to Windsor, from whence they might easily be conveyed to Tyrrell. My bed I can dispose of." They were not expecting to return to the University.

        Among other things they tell of the sad necessity of going nearly barefoot, because of the non-existence of a shoemaker in the village. They hope, however, that an itinerant mender of shoes while on his circuit will come to their relief. They asked their father to have pairs of new shoes ready at their homes when the session shall be over, for, said they, shoes are expensive at Chapel Hill, being 18 shillings or $1.80 a pair. They marked the length of their feet on the margin of the big sheet on which they wrote, thus giving us a hint of the rudeness of the foot coverings of that day, no other measure than the length being given to the workman. If they had enclosed a slip instead of notching the paper it would have subjected the letter to double postage, i. e., the postage of the order would have been nearly 20 per cent of the cost of the article.

        Another trouble they had was the difficulty of procuring a bed, meaning one made of the soft feathers of geese. They slept for a while at the house of a family named Kimball, in the only room to be rented in town, but, the Kimballs announcing their intention to move to "Caintuck" (Kentucky), it became


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necessary for the boys to move into the college building, and hence a bed of their own was essential. They state that the Steward, Mr. Taylor, had beds to rent for the enormous price of £12, or $24 per annum. Their father earnestly cautioned them against the danger of sleeping on hard boards after enjoying the luxury of feathers all the summer, and saved them from this evil by sending the coveted piece of furniture from his home in the "chair" designed for the return of the boys in vacation.

        Moving into the Old East, they were forced to share the apartment with four others, but they were comforted by the fact that two of them were little boys of the Grammar School. Some of the "small boys" they discovered were loud-mouthed nuisances. They found in this room a more grievous nuisance even than noisy "small boys"--the bully. "One of our room-mates desires," they wrote, "to reign king, saying if we would not obey him he would use rough methods." Those who had breathed the free air of the Albemarle could not submit to be slaves. "This we disliked," they said, "knowing that no student durst take upon himself the authority, and that we were all on an equality, and to be room-mates and not one inferior to another." Although the aspiring Kaiser was in a minority of one to five, the Pettigrews changed their quarters, but John remarked, "I shall say nothing of my new companions until I get better acquainted with them." He added, "There is only room for five or six more, unless the Trustees allow eight in a room, which we earnestly deprecate. I find it very difficult to get six well-behaved, it would be almost impossible to get eight well-behaved, boys in a room."

        As might be expected these growing boys were much concerned about their food. They praised Mrs. Puckett when they boarded with her, but the strictures on food at Commons are generally severe. At one time they said "The bread is not near so good as Fillis bakes for herself. It is impossible to describe the badness of the tea and coffee, and the meat generally stinks and has maggots in it." "Fillis" ("Phyllis") is evidently their mother's cook, and the bread for herself was in all probability old-fashioned ashcakes, i. e., lumps of corn-meal dough, covered over with hot embers and so baked.


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        At another time these sons of a planter, who raised corn by the boat-load on the rich eastern bottoms, wrote: "We are afraid we will be pushed for provisions as Mr. Taylor (the Steward) buys corn by the bag-full. In case of necessity we shall get into hollow trees and do as the bears do. It would never do to set off for home. We would perish on the road."

        A more horrible grievance arose from those hideous animals, who, in the darkness of the night, hasten to imbrue their jaws in human gore. Pine bedsteads with holes in the sides for the cords, and the wooden chests of six young fellows, ignorant of the arts of extermination, or too indolent to adopt them, gave full play to the Malthusian doctrine of increase by geometrical ratio, of these foes of man. We need not be surprised therefore at their rapid multiplication in one year. "We dread the approach of warm weather," they plaintively wrote. "They are five times as bad as last year, and then we were hardly able to rest. We will not need any bleeding (by physicians). There is one comfort, there are no mosquitoes." These nocturnal foes they called Sabines, an inappropriate name it appears to me, as the historians tell us those robbers carried off young ladies; whereas young men were here the victims. The next year they raise a wail of woe: "The Sabines have quite defeated us. We have given them the entire possession of our room. None of us have been able to sleep in it for five weeks. I generally spread out tables in the passage and pour water around the legs. They are in general poor swimmers." All these horrors, notwithstanding a by-law which ordered the students to cleanse their rooms of bugs every two weeks! How their mother's heart must have ached at the persecution of her darlings!

        In October, 1795, is the first mention of a dismissal of a student. The Pettigrew boys say he was "banished." As the offence recalls a custom among our ancestors which has become obsolete, I must, in the interest of folk-lore, explain it. Frank Burton and Joseph Green, after being prohibited, went to a "Cotton Picking."

        What was a Cotton Picking? I am able to give you the information derived from two veracious witnesses, in their youth participants in the game.


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        Before the use of Whitney's gin had become common the seed of cotton was separated from the lint by hand. This was generally done at night, each member of the household having his or her task. Each was compelled to fill one of his or her shoes with seed before being allowed to "court the balmy," as Dick Swiviller termed it. Of course, children and ladies of small feet had the advantage over those of mountainous understandings who went late to bed. Darwin would explain the great preponderance of ladies of little feet, such as we see in all Southern gatherings, by the theory that females of former generations, able to wear diminutive shoes, filled them with seed early in the night, secured a larger amount of refreshing sleep, became thereby more healthy and beautiful, and in consequence always secured husbands, while the haggard faces of those going late to bed condemned the unfortunate big-footians to single blessedness.

        Sometimes the owner of the snowy pile would invite the young men and maidens to a Cotton Picking frolic, analagous to quiltings, corn-shuckings, and log-rollings, providing toothsome refreshments. The cotton was placed in the middle of the room, parties would pick against each other, and amid good-humored rivalry and rustic merriment the work would soon be finished. Then the floor would be swept and the neighborhood fiddler, often as black as ebony, would strike up "Molly put the Kettle on," or "T-u Turkey, Ty Tie, T-u Turkey Buzzard's Eye," or "Crow he Peeped at the Weasel," or "Old Molly Hare," in such entrancing strains that every toe in the assembly became stark crazy as if smitten by St. Vitus. Even the legs of the table would quiver with excitement. A jolly succession of reels and break-downs and "Cutting the pigeon's wing" would ensue. If the preacher's influence prevented dancing, games were substituted such as "Hunt the Slipper," "Blindman's Buff," or "I'm Pining." Burton and Green were attracted to one of these festivals, even as the candle-fly seeks the blazing torch. They had their fun, but the avenging eye of Dr. Ker was upon them. The sentence was public admonition before the University. Burton, "like a little man," took the medicine and afterwards won honors as a student.


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But Joe Green's pride caused him to decline to submit and so sentence of dismissal was passed on him. I think it no harm to give his name as heading the line of students whose presence has been dispensed with by the Faculty; first, because he became a respected merchant of New Bern, his career not being impeded by this incident, and secondly, his offence was not a malum in se, but malum prohibitum only.

        It appears that Bishop Pettigrew requested his sons to give him confidential information as to the manners and morals of the students. They do so, but like loyal students ask him not to divulge their disclosures, satirically remarking, "its (the University's) character will be known soon enough to its disadvantage and confusion." Their secret report thus made was that: "the students in general have nothing very criminal, except a vile and detestable practice of cursing and swearing--which are carried on here to the greatest perfection. Even from the smallest to the largest they vent their oaths with the greatest ease imaginable. Hardly a sentence passes without some of those high-flown words which sailors divert themselves with." "Their favorite book is Paine's Age of Reason." Doubtless this account is substantially true. Profanity and infidelity were the fashion of the day. It should be taken, however, with the explanation that John and Ebenezer were raised on a large plantation, strictly and religiously, and probably were never associated with boys before. They do not give examples of the oaths. Let us charitably hope that many of them were no worse than "Go to the Dickens," "Deuce Take You," "Durn It," "Dog Gone You," and like expletives, which some people do not distinguish from more pronounced profanity. It is comforting to have the report favorable as to drinking, gambling, and the like.

        John writes that while Ebenezer is unable for lack of funds, he himself has joined a dancing school, saying that he could not forego gaining what he calls "such a genteel accomplishment." He adds, "There are a number of students in the class, but not any ladies, and there is not as much order and regularity as if there were several decent ladies." The terms were $4 for six months' instruction.


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        Their report as to study is, to use their expression, "middling" favorable. They say: "the Seniors and others who are old enough to understand its value study pretty closely, but there are a great many small boys, half of whom do little or nothing. They are the ones who make the greatest proficiency in the art of swearing."

        The letter-writers praise highly Dr. Ker and Professor Harris. For the particular information of Latin students I state that they studied Eutropius and Cornelius Nepos before going into Cæsar. Their testimony is that they learned more Latin in a few months than in all their lives before.

        As a contribution to the Society for Investigating Psychical Phenomena, I give a strange coincidence. Bishop Pettigrew and his wife both dreamed the same night that their sons were sick, and at that very moment, although separated by all the distance from Chapel Hill to Tyrrell County, about 180 miles as the crow flies, these boys were in unusual good health, and so continued for months. If only one of them had been, simultaneously with the dreams, a little ailing, even to the extent of a head or tooth-ache, or groaning over the agonies of a green peach or so, what exultation would have filled the breasts of enthusiastic spiritualists.

        We gather also from the letters something of the health of the students and of the practice of medicine a hundred years ago. John Pettigrew had an enlarged spleen when he came, but it improved at Chapel Hill, although he was not cured. At one time he took for it arrow-root steeped in brandy two or three times a day. This remedy he quit because of the high price of the brandy, 75 cents a quart. He then turned to Peruvian bark and snake-root, at one time ceasing for ten days because he could obtain no snake-root. Twice his spleen grew in size, but he attributes that to the want of exercise.

        On April 12, 1796, he wrote: "There are 86 students here. All are in perfect health except one taken with the rheumatism last night." In a letter dated May 27, 1797, he wrote, "The mumps is a disease which is very prevalent. There are 30 or 40 cases, but none have been hurt by them very much. Ebley and I have had no symptoms as yet."


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        "The small-pox is seven or eight miles from here, brought by a man from Norfolk. He is well, but it is rumored that his mother has been taken. I do not believe that it will come here, as people are much afraid of it and use all precautions. It would certainly be destructive to this institution, as I have no doubt it would kill one-half of those infected, as our blood is in as bad a state as possible owing to the vast quantities of butter which we eat, and we have no proper attendance. But we would get horses and go home." The disease did not reach Chapel Hill then or at any subsequent day.

        John was a draughtsman and sent home a colored picture of the Old East, 1797, two-storied and only two-thirds of its present length. [The bricks are of the original color, except that between the first and second stories there is a broad white band all around the building. There is a platform at each outer door, the steps descending from it towards the north and south.]

        Let me add that John's disease carried him off--an exceedingly promising man--two years after he left the University. Ebenezer became a prosperous planter; his plantations Magnolia and Belgrade, in Washington County, were famous for their fertility and good management. He was induced when a young man to serve two terms in the State Senate and, after passing middle life, to be a member of the House of Representatives of the United States, but he preferred the happier life of a private citizen. His youngest son was the lamented General James Johnston Pettigrew, a graduate of 1847, who seemed to me to be the ablest man I ever met. Commodore Maury, who had seen the greatest men of his day said--this I know to be authentic--that if by any cause General Lee's place should be vacated, General Pettigrew would be the fittest man to take his place.

THE NEW PLAN OF EDUCATION.

        In December, 1795, after a year's experience with the raw, mostly untaught youths of diverse ages and acquirements, the institution was divided into two branches, called "The Preparatory School" and "The Professorships of the University."

        This plan is interesting because it is the idea of General Davie,


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is far ahead of the times, anticipates in some respects the work of Jefferson with the University of Virginia, and is very similar to our present plan:

A. The Preparatory School.

  • 1st. (a) The English language, to be taught grammatically on the basis of Webster's and South's Grammar.
  • (b) Writing in a neat and correct manner.
  • (c) Arithmetic with the four first rules, with the Rule of Three
  • (d) Reading and pronouncing select passages from the purest English authors.
  • (e) Copying in a fair and correct manner select English Essays.
  • 2nd. After this preliminary course the student must learn the Latin Language, beginning with Ruddiman's Rudiments and then studying Cordery, then Erasmus, then Eutropius, then Cornelius Nepos, with translations. After these came Cæsar's Commentaries, and Sallust, without translations, but at the request of parents translations might be used with them. Kennett's Roman Antiquities to be studied contemporaneously.
  • When the students can render Eutropius into correct English and explain the government and connection of the words, then they must begin the study of the French Language. 1st, The Grammar; 2nd, Telemachus; 3rd, Cyrus; 4th, Gil Blas.
  • The study of Greek is optional. If this language should be chosen the pupil must study, 1st, The Grammar; 2nd, The Gospels in the original, beginning when the French should have begun.
  • The rudiments of Geography must be studied on the plan of Guthrie.
  • After the students begin the French, the French and Latin languages shall be so associated that both may be finished at nearly the same time.
  • It is allowable to study all three of the above mentioned languages, in which case the student must finish the Gospels in Greek when he is through the Preparatory School.
  • The English language shall be regularly continued, it being considered the primary object, and the other languages but auxiliaries.
  • Any language, except English, may be omitted at the request of the parents.

II. Plan of Education under the Professorships of the University:

        1st. The President.

        Rhetoric on the plan of Sheridan.

        Belles-Lettres on the plan of Blair and Rollin.

B. Professorships of the University.

    a. Professor of Moral and Political Philosophy and History; the study of the following authors:

  • Paley's Moral and Political Philosophy.
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  • Montesquieu's Spirit of Laws.
  • Civil Government and Political Constitutions.
  • Adam's Defence of DeLolme.
  • The Constitution of the United States.
  • The Modern Constitutions of Europe.
  • The Law of Nations.
  • Vattel's Law of Nations.
  • Burlamaqui's Principles of Natural and Political Law.
  • On History,
  • Priestly's Lectures on History.
  • Millot's Ancient and Modern History.
  • Hume's History of England, with Smollett's Continuation.
  • Chronology on the most approved plan.

    b. Professor of Natural Philosophy, Astronomy and Geography.

  • 1. General properties of Matter, Laws of Motion, Mechanical Powers, Hydrostatics, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Optics, Electricity, Magnetism.
  • 2. Geography. The use of Globes, the Geometrical, political and commercial relations of the different nations of the earth. Astronomy on the plan of Ferguson.

    c. Professor of Mathematics.

  • 1. Arithmetic in a scientific manner.
  • 2. Algebra and the application of Algebra to Geometry.
  • 3. Euclid's Elements.
  • 4. Trigonometry and its application to the Mensuration of Heights and Distances of Surfaces and Solids, Surveying and Navigation.
  • Electives. Thus far the mathematical studies are obligatory. The following might be pursued if desired. Conic Sections, The Doctrine of the Sphere and the Cylinder, The Projection of the Sphere, Spherical Trigonometry, The Doctrine of Fluxions, The Doctrine of Chances and Annuities.

    d. The Professor of Chemistry and the Philosophy of Medicine, Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts.

  • Chemistry upon the most approved plan.

    e. Professor of Languages.

  • 1. The English Language--Elegant Extracts in Prose and Verse. Scott's Collections.
  • 2. The Latin Language--Virgil, Cicero's Orations, Horace's Epistles, including the Art of Poetry.
  • 3. The Greek Language--Lucian, Xenophon.

        In addition to the regular course, the Professor of Languages must "attend, when required, the reading of Cicero de Officiis, and Horace and Livy, and in the Greek Longinus on the Sublime, the Orations of Demosthenes and Homer's Iliad." The


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rudiments of language are to be attended to, the different forms and figures of speech are to be noticed by the professor, and comments made on the sentiments and beauties of the authors; parallel sentences quoted, particular idioms observed, and all allusions to distant manners and customs explained.

        The students under the Professor of Languages are to deliver to him twice a week translations into English of some classic, in which, "after expressing the sense of the author, the spirit and elegance of the translation are principally to be regarded."

        The students of the other classes shall every Saturday deliver to the President a composition on a subject of their own choosing, and he shall correct the errors in orthography, grammar, style or sentiment, and make the necessary observations thereon.

        Those passing approved examinations on the studies of the Preparatory School were entitled to be admitted "upon the general establishment of the University."

        Those passing an approved examination in English, and the first four rules of Arithmetic with the Rule of Three, could be admitted to study under the President and any of the Professors, except the Professor of Languages. In order to enter his department the applicant must stand an approved examination on the English language, and on Cæsar's Commentaries and Sallust. But it was not required to translate English into Latin.

        No preliminary examination was required of one wishing to study under the fourth professor, i. e., Chemistry, the Philosophy of Medicine, Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts.

        There were no prizes instituted by professors, but the Trustees endeavored to stimulate study by offering to donate a book to the best scholar in each department, viz.: a copy of the text-book used therein. The early students either borrowed or rented their text-books.

        This plan of education is all the more observable because it was the work of Davie after mature consideration. The record shows that he offered it, that it was referred to a committee composed of himself, Judge Williams, Hogg, Haywood,


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and Adlai Osborne, and was reported back and adopted. The North Carolina Journal of that date has, doubtless in Davie's words, a statement of the object aimed at. He began by quoting from the French Convention, "That in every free government the law emanates from the people, it is necessary that the people should receive an education to enable them to direct the laws, and the political part of this education should be consonant to the principles of the constitution under which they live." He proceeds: "The plan of Education established by the Board appears to be predicated on this principle, and designed to form useful and respectable members of society--citizens capable of comprehending, improving and defending the principles of government, citizens, who from the highest possible impulse, a just sense of their own and the general happiness, would be induced to practice the duties of social morality. A deep and fixed conviction that it is degrading to be tributaries to other States or countries for our literary and public characters, a general and strong desire to promote education and exalt and improve our national character, have given a tone to the public sentiment and bestowed a degree of emulation upon individuals, from which the most happy effects may be expected."

        Davie remembered that many of the leading men of the Revolution in North Carolina were from other States. Certainly the degrading dependence of our State for its public characters ceased after the establishment of the University. Not only that, but the institution has furnished chief legislative, executive, or judicial officers to all our Southern sisters, as well as to the general government.

        In correspondence with Caldwell on the subject of granting degrees, Davie gave a clear exposition of the principles underlying his scheme. "The variation of the plan from that of other colleges makes the question of degrees a difficult one. A bachelor's degree generally imports a knowledge of the learned languages as well as the sciences. To confer such a degree upon a person who can understand neither Latin or Greek does not appear to be proper. The ruling or leading principle in our plan of education is that the student may apply himself to those branches of learning and science alone which are absolutely


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necessary to fit him for his destined profession or occupation in life. One study does not imply the necessity of any other, unless of one necessary to make it intelligible. But I am well convinced of the utility and policy of conferring degrees and granting special certificates." He then asks criticism of the following plan: First. The degree of Bachelor of Arts (A.B) evidenced by a diploma in the Latin language, for proficiency in English, the sciences and either Latin or Greek. Second. A diploma in English certifying knowledge and progress in the arts and sciences, to one omitting both the classics. He does not suggest a name for this diploma.

        These diplomas, as well as that of the Master's degree, should be signed by the President of the Board and another Trustees. In addition to the diplomas, certificates should be granted by the President of the University, specially stating the progress of the student.

        After Davie left the State in 1805, Caldwell acquired such commanding influence as to assimilate this University to Princeton, his alma mater. Only one diploma was granted, that of Bachelor of Arts (A.B.), both Latin and Greek being essential to obtaining it, and this rule continued for many years. After the re-organization in 1875, Davie's plan somewhat modified was re-introduced. Both classics were still required for A.B., but a new degree of equal dignity was adopted where one classic is omitted, that of Bachelor of Philosophy, while if both classics are omitted, equivalent sciences being substituted, the degree of Bachelor of Science (B.S) is conferred. Several great institutions, notably Harvard and Cornell, now grant Bachelor of Arts, without requiring either classic, and this institution has recently followed their example. All universities grant certificates for special attainments.

        It is remarkable that, after the University fell into the old Latin, Greek and Mathematical curriculum, which prevailed through so many decades, the scheme drawn by General Davie should have been substantially revived in our days. As proving the truth of this I mention the large liberty of electing studies, the not rigidly requiring Latin and Greek as necessary to graduation, the elevation of Chemistry, Agriculture and the


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Mechanic Arts to a separate school, which can be solely attended, the requiring of classical and mathematical students a moderate proficiency in science, and making advanced work in these departments elective, the great prominence given to the study of English literature and the attainment of a clear and graceful style in speaking and writing, the other languages being expressly declared to be auxiliary to this, the elevation of the French to equal rank with the classics, and the allowance of the substitution of French for either Latin or Greek. Indeed if we cut down our professorships to six, as was the case in Davie's scheme, (President and five professors) it becomes apparent that the changes of our day are mere centennial revivals, although not intentionally so.

        The plan of education of to-day is an evolution mainly by the initiation of the Faculty, the Trustees as a matter of course ratifying their recommendations. In 1795, however, the Trustees controlled this as well as the other details of the institution, even prescribing text-books. Accordingly we find that the scheme was soon so modified as to strike out Geography as a required study in the Preparatory School, and Montesquieu's Spirit of Laws, Vattel's Law of Nations and Hume's History of England in the University. Astronomy was to be on the plan of Nicholson instead of Ferguson.

        The difficulty of procuring books in the old times may be conjectured by this fact, that the Trustees purchased as many as six sets of the prescribed books, of others only three, to be rented to the students at a moderate hire.

        It was found impracticable to put the new scheme, requiring a President and five professors, into full operation for two reasons: First, because of the want of funds, and secondly, because the Trustees could not find a man possessed of the necessary presidential gifts willing to take the place. Accordingly Governor Samuel Ashe, President of the Board, and Messrs. Davie, Willie Jones, Hogg, and Stone were appointed a committee to make inquiry for a proper person to be president and to ascertain the terms on which he could be procured. Three professors were then balloted for and the following were unanimously chosen: Samuel E. McCorkle, Professor


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of Moral and Political Philosophy and History; Charles W. Harris, Professor of Mathematics; Rev. David Ker, Professor of Languages. It was intended that Dr. McCorkle should have charge as Presiding Professor, thus dethroning Dr. Ker.

        But an unexpected difficulty arose. The canny Scotch-Irishman foresaw that, when the President should be chosen, he would lose the snug residence provided for the chief executive. He therefore demanded that in case this should happen his salary should be increased to the extent of the annual value of the residence. To this the Trustees declined to accede and so Dr. Ker continued in office until the following July, the University classes being taught by Professors Ker and Harris, and the Preparatory School by Nicholas Delveaux and Samuel Holmes, Delveaux having one of the higher classes in Latin.

        This rejection of the modest proposal of Dr. McCorckle was bitterly resented by his friends, although soon forgiven by that excellent man. Gen. John Steele, once a member of Congress and then first Comptroller of the Treasury, wrote General Davie a letter couched in such severe terms as to break the friendly relations between them. In the fall of 1799, after Davie's return from his mission to France, he endeavored to renew their old friendship. General Steele's answer, of which he kept a copy, shows that the sore was unhealed. He said, "My letter was the dictate of what I considered at the time, and still think, a just indignation for the ill treatment which Doctor McCorckle received." . . . "I have no sons to educate, and my nephew (son of Dr. McCorckle) is relieved of the humiliation of acquiring his education at an institution whose outset was characterized by acts of ingratitude and insult towards his father." As he begins the letter with a dry "Sir," it is clear that resumption of friendly relations was for awhile of a formal and business nature.

        The six months' term ending July, 1796, witnessed many disorders among the students, the nature of which we can only conjecture. This much is certain, that there was dissatisfaction with Dr. Ker, that much against his inclination he was constrained to send in his resignation, and the Trustees accepted it under protest that he had not given six months' notice


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as required by law. Professor Harris says that he was a man of talent, a furious Republican, and we learn from other sources that he became an outspoken infidel. Dr. Caldwell is authority also for the statement that another professor, Holmes, at that time "embraced and taught the wildest principles of licentiousness."

        When we remember that Harris, an excellent character in other respects, likewise had imbibed heterodox principles, we can easily see how a spirit of lawlessness and defiance of authority became rampant in the young institution, and how bitterly the Federalists among the students resented the violent partisanship of the Presiding Professor.

        The by-laws of the University were also extremely vexatious. The boys of the Preparatory School, whom it became lawful to chastise as in other schools, were allowed to have rooms in the University building, and the strictest espionage, which might have been proper for their government, was enforced over grown young men--many of them accustomed to the largest liberty at home. The tutors of the Preparatory Department, sometimes undergraduates, were required to sleep among the students to see that they kept their rooms in study hours, to reprove and report them for every breach of the rules however trivial. Moreover the professors were ordered to visit each room twice a day, and monitors, one from each class, were expected to be spies on their fellows and to report their misdemeanors and even peccadilloes. The attempt several years afterwards to prevent the monitors from shirking this obligation led, as will be seen, to a serious disruption of the institution.

        The rules governing the conduct of the students while eating at Commons were still more likely to produce angry feelings. The tutor must reprove one complaining of the food unjustifiably in his opinion, and order one behaving unseemly from the table. This indignity created wrath in the youth subjected to such public insult, banished in disgrace from his food in presence of his fellows.

        While some of these rules and practices were from time to time rectified, others continued up to the end of the old regime


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in 1868. Their abolition in 1876 has been productive of more kindly relations between Faculty and students and general improved conduct in the institution.

        Notwithstanding the disorders of the term, the Trustees who attended the examinations in July, 1796, including, among others, Governor Samuel Ashe and General Davie, certified that they were highly satisfactory and that many showed the strongest evidences of industry and most promising talents. The inspection began on Monday, the 11th of July, and was not finished until Friday, the 15th, Governor Ashe and a considerable number of Trustees, in addition to the committee, being present. The ladies did not vouchsafe their cheering presence. It is recorded that "several classes and some of the students received the marked approbation and applause of the Board and the committee."

        A clear view of the condition of the University at this second Commencement is given in the report signed by General Davie and Wm. Hinton, of Wake, the only Trustees who witnessed all the examinations:

        The first or Senior class, consisting of six, were examined on Natural Philosophy and Mathematics and were distinguished for accuracy and progress.

        The second, or Junior class of 12, were examined on Geography. Six merited the marked approbation of the committee and were publicly commended.

        The third, or Sophomore class, consisted of 12; were examined on Arithmetic and obtained approbation.

        In Virgil and Cicero nine were examined. Those in Virgil did not give satisfaction; those in Cicero were somewhat better.

        The Rhetoric class did well. That in English Grammar, although numerous, acquitted themselves with approbation, as did also the French class. The like applause was given to the class in Cæsar and Sallust.

        The classes in Nepos, Eutropius and six other inferior classes in the Preparatory School were satisfactory.

        The Committee suggest that it is best to leave out Geography from the Preparatory School, "as most of the scholars will be too young to benefit much by the study in so early a state."


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        The action of the Board of Trustees at this time indicates two fruitful sources of trouble, the existence of the open grog-shops or taverns in the village, and the claim of the students of the Grammar School that they were only under the authority of their own tutors; and of the other students that those tutors had no control over the University students. Ordinances were passed prohibiting visiting of taverns without leave of a professor, vesting the Preparatory teachers with disciplinary authority over all the students and making them members of the Faculty, but without a vote. Six months later the right to vote was given, but the rule that the two tutors should occupy the same room in the University building was repealed.

        At the same meeting the students were authorized to attend dancing schools with the permission of the Faculty. A letter from Governor Spaight certifies to the teaching abilities of a Mr. Perrin, a French gentleman. "He does not undertake to teach the English dance, but the minuet and French dance, such as cotillons, conges, etc." His terms were $2 per month, three afternoons each week. Davie wrote, "I am very desirous that my sons should be taught to dance well. There are some French gentlemen at New Bern who teach dancing in the most elegant style. They are really gentlemen and unfortunate refugees from St. Domingo." Doubtless Mr. Perrin was one of these refugees, as was Mr. Plunkett, who taught music in Mr. Mordecai's school in Warrenton a few years afterwards, forced to flee from the atrocities of the negroes in the island of Hayti, where they rose against the French, reduced from affluence to poverty in a strange land.

        In an unofficial letter Davie referred to another difficulty which seems to have been rectified. "Serious, and I believe, well-grounded complaints are made by the students against the Steward, but Messrs. Ker and Harris did not think proper to mention them to the Board although they gave assurance to the students that they would certainly do so." It should be remembered, however, that his two sons, Hyder and Allen, who had been accustomed to luxurious living, probably imparted this information, and we have not the counter-statement of the professors. The North Carolina Journal expressly states the contrary--that the Commons was eminently satisfactory.


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        The Board of Trustees found that very few applications were made to them for the vacancies in the Faculty. It became necessary to have a committee whose duty it was to ascertain by correspondence or otherwise men of sufficient learning willing to accept the positions, and with power to employ them. The earliest committee was Judge Moore, General Davie, Willie Jones, David Stone and Judge John Williams. Afterwards the committee consisted of Hugh Williamson, Stone, Thomas H. Blount and Treasurer John Haygood.

HISTORY OF DAVID KER.

        As Dr. David Ker was first professor, and also, as Presiding Professor, the first executive of the University, it is proper to give his subsequent history. He lived for several years in Lumberton, Robeson County, engaged in a small way in merchandising; also pursuing the study of the law. Among his fast friends were a family by the name of Willis, which emigrated to Mississippi, and again became his neighbors and allies by marriage. From Lumberton in July, 1800, he emigrated to the Mississippi Territory, stopping several months with a friend in Nashville, Tennessee. He settled finally at Washington in the neighborhood of Natchez. He found the people, who had been injured by tobacco and indigo, rejoicing in the profits of growing cotton. An industrious planter in one year cleared the price of a negro. There was not a considerable school in the territory, but many planters had private tutors. He describes the people as largely composed of British sympathizers and "Revolutionary Tories," but with a few Republicans. He avows to his correspondent, Senator David Stone, his willingness to accept the office of Secretary of State, the present incumbent, Col. Steele, being in a languishing state of health, or of judge, as Judge Tilton contemplated resignation. He reminds Senator Stone that his principles were in harmony with those of President Jefferson. His pecuniary resources becoming extremely slender, his wife opened a school for girls, in which he was an assistant. The Governor, W. C. C. Claiborne, appointed him to the clerkship of the Superior Court of Adams County, and soon afterwards he was made Sheriff. He then,


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on the recommendation of Senator Stone, who had years before nominated him as Professor of Humanity in our University, received from President Jefferson the office of Territorial Judge. He is described as able and impartial. His career was short, as he was cut off by disease contracted while holding court in an open house without fire in severely cold weather. A gentleman who knew him well describes him as a "man of fine education, a classical scholar, well read in the principles of moral and natural philosophy, of law and religion. His principles were well formed and matured and his moral character of the best model, firm, stern, inflexible, unyielding." His wife, whose faith in the Christian religion was steadfast, burnt all his writings, lest they might contaminate others. The brave woman continued her school and educated her children, who founded some of the leading families of Mississippi and Louisiana, many of whose members hold honorable positions in their communities. Since the war between the States which brought them nearly all to financial ruin, the unmarried women of the family have shown the spirit of their first American ancestors, and have devoted themselves with enthusiasm to teaching.

        Of the five children of Judge Ker, David died unmarried and Sarah (Mrs. Cowden) left no child; Eliza married Mr. Rush Nutt, and has many living grandchildren. One is Charles Clark, a prominent lawyer of San Jose, California; another is Sargent Prentiss Nutt, once a lawyer of Washington, D. C., now a planter near Natchez, at the old homestead, Longwood. Nearly all the rest of the Nutt branch are cotton planters in Louisiana or Mississippi.

        Martha (or Patsey) Ker married Mr. Wm. Terry, and left three daughters, one of them still living on her plantation on the Yazoo, the widow of William B. Prince. Another daughter married Evan Jeffries, a wealthy planter, and their descendants are numerous.

        A son of Judge Ker was John Ker, M.D., a surgeon in the Seminole war, who was afterwards a successful cotton planter and member of the legislatures of Louisiana and Mississippi. He had the religious faith of his mother, who lived with him


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until nearly 91 years of age. They are both buried at the old homestead, Linden, a mile from Natchez, by the side of Judge and David Ker, who were removed from their first resting place.

        Dr. John Ker left six children, all of whom are dead except the two youngest, Wm. Henry and Mary S. Ker, who reside in Natchez. The oldest son, David, was a lawyer in Louisiana and then a sugar planter. Besides daughters, David has a son, J. Brownson Ker, a lawyer in New York City. Two of David Ker's daughters are successful teachers in the same city.

        The second son, John Ker, was a lawyer for awhile and then a cotton planter. He served throughout the Civil War as Captain of a Louisiana company, was captured at Vicksburg. After the war he resumed the profession of the law. His son, Wm. B. Ker, is manager of a large sugar estate in Louisiana. One of his daughters is the wife of Hon. Murphy J. Foster, once Governor of Louisiana.

        Dr. Ker's third son, Lewis Baker Ker, left two sons and four daughters, all living in Southern Louisiana.

        The fourth son of Dr. John Ker is still living, Wm. Henry Ker of Natchez. He left the Junior class of Harvard to join the Confederate army and served throughout as a cavalry soldier in the army of Northern Virginia. After the war he undertook cotton planting, but not finding it profitable, adopted the profession of teaching and has pursued it with enthusiasm and success. For several years he has been Principal of the Natchez White Public Schools, President of the State Board of Education, and teacher in and once conductor of the Peabody Summer Normals in Mississippi. Harvard lately conferred on him the degree of A.B. At Harvard he was the stroke oar of the Harvard crew. He married Miss Josephine Chamberlain, and they have a son, John, living and two daughters, one of whom married Mr. Richard Butler, a sugar planter of Louisiana.

        Dr. John Ker's younger daughter is still living, a fine specimen of the noble class of "Old Maids," Mary S. Ker, who in addition to her professional duties, cared for two generations of orphaned nieces and great nieces. She has been steadily


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engaged in teaching since 1871, with the exception of a year and a half spent traveling in Europe. She has a place in the faculty of Stanton College, a female school in Natchez. It is to her courtesy that I am indebted for much of my information concerning the family of Dr. David Ker.

        I copy the modest inscriptions on the tombstones of the first professor and the first lady who ever lived in Chapel Hill.

        DAVID KER.
Born in Ireland
February, 1758.
Died in Mississippi
January 21, 1805.


        MARY KER.
Born in Ireland
30th March, 1757.
Died in Natchez
30th November, 1847.


CHARLES W. HARRIS, PRESIDING PROFESSOR; JOSEPH
CALDWELL, PROFESSOR.

        It can well be imagined that, during the first two terms, or sessions as they were called until 1818, the scheme of studies laid down by the committee of which Dr. Corckle was chairman, was not closely adhered to. The chaotic state of education in the State rendered rigid classification impossible.

        In consequence of the retirement of Dr. Ker, in the summer of 1796, the duties of Presiding Professor, in addition to instruction in Mathematics, were placed upon the strong but reluctant shoulders of Mr. Harris and there rested until his resignation half a year afterwards much against the wishes of the Trustees. While so engaged he gave to his work undivided attention, grieving however over his abstinence from his law books. Whenever possible he mounted his horse, and, riding to Hillsboro, enjoyed refined society in the families of the Hoggs, Norwoods, Webbs, and others. Under his management the students steadily improved, and at the examination in December showed such proficiency that the visiting Trustees published a testimonial thereof.

        As Mr. Harris had given notice that he would retire after the close of the term in December, it became necessary to take measures to supply his place. He himself, loving the University, took much interest in the question, and was freely consulted by the Trustees. Remembering the character and reputation


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for ability of Joseph Caldwell, who graduated with highest honors at Princeton in the class preceding his, and learning of his subsequent success as a tutor, he confidently recommended him for the Chair of Mathematics. It was a striking proof of the strong impression he made on the eminent men who composed the Board of Trustees, that they unanimously elected his nominee. Caldwell had been engaged in teaching mathematics at Princeton, was only twenty-three years of age, but of matured intellectual strength. If it shall be thought that the Trustees were rash in calling so young a man to so responsible a post, it should be remembered that they had a very narrow range of choice. The historian, Dr. Hugh Williamson, then residing in New York, commissioned by the Board to enquire for persons competent, wrote, "The salary offered (about $600) is so small as to preclude any chance of inducing any respectable man of learning to remove to a Southern State, where, as they all believe, the chances of health are greatly diminished." He says that: "men of moderate ability expect to make more money in other business than teaching, hence capable teachers are only among the clergy. The Professorship of Mathematics in the College of New Jersey (Princeton) has been vacant some time for want of a capable man. It is unfortunate that people measure salaries by the inflated price of provisions and the flood of real or fictitious money. $2.50 for a bushel of wheat, half a dollar in a tavern for breakfast, $1.25 a day for a common laborer, are too high to continue. When Europe is revisited by Peace, prices will fall and then we can employ teachers on moderate terms." He advises that tutors be engaged if those worthy of being called professors cannot be had.

        By request of the Trustees, Harris apprised Mr. Caldwell that the Chair of Mathematics was open to him. Before deciding, the latter asked for a full statement of the condition and resources of the University, which was at once given minutely and accurately. The following is the substance of this answer:

        There were about one hundred students "on the establishment," of whom about sixty were in the Preparatory Department, leaving about forty in the University proper. Of the


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latter six were in the Moral Philosophy class and fifteen studied Mathematics. The Geography and Arithmetic classes had about ten students each, the Latin class about the same, and there were five or six in Greek. Each tutor in the Grammar School had about thirty. "We imitate," he writes, "Nassau Hall in the conduct of our affairs, as much as circumstances will admit. The site at Chapel Hill was selected because of its healthiness. The expense of clothing is dearer than at Princeton. Our diet at Commons is preferable to yours and at the low rate of $40 a year." The buildings already completed are one wing 98 feet long, containing sixteen rooms, "an elegant and large house for the President," with outhouses, the Steward's House, Kitchen, etc. The buildings to be erected are a wing similar to the other, a Chapel 50 feet by 40, and a large three-storied house 115 feet long and 56 feet broad. The Chapel is contracted for to cost $3,000. The Trustees can realize $15,000 more, with which they resolve to commence the large building as soon as they can find an undertaker. The Treasurer informed him (the writer) that the funds, including what was not at once available, could be stated at $30,000. The University labors more at the present for the want of good teachers than anything else. If the buildings were completed and all the professorships filled there would be 200 students. The Professorship of Mathematics is worth $500 a year and in a short time will be $600. The society in the neighborhood is very uncultivated. When there is a little leisure a ride of 12 or 14 miles will find agreeable company, and the seminary is occasionally visited by the most respectable gentlemen in the State. The newness of the University causes things to be in an unsettled state, but he expected that in a short time that a situation here would be as agreeable and as profitable as any of a like kind in the Union. Mr. Ker left much against his will, and he himself would not wish to leave but for the intention to devote himself to the profession of the law. Our education at Princeton, he says, was shamefully and inexcusably deficient in experimental Philosophy. He expects from London a small apparatus in October. He advises that Caldwell should visit Philadelphia and learn the use of the different kinds of electrical


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machines, air-pumps, telescope, microscope, camera obscura, magic-lantern, quadrants, sextants and whatever else may be found useful. He would often have appeared ridiculous in his own eyes if he had not gotten a smattering of experimental Philosophy by visiting Williamsburg (William and Mary College) in Virginia.

        This fair statement of our University situation procured the acceptance by the Princeton tutor of the position tendered him. His determination may have been aided by the fact that the College of New Jersey was passing through a crisis, the cause of which is not disclosed. In a letter to Davie he stated that Dr. McLean, the Professor of Chemistry, from Glasgow, Scotland, whose salary was paid out of the private pockets of the Trustees, was in the notion of applying for the same chair in North Carolina. Moreover, Brother Smith 1

        1 Samuel Stanhope Smith, D.D., President Princeton College.


would like to have proposals for a change and would be willing to make it if he could have direction of the plan of buildings, and their environs. Caldwell significantly adds, "I do not now hesitate to say that so far as the reputation of this college depends upon its immediate professors, you have an opportunity of transferring it in a great measure to the University of your State."

        But alas! our Trustees did not have the funds adequate to enable them to embrace this promising opportunity.

        Joseph Caldwell, the new Professor of Mathematics, was a son of a physician of the same name, of Scotch-Irish descent, a resident of Lamington, New Jersey, born April 21, 1773, two days after his father's death. His mother was Rachel Harker, daughter of a Presbyterian clergyman of note, whose wife was a daughter of a Huguenot refugee. Mrs. Rachel Caldwell was a woman of rare energy and discretion, instilling into her son good principles, and under many privations in troublous times securing for him such educational advantages as enabled him to graduate at Princeton in 1791 at the age of 19. In recognition of his superior scholarship he was awarded the honor of delivering the Latin Salutatory.

        After leaving Princeton, Caldwell entered at once on his life-work as a teacher, for a short while having charge of a school


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for young children, then for a year or so being usher, or assistant, in a classical academy at Elizabethtown. His intelligence and faithfulness were so conspicuous in this position that in April, 1795, he was chosen to be tutor in his alma mater, having for his associate and life-long friend, John Henry Hobart.

        While performing their duties as teachers both these tutors were pursuing theological studies. They soon parted, one going North to become famous as Protestant Episcopal Bishop of New York, the other coming South to become eminent as a preacher in the Presbyterian Church, exerting still wider influence as Professor and President of a State University.

        Caldwell was licensed to preach the gospel while at Princeton by the Presbytery of New Brunswick. Afterwards, when on his way to Chapel Hill, he stopped in Philadelphia and preached in the church of the celebrated divine, Dr. Ashbel Green. His sermon made such a strong impression on the audience that he was virtually offered the charge of an important congregation. Dr. Green prevented any possibility of his yielding to this tempting invitation, extremely attractive to a young man of twenty-three years of age, by saying abruptly, "Mr. Caldwell is on his way to Carolina and to Carolina he is certainly to go. To speak of other places will be in vain." The splendid career of usefulness pursued by his young friend, is proof of the pious wisdom of this great man in inculcating respect for the sanctity of a contract.

        On September 6, 1796, Professor Harris wrote to Caldwell expressing the great pleasure the tidings of his acceptance gives him, regretting that Dr. Smith is not agreeably situated at Princeton, and promising to suggest to our Trustees to endeavor to make his removal to this University profitable and agreeable. He advised relinquishment of the idea of coming by water. To travel by public stage would cost $50, before reaching Petersburg, 170 miles from Chapel Hill. The best plan is to purchase a small, but good, horse and a single chair, (i. e. two-wheeled sulky, holding one person). A half-worn chair, if well made, would answer the purpose. With this traveling would be as expeditious as on horseback. In the chair-box could be carried many necessaries. This could be made


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cheap and healthful, and would occupy about thirty days. By adhering to the post-route through the cities of Washington, Alexandria, passing near Mount Vernon, Richmond, Petersburg, etc., much entertainment and knowledge of geography would be gained. The loss on re-sale of the horse would not be considerable. Let Mr. Caldwell fill his trunk with one or two pieces of linen, stockings, shoes, broadcloth, and whatever clothing will be needed for a year, as these things are dearer here than in Philadelphia and often not procurable. Trunks should be sent by water to Petersburg, Virginia, in the care of Grain and Anderson, who will pay charges and forward them on to Hillsboro at once.

        A more striking contrast between the old time and the new can hardly be shown. The solitary professor journeying in all kinds of weather in the open air, occupying over a month, and trusting his baggage by a devious and uncertain route to a point 12 miles from Chapel Hill, while the modern professor makes the trip in comfort, even luxury, his baggage accompanying him, in less than twenty-four hours, and does not have a broken-down horse and a worn-out vehicle on his hands at the end of his journey.

        Even before the advent of railroad transportation the rapidity of travel greatly increased. In June, 1821, Rev. Wm. Hooper wrote to his wife from New York City: "It is astonishing to think that I should have left you Friday morning and on the following Tuesday be in New York, 600 miles distant." His route was first to Petersburg or Richmond, thence down the river to Norfolk, thence by sea to his destination. I remark in passing that the good doctor offered to preach on Sunday but the Captain, ascertaining that his passengers objected, declined to allow him.

        Fortunately Dr. Caldwell kept copies of many of his letters, and by the kindness of his step-son and executor these are in the archives of the University. He had, according to the fashion of the day, quite a diffuse style, and I take the liberty of giving often the substance of what appears to be of historic value.

        One of the most interesting of these letters was written to a


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"Rev. Sir" soon after his reaching Chapel Hill. He says, "I arrived on the 31st October (1796) and on the second day after entered on the business of the class. The University is almost entirely in infancy, cut out of the woods, one building of the smaller kind is finished. The Trustees are endeavoring to get an undertaker for the largest, 115 by 56 feet. The foundation of the Chapel is laid but the completion is uncertain, as the mason and his negroes have spent the favorable fall in raising the foundation to the surface of the ground. According to agreement it must be finished by the 1st day of July next. The Trustees offer for the completion of the large building 10,000 or 12,000 pounds ($20 or $24,000). The President's house is well finished. It is one hundred yards from the nearest building of the University.

        Soon after his arrival he made a trip to Raleigh. "The Legislature in numbers appeared respectable. General Davie stands foremost and an almost unrivaled leader in every capital enterprise." He spent the greater part of two evenings with Davie and pronounced him "a man of good abilities and active in every measure for promoting the honor and interest of the State." "In the Legislature he seems like a parent struggling for the happiness and welfare of his children. No doubt he frequently finds them refractory."

        The youthful professor, having had a few days view of this State of over 50,000 square miles, felt qualified to tell all about its people. He said, "The State appears to be swarming with lawyers. It is almost the only profession for which parents educate their children. Religion is so little in vogue, that it affords no temptation to undertake its cause. In New Jersey it had a public respect and support. In North Carolina, and particularly in the part east of Chapel Hill, every one believes that the way of rising to respectability is to disavow as often and as publicly as possible the leading doctrines of the Scriptures. They are bugbears, very well fitted to scare the ignorant and weak into obedience to the laws; but the laws of morality and honor are sufficient to regulate the conduct of men of letters and cultivated reasons. One reason, why religion is so scouted from the most influential part of society, is that it is taught only


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by ranters, with whom it seems to consist only in the powers of their throats and the wildness and madness of their gesticulations and distortions. If it could be regularly taught by men of prudence, real piety and improved talents it would claim the support of the people."

        It is amazing that a man of sense, as Caldwell certainly was, should have expressed such positive convictions when he had so little means of forming a judgment. A letter from his friend, John Henry Hobart, then Tutor at Princeton, gives us further insight into his views of things at Chapel Hill and elsewhere. Hobart was pleased to see that "Caldwell's disagreeable feelings were wearing off. The country must have presented a barren and gloomy prospect, and the manners of the lower class congenial to it, except where the noise of intemperate mirth gave liveliness to the dull scene. I have understood that in Virginia especially the rich planters are men of hospitality and polished manners. It is to be hoped that the rays from your University, the Sun of Science, will illuminate the darkness of society. Your Faculty seems to constitute a motley group. Presbyterians and Arians, infidels and Roman Catholics. The age of reason has surely come. Superstition and bigotry are buried in one common grave. Philosophy and charity begin to bless the people."

        "I expected something better from Harris. I did not expect that he would become the disciple of infidelity. I feel for your situation thus deprived of religious conversation and society, exposed to the insults of the profane and scoffs of the infidel. Your resolution to stand firm is worthy of your profession. Providence seems to have placed you in a position where you will need much firmness, but where you may do much good. It seems as if you were called to proclaim the glorious truths of the Gospel, where they have not been known, or known only to the contemned." Hobart then tells of the losses of the Federalists in Pennsylvania and hopes that by "the aid of Webster's and Fenno's papers you will be able to make good Federalists of some of your North Carolina friends." This Webster was the author of the Unabridged Dictionary who once edited a political journal.


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        It appears from a letter by Thomas Y. How to Caldwell that the latter had a conversation with Davie on the Evidences of Christianity. He gave to How a summary of his arguments, which were pronounced, judicious and forcible. Nothing is said of the impression made on the mind of Davie. How is alarmed at the progress of infidelity. He believes that the French government sends emissaries to the United States to convert the people to Deism in order to make them lose their Republican virtue, and then France by intrigue and bribery can control their policy.

        We have Davie's impressions of Caldwell, formed after a six months' acquaintance. "The more I know Caldwell the more I am pleased with him. I think him a respectable character and well qualified to fill the Mathematical and Natural Philosophy chairs. Perhaps he has not studied attentively Moral Philosophy and the Belles Lettres, but I believe him possessed of talent sufficient to attain to any proficiency in any science that may be necessary. I am very sorry that he has notified his determination to leave us. He seems to think that his constitution is too weak to undergo the anxiety and fatigue of the President's place." It will be seen that this intention was abandoned.

        Mr. Caldwell, after resting only one day, began his duties as professor on the 2d of November, 1796, Harris having the duties of Presiding Professor. When in accordance with his notification the latter's resignation took effect, Caldwell, with great reluctance, succeeded him in the management, Rev. Samuel A. Holmes, who had been Tutor, being elevated to the Professorship of Languages, W. A. Richards being teacher of French and German. The Preparatory Department was under the management of Nicholas Delvaux, assisted by Richards.

        I give briefly the career of the excellent Professor Harris after his leaving the University. He settled in Halifax, one of the court towns, arriving there April 10, 1797. He was spared the usual dreary waiting of a young practitioner. General Davie was elected Governor in the fall of the same year, and in the next was sent, together with Chief Justice Ellsworth and Van Murray, our minister to the Hague, to negotiate with Napoleon


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for peace with France. He intrusted the bulk of his practice to Harris, so that the public soon learned his worth. In 1800 he was elected a Trustee of the University, and being placed on the Visiting Committee aided in conducting the examinations in June of that year. His legal abilities were so generally recognized that he was urged by his Federalist friends to allow his name to go before the General Assembly for the office of Judge, but he declined on account of bad health. Hoping for relief he made a voyage to the West Indies in 1803, but finding no benefit, returned and died January 15, 1804, at the residence of his brother, Robert Wilson Harris, in Sneedsboro, on the Pee Dee in the county of Anson. Before his death he returned to the faith of his father, an elder in the Presbyterian church at Poplar Tent. He was agreeable with his friends, reserved among strangers, scrupulously truthful and honorable, an assiduous and accomplished scholar. Seldom has pulmonary consumption carried off a more promising man.

        Under the judicious management of Caldwell the spring term of 1797 moved on harmoniously and prosperously to all outward seeming, though we learn from his letters that he was not pleased with some of his associates.

        The cares incident to the office of Acting President so weighed upon Mr. Caldwell that, as Davie wrote, he avowed his intention to leave the institution. The Trustees, however, induced him to remain by the election at the close of 1797 of James Smiley Gillaspie as Professor of Natural Philosophy, to be also Presiding Professor.

        The examination of July 18, 1797, was quite numerously attended by the Trustees, there being present Governor Benjamin Williams, Judge John Williams, James Hogg, Adlai Osborne, Willie Jones and Walter Alves. Their report was most favorable. "The Professors and Tutors deserve praise and thanks, and the students approbation and applause, and both were accordingly given by the Trustees." "Rosy health appeared in the countenances of the students, a few boys excepted, who came from the eastern parts of the State." "The complaints which have existed against the Steward have entirely subsided."


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        We have a letter from James Hogg to General Davie, explaining that the duty of attending the Board of Trustees and the necessity of leaving for home on the fifth day caused a too meagre attention to the examination of the classes of the Preparatory Department. He reports that "Mr. Delvaux's classes on Sallust, Cæsar, Cornelius Nepos, Eutropius and two classes on Corderius seemed to me to be taught with accuracy. It is true that they had been prepared, but each student drew by lot the chapter or section which he was to read. His students in the French Grammar were satisfactory. He has a class in the Latin Grammar which was not examined."

        "Mr. Richard's classes on Telemaque and Gil Blas, French exercises and in French Grammar made a satisfactory examination. A large class on the common rules of Arithmetic and practice and a large class in English Grammar in general performed well." There were two classes in reading and spelling but there was not time to test the proficiency of the students. Davie wrote that he feared that sufficient attention is not paid to reading and spelling. He has heard complaint of the school in this regard, especially in the northeast section of the State.

        "A man of prominent character is necessary in the Grammar School." He is sorry to hear of the differences between Delvaux and Richards. They can be met by appointment of an additional Tutor. Robert Moore is recommended, also Archibald D. Murphey, from Caswell. Moore would probably teach for his board and tuition. Davie adds, "It is so difficult to find men for our purpose tolerably well qualified, that I am very sorry that Mr. Delvaux is to leave us. It is not likely that we shall meet with his equal."

        We are informed in this report that Caldwell, in addition to his duties in the University proper, taught about twenty pupils in the Preparatory Department in reading.

        Hogg's explanation of the chapters, to be examined on, having been notified in advance to the students reminds me that when seven years of age I was at the school of Mrs. Harriet Bobbitt in Louisburg; she, apparently as a matter of course, gave to the pupils the words which we were to spell at the public examinations by the Trustees. The result was more favorable


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to the accuracy of the spelling than to the moral lesson inculcated. I very much fear that similar deceptions were not uncommon in "the good old days." It is remarkable that there are in the archives of the University two valedictory orations in Caldwell's handwriting, and a third endorsed as copied by E. J. Osborne for him, which seems to imply that he supplied members of the graduating classes with productions similar to those which he had listened to with tearful eyes at Princeton. His unbending rectitude of principle leads to the conclusion that the matter was well understood by the students and the public. I conjecture that similar deceptions are not uncommon in our day. I have been occasionally requested by pupils of distant schools to supply them with "original speeches," one of them naming the subject--"Love, the Causes of Love, the Effects of Love," etc., but I have invariably declined.

THE PRINCIPALSHIP OF GILLASPIE.

        The new Professor of Natural Philosophy, James Smiley Gillaspie, as he spelt his name, was honored with the title of Principal of the University, instead of Presiding Professor. He was son of John Gillaspie, doubtless a near relative of Col. Daniel Gillaspie, of the Revolution, and Senator from Guilford. His home was at Martinsville, a village which took the place of old Guilford Court-House. By inducing him to assume executive duties and by adopting a resolution endorsing Caldwell's course, the Trustees induced the latter to accept the Chair of Mathematics. He voluntarily agreed to teach French in the Preparatory Department, for which an allowance of $30 was made.

        The first year of Gillaspie's administration was fairly successful. His colleagues were Caldwell and Holmes in the University, and Richards and William Edwards Webb, a promising member of the Senior class, in the Grammar School.

EARLY DONATIONS--GOVERNOR SMITH.

        I have chronicled the fact that Governor Smith offered to the University warrants for 20,000 acres of soldiers' land warrants at the first meeting of the Board in 1789, and handed over the warrants at the second meeting in 1790.


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        The munificence of Colonel, afterwards Governor and General Smith brought, however, no present funds into the treasury. The warrants were for lands located in Obion County, in the extreme northwest of Tennessee. By the treaty of Hopewell in 1785 the United States ceded this territory to the Chickasaw Indians. In 1810 one of the most terrific earthquakes which ever afflicted the Mississippi Valley turned portions of the land into lakelets. It was not until twenty-five years afterwards that a sale was effected, which realized $14,000. Nevertheless it was certainly a graceful act to name our library building Smith Hall in his honor, although it was delayed over half a century. John Harvard gained immortality by a legacy of less than $4,000 to the college at Newton, afterwards Cambridge, in Massachusetts. I feel it a duty to give the man, who made a much more munificent donation to our infant institution, this special notice.

        Benjamin Smith was a man of force. In the Revolutionary struggle he was a special aid to Washington in the masterly retreat from Long Island. He partook of the glory in defeating Parker's fleet at Charleston. In contemplation of war with England or France, when his great chief was President, he was made Brigadier-General of militia. When a struggle with France was imminent, during the Presidency of elder Adams, the entire militia force of Brunswick volunteered after a fiery speech from him. In 1810, when the troubles with England were culminating he was made General of the county forces. He was fifteen times State Senator from his county of Brunswick. The capital of the county was called in his honor Smithville. With forgetfulness of the old hero and hankering after modern sheckels, the name has been changed to Southport. His memory is still perpetuated not alone by the gratitude of the University, but by the name of the bleak island, which far out in the ocean forms the dangerous projection of shifting sand, called by the ancient mariner in his terror Promontorium Tremendum, or Cape Fear.

        As he advanced in years Governor Smith lost his health by high living and his fortune by too generous suretyship. He became irascible and prone to resent fancied slights. His


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tongue became venomous to opponents. He once spoke with undeserved abusiveness of Judge Alfred Moore, and the insult was avenged by one of the members of the Assembly from Brunswick, Judge Moore's son Maurice, who next to Hinton James was one of the first students of the University. The duel was fought on the 28th June, 1805, in South Carolina, not far from the seaside, where then stood the Boundary House, the line running thro' the centre of the hall entrance. When North Carolina officers sent in pursuit reached the house they were unable to cross the imaginary line into the south side of the house, where the duellists and their friends, triumphant under the jurisdiction of South Carolina, were laughing over their fruitless chase. The second of Captain Maurice Moore was his cousin, Major Duncan Moore, while General Smith was attended by General Joseph Gardner Swift, whose "Memoirs," published only for private circulation and re-published by the University in the James Sprunt Historical Monographs, is of much interest. At the second fire the bullet of Moore entered the side of Smith, and although not fatal was long the cause of pain and discomfort. When some years after his death his bones were exhumed for removal to another cemetery, the "vengeful lead" was found among them.

        It is sad to relate that in his old age he was arrested by the attorney of the University, who, Smith alleged, was his personal enemy, and held for a security debt; but on learning the fact he was released by order of the Trustees with promptness. Even after his death, it is said, his body was pursued by hungry creditors, a ghastly power then allowed by law, and his friends were forced to bury it in the darkness of night in an obscure spot, where the money ghouls could not find it.

GENERAL PERSON.

        About the time of the construction of the old East, the old Chapel, or Person Hall, was begun. When funds ran low the hearts of the Trustees were gladdened by the gift of $1,050 in "hard money," said to have been paid in shining silver dollars, for the purpose of finishing it, by General Thomas Person, of Granville. He was an old bachelor, who, not having children


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of his own, felt impelled to help educate those of others. General Person was a wealthy planter of Granville County. He was a sympathizer with the Regulators in their wrongs, but did not approve their overt resistance. He was an active patriot of the Revolution--a delegate to the first assembly of the people at New Bern in 1774, which met in defiance of the prohibition of the royal Governor. He appeared again as a member of the Provincial Congress at Hillsboro in 1775, and of the Congress at the same place in the spring of 1776, by which the State was organized for war, and which led the van in authorizing the members of the Continental Congress to vote for independence. He was one of the stout patriots who amid the storms of war framed a constitution for free North Carolina at Halifax in December, 1776. He was the second named of the large and able committee which reported the Constitution for the consideration of the body, and did their work so well that no changes were made in it. Nor was he trusted as a legislator only. He was one of the Provincial Council, which constituted the Provisional government of the State prior to the Constitution, and of the Council of Safety, which was its successor. He was one of the six Brigadier-Generals of the first military establishment. He was a member of the House of Commons during the entire war, and either as Senator or Commoner represented Granville County in the General Assembly for sixteen years. He always enjoyed the esteem and confidence of our people. He was always a fast friend of education and of the University. He was among the influential men who formed the first Board of Trustees. He attended the first meeting of the Trustees in 1790 at Fayetteville. For many years the "Old Chapel" was the place of divine worship and of all public meetings. For some time the two societies held therein their sessions. It witnessed the Commencement exercises and conferring the diplomas. Until after our great Civil War these documents bore on their face in sonorous Latin the antiquated words, "in Aula Personica." The grateful Trustees directed that a slab be inserted in front of the building with the following inscription:


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        BY THE TRUSTEES
OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA,
THIS MONUMENT IS ERECTED
TO THE MEMORY OF
BRIGADIER-GENERAL THOMAS PERSON,
WHO EVINCED HIS PATRIOTISM
AND LOVE OF LEARNING
BY A PECUNIARY DONATION
WITH WHICH THIS CHAPEL WAS COMPLETED
IN THE YEAR 179--
IN HONOUR OF WHICH MUNIFICENCE
IT IS DISTINGUISHED BY THE NAME OF
PERSON HALL.
OBIIT AN. 1
AET.


        This pious work was never executed.

SUBSCRIPTIONS.

        On January 9, 1793, Willie Jones and Wm. R. Davie, the leaders of the Republican and Federalist parties in the eastern section, in politics opposed, but personal friends, issued a joint appeal for subscriptions, stating that they were clearly of the opinion that the liberal education of youth must tend to promote the prosperity and happiness of the people. They hope that "the gentlemen of the county of Halifax, on an occasion so interesting to the rising generation, when the gentlemen of the county of Orange had given near $2,000, will not suffer any county in the State to exceed Halifax in supporting an institution of such vast and general utility." The following is a list of donations from the Judicial Districts:

        
Total Hillsborough District $1614.80
Total Halifax District 1608.
Total Wilmington District 2222.
Total Newbern District 950.
Total Fayetteville District 170.
Salisbury 158.50
Grand Total $6,723.30

        In the appendix will be found the list of names--a veritable roll of honor. The subscriptions run all the way from $5 to $200. Wm. Cain, of Orange, Alfred Moore, of Brunswick, soon to be a Judge, and Walter Alves, of Orange, were the


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largest subscribers. The latter, however, added his own donation to a legacy willed by his father-in-law in order to make up the $200. He was a son of James Hogg, changing his name at his father's request. The $100 subscribers were Jesse Nevill, of Orange; Wm. R. Davie, Willie Jones and Nicholas Long, of Halifax; John Burgwin, of Wilmington; Governor Spaight, Joseph Leech, Daniel Carthy, George Pollock, and Wilson Blount, of New Bern. In the lists will be found ancestors of many of the leading citizens of the State and friends of the University, such as the Spaights, Donnells, Bryans, Davises, Blounts, Greens, Osbornes, Halls, Moores, Ashes, Kenans, Burgwins, Wrights, Toomers, Joneses, Cutlars, Jameses, Hills, Dudleys, Sneads, Waddells, Haywoods, Alstons, Malletts, Longs, Whitakers, Smiths, Watters, Hooper, Strayhorns, Renchers, Johnstons, and many others, not couting those on the female side.

        It is particularly gratifying to see the name of Wm. Bingham, the founder of the distinguished family of teachers in our State, who gave $20, a large sum for a teacher, then a recent settler among us. Rev. Dr. Samuel E. McCorkle showed his interest by procuring $42 from his congregation. The Central Benevolent Association, of Iredell County, subscribed $100 for the purchase of books and apparatus, and Rev. James Hall, D.D., the Preacher-Captain in the Revolution, out of his meagre salary sent $5.

        It is evident that two or more of the agents procuring subscriptions neglected their duty. It is impossible to believe that so many well-to-do counties around Albemarle Sound and in the valleys of the Tar, the Neuse above Craven, the Pee Dee, the Catawba, the Yadkin, and other rivers, would have been totally unrepresented in this list if they had been properly canvassed. We should give all the more praise to James Hogg, W. R. Davie, Richard Dobb Spaight, Alfred Moore and Wm. H. Hill for successful activity. Wm. Barry Grove would have undoubtedly gathered a larger sum if he had not been engaged in his congressional duties.

        The foregoing subscriptions were not, however, payable at once, but according to the dates fixed by the donors--mostly in one or two years.


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        Besides these, were subscriptions of $460 in Wake and $80 in Rowan, under the provision in the charter authorizing donors of $20 to have a four years' free scholarship. In 1796 the Trustees cancelled all these. It should be added that the first donor of apparatus for instruction was Alfred Moore, then called Colonel, a pair of globes; and next to him was Richard Bennehan.

MAJOR GERRARD.

        In 1798 the Trustees were gladdened by the bequest of valuable lands and land warrants in Tennessee by a worthy Revolutionary officer, a Lieutenant in the Fifth Battalion of the Continental line, whose first Colonel was Edward Buncombe. His name was Charles Gerrard, a native of Carteret County, but at his death a citizen of Edgecombe, married, though childless. He was described in the North Carolina Journal "as a soldier brave, active and persevering, and justly admired as a citizen, husband, friend and neighbor." His rank as Lieutenant entitled him to a grant of 2,560 acres which he located in 1783 at the junction of Yellow Creek with Cumberland River, not far below the city of Nashville.

        This tract, the fruit of his toil and suffering and blood, he regarded with peculiar affection, and when he bequeathed it he requested in his will that it should perpetually remain the property of the University. For thirty-five years the Trustees regarded this wish as sacred.

        The spelling given is according to the original will of Major Gerrard. Judges Gaston and Badger, in reporting the hereafter mentioned resolutions, adopt it. Afterwards the name was wrongly confounded with that of the founder of Girard College.

        In addition to this tract, which was called his "service right," Gerrard bequeathed warrants which he had purchased amounting to 11,364 acres. The story of the sale of these will be told hereafter.

THE MAIN, OR SOUTH BUILDING.

        I think it best to continue the history of the efforts for the construction of the early buildings, although departing from chronological order.


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THE SOUTH, OR MAIN BUILDING.

        The first Trustees planned to have one long building facing the East, as Orientalization was the fashion in architecture. From its centre as I have mentioned stretched a broad avenue to Piney (or Point, as it was then called) Prospect. From want of funds the northern wing only was first erected. What is now called the Old West Building was intended to be the southern wing of the larger central structure. The whole was to be exactly similar to the Insane Asylum which overlooks Raleigh from Dix Hill. The design was to finish first the northern wing, afterwards called the East, and now Old East, then the Main Building and finally the north wing. This explanation somewhat excuses the sale of lots on the north side of the campus. The University was to have a double front eastward and westward.

        When Professors Harris and Caldwell entered the Faculty, with such influential Princetonians as McCorkle, Davie, and Stone in the Board of Trustees, this plan gave way to the orthodox idea of a quadrangle, which in England and Scotland is, with more or less efficiency, a veritable prison for detention of students at night; and the name "Main" in course of time gave way to South, the name "Wing" to East, and the University now fronted north. About 1830, under the influence of Dr. Elisha Mitchell, an abortive attempt was made to turn the front to the south, and hence the useless south porch to Gerrard Hall.

        In 1798, emboldened by the donation of Major Gerrard, the Trustees concluded to begin the erection of the Main Building, and the cornerstone was laid. Its walls reached the height of a story and a half, and then remained roofless for years.

        The cornerstone was laid, as had been that of the Old East with Masonic ceremonies. The following is the entry on the Journals of the Grand Lodge located in Raleigh:

        "On the 14th of April, 1798, by order of its most worshipful Grand Master, a special Grand Lodge was called at the University of North Carolina for the express purpose of laying the foundation and cornerstone of the principal college of that seminary and to join the Trustees of the University in one ejaculation to heaven and the Great Architect of the universe for the


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auspices of His eternal goodness and for the prosperity of learning, wisdom and virtue of that college."


LOTTERIES.

        In order to complete the Main Building the Trustees obtained from the Legislature of 1801 the liberty of raising, by one or more lotteries, not exceeding 2,000 pounds ($4,000). The public conscience of that day saw no harm in calling in the aid of the Goddess Fortuna for promoting religion, education, or any other desirable end. The following was the plan of the University lottery No. 1: There were 1,500 tickets, costing $5 each. Of these 531 bore prizes and 969 blanks. There was one prize each for $1,500, $500, $250, $200, two of $100 each, five of $50 each, ten of $10 each, and five hundred of $5 each. The $250 prize was to belong to the last drawn ticket. The prizes aggregated $5,500, leaving a net profit of $2,000. The drawing was had under the superintendence of State officers, Wm. White, Secretary of State, and John Craven, Comptroller. The highest prize was drawn by ticket No. 1138, held by General Lawrence Baker, grandfather of a Confederate General of the same name.

        The scheme of the second lottery drawn in 1802 was as follows:

        

  • There was 1 prize of $1,000
  • 1 prize of 500
  • 2 prize of 250
  • 1 prize of 100


to be the first-drawn ticket of the last day of drawing.

        
1 prize of $200 to be the last drawn ticket.
20 prizes of 100
15 prizes of 50
895 prizes of 10
931 prizes.
1864 blanks.
2800 tickets @ $5 each, $14,000.

        The foregoing is the scheme as stated in the Raleigh Register. As the prizes foot up $14,000 it is to be presumed that the University retained a large number of tickets and participated in


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the drawing. At any rate the net amount to the University Treasury was $2,865.36. The net amount from the first lottery was $2,215.45. The whole amount was, therefore, $5,080.81.

        It is remarkable how completely public sentiment has changed on the subject of lotteries. The hostility to them seems to tend towards driving them from their last refuge, Church Fairs. In 1802 the best men lent their names and active aid to them. I have in my collections an autograph of George Washington, date not given, signed to a lottery ticket. In order to induce our citizens to buy the tickets of the University lotteries, batches of them were placed in the hands of Trustees and other friends of the institution, who were expected to use their personal influence to procure purchasers. We have copies of these letters of transmission. One is signed by Henry Potter, Judge of the District Court of the United States, Henry Seawell, State Senator and afterwards Superior Court Judge, John Haywood, State Treasurer, and Wm. Polk, President of the State Bank. They assert that "the interests of the University of North Carolina, and of Learning and Science generally throughout our State, are concerned in the immediate sale of the tickets." They continue with delicate flattery: "From a belief that no measure calculated to promote the prosperity and happiness of our country is indifferent to you, this request is made."

        In order to inspire confidence, the proceeds of sale were to be sent to Benjamin Williams, who was not only Governor but a man of character and wealth. With a sense of propriety characteristic of the old school of gentlemen his official title is omitted.

        The Commissioners of the second lottery were Messrs. Polk, Haywood and Potter. They state that the want of punctuality, in making returns by some of the agents for sale of the tickets in the first lottery, had occasioned "much difficulty, delay and embarrassment in the course of the drawing." Those who performed their duty have the satisfaction that "their patriotic and well-meant endeavors have proved effectual and have already brightened the prospects of this institution, and of our


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country throughout, so far as depends on a general diffusion of Learning and Science." The Commissioners are sanguine in their expectations of this mode of raising money, "however illy it may comport with the wealth and dignity of the State."

        The slowness with which the returns were made met with the stern denunciation of the Treasurer, Gavin Alves, son of James Hogg, who had by act of Assembly adopted his mother's name. In a letter to the Commissioners he accuses the "backward gentlemen" of shameful neglect of the trust reposed in them. He asks leave to threaten public exposure. At any rate "if neither sense of shame nor regard to propriety can actuate them I must try what incessant importunity will do."

        I find a third lottery advertised, identical with the second, but the project was abandoned. More than was allowed by the act of Assembly had already been realized.

        It is painful to be compelled to record that $300 of lottery No. 1 and $604 of lottery No. 2 had not been returned by the agents of the University, mostly Trustees, as late as December, 1803. Measures were taken to notify delinquents that those not accounting within six months should have their names published in the newspapers. It was afterwards ascertained that those charged with the value of tickets intrusted to them for sale had failed to dispose of the same, so that it was a case of carelessness, not fraud.

APPEALS FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS--DONATIONS.

        In February, 1803, the lottery money not being sufficient to finish the Main Building, efforts were made to raise additional funds by subscription. Col. Polk, President of the Board, issued an appeal deploring the necessity of beholding its exposed and roofless walls and the almost naked shelves of the Library. He urged all "Patriots to come to the rescue, because no country can long remain free unless its religious, civil and political rights are understood by the mass of its citizens." "Every one contributing even one volume toward improving the minds of youths, who are to succeed us on the stage of life, must feel a self-approbation. On these youths the character and fate of our country depends."


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        A Trustee for each Judicial District was appointed for the receipt of contributions for the increase of the library, as well as finishing the building, and as those considered most active in behalf of the University were appointed I give their names: Robert Montgomery, Senator from Hertford for the Edenton District; Calvin Jones, a physician of Wake County of reputation and public spirit; Joshua G. Wright, Commoner from Wilmington, Speaker of the House, soon to be Judge in the Wilmington District; Charles W. Harris, late Presiding Professor of the University, of Halifax District; Duncan Cameron, Commoner from Orange, soon to be a Judge, of the Hillsboro District; Nathaniel Alexander, late Senator from Mecklenburg, a member of Congress and soon to be Governor, of the Salisbury District; Wm. Barry Grove, Member of Congress, of the Fayetteville District; and Wallace Alexander, late Senator from Lincoln, of the Morgan District.

        The appeal was not greatly successful. $1,664 was raised in cash. Some of the Trustees appointed seem not to have acted. Charles W. Harris had the seeds of consumption and was soon to start on his trip to the West Indies in the vain effort to escape his foe. Wallace Alexander about this time closed his honored life. The most active Trustees were primarily Wm. Polk, and after him Robert Montgomery and Durant Hatch, of Jones County. Col. Polk was not only successful in procuring donations from others, fifty in number, but gave $100 himself. Among the fifty are some notable names. Judge Cameron, William Norwood, Henry Potter, Emmanuel Shober, William Peace, John D. Hawkins, Robert Williams, Judge John Hall, Theophilus Hunter, Wm. Creecy, Sherwood and William Henry Haywood, and many other citizens of Wake and adjoining counties. John Spence West, of Craven, was likewise active and raised $80 in addition to his own subscription of $20. Ex-Governor Samuel Johnston, who had that year resigned his judgeship, donated $100.

        On July 3, 1803, the Trustees concluded to ask again for funds for the completion of "the Principal Building." An eloquent address was issued, prepared evidently by Governor Martin. They claimed that literary institutions are the grand security


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of our liberties and that from them in great measure all civil and religious information flows, that they qualify young citizens to discharge their political duties with honor and reputation. The Trustees boast with honest pride that heretofore their guardianship has not been in vain. The aids amply supplied by the acts establishing the University have been taken away. This caused the disagreeable necessity of resorting to lotteries, "a mode not the most honorable of raising money for the institution." The money thus raised has been invested in stocks of the Bank of the United States, "not to be drawn upon but under a pressing emergency." The people were exhorted to equal in generosity that recently shown by private donations and legislative endowments in several of the United States. The success of this movement is elsewhere shown.

        We learn from Governor Stone that in 1800 another Representative in Congress who was an active Trustee, William Barry Grove, of Fayetteville, had procured, with funds placed in his hands for the purpose, an electrical apparatus, and that Governor Martin, then Senator of the United States, had ordered as a gift a new telescope. About the same time the excellent body of Christians, the Unitas Fratrum, or Moravians, through Frederick William Marshall and Gotlieb Shober, donated $200 in cash. And then there was in 1802 a gift of new pair of globes. The letter accompanying the gift was written by Mrs. Winifred Gales, wife of Joseph Gales, the editor of the Raleigh Register, who was one of the contributors, but whose name was not signed to the letter for some reason, possibly because her husband edited the Republican organ, the Raleigh Register, and the University was accused of being a Federalist institution. The letter was published in the Minerva or Anti-Jacobin, the organ of the Federalists. As a good sample of the stately style of the old days I give it complete:

To the Rev. Joseph Caldwell, Presiding Professor of the University of North Carolina.

        SIRS--The Ladies of Raleigh, learning that the Globes belonging to the University are too much defaced to be useful, respectfully present the Institution with a new pair, 12 inches in diameter, with the latest discoveries, with a compass, which they entreat you, Sir, to present in their name.


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        Sensible of the literary advantages which the rising generation will derive from this valuable seminary of learning, they beg leave to express their affectionate wishes that it may continue to advance in the estimation of the public, as well from the ability of the Professors, as the acquirements of the students, who, bringing into public life the knowledge they have there imbibed, may at once be a credit to the State of North Carolina, a crown of honor to their parents, and a blessing to themselves.

        May the past, the present and the future students distinguish themselves in society, no less by their literary attainments, than by a virtuous course of conduct, which giving additional lustre to talents will render themselves at once useful and honorable members of society.

        We are with great respect,

Your obedient servants,

S. W. POTTER,

ANNA WHITE,

ELIZA WILLIAMS,

NANCY BOND,

PRISCILLA SHAW,

HANNAH PADDISON,

ELEANOR H. P. SMITH,

WINIFRED MEARS,

SARAH POLK,

ELIZA E. HAYWOOD,

NANCY HAYWOOD,

MARGARET MCKEITHAN,

MARGARET CASSO,

REBECCA WILLIAMS,

SUSANNAH PARISH,

ANN O'BRYAN.


        I am quite sure that neither in diction nor in penmanship can the ladies of the present day excel the venerable mothers of the city of Raleigh.

        Among them we notice the wives of Judge Potter, Secretary of State White, Colonel Polk, Treasurer Haywood, Sherwood Haywood, Robert Williams, the University Treasurer, and of the lady, wife of Peter Casso, the tavern-keeper, who gave the name to the baby son of her husband's hostler, Andrew Johnson, afterwards President of the United States. Mrs. Anna White was a daughter of Governor Caswell.

        On the 26th November, 1803, the heart of Mr. Caldwell was cheered by the receipt of another gift from ladies, this time from New Bern. It is addressed to him as "First Professor of the University," and is as follows:

        SIR:--Desirous to manifest our solicitude for the prosperity of the Institution, over which you preside, we request you to accept for the use of the Philosophical Class, a Quadrant, the best we could procure, but not the most valuable gift we would wish to present.

        Our sex can never be indifferent to the promotion of science, connected as it is with the virtues that impact civility to manners and refinement


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to life. Nor can we suppress the emotions of (we hope) an honest pride, at the reflection that our native country boasts a seminary, where, by the proper extension of Legislative patronage, its ingenuous youth might be taught to emulate the worth of their fathers, where their minds might be enlightened with knowledge, and their hearts impressed with a love of justice, morality and religion; where they might learn to embellish the manly and patriotic endowments, which constitute strength of character and qualify men to cherish "the mountain nymph, sweet Liberty," with all the arts that polish, all the charities that sweeten the intercourse of social life. With great respect,

        We are, Sir,

Your obedient servants,

MARY DAVES,

JANE CARNEY,

HANNAH TAYLOR,

ELIZABETH GRAHAM,

FANNY DEVEREUX,

SUSANNAH JONES,

ELIZABETH STANLY,

SUSAN GASTON,

MARY MCKINLAY,

JULIA A. HAWKS,

AMARYLLIS ELLIS,

SARAH WOODS,

ELIZABETH ARNETT,

ELIZABETH OSBORN,

JANE TAYLOR,

MARY NASH.


        In his reply Caldwell refers pointedly to the unpopularity of the institution, while claiming that it was unfounded. "The University," he says, "early excited expectations which were unfortunately too sanguine and premature to be realized. * * * Though liberal education improves the young it cannot make them perfect. Though the attainment of knowledge may be rendered comparatively easy, it is chimerical to propose that it shall be universal, or totally without expense. Add to these the circumstance of raising and supporting the institution by a species of fraud which the interested would execrate and the popular would decry. * * * Prejudice in some and want of information in others were unhappily assisted by the indiscretion and misconduct of youth." Notice that he attributes the odium which had been excited against the University partly to disappointment in regard to expense, to the clamor aroused by enforcing claims to confiscated lands and debts, and to reports widely circulated of the bad behavior of the students. He is however so hopeful that he proceeds in a strain of eloquent and courtly compliment to the fair donors. "The steadfast friends of the University have sustained the trial in its severities, its toils and alternate despondencies, till they can bless


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the new dawnings of prosperity, which gild the horizon of their venerable years. For the animation they have felt in the conflict they are greatly indebted to that sex, which best knows how to estimate the virtues that impart civility to manners and refinement to life. The torch of patriotism which burned so inextinguishably in their breasts has been peculiarly brightened by the united flame of an honest pride in you, which kindled at the reflection, that our native country boasts this seminary." He closes with the last sentence of the letter of the ladies.

        Among the donations of a minor nature at this period it is recorded that ex-Governor Alexander Martin gave a pamphlet of his own composition entitled, "A New Science, interesting to the people of the United States, additional to the historical play of Columbus." This presents the worthy patriot in a new role of dramatic author. The General Assembly of the State gave three volumes of a history of Geneva. The same Alexander Martin presented a microscope and acromatic telescope 3 1-2 feet long, magnifying 70 times for land objects and 80 times for astronomical purposes; Judge Alfred Moore, a pair of globes; Hon. W. B. Grove, a barometer and thermometer; Professor Caldwell, a camera obscura. Other instruments were purchased. To the Museum were donated objects of much interest, such as by General Davie, three medals of Napoleon at Marengo; stained glass from Leon in old Spain; Indian ornaments of copper found near Halifax; Indian pipes of curious workmanship; by Charles W. Harris, inter alia, a Bezoar stone from the stomach of a deer; by Dr. Fisher, copper coins of Rome; by Henry Young, a jointed or glass snake and a "Bezoar stone from the stomach of a veal." There were various other objects in the Museum, all lost in the casualties of four-score years and ten. The fact that the Bezoar stones voluntarily relinquished the ownership of charms against evil shows the decay of an ancient superstition.

        In 1809 it was determined to make still another effort to raise funds for the completion of the South (or Main) Building. President Caldwell, Treasurer Haywood and Wm. Gaston were the committee to draft an address to the friends of education in the State; and Caldwell was authorized to travel


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through the State in vacation to secure subscriptions. The plan was his. In that year and again in 1811 he visited the more opulent parts of the State and secured about $8,220, and, while our people were going crazy over their naval victories in 1814, the rejoicing students moved into the completed South Building. The undertaker, or contractor, had the fitting name of John Close. There were 30 who gave $100 each. In the $100 list will be found such well-known names as those of Judge Lowry, Judge Henderson, Judge Hall, Archibald Henderson, William Boylan, Governor Williams, Chief Justice Taylor, Rev. Andrew Flinn, D.D., then of Charlotte. Judge Donnell gave $75, and Wm. Holt, of Wilmington, $40. There were 23 of $50 each, among them Joseph Gales, the editor; General Beverly Daniel, Governor Owen, John Gray Blount, General Thomas H. Blount. Among the four $40 subscribers was Dr. A. J. De Rosset, the elder. Among the six $30 subscribers we find Governor Dudley. Of the seven $25 donors is Judge Potter. Of the 13 $20 men are Wm. Peace, who gave $10,000 to Peace Institute. There were 18 who gave smaller amounts, among them General Joseph G. Swift, of the United States army, who married Miss Walker in Wilmington, who was in the $10 list.

        It is noticeable that the baleful effects of party spirit, the luke-warmness, if not hostility to the University because the President and at least the majority of the Faculty were Federalists, are apparent on this list. The largest generosity was in the seaport towns, where hostility to Jefferson's Embargo was intense, while the farming section where Republicanism was supreme gave little. The $900 of Orange was by five men, one of whom was President of the University. The $300 of Halifax was by two donors, that county, after the departure of Governor Davie, being intensely Jeffersonian, and the $300 of Granville was also by two donors.

        It is pleasant to see how the young Raleigh merchants, Wm. Peace and Richard Smith, are found on the list; the former afterwards, as said, being the founder of Peace Institute, and the only daughter of the latter, by her bequest of $37,000 establishing the Professorship of General and Analytical Chemistry. In their company is seen the name of a learned divine, a


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graduate of 1799, who after teaching and preaching in North Carolina, soon became pastor of a Presbyterian congregation in the city of Charleston in our neighboring State on the south, Andrew Flinn, D.D.

        Some of these benefactors have left memories of varied and important services to the State. There are Governors, United States Senators, Chief Justices and Judges, Attorney-Generals, leading divines, teachers, physicians, farmers, lawyers, merchants, in fine all the business pursuits of our people.


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CHAPTER II.

CONFISCATED PROPERTY AND HOSTILE LEGISLATION.

        In December, 1794, the General Assembly was induced to make a grant to the University which brought to it little money but much animosity. The preamble recites that the Trustees have, with a laudable zeal for the promotion of literature, erected a building for the use of the institution entrusted to them and are prepared to commence the exercises, but have not funds to proceed in the liberal manner, which the honor and interest of the public demand. The act then gives the Trustees all unsold confiscated land, including the forfeited rights of Henry Eustace McCulloch, a British subject, for lands contracted to be sold by him, title being withheld for security of the purchase money. The Trustees were authorized to make title on payment of the balances due. The donation under the act was greatly weakened by the provision that all above twenty thousand dollars should be paid over to the State, that only the interest on receipts should be used, and that after ten years the principal should be subject to the disposition of the General Assembly.

        The Trustees employed able lawyers to realize funds under the act. The principal receipts were from the moneys due McCulloch, for lands contracted to be sold to sundry inhabitants of Mecklenburg and adjoining counties, and from the sale of confiscated lands, principally of McCulloch. Adlai Osborne, of Rowan, a University attorney, reported sales from June, 1795, to July, 1798, amounting to $14,946, most of which were on credit. There were 77 buyers. The net amount received up to November, 1807, was $7,160.58. In 1804 the Court of Conference decided in the cases of Ray's Executors v. McCulloch, and Trustees v. Rice, that the claim of McCulloch was by the Treaty of Peace of 1783 made good to him; whereupon the General Assembly ordered the refunding of the foregoing amount, which had been invested in United States stock, to the State Treasury in trust for such of his debtors as


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had paid the Trustees. The University, however, had the receipt of the interest on the amount collected from time to time. Notwithstanding this, as will be hereafter seen, the act of 1794 was a distinct injury. It raised unfounded hopes and caused the University to be hated in a very powerful section of the State. It well nigh caused its ruin. Davie alludes to it in one of his letters, evidently with little hope.

        "If any man of proper literary merit could be found imprudent enough to engage with us as President upon the prospect of our ten years fund, I hope the Board may have more discretion than to employ him. I still hope these funds may become permanent. As the proceeds of the confiscated lands will now soon be collected it may perhaps be in our power to employ another professor." * * * Dr. McCorckle has pledged himself to demonstrate to the Board at the next meeting that we are able to employ all the officers the plan of education calls for, and pay them liberally, too. I am afraid it will remain a problem notwithstanding the doctor's learning and talents."

        We learn from a letter of Caldwell written in January, 1804, that it was his opinion that the chief cause of the outbreak of the hostility against the University in the General Assembly of 1800 was the litigation instituted by the Trustees under the authority of the act of 1794. Having enjoyed these lands for about twenty years since the confiscation law was passed, it was in accordance with human nature for their possessors to be angry with a corporation which was actively pressing in the courts suits on these old claims. We find that George Fisher, of Rowan, a county adjoining that in which most of them resided, made the motion, which was supported by all the members from that and the adjacent counties with only four exceptions, to repeal the act.

        A letter from a "Gentleman in Raleigh" to the editors of a journal called "The Anthology," in relation to the literature of North Carolina, states in regard to the University:

        "The Rev. Joseph Caldwell, President of the University, is the first scientific and literary character in the State. He is now employed in writing a book on Mathematics intended as a school book. Two sermons and an eulogium on General Washington


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by him, which have been published separately in pamphlets, are handsome specimens of his abilities."

        "To a 'huge misshapen pile,' which is placed on a high rocky eminence twenty-eight miles from this (Raleigh), has been given the name of a college, and a donation from General Thomas Person, built a neat Chapel. After considerable difficulties were experienced on account of incompetent teachers and insurrections among the students, the institution under the direction of Mr. Caldwell, two professors and two tutors, acquired regularity and consistency in its exercises. When our enlightened Legislature discovered that education was inconsistent with Republicanism, that it created an aristocracy of the learned who would trample upon the rights and liberties of the ignorant, and that an equality of intellect was necessary to preserve an equality of rights, influenced by these wise and patriotic considerations the Legislature gave to themselves again what they had before given to the University. The institution now languishes. Mr. Caldwell's anti-Republican love of literature, and not the emoluments of his office, induces him to preserve in existence and by his influence, even the shadow of a college. He is assisted by only one tutor; the funds do not permit the employment of more."


        Such was the popular odium at this time against the University that the General Assembly of 1800 not only repealed the act of 1794, but, notwithstanding the strenuous exertions of some of the ablest men of the day, went further and repealed that of 1789, granting escheated property. So far as the hostile legislation affected confiscated property, it was not of much consequence, because the grant was to expire in 1804 and the courts would have forced the University to disgorge the receipts from the mortgages and liens of McCulloch. But the deprivation of escheats, if successfully carried out, would have been fatal. It would have taken away the unclaimed land warrants located in Tennessee, the proceeds of which were the interest bearing endowment prior to the Civil War.

        But it was not carried into effect. In the first place the Court of Conference in the case of University v. Foy, 1 Murphy, 58, decided the repealing act unconstitutional; and although


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this case was overruled by that of University v. Maultsby, 8 Ired. Eq., 257, the action of the court, and we hope a change of sentiment, led the General Assembly in 1805 to restore the escheats. One of the strongest advocates of such restoration was Maurice Moore, heretofore described as one of the early students. I have examined the votes on this drastic measure and find them chiefly, but not entirely, on party lines. The names of those who stood by the institution on this vital question should be recorded.

        The Senators were Henry S. Bonner, of Beaufort; John Johnston, of Bertie; I. Lewis, of Bladen; Benjamin Smith, of Brunswick; Caleb Phifer, of Cabarrus; William Gaston, of Craven; Bythell Bell, of Edgecombe; Jordan Hill, of Franklin; Thomas Taylor, of Granville; Robert White, of Green; Stephen W. Conner, of Halifax; Thomas Wynns, of Hertford; Joseph Masters, of Hyde; Durant Hatch, of Jones; Wm. McKenzie, of Martin; John H. Drake, of Nash; John Hill, of New Hanover; John M. Beauford, of Northampton; David Ray, of Orange; Frederick Bryan, of Pitt; Elias Barnes, of Robeson; James Collier, of Warren; Richard Croom, of Greene.

        John Johnston was a nephew of Governor Samuel Johnston. Wm. Gaston at the age of twenty-two was beginning his long career of enlightened public service, always advocating liberal and progressive ideas. He made a motion which would have secured to the University all lands actually taken into the possession of the Trustees, but it was voted down. Senator Benjamin Smith is the same who, at the first meeting of the Board in 1790, donated Tennessee land warrants to the new institution. He induced the Senate by his powerful influence to agree to refer the whole matter to a joint committee, but the House refused to agree to it.

        The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 32 to 23, having already passed the House by the decisive majority of 82 to 35. Among the minority Senators I notice only one who attained any eminence: Peter Forney, of Lincoln, who was afterwards a member of Congress. Of the majority, Senators Smith became Governor, Gaston a member of Congress and Judge of the Supreme Court of our State, Wynns, after whom Winton is named, a member of Congress.


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        The members of the House who stood up against the adversaries of the University were John Kennedy and Frederick Grist, of Beaufort; Joseph Jordan, of Bertie; Street Ashford and J. Bradley, of Bladen; Benjamin Mills, of New Brunswick; George Ellis, James Gatling and John S. Nelson, of Craven; Thomas C. Ferebee, of Currituck; Sterling Yancey, of Granville; Stephen Harwell, of Halifax; Robert Montgomery and James Jones, of Hertford; Joseph Jordan and Adam Gaskins, of Hyde; John Moore, of Lincoln; Jeremiah Slade, of Martin; Charles Polk, of Mecklenburg; Samuel Ashe, Joshua G. Wright and Alexander D. Moore, of New Hanover; Samuel Benton; John Cabe and Absalom Tatom, of Orange; John Nixon and Charles W. Blount, of Perquimans; Herndon Harolson, of Person; Richard Evans, of Pitt; Evan Alexander, of Rowan; Henry Seawell, of Wake; James Turner and Thomas E. Sumner, of Warren; and Meshack Franklin, of Surry.

        Of the above John Moore, Alexander Duncan Moore, Evan Alexander and John Hill, brother of William H. Hill, who assisted in selecting the site of the University, were members of the Board of Trustees. Charles Polk was, I think, the brother of Col. Wm. Polk, who, on account of his love of fun, went by the name of "Devil Charley." Joshua G. Wright was afterwards a Judge. Samuel Ashe was a worthy son of Governor Samuel Ashe. Samuel Benton was a brother of Jesse, father of Thomas Hart Benton.

        Absalom Tatum had been a member of Congress, as were also Evan Alexander and Meshack Franklin. James Turner was in two years to be Governor, and then Senator of the United States. Thomas E. Sumner was a son of General Jethro Sumner of the Continental line, and soon afterwards emigrated to Tennessee.

        It seems evident that those who voted to sustain the University were not punished by the people for their action. It is equally clear that its opponents did not lose the favor of the people. More exciting questions occupied their minds.

        In a letter written June 9, 1805, on the eve of his departure to his plantation in South Carolina, Davie deplored the distressing state of the University on account of legislative hostility.


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Great injury had been inflicted by this hostility on the reputation of the State. He says, "men of science in other States regard the people of North Carolina as a sort of semi-barbarians, among whom neither learning, virtue nor men of science possess any estimation. * * * In South Carolina a professorship is more eagerly canvassed than the secretaryship of the government of the United States, the consequence of the liberal spirit displayed by their Assembly. After a handsome and permanent endowment of the offices of the institution (South Carolina College) they voted $10,000 for purchase of a library and philosophical apparatus. What a contrast. Poor North Carolina!"

        It is interesting to inquire whether there were other causes of the unpopularity of the University besides the litigation under the act of 1794.

        Naturally the reports of the misbehavior of students, undoubtedly bad, but grievously exaggerated, had a tendency to weaken the influence of the University, all the more because none of the Faculty were known to our people. But papers in our archives show conclusively that political feeling was the chief cause.

        A letter from John Henry Hobart, heretofore described, to Mr. Caldwell in March, 1798, indicates the views of the two friends about public matters. After a little badinage on the subject of love and regret that Caldwell's health had not improved, he said, "What think you of the honorable Congress? Do you not think that they are in a fair way to rival the French Convention? We have sometimes heard of members there tusseling for the tribune (i. e., to 'get the floor'). But Mr. Lyon has improved upon them and attempted to make spitting in the face fashionable. Is it not astonishing that party spirit should have shielded this infamous wretch from punishment? Dr. Griswold has tried the thickness of his coarse hide, and I only wish he had beaten him to a jelly."

        "No direct news from our Commissioners. It appears that the French Directory treat them with silent contempt. When will the American spirit be roused? Is it content tamely to lick the dust? Can you not infuse some Federalism into your


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neighbors in Carolina, and displace some of your present ignorant and pusillanimous members?"

        The North Carolina Senators were then Alexander Martin and Timothy Bloodworth; and the Representatives, Thomas Blount, Nathan Bryan, Dempsey Burgess, Wm. Barry Grove, Matthew Locke, Nathaniel Macon, Joseph McDowell (of Quaker Meadows), Richard Stanford and Robert Williams, all men of good character and not one deserving the harsh language of Bishop Hobart.

        There is some evidence that Caldwell was indiscreet in regard to the utterance of his political sentiments. We have proof positive that there was a widespread opinion that he was a bitter partisan.

        On the 22d of February he delivered an address on the character of General Washington, who died about two months previously. The Senior and Junior classes requested a copy for publication. They say "The theme, noble as it is, has received additional splendor from the spirit of candor in which it was discussed. The publication will refute the calumnies which have been so industriously circulated."

        Two or three years after this a man, styling himself "Citizen," attacked the University fiercely in the public prints. One of his charges was that "every effort is made to give direction to the minds of the students on political subjects, favorable to a high-toned aristocratic government." * * * "The country will be imbued with aristocratic principles because an aristocrat is at the head of it."

        In giving this a bitter denial, Caldwell says: "It has been made the subject of declamation on public election grounds a long time." * * * "I have common sense to refrain from subjects upon which, if I were to enter into discussion with my pupils, I should only incur their contempt. Politics is a subject upon which youth will speak and determine with as much confidence as men of any age, experience or study." He appeals to the Republican members of the Board to say whether he sought the office of executive head.

        It was already recognized that Governor Davie was the virtual head of the University. "Citizen" makes an ill-natured fling at him.


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        Another cause of unpopularity was the fact that the management of the University was in the hands of a self-perpetuating body. The Board of Trustees filling the vacancies in its body, having been Federalist in the beginning, naturally continued so, although the people were generally Republican.

        It seems strange that it should have been seriously attempted to bring odium on the authorities of the University because of the beginning of the South Building. The correspondent "Citizen" denounces it as "the palace-like erection, which is much too large for usefulness, and might be aptly termed the 'Temple of Folly,' planned by the Demi-God Davie." Caldwell answers this sarcasm by showing that it was absolutely essential to the progress of the institution. "No Northern college has more than two persons in each room and the rooms are larger than ours." In each room at Princeton are three windows instead of two. Into our smaller rooms originally three beds and furniture for six persons were forced, leaving hardly space for the six inhabitants to turn without jostling one another. This was endured for some years. The Board determined to put an end to this. The Main Building was commenced and an order passed that only four should occupy one room. This was bad enough. "Here are fifty-six persons huddled together with their trunks, beds, tables, chairs, books and clothes into fourteen little rooms, which by the excessive heat of summer are enough to stifle them, and in the winter scarcely admit them to sit around the fireplace. When the weather permits they fly to the shade of the trees, where they find a retreat from the burr and hurry and irrepressible conversation of a crowded society." They even erected huts in the forest for greater privacy, but this was found to interfere with discipline, and was prohibited by law.

        The building was planned not by the "Demi-God Davie," but by Governor Spaight. It was to have twenty-three habitable rooms. "These with the rooms in the East Building will amount to 38, holding 76 students. We have more than once had over 70. The excess above 56, i. e., four to a room, lived in the village." Caldwell winds up his statements with a spurt of eloquence. "If rooms sufficient were here we would have


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100 students and our nation would have, not a Temple of Folly, but a monument of glory to herself and a pledge of utility and worth to all succeeding generations." He closes his discussion of this charge of Citizen with a trenchant sarcasm. "As soon as the light of truth is thrown upon Citizen, the visage from which issued such noisy and imposing declamation appears nothing more than one wretched blank of inanity and dullness. Malignity and lust of sway are his guiding principles and his composition unites with the boisterousness of a stentor, the hardihood of callous feelings."

        To the charge of "Citizen" that the University employed as teachers men from other States, as far as Massachusetts, and even from Europe, Caldwell admitted the truth and contended that the only way to escape from this degrading dependence is to facilitate education among ourselves, "the true method of preventing an aristocracy of learning."

        He complained bitterly of the unjust charges made against the University. He indignantly affirmed that its enemies had caught up flying rumors, not founded in fact, and then proceeded to multiply and misrepresent and aggravate until the country was at length led to believe that the institution could not be worse if it were filled with a parcel of inveterate demons from among the damned."

        I think I have shown that there were bitter partisan feelings against the University, which naturally excited strong language on the part of the pugnacious young Scotch-Irishman at its head. Archibald Murphey, however, the young lawyer, ex-professor, writing from Martinsville, (old Guilford Courthouse), seemed to attribute less importance to hostile attacks.

        "Be up and active, for the University suffers as much from the supineness of its friends, as from the malignity of its enemies."

        The friends of the University generally trembled for its fate during that alarming period. Judge Sitgreaves, writing to Treasurer Haywood, says, "It would be a most painful idea to suppose that after so much pains had been used by yourself and others to get it on its legs it should by any accident be overturned. The aspect of the last legislature appeared to be rather


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malignant." He sees no remedy except the election of a President, "whose weight of character will influence the Faculty as well as the students."

        David Stone, soon to be Senator and Governor, in a letter in 1800 to the same Treasurer Haywood from Washington, where he was in attendance on Congress as a Representative, did not agree with Sitgreaves, and mentioned a different difficulty encountered by the distressed University. "There is danger of being entirely without teachers," but he hopes that the professors will stay. He argued against having a President because the salary would not command a first-class man. "The operations of the present government, or some other cause, has made money so much to abound this way, and further East, and raised the price of living to such an extravagant height, that salaries, considered handsome with us (in North Carolina) are here scarcely thought worth notice."

        On April 15, 1800, Hugh Williamson wrote from New York, then his residence, that he hoped to get for a professor a clergyman, educated at the New Haven College (Yale), because "his congregation originally small is greatly diminished by the operation of politics. Many of his former hearers are so completely modernized and philosophised as to think with the French National Convention that "Death is an eternal sleep." He is more solicitious to get one who has the spirit of command than one merely a good scholar. He quotes . . . Qui docet indoctos licet indoctissimus est. Ipse tamen breve doctior esse queat.

CALDWELL AS A CONTROVERSIALIST.

        The worthy President was in those days a fighting member of the Church militant. We have a long and extremely spirited reply of his to an attack on the University for which he held Basil Gaither, Senator from Rowan, Absalom Tatum, Commoner from the borough of Hillsboro, who had once been a friend of the institution, James Welbourn, Senator from Wilkes and William Slade, Commoner from Edenton, responsible. An analysis of this open letter gives a good idea of arguments used by the opponents of higher education a century ago, and of Caldwell's style and manner of answering them.


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        He begins by accusing them of being most conspicuous in trying to ruin the University--

        1. The charge that it has been a costly institution is not true. The State only gave property lying dormant and useless to the public. This is correct with the exception of $10,000 loaned and converted into a gift.

        2. The cry that the poor are being taxed for the benefit of the rich is but a trick of hypocrisy, the crooked policy of imposture.

        3. The attack is founded on an unreasonable envy, which some men feel at the superior advantages of others.

        4. It is objected that University education will bring monarchical principles upon us. It is impossible. The State is too extensive, the land too much divided. Education at the University only costs $100 per year. It cannot be engrossed by the rich. Those making these objections are really afraid that improved minds may oust them from their "seats of elevation, leaving them at home to drink their whiskey until they are besotted, or to drive their negroes in the cornfield."

        Our youth educated abroad will have little State pride. The effectual method of building up an aristocracy is to deny education to all except those who are rich enough to send their sons abroad," at a cost of $400 or $500. "It is a fact which all witness that those, not North Carolinians, who come in among us are able to supplant our own citizens in the transaction of our own business. If education should become easy and plenty among us, we shall preserve our public liberties from the grasp of those who would otherwise engross all merit and abilities and knowledge to themselves."

        5. Forcing our citizens to send their sons to Northern Colleges sends out streams of wealth, and increases the advantages they already have over us. Per contra by creating a University of character we cause currents of wealth to flow into us. We are already obliged to send our wealth and commerce into Virginia, South Carolina and Pennsylvania. It is sought to force us to give them other fruits of our labors, whereas we may easily make reprisals on them.

        As a specimen of Caldwell's power of vituperation, I give his peroration to this branch of the subject: "Be assured, gentlemen,


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the stupidity of your politics shall be known. . . . The grave may open to you a retreat from public anger and contempt, and you shall still live notorious monuments of that vileness, into which a sinister, a malignant and insidious warfare against the good of the country must very shortly descend," and more of the same sort.

        He contended that "every national institution serves to generate among us a national spirit and character. . . . It gives a spring to the public nerve, and, by keeping it active, gives it tone and power." "It is the very nature of a place of public education to polish and give play to the springs of human action, to spread abroad a desire of information, a spirit of active enterprise, and the instruments of interest, which must, without it, be buried in some distant part of the world."

        7. Another argument for the University is that it trains at a critical period of their lives youths of fortune, who would otherwise waste their time and learn dissipation. They should be considered the property of the country and such training provided for them as will ensure improvement to their genius, regularity to their conduct, and a love of religion to their affections.

        8. It may be said, let the rich erect their own institutions. The objections are--

        1. It is too expensive to have separate institutions for different classes of society.

        2. Education is the business of the public and should not be delegated.

        3. Men of means should not be allowed exclusively to support the University--

        a. Because the students would not have a sense of obligation to the State, but to the men of wealth whose bounty they received.

        b. A generous people should desire the chief share in effecting what is most honorable and advantageous to themselves. But Caldwell here breaks off into invective, "It is such men as you who rob a people, when you once get the sway into your hands, of the honor and the pleasure of every liberal act they could do."


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        Other arguments in favor of the University are urged. North Carolina must come into competition with others. Will it do to send to the national government men who know nothing of the world, of civil government, of the power of speaking with some degree of oratory; who have never strengthened and quickened the powers of their minds by long study and the exercise of reason? Then the irate Scotch-Irish preacher bursts into a fierce argumentum ad homines.

        "It is by no means impossible that chosen as our congressmen are by districts, you might make the people near to you think that you were fit to make laws for a generation. But what would be the result? The capital of the United States would be to you like another world. The hall of Congress fitted with members not only of as strong natural genius but of as perfect education as any men in the country, would be a place where you would shrink from the eye of every spectator. . . . You would be glad to take shelter under a dumb and listening silence. And when you heard the tongue of eloquence rolling upon your ear the imposing accents of reasoning and harmony, all that would be left for you would be to be shaped at the will of skilful politicians."

        "If you look at the representatives of this State for some years this will be proved past controversy. . . . It is true, in a large representation, we may see that there will be some who are senseless enough. But unfortunately for us, so large a proportion of ours has always been of a cast so completely inferior, being hardly able to show two or three of respectable talents, from among a dozen, that there is no wonder that our State, though so large and populous, is regarded in the very lowest rank in the Union. . . . In what light ought we to view such men as you, who are striving with all your might and main to condemn us to endless continuance in the same unhappy lot?"

        Caldwell then defends the University against the charge of immorality.

        9. "It is customary with you to raise a clamor about the irreligion and vice which you ignorantly affirm to prevail among the youth who are educated at a University. You are industrious


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to search out every boyish trick which you can come to the knowledge of, and you do not fail to paint every act in the deepest colors of criminality and corruption. . . . It is less unjust to you to condemn a whole society of people for the indiscretion or absurd behavior of a few, than it is for these few to be guilty of some absurdities. . . . How dreadful, how unjust, how hard it is that calumny must be forever watching, as with a lynx's eye, the disorders of a few wrong-headed young people, who are mixed up in a college with the body of the students."

        That the ferocity of party spirit was baleful to the University is further shown by a letter written by the eminent "Log-college" teacher and fighting parson, Captain of Cavalry in the Revolution, Rev. Dr. James Hall, acknowledging the degree of D.D. conferred on him in 1810. He was nettled that sometime before his name had been proposed as a Trustee without success. He begs that he be not again nominated, partly because he was in his 69th year and partly because an editor--a "fugitive European" [Joseph Gales] had characterized all clerical Federalists as "Rebel Priests." His uniform character as a patriot and the part he acted through the whole Revolution have not saved him from this and other most odious epithets. One of his co-presbyters had been elected a member, (Rev. Dr. James Wallis), the only Democrat in the Two Presbyteries, consisting of at least thirty members. He urges that party spirit had prevailed too much in the choice of Trustees, and in counselling that more of the clergy should be made members of the Board, he asserts, that it is well known that no set of men under heaven have done so much, or are capable of doing so much for the promotion of literature, as those of the clerical order. He then gives unstinted praise to President Caldwell. "I query if Christendom can produce such an example on that subject as has been, and now may be found in the University of North Carolina." He then announces that he intends to donate a considerable number of volumes to the University, which was afterwards done, a most pleasing proof that this most worthy man, who in his day exerted wide influence for good, retained no malice for the injury which in his opinion the Federalist Trustees had done him.


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        When the escheats were restored in 1805, the same act made the Governor for the time being the ex-officio President of the Board of Trustees. Further popularity was gained by giving the General Assembly on joint ballot the power of filling vacancies, and, to ensure regularity of attendance, two years continued absence from meetings forfeited the seat of the delinquent.

        In 1807 the Board was rendered more efficient by making seven members a quorum for transacting business. In 1809 balances in the hands of executors and administrators, remaining for seven years unclaimed, were vested in the University. And so were likewise balances due the State by Sheriffs and other officers prior to December 31st, 1799, but of course claims of such venerable antiquity were not copious fountains of wealth. It shows badly either for the financial integrity of the officers of the old times, or for the accuracy of their business methods, that there were no less than sixty-eight judgments and other evidences of debt against the same number of defaulters turned over to the University. Among these there were seven clerks, sixteen sheriffs, nineteen sellers of confiscated property, nine entry-takers, eight agents for sale of lottery tickets in which the State, in behalf of the city of Raleigh, was interested, one "Commissionary," i. e. Commissary, and two judges. The dues of the judges, Samuel Spencer and John Haywood, were for licenses of lawyers. The total amount due amounted to the handsome sum--on paper--of $111,010 certificates and $38,942 in money.

COLLECTION OF ESCHEATS.

        For the purpose of more thoroughly realizing the escheats, which had been re-granted to the institution, the State was divided in 1809 into ten districts and an attorney over each appointed. Naturally the friends of education were chosen and hence their names should be recorded. For the 1st District beginning with Ashe, Israel Pickens of Burke and Robert H. Burton of Lincoln; for the 2nd beginning with Rowan, Lewis Beard of Salisbury; for the 3rd beginning with Anson, John Cameron of Fayetteville and Alexander McMillan of Richmond County; for the 4th beginning with New Hanover, Samuel R.


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Jocelyn of Wilmington; for the 5th beginning with Chatham, A. D. Murphey of Hillsboro; for the 6th beginning with Halifax, John Whitaker of Halifax; for the 7th beginning with Carteret, Wright C. Stanly and John T. West, both of Newbern; for the 8th beginning with Hyde, John Roulhac of Martin County and Thomas B. Haughton of Washington County; for the 9th beginning with Bertie, Samuel Turner of Bertie; for the 10th beginning with Wake, Robert H. Jones of Warren.

        Any two Trustees, with the Attorney, were authorized to compromise all litigation. They might select three freeholders to fix the price of land, which might be sold on a credit of one, two and three years, with a discount of six per cent allowed for cash. The Attorneys were allowed three per cent commissions for selling, and two and a half per cent for collecting and paying over the money. In case of suit fees usual among lawyers could be charged. Annual reports must be made. Amounts over $1,000 were to be remitted in one month. Less amounts within three months. As might be expected the commissions were increased in special cases. In settling with Samuel R. Jocelyn he was, on account of great and signal services, allowed ten per cent on sales, and was not charged with failure to collect $3,218. This was very handsome, as his sales amounted to $21,800.

        At the same session of the Board Samuel Polk of Tennessee was authorized to sell all the Gerrard lands except his "service right," 2,560 acres. Under this authority Col. Wm. Polk became the purchaser at the price of $4,352, for all which could be identified.

        The receipts mainly from this source and from escheats were so liberal about this time that the Trustees were not only able to pay for the South Building, but to buy $11,050 stock in the Bank of Newbern, $8,400 in the Bank of Cape Fear, and $2,000 in the State Bank of N. C. Twenty shares of the Newbern Bank were bought of Judge Gaston at 15 per cent premium and 27 shares of Cape Fear at 25 per cent premium of Judge Murphey. Dividends of 8 and 10 per cent per annum were received from the State Bank in addition to a bonus of 17 1-2 per cent.

        As in duty bound the Trustees were active and watchful in


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claiming the rights devolved by the law upon them, yet whenever a case appealing to their generous feelings came up they were sufficiently liberal. I give one example: John R. Donnell, afterwards a Superior Court Judge, who graduated at the University with highest honors in 1807, was the heir of an uncle who owned a plantation in Lenoir County. As young Donnell was born in Ireland, he could not, as the law then stood, inherit the land. The Trustees in 1810 relinquished their claim, taking the precaution, however, to have the General Assembly approve their action.

        I find an application for relief by Jonathan Price. In a letter dated July 21st, 1817, he stated that the State, in 1792 and 1794, loaned him and Christmas, (William Christmas, doubtless, the Surveyor who laid out the city of Raleigh, Senator from Franklin), money to complete a map of the State from actual survey. This debt was transferred to the University. Christmas deserted him and Strother took his place. In this work he had spent the prime of his life and his little patrimony. The work commanded the admiration not only of our sister States, but of European Reviewers. One of the English Reviews pronounced the map worthy to be classed among the first published of its kind in the world. Some of the States have made provision for the publication of the maps of their territories "on the plan of that of Price and Strother," and have voted ample means for the purpose. He pathetically adds, "May the persons employed reap the reward of their labors, and not, like me, in the winter of their age, be left in the pinching hands of poverty, nor doomed to the melancholy reflection, that on one hand a grave is yawning to receive them and on the other a prison. But I should feel proud, even in a dungeon, of the advantages which the present generation are receiving, and which posterity will receive, from the time and fortune I have devoted to my country; and though my feelings make my old hand tremble while I write, my heart beats with honest exultation in the recollection that my labors will survive me." He applied to the legislature for relief. If that should be refused, he offered, if the University withdraw the process issued against him, to give one-half of all sums due him for maps


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sold, and half of future sales during his life, reserving the other half as a small pittance for his maintenance; after his death the copyright and all unsold to go to the University. It must be remembered that at this time a debtor could be imprisoned by the creditor twenty days before taking the proper oath and being released.

        Three members of the Executive Committee, Messrs. Porter, Haywood and Polk, authorized the recall of the ca-sa which had been issued and reference of the matter to the Board of Trustees. At their next meeting further action for the collection of the debt, £698, 18s. was indefinitely suspended on payment of costs, the reason given being the poverty of the defendant. The offer of Mr. Price with regard to sales and copyright was generously not accepted.

        The map referred to was the only large, or wall, map until that of McRae was published in 1831.

THE FIRST GRADUATING CLASS.--TROUBLOUS TIMES.

        The first Commencement during which diplomas were granted was on July 4, 1798. Seven young men headed the honorable procession of graduates of the University of North Carolina.

        It is proper to name all of these graduate fathers. Samuel Hinton of Wake, a farmer; William Houston, a physician of Iredell; Hinton James, the first student; Robert Locke, farmer of Rowan; Alexander Osborne, physician of Rowan; Edwin Jay Osborne, lawyer of Salisbury and New York; Adam A. Springs, planter of Mecklenburg, all prominent and useful citizens. Houston, Locke and Springs were distinguished.

        The Committee of Visitation after expressing their high sense of the talents of the gentlemen engaged in the competition in declamation, awarded the first honor to Mr. Nathaniel W. Williams of Tennessee, the second to Mr. Richard Eagles of Brunswick, and the third to Mr. John B. Baker of Gates. It appearing that there was a tendency to adopt dramatic acting, General Davie strongly advised against it.

        He wrote, "Dramas are by no means so well calculated for improvement in elocution as single speeches. If the Faculty


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insist on this kind of exhibition the Board must interfere. Our object is to make the students men, not players." It appears that very harsh criticism of the teaching and morals of the institution had been idulged in in some quarters. Davie remarks concerning this: "Human malevolence in some, interested views in others, the ignorance and caprice of parents, will continue to injure our institution, until it has acquired some stability, some fixed character, and this process will require some years."

        The creation of the spirit of dramatic acting was due to the influence of a very interesting person, William Augustus Richards, the Tutor in the Preparatory Department, of whom we have an excellent sketch by Judge Murphey. He was a native of London, and had a fair education. For some reason he left home and enlisted as a common sailor, serving both on merchantmen and men of war. Having aspirations for a higher life, he deserted his ship at either Baltimore or Norfolk and was saved from the searching party by the kindness of an old lady, who had pity on his forlorn condition. By accident he met the manager of a strolling band of players and joined the company, gaining of course only a small pittance for his services. In the course of their journeyings they reached Warrenton in North Carolina, the seat of an excellent Academy, under the management of Mr. Marcus George, the teacher of many of our best men, among them Chief Justice Ruffin and Weldon N. Edwards, a member of Congress and President of the Convention of 1861. Two of the Trustees of the Academy, Dr. Gloster and Mr. Wm. Falkener, discerned in Richards qualities superior to his station and procured his appointment as assistant to Mr. George. Thence he was induced to come to the University as Tutor, and till his death in December, 1798, discharged his duties, in the language of the Board of Trustees, "with singular reputation to himself and advantage to the institution." Judge Murphey says, "His acquaintance with the stage in some degree vitiated his morals and gave an air of affectation to his manners. But these defects he greatly corrected before his death, and counterbalanced by his many good qualities of mind and heart." He naturally was interested in instructing the young men in elocution, and his proposal to


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deliver lectures on oratory was accepted by the Trustees, but its execution was prevented by his death. It was he who induced the Literary Societies to join in substituting for a time a dramatic performance for all other duties. It is allowable to conjecture that the scenery in Williamsboro, a few miles from Warrenton, which they purchased for the occasion, was the tristes reliquiae of the strolling company, which he left for more serious and useful work.

        The term preceding the Commencement of 1799 was especially stormy. For some reason Mr. Gillaspie became personally obnoxious and the students broke out in rebellion against the laws and the Faculty. They actually, according to the testimony of Mr. Caldwell. "beat Mr. Gillaspie personally, waylaid and stoned Mr. Webb, accosted Mr. Flinn with the intention of beating him, but were diverted from it, and at length uttered violent threats against Mr. Murphey and Mr. Caldwell, which were never put into execution." The disorders were going on for a week. The students proposed to Mr. Caldwell that he should assume the supreme authority, which request was, in his own language, "rejected with contempt. It was necessary to summon the Trustees for the appointment of a superintendent and restoring submission to the laws." Three of the worst offenders were dismissed from the institution.

        The effect of these disorders, of course, was to diminish the number of the students. While there were eight graduates in 1799, there were only three in 1800. The Faculty all tendered their resignations, so that there was danger of the University failing for want of teachers. In November, 1799, a committee of the Trustees, by order of the Board, advertised for a Professor of Natural, Moral and Political Philosophy, of the Languages and Belles Lettres, and of Mathematics. They stated that the salary and emoluments of each professorship had been upwards of 500 dollars per annum, exclusive of board at Commons. A Tutor in the Preparatory Department was also wanted at a salary of 200 dollars and board. The result of this glittering offer was the re-election of Caldwell to the Chair of Mathematics, also to succeed Gillaspie as Presiding Professor, and of Wm. Edwards Webb to be Professor of Languages in the place of Holmes.


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        The early records of the University are so meagre and in such confusion that we cannot ascertain definitely the causes of this most disreputable riot of 1799. Certain facts which have come down to us throw a light upon it.

        We find an indictment of Prof. Samuel Allen Holmes by the other professors, in the handwriting of Caldwell, charging him with offences so serious as to show, if they were well grounded, that he was an 18th century anarchist in theory, and a traitor to the University in practice.

        The charges in substance were that when he entered the service of the University he was a Baptist preacher, but he at once became an apostate. He advocated the doctrine that there is no such thing as virtue--that the love of virtue is a mere superstition; that to shake off its obligations and to bend to the circumstances and character of the times so as to advance one's interest or ambition is the best morality. For any man to profess to be governed by the fixed principles of justice, of honor, of truth, or of generosity, is sufficient to stamp him a hypocrite and a designing knave, that is lying in wait under these characters for the happiness of others. He called in question every truth of religion and then proceeded to shake out of his mind every moral sentiment. He openly avowed that what is called virtue and integrity are deceptions and injurious pretenses.

        It is stated that Holmes was a trouble and a pest to Mr. Ker, Mr. Harris, Mr. Caldwell, and Mr. Gillaspie. He undermined their influence by blaming among the students their acts of discipline. Caldwell tendered his resignation in 1796 because "he perceived that so long as he was to act with a feeble-minded monk (Delvaux), an apostate and skepticized preacher (Holmes), whose little mind was fruitful in every kind of villainy which envy could suggest * * * and the only one in whom he could place dependence was a man whose previous life had not earned him an exalted character (Richards), it required no great sagacity to discover that the public affairs were not to be advantageously conducted."

        Caldwell further stated that, not content with taking the part of students charged with breaches of the law, Holmes


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constantly vilified and slandered the other professors. In regard to Caldwell he said among the students that indolence and ignorance were his true characters, that he was unprincipled, actuated by mean motives, and a drunkard, and that the more effectually there should be an insurrection against the established authority the better.

        Notwithstanding this invective, when the subject of it died in Raleigh about six years afterwards Caldwell preached his funeral sermon. It was of such excellence that its publication was called for. I have been unable to procure a copy and have no means of knowing to what extent the preacher modified his unfavorable views, but his journeying twenty-eight miles and the preparation of a written discourse tend to prove that Holmes had discarded his anarchistic views. Moreover the Raleigh Register, in which this notice is found, eulogistically states that "for several years past Holmes was a Tutor in the University, in which situation he acquitted himself much to his own credit and with great advantage to the establishment." The editor mistakes in calling him Tutor, as he was Professor most of his time of service. Remembering that the Register was a Republican paper, and the extreme bitterness of party spirit, I think it probable that Holmes became a violent Jeffersonian, indulged in the Voltairian, Tom Paine cant of the times, talked swellingly of Big Liberty and the Rights of Man, and his tenets and conduct were misunderstood and distorted by his Federalist colleagues. He probably repented his errors. It was common in those days to talk in the strain of modern anarchists.

        Such differences in the Faculty would have produced discord in quiet times. But the times were not quiet. Fighting and drinking and gambling were almost universally fashionable and of course could not be banished from the microcosm of the University. There was in the air a spirit of revolt against authority, divine and human, which was felt in all circles whether of youth or manhood. Universities and even schools for children found their pupils inclined to recklessness and insubordination, and fathers had little correcting influence because the children were but following their example.

        It is probable also that the spirit of party was a disturbing


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element. Caldwell was a Federalist--possibly others of the Faculty. Certainly soon afterwards the institution was violently attacked in the newspapers and in the Legislature because of their alleged opposition to Democratic principles. Party spirit was so bitter during John Adams' administration, the days of the Alien and Sedition laws, that friendly relations could with difficulty exist between opponents. The followers of Jefferson were charged with seeking to introduce mob-rule and French Red-Republicanism, while they alleged that their opponents were seeking to change our government into a virtual monarchy. Republican students thought it highly patriotic to insult and worry instructors, who, as they thought, were enemies of the rule of the people, seeking to introduce an aristocracy, if not a king.

        This conjecture is sustained by the law passed by the Trustees during that period. "No speech by a student shall have any allusion to party politics. The Faculty shall be responsible that nothing indecent, immoral or profane shall be spoken on the public stage." The first part of this prohibition was destined to create an insurrection after a few years.

        The difficulty of governing the students by reason of the evil influence of Holmes was increased by the character of the rest of the teaching force. The best of them (Caldwell) was only 27 years of age, and a native of New Jersey, then a month's distance from North Carolina. Gillaspie was a young native of the State, not a graduate of a college, evidently lacking in the sound judgment and tact necessary to overcome these difficulties. The beating of an executive officer is "unthinkable" in our days, and is a sure sign of the want of what is called personal magnetism, however well-intentioned was the officer.

        The other instructors, Webb, Murphey and Flinn, were, as I have said, young men, not yet graduated, although eminently worthy.

        But the most efficient cause of insubordination was the conduct of the Trustees. Instead of entrusting discipline wholly to the Faculty they constantly interfered. The result was to take from the Faculty their sense of full responsibility, and to infuse into the minds of the governed a contempt for their


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authority. Mr. Gillaspie expressed bitterly the views of the Faculty on this subject, in a letter written from Martinsville, February 19, 1800. "When at the University I understood that two of the dismissed students had been re-admitted. This information at first gave me some surprise and induced me to believe that the institution would not be soon enough ruined by the system of measures which had been previously formed. But upon further recollection I found nothing more than a continuation of their resolution to support the students against the Faculty. Such doings and undoings must be productive of the worst effects." Here was a rebellion, the professors beaten and stoned, exercises broken up for a week, the three chief offenders dismissed, and after about three months two of them, on petition and submission, were re-admitted without consulting the Faculty, by the Trustees, nearly all of whom were politicians. They were good men too, Governor Benjamin Williams, Col. Wm. Polk, Judge Joshua C. Wright, Mr. John Hay, ex-Gov. Samuel Johnston, Mr. Wm. Porter, Gov. Benj. Smith, Mr. Wm. Hinton, Messrs. Wallace and Evan Alexander, Mr. Thomas Wynns, Mr. John Moore (Lincoln), Mr. Thomas Blount. Excellent men, but their actions show that the wisest may err in matters outside their usual callings. Caldwell had strength as he grew older to break up the practice and it has never been resumed.

        Too watchful interference of the Trustees with the internal management of the University is ludicrously shown by a letter from Major Pleasant Henderson, the Steward. In a letter to Walter Alves, Treasurer, he denounces the report of the Committee of Visitation, "that his invariable service of mutton and of bacon too fat to be eaten had nearly starved the boys. This report comes like a thunder-clap on me, because I knew it was founded on information false as hell." He confesses to "only 11 muttons, about 500 pounds, 12 or 13 dinners, about seven pounds apiece for the whole session. Does this look like forcing mutton on them?" Even this small amount was bought because neither beef, shoats nor chickens could be had. The doughty Major admits the fatness of the bacon, but he solemnly asks "could the committee conceive that the middlings should be


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thrown away?" The students had eaten all the hams served to them when vegetables were scarce, and "certainly they ought to have the fatter part." That the worthy patriot's feelings were cut to the quick is shown by the statement: "Appearances are indicative of, if not ruin, the most severe stroke I ever had."

        The University shared in the general admiration of the Father of our country. The farewell letter that he wrote to our people on his retirement from the Presidential office in 1797 was ordered to be read publicly to the students twice a year. And when he died on the 14th of December, 1799, the Acting President, Caldwell, delivered an address of such merit that it was by request of the students and Faculty printed for general distribution.

        As Professor James Smiley Gillaspie (I adopt his spelling; indeed Gillespie was universally pronounced Gillaspie) left the University in 1799, I give some facts of his subsequent life. He married Fanny Henderson, a daughter of Samuel Henderson and Elizabeth Calloway. Samuel was a brother of Judge Richard and an uncle of Chief Justice Leonard and of Archibald Henderson. Elizabeth Calloway was one of the three girls, her sister and Daniel Boone's daughter being the others, captured by the Indians and rescued by Boone and others. Mr. Gillaspie became a highly respected Presbyterian minister and with members of the Transylvania colony, of which Richard and Samuel Henderson, with others, were the founders, settled on lands granted the company. His eldest daughter, Fanny, was the first white child born in the limits of Kentucky. He left three daughters and one son, who is ancestor of Mrs. Conway H. Arnold, of Montclair, New Jersey, wife of a Lieutenant in the United States Navy.

GILLASPIE RETIRES--CALDWELL PRESIDING PROFESSOR--GRADUATES
TO 1812.

        The difficulty of procuring teachers in our State at the close of the 18th century is indicated by the fact that, of the five teachers in the service of the University in 1797, one was a recent citizen of New Jersey, (Caldwell), another, was a French Roman Catholic ex-monk, (Delvaux), a third was a strolling


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player, a deserter from the English mercantile navy, (Richards). The difficulty was chiefly from the meagre salaries offered. The dignity of a teacher's calling was not then, nor for many years afterwards, if ever, properly appreciated, either by parents or the public.

        At the Commencement of 1799, July 5th, the second list of graduates was announced. They were nine in number.

        Francis Nash Williams Burton, Granville; Wm. Dunlap Crawford, Lancaster County, S. C.; Andrew Flinn, Mecklenburg; Samuel Allen Holmes, Chapel Hill; George Washington Long, Halifax; Archibald Debow Murphey, Caswell; John Phifer, Cabarrus; Wm. Morgan Sneed, Granville; Wm. Smith Webb, Granville.

        George M. Marr passed the examinations but did not ask for a degree. Burton, Flinn, Murphey and Phifer were distinguished. Murphey and Flinn were Tutors in the University and Holmes had been a Professor. Flinn rose to be an eminent Presbyterian minister of Charleston, S. C., and was awarded in 1811 the degree of D.D. by this University. Burton was a prominent lawyer. Long died early. Phifer was often State Senator from Cabarrus, as was Sneed from Granville; while Webb became a prominent physician in Tennessee, and Crawford in South Carolina. Marr was a Representative in Congress from Tennessee.

        Of those who did not graduate, are to be noted Hutchins G. Burton, a Representative in the State Legislature and in Congress, Attorney-General, and Governor of North Carolina; Robert Harris, an influential merchant of Salisbury and Sneedsboro, a brother of Charles W. Harris; James Mebane, Maurice Moore, Ebenezer Pettigrew, Planter and Congressman; John Pettigrew, Richard H. Sims, a Tutor in the University and head of the Grammar School; Robert W. Smith, seven times Senator from Cabarrus; James Webb, an eminent physician of Hillsboro and a Trustee of the University. David Gillespie, after his United States Coast Survey Service, was a Representative of Bladen in the Legislature; Richard Eagles and Nicholas Long were influential planters from New Hanover and Franklin counties respectively.


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        A modest beginning was made of granting honorary degrees, the Faculty nominating and the Trustees confirming. The honorary degree of Master of Arts (Artium Magister, A. M.) was conferred on Joseph Caldwell, the new Presiding Professor, Charles Wilson Harris, the first Professor of Mathematics, and Joseph Blount Littlejohn, a member of the Legislature from Chowan. The academic degree of Bachelor of Arts was given to the retiring Presiding Professor James Smiley Gillaspie. This last honor indicates that the recipient was too young and unlearned to be the head of the institution, as he had learned by experience.

        The Commencement of 1800 was held on June 28th. There was a good attendance of Trustees. Besides Alexander Martin, Richard Bennehan, and David Stone, who were the Committee of Visitation, there were Samuel Johnston, James Hogg, John Haywood, Wm. Polk, Walter Alves, and Evan Alexander.

        The graduates were: William Cherry, Bertie County; John Lawson Henderson, Salisbury; Thomas D. Hunt, Granville County.

        Of these, Cherry had a brilliant but short career as a lawyer and politician. He was a member of the Legislature from Bertie. Henderson was a member of the Legislature from Rowan, State Comptroller, of high character and usefulness, but not the equal of his more distinguished brothers, Chief Justice Leonard Henderson and the leader of the Western Bar, Archibald Henderson. Hunt was a physician.

        Of those matriculating with this class Robert H. Burton, as I have stated, was a Judge; Daniel Newman, a Representative in Congress; William Peace, a much respected merchant of Raleigh, Director of the State Bank forty-five years and founder of Peace Institute.

        Wm. E. Webb was Professor of Ancient Languages 1799-1800, having been a student for several years. After leaving the institution he taught school in Halifax County for a number of years, with reputation. In 1809, 1810 and 1811 he was a Commoner from his county in the General Assembly, and from 1809 to 1818 was a Trustee of the University.

        Archibald Debow Murphey, a high honor graduate of 1799,


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was Professor of Ancient Languages for the year 1800. He was a native of Caswell, born in 1777, son of a Revolutionary officer. After leaving the University he settled as a lawyer in Hillsboro. From 1812 to 1818 he was a State Senator, and as such was the most active of all our public men in promoting a Public School System and Internal Improvements. His report to the Legislature of 1819, on the public school systems of different countries deemed most successful, is a marvel of intelligent labor. From 1818 to 1820 he was a Judge of the Superior Court, and in 1820 he was, under an act since, repealed, a Judge of the Supreme Court for one term as a substitute for Judge Henderson, who had been counsel in important cases then before the court. He was Reporter of the decisions of the old Supreme Court 1804 to 1813, and of the new court in 1818 and 1819. He was a Trustee of the University for thirty years. Shortly before his death he collected valuable material for a history of the State, and to aid him in writing and printing it the General Assembly gave him authority to realize $15,000 by a lottery. This material was used by Joseph Seawell Jones (Shocco) in writing his "Defence of North Carolina" and by President Swain in preparing his "War of the Regulation" and other monographs. Judge Murphey's address before the two societies of the University in 1827 is full of historical information of value.

        A letter from him to President Caldwell, dated December 29, 1808, indicates that, wearied with his professional pursuits, he sometimes longed for the academic shades he had resigned. He regrets that his "prime of life" is spent in vulgar pursuits. The improvement of the mind is suspended, the paths of wisdom are unexplored. He fears he will lose a relish for the pleasures of intellect; what is worse that he will lose that fine tone which the pursuit of knowledge gives to the feelings, and without which the world can afford but little happiness. While not finding fault with Providence, he had often wished that fortune had thrown into his way riches, that he might withdraw from the distractions of petty business and attempt once more to cultivate true knowledge. Fortune has smiled on him since he left the University and he entreats her to continue her friendship


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until she enables him to live in independence and affluence." Alas! the good man, notwithstanding a most honorable career in public and private life, lost all his property by unfortunate investments and suretyships, and was even subjected for a short while to the indignity of confinement in prison bounds for debt.

        Judge Murphey was always a true and active friend of the University. In the scholarly report on Public Education above-mentioned he is emphatic in testifying to its good work and in advocating State aid in its behalf. I give some of his language: "This institution has been eminently useful to the State. It has contributed, perhaps more than any other cause, to diffuse a taste for reading among the people, and excite a spirit of liberal improvement. It has contributed to change our manners and elevate our character." He then urges the construction of three additional buildings, i. e., two dormitories and one for library and apparatus; that a library and suitable apparatus be purchased, that two professorships be endowed and that six additional teachers be provided. "When former prejudices have died away, when liberal ideas begin to prevail, when the pride of the State is awakened and an honorable ambition is cherished for her glory, an appeal is made to the patriotism and the generous feelings of the Legislature in favor of an institution which in all civilized nations has been regarded as the nursery of moral greatness and the palladium of civil liberty. That people who cultivate the sciences and the arts with most success acquire a most enviable superiority over others. Learned men by their discoveries and their works give a lasting splendor to national character; and such is the enthusiasm of man that there is not an individual, however humble in life his lot may be, who does not feel himself blessed to belong to a country honored with great men and magnificent institutions. It is due to North Carolina, it is due to the great man (General Davie) who first proposed the foundation of the University, to foster it with parental fondness and to give it an importance commensurate with the high destinies of the State."

        The graduates of the first year of the Nineteenth century (1801) triples those of the last year of the Eighteenth. They


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were: Thomas Gale Amis, Northampton County; Thomas Davis Bennehan, Orange County; John Branch, Halifax County; William McKenzie Clark, Martin County; Francis Little Dancy, Edgecombe County; John Davis Hawkins, Franklin County; Thomas D. King, Sampson County; Archibald Lytle, Tennessee; Wm. Hardy Murfree, Hertford County.

        Amis had a very large brain and won distinction in his studies. He afterwards sailed from Charleston without disclosing his object, and was nevermore heard from. Bennehan was a wealthy farmer of Orange, a Trustee of the University, and at Farintosh, his residence, dispensed a bounteous hospitality; Branch, Governor of this State and of the Territory of Florida, and Secretary of the Navy under Jackson; Dancy, a lawyer of much reputation; Hawkins was often a legislator, fifty years a Trustee of the University, one of the foremost in building the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad. Murfree, founder of Murfreesboro, was a grandfather of the eminent Southern novelist, Mary Noailles Murfree who, under the pen name of Charles Egbert Craddock, has so faithfully and impressively delineated the characters of our mountaineers and the beauty and grandeur of the Alleghanies. He was son of Colonel Hardy Murfree, who aided in the daring and successful storming of Stony Point. Clark was a planter, brother of the grandfather of Chief Justice Walter Clark. King, probably an elder brother of Vice-President William Rufus King, represented Sampson County in the Legislature.

        Of the non-graduating matriculates with this class, Jesse Cobb was a man of ability. Removing to Tennessee he became the founder of an influential family, one of whom, William Cobb, became Governor of that State. Nathaniel W. Williams was a Judge of the Superior Court of Tennessee; Johnston Blakely, as Captain of the Wasp, captured the Reindeer, for which a gold medal was voted by Congress. He also captured the Atlanta, and was lost at sea with his vessel. John Goode was a lawyer in Virginia.

        Of the Commencement speakers President Caldwell notes that "some portrayed in language at once splendid and elegant the excellence of a Republican form of government and described


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the glory of the American Revolution in glowing colors." In the figurative language of a later date they evidently "flew a magnificent spread eagle."

        The Tutor for 1800 and up to 1804 was Richard Henderson. He was the son of a brother of Chief Justice Henderson, who emigrated to Kentucky to settle on lands sold to the Transylvania Company by the Indians, which sale was repudiated by the States of North Carolina and Virginia, but 400,000 acres being allowed them by way of compromise. The son was a man of worth and talents. After being principal of the Academy in Hillsboro he returned to his native State and became a prominent lawyer. The Trustees gave him the degree of A.B., though he had not passed his examinations, because they were satisfied with his classical and scientific training while Tutor.

        In 1802 P. Celestine Molie was employed to teach French for one year. Nothing is known of him except that, like most foreigners instructing our youth in early days, he was the subject of merciless ridicule and frequent insults. Probably he was either a French emigré or a refugee from Hayti.

        Professor Murphey was succeeded in 1801 by one who has profoundly influenced for good this and other States--Rev. Wm. Bingham, an honor graduate of the University of Glasgow, a Scotch-Irishman of Ulster. He emigrated about 1788 on account of political troubles, landed in Delaware, but soon removed to Wilmington, N. C. He here preached and established a classical school. I have mentioned that he was among the first subscribers to the inauguration of the University. As many of the wealthier inhabitants of the lower Cape Fear either settled permanently or spent their summers on the hills of Chatham, he transferred his school about 1795 to Pittsboro, and remained there until his removal to the University.

        After resigning his professorship in 1805 he re-opened his school at Pittsboro, but, concluding that Hillsboro had a larger future, removed it to that town in 1808. Probably on account of the drunkenness and rowdyism attending court towns he soon bought a plantation five miles north of Mebane, named it Mount Repose, and, erecting a school house of logs, there taught until his death in 1825.


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        Wm. Bingham was a man of force, high purpose, and power of influencing others. According to the recollection of Hon. Giles Mebane, once Speaker of the Senate, he was "about five feet six inches tall, with no surplus flesh, weighing 150 or 160 pounds; very quick and brisk in his movements, walking erect like a well-drilled soldier. He was bald, the boys nicknaming him "Old Slick." He walked three miles to church on Sundays, leading his boarders. He was reasonably talkative, and sometimes jocose, but never undignified."

        His wife was Annie Jean, daughter of Colonel Slingsby, of the English Army, who was stationed at Wilmington during the Revolutionary War, highly regarded by the Americans for humanity and justice. Colonel Slingby's family remained in Wilmington after the declaration of peace.

        Professor Bingham left several children, the most prominent being Wm. James, born at Chapel Hill in the house built for the President. On his father's death he gave up his chosen profession of the law and took up the school work at Mount Repose, but soon removed to Hillsboro and thence to a farm called Oaks in western Orange. He advanced still further the fame of the Bingham School, and handed it on to his sons, Colonels William and Robert Bingham, whose reputation as teachers extends throughout the Southern States. Professor Bingham's grandson, Wm. Bingham Lynch, of Florida, is likewise an eminent teacher, while the husband of a great-granddaughter, Preston Gray, is Principal of a flourishing academy called the Wm. Bingham School.

        Dr. Caldwell has left a noble tribute to the character of Mr. Bingham, the elder. He wrote, "His qualifications and virtues were of that unobtrusive, but substantial cast, which merit and must secure the respect of every upright and generous bosom. Whoever shall have occasion to be acquainted with this man shall find him to be one of those whom the great poet of England has denominated to be among 'The noblest works of God.' "

        It was charged by a bitter partisan that Mr. Bingham was driven from the University because of his being a Republican in politics. Dr. Caldwell emphatically denied this. He asserted


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"Mr. Bingham was never exiled from the University. His virtues were too sound and irreproachable for men of any political principles even to feel disposed to injure him. When Mr. Bingham left us I can assure 'Citizen' that his good qualities were not unknown to the Trustees or the Faculty." By "Citizen" he meant an anonymous critic of the University.

        The graduates of 1802 were Adlai Laurens Osborne, of Rowan; George Washington Thornton, of Virginia; and Carey Whitaker, of Halifax County. All were praised for proficiency in studies. Osborne became a lawyer in full practice. Thornton was a physician.

        Of the matriculates not graduating Jeremiah Battle was a physician of prominence in Tarboro and Raleigh, and author of valuable medical monographs; John Rutherford London, of Wilmington, a lawyer, planter and President of the Bank of Cape Fear; John Duncan Toomer, a member of the Legislature, Judge of the Superior and Supreme Courts.

        Of the examination at the Commencement of 1802 we have a full report by the Committee of Trustees, Messrs. Adlai Osborne, lawyer and Clerk of the Superior Court of Rowan, Henry Potter, afterwards for many years Judge of the United States District Court, a Trustee of the University from 1799 until his death in 1856, and Charles W. Harris, lawyer at Halifax, late Professor, the report being doubtless written by Harris. In the Preparatory School there were the following classes, two in Reading and Spelling, two in Webster's Grammar, one in Arithmetic to the Rule of Three, one in Latin Grammar, one in Cordery, one in Latin Grammar, Aesop's Fables and Eutropius, one in Eramus, Selectae de Profanis and Vocables, one in Cæsar, one in Latin Introduction, one in Sallust, one in Ovid and Virgil's Eclogues, one in French Grammar, two in French Fables, two in Telemachus, one in Gil Blas, one in Voltaire and Racine. It will be difficult to show in modern days a better program of studies.

        The Freshman class of the University proper was examined in three studies, Virgil, Latin Introduction and Greek Testament; the Sophomore class in Cicero, Geography, Arithmetic, Webster's Grammar, Syntax and Lowth's Grammar; the Junior


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class in Ewing's Synopsis, Algebra and Ferguson's Astronomy; the Seniors in Adams' Defence and DeLolme on the English Constitution. In the next year, 1803, by the Freshman class, in addition to Virgil, the Odes of Horace were studied and the Dialogues of Lucian in the place of the Greek Testament; in the Sophomore, the Satires, Epistles and Art of Poetry of Horace were added; in the Junior Algebra, Euclid, Trigonometry, Heights and Distances, Navigation and Logarithms, were in the place of Astronomy; in the Senior class Blair's Lectures, Millot's Elements of History and Paley's Moral Philosophy were substituted for Adams and DeLolme.

        The graduates of 1803 were: Chesley Daniel, Halifax County; William P. Hall, Halifax County; Matthew Troy, Salisbury.

        Daniel was a teacher and a member of the Legislature; Hall was a teacher; Troy was a lawyer of standing, after being a Tutor in the University Grammar School.

        Of those who matriculated with them, Joel Battle was a planter and cotton manufacturer, one of the first in the State, his factory on Tar river beginning to work in 1820; Thomas H. Hall. a physician and Representative in the State Legislature and sixteen years in Congress; George Phifer. of Cabarrus County. a merchant and planter; Lemuel Sawyer, a representative in the State Legislature and sixteen years in Congress, a Presidential Elector and an author; Thomas Hart Benton, a member of the Tennessee Legislature, United States Senator from Missouri for thirty years, author; Joseph Hawkins, State Comptroller, Senator from Warren; Robert C. Hilliard, member of the Legislature from Nash; Richmond Pearson, an enlightened agriculturist, father of Chief Justice Pearson; Fleming Saunders, Judge of the General Court of Virginia.

        In 1804 the number of graduates advanced to six: Richard Armistead, Plymouth; Thomas Brown, Bladen County; Richard Henderson, Kentucky; Atlas Jones, Moore County; Willie William Jones, Halifax County; James Sneed, Granville County.

        Of these, Henderson has been already described. Willie William Jones, son of Willie Jones, of Revolutionary fame, was a physician in Raleigh and a Trustee of his Alma Mater. He was


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the donor of the site of the First Methodist church. Atlas Jones, son of Edmund Jones, one of the University donors, was a Tutor in the U. of N. C. and a Trustee, a lawyer and member of the Legislature from Moore County. The humorous lawyer, long a popular Representative in the Legislature from Anson, Atlas J. Dargan, was named for him. Sneed was a physician.

        We are fortunately in the possession of the recollections of Dr. Wm. Hooper, who entered the Preparatory Department in 1804. The Faculty consisted of President Caldwell, Prof. Bingham and Tutor Henderson. The President was known among the students as "Old Joe," though only thirty years of age and extremely active. Bingham's nickname "Old Slick" was because of the glossiness of his hairless scalp. Henderson's small size suggested his nickname, Little Dick. Matthew Troy and Chesley Daniel presided over the Preparatory Department. All things were fashioned after the model of Princeton, which probably imitated the Scottish universities. Students were required to rise at daylight in the winter and to go to prayers by candlelight. Troy taught the Jugurtha and Cataline of Sallust and and to a well-behaved boy was kindly, but quick with the lash on the idle and the wicked.

        In the University proper Greek was required for a degree first in 1804. Thirty dialogues of Lucian were at first sufficient. It was thought necessary to have a native Frenchman to teach properly his language, and "to torment him and amuse themselves with his transports of rage and broken English, was a regular part of the college fun." Chemistry and Differential and Integral Calculus were not in the course.

        The South Building was still unfinished. The rough huts of the students in the corners, picturesque but unbeautiful, were still quiet retreats in fair weather, but the skill of the occupants was not sufficient to protect them from rain.

        The Junior and Senior classes only recited once a day. Geometry was studied from a manuscript copy of a treatise by Dr. Caldwell, which at a subsequent period was printed. The copies of this made by the students swarmed with errors, which fact was often alleged as an excuse for ignorance. The Junior recitation was at 11 o'clock, after which some took to their


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books, some stole off to hunting or fishing, while others would make up a party for a dinner at James Craig's, called in distinction from the habitation of a man of the same name on the Durham road, "Fur (or far) Craig's." This was of chicken-pie or fried chicken with biscuits and coffee, costing twenty-five cents a head, and was eagerly enjoyed as vastly superior to the ordinary meals at Commons.

        According to the recollections of Dr. Hooper the Commencement of 1804 fell on the 4th of July, and it was duly celebrated by the students. Thomas Brown, of Bladen, was elected General and Orator, and Hyder Ali Davie second in command, by the whole body of students. Says Dr. Hooper: "All things being duly arranged the General, clad in full regimentals, with cocked hat and dancing red plume, placed himself at the head of his troops, (for we were all trained into soldiers for the nonce), and marched up to the foot of the 'Big Poplar' where was placed for him a rostrum, which he mounted, and all the military disposing themselves before him, he gracefully took off his plumed helmet and made profound obeisance to the army. I can tell you nothing of the graduating class or their speeches. My childish fancy was taken up with the military display, though we had no music to march to but the drum and the fife."

        If Dr. Hooper's memory did not fail him, the march of General Brown or his oration was in addition to the program of the Faculty. The following is the official statement:

        Representatives of the two societies were to deliver orations on the 4th of July in honor of the day. These were Green H. Campbell, Cadwallader Jones, Wm. B. Meares, David Hay, Thomas Davis and John Taylor.

        On the 7th of July, Saturday, ten pupils of the Preparatory School were to compete for first honor, they having already obtained equal distinction in scholarship. Wm. Hooper is one of these.

        On the evening of Monday, the 9th, the members of the Senior class in the Preparatory School were to pronounce orations. Thomas Hawkins had the first Salutatory in Latin; Alexius Foster, the second Salutatory in English; John Brown,


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the Valedictory, their scholarship being equal. Lewis Duke had the first intermediate oration, William Henderson, the second, and John Hooper, the third.

        On Tuesday, the day before Commencement, fourteen students from the Establishment, i. e., the University proper, were to pronounce orations.

        On the forenoon of Wednesday, the 12th of July, the day of Commencement, the members of the Junior class made their speeches. They were eight in number.

        In the afternoon the Senior class delivered their orations. Mr. Willie Wm. Jones, "having the greatest pretensions," had the Latin Salutatory, which was the prize speech until 1838.

        To Mr. Atlas Jones, being second, was assigned the Oration in History.

        To Mr. Thomas Brown, the Valedictory, he being third in order.

        Messrs. Richard Armistead and James Sneed delivered orations of their own choice.

        It should be noticed that the prefix "Mr." was only given to members of the graduating class. I cannot find when this contraction of Magister descended to the youngest Freshman; about the time perhaps when girls of ten or eleven in boarding schools obtained from the teachers the prefix of Miss (contracted from Mistress or Magisteress) as a handle to their surnames. It is now fashionable in the larger universities to substitute Mr. for the titles, once prized, of Professor or Dr. The Preparatory School was considered an integral part of the institution and therefore had a place in the exercises.

        In this year began the practice of assigning special addresses to the highest honor men. Moreover it was ordained that the Seniors should wear uniforms of neat, plain homespun cloth, and the hope was expressed that their example of Patriotism and Economy will be imitated hereafter. This was an evidence of the deep feelings of resentment against England and France, which led to the Embargo and Non-Intercourse Acts of Congress.


        

Illustration

        Joseph Caldwell


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CALDWELL PRESIDENT--DAVIE LEAVES THE STATE--UNIVERSITY
LIFE.

        It has been mentioned that the Trustees had such an opinion of the dignity of the office of President of the University that the appointment was postponed from time to time. By 1804 Caldwell had shown such zeal and intelligence as Presiding Professor that it was evident to all that "the Hour and the Man" had come. The following ordinance, prepared by two of the ablest members of the Board, Wm. Gaston and Duncan Cameron, was adopted unanimously and similarly confirmed at the regular December meeting:

        Whereas, experience has manifested the necessity of having a President of the University, and it is doubtful whether the Trustees have the power of making a permanent appointment except at an annual meeting.

        Be it therefore ordained, That a President of the University of North Carolina be appointed to hold office until the next annual meeting of the Trustees, and that the said President discharge all those duties which have heretofore been annexed to the office of Presiding Professor.


        It was declared beneath the dignity of the President to be dependent on tuition fees, and a salary of 500 pounds or $1,000 was voted him.

        A ballot being had Rev. Joseph Caldwell was unanimously elected. As a Trustee said at the time the choice was on account of his great talents and steady attachment to the University.

        At the next annual meeting the election was made permanent.

        The choice was most happy. Caldwell was a man of enlarged views, a scholar especially in the realm of Mathematics, with a mind eager for the acquisition of knowledge in all directions. He had the widest sympathy in all enterprises promising to be beneficial to the institutions of the State. He was a preacher of power. He was utterly fearless, indefatigable in the discharge of every duty, skillful in the administration of the discipline in those days deemed best, and which may have been demanded by the prevailing social habits. He inspired respect, confidence, and, among the disorderly, fear. He was strong of arm and swift of foot, and thought it not undignified to engage in a wrestle or race with midnight disturbers. Above all the


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Trustees had such implicit reliance on his wisdom and devotion to the interests of the institution that they gradually abandoned the pernicious practice of interfering in the discipline and allowed the Faculty, under his dominating influence, full freedom of action. Henceforth, while the habit of interfering with the internal government was not for several years totally eradicated, yet, whenever he showed decided displeasure, they surrendered to his will.

        The President was still to fill the Chair of Mathematics. Wm. Bingham was Professor of the Ancient Languages. Atlas Jones was his Tutor of all work.

        The President was elected a member of the Board of Trustees.

        It was natural that, invested with as great autocratic power as he was willing then to wield, he should assimilate the institution under his charge to his alma mater. Steps were taken in this direction at once. The Trustees ordained that no degree should be granted without a knowledge of Greek. No student should enter the Junior class without passing an examination in 30 Dialogues of Lucian, Xenophen's Cyropedia and four books of the Iliad, the Sophomore class of that year being allowed to pass on the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, and the Senior class of the next year being allowed to substitute French for Greek.

        For entrance into the Freshman class thereafter the applicant must pass on Greek Grammar, Cornelius Nepos or Selectae de Profanis. These were to be taught in the Preparatory School. The ordinance for granting degrees for English branches and the Sciences was repealed.

        To add dignity to Commencement exercises it was ordained that the President should wear a black gown.

        A year after the election of President Caldwell he made an unsuccessful effort to induce Rev. Marcus George, of the Warrenton Academy, to accept the Chair of Ancient Languages. He stated that he had heard of the differences between Mr. George and his Trustees, arising from their interference with his management in presence of the pupils and before the public eye. The past struggles of the University were alluded to. They


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sometimes threaten to terminate its existence, but "amidst the darkest prospects it has always recovered with more certain strength." Now it seemed to be almost out of reach of danger. Mr. George was the teacher of Chief Justice Ruffin, Weldon N. Edwards, and other eminent men, and had their unqualified regard.

        Caldwell gives the number of students at seventy, more than ever before in the University proper. The salary offered is $333.33 from the Treasury and $7.50 from each student, amounting to more than $850 a year, paid semi-annually in advance. He added that no self-interest prompted his letter, because as long as the vacancy should continue two-thirds of the $850 would be added to his own salary, which implies that he was temporarily teaching the classes studying the classics, as well as those in his own department of Mathematics.

        In a letter written to a friend in Connecticut, whose name is not known, the President gives a short resume of his life since leaving Princeton in 1796. It has a tone of sadness but firm resolve. "The difficulties, trials and anxieties" he encountered were too numerous to be recorded within a short compass. He tells of the recent death of his daughter and wife, adding, "Such is the fallacy of human expectations and the transition of present happiness." Treasurer Haywood, in a letter written at the same period, thus consoles him: "Resignation, Religion and Time must be relied on as the best Balm for the Heart torn and wounded by privations of the tender and distressing kind you experience."

        It was not many months after his elevation to the Presidency before Caldwell received a flattering call to the Professorship of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in the College of South Carolina. It was conveyed by a Trustee, Judge Wm. Johnson, of the Supreme Court of the United States, a fellow student at Princeton, who stated that the salary as Professor was $1,500 per annum, and for preaching in the Chapel $500 was offered by the citizens of Columbia. The expectation was expressed that he would soon become President with a salary of $2,500 and a house.

        There was much consternation among the friends of the University


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of North Carolina at this offer. Treasurer Haywood wrote: "I cannot but hope as a North Carolinian, that your attachment to the infant institution of which you have the care, and other considerations growing out of the remembrance of the anxious and fatherly part you have taken in its continuace and prosperity for years past and in the days of its greatest trials and adversity, will lead you rather to consult your feelings than your interest." * * * "Remain with us and go on to cherish and strengthen the child of your adoption by a continuance of those parental cares and attentions which have so greatly contributed to the support of its infancy." The members of the Senior class, Green H. Campbell, John L. Taylor, John R. Donnell, John C. Montgomery, Gavin Hogg and Stephen Davis, appealed to him in affectionate and laudatory terms, certifying to the ability and the fairness of his administration. Among other things they say "you have been the director of our youthful pursuits, our guide, our teacher and our friend."

        The Board of Trustees unanimously passed resolutions urging on him the irreparable loss, which the University would sustain by his leaving it. The result was, as he wrote to his Connecticut correspondent, that finding his attachment grow to the place and disliking changes he declined the appointment.

        Graduates of 1805 were Benjamin Franklin Hawkins, Warren County; Joseph Warren Hawkins, Warren County; Spruce Macay Osborne, Mecklenburg County.

        Of these, Joseph W. Hawkins was a physician and one of the promoters and Directors of the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad; Benjamin F. Hawkins was often Senator and Commoner from Franklin; Osborne was a surgeon U. S. A., killed at Fort Mims.

        Of the contemporaneous matriculates, Joseph John Daniel was a member of the Legislature, a Presidential Elector, a Judge of the Superior and Supreme Courts, a delegate to the Convention of 1835; John H. Hawkins was often a member of the Legislature from Warren; William Rufus King, a member of the Legislature and of Congress from North Carolina, member of the Convention of Alabama of 1819, United States Senator, Minister to France, Vice-President U. S. A.


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        In this year the State and the University lost the valuable services of William Richardson Davie. He had a career of uninterrupted success until 1802, when he was overwhelmed by the wave of Jeffersonian Republicanism which swept over the State. He was defeated, as any Federalist would have been, by a much inferior man, Philip W. Alston. Ardent as he was in his political opinions, the pathway to official or Congressional usefulness was closed for an indefinite period. Practice at the bar, of which he was one of the acknowledged leaders, had no attractions to compensate him for the tedious journeys, often in fervid heat or piercing cold or dismal rains, in perils of high waters, over roads deep in sand or mud or cut up by dangerous chasms. An uncle, for whom he was named, who supplied the place of a father, dying when he was a child, had bequeathed to him a plantation in Lancaster County, South Carolina, on the banks of the Catawba, near the line of the county of Mecklenburg, with a proper complement of slaves, and he resolved to retire from public life and spend his remaining years in the quiet and ease of a country gentleman. We have a letter from him June 9, 1805, saddened in spirit, of which I give extracts. After mentioning that he had returned from South Carolina on the 5th he adds: "I have now again been two months on the road and return perfectly worn down. My constitution cannot now bear that degree of suffering, privation and incessant toil which, when I enjoyed youth and health, gave me spirits and pleasure. Everything must yield to Time, and I have submitted with as good a grace as possible. My plan of life is to be completely changed, and those measures which are leading me to a Repose I have long sighed for, and which is becoming every day more necessary for me, are to commence this fall. The plan involves some painful sacrifices, but they are necessary and indispensable. A separation from friends to whom my heart has been tenderly attached for many years is among the most painful of all these. I anticipate it, I feel it, as a prelude to that last separation to which the laws of our Nature compel us to submit."

        He was much concerned at the attacks on the University by the General Assembly and chagrined at the inferiority of North


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to South Carolina in respect for higher education. He wrote: "the friends of science in the other States regard the people of North Carolina as a sort of semi-barbarians, among whom neither learning, virtue nor men of science possess any estimation. In South Carolina a professorship is more eagerly canvassed for than the Secretaryship of the government of the United States, the consequence of that liberal spirit which has been displayed by their assembly. After a handsome and permanent endowment of the offices of the institution they voted $10,000 to purchase a library and philosophical apparatus. What a contrast! Poor North Carolina!" We must believe that Davie shared in the contempt which Federalist leaders generally had for the victorious Republicans, and this feeling prompted these bitter words.

        The prosperity of the University was still in his thoughts. He advised that the choice of the new Professor of Languages should be given to the President, and that as a rule he should select all inferior officers, as the whole responsibility rested on him.

        After his removal to South Carolina Davie was never induced to emerge from the retirement of a country gentleman, except to be President of the State Agricultural Society. During the War of 1812 he was tendered the position of Major-General, and the Senate confirmed the nomination. His constitution had been too much undermined to allow him to accept it. He died November 8, 1820, leaving a reputation as a soldier, a statesman, a lawyer and broad-minded citizen, of which the University and the State are proud.

        Lt.-Gov. Francis D. Winston sends me a letter written July 31, 1816, by General Jeremiah Slade, long State Senator from Martin County, to his son Alfred, a student in the University, containing an eulogy on Davie, which shows the strong hold he had on his party friends. After praising the location of the University as eminently suitable to study, he says: "This leads me to regard with feelings of admiration little short of adoration the character of the father of the institution, Wm. R. Davie, who with a flow of eloquence which did honor to his head, and a sympathy which did honor to his heart (for he shed


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tears at the prospect of a failure of the Bill of Incorporation as freely as a father would for the loss of a favorite child), he bore down the powerful opposition, which was raised against the bill. And altho' we greatly admire the site of his choice, yet we still more wonder how he should have discovered it. * * * After the Act of Incorporation was granted it was by his exertions that the institution went into operation. * * * You may be led to inquire why so great and so good a man should bury himself in the shades of retirement. It was at the time when mad Democracy got the upper hand of the Constitution and the Washingtonian administration, he pursued the dictates of that sound maxim, 'when rogues bare sway the post of honor is a private station.' "

        Andrew Rhea, Professor of Ancient Languages from 1806 to 1814, was a Virginian. He is described by Davie in 1797 as "said to be of middle age with a family, of six years experience in teaching, and highly spoken of." He seems to have escaped animadversion but has left no traditional reputation as to learning or teaching powers. That he was a widower is proved by his being required to sleep in the University Building and preside at the Steward's table. The Raleigh Register says he was a very distinguished scholar, but Dr. Hooper describes him as "a good-natured, indolent man." I give some reminiscences of Dr. Hooper, found in his address at the University in 1859, during the visit of President Buchanan. He was a student in the Preparatory Department and then entered the University in 1806.

        "As the only dormitory that had a roof was too crowded for study, many students left their rooms as a place of study entirely, and built cabins in the corners of the unfinished brick walls of the South Building, and quite comfortable cabins they were. In such a cabin they hibernated and burned their mid-night oil. As soon as spring brought back the swallows and the leaves, they emerged from their den and chose some shady retirement where they made a path and a promenade, and in that embowered promenade all diligent students of those days had to follow the steps of science, to wrestle with its difficulties, and to treasure up their best equipments: Ye remnants of the Peripatetic School!


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        "Ah, ye can tell how hard it is to climb

        The steep where fame's proud temple shines afar!"


        "They lived sub divo, like the birds that caroled over their heads. "But how," you will say, "did they manage in rainy weather?" Well, nothing was more common than, on a rainy day, to send in a petition to be excused from recitation, which petition ran in this stereotype phrase: "The inclemency of the weather rendering it impossible to prepare the recitation, the Sophomore class respectfully request Mr. Rhea to excuse them from recitation this afternoon." The petitions were granted.

        The following relates to studies in the Junior class: "The Juniors had their first taste of Geometry, in a little elementary treatise, drawn up by Dr. Caldwell, in manuscript, and not then printed. Copies were to be had only by transcribing, and in process of time they, of course, were swarming with errors. But this was a decided advantage to the Junior, who stuck to his text, without minding his diagram. For, if he happened to say that the angle at A was equal to the angle of B, when in fact the diagram showed no angle at B at all, but one at C, if Doctor Caldwell corrected him, he had it always in his power to say: "Well, that was what I thought myself, but it ain't so in the book, and I thought you knew better than I." We may well suppose that the Doctor was completely silenced by this unexpected application of the argumentum ad hominem."

        "Greek, after its introduction, became the bug-bear of college. Having been absent when my class began it, I heard, on my return, such a terrific account of it that I no more durst encounter the Greeks than Xerxes when he fled in consternation across the Hellespont, after the battle of Salamis. Rather than lose my degree, however, after two years I plucked up courage and set doggedly and desperately to work, prepared hastily thirty Dialogues of Lucian, and on that stock of Greek was permitted to graduate. As for Chemistry and Differential and Integral Calculus and all that, we never heard of such hard things. They had not then crossed the Roanoke, nor did they appear among us till they were brought in by the Northern barbarians about the year 1818." The Doctor alludes to the


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coming of Professor Mitchell, who for a time had charge of Mathematics.

        Graduates of 1806: John Adams Cameron, Virginia; Durant Hatch, Junior, Jones County; James Henderson, Kentucky; James Martin, Stokes County.

        The first honor was awarded to Cameron, the second to Martin.

        Cameron was a member of the Legislature, a Major in the War of 1812, Consul to Vera Cruz; Judge of the United States District Court of Florida. He was lost at sea in journeying from Savannah to New York. He was a brother of Judge Duncan Cameron.

        James Martin was a son of Col. James Martin, of the Revolution, who was one of the Commissioners to locate the State Capital--hence Martin street. After spending a year at the University as Tutor, he settled in Salisbury as a lawyer and had a wide reputation. He was Superior Court Judge from 1826 to 1835, and Senator from Rowan in 1823. He was a Trustee of the University from 1823 to 1836, the last year probably being the date of his removal to Mobile, Alabama. He became Judge of the Circuit Court of his adopted State.

        Of the others, Hatch was a planter, and Henderson a physician in Kentucky.

        Of the non-graduating contemporaneous matriculates, Wm. Belvidere Meares was a prominent lawyer and member of the Legislature; Archibald H. Sneed, a Major U. S. A.; James Young, of Granville, a physician; John Burgess Baker, a physician and a member of the Legislature from Gates; Cullen Battle, a prominent physician and planter, first in this State and then in Alabama; James Smith Battle, an influential planter in Edgecombe County; Thomas Burgess, a lawyer of large practice in Halifax; William C. Love, of Chapel Hill, a Representative in Congress from the Salisbury District; William Miller, member of the Legislature, Speaker of the House, Attorney-General, Governor, Charge d'Affaires to Guatemala.

        In 1807 the honor was conferred on President Caldwell of being selected by the Commission as the astronomical expert to finish running the boundary line between North Carolina,


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South Carolina and Georgia. Governor Nathaniel Alexander applied to the Board of Trustees for permission for him to act, and General John Steele offered to resign as Commissioner if necessary to secure him, saying, "My services may perhaps be useful, his, I think, are essential." The Trustees with some reluctance for fear that the discipline of the University might suffer, granted the request, with the proviso that in his opinion Professor Rhea could efficiently act as temporary head of the institution. The reputation of President Caldwell was much enhanced by his intelligent conduct of the delimitation of this boundary. His work was satisfactory to the Commissioners of the States interested, namely, John Steele, Montfort Stokes and Robert Burton for North Carolina, and Joseph Blythe, Henry Middleton and John Blasingame for South Carolina. Owing to the uncertainty in the description in the act, the Commissioners recommended to the two States certain changes, which the Legislatures adopted. Thomas Love, Montfort Stokes and John Patton for North Carolina, and Joseph Blythe, John Blassengame (so spelt) and George W. Earle for South Carolina, appointed to run the line by the new agreement, found that impossible to be literally carried into effect, and reported a change, which was adopted by both States in 1815. The line between North Carolina and Georgia was confirmed in 1819.

        Graduates of 1807: Duncan Green Campbell, Orange County; Stephen Davis, Warrenton; John Robert Donnell, New Bern; Gavin Hogg, Chapel Hill; John Carr Montgomery, Hertford County; John Lewis Taylor, Chatham County.

        Donnell was the best scholar. He became a lawyer of large practice, a Superior Court Judge and, marrying a daughter of Governor Richard Dobbs Spaight, was one of the wealthiest men of the State. Gavin Hogg was a Tutor of the University for a year, then settled in Bertie County as a lawyer, and had a large practice and wide reputation. Subsequently he removed to Raleigh and was appointed by the General Assembly, in conjunction with James Iredell and William H. Battle, to prepare the Revised Statutes. He entered on the work with zeal and ability, but was forced by ill health to resign and Frederick Nash was substituted. By goodly income from his profession


Illustration

        DIALECTIC SOCIETY DIPLOMA OF 1807.


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and by marriage he became the possessor of a large fortune. Davis was a wealthy physician of Warrenton. Montgomery and Taylor were likewise physicians. Campbell was a teacher, lawyer and member of the Legislature of Georgia.

        Of the matriculates four years before, Henry Chambers, of Rowan, was a talented physician; William Green was a member of the Legislature from Warren; James M. Henderson was a physician; Henry Young Webb, member of the Legislature, Judge in Alabama Territory; John Henry Eaton, U. S. Senator, Secretary of War, Covernor of Florida Territory, U. S. Minister to Spain, author of "Life of Jackson," husband of the beautiful and much talked of "Peggy O'Neil."

        The Graduates of 1808 were: John Bright Brown, Bladen County; Robert Campbell, Campbell County, Va.; John Coleman, Halifax County, Va.; Wm. James Cowan, Wilmington; Wm. Pugh Ferrand, Onslow County; Alfred Gatlin, New Bern; John B. Giles, Salisbury; Wm. Green, Warren County; James Auld Harrington, Richmond County; Wm. Henderson, Chapel Hill; Benjamin Dusenbury Rounsaville, Lexington; Lewis Williams, Surry County; Thomas Lanier Williams, Surry County.

        The best scholars were Lewis Williams and Thomas L. Williams, the former speaking the Salutatory, the latter the Valedictory. The others honored were Wm. Green, John B. Giles, Alfred Gatlin and John Coleman.

        Of this class, Wm. Henderson, of Chapel Hill, was Tutor for one year, beginning in 1811. He was afterwards a physician, practicing in Williamston, Martin County, until his death September 15, 1838. He was born in 1789, the second son of Major Pleasant Henderson and his wife Sarah Martin.

        Lewis Williams was Tutor 1810-12. He was a native of Surry; served 1813 and 1814 as a representative in the State Legislature. In 1815 he was elected a member of Congress and served continuously until his death February 12, 1842. He was most highly respected and was known as the Father of the House; was a Trustee of the University from 1813 to his death. His brother, Thomas Lanier Williams, was a Judge of the Supreme Court and also a Chancellor of Tennessee.

        John B. Giles and Alfred Gatlin were both Representatives


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in Congress, while Giles was also a Trustee of the University, a member of the General Assembly and of the Convention of 1835. Wm. P. Ferrand, a physician, was a Commoner from Onslow; and James A. Harrington, son of Gen. Henry Wm. Harrington, of the Revolution, was a member of the South Carolina Legislature and a large planter; Benjamin D. Rounsaville, a lawyer. John Coleman was a physician.

        There were some prominent matriculates not graduating with this class: Daniel M. Forney, of Lincoln County, a Commoner; Ransom Hinton, a physician in Wake; John D. Jones, Speaker of the House of Commons, a member of the Convention of 1835, and a merchant and banker of Wilmington; John Neale, a Commoner from Brunswick; John Owen, a Commoner from Bladen, Governor 1828-30 and President of the Harrisburg Convention which nominated Harrison. It is said that he refused to run as Vice-President, and thus missed the Presidency. John Neale, a member of the Legislature.

        Class of 1809: John Bobbitt, Franklin County; Maxwell Chambers, Salisbury; Abner Wentworth Clopton, Virginia; John Gilchrist, Robeson County; Philemon Hawkins, Warren County; William Hooper, Chapel Hill; John Briggs Mebane, Chatham County; Thomas Gilchrist Polk, Mecklenburg County; John Campbell Williams, Cumberland County.

        With this class Greek was studied in the Freshman year and the Iliad in the Sophomore. The best scholar was William Hooper, the next Maxwell Chambers, and then John B. Bobbitt and John C. Williams. The most eminent was William Hooper who became a Baptist preacher, Professor of Languages and then of Rhetoric in the University, Professor of Moral Philosophy in the South Carolina College, President of Wake Forest College, and author of printed addresses and sermons of rare excellence.

        Chambers became a physician in Salisbury of good reputation. He must not be confounded with the merchant of New Orleans, a native of North Carolina, of the same name, who bequeathed his property to Davidson College--only part of which could be taken under its charter. Bobbitt was a classical teacher all his life and was highly regarded as such in the counties


Illustration

        PHILANTHROPIC SOCIETY DIPLOMA OF 1809.


Illustration

        U. N. C. DIPLOMA OF 1809.


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of Nash and Franklin. Many of the students prepared by him took a high stand at the University. Williams was a member of the Legislature; Gilchrist, Polk and Mebane, likewise in the General Assembly, and the last a Trustee of the University.

        Abner Wentworth Clopton, a native of Virginia, probably Chesterfield County. He was a Tutor for one year beginning with 1809, when he sent in his resignation, concluded in these naive words: "I find it utterly inconvenient to receive no more than $250 a year. I am willing to serve for $500 a year, and am richly worth it." The Trustees agreed to give him $400 on account of his special merits, but he was transferred to the headship of the Grammar School, to have all tuition receipts and $100 bonus. The tuition charges were $12 for the first and $8 for the second term, but during the War of 1812 he was allowed in addition $5 per annum. He was a very efficient teacher and the reputation of his school was high under his administration. Besides being a teacher, he was a physician and likewise a Baptist preacher. He was evidently a shrewd trader. He induced Rev. Wm. Hooper to agree to give him $2,500 for his residence, the four acres now the Battle lot, then having indifferent houses, a price generally thought to be $1,000 in excess. Hooper soon repented of his bargain but Clopton held him to it with a hawk's grip. After leaving Chapel Hill he settled in Virginia, near the residence of John Randolph, of Roanoke, who highly appreciated him as a preacher.

        Among the members of the class who did not graduate, John F. Phifer was a Commoner, Horace B. Satterwhite, a physician of Salisbury; Henry H. Watters, an influential planter of Brunswick County; Bartlett Yancey, one of the most eminent men of the State in his day, Speaker of the State Senate, Representative in Congress, an active Trustee of the University, and a Promoter of Public School Education; Wm. S. Blackman, a Commoner from Sampson; Abridgeton S. H. Burgess, a physician in Virginia.

        Graduates of 1810: Thomas Williamson Jones, Lawrenceville. Va.; James Fauntleroy Taylor, Chatham County; John Witherspoon, New Bern.


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        Jones was a physician; Taylor, Attorney-General and Trustee of the University; Witherspoon, Presbyterian divine at Hillsboro and elsewhere, President of Miami College, Doctor of Divinity from his Alma Mater and of Laws from Princeton. Mark Alexander, of Virginia, was with this class in the Senior year. He became a member of Congress and member of the Virginia Convention of 1829-'30.

        Of the non-graduating matriculates Samuel P. Ashe, of Halifax, and Thomas J. Singleton, of Craven County, were members of the Legislature.

        The honorary degrees were as follows: Doctor of Divinity to Rev. David Caldwell, eminent teacher and member of the Constitutional Convention of 1788; Rev. James Hall, the preacher-captain in the Revolution, Classical Teacher, Principal of Clio's Nursery; James McRee, pastor of Centre church, Mecklenburg County.

        Master of Arts to the following: Rev. Samuel Craighead Caldwell, pastor and teacher in Mecklenburg County; Rev. John Robinson, pastor of Poplar Tent church; Rev. William Leftwich Turner; Rev. James Wallis, Principal of Providence Academy in Mecklenburg; Rev. John McKamie Wilson, pastor at Rocky River and Principal of a Classical School.

        Commencement was ordered to be on the 24th of May, in 1812, on the first Thursday in June, with a six weeks' vacation thereafter, and another four weeks' vacation beginning on the second Thursday in December. In the next year the last Thursday in June was substituted for the first.

        The evil effects of the secession of 1805 and subsequent troubles were especially evident at the Commencement of 1811, there being no graduates, although the honorary degree of A.B. was awarded to John Ambrose Ramsey, a former student of high rank, who afterwards represented Moore County in the General Assembly. Nor were there any matriculates of note with the class.

        In order to show the stately dignity of the old times I give a copy of a Doctor of Divinity Diploma (D.D.) granted by the University in 1810 to the eminent classical teacher, David Caldwell. It is noticeable that the Latin of "Chapel Hill" is "Sacrarii-Mons,"


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or Mount of the Chapel. Those who worshipped in Buffalo church probably did not know it by the name of Bubulus, which some authorities say designated a kind of antelope. Alamance is correctly spelt Allemance, a name brought over from Germany by the settlers from that country. It savors of pathos to find a document so formidable signed by a President, one Professor and two Tutors, being the only Socii, i. e., Faculty, in charge of the University.

SENATUS UNIVERSITATIS
CAROLINAE SEPTEMTRIONALIS.

OMNIBUS ET SINGULIS AD QUOS HAEC PREVENERINT.
SALUTEM IN DOMINO.

        Quo rarior etiam inter doctos est summa peritia literarum, quippe quo multis arduisque laboribus versatum, eo magis gloria ejus ememinere debet, uti inter homines studium scientiae et virtutis augeatur, et qui attigerint pro merito remunerantur. Omnium quoque maximi refert, eos qui in his valde praestant, non ignorari sed ubique designari, ut societate hominum, quam plurimum proficiant. Quoniam igitur in hac nostra republica nobis commissum est artium optimarum studium fovere, et eos in his apprime institutos aequo commendare, notum sit quod nos, Praeses et Socii Universitatis Carolinae Septemtrionalis, Davidem Caldwell, jam multis annis Pastorem Ecclesiarum Bubuli et Allemanciae propter pietatem singularem, eruditionem eximiam, et mores probos, Gradu Doctorali in Sacrosancta Theologia condecoravimus, atque ei Theologiam Sacrosanctam docendi et profitendi potestatem concessimua. Quorum in testimonium his literis patentibus nostra chiographa apponemus et easdem sigillo communi hujus Universitatis obsignari curavimus.

Datum ad Sacrarii Montem in Aula Personica tertio kalendas Iulii, Anno Salutis Millesimo Octingesimo decem.

JOSEPHUS CALDWELL, Praes.
ANDREAS RHEA, Prof.
LUDOVICUS WILLIAMS, Tutor.
GULIELMUS HENDERSON, Tutor.


        As emphasizing the unfortunate interference by the Trustees in the discipline of the institution, I give the substance of a letter by the Secretary, Adjutant-General Robert Williams, to Dr. Caldwell in 1810, communicating officially a resolution of the Board, recommending the re-admission of a dismissed student. The Secretary, himself a Trustee, expressed the hope that the Faculty will not heed it. "If you will make the stand, Sir, it will in preference to all other methods have a tendency to bring the Board to a proper sense of their duties. They cannot dispense with your services--for you have more friends on


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the Board than any other man whatever." * * * "Mr. Alves and myself made talks against the report but it was carried by one majority." This action of the Board is curious as giving a good reason for its rejection, yet favoring its adoption. "In their opinion Mr. Long did justly and completely forfeit his rights as a student * * * through his disorderly behavior, rudeness and disobedience. * * * They find a difficulty in recommending that course which in consideration of the parents of the young man would be most consonant with their feelings." The regard for the feelings of the parents weighed down the good of the University. Dr. Caldwell endorsed on the letter of General Williams, "A new specimen of enforcement of authority."

        President Caldwell responded with hardly suppressed indignation in a letter addressed to the Board. "If this College is to be maintained the establishment must somehow be altered." He offered his resignation of the Presidency, hoping that it would be accepted at an early a date as possible, and at the end of six months absolutely. He was willing to remain in a subordinate capacity on a salary of $800 a year, so that $700 and the President's house might go towards the salary of the new executive.

        General Williams was right; the Trustees could not manage without Caldwell. He was induced by implied, if not expressed, promises of a change of policy, to retain his Presidency.

        In 1811 occurred an outbreak, the facts of which are not recorded. It is mentioned in a letter by a Trustee, Dr. Calvin Jones, then living in Raleigh, to Dr. Caldwell. Dr. Jones says that both inhabitants and strangers think that there never was a more clearly marked case to justify the most vigorous exercise of authority. The students met with reproof from everybody, whether gentle or simple. Their crestfeathers were completely down. Dr. Jones was greatly surprised at the effort of Governor Stone to get two of them into the Raleigh Academy; while he was not surprised that Mr. Sherwood Haywood, a "good, polite, clever, worthy man, who never contradicted anyone in his life," should have seconded his efforts. From this we see that the authorities of the University objected to their


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dismissed students being received into preparatory schools, as well as colleges.

        The insubordination, whatever it was, caused all the members of the Senior class, except John A. Ramsay, to forfeit their diplomas. The others were Mark Alexander, Thomas J. Faddis, Wm. Gilchrist, Frank Hawkins, Wm. J. Polk and William Moore, who passed their November examinations. They were all good men. Moore was the best scholar in the class; Gilchrist was next, afterwards a member of the Tennessee Legislature. Faddis, Hawkins and Polk were physicians of good standing, the latter of high reputation in Columbia, Tennessee. They obtained their diplomas in 1813; the others did not return.

        The Graduates of 1812 were: Daniel Graham, Anson County; James Hogg, late of Chapel Hill; Thomas Clark Hooper, Chapel Hill; William Johnston, Franklin County; Murdock McLean, Robeson County; Archibald McQueen, Robeson County; Johnson Pinkston, Chowan County; Joseph Blount Gregory Roulhac, Bertie County; William Edwards Webb, Granville County; Charles Jewkes Wright, Wilmington.

        Of these Graham was Secretary of the State of Tennessee, of great service to his Alma Mater in securing her military warrants; Hogg, McLean and Pinkston, physicians; Hooper, a lawyer; McQueen, a minister; Roulhac, son-in-law of Chief Justice Ruffin, a highly esteemed merchant of Raleigh; Webb, Professor of Ancient Languages in the University in 1799, as has been narrated.

        Of the non-graduates, Richard T. Brownrigg, of Chowan, was a planter and owner of fisheries, also a member of the Legislature. He removed to Columbia, Mississippi. David Dancy was a physician of standing, whose life was accidentally cut short.

        The honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) was conferred on Rev. Ashbel Green, D.D., President of the college of New Jersey (Princeton); of Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) on Rev. James Patriot Wilson, a clergyman of Philadelphia, author of works on religious subjects; and on Rev. George Addison Baxter, afterwards President of Washington and of Hampden-Sidney Colleges, and Professor of Theology in Union Theological Seminary, also an author.


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        The following shows the compensation of officers, before the election of Chapman:

        
President Caldwell, salary $1000.
share of tuition 375. $1375.
Prof. Rhea 800.
Tutor Lewis Williams 300.
Tutor William Hooper 300.
George Johnston, Master of Grammer School, all tuition and 100.
Robert Williams, Secretary-Treasurer 200.
Wm. Barbee, Supt. of Buildings and Grounds 20.
Total for salaries $3095.

BY-LAWS.

        From time to time the By-Laws or, as they were called, Ordinances were revised and much enlarged. I give some of the changes, deemed of interest. The Faculty consisted of the President, Professors and Tutors, the President having two votes in case of a tie.

        They must not be members of either of the societies or even attend a meeting.

        Each was bound to enforce the laws and report all breaches.

        They must hold monthly meetings and a report of their proceedings must be submitted to the Trustees. A history of each student must be kept.

        The winter session must begin on the 1st of January, if there one student to form a class, if not as soon as there shall be.

        Examinations for admission were in the presence of all the Faculty.

        Tuition and board at Steward's Hall were payable in advance. If the student arrived at the middle of the session or afterwards, he paid one-half.

        Each student must buy a copy of the laws for 12 1-2 cents. The certificate of membership was endorsed on the copy; and each must pledge his truth and honor to obey the laws.

        The Faculty were authorized to dismiss a student for general worthlessness, without specifying a particular offence.

        Even when not in study hours students must observe "proper silence and respectful deportment."


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        Two or three declaimed before the Faculty each afternoon. There were no exemptions except for natural impediment.

        On Saturday forenoons all students recited Grammar, or passages in Latin or Greek, or read pieces of their own composition.

        The annual examinations, (Commencements), began on the 22d of June, or on the 23d if that day was Sunday.

        If one was absent he was examined before all the Faculty.

        Habitual indolence, or absences, was punishable according to the aggravation.

        Deficient students were either publicly mentioned as bad scholars, or admonished privately, or "de-classed."

        The Faculty assigned duties at Commencement. Refusal to perform them was punishable by loss of diplomas.

        Instruction in morals and religion was required.

        Insults to the people of the village and attacks on property were forbidden, and the village could not be visited in study hours without permission. Students were prohibited to "make horse races" or bets; to keep cocks or fowls of any kind or for any purpose; to keep dogs or firearms, and to use firearms without permission.

        For intoxication the punishment was for the first offence admonition before the Faculty; for a repetition public admonition or suspension.

        For refusal to inform on a fellow-student the offender was admonished or suspended. For combination against a law, or to offer disrespect to the Faculty, all offenders, or leaders only, could be punished.

        On Sundays all ordinary diversion and exercises must be laid aside. Students could not fish, or hunt, or "walk far abroad," but what distance should be called "far" was not defined. Manual or corporal labor could not be without permission.

        Adjectives were exhausted in the denunciation of swearing; "Profane, blasphemous, impious language" prohibited. Admonition awaited all caught lying or using indecent gesture or language. If the falsehood was direct and malicious the punishment was suspension or expulsion.


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        If a student should refuse or delay opening his door when ordered by a member of the Faculty, it could be forced at his expense, and the occupant required to pay damages and be otherwise punished if found breaking any other law. And so, if a student should be sent for and refuse to appear, it was "a high contempt of authority."

        Rooms must be kept clean, students must not introduce filth of any kind therein, nor throw on the walls, nor within twenty yards of the building, any filth or dirt under penalty of being censured and forced to remove the same.

        Students were required to appear neat and cleanly, or be admonished, but they were recommended to be plain in dress. After January 1, 1805, they, as well as the Faculty, were ordered to have black gowns and wear the same in Person Hall at public meetings, but students must not wear a hat in the buildings.

        No student should build a hut, or retain one already built, without permission. This refers to the practice of those seeking privacy, having rough shelters in the corners of the partly finished South or "Main" Building, or under some umbrageous tree.

        Nor could students go out of sight of the buildings, or hearing of the bell in study hours, or at any other time when the bell might call them to duty.

        Rooms were not retained for anyone absent at the beginning of the session. At one period the students were allowed to race for them, as soon as prayer was finished, on the first morning.

        If the Faculty deemed any house improper for boarders, on account of irregular manner of living, or disorderly or pernicious examples, they may report it to the Trustees.

        As a rule there could be no rooming out of the University building until there were four in each room, but exceptions could be made if necessary for health, a certificate of a physician being the only evidence of this necessity.

        At the first ringing of the bell in the morning all should rise. At the second all should go to the Chapel.

        Students were forbidden to eat or drink at a tavern without permission. By "tavern" is meant places where alcoholic liquors were sold for drinks.


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        Dismission or expulsion was the punishment for associating with an expelled student. All universities and colleges were to be notified of the fact of expulsion and requested not to receive the offender.

        Those suspended must not reside within two miles of Chapel Hill.

        The Presiding Professor must notify parents of proper expenses and request them not to furnish their sons with additional funds.

        The Faculty shall have power to forbid dangerous games, and it was solemnly provided that no ball or other substitute used in licensed plays and pastimes should be composed of harder material than wound yarn covered with leather. This probably was intended for base-ball, in which it was the practice to put out a player by hitting him with a thrown ball while off base.

        For settlements of controversies between Faculty and students and officers of the institution, individually and collectively, six Trustees were annually appointed, who, with the President, made a quasi-court, any three of whom were a quorum. Their decision stood until reversed by the Board of Trustees.

STEWARDS.

        After the resignation of John Taylor, usually known as Buck Taylor, Pleasant Henderson, a Major of Cavalry under Col. Malready in the Revolutionary War, the youngest son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Williams) Henderson, brother of Judge Richard, who was father of Archibald and Chief Justice Henderson, was for some years the Steward of the University. Besides this position, he was during the sessions of the General Assembly Reading Clerk of the House of Commons. He married Sarah, daughter of Col. James Martin, brother of Governor Alexander Martin. The late Hamilton C. Jones, Reporter of the Supreme Court, married his daughter. He removed to Tennessee in 1831.

        The next Steward was Samuel Love, who came to Chapel Hill from Virginia. His son, Wm. Caldwell Love, was a student in 1802, but did not graduate, settled in Salisbury as a


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lawyer, served one term in Congress, and was one of our Trustees from 1814 to 1818.

        Mr. Love was succeeded by Wm. Barbee, son of Christopher Barbee, one of the donors of the University site. He lived for some time in Chapel Hill and then succeeded to part of his father's land, his home being on a conspicuous hill called "the Mountain," about two and a half miles east from Piney Prospect. As the village became more populous boarding at Commons became less favored, especially among the wealthier students. The compulsory feature was relaxed and finally abolished. Mr. Barbee was a member of the House of Commons in 1819.

        In 1810 it was concluded to create a new office with a salary of $20 a year, called Superintendency of Buildings and Lands. The first Superintendent was John Taylor, the elder, usually called Buck Taylor. He soon gave place to Wm. Barbee, the Steward, who held both offices for several years.

BEHAVIOR OF OLD-TIME STUDENTS.

        The records show that some of the students were abundantly wild in the early sessions of the University. In addition to the riots of 1798-99 the Faculty records, though incomplete, show that drinking and fights and rowdyism were too frequent. A distinguished statesman, Thomas Hart Benton, figured in a dangerous fray, drawing a pistol on Archibald Lytle, of Tennessee, the difficulty occasioned by Benton's having struck his adversary's nephew, a lad in the Grammar School. Lytle excused himself for not engaging in a duel with Benton by the plea that he had come a long distance at great expense for an education and could not afford to be expelled. We have such entries as these: "H. M. expelled for gross insolence in the Preparatory School. T. N. suspended for six months and recommended for expulsion for cutting C. I. over the eye with a stick." The Trustees declined to expel him. As to the charge of theft brought against one who afterwards became famous in the councils of the nation, I conclude that it arose from a mistake, distorted by the fierce party spirit of the day.

        A member of the Grammar School, "M. J., severely whipped for stabbing O. J. with a pen-knife in the shoulders." "W. R.


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suspended for kindling a fire in the house of the Trustees with intent to burn it." "J. G. was suspended for stealing beehives." Mr. Caldwell reports to the Trustees: "It is no uncommon thing for the students to go out at night at a very late hour and take bee-hives from the inhabitants of the village and the country round. They have found safety in the caution they practice."

        Other entries are: "W. K. admonished before all the students for exploding powder and refusing to go into recitation when ordered." "R. A. carried a keg of whiskey into his room, and he, A. J. and R. C. had a spree. He also associated with two suspended persons. R. A. was sentenced (offence not given) to sign a confession and read it before the students assembled for prayers. H. N. was expelled by the Trustees for gross insolence in the Preparatory School."

        At a somewhat later period H. B. was expelled for insolence to the President while suppressing a disturbance, firing pistols in the buildings and breaking a window-glass over the head of Tutor Clopton while holding recitation. I do not think that the glass came into actual contact with the Tutor's cranium.

        R. S. was expelled for firing pistols and for throwing stones at the Faculty. C. W. had the milder punishment of suspension for the rest of the session, as he only tried to break open a Tutor's door, and helped carry off a carriage and a gate.

        J. R. received a forced vacation of six months for firing a pistol in college and helping block up the Chapel door, while J. A. and R. B. got four months for firing pistols only. Public admonition before Trustees, Faculty and students was meted to J. W. for carrying off a carriage and gate and beam of the bell, J. P. for rolling stones in the passage of the building, J. L. for abstracting the irons of the bell, R. L., S. K. and J. M. for carrying off a carriage, and N. B. for threats of violence to Mr. Johnston, the teacher of the Academy.

        A brawl, which created great excitement, occurred during the Commencement of 1804 between Henry Chambers and a son of General Davie, Hyder Ali, humorously described by Dr. Hooper. The annual ball was held in the dining-room of Steward's Hall. The non-dancers stood around witnessing the


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amusement, and among those in front stood Chambers. While dancing Davie trod twice on the toes of Chambers, who demanded an explanation in such threatening manner as to incense the offender. Whereupon, though there was disclaimer of intention to insult, a fight ensued in the yard of the dwelling, Davie using a knife on account, he alleged, of the disparity in size between himself and antagonist, who was wounded, but not dangerously. The Trustees, being in session, tried the case, and on each signing a written declaration of regret and admission of being in fault, graciously pardoned the combatants. Davie expressed himself as especially grieved because he had used a weapon when his adversary was unarmed.

        T. J. fired a pistol in college but afterwards helped to put down disorder; C. D. C. "mischeviously trimmed" a horse in Mr. Taylor's enclosure, but satisfied the owner. The sentences were as follows The pistol-firer and horse-trimmer were admonished before the Faculty and students; the carriage-taker and Chapel-blocker above mentioned, were admonished before the Board of Trustees.

        I give these instances in order to show the character of the pranks thought to be "smart" and funny. There were many students who attended to their duties faithfully and obeyed the rules. For example the idea of Vice-President King or Governor Branch sallying out at midnight and stealing bee-hives is inconceivable. There were many like them.

        The difficulties of government were greatly increased by the existence in the village of one of those fruitful sources of evil, a grog-shop, then called tavern. An Ordinance was adopted prohibiting the students visiting it, but of course it was brutum fulmen. Public opinion by no means condemned drinking ardent spirits, and for many years, if the drinking by students did not amount to excess, it was not regarded as a serious offence. The University law was directed mainly against intoxication. To preserve order and detect offenders, the Tutors were charged with the combined duties of detectives and constables. They must with eager ears listen for sounds of revelry or even innocent jollity and forthwith disperse the assembly, and report its members for punishment. Besides this some Professor was ordered to visit the rooms each morning. Of course, in addition


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to constant collision with high-spirited young men, such supervision had the tendency to impair their self-respect, and to make them regard the Faculty as their natural enemies.

        In addition to the foregoing I find in Caldwell's handwriting a memorandum of what he called "notable transactions," in 1802:

        On the 28th of May a calf was placed in the Chapel and the benches pushed up against the pulpit. On the 5th of June a fence was built around the door of one Nutting and across the road. Captain Caldwell's house was stoned. Before these offences were committed the house of the Steward, Major Henderson, was stoned, one of his buildings overturned, his gate taken from its hinges and placed upon the pulpit.

        On Sunday night the 27th of June a bee-hive was stolen from John Taylor, carried to the Preparatory School-house, the honey taken out and daubed over the floor. The hive was left in the woods.

        Saturday night, 14th of August, Yeargin's corn was cut. A great number of toad-frogs and terrapins thrown into Monsieur Molie's room. He was also insulted with the utmost license in the dining-room and elsewhere; "nor was decency or order anywhere observed." In the dining-room stamping and outrageous insults; outside hollowing and extreme disorder.

        Wednesday night, 25th of August, Molie's room was burst open and a bee-hive placed in it. His bed was filled with a vast quantity of hair. The intention was professed to drive him from the University. President Caldwell adds the astounding information that this method of getting rid of officers by unremitting insult, abuse and violence has grown up with the institution. It was to put a stop to outrages like the foregoing that the ill-starred monitor experiment, hereafter to be described, was made.

        President Caldwell frequently bewailed the committal of secret offences, and the impossibility of procuring evidence against the offenders. The students on the other hand evidently resented his acquiring information in any manner not known to them. On one occasion, in 1810, pistols were fired in the building, and stones thrown at the windows of a recitation room


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while the Professor and his class were at their duties. Some of the offenders were suspended and others reprimanded. Forty-six students, a majority, including many good, orderly men, presented a paper stating that they were "bound by every sentiment of honor and justice to request the names of those who had given secret information to the Faculty." They charged that injustice had been done to some of those disciplined and urged the "impropriety of such information being received as evidence." "Falsehoods will be invented and we will be convicted without knowing our accusers, or having an opportunity of acquitting ourselves of the charges against us." * * * "We anxiously hope that by granting our petition you will put it out of the power of envious and malicious informers privately injuring the innocent." The journals of the Faculty are so imperfect that it is not known how this attack on the fair dealing of the Faculty was received, but it is certain that the name of the informer was not given up.

        In the spring of 1803, for some cause not now apparent, bitter quarrels occurred among some of the students, convulsing the student body and threatening to result in four or five duels. Challenges were given and accepted. There was one meeting, as the journal states that Samuel G. Hopkins, of Kentucky, and John H. Hawkins, of North Carolina, were expelled; the one for being in a duel and the other for acting as second, but further particulars are not given. Three or four other conflicts seemed imminent. Unable to cope with the difficulty Caldwell called in the help of the Trustees. The President of the Board, a Continental officer of the Revolution, who fought all the way from Brandywine to Eutaw, Col. Wm. Polk, famous for his chivalric courage and high sense of honor, responded with a letter to the students at large, blazing with earnest depreciation of their conduct. He is shocked by the report of the disgraceful and disorderly state of the University. I give a few sentences of his vigorous letter: "That students, almost grown, should at this late and inauspicious day, be guilty of the deplorable madness and folly of rashly sacrificing their character and fame, and laying in dust and ashes the fairest prospects of their country, through the destruction of her best anchor and hope, her University, is too much. It is folly in its most gigantic


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and hideous shape; insanity replete with consequences too direful and deleterious to be tolerated. In fine a deed of the kind meditated would operate as the worst of treason against the State." But for the arrival of three students, Searcy, James Benton and Nunn, who gave the information that the dangers were passed, he would have collected some Trustees and with them visited the University "with the fixed determination to expel with the most marked ignominy and disgrace any student guilty of giving, bearing or accepting a challenge." If the thing was not ended he urged Caldwell to send expresses for General Davie, Walter Alves, Richard Bennehan and Duncan Cameron, and notify him.

        Col. Polk was a stern, determined, strong man, physically and mentally, ready to fight any man on provocation, of commanding influence by reason of his war record, unyielding will, a mind, not great but strong, vigorous and well-balanced, and extensive possessions in North Carolina and Tennessee. The would-be duelists probably expected his approbation. His letter, therefore, couched in such threatening language, effectually and promptly crushed the tendency to deadly conflicts--as it has turned out, forever. As showing the evil sentiments on this subject once prevailing, I state that two students of the College of South Carolina who had been friends, promising young men, fought a duel with pistols for slight cause, one being killed and the other so wounded that his life was blighted; and the second of one of them was a prominent lawyer, afterwards United States Senator Butler.

        At this University there was no one killed or wounded. The two students who had been expelled, on the motion by the bye of General Davie, applied to have the sentence remitted, but a committee of which ex-Governor Martin was chairman reported against it and the application was refused. The Board adopted a most stringent ordinance, commanding the Faculty to expel and then hand over to the civil authorities all engaged in such conflicts as principals or as aiders and abetters.

        By the kindness of General Rufus Barringer, we have a letter dated February 28, 1804, by a sprightly student, Henry Chambers, to Adlai Osborne, of Salisbury, a recent graduate, which describes a 22d February celebration at the University. There


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was prevailing what the physicians called "nervous fever." One student, Philips of Edgecombe, uncle of ex-Judge Fred Philips, had died from it, and his countryman, Lemuel Sessoms, was not expected to live. He goes on, "My dear fellow, amidst all our afflictions of sickness, etc., we did not forget the 22d of February; nay we cherished a lively recollection of the character to whom that day gave birth and celebrated it in a pleasing and splendid manner. Yes; on that day we not only gave to the world the strongest, most conclusive indications of our love for the exalted, the immortal Washington, but showed incontestibly that we were hopeful votaries of Bacchus. About thirty of the most respectable students subscribed for a supper to be furnished by Mr. Nunn. The recent death of Mr. Philips prevented our having a dance as was intended, after the Senior class had finished speaking. Will you believe it--that out of that number there were but four or five sober. I, though strange to tell, was one of this number; but it was almost impossible for me to have been otherwise than sober as I was chosen President, and it was indispensable that I should keep cool. All the Faculty attended by special invitation. They gave us some good toasts, drank pretty freely, retired (except ----, whom we consider one of ourselves), early and left us to our own enjoyment. ---- performed noble feats that day. He got intoxicated twice. He, some others and myself, commenced drinking wine at 11 o'clock in the forenoon and continued drinking until one. By this time all found it necessary to go to bed to get sober enough to attend the supper. This we did, and ---- got 'all seas over' again. College exhibited a pretty scene next morning. I am unable to describe it."

        It is impossible to imagine such a debauch in our day. Chambers was in the Senior class, a man of talent, afterwards a leader in the anti-monitor dispute with the Trustees. He was a physician of strength.

A DISASTROUS EXPERIMENT IN COLLEGE GOVERNMENT.--THE
GREAT REBELLION.

        The indignation aroused by such offences, especially the dueling episode, prompted the Trustees in 1805 to adopt laws of such inquisitorial severity as outraged the sense of justice among


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the students. In the first place the President and Faculty were required to take an oath before a Justice of the Peace or Judge to execute the laws of the institution. Having thus quickened the sense of responsibility of the governors the next move was on the students. There was already, (as I have heretofore shown), a by-law of the institution that the President should appoint a monitor for each class "to mark absentees from Prayers and Public Worship on Sunday, to note all profane swearing or gross or vulgar language, and report at Prayers on each Sunday morning."

        They were notified that if they failed they would "betray the trust confided to them." Naturally this duty was neglected, as the monitors were not willing to incur the odium of being "common informers." It was determined by the Trustees to strengthen this ordinance. Mr. A. D. Murphey, the young lawyer who had recently been Professor of Ancient Languages, moved for a committee to report amendments to the by-laws. Mr. Duncan Cameron, who then at the age of 28 was a lawyer of large practice, afterwards also a Judge and President of the great State Bank of North Carolina, with Murphey as chairman, constituted the committee. Their report was unanimously adopted, but there was only a bare quorum of the Board.

        The ordinance required two monitors to be appointed by lot from the twelve senior students of each class to serve one month. They were to take an oath before some officer authorized to administer an oath as follows:

        "I, A. B., Monitor of the .......... class, on the establishment of the University of North Carolina, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the duties of a monitor of the .......... class, during my continuance in office, without fear, favor or affection, to the best of my understanding, so help me, God."

        1. The duties were to preserve order among the students in the College, the dining-room and elsewhere, with power to suppress every species of irregularity. Opposition by a student to a monitor engaged in preserving the good order of the institution, was a misdemeanor, to be punished by private or public admonition, by suspension, or otherwise, as the offence might deserve.

        2. The classes were to sit together in the dining-room, the monitors presiding. They were invested with full power, and it was their duty to preserve proper decency and decorum among the students at their respective tables, to permit no loud talking, laughing or other improper behavior,


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to suffer no waste of the provisions, nor suffer the same to be abused at the table, nor allow any to be taken away, without the Steward's consent. In case of misbehavior they were directed to order the offender away from the table. All students were bound to take their meals at Commons unless excused on the plea of ill health.

        3. They were strictly to watch over the conduct of the students at all times during their continuance in office, and make report of every irregularity and impropriety of behavior to the Faculty at the end of each week. They were also to report all injuries to public buildings and property with the names of the offenders.

        4. At the ringing of the bell for meals the students were ordered to repair to the dining-room, arrange themselves according to the order of their classes on each side of the door, with their Monitors at the head, and thus follow the Tutor into the room.

        5. Each class must sit by itself in the Public Hall with the Monitors at their head. The Tutors and Monitors were enjoined to have these formalities strictly complied with, "and in no instance permit the same to be departed from."

        6. The Monitors of the Junior and Sophomore classes were to be the marshals at Commencement and make all necessary arrangements therefor.


        Those present when this astounding law was passed were the President of the Board, Col. Wm. Polk, Duncan Cameron, A. D. Murphey, Col. Edward Jones, Robert Montgomery, Adlai Osborne and Wm. H. Hill.

        They were among the best men of the State. Cameron and Murphey were among the leaders in professional life and in legislative halls. Public school teachers owe Murphey a peculiar debt of gratitude. Jones was the able Solicitor-General. Montgomery and Hill were members of Congress. Osborne was a lawyer of large practice, as indeed were all the others except Col. Polk, who was president of a bank and a wealthy planter. Not one, except Murphey, had been a teacher.

        Murphey must be held principally responsible for this ill-judged measure. Public opinion deemed it the suggestion of President Caldwell, but he denied it and appealed to the Board of Trustees to confirm his statement. The ordinance was written by a lawyer evidently. I can only account for the monstrous blunder on the part of men of such reputation for sagacity by the following explanation. President Caldwell said that in the great rebellion of 1799, when Gillaspie, the Principal, was beaten, he and Murphey were threatened. It may be that resentment


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for such outrages unsettled his judgment, and Cameron, a busy lawyer acquiesced because his friend, having lived among the students, was supposed to have peculiar knowledge of the subject. So clear to Murphey seemed the propriety of governing the institution by the machinery of the criminal law, just as are governed in large measure the German universities, that he proposed to the Trustees to ask the General Assembly to make the head of the University a Justice of the Peace. This motion met with slender support. It is justice to him to state that he soon changed his notions about the discipline of students.

        As the spirit of the proposed ordinance was the treatment of the students like soldiers in service, it was naturally approved by Col. Polk, who had been President of the Board for two years. He was a man of autocratic temper, and had served under the iron discipline of Baron Von Steuben of the school of the great Frederick.

        If our students had been a colony of wax-dolls they might have submitted to this law without a murmur. If cruel tyranny had crushed out all their instinctive sense of right and wrong and made them a colony of liars and sneaks, they would have cringed, promised obedience and straightway systematically fawned upon and deceived the professors; but, being American boys with independence of thought and abundance of pluck, they received the ordinance with angry disgust and determination not to submit. Four Seniors out of seven, eleven Juniors out of sixteen, twenty-four Sophomores and six Freshmen, in all forty-five, being a majority of all the students in attendance, and a very large majority of the ablest and most mature, presented a remonstrance to the Faculty and Trustees, at the same time binding themselves to leave the institution if one of their number should be punished. And to use their own language, "If any signer should withdraw from the league he should be considered unworthy the attention of a gentleman," an ostracism more terrible to the average student than death or expulsion.

        President Caldwell had not then learned the management of North Carolina students. He made the singular mistake of


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supposing that the requirement of an oath was the only cause of the indignation. At his request a "pledge of honor" was substituted for the oath, but the promise in other respects being more stringent. The change was unanimously rejected by the recalcitrants. After this, in December, 1805, the ordinance was unanimously repealed.

        As this was a disastrous experiment in college government, I give in detail the substance of the ordinance substituted for that requiring the oath, adopted about six weeks later at a called meeting of the Board.

        The Trustees sought to sustain their authority by "suspending for unlimited time" the obnoxious requirement.

        By the amendment the Monitors were required to repeat and subscribe, in presence of the Faculty and students, the following promise, to be engrossed in large characters in a book, to be kept for that purpose: "I, A. B., Monitor of the....class, do promise and pledge myself......that I will endeavor by a faithful and impartial discharge of the duties of my appointment to prove my respect and veneration for a moral and religious conduct, my patriotism and love of honor, my attachment to the interests of literature and science, and my filial regard for the reputation and happiness of this University." These fine words by no means buttered the parsnips of the students, for there followed additional duties and requirements even more exacting and odious than were in the previous ordinance.

        The first gave power to the Monitors only over their own classes. The second charged them with the duty of watching the conduct and language of all students, as well as of their own classes. They must forbid immoral and irreligious conduct and breaches of the laws; and not only those but every species of irregularity and indecency, words so general as necessarily to lead to frequent disputes. Like the Tribunes of Rome their persons were made in a manner sacrosancti, it being a misdemeanor to disobey or insult one. The same strict table laws were re-enacted.

        The Monitors must make weekly written reports, minutely stating all breaches of the laws, all immoralities, irregularities or instances of indecent behavior by any student, naming the offender, especially reporting injuries to University property.


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        Any student appointed Monitor, wilfully failing or neglecting to discharge his duties, was to be punished by admonition, or suspension not exceeding three months, and for second offences suspended indefinitely, and reported to the Trustees for expulsion.

        It was further ordered that the Tutors of the Preparatory School should visit the rooms of the students three nights in the week, and anyone not in his room was liable to be reprimanded by the aforesaid Tutor and punished by the President of the University. And any Preparatory student under sixteen years of age wilfully injuring the college buildings was to be publicly whipped with not less than five or more than ten stripes. If over sixteen years of age the punishment was public admonition and suspension for the first offence, and expulsion for the second offence, "by the President without reporting to the Trustees."

        The foregoing summary shows that the objections of Chambers hereafter mentioned were not without weight, and were not founded on a distorted view of the letter and spirit of the substituted ordinance.

        Contemporaneous letters show vividly the consternation caused by the great secession, as great in proportion to the numbers of the community as was the march of the Plebians of Rome to the summit of Mons Sacer. The Steward, Major Pleasant Henderson, wrote to a Trustee, Walter Alves, "The crisis is awful. Communicate this fateful intelligence to Mr. Bennehan. I know how much it will affect him." Mr. Bennehan, whose christian name was Richard, was the grandfather of Mr. Paul C. Cameron, long one of our ablest and most efficient Trustees. He had resigned his Trusteeship the year before on account of bodily infirmity.

        The President of the Board, Col. Polk, wrote to President Caldwell: "The situation into which the imprudence and ill-directed conduct of the seceding students has thrown the institution is truly distressing." He announced that the Trustees had agreed that those who had not left the Hill and are willing to submit, may do so on terms, but those who have deserted


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without leave must apply to the Trustees. If the classes have been so depleted as to make it impracticable to carry out the system, it may be dispensed with; but, he added with the old Von Steuben instinct of discipline, "when the classes grow the ordinance must be enforced."

        In another letter he says: "I. W. applies for re-admission. The Trustees decline to act in individual cases, but will publish general terms. They must promise to conform to the laws."

        President Caldwell was of course deeply stirred. While not originally responsible for the ordinance he endeavored with zeal to carry it into effect, and he denounced the conduct of the rebellious students to the Trustees with bitterness. In a letter to Richard Henderson, urging him to accept the Professorship of Languages, he predicted that one-half or two-thirds of "the conspirators" will ask leave to return. He adds pathetically, "If so many of the youth of our country can so easily sacrifice the opportunity of science and aim with so little reluctance a fatal blow at the very existence of the University, it is for those who know by greater experience the value of such an institution to baffle the waves of adversity and steer the bark safely from the storm which assails it." He then declares though tempted by the offer of higher salary and a more congenial chair, he had "foregone all temptations with the view of still sustaining our tottering institution, assailed as it is by outward foes and rent as it has been lately by an explosion of inward insubordination, rashness and profligacy."

        I find an allegorical paper among Dr. Caldwell's manuscripts entirely in his handwriting, where and how published, or whether published at all, I have been unable to ascertain, giving a picture of the morals and manners of the students, which we must hope, is far too highly colored. It is entitled "An Attempt at a Foul and Unnatural Murder." Some parts of it are worth quoting--"A respectable matron who has a large family of children became an object of odium and conspiracy among them on account of the strict restraint she imposed upon their vices and disorders. She had with infinite regret observed in them for a long time a strong tendency to the practise of getting drunk and then engaging in the acts of theft, lewdness and riot,


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which naturally incurred the necessity of much lying, equivocation and duplicity." Those not participating, refusing to inform, "were involved in equal disgrace with the guilty." Also many "engaged in the practise of gaming, profane swearing, and insulting the people they met with," and when resistance was encountered, "by threats of secret mischief or imposing blustering attempt to ward off punishment." Also they frequently played tricks, entered associations for making noise, tumult, vociferation and confusion, to the interruption of the family and the disgrace of their mother's house.

        She fell upon the expedient of appointing some of the number, if they could not prevent, "to make report to her of those who misbehaved. As she knew the more perfect the restraint could be made, the better it would be for her offspring, she required the inspectors to be under oath to be faithful to their duty. The reason of this particular was that their depravity had ripened so far as it lay it down as a maxim, that mere promises were of no force."--"Only those promises which bound them to their duty were pronounced to be of no force, but such as they made to one another, binding them to faithfulness in their combination against the laws and rules of the family, as to conceal the author of every immorality, and disorder, were deemed as sacred and kept as inviolate as promises to do good among the generality of mankind."

        "After six weeks trial, they remonstrated against the oath. That was withdrawn and a promise of honor substituted. Then many grew outrageous and clearly evinced that it was not the oath that had excited their aversion, but the necessity of giving up their beloved habits of licentiousness." "They suddenly and impetuously flew at her in a body, grasped her by the throat and made a promiscuous outcry that they would rather die than submit to such tyranny, that the laws of morality were not made for young people. That God Almighty himself could not abide by such laws and that as for religion they cared not half so much for the privilege of an orison to the Supreme Being, as they did for the liberty of taking his name in vain, abusing him habitually to his face, and damning all his progeny into eternal perdition. It was enough to bring tears into the eyes of any


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person of common feeling to see how unrelenting the exasperation was which the love of their vices had infused in them."--"So blinded were they to the real nature of their habits, that they acted as if they were doing no more than vidicating by a desperate struggle their proper rights, while nothing could be plainer, than that an indissoluble attachment to disorder and libertinism had brought their feelings to so irritated a state."--"Exerting every nerve they long kept their mother gasping and half-expiring, till they grew weary of their efforts, and she extricated herself from their clutches. Thus setting herself at liberty they fled from the home, leaving a dread upon the mind of the astonished and suffering parent lest they should ever become troublesome by solicitation to be re-admitted.--If such application be made we hope that she will always remember, that if she is not out of existence, it is neither for the want of a wish nor of the utmost effort they could make to destroy her."

        The records show that those applying for re-admission were few, notwithstanding the repeal of the ordinance.

        I have discovered among the papers of General John Steele, a letter written to him by Henry Chambers, who was, as I have said, a chief leader of the insurgents, showing the students' side of the controversy. He begins by saying, "Every friend to science must lament the injudicious conduct of the Trustees in passing so odious a law. It was very objectionable in theory but much more so in practice. It banished all harmony. The consequence of every return of the Monitor was a contention between the students and the teacher and the students and the Monitors. Frequently have I heard the return of the Monitor contradicted in the public Hall, though he was acting under oath. What young man of feeling would be willing to place himself in such a situation as this? Who would suffer himself publicly to be called a perjured villain? And the Monitor does this when he permits the correctness of his returns to be questioned. When our Remonstrance was presented to the Trustees, they consented to take off the oath but substituted a promise no less binding, and introduced some provisions into the law which made it much more objectionable than it was originally. Upon examination it will be found that


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the Monitors have cognizance now, not only of the conduct of their particular classes but of the whole school. Thus a member of the lower class can admonish and return a member of the Senior or Junior classes. And is it not degrading to put a young man of the first stand in College under the absolute control of a little Boy; a Boy that may be incapable of discriminating between proper and improper conduct? It certainly is."--"Perhaps an apology is due you for troubling you with this letter. I beg that you will ascribe it to the uncommon solicitude I feel to satisfy my friends as to the part I have acted. If they condemn me it is my misfortune to be condemned for doing what I conceive to be right and proper."

        Chambers was one of the best students in his class and very near to receiving his diploma. It must have been a profound conviction that made him become the leader in the movement of resistance and ultimately of secession.

        A letter dated September 23, 1805, published by Dr. S. B. Weeks in the University Magazine of April and May, 1894, from John L. Conner to his brother, gives also the views of the students as to the Monitor Ordinances. He called them oppressive and tyrannical. "A remonstrance, signed by forty-five students, was handed to the Faculty and Trustees, a fortnight before the expiration of the monitorial office. The Trustees did not repeal the laws but modified them, and in that modification they also magnified them, being still more severe (the oath excepted) than before." For the oath was substituted a solemn promise. Those who signed the remonstrance were desired to meet in order to decide: 1st, Is the promise binding? This was affirmed by a large majority. 2d, Is the law modified? The vote on this was 22 in the negative against 19. "Of course, according to the remonstrance and 'private obligation,' we were obliged to leave College." Mr. Conner goes on to express his admiration of the speakers among the students. "The legislature of North Carolina cannot produce men of such accurate judgment, reasoning and fluent language as was displayed in the debates of our honorable body. * * * Those who signed (with some exceptions) are the most respectable, both in their class and character."


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        Conner gives his reason for joining the insurrection. "When I was first asked to sign, I refused, alleging that I could agree to be governed by the laws but not to be one that should enforce them, that the law would not affect me as I boarded out of College: that I should not be made a monitor for the same reason, and that I was seldom among the monitors." He found however that he was not only liable to be monitor but to be forced to live in the College building. He had recently a severe attack of rheumatism and if he should be sick in College he would have very little attendance and stand in need of every necessity. "The fare also in College is miserable, for it is common to see skippers in beef, which is the only flesh diet they have. In this case they must fast, for by a later ordinance they are debarred from getting a dinner elsewhere."

        "Only four students, who signed the remonstrance, now remain in the village. The rest have returned home to their parents and friends, who highly approve of their conduct. They have no idea of their sons being perjured by an extorted oath. The trustees have exhibited the affair in as bad a point of view as possible, nothing more than what was to be expected. However, they have since had the generosity to acknowledge an error in judgment."

        Conner concluded to remain in Chapel Hill and pursue his studies privately. He adds naively, "I assure you that I should not have signed, had I not thought myself justifiable in so doing. But I had not the least idea in its terminating in such disagreeable consequences." He subsequently accepted the offer of the Trustees that the seceders might return on subscribing a promise to obey the laws of the institution.

        John Lancaster Conner was evidently a young man of parts. He was a lineal descendant of the Quaker Lord Proprietor, and Governor of Carolina, John Archdale, and grandson of Emmanuel Love, Secretary of the Province. He left the University without graduating, probably on account of his rheumatism, and died early.

        It must be admitted that the seceders adopted the wrong remedy for the evil of which they complained. They injured themselves and injured the University. They inflicted severe


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pain on those who loved them best, their parents and relatives. They would undoubtedly have procured the repeal of the ordinance at an early date by continued strong, yet courteous, petitions. It was passed by a thin Board, a bare quorum. The Trustees were judicious and well-meaning, and it was repealed after only a few months operation. The secession and violent language were a hindrance to early repeal, because the Trustees could not yield to denunciation and threats.

        That I am correct in this criticism of the action of the students is sustained by a letter from General Davie to Treasurer Haywood, of the date of September 22, 1805. His opinion had commanding weight with the Trustees, and that was decidedly against the ordinance. He wrote: "The late unfortunate occurrence at the University is much to be lamented on many accounts, but most of all for the ill-advised measure which gave birth to the conduct and feeling of the students. An ordinance of the same kind was rejected several years ago on a full consideration by the Board on the ground that the principle was improper. These Monitors under the ordinance are not a species of Magistrates but real spies, and human nature revolts from the principle of espionage in every shape. The corruption and depravity of London, Paris, and other large cities, render its adoption necessary to the police, but the most degraded wretch in the sinks of depravity could not be induced to accept it as a public office, and always stipulates for the most profound secrecy with regard to his employment. I do not believe that the duty of Monitor or Censor has ever been carried further in any literary Institution than to note absences from prescribed duties such as attendance on recitation, prayers, Church, etc." He counselled absolute repeal of the ordinance.

        He was, however, far from approving the violent conduct of the students. He advised that the ring leaders should not be re-admitted. He added: "I have reflected much and seriously since this event on the cause of this spirit of insubordination, and the means of preventing it. It has always existed in a considerable degree; the ordinance may be considered as only an accidental cause. I think the real causes may be found in the deficits of domestic education in the Southern States, the


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weakness of parental authority, the spirit of the Times, the arrangements as to vacation, and some errors by the Board which I will notice hereafter."

        "Every man of discernment who has lived forty or fifty years must have observed and lamented the general decay of parental authority and the consequent presumption and loose manners of our young men. Boys of 16 or 17 years, without judgment, without experience as to almost any knowledge of any kind, arrogantly affect to judge for themselves, the trustees and even their parents in matters of morality, of government, of education, in fact of everything. The effect of the other general cause is visible throughout the whole of their remonstrance. Nothing can be more ridiculous than Boys at school talking of 'sacred regard for their rights,' 'the high and imposing duty of resistance,' and of 'denouncing laws,' etc., etc., the genuine slang of the times, culled from the columns of newspapers; yet these very sounds are attended with the most mischievous consequences. Over these causes however the Board has no power or influence, but they must be considered to be counteracted as far as practicable."

        General Davie then states that he has observed that these disturbances take place in the Fall of the year. This he attributes to the great length of time the students have been confined at College. "They become tired and disgusted with study, their minds generally acquire a sour, gloomy and restive temperament, producing a general predisposition to any measure that may break up the session, or interrupt business and distress the Faculty."--To remedy this he recommended having the two vacations on the same footing, i. e. of the same length.

        "The difficulty we have continually experienced in the management of youth at this institution, has obliged me to reflect on the means we have used, and the nature of the Government of such institutions. I am now perfectly convinced that the best governed Colleges are those which have the most respectable Faculties, and the fewest written laws, and that we have committed a serious error in making an ordinance for everything, in other words legislating too much. It is now my opinion that after describing the kind of punishment to be used in the Establishment, and reserving in all cases the punishment of


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Expulsion to be confirmed by the Board, the rest should be left to the discretion of the Faculty."

        "It may require some reflection to see the justness of this remark, owing to certain habits among us of acting and thinking, and I will only add that the principles of parental government are the true models for that of literary institutions for the youth of all kinds from the University down to the common schools. The parental government has no written laws, and I would observe that no mortal man could govern his family if he adopted that mode. If he did his whole household would become, like these students, lawyers and legislators, discussing his ordinances, chattering about 'their rights,' 'despotism,' 'duty of resistance,' etc., etc. They would form themselves into revolutionary committees and be always deliberating, remonstrating and revolting."

        He doubted the propriety of publishing in the newspapers all the distinctions made. The motive is good, but "it has the effect of filling the young men with presumption, and a vain imaginary consequence. Perhaps it is better to notice in the papers the Commencement honors only."

        " 'It is dangerous to depart from the paths of Experience,' is a truth I am more and more convinced of every day I live."

        General Davie left Halifax for his plantation in South Carolina about the first of November, and this letter contains the last counsels he gave to the institution which he so long cherished. With the exception of his recommendation of two vacations of equal length, the management of the institution has been for many years on the line he advocated. During President Caldwell's administration the Trustees ceased to interfere in the discipline, and in 1876 the By-Laws were quietly laid aside and the requirement that students behave as gentlemen was adopted as the general rule of conduct.

        The repeal of the obnoxious ordinance did not bring back the seceders. In 1805 there were only three graduates and in 1806 only four. In 1807 they rose to six and in 1808 to thirteen.

        The following list shows the names of the seceders:

        Of the Senior Class: Henry Y. Webb, of Hillsboro; Henry Chambers, of Rowan; John Owen, of Bladen; Ransom Hinton, of Wake--4.


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        Juniors: Alfred M. Burton, Granville; Daniel Forney, Lincoln; Wm. B. Meares, New Hanover; Wm. Campbell, Cumberland; Green H. Campbell, North Carolina; James Young, Granville; Henry G. Williams, Northampton; John C. Montgomery, Hertford; James A. Cain, Orange; James A. Harrington, Richmond; John S. Young, North Carolina--11.

        Sophomores, then spelt Sophimores: John B. Brown, Bladen County; Wm. Cowan, New Hanover County; Alexander Gilmour; Wm. Pegues, Cabarrus County; Benj. B. Hunter, Tarboro; Samuel Spencer, Anson County; Lewis Duke, Warren County; James Tignor; Thomas Goode, Virginia; John B. Jasper, New Bern; Haley I. Inge, Louisiana; Horace B. Satterwhite, Salisbury; Wm. Gilmour, Halifax; Wm. Maclin, Virginia; Wm. W. Williams, Martin County; Wm. Ferrand, Rowan County (probably), Wm. Hayes, Pittsboro; Wm. Green, Warren County; Levi Whitted, Orange County (probably); John Jones, New Hanover County (probably); Palmer Mosely, Lenoir County; John L. Conner, Pasquotank County; Wm. Roulhac, Martin County--23.

        Freshman Class: Philemon Hawkins, Warren County; Robert Collier, Chapel Hill; Joseph H. Pugh, Bertie County (probably); Henry Watters, Orange County; Wm. Hinton, Bertie County; John Williams, Warren County (probably); Wm. Williams, Martin County--7.

        Some of these attained prominence in after life: John Owen, was Governor; Henry Y. Webb, a Judge; Wm. B. Meares, a State Senator; John Jones, Speaker of the House. Some others attained the dignity of representing their counties in the General Assembly. A few returned after a year's absence and graduated. The majority settled down into the steady useful life of North Carolina citizens.

        The Trustees were evidently sore at their defeat. Probably some of the seceding students obtained admission into other institutions. In 1807 a letter was sent to the Presidents of all the Colleges in the Union, transmitting copies of "An Ordinance to Prevent the Admission into the University of North Carolina of Improper Persons as Students." It was signed by Governor Benjamin Williams, as President of the Board. Accompanying


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it was a letter by him, stating that it was adopted because of recent acts of hostility to authority and the laws, committed in several American Colleges, and asking for a regular report of expulsions and desertions.

        The scope of the ordinance was--

        1. Refusal to admit into the University of North Carolina any student expelled from any University or College, or who has deserted therefrom to avoid trial for offences.

        2. Requiring of all applicants for admission a declaration that they have not been expelled and have not so deserted another institution.

        3. That the names, ages and residences of all such expelled students and deserters shall be transmitted to all other institutions, and also recorded in the journals of the Faculty and of the Board. Similar lists transmitted from other institutions shall be similarly recorded.

        This document, apparently vindictive in its intent, by the use of the word "deserters," as applicable to students leaving the institution pending charges, coupled with the inquisitorial character of the ordinance appointing Monitors, intimates that the authorities regarded them as subject to control similar to that used in the army over soldiers. The experiment is interesting as a step in the transition from the old-time severity of Colleges, as well as family government, to the more free, and, as results here proved, more satisfactory modern methods.

        A difficulty which occurred in 1808 shows strongly the sensitiveness of the Faculty in regard to their authority and that they had not lost their pluck in consequence of the "great Rebellion." Because of dissatisfaction in regard to fare in Steward's Hall thirty-eight students, among them eight Seniors and nine Juniors, in the list being such men as John Branch, afterwards Governor and Secretary of the Navy, James F. Taylor, Solicitor for the State, Mark Alexander, a member of Congress, signed a petition to the Faculty, stating their grievances in strong language. Among other things they said: "Having borne with patience for a considerable time a failure of the Steward to comply with the bill of fare, and having observed the inefficiency of individual complaints to produce an amendment,


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and seeing that our rights are infringed upon, we have thought proper to petition the Faculty, in whom is vested the power to enforce a compliance. Our grievances are daily accumulated, and they are such whose importance demands immediate redress. We have long observed an insufficiency of butter.--The beef has been such as to shock every sentiment of decency--frequently unsound and covered with vermin.--The frequency of this shows that it proceeds from carelessness in the Steward, and as such we require an alteration."

        The paper was drawn evidently by Maxwell Chambers, of Salisbury, afterwards a physician of that place, a relative of Dr. Henry Chambers, leader of the great Secession. It was considered by the Faculty to be offensive, the use of the word "require" and the like savoring of rebellion. At their suggestion another was substituted, stating that, "on reflection we have discovered the inconsistency of our former petition, and therefore, conformable to your opinion and also to our own view, we now offer one, in which is contained a plain statement of every article, on which our complaints are founded." After enumerating the charges in regard to the deficiencies of the table, they "entreat the interposition of your authority for a redress of our grievances."

        I wish I could add, as old children stories concluded, "and so they lived happily together," but the journal shows that two students, one Senior John R. Stokes, and one Junior, Elias Foord, refused to sign the amended paper and were suspended from the institution. Afterwards Stokes petitioned the Trustees for restoration, alleging that he meant no disrespect to the Faculty by his conduct and promising obedience to the laws. This was approved by the Faculty and the Trustees, after a long preamble avowing their determination to sustain the authority of the Faculty. They agreed to the request, "as an offering of kindness and favor." Stokes returned and took his diploma, but Foord remained at home.

        As the Faculty, when satisfied of the guilt of one accused, often declined to accept his denial, it sometimes probably happened that injustice was done. In 1811 I find a paper signed by six students, some of whom undoubtedly were during their adult


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lives good citizens, "attest upon their truth that they heard a certain person avow in such manner as to convince them of his unaffected sincerity that he performed the self-same act for the supposed commission of which J. Pinkston had been suspended." Pinkston was reinstated.

        The indignation of the friends of this student and another was so great that when President Caldwell rose in the Chapel to announce their suspension, twenty-three of their friends ostentatiously marched out in disgust. Among them were such men as Charles L. Hinton, a State Treasurer; John G. B. Roulhac, prominent merchant; and Arthur Hopkins, a Chief Justice. They miscalculated the firmness of the President and his Faculty, who promptly suspended them all. A strong and well-written letter of apology and regrets, almost too fulsome, was promptly sent in by the humbled insurgents. Hear them. "You, Revd. and respected Sir, are conversant with the history of man from infancy to maturity. You have taught the young idea how to shoot. You have poured the fresh instruction over the mind. You have fixed the worthy purpose in the glowing breast."

        "We have acted improperly.--It proceeded from the temporary absence of reason and reflection.--We acknowledge our error with contrition.--We ardently solicit and respectfully hope for forgiveness for this our late offence and particularly for the conduct of those of tender age who may have been led into error by our example."

        "With that respect, Reverend and Revered Sir, that your character and conduct universally command, and of which you are so highly deserving, we presume to add that of our esteem and individual affection, let the fate of this letter be what it may."

        To this eloquent letter, which likewise contained disclaimer of intentional disrespect and promise of future good conduct, the cold answer was returned by the President, that after their return to their homes the petition might be taken up and considered. Most of them were reinstated and took their degrees.

        In one case an extraordinary amount of contrition was demanded. The sentence was that the offender should be indefinitely


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suspended unless he should acknowledge to the Faculty in the presence of all the students that he had done wrong, secondly that he should crave the indulgence and good will of the Faculty and particularly of the President, thirdly that he should assure the Faculty that he would obey the laws in the future.

        Sometimes the good President wrote out the letters of contrition to be signed by the offenders. One of them is made to say, when summoned to answer the Professors for neglect of duty, "It is with shame and confusion I confess the low and vulgar expressions in which I suffered my obstinate and indecent passions to vent themselves in return for their solicitude for my welfare, * * * and I will never again be guilty of such language, or of any voluntary infraction of the laws of this institution which is so sacredly devoted to the production and advancement of good morals and science in the hearts and understandings of the young." The student who signed the above-mentioned paper--what is often called in the country a "lie-bill," was so agitated that he forgot to dot his i's in William; a grammatical neglect of atrocious magnitude in those days.

        Notwithstanding these occasional outbreaks it is refreshing to find periods of tranquillity. A sentimental observer writing in February, 1803, praises students and Faculty in glowing language. He says "voluntary acquiescence stamps a reverence on the minds of all. Contentment extends its influence through every department and beams with placid serenity on every brow."

SAYINGS AND INCIDENTS OF A COMICAL NATURE.

        Comical incidents and sayings form so large part of University life that I record some as specimens of what in the old days were considered amusing. I begin with two pictures of incorrigible boys.

        For a short while during this period little descriptive notes were kept in a book, of which the following are specimens of the worst. For the most part they are favorable.

        "R. B. is very indolent, seldom or ever recites his lessons well; and absents himself from the class at recitations, and for his absences seldom produces but frivolous excuses. He has made very little improvement and the repeated admonitions of


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his teachers are insufficient to rouse him to industry and to induce him to apply himself to study."

        "J. V., who reads nothing but Virgil, neither construes or parses very correctly. He is possessed of only moderate genius and is much inclined to be indolent. He takes little pains to improve and seldom remembers on one day what he has been told on the preceding. He is nearly grown and though he has been much at school, he has made but little progress and certainly will never be proficient in the languages."

        Of the anecdotes some are true, some mythical.

        A letter written February 8, 1809, from Henry H. Watters to his mother, who lived near Wilmington, shows that, while the spirit of insubordination had not entirely died out, the buoyancy of youth had caused the students to turn their attention to other matters than resisting the Faculty, even using intensive culture to promote the growth of sprouting beard.

        "The young men have for some time been very irregular in their conduct, and yesterday one received a public admonition and six or seven a private one. None have merited suspension or expulsion. A little mischief now and then is expected from young men and only serves to remind teachers of their duty. I have not spent but one quarter uselessly and that was in buying cider. I have purchased other things, but they are necessaries. I have received the articles which I purchased last fall at a vendue; A. Reaves, a noted gambler, was my security, so you see I have not lost my credit. I had a pair of shorts made of the cotton cassimere and am resolved to shine here, if not with you. My beard and whiskers are sprouting finely. I shave them once a week and grease them every night with tallow. I am told by some of my fellow students that greasing is a fine thing to make them grow, and I have no doubt that warm weather will accelerate the growth very much. You have again attacked me about my cough. I can tell you for the hundredth time that I have none. Next time you write to me about it you shall hear that I incessantly spit hogsheads of blood every day, eat nothing, and am nothing but skin and bone."

        "As politics are so often the topics of conversation I have written to Mr. Boylan to send me his paper and apply to Papa


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for the money. Mr. Caldwell is more fond of conversing on that than on any other subject, and without some information on the subject I will be unable to converse with him."

        When Paul C. Cameron matriculated in 1824 he had a letter of introduction from his father to a senior, James M. Wright, son of Judge Wright of Memphis, who lived in the South Building. Young Paul was a typical Highland Scotchman in appearance. His hair was red, his face was red, and he wore a suit of clothes of the color called turkey-red, made at home by his loving mother. As he walked up alone from the hotel he passed a group of students sitting on the steps of the north entrance of the Old East Building. One of them, attracted by the passing flash of rubicund light, called out, "Red Bird!" The Freshman's blood was as red as his face, hair and garments. He stopped and offered battle. "I can't whip you all at once," he savagely said, "but if you will come out one at a time, I will whip every one of you." No one felt inclined to accept the challenge. Young Wright took him in as his roommate and he never was hazed.

        The following incident illustrates Dr. Caldwell in his gentler mood. He descried a student fastening a goose to the ridge of the roof of the East Building. "Ah, Joseph, Joseph," said he, "I suppose thou art fixing up that poor bird there as an emblem of thyself." This was the eminent editor of the National Intelligencer, Joseph Gales. Dr. Hooper adds, "Perhaps that severe cut from his teacher may have goaded the youthful truant to throw away the goose forever afterwards, reserving only a quill to write himself into renown."

        Among the mythical, I class that which tells of a plot to steal Dr. Caldwell's carriage and haul it to the foot of the hill on the Pittsboro road, a mile off, and leave it there. The Doctor, ever watchful, not averse to what was not considered dishonorable in that day, eavesdropping, heard of the scheme. When night came he hid in the vehicle and was transported by the jovial draught boys to what is now Purefoy's Mill, once Merritt's. As they were about to return to their rooms, he poked his head out of the window and blandly said, "Now, young gentlemen! will you please haul me back to my residence?" As the ascent


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was 250 feet towards the skies the chapfallen students were nearly exhausted, so much so that no further punishment was inflicted. I class this as mythical, although firmly credited in the old University circles, because the same story is told of an English pedagogue.

        The next incident is probably true. The Doctor's nickname was Bolus, abbreviated from Diabolus. He got wind of a project to steal his turkeys, which he was fattening for some festival dinner. Hiding near the coop, he heard one fowl searcher stealthily creep therein and seizing the gobbler remark to his confederates, "Here, boys, is old Bolus!" Then grabbing the hen, "And here is Mrs. Bolus." The Doctor then rushed forward so rapidly that in order to escape, the turkeys were dropped. He had them killed next day and invited the marauders and others to the dining at which they were served. After carving he looked significantly at the ringleader and asked, "Mr.--, will you have a slice of old Bolus, or do you prefer a slice of Mrs. Bolus?" He then gave the same option to the other delinquents successively. It is said that there was never a more severe punishment.

        At one time it was the rule to require written excuses for delinquencies. Dr. Caldwell said, "Mr.--, you have offered seven excuses to four absences." "All right, Doctor! let the surplus three go on the absences of next week."

        After graduation, Matthew Troy was a Tutor in the Preparatory Department--the hero of a story recorded by Dr. Hooper in his "Fifty Years Since." "I told you," he says, "that I remembered Mr. Troy with gratitude; but I believe nothing he ever taught me imprinted itself so deeply on my memory, as the burst of eloquence which the boys told me he had made, when he was a student, upon the charms of Miss Hay, afterwards the first Mrs. Gaston. Troy was given to the grandiloquent style, and on that occasion Miss Hay, who was the belle of the day, with a small party came to visit the Dialectic library. It was then kept in one of the common rooms inhabited by four students; and you may judge of the tumult that was excited by such visitation and how much sweeping and fixing up was required, and how many frightened boys ran to the neighboring


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rooms, and shut the doors, all but a small crack to peep through. On this memorable occasion, Troy had fixed himself in a corner of the room, whence he could contemplate the beautiful apparition in silent ecstacy. After she was gone the librarian called him out of his trance, and said: "Well, Troy, what do you think of her?" "Oh! sir, she's enough to melt the frigidity of a stoic, and excite rapture in the breast of a hermit"; to which he might have added: 'And like another Helen, fire another Troy.' A man that could talk in that way, appeared to me, in those days, to have reached the top of Parnassus."

        The following story was told me by Dr. Johnston B. Jones, of Chapel Hill and Charlotte.

        There came a long, lank student from a region where literary culture was not abundant. The members of the Faculty were generally preachers and attendance on Prayers in the chapel twice a day was rigorously enforced. At the end of the first week the neophyte was reported habitually absent. He was sent for in hot haste "to appear before the Awful Tribunal," as the students called Faculty meetings. "Mr.--!" said President Caldwell in his severest tones, "the Faculty have learned with deep regret that you have been in the last week absent from Prayers fourteen times. What have you to say, Sir?" With bland and innocent tones the culprit made the shocking answer, "I don't hold with Prars, Sir!" Without deigning to discuss the constitutional provision that every man has the right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience, he was sternly informed that if he could not hold with Prayers, the University could not hold with him.

        The late Judge William H. Battle, of the Graduating class of 1820, is authority for the happening on our University rostrum of an incident, which is sometimes credited elsewhere. A Freshman, who had a face of portentous gravity, had a coat of Revolutionary pattern, blue, with brass buttons, with short waist and tail reaching nearly to his heels. It was the rule that the students in turn should declaim a short extract of prose or poetry before the Faculty after evening Prayers. When our Freshman's time came he mounted the rostrum and in a peculiarly lugubrious and sing-song tone began Addison's Evening Hymn. He made no gesture until he reached the lines:


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                         "Soon as the evening shades prevail,
                         The Moon takes up the wondrous tale,"
and then he reached for the tail of his Revolutionary coat, and gently waved it in the air.

        Some years later I witnessed a ludicrous scene something like that. A Senior of 1853, Wm. B. Dusenbury, was usually so droll that every one expected from him a humorous speech, called "a Funny." Senior speaking came on, when every member of the class delivered an original oration. To the disgust of his audience, whose risible muscles were ready, expecting to be called into action by Dusenbury's wit, his speech was as dry as that of the average orator. But fortunately for our fun a fly happened to alight on his nose. Pausing in his utterance he gazed at the annoying animal in a cross-eyed way, and deliberately proceeded to catch him. After opening his hand to ascertain whether he had succeeded, he proceed with his speech. It was inexpressibly ludicrous. There was a wild burst of applause and inextinguishable laughter. Dr. Mitchell was sitting several yards in front of me and it added to our amusement to see how his bald head and huge frame, rocking for several minutes, gave evidence of his appreciation of the comicalness of the situation.

        Dr. William Hooper says, "Our geographical recitations were enlivened by some rare scenes, one or two of which I will venture to relate.

        " 'Mr. Sawney,' says the Professor, 'can you tell me anything about the animals of Greenland?' 'Yes, sir; there's one called the seal.' 'What kind of animal is it?' 'I don't remember exactly, Sir, but I believe he says it is a very amphib--a very amphibibobus kind of animal, Sir.' The boys plagued him about this new kind of animal until he became as irritable as a nest of wasps by the way-side. Another student whom we will disguise under the name of Riggie, used to amuse various companions by telling the story upon Sawney. Now Riggie was the last man that ought to have made people merry over the blunders of others, for he had got his own nickname by his ludicrous pronunciation of Riga, a Russian town on the Baltic. He was asked where were the chief towns in Russia. He mentioned


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several, and among them Riggie on the Baltic, pronouncing the first syllable of the last word as it is heard in balance. The name Riggie stuck to him forever afterwards. But it often happens that he who smarts under a joke is most ready to avert pursuit by throwing ridicule upon others. Sawney, goaded by Riggie's persecution, determined to avenge himself; so he laid a trap for him. He got a friend to invite a company including Riggie into his room, and to call for the story, while in the meantime, Sawney concealed himself under the bed. Riggie, alas! unconscious of the Trojan horse within the walls, was going on with his story, full sail, the audience convulsed with the enjoyment and the anticipation of the paulo-post future; when in the very fifth act of the drama, out popped Sawney from his ambush, and pitched into the dismayed comedian. I shall not attempt to describe the battle; but it may well be supposed that Sawney, with wounded pride and bursting with long imprisoned rage, fought with more desperation, and that his adversary startled by a foe emerging suddenly from ambush, must have fought at a disadvantage."

        Here is Dr. Hooper's description of Steward's Hall. "Do you wish to know the ordinary bill of fare fifty years ago? As well as I recollect board per annum was thirty-five dollars! This, as you may suppose, would not support a very luxurious table, but the first body of Trustees were men who had seen the Revolution and they thought that that sum would furnish as good rations as those lived on who won our liberties. Coarse corn bread was the staple food. At dinner the only meat was a fat middling of bacon, surmounting a pile of coleworts; and the first thing after grace was said, (and sometimes before), was for one man, by a single horizontal sweep of his knife, to separate the ribs and lean from the fat, monopolize all the first to himself, and leave the remainder for his fellows. At breakfast we had wheat bread and butter and coffee. Our supper was coffee and the corn bread left at dinner, without butter. I remember the shouts of rejoicing when we had assembled at the door, and some one jumping up and looking in at the window, made proclamation--'Wheat bread for supper, boys!' And that wheat bread, over which such rejoicings were made, believe


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me, gentlemen and ladies, was manufactured out of wheat we call seconds, or, as some term it, grudgeons. You will not wonder, if, after such a supper, most of the students welcomed the approach of night, that as beasts of prey, they might go a prowling, and seize upon everything eatable within the compass of one or two miles; for, as I told you, our boys were followers of the laws of Lycurgus. Nothing was secure from the devouring torrent. Beehives though guarded by a thousand stings--all feathered tenants of the roost--watermelon and potato patches, roasting ears, etc., in fine everything that could appease hunger, was found missing in the morning. Those marauding parties at night were often wound up with setting the village to rights."

        A letter from State Treasurer Haywood in 1803 to Dr. Caldwell shows that according to modern ideas complaint of Steward's Hall fare may have been well founded. "In re matter of having Mr. and Mrs. Love furnish butter at supper, we think with you that a supper of Tea and Bread, or Coffee and Bread, without either butter or meat, has few charms, and can be but illy fitted to gratify palates accustomed to better fare, but the contract has been made and published and cannot be changed." He adds with apparent naivete that there would be "no objection to students adding Butter out of their private Purse, but not to be charged to parents or guardians." He means that the University should not include such self-furnished luxury in its official rendering of expenditures.

        "Dr. Caldwell," adds Dr. Hooper, "seems to have made it a part of his fixed policy, that no evil-doer should hope to escape by the swiftness of his heels. He was in the habit of rambling about at night, in search of adventures, and whenever he came across an unlucky wight engaged in taking off a gate, building a fence across the street, driving a brother calf or goat into the Chapel, or any similar exploit of genius, he no sooner hove in sight than he gave chase."

        "I will relate," said Dr. Hooper, one of these nocturnal adventures, and it was only 'unum e pluribus.'

        "Dr. Caldwell was the podas okus Achilles of Chapel Hill, and he had more occasion for powers of pursuit than of contest, for his antagonists uniformly took to flight. You call this


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a 'fast age,' gentlemen, and so it is, but I don't know a man of this generation who is faster than was Dr. Caldwell. He was not satisfied to take two days in getting to Raleigh. He and I have set out for the metropolis in the morning, and stopped the first night at Pride's, ten miles this side, such was the state of the roads. Who knows but such snail-like progress as this suggested to him the first idea of the present railroad from Beaufort to the mountains, the honor of which, I believe, is now conceded to him? Now, O! muse, that didst inspire Homer to describe Achilles' pursuit of Hector, three times round the walls of Troy; or thou, gentle muse, who didst breathe thy soft afflatus upon Ovid when he described the race between Apollo and fair Daphne; or thou, Caledonian muse, who didst preside over Walter Scott, when he sung the race of Fitz James after Murdock of Alpine, or over Robert Burns, when he made immortal the flight of Tam O'Shanter from the witches,--either of you or all of the nine at once, assist me to describe the race between President Caldwell and Sophomore Faulkner (James T. Falconer), on the night of the....day of........18... The President lived at that time where the President's new residence is being erected, and was returning about bed-time "from walking up and down the earth," 1

        1 The appropriateness of this sentence is evident, as his nickname was Diabolus, or Bolus.


to see if any of the students were where they ought not to be. As he was mounting the stile which stood where Dr. Wheat's (now Dr. Alexander's) southeast corner now stands, he spied two young men, busily engaged in building a fence from that corner across the street to the opposite corner. The lads had just before his appearance heard that portentous snapping of the ankles, which was a remarkable peculiarity of his locomotion. As soon as they heard this premonitory crepitation, (a providential warning of danger, like the rattle of the rattlesnake), one of the fence-makers, whose nom de guerre was Dog, skulked into a corner and was passed by. Faulkner sprang forward. But I forgot that Homer always spends a line or two in describing his heroes, before he brings them into action. So I must suspend the race, till I have given my audience some idea of Faulkner's person and character. He was a tall, bony, gaunt and grim looking fellow, with
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shaggy threatening eyebrow--had been at Norfolk during the war of 1813-14, as a soldier or officer, and had contracted a soldier's love of adventure and frolic, and, like Macbeth, would have run from nothing born of mortal, if he had been engaged in a good cause. But building a fence across the street at night, his conscience set down as a deed of darkness. His conscience made him a coward, but perhaps it enabled him to run the faster, and he might have escaped had any but "the swift-footed Achilles" given chase. But fate had doomed him to lose this race:


                         Forth at full speed the fence-man flew--
                         Faulkner of Norfolk prove thy speed;
                         For ne'er had sophomore such need;
                         With heart of fire, and foot of wind,
                         The fierce avenger is behind;
                         Fate judges of the rapid strife,
                         The forfeit death, the prize is life. * * * * *


                         Jove lifts the golden balances that show
                         The fates of mortal men and things below;
                         Here each contending hero's lot he tries,
                         And weighs with equal hand their destinies.
                         Low sinks the scale surcharged with Faulkner's fate--
                         Thus heaven's high powers the strife did arbitrate:
                         Just then the Fauldner tripped, and prostrate fell,
                         And on the sprawling body pitched--Caldwell!

        "Having thus disposed of one of the fence-makers, the victorious President went back in quest of the other. After beating the bush awhile, he returned to the college, where in the meantime, Faulkner, with clipped wings and fallen crest, had gathered a party in one of the rooms, and was telling the fortunes of the night. Little did he dream that his exulting conqueror was standing close by, in the dark, listening to every word. "And what became of Dog?" inquired one of the party. "Oh! Dog, he took to the woods, and I dare say he is running yet." When the court met, the next day, to try the delinquents, it appeared in evidence from the Tutor, that Dog was the sobriquet of Junius Moore. He was accordingly startled by a summons served upon him by old Daniel Bradley, the college constable, to appear before the Faculty as particeps criminis with Faulkner. Gentlemen, you have read Cicero's graphic description


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of the confusion of face and dumbfoundedness of Cataline's accomplices when the consul confronted them with all the damning evidence of their guilt, you can conceive and none but you, the looks and behavior of the two fence-makers, when Dog was thus unexpectedly arraigned at the bar."

        "As for Dog, he deserved a better name, for he was a native born poet, and he and Philip Alston (a graduate of 1829), are among the few of our alumni on whose birth Melpomene did smile. Had Moore lived he might have written something to justify these praises. Alston lived long enough to leave some memorial of his genius, but, alas! not long enough for our fame or for his own.


                         "For Lycidas is dead, dead ere his prime--
                         Young Lycidas--and hath not left his peer!"

        I cannot trace the Faulcon of the story--James F. Faulcon, of Granville. Junius Alexander Moore was a son of James, and grandson of General James Moore, of Revolutionary fame, whose father, Colonel Maurice Moore, was second son of Governor James Moore, of South Carolina. His mother was Rebecca Davis, aunt of the late eminent George Davis, of Wilmington, and Bishop Thomas F. Davis, of South Carolina. Junius was a lawyer, removed to Alabama and died in early manhood, leaving daughters but no son. The following elegy by him on a famous Chapel Hill horse has come down to us. It certainly has merit.

1816. ON THE DEATH OF "SPREAD EAGLE."


                         Soft be the turf where rests thy honored head,
                         And sweet thy slumbers, much lamented "Spread."
                         May Spring's first dews thy sacred hillock lave,
                         And flowers perennial deck thy lonely grave.
                         Oft shall the pensive student, musing near
                         Thy home of rest, bestow the pitying tear--
                         Think on thy former worth--thy pristine grace;
                         Thy fair proportions and delightful pace,
                         Say to himself, while memory arrays
                         Full to his view thy feats of other days--
                         "Rest, honored Gray! above the ills of life--
                         Fatigue, starvation and incessant strife.
                         No more with blows thy honor shall be stain'd;
                         No more with oaths thy honest nature pain'd;
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                         No more unshod shall flinty rocks assail
                         Thy tender feet--or flies, thy graceful tail;
                         No more unpitied bend beneath thy load,
                         Or trace, with wearied steps, the tedious road,"
                         Thus shall he say--and with assiduous care,
                         Off from thy stone the covering bramble clear;
                         Carve with his knife the letters of thy praise,
                         And sing the Veteran Champion of the Chase.


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CHAPTER III.

CHAPMAN PRESIDENT--HIS ADMINISTRATION.

        In 1812 we find in the Raleigh Register an enumeration of the improvements and advantages at the University. "In six months the Principal (South) Building will be ready for the reception of inhabitants. There will then be accommodations for eighty students. There will be separate halls for the Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies, one for the Library, and a Public Hall for Prayers. Each of the Society libraries contains 800 to 1,000 volumes, that of the University 1,500, a total of 3,100 to 3,500 volumes. A society has been recently formed for the study of sacred music. An organ ordered to be built in New York is already finished. Public worship is held every Sunday in Person Hall, which the students are bound to attend. The Faculty consists of a President, three Professors and one Tutor. The Academy for boys, under the charge of Rev. Abner W. Clopton, is subject to the supervision of the President. In it there are four classes. Every possible attention is paid to improvement in reading, writing, spelling and the English Grammar. Wm. Mimerall is now a resident of Chapel Hill for the purpose of teaching the French language, and is well qualified. The sessions run as follows: The first from 1st of January to 24th of May. The second from the 20th June to the 15th of November. The expenses are for the first session in the dining-room and College, Diet, $30; Tuition, $10; Room-rent, $1; Servant hire, $1.50; Library, 50 cents; Washing, $8; candles and wood, $4; Bed, $3.50; Total, $58.50. For the second session, the same. Plainness of dress and manners will be the rule."

        It is noticeable that "every possible attention" was not promised for Arithmetic. Whether Rev. Clopton was weak in that branch, or that he left it to be taught in the University classes we are not informed.

        Dr. Caldwell, although his masterly temperament indicated that his proper place in the University world was that of Chief Executive officer, was also a devotee of Mathematics. At this period love of his chosen science predominated over his sense


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of duty for being chief ruler in the University world. He longed for time in which he could complete his work on Geometry and perfect himself in the knowledge of Astronomy and use of astronomical instruments. He accordingly proposed to the trustees to appoint a President in his place, and to give him the chair of Mathematics. They graciously adopted the plan and elected to the first place Rev. Robert Hett Chapman, D.D., a Presbyterian minister.

        Rev. Dr. Chapman was a son of a Presbyterian minister of New York, who was a warm Whig in Revolutionary days, Rev. Jedediah Chapman. Robert was born in Orange, New Jersey, and graduated at Princeton in 1789. He was then Instructor in Queen's College, New Brunswick, until licensed to preach in 1793. For a year or two he was a Missionary in the Southern States and was then pastor at Rahway, installed in 1796, and afterwards took charge of a church in Cambridge, New York. To Dr. Caldwell's letter asking him to allow the use of his name for the Presidency of this University, he complied reluctantly with the request, saying, "in doing this I conceive that I should be called to relinquish the dearest object of my heart, the advancement of the cause of our Glorious Redeemer, but I would hope that my usefulness in this respect would be enlarged." He adds, "I am in the midst of usefulness and reputation in this part of the world, but my salary, which the people have refused to increase, is utterly inadequate to the expense of a growing family." The letter is dated February 12, 1812.

        The Committee on Nominations in their report to the Board December 12, 1812, feelingly state that they accepted the resignation of Dr. Caldwell, but "the unpleasant forebodings at the resignation of an officer so distinguished for his zeal, usefulness and talents is in some sort dissipated by his willingness to accept the Professorship of Mathematics." The Board unanimously elected Dr. Chapman President, with a salary of $1,200, and Dr. Caldwell, Professor, with $1,000. The Trustees present were: Governor Wm. Hawkins, Chairman ex-officio; Rev. Joseph Caldwell, John Haywood, Archibald D. Murphey, Duncan Cameron, Calvin Jones, David Stone, Atlas Jones, Henry Potter, Montfort Stokes and Robert Williams, the Treasurer.


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The latter must not be confounded with Robert Williams, M.D., of Pitt, also a Trustee. The General Assembly promptly elected the new President a member of the Board of Trustees.

        The administration of Dr. Chapman is generally thought to have been a failure, but his defects seem to have been somewhat exaggerated, and some of the troubles proceeded evidently from the hot party spirit engendered by the war. He was a man of sincere piety, of strong principles, zealous in the spread of religion. He was a preacher, according to the testimony of Chief Justice Nash and Dr. James E. Morrison, very earnest, interesting and effective. Judge Nash said: "He was more highly gifted with power on his knees than any man I know. His public prayers warmed the hearts of all who heard them." His manner in preaching was earnest and tender and he was successful beyond what is common in securing attention.

        There was to his management of the University, however, a fatal obstacle. He was a Peace Federalist and his students were in favor of the war. It is difficult for us at this day to realize the keen disappointment and even rage felt by our people at the disasters on land, such as the surrender of Hull, the failure of the Canadian Invasion, and the capture of the Capital, and on the other hand the wild exultation over our naval victories. The one conspicuous land victory, gained after the signing of the treat, of peace, that of New Orleans, carried the American commander into the Presidential chair.

        The Republican leaders had the address to turn the dissatisfaction arising from the imbecile conduct of the war from themselves to their opponents. They claimed the credit of all the victories and placed the discredit of defeats on the odious Federalists, who, they alleged, gave blue-light signals to British ships on our coast, intrigued at Hartford to join New England with Old England, encouraged Great Britain and discouraged Americans by denouncing the war as unjust and inexpedient. In the minds of most people Federalist was synonymous with Traitor.

        Dr. Chapman was too honest to conceal or to tone down his views. The friction which the strict and irritative methods of discipline made inevitable at all times, was considered more


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harsh in the days of unreasoning partisan hatreds. If the good Doctor after peace was declared had continued unwaveringly in his executive position he might have lived down the memory of the outbreaks, which are connected so unpleasantly with his name. Dr. Caldwell had experiences quite as disastrous to his reputation as an administrator, but he continued so long and bravely in his position that his failures were forgotten in the light of his subsequent successes. Dr. Chapman preferred to go back to his more congenial work as a pastor and left his reputation as a University President to the mercy of adverse critics.

        I give sketches of two outbreaks, which occurred during his administration, which illustrate the peculiar difficulties under which he labored, as well as the spirit of the times in Chapel Hill.

        About twelve months after his inauguration in January, 1814, a series of outrages at night was perpetrated on his property. Dr. Caldwell, who could not resist the impulse to take the place of leader, determined to ferret out the offenders by process of law. Accordingly he applied to a Justice of the Peace, Major Pleasant Henderson, for a warrant against the unknown perpetrators, intending to call up all the students and examine them on oath. He was unaware that such precepts, called "general warrants," had been resisted successfully in England by John Wilkes, had been decided to be illegal by Chief Justice Camden, that our people were so much interested in the controversy as to name one county Wilkes and another Camden, and had prohibited such warrants in our fundamental law, the Declaration of Rights. He forgot in his zeal that similar warrants, called Writs of Assistance to enforce the Navigation Acts, had led to armed resistance in New England and other commercial sections. The Justice refused the application, being rightly instructed as to the unlawfulness of general warrants; but the fiery doctor, who could be no more easily diverted from his purpose than a well-trained blood-hound from the track of a fleeing criminal, amended the precept by inserting the names of five students. A solemn court was held. The panic in this little community cannot be imagined. There were "great searchings


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of spirit." The charges were, 1st., breaking into and entering the stable of President Chapman, and cutting the hair from the tail of a horse of the said Chapman; 2d., "for taking away and secreting a cart, the property of said Chapman;" 3d., "entering said Chapman's premises and turning over or throwing down a house; 4th., taking from its hinges and carrying away one of said Chapman's gates."

        It is interesting to note the behavior of the students under this trying ordeal. It is rather surprising that there was no combination for the purpose of refusing to answer. Possibly the Federalists among the students sympathized with the President. Some declared emphatically that they knew nothing about the matter. Among these were Aaron V. Brown, Bryan Grimes, father of the gallant General of the same name, and John Y. Mason. Others said that they knew nothing themselves, but gave the names of suspected persons, some of whom were undoubtedly not guilty. A few gave direct evidence tending to criminate Chambers, Thornton, Peebles, Knox and Haywood, the men charged by Dr. Caldwell, and as these refused to exculpate themselves, they were probably dismissed from the University, though the record has been lost. I knew Francis A. Thornton nearly half a century afterwards, when he was a member of the Secession Convention of 1861, a neighbor of Nat. Macon, a mild-mannered, gentlemanly, venerable man, with no suspicion of tar on his hands, tho' he was a fire-eating Secessionist. Thomas J. Haywood lived to be a Supreme Court Judge of Tennessee. All were probably good men moved by party feelings. The justice's examination violated all the rules of evidence. Leading questions were asked, the witnesses were required to give their suspicions, and hearsay evidence was even admitted as to what suspicions were entertained by others, and as to what students knew of any of the perpetrators. Among the innocent men whose names were mentioned as suspected was the eminent divine, Dr. Francis L. Hawks. A few, among them Bedford Brown and Edmund Wilkins, lawyer of Virginia, refused to answer these illegal questions, but strong men, such as David F. Caldwell, George C. Dromgoole, Charles L. Hinton, Charles Manly, Willie P. Mangum, appear to have made a


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clean breast of the facts they knew as well as the imaginations of their hearts. This is strong evidence that there were not a few who sympathized with the insulted President in his views. There was a strong anti-war party in the State, probably in the University, but they were of the modest and silent order.

        Dr. Chapman was likewise insulted by receiving an anonymous letter which is quite unique, showing another outrage on his property, not included in the warrant. It was superscribed "Chapel Hill," and is as follows:

        "DEAR SIR:--Having been informed that you are anxious to know why your gate-post was decorated with tar and feathers, this is to inform you that it was intended by the patriotic students to deride Toryism, and as a monument to the memory of the inspired politician and designing traitor.

        In a balmage, Sir, of delicious tar you will be as secure as Pharoah and, in a hieroglyphic of feathers, rival in finery all the mummies of Egypt."

I am yours, etc.,

FRIEND TO RELIGION,
BUT AN ENEMY TO HYPOCRISY.'


        This precious morceau of literature proves that the persecution was distinctly in resentment for the supposed leaning to Federalism of the clerical President. The insult is the more pointed because in the direction he is dignified only as "Mr. Robt. Chapman," ignoring his official and ministerial character.

        In November following the Faculty report that, though during this year they have passed through troublesome times, they have been enabled to stand at their post and maintain the authority of the institution. Some of the persons suspended last session have returned, and, with scarcely an exception, have been orderly. This session has been characterized by order and attention to business, with the exception of some irregularities originating in Steward's Hall, and for which one student was suspended. It is essential to the growing prosperity of the University that further suitable provision be made on this subject (i. e., management of Stewards Hall). With the expectation that the Board will make such provision the Faculty consider the Seminary as in a truly flourishing condition.

        The other outbreak was on September 18, 1816. It injured the reputation of the President still more because the sympathy


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of the public was strongly with the students rather than the Faculty. The following account is substantially correct:

        Wm. Biddle Shepard, a very able member of the Senior class, belonging to an influential family of New Bern, connected with the Donnells, the Blounts, the Bryans, the Pettigrews and others, had some sentences in his oration submitted for correction, of a strong political character favorable to the Republican party. These sentences, the President, exercising a discretion vested in him, cut out and ordered Shepard not to deliver them. This order, when the speech was delivered in public, was disobeyed, whereupon the President promptly commanded him to take his seat. The orator insisted on proceeding with his address. Numbers of the students shouted, "Go on! go on!" The prompter, Wm. Plummer, continued to perform the duty which he had undertaken. Shepard finished his speech in defiance of the President, being vociferously encouraged and applauded. The next day the students had a meeting in the Chapel and passed resolutions upholding the rightfulness of his and their conduct.

        The Faculty acted promptly and sternly. Forty-six of the participants were summoned before them. Shepard was suspended for six months, and also George C. Dromgoole, for being the leader in upholding him. It was a material part of the charge against them, that they declared they were justifiable. The Trustees added the severer sentence of expulsion, declaring that the interest of the University required that the disobedience of which they were guilty should be punished in the most exemplary way. Thomas N. Mann was suspended for six months for participating in the riot, and "refusing to admit his guilt." Plummer for prompting, applauding and afterwards justifying his conduct, was suspended for four months.

        The punishment of those, who in a public meeting disapproved the action of the Faculty and upheld the conduct of Shepard and his aiders and abettor, was conditional. All who would in writing acknowledge, 1st., that those who applauded Shepard were guilty of gross disorder and disrespect of authority; 2d., that on the next morning they transgressed their duty as students and as good members of society, by proceeding


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with tumultuous noise and riotous behavior to the Public Hall, and uniting in an unlawful and disorderly assembly for the purpose of opposing the Faculty and violating the laws; 3d., that they hoped for forgiveness and solemnly promised faithfully to submit to the laws of the University and deport themselves as orderly members of society. A few refused to sign the paper and were suspended. Among the signers were such orderly students as Wm. M. Green, Wm. D. Moseley, Hugh Waddell, and Hamilton C. Jones.

        Notices of the suspensions were sent to all other colleges.

        In talking with the students of that day after they had become elderly men I derived the impression clearly that the President was generally blamed for his conduct in this matter. It was thought that, even if he concluded that Shepard's act was worthy of severe punishment, he should have allowed him to finish and prosecuted him afterwards. I happen to know that Plummer's father, Kemp Plummer, next year a Trustee, sustained his son. The criticism appears to be just, but certainly the President is not censurable for enforcing a law of the Trustees forbidding political speeches.

        All the actors in this riot achieved success in life. The principal, Shepard, was afterwards a leading lawyer, and member of the State and national Legislatures. Plummer stood high as a lawyer and business man, as Chairman of the County Court of Warren, conducting its business with ability. Mann, after a brilliant beginning as a lawyer, member of the General Assembly and Charge d' Affaires to Guatemala, which position he obtained in the hope of curing the pulmonary consumption, under which he was suffering, passed away in early manhood. The fact has come down to us that Plummer, while unable to see the impropriety of his conduct, was desirous of returning and obtaining his diploma. His father, thinking he had been treated unjustly, refused to allow it. Mosely, Dromgoole, Waddell, Jones, Leak and Green are mentioned hereafter.

        In October, 1816, in revenge doubtless for the action of the Faculty, a forerunner of the modern dynamiters perpetrated a dastardly outrage on one of the Tutors, John Patterson. Wm. M. Green, in a letter to one of the suspended, Martin Armstrong,


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told the story. "While sitting alone a few nights since I was startled by a tremendous report, when on inquiry I found that a brass knob from one of the doors had been filled with powder and placed before Patterson's door with a lighted match at the end of it. While in this state Glascock discovered as he thought a piece of fire dropped by accident and picked up this affair, but immediately dropped it. He had proceeded only a few steps when it exploded, but without injuring him." It is easy to see that his life, or his eyesight was in imminent danger.

        So far as the discipline extended the Faculty were victorious. Peter O. Picot, of Plymouth, writes to his cousin. Alfred M. Slade, who had been sent home for some fault, in doleful jeremiads: "All quiet here; the students seem to have lost their energy and yield implicitly to the yoke. The storm has blown over, but it has made impressions not easily to be eradicated, for this place looks like some half-deserted village, where you may see its inhabitants collected in small groups, talking over the news of the day, some commiserating your unjust fate, and others pouring out invectives against the Faculty for their palpably erroneous decision and rash suspensions." * * * The suspension of Shepard, Plummer and Mann * * * was as unjust and unfounded as disgraceful to its authors, who seem to be callous to equity and justice." In a letter written three weeks afterwards he says: "Never was a place so much altered as this. The Chapel looks destitute. No crowds to hear the news are seen running before a member of the Faculty. All is still! All is quiet! With implicit obedience they bend to the yoke, and undergo with patience the bondage of supercilious domination." * * * "The poor Philanthropic members are to be pitied for they have but thirteen members."

        Wm. Mercer Green, from boyhood a model of correct behavior, wrote to his friend, Martin A. B. Armstrong, one of the victims: "All again is quiet; the countenances of our most noble and impartial Faculty are unclouded, and those of the boys marked with contempt. The thought of the near approach of the examination has dispelled all others, and the absence of the suspended, we are only able to call to mind when we look into the vacant rooms." Then follows an evidence of the tact


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for which Bishop Green was distinguished through life. "I speak of others, my friend; rest assured you are not forgotten."

        While the first impulse of the students was to take sides against the Faculty there was a partial reaction. Hamilton C. Jones wrote in the February following the disturbance that "Shepard and Dromgoole are very much censured by all the sober part of the community. Shepard's speech has lost its popularity, and notwithstanding the great puffing of the New Bern editor has been stigmatized by every judge of literary merit as a flowery piece of nonsense." It should be noted, however, that Jones and Shepard belonged to different societies and feeling between the two was then bitter. In the letter in which the above criticism occurs is found the following: "The Dialectic Society is still in a very flourishing condition. The other (Philanthropic), though increasing in numbers, degenerates in point of talent." The writer too, though the Federalist party was practically extinct, sympathized with its principles, and afterwards followed Clay into the wigwam of the Whigs, while Shepard continued to be a warm Republican and became a Democratic leader.

        It is altogether probable that this unfortunate trouble led to Dr. Chapman's leaving the institution, for at the meeting of the Board of Trustees next after its occurrence, November 23, 1816, he "in solemn form resigned his office as President of the University." The words "in solemn form" have an ominous sound. His resignation was certainly associated in the public mind with the disturbance, which political partisans and advocates of free speech declared to be evidence of his incapacity. The letter of resignation dated three days before asserts that his duties had been performed "faithfully and successfully," and that he was desirous to be more fully devoted to the gospel ministry. He gave notice that his place would be vacant at the close of the year 1817, but the Board accepted the resignation to take effect immediately, agreeing, however, unanimously to pay him one-half year's salary ($800), and to allow him to retain the President's house until the end of the next session. There is a notable absence of praises of his past services and regrets at his departure. Judge Cameron wrote to Judge Murphey on November


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27, 1816, that he was glad Dr. Chapman had resigned--that he wished he had done so twelve months ago. "It would have been much better for himself and the University." He presumed that Mr. Caldwell and the Committee of Appointments would open an official correspondence with Dr. Neil on the subject of the Presidency, but he sincerely wished that Mr. Caldwell will resume the office himself. Dr. Neil was not again mentioned; probably Dr. Wm. Neill, a Presbyterian clergyman of Philadelphia, President of Dickinson College in 1824-'29, an author.

        The number of students, however, did not indicate any failure in Dr. Chapman's administration. For his term of four years the aggregate was 352, averaging 88 yearly, while for the four preceding years under Caldwell the numbers were 209, averaging 52 per annum. There were 63 graduates of Chapman's term, averaging about sixteen, while for the four preceding years there were 24, averaging six per annum. Of course most of the improvement was due to the spread of the desire and the means for attaining higher education. The war evidently stirred up the people. Taking the four years after Chapman left and Caldwell resumed the reins we have 465 students, averaging 116, and 50 graduates, averaging 12 1-2 per annum. The next four years showed still better with 640 matriculates, averaging 160, and 119 graduates, averaging 30. The reason for this rapid increase of prosperity will appear hereafter.

        Doubtless, however, Dr. Chapman must have had unpleasant recollections of Chapel Hill. He had a grievous private affliction in the death of a daughter. In the village graveyard is a marble slab, which records that Margaretta Blanch, daughter of Rev. Robert H. and Hannah Chapman, died November 25, 1814, in the sixteenth year of her age.

        We have the testimony of Rev. Dr. James E. Morrison, a Tutor under Chapman, that he "introduced a most salutary moral change." He required the study of the Bible, as a textbook, and was the chief factor in organizing the Presbyterian church at Chapel Hill.

        The teaching of the Bible probably had a flavor of Calvinism. In 1814 we find one class of the University Grammar School


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charged with 20 questions on the Catechism and 21 chapters in a book entitled, "Beauties of the Bible." Another class had 39, a third 38, and the fourth 77 questions in the Catechism. The Senior class of the same school for entrance into the University were examined on four books of the Aeneid, ten chapters of St. John's Gospel in Greek, and 37 questions in the larger Catechism, well known as that used in the Presbyterian church, issued by the Westminister Assembly.

        Dr. Chapman's degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred by Williams' College, Mass., in 1815. After leaving the University he became pastor of Bethel church in the Shenandoah Valley. In 1823 he had a church near Winchester, Virginia, and then labored for a year or two as a Missionary in the hill country of North Carolina. His next and last charge was at Covington, Kentucky, in 1830. He was chosen to be a member of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church in 1833, and died at Winchester on his return, June 18, 1833, and is there buried. In 1797 he married Hannah Arnette, of Elizabethtown, New Jersey, who died at St. Louis, July 7, 1845. They left seven children, one of whom was Rev. Robert Hett Chapman, D.D., who is buried in the cemetery of the Presbyterian church at Asheville, N. C.

        Of the teachers of the University during his term I have already mentioned Professor Rhea. A sketch of Tutor Hooper will be hereafter given. I find no further mention of John Harper Hinton than that he was Principal of Caswell Academy at Yanceyville in 1818, and probably afterwards. He was a native of Wake County.

        James Morrison, who was Tutor from 1814 to 1817, studied divinity under Dr. Chapman and was ordained by the Orange Presbytery in 1817. He was for a while a teacher in the Raleigh Academy. He was pastor of New Providence church, Rockbridge County, Virginia, from 1819 to 1857. He was born in 1795 and died in 1870. Dr. Charles W. Dabney, once Director of the Experiment Station of North Carolina and State Chemist, then President of the University of Knoxville, and now of the University of Cincinnati, is a grandson of Dr. James Morrison.

        Abner Wentworth Clopton, the Principal of the Grammar


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School, has been heretofore described. He died March 21, 1831, praised in a newspaper of the day as an "eminent and devoted member of the Baptist church, and one of the earliest and most efficient promoters of the temperance cause, and was equally attentive to the duties of the society of which he was a member."

        The University bells of the early period were very inferior. A second was bought in 1813. We are told that this was bought in Fayetteville; it, however, was so inferior that seven years afterwards another was procured. This latter on the procurement of the new was hung in the back yard of Dr. Mitchell's lot to be used when the clapper of the other was stolen or in hiding. About the same time the Trustees gave $50 for the transportation of the organ procured for the University by private contributions. This effort to make worship in the Chapel more attractive was supplemented by authorizing Tutor Hooper to procure shutters and a chandelier for the same.

        On the resignation of Professor Rhea in 1814 the experiment was tried of a "Senior Tutor," with a salary of $500, authorized to live out of the college buildings and to pay his own board, instead of eating without charge with the students at Commons. At the same time the Committee of Appointments were authorized to abolish Commons and rent out the building if they thought best. The dissatisfaction implied in this resolution resulted doubtless from the rise of prices in consequence of the war. The Committee concluded to add improvements to the building, paying Bennett Parton $456, and to allow an increase of 10 per cent (to $33) in price of board. The Senior Tutor was William Hooper, whose health, always delicate, probably required the superior diet of his mother's table. There were other Tutors, James E. Morrison and Abner Stith, and for part of the time John Harper Hinton. In 1815 the Committee on Salaries reported the salaries to be:

        
President $1,200
Professor of Mathematics 1,000
Senior Tutor 500
Two Tutors, $300 each 600
Board of two Tutors 150
Treasurer 200
$3,650


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To meet the expenses the University owned 314 shares of bank stock, paying 8 per cent $2,512
Eighty students paying tuition 1,600
$4,112

        The Committee were impressed with the policy, as well as the justice of increasing the salaries of the highest officers by contingent perquisites, depending on their industry, activity and zeal. On their recommendation, therefore, the Board appropriated the dividends from the bank stock and one-half of tuition receipts to be paid to all the officers and the other half to increasing the salaries of the President and Professors only, "in acknowledgement of their ability, industry and unwearied diligence, by which it is hoped and expected they will acquit themselves." This explains why the half of Dr. Chapman's salary was stated on the acceptance of his resignation as $800. The President was authorized also to cut firewood near the field set apart for his use, out of sight of the village. This field was west of the Pittsboro road. In the course of time it was found unprofitable for agricultural purposes, and the Public School Committee was authorized to build a cabin on it for a school house.

        In the following year a singular and ambitious plan was devised, under the appearance of improving the institution, of indirectly increasing the salaries to meet the high prices of the war. The Faculty were authorized to clear out the land to the east of the campus on the roads leading to Raleigh, "so as to command a full view of the distant horizon over Point Prospect (now Piney) to the east." As there were two roads, one on the summit of the ridge and the other about a hundred yards to the north, this permission included at least twenty acres of good oak and hickory.

        The reply made by the Board to Treasurer Williams' request for a clerk to ascertain balances due prior to his term, shows that they were not indiscriminately generous. They voted that the Treasurer "from long experience and knowledge of the fiscal affairs of the University must be much better qualified to unravel anything mysterious than a clerk." They thought it his duty to make the investigation and recommended that he "devote


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such portion of his time as will enable him to effect an eclaircisement of the accounts."

        The Board showed their caution in another ruling. They declined to warrant the title to escheated land sold by them because if the title is good it will not enhance the price as the purchaser is sure to investigate for himself. If the title is doubtful they ought not to warrant.

        One of the old-time "blue laws" was abolished at this meeting. The by-law forbidding students to wear hats in the buildings was repealed, but with the provision that "they shall not wear hats while addressing a member of the Faculty." An ordinance was likewise adopted that applicants for admission delaying to report more than twenty-four hours after reaching Chapel Hill shall be in danger of being refused.

        During this regime the excuses for absences from Morning Prayers were noted in a book. I copy some of them to show that our grandfathers acted as we do. The answers were "Sick," "Unwell," "Was not waked," "Tardy," "Indisposed," "Did not hear the bell," "Weather bad," "Asleep." There is no record of any punishments for non-attendance.

        In 1815 a tardy sale was made of part of the Gerrard lands. The statement shows the trouble experienced in the location and the sale of land warrants in Tennessee, caused partly by carelessness and partly by fraud. Judge Potter and Treasurer Haywood, a majority of the committee, reported that Gerrard's will mentioned 13,000 acres. A memorandum found among his papers shows only 11,364 acres, so it is evident that he sold some after making the will. He gave 640 acres for locating his lands, leaving only 10,724. He requested that his "service right," 2,560 acres, should not be sold, so deducting these they had 8,164. Of these McKenzie's 640 tract was "land lost," i. e., could not be found and this must be subtracted, leaving 7,524. The following were also "land lost:"

        
On Mound Lick Creek 1,000 acres.
On Lumsden's fork 228 acres.
Blooming Grove tract 640 acres.
Part of three, but of these a small part was saved
and sold for $200 1,304 acres.
3,172


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        Taking off these there were left 4,352 acres. Appraisers appointed by the agent of the Board valued these at $6,363.50. Col. Wm. Polk bought at $6,400, payable one-half cash and the rest when needed to pay for bank stock, which the Board had resolved to buy. As a still further irritation it was discovered after the sale that 428 acres had been leased for several years, so the price of this tract was held up until this matter could be adjusted.

        The General Assembly had made provision for issuing other warrants in the place of "lost lands," but it took time, trouble and expense to recover them, and in the meantime prices fell and sales were still further delayed.

        It is certain that Dr. Caldwell was sincerely desirous of continuing in his Professorship of Mathematics. He endeavored vigorously to find a successor to Chapman, of sufficient learning and administrative gifts, but in vain. In addition to Dr. Neill, already mentioned, the office was tendered to Rev. Lewis von Schweinitz, D.D., LL.D., of the Moravian church, who in addition to his theological attainments was eminent as a Botanist. Both nominees declined and the strong pressure on Caldwell prevailed.

CALDWELL AGAIN PRESIDENT--GRADUATES--1813-1819.

        Rev. Dr. Joseph Caldwell was a second time elected President of the University on December 14, 1816. According to the stateliness of the old school a regular commission was issued to him:

The President and Trustees of the
University of North Carolina--

To the President. Doctor Joseph Caldwell:

        Reposing confidence in your integrity. learning and ability, we do hereby nominate and appoint you President of the University of North Carolina, with all the powers, immunities, compensations and endowments thereto belonging, to commence the first day of January, 1817.

(Signed) JOHN HAYWOOD.

H. POTTER.

WILL POLK.


        The answer of the old school President was likewise in writing. He said, "with diffidence I will accept it, and if I shall ever be found to have gone wrong in discharge of the duties,


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I hope that the members of the Committee and of the Board in general will be ready to make allowances for defects, which may easily in me proceed from frailty and error without the intention of evil."

        The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by the University in the same year.

        The Trustees, who accepted Dr. Chapman's resignation, were Wm. Miller, Governor and Chairman; Judge Henry Potter, John Winslow, James Iredell, Calvin Jones, Atlas Jones, Robert Williams (of Raleigh); Henry Seawell, Robert H. Jones, Wm. Polk, Lewis Williams, Simmons J. Baker and A. D. Murphey. Dr. Chapman is also mentioned as present. Most of these were present at the election of Dr. Caldwell on December 17, 1816.

        The Faculty records are singularly deficient during Chapman's administration and for 1817. The following, although incomplete, is accurate, I think:

        The Graduates of 1813 were in number 14. The report of the class standing of the members has been lost. The following attained distinction. William E. Bailey was a Professor of Ancient Languages in the College of Charleston; William S. Blackledge was a Representative in Congress; John H. Hinton and Abner Stith, Tutors in the University of North Carolina and afterwards Classical teachers. William J. Polk was a prominent physician.

        Of the matriculates with the class not graduating, Elijah Graves was a Presbyterian preacher and a teacher of repute; Alexander Long, a very popular physician, and Romulus M. Saunders, a Judge, Congressman and Minister to Spain; Robert Williams, State Adjutant-General and Secretary and Treasurer of the University.

        To Rev. Jeremiah Atwater was given the degree of Doctor of Divinity (D. D.)

        The Senior class of 1814, in numbers 16, was of a high grade. Aaron V. Brown was a member of the Tennessee Legislature, Governor, Representative in Congress and Postmaster-General; Charles L. Hinton, a planter, Trustee, Secretary and Treasurer of the University, and State Treasurer; Charles Manly, a Trustee


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of the University 42 years, and Secretary and Treasurer 46 years, Governor of the State; Samuel Pickens, Comptroller of Alabama; James Morrison, a Tutor in this institution and a Presbyterian preacher.

        Of the Graduates of 1815, in numbers 18, some became famous.

        John H. Bryan was elected to Congress and the State Senate at the same time, and chose the first. He was a Trustee of the University 45 years. Robert R. King was a Tutor and then a preacher. Francis L. Hawks, D.D., LL.D., an eminent preacher and author, in early life Reporter of the Supreme Court of N. C.; Edward Hall, Judge of the Superior Court; Willie P. Mangum was a Judge, Senator of the United States and President of the Senate; Mitchell was Clerk of the General Assembly and President of the Bank of Tennessee; Richard Dobbs Spaight was the last Governor elected by the General Assembly.

        The honors are not mentioned in the reports, but tradition gives the highest to Croom, Bryan, Hawks and Spaight.

        We have the exercises of the class of 1815. The Latin Salutatory was spoken by Isaac Croom, the Mathematical Oration by Richard Dobbs Spaight. There was a "Forensic Dispute," anticipatory of the Know Nothing Party, "Whether Civil Offices should be open to Foreigners?" Matthew McClung opened as "Respondent," Henry L. Plummer, called the Opponent, replied, and Hugh M. Stokes closed as Replicator. Another Forensic Dispute was "Whether Theatrical Amusements are Beneficial?" between Robert Hinton, Respondent, Semuel D. Hatch, Opponent, and Robert King, Replicator. A third dispute was between Priestly Mangum, Stephen Sneed and Edward Hill, the subject being "Should a Penitentiary be immediately erected?" This was followed by an oration on Natural Philosophy, by Stokely D. Mitchell, of Tennessee. In the afternoon there was the English Salutatory by John H. Bryan, followed by a three-handed dispute as to whether students should be subject to Military Duty, a theme which became very acute during our Civil War. The Respondent was Matthew Moore, the Opponent James Hooper, the Replicator George F. Graham. Francis L. Hawks closed with the Valedictory. His oratorical gifts were even then widely known and warmly admired.


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        The other speakers at this Commencement were:

        "Should the United States assist the South American Republics against Spain and the Holy Alliance?", by Broomfield L. Ridley.

        "The Character of the North American Indians," by James H. Norwood.

        "Will Greece emancipated attain the Eminence of Ancient Greece?", Daniel B. Baker.

        "Perpetuity of the United States," Harry E. Coleman.

        "The Effects of the French Revolution on Liberty," Benjamin B. Blume.

        "The Effects of the Invention of Printing," Augustus Moore.

        "Should a Professorship of Law be established at the University?", James W. Bryan.

        "The Mahometan Religion," Thomas Bond.

        "American Literature," John W. Norwood.

        "Should the American Colonization Society receive the patronage of the Public," Robert H. Booth.

        The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on Rev. Levi Holbrook.

        Mr. Francis L. Hawks, who had received the degree of Master of Arts from Yale College, was awarded the ad eundem degree from this University.

        Of the 16 Graduates of the class of 1816, those most notable were: William Julius Alexander, a Trustee, member of the Legislature, Speaker of the House and Solicitor of his district; Thomas J. Haywood, Judge in Tennessee; John DeRosset, physician of great promise, dying young; Charles Applewhite Hill, who left the University in 1804, Principal of Classical schools, preacher and State Senator; John Patterson, Tutor U. N. C. and preacher; James W. McClung, Speaker of the House of Tennessee; John Y. Mason, LL.D., Attorney-General of the United States, a Judge in Virginia, Secretary of the Navy and Minister to France.

        It was at this Commencement that the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on Rev. Joseph Caldwell, the newly elected President.

        There were eleven of the Graduates of 1817. The most eminent was John M. Morehead, a strong lawyer, Governor of the


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State, President and chief promoter of the North Carolina and other railroads, a chief factor in the industrial development of the State, an active Trustee of the University for 38 years, member of the Confederate Congress. Holt was a physician, but especially distinguished as the pioneer in the introduction of blooded stock. He was the first President of the State Agricultural Society.

        Of the non-graduates, Bedford Brown was a member of the Conventions of 1835 and 1861, President of the State Senate, United States Senator; David F. Caldwell, Speaker of the State Senate, Judge and President of a bank; William B. Shepard, member of the State Senate and of Congress; John G. A. Williamson, member of the Legislature, Consul to Venezuela, Charge' d' affairs at Caraccas.

        For the term ending in June, the second half of the session, the strange spectacle was presented of a University without a Professor, Dr. Caldwell and his Tutors caring for the institution. They were William Hooper, Principal Tutor, William D. Moseley and Robert Rufus King, followed in the autumn by John Motley Morehead and Priestly H. Mangum. Moseley some years afterwards obtained double compensation on the ground that King was forced to resign on account of his unpopularity with the students in the fall of 1817, and double duties were devolved on him. He and President Caldwell were the entire Faculty until Professor Mitchell began work in February, 1818.

        The Trustees concluded that the Principal Tutor, Wm. Hooper, whose learning and teaching power were admitted, should be elevated to the Chair of Ancient Languages. This was done and the office of Principal Tutor was abolished never to be restored. The salary of the Professor of Ancient Languages was fixed at $800 per annum. At the same time tuition was raised to $30 per annum.

        The Tutors of this period were men of power. Morehead and Moseley are described elsewhere. Priestly Mangum, brother of the more eminent Willie P. Mangum, was a useful citizen and a safe lawyer, for years Solicitor of the county of Orange, and also a Commoner in the Legislature. Robert Rufus King


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was a Presbyterian minister of promise, called by death from his work in 1822. But it was impossible for young men, however able, to have proper restraining influence among 108 youths, unaccustomed to discipline. We have glimpses of wild deeds in this year. So incensed were the Trustees that they instructed the President to invoke the aid of the criminal law to punish the perpetrators of outrages on the buildings and grove in the fall of 1817.

MITCHELL, OLMSTEAD AND KOLLOCK, PROFESSORS.

        The Committee of Appointments reported to the Board in November that they had selected for the Chair of Chemistry Denison Olmstead, a graduate of Yale, and had allowed him a year's study there before coming to the University. For the Chair of Mathematics, made vacant by the elevation of Dr. Caldwell, they had searched in vain in many directions for a suitable man, but, not discouraged, they had at length found Mr. Elisha Mitchell, of Connecticut, who had accepted their offer.

        The choice was exceedingly fortunate as the newcomer was not only accomplished and able, but was resolved, like his President, to live and die among us. He was born August 19, 1793, and was, therefore, 24 years old. His native place was Washington, Litchfield County, Connecticut. His father was a farmer, Abner by name; his mother Phoebe Eliot, a lineal descendant of John Eliot, the Apostle to the Indians, whose Bible translated into their language is one of the famous books of the world. From her grandfather, Rev. Jared Eliot, M.D. and D.D., one of the most noted American savants of his day, he inherited his fondness for Natural Philosophy, Botany and Mineralogy. He was prepared for Yale College by Rev. Azel Bachus, a noted teacher, afterwards President of Hamilton College.

        At Yale he graduated in 1813, one of the best scholars in his class. Among his class-mates were Denison Olmsted, destined to be his colleague; James Longstreet, author of Georgia Scenes and President of the University of Mississippi; Rev. George Singletary, an influential Episcopal clergyman; Thomas P. Devereux, an able lawyer and Reporter of our Supreme


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Court; and George E. Badger, an eminent Senator and Secretary of the Navy, who did not graduate.

        After leaving Yale young Mitchell taught in the academy of Dr. Eigenbrodt at Jamaica, on Long Island. In 1815 we find him in charge of a school for girls in New London. The next year he was appointed a Tutor in his college, where he discharged his duties so faithfully and well that the Chaplain of the Senate of the United States, a son of President Dwight, of Yale, recommended him to Wm. Gaston, then a Representative in Congress from North Carolina and a Trustee of its University, as learned in Mathematics, as a cultured man of letters generally and as skillful in teaching.

        On notification of his appointment Mr. Mitchell spent a few weeks at the Theological Seminary in Andover, Massachusetts, receiving a license to preach as a Congregational minister. He reached Chapel Hill on the 31st of January, 1818, and at once entered on his nearly forty years' service, with the intelligence, zeal and success for which he was distinguished. He was ordained a minister in the Presbyterian church in 1821.

        In the fall of 1819 young Mitchell went back to Connecticut in order to take to himself a wife. His bride was handsome, intellectual and well educated, Maria S. North, daughter of a physician of New London. Mrs. Spencer in the University Magazine of October, 1884, gives extracts from letters from her after her arrival at Chapel Hill. The first is dated January 1, 1820. I abridge the narrative. It shows vividly the discomforts of old-time traveling. They started from New York Monday before Christmas, 1819, and journeyed by boat to Elizabeth-town, thence by stage to Trenton; thence by stage to Philadelphia, stopping a day to visit Peale's Museum, West's picture and the Academy of Fine Arts. Thence they took boat down the Delaware to New Castle; thence traveled by stage to Frenchtown, where they again took a steamer, and after a moonlight trip reached Baltimore by sunrise on Thursday. There they had time to visit the Roman Catholic Cathedral and other places. After breakfast they boarded the steamer, United States, for Norfolk, starting at 9 o'clock. They had a delightful trip, the day being pleasant. One of their traveling companions


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was Dr. Simmons J. Baker, whom they describe as a man of liberal education, very lively and intelligent in his conversation--a Trustee of the University. "He sets a higher value on the amor patriae than any man I've ever known." They reached Norfolk at 1 o'clock on Friday. As the stage was waiting they missed their dinner and speeded to the head of Dismal Swamp, eleven miles. Here they entered a canal boat 20 feet in length. " 'Twas sunset of a rainy Christmas eve when we entered this boat and were drawn along for 22 miles at the rate of four miles an hour." It was suggested that as Christmas was a holiday for slaves and many runaways were living in the swamp, firearms might be needed; so the gentlemen prepared their pistols, three in number for possible robbers. The five locks and three bridges impeded their progress so that they did not get through the swamp until 10 o'clock at night. The driver of the stage for passengers had been restive and gone off, so a one-horse gig and a one-horse cart for baggage were procured, and they made their way to a country tavern not far off, where they spent the night, sending to Elizabeth City for the stage to return for them. They ate breakfast in that town and dined in Edenton Saturday afternoon. As the steamboat for Plymouth was gone, in an open boat rowed by four men, over a rough sea, one of the passengers bailing out the water which poured through the gaping seams, the travelers in seven hours reached Plymouth. Here their first care was to unpack their trunks and dry their soaked clothes. They then proceeded by stage by way of Williamston and Tarboro to Raleigh, only to find that the stage to Chapel Hill had departed. They hired a special conveyance, whose driver was suspected of being a murderer, and the Professor thought it wise to hint that he was provided with firearms. After a day's ride through a country almost uninhabited the bride reached her new home December 29th, and her husband preached his first sermon on the following Sunday in the old Chapel or Person Hall.

        For a while they boarded with Prof. Olmsted at the house built for the President, that nearest to the University buildings on the west, paying $288 a year for board, lodging and washing. Their host kept four servants besides the washerwoman.


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He had a wife and a son and, although a Connecticut man, paid $350 for a slave girl as a nurse to the youngster. Their household expenses were $1,000 a year.

        Mrs. Mitchell expressed much admiration for the Doctor and Mrs. Caldwell. She spoke of the lady as being sociable and friendly. They gave a dinner party in honor of the newcomers, a handsome dinner, handsomely served. The bride had the honor of drinking the first glass of wine with Dr. Caldwell, the sentiment being, "To Absent Friends." Womanlike she tells her mother of what a Carolina dinner consisted: "Roast turkey with duck, roast beef and broiled, broiled chicken, Irish and sweet potatoes, turnips, rice, carrots, parsnips, cabbage, stewed apples, boiled pudding, baked potato pudding, damson tarts, current tarts, apple pies and whips."

        She was pleased with her new surroundings, notwithstanding the two hundred curious eyes of the students when she was in the Chapel. She praises particularly the fine apples and abundance of them. Thirty years afterwards the neighborhood was equally distinguished for peaches. The orchards have been allowed to go to decay. She whiles away the hours when her husband is absent, by study, reciting to him at night. She asks her mother to send her some fine thread, worsted yarn and some needles, the package to be forwarded to New York in order to come in the next box of books. Fine materials for ladies work were not procurable at Chapel Hill in those days. It was not long before Dr. Olmsted bought himself a residence and the young couple started housekeeping in the home he vacated, which they occupied for thirty-seven years.

        At the same session the Committee on Buildings were authorized to erect a building embracing recitation rooms whenever the funds would allow.

        The vision of golden streams to flow from the escheated warrants of Tennessee emboldened the Trustees in 1818, with only one dissenting voice, to add the Professorship of Rhetoric and Logic and adjunct Professorship of Moral Philosophy. Rev. Shepard Kosciusko Kollock was chosen to fill the chair of Rhetoric and began at the same term with Olmsted, the fall term of 1819. His salary was $1,240. The President held the Chair


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of Moral Philosophy and Metaphysics. The Tutors were King and Simon Jordan. The number of students during the year was 118.

        Dr. Kollock was born in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, June 25, 1795. His father, Shepard Kollock, was an officer in the Revolutionary Army, and hence delighted to honor the Polish patriot. The son graduated with high honors at Princeton at the age of sixteen. He began the study of Theology under his brother-in-law, Rev. John McDowell, D.D., and finished his course under his brother, Rev. Henry Kollock, D.D., whose ministerial work was at Savannah, Georgia. His first charge after ordination was that of the Presbyterian church at Oxford, North Carolina, marrying during his first year, 1818, Miss Sarah Blount Littlejohn, daughter of Thomas Blount Littlejohn. Coming to the University in 1819, he remained until 1825, when he accepted a call to the Presbyterian church of Norfolk, Virginia, where he remained about ten years. He then removed to New Jersey, and was for three years the successful agent of the Board of Missions, after which he was pastor successively in Burlington and Greenwich, both in New Jersey. In 1860 his health failed and he accepted light work in connection with a charitable institution in Philadelphia. He died April 7, 1865.

        Dr. Kollock married a second time--Miss Sarah Harris, of Norfolk. Several children and more grandchildren of this marriage survive. A child, Sarah, of the first marriage, was one of the highly esteemed principals of the excellent School for Females of the Misses Nash and Miss Kollock. The Misses Nash are daughters of a sister of Professor Kollock, wife of Chief Justice Frederick Nash.

        The election of Prof. Kollock caused an outcry against President Caldwell for filling the Faculty with Presbyterian preachers. This he emphatically denied in a letter to Treasurer Haywood, calling attention to the fact that Prof. Hooper was an Episcopalian, and making the rather odd statement that he would have been nominated to the Chair of Rhetoric and Logic if he had been ordained as a preacher and could have rendered to him as much relief in the pulpit as Mr. Kollock. Moreover,


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he contended that the best man should be selected regardless of denominational bias. It should be noticed too that Olmsted, howbeit a Presbyterian, although he studied Theology, was not licensed to preach. A letter from Treasurer Haywood to Judge Murphey of the date of April 26, 1819, shows that the President was so chagrined at the postponement by the Board of his nomination, that he hinted at accepting a Professorship in the South Carolina College. It is stated that the hesitation arose from the fear that this placing the religious instruction in the charge of two Presbyterian ministers might be against the Constitution, as exalting one denomination over the others. It is notable that Treasurer Haywood stated that he and Colonel Wm. Polk, adherents of the Protestant Episcopal church, were of the opinion that it was imprudent to elect one of their own faith, for fear of giving offence to other denominations. As Professor Hooper was then an Episcopalian, one other of the same faith would have been a too heavy weight to be carried by the struggling institution. This seems to prove that the prejudice from the old hostility to the Church of England, allied with the odious Colonial government, still lingered among our people. After Kollock's election the Faculty stood, Caldwell, Mitchell, Olmsted, Kollock, four to one Episcopalian, tottering towards the Baptists. As the Tutors changed almost yearly, I have not inquired into their religious proclivities.

THE ENLARGED CURRICULUM.

        The scheme of studies was of course considerably changed by the addition of the two new Professorships. For admission into the Freshman class the following was prescribed:

        In Latin--The Grammar; Prosody; Corderius; 25 of Aesop's Fables; Selectæ Veteræ, or Sacra Historia; Cornelius Nepos or Viri Romae; Mair's Introduction; Seven Books of Cæsar's Commentaries; Ovidi Editio Expurgata; The Bucolics and Six Books of Aeneid in Virgil.

        In Greek--Greek Grammar; St. John's Gospel and The Acts of the Apostles; Graeca Minora to Lucian's Dialogues.

        It is remarkable that neither Arithmetic nor Algebra is in this list.

        The Plan of Education in the University was as follows:


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        For the Freshman Class--

        In Latin--The whole of Sallust; Roman Antiquities; the Georgics of Virgil; Cicero's Orations; Ancient Geography.

        In Greek--Graeca Minora continued; first volume of Graeca Majora; Antiquities. (The last included other ancient nations besides Greece.) Ancient Geography.

        In Mathematics--Arithmetic; Algebra.

        In English, etc., Modern Geography; English Grammar, Composition; Declamations; Theses.

        For the Sophomore Class--

        In Latin--Horace entire.

        In Greek--Graeca Majora continued, First Volume; four books of Homer's Iliad.

        In Mathematics--Algebra concluded; Geometry.

        In English--Geography, Theses, Composition, Declamation. For the Junior Class, then called Junior Sophisters--

        Latin and Greek were both dropped.

        In Mathematics--Logarithms; Plane Trigonometry; Mensuration of Heights and Distances; Surveying; Spherical Trigonometry; Navigation; Conic Sections, Fluxions.

        Natural Philosophy.

        In English--Classics, Composition, Declamation.

        It is observable that in the catalogue Conics is spelled Conicks, and means of course Analytical Geometry. Fluxions is now called Calculus; Natural Philosophy is called Physics; Classics (spelled Classicks), meant the writings of great English authors, principally of Queen Anne's time.

        For the Senior Class, then called Senior Sophisters--

        No Latin, Greek or Pure Mathematics.

        In Natural Science--Chemistry; Mineralogy; Geology; Philosophy of Natural History.

        In Applied Mathematics--Natural Philosophy; Progress of the Mathematical and Physical Sciences; Astronomy; Chronology.

        In Philosophy--Moral Philosophy; Progress of Metaphysical, Ethical and Political Philosophy; Metaphysics.

        In English--Logic; Rhetoric; Classics; Composition; Declamation.


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        The students had no laboratory work, but the Professor performed experiments in Chemistry and Physics in the presence of the class. Much attention was paid to composition and declamation, which was supplemented by similar work, enforced by fines, in the two literary societies. The Alumni of the University were therefore easily among the leaders in political life, and had a good start in the professions of law and theology.

JUDGE MURPHEY'S PLAN.

        It is interesting to compare the foregoing scheme of studies with the plan of Judge Archibald Murphey, who distinguished himself about this time by a very able report on Public Education, and was a man of large experience at the bar, on the bench, and in the General Assembly, and had professional experience in the University. He moved for a committee to report "a revised plan of Education," embodying "changes suited to the present improved state of science and general knowledge;" also to report a plan of new buildings. The following is the scheme, recommended but not adopted. It is analogous to our modern system of "Schools" or "Colleges," the term classes, however, being used:

        1. Class of Languages, embracing Greek and Latin; Murray's English Grammar; Elements of Chronology; Millot's Elements of History; Blair's Lectures.

        2. Class of Mathematics.--Pure Mathematics up to Fluxions; Mensuration up to Astronomy; Geography.

        3. Physical Sciences.--Embracing Chemistry, Mineralogy, Geology, Philosophy of Natural History; History of the Progress of Mathematics and Physical Sciences.

        4. Class of the Moral and Political Sciences, embracing Philosophy of the Human Mind; Ethics and Practical Morality; Elements of Theology; History of the Progress of Ethical and Moral Sciences; Political Philosophy by Paley; Constitution of the United States by Publius; Political Economy by Genith.

        It is very notable that the distinguished Judge did not include in his programme the study of the great sciences, Electricity or Magnetism; nor is there mention of Mechanics, Biology and similar branches now so much cultivated.


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PRESIDENT POLK'S CLASS.

        The class of 1818 numbered 14.

        The highest honor was conferred on James Knox Polk, afterwards President of the United States, having previously passed through the offices of Governor of Tennessee and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

        The second honor was won by William Mercer Green, afterwards a Professor in our University, Bishop of Mississippi and Chancellor of the University of the South, Doctor of Divinity and of Laws. The third honor devolved on Robert Hall Morrison, afterwards a Doctor of Divinity in the Presbyterian church and President of Davidson College. The fourth honor fell to Hamilton C. Jones, a prominent editor and lawyer of Salisbury and Reporter of the Supreme Court. Besides these, were Hugh Waddell, able lawyer and President of the State Senate, Edward Jones Mallett, Paymaster-General U. S. A. and Consul-General to Italy, and William Dunn Moseley, Speaker of the State Senate and Governor of Florida. The Faculty reported that the class was especially approved on account of the regular, moral and exemplary deportment of its members. Polk never missed a duty while in the institution.

        Associated with these, but not remaining to take degrees, were George C. Dromgoole, Speaker of the Virginia Senate and Representative in Congress, a noted stump speaker.

        The degree of Doctor of Divinity was granted to Rev. John McDowell, of Virginia, and that of Master of Arts to Thomas Pollock Devereux, of North Carolina. Dr. McDowell was of New Jersey, for fifty years Trustee of Princeton College, and was efficient as agent in collecting funds for its advancement. Mr. Devereux, a descendant of Jonathan Edwards, was a Trustee of the University of North Carolina, and Reporter of the Supreme Court.

        For the Commencement of 1819 the representatives from the Dialectic Society were Wm. Hill Jordan, of Bertie, Thomas H. Wright, of Wilmington, and Lucius C. Polk, of Raleigh, afterwards of Tennessee. On the part of the Philanthropic Society were Wm. H. Hardin, of Rockingham, afterwards of Fayetteville, Tucker Carrington, of Virginia, and Matthias B. D.


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Palmer, of Northampton County. The Debaters were Thomas B. Slade and Anderson W. Mitchell. The question was "Ought foreigners to be admitted to public offices in the United States?" Three men attained the first distinction, being declared equal. They were Walker Anderson, Clement Carrington Read and Wm. Henry Haywood. Anderson had the Latin Salutatory, Read the English Salutatory, and Haywood the Valedictory.

        Besides the above, Thomas B. Slade, John M. Starke and Paul A. Haralson were appointed by the Faculty to speak a humorous dialogue.

        The success in after-life of the honored men corresponded to their college careers. Anderson, who was slightly superior to Haywood was a Professor in the University and Chief Justice of Florida. Haywood was a leader of the bar and United States Senator. Read was a banker of very high standing. Of the others, Simon P. Jordan was a Tutor in this institution and then a physician; James Turner Morehead, a sound lawyer and member of Congress.

        Contemporaries, not graduating, were John Lancaster Bailey, of the Convention of 1835, and Judge of the Superior Courts; W. F. Leak, Presidential Elector and member of the Conventions of 1835 and 1861. Thomas N. Mann, heretofore mentioned; Alfred M. Slade, Consul to Buenos Ayres; and Mason L. Wiggins, State Senator. Rev. Wm. McPheeters, who had gained fame as a preacher and head of the Raleigh Academy, a Trustee of the University, was made Doctor of Divinity.

UNIVERSITY LIFE, 1813-'20--LETTERS OF STUDENTS.

        I am fortunately able to give information of interest with respect to this decade of University history, derived from letters by students. Bryan Grimes writes to his mother in January and April, 1813, regretting his inability to visit her during the approaching vacation because of the impossibility of hiring a horse. He requests one or two waistcoats to be sent him at the next session. He is inconvenienced by having only three pair of summer stockings, because the washerwoman brings in clothes weekly and, therefore, he must every alternate week wear a pair for seven days without change. All things seem


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to proceed in harmony in college. The students are exerting themselves for examinations, having no time for sport. He reminds his mother that she had promised to write every month, and he begs her to continue this frequency. He asks her to excuse his penmanship because he has no knife wherewith to mend his bad pen.

        He testifies that he was received with great politeness, which indicates that the evil practice of hazing did not then afflict the institution. Before applying for admission into the Junior class he spent several days in assiduously reviewing Arithmetic, his passing on the Freshman and Sophomore studies not dispensing with this branch. Mr. Grimes proved to be a good student, but did not remain to graduate. He was in after-life a very influential and wealthy planter--a most worthy citizen.

        In October, 1816, Peter C. Picot gives the history of a fight in which two students were involved. James R. Chalmers and Thomas G. Coleman were among those suspended for the Shepard riot. They concluded to sojourn at Hillsboro. A citizen of that town volunteered to reflect severely on the conduct of the students, for which Chalmers kicked him out of doors. In the progress of the fight Coleman, whose nickname was Cub, was severely choked. The offenders were about to be consigned to prison when Judge Thomas Ruffin, a Trustee of the University, appeared and settled the whole matter by a compromise. The adversary of Chalmers declined to prosecute him, on condition that the student, Coleman, should let the choker go free, a curious example of the doctrine of set-off.

        Picot gives a pathetic story of Chapel Hill life. "The beautiful and accomplished Miss P.'s father is no more. Though the world will not grieve, nor has society to lament, for he was to the former a burden and to the latter a disgrace, yet a helpless girl, in the dawn of youth, has to mourn a disgraced father, for he died in jail and laid there some time, until they sent to the Governor to obtain leave to take him out. Oh! if you could have heard her shrieks and witnessed her lamentations it would have pierced your heart and rent your soul. But she has got pacified, and I had the inexpressible pleasure of accompanying her last Thursday evening to preaching." The subsequent history


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of this consoled inconsolable damsel I have not been able to trace.

        Martin W. B. Armstrong writes on January 31, 1818, for money on account of unexpected expenses. He was one of a committee selected to choose toasts for a dinner to be given on the "birthday of our political father," and was bound therefore to subscribe for the dinner. "According to custom the Committee had to treat those from whom they received the distinction." He was also with five others chosen as a manager of the ball to be given to the graduates at Commencement. For this honor he was "again forced to be at the expense of making college drunk." He estimates the cost at two or three dollars. He regrets the expense for suitable clothes, which according to an account sent his father cost $56. He presses for more clothing for daily use. Cambric shirts are soon gone when they become crazy and old, and he requests that his mother will make him others. His cassimere pantaloons are worn through on the seat and are thin on the knees, and his only other pair requires washing after one week's wearing. "It will not be improper," he adds, "to provide for another supply."

        Hamilton C. Jones wrote in the same year to Major Abraham Staples that the business of the Dialectic Society had been conducted with order since the repeal of the law compelling members to attend prayers, which had caused great disturbance. He praises in the highest terms the President, Samuel T. Hauser, of Stokes. The next question for debate was "Do we experience more pleasure in contemplating the works of Nature or of Art?" Jones was to advocate the claims of Nature, saying among other arguments "because no painter nor no sculpturer can produce in the mind of man the exquisite sensation produced in the mind of the lover from contemplating the fascinating charms of his Dulcinea." He has many other arguments but this preponderates. We must presume that his adversary contended stoutly that the modern fine lady is in a large degree the work of Art and made some allusion to the known fact that Jones was desperately in love with a fair one in the village, whom he afterwards married. Miss Eliza Henderson.

        As the notion was lodged in the public mind that Dr. Chapman failed as a disciplinarian, the disorders of September, 1818,


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must have been of some consolation to his friends. They heard of three students, after loading up with corn whiskey, tumultuously shouting on the streets of the village, breaking into a kitchen, beating a negro, and insulting his owner and family with loud vociferations. On the same day another threw stones at a dwelling. On the same day, being God's holy day, two others were drunken and noisy in the street. All but the stone-thrower were suspended for four months, though they might have escaped as the stone-hurler did by submitting to public admonition in the Chapel. At the time of these rowdy occurrences S. H. was admonished for being deficient in scholarship, often absent from his room and strongly suspected of participation in frequent explosions of gunpowder, and A. W. "after repeated warnings was dismissed for negligence of studies."

        We learn from a letter of James R. Chalmers, written in 1818 to Alfred M. Slade, that besides being suspended for participation in the street riots, one J. B. was charged with assisting in transporting to the third story of the South Building a large stone or other hard substance, with the intent to injure said building. President Caldwell swore out a warrant against him and he was keeping in hiding, attempting to collect evidence of his innocence. Slade was urged to write a letter avowing J. B.'s guiltlessness that "he may clear himself in the eyes of the Faculty, the Trustees and the world."

        In the next month a too lively Virginian was charged with the following offences:

        1st. Torturing animals with spirits of turpentine. Doubtless this was the primeval joke of attaching rags saturated with the flaming fluid to the tail of an innocent canine, not with Sampson's motive of revenge on the hereditary enemies of his country, but for cruel delight over the antics of a frightened and tortured beast.

        2d. With lying.

        3d. With slandering the Faculty.

        4th. With threatening physical violence to a member of the Faculty.

        5th. With writing scurrilous and abusive stuff on the Chapel walls about the same.

        6th. With drawing a dirk on a student.


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        The Faculty gravely came to the conclusion that the offender was "not of a proper disposition to be an orderly student," and sent him home.

        Three months afterwards, on the glorious 22d of February, Walker Anderson delivered an oration, after which a dinner was given in honor of the stately and dignified George Washington, with whom temperance and decorum were life-long habits. The chronicle says that many were intoxicated. Deadly weapons, dirks and pistols were drawn. Tu. C. and Th. C. had a furious fight. Tu. C. drew a dirk. A. I., a peace-maker, in parting them was stabbed in the arm. M. H. used a pistol in a dangerous manner in the crowd and J. S. took it from him.

        There seems to have been no punishment of these offences other than signing pledges. The students were called on to surrender their deadly weapons, to be retained while they were members of the University. Six pistols and two dirks were obtained.

        The trials of the eventful year were not yet over. The whole "establishment," as the University was often called, was convulsed by a conflict between a student and a member of the Faculty. We have a vivid description of it by Thomas B. Slade, in a letter to his brother. I condense his story. The member of the Faculty was Tutor Simon Jordan, and the student Wm. Anthony, of Virginia.

        There was "a woman in it." "Both escorted Miss Betsy Puckett one Sunday to Mount Carmel, four miles from town, on the road to Pittsboro. Anthony alleged that Jordan insulted him repeatedly on the journey. Vowing revenge he tendered his resignation as a student, which the Faculty declined to accept. Claiming to be of age, and therefore that he had the right to withdraw, he armed himself with three pistols, a dirk and a club, and attacked Jordan, who was walking with R. R. King, the other Tutor. A crowd collecting, they were separated without damage. Anthony was summoned before the Faculty, where it was proved that he had called the President a liar. He again afterwards armed as before, attacked Jordan, who had a small walking cane. A few blows with the sticks were exchanged, when Jordan, finding his weapon too light in comparison


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with his adversary's, dropped it and caught Anthony in such manner as to render his club useless." I give the conclusion in the words of Slade, who was a witness, as they throw light on the frame of mind of the students generally. "They now commenced a fight which created much interest among the students, for the 'Dis' were warm for Simon Jordan, Anthony being a member of the 'Phi' Society. It was held with equal success by both parties for a few moments, when King called upon me, as I was nearest, to part them. With his assistance we parted them. I leaped for joy on its termination, for the victory, as far as the fight was carried, was given to Simon, both by his enemies and friends. Of the two combatants Anthony is much the larger, but Simon much the more active." Anthony still vowed revenge, but a warrant was sworn out for his arrest and he deemed it prudent to leave the county.

        About the same time James R. Chalmers, heretofore mentioned, gave a student who had left the University and returned to attend to some business, a most unmerciful whipping. The cause of the exasperation of the castigator is unknown.

        We have several letters written by Thomas B. Slade while at the University. He tells of a marriage between Richard Thompson and Miss Nancy King, of the engagement between Miss Eliza Henderson and Hamilton C. Jones, of the 22d of February speech by Walker Anderson, which was very much admired; that Anderson and William H. Haywood are struggling hard for the Latin speech, and that it is difficult to say who will get it.

        Afterwards, Slade gives a description of some of the students, which shows that he had a good judgment of character. Wm. H. Haywood, fully sustains the high reputation he had at the Raleigh Academy, as a young man of the first talents. Clement Read is also struggling for the Latin Salutatory. In the Junior class Owen Holmes and Martin Armstrong strive with him, but he has left them far behind, and their envy has led to disputes, which have injured the Dialectic Society. Slade and Anderson live together at the President's house (since burnt) as lovingly as brothers, which is "unusual between persons of different societies."


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        James R. Chalmers is the same independent young man--is a warm friend and advocate of Haywood, "and consequently ranks high." He has become more studious in his habits. He is thought to be of all his class-mates the most brilliant. "His compositions are excellent, display all the fire of imagination and originality of genius."

        John M. Starke, of South Carolina, since coming to the University has had a continued struggle for life, but his health is greatly re-established. His mind and vivacity are unimpaired. In conversation he excels.

        James T. Morehead is the same blunt, plain old fellow, respected by all and loves to hunt and fish as well as ever.

        Ethelred Phillips has returned after his sickness and will join the next Junior class. He is most assiduous and attentive. A book is his delight and his talents are adequate to his application.

        David Williams has a most noble genius. Nature has bestowed talents lavishly upon him, but it is feared, for want of industry, they will lie dormant.

        David W. Stone is a fine young man and in mathematical talents is equal to any in the class. He has concluded to graduate.

        The subsequent careers of these youths fulfilled the promise of their student life.

        Besides those I have elsewhere mentioned, Martin W. B. Armstrong became a physician of repute in Greensboro, New Salem and Salisbury. He was for a short while acting Clerk of the Court of Stokes, and probably emigrated to Tennessee, where his father had much land. He lost his diploma for striking down Haywood with a club, in consequence of words spoken at a convivial banquet. James R. Chalmers settled as a lawyer in Knoxville, Tennessee, and reached the dignity of Attorney-General. James T. Morehead was a prominent lawyer of Greensboro and a worthy member of Congress and of the State Legislature. He was a brother of Governor Morehead. Ethelred Phillips, uncle of Judge Fred Phillips, was a physician of fame in North Carolina and Florida. He cured himself of pulmonary consumption by extreme care as to clothing and diet, to the extent of changing clothing on the slightest change of temperature, certainly every morning, noon and night throughout


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the year. David W. Stone was a son of Governor Stone, was first a lawyer and then the esteemed President of the Branch of the Bank of Cape Fear at Raleigh.

        In 1820 occurred a furious conflict between two students named Martin, but of no kinship. Robert was from Granville, tall, orderly and high-spirited, a grandson of Nathaniel Macon. The other was Henry Martin, of Stokes County, strong and pugnacious, a son of Colonel James Martin, of the Revolution, by his second wife, the mother of Hamilton C. Jones. Robert was a member of the Philanthropic Society, and while the Society was in session Henry Martin made his way into the attic room above its Hall, and in leaping over the rafters fell through the ceiling. As he was a member of the rival society this was deemed an intentional insult and was resented by Robert Martin. The quarrel resulted in a fight, which came very near causing a pitched battle between the members of the two societies. Governor Graham shortly before his death stated that he witnessed the conflict. Henry, being the stouter, endeavored to close with his antagonist, which Robert prevented by warding off and returning his blows, slowly backing towards the well. By these tactics they fought from the door of Gerrard Hall to the well before they were parted. According to the Governor's recollection, Robert was not thrown, but there is a contrary tradition among his relatives to the effect that the Dialectic champion jumped on his prostrate breast, causing such internal injuries that he died soon after his graduation in 1822. Dr. Hooper in his "Fifty Years Since" sustains in part at least this tradition. He states that the Di "got his antagonist down and beat him most dreadfully." My conclusion is that there were two fights. President Caldwell thought best to prosecute the victor before the Superior Court then in session at Hillsboro. Dr. Hooper was one of the guard and tells the story of the proceedings: "It was a rainy night, the prisoner purposely kept his horse in a walk, that we might not bring him into town at night as a guarded criminal. So we rode up at breakfast time, like a party of travelers to the hotel, where the Judge and prosecuting officer and a crowd of people were standing. Our mittimus was examined, when lo and behold! the Justice of the Peace


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who issued it had left out of the writ the initials of his office 'J. P.,' and without those magic letters it was as harmless as a lion with his head cut off. So the whole proceeding was quashed, the prisoner discharged, the expedition covered with ridicule, and the escort went home pretty well sick of Sheriff's business."

        The feud did not, however, end here. The Di champion became incensed at language reported as having been used by the Phi while at Hillsboro, and seeking the latter in his room renewed the fight. We have no details of its result. The Faculty dismissed the aggressor at once, and the wrathful feeling among the students soon died down and gave place to other excitements.

        About the same time four other students, convicted of "quarreling and fighting in their rooms," were called up and made to sign a pledge to keep the peace.

        An epidemic of explosions of gunpowder prevailed about this time which gave the Faculty great annoyance. In the language of the grave Secretary, Joseph H. Saunders, there could be no object other than "to disturb society in a very violent manner, except the additional one of sporting with the injury done the order of the institution; it must ever be considered an offence of much aggravation." The punishment was dismission or suspension according to the previous record of the student. There was ingenuity expended in securing loud explosives. In one case a hollow brass knob was covered over with lead and filled with the powder. The noise made was pleasing to the ears of the festive youths.

        There is extant a contemporary printed letter from an unknown traveler, who urged upon the students in the kindest terms more civil behavior at public exhibitions. He deprecated "expressions of contempt towards a decent stranger, who was entertaining them with delightful music." "If a stranger enters their room he is treated with marked politeness. Why not carry into public conduct the same character of genteel breeding?" "Surely the bloom and gaiety of youth would receive embellishment from gentleness, grace and dignity of behavior." He warns them that their boisterous conduct is becoming an insult


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to the officers of the University and even to the fair sex, and asks, "Is the enjoyment of wit and pleasantry impossible without noise? Is it necessary to be boisterous in order to be happy?" There is no record as to whether this appeal had any effect in mitigating the evil sought to be remedied. It is noticeable that a French traveler in England in the fifteenth century was amazed to find that people seemed to be unable to express joy except by loud shouting, bell ringing, explosions of gunpowder, and other "unharmonious noises."

        While most of the students dressed plainly, those who held the post of Marshall and Ball Manager, and the Commencement speakers, had more costly apparel. We have a bill for one suit of clothes. Black broadcloth coat, cost $34; Cassimere pantaloons $14, and British florentine waistcoat $8; Total, $56. The late Judge Battle remembered that the University servant, a worthy negro, known as Brad, kept a pair of boots for hire to students only. They were in special request for visits to the belles of Raleigh, Hillsboro and Pittsboro, who were famous throughout the State for physical and intellectual attractions.

        At the Commencement of 1881 we had an eloquent and instructive address by a class-mate of President Polk, an excellent specimen of the old school, an octogenarian, Gen. Edward J. Mallett, of New York, lately called to his final home. He was introduced as having received his diploma sixty-three years before that day, and it was stated that for seventy years he had never taken a glass of ardent spirits, and, therefore, that he had still the inestimable blessing of mens sana in corpore sano, and that other still greater blessing mens sibi conscia recti. In his autobiography, printed only for his relatives, a copy being donated to our Historical Society, we find an account of the ball given in compliment to his class, when graduating. The following description of his dress is interesting.

        "The style of costume," said Gen. Mallett, "and even the manners of the present generation are not, in my opinion, an improvement on a half century ago. The managers would not then admit a gentleman into the ball-room with boots, or even a frock coat; and to dance without gloves was simply vulgar. At the Commencement Ball (when I graduated, 1818), my


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coat was broadcloth, of sea-green color, high velvet collar to match, swallow-tail, pockets outside with lapels, and large silver-plated buttons; white satin damask vest, showing the edge of a blue under-vest; a wide opening for bosom ruffles, and no shirt collar. The neck was dressed with a layer of four or five three-cornered cravats, artistically laid and surmounted with a cambric stock, pleated and buckled behind. My pantaloons were white canton crape, lined with pink muslin, and showed a peach-blossom tint. They were rather short in order to display flesh-colored silk stockings, and this exposure was increased by very low cut pumps with shiny buckles. My hair was very black, very long and queued. I should be taken for a lunatic or a harlequin in such costume now."

        In 1827 the Trustees prescribed a uniform of dark gray in summer and blue in winter, but six months afterwards changed the winter color to a dark gray, so that it is probable that our boys were the first in the State to wear the dress which is so intimately associated in Southern minds with the tenderness, pathos and heroism of the Lost Cause. A solemn ordinance was adopted at the same time, which sounds strange in our ears, "The wearing of boots by the students is positively prohibited." This law was passed doubtless on account of the financial panic of 1825, but, like all sumptuary laws, was regularly circumvented. The Seniors during the Commencement at which they graduated were exempt from the prohibitory boot law by special exception to the ordinance, and it was not long before ambitious Juniors, Sophomores and Freshmen obtained the distinguished privilege.

        In a letter from his father, Joel Battle, a student in 1798-99, to his son, William, the late Judge Battle, is some homely advice of value at this day. He cautions his son against jumping into cold water when hot. "I caught dysentery when at Chapel Hill by that." He sends 2 3-4 yards of broadcloth for a coat and vest for his son's Commencement suit. As the Judge was a small man that was doubtless sufficient. On his graduation a horse and gig would be sent for him. The driver will lead an extra horse for him to ride home, from which it appears that the gig had only one seat.


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        Information is given of the financial condition of the farmers of Edgecombe in February, 1820. The writer had sold pork in Virginia at $6 per hundred--one-half cash, the other half in four months. He started 152 hogs in the drove and got 143 to market. The other nine all returned home except one or two. Those sold averaged 149 1-2 pounds, so that the drove brought nearly $1,300. There was great distress for money in the county. Thirty negroes had been recently sold in Tarboro for debt. There were Sheriff's sales almost every day or two. Wm. Ross bought a woman at $581; A. J. Thorp, at $300. These doubtless have been "on account of those dangerous and fatal rocks, imprudence and extravagance."

        These extracts are given because "hard times" were a serious obstacle in the path of the University then, and at other periods. Six cents a pound--half on credit--for hogs driven over 100 miles, shows that money was hard to get.

THE VILLAGE OF CHAPEL HILL.

        The government of the village of Chapel Hill was primitive. All white males between 21 and 50 years of age were distributed into classes and in turn patrolled the streets at night. Slaves were liable to a whipping of ten lashes, or a fine of one dollar, for being absent from home without a written permit from the owner. Nor could a slave hire his own time.

        Shooting firearms in the village "in sport, wantonness or licentiousness" was forbidden under a penalty of one dollar. But firing on public occasions or musters was not only not prohibited but encouraged. Two dollars was the penalty for working on Sundays in one's ordinary avocation, unless in case of necessity or mercy. Nor, with like exception, could any person buy or sell any article under penalty of five dollars, doubled in case of sales by merchants.

        The streets were to be worked by male white persons between 18 and 45, and black males between 16 and 50. Fines for whites were inflicted for absences. Whipping for slaves was the rule, but owners could save them from punishment by paying a fine. The Commissioners were to pay one dollar for absence from meetings without excuse.


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        We are fortunate in having a description of the village in a letter from Wm. D. Moseley, written in 1853. At the beginning of 1818 Dr. Caldwell had almost as meagre a Faculty as he commanded when he was presiding Professor in 1797. Wm. Hooper, Professor of Ancient Languages, was on a health tour in the South. Dr. Mitchell, Professor of Mathematics, did not arrive for two months after the session opened. There were 92 students, and the President had his hands full, with his two Tutors, in charge of so many unruly boys. The following is the substance of Moseley's description of the village:

        There was one street, running east and west, called Franklin or Main street. The Raleigh and Hillsboro road crossed this, that part to the south being Raleigh, that to the north being Hillsboro street. East of Raleigh street were two dwellings fronting on Franklin, that at the corner, the residence of President Caldwell and wife. The other, east of it, was the property of Prof. Wm. Hooper.

        On the north side of Franklin and east of Hillsboro street was the dwelling of Mrs. Puckett, widow of the late John Puckett, once Postmaster. This was the lot afterwards bought by Professor Olmstead and by him sold to the University. Between the part of the campus fronting on Franklin street and Raleigh street there were only two residences, Hilliard's Hotel, afterwards the Eagle, and now Chapel Hill Hotel, and next to Raleigh street the dwelling of Tom Taylor, a merchant, afterwards sold to the University for Tennessee land. It is now occupied by Dr. Eben Alexander. The Episcopal church was not built until long afterwards.

        In front of the campus, including the grounds where are now the Presbyterian church and the stores of R. S. McRae and H. H. Patterson, was woodland, owned by the University. Between that and Hillsboro street were only two buildings. One, about half way, was a store belonging to Tom Taylor, and the other, at the corner of Hillsboro and Franklin Streets, the home of Wm. Pitt, now belonging to the heirs of Henry C. Thompson.

        Columbia street is perpendicular to Franklin in the western part of the village. Between that and the part of the campus


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fronting on Franklin were two residences only. That adjoining the campus, now Central Hotel, was the residence of James Hogg, father of the eminent lawyer, Gavin Hogg. Next to Columbia street lived the widow Mitchell, who dispensed table board.

        Opposite James Hogg's was Major Pleasant Henderson's, father of the attractive Miss Eliza. West of this about 150 yards was the store of Mr. Trice, and further still, at the corner the blacksmith shop of Christopher or Kit Barbee.

        At the southwest angle of Columbia and Franklin streets was the famous boarding house of Mrs. Elizabeth or Betsy Nunn, and south of that was the only other building on Columbia, that of Wm. Barbee, long the Steward of the University.

        At the junction of Cameron Avenue and Pittsboro streets was the residence of Mrs. Pannell, whose fair daughter captivated the heart of Tutor, afterwards Bishop James H. Otey, and became his wife. Opposite Mrs. Pannill's on Cameron Avenue was Mr. Watson's, the father of Mayor John H. Watson and Mr. Jones Watson, merchant and lawyer, long esteemed citizens of Chapel Hill. The father came near being a martyr of the University. He was a carpenter, working on a third-story scaffold of the South Building, when he stumbled and was precipitated over the edge of the scaffold. A friendly nail caught the seat of his tow breeches, of tough flaxen fibre, and held him suspended over the deep abyss, in a plight pitiable but safe.

        There was no other house on Cameron Avenue to the westward. All was forest, wherein were numerous chinquapin bushes. Adjoining the campus was the President's house, then occupied by the new Professor of Mathematics, afterwards of Chemistry, Dr. Mitchell.

        Governor Moseley overlooked the residence of the Principal of the Grammar School, Rev. Abner W. Clopton, east of the campus, now the Battle residence. The grove in front of it was then thick woods.

        The only college buildings were the East, the South and Person Hall, or the "Old Chapel," now, largely increased in size, devoted to the use of the Department of Medicine.

        Governor Moseley remembered that the graveyard contained about half a dozen graves. He recalled Rock Spring, southeast


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of the campus, now Brickyard Spring, and the Twin Sisters, north of the village, below which the waters were conducted through a gutter, having a fall of about ten feet, and making an excellent open air-down-pouring bath. The Davie Poplar was even then, eighty years ago, called the Old Poplar.

        In his distant home, said Moseley, living the life of a hermit, worn out with old age, his six children all grown but one, he rejoiced over the successes of the University, "much of it due to Swain's great abilities and untiring energy." He felt glad that the last vote he gave as Trustee was for him as President.

        The records show where the students of 1819 had their dormitories. I give the list, that it may be compared with Moseley's description of the village:

        
In the East Building roomed 30 students.
In the South Building roomed 51 students.
At Major Henderson's roomed 7 students.
At President Caldwell's roomed 2 students.
At Mrs. Pannell's roomed 3 students.
At Mrs. Burton's roomed 2 students.
At Mrs. Craig's roomed 2 students.
At Mr. Thompson's roomed 2 students.
At Mr. Moring's roomed 1 students.
At. Mr. Kittrell's roomed 1 students.
At. Mr. Barbee's roomed 1 students.
At Mr. Pitt's roomed 1 students.
At Mrs. Mitchell's roomed 4 students.
At Mr. Strain's roomed 1 students.
At Mrs. Nunn's roomed 1 students.
109

        It should be noted that the Mrs. Mitchell in this list was not the wife of the Professor. As might be expected, Governor Moseley omitted some of the inhabitants, but very few. Certainly Mrs. Craig and Mr. Kittrell lived out of the village--perhaps others. Mrs. Burton occupied Steward Hall. She took the house with the burden that the ball might be conducted in the dining-room, free of charge. I do not know where were the residences of Mr. Thompson, Mr. Moring and Mr. Strain. Mrs. Burton was the young widow of a citizen of the village, who had died the year before.


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        It was at this period, 1819, that the management of Steward's Hall as an adjunct of the University was discontinued and the students allowed to get their table board where they pleased. As long as the manager was an employee of the institution and especially, as in the early days, compulsory eating at his table was the rule, grumbling was the staple conversation and rowdyism often prevalent. The village increasing in population, Steward Hall was rented out on condition that the tenant, Mrs. Burton, should supply food to student applicants at not exceeding $9 per month for the first year and $10 afterwards. This plan was continued about twenty years longer, the compulsory feature not being renewed.

        This "Steward's Hall" was a two-story wooden building fronting west, painted white, in the middle of what is now Cameron Avenue, and exactly north of the Carr Building. It was there that most of the students for many years boarded at Commons, paying for the first year, 1795, $30, or $3 per month; for the next four years $40 per year, or $4 per month; in 1800 rising to $57 per year; in 1805 to $60; in 1814, under the inflated war prices, to $66.50; in 1818 to $95; in 1839 to $76, when the system was abandoned. It was in this building that the "balls" of the old days were given, at which, tradition has it, venerable Trustees and Faculty, together with their pupils, with hair powdered and plaited into "pig-tails," and legs encased in tight stockings and knees resplendent with buckles, mingled in the dance with the beauteous damsels of the day.

        Judge Battle, who graduated in 1820, boarded, as did James K. Polk and others, at the house of Benjamin Yeargin near the creek in Tenney's plantation, about a mile from the University buildings, at the foot of a long, steep hill.

        Governor Moseley stated that Polk and he were the first who studied Conic Sections. They occupied the same room, that at the southwest corner third story of the South Building, soon afterwards to shelter another excellent student, William A. Graham. The study was regarded by most students as extremely difficult.

CONDUCT OF STUDENTS.

        Most of the misconduct at this period consisted of fighting and annoyances to the Faculty. The war fever was partly the


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cause of the former. The familiar songs were all boastful of the deeds of Perry and McDonough, Decatur and Hull, and of General Jackson. But the war spirit was stimulated to action partly by use of intoxicating liquors so common that the Faculty hardly censured it except when drunkenness resulted; even then often not cutting the offender off from the institution. But this was not the sole cause. There was evidently a fashion to resort to bodily injury for fancied insults. It is noticeable that it was not considered derogatory to one's reputation to knock his antagonist down with a club, without warning. T. D. Donoho, afterwards a lawyer of repute, wrote to his friend Armstrong, who had felled W. H. Haywood in this manner, that all his friends sustained him as having acted properly.

        Another class of offences was impertinent and offensive speeches and conduct towards the Tutors. Most of this arose from irritation at being ordered by men, little, if any, older than themselves, to repair to their rooms, when found visiting a friend after 8 o'clock at night. A son of Chief Justice Henderson, usually a polite and good-natured youth, stoutly insisted that the officer had no right to "order him about," and submitted to being sent home, "rather than surrender his rights as a freeman." Others, however, while obeying the officer's commands secretly vented their spite by exploding gunpowder at his door, throwing stones through his windows, shouting abusive words from a distance in the darkness, and other like amenities. One Tutor became so obnoxious by his tactless severity that it became necessary to fortify his window-panes with wooden shutters.

        One of the Secretaries, Tutor Andrews, has left on record as evidence in a case on trial the dialogue between the Tutor and the student-offender, whom he found visiting a friend. It is worth quoting as showing the actual working of a hard law.

        Tutor--Mr. H.--Do you know that the bell has rung for 8 o'clock?

        Student--Yes, sir; I know that it has rung.

        Tutor--Do you not intend to go to your room?

        Student--I intend to go by and by.

        Tutor--Why not now, Mr. H.?

        Student--I wish to read some more before I go.


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        Tutor--I require you to go to your room.

        Student--I shall go when I get ready.

        Tutor--Do you intend to say that you will not go to your room?

        Student--I shall go as soon as I am ready.

        Mr. H. was called before the Faculty and was asked "on what footing he proposed to place himself in regard to this transaction?" On his replying that he ought to have obeyed the Tutor, and regretted that he had not, and that his purpose was to obey the laws of the college, he was acquitted.

        It is evident from the Faculty records that, while there was vigilance in detecting offenders and strictness in pronouncing sentence, the law-givers were very placable provided the offender acknowledged his fault, approved the law broken as reasonable, and gave a written promise to obey all the laws in the future. But there was sure punishment if there was refusal to do either of these. There is good reason to believe that many students considered the promises as not binding because they were in the nature of duress. Falsehood was not considered as heinous as at present. There are numerous cases of students answering for one another at Prayers, and the only punishment was a reprimand. There was a striking case of a Senior positively assuring the Faculty that another, under probation, could not possibly have gone to Pittsboro, become intoxicated there and have done other wrongs, because to his knowledge he had never left Chapel Hill. A Professor visited Pittsboro and found that all this was false. In his defence the false witness avowed that he would not have lied for himself. His punishment was holding back his diploma for a year. Card-playing, even for amusement, was considered a high crime. The players, as well as bystanders, whether occupiers of the room where the game was carried on, or visitors, were sternly dealt with. To escape dismission they were compelled to admit that it was wrong to play, that they regretted having played, and would refrain in the future, and moreover that they would never countenance a game by their presence, nor allow it in their rooms. Where four students, after religious service on Sunday, were whiling away the interval before dinner with


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a short hand, they were dismissed or suspended according to their previous bad or good conduct.

        Another trouble the Faculty had was in regard to horse-racing. There was a track near the Hill, a few hundred yards west of the railroad station. The races were inaugurated largely by liquor sellers and gamblers, and were frequented by many drunken and disorderly persons. The students were forbidden to attend, but some went disguised and undetected. Those caught were suspended from the institution. One enterprising Tennesseean, orderly and studious, stationed himself where he could see the horses run, while he did not approach the shouting, betting, riotous crowd. Was he guilty? The verdict of the Faculty brings out so clearly the stately verbiage considered "good form" in that day that I quote it: "In the disposition which the Faculty feel to act on the side of forbearance, where the circumstances are susceptible of a different construction in the mind of the offending person, it was resolved that the case of the said W. L. be exempted from any other consequence in the present instance than a warning given to beware of acting in such a manner in regard to the rules of the college as bears the appearance of practicing evasion."

        As showing the leniency of the sentences, I give this case which occurred in 1823: J. E. was convicted, 1st., of frequent absences from recitation without excuse; 2nd., intoxication; 3d., of being a leader in a great noise and tumult in a public passage; 4th., fastening up the door of a Tutor's room; 5th, of boisterous and profane swearing, "aggravating this offence by such a manner and by such circumstances as announced it to be his intention that the oaths should be proclaimed in the ears of a member of the Faculty"; 6th., of attending disguised in borrowed garments at a horse-race contrary to the express orders of the Faculty; finally, of "habitual insubordination and licentiousness of conduct." He was suspended for only four months. In another instance W. H. was discovered intoxicated and very noisy. He was suspended for two months.

        T. P. was with a noisy assembly at one of the doors. It was the day before the 22d of February and exercises had been suspended. A Tutor ordered him to leave the company. He obeyed, but joined another crowd, and was ordered to leave


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that. He refused, alleging that he was in his legal rights. He was required to acknowledge that he had done wrong and would in the future obey the laws. The sentence was "until said T. P. shall make the concessions stated he shall be dismissed."

        A. F. rose to declaim his piece before the Faculty. Whether from stage-fright or idleness he could pronounce only one or two lines. Being told that he must perform the duty on the next evening he avowed his determination never to do so. He was dismissed. After a week's cogitation he changed his mind and was required to perform the duty, express regret for disobedience and promise to obey the laws.

        W. E. N., intending to leave the institution, invited a number of students to a drinking party at his room. A number assembled. Four were found playing cards. They were arraigned for this, not a word being said about the drinking. They pleaded that the students always played during examination week. This did not avail them and they were required to sign a pledge, asserting that "the habit of card-playing tends to create a dangerous attachment to that employment, and eventually to lead to the fatal practice of gaming," that they sincerely regretted having played, because it is against the University laws, and that they pledged themselves not to play again and not to allow others to do so in their rooms. One of the number refused to sign and was dismissed. He afterwards changed his mind and was re-admitted on signing the paper; and another, acknowledging that he did wrong in declining to sign when the others did, was pardoned.

        W. H., the feast-giver, applied for leave to be absent at Commencement, but the Faculty refused consent, and he went home without it. For this and for the above-said feast he was dismissed. The context shows that the chief offence was the absence without leave.

        J. R. and J. J. R. were charged with making a disturbance at Prayers. They refused to express disapprobation of such tumultuous proceedings or to give assurance that they would refrain hereafter. They were dismissed. It appears that the disturbance was an attempt to prevent the reading of a minute


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of the Faculty. What this offensive minute was is not recorded, but, as a student, J. F., had been dismissed two days before for writing indecent words on the walls, and it was customary to announce such sentences from the rostrum at the time of Prayers, it is likely that the friends of the dismissed man were manifesting their sympathy with him, and resentment at his treatment.

        It must not be supposed that such outrages as I have narrated were continuous. There were long intervals of quiet, and there were many students whose demeanor was never censurable. In a report to the Trustees in 1822 the Faculty unanimously used this language, "When we consider the numbers, industry and virtuous and manly deportment of the young men who resorted to this place for the purpose of obtaining an education we are ready to congratulate ourselves on the great present and increasing prosperity of the institution."

AMENDMENTS TO CHARTER--OLD EAST ENLARGED--OLD WEST
BUILT.

        In 1819 important amendments to the charter, drawn by Bartlett Yancey, were enacted. By the charter of 1789 there were five Trustees from each judicial district, in all 40. Vacancies were to be filled by the other Trustees. The members present with the President and Treasurer, or a majority without either of those officers, were a quorum. By act of 1798 the attendance of the Treasurer was dispensed with. By act of 1804 filling vacancies devolved on the General Assembly and the number was raised to not exceeding eight for each district. By act of 1805 the Governor was made President of the Board ex officio, but, if he wished, he could appoint a substitute. The Board could vacate the seat of a member who had not attended for two years. By act of 1807, it being found difficult to secure a majority, seven were constituted a quorum, and could appoint a President pro tempore.

        The General Assembly did not carry out the law requiring eight from each Judicial District. In 1821 there were in office 54 Trustees. These were continued, namely, John Haywood, Benjamin Smith, William Polk, Henry Potter, Archibald D. Murphey, Duncan Cameron, Joseph Caldwell, Thomas Winns,


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Edward Jones, James Webb, Henry Seawell, Calvin Jones, John D. Hawkins, Robert H. Jones, Jeremiah Slade, Joseph H. Bryan, Robert Williams, William Gaston, Thomas Brown, Francis Locke, Montfort Stokes, Thomas Love, Archibald McBride, Atlas Jones, Lewis Williams, William McPheeters, Frederick Nash, Thomas Ruffin, James W. Clark, John Stanley, Bartlett Yancey, Leonard Henderson, John Branch, William Miller, Simmons J. Baker, George E. Badger, Kemp Plummer, Thomas D. Bennehan, Willie P. Mangum, James Mebane, John Witherspoon, John B. Baker, James Iredell, William D. Martin, Joseph B. Skinner, James C. Johnson, Enoch Sawyer, Alfred Moore, John D. Toomer, John Owen, Gabriel Holmes, Romulus M. Saunders, Lewis de Schweinitz, and Thomas P. Devereux.

        The number was now increased to 65, being the number of the counties, but the residence of one in each county was not prescribed. Nine additional were elected, namely, Lewis D. Henry, Francis Lister Hawks, Richard Dobbs Spaight, the younger, Solomon Graves, James Strudwick Smith, M.D., Leonard Martin, Thomas Wharton Blackledge, Thomas Burgess, and Archibald Roane Ruffin.

        Vacancies were to be filled by the General Assembly. The extraordinary power was given to the Board at their annual meetings to remove a Trustee for improper conduct, provided fifteen should be present. The usual quorum was fixed at seven. Special meetings were authorized but they could not alter any "order, resolution or vote" of an annual meeting. The restriction on the power of special meetings was made more stringent by an act passed in 1824.

        The active Trustees at this period were William Miller, John Branch, Edward Jones, James Mebane, Frederick Nash, David Stone, Henry Seawell, President Caldwell, John Haywood, Thomas D. Bennehan, William Polk, Wm. McPheeters, D.D., James Webb, Thomas Ruffin, A. B. Murphey, Simmons J. Baker, Robert Williams, of Raleigh, James Iredell, of Edenton, afterwards Raleigh.

        In this year on the urgency of President Caldwell, the Trustees resolved to add a story to the Old East and to build the Old West of the same size, and also a new Chapel. The necessary


Illustration

        OLD WEST BUILDING.

        GERRARD HALL, SOUTH SIDE, BEFORE REMOVAL OF PORCH.


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funds were expected from the Tennessee land sales, and in anticipation thereof $10,000 was borrowed from the banks. Two years afterwards $20,000 additional was authorized, and the bank stock of the University, in the total 375 shares, pledged for re-payment. Afterwards another $10,000 was raised in the same way. The committeee recommended that the permission of the General Assembly should be obtained but this was not done. The salary of the President was at the same time increased to $1,600.

        The resolution to enter upon the construction of new buildings was in opposition to the views of the Faculty. In an earnest paper, in the handwriting of Professor Mitchell, it was urged that the true policy was to purchase books and apparatus. "The first impression of enlightened strangers is uniformly favorable," they say. "But when we show them our library and inform them that we have little or no philosophical apparatus, we sink even more than is reasonable in their estimation."

        It seems that the large room in the middle of the south side on the first floor of the South Building, now the Law Room, extended to the third floor, and was called Prayer Hall. The Faculty recommended that a floor be thrown across this at the second story and the space below be turned into two large lodging rooms, which by an arrangement common in other colleges might be used for recitation rooms. The second story might be used for a Library and Philosophical Chamber. The present Library should be converted into two lecture rooms. These changes would provide for 106 students in all, and perhaps room might be made in the fourth story of the South Building, thus accommodating 110. The proportions of those living in the University buildings to those living without last session were 82 to 68. The alterations would make the numbers 106 to 44, or 110 to 40.

        The petition closes with this extraordinary argument and prediction. If invested in apparatus, the property will not be perishable. "Instruments with careful usage will be as valuable one hundred years hence as now."

        The Trustees could not be diverted from their purpose, but they resolved to purchase the apparatus, some of which after


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the lapse of 75 years is still used. The floor was thrown above Prayer Hall, but the room below was not divided but converted into a Chemical Laboratory. The ceiling was built and the rooms above made into a combined Library and Lecture Room for the President and Professor of Rhetoric. The stately books, dust-covered and unread, remained until the erection of Smith Hall in 1852.

        At the same time the cupola on the South Building was torn down because of its ruinous and leaky condition, and the roof made continuous. The cupola was not replaced until after the expiration of over thirty years.

        The work on all the buildings was left to Wm. Nichols, architect of the old Capitol at Raleigh. The plan was for him to make contracts for lumber, labor and other things necessary and obtain the funds for paying for the same from the Building Committee, often advancing the amounts out of his own resources. It was found that the two buildings and some repairs and changes in the South Building would cost $26,587.54, including $1,000 for commissions for the services and compensation of Nichols, including also surveying and laying off some lots at Chapel Hill. The bricks were made on the University lands, the water being obtained from the spring south of the present Athletic Field known as Brickyard, but in old days, Rock Spring.

        After this settlement, which exhausted the funds on hand, the Building Committee concluded that the prospect of sales of Tennessee lands and collections for those already sold justified them in proceeding with the erection of the new Chapel. A bargain was made with Mr. Nichols that he should assume the responsibility of all payments and await the convenience of the Trustees for re-imbursements. Probably on account of the panic of 1825 he was unable to meet the demands upon him. The creditors urged their claims upon the Trustees. The Committee therefore deemed it best to stop the work and discharge all the debts, especially as there was no prospect of funds from any source necessary for completing the building. The amount expended, together with compensation to Nichols, was $3,410.14. There was abundant hostile criticism of his management,


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which the committee frankly admitted to have been wasteful and costly. They excused themselves partly by their distance from Chapel Hill and partly by the fact that the Superintendent was for several months disabled by a dislocated ankle.

EXIT THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL--COMMENCEMENTS, 1820-'29.

        When Abner W. Clopton gave up the Grammar School in 1819, the University abandoned it. At that time there was an uncommonly good classical school in Hillsboro called the Hillsboro Academy. The general superintendence was under Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon, but the active teacher was Mr. John Rogers, who had distinguished himself in his profession at Wilmington. President Caldwell induced them to agree that their institution should be preparatory to the University. Members of the faculty could participate in the periodical examinations of the pupils and those passing the examinations of the highest classes had a right to enter the University on certificate of the fact.

        The old Grammar School house was then left to the bats and owls, but was after some years in the occupancy of a family whose head was the last survivor in this section of a class, important in the early settlement of the country, and interesting figures in fiction--that of the professional hunter. His name was Peyton Clements.

        Notwithstanding that the University ceased its connection with a preparatory school at Chapel Hill, sundry teachers endeavored to supply its place. The first was a graduate of the class of 1816, James A. Craig, who advertised extensively in the Raleigh Register, then the State Gazette. We have no means of knowing his success, but feel sure that parents at a distance were not willing to send to him their boys of tender years. Certainly when Judge Battle and others in 1843 and 1844 attempted, with very competent teachers, to inaugurate a flourishing academy at Chapel Hill the number of pupils did not exceed a dozen, not one of whom was from abroad. The schools here relied on local patronage and that was meagre. Still from time to time, intermittently, there have been teachers of intelligence and skill, and many of their boys have taken a high stand in the University.


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        The first honor in the class of 1820 was assigned to Charles G. Spaight, the next to Wm. H. Battle. Then came Thomas B. Slade, Thomas E. Read, Bartholomew F. Moore, James H. Otey, and Thomas H. Wright.

        In scholarship a shade the best, Charles G. Spaight, son of Governor Richard Dobbs Spaight, the elder, who spoke the Latin Salutatory, was a man of great promise. He represented New Bern in the Legislature but his upward career was cut off by early death. Next to him Battle, to whom the Valedictory was assigned, was Reporter of the Supreme Court and Judge of the Superior and Supreme Courts of this State. Another honor speech was by Thomas B. Slade, on Natural Philosophy. He emigrated to Columbus, Georgia, and became the Principal of the first great female school in the State, a Doctor of Divinity in the Baptist church. Read's career I have not been able to trace. Moore was one of the most eminent lawyers the State has had, particularly distinguished in constitutional questions. James H. Otey was the venerable Bishop of Tennessee. Wright was a physician and President of the Bank of Cape Fear. Connected with this class, but not graduating, was John Hill, of Stokes; a Representative in Congress and member of the Convention of 1861, dying soon after voting for the Ordinance of Secession.

        The subjects of graduating speeches not named above were:

        Are Banks Beneficial to the Country?, debate by Thomas H. Wright and Matt. A. Palmer.

        The Character of Thomas Jefferson, William Royal.

        Ought Colleges to be in Populous Cities or Small Villages?, debate by Phil. H. Thomas and Richard I. Smith.

        Present State of Knowledge, Bartholomew F. Moore.

        Ought Defamation to be Publicly Confronted?, debate by Wm. Lea and Henry C. Williams.

        Influence of Surroundings on the Manners and Abilities of Men. John C. Taylor.

        Ought a License to be Required for the Practice of Medicine?, debate by Charles D. Donoho and Charles G. Rose.

        Classical Literature. Thomas E. Read.

        The Means of Acquiring Influence, Richard Allison.

        


Illustration

        U. N. C. DIPLOMA OF 1820.


        

Illustration

        PHILANTHROPIC SOCIETY DIPLOMA 1820.


        

Illustration

        DIALECTIC SOCIETY DIPLOMA OF 1820.


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        Ought Interest to be Regulated by Law?, James F. Martin and Cyrus A. Alexander.

        The Advantages of Industry, David W. Stone.

        The Character of American Indians, Wm. H. Hardin.

        Ought Novels to be Interdicted by Law?, debate by John M. Starke and Archibald G. Carter.

        The Study of Nature, James H. Otey.

        The degree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred on Malcolm G. Purcell and the honorary degree of Bachelor of Arts on Ransom Hubbell. These were students of irregular standing, but deemed substantially to have earned the degree.

        The best of the class of 1821 was J. R. J. Daniel, who spoke the Latin Salutatory. Next was Anderson Mitchell, who had the Valedictory, and third and fourth were Edward G. Pasteur and Joseph H. Saunders, to whom were assigned respectively the Natural Philosophy Oration and that on the Belles Lettres.

        Intermediate honors were assigned to Willis M. Lea, Wm. S. Mhoon, Samuel H. Smith and James Stafford, pronounced equal. Next to them were Nathaniel W. Alexander, Nicholas J. Drake, Samuel Headen and Charles L. Torrence, also pronounced equal.

        Daniel became Attorney-General of this State and Representative in Congress, then a planter in Louisiana; Mitchell a Tutor in this University, a Representative in Congress and then a Judge; Pasteur was a Judge in Alabama; Saunders, a Tutor in this University, an Episcopal clergyman, who sacrificed his life for his flock in a yellow fever pestilence in Pensacola, the father of Colonel William L. Saunders, of the class of 1854.

        Of the others Mhoon became State Treasurer; Thomas J. Lacey, a Judge in Arkansas; and George Washington Haywood, a leader of the Raleigh bar.

        Of the non-graduates, Spier Whitaker was Attorney-General of North Carolina and settled in Iowa after the Civil War.

        A matriculate of this year, Leonidas Polk, son of Col. Wm. Polk, became a graduate of West Point, then Bishop of Louisiana, Lieutenant-General of the Confederacy, and was killed on Pine Mountain in Georgia in 1864.


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        For the Commencement of 1821 there was projected a scheme of exercises of portentous length. On Monday evening was "Public Speaking," presumably declamations, by Messrs. Joel Holleman, George W. Whitfield, James H. Dickson, Wm. M. Inge, Alfred Scales, Abram Rencher and James Norwood.

        On Tuesday evening was Public Speaking by Messrs. Robert V. Ogden, Benjamin Sumner, George S. Bettner, Robert B. Gilliam, Daniel B. Baker, John W. Norwood and John W. Potts.

        On Wednesday evening were declamations by representatives of the two societies. On Thursday, besides the speeches by the honor men, were the following "disputes:"

        1. Has the Art of Husbandry been advanced more by the Philosophical Agriculturist than by the Practical Farmer? Debaters. Wm. A. Mebane and Wm. Murphey.

        2. Have the Moderns equaled the Ancients in Eloquence? Debaters, Robert Cowan and Bryan S. Croom.

        3. Is it probable that the Aborigines of America would ever have equalled the Ancient Romans if they never had had intercourse with the Europeans? Debaters, Frederick J. Cutlar and Henry S. Garnett.

        4. Is it Sound Policy in the People of North Carolina to open and improve the navigation of their rivers and coasts? Debaters, Benjamin F. Blackledge and G. W. Haywood.

        5. Are early Marriages to be recommended? Debaters, Pleasant Henderson and William Shaw.

        6. Is a Public preferable to a Private Education? Debaters, Rufus Haywood and James Taylor; Thompson Johnston, Umpire.

        7. Has the Advancement of the Arts promoted the Happiness of Mankind? Debaters, Johnson Alves and Thomas J. Lacey.

        On November 22, 1821, probably by the potent influence of State Treasurer Haywood, Charles Manly, a young lawyer, who had married Haywood's niece, was elected Secretary and Treasurer of the University in place of General Robert Williams, deceased. The books of Williams were in such disorder that an expert accountant, Daniel Dupre, was employed to straighten them and the expense, $110, collected out of his


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estate. There was no suspicion of fault except carelessness. Manly was an excellent officer, and being a polished speaker, of imposing manners, and an humorous reconteur, he was a welcome visitor to the annual Commencements for 48 years. In 1848 and 1849 he attended as Governor and President of the Board of Trustees, Major Charles L. Hinton holding the office of Secretary and Treasurer until the expiration of his term as Governor, and restoring it to him in 1850.

        In January, 1822, the community was thrown into a small-pox panic by the tidings that ten newly arrived students had slept in Tarboro, a village where that fell disease was prevalent. Among them were Augustus Moore, David Outlaw and Simmons J. Baker. The Faculty promptly ordered them to be "rusticated" five miles from Chapel Hill until the danger was passed.

        On account of ill health Prof. Wm. Hooper resigned his Professorship of Ancient Languages and became rector of St. John's Episcopal Parish in Fayetteville. He recommended as his successor Mr. Manton Eastburn, of Massachusetts, afterwards Bishop, as having distinguished literary acquirements, particularly in the classics. He was a "brother of the young man whose late untimely end Piety and Poetry must so long lament." Professor Hooper adds the suggestion that it might be agreeable to many of the influential families of the State to have an Episcopal representative in the Faculty.

        President Caldwell, however, acting on the endorsement of Professor Goodrich, of Yale College, recommended Mr. Ethan Allen Andrews, of Connecticut. He would bring the University "merit, talent and solid worth." He was a Senior when Messrs. Mitchell and Olmstead were Freshmen, obtaining the first honor in a class of sixty; a fine scholar and of classical taste. His profession was that of the law, and he had been a member of the Legislature. "His connections are numerous and respectable." A strong praise of Prof. Hooper was given.

        At the Commencement of 1822, the graduates being 28 in number, the highest honor men were Benjamin Sumner, who delivered the Latin Salutatory; Robert N. Ogden, the Valedictory, with an oration on the Moral Sublime; and Joel Holleman, the Natural Philosophy address.


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        Of the other orators, Benjamin F. Haywood and Thomas Hill dared to attack the venerable question, "Is Homer's Iliad Actual History?"; Joseph A. Hogan endeavored to elucidate the character of Byron's Poetry; Lucius J. Polk and Wm. D. Pickett discussed whether the new South American States would continue to enjoy Political Freedom, while James Bowman discoursed on Eloquence, whether eloquently or not does not appear; Robert J. Martin plunged into State politics and proved that a Convention should be called to rectify inequalities in representation in the General Assembly. In the afternoon Wm. B. Davies spoke on Belles Lettres, William D. Jones on Intellectual Philosophy, Thomas F. Davis and Robert H. Mason debated whether Studies, not having immediate bearing on Political Life, are a part of a Liberal Education. The Cultivation of Good Morals was inculcated by one whose name is not given, probably by one of those to be preachers, John L. Davies, Wm. A. Hall or James G. Hall, who had not already spoken.

        Of the honor men of the class of 1822, Benjamin Sumner, a relation of Brigadier-General Jethro Sumner, was an esteemed Classical teacher and member of the Legislature; Robert N. Ogden, Judge of the Superior Court of Louisiana, and Joel Holleman, a Representative in Congress from Virginia. Other members were Thomas F. Davis, Bishop of South Carolina; John G. Elliott, a quaint but able teacher, so cadaverous as to receive the nickname of Ghost, which he good-humoredly adopted as his middle name; Fabius J. Haywood, a physician of Raleigh, of large practice; Pleasant W. Kittrell, State Representative of Granville, an esteemed physician and University Trustee; Wm. D. Pickett, a Judge of the Superior Court of Alabama; Lucius J. Polk, planter, Adjutant-General of Tennessee; Abram W. Rencher, member of Congress, Governor of New Mexico, and Charge d'Affaires to Portugal.

        Of the non-graduates, conspicuous were Patrick Henry Winston, of Rockingham County, a learned old bachelor, lawyer and Reporter of the Supreme Court, and Hugh McQueen, Attorney-General of the State, a brilliant speaker of irregular habits, who emigrated to Texas. He wrote a book called "Touchstone of Oratory." He recommends the young orator


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to strengthen his vocal chords by declaiming extracts of great speeches as loudly as God gives him the power, preferably in the depths of a forest.

STATE GEOLOGIST.

        In this year (1822) the General Assembly authorized a Board of Agriculture, and in the next year gave the Board authority to employ a "person of competent skill and science to commence and carry on a geological and mineralogical survey of this State." The modest sum of $250 per annum for four years, and a year in addition, was appropriated. The Board employed Professor Olmsted, who made a report which was published, the first probably of any State in the Union. After he returned to Yale the survey was continued by Prof. Mitchell, who made one report. The appropriation was not renewed. Both Professors made tours through the State. Part of the diary of Dr. Mitchell is published as the James Sprunt Historical Monograph of 1906.

        Of the class of 1823, in number 28, Richmond M. Pearson, afterwards Judge of the Superior and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, was first and spoke the Latin Salutatory. Wm. S. Chapman was also first with the Valedictory, afterwards a Judge in Alabama. Thomas G. Graham, second honor man, was a physician; Robert B. Gilliam became Speaker of the House and a Judge of the Superior Court; Daniel W. Courts became State Senator and Treasurer; George S. Bettner was a physician in New Bern and New York, and author of a book called "Acton, or the Circle of Life;" James H. Dickson was a physician of wide reputation, author of an admirable address before the Alumni Association; and James Augustus Washington achieved a national reputation as a physician.

        Matriculating with these, though not graduating, were Wm. M. Inge, a Judge in Tennessee; Alexander D. Sims, a member of Congress in South Carolina; and Thomas Jefferson Green, a member of the Legislatures of North Carolina, Florida, California and Texas, a member of the Texas Congress when it was a Republic and a Brigadier-General in the Texan army.

        The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on John


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Stark Ravenscroft, the first Episcopal Bishop of North Carolina.

        We have the list of speakers on Commencement Day:

        Richmond M. Pearson, the Latin Salutatory.

        Thomas G. Graham, Natural Philosophy.

        Debate--Ought Military Posts be established on Columbia River?, Alexander M. Boylan against James K. Leitch.

        Robert B. Gilliam, American Literature.

        George F. Davidson, Character of the Irish.

        James H. Dickson, Will the new States of South America continue free?

        James A. Washington, Superstition of the Hindoos.

        George S. Bettner, Belles Lettres.

        Daniel W. Courts, Theatrical Entertainments.

        Thomas J. Sumner, Oratory.

        John Rains, Effects of the Waverly Novels.

        Wm. S. Chapman, Sympathy, with the Valedictory.

        The grades of Pearson, Chapman and Graham have been mentioned. The third distinction was given to Bettner, Rains and Washington. What was called the "intermediate" grade was assigned to James H. Dickson, Robert B. Gilliam, Thomas J. Sumner, George F. Davidson, Daniel W. Courts and Matthias E. Sawyer.

        Nineteen out of twenty-eight members of the Senior class of 1823 concluded, after they had passed their final examinations, to celebrate the event by having a "high old time." They procured a large quantity of whiskey and brandy and carried it to a gushing spring north of the village, known as Foxhall, doubtless a corruption of Vauxhall, once a London pleasure resort, and proceeded to get on, as the phrase goes, a "glorious drunk." The tradition of the extravagance of this carousal lingers yet about the village. After the reason of one of them was in a measure dethroned, he proceeded to make a wholesale toddy by pouring the liquor into the spring, forgetting how rapidly it would be diluted.

        On being summoned before the Faculty the delinquents pleaded that they entered into the revelry because it was the last time they would be together, and these final "treats," as


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they were called, were customary with the Senior classes. The sentence was that "proper concessions and acknowledgments" shall be made by all, except one, and that then their diplomas should be granted. Direful threatenings were made as to future like disorders. The excepted student almost lost his diploma, because, in addition to being inattentive to all his duties, he had behaved in a riotous manner on the streets after the "Senior treat." Among the festive youths of 1823 were a future Chief Justice, a State Treasurer, two Judges of the Superior Court, four prominent physicians, several able lawyers and other like good citizens. It is comforting to know that the expected one wrote such a feeling and dignified letter of contrition as to induce the Faculty to pardon him and the tale of the class was not lessened.

        About this time two students were accused of writing scurrilous and defamatory letters. One confessed and was reprimanded. The other, who falsely denied his guilt and had committed the same offence before, was suspended. He afterwards attained high legislative and judicial positions. It is altogether likely, though not so stated, that the defamation was abuse of the Faculty.

CALDWELL'S VISIT TO EUROPE.

        In February, 1824, President Caldwell addressed to the Board very important recommendations. The first was for the purchase of more books. Much advantage was derived from the expenditure for this purpose of the two dollars per annum fee from each student, but this was not sufficient. Without it "we must have become completely stationary, within limits, which if known to others, would have been disgraceful." "A Professor in a college without books in tolerable supply, is analagous to the creation of nobility, which for want of estate is obliged to live in rags." He then compares a bookless Professor to a lawyer without a legal library, to a shoemaker without awls or lasts, to a printer with insufficient types. Books were much cheaper in England than in America and cheaper on the Continent than in England.

        He added that it was impossible to carry on the study of Natural, sometimes called Experimental, Philosophy, without a proper supply of apparatus. For the purchase of such a reliable


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agent is necessary. "An Astronomical Clock, a Transit Instrument, an Astronomical Telescope, are articles of high cost, and if they be not really good, they are so much money thrown away, only to tantalize us with standing objects of chagrin and disappointment." Makers of philosophical apparatus, unless carefully watched, will have their defective articles "mingled with the mass of his instruments of the same kind and talked off upon the terms of the best."

        The President then modestly suggests his willingness to act for the Trustees, paying his own expenses. He would be compensated for the sacrifice by "personal improvement and accession of strength in regard to the affairs of the University." He submits to the judgment of the Trustees. Whatever they shall judge to be the best he "shall be prepared to admit in a moment, and to settle upon it with the utmost complacency and conclusiveness." The offer involved a trip to Europe, then a very expensive and prolonged journey, full of physical discomforts.

        The Trustees felt strong enough to spend $6,000, to be divided equally between books and apparatus, and accepted the offer of the President. We have a long letter of his to Dr. Olmsted giving some account of his voyage. The writer was singularly lacking in enthusiasm, the wonderful sights of the Old World not seeming to quicken the heart-throbs of the back-woods mathematician. It is dated London, August 31, 1824. It was forwarded by "Y. A. Steamer, Thomas W. Evans, Liverpool," and was received at New York October 4th. It is as follows:

        "It is now, it seems, more than two months since I arrived at Liverpool from New York, and more than three since I left the latter of these cities. After arriving in London I continued nearly a month in the city, first visiting places and institutions of importance and becoming acquainted with books and book-sellers, and instruments and instrument-makers. Having informed myself of circumstances and characters I made a number of purchases and engagements, and set off in a steam packet which runs between London and Edinburgh. After a passage of 3 1-2 days we arrived on the Forth, where the scenery of Scotland began to open upon our view. This was characterized


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by what is known as North Berwick Low, and Bass Rock at the entrance of the Forth, as well as several other elevated places, presenting the first appearance of those masses of rock, of which Scotland seems very much composed. After having a pretty rough passage along the British coast of the German ocean, during which most of the passengers and myself too, at last became sick, we found a beautiful contrast in the tranquility and glossy smoothness of the Forth. I continued in Edinburgh 10 days, and then passing over to Glasgow, and staying some days, I set out for Loch Lomond, Rob Roy's Cave, the Highlands, Loch Katrine and the Trosachs, returning by Callender, Doane and Stirling to Edinburgh, down the Forth in a steamboat. I stayed two or three days between Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine, among the mountains, in a house or rather a cluster of buildings, called the Garrison, which had been built 120 years ago, or more, as a station for troops, to keep in check the wild clansmen of those times and subdue them to the English power. The garrison is about a mile from Rob's Cave, and from a spot where they tell us his house probably stood. One object for staying here was to be for some time in the country of the shepherds, whom I visited in their cottages to observe their mode of life and opportunities and customs and state of society. This is the tour which is very commonly made by people from England and the Lowlands of Scotland, and its objects have had much interest added to them by the writings of Sir W. Scott. While in Loch Lomond I attempted to visit the summit of Ben Lomond, the highest mountain but one in Scotland, but when near the top I was driven back by a storm, and was thus prevented from seeing those extensive prospects, which constitute the principal object of the ascent.

        "After my return to Edinburgh, reflecting to how little purpose it is to be visiting universities during their vacations, as I had some occasion to experience in Edinburgh, I concluded to postpone my visits to Cambride and Oxford till after my return from the Continent, and traveled sometimes on foot, but for the most part by coach to this place, whence I am expecting to set out for Paris this week. Present me respectfully and affectionately to Mrs. Olmstead and Miss Harriet and all my friends."



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        The apparatus bought by the President was the best manufactured in that day. It is a remarkable proof of his sensitive integrity, that when part of it was lost by shipwreck, he offered to the Trustees to replace it out of his own funds. The following statement by our Professor of Physics shows that some of the implements are in good order after the wear and tear, and at other times, neglect and misuse, of three-quarters of a century. Professor Gore further states that the full list of purchases shows that they were made with excellent judgment.

        Apparatus purchased by Dr. Caldwell of W. & S. Jones, No. 30, opposite Furnival's Inn Holborn, London.

        June 26th, 1829, and still in good condition:

        1 3-feet Plate Electrical Machine.

        1 Jointed Discharger.

        1 Powder House.

        1 Diamond Spotted Jar.

        1 Universal Discharger.

        1 12-in. Convex Mirror in blackened frame.


        Mrs. Fannie DeB. Whitaker has presented to the University, among other papers found among those of her grandfather, Dr. William Hooper, the account of Francis McPherson, for a portion of the books purchased: 53 volumes of Delphin Classics, 89 to 141, were rated £55. 13s., about $277.25, or £1 1s. ($5.25) each; for binding 83 volumes, calf, lettered contents, hollow backs and bands, £12 9s., or 3c. each; the packing case, 10s., shipping expenses, duty, etc., £17; the whole bill being £77 1s. 6d. This is given to show the prices of that day.

        The account rendered by the President showed an expenditure--

        
For books $3,234.74
Philosophical and astronomical apparatus 3,361.35
Minerals 9.00
Boxing, packing, transportation and exchange 632.92
7,238.01
which exceeded the appropriation ($6,000) by $1,238.01. This excess was paid by the President, but refunded by the Board. The number of volumes of books purchased was 979. Mr. Cattell,


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a bookseller in London, presented the University six volumes in folio, the works of Thuanus, and the British and Foreign Bible Society donated six volumes of the minutes of the Society, also 48 volumes, being copies of the Bible in different languages.

        One of Dr. Caldwell's most worthy pupils, the late Paul C. Cameron, whose love and admiration continued fresh during a long life of over four-score years after leaving his instruction, gives a vivid picture of his reception on his arrival from Europe.

        "A trip to Europe was not then a summer's jaunt of a few weeks, but caused his absence for nearly a year; and on his return to New York he announced his arrival to Prof. Mitchell, the acting President of the University, and the probable day of his arrival in Chapel Hill. He was on time. The students of the University resolved on a welcome. A brilliant illumination--the first and only one ever made in these buildings--was resolved on and it was an entire success. Well do I recall the splendor of that night and the procession of the students to his residence and his stepping out upon the floor of the back piazza--the cheer after cheer that was given to the dear old man. Falling into line, the march back to the college was commenced, and on our arrival at the front door of the South Building the President was escorted to a stand near the well, from which he addressed the students and the entire village population with the affection of a long absent father, for he was indeed full of feeling, and it was with difficulty he could give utterance to his words. He was escorted back to his modest home, and the impression prevailed that it was the happiest day of his life--the consummation of his supreme joy."

        At their meeting in December, 1825, the Trustees unanimously thanked the President for his "faithful and judicious discharge of the trust committed to him, and that he be assured of the unabated confidence of the Trustees in his ability and devotion, at once honorable to him, gratifying to the Trustees and useful to the community." The resolution was drawn by Mr. Badger, who had a deserved reputation for felicitous English.


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        The highest honor men of the class of 1824 were Edmund D. Sims, of Virginia; Matthias Evans Manly, Thomas Dews, and William Alexander Graham. The second honor man was E. J. Frierson. The third, John W. Norwood, James H. Norwood, Benjamin B. Blume, Robert Hall, Henry E. Coleman, Thomas Bond, Augustus Moore and David Outlaw. Sims spoke the Latin Salutatory, Manly the Valedictory, Dews the Mathematical Oration, and to Graham was assigned the Classical oration.

        The other speakers at Commencement were:

        Should the United States assist the South American Republic against Spain and the Holy Alliance?, by Bromfield L. Ridley.

        The Character of the North American Indians, by James H. Norwood.

        Will Greece emancipated attain the eminence of Ancient Greece?, Daniel B. Baker.

        Perpetuity of the United States, Henry E. Coleman.

        The Effects of the French Revolution on Liberty, Benjamin B. Blume.

        The Effects of the Invention of Printing, Augustus Moore.

        Should a Professorship of Law be established at the University? James W. Bryan.

        The Mahometan Religion, Thomas Bond.

        American Literature, John W. Norwood.

        Should the American Colonization Society receive the patronage of the Public, Robert H. Booth.

        Of the foregoing, Sims was Tutor in this University and Professor in Randolph-Macon and the University of Alabama; Matthias E. Manly was Speaker of the State Senate, Judge of the Superior and Supreme Courts of this State, elected in 1866 United States Senator, but not allowed to take his seat. Thomas Dews became a very able lawyer, but dying early. William A. Graham, State Senator and Commoner, Speaker of the House, United States Senator, Secretary of the Navy, nominee for the Vice-Presidency on the Winfield Scott ticket, member of the Convention of 1861, Confederate States Senator, Trustee for thirty-five years and a warm supporter of the University. To him was assigned the classical oration.


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        Other noted graduates of 1824 were Daniel B. Baker, Judge of the Superior Court of Florida; John Bragg, member of Congress and Judge of the Superior Court of Alabama; James W. Bryan, strong lawyer, Trustee of the University and State Senator from Craven; A. J. DeRosset, physician and merchant of Wilmington, Treasurer of the Dioceses of North and East Carolina and often Deputy in the General Conventions of the Episcopal church; Augustus Moore, Judge of the Superior Court of North Carolina; John W. Norwood, able lawyer and member of the Legislature; David Outlaw, member of Congress, State Solicitor, State Senator and Delegate to the Convention of 1835; and Bromfield L. Ridley, Chancellor of Tennessee.

        On December 19, 1824, Dr. James S. Smith addressed a communication to the Board recommending the employment of a regular physician for the students, to be compensated by a fee from each. He expressed his willingness to undertake the work himself, and in addition conduct a private Medical School together with an Eye Infirmary. Dr. Smith was a physician of established reputation, a Trustee of the University, and had been a Representative in Congress. The plan was not adopted until three-quarters of a century later. Soon, however, there was urgent need of skilled medical service.

        In this year a settlement was had with Wm. Nichols, who enjoyed the double position of supervisor and builder. The accounts seem to show that there was a want of careful superintendence by Nichols. One of the entries is, "to sundry persons at sundry times, upon several drafts at sundry times by the Building Committee" $7,402.04." The final account is "Labor and material in repairing President's House, Steward's Hall, getting timber, making bricks and building new Chapel, taking down cupola from the South Building, repairing roof and building belfry," in addition to the expense of building the West Building, $26,587.57. The Trustees became disgusted with the continual drain from their treasury, and as the receipts of sales of Tennessee lands had greatly dwindled, the new Chapel (Gerrard Hall) was suffered to be unfinished and unoccupied for over ten years. The delusion that it was necessary to have the Building Committee composed of members of the Board, although


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they lived a day's journey from Chapel Hill, proved to be very expensive in practice. The notion that college professors lacked practical sense was probably the cause of the delusion.

SOME COLLEGE PRANKS.

        Colonel Benjamin Forsyth was killed in battle in Canada in the war of 1812 and gave his name to a county. The education of his son, James N., was being paid for by the General Assembly. In 1824 he forfeited his place in the University by irregular conduct. He afterwards entered the navy and was lost with the ship Hornet, on which he was a petty officer.

        One division of the Sophomores and the whole of the Freshman class absented themselves from recitation on the morning of Senior speaking. They were all required individually to acknowledge the impropriety of their conduct, and pledge themselves to refrain from similar conduct in the future. All gladly complied except R. J., who was dismissed. Ten days afterwards he made the required promises and was readmitted.

        In 1824 occurred a flagrant outrage. A. A. and L. K. loaded themselves with whiskey in the village grog-shop, and arming themselves, one with a club and the other with a pistol, "sallied forth for the purpose of attacking the persons of different members of the Faculty." They committed "violent outrages" on two of the persons hunted.

        The Faculty concluded that extraordinary proceedings were necessary. The Trustees resident in Orange County were summoned to meet with the Faculty to consider the case, namely, Thomas D. Bennehan, Esq., Honorable Duncan Cameron, Francis L. Hawks, Esq., Hon. Thomas Ruffin, Dr. James S. Smith, Dr. James Webb.

        The Faculty present were Rev. Elisha Mitchell, Presiding Professor; Ethan A. Andrews, Joseph H. Saunders, Elisha Young. Dr. Caldwell was in Europe.

        The young criminals expressed their regret for their misconduct, but it appeared to the authorities assembled impossible that the peace and good order of the institution could be maintained, if such outrages were permitted to pass without exemplary punishment. The said A. A. and L. K. were therefore


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expelled. As we now say, "the line was drawn" at cudgelling the Faculty with sticks, while looking into the muzzle of loaded pistols.

        W. R. was dismissed for twice throwing brickbats into the room of the Tutor.

        A youth, who afterwards became a distinguished physician, came from the village in a state of intoxication and disturbed the good order of the College in a most outrageous and violent manner. As this was the first offence, he was sentenced to receive an admonition in the presence of the Faculty, and a minute of the proceedings was read in the Chapel after evening prayers.

        There was a strange occurrence, at this day not to be accounted for. In November, 1828, after the students assembled for divine worship in the Chapel on Sunday morning, thirty of them retired from the hall, not all at once but by degrees. The Faculty proceeded next morning to investigate the matter. It was explained that two laws of the institution, one certainly and the other apparently, had been broken. The first was absence from Divine service, the second combination or conspiracy to break a law. The absentees were severally examined as to their conduct. Seven at once gave satisfactory excuses, and were allowed to retire. At an adjourned meeting six others offered valid excuses for withdrawing. The remaining seventeen after being questioned disavowed any combination, and the trial was ended. The causa causans of the movement cannot be ascertained, possibly some transient anger against the preacher. Some of the most orderly students were among the retiring party, for instance, Wm. Eaton, R. H. Smith of Halifax, Cadwallader Jones of Hillsboro, Judge James Grant of Iowa.

        On the resignation of Professor Olmsted, passed into the ownership of the University the dwelling occupied for many years by Dr. James Phillips and of late by President Venable. Belonging to a widow lady, Mrs. Puckett, it was bought from her for $1,300 by Dr. Denison Olmsted, who spent $900 on it by way of additions and repairs. After having converted, to use his language, "an awkward, inconvenient and rude structure into a handsome, commodious and neat dwelling," a description


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which must be deemed quite roseate by those who have seen its perpendicular outlines and inconvenient interior, he induced the Board of Trustees to take it off his hands at cost, using the argument that the expense of removal from New Haven and of living had exhausted his funds. The lot was set apart for the use of the Professors of Chemistry, but between Dr. Olmsted and Dr. Venable there was an interregnum of over three-score years.

        Dr. Olmsted resigned his professorship in December, 1825, and accepted that of Mathematics in Yale College, (now University). In 1836 he was transferred to the Chair of Astronomy and Natural Philosophy. He published text-books of value in the departments of science under his charge, and a number of biographical memoirs. He made important observations on hail, meteors, the aurora borealis, etc., which were published in the Smithsonian Contributions. He was born in East Hartford, Conn., June 18, 1791, and died May 13, 1859. His work in North Carolina has been described elsewhere.

        The distinctions of the class of 1825 were awarded as follows:

        1st. To John M. Gee, Wm. H. Hodge, and Marshall T. Polk.

        2d. To Wm. J. Bingham, Wm. P. Boylan, James Martin, James Moore, and John J. Wyche.

        3d. In the order of their names, to Frederic W. Harrison, Walter Alves, Albert Vine Allen, Burwell B. Wilkes, Wm. A. Wright, and James C. Bruce.

        The program at Commencement has been lost, except that Polk spoke the Latin Salutatory, Hodge the Valedictory, Gee the English Salutatory, Wright, Bruce Harrison and Alves had what were called Intermediate Orations, but the subjects are unknown.

        Of these, Polk, a brother of President Polk, settled in North Carolina at Charlotte, and was cut off in early life, considered one of the most promising young lawyers in the State. His son, of the same name, who became Treasurer of Tennessee, not a son of the University, left children who are among the best citizens of that State. Hodge was a physician of Tarboro, and then of Granville. Wm. A. Wright was an able lawyer of Wilmington and President of the Bank of Cape Fear; Harrison


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was a physician in Virginia; Bruce a wealthy and cultured planter of Virginia, and member of its General Assembly; William J. Bingham, the second able Principal of the Bingham School, whose fame under him was extended; Wyche was a Tutor of the University and Professor in Jefferson College, Mississippi; Alves, a physician in Kentucky; Allen, a lawyer of much reputation.

        The honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) was conferred on Nathaniel Macon, United States Senator; that of Master of Arts (A. M.) on Charles Bailly and on John H. Eaton, of Tennessee, a matriculate of 1803. To William Glascock, of Virginia, a matriculate of 1816, was granted the degree of Bachelor of Arts (A. B.)

        In August and September of the year 1825 there was a very serious sickness in the University, evidently typhoid fever. Three students died--Wm. H. Beard, Zenas Johnston, and another whose name is not recorded. The acting President reported that the first two brought the seeds of disease with them. From an unknown cause it was thought that the air was worse than usual, as was shown by the pallid countenances of the students generally. There were no ponds or marshes near Chapel Hill and the disorder was attributed to "unknown conditions of the air or water." The learned Professor drops no hints of ferocious and treacherous bacteria. Skilled physicians had stated that the elevated parts of the country had suffered most. He recommends that a resident physician should be obtained, who should teach a class of medical students.

        At that date the Faculty had no power to prevent theatrical and other shows. Urgent request was made that they be invested with such authority. A band of strolling players had given nightly dramatic performances for a week and had received, it was estimated, $383, more than $300 of which was from students. Value received cannot possibly be expected from such acting and scenery as can be exhibited in a room over a store in this village. The use of the University Chapel was refused, as intolerable profanation. The General Assembly passed a law in compliance with the wishes of the Faculty, giving them prohibitory powers.


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        It is remarkable that complaint was made that the well between the buildings had gone dry and the water at that of the Steward's Hall was muddy. This must have been on account of insufficient depth, as pure water in the former has been unfailing for the last sixty years certainly. The latter was filled up when the Hall was torn down about 1846.

        It is surprising that when Gerrard Hall, designed for the new Chapel, was begun the Trustees had it in mind to tear down Person Hall. A vigorous remonstrance from the Faculty defeated this vandalism.

        Dr. Mitchell makes the astonishing statement that the old trees in the Campus were falling, and there was no undergrowth from which a supply of new trees was obtainable, and he recommends extensive replanting. Thirty years afterwards the old trees were so numerous that the English gardener deemed it necessary to eradicate many.

        About this time a prominent Trustee of Wake County, about to remove to Tennessee, Gen. Calvin Jones, presented to the University his "Museum of artificial and natural curiosities." Probably some of these are somewhere among the University collections, but it is doubtful if they can be identified.

NEW BY-LAWS.

        On motion of Bartlett Yancey, a number of resolutions were submitted to a Committee, and at the June meeting, 1825, were substantially reported back and adopted. They were:

        1st. The appointment by the Trustees of a Superintendent of the property and financial concerns of the University, who shall reside at Chapel Hill, give a $10,000 bond, and receive not exceeding $500 salary per annum.

        2d. He was to care for all the property of the institution and carry out all orders of the Trustees.

        3d. Each student shall pay him all his money, and shall pledge his honor to pay all received at any time. The Superintendent shall out of the same pay college dues and other necessary expenses, the repair of injury to College property done by the student; also such purchases of merchants as the student may buy, and to the student not over one dollar pocket-money each month.


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        4th. He shall pay the board of the student, provided that the boarding-house keeper shall have written authority from the Faculty.

        5th. He must notify each parent or guardian of the student as to the amount paid him, and at the middle and end of each session furnish them an account of expenditures.

        6th. No student, under penalty of admonition or suspension, shall purchase at Chapel Hill or elsewhere, wares or merchandise, or spirituous liquors, without consent of the Faculty.

        7th. No student shall change his room without permission of the Faculty.

        8th. The Superintendent must visit all rooms at least once a week, note the injuries and their perpetrators, and at the end of the session take charge of the keys.

        9th. Scribbling and other injuries in passages by unknown persons must be charged to those living on the same.

        Thomas H. Taylor, a merchant of Chapel Hill, was appointed to the office of Superintendent. He did not give satisfaction, and in January, 1829, the Faculty were empowered to choose the Superintendent out of their number at a salary of $200. They settled on Elisha Mitchell.

        Some Trustees desired to erect another boarding house. In the meantime the Board of Visitors was authorized to employ some person to live in Steward Hall and to have the privilege of firewood and the use of the cleared land adjacent to the Raleigh road free. The Board recommended the students to board with him. One Moore agreed to rent it for six months, paying fifty dollars.

        1st. A uniform dress was prescribed; in summer a coatee of dark gray mixture, chiefly cotton, decent and cheap, with white pantaloons and waistcoat. In the winter the whole suit must be blue. By a subsequent ordinance blue was changed to dark gray.

        2d. The wearing of boots was prohibited. It was recommended that the other parts of the dress should be plain and decent, and the persons cleanly.

        3. The Seniors at Commencement might dress as they pleased, it being presumed that they would wish superior attire on this momentous epoch in their lives.


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        Letters were ordered to be written to Trustees, three in number, who had not attended any meeting since their appointment, asking them if they agreed to accept the office tendered them. The movement led to no result. Three letters were written to which there was only one response.

        The annual Board of Visitors was reinforced by the addition of President Caldwell, who was a Trustee. By this reinforcement there was always one in attendance. For 1827 the other members were Duncan Cameron, James S. Smith, and James Webb.

        Messrs. Yancey, Badger, and Moore (Alfred), were appointed, on motion of President Caldwell, to prepare a bill for prohibiting the distillation or retailing of spirituous liquors at or near Chapel Hill, and to prohibit the merchants of the village from trading with the students. This was enacted into a law. A Chapel Hill merchant was subject to indictment for selling without Faculty permission to a student any article. The liquor prohibition still exists. The other, always ignored, was repealed years ago.

COL. POLK'S BY-LAWS--PROFESSORS PROTEST.

        The next year a properly fitted up room in the College buildings was ordered to be assigned to each professor, and it was made his duty to be in it from 9 a.m. to 12 m., and from 2 p.m. to 5 each day, except "Sundays and other College holidays." The object was to aid in the administration of discipline and give occasional assistance to the students in their studies.

        It was stated that the nightly visitations of the rooms of students by the Tutors had been insufficient to maintain order and insure the presence of the students in their apartments. It was therefore required that each student's room should be visited by a professor at night at least three times a week.

        This rigorous code was at the instance of Col. Wm. Polk, who always regarded students in the light of soldiers in barracks and professors as military officers. They were, with some modifications, obeyed, by some without failure, by others spasmodically, until near the beginning of the Civil War. They led to numberless clashings and ill feelings. The halls and campus were not lighted, and occasionally stones and cold water were


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thrown at an unwelcome visitor. One, who was accused of opening a drawer of the absent inmate, was forced to hide under a table in order to escape the missiles through crashing glass. Signals were invented which showed to the listening students the progress of the professor, so that card-players would have time to open their dictionaries, and the corn-whiskey bottle could be safely hid. When the word DOGS! or FACULTY! was shouted from the window of one building, it was the sign that those in another might expect at once the professorial policeman. While the manners of some professors were so agreeable that they were usually welcomed, others were so rough that they became odious. Every species of disorder was prevalent in the recitation rooms of these latter, partly in the spirit of childish fun, but mainly for the annoyance of the instructor.

        The professors vigorously protested against the mandatory provision in regard to spending their mornings and afternoons in the College buildings, and nightly visitation of rooms. Dr. Mitchell addressed an able letter to the Board, giving cogent reasons against it. He himself could not comply, as he must spend most of his time in his laboratory, which was in Steward's Hall. It was unfortunate that the professors were not consulted, as they are in the position of both witnesses and lawyers. The visiting rooms at night will do no good, as students wishing to go on excursions will wait, as they do now in case of the Tutors, until the visits are over. The students will not consult professors about their studies, as was found by experience at Yale and at Chapel Hill. They are afraid of the jeers of their fellows. If rooms were provided the professors would undoubtedly be in them often and so secure better order without requiring them to spend their mornings and evenings in them. The professors have not been slow to improve the work of the University of their own accord. As an instance, when he came to Chapel Hill the two upper classes recited only once a day, the lower twice. The Faculty have continually increased the number of recitations, and he believes that they are more frequent than in any Northern college. The provision will be peculiarly burdensome for several reasons:


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        1st. As there is no market in Chapel Hill, the professors must spend some time in providing for their families.

        2d. For their own studies their libraries should be on hand. They cannot be removed to the College rooms.

        3d. Most of the professors are engaged in some study, which would be broken up if this regulation is in force. Professor Hentz, for example, "perhaps is one of the most accomplished Entomologists, perhaps the most accomplished in America." He must ramble in the woods two or three evenings in the week.

        The regulation will be a hardship: 1st, Because professors would be exposed to a charge of want of fidelity to duty; 2d, it is an evil, because it precludes the possibility of exact compliance with the laws, and thus gives excuse to students to neglect them.

        Such duties are not required of Professors in the American Colleges, and those in the wild woods of Chapel Hill, deprived of large libraries and scientific and literary journals, except what they themselves supply, should not be loaded with duties not performed elsewhere.

        If this provision is enforced he apprehends that we will lose Mr. Hentz, "a man whose fellow will not be found by the Trustees in the whole Atlantic coast." He thinks that another will be lost. "I shall not be regarded as meaning to threaten the Trustees with the good luck of getting clear of the writer of this letter. I have had an opportunity within the last two years of exchanging my present situation for a professorship in a respectable college in one of our Northern cities with a salary of 2100 Dollars, and, if the allurement of 900 Dollars added to his income, and the polished society of a great city, is not enough to draw a Yankee away, it is useless to think by the imposition of new duties to drive him away." While he deemed himself fixed in Chapel Hill, it is likely that some of his colleagues might accept new and more congenial duties.

        Dr. Mitchell was doubtless sincere in announcing his determination to stand by the University, because he had no love of money and he looked on North Carolina as a luxuriant field for botanical, geological, mineralogical and geographical discoveries, and he had resolved to explore it.


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        President Caldwell made also an earnest request for the repeal of the law. He declared that visitation of rooms was the most unpleasant and arduous duty the Faculty had to perform. "They are exposed to petty tricks and occult, insulting behavior, and capricious indignities. One of the chief inconveniences is drenching with water, clean or foul, as they pass the steps or walk the passages. Such tricks may be performed with great perfection by the most trifling genius or idle inhabitant of College, who has no other feeling, but to exult in its dexterity and admirable meanness, and then to pass the jest through the circle of his companions, thus learning to connect in their feelings derision and levity, instead of respectful deportment with the person of a Professor."

        The Trustees were partly persuaded by the arguments against domiciliary visits. A compromise was made. Rooms were allotted to the professors, and they were requested, not required, to spend a portion of each day in them, and they were required to make nightly visitations only occasionally. As late as 1849 certainly, perhaps later, each professor in turn was expected to visit every room at some time at night during the week assigned him. It became customary to speak of Dr. Mitchell's week, Prof. Hooper's week, and so on. Greater tact was shown and insults to the Professors were rarely offered. When, however, a "spree" was determined on, there was neither civility nor forbearance shown.

        Prof. Mitchell, who possessed greater initiative than any of his colleagues, about the same time induced the Faculty to recommend several changes.

        Firstly, that the long summer vacation be abolished on account of its injury to the health of the students, and replaced by one of six weeks, immediately preceding commencement, as at Harvard and the South Carolina College. Another of four weeks in November was proposed. A thrifty argument is urged that the May vacation would enable the summer clothing to be supplied at home. The change would enable those connected with the University to explore the State "for Botanical and Geological purposes." The objection that this arrangement would not be convenient to the members of the Board


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appointed to attend the examinations is met by the half satirical statement that, "after repeated alterations of the time and repeated attempts to adjust it to the various wishes of the different individuals, the examinations have been obliged to be carried on for several years without the presence of a single Trustee until very near its close." It is suggested that suitable literary gentlemen be employed and compensated for acting as examiners.

        If the change should be made the four weeks' recess to the Seniors before Commencement should be abolished.

        The memorial embodies a complaint that the present Superintendent, Thomas H. Taylor, had departed from the old custom of paying the Faculty from time to time sums out of the tuition money, that he retained all his own salary and otherwise appropriated the funds, leaving little for the members of the Faculty.

        It is suggested that the Librarian should be paid for his services.

        The President's Report shows that he and his Faculty were not yet emancipated from the interference of the Trustees in small matters of routine. It is gravely asked that the hiring and employment of servants be allowed them. They are disturbed about the ordinance about wearing gowns at Commencement. By whom were they to be furnished? Shall all the Faculty and students be required to don them? It appears that the Trustees did not insist on the execution of this mandate.

        A question most earnestly pressed by the Senior class was that of a Senior vacation, i. e. a holiday given to them for one month before Commencement. Occasionally the Trustees ordered its abolition, but always a moving petition two or three pages long touched their hearts and met a favorable response to the prayer for restoration. One signed by William Eaton and Rufus A. Yancey, son of Bartlett Yancey, is a fair example, committeemen at other times being such men as Thomas S. Ashe, Rev. J. Haywood Parker, Calvin Jones, Giles Mebane, J. DeBerniere Hooper. The petition alleges firstly, that the time was needed for the preparation of Commencement speeches, and secondly, that as neither suitable cloth, nor a skilled tailor, could be found at Chapel Hill, the graduates


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should be allowed to go home and there prepare such habiliments as would reflect credit on the University. The practice lasted until the closing of 1868. Regularly for fifteen or twenty years after the re-opening in 1875 the Faculty were called on to negative petitions for its revival.

        A riot, in which five students were engaged, shows a roughness of manners not paralleled now. Becoming angry for some cause with Wm. Barbee, the ex-Steward, who had been recently in the Legislature, colleague of Willie P. Mangum, they proceeded one Sunday night to rock his house, crashing the window panes and even the sashes. Barbee swore out a warrant against the leader and the others were summoned as witnesses. To use the stilted words of the clerk of the Faculty, the witnesses "resorted in their minds to such construction of the oath and of the questions put to them, as in their apprehension relieved them from the necessity of testifying in relation to their companions, in consequence of which the protection of society was withheld from the person, the family and property of one of its citizens." The leader and one other were dismissed. The remaining three were suspended, two for four and one for three months.

SOCIAL LIFE OF CHAPEL HILL IN THE TWENTIES.

        One of the most popular Chapel Hill belles of this period, very winning and beautiful, a good singer, accustomed to raise the tunes in church service, was Miss Sarah Williams Kittrell, whose father removed from Granville to a home about two miles southwest of the University buildings, where he carried on a farm and took student boarders. Tradition says that she agreed to marry a promising Senior, afterwards United States Senator, but the match was broken off because of his poverty and great distance from Chapel Hill. After he became famous, he returned by invitation to deliver the annual Commencement address, and his old boarding house keeper, Mrs. Betsey Nunn, upbraided him for breaking faith with her favorite Sally Kittrell. Learning that she was living in Midway, Texas, in her 90th year, Mrs. Goree, aunt of Judge George W. Kittrell of California, I wrote to her and received in reply a


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most sprightly letter, giving her reminiscences of Chapel Hill society. I add that five of her sons and grandsons were officers in the Confederate Army, and that during a visit of Miss Winnie Davis to Texas she rode one hundred miles to pay her respects to the "Daughter of the Confederacy." The kindly manner in which she speaks of her old flame indicates that their engagement and its disruption, if true, left no permanent scar on her happy soul. With her aid and from other sources I endeavor to depict the life of Chapel Hill in the twenties.

        There were few residents of the village, but among them were strong characters, male and female. Among the men Dr. Caldwell and Dr. Mitchell overtopped all in learning and influence, while in society Major Henderson and his four sons, James, William, Pleasant, and Tippoo Saib, *

        *Note.--The hatred of England by our people is shown by their naming sons after cruel oriental despots, simply because they fought our old enemy. Thus Davie had a Hyder Ali, Major Henderson a Tippoo Saib, and a prominent citizen of Edenton a Tippoo Saib Haughton.


all physicians, were most agreeable and accomplished, "loved and honored by rich and poor." The leader among the ladies was the wife of the President, a daughter of James Hogg of Hillsboro, who had moved from girlhood in as polished society as the United States afforded. There were bright and handsome young ladies, educated at the female schools of Salem and Oxford, of whom were Betsy Pannill, and Franky Burton who became the wife of Thomas J. Green, afterwards a prominent lawyer of Virginia. Wm. Barbee, son of Christopher (or Kit) Barbee, one of the donors of the University lands, had several daughters, who were very attractive, one of whom married Ilai Nunn, a skilled violinist, who gave lessons in dancing; another Jesse Hargrave, a merchant, and a third Dr. B. W. Cave, a physician of the village.

        There was an excellent Sunday School held in Person Hall, called the Chapel, now the Medical Building. The teachers were Mrs. Caldwell and the wives of the Professors. The task was memorizing five or six verses of the Bible and part or whole of a hymn. Four score years afterwards the pious "Mother in Israel" recalled vividly the moral and educational value of this, one of our earliest religious institutions for the young.


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        The village teacher was called "Old Father Hughes," an Englishman by birth, but devoted to his adopted country, a thorough teacher and strict disciplinarian, using frequently the rod on boys but gentle to the girls, who doubtless suffered vicariously when the blows descended on their brothers and sweethearts. In one end of the school-room at play hours the good Father added to his petty tuition receipts by the sale of pickled oysters and ginger cakes, into which traffic went every penny which the children could raise. After Father Hughes, came Rev. Abner Clopton, a Baptist preacher, teacher of the Preparatory school of the University.

        As might be conjectured from the increase of the income from the students and in the number of the Faculty, together with a small addition to their salaries, the village became larger and more modern between 1820 and 1830. The ladies arrayed themselves in finer clothes, improved their houses with added rooms and with paint, cultivated grass and flowers on their lawns, frequented the University and Society libraries, rode to hear preaching sometimes in the neighborhood churches, especially Mount Carmel, induced services in the University Chapel, prayed fervently but never aloud, at prayer-meetings, and inaugurated reading clubs.

        Notwithstanding this forward movement, luxury was unknown. Modern children and their parents would regard the mode of life at this period as one of intolerable hardship. As a rule, to the boys and girls was allowed only one pair of shoes for the year, which of course implies that naked feet were fashionable except in freezing weather. Most families kept cows, and on farms oxen. When these ceased to be producers their end was hastened by the deadly axe or brain-piercing bullet, the flesh reserved for the table, and the skins sent to the tannery to be converted into leather. Then one by one the children placed their feet on the outspread hide under direction of an itinerant shoemaker, who marked the shape with knife or chalk and made by hand the shoes, rough but serviceable. Often from want of skill there was a tightness across the toes or a misplaced protuberance, which caused suffering analogous to that experienced by a high-caste Chinese girl. Then too there was


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a looseness around the ankles which admitted snow, and the urchin came in from his winter sport with his feet well nigh frozen.

        The food was plenteous and palatable. In addition to the poultry, hogs and beeves, which all raised for themselves, raccoons abounded on the creeks, opossums and squirrels in the forest, partridges, larks, doves and hares swarmed in the fields. As winter came on great flocks of wild pigeons darkened the air, often resting at night in the oak trees, where they were slaughtered by the wheelbarrow-full. Owing to the abundance of persimmons, the opossums were so fat that their superabundant grease was used to make smooth the wagon axles; their fur and that of hares, minks, muskrats and raccoons were fashioned into winter caps for the boys. Then too there were many fish in the creeks, and part of the daily task of the pretty black-eyed Sally Kittrell was, accompanied by a brother, to visit their fish traps and bring in the catch for the breakfast fry.

        The clothing was mostly home-made. Small patches of cotton were planted, and for some time the seed was picked out by hand. Each child had his or her task, and after all were finished they were regaled with cider and apples. After this, lessons for the next day were studied by the light of split lightwood or pine knot. Tallow candles were a luxury, reserved for a great occasion, such as a preacher's visit, or a festive gathering.

        Mr. Kittrell, the father, imported the first cotton-gin ever seen in this part of the world, not much larger than a sewing machine. After this there was more cotton raised in the neighborhood. The date of the importation is not exactly known, but it was prior to 1833, when he removed to Alabama. The clothing was woven on the family loom.

        Before the advent of the Whitney gin, tobacco was largely raised. The market was Fayetteville. The hogsheads containing the leaf were placed on little wheels and thus rolled to Fayetteville, a horse pulling each. The driver would be absent two or three weeks. His return was hailed with delight, for each girl expected a calico dress and a pair of shoes, to be worn only on Sundays.


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        The course of life was simple and happy. There was no umbrella, but neither snow nor rain deterred from school and no one was afraid to be wetted. There was little physic bought, but dyspepsia was never heard of. Trading was mainly by bartering. Money was scarce, but the family never incurred debt. Sally Kittrell never had twenty-five cents of her own until she was grown.

        Notwithstanding all privations, there was probably more hearty fun than in our day. Although they danced no germans, and some were not allowed to dance at all, there were many social gatherings, with just enough work to make play enjoyable--cotton-pickings, husking bees or corn shuckings, log-rollings, hog-killings, house-raisings, quiltings, and even spelling bees. In some of these the girls did not take a hand, but they cheered their beaux to feats of skill and strength, and after the work was over all joined in games and pleasant talk, not sparing the piquant anecdote and boisterous laugh. Conspicuous among all the maidens, doubtless the only survivor of all her associates, was Sally Kittrell, beautiful, graceful, agreeable, dutiful, pious, whose memory of Chapel Hill after seventy years is still green, who in her distant Texas home, radiating loving influences all around, remembers her old home with so vivid clearness and such tender love that she signs the long letter written entirely by her own hand--

        "In my 90th year, seeing and hearing as well as ever,
A daughter of Chapel Hill,

SARAH WILLIAMS GOREE."


        The "National Jubilee" was celebrated at Chapel Hill on the 4th of July, 1826, the semi-centennial of the Declaration of Independence, with enthusiasm. There was, according to the local chronicle, "the good humor and cordiality which should ever be the characteristic of Freemen." There was a procession at eleven o'clock to Person Hall. The famous Declaration was read by one who had fought for it in the Revolutionary struggle, Major Henderson. It was properly enunciated, for the gallant Major, a brother of Judge Richard Henderson, was


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selected for thirty-nine years to be Reading Clerk of the House of Commons on account of his sonorous voice. The oration was by a young lawyer, William McCauley, graduate of 1813, son of Matthew McCauley, a donor of the site of the University. He doubtless bearded the British Lion in the manner fashionable on such occasions. At one o'clock a dinner was served at Mr. S. B. Alsobrook's hotel, and at night there was a ball, at which Virginia reels and cotillons were danced to the lively tunes of Ilai Nunn's violin.

        In the autumn of the same year a horse-race was held in a mile of the village, the principal objects being betting and gambling. The Faculty forbade the students to attend it. One disobeyed and was suspended therefor. Another stood afar off and witnessed the running but did not go into the crowd. He was excused.

        There was at all times during the earlier decades of the University delight among the students to engage in the explosion of gunpowder. There are numerous complaints of the practice and prosecution of the offenders. The following grave entry is a sample of the solemn opinions of the Faculty: "This mode of producing disturbance in the College Buildings for some few nights past, as it is a method of producing disorder full of evil effects, and apparently having no other object but to annoy, is highly reprehensible."

        Other by-laws were added to the lengthening roll. The Professors and Tutors were required to furnish the Trustees present at examinations with the names of the members of the classes, so that "the Trustees may be enabled to have their own opinion upon scholarship."

        Each Professor and Tutor was required to keep account of the scholarship, regularity and moral conduct of the members of his class, and furnish an abstract of the same to the parent, and also to the Board of Trustees.

        The students were not bound to promise more than once obedience to the rules.

        Erasmus D. North was the best scholar and spoke the Salutatory Latin oration, in the graduating class of 1826,--21 members.


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        The following were declared equal and next to North: Daniel Moreau Barringer, who had an oration on Modern Languages; Samuel E. Chapman, the Valedictory; William Norwood, on Political Economy; Oliver W. Treadwell, on Classical Literature.

        Archibald Gilchrist, Thomas W. Watts, Henry T. Clark, Silas M. Andrews, Richard S. Croom, James A. King, Henry B. Elliott, Ferdinand W. Risque, Thomas S. Hoskins, and George W. Morrow spoke what were called Intermediate Orations, while William J. Anderson, Henry I. Brown, Wm. B. Dunn, Samuel I. Johnston delivered Forensics.

        Of these honor men, North was for a short while Professor of Languages in our University, an Instructor in Yale, and a physician; Barringer, a member of Congress and Minister to Spain; Chapman, a reputable physician of Newbern; Treadwell, a Tutor in this University; and Norwood, an Episcopal Doctor of Divinity over a large congregation in Richmond, Virvinia. Of the others, Clark became Speaker of the Senate and Governor ex officio in 1861-62.

        Of the non-graduates, was Paul C. Cameron, a wealthy planter, State Senator, active Trustee of the University for twenty-seven years.

        In 1827 died John Haywood, one of the charter Trustees of 1789 and continuously thereafter. He was always a member of the Committee of Appointments and other like committees, and was one of the most active and regular in attendance. His popularity in the State is shown by his annual election as State Treasurer without opposition for forty years (1787-1827), and by his name being given to a western county and to an eastern town. In December, 1828, the Trustees, "in consideration of his long continued and useful services" rendered to the University, granted a scholarship to his son, William Davie Haywood. There is no record, however, of his entering the University.

EXERCISES OF 1827--MURPHEY'S ADDRESS.

        The multitudinous speeches on the programme of 1826 probably led to the radical change of 1827. In that year began the series of orations by eminent men elected by the two Literary Societies alternately. The Dialectic had the first choice, which


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fell on ex-Judge Archibald Debow Murphey. His address was in the main historical and reminiscent and was perhaps the last work of one who had done much for his State. His portrait in the Dialectic Hall, taken at this time, shows that his physical powers were rapidly waning, but his mind was strong and lucid. A contemporary writer in the Raleigh Register testified that "the debility of his body gave an interest to his appearance. Unassuming, yet easy and insinuating in his address, clear and distinct in his enunciations, perspicuous and eloquent in his style, he was sustained through a long and eloquent oration by the admiration and applause of a crowded assembly.--None of his audience will soon forget their own emotions, or the glow of sympathy imparted to them by the orator's beautiful remembrance of his friend and patron, the late Wm. Duffy."

        The writer described the exercises as "No longer, as on former occasions, a monotonous succession of heavy and uninteresting speeches, but a Literary Banquet, where the different tastes of the audience were gratified by alternate displays of Oratory and Wit." "We were all particularly pleased with a little 'ludicro-comico' piece written and (as the Dramatists say) gotten up by one of the Professors, and called, I think, 'Improvements in Modern Duelling.' It was well delivered Tuesday evening by five young gentlemen, and exhibited in the most ridiculous attitude certain late exquisites and proficients in that sublime art." As Dr. William Hooper was skillful in this kind of writing, conspicuous in his own address in 1859, entitled "Fifty Years Since," it is evident that he was the author.

        It was at this time that, on motion of Chief Justice Ruffin, the once-a-month holidays, which had been in vogue for some time, were discontinued, to the great discontent especially of boys of a smaller growth, or less studious disposition.

        The speakers of the graduating class of 1827 were: Richard Henry Lewis, the Latin Salutatory; Charles B. Shepard, the Valedictory; Thomas P. Hall, Oration in Greek; Lorenza Lea, Oration in French; Alfred O. P. Nicholson, Oration on Political Economy; Jesse H. Lindsay and Alexander Mackey, Intermediate Orations.


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        Of these, the best scholar, Lewis, became a wealthy planter of acknowledged ability, cultivation and influence. A nominanation for Congress was tendered him by his party, the Democratic, but he declined it. Charles B. Shepard, next to him, was a member of the State Legislature and a Representative in Congress, dying at the early age of 37; Lea was a Tutor in the University, then a minister of the Gospel and President of Jackson College, Tennessee; Nicholson was a lawyer in Tennessee and held many honorable positions, including the Chief Justiceship of that State's Supreme Court, and United States Senatorship; Lindsay was an influential wealthy citizen of Greensboro, president of a bank and member of the Legislature; Robert A. T. Ridley, of Oxford, became Speaker of the House in Georgia and a member of Congress; Lewis Thompson was a wealthy and able farmer of Bertie and prominent in the Legislature; Warren Winslow became a member of Congress and, as Speaker of the State Senate, acted as Governor in 1854; Thompson Byrd was a Tutor in the University and a minister of the Gospel; Absalom A. Barr was also a minister.

        Of those who matriculated with these but did not graduate, was Calvin Graves, a State Representative and Senator, member of the Convention of 1835, Speaker of the Senate, and as such gave the casting vote for the charter of the North Carolina Railroad.

        The report of the Acting President in 1828 was gloomy. The Faculty should be nine, whereas four were lacking from this number. North Carolina and the neighboring States had been explored in vain for competent Tutors, and Professor Olmsted had been written to for them. The strength of the Professor of Mathematics, Phillips, was waning under his arduous labors. Professors and teachers generally are among the most laborious of men. They cannot be deficient without being infamous, nor can deficiencies and blemishes fail to expose them to reproach and scorn, if every imperfection be excluded by an accurate, prompt and comprehensive knowledge of the abstract and scientific analysis on which they are employed.

        The expected successor of Judge Murphey, chosen by the Philanthropic Society as the orator of the Commencement of


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1828, was Alfred Moore, son of the Judge of the same name. He had been Speaker of the House of Commons, but preferred private life and the companionship of books to the storms of a political career. He was one of the early students, who reached Chapel Hill after the doors of the University were opened in 1795, was faithful to duty, and afterwards lived a useful and honorable life. It was a great disappointment to the company that sickness prevented his filling his engagement. His bust is in Gerrard Hall, the property of the Philanthropic Society.

        The Raleigh Register praises the speeches of the graduating class as free from the usual bombast and false ornament, displaying sound sense and strong discrimination. Richard H. Battle was pronounced the best scholar and had the Latin Salutatory. The next best, Henry S. Clark, had the Valedictory. Then came John L. Taylor, with the French, and Thomas P. Johnston, the Natural Philosophy orations.

        Henry I. Toole's subject was The Objects of Education; James D. Hall's was Mental Philosophy; John L. Taylor's French speech was Le Caractere et regne of Louis Quartoze. There was a debate between Edwin G. Booth and Edwin R. Harriss whether the Southern States should turn their attention to agriculture. James N. Nesbitt and John P. Gause discussed whether political parties, not founded on local interests, were prejudicial to the strength of nations. T. J. Oakes advocated internal improvements. The Valedictory by Clark was the last address by students. President Caldwell, as was his habit, then delivered a feeling and wise talk to the graduates.

        Of these, Battle was a life-long invalid, but strong enough to be Secretary of a Life Insurance Company and Commissioner of War Claims against the State, by the appointment of Governor Worth. He was often Commissioner (now Alderman) of the city of Raleigh. He had a strong and original mind. Clark reached the honor of a seat in Congress. Taylor was a physician of high standing, and Johnston was a Presbyterian minister and missionary for twenty-three years.

        Of the non-graduates, J. S. Gatlin was a Surgeon in the U. S. Army, killed in the Seminole war; Rev. Nehemiah Henry Harding,


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a Doctor of Divinity in the Presbyterian Church; Richard Caswell Gatlin was an officer in the United States Army, then a Confederate States Brigadier-General and Adjutant-General of North Carolina in the darkest hours of the Civil War.

        The honorary degree of Master of Arts (A. M.) was conferred on Wm. Glascock, M.D., of Virginia, and on John Hill Wheeler, afterwards the author of Wheeler's History and Wheeler's Reminiscences.

        Ethan Allen Andrews remained at the University until 1828, devoting himself to the close study of the ancient classics, in which he continued for the rest of his life. In that year he accepted the position of the Professor of Ancient Languages in the New Haven Gymnasium. A year afterwards he established the New Haven Young Ladies' Institute, conducting it with success for five years. He then took charge of a similar institution in Boston. Here he remained until 1839, when having in conjunction with Soloman Stoddard published a Latin Grammar, which met with favor among teachers, he returned to his home, inherited from his father in New Britain, and devoted the rest of his life to the preparation of school books. The following is a list of his books, besides the Grammar mentioned: First Latin Book; Latin Reader; Viri Romæ; Latin Lessons; Synopsis of Latin Grammar; Questions on the Latin Grammar; Latin Exercises; Key to Latin Exercises; Cæsar's Commentaries; Sallust; Ovid; Latin Dictionary.

        Professor Andrews was intellectually, morally and in manners a very superior man.

        He died March 24, 1858, aged 71 years. His two daughters married successively Prof. Edward D. Sims, a graduate of the University of North Carolina in 1824.

TROUBLESOME ESCHEATS.

        The Trustees were occasionally embarrassed by petitions from persons who claimed that they were injured by escheated property vesting in the University. One Mary Bell stated the pitiable fact that by twenty-five years hard labor in keeping a public house she and her husband had accumulated some property, the title of which under the law vested in her husband; that on his


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death without heirs half of the property devolved on the University; that she was sixty years old and could not live on what the statute allowed her. "I am a poor widow, citizen of a country whose policy and well regulated government does not need the assistance of property drawn from old age and infirmity, leaving me to starve, in order to support most valuable institutions."

        The minds of the Trustees were torn by the conflicting ideas of natural pity and fiduciary duty. They finally concluded to invest the money and pay the interest to Mrs. Mary Bell so long as she should live.

        They seemed to experience no difficulty in deciding another case, which in our times would be considered hard. A free negro had a daughter, the slave of another. He bought her, and she then became the mother of a boy. The woman's father died without kin and intestate. His child and grandchild being his personal property became the property of the University. They were ordered to be sold. This sounds hard, but it was proved to the Board that they were in the lowest stage of poverty and degradation and that it would redound to their happiness to have a master. It must be remembered that slaves were considered to be as a rule in a better condition than free negroes.

        One of the saddest claims which devolved on the University was that of Governor Benjamin Smith, the first benefactor. In his old age he became surety for a man who owed the institution, and the Trustees felt compelled to enforce payment. There is on record a petition by him for extension of time, which was granted. The tradition already mentioned that he was imprisoned has a modicum of truth, but the detention was only for a short while and, as he himself says, by the hard action of a lawyer, who was his personal enemy. The Trustees released him as soon as the matter was brought to their attention. It must be remembered, too, that ex-Governor Smith was hopelessly insolvent, and if the University had released him from the debt, his other creditors and not himself, would have reaped the benefit. All his valuable lands on the Cape Fear were subject to the judgment obtained by the United States to make good the defalcations of Collector Reid, for whom he was bondsman.


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        It may be well to give other cases, showing the working of the escheat law.

        At a later date, 1852, a sale of an escheat on behalf of the University created some local excitement. A lot on which was an old building, once used as a school house, but then in ruins, had been for years claimed by no one. The University attorney had it sold. The sum bid was one dollar. A memorial signed by six leading men of the town stated that the school had been closed because of sickness from a local cause, which had been removed, and plans for its revival were renewed. But "there comes an agent of the University who blasts the almost open blossom of our Hopes, thereby robbing perhaps many a poor boy from becoming a useful and prominent member of society, who might have been brilliant lights and added others to the many great luminaries who claim the University as their Alma Mater, but now left without a light must mope in darkness and ignorance."

        After several pages of similar rhetoric it was stated that the attorney found a bidder at one dollar, and took a conveyance to himself and sold the lot to a widow for $80, who proceeded to tear down the house and cut down the shade trees. Then the widow was threatened with a suit and she made a moving appeal to the Trustees, stating that she was about to be ruined. It does not appear that the pathos and eloquence of their petitions effected their purpose. Indeed, the petitioners seemed to have made the mistake of applying for a remedy after instead of before the alleged wrong was done. The attorney (General Singletary) asserted positively that the people generally applauded his conduct. The amount received by the University was only eight dollars.

        In 1861 the Trustees were notified of a possible windfall of distributive shares. Judge John M. Dick, a Trustee, while riding the Mountain Circuit, wrote that Acque to geh, Wage to togutah, Jack Rabbit, To ga kee la son Betsy, and 330 other Cherokee Indians living in Western North Carolina, had died since the Treaty of 1836. The attorney of the Indians, William H. Thomas, took out letters of administration on their estates, giving bond for $33,400, and collected $54 for each of the deceased,


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and it did not appear that any return had been made to the court. As the University realized nothing from this claim, it is to be presumed that Colonel Thomas made a satisfactory explanation.

        A dissipated Freshman, Spencer Reeves, was dismissed in 1829 for giving a drinking and card-playing frolic, and following it up on Sunday night by illuminating his windows with bunches of lighted candles. It is sad to chronicle that after some years he became so degraded from drink that he slew his sister for refusing to give him part of her property and was righteously hung for the crime--the only instance of an alumnus dying on the gallows.

        J. S., who participated in the spree, was saved by his previous good character and by taking the iron-clad pledges.

        At the same time four students were dismissed for going home at the end of the session without permission which either had been asked for and refused, or had not been asked for at all.

        At the Commencement in 1829, described as very brilliant, a new feature was introduced. Representatives from the Junior, Sophomore and Freshman classes competed in declamation.

        The orator before the two societies chosen by the Dialectic Society, was Professor William Hooper, who returned to the University in 1825 as Professor of Rhetoric and Logic, and three years afterwards was made Professor of Ancient Languages. The contemporary chronicler says that he was a deep and severe thinker, as well as profound and eloquent rhetorician.

        The best scholar among the graduates was Franklin L. Smith of Mecklenburg, to whom the Latin Salutatory was assigned. Next was Richard R. Wall of Rockingham County, with the Valedictory. Then were John Potts Brown, of Wilmington, with an oration on Natural Philosophy; Sidney X. Johnston on Geology, and David M. Lees on Ethics. Debates were had between James A. Johnston and James E. Kerr on the question, "Is the backwardness of North Carolina due to moral or physical causes?"; between Burton F. Craige and Osmond F. Long, as to whether Daughters should be educated as well as Sons; and between Thomas W. Dulany and Wm. Eaton, as to whether Europe was benefitted by the Independence of Greece, while


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Rufus A. Yancey and Philip W. Alston wrestled with the great problem, whether in the aggregate the Destinies of Europe were Beneficially Influenced by the French Revolution. Richard M. Shepard of Newbern discoursed on Modern French Literature.

        The best scholar of the fourteen graduates, Smith, died in 1835 with rising reputation as a lawyer. Wall was a physician of high standing, Brown was a commission merchant of the firm of DeRosset & Brown of Wilmington, and Brown & DeRosset of New York. Johnston was a physician and member of the Convention of 1861. William Eaton was author of a valuable law book, Attorney-General and Senator from Warren; Craige, who dropped his middle name, was a Representative in the Congress of the United States and of the Confederacy, member of the Convention of 1861, and as such offered the Ordinance of Secession; Alston was an Episcopal minister and a poet.

        Among those matriculating with the class, but leaving before graduation, may be mentioned Wm. Dallas Haywood, for years Mayor of Raleigh; Henry A. London, a very influential merchant of Pittsboro; Cameron F. MacRae, a prominent Episcopal minister of this State, of Georgia and lastly of Maryland; James Bryan Whitfield, State Senator.

        The honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity fell on Rev. John Robinson of Poplar Tent, and Rev. John McKamie Wilson of Rocky River, both of Cabarrus. Besides being pastors of power, they were principals of excellent classical schools.

        The Trustees present were Governor Owen, Dr. S. J. Baker, F. Nash, John D. Hawkins, William Robards, John Scott, James Mebane, Dr. J. S. Smith, Arch. McBryde, James Webb, Rev. Dr. Wm. McPheeters, Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon, President Caldwell and Secretary-Treasurer Manly.

        The honorary degrees granted were as follows, on the Rev. Adam Empie, President of William and Mary College, afterwards Rector of a church in Richmond, Virginia, formerly of Wilmington, N. C., Doctorate of Divinity.

        The same degree on Rev. Cornelius Vermeule, of the Presbyterian Church of New Jersey.

        The degree of Master of Arts on Professor James Phillips and Professor Nicholas Marcellus Hentz, of the University of North Carolina.


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CHAPTER IV.

COMMENCEMENT OF 1830.

        At the Commencement, on Monday evening there was a declamation by James Lea, William Owen, Julian E. Sawyer, Wm. Smith, John S. Hargrave, Thomas F. Jones, Solomon Lea.

        On Tuesday evening, the 21st of June, the speakers were James Grant, J. DeBerniere Hooper, Wm. W. Spear, Jacob Thompson, Thomas S. Ashe, Michael W. Holt, and James O. Stedman.

        On Wednesday, there were original speeches delivered by representatives of the two Societies.

        The best scholar, to whom was given the Latin Salutatory, was Nathaniel H. McCain. James W. Osborne was next, with a speech on Moral Philosophy. Next came Cicero Stephens Hawks, whose subject was Influence of Rewards Bestowed on Distinguished Characters. The fourth in scholarship was John A. Backhouse, to whom was assigned the Valedictory. The fifth in scholarship was Richard K. Hill, with a speech on Political Economy, and sixth was Aaron J. Spivey, whose subject was "The Use and Abuse of Parliamentary Debates." The next honor men were George G. Lea, who spoke on the Importance of Liberal Education to all professional men; then Mr. W. L. Kennedy, on the Influence of Periodical Literature, and lastly came Rawley Galloway, who discussed Design in the Constitution of Nature. Benjamin F. Terry and William K. Ruffin debated whether the gold mines, recently discovered in North Carolina and elsewhere, are attended with greater advantages or disadvantages to our State and to the Union. There was evidently in the air dread of inflation of the currency and diversion of labor from other pursuits, as well of the evils of making haste to be rich.

        John H. Edwards and Elisha Stedman, both afterwards physicians, discussed this question: "Could the United States maintain its Constitution if the Atlantic Ocean did not separate


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her from Europe?" J. M. Stedman's thesis was whether there could be a Permanent Government without Education.

        McCain removed to Mississippi, and was a highly respected and successful planter. Backhouse had a strange career. He was of fine promise, was a Tutor of his Alma Mater after graduation; then studied theology, teaching at the same time. After being ordained a minister of the Gospel, he was deposed for conduct unbecoming a minister, and died early. Osborne was a prominent lawyer and Judge, member of the Legislature and of the Convention of 1861. Hawks was Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Missouri. Hill was a teacher of repute in North Carolina and Texas.

        At the Commencement of 1830, Hon. John H. Bryan, who changed his home from Newbern to Raleigh, chosen by the Philanthropic Society, was the orator. The reporter described his effort as chaste and eloquent.

        The report of the President at the annual meeting of the Board in December, 1827, deplores the falling off in numbers. This was attributed to three causes: 1st, the establishment of Universities and Colleges in Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia; 2nd, to the financial stress and unparalleled depreciation in the pecuniary resources of the people; 3rd, vast efflux of population to the West.

        He also informed the Board that the Main Building was in ruins. It had not been occupied for years. The materials were worthless, the work wretched. The experiment of employing a Superintendent of Buildings not connected with the University, at a salary of $20, was unsatisfactory. Prof. Mitchell assumed the duties.

PANIC OF 1825.--THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPLIED TO.

        The financial panic of 1825, with its sequelae, was in truth a fearful blow to the University. The receipts from Western lands and payments for those sold were largely cut off. The tuition receipts diminished with the number of students. The debts to the banks, incurred for building the Old West and work on the Old East and unfinished Gerrard Hall, were unpaid.


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The Trustees thought that turning off Professors would destroy the prestige of the institution, and therefore borrowed money to meet their salaries. By 1830 the University seemed on the verge of ruin. Energetic steps were necessary to avert it. The President of the Board of Trustees called a special session to consider the matter. It was on the 21st June, 1830, at Chapel Hill.

        There were present, Governor Owen, Dr. Caldwell, Messrs. John H. Bryan, Willie P. Mangum, Charles Manly, James Mebane, Alfred Moore, John M. Morehead, Wm. Robards, John Scott, James S. Smith, John Witherspoon, D.D.

        On motion of Judge Mangum, a committee of seven were appointed to draft an address to the Trustees, setting forth the urgent necessity for them to meet in Raleigh on the 19th of July. Dr. Caldwell was directed to send by express, that is, a special messenger, a copy to every Trustee within a reasonable distance of Raleigh, and to the rest by mail.

        Considering the difficulties of travel in the hot July days, there was a very respectable attendance, about one-third of the Trustees. Their names should be held in remembrance. They were: Governor John Owen, Dr. Caldwell, Messrs. George E. Badger, Thos. D. Bennehan, John H. Bryan, Duncan Cameron, James Craven, Wm. Gaston, John D. Hawkins, Louis D. Henry, James Iredell, Charles Manly, Alfred Moore, Willie P. Mangum, Angus McBryde, Frederick Nash, Wm. Robards, Thos. Ruffin, Romulus M. Saunders, John Scott, Hugh Waddell, James Webb, W. McPheeters, D.D. Of these, nine were residents of Raleigh, ten of Orange, one of Fayetteville, one of Moore County, one of Franklin, one of Craven, one of Kinston. None except those from Fayetteville, Moore, Franklin, and Kinston lived more than one day's distance from Raleigh, and they only a two-days' easy journey. It is possible that Messrs. Gaston and Henry were in attendance on the Supreme Court. On motion of Mr. Gaston, not then a judge, a strong committee, Messrs. Iredell, Cameron, Moore, Henry, Bryan, Webb, Robards (State Treasurer), and Waddell, were appointed to report the debts and resources of the University, and recommend a plan of relief.


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        The Committee, through Mr. Iredell, reported the next day the following statement:

    ASSETS.

  • 23 shares State Bank stock ($2,300) if at par.
  • 241 shares Newbern Bank stock ($24,100) if at par.
  • 111 shares Cape Fear Bank stock ($11,100) if at par.
  • Judgment in Wake County Court, $2,805.
  • Interest from July 1, 1829.
  • Bonds for lands sold in Tennessee, comprising warrants adjudicated in 1820 and 1822, the Resolution warrants, and Smith and Gerrard lands. The whole estimated in 1820 and 1822, to be worth $240,642. Probably not worth so much.

        

DEBTS.

Decree for Jacques le Gorde, $1,230.83; interest from
July 1, 1828, say, in all $1,405.11
Balance due Faculty 1,158.
Due State Bank 17,524.24
Due Newbern Bank 6,978.12
Due Cape Fear Bank 6,396.
Due United States Bank 4,057.26
Total debts $37,518.73
Average annual expenses $8,200.
Tuition receipts (82 students) 2,304.
Deficiency $5,896.

        Average annual receipts from western lands the last four years, about $6,000, subject to large deductions for expenses of collection.

        The Committee recommended:

        1. That the judgment in Wake Court be collected and applied to the Le Gorde debt and that to the Faculty.

        2. The Cape Fear Bank will accept their own stock at 80 per cent. It is recommended that payment be made in this manner.

        3. That 5 shares of Cape Fear stock be sold at not less than 75 cents in the dollar and proceeds applied to the U. S. Bank debt.

        4. That 26 shares of State Bank stock be paid to that Bank at 75 cents, if they will be received at that price, which is probable.

        5. That 26 shares of Cape Fear Bank stock be sold at not less than 75 cents in the dollar and the proceeds paid to the State Bank.


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        6. As the value of Bank of Newbern stock is uncertain, none should be sold at present.

        7. After these payments the debts will be as follows:

        
To the Bank of Newbern $6,978.12
To the U. S. Bank, about 3,682.26
To the State Bank 13,849.24
Total $24,509.62

        And the Trustees will have 241 shares of Newbern Bank stock. Estimating this at 60 cents in the dollar, its supposed value, the University will owe about $10,000. Probably this might be paid by receipts of western lands in two or three years, but it is not certain that the Banks will wait so long. Besides, nearly $6,000 annual deficiency in the salaries of the Faculty will be due.


        The Committee therefore recommended that the General Assembly be memorialized for aid until the lands in Tennessee can be sold.

        The report was concurred in, and Messrs. Ruffin, Cameron, and Gaston were appointed to prepare and present the special memorial to the Legislature as was recommended. It was drawn by Chief Justice Ruffin, and, like his writings generally, is very thorough, strong, and comprehensive. It sketched the action by the Legislature towards the University from 1789, and showed that the only grant then of value that was available for its support arose from the Tennessee lands, which came from the escheated warrants vested in the institution. According to the last report of the agent, there were 106,051 acres, including the 20,000 acres given by Governor Smith and about 9,000 acres by Major Gerrard. Sales had been made and bonds taken to the amount of $71,081.24. It was deemed unwise to press the sales of more lands or the collection of these bonds at present, because of the financial condition of the country, and because the lapse of time is strengthening the University titles, which so many are ready to attack or weaken in courts and in the Legislature. The value of the unsold lands was estimated eight years ago at $240,642, but that is probably high.

        The actual cost of the buildings belonging to the University was $95,537.41, besides annual outlays for repairs. The Library


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and apparatus cost about $10,000, and are still worth about that sum. Part of the debt arose from the necessity of providing accommodations for the large number of students, from 150 to 200, whose health was endangered by overcrowding. The money was borrowed from banks in which the University owned stock to the amount of $37,500, for which par was paid. The total debt amounted to $37,518.73. We now see that the stock should have been sold, instead of contracting loans on pledge of the same, but no one could foresee the rapid decline in its market value, and in the dividends. The most careful and astute investors, and successive Legislatures, made the same blunder. By the sales of stock at 75 and 80 recently ordered by the Board, the debt has been reduced to $20,124.55. The Treasurer has on hand $3,143.21, but of that, $2,790 is payable to the Faculty for their salaries. There remains 241 shares in the Bank of Newbern, but they have no market value, and the bank is not paying dividends.

        With ample resources in prospect, the actual income is nearly nothing. The tuition fees have been fixed at $30 per annum, so as to meet the wants of people of limited means. At the enlargement of the institution, nearly 200 students paid an amount sufficient to meet the annual expenses. From various causes, chiefly the general distress for money, and the erection of well-endowed colleges and schools, the number is diminished to about 80. The Faculty consists of a President at a salary of $1,600, four Professors at $1,400 each, and two Tutors at $400 each. The expenses may be stated as follows:

        
Salaries of the Faculty $7,360.
Secretaries, Treasurer, Superintendent and incidentals 840.
Interest upon the debt 1,207.47
Total $9,407.47
Deduct probable tuition fees 2,400.
Deficit $7,007.47

        If the State will assume the debt to the banks, the deficit will be $5,800.

        The Trustees have no means now available for meeting this


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alarming deficiency. It would not comport with the dignity of the State to ask individuals to support a public institution, nor would such an appeal be successful. The Faculty cannot be reduced without seriously impairing the efficiency of the instruction and the prestige of the institution. "By a slight exertion of the fostering care of the Legislature, this Institution, demanded as well by the wishes as the welfare of the people, may be revived. In the course of three or four years at the furtherest, the decision as to its right to escheated land in Tennessee will be rendered. If favorable, the prosperity of the University will be fixed beyond the reach of mischance. If unfavorable, it must be, like the colleges of some of our sister States, wholly dependent on annual appropriations, or close its doors."

        The memorialists venture to suggest that the General Assembly shall pay the debt, and in addition grant a small appropriation for three or four years, or else apply some of the bank stock owned by the State to the extinction of the debt. If neither plan meets with favor, "it may then be considered, whether it be wise and politic that the public should suffer its own child and favorite Seminary to be overwhelmed by the interest accruing on this large debt whilst a Literary Fund of a greater amount is lying in the vaults of the Treasury, or deposited in the banks for their own use and emolument." It is suggested that a loan, without interest, be granted from this Fund, enough to discharge the debt, say $21,000, and in addition for three or four years supply the deficiency in the annual receipts heretofore mentioned. But the Trustees will be compelled to accept a loan even on the most disadvantageous terms, as they cannot meet the interest on their debt, much less the instalments required by the Act of 1829 to be paid."

        As Chief Justice Ruffin was considered one of the ablest lawyers, not only in this State, but in the Union, I give in his own language his opinion of the value of higher education.

        "Your memorialists refrain from indulging in extended reflections, though obviously growing out of the occasion, upon the vast importance of education; its influence upon individual happiness; its tendency to enlighten and purify the mind; to chasten and correct the evil passions and propensities of our


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nature, and soften the affections; to enlarge the sphere of human action and promote enterprise and the arts; multiply useful men and increase their capacity for usefulness; and in a popular government to inform the community at large, and dispose them to cherish, and qualify them to defend, their free institutions. All these considerations address themselves so powerfully and directly to the understanding, that every man, and much more every member of your honorable body, must estimate its importance highly. In North Carolina every person, who is old enough to remember when the University was not, must have observed, and cannot but testify to the effects most salutary of its establishment."

        The memorial then shows that the University had graduated more than 460 of her sons, and about the same number had attended her instruction without waiting to obtain degrees. "These seven or eight hundred alumni now fill with honor to themselves and to the College, and with usefulness to their country, most of her posts of distinction, trust, labor and responsibility, in her Legislatures, her Judiciary, her professions, her schools, besides adding greatly to the mass of general information caught from them in the intercourse of Society and diffused through the body of our citizens. Many, who have sought employment and homes in distant sections of the Union, make us favorably known in sister States, adorn our character and their own, and, cherishing a grateful memory of the land of their birth, thank God, that though they do not live in North Carolina, they were born on her soil, and were educated under her patronage."

        Then follows a panegyric on the Professors and Tutors. "They are able teachers, discreet governors, and kind friends of their pupils." The praises of Dr. Caldwell are so peculiarly adulatory as to suggest that, in the opinion of the Chief Justice, the recently earned popularity of the good Doctor, on account of his Carlton letters, falling in with the general enthusiasm for building railroads, would win scores of votes for the institution, of which he was well-nigh the personification. After a glowing tribute to his character and pre-eminent services, his learning,


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piety, to his qualifications eminently suited and always equal to his responsible station, to his enthusiasm for education, and the love and respect of his pupils, to his repeated refusals of more lucrative positions elsewhere, it is added, "The mind revolts from the thought that this venerable and venerated Apostle of Science and Virtue, should in the natural life of his frail body survive the child of his mental labors for thirty-four years, that he should now be compelled to abandon the scenes of his studies and usefulness through such a long course of time, and seek another abode, after witnessing the downfall and ruin of that institution, which has thus engaged his individual attention and from which he has shed abroad through the land the lights of knowledge, of science, social duty, public virtue, private probity, and Christian piety."

        The memorial was adopted, and Governor Owen, as President of the Board, was requested to communicate it to the General Assembly. Messrs. Cameron, Henry, and Saunders were appointed to confer with the Select Joint Committee of the General Assembly, with full power to act in place of the Board in regard to financial relief.

        I now give the action of the General Assembly. The part of the Governor's message transmitting the memorial of the Trustees, was in the Senate referred to a select committee, consisting of Senators Speight, Askew, Hill, Jones, Ward, Kerr, McKay, and Williams of Franklin. This committee, on December 24, 1830, made its report, accompanied by a bill without the second provision hereinafter recited, giving the Legislature full power over the University charter, property and instruction. That was inserted on motion of James J. McKay, Senator from Bladen, afterwards Representative in Congress, a Jeffersonian Democrat, who probably had constitutional scruples about the State's aiding any institution not under its entire control. The amendment was adopted by a vote of 35 against 26, those who voted in the negative being more ardent friends of the University. The names of these minority Senators were George O. Askew of Bertie, David W. Borden of Carteret, Abraham Brower of Randolph, Pinckney Caldwell of Iredell, Samuel Davenport of Washington, John M. Dick of Guilford, Edward


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C. Graves of Sampson, John Hill of Stokes, Edmund Jones of Wilkes, Jonathan Lindsay of Currituck, Clement Marshall of Anson, Wm. B. Meares of New Hanover, Stephen Miller of Duplin, Wm. Montgomery of Orange, Wm. D. Mosely of Lenoir, Caleb Perkins of Camden, Joseph Ramsey of Chatham, Richard Dobbs Spaight of Craven, Gabriel Sherard of Wayne, Henry Skinner of Perquimans, Wm. M. Sneed of Granville, Robert Vanhook of Person, Edward Ward of Onslow, Wm. P. Williams of Franklin, Hillory Wilder of Johnston, Louis D. Wilson of Edgecombe.

        After the adoption of the amendment, the bill passed the Senate by a vote of 40 to 19, the peculiar friends of the University with the majority, except Senators Dick, Hill, Lindsay, Marshall, Perkins, Ramsey, Sherard, Skinner, and Wilder. Meares was absent. Of those who refused to accept the amendment, Senators Dick, Meares, Spaight were alumni. One alumnus, Charles L. Hinton of Wake, voted in favor of the amendment. All the Senate Committee were against it except McKay of Bladen and James Kerr of Caswell.

        The bill passed the House by 70 to 48. It is evident that the hostility of the Trustees was not foreseen, because we find with the majority such friends of the University as Evan Alexander, Daniel M. Barringer, John Bragg, Joseph A. Hill, Geo. C. Mendenhall, Spencer O'Brien, Thomas McGehee, Council Wooten, Jonathan Worth, John H. Wheeler, Richard Allison, Bartlett Shipp, Dr. Thomas Hill.

        Thus in response to the eloquent, wise and feeling memorial of the Trustees, the General Assembly fed its child with a stone of striking angularity and hardness. The Literary Board was required to lend the University $25,000 for five years, with interest from date, on the following conditions:

        First, that the sum loaned should be a lien on all the University property, real and personal, in possession and to be acquired. The Trustees should signify in writing their assent to this lien.

        Second, the Trustees must agree that the Legislature might thereafter modify or alter the charter of the institution, so as to assume to the State its management, and the possession and disposition of all property, real and personal.


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        Third, the Trustees must discharge all debts having a lien on University property out of the proceeds of this loan.

        At that time it was thought that the University was protected by the decision of the United States Supreme Court in Dartmouth College vs. Woodward, against the encroachments of the Legislature without the consent of the Trustees. At this day, however, under the State's constitutions of 1868 and 1876, and the decisions of the Circuit Court of the United States and of this State in analogous cases, it is settled that the University is a State institution under legislative control. The Trustees of 1831, indignant at being called on to turn over the University to the Legislature, and encouraged by a prospective remittance of $7,500 from Tennessee, unanimously rejected the loan. For immediate needs they borrowed $4,000 from the Branch Bank of the United States at Fayetteville.

        Such was the pressure of the debt, that Col. Polk and Messrs. James Mebane and James Webb, were appointed a committee to offer for sale the unimproved lands of the University around Chapel Hill. If this had been done we would now have blasted rocky old fields in the place of our beautiful forest--with all the purchase-money gone. A small sum was realized by the sale of the Preparatory School Acre. The school had been closed for over ten years.

        An abortive effort was made to obtain funds by subscription for finishing the new Chapel, begun years before. A committee was raised, but no funds.

THE OBSERVATORY.

        President Caldwell had always been fond of the Science of Astronomy. It was on this account that, in 1813, as I have shown, he was called on to be the scientific expert on the part of North Carolina in running the South Carolina boundary line. He built on the top of his dwelling a platform, on which he would take the Seniors in squads of three and four, and point out to them the heavenly bodies. He erected in his garden a sun dial, which stood until the invasion of the Federal cavalry. He also built two pillars, still standing, covered with vines, their eastern and western faces accurately showing the true North and south line in his day.


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        In 1830 he determined to erect a building in which he could use the astronomical instruments bought by him in London. It was finished in 1831, and he is thus entitled to the credit of inaugurating the first observatory connected with an institution of learning in America, that of Professor Hopkins at Williams College being in 1836. Dr. Caldwell's building was on the highest summit of a hill north of the Raleigh road, near the village graveyard. The structure was about twenty feet square, without a portico or entry hall, and with a window in each of its eastern and western faces. Through the center was a pillar of masonry on its own foundation, and on a circular disk on the top was the Altitude and Azimuth instrument. A slit through the northern and southern faces and through the flat top afforded a range of 180 degrees for the Transit. The Altitude and Azimuth Telescope stood on a circular disk of sandstone, which capped the pillar. It was protected from the weather by a wooden structure, drawn backwards and forwards on a railway by a windlass and rope. The adjacent trees were felled so as to command a view of the horizon. The instruments used were a Meridian Transit Telescope, made by Simms of London, an Altitude and Azimuth Telescope, also by Simms, a Telescope for observations on the earth and sky, Dolland of London, an Astronomical clock, with a Mercurial Pendulum, by Molineux. Besides these, which were stationary, there were a sextant, by Wilkinson of London, a portable Reflecting Circle, by Harris of London, and a Hadley's quadrant. With the Astronomical clock and the Transit, President Caldwell, assisted by Professors Mitchell and Phillips, obtained the longitude and latitude of the South Building, 79° 17' W. and 35° 54' 21" N. This calculation was made in the mathematical room in the South Building in the second story opposite the well.

        Observations were made by President Caldwell and Dr. Mitchell and the older Dr. Phillips for the longitude and latitude of various places, on Eclipses and on Comets and other celestial phenomena. These observations have been lost.

        This institution had a short life. The building was of bad materials and fell rapidly to decay. After the death of Dr. Caldwell it became necessary to remove the instruments. In


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1838 the building was destroyed by fire, tradition says, kindled by a student. The sound bricks were used to build a kitchen for President Swain on the lot next to the Episcopal Church. The site of the old Observatory is easily recognized by the fragmentary bats and the cedars clustering around the shrunken basement.

        President Caldwell, while he was averse to debt and kept free from it, had no propensity to accumulate money. He built the Observatory out of his own funds, at a cost of $430.29½. The Trustees, however, reimbursed him a few days before his death.

        After removal from the Observatory, most of the instruments were for years unused. Dr. James Phillips and his son, Dr. Charles, thought that the interior of the dust-covered telescope was a safe place for hiding valuables from the incoming Federal soldiers. They accordingly deposited their watches within its recesses. They underestimated the keen-eyed seekers for hidden treasures. But the commanding officer was in love with the President's daughter, and forced the lucky finders to disgorge.

MRS. ROYALL.

        In this period an American woman, said to have lived among the Indians as a captive, coarse and ignorant, Mrs. Anne Royall by name, was the authoress of "Sketches of History, Life, Manners, in the United States, by a Traveller." In 1830 was published her "Southern Tour, or Second Series of the Black Book." She visited Chapel Hill the preceding year and evidently was avoided by the Faculty ladies, as her pen was dipped into gall when she wrote of her visit. Her first impression was unpleasant, as the inn keeper's lady met her with the question, "have you no man with you?" The University, she said, was in a most delightful situation, sitting upon an eminence, in the midst of a handsome grove, but, to the disgrace of the State, is under the influence of a woman, the President's wife. She is ruled by priests, the priests are ruled by money, and she rules the University. The institution, which cost so much money, is under the dominion of "these she wild cats, a Priest loving woman, fleecing the last cent of pocket money from the innocent, unsuspecting young men. Meantime they are ruled by a rod of


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iron by this she wolf. Not a step dare the hen-pecked President take without apprising this tyrannical woman." As Mrs. Royall was leaving Chapel Hill, a tall, genteel young man stepped into the stage. He had been dismissed, she said, for "smiling in church." The students, fine, manly looking young men, came to take leave of the dismissed man. In the opinion of Mrs. Royall, he deserved a statue, and "so would any man who would raise his voice against such hypocrites and besotted fools." "This young gentleman possessed more virtue and honor than the whole posse of the Faculty, with Madam President to boot."

        The truth is, that the student was dismissed for bad behaviour at the preaching in the village chapel on Sunday night, before the arrival of the preacher. There was much noise, vociferation, laughter, and tumult. "The house was turned into a scene of wild riot." After the arrival of a member of the Faculty, he persisted in ill-behaviour, conspicuously disregarding the order of the place, was directed to leave the house, but refused to obey. On the next morning at Prayers he interrupted the prayer by scraping with his feet. He had repeatedly been guilty of disorder, and had incurred the censure of the Faculty.

        Mrs. Royall was either a malicious, untruthful woman, or demented. Mrs. Caldwell was a woman of talent, of polished manners, and excellent heart. She naturally dominated and gave tone to the village society, but her husband was distinguished for his independence of character and inflexible will. Neither she nor any other human influence could dominate or lead him. I quote from the bitterness of the slighted vanity of Mrs. Royall, because, although long ago consigned to oblivion, her book was once the theme of amused conversation. Her vitriolic satire on Chapel Hill ladies is really a high tribute to their conservative feminine virtues. Notoriety-seeking, "mannish" females could get no countenance from them.

        After leaving North Carolina, Mrs. Royall sojourned in Washington City, where she engaged in writing vituperative books and edited a "Paul Pry" newspaper, so full of scandal that she was arraigned and convicted of the crime of being a common scold--"communis rixatrix." She was sentenced to


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the old common law punishment of being ducked in the Potomac, but, modern ideas being against the infliction of this primitive rough penalty on a woman, the Court was induced to substitute a pecuniary fine.

        At the Commencement of 1831, the Freshman competitors were Julius C. S. Bracken, of Caswell County; Thomas Pollock Burgwyn, of Craven County; William H. R. Wood, of Alabama; Thomas G. Haughton, of Edenton; Pleasant Buchanan, of Alabama; James B. Shepard, of Craven; John Gray Bynum, of Stokes County; Addi Edwin Donnel Thom, of Greensboro.

        For Tuesday evening the Declaimers were James N. Neal, of Chatham; William H. Owen, of Oxford; William N. Mebane, Greensboro; Julian E. Sawyer, Elizabeth City; Thomas L. Clingman, of Surry County; Thomas W. Harris, of Halifax; John H. Haughton, of Tyrrell County; James R. Holt, of Orange.

        Of the Class of 1831, numbering 15, the best in scholarship was John DeBerniere Hooper, who spoke the Latin. The Valedictory was the next highest, by Calvin Jones, of Tennessee. Next to him was Jacob Thompson. His subject was, "Inducements to the men of talents to improve their powers." Then was Lemuel B. Powell, who spoke on "National Pride"; then Giles Mebane, on the Most Effectual Means of Promoting National Wealth, and Thomas J. Pitchford, on the Advantages Derived from the Study of Natural History. Then came John L. Hargrove, on the Influence of America on the Future of Europe; James O. Stedman, on Christianity as a Civilizer; John H. Haughton, on Christianity and Civil Liberty; Thomas F. Jones, on the Intellect of the North American Indians; Samuel B. Stephens, on the Fine Arts; and Thomas P. Armstrong, on the great question, "Ought the Legislature to Provide for Public Liberal Education?"; Samuel S. Biddle, on the effect of multiplying Colleges on Education; Michael W. Holt, on the Community of Interests between North and South American Republics. After this, the following subjects were debated: "Is the Salic law correct in principle and practice?", by Charles C. Wilson and Thomas W. Harris; "Are Honorary Distinctions in College expedient?", by Stephen S. Sorsby and Thomas E. Taylor;


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"Is the character of the Athenians or Spartans more worthy of admiration?", by George Hairston and Thomas E. Taylor; "Can a Christian properly become a Soldier by profession?", by Thomas W. Harris and Rufus M. Roseborough; "Would it be expedient for the United States to employ Exploring Expeditions for the advancement of Science?", by Thomas B. Hill and Richard H. Smith; "Is National Calumny properly an Occasion of War by the Law of Nations?", Cadwallader Jones, Stephen S. Sorsby and Samuel A. Williams.

        These are the most pretentious Commencement Day exercises on record. All had places on the programme except Doak and Grant, probably absent. Some spoke twice, as seen above.

        The honor men did well in after life. Hooper was Tutor and then Professor successively of Latin, of Modern Languages, and of Greek and French in the University. Jones was a Professor in the University of Alabama and Chancellor of West Tennessee. Thompson was Tutor, lawyer, Congressman from Mississippi, Governor, Secretary of the Interior, Inspector-General of the Confederate States. Powell was a physician of reputation. Giles Mebane was an able and upright member of the Legislature, President of the Senate; Thomas J. Pitchford a prominent physician and State Senator.

        Among other strong men was James Grant, a Judge of the Superior Court of Iowa and a benefactor of the University.

        The only honorary degree was that of Master of Arts, conferred on John Tate, of North Carolina.

        The Oration before the two Societies was delivered by Rev. Wm. Mercer Green, Rector of the Episcopal Church in Hillsboro, of the Dialectic Society, a graduate of 1818.

NORTH CAROLINA INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION.

        During the week, on the 22d of June, 1831, an organization was made of the friends of education into an association called "The North Carolina Institute of Education." A constitution and by-laws were adopted on motion of Benjamin M. Smith of Milton, who explained the objects of the Association in a highly interesting and appropriate address. Doctor Simmons J. Baker, of Martin, was unanimously elected President, and Wm. McPheeters,


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D.D., of Raleigh, Rev. Wm. M. Green, and Hon. Frederick Nash, of Hillsboro, Vice-Presidents. Dr. Walter A. Norwood, of Hillsboro, was Recording Secretary, and Mr. Wm. J. Bingham, Corresponding Secretary. The Executive Committee were Professors Mitchell, Wm. Hooper, and James Phillips of the University. The Committee met and elected Hon. Alfred Moore, of Orange, Orator for 1832.

        Lectures were appointed to be given at the Commencement of 1832, as follows: On Imperfections in "Teaching in Primary Schools," by Prof. Wm. Hooper; on "Elocution, with Particular Reference to Reading," by H. S. Ellenwood, of Hillsboro; on "Lyceums and Similar Institutions," by James D. Johnson, of Oxford. The subject selected for discussion was, "The Period Necessary for Preparing for College."

        The Corresponding Secretary was directed to obtain for the Institute the "Annals of Education," and five copies of the "Educational Reporter," afterwards reduced to one copy.

TEMPERANCE SOCIETY--DR. MITCHELL'S ADDRESS.

        In the summer of 1829, some of the students formed themselves into a Temperance Society. It had a marked effect in causing a decline in the drinking of spirituous liquors. In 1831, Professor Mitchell delivered a very able discourse before the University at the request of the Society. It was printed, and the strength of his argument and the excellence of the style extended the reputation of the speaker. By the kindness of a friend, I have a copy, and quote a few sentences which vividly portray the downward career of the drunkard.

        "It seems hardly necessary to state in detail how fatal are habits of Intemperance to the poor wretch who has become their victim. Standing perhaps high in the society of which he is a member, he finds the respect with which an antecedent life of virtue, temperance, and integrity have been rewarded, passing silently away, like the snows of spring beneath the influence of the sun. The old, whose conduct used to show how highly they prized his friendship, and the young, who were once so eager to exhibit evidence of their esteem and regard, now pass


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him by without more than a cold and distant salutation. His opinions no longer have the same weight in cases of doubt and perplexity. His neighbors think that a cloud has settled down upon his judgment, and darkened that mental eye once so clear and keen. * * * His affairs are involved in confusion and disorder, and either his schemes are not laid with his usual sagacity, or the turns of accident or misfortune are very much against him. He finds that he has lost a portion of his power for both physical and mental exertion. His family appear melancholy and dejected, and it is in vain that he wakes up all his wit and tries to revive their drooping spirit. They used to meet him when he returned from a distance with countenances lighted up with smiles and welcome home the protector, husband, friend, and father. But the time comes at length when his wife and children no longer rejoice at his return, but, as he approaches they stand silent; their hearts wrung with unuttered sorrow, and turn away their eyes and refuse to look upon the ruin and degradation of what was once so venerable and lovely. Oh, if there be one thing beneath the circuit of the sky, of which there is any hope that it will awaken the strong feelings of nature that are either asleep or dead within him, and rouse him to one last despairing effort to shake off his chains and regain his freedom, it is that distress of his family. But often, as we know, even that is unavailing. The voice of the strong appetite he has created is stronger than the voice of nature, and the mansion that has hitherto been the abode of love and peace, becomes the very scene of his excesses, and when his brain is heated to frenzy, the arm of violence is perhaps raised against a woman--the wife of his bosom, or against those children, who should be the object of his tenderest love. But why pursue the melancholy story, the particulars of which from the unhappy frequency of their occurrence, are but too well known to us all? Why speak of the ruin of his credit, the wasting of his property, the quarrels (with his best friends, too,) into which he is betrayed, when petulant and ill-natured through the effect of intoxication? His friends deriving no pleasure from his society, at length forsake him. His estate is squandered, and his children (because the wealth that should have come down to


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them from their ancestors, is intercepted in its descent by the author of their being, whom the law of nature that binds even the brute creation, required to be their friend and protector), are driven away to seek their fortune in some foreign land or distant shore.

        "The poor wretch himself feels at length the access of those diseases, of which he has so long been sowing the seeds. The poison he has for years been taking into his system operates decisively. He sinks beneath a complicated load of disorders and infirmities--shall I say into a late or an early grave? An early grave, inasmuch as he has but just reached the age when the sober and temperate part of mankind are in their prime--a late one also, for he has long since ceased to be useful in the world, and ceased therefore to execute the office for which God created him, and for which his life was prolonged from day to day."

        "If the youth of a country be neglected, no matter what may be its physical advantages, or the form of its government, its soil may be fertile as the border of the Nile, its government monarchical, aristocratical, or democratical, as you choose, that country, taken as a whole, will be poor and wretched. * * * We may borrow the pen of Draco, and write the statute book from end to end in letters of blood; we may crown the summit of every mountain and hill with a gibbet and a prison--amidst all that apparatus of law and justice, vice will present herself with a bold and unblushing countenance in the most public places, and laugh the lawgiver and judge to scorn."

        "The moral and religious education of the children of the drunkard must be miserably neglected. How will he dare to assemble his children about him to unfold and explain to them the distinctions between good and evil, vice and virtue, with their eternal sanctions--recommend the one and warn them to avoid the other--he whose conduct is an open violation of the laws and morality and religion every day he lives?"

        "The mind in ancient days did not demand the application of stimulants more than the body. The orators of Greece and Rome needed not those aids to eloquence, which our modern statesmen and declaimers employ. To the poet, the fervor of his own bosom--to the philosopher the regular and natural operation


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of his own vigorous and unclouded mind, were fully sufficient for the production of those masterpieces of taste and wisdom which have been the admiration of every following age. The lips of Moses, the Jewish lawgiver--of David, the sweet singer of Israel--of the holy and sublime Isaiah--of the Redeemer of mankind, were never polluted by the products of distillation."

        These extracts are given because Professor Mitchell is known to have been a many-sided man in science, but it is less known that he possessed no little literary ability. As said elsewhere, his reputation as a writer of sermons and addresses was obscured by his monotonous and awkward delivery. It is worthy of notice that he believed that the ancients did not use--did not know how to make--distilled spirits, that the "strong drinks" mentioned in the Bible, meant the products of simple fermentation from honey, grain and substances other than grapes, and neither "wine" nor strong drink were much stronger than cider or ale. He states that our whiskey, brandy and other liquors did not influence the morals and happiness of mankind earlier than the end of the reign of James I. of England.

THE DROMGOOLE MYTH.

        There is a notable tradition dating from this year. Peter Dromgoole of Virginia came to enter the University in 1831. He was fond of card-playing and of wild company. He was not a matriculate. He took offence at a remark of one of the professors and refused to submit to further examination. After a few days he disappeared and was never heard of afterwards. A story was started that he was killed in a duel and his body carefully concealed. His uncle, Hon. George C. Dromgoole, one of our alumni, an able lawyer, came to Chapel Hill and for weeks investigated the case. It is said that he was satisfied that there was no truth in the rumor. The room-mate of Peter, a very reputable man, Mr. John Buxton Williams, of Warren County, in a letter to the press, stated that he never heard of Peter's getting into a quarrel, and that he started from Chapel Hill in a public stage. I conclude that he was ashamed to go home, journeyed to what was then the turbulent Southwest, and


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was killed in a brawl or assassinated. A modern tradition originating within my knowledge places the scene of his fatal duel on Piney Prospect, and asserts that he was buried under a rounded rock on its summit. Certain stains of iron in the rock are pointed out as drops of his blood, and a still later story is that his sweetheart, Miss Fanny, hurried to stop the combat, arrived too late, went into rapid loss of reason and health, and was buried by his side. The spring at the base of the hill, where the lovers are said to have sat and cooed, bears the name of Miss Fanny's Spring. This last story is embodied in a short poem of merit by Mr. L. B. Hamberlin, an Instructor of Expression in this University, and that of Texas, and published in our University Magazine of 1892.

        The persistency of belief in student circles in the Dromgoole legend and its accretions throws light on the growth of similar legends elsewhere and in the times of old. It doubtless suggested to Edwin Fuller in his novel of Sea-Gift to create a fatal duel in which De Vare was killed. Some credulous young people unblushingly avow their belief that the rains and snows of three-quarters of a century have not washed out Dromgoole's blood spots on a rounded granite rock.

GASTON'S ADDRESS.

        At the Commencement of 1832 the address before the two Societies was delivered by Hon. William Gaston, chosen by the Philanthropic Society. It met with public favor to a most extraordinary degree. It ran through four editions, the first of 5,000, published by the Philanthropic Society, a second shortly afterwards by LaGrange College. Alabama, a third by Mr. Thomas W. Whyte at Richmond, Virginia, with a strong commendation by Chief Justice Marshall. It was also published in part in various periodicals and entire in the North Carolina University Magazine of 1844. To satisfy the popular demand, the two Societies in 1849 jointly issued a new edition.

        It is remarkable that when the public mind was inflamed peculiarly on account of the bloody insurrection of Nat Turner in the preceding year the orator should have frankly avowed himself an advocate of the ultimate abolition of slavery, and that the


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audience cheered the utterance. "Disguise the truth as we may," he said, "and throw the blame where we will, it is Slavery which, more than any other cause, keeps us back in the career of improvement. It stifles industry and represses enterprise--it is fatal to economy and providence--it discourages skill--it impairs our strength as a community, and poisons morals at the fountain head." This bold language did not weaken his standing in the State. Six months afterwards, although a Roman Catholic, and the Constitution contained a clause inhibiting men of that faith from holding office, he was, by the General Assembly, elected a Supreme Court Judge. He accepted the office, being persuaded that the clause was contrary to the Declaration of Rights and therefore void. One cause of the popularity of the address was the eloquent denunciation of Disunion and praise of the Constitution, at a time when South Carolina threatened Nullification and many openly advocated Secession.

        The Graduating Class had 36 members and was notable for merit. The honors were as follows: The best, Thomas L. Clingman, who had the Latin Salutatory. Next, John Haywood Parker, who had the Valedictory. Thomas S. Ashe, speaking on the Application of Steam to the Arts, being third, and James C. Dobbin, on Mental Philosophy, being fourth.

        As a rule, the members were successful in after life. Of the honor men, Clingman was a Representative in Congress, and a Senator, also prominent in State legislation. He was, moreover, a Brigadier General of the Confederate States. Parker was an Episcopal clergyman of power; Ashe was a Senator of the Confederate States and Justice of the Supreme Court of this State. Dobbin was an able member of the State Legislature and Secretary of the Navy. To this class belonged Richard H. Smith, a sound lawyer, wise member of the Legislature, and Delegate to the General Conventions of the Episcopal Church; Cadwallader Jones, Solicitor for his Circuit and Colonel in the Confederate army, and John H. Haughton, a very able lawyer, and efficient in the General Assembly in shaping the legislation of the State.

        Among the non-graduates was the eminent physician, Wm. F.


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Strudwick, of Hillsboro. Of the matriculates of 1832, Charles G. Nelms, of Anson County, after reaching the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, lost his life in the Civil War.

        The honorary degree of Master of Arts was granted to Rev. Jarvis Barry Buxton, Rector of the Episcopal Church of Fayetteville, and Rev. Samuel Lyle Graham, of Virginia.

        The second meeting of the North Carolina Institute of Education was on June 19, 1832. Mr. Alfred Moore delivered the Annual Address according to appointment. Rev. Dr. Wm. McPheeters and Messrs. Wm. Hooper and Wm. J. Bingham were appointed a Committee to report on questions and subjects for the next Commencement. Mr. James Grant, afterwards Judge Grant of Iowa, moved that a Committee be appointed to memorialize the Legislature on the subject of Popular Education. The motion was carried, and Wm. Gaston, Frederick Nash and David L. Swain were appointed.

        The Institute adjourned until 3 o'clock, at which time was heard the lecture on Primary Schools by Prof. Wm. Hooper. It met with such favor that it was published in pamphlet form. He began by stating that good schools cannot abound in communities where all are engaged in clearing and subduing new lands. Then his first point was that the imperfections of our schools were due to the circumstances of our youth, raised amid active toil and hunting and fishing, and the slack discipline of parents. He was noted for his numerous illustrations. I give a sentence or two as showing this, and also the nicety of his scholarship. "Will it be wonderful if a youth sent from domestic indulgences, should find school ungrateful and accuse his teachers of being cruel, that he should recite with mournful recollections, and still sadder forebodings, that awful Greek verb, tupto, to beat, particularly in the passive voice, tuptomai, I am under beating now; etuptomen, I was under beating a little while ago, and then the dismal future, tuphthesomai, I shall be beaten--but above all the tenses (denoting the imminence of his dangers), tetupsomai, I shall be very soon beaten again." He then argues for more severe training, praising the father of John Adams, the President, who, when his son was reluctant to learn Latin, put him to ditching as a punishment.


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        A second injury to improvement comes from the employment of cheap teachers and want of proper valuation of superior men. Due applause should be given to the superior schools.

        The third cause of imperfection of primary schools is the scarcity of able teachers. Among the deficiencies is the neglect of the common rudiments of English education. Another is the omission of the greater part of the classical course. A third defect is the want of spirit and energy in imparting instruction. "The manner a schoolmaster should have is much of the promptness, energy and decision of a military officer, giving the word of command to a company of soldiers."

        Another improvement in our schools would be the use of oral lectures. Apparatus, maps, plans of sieges, etc., military engines, should be used; for example, the line of march in one of Cæsar's campaigns in Gaul, the columns of the two armies, and all the testudos, vineae and battering rams which were employed. The trustees of academies should provide such.

        The proper construction of schoolhouses should be attended to. They should be built with an especial eye to the purposes to which they are to be applied. Stoves should be provided instead of fireplaces. He states, that the celebrated Round Hill in Massachusetts, and the Newbern Academy in this State approach near to his beau ideal of a schoolroom. He then describes what he considers the best--with floor of brick laid upon plank, to prevent noise, not omitting the small cell for confining the unruly.

        Professor Hooper then gives some hints on female education, making the criticism that some seminaries attempt too much. "The whole encyclopedia of knowledge is embraced in the list of studies; and the young lady, by the time she reaches her teens, is in danger of thinking herself grammarian, geographer, astronomer, chemist, botanist, painter and whatnot."

        He closes with a strong argument for the establishment of a Seminary for the Education of Schoolmasters. "We have seminaries for training up physicians, lawyers and divines; even mechanics learn their trades under the best masters. But that most important and difficult business of fashioning the intellect, moulding the disposition and wielding the nascent energies of


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those who are soon to be rulers of the world, is left to mere accident, or falls to the lot of the most common and inexperienced characters."

        "We know not how many young persons have been ruined or injured by unskillful management at school."

        The address shows that the author largely anticipated the ideas now ruling the world of thought on the subject of education.

        In 1832, on the 21st of June, the Institute of Education had another meeting. The Committee on Addresses and Questions for the meeting in 1833 made their report, which was adopted. Joseph A. Hill, of Wilmington, was appointed to deliver the Annual Address, James D. Johnston, of Oxford, to read a paper on Lyceums, Rev. Frederick Nash, on A System of Elementary Schools for North Carolina, Walker Anderson on "Exciting Emulation in Literary Institutions by Rewards and Distinctions."

PLEA FOR BALLS.

        Those acquainted with college life are surprised at the intensity of earnestness felt in this microcosm, miniature world, over matters trivial in the estimation of those who move in the greater world. An abstract of a petition to the Trustees in 1833, signed by Christopher C. Battle, John H. Watson and William P. Webb, written by Battle, will illustrate this. They were a Committee appointed by a mass-meeting of students, for the purpose of procuring from the Board of Trustees permission to use a room in Steward's Hall for the Commencement Ball. The petitioners are "sensibly touched with the delicacy of presenting their petition at so early a period (November 6th), but, knowing not whether there will be another meeting of the Trustees before Commencement, the strongest motives of policy constrain their sending it in now, though stamped with the impress of prematurity." The intellectual improvement and gentlemanly accomplishments caused by dancing would justify a special ball-room, and if the New Chapel were completed, they would have asked permission to fit up the old Chapel for the purpose at their own expense. It would be extreme presumption to argue the propriety of balls, since the Trustees


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"deduce conclusions from the wisdom of experience." No genius, however promising, can effect much in the present enlightened era, destitute of the polished accomplishments.--Since on this retired Hill of Science, we are precluded from the improvement of Society, we feel an inevitable drawback upon our literary acquirements. As balls greatly promote gentility, acquiescence in the petition is earnestly asked for. Waiving all personal concern, we strenuously advocate its principles as promoting the best interests of the institution, as enhancing the splendors of our Commencements, and as contributing much, very much, to the gratification and pleasure of the adored Fair, who honor us with their company on that universal jubilee."

        The Trustees could not stand against such eloquence. The Ball Managers in their gratification concluded to send special invitations to all the great men in the State. Young Battle (a brother of Judge Battle) wrote to the Governor, Swain, a personal letter, asking him to attend the Ball, "in order to give dignity and stability" to it. The Governor replied, regretting that he could not attend, and suggested that "agility" would be more needed than "stability." Battle was so afraid of this becoming known to the students, that he made his colleague, Judge Webb, promise to keep the correspondence secret, which he did faithfully until after their graduation.

        In 1833, Tutor John DeBerniere Hooper resigned his place in order to become a teacher in the Episcopal School in Raleigh, which had been inaugurated with great promise of usefulness, which however for various causes failed as a school for boys, but afterwards as St. Mary's Girls' School became a power for good. The Sophomore Class passed resolutions, which show the strong hold the Tutor had on their admiration.. The letter of the Committee accompanying the resolutions is such a characteristic specimen of the peculiar style which has given the name of Sophomoric to a species of Oratory, that I quote some sentences. In truth, no history of a University would be complete without embalming a specimen of such euphuism. The praises, though grandiloquently expressed, were well deserved.

        "In every day occupations Farewell has an awful and ill-boding sound in it, but when we reflect that we are now about


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to be parted, and perhaps forever, with one who has labored so diligently for our present happiness and future aggrandisement, and who, by his own example of piety and virtue, has also pointed out to us the bright and glittering paths of morality, we are constrained to transcend the usual cold formalities of separation and bid you that word bearing in its aspect our true expressions of grief in a valedictory letter." . . . "Now since we are all in the glow of youth and health, and have ample opportunity, let us take an affectionate and deep-impressioned farewell, such a one as long-cherished friends take when they part with the expectation of meeting no more on this side of eternity. Working out the great course of Nature, some dire pestilence may sweep across our country and fell you or us, and perhaps both; war and famine may hurry us into oblivion, or an earthquake may submerge us; to part we must, and whether we ever again shall meet is on the fluctuating tides of chance, therefore let us part as convicts doomed to die, but not despairing of hope. To the reckless and unthinking this may indeed appear more the outward expressions of grief than the spontaneous emotions of sorrow-stricken hearts, but they should recollect that we are about to bid adieu to him that has so honorably conducted us through the Sophomore year, to him that has laid the foundations of our future eminence, to him that has connected the beauties of the scholar and the refinements of the gentleman. It belongs alone to the viper to implant his fangs in the bosom that warmed him, but to a man who is endowed with the finer sensibilities of his God, it belongs to repay in a two-fold proportion every generous and benevolent action." . . . "Now, in all the emotions which the word naturally suggests, we bid you an affectionate 'farewell.' In the name of the whole class, 'farewell.' "

        It was in 1833 that Messrs. Gaston and Badger gave the opinion that the Board had the right to sell the "service tract" of Maj. Charles Garrard, at the mouth of Yellow Creek in Tennessee, notwithstanding the wish expressed in his will that it should be retained by the University. Colonel Polk as attorney made the sale, $6,400 for the 2,560 acres, and $2,000 of the proceeds was voted to the finishing of the new Chapel. It was resolved,


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that in order to manifest a grateful sense of the liberality of the donor and perpetuate his memory of it, this building be forever known as Gerrard Hall. Col. J. B. Killebrew, the late very intelligent ex-State Geologist of Tennessee, informed me that the tract is not of especial fertility, and that the iron deposits once reported to be in its limits are of little value.

        In 1832 the list of attorneys for the University was revised. On motion of Louis D. Henry the requirement of a bond was dispensed with, as being unusual, and sometimes mischievous, because excluding superior lawyers, who consider the requirement a reflection on their professional character. I give their names as a matter of history. The numbers begin in the mountain counties.

        
No. 1. Joshua Roberts Asheville
2. Anderson Mitchell Statesville
3. Robert H. Burton Lincolnton
4. Washington Morrison Mecklenburg
5. Clement Marshall Anson
6. John M. Dick Greensboro
7. John W. Norwood Hillsboro
8. John D. Eccles Fayetteville
9. John D. Hawkins Franklin County
10. Thomas P. Devereux Raleigh
11. William D. Mosely Lenoir County
12. Hardy L. Holmes Clinton
13. Joseph A. Hill Wilmington
14. Matthias E. Manly Newbern
15. Benj. J. Blume
16. Joseph R. Lloyd Tarboro
17. John S. Hawks Washington
18. John L. Bailey Elizabeth City

        In the same year the Board sold at public auction their 243 shares in the Bank of New Bern. The average price per share was 63.10 1-2, the purchasers being Col. Wm. Polk and Messrs. John Snead and Alfred Jones. The purchase money, $15,208.56, was at once paid on the debts to the Bank of New Bern and the State Bank, leaving only $1,500 due the branch of the Bank of New Bern at Raleigh.


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REMOVAL TO RALEIGH.

        Ex-Governor and ex-Senator Iredell, who had recently removed from Edenton to Raleigh, moved that a committee of fifteen members be appointed to consider the expediency of transferring the University to the seat of government, one of the committee at least to be from each Congressional District. The President of the Board, Governor Swain, appointed the following:

        
James Iredell Chairman
John B. Baker Gates
Wm. A. Blount Beaufort
John H. Bryan Craven
John Owen Bladen
William S. Robards Granville
John D. Toomer Cumberland
John M. Morehead Guilford
John Giles Rowan
Wm. J. Alexander Mecklenburg
Thomas Love Haywood
Lewis Williams Surry
James C. Johnston Chowan

        While it is not known that this committee was favorable to removal, it is certainly open to criticism that, with such wise Orange County trustees to choose from as Judge Duncan Cameron, Dr. Joseph Caldwell, Judge Frederick Nash, James Mebane, Dr. James Webb, Thomas D. Bennehan, Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon, Alfred Moore, Judge Willie P. Mangum, Dr. James S. Smith, John Scott, Hugh Waddell, all very active friends of the University, their county, more interested than any other, had no representative.

        Most of the committee were often called on to visit Raleigh on private or official business. Owen and Robards had recently resided there. Johnston was a relative of the chairman, Iredell, and often visited him at his home in Raleigh. Four of them, Dr. S. J. Baker, General Blount, Mr. Bryan and Mr. Henry, removed to the capitol, and Dr. J. B. Baker was a relative of Dr. S. J. Baker. Although a majority of these trustees might have been expected to favor removal, the committee in December, 1833, reported that it was inexpedient at that time. Notice was


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given that it would be called up at the next meeting, but the measure slept forever.

        There was a spirited discussion of this question between two Seniors--Crenshaw of Wake, and Proteus E. A. Jones of Granville--at the ensuing Commencement. It is said that Mr. Crenshaw of Wake, "applied the lash" to Orange. He contended that Wake County would welcome the University. He sarcastically remarked that no one in that county would get votes by running about and telling the people that he would persuade the Legislature to force students to work on the roads. This was probably aimed at Joseph Allison, a Representative for that and other years, and often Senator, whose reputation for saying things pleasing to the people was very high. Mr. Jones of Granville, with much animation and ingenuity, vindicated Orange, and opposed removal. The question was not brought again before the Trustees. The University was in such condition that all its energies were required to enable it to stay in Chapel Hill.

        The Commencement of 1833 was held without the presence of Dr. Caldwell, whose health required a visit to Philadelphia. The strong man's constitution was steadily giving away to the assaults of an incurable disease, and the most eminent surgeons advised against lithotomy. The joltings over the long rough roads gave him exquisite anguish, which he bore with the fortitude of a martyr. Professor Mitchell, the senior professor, presided as his lieutenant, at the request of the Trustees.

        The address before the Literary Societies was delivered by George E. Badger, chosen by the Dialectic Society, who had stood from early manhood among the ablest and best in our State. It is said by the chronicler to show "accurate and profound thought, strength and vigor of expression, interspersed here and there with a caustic sarcasm forcibly applied." While this praise is well merited it did not meet with the success obtained by that of Judge Gaston.

        John Gray Bynum carried off the first honor, and spoke the Latin Salutatory. Junius B. King and Wm. N. Mebane were next and equal, and Mebane drew the Valedictory. King took the Philosophical Oration, and Solomon Lea that on Belles


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Letters. The other honor men were Julian E. Sawyer, Addi E. Thom and Wm. H. Owen, and to them were allotted the Intermediate Orations. Wm. M. Crenshaw and Proteus E. A. Jones, as heretofore stated, discussed the question whether the University should be removed to Raleigh; Edmund Jones and Josiah Stallings wrestled with the problem, "Will the Emancipation of the Slaves in the West Indies be Beneficial?" and W. E. Kennedy and Henry I. McLin, "Whether the Recent Revolutions in Europe Will Be Productive of Good to the Human Race?"

        In after life Bynum was a very strong lawyer and influential in the State Legislature, but missed high political preferment. Mebane was an able and useful Presbyterian minister and King embraced the same calling, and held similar rank in Alabama. Lea was in the front rank of Methodist preachers, a tutor in Randolph-Macon College, President of Farmville Female Seminary, and then of Greensboro Female College. Sawyer was likewise a minister, as well as Thom. Owen was a much respected Tutor of Ancient Languages, and then professor of the same at Wake Forest College. Edmund W. Jones was a State Senator, a councillor of State and member of the Conventions of 1861 and 1865.

        The degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred on Rev. John Avery, rector of the Episcopal Church of Edenton, and Principal of the Edenton Academy, and that of Master of Arts on Rev. Philip Bruce Wiley, a teacher, and also Episcopal minister.

        Joseph Alston Hill, son of one of the Commissioners to select the site of the University, William H. Hill, very early in life attained distinction as full of promise of future usefulness, and was cut off before reaching middle age. The speech delivered by him before the Institute of Education justified his reputation, being full of wit, fancy, elegance, good sense. He described with much effect his sufferings at the Preparatory School in Chapel Hill, and pleaded for a more sparing use of the rod. The reporter however thought that the number and appropriateness of his classical quotations proved that the scourgings he had received had not been in vain.

        A lecture on Lyceums by Mr. James D. Johnston of Oxford,


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showed extensive research. The veteran editor, Col. R. B. Creecy, states that Mr. Johnston was an uncommonly able teacher.

        Prof. Walker Anderson closed by giving his experience in the education of females. It is unfortunate that this paper is lost.

        The North Carolina Institute of Education seems to have had no other meeting. As Dr. Wm. Hooper was evidently a leading spirit, if not the promoter of it, I conjecture that the distractions caused by the long, painful and fatal sickness of his step-father, President Caldwell, withdrew his attention from everything extraneous to his regular duties. It is notable that the professors of chemistry (Mr. Mitchell) and of mathematics (Mr. Phillips), declined active aid to it although they became members. It is significant that in 1831 the Executive Committee were Messrs. Mitchell, Hooper and Phillips, and in 1832 Messrs. McPheeters, Hooper and Bingham. It was a brave effort, however, on the part of its promoters. One hundred and thirty of the leaders of the State became members.

        At the Commencement of 1834, Prof. Mitchell presided, President Caldwell still languishing with his painful disease. The newspaper correspondent was enthusiastic over the improved behavior of the students. The obstreperous plaudits, with which they used to deafen the audience, no matter when in or out of place, were either omitted altogether, or exchanged for judicious signs of approbation. The feeble health of the President was sympathizingly commented on. His altered appearance presented a sad contrast with the active steps and cheerful disposition, which once distinguished him.

        The class was the last which graduated before the death of President Caldwell. James Biddle Shepard was the best and had the Latin Salutatory. Abraham F. Morehead was the next, with the Valedictory. Then followed David McAllister, who spoke on Political Economy. Wm. Pugh Bond and Wm. Pinckney Gunn were next and equal. Bond spoke on the Drama and Gunn on Astronomy. Samuel R. Blake and Samuel Williams discussed the query whether a College Education was essential to General Culture; Thomas Goelet Haughton and


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Thomas Jasper Williams, Whether Manufacturers would be beneficial to the South; Henry Watkins Miller and Harrison Wall Covington, Whether Institutions for Public Education should be under control of the State, and William Brown Carter and Albert Gallatin Anderson, Whether a Medical Board would be of benefit to North Carolina.

        Of the honor graduates, Shepard became a member of the General Assembly and United States District Attorney. He was the nominee of the Democratic party for the Governorship when Wm. A. Graham was elected in 1846. He was a fine speaker, but too wealthy to undergo the drudgery of the bar. Morehead, a brother of Governor Morehead, was Tutor of the University, wrote some short poems of merit and was a promising lawyer when carried off by pulmonary consumption in 1837. McAlister was also a Tutor, and then a physician. Bond was a Judge and member of the Legislature in Tennessee, also a preacher of the Baptist Church.

        Of those who gained no honors, Henry Watkins Miller was one of the ablest lawyers and most eloquent orators in the State. He was elected to the Legislature at the beginning of the Civil War, and died while a member.

        Of those matriculating but not graduating, Edwin Alexander Anderson graduated at Yale, was an able physician, President of the State Medical Society. A President of this University, now of the University of Virginia, was named after him--Edwin Anderson Alderman. One matriculate--Wm. W. Avery--lost his life in the Civil War, as will be hereafter described.

        The honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, (LL.D.) was conferred on George Edmund Badger, late Judge and afterwards United States Senator, on Thomas Ruffin, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and on Levi Silliman Ives, Bishop of North Carolina; that of Doctor of Divinity on Rev. Andrew Syme of Virginia, of the Episcopal Church. That of Master of Arts on Samuel Smith.

AID TO CALDWELL.

        President Caldwell's disease proved to be beyond the surgeons' skill, and caused him excruciating pain the remainder of his life. Possessed of remarkable fortitude, he did not at


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once lay down his accustomed work. In December, 1833, the disease had made such ravages on his strength that for the first time he asked for help. At his suggestion it was ordered that when the President was unable by failure of health to take a personal and active part in preventing disorders in and among the College Buildings and the vicinity, the professor of oldest standing should be peculiarly vested with the responsibility and power to aid in the active duties of the Presidency. Thus Elisha Mitchell was at first partially, and then entirely, the acting President until the advent of President Swain.

        Although President Caldwell insisted on doing his part in instruction, the Trustees determined to relieve him to some extent. On motion of Wm. Julius Alexander, an Adjunct Professorship of Natural Philosophy and Astronomy was created, with a salary of $1,000, soon raised to $1,240. The Standing Committee of Appointments elected Walker Anderson to the Chair. The house expected to be purchased from Thomas H. Taylor, that east of the Episcopal Church, was promised to him.

        The following by-laws, regulating the conduct of students, were the last proposed by President Caldwell, and they, together with that above mentioned, in regard to the Senior Professor, show clearly his disciplinary ideas.

        A mandate was laid on every member of the Faculty to be vigilant in carrying out the laws of the College, and to report transgressions.

        It was declared to be a great object of the Trustees in assigning rooms in the buildings to Tutors, that they should individually and unitedly suppress disorders, not only in their own, but in all the buildings. They could not be absent without permission of the President.

        The Tutors must go to their recitation rooms a reasonable time before the bell rings and teach the whole hour, unless bell for dismission should sound earlier.

        Among other provisions, after several years of entreaty on the part of the Seniors, the vacation asked for by them of one month prior to Commencement, was granted. This became the settled practice for years, to the great satisfaction of those


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who had speeches to prepare for Commencement, and the delight of those to whom text-books were a torment.

        As Professor Wm. Hooper owned his dwelling and Prof. Anderson rented one, they were allowed a commutation of $75 per annum, which was about the rental of the best houses in Chapel Hill.

        Our modern football has not unrivalled distinction of peril to life and limb. The President reported that the favorite game of the students, known as Bandy, or Shinny, was dangerous, especially if played with a round wooden ball. The players were frequently knocked apparently lifeless and were incapacitated for duty several days. The students themselves were once so shocked that they voluntarily gave up the sport, but renewed it. It was so firmly established by prescription that the Faculty doubted their power of prohibiting it without the previous action of the Board, which action, however, was not had.

        Rev. Dr. Wm. McPheeters, the Principal of the flourishing Raleigh Academy, earnestly pressed raising the standard for admission into the University. This was acceded to, and the following requirements were enacted.

        In Mathematics, the whole of Arithmetic (Barnard's or Adam's) and Young's Algebra to Simple Equations. In the Classics, Jacob's Greek Reader, the whole of the prose; or Græca Minora and the latter part of Jacob's Greek Reader; the whole of Virgil, and Cicero's Select Orations, except the Philippics.

        The work of the Faculty was assigned as follows:

        President Caldwell to hear each week (if his health permit, and if not, Professor Anderson to hear for him), three recitations; Professor Anderson, six recitations; Professor Mitchell, eight recitations; Professor Hooper, eight recitations; Professor Phillips, eight recitations; three Tutors, each nine recitations.

        For the coming session the President, or Dr. Mitchell, was to appoint three Tutors, temporarily, but from and after the 1st of January, 1835, the Trustees were to appoint three, at a salary of $500 each. One should be styled Tutor of Ancient and Modern Languages, one of Ancient Languages, and the third of Mathematics.


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RECOMMENDATION OF PROFESSORS--JUDGE ANDERSON'S
SCHEME.

        The President and Professors were requested to report to the Board such alterations as their own experience and acquaintance with other colleges might suggest.

        The Faculty, in response to this request, made the following recommendations, probably the last important paper in the handwriting of Dr. Caldwell, his legacy to the University.

        That there shall be three Tutors. One with a salary of $750, to be styled the first or principal Tutor, to teach Latin and French. A second is to teach Greek, and the third Mathematics. It has been found by experience that the present salary, $400, is not sufficient to retain our best scholars. Tutors, as a rule, must be educated by this institution. Weight of character is of very great importance as well as scholarship, and this combination cannot be assured for a length of time on so small compensation as heretofore paid. The following scale is deemed best: A graduate who has never taught, $450; a graduate who has taught one year, $500; a graduate who has taught two years, $600. The regulations for the duties of Tutors to be as heretofore adopted.

        The standard of Education in the best Northern colleges is higher than in our University. It is recommended to advance to theirs' by degrees. If we were to adopt those of Harvard and Yale, we would for a year have no Freshman class. The Trustees were asked to confer the authority to fix the terms of admission on the Faculty.

        Individual members of the Faculty submitted separate papers.

        The most elaborate and novel recommendation was by Walker Anderson, a man of much experience, good sense and honesty of intention. He began by avowing his veneration and respect for his colleagues. The defects he will point out do not involve any censure on them.

        The first defect is the low standard of scholarship, not perhaps in comparison with other colleges, but still certain. Our graduates in the large majority of cases, carry with them the most slender and superficial knowledge of what they studied. There are two causes for this. One is the deficiency of primary schools. The second is the utter inapplicability of University


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discipline to the regulation of boys. Some half dozen of the lower classes are stimulated by the hope of distinction, but the multitude, unambitious, unconscious of the value of time and opportunity, and secure in the panoply of college principles, are impenetrable to motives Professors can present.

        The second defect is the nature of the discipline. This is moulded to suit the needs of mere boys, and the necessary strictness is irritating to the young men. Boys learning Latin and Greek and the elementary parts of Mathematics, as is the case with our two lower classes, ought to be in school under a master.

        The third defect is the isolation of the University. He believes that a village has all the temptations and evils of a city, without the restraining influence of an enlightened and Christian community.

        He might mention other defects, but these are sufficient to show that a change should be made.

        What are the remedies?

        1. Better academical instruction.

        2. The subjection of boys to school discipline until they have obtained probable discretion.

        3. A more elevated standard of scholarship, both in the Languages and Sciences.

        4. That the students should be placed in the reach of an improved and Christian society.

        5. That these objects be accomplished without adding materially to the expense of the institution.

        It is proposed that the institution be divided into two departments, "The Collegiate Institute of North Carolina" and "The University of North Carolina." The former to be located at Chapel Hill under a Rector and three Tutors, and to be modelled after the high schools of Europe and our Northern States. In this should be taught, under the most improved school discipline the studies leading up to our Junior Class.

        2. The University should be located in a town, preferably in Raleigh; its officers, four Professors, one to be President, namely, one of Mathematics and Astronomy, one of Chemistry and Natural Philosophy, one of Moral Philosophy and Political


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Economy, and one of Belles Lettres and Ancient Literature. There should be three classes, the course to occupy three years. The Professors should be ready, if necessary, to teach in other departments. It might be expedient, after awhile, to add a Professor of Law. They should reside under the same roof with the students. The object should be to have a University of the highest grade. The half grammar school and half college which we have now, can never be different from the present.

        As to the expense--

        The present expenses for the teaching force is $8,560. The officer to assist the President on account of his declining health receives $1,240. When he is no longer needed the annual charge will be $7,320. The tuition fees are about $3,000, leaving near $4,500 to be provided from other sources. Under the proposed arrangement, the salaries of the Rector ($1,200) and the three Tutors ($600 each) will amount to $3,000, which would be discharged by tuition fees of those receiving an elementary education. It might be best, however, to employ an able Rector and let him receive all fees and be responsible for all expenses.

        There would then be in the University proper, at Raleigh or elsewhere, the President and three Professors. Let them receive $1,000 each, and, in addition, the President have two-fifths of the tuition money, and the other Professors to have one-fifth each. If there should be forty students, these officers would receive about the amount now paid them. The charge on the University would be about $4,000 a year, which is less than at present.

        As to the Buildings--

        It is recommended that a part of the funds to be derived from the Tennessee lands be invested in a building to contain four lecture-rooms, and accommodations for 64 students, or have 50 students and rooms for the President and his family. Such a structure would cost $10,000, and the rent of rooms would pay 8 per cent on that sum. If the number of students should increase, they might be provided for in the same manner, and so Professors and students would be under the same roof.


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        In another letter Judge Anderson expresses the opinion that, if the foregoing changes be adopted, there ought not to be any Tutors. The most unlearned pupils require the best teachers. The Freshman and Sophomore studies are taught with less efficiency by inexperienced preceptors than the more advanced portions, and should have the most skillful teachers. The discipline, too, is devolved upon young men, possessing no authority, nor weight of character, with the students. The Professors ought to live among the students, as at the University of Virginia. Professor Anderson closes his letter by declining the proposition made to him, to give instruction in Natural Philosophy, Astronomy, Moral Philosophy, Political Economy, Rhetoric and Logic. He cannot attend to the business of two and a half Professors.

        Dr. Mitchell wrote that he was not furnished with such facts and dates as would entitle his opinion to respect. He suggested that the Faculty should correspond with other institutions, and report plans founded on information gathered. It is possible that being the locum tenens of the President, he deemed it wrong to criticize the institution, which was the product of the labors and thoughts of Dr. Caldwell.

        Prof. Wm. Hooper, of the Department of Ancient Languages, answered the enquiries of the Trustees with much earnestness, especially directed against the consignment of the two lower classes to Tutors. These contain thirty to thirty-five members each, while the upper classes have only fifteen or twenty. He described the Tutors as almost always recent graduates, without authority of character and of scholarship, scarcely a whit superior to their pupils. It is not to be expected that such novices--equals to-day and superiors to-morrow--should command respect and enforce good order. The result is the total prostration of good scholarship and considerable relaxation of discipline. At present the whole instruction of three Professors, and the partial instruction of a fourth, will be given to the Senior class. Of one hundred or more University youth, about sixty-five or seventy are starved with a meagre taste of knowledge, while the favored minority are stuffed even to surfeiting. The experience of Northern Colleges,


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which employ numerous Tutors, is like that of our University. This statement is made on the authority of Professor Stuart of Andover.

        Professor Hooper, in January, 1834, sent to the Committee of Appointments a formal protest against the recommendation by the majority of the Faculty of the immediate choice of a Professor of Rhetoric and a third Tutor. The reasons for the protest may be inferred from the foregoing invective against the Tutorial system and the neglect of classical instruction in the lower classes. He closes by saying that he has done his duty in laying before the Trustees the true state of his department. If the evil be not remedied, he will feel himself absolved from the responsibility of attempting to make classical scholars at this college and "resign himself to the tranquillity of despair." He asks for an Adjunct Professor to share his labors.

        It would not be fair to the Tutors, most of whom were of ability and high character, not to mention that Dr. Hooper, on account of ill health, often took very gloomy views of his surroundings. Dr. Caldwell at this time informed the Board that the Professor had been subject to another attack of hemorrhage from the lungs, which was somewhat copious and continued for some time. He recommended the appointment of a Professor of Greek, if possible, and thus take one of the Ancient Languages from the shoulders of Prof. Hooper.

        The Professor of Mathematics, Rev. James Phillips, sent in a spicy report and recommendation. He stated that he had been engaged in the business of teaching for twenty-five years, the last eight of which at this place, and though he had met with discouragements, he could not recollect a single case of entire failure. After an impartial review of what had been effected here, he is compelled to say that he has on the whole failed of his object. Some of the causes, at least, may be traced to the following sources: 1. The bad method of teaching in our schools. 2. The inexperience and incompetency of our Tutors. 3. The low estimate placed on the mathematical sciences here and in the State. 4. The obstinate determination on the part of some students to do as little as possible. This might be obviated by refusing diplomas to them. 5. The oral


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examinations are too short, should be superseded by written, and time given to those examined to collect their thoughts.

        With regard to the proposal to demand of matriculates an acquaintance with Algebra, the following suggestions are made.

        The system which embraces the synthetic to the exclusion of the analytic modes of instruction, is defective. 1. The analytic is more concise and admits of greater amount and variety of instruction in a given time. 2. It is more uniform, general and comprehensive. 3. It is the easiest and imposes no unnecessary load on the memory. For this statement he quoted La Croix and La Place. 4. The best treatises on Statics, Dynamics, and Physical Astronomy abound with analytical formulæ, which would be unintelligible to those unacquainted with analysis. 5. It induces the habit of investigation and compels the student to think for himself.

        If it be objected that the deficiences of our students are such that the standard ought to be lowered rather than raised, it is answered that no increase of difficulty is intended; that this University ought to enter into honorable competition with those who have introduced analytical Trigonometry and Geometry, and that the interests of society and not that of individuals ought to require not only the quantity but the quality of instruction.

        He therefore recommends that there should be required for admission into the Freshman class, the whole of Arithmetic, practical and theoretical, and Algebra as far as Irrational and Imaginary quantities in Young's Algebra, or a fair equivalent on the same subject in any other treatise. This would place our University on a level with the most respectable institutions in our country.

        In a report two years before this, Dr. Caldwell, with his accustomed strength, urged that the Faculty might be allowed to employ and pay scholarly men to attend the examinations. The plan of relying on Trustees had failed. Few had for years come at all, and they had dropped in near the close of the period. He tactfully suggested an argumentun ad homines. A very scientific person may not be qualified to be a Trustee, and so one may properly be elevated to a seat on the Board, who is very imperfectly, if at all, prepared to become an inquisitor into the


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scientific attainments of a student. This point was thoroughly appreciated by the boys under examination, who well understood that, no matter how wise they looked, gentlemen fresh from attendance on the Courts or Legislature, were necessarily rusty on Greek roots and differential co-efficients.

        Moreover, the presence of learned strangers would have a strong moral effect on idle students. Having often been reproved by their instructors, they become revengeful, deal in charges of oppression, partiality, prejudice and even personal enmity. In this they encourage and fortify one another--against authority, and are studious of open or secret methods of evading or resisting the laws. They look on examinations only as other instruments of oppression and unite together to set them at naught. A Faculty may act with unexceptional prudence, and strive to maintain parental and benevolent feelings in all their intercourse, and yet find it difficult to prevent the success of the idle and dissipated, whose object is to precipitate all into confusion and inefficiency. They have a need of reacting force from without. This may be provided with incalculable effects by subjecting the merits and demerits of students to examiners called in from society at large throughout the State.

        At much length he argued in favor of having the vacations in the spring and fall, when the weather is pleasant. "In the summer the eastern students now become saturated with malaria. In the winter the students leave their habitual protection for exposure on their journeys three to five or six days, "through the storms of winter, and through mire and water, if the weather be soft, but through ice and snow if it be cold." The good doctor even became poetical for once. The object of vacations is to allow the students and members of the Faculty to restore tone and energy to the system languishing with inaction, and to the mind worn with exertion unbalanced by that of the body. To this is necessary daily activity with pleasantness and variety of outward scenery. With this end in view, who of us would select the fiery ardors of the summer solstice, or the chilling blasts or snows of mid-winter? Though they seem illy sorted here, it is hard to avoid the repetition of those lines which we all have so often heard:


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                         "Who can hold a fire in hand,
                         By thinking on the frosty Caucasus?
                         Or wallow naked in December's snow,
                         By thinking on fantastick Summer's heat?
                         Ah no! the apprehension of the good,
                         Gives but the greater feeling to the worse."

        The student should have acquaintance with the society and the world, which can be better had in the pleasant seasons.

        He urged other objections to the existing plan. One is that many students, on account of the difficulty of traveling, remain at Chapel Hill, peculiarly liable and often succumbing to temptation.

        He mentions with indignation the depredations of the villagers on the woodlands of the University, and suggested the employment of a ranger for stopping it.

        The part of the foregoing report in regard to the vacations was referred to Messrs. Nash, Caldwell, Jos. B. Skinner, and D. L. Swain, who recommended that the vacations should be six weeks long, beginning on the last Monday of April and the first Monday of October of each year. The Board refused to concur in the proposition, and also rejected the further recommendation that the Commencements shall be held in the middle, and not at the end of the sessions.

        Instead of employing experts, the Trustees were divided into five classes, their duty being in rotation to attend the examinations, those attending, not exceeding five, to be paid $1.50 per day for expenses. It is needless to say that even this gilded bait did not often attract them. One Committee was secured, who recommended that the pay should be $3.00 and ten cents mileage, but the Trustees did not grant it.

        The President ineffectually urged that the Professors should hold their office during good behaviour. In practice this has virtually been the rule. In rare cases the Trustees acted on their legal right of dropping an obnoxious Professor without specifying any misbehaviour.

        It is to the credit of the Philanthropic Society that, at this time, under the leadership of strong members, like Richard B. Creecy, Haywood Guion, Wm. B. Rodman, James B. Shepard, and Ralph H. Graves, it offered $1,000 as a contribution towards


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a new library. They proposed a room forty feet square, with six windows and three fireplaces. The finances of the University did not allow the acceptance of the offer.

        A contract of sale of fifty acres of the forest, now called Battle Park, was made with Prof. Wm. Hooper, which was cancelled on his leaving the University. The large trees were mostly cut off under this contract. The white oak trees were left to supply hogs with acorns. There are remnants of a stone wall enclosure extending into the Park.

THE HARBINGER.

        In 1834 there was published by Isaac C. Partridge, under the auspices of the Faculty, a weekly newspaper called the Harbinger. The terms were $3.00 if paid in advance, $4.00 if delayed six months, the publication being conditioned on obtaining six hundred subscribers.

        The objects of this novel enterprise, as stated in the Prospectus, were very ambitious and patriotic,--"to diffuse literary information with correct taste, to impress the importance of popular and academic education, and explain the best methods discreetly but with independent freedom of stricture; to discuss subjects on which it is important to enlighten the public mind; to furnish events and circumstances occurring among ourselves, that deserve notice; to exhibit science in popular form that will solicit curiosity and be generally intelligible; to promote the cause of Internal Improvement; and to give a competent portion of the political and religious intelligence of the time, with studious exclusion of all party character."

        The opinion is expressed that the public had long expected such a publication from the site of the University, "the express purpose of which is to cultivate and diffuse valuable knowledge, such as is already treasured up and is constantly increasing with the progress of the age."

        Fears are expressed as to the promptness of remittances, which was all the more necessary, "as the enterprise will be wholly without profit except the necessary remuneration to the publishers and his employees. A periodical paper in all its movements must by the very terms run against time, and every experienced and reflecting man knows the truth expressed by


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Dr. Johnson, that he, who enters the lists with time for his antagonist, must toil with diligence not to find himself beaten. Every one who favors the Harbinger with his patronage we hope will do it with presence of mind to the importance of fidelity in his remittance. On this the establishment must depend for its support."

        Then the publisher comes in with a modest disclaimer that he "would not enlarge on the qualities of the proposed periodical even to excite in the bosom of his fellow citizens a disposition to give it countenance and support, lest while consulting that object, he might seem to expose himself to the charge of making vain promises, or raise expectations too high to be fulfilled. But that a paper of such a character, as perhaps has been already imagined in the minds of his readers, is desirable in our State, he cannot but think few will deny."

        The prospectus closes with the request that all to whom copies have been sent will not only subscribe for themselves, but procure subscriptions from others. Moreover, the publisher naively asks all the papers in the United States not only to copy it, but to act as agents to further its object. It is dated January 26, 1833, and it was hoped to begin publication by the first of the following June.

        We do not have a file of the Harbinger, but fragments of it were cut out and pasted in a book, from which we are enabled to get a glimpse of its character. Judging from the subjects discussed and the style, the mixture of humor and gravity, Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Wm. Hooper were evidently the chief contributors. I give abstracts of some of the leading articles.

        There is a very intelligent paper on "The Stars," suggested by the great fall of meteors on the night of November 13, 1833. The writer suggested that they were "Terrible indications of war--between certain members of the editorial corps in North Carolina" (a Raleigh editor had recently felled another with a bludgeon), or "the Legislature are going to have a stormy session," or, by their laws, "wage fatal war upon the best interests of their constituents." This ridicule was then useful, as many ignorant people were really frightened. The article then treats, 1st of Lightning, 2nd, of "Fire-balls or proper


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Meteors," 3rd, of the Aurora Borealis, 4th, of Shooting Stars, 5th, of Ignis Fatuus, 6th, of San Elmos. The first is pronounced the most dangerous of all. As to the Fire Balls, after giving three hypotheses, the author believes in a fourth, that they are terrestrial comets, which, becoming visible to us when in their perigeum, and, electrified passing through the atmosphere, discharge their electricity with an explosion that rends off part of their mass, and pass on. Shooting stars are very common, but never so brilliant as on the morning of the 13th November, 1833. The author, however, thinks their number was exaggerated, as he saw only one at intervals of two or three seconds, but greater numbers may have fallen earlier in the night. Of the Aurora Borealis, he states that it was so brilliant on the night of September 28, 1828, in Paris that the fire companies turned out and drove furiously through the streets, thinking the city was on fire. It is produced by "electricity in motion, we cannot tell why or how." Of the Ignis Fatuus, he says that he has been tempted to pronounce it a delusion, but its appearance is too well authenticated to be doubted. The chemist can form nothing like it. It is "like rotten wood, which according to our theories ought not to be luminous, but it shines notwithstanding." There is a note here which resembles the style of Dr. Mitchell laughing at the Professor of Ancient Languages. "The words (Jack-o'-the-Lantern, Will-o'-the-Wisp) will afford to the future investigator of the English tongue, when it shall have become a dead language, an ample field for dissertation. If we may be allowed to substitute the signs of the dialects of Greece for those he will use, we may suppose him to state that the original form was Jackwithalantern, which became Ionice, Jackothelantern; Doric, Jackomelantern; Attic, Jackalantern. He will also remark, that Willwithawisp is altogether irregular, from an obsolete root, as Haireo makes eilon in the second aorist." San Elmo is a Spanish name for a meteor of electric origin. When there were two the ancients called them Castor and Pollux.


        1 NOTE.--Vulgarly called Fox-fire, i. e. Faux (false) and fire.



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        Another article, published April 24, 1834, strongly praises Tudor's Travels in Mexico and the West Indies, as one of the best books of travels that has been published at a period prolific in works of this kind. The critic, evidently Dr. Mitchell, is rapturous over the magnificent scenery, "the bold and salient outline, the close association of light and shadow" in these countries. He jocularly adds that "it seems as though our country were intended for the residence of a race of prudent republicans, who are to raise fine crops of tobacco, wheat, corn, cotton, and rice; construct railroads and dig canals; make good laws and steer the ship of state, driven and buffeted though she be by a tremendous northeaster, in safety over the ocean of ages, but that the improvised child of genius must be nourished and inspired amid the happy valleys or on the wild rocks of Mexico." The allusion to the "tremendous northeaster" seems a prophecy of our terrible Civil War, but, if Mexico has excelled us in children of genius, it is not at all apparent. Nor can we assent to the snow covered peaks of our neighbors as being superior to the grandeurs of Niagara Falls and the Yellowstone Geysers.

        Another editorial is entitled "A Meditation among the Pines." When the breeze blows through a forest of long-leaved pines, the mind of the writer is moved to speculate on the beauty, the usefulness and antiquity of the trees. There are botanists who believe that plants have sensations of pleasure and pain analogous to those of man, "But though we may indulge in these dreams in regard to a healthy and vigorous oak or hickory, it seems difficult to extend them to the pines. Driving their roots into a mass of arid sand, and with leaves just large enough to whistle and sigh with, but not to be the means and seat of enjoyment, an old Pythagorean might be excused for believing them the appointed abodes and prisons of all the misers who have ever trod the earth--to look down upon the yellow sand and find in it an image and likeness of that which engrossed their affections in other days."

        Changing the thought, the goodness of the Deity is discerned in this most useful tree, covering what without it would be a worthless waste. It was probably introduced on this continent


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during the ages when lived here the mammoth and the elephant.

        The excavations of the Clubfoot and Harlow Canal disclosed bones of the great Mastodon, "part of which found their way to Dr. Jones' Museum and a couple of teeth were sent to the University, it is believed, by Captain (Otway) Burns." Afterwards were discovered the jaws of a young elephant, with teeth sound, which fell into the hands of Mr. Fulton, the late State Engineer, who carried them off to Georgia. Mr. Lucas Benners, one of the few men of North Carolina who understood the value of the marl beds, presented to the University a "magnificent tooth of a full-grown elephant in good preservation." The Jones here mentioned was Dr. Calvin Jones of Wake County. Fulton was a Scotch civil engineer, employed by the State at a salary of $6,000 a year to make our rivers navigable.

        An apology is made for wandering from the pine. "The character of this communication would be at variance with its title, if there were an intimate connection between its first and latter part." It is signed by "N."

        In another issue is given a description by Michaux of the method of making tar, pitch, turpentine, and gas, the long-leaved pine being the chief source. It is annotated by "N," who states that illuminating gas was made by letting melted rosin flow on anthracite coal. He predicts a great future for the manufacture of oil from cotton seed, "when a little additional perfection is given to the machinery for the separation of the outer porous coat from the oleaginous seed," a prediction since verified.

        There is a very vivid description of a storm off Hatteras by "J. J. T." Although professedly written on shipboard, if there is any truth in the narration, it must have been detailed from memory. "Our mainmast has gone by the Larboard, our rigging and sails, split into a thousand ribbons, commingling together, are wildly streaming in the wind. Dismay and despair are depicted on every countenance. . . . For sixteen days we have been driven at the mercy of the winds and waves. . . . The beautiful and accomplished Miss ---- is among the


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passengers . . . tossed upon the roaring waves. Were she but safe I would willingly embrace the fatal ingurgitating billow. If we are destined here to find a grave, may the same wave receive us both."

        There are several articles on "Rural Economy." In them Kenrick's New American Orchardist is highly praised, and much valuable advice is given. Kenrick described 235 vareties of apples, 251 pears, 87 peaches, 20 nectarines, 19 apricots, 63 plums, 43 cherries, 56 grapes, and a number of almonds, currants, gooseberries, raspberries, etc. A statement is made which may be new to some readers, that a graft on any stock will keep pace in the changes it undergoes with the stock from which it is derived. Part of a paper on the cultivation of the vine in Madeira, published in Silliman's Journal, is given, in order to show that peculiarities of soil and exposure even on the same farm must be observed, in order to obtain good results.

        A very intelligent editorial, signed "N" (undoubtedly Dr. Mitchell) gives the best methods of producing fire. After mentioning the old method of rubbing two pieces of dry wood together, of striking a flint with steel, and by the sunglass, he describes the phosphorous vial, into which a splinter, with sulphur coating the end, was thrust and rapidly withdrawn. For this, some ten or twelve years before, there was substituted Hertner's Eupyrism, from Paris. This was a vial containing strong sulphric acid and a bundle of matches, the latter headed with chlorate of potash and a little starch or sugar, colored with vermilion. The fire was produced by contact of the acid with the potash and starch or sugar.

        "Very recently a new fire apparatus has been introduced under the name of Lucifer Matches." The making of these is described, and the prediction ventured that "this little apparatus appears to be superior to and likely to supplant every other." The writer does not mention the "chunk," or fragment of burning wood, which good housekeepers covered up, when they retired to sleep, nor the perpetual fire kept burning in old Rome by the Vestal Virgins, from which the citizens could obtain a spark when desired.


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        There is an excellent article by the same pen on "Engraving on Steel." "N" explains engraving on wood, on stone, and on plates of copper, a soft metal, and then shows how plates of steel were softened by heating with iron filings and so became soft enough to be cut by the tools of the artist, then hardened by heating with charcoal. This interesting statement is made: "When the adherents of the Bonaparte family wished to excite a feeling in their favor a few years since, some small prints were brought into the market and sold at an insignificant price, well executed on steel and exhibiting the appearance of Napoleon at the time of the most remarkable events of his life--when yet a stripling he directed the siege of Toulon, afterwards at the bridge of Arcola, in Egypt, passing the Alps, at Tilsit, Austerlitz, Fontainbleau, and St. Helena." I have one of these prints, a bunch of violets, showing the features of the Emperor, Maria Louisa, and their son.

        In a paper on Crocodiles much skepticism is shown about Waterton's claim, that he rode on the back of an alligator into the water, twisting one of his forelegs over his back as a bridle. It is suggested that it requires enormous strength thus to handle the arm of the animal, and that the beast would be more likely to sink in the mud at the bottom than to retain buoyancy sufficient to float with a large man on his back. Quotations are, however, made from Pliny, asserting that the Egyptians would mount a crocodile in the water and when he opened his mouth thrust a club between his jaws, so that they could not be closed, and thus easily capture him. Dr. Pococke, in his observations on Egypt, places the locality of riding on land, not in the water.

        Of an article on Mathematics only the title remains.

        A very interesting discussion is given as to whether a vulture, in our land called turkey buzzard, finds his food by sight or by scent. It had been the general opinion, supported by the authority of the ornithologist, Wilson, that it was by his very acute sense of smell, but in 1826 Audubon furnished for Jameson's Journal an article, detailing some careful experiments which tended to prove that Turkey Buzzards, at least, depend for the discovery of their prey on sight. Charles Waterton,


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author of "Wandering in South America," ridicules Audubon. He says, "I grieve from my heart that the vulture's nose has received such a tremendous blow. . . . I have a fellow feeling for this noble bird. We have been for years together in the same country. We have passed many nights amongst the same trees; and though we did not frequent the same mess, still we saw a great deal of each other's company." Waterton relies on the fact that a large serpent lay untouched under thick trees, until it was putrefied, when the birds found it at once. He thinks it strange that vultures, if they rely on sight, do not pounce down on sleeping fowls, even on men, who in the tropics take their siesta in the open air.

        On the other side, Dr. John Bachman instituted a series of experiments lasting a month in order to settle the question. The professors of the Medical College of Charleston were observers of his work. They all agreed that the turkey buzzards of that region are guided entirely by sight.

        The critic of the Harbinger was, however, not satisfied. He says, "We cannot help suspecting that it will turn out at last that the buzzard has both eyes and a nose, or at least nostrils. Nor can a Charleston bird be considered a perfectly fair experiment, bred as he has been in the smoke and steam of two or three thousand kitchens, and amid the offal of a large city, and differing therefore from a buzzard inhabiting the fields and forests of the back country, as much as the keeper of a dram shop does from a thoroughgoing member of a temperance society. The former, if he be allowed to apply his nose to the bung-hole of a whiskey barrel, can hardly tell what is in it, while the latter will detect a man if he has been indulging in half a thimbleful of beverage, at a distance of something less than a hundred yards."

        It is a little surprising that the writer, evidently Dr. Mitchell, should call our vulture a buzzard. A buzzard is a species of hawk. Turkey-buzzard is the correct name, according to Webster, Audubon, and others.

        It is also surprising to see our learned Doctor using the following language: "There is some room for the suspicion both in his (Waterton's) case, and that of Audubon, that they


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have studied the art of writing a book of travels in the school of Gulliver, the Baron Munchausen, Mandeville, and the renowned worthies of that class." Knowing Audubon as we do, we can hardly realize that a well-read and accomplished scholar should suggest the possibility of his veracious description being munchausenism.

        It appears that there was an article on Sound, but it is not preserved. There is one on the economic uses of the long-leaved pine. Its products were much sought after in those days when steam was not used or used but little. The products are enumerated as lumber of various kinds, turpentine, spirits of turpentine, rosin, tar, and pitch.

        A paper by J. Hamilton Couper on Rotation of Crops as adapted to the Southern States, published in the Southern Agriculturist, is highly praised. Much emphasis is laid on the statement that, "it is now ascertained that a living vegetable does not merely leave in the earth a quantity of nutritious matter that is not adapted to its own subsistence and support, but deposits under the form of an exudation from its roots a quantity of vegetable substance, upon which neither itself, nor any other plant of the same species, can feed, but which is well fitted to become the sustenance of another of a different kind." This fact is now made available especially by our more advanced farmers in the use of nitrogenized bacteria.

        The writer mentions that Dr. Sondley of Newburg District had discovered that a "new and valuable indigenous grass," (Leersia Orizoides), is a good food for cattle, that it is found in the neighborhood of Chapel Hill and recommends that it be tried on damp and cold lands.

        There is also an appeal for improved roads so intelligent that it would delight the heart of Professor Holmes and the other advocates of similar beneficent agencies in our day. The MacAdam process was preferred.

        It must not be supposed that the columns of the Harbinger contained only scientific discussions. "N" prints a love-poem, a valentine, a particular favorite of his in "his days of fancy, youth and frenzy," some stanzas of which he still regarded as


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very beautiful poetry. The authoress was Miss Ella Trefusis. I give two verses out of eight as specimens:


                         O man! how little dost thou know
                         The sources whence our pleasures flow;
                         O man! how little canst thou share,
                         The soft refinements of the fair!
                         Those heavenly nothings which we prize,
                         Your grosser appetites despise;
                         Never in your hacknied bosom live
                         Those loyal sentiments which give
                         A sacred character to love,
                         And prove its mission from above.
                         Alas! my every wish was thine;
                         But the world shared my Valentine.

        The following is possibly a good description of an engaged couple--


                         Think, Mellidor, on former days,
                         Think on the thousand winning ways,
                         By which my heart thou did'st obtain!
                         The fond, fond look, the melting strain,
                         The frequent letter, praises bland,
                         This tenderly imprisoned hand;
                         Full many an eve together past,
                         Each eve more valued than the last;
                         When by the sun's declining rays
                         I dared the transitory gaze,
                         Read in those eyes that flame divine,
                         Now--felt but by thy Valentine!

        The last of the original articles which I notice are on the history of the State. Searches, it was urged, should be made for documents. The biographies of officers and soldiers should be written. The conduct of Cornwallis' army during the invasion of 1780 and 1781 should be investigated. Stedman, an Englishman and a Tory, says, that "at Halifax some enormities were committed by the British, which were a disgrace to the name of a man." What were these enormities? What influence upon the American cause by the fighting Quakers, the Highlanders, and the Regulators, should be looked into, as well as that of the Tories of Rutherford and west Lincoln.

        Another valuable paper was on the counties of North Carolina,


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their date of erection and the origin of their names. The statements are as a rule accurate, but as Williamson and Martin were followed there are a few errors. For example, Northampton County was not called after a county of the same name in England, but in honor of the Earl of Northampton, father of Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington, Prime Minister. Surry County was named after Lord Surrey, who opposed the American war, in office under Rockingham. Surrey was afterwards Duke of Norfolk.

        These historical articles are over the pen name of "N," undoubtedly from internal evidence, Dr. Mitchell, as has been said.

        Besides the well-written and instructive editorials, there was the usual supply of clippings, including useful facts and humorous anecdotes. Among the facts is a statement that Harvard College in 1830, excluding buildings, library, apparatus and grounds, had property amounting only to $460,624. Of this amount only $149,171 was applicable to the universal use of the college, the balance belonging to the theological and law departments, and including the funds pledged to salaries and professorships, etc. The annual expenditure for 1832 was $41,054; income, $40,962. In about seventy years Harvard University has increased to near 6,000 students, over 500 teachers, over $15,000,000 of property, and an annual income of more than a million dollars.

        The Harbinger soon came to an end, doubtless from want of pecuniary support, as has been the fate of all journals in North Carolina, which appealed to love of knowledge and literature.

        Of a similar nature to the Harbinger, the Columbian Repository, printed at Chapel Hill, was projected in 1836 by Hugh McQueen. No specimen of it is known to exist. Probably it expired with the first number. The unfortunate habits of the otherwise gifted editor and the limited number of those likely to be interested in his journal necessarily brought it to an untimely end.


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SALE OF TENNESSEE LAND WARRANTS.

        While President Caldwell was languishing on his couch of pain, the bodily agony equalled by his grief for the distressed condition of the institution he loved more than life, plans were maturing on the wise initiative of Duncan Cameron, President of the Bank of the State, one of the shrewdest financiers of his time, which ultimately gave the University an endowment and filled her halls with students. This beneficent result came from the sale of her land warrants and other assets in the State of Tennessee. The trials and difficulties encountered in pushing these claims deserve a detailed narrative.

        The grant of Carolina to the Lords Proprietors in 1663 and 1665 extended nominally to the Pacific Ocean, called the "South Sea" in the charter, but of course as Great Britain became the owner only to the Mississippi River, this river was the real western limit. By the acts of 1782, 1783, and 1784 of the General Assembly of North Carolina, the warrants for lands granted to its officers and soldiers of the Continental Line were to be located in a region in the western part of the territory, now the State of Tennessee, called the Military Reservation, with the proviso that if sufficient tillable land could not there be found, other unappropriated land could be substituted. A land office was opened, afterwards known as John Armstrong's office, for the entries under said acts, and also under the Act of 1783 for the redemption of specie certificates, issued for the expenses of the war.

        In December, 1789, North Carolina passed the Act of Cession of the territory of Tennessee to the United States, which was approved by Congress April 2nd, 1790. The rights of the officers and soldiers were not forgotten. The Governor of North Carolina was to have power to perfect their titles by grants; rights of occupancy and pre-emption theretofore granted were preserved, and all entries already made, which interfered with prior entries, might be located elsewhere in the ceded territory. With these exceptions, the sovereignty over this territory passed to the United States.

        In 1796 Congress admitted Tennessee into the Union, but


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the unappropriated lands were not ceded to the new State. Tennessee, however, claimed that North Carolina's rights expired in 1792, for the reason that the time for procuring grants was by the act of the North Carolina Assembly limited to that date, that there was no reservation of the power to extend the time, and that all extensions of the time for soldiers to claim their bounties made after 1792 were null and void.

        In disregard of this claim the General Assembly of North Carolina granted extensions from time to time until 1801, when this body barred all claims not presented by 1st of June, 1803. By an act of 1807 that of 1801 was repealed and applications were directed to be made to the Legislature, and warrants to issue only on its resolution. In 1819 the Governor, Treasurer and Comptroller were made a board, vested with the authority reserved to the Legislature in 1807.

        Before this Board of 1819 the University presented its claims for very many warrants. A large number was allowed, laid before an adjudicating board appointed by the State of Tennessee, allowed by them, patents issued, placed in the hands of locators, and subsequently grants issued.

        Although the State had published the names of the Continental officers and soldiers and notified them of the warrants awaiting their application, a large number never came forward. Presuming that these delinquents had died without heirs, the General Assembly, by resolution, in 1821 directed that a number of undelivered and unclaimed warrants in the names of those entitled should be delivered to the University. And in 1824, in order to stop the clamor of the people of Tennessee that the flow of warrants was inexhaustible, the Secretary of State was ordered to close the muster roll and make out warrants in the name of the University for all the remaining non-claimants.

        Let us now see something of the course of legislation in Tennessee and in Congress. In 1799 Tennessee asserted her right as a State, sovereign except as to the powers vested in the United States, to all ungranted lands within her limits, even those claimed by the United States. She asserted that the national title was abandoned when she was admitted into


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the Union without expressly reserving that title, but as the claim was not allowed, she refrained from opening a land office. In 1801 she confirmed all prior entries, warrants, and grants already made and directed that Tennessee grants be issued on such warrants. At the same time she prohibited by heavy penalties any further action by North Carolina surveyors and entry takers. In 1803 Tennessee appointed Judge John Overton as agent to make a "friendly explanation and adjustment" of these differences with North Carolina. This resulted in the Act of the General Assembly of this State of December 2nd, 1803, passed subject to ratification by Tennessee, which was given, and of Congress, which was not given. This Act gave Tennessee the function of perfecting title to claims of lands reserved to North Carolina in the Act of Cession, subject to certain restrictions, that which concerned the University being the exclusive right retained by North Carolina to issue military warrants.

        In 1806 Congress, in a spirit of liberality and compromise, ceded to Tennessee, subject to North Carolina's reservation in the Act of Cession, and also to certain Indian titles, the rights of the United States to about one-third of the State, approximately from sixteen to seventeen million of acres, of which after satisfying all North Carolina claims to this section there remained in 1838 about eight million acres. The United States retained title to about one-third of the State. The boundary between the two sovereignties was called "the Congressional reservation line." It began where the main branch of the Elk River crosses the southern boundary of the State, thence due north to Duck River, thence northwesterly down Duck River, nearly to Centerville, thence due west to Tennessee River, thence down the Tennessee to the northern boundary of the State. In official reports the area west and north of this line was estimated as 6,840,000 acres, of which 942,375 acres were granted by North Carolina previous to the Act of Cession.

        As soon as the Act of Congress of 1806 was accepted by the Tennessee Legislature, that State opened her land offices for satisfying the reserved claims of North Carolina. The lands south of the French Broad and Holston Rivers were excepted.


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        In 1811 North Carolina claimed the right to perfect titles to lands west and south of the Military Reservation line, and sent a surveyor, Col. Thomas Love, for the purpose. After he had surveyed about 50,000 acres, the Tennessee Legislature, as heretofore mentioned, passed a prohibitory act with heavy penalties on the surveyor and register, and disbarring and fining any lawyer who should bring suit on such claim.

        North Carolina thereupon, in 1815, memorialized Congress, claiming the right, and complaining of so much of the Act of 1806 as gave Tennessee 200,000 acres for colleges and academies. Of course Tennessee presented a counter memorial. In this it was stated that the lands east and north of the Reservation line had been exhausted without satisfying North Carolina's claims, and Congress was requested to authorize these claims to be located in the Military Reservation. Congress complied with this request and, by Act approved April 4th, 1818, authorized Tennessee to perfect titles by grants to all locations prior to the Act of Cession, and "also to issue grants within said territory on all valid warrants of survey, interfering entries, certificates, grants and locations, that had not been actually located or granted east and north of the reservation line, and that were removable under the North Carolina Cession Act." In pursuance of this authority, Tennessee in 1819 opened a land office, and the time for satisfaction of such claims was from time to time extended until 1839. It was calculated that 3,567,801 acres were adjudicated after the Act of 1818 to meet these claims, leaving to the United States between 2,300,000 and 3,300,000 acres, which were ultimately, in 1846, donated to Tennessee.

        Another element of trouble was the claim of the Chickasaw Indians to lands stretching from the Ohio River south into the State of Mississippi, including the western part of Tennessee, which was recognized by the United States by the Piomingo Treaty of 1786. By treaties in 1805, 1816 and 1818, the Chickasaws ceded all their lands east of the Mississippi River. For the territory north of the Tennessee River, the price paid in 1816 was $12,000 a year for twelve years, of which $4,500 was


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paid in sixty days. For that west of that river, Governor Isaac Shelby being the commissioner of the United States, there was agreed to be paid $300,000 in fifteen annual instalments of $20,000 each, besides presents, $7,000 or $8,000 worth, to the chiefs. It is stated that three thousand Indians were present when the treaty was negotiated. The Indian title being thus extinguished, there was no further obstacle to the location and sale of soldiers' warrants within these limits. Now, for the first time since Governor Smith's donation of 20,000 acres in 1792, his beneficence became available.

        Still another complication arose from the frauds by the Secretary of the State of North Carolina, James Glasgow, and the Registrars of the Land Office in Tennessee, John and Martin Armstrong. The latter converted to his own use large sums belonging to the State, for which an uncollectible judgment was obtained and given to the University by the State. And moreover these frauds created suspicions of false entries and such confusion of claims as materially increased the hostility of Tennessee towards the just demands of the institution.

        The Trustees of our University lost no time after 1819 in obtaining their grants from the State of Tennessee. An opposition grew up, on account of the magnitude of the University's demands, so fierce as to threaten the adjudication of all remaining warrants. Judge Archibald D. Murphey and Hon. Joseph H. Bryan, the latter an ex-Member of the United States House of Representatives, were appointed to secure the interests of the institution. Judge Murphey journeyed to Nashville, ascertained by private conferences with the members and his attorneys the best possible terms, and asked for and obtained permission to address the General Assembly. He spoke during the working hours of two days. When he concluded, Felix Grundy proposed that Jenkins Whitesides and James Trimble, who had in full the public confidence, should be appointed commissioners to investigate and adjust the claim of the University, with power to compromise disputes and to grant exemption from taxation as asked for. The leader of the opposition accepted the proposition, and it passed the Assembly.


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        On August 26th, 1822, these commissioners came to an agreement with Attorney Joseph H. Bryan, by which grants should issue upon the warrants owned or acquired by the University, and that they should be exempt from taxation until January 1, 1850. The University on its part agreed to transfer to East Tennessee College, now University of Tennessee, twenty thousand acres, and to Cumberland College, now University of Nashville, forty thousand acres, the assignments being subject to contracts previously made for procuring and locating the same. The University further agreed to warrant the title to 45,000 acres at $1.50 per acre, with interest, liability to end unless adverse claims should be made by January 1st, 1831. This was duly ratified by the Trustees of the University and the General Assembly of Tennessee.

        After giving to the Colleges of East Tennessee and Cumberland their shares of the warrants then in hand, there remained to the University of the 1,823 warrants only 4,476 acres. The application to the General Assembly for their location was refused, but Judge Stewart of the Circuit Court, on a suit for mandamus, founded on the statutes in existence, instituted by James Trimble for the University, ordered the Secretary of State to adjudicate them. It was hoped that the Secretary would likewise under this decision adjudicate the warrants of 1824 and subsequently, but he declined to do so until the question should be passed on by the Supreme Court. Before that body the University was represented by James Trimble, Felix Grundy and Alfred Balch, who argued in vain. The application was rejected. Soon after this argument, ex-Judge Trimble's valuable services were lost by his death, and ex-Judge Wm. S. Brown was employed in his place.

        A special session of the Legislature being called, Judge Murphey addressed a strong memorial to that body, which was supported by Mr. Brown, whose speech was said by the Secretary of State to have been "the most splendid effort of human intellect he had ever witnessed." Mr. Crabb, the counsel for Cumberland College, he wrote, was "as usual very respectable." Major Abram Maury (pronounced and often written Murray), a representative, manifested his "usual zeal and


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honest independence" for the bill, and was ably sustained by Mr. Grundy, also a member. The opponents, however, prevailed by a vote of 20 to 18.

        At a subsequent session, on application of the attorneys of the University, a hard compromise was offered. In 1825, after much furious opposition, an act was passed providing for a commissioner to adjudicate the validity of all military warrants, presented to him by the University or the East Tennessee or Cumberland College, not exceeding in all 105,000 acres, for which certificates would be issued for land west and north of the Congressional line, in 25-acre tracts, which should be sold, first to actual occupants at fifty cents per acre, next to general purchasers at one dollar, and after a limited period at fifty cents per acre, and lastly the residue at public auction; one-third of the proceeds to be paid to the University, one-third to the common schools of Tennessee, and the remaining one-third to the two aforementioned colleges. Under this act the University received in cash $15,002.68.

        I now proceed to show what was done by the Trustees in working this mine, so full of difficulties and disappointments.

        The management of the Western lands was left to the Committee of Appointments, Archibald D. Murphey and Thomas Ruffin being added, the other members being John Haywood, Henry Potter and Wm. Polk, the Governor being ex-officio Chairman, when present: Duncan Cameron was added in the following year. In December, 1825, the Trustees denominated the committee, so increased, as the Land Committee, and conferred on them full power "to adopt such course in respect to the land claims as to them shall seem most beneficial to the interests of the University." Besides those already named, from time to time until the creation of the Executive Committee in 1835, George E. Badger, Thomas P. Devereux, James F. Taylor, William Robards, Charles Manly, Wm. S. Mhoon, James Iredell, and Romulus M. Saunders, besides Governors Burton, Owen, Stokes and Swain, were members. Ichabod Wetmore, agent in Raleigh, of the Bank of New Bern, was appointed Secretary at a salary of $250 per annum.


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        As Col. Wm. Polk often visited Tennessee, having large interests therein, he was vested by the committee with power to employ agents on such terms as he thought best. On August 5th, 1821, he made a contract with Col. Thomas Henderson, Jr., late editor of the Raleigh Star, of whom Governor Swain said "No citizen succeeded in conciliating the warm regards of a greater number of personal friends than he." He was to procure evidence as to all persons who had served in the Continental line of the State who had died without heirs capable of inheriting land. He was then to lay the same before the Governor, Public Treasurer and Comptroller--the Board of Adjudication appointed by the General Assembly of this State in 1819, and if passed, then before the Board of Adjudication in Tennessee--the Governor, Secretary of State, and Register of the Land Office. For compensation he was to receive one-half of the warrants.

        Col. Henderson proceeded to his duty with alacrity and success. He appointed sub-agents, agreeing to assign them part of the warrants, what proportion does not appear, and on October 3rd was ready for a division. This was done, leaving to the University warrants calling for 147,853 acres. Other warrants besides these were subsequently realized, as will be seen.

        As an agent residing in Tennessee was necessary for locating and selling the lands, Colonel Polk selected a man of ability and means, Samuel Dickens of the county of Madison, post-office, Spring Creek, a recent settler, who had been a member of the North Carolina Legislature from Person County and a Representative in Congress in 1810-1817. To him in 1821 was given power "to do all things to maintain, secure and preserve the rights and interests of the University." The appointment was fortunate, as through a long-continuing agency he proved himself to be vigilant and wise. He had charge not only of the escheated warrants, but of those given to the University by Governor Smith and Major Gerrard. His compensation for locating the lands was that usually given, viz., 16 2-3 per cent of the value of the lands surveyed, payable in land. For selling, collecting and paying over, his commission was


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six per cent at first and afterwards ten per cent. In locating, he had a partner, Dr. Thomas Hunt, a graduate of the University in 1800, the firm under the name of Hunt & Dickens, having a numerous staff of young men "in the woods." In dividing in 1823 the lands given for locating, the decision was "by lottery," or as we say, by lot. For the purpose of securing an equitable division all the lands were grouped into two divisions, northern and southern, and each division into two classes; first class being tracts worth $4 per acre, and second worth less than $4 per acre. On May 3rd, 1823, Dickens estimates the $4 lands of the northern division at $37,589 and those under $4 at $46,314.75. The aggregates of the southern division he estimates at $57,153 and $56,007 for the corresponding classes. Deducting 16 2-3 per cent from these amounts, the University had the prospect of realizing $164,220, less six per cent for selling and paying over. The net receipts of warrants subsequently acquired were in addition to this. A dangerous obstacle encountered was the hunting up by speculators of heirs, or pretended heirs, of the soldiers whose warrants were transferred to the University. Expensive litigation became necessary. So satisfied were the Trustees that the bulk of these new-found claims were fraudulent, and that they were owned by speculators who paid a trivial sum for them, and moreover that it was impossible to distinguish the false from the true, that they adopted a resolution to yield to no claim, no matter how plausible. They determined to interpose every objection, technical or otherwise. To this the kindhearted Treasurer Haywood entered his protest.

        The instructions to the agent, January 21st, 1826, drawn by Judge Murphey, show the precautionary measures adopted. The agent was ordered to place a tenant on each tract, so as to make the statute of limitations begin to run. If a squatter was already in possession he would be induced to leave, and adverse claims should be bought in, the seller conceding the fact that they were for the University. Suits should be compromised, if deemed advisable. But, says the instruction, "let the suits remain on the dockets for several years that speculators may be kept in the dark as to the true state of things. Not


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many suits will probably be brought if there be no decisions. Speculators will anxiously wait and look out for the decision before they adventure far." As the University guaranteed the title to the warrants assigned to the Tennessee colleges against all claims made prior to 1831, suits should be avoided by all safe means until 1832. As it had been settled by the Tennessee courts that claimants were barred by the statute of limitations on the lapse of three years from the "appropriation," if not of the "emanation" of the warrants, the agent was instructed to ascertain from the counsel of the University the meaning of these terms and to complete whatever was needed to make the statute begin to run. It was hoped that they meant the issuing by the Secretary of State of North Carolina. If so, the University was already safe.

        Three thousand dollars cash was sent Mr. Dickens to meet expenses of various kinds, including counsel fees.

        The counsel of the University in Tennessee at that time were ex-Judge James Trimble and Felix Grundy, partners, of whom Mr. Dickens wrote that Grundy was the greatest orator and Trimble, the soundest lawyer; at other times ex-judges John Overton and Wm. L. Brown, Jenkins Whitesides, Alfred Balch, Pleasant M. Miller, George S. Yerger. Besides these, there were local lawyers to attend particularly to suits in their respective counties. Wm. Washington was one of them. The principal lawyer for the University of North Carolina was Archibald D. Murphey, general counsel in this State and special in the State of Tennessee. The Land Committee likewise retained Wm. Gaston and George E. Badger, as general counsel in all suits in which the University should be interested. After Gaston became Supreme Court Judge, Thomas P. Devereux took his place.

        The lawyers concerned with the settlement of the land disputes were men of the highest repute in the transmontane country. John Overton, born in Virginia, younger brother of General Thomas Overton, Andrew Jackson's second in his fatal duel with Dickinson, had been a judge of the Superior and Supreme Courts of Tennessee, a man of soundest judgment, and noted as a real estate lawyer. Jenkin Whitesides, a native of Pennsylvania, was a specialist in land laws and had an immense


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practice. James Trimble was born in Virginia, lived for a time in Knoxville, and was a judge in the eastern circuit. He moved to Nashville in 1813 and there practiced law until his death in 1824. Trimble was the soundest lawyer. He taught law to some of the most eminent men of the State, such as Samuel Houston, Wm. L. Brown and George S. Yerger. Felix Grundy has a national reputation for oratory, second only to Clay and Webster. Born in Kentucky, he distinguished himself in the legislature and reached the dignity of a Judgeship of its Supreme Court. He settled in Nashville in 1807 and at once attained a large practice. He was soon elected a representative in Congress and was so ardent in support of the war of 1812, that its opponents declared that it was brought on by "Madison, Grundy and the Devil." In 1829 he was elected to the United States Senate. He was Attorney-General of the United States under Van Buren and again a Senator in 1834 and until his death in 1840. He was a wonderfully successful criminal lawyer. It is stated on good authority that he defended 165 criminals charged with capital crimes, only one of whom was convicted and executed. There is a legend that he once caused to be printed a false almanac in order to deceive the jury as to a date.

        Pleasant M. Miller was also a native of Virginia. He settled in Knoxville and was a Representative in Congress from that district. In 1824 he removed to West Tennessee, and after twelve years of full practice was elected Chancellor. His letters, notwithstanding that he wrote "I have went there" and spelt cession with an initial S, show that he had a vigorous and original mind.

        George S. Yerger's father, of Dutch descent, settled in Lebanon, Tennessee. The son was a bright lawyer. He was Reporter of the decisions of the Supreme Court of his State and its first Attorney-General. He removed to Mississippi and was eminent there.

        Wm. L. Brown and Alfred Balch are not mentioned in Caldwell's History of the Bench and Bar of Tennessee. Brown was afterwards a judge, and a very able one.


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        At their meeting in 1823, the Board of Trustees ordered 25,000 acres to be sold under direction of the Land Committee. The agent, Samuel Dickens, executed the trust with faithfulness and sound judgment, except that, owing to good offers made, he sold somewhat more than the number specified. His action was approved. From time to time other sales were authorized. Previous to and during 1824, 6,873 acres realized on credit $21,067. In 1825 were bargained 7,560 acres for $22,802; in 1826, 11,180 acres for $32,474; in 1827, 2,001 acres for $5,668; in 1828-'9, 4,273 acres for $13,190; in 1830-'1, 6,260 acres for $18,383; and in 1831-'2, 6,103 acres for $17,831. A total of 44,207 acres for $131,415.10. The price averaged a trifle less than $3 per acre. The land unsold in December, 1832, was 112,602 acres.

        The sales were generally made on credit of one, two and three years, with interest from date. The agent at the above date (1832) had collected $52,436.71, leaving a balance due on notes of purchasers $78,978.39. Including interest, the balance was $94,587.31.

        Of the cash there was paid to the University up to January 1, 1833, $34,657.50, leaving $17,779.21 to be accounted for. This was expended by the agent for the following items:

        1st. Commissions for selling, collecting and transmitting.

        2d. Compensation to agent for attention to suits.

        3d. General superintendence, etc., etc.

        4th. Locative interest in certain warrants not divided until sale and payment.

        5th. Attorney's fees.

        6th. Taxes.

        7th. Drafts paid on order of the Committee on account of buildings at Chapel Hill, $1,114.24.

        These drafts, $1,114.24, should have been added to the cash paid the University. Doing so, we have receipts into the treasury of $35,771.74, and the expenditures for realizing this amount $16,664.97, i. e., about 32 per cent of the total.

        In January, 1832, the agent reported that there belonged to the University, excluding the Gerrard lands--


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59,264 acres unsold, valued at $116,397
14,724 acres Resolution lands, valued at 24,039
20,000 acres Smith lands, valued at 20,000
93,988 acres, valued at 160,436

        The "Resolution lands" were those ordered to be given the University by resolutions of the General Assembly in 1821.

        The report of 1834 shows that there had been sold by the agent in all 47,077 acres, for $125,150.05. There had been collected and accounted for $56,814.17, being $4,377.46 in addition to what was reported in 1832. There still remained due the University $68,335.88, principal, and a large amount of interest.

        Besides the receipts from the agent, there was had from the State of Tennessee under the Act of 1825, as heretofore mentioned, $15,154.04 1-4, making a total in cash account of Tennessee lands $50,925.78 received into the treasury.

        With regard to the title of the University to the aforesaid lands, the agent hoped that by the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Dunlap vs. McNairy, the statute of limitations placed them beyond controversy.

        The Register of Tennessee became alarmed, on account of public clamor, and stopped issuing grants on some of the "Resolution warrants." It was hoped that he would resume without further trouble. None of the warrants for which grants were actually issued were included, nor was a tract of 2,551 acres about which was a suit with John Terrell.

        The tenants placed on the lands prior to 1826 for the purpose of claiming actual possession by the Trustees, generally deserted in order to settle their own lands. This caused the agent to make some sales to people of no means, who would not otherwise have been accepted.

        There was pending one suit against East Tennessee College for 2,500 acres and one against Cumberland College for 640 acres, both brought before the expiration of the guaranty, but it was confidently expected that there would be no others. There were some other claims, however, which might give trouble,


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but it was recommended to be quiet until the seven years limitation expired. The decision in Dunlap v. McNairy was popular with a large majority of the people. George S. Yerger was one of the few lawyers who understood the law correctly and was paid a fee for arguing the case.

        The foregoing statement shows the history of the escheated Tennessee land claims up to the end of Caldwell's administration. The compensation to the attorneys was in land and money. To Joseph H. Bryan and Archibald D. Murphey were given $1,000 in money and warrants for 640 acres of land each. The Tennessee lawyers were likewise usually paid both in land and money, but the amounts to all do not appear. Judge W. L. Brown received $1,500 cash and no land. P. M. Miller received $1,000 in money and a 640-acre tract. The agent said that Miller thought his services worth much more. He expected the Board to order Major Dickens to convey to him two tracts instead of one of choice land, 640 acres each, and $1,000 in cash.

        I note that while Major Dickens praised Brown and Miller, he makes no mention of the services of Balch. The Secretary of State, Graham, gives the credit of the passage of the compromise largely to Judge Brown, after Balch had been driven from the field.

        An interesting fact is that Balch counted confidently on the influence of Andrew Jackson and John H. Eaton, United States Senators, who would convince the members of the General Assembly that Congress would never cede the public lands in Tennessee to the State, as long as the University claims were unsettled. They were expected to be in attendance on the General Assembly. Judge Murphey likewise regarded Jackson as friendly to the University. As Eaton was a University man and was warmly esteemed by Jackson, who made him his Secretary of War, it is probable that here we see an instance of the potential influence of the alumni. The Secretary of State, Daniel Graham was also an alumnus, having migrated to Tennessee from the county of Anson, and all his influence was exerted in favor of his Alma Mater.


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        The suit in equity of Ivey against Pinson and Hawkins, brought out clearly the point in the attack on some of the Unicersity titles. Ivey claimed that he was a soldier in the Continental Line. Believing him to be dead without heirs, the University obtained his warrant as an escheat, caused it to be located and sold the land to Pinson, who sold to Hawkins. Ivey then brought suit against Pinson and Hawkins, alleging that he was the soldier entitled to the warrant, and therefore to the land located under it; moreover, that the doctrine of escheats was not applicable to such warrants.

        The defendants contended that the University should be a party to the suit, to enable it to contest the identity of Ivey; also to set up the defence of the statute of limitations, 45 years having elapsed. It was also contended that, as the proper authorities had passed the warrant, and invested the land located under it in the University and its assignee, Pinson, it was prima facie the property of Pinson's vendee, and if there were any grounds of relief it lay in the emanation of the warrant under a mistake of fact, and the University should be a party in order to contest the alleged mistake. It was claimed that Ivey, if not barred by lapse of time, at all events could only get damages for the value of the warrant, and a suit for damages should be in the common law court, whereas this was in equity.

        The Chancellor strongly inclined to the opinion that the University was a necessary party, but he would not order a dismissal of the suit at once. As to the other point he doubted, but rather believed the complainant could not get the land. He continued the case until the next term.

        Ivey had sold his claim to two speculators, who made it their business to hunt up old soldiers or their heirs and buy up their supposed rights. The agents and attorney of the University felt deep interest in the case, not because of the value of the land in controversy, but because a swarm of speculators were ready, if the plaintiff succeeded, to precipitate litigation which would have been ruinous. In the lower court the plaintiff was successful. The Supreme Court was divided. The Legislature authorized the Governor to appoint a special judge to


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untie the knot. The new judge, Nicholas Smith, and Judge John Catron, afterwards a judge of the Supreme Court of the United States, divided in opinion, and then Judge Andrew Whyte came in and proposed to join Smith in the decision for the plaintiff. To this the counsel for the University strenuously objected, because Whyte had not heard the second argument. It required a threat of impeachment to turn him from his purpose. The court directed a new argument, but Overton and Miller declined to speak again. Then Andrew L. Martin was employed to file a written argument, especially covering the evidence and facts in this particular case, rather than the general principles so ably discussed by the other counsel. The decision was against the defendants, who appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States. Through the agency of Hon. Lewis Williams, Daniel Webster was employed for the University, who, because the University was an institution of learning and of moderate means, charged a retainer of only $200, to be added to in the event of victory. I have been unable to find this case in the Supreme Court Reports. Perhaps it was compromised.

        Col. Dickens wrote that he had seen enough to convince him beyond doubt that all the large speculators in University claims wholly relied on perjury, and hence the constant necessity of having agents to attend to getting up counter-testimony and attorneys to cross-examine fraudulent witnesses. One Hugh Moore, a preacher, was about to bring forty suits, when it was discovered that by forgery and perjury he had been a long time committing frauds on the United States Treasury.

        Nor were open enemies only to be watched and thwarted. One of the University counsel, a man of eminence, had, because of the delay in the payment of an additional $500, written him a disgraceful letter, threatening to retire from the service of the University and hinting at the extent of mischief he might do to her.

        And then, after sales were effected, necessarily on credit, payments were slowly made, and it was dangerous to attempt coercion by suit. Not only was hatred aroused which might and did find expression in hostile legislation, but "judges were


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ready to grant injunctions on all imaginable allegations, even on plain notes of hand." This accounts for the slow collection, which forced the Building Committee at Chapel Hill to resort to the banks.

        Such public prejudice was worked up by the speculators in military warrants, that the Board of Trustees, in 1826, deemed it advisable to issue a public defence. At their request one of their number, George E. Badger, then thirty years old, who had just resigned his Superior Court judgeship, prepared an able argument, which was printed in pamphlet form and distributed extensively in North Carolina and Tennessee. The author contended that, with but few exceptions, the adversaries of the University in these claims were not the brave men who fought for their country, nor the children of such, but greedy and cunning speculators. "From the Trustees the lands are sought to be wrested, in order to minister to a restless speculation, stimulated into action by grasping avarice, laying its plans of acquisition with coolness, and bringing to their execution all the machinery of crafty villainy." The defendants, on the other hand, are the University and the Tennessee Colleges. "By them the funds are destined for purposes of great public utility. Without knowledge, exertions can not be made for our country with success, either in the cabinet, the Senate, or the Field. Even war is a science in which mind vindicates its superiority over brute force, and mere courage, the most common of all possessions, is of little avail without genius to suggest and skill to execute. These colleges are destined to fill our land with learning and with virtue; and thus to give to our republican edifice both stability and beauty. It is a purpose a wise man will aid and a good man approve. It awakens everey generous emotion in its behalf, and leaves us only unmixed abhorrence for those who are willing to sacrifice alike the Soldier and the College; who are eager to defraud both valor and learning, and are intent alone on the gratification of a cupidity, unjust in its origin, rapacious in its extent, and reckless of everything but its own aggrandizement."

        Mr. Badger, however, spends his strength chiefly in showing that even honest claimants--soldiers or their heirs, have no


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rights to which the University should yield its claims. The scope of his argument is:

        1st. That the Act of 1782 was not a contract for future service, but only a bounty, purely gratuitous. This mere donation could be withdrawn at any time.

        2d. In 1783 a time was fixed beyond which there could not be acceptance of this bounty. After various extensions, the General Assembly, in 1801, barred claims not presented by the 1st of January, 1803. By the Act of 1807, that of 1801 was repealed, and all applications were directed to be made to the General Assembly, and warrants to issue only on their resolution. By the Act of 1819, the Governor, Treasurer and Comptroller were made a Board, vested with the authority reserved to the Legislature in 1807.

        3d. These commissioners ordered the warrants to issue to the Trustees. The State of Tenneessee adjudicated and allowed them and patents were issued and legal titles vested in the Trustees.

        "The claimants, heirs, or assignees of the officers and soldiers ask either--1st, the value of the warrants as personal property, or, 2d, that the Trustees be ordered to convey to them the lands on which they were located. It is clear that the 2d can not be maintained. The claimant never had any right to the particular land covered by the patent. But in order to gain his case the claimant must have a superior equity. This he has not. The sovereign offered him a gift, fixing the time in which he should apply. She extended the time. Again he failed to apply. She for the third time extended the time. She called on him to exhibit his claim to the Legislature. She then appointed a Board to receive these claims. She had extensively published her muster rolls for general information. Thirty years elapsed, and she was justified in concluding that the claimant was dead without heirs or had abandoned the bounty offered. She recalled it and gave it to an institution intended to disseminate knowledge and virtue among her sons, and to enlighten with wisdom and arm with rational valor her future statesmen and defenders." For thirty years the claimant slept upon his claim, neglected every invitation, until his


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State bestowed the bounty on an institution willing to use it for public merits. Where is his equity? Shall the fund never be available for the purpose of public benevolence or private usefulness?

        Again, the question of right to these warrants has been determined by competent authority. North Carolina, by compact with Tennessee, reserved to herself the right to issue military warrants. having the right to issue, she had the right to decide who was entitled. She established a Board to make this decision. That Board adjudged certain warrants to the University. This adjudication is the act of a sovereign State and can not be attacked in the courts of another State. If Tennessee thinks herself aggrieved she must demand redress of North Carolina and if refused she can resort to the Judiciary or Legislative Department of the Union. The Courts of a State have no power over controversies between States. And so the claimant's course is to apply to North Carolina for redress, being restricted of course to application to her Legislature.

        Moreover, the authorities of Tennessee have settled the question. A board elected by her have adjudicated these warrants. "The two States--the sovereign parties to the compact--have by solemn and deliberate acts determined the right of the Trustees to these warrants. It can not then consist with the dignity and honor of either, that private individuals shall disturb what they have decided."

        This defence of the University claims, and especially the high ground, that they were really the claims of the State of North Carolina, was suggested by two of the Tennessee law-years, ex-Judge Overton and Pleasant M. Miller. By making the question a controversy between States, it was thought that Congress would require its settlement before considering the further question of surrendering to Tennessee the residue of the public lands within her limits. To impress the imaginations of the people of Tennessee and their representatives it was further urged that a prominent lawyer, preferably Judge Murphey, appointed by resolution of the Trustees, and if possible of the General Assembly, should visit the General Assembly at


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Nashville in the character of an envoy extraordinary and ask for a hearing.

        Mr. Miller fully sustained Mr. Badger as to the character of those interested in the claims. "Companies of speculators are hunting up claimants. They will swarm around the Legislature and procure some act favorable to their views. Nashville is the focus of all the mischief. They are backed by the mob, who sympathize with the alleged poor soldier cheated out of his land. He is a stern judge who can stand up against the clamor. One of them has given away, surrounded by men clamorous for bread."

        The Secretary of the State, Daniel Graham, in a letter to Colonel Polk in 1825, gives a vivid picture of the attitude of the public mind to the claims of the institution. "You, who have seen us here in the fullness of our democratic power and levelling spirit can form some idea of the difficulties to be encountered in a conflict with occupant privileges and prejudices. There is in the Legislature the strongest spirit of Radicalism. Propositions to permit further location of escheated warrants are treated as 'rank Toryism against our sovereign rights.' Balch, as counsel for the University, was driven from the field, and it required seven weeks negotiation, with the aid of Judge Brown's commanding genius, to patch up by a bare majority the compromise of 1825. There was a grievous pelting of illiberal calumny heaped upon the Old North State, its officers and friends, but they took it like a prudent Israelite, looking more to the security of his usury than to the opinion of men. The sounds of fraud, perjury, corruption, speculation, gentlemen's children grinding the face of the poor, etc., etc., are still tingling in our ears."

        Graham advised that the Trustees should accept the terms proposed, as they are the best that will be offered. Even this measure would not have passed if the relief to the people south of the French Broad and Holston had not been included. "Even if the University could ever succeed in getting the fifty-five remaining warrants adjudicated it would be impossible to locate them without including land already occupied, and as the Tennessee law authorized compensation for improvements, the estimation


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to be made by neighboring occupants, little would be left for the University. Again, the Compact under the Act of 1822 does not exempt from taxation the warrants afterward acquired, and so rabid was the hostility that some members of the Legislature proposed to repudiate the contract. Even if some relief could be ordered by a United States Court, a decision could not be obtained before the land would be covered by 'squatting occupants,' who have a powerful influence on frontier legislation. There is a fixed leveling demagogical spirit prevailing, not only against a foreign literary institution, but even against Tennessee colleges. The most influential champions of the University were Haling in the House and Hall and Frey in the Senate. Some of our natural allies, Carolina by birth, yea even alumni of the good mater, tucked down their tails, as a Kentuckian would say, or 'took the water,' as a Tennessean would say, before the dreaded influence of popular breath."

        Such was the popularity of their cause that the House of Representatives refused to hear Balch and Brown, the University attorneys, except by memorial. Balch afterward in asking for large compensation is eloquent about his exertions. He had assisted in securing the compromise but did not feel at liberty to state the mode of his exertions, though consistent with justice and honorable deportment. When afterward the General Assembly prohibited further locations, he applied for and obtained a mandamus from the Circuit Court, for over three thousand acres, and on appeal argued the case in the Supreme Court. In 1824 he endeavored to get relief from the General Assembly, expending his time and money, though without success. This year he went to Murfreesboro where the Assembly met, during the first week in the session, remained there thirty-six days. His language hints at countless beverages freely bestowed on thirsty legislators. He expended $50 to $60 more than his tavern bills. It is certain that he "was not pleading law," for "what good would light and truth do with such men?" Judge Murphey, who was his co-worker, "could tell how much feeling is sacrificed and how much anxiety is suffered by those who are the active agents in procuring any capital measure adopted by a Legislature of Tennessee."


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        In addition to his work as a lawyer and lobbyist, he claimed that his most valued services to the Board, though unobtrusive, were in thwarting the schemes of speculators, and discouraging innumerable applicants by stoutly maintaining the justice of the University claims and fighting off adverse decisions of the courts. Especially he had induced the Chancellor to announce that if the University had sold a warrant or the land without notice, the bona fide purchaser was protected. This had quieted fear on the part of purchasers. Even if the sale was with notice the purchaser could only be made to pay the price of the warrant and the fees for locating, not the value of the land.

        Balch thought that there were points of weakness in the claims of the University which made it advisable for them to accept the compromise of 1825. These were: first, the failure in the Act of Cession of 1789 to declare that the reservation included equitable, as well as legal estates; and second, the omission to state what ceremonies should be substituted for that of "office found," according to the ancient law books, in order to consummate the escheat of the claim of the soldier. These points were "anxiously considered and regarded with heavy doubts." "Was North Carolina able to pass any law concerning lands, or claims to lands in Tennessee, after she ceded that territory to the United States, and especially after it became a state in 1796?"

        Balch pressed for additional compensation. As yet he had received only a land warrant. As we hear no more from him doubtless his soul was satisfied with a cash payment.

CREATION OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

        On January 2, 1835, the Trustees determined to place the management of the University in the hands of an Executive Committee of seven Trustees, of whom the President of the Board (the Governor), should be ex officio, a member, the other six to be elected annually by the Board; the Secretary of the Board to be Secretary of the Committee.

        Their powers were:

        1. All those of the Land Committee, of the Committee of Appointments, and the Building Committee.


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        2. To sell the property and effects, real and personal, of the University.

        3. To change and regulate the course of studies and discipline.

        4. To dismiss any Professor or Tutor for such cause as they may deem sufficient.

        5. To fill vacancies in their own body.

        6. To keep a Journal and lay their proceedings before the next annual meeting of the Board.

        This change, which has proved of signal benefit to the University, was made at the instance of Mr. Cameron. It has given unity and efficiency to the management of the institution. The Committeemen have been chosen with reference to their residence in Raleigh, or easy access to it, and the understanding has been, and on the reorganization in 1875 was expressly enacted, that they have, in the recess of the Board, all powers not forbidden to them. In 1874 the Executive Committee were authorized by Act of Assembly, and their number afterward was increased to nine.

        The first chosen were Duncan Cameron, George E. Badger, William McPheeters, Charles Manly, Frederick Nash and William A. Graham. Governor David L. Swain was Chairman ex officio as well as a member. At their first meeting on the 10th of January, 1835. Cameron was elected Chairman, whenever the Governor should be absent.

        At a meeting held on the 5th of March, 1835, Governor Swain offered resolutions, prepared by Duncan Cameron, appointing Charles Manly the agent of the University to have a final settlement with the Tennessee agent, Samuel Dickens, and empowering and directing him and Col. Dickens to sell all the lands of the University in that State, at public or private sale, in bulk or in parcels, as they might think best. The preamble given as the reason for this heroic course, that the condition of the University is languishing and precarious for the want of certain and available funds, and the resources of the institution in Tennessee, on which it relies solely for existence, are unavailable, complicated and far removed from the immediate supervision and control of the Board of Trustees. Another reason


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might have been given that there was then a revival of speculation in Western lands.

        Provided with a full power of attorney, which enabled him and Colonel Dickens to do whatever the Board had power to do, Mr. Manly arrived at the home of his colleague in Madison County, in West Tennessee, about the middle of July. He made his final report on the 21st of November, 1835. After consultation advertisement was made that all lands not sold privately would be offered on the 17th of September in the town of Jackson, County of Madison, at public auction on a credit of one, two and three years.

        The prospects of a satisfactory sale of all lands did not seem bright. Colonel Dickens, since his last report, had disposed of many eligible tracts as were sold, a few by Mr. Manly after the advertisement. Those that remained were the remnants of what had been culled over for fifteen years. They were in the counties adjoining Kentucky, unsuited to cotton and near Kentucky lands, which could be had for twenty-five cents per acre. A large area owned by non-residents depressed the price, while the millions of fertile acres in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas at almost nominal prices had called off the attention of immigrants.

        On the other hand no one could predict when the tide would turn in favor of Tennessee, and delay would involve loss of interest and payment of taxes. It is true that some thought that the University lands were non-taxable under the compact of 1822 whereby 60,000 acres were surrendered to Tennessee Colleges, but it appeared that this compact had never been ratified by the Legislature and the new constitution of Tennessee authorized no exemption. It was concluded to go on with the auction sale, making vigorous efforts by special notices to investors to procure bidders, privately or publicly. Such notices were also given to men of wealth in the State who might take an interest in the subject.

FINAL SALE.

        The lands bequeathed to the University by Major Charles Gerrard had all been sold, but the 20,000 acres donated by Governor Benjamin Smith still remained. Of these 15,000 acres


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were well night unsalable, almost of no value. They had been shaken up by the great earthquake, called by the settlers "the Shake," and were largely covered by the waters of the Obion river, which in places formed extensive lakes and swamps. Other portions were rocky and unfit for cultivation. After much negotiation 42,345 83-100 acres at one dollar per acre, and the 20,000 Smith acres at seventy cents an acre were sold to Messrs. Orme and Gifford, of Boston, for a Northern company, and the $56,345.83 purchase money was paid by drafts on New York and Philadelphia.

        This sale included all the University land except three tracts, which were in litigation, and eight other parcels aggregating 5,020 acres, which Secretary Manly expressed the desire to purchase for himself on such terms as the Executive Committee should deem fair. He made collections of bonds for rent of part of the Gerrard lands due before their sale, $543.48 and "a tolerable good work horse and three mule colts." "Finding the animals rather inconvenient baggage for a stage coach, he converted them into cash at the price of $204."

        The Secretary highly praised the fidelity, energy and accuracy of his associate, and gave a statement of his accounts from 1822 to the period of their joint action. He had sold 59,319 acres for $160,147.05, and had paid into the University Treasury $69,618.94, having disbursed on warrants of the Land and Building Committee, fees to attorneys, taxes on lands held under the Resolution warrants, his own compensation and other contingencies, $23,613.96, showing uncollected $81,079.71 and $10,309.13 interest; total uncollected $91,388.90.

        The Secretary and Treasurer then gives a condensed statement of the financial condition of the University November 21, 1835:

        
Cash in the Treasury $77,235.99
Bonds for lands sold, in the hands of Col. Dickens 91,388.90
Bonds of one Kelly for land 1,500.00
Bonds for rent of Gerrard lands before sale 533.48
Interest of Trustees in litigated lands 1,000.00
Making an aggregate of $171,658.37


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        He estimates that at least $150,000 of this amount can certainly be realized and invested, the interest on which, added to the tuition receipts, will exceed the annual expenses of the present establishment by $4,000.

        On motion of Governor Swain the Executive Committee gave the report their entire concurrence, and as compensation for the services of Mr. Manly the eight tracts of land, amounting to 5,020 acres, mentioned in the report, were conveyed to him.

        In addition to the trials and discomforts of traveling by stagecoach and on horseback, amid perils of robbers and perils of waters, and of transacting business in a wild, sparsely settled country, the agent was prostrated by a long spell of fever. To add to his embarassment, the wife of Colonel Dickens, his associate, lay for many weeks at the point of death, preventing her husband from leaving his home. Considering these things and the long absence from home and from his business, the fee does not seem excessive.

        In November, 1837, the Trustees concluded to dispose of all their uncollected claims for land sold, and also their interest in one or two small tracts, for which suits were then pending, to their agent Colonel Samuel Dickens for forty-five thousand dollars, payable in equal installments in one, two and three years, to bear no interest until the end of the first year.

        Naturally there was in those troublous days difficulty in transmitting money. One draft for $13,000 by John Williams on J. M. McCulloch & Co., of Petersburg, Virginia, was protested, but finally settled by drafts on Brander, McKinne and Wright, New Orleans, in five, seven, ten and fifteen months. These were all protested for non-payment, and the Trustees compromised the claim for $2,385 which was paid over to the Attorney of the Board in Mobile. On his failure to account judgment was obtained against him, from which nothing was ever realized.

        It is remarkable that the sudden acquisition of comparative wealth, after a long struggle with extreme poverty, did not unsettle the ideas of economy held by the Trustees. The application of Professors James Phillips and William Hooper for free tuition for their sons was refused, although both were clergymen.


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The Board proceeded to enlarge the institution with extreme caution.

        It must not be understood that an utterly safe deliverance of the Tennessee lands was had. Orme and Gifford brought suit on account of the defective titles of some of the tracts, which gave trouble for several years, but the funds of the University were not greatly affected thereby. They also brought a suit in equity to set aside the sale, but failed. A few parcels were lost to those having superior titles and the Trustees made good their warranty. The attorneys of the University were Samuel McClenehan and Thomas Washington. As much as $1,700 in fees were paid the former and $800 to the latter. The Trustees, who had charge of the University from 1868 to 1875 were induced to prosecute a suit for the recovery of a tract, the title of which had been passed to Orme and Gifford, or was long ago lost by the Statute of Limitation. A bill of costs, including lawyer's fees, of over $400 was the sad result.

THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY.

        It seems proper to give a history of the Library up to the death of President Caldwell. I am aided by an eight-page pamphlet on the subject published by Fisk P. Brewer (A. B. Yale), Professor of Greek in this University, 1869-70.

        In the charter of the University the importance of a Library is indicated by the direction that it shall be called by the name of its largest donor. As no one appeared to claim the honor, after about fifty years, the building was called after Governor Benjamin Smith, on account of his gift to the infant institution. The first book given was a folio copy of Bishop Wilson's works, one of a number presented to Congress by his son and by that body distributed to the States. The resolution of Congress March 22, 1785, is recited on the fly-leaf and then the following: "In pursuance of the above resolution the undersigned, delegates from the State of North Carolina, have agreed to transmit the works of Dr. Thomas Wilson to Newberne, to be deposited there in the Library, belonging to the Public Academy, till the time arrives, which they hope is not far distant, when the wisdom of the Legislature, according to the express


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intention of the Constitution, shall have caused a College or University to be erected in the State. HU. WILLIAMSON, JNO. SITGREAVES.

        The next donation was by the "Father of the University," Wm. Richardson Davie, thirty-nine volumes of such histories as those of Hume and Gibbon. Richard Bennehan gave eight volumes and Joseph Blount Hill an Encyclopedia of eighteen volumes.

        Next came Rev. James Hall, D.D., the Revolutionary captain of cavalry, with forty-nine volumes. Joseph Gautier of Bladen County, a lawyer of ability and a State Senator, bequeathed by will his library of about 100 volumes, mostly in the French language. Besides public documents, nearly one hundred others contributed by Judge John Williams, James Reid of Wilmington, David Ker, first presiding professor; Abraham Hodge, the editor, of Halifax; the Centre Benevolent Society of Iredell, through Rev. Samuel E. McCorckle, D.D.; Francis N. W. Burton of Murfreesborough, Tenn.; Wm. Henry Hill, representative in Congress, of Wilmington; Edward Jones, Wilmington and Chatham County, Solicitor General; and General Calvin Jones of Wake and then of Tennessee. In 1812 it was reported that there were in the Society libraries 800 to 1,000 volumes and in the University library 1,500.

        In 1803 it was enacted by the Board that every student should be considered as using the public library and should pay a tax for the privilege. The fee was fifty cents per term or one dollar per annum. This was doubled in 1813. We have a record of 174 books bought with this fund in the three years ending 1816. Afterward in 1824 there is a mention of forty-three volumes and sixty-four numbers of journals purchased for $350.25. As there is no further mention of receipts from the source it is probable that the tax was abolished, the students using their funds for the building up of the Society libraries.

        Among the regulations were the following: A borrowed book could be kept out three weeks. Only juniors and seniors could take an Encyclopedia. The Faculty fixed the price of


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"hiring books," i. e., those text-books which were kept on hand for this purpose. Of course injuries to books must be paid for.

        The Librarian's salary was one-half the fees. His duties were light. The library was for some years in the President's house, in the room at the head of the stairs; afterward in the University building.

        There were few works which undergraduates cared to read. The late Judge Battle said that it was a matter of pride to borrow them, and then use them as dead-falls for the swarming mice. The tall tomes of St. Augustine were as efficacious in slaughtering these troublesome rodents as was their great author in crushing the religious heresies of his day.

        In 1822 the Faculty reported to the Trustees that the chief need of the institution was the procurement of books and apparatus. If five thousand or even one thousand dollars should be at once expended for this it would be a great relief of the distressing want. In 1824 President Caldwell went into the subject at length and earnestly. He began by testifying to the usefulness of the purchases made out of the library fees. He urged that it is perhaps hardly considered that a Professor in a College, who is without books in a tolerable supply, is analagous to the creation of nobility, which for want of estate is obliged to live in rags. He compared the bookless professor to a lawyer without copies of the statutes and reports of decisions. So a Professor of a College should "employ his whole time and utmost diligence in the extension of his knowledge by the examination and study of the multitude of authors who have written upon the subjects upon which it is his business to teach and deliver lectures." He then gave illustrations of shoemakers without awls and lasts, of carpenters without planes and chisels, and printers with one or two fonts of worn-out type. "We have, however," he said "been greatly relieved by the resource furnished by the library money, with which we have had it in our power to furnish some supplies of that species of food on which, as instructors, we are called upon to subsist and grow."

        Dr. Caldwell then asked for $6,000 for books and apparatus for instruction, offering to go in person to Europe at his own


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expense to make the purchases. As had been stated the offer was accepted, the money to be equally divided between additions to the library and apparatus. The books, 979 in number, were placed in the library by December, 1825. Donations were made by a bookseller in London of Thuanus in six folio volumes and fifty-four volumes by the British and Foreign Bible Societies.

        In 1827 the Board expressed its intention to appropriate $250 per annum for additions to the library, abolishing the $1 tax on students, but owing to want of funds no purchases were made. Each professor sent in a list of works needed in his department, but there was no response. Dr. Mitchell recommended nine, including Gillie's History of the World. In expectation of an up-to-date collection it was enacted that a student should not take a book from the shelves. It must be delivered by the Librarian. Each Tutor in turn was to be Librarian.

        The Record Commission of the English Government from 1833 to 1841 donated to the University eighty-three folios and twenty-four octavos, which was accompanied by twelve books and many pamphlets written or edited by Charles Parton Cooper, the Secretary of the Commission. Among the books presented by the Commission is a copy of the Domesday Book, compiled by order of William, the Conqueror.

        In 1836 Professor Mitchell journeyed to the North for the purpose of examining a mineralogical collection. He reported that the greatest need of the University was books, philosophical apparatus, cabinets of minerals, rocks and shells, for which eight or ten thousand dollars should be expended. "We have a professorship of modern languages," he said, "and with the exception of a broken copy of Voltaire's works and some old books of controversy between the Catholics and Protestants, presented many years ago by Gautier of Elizabeth, in Bladen, have hardly a French work--in Italian, Spanish and Portugese we have nothing. Books are continually published in the different departments of science and learning, which the professors must have, without which the library of the University can not be respectable."


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        Tutor W. H. Owen was the most active of the early librarians. In December, 1836, he reports about 1,900 books in the library, kept in the lecture room in the south building, the second story, south side, for years called Governor Swain's recitation, or lecture, room. He states that the munificence of individuals, conspicuous in the early history of the University, had ceased, and there had been very little since the Caldwell purchases. When the Trustees allowed the Faculty to choose from their number a receiver of dues from students, the professors agreed to discharge the duty alternately, and to give one-half of the compensation allowed them for the purchase of books. Since the change of this plan and the appointment of Professor Mitchell as permanent bursar this source of enlargement ceased.

        The report of the librarians show that there were no additions made by purchase, the increase coming only from public documents of the United States and this State, together with a few acts and reports of other States. Hon. B. F. Moore, Chairman of a Select Committee, reported that not a volume has been purchased by the Trustees during the last quarter of a century. The professors have, in some instances supplied the means of instruction in their own departments by most inconvenient draughts upon private resources. This latter statement was especially true of Professors Mitchell, DeBerniere Hooper and James and Charles Phillips.

        In 1850 a handsome new building, called by a belated act of justice, Smith Hall, was erected for accommodation of the library. It is modeled after a Greek temple. The hall is eighty-four feet long, twenty feet high and has five ample windows on each side. An agreement was made with the students that the annual ball might be herein, an arrangement which would have marred the legitimate usefulness of the library if the books had been in demand. Professor Hubbard, who was its chief officer for several years ending 1868, wrote that "the College Library was never open to the students; on two occasions only, as I remember, consulted by persons from abroad; and almost never, except as told above (used by Governor Swain and the Librarian) used by members of the Faculty."


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        After the death of Dr. Mitchell his books, 1897 in number, were purchased for the Library. Many of them are still valuable, but the others, owing to the rapid advance of the sciences, are mostly out of date. The collection includes works on history, theology, the classics, general literature and the sciences. Including these and a few donations, together with constant additions of public documents, the library numbered about seven thousand volumes. During the Civil War they were kept in a room in the Old East building for safety, but were carried back to Smith Hall after the reopening in 1875.

        In 1885 the Trustees resolved that dancing should no longer be allowed in Smith Hall, and two years afterward the University Library was consolidated with those of the two societies. There are now about 40,000 volumes in the total.

        Prior to 1838 the Librarian was appointed by the Faculty every half year. After that date the Senior Tutor was ex officio Librarian. This rule was broken in 1865 when Rev. Dr. F. M. Hubbard, Professor of Latin, was chosen. We have the names of none of the early officers except Tutor Joseph H. Saunders, in 1824. Tutor Wm. H. Owen held the office from 1836 to 1843. Then came Tutor Ashbel G. Brown for twelve years, succeeded by Professor Hubbard, President Swain occasionally taking joint charge, until July 1868. Then came Prof. Fisk P. Brewer for one year, 1869-70. The officers since the reopening in 1875 will be given in the second volume of this history.

        The Library contained some unique volumes, for example: The Elements of Geometrie of the most ancient Philosopher Elucide of Megara, Faithfully (now first) translated into the English toung by H. Billingsley, Citizen of London. Whereunto are annexed certaine Scholies, Annotations and inuentions, of the best Mathematiciens, both of time past and in this our age. With a very fruitful praeface made by M. I. Dee, specifying the Chiefe Mathematical Sciences, what they are and whereunto commodious; where, also, are disclosed certaine new Secrets, Mathematical and Mechanical, until these our daies greatly missed. The fly leaf at the beginning has the name of Montuela, a distinguished French mathematician. The date of publication, 1570, is on the last page.


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        Among the donations of Dr. Hall is an interesting book entitled Derodon's Logic, 1659. On the fly leaf is "E. Libris Dan: Hyd: e Coll: Wadh: Anno Domini 1696. This Professor Brewer says shows that it belonged to a member of Wadham College in Oxford University. Another legend of a latter date is "Ex libris Guli. Livingstone," probably Wm. Livingstone, Governor of New Jersey during the Revolution and afterward, and author of works, civil and military.

        Another of Dr. Hall's gifts is a Latin paraphrase of Milton's Poems, 1690, by Gulielmus Hogaeus. It begins, "Primaevi cano furta Patris, furtumque secutae."

        President Swain said that the Library contained books donated by the great Napoleon. He asserted, also, that for intrinsic value it was worth more than the Society collections, an estimate in which few concur.

        The Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies from their beginning in 1795 accumulated libraries of their own. In the main the books were judiciously purchased out of a fund provided by annual taxation of the members. Care was taken to provide histories and other works useful in the preparation of debates, as well as fiction, poetry, travels, and drama. As the libraries were open only two or three hours a week, the opportunity for research was meagre, but continuous access was given to the Commencement Debaters. A catalogue printed in 1835 by the Dialectic Society shows the following aggregates: Periodicals, 371 volumes; Epistolary, 77, Voyage and Travels, 106; Politics and Law, 72; Poetical, 292; History, 356; Natural History, 37; Geographical, 27; Dramatical, 106; Theological, 196; Biography and Memoirs, 248; Novels and Romances, 493; Miscellaneous, 583. Total bound volumes, 2,954; and ten maps. The Philanthropic Society library was equal to this, so as early as 1835 there were about 6,000 well-selected books in the two, probably the best collection in the State.

        The high-water mark of numbers during Caldwell's administration was reached in 1823, when there were 173 matriculates. The 100 mark was crossed in 1817. From 1817 to 1827, both inclusive, the matriculates were 108, 120, 110, 127,


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146, 165, 173, 157, 122, 112, 76. They continued under a hundred for four years. From 1831 to 1836, inclusive, they were 107, 184, 109, 101, 104, 89. The highest number of graduates was thirty-four in 1824. It will be noticed that the falling off in numbers of the University was prior to the panic of 1837. What were the causes? Doubtless there were more than one. The panic of 1825 and the low prices of farm products must have kept off students. Morever, President Caldwell's agonizing disease often deprived him of the power to attend to his duties. This, of course, partly paralized the progressiveness of the institution. Then again, the net receipts from the sale of the Tennessee lands became almost nothing, and the payment of the interest on the $40,000 debt to the banks left not a sufficiency to pay the salaries of the Faculty. This led to resignations so that in 1829 there was one vacant professorship and two tutorships, in 1830 one professorship, in 1831 and 1832 two professorships, in 1833 one. A fourth trouble was the Nullification controversy, principally in South Carolina, but extending to the adjoining States, and at one time threatening Civil War. Its effect on the University is shown clearly by the following statistics. In 1820 there were seventeen; in 1821, nineteen; in 1822, sixteen, students from South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennesee, and Kentucky, while for the five years ending with 1833 there was from those States only an average annual attendance of five. South Carolina in 1830 had no students at all, and for three years, 1829-1832, inclusive, did not exceed one.

DR. CALDWELL'S DEATH.

        On the 27th of January, 1835, the sufferings of President Caldwell were ended. His death brought grief to the officers and alumni of the University, and to the friends of education and enlightened progress throughout the land. He had stood by the cradle of the University, had worked for it through its infancy up to strong manhood; had been the most potent factor in placing it on the highest table-land of Southern institutions. He had lived to see its pupils in all positions of usefulness and


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honor throughout our Southland, and he had their profound admiration. He had won the position of educational headship in our State. He was the recognized authority on matters connected with mathematical and astronomical questions.

        The early history of Dr. Caldwell has been already given.

        As a preacher, although not eloquent, he was an orthodox and fervid expounder of Christian principles. Some of his sermons were sought for with a view to publication, and a few, notably that on the death of Washington and at the funeral of Prof. Samuel A. Holmes, were printed in pamphlet form by admiring hearers. His style was elevated, too diffuse for modern taste, yet highly appreciated by his contemporaries.

        Dr. Caldwell was on several occasions driven into print on account of attacks on himself for alleged aristocratic views, and on the institution under his charge. His adversaries found that he wielded with potency the weapons of ridicule and of sarcasm.

        In his private relations he was neighborly, amiable and beloved. His accomplished and able step-son, Rev. Dr. William Hooper, has shown how the grave, almost stern, University President, at home disdained not the relaxation of genial humor, radiated happiness around him, was affectionate and kindly to all from his brilliant wife to the humblest slave.

        He wrote a series of letters to the public over the nom de plume of Carlton, advocating, with much wealth of argument and information, gathered during his visit to Europe, and by reading, the construction of railroads. This gained for him the reputation of being one of the fathers of internal improvements in our State. He advocated with similar intelligence and ability common school education and thus took rank with Judge Murphey and Bartlett Yancey as a pioneer in this great work. It has been mentioned that he was the State astronomer in locating part of the Southern boundary of the State.

        It was in recognition of his services to the State and its institutions that the General Assembly of 1841 conferred on a Piedmont county the name of Caldwell, the only county which honors a teacher.

        Dr. Caldwell was a man brave and strong, of tireless energy,


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a scholar yet a man of action, stern in discipline, yet of kindly heart, a true Christian, firm in his Presbyterian convictions, but never intolerant towards others, a preacher fervent and forcible, a teacher patient and inspiring.

        The following resolutions of the Trustees, whom he served, have the merit of truth without exaggeration:

Raleigh, 6th of February, 1835.

        On motion of Governor Swain.

        Whereas, the Executive Committee with the deepest emotions of sorrow have received intelligence of the death of Rev. Joseph Caldwell, D.D., President of the University.

        Resolved, unanimously, that by the eminent purity of his life, his patriotism and zeal in the cause of learning, and his long, faithful and disinterested public service at the head of the University, Doctor Caldwell has approved himself one of the noblest benefactors of the State and deserves the lasting gratitude and reverence of his countrymen.

        This eulogy was read in public at the next Commencement.

        The students of the University passed the following resolutions, Haywood W. Guion being chairman and C. C. Battle secretary. Accompanied by a well-written letter they were forwarded to Mrs. Caldwell by Wm. P. Webb of Alabama, Wm. B. Rodman of North Carolina, and Robert W. Henry of Virginia:

        Resolved, that the students of the University of North Carolina, deeply affected by the melancholy death of our much esteemed President, Joseph Caldwell, do convey to his bereaved family a proper expression of our profound sense of his acknowledged worth, and our unfeigned sorrow for his irreparable loss, which they and society have thereby sustained.

        Resolved, that each of us do wear a suitable badge of mourning in testimony of our sorrow for his death and the cherished recollections associated with his name.


        The reply of Mrs. Caldwell is in excellent taste:

To the Students of the University,

        Young Gentlemen: It was with no common feeling I read your affectionate communication to me this morning. It is very gratifying to have the sympathy and condolence of so


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many friends. Be assured you have my gratitude and best wishes for your present and eternal welfare, and may the God he served, whose loss we all deplore, lead you to choose and serve your Creator, in the days of your youth. May he direct and support and guide you, and at last lead you to those heavenly mansions where all is peace and joy.

        With sentiments of respect and regard,

I am yours, etc.,

HELEN CALDWELL.


        He was first buried in the middle of the village cemetery, which was originally designed for use of Faculty and Students of the University as well as the inhabitants of Chapel Hill, in a grave dug and walled, in pursuance of his orders. The body has been twice exhumed. In November after his death at the instance of the Philanthropic Society, it was taken up under the direction of Alfred S. Waugh, an artist, in order to get a plaster cast of his features. The bust then executed is in Gerrard Hall and is a faithful reproduction. The grave was again reopened on the 31st of October, 1846, and the remains were reinterred by the side of his wife on the east side of the old monument.

        Judge Frederick Nash and Rev. Wm. McPheeters, D.D., were appointed by the Trustees to erect an appropriate monument over his grave. In the first impulse of enthusiasm a shaft worthy of the man and the University was contemplated. We find that Mr. Robert Donaldson, of New York, sent designs, as did the sculptor, Alfred S. Waugh. These were submitted by the Trustees to David Paton, a Scotchman, one of the architects of the Capitol, but there is no record of any report made by him. Eventually, in 1837, the design submitted by Thomas Waite, an energetic, but careless, master mechanic, who then had charge of carrying on the repairs of University buildings, was adopted.

        This monument was of sandstone from one of the quarries near the University, either that on the plantation of Robert W. Strowd, or that of Solomon Morgan, since bequeathed to the University by his daughter, Mrs. Mary E. Mason. The shaft was cut by J. B. Turney, a skilled mechanic. It soon began to


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crumble and grow dingy. Moreover, the plan was to insert on the eastern face a marble slab with appropriate inscriptions in Latin, written by the scholarly teacher, Dr. Wm. McPheeters. When the slab came from the workman at the North, the Latin was found to be, by careless workmanship, so atrociously bad as to be beyond amendment. The professor of that language in disgust seized a hammer and smashed the offending marble into fragments. The unfortunate stone became offensive to good taste and all interest in it was lost. No inscription was ever cut showing to whom the structure was reared. When the New West building was erected its front was in close proximity to the rugged and gruesome stone. The only recognition of it was the raising of hats by the processions as they marched near it at Commencements.

        The site chosen was, at the time, thought to be sufficiently remote from any building then standing or likely to be erected. Its inconvenient proximity to the New West building shows at once the progress of the University, and the want of foresight in the able Committee. To their minds six and seven score students were gratifying numbers and the locality selected was hidden away from the active life of the University. The history of the new monument will be told hereafter.

        At the request of the Executive Committee Prof. Walker Anderson, soon to leave the institution for his eminent career at the bar in Florida, at the ensuing Commencement, June, 1835, delivered an eloquent and appreciative address on the career of the deceased President. He was peculiarly well fitted for the task, having been his pupil, a professor in his Faculty, and his assistant. He thus had a more intimate knowledge of the character of his superior officer than was vouchsafed to others. The address was printed and much enhanced the reputation of Judge Anderson as a graceful and eloquent orator. It was his last work for the State and the institution which he had served so long.

        I give some specimens of his style: "The religious character of Dr. Caldwell was not the formation of a day, nor the hasty and imperfect work of a dying bed. * * * He had made religion the guide of his youth; it beautified and sanctified the


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labors of his well-spent life; nor did it fail him in the trying hour, which an all-wise, but inscrutable Providence permitted to be to him peculiarly dark and fearful. The rich consolations of his faith became brighter and stronger amidst the wreck of the decaying of flesh; and, if the dying testimony of a pure and humble spirit may be received, death had for him no sting--the grave achieved no triumph. * * * His hope of a happy immortality beyond the grave was to him a principle of strength that sustained him amidst the conflicts of the dark valley; and to us, who witnessed the agonies of his parting hour, a bright radiance illumined the gloom which memory throws around the trying scene. On the evening of the 24th of January his terrible disease made its last ferocious assault. * * * By the exercise of prayers and other acts of the holy religion he professed, he strengthened himself for the last conflict, and spoke words of consolation and hope to his sorrowing friends. But death was yet to be indulged with a brief triumph, and for three days his sufferings were protracted with such intensity that his vigorous and well-balanced mind sank beneath the contest. We willingly drop the veil over the bitter recollections of that hour, and we take refuge in those high and holy hopes which were the last objects of his fading consciousness, and which had lent to the long twilight of his mortal career some of the light of that heaven to which they had directed his longing gaze.

        "The labors of a useful life, to use the thought of an old stoick, are like things consecrated to God, over which mortality has no power. 'Haec est temporis nostri sacra ac dedicata; quam non inopia, non metus non morborum incursus exagitat.' The pure and patient spirit had escaped its narrow and tempest-stricken prison house, the wasted form is resting from its sore conflict in the blessed hope of a joyful resurrection, but those consecrated acts of his useful life remain with us, to spread their beneficent influence through successive generations. * * * We may say, without the fear of contradiction, that the whole present generation of the citizens of North Carolina owe to the memory of Dr. Caldwell gratitude as well as admiration; and that we are indebted to his agency,


Illustration

        W M. HOOPER.

        JAMES PHILLIPS.

        ELISHA MITCHELL.

        SHEPHERD K. KOLLOCH.

        CHARLES W. HARRIS.

        (Said to resemble his uncle,
Charles W. Harris.)


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directly or indirectly, more than to any one individual, for the very remarkable change that has taken place in the moral and intellectual character of our State within the last forty years. I speak not only of the fruits of his labors, as a faithful instructor and ripe scholar; I speak of the whole moral influence of his life and labors--as a Christian minister, an enlightened and active patriot, as one who conscientiously fulfilled all the duties binding him as a man and a Christian; I claim to write upon his tomb the proud and safe defiance--'Ubi lapsus?' "

        An honor appropriate to the career of the first President was resolved on, the erection of a building near the east of the South building, corresponding to Gerrard Hall, to be known as Caldwell Hall, and to be used as a laboratory, library and lecture room. Waite, the Superintendent, was instructed to take measures for its construction, but his management of the finishing of Gerrard Hall and of the repairs of other buildings was so extravagant and unbusinesslike that further action was suspended, as it proved, indefinitely. For twenty years afterward the honor to Caldwell was talked of, but never executed. The marble shaft of 1847 was thought to be sufficient.

SUMMARY OF CALDWELL'S FACULTY.

        The changes in the Faculty during President Caldwell's second term, not already mentioned, may be seen in the following summary:

        The President himself in 1816 changed from Mathematics to Moral Philosophy. In 1834 he added Astronomy to his title. Elisha Mitchell was in charge of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy (Physics), from 1817 to 1826, when he took the chair of Chemistry, Mineralogy and Geology and held it for the remainder of his life.

        Denison Olmsted was in 1817 Professor of Chemistry and Mineralogy. In 1825, in consequence doubtless of having been chosen Director of the State Geological Survey, he added Geology to his title. He resigned the same year.

        Ethan Allen Andrews was Professor of Languages from 1822 to 1826 when his title was changed to Professor of


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Ancient Languages, which continued until his resignation in 1828.

        Walker Anderson, elected Adjunct Professor in order to aid President Caldwell, was a native of Petersburg, Virginia, born July 11, 1801. His parents were Daniel Anderson, a merchant, and Mary R. Cameron, a sister of Judge Duncan Cameron, of North Carolina. Graduating with highest honor at this University in 1819 he studied law under his uncle, Judge Cameron. Having on his 21st birthday married Phebe R. Hawks, sister of Rev. Dr. Francis L. Hawks, he was induced to become the principal of a boarding school for females in Hillsboro. He was called from this position to the University, at first as Professor of Rhetoric and Logic, and then as Adjunct Professor of Natural Philosophy and Astronomy.

        Resigning his chair in 1836 he emigrated at once to the Territory of Florida and engaged in milling and mercantile business. Failing in these he entered on the practice of law, and soon won eminence therein. Florida was admitted into the Union as a state in 1846 and in 1851 the Legislature organized her Supreme Court. Mr. Anderson was the first Chief Justice. He resigned in 1853 and died in Pensacola January, 1857. He had fourteen children, of whom three are living.

        Judge Anderson was a man of loftiest and purest character, of most winning manners, of fine literary taste, and possessed of an easy, flowing style. He was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church.

        William Hooper was Professor of Languages from 1817 to 1822, when he resigned for his work as Episcopal minister. He returned in 1825 and was for three years in charge of Rhetoric and Logic. In 1828 he succeeded Andrews in Ancient Languages and held that place until 1837 when he left finally the service of the University.

        Shepard K. Kollock was the first Professor of Rhetoric and Logic, in 1819, and resigned in 1825. This chair was vacant, except for a few months in 1828, but Professor Mitchell voluntarily added the duties to his own, during much of the time.

        James Phillips succeeded Mitchell as Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in 1826 and held that chair


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until his death. He was not elected without opposition. Mr. Ferdinand R. Hassler, an eminent mathematical author, seemed to have been the favorite of President Caldwell, but he probably declined to be a candidate. The claims of Matthias Evans Manly, a tutor, destined to a most honorable career in the profession of law, were pressed, the President admitted his ability, but while not opposing, declined to recommend him, probably on account of his youth, he having graduated only two years before.

        Nicholas Marcellus Hentz was elected Professor of Modern Languages in 1826 and held the place until his resignation in 1833. This chair was established under a resolution offered by Mr. Badger, that a "Professor of Modern Languages, including French, Spanish and as far as possible other living languages of Europe be employed." Treasurer Haywood, Judge Potter and Rev. Dr. McPheeters voted aganst it, probably on economical grounds. Although a majority of the Board were thus liberal at a time when they were borrowing money wherewith to pay the Faculty, they approved unanimously the report of a committee, of which Colonel Polk was Chairman, that it was highly objectionable to pay one Raleigh newspaper $6.00, $1.25, $3.50 and $4.50 for advertisements for which its rival charged only $2.50, 75c, $1.87 1-2 and $2.50, aggregating $15.25 for one and $7.62 1-2 for the other. These sums were the total expenses for advertising for the year. As the newspapers were of opposite politics it is easy to understand Colonel Polk's criticism.

        Mr. Hentz seemed to have had little opposition though the President very much distrusted the employment of foreigners. He urged in a general way on the Board their probably inability to enforce discipline, arising from the impossibility of their understanding the disposition of American youth. Weight of character and personal influence are as much needed as learning. He especially inclined to a Virginian applicant, who signed the pen name, Inconnue, whose real name was Gessner W. Harrison, afterwards a noted educator and author. It is probable, too, that the President distrusted the reliious principles of the foreign born.


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        Mr. Hentz was born in France July 25, 1797, and emigrated to America in 1816. In 1825 he married Caroline Lee, daughter of General John Wright, of Massachusetts. He taught Modern Languages at Northampton in that State, and at Chapel Hill, Covington, Kentucky; Cincinnati; Tuscaloosa, Tuskegee, Alabama; Columbus, Georgia; and Marianna, Florida. At some of these places he was principal of schools. He was an agreeable and accomplished man and a good teacher. He was distinguished as an entomologist, wrote a monograph on the Arachnidae (spiders) which is of high authority. While at Chapel Hill he occupied two small houses on the lot of Kemp P. Battle. On the walls of the upper room of one of these, and in glass cases, were numerous insects impaled on pins, some dead, others lingering, the modern humane method of asphyxiation not being generally used. He is said to have imported for his dwelling the first lightning rod in the village, in consequence of some strange freaks played by the electric fluid during a storm. He died in Florida November 4, 1856.

        His wife, Caroline Lee Hentz, was born in Lancaster, Massachusetts, in 1800. She was beautiful, versatile and accomplished. She wrote a novel, a poem and a play before she was thirteen years old. Like her husband she painted elegantly in water colors. A tragedy by her, called "Lamona," was published. Her novels were much admired when published, but are now not read. Among them are Lovell's Folly, Rana, The Planter's Northern Bride, Linda. In Lovell's Folly she portrayed some inhabitants of Chapel Hill, among them "Doctor November," then the carriage driver of the President, and Venus, his wife. Mrs. Hentz preceded her husband in death by a few months.

        While at the University this admirable couple met with a heart-rending tragedy. A sprightly son of three or four years old, with his father's name, fell from a chair and was instantly killed by the fracture of a bone in the neck. He was buried in the garden of Dr. Mitchell's residence, now Professor Gore's.

        Rev. Cornelius P. Vermuele was Professor of Ancient Languages for a few months in 1830 during the absence of Professor Hooper on account of sickness. The tutors were:


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John Motley Morehead and Priestly Hinton Mangum for 1817; Robert Rufus King and William Dunn Moseley for 1817-18; Hamilton Chamberlaine Jones and Simon Peter Jordan for 1818-19; S. P. Jordan and R. R. Kng for 1819-20; S. P. Jordan and James Hervey Otey for 1820-21; Joseph H. Saunders and Anderson Mitchell for 1821-23; J. H. Saunders and George Shonnard Bettner for 1823-24; J. H. Saunders, G. S. Bettner and Elisha Young for 1824-25; G. S. Bettner, Matthias Evans Manly and Edward Dromgoole Sims for 1825-26; E. D. Sims, John Jenkins Wyche and Oliver Wolcott Treadwell for 1826-27; Silas Milton Andrews, J. J. Wyche and O. W. Treadwell for 1827-28; Lorenzo Lea and O. W. Thompson for 1828-29; Thompson Bird for 1829-30; Henry Grantham Smith and John Allen Blackhouse for 1830-31; H. G. Smith, John DeBerniere Hooper and Jacob Thompson for 1831-32; J. DeB. Hooper, J. Thompson and Giles Mebane for 1832-33; Jas. Hogg Norwood, Thomas Lapsley Armstrong and Wm. Nelson Mebane for 1833-34. Thomas Burgess Haywood held the position for awhile in this year. Samuel Richardson Blake, William Pugh Bond and Harrison Wall Covington were the Tutors for 1834-'35. In 1828 a Tutorship was offered to James D. Johnston, the able teacher of Oxford, but was declined, although a salary of $800 was annexed. David McAllister, Wm. Henry Owen, and Abraham Forrest Morehead taught in 1835. In January, 1835, Owen tendered his resignation, and David Francis Bacon of Connecticut was chosen in his place. On his declination, Owen was induced to remain. A. Burgevin was two years Professor of Modern Languages.

MITCHELL CHAIRMAN OF FACULTY.

        After the death of Caldwell to the arrival of President Swain, Dr. Elisha Mitchell continued to be the Acting President. It has been stated that Dr. Wm. Hooper desired the office. Of this there is no evidence, but the tradition that he was in favor of the continuance of Dr. Mitchell, is probably true.

GRADUATES 1835.

        The highest honor man of the class of 1835 was Haywood William Guion, who spoke the Salutatory. The next to him, declared equal, were Augustus J. Foster and Wm. Peter Webb.


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They drew lots for the Valedictory, and Foster won it. Honorary orations were assigned to Samuel H. Ruffin, James Hill Hutchins, Wm. Alexander Rose, Henry Lee Graves and James Campbell Smith.

        Guion became a leader at the bar, an efficient President of the Wilmington, Charlotte and Rutherfordton, now Carolina Central, Railroad Company, and author of a scientific work, called the Comet; Foster was a farmer and a most efficient Justice of the Peace, unable to engage in active pursuits by reason of being a victim of rheumatism. Wm. P. Webb was a Judge in Alabama. Of those not gaining honors, C. C. Battle was a lawyer, Private Secretary to Governor Dudley, and a volunteer in the Mexican War. Richard B. Creecy is a useful and honored editor and lawyer and author of many monographs illustrative of the history of our State, now (1895) the oldest living graduate of this University. One matriculate, Colonel Clarke M. Avery, was killed in battle.

        Of those not graduates, Johnston Blakeley Jones of Chapel Hill and Charlotte, was a physician of skill and genius, and John Archibald Bingham was a preacher and teacher in the noted Bingham School, his brother William J. being Principal.

        The chief feature of the occasion was the eloquent eulogy, already mentioned, on the character of the late President Caldwell by Professor Walker Anderson.

        A meeting of the Institute of Education was held, but the proceedings were not recorded, except that Professor Mitchell gave a talk on Agriculture.

        Thomas S. Ashe, a recent graduate, afterwards Judge of the Supreme Court of the State, was elected Tutor, but declined. It was stated that he was in all respects an excellent student.

        The Commencement of 1835 under the management of Professor Mitchell, Chairman, was the first after the death of Dr. Caldwell. The Trustees ratified all the acts of the Executive Committee, including the resolutions about the late venerated President. The students, with the happy buoyancy of youth, had begun to make preparations for the usual ball, but the Faculty thought it would be heartless and unbecoming. Both sides appealed to the Trustees, who sustained the Faculty.


Illustration

        D. L. Swain


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Messrs. Perrin Busbee and Green M. Cuthbert managed the case for the students, doubtless with ability, for they were men of superior talent. Their letter to Governor Swain, asking him to be an honorary Ball Manager, "in order to give dignity and stability to the occasion," and his letter of refusal, were deemed of sufficient importance to be spread on the Minutes of the Committee.

        The Committee, while deeming this contemplated violation of funeral etiquette to be under their cognizance, administered a mild rebuke to the Acting President Mitchell for summoning them to adjudicate some cases of discipline. They refused to consider them, alleging that they belonged to the jurisdiction of the Faculty.

        At the same time quite a sharp implied rebuke was administered to some members of the Faculty by a resolution that, whenever one should be absent without leave a pro rata deduction should be made from his salary. Possibly the offender was Tutor Bacon, as he was shortly afterwards legislated out of office, $150 being paid him for compensation for the remainder of his year.

        This was a very notable meeting, because held on the 20th of June, 1835, when the important State Constitutional Convention of that year was sitting in the Presbyterian Church at Raleigh. There were twenty-nine Trustees present--very eminent men. They took steps to secure worthy candidates for the office of President by recommending the Executive Committee to "open correspondence with distinguished literary men, and in other ways," the election to be at the next annual meeting. The President's salary was fixed at $2,000 per annum and the use of a dwelling.

ELECTION OF SWAIN.

        On the 5th of December, 1835, David Lowrie Swain, on the nomination of Duncan Cameron, was elected by ballot President of the University. It is not stated that the vote was unanimous, but, as there was no other nominee, his majority must have been large, as tradition so states. He was fond of mentioning that, while he desired the place, he was unwilling


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to have it without the support of the strong men of the Board. He therefore consulted Judge Frederick Nash and asked him to confer with ex-Judge Duncan Cameron, and he would be guided by their opinion. The latter was enthusiastic in his favor, the former acquiesced, and the Trustees generally approved.

        He was elected on account of having been by his talents and winning manners, a wise, energetic, successful administrator in the high public offices to which he had been elected. Born on the 4th of January, 1801, he was well taught by the skilled Rev. George Newton of Asheville, in the classics and mathematics. He entered Sophomore Class of the University of North Carolina in 1822, but, on account of the bad health of his father and straitened means, in a few months he left the institution for the study of law under Chief Justice John Louis Taylor at Raleigh. He began practice in 1822 at Asheville, with immediate success. He served in the House of Commons 1824 to 1829, when he was chosen to be Solicitor of the Edenton Circuit, and was transferred the next year to the Superior Court bench. The General Assembly, on the 1st of January, 1832, inaugurated him Governor. By successive elections he continued in that high office for three years. After leaving the executive chair, he was an active member of the Constitutional Convention of 1835. In all these positions he studied with care and decided intelligently the questions which came before him. In our State history he was peculiarly learned, and in that of the United States, well versed.

        Although Professor Wm. Hooper sneeringly said, "the people of North Carolina have given Governor Swain all the offices they have to bestow and now have sent him to the University to be educated," he was by no means an illiterate man. Governor Perry of South Carolina in his book of Reminiscences, states that he was the best scholar at the classical school of Mr. Newton, and was proficient in Homer and other ancient authors. He was known to quote lines from the Iliad after his coming to Chapel Hill. He had a tenacious memory, was well acquainted with the genealogies of the leading families of the State, and excelled as a popular speaker. His person was


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very imposing, over six feet high, but so ungainly that numberless witticisms were perpetrated on its deviation from the standards of manly beauty. An old Whig, boasting of the triumph of his party in a debate in the Legislature, said: "The Democrats were beating us until old 'Warping Bars' from beyond the mountains thrashed them out." But notwithstanding this defect, his genial temper, ready wit, his kindliness, his gift of speech, made him a favorite in all companies, while his industry in preparation on the questions under debate and skill in arranging his argument made him a formidable antagonist. I add that in a long life his integrity was never impeached, and that he was prudent in the management of his private affairs. His great popularity in the State was a manifest gain to the University.

        The new President was of a goodly lineage. His father, George Swain, was of sturdy New England stock. Emigrating to Georgia, he was soon a member of the State Legislature and of the Constitutional Convention. For the sake of his health, he removed to a small farm near Asheville. Here he planted fruit trees, some varieties imported from New England, raised the crops usual in his region, and carried on the trade of a hatter. For years he was also Postmaster of Asheville. Like New Englanders generally, he highly valued education, and gave his children the best available opportunities.

        Governor Swain's mother was of a prominent North Carolina family, said to have been connected with Governor Ralph Lane, who led a colony to Roanoke Island. Her name was Caroline Lane, the widow of a good man, named Lowrie. She was a sister of Colonel Joel Lane, long State Senator from Wake, who sold the site of the seat of Government. Another brother was Jesse Lane, whose son, Joseph, was a General in the Mexican War, a Senator from Oregon, and a candidate for the Vice-Presidency on the Breckenridge ticket.

        It was intended by the Trustees that the new President should occupy the dwelling on the west side of the Campus on Cameron Avenue, originally built for its chief officer. But President Swain disliked to dispossess Professor Mitchell of his home, and his wife did not approve the dwelling last occupied


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by Dr. Caldwell, because inconvenient for young children. That next to the Episcopal Church on the east was preferred, and was the executive mansion until 1848.

        There was much speculation as to whether the high standing and personal popularity of President Swain would bring new students. In his favor was the relief of the University from severe financial strain; against him was the panic of 1837 and the depression of many following years. As late as 1845 cotton, the chief Southern money crop, brought only five cents a pound. Remembering this, we conclude that his administration had a very successful beginning. There were only 89 matriculates in 1835, entering in the fall before his election. In 1837 there were 142; in 1838, 164; in 1839, 160; in 1840, 169; 1841, 167.

        The Faculty starting with President Swain were Elisha Mitchell, Professor of Chemistry, Geology and Mineralogy; Wm. Hooper, of Ancient Languages; James Phillips, of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy; Walker Anderson, of Rhetoric and Logic; A. Burgevin, of Modern Languages. The Tutors were Wm. H. Owen, of Ancient Languages, and David McAllister, of Mathematics.

        Some friction arose between Dr. Mitchell and the new President because of a criticism by the latter as to the deficiency of class work done by the Department of Chemistry and Geology. The sensitive Doctor showed that by adding his conducting of prayers and preaching of sermons, and his duties as bursar, to his lecture work, he was not behind any other professor. The ruffled tempers were soon appeased, and his relations with his chief were henceforth harmonious.

CLASS OF 1836.

        The village of Chapel Hill being of sparse population, and circuses, theatres and such like entertainments being excluded, Commencements were important occasions. The number of equipages and visitors was surprising. The day was the first Thursday in June, selected so as not to conflict with the courts of the neighboring counties. On Monday night of 1836 there were declamations by members of the Freshman class, namely,


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Wm. R. Walker, Gaston H. Wilder, Wm. F. Brown, Dennis D. Ferebee, James H. Headen, Duncan K. McRae, and Thomas D. Meares.

        On Tuesday night the declaimers were Augustus Benners, James Sidney Smith, George Davis, J. W. Evans, John O. L. Goggin, J. J. Jackson, and James Somerville of South Carolina.

        Of these, Brown, McRae, Smith, Benners and Goggin did not remain for graduation. Smith was a lawyer and Assemblyman with reputation as a speaker. Two of this year's matriculates, Lucius J. Johnson, Major, and Oliver H. Prince, Captain, lost their lives in the Civil War.

        On Wednesday the orator chosen by the Philanthropic Society, Henry L. Pinckney, a Representative in Congress from South Carolina, was to deliver an address, but was unable to be present, on account of sickness. He forwarded a copy of it to the Society, and at their request it was read by the President. The newspaper correspondent reported that he "performed this duty to the entire satisfaction of all and gave promise of making an able and popular President."

        In assigning the honors of Commencement day to the members of the Senior class, it was resolved, 1st, that only two separate distinctions be awarded to the two best scholars; the remainder to be divided into two orders, to one of which honorary, called Popular, orations to be assigned, the other to be required to prepare "Forensics."

        To Wm. B. Rodman was assigned the Latin Salutatory, the highest honor. To Lawrence W. Scott, the Valedictory in English. To James E. Crichton, Ralph H. Graves, Wm. W. Hooper, Thomas Jones, Frederick N. McWilliams, and Charles L. Pettigrew, "Popular Orations."

        To the remainder were assigned what were called Forensics.

        Speeches at Commencement were by all the Seniors. The subjects are of interest as showing what young men were thinking about in the closing years of Andrew Jackson's administration.

        The Salutatory in Latin, Wm. B. Rodman. History, Ralph H. Graves. The Influence of Fame on Genius, Fred N. McWilliams. The Influence of Catholicism on Free Institutions,


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James E. Crichton. Shall the Indians be Trained to be Free Citizens or Made Slaves? debate, Thomas Gholson, Thos. S. Jacocks. Should Universal Education be Enforced?, James Saunders. Should Texas be Annexed to the United States? Debate, Benj. I. Howze, Wm. L. Stamps. Should the United States Recognize Texas? Debate, James E. Hamlet, Henry K. Nash. The Indians of North America, Thomas Jones. The Inequality of Genius, Wm. W. Hooper. Should Education be Compulsory?, Charles L. Pettigrew. Should England and France Restore Poland? Debate, Robert G. McCutchen, Thomas Stamps. Is the Salic Law Just and Wise? Debate, John A. Downey, John G. Tull. Valedictory, Lawrence W. Scott.

        Although there was a recess for dinner, this formidable programme illustrates the superior patience of our fathers and grandfathers.

        Of the honor men, Rodman was one of the ablest lawyers of the State, and reached a seat on the Supreme Court bench. He was also a Colonel and member of the Convention of 1868; Scott was a lawyer and also a physician; Crichton was a physician, Graves a Tutor of Mathematics at the University and then Principal of a classical school of very high standing and co-Principal of the Horner School, father of the late very able Professor of the same name; Hooper was a physician, who died early; Jones was a minister of the Gospel; Pettigrew, brother of General J. J. Pettigrew, a successful planter and of wide influence. Of those without honors, Henry Kollock Nash was a member of the Legislature, Presidential Elector for Scott and Graham, and of high rank as a lawyer and orator.

        Of the matriculates with the class not graduating were Andrew Jackson Donaldson, nephew and Private Secretary to President Jackson, Minister to Prussia and Germany, and candidate for the Vice-Presidency with Fillmore; and William H. Polk, brother of President Polk, Chargé d'Affaires at Naples.

        Professor Mitchell and Rev. Dr. McPheeters were appointed a committee to examine the curricula of the leading colleges of the United States and report as to what advance should be


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made in order to assimilate the University of North Carolina to them. They found that there was substantially little difference in the terms of admission, and no change was then made.

        Among other events of this year, a Civil Engineer, W. D. Riddick, was employed to investigate the sandstone formation east of the village to ascertain if a quarry of building stone could be secured. Material for the steps and window-sills was obtained at two places, as is shown by the sunken pits, but has not proved to be durable. The first Caldwell monument is from this rock. As only $13 was paid the engineer, the examination could not have been extensive.

        Professor Mitchell, while on one of his annual visits to his old home, was instructed to examine the cabinet of minerals belonging to Dr. J. H. Griscom. The good doctor, evidently a Quaker, wrote from Philadelphia in December, 1835, with an artlessness not expected of those living north of Mason and Dixon's line, that his price was $1,500, but if he could not get that he would take $1,250, and if a sale could not be effected by the spring he would take even less. Professor Mitchell was not much impressed, stating that he believed better results could be obtained by purchasing of M. Moldenhauer of Heidelburg, Germany. He adds: "Baron Laderer, the Austrian Consul, has one that he holds at $4,000. He has paid more for single specimens than Dr. Caldwell did for the whole cabinet he purchased for the Trustees." As it is stated elsewhere that Caldwell paid only fifteen dollars, the Baron must not have had very costly stones.

        While on this journey, Professor Mitchell went out of the way to inspect Northern colleges, in order to inform the Trustees of our deficiences--Yale, "the Methodist College in Middletown," now Wesleyan, Washington College at Hartford, Brown University at Amherst. He was furnished with letters of introduction at Harvard and Princeton, but "was so little gratified by what he had already seen that he neglected to use them." He advised that instruments purchased should be those useful for illustration before a class, and gave a gentle criticism of Dr. Caldwell's purchases in Europe, the Astronomical Clock, the Altitude and Azimuth instrument, and the Transit, "all


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good and necessary in an Observatory," but consumed a large part of the funds. Two thousand dollars are needed for the department of Natural Philosophy.

        While the appropriations for Chemistry were once liberal, there was then needed $1,000 additional to meet its wants, including Apparatus for Electro-Magnetism and the Polarization of Light.

        He stated that the University had a Professorship of Modern Languages, but the only books owned were a broken copy of Voltaire's works and some old books illustrating the controversies between the Catholics and Protestants, the gift of Senator Gautier of Bladen County. We had nothing in Italian, Spanish or Portugese. Books are continually published in the different departments of science and learning which the Professors must have and without which the library can not be respectable. It is remarkable that the Professor in enumerating the modern languages in which our deficiency was apparent, omitted altogether German. He seemed to think we needed instruction only in Latin tongues.

        For all these needs, $8,000 or $10,000 should be expended. If a larger telescope should be desired, $1,200 or $1,500 must be added. One at $1,200 had just been received at Middletown from Leubours of Paris, and Princeton was expecting one more costly from the shop of Fraunhofer.

        The Professor then takes up the question of cheap board for poor students. The usual plan has been the establishment of Commons with dearer and cheaper tables, of which the boarder can take his choice. This is liable to great objections. We are brought into collision with the most capricious and unmanageable part of the student's system--his stomach. All of them lead an inactive life, and therefore have not the ravening appetite they have at home after a day's work or hunting. The Steward's Hall is a common source of vexation and disturbance at all colleges. It is suggested that students earnestly desirous of an education, "willing to live on very plain food and make out their dinner on Greek roots and Conic sections," shall have a house where they can manage for themselves. The Professor hopes, with the approval of the Trustees,


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with the funds accruing from the tuition money, to provide such an establishment.

        Dr. Mitchell was, when this letter was written, temporary President, and his recommendations were made as such. It does not appear that he carried into effect his plan of helping poor students to cheap board, but in recent years it has been adopted with great success. The Steward's Hall was rented to persons willing to charge reasonable rates to students, but the latter were not compelled to patronize its tables. Among those who entered into the obligations were John B. Tenny, Mrs. McCauley, widow of Wm. McCauley, Mrs. Caroline Scott, widow of John Scott, who removed from Hillsboro to Texas and died soon afterwards, and Miss Sally Mallett. In 1847 the wings were given to President Swain to be used in erecting a servants' house, and the main structure was sold.

        The building designed for public exercises, Gerrard Hall, was finished in 1837. As most of the exercises during the year were of a sacred character, it was known as the New Chapel. Person Hall, or the Old Chapel, was soon given up to lectures, divided into four rooms for this purpose. The chief carpenter and manager was Thomas Waitt, a man of force but careless in his financial dealings; extravagant, but not chargeable with dishonesty. He was succeeded by Kendal Waitt, probably his son, who was for many years the carpenter, locksmith and plumber for the institution. They were from New England.

        In this year the vacations were enlarged to six weeks in summer and the same in winter.

        An entry in the Treasurer's book of 1836 brings to mind that the astutest of men could be caught by the fallacious hopes of what are now called "boom towns." Peter Brown was a hardheaded, closefisted lawyer, a native of Scotland, who accumulated a fortune of $200,000. A town was laid out at the junction of the Cape Fear and Haw Rivers, which it was expected to be connected with the ocean by slackwater navigation and to become a prosperous commercial city. It was named after the State Treasurer, John Haywood, and aspired to be the capital of the State and the site of the University.


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Many leading citizens hoped to share in the golden harvest by buying lots, among them the sagacious Peter Brown. When he turned his real estate into money in order that his Scottish nephew might obtain the fund under his will, his Haywood investment escaped his memory, and the University, by escheat, obtained $25, not for each front foot, but for the whole acre.

        One ---- Seabrook was appointed Tutor of Modern Languages at $600 per year. The Faculty books show that he did not accept the offer, but for several months, February to May, 1836, A. Burgevin was numbered among the Professors, his chair being that of Modern Languages. Of him we know nothing.

        After paying off pressing debts, the Trustees bought from the State 100 of the five per cent certificates of $1,000, each bearing five per cent interest, issued under an Act passed in 1835, "to provide for paying for the Shares reserved to the State in the Capital Stock of the Bank of the State of North Carolina." In 1837 the certificates were surrendered in exchange for one thousand shares of stock in the bank. As the bank paid an average of eight per cent dividends, the $8,000 annually thence derived, together with the tuition money, occasional escheats and interest on money loaned, constituted the income of the University until the ruin of the Civil War.

GRADUATES OF 1837.

        The Commencement of 1837 was held in Gerrard Hall. The newspaper of the day, the Raleigh Register, describes it as a "commodious building, with large galleries, just completed with becoming taste and good style." The reporter became enthusiastic and poetical in depicting the occasion. "It is the first young budding of fame to a Collegian, to see an ocean of bonnets and ribbons, and the banks of snow gauze waving and rustling at his appearance, as if the gentle south had breathed on a wheat field; but it is the full bloom of popularity, if, when he retires, he shall see the ocean toss with emotion that rolls beneath its surface."

        On Monday night came the Freshmen declaimers, generally called Competitors, Tod R. Caldwell, John W. Cameron, Wm.


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H. Henderson, John A. Lillington, Duncan Sellers, Albert Shipp and Wm. M. Shipp. The Sophomore Competitors were George Davis, Joseph W. Evans, James Summerville, Wm. R. Walker, Dennis D. Ferebee, James H. Headen, Walter A. Huske. All graduated in regular course.

        The address before the Literary Societies was by Hon. Robert Strange, a Senator of the United States, who had been a Judge of the Superior Courts. He was a polished speaker, a graduate of Hampden-Sidney College, especially successful as a criminal lawyer, when appearing for the defence.

        The Representatives chosen by the Dialectic Society were Benjamin M. Hobson, Joseph John Jackson, Thomas D. Meares, and by the Philanthropic, James M. Burke, Hazell W. Burgwyn, and William S. Pettigrew. William J. Long was added by the Faculty.

        In those days there was no prize to the winner and no adjudication by a committee or by the audience, as to the merits of the speakers, but the best always learned from his friends the good news of his triumph. All these became graduates except Burke, who died three years afterwards.

        The honors in the Senior class were awarded, the highest to Wm. Waightstill Avery, who spoke the Valedictory, and the next to James G. Womack, with the Latin Salutatory. Honorary orations were next assigned to the following, whose rank was in the order of their names. Augustus Benners, on The Importance of Southern Literature. Perrin H. Busbee, on The Causes which have retarded Political Economy. Peter W. Hairston, Future Prospects of our Country. Leonard H. Taylor, Character of the Aborigines of America.

        Forensic orations, that is, those carrying no honor, were assigned to Alexander Swann, Samuel B. Massey, George Holley, and Kemp P. Alston. Afterwards Massey, Alston and Holley were excused, and Swann being displeased with the report, refused to stand the examinations and speak.

        The first-honor man, Avery, attained a distinguished position at the bar and was a leader in the Democratic party. He was Speaker of the State Senate and a Senator of the Confederate


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States. He was killed in 1864 while repelling a raid of bushwhackers on Morganton. Womack was a physician in Tennessee. Benners, the next scholar, was a lawyer and member of the Legislature in Alabama. Busbee was an able lawyer, of large practice and Reporter of the Supreme Court. He was cut off in middle life; Hairston was a wealthy planter of much influence; Taylor was a physician of great repute in Granville.

        Some non-graduates of this class were Wm. Barringer of Cabarrus, a Methodist minister, accidentally killed while superintending the building of the Greensboro Female College; Joseph Branch, Attorney-General of Florida; Richard S. Sims, a physician in Virginia. Two matriculates were killed in battle, General Isom Garrett of Alabama and Thomas Ruffin, Colonel, of Goldsboro.

        On the 19th of June of this year there appeared in the Raleigh Register, a bad-tempered attack on the University under the guise of a reply to a circular of the Executive Committee. It was asserted that the Legislature had expended on the institution nearly half a million dollars; that it was cruel to dismiss a student for contracting a debt; that the terms of admission were far below those of Columbia, Yale, Harvard and other institutions; that no certificate of character was required for entrance; that the situation of Chapel Hill was bad, except for health; that visitors had extreme difficulty in being accommodated; that the Faculty are under a moral compulsion to throw open their doors and virtually keep houses of entertainment without charge; that clergymen were excluded from the Board of Trustees, that a majority of the Faculty belonged to one denomination; that religion was not provided for--the South Carolina College in a measure failed because its head was an infidel; that the University of Virginia had Religion engrafted into it by its friends; that there should be a Christian chair; that lampooning the Faculty at Commencement should be stopped; that merriment should not be excited by such expressions as "Old Charley," "Mike," etc., designed to ridicule some peculiarities of Professors; that ladies were the subject of vulgar sarcasm; that there was want of commanding elevation


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of character; that good schools were needed in different parts of the State; that the Chair of Ancient Languages should be divided; that there should be a separate chair of Civil Engineering; that there were five institutions under control of only three denominations; that if the University should not be improved it would be of little value; that there were only 101 students out of 750,000 inhabitants, and only 66 were citizens of the State, whereas Massachusetts had three colleges and 600 students; that of 500 or 600 preachers in the State, only about 20 had collegiate training.

        These criticisms are either petty or untrue. President Swain did not reply.

        In 1837 the ordinance in regard to intoxicating liquors was strengthened by making it a dismissable offence to bring them into the college buildings. The same penalty on one publicly intoxicated was enacted. A committee of the Trustees, of which Wm. Gaston was chairman, reported in favor of making the resolution of the Faculty on this subject a by-law of the institution. Since that time drunkenness, private as well as public, and indeed drinking spirituous liquors of any kind, have been made grave offences. The use of wine was not prohibited under this resolution, but was left to be dealt with under the general laws of the institution, punishment following drinking to excess.

        It is evidence of the conscientious regard for duty to the public shown by the Trustees of this day, that in the petty matter of detail of covering the South Building with tin, it did not occur to them to charge the President solely with its execution. One of the Executive Committee, General Samuel F. Patterson, was associated with President Swain in having the work done.

        A resolution was passed for building two new dormitories, but the project was abandoned. The Societies pressed this or some other structure, urging the necessity for greater accommodation for their libraries and debating halls. An argument was made that rooms should be provided for "frank" students, often called beneficiaries. As the by-law stood, these could not live in the college buildings, unless there were vacant rooms after pay students were accommodated.


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        In pursuit of the ignis fatuus of prohibiting merchant's credit to students, the President was directed to prosecute offenders and to dismiss the students accepting it. The law proved a dead letter. Merchants continued to break it and parents seldom failed to redeem the pledges of their sons. No criminal prosecution was ever instituted.

        All the officials of the University retained their faith in bylaws, regulating the conduct of "the establishment," to use a favorite term of old days. All of them from the beginning were referred to President Swain and Dr. Mitchell, who were to rewrite them and submit them to a revising comimttee, Professor Phillips, Green and Hooper. They had little influence for good. An able student afterwards, Colonel David M. Carter, deliberately attempted by experiment to ascertain how nearly he could come to breaking the law without crossing the line. When summoned before the Faculty, he appeared, bylaws in hand, and ingeniously argued that he had not transgressed them. They have been proved to be useless and have not been reprinted since the re-opening in 1875. So important did the Faculty regard these rules that Governor Morehead and Secretary Manly were requested to explain them to the students in the Chapel, which request was probably complied with.

REV. DR. WM. HOOPER.

        As Prof. William Hooper left the University finally in 1837, a sketch of him is here given. He was born in Hillsboro, August 31, 1792, the son of William Hooper, a merchant, whose father of the same name was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. His mother was Helen, daughter of James Hogg, one of the commissioners who selected the site of the University. His father died when he was a boy, and his mother, as has been said, became the second wife of President Caldwell. He entered the University of North Carolina, obtained his degree of A.B. in 1809 and A.M. in 1812; was Tutor in the University 1810-1817, and Professor of Ancient Languages 1817-22. He studied at Princeton Theological Seminary 1812-13. His mother was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and naturally he followed her footsteps for


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a time. He was made a Deacon in 1819, and ordained Priest in 1822. He resigned his professorship and was Rector of St. John's Church, Fayetteville, 1822-24. In 1825 he rejoined the University, as Professor of Rhetoric and Logic, 1825-28, and then held his old chair of Ancient Languages until 1837.

        In 1831 he became dissatisfied with the doctrines of the Episcopal Church on the subject of regeneration and infant baptism, and joined the Baptist denomination. In 1838-40 he was Theological Professor in Furman Institute in South Carolina; Professor of Roman Literature in the South Carolina College, 1840-46, and President pro tempore; President of Wake Forest College, 1846-49; teacher of a classical school for boys near Littleton, 1849-51; Pastor of the Baptist Church at Newbern, 1852-54; President of the Chowan Female Collegiate Institute, Murfreesboro, 1855-61; teacher in the Female Seminary, Fayetteville, 1861-65, and associate principal, with his son-in-law, Professor John DeBerniere Hooper, of Wilson Collegiate Seminary for Young Ladies, 1866-75, when he removed with his son-in-law to Chapel Hill. He received the honorary degree of Master of Arts (A.M.) from the College of New Jersey, now Princeton University, in 1888; that of Doctor of Divinity from the University of North Carolina in 1857, and that of Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) elsewhere.

        Dr. Hooper married in December, 1814, Fanny P., daughter of Colonel Edward Jones, Solicitor-General of North Carolina. They had seven children; William, a physician; Edward, also a physician; Mary, who married Professor J. DeBerniere Hooper, her second cousin; Joseph Caldwell, a teacher; Elizabeth; Thomas Clark, a lawyer and teacher; and Duponceau, who was mortally wounded at Fredericksburg. The descendants of Dr. Hooper are the only descendants of Wm. Hooper, the signer, his other children having left no issue.

        Dr. Hooper was distinguished for accurate and varied scholarship and literary power. He wrote no book, but many of his sermons and addresses were printed and were widely appreciated for the soundness of their teachings, and their delightfully interesting style. I have given extracts from one--"Fifty Years Since"--delivered at the Commencement of 1859. His


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addresses were usually of a religious or educational character, but occasionally he deviated from this rule. Once he made a severe attack on the code of morals of the legal profession, and was answered with the keenest satire by Judge Edwin G. Reade in what were called the Pickle Rod Papers.

        Though often brimming over with delightful humor, he was sometimes subject to melancholy. Some thought that his accidentally killing in his boyhood a young girl relative left a permanent impression on his mind. It is more likely that impairment of his health, which more than once caused him to change his residence and his pursuits, was the cause of his occasional gloominess of spirit. This did not prevent his being a genial companion, or interfere with his laborious reading, enlightened teaching, or heart-searching sermons.

        On July 4, 1876, Dr. Hooper, by invitation, attended the celebration at Philadelphia of the Declaration of Independence. He died on the 19th of the next month and, at his request, was buried by the side of his mother at the base of the Caldwell monument.

        At the Commencement of 1838, Charles Manly delivered the address before the Alumni; an earnest plea for pride in the University. The annual address was by Wm. B. Shepard, an accomplished lawyer and member of Congress, who ably proved the value of the classics as a liberal education. His accepting this trust shows that he had forgiven his dismissal for injecting politics into his Senior speech of 1816.

        In preparing for this Commencement, the Faculty disclaimed all right to control the expression in the speeches of political opinion, not in violation of good taste. This resolution was, after some years, repealed, because such expressions were offensive to part of the audience.

        The Freshmen Declaimers were C. C. Graham, V. A. McBee, Wm. J. Clarke, F. M. Pearson, J. J. Norcott, A. O. Harrison, T. H. Scott, and Samuel Hall.

        Those from the Sophomore class were J. H. Headen, W. H. McLeod, W. A. Huske, J. A. Lillington, F. H. Hawks, A. H. Caldwell, Thomas D. Meares, and Wm. Thompson. All of the Declaimers became graduates except Norcott and Hall. The


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latter became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia; and Caldwell, prominent at the bar and of weight in the Legislature. Meares a very forcible speaker in the Convention of 1861 and in the Legislature.

        The Society representatives were Wm. Marcellus McPheeters, who spoke on the Disadvantage of Early Entrance into Political Life.

        Isaac N. Tillett on the Pernicious Influence of Great Talents without Moral Integrity.

        John W. Cameron, on Party Spirit.

        Jarvis Buxton, on National Pride.

        John N. Barksdale and Dennis D. Ferebee debated the great question whether there should be Liberal or Strict Construction of the Constitution.

        Barksdale, Cameron and McPheeters were of the Dialectic Society, the others of the Philanthropic.

        In awarding the distinctions in the Senior class of 19 members, Green M. Cuthbert and George R. Davis were pronounced first and equal. The second rank was assigned to Joseph Washington Evans, James Summerville, Albert Gallatin Hubbard, and William Richmond Walker; the third to Joseph John Jackson.

        A special distinction was given Benjamin Mosely Hobson for proficiency in Composition. On drawing lots, Davis drew what was recently made the prize, the Valedictory, leaving the Latin Salutatory to Cuthbert. The others had original speeches in English on various subjects. The Commencement was pronounced to be brilliant. The addresses were said to show "manliness of thought, a propriety of diction in the composition, indicating much strength of mind and high intellectual culture."

        We have the rest of the scheme of the exercises. After prayer and Cuthbert's Latin Salutatory, J. W. Evans spoke on the Importance of Exclusive Application to Collegiate Studies; James Summerville on the Influence of Steam Navigation on our Relations with Europe; W. R. Walker on the Adaptation of the United States to the Advancement of Literature; H. W. Burgwin, on the Pernicious Influence of Unprincipled


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Politicians; N. W. Herring on the causes of the Present Prosperous Condition of our Country; and Colin Shaw and Wilson W. Whitaker debated whether the Oregon Territory should be colonized by the United States.

        Then was the adjournment for dinner. On reassembling, A. G. Hubbard spoke on the Causes which have retarded American Literature; J. J. Jackson on the Influence of the American Congress on the Eloquence of the Country; K. H. Lewis on the Nature and Tendency of Executive Power; Wm. J. Long, on the Propriety of Educating Southern Youth at Southern Institutions; Benj. M. Hobson, on the Mutual Relations and Interests of Virginia and North Carolina; Gaston H. Wilder on the Spirit of the American Government. The Valedictory by George Davis followed, then the Report on the public Examination, then the Degrees were conferred, and lastly the Benediction.

        Of the first-honor men, one was especially distinguished in after life, George Davis. The middle letter of his name, R., inserted from boyish fancy, was dropped after he left the University, this action possibly hastened by his fellow-students insisting that it stood for Rascal. He became eminent for eloquence, legal ability, and loftiness of character, reaching the dignity of Attorney-General of the Confederate States, and refusing a seat on the State Supreme Court bench. Cuthbert, his rival, was a lawyer in Newbern, of good style as a writer, much sought after as the orator on anniversary occasions, of fine promise as an adviser in law, but cut off in early manhood by pulmonary consumption. Many of his kin were excited by his example to seek higher education and in teaching and other vocations exerted broad influences for good.

        Of those who attained second and third honors, Hubbird (or Hubbard) and Jackson were prominent lawyers and Representatives in the Legislature.

        Of those receiving no honors, John J. Roberts became an Episcopal minister, Professor of French in this University, after qualifying himself in France, and Principal of High Schools for Females in New York and Massachusetts; McCauley, a grandson of one of the donors of the University site, was


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a Captain in the Confederate army and Senator from Union. Wilder was Senator from Wake and Receiver of confiscated property under the Confederacy.

        Of the non-graduates, Joseph B. Cherry was a member of the Legislature. Four matriculates, Gen. L. O'B. Branch, Sergeant Thomas H. Lane, Colonel Gaston Meares and Private George M. Ruffin, were killed in the Civil War.

        The critical correspondent of the year before, "C," continued his fault-finding, though in a lesser degree. There were instances of lampooning the Faculty, he wrote, and of lugging in politics, which the President promised to correct. Bad taste was shown in lauding distinguished men in their presence--better wait until they are dead. The Faculty afterwards prohibited political speeches and all allusions to any officer of the institution.

DR. MITCHELL'S REPORTS.

        Professor Mitchell, who had been appointed Bursar the preceding year, made semi-annual reports of his actings as Bursar. I doubt if any financial officer ever mixed as much humor with his dry figures. I give a specimen. On November 29th, writing to Secretary-Treasurer Manly, then Clerk of the Senate, he says: "I do suppose the business connected with this same Bursarship is of as complicated and vexatious character as is done in North Carolina. There have been paid in this session something more than 1,200 dollars. This I have to pay out, and not a little of it in tens, fives, fours, and thus and so on down to a few cents, and to keep all these matters regular between Trustees, Faculty, Parents, Students, Merchants, Boarding-house Keepers, Washerwomen and niggers, and be able to prove that all is correct at any time, requires that a man be wide awake. A student changes his boarding-house or his washerwoman, and neither party dreams that it can be of any importance to note the time. So I have to investigate the whole matter and make all straight as best I can. I should do better if I had to do with men--knowing what the rules and proprieties of business are, but the Petticoat has the ascendancy at the Hill. My principal customers are women, some 15 in


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number--married women, widow and maid--to say nothing of those that are neither--and such a time as I have!

        "Hoping that you may get plenty of wisdom and enlightenment or of folly and fun during your attendance on the Magnates of the Land (General Assembly), I remain, "Yours, E. MITCHELL."

        Again, he describes the condition of his dwelling. "The fences are in ruins, the piazza in front could hardly be supported by all the props that could be collected. The rain pours through the roof. We are obliged to exercise no little skill in the sleeping apartments to keep dry. The repairs were commenced in 1833, and have been going on slowly ever since." The records show that this dismal condition was at once rectified.

        The Doctor's letters and accounts are in an excellent legible hand, with almost no corrections. They show that he charged himself with the tuition dues of every student, so that non-collections, unless excused by the Faculty, on the ground of poverty, were deducted from his commissions.

        I give another specimen of the Doctor's humorous reports. In November, 1841, he states that he journeyed to Hillsboro to receive the funds forwarded for the payment of the salaries of the Faculty, and "a jolly set of fellows they are. They have folded up their lanthorn jaws and look sleek and greasy like so many monks. With this excellent salve applied to their feelings, they will improve wonderfully and give the boys a mild and gentle examination."

        He had sent on to John Randolph Clay, our Chargé d'Affaires in Vienna, $1,200, and had received the invoice for the cabinet of minerals purchased by him for the University and had effected insurance from Trieste to Petersburg. The Captain stopped at the Ionian Isles for a load of currants, which, he interjects, "are not currants but grapes," and so vitiated the policy. As the University had twice lost goods and their price by want of insurance, he had ordered a new insurance or ratification of the old. He goes on to state that M. Partosch, the Curator of the Emperor's Cabinet, certifies that the collection is


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worth more than 3,000 florins (48 1-2 cents each, or $1,455). "The letter of Mr. Clay has taken a load of at least a ton and a half from my mind."

        He informs Mr. Manly, who, by the by, was not averse to the pleasures of the sideboard, that there are three bottles of Tokay in one of the boxes, so when he comes up he shall be permitted to look at it through the sides of the bottle and smile at it through the cork--the utmost that can be allowed to one supposed to share in the late Temperance movements in Raleigh.

        In thinking of this famous wine he was reminded of the antiquated maiden, who, rehearsing the attractions of her youth, mentioned the lover who


                         Stole her slipper, filled it with Tokay,
                         And drank the little bumper every day.

        When the Doctor could not recall the writer of these lines, it is not perhaps remarkable that his daughters promptly reminded him.

        The Doctor then shows the difficulties he has in regard to collections of tuition money. Although he charged himself with every student, it was impossible to collect from all at once, as they must wait until funds are sent by parents. Why not let him render his account at the end of the term and show what he has collected and in what instance failed. Those being reported as deficient would be stirred to promptness. Students would doubtless acquiesce. The ancient Greeks and Romans when they captured a city first ravished the women and married them afterwards. This acquiescence was doubtless due to the fact that the practice was well understood in international law, as to which he refers to Dr. Swain, in charge of that department, who discusses the matter at large with zeal, interest and feeling. It appears that the Trustees did not change the mode of keeping accounts, but after his death allowances were made sufficient to cover all losses. No instance is known of any student being excluded for not settling his bills.

        The collection of minerals, an exceedingly fine one, arrived in due time, and forms what is known as the Vienna Cabinet of Minerals.


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        Besides collecting and paying out money, Professor Mitchell, whose soul thirsted for all work, as well as all knowledge, had charge of the grounds and repairs of the buildings. As cattle were allowed to run at large, it became necessary to surround the part of the campus on which are the buildings with a permanent fence. The Professor introduced from his native State, Connecticut, the durable walls of stone. Beginning in the year 1838, he exploited every stony hill on University land and hauled their granite treasures over improvised roads. Traces of these roads and broken rocks prized out of their beds, but found too heavy for the wagons, remain to this day. Whenever the University mules became jaded, the Professor substituted his own, and when the great task was finished in 1844, the Trustees paid him liberally. Part of the campus, reaching to the Raleigh road, was designed to cover fifty acres, but Professor Charles Phillips some years afterwards calculated the area to fall half an acre short. The campus, a much larger area, included land, to the east and south of the walls.

        The system of rock walls, as they are called, was extended to most of the Professors' residences and was adopted by many citizens of the village.

        On December 4th of the same year President Swain reported disturbances Saturday and Sunday nights and that two or three students had been dismissed in consequence. A more serious offense was the burning of the old, unoccupied Observatory building heretofore described. The pecuniary loss was small. The President wrote: "This ill-starred building has from the period of its creation been a nuisance rather than a benefit to the institution. The instruments were removed and the house abandoned two years since and on examination, more than a year ago, the walls being found partly dilapidated and the wood work wrotten (rotten), the Faculty advised that it was not considered worth repairing."

        This worthlessness, however, the President contended furnished no excuse to the incendiaries and he asked the instructions of the Executive Committee as to whether the criminal law of the State should be resorted to in order to discover the offenders. He stated that the laws and usages of the University


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afford clear evidence that the institution of a criminal prosecution has not been regarded within the discretion of the Faculty. It is remarkable that it is impossible to discover from the letter whether the sagacious President advises that witnesses shall go before the Grand Jury, or have the terrifying threat, like a dark and lightning laden cloud, to deter from similar offences in the future. Such displays of caution are not uncommon in the President's history. They are in truth part of his policy. He could be abundantly firm when occasion justified.

        There is on record the following letter of Captain Jesse D. Elliott, of the U. S. Ship Constitution, a native of Maryland, who served with distinction in the battle of Lake Erie and in other engagements in the War of 1812. He succeeded Commodore Perry in command of the Erie fleet:

U. S. S. CONSTITUTION,
Norfolk, August 6th, 1838.

To the President and Trustees of the University of North Carolina,
Chapel Hill:

        GENTLEMEN:--During my different excursions in a recent and long cruise, in command of the Mediterranean Squadron, I collected numerous valuable fragments of ancient marble, and other antiquities; among them the accompanying portion of one of the pillars found at Marathon, and erected in commemoration of the memorable defeat of the Persians, together with the top of a Sarcophagus taken from the excavation at Memphis, which I request may be presented to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, through the hands of Sailing Master Wm. P. Muse, who accompanied me in most excursions.

Very respy, Yr. obt. Svt.,

J. D. ELLIOTT.


        On December 11th, 1838, the students of the University, through a Committee composed of Dennis D. Ferebee, Tod R. Caldwell, and Calvin H. Wiley, petitioned for extension of the winter vacation from four to six weeks. They urged:

        1st. That the Colleges of the United States generally have twelve weeks in the year.


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        2nd. Students who reside at a distance must remain at Chapel Hill or else forego "meeting with their friends under the parental roof in the joyous season of Christmas, or merely seeing them and then returning, which is perhaps equally painful."

        3rd. The wearied would have time to become rested and the debilitated to recruit strength sufficient for the summer campaign.

        4th. The Committee believed that no regulation, which may conduce to render College life more pleasant and useful, will meet with the disapprobation of the Trustees.

        The petition was granted after some delay.

THE ABORTIVE DELPHIAN SOCIETY.

        The unsuccessful attempt to establish the Delphian Society deserves special notice.

        The seceders were mainly from the Dialectic, only one member from the Philanthropic Society joining them. The memorial address by them to the Board of Trustees, asking for recognition and the counter memorial state the grounds of the movement.

        The Committee, in strong language, portrayed the bitter sectional feeling between eastern and western students. The members of the Dialectic Society are mainly from the West, those of the other from the East. The moment a new student arrives at the Hill he is seized by the members of one of the two, receives every attention, has every wish gratified, taken to the libraries, introduced to other members, is flattered and cajoled. If this isn't sufficient to secure him, every little inconsistency or rash act of the other society is pressed upon him. He then, during his University course, not only imbibes feelings of aversion to those in his own society not living in his section, but dislike to those of the other society, which are not dissipated because from the arrangement of the dormitories they can not be dissipated or softened by mutual intercourse. These positions are elaborated at length, the argument being directed against compulsory joining either society. Protest is especially made against the right to eject the Delphians from


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the College building on the grounds that the Trustees have assigned the rooms to the members of the old societies. The Committee ask a fair division of rooms, it being gently hinted that otherwise the Delphians will not be present at the next session to make any claims.

        The ties which once bound the Delphians to the other societies, it was alleged, are dissolved now and forever. They have formed a body for mutual improvement in oratory and science, for advantages impossible to be secured in bodies containing as many members as the Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies. It is believed that "the Trustees will hardly condescend to throw aside the dignity of their office for the purpose of taking sides in puerile associations for literary improvement. There are but few, if any, of the members of the old societies, who do not find the duties arduous and fatiguing. From the increase of numbers these duties have become a burden rather than a pleasure. For advantageous improvement fifty are sufficient for any literary body."

        The Delphians seek recognition by the Trustees. They believe they will eventually equal in usefulness to the University the other two societies. The ill-feeling heretofore existing being divided among three bodies will be less harsh and permanent. They ask for one-third of the rooms, agreeing to have the same responsibility for damages as had been promised by the Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies, with the understanding that rooms not occupied by Delphians may be used by members of the other societies, they becoming responsible for damages.

        The memorial is dated November 29th, 1838, and is signed by Thomas D. Meares of Wilmington, a fair student; John A. Maultsby of Columbus, one of the best in his class; and Wm. H. Dudley of Wilmington, not fond of his books, a son of Governor E. B. Dudley. All were influential.

        A committee of the Dialectic Society, all strong men, W. H. Henderson of Kentucky, Isham W. Garrott of Wake County, and John Worthy Cameron of Richmond County, wrote to Secretary Manly, stating that "for private reasons several individuals had lately withdrawn and wholly separated themselves


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from the body, that by the 9th chapter of the last revised code of laws the rooms of College therein appropriated respectively to the two Societies belong exclusively to themselves." The Society desires to know whether this will be adhered to, and if not, whether its guaranty against dilapidation does not cease.

        The Society acted with singular moderation and good temper. Reciting in a preamble that false reports were in circulation that unfairness and injustice had been done the seceders, knowing that in differences of this nature a spirit of conciliation must first come from the majority, it was "Resolved, that if it meets with the wish of the dissenters, our differences be laid before a committee consisting of the following gentlemen: Governor Dudley, Governor Swain, Judge Cameron, Judge Ruffin, Charles Manly, Esq., and the Rev. Wm. McPheeters, for their examination and adjustment, and we agree to abide by their decision."

        A committee, namely J. N. Barksdale, J. W. Cameron and I. W. Garrott, notified the Executive Committee of this action. They stated "that the only ostensible reason for the withdrawing is the existence of certain laws, which have been adopted in our constitution and executed for many years, requiring a regular attendance at prayers and recitations, and others regulating the moral deportment of our members, which were coeval with the very foundation of the Society. If any other causes exist they were not made known at the time of the withdrawal." They add that the Society authorize them to promise that if any one wishes to return, neither his withdrawal nor his obstinacy in rejecting the measures of reconciliation, shall be an obstacle to his readmission.

        It appears that after this communication, a letter was received from Secretary Manly, kind in tone, but suggesting that some of the laws were too stringent, if not tyrannical. This was laid before the Society and an answer adopted, which was reported by a new committee, Wm. F. Brown, I. W. Garrott and W. H. Henderson.

        It is asserted that the laws requiring attention to University duties and regulating morals have met, so far as was known, with the approval of the older members, and especially of Secretary


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Manly, as was expressed in his address at the preceding Commencement. Efforts have been yearly made to repeal these laws by obtaining the votes of the new members, but in vain.

        Some of the present Freshmen who voted for repeal are now advocates of the laws. "If the Society's retaining in its code laws, which tend to make its members regular in their attendance on prayers and recitations, and to suppress drunkenness and vice, be considered tyrannical and oppressive, then the members of the Dialectic Society confess themselves guilty of this charge, but that the majority ever exercised any tyranny or oppression over the minority, the committee do most positively deny." Only about one-half of the minority seceded, the others are staunch members of the Society. Does not this show that the charge is imaginary. It is obvious that it is to the interest of the Society that the seceders should return, and the committee pledge themselves that the return of all, or any, "will be hailed with joy." Efforts have already been made to this end. The proposition of the Society to refer all the questions at issue to arbitrators was returned without answer by the Delphians, because it was addressed to "The Dissenters," instead of the Delphian Society. Another objection was that one member had seceded from the Philanthropic Society and could not be called a dissenter from the Dialectic. A request that the ex-Dialectics should consider the proposal separately was refused.

        The committee profess the highest regard for Secretary Manly and request him to lay their letter before the Trustees. "Let the whole matter be probed to the bottom, and the escutcheon of the Dialectic Society will be found as bright and untarnished as when our predecessors had it in their keeping."

        In December, 1838, the letters from the Dialectic Society and "a committee of students styling themselves the Delphian Society," were referred by the Board of Trustees to a committee consisting of Messrs. Badger, John H. Bryan, and Secretary Manly. In January, 1839, the committee, through Mr. Bryan, reported that it was inexpedient to establish a third literary society. The Board concurred in the report and referred the


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matter to the Executive Committee. On the 10th of the same month these met and were so much impressed with the gravity of the situation that they requested Governor Dudley and Messrs. R. M. Saunders, John H. Bryan, and Charles Manly, a quorum of the committee, to hold a meeting at Chapel Hill "to consider, hear and determine these disputes." This was done. The Delphians were reasonable, and after an eloquent appeal by Secretary Manly, the society was dissolved.

        There is an old saying in substance that the real controlling motive for human action is not that which is publicly given. This is probably true as to the reasons given for the attempted formation of the Delphian Society. About four years ago an eminent physician of St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Wm. Marcellus McPheeters, son of Rev. Dr. Wm. McPheeters, revisited his alma mater, which he left about fifty years before. On his authority, and that of Hon. S. F. Phillips, I give the chief causes of the secession movement. Thomas Davis Meares of Wilmington was a dominant force in the Dialectic Society. He had a ready, forcible and often eloquent style of speaking. He was a prime favorite of his set, mostly city-bred and leaders in balls and social entertainments. While he was of an open, manly nature and manners, and personally entirely free from snobbishness, many of the members thought that his associates formed themselves into a species of caste, claiming social superiority. McPheeters, the son of a Presbyterian minister, the principal of a school for boys of wide reputation, the Raleigh Academy, came to the University city-bred and well taught. Owing to his father's scruples about dancing and similar amusements, he naturally did not become a follower of Meares and was persuaded to be his competitor for the office of Representative at Commencement. Much to his surprise he was elected. The ardent friends of his opponent attributed the result to hostility to him as an eastern man, the sectional feeling on the subject of inequality of Representation in the General Assembly not having died out. They concluded that if so popular a man as Meares is beaten they were bound to be in a hopeless minority.


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        I remember being in the lobby of the State House of Representatives twenty years after this society trouble and being struck with the impassioned earnestness with which the same Thomas D. Meares, then a Representative from Brunswick, accused other sections of being hostile to the lower Cape Fear country and especially Wilmington, because they opposed aid to a railroad projected for its benefit. There could be no doubt of the sincerity of his convictions. He felt strongly and spoke strongly and the aid was granted. The eastern and western feelings which culminated in the Convention of 1835 caused the schism in the Dialectic Society in 1838. In this, as at other times, the University was a little world, containing in miniature the aspirations and passions of the larger community of which it formed a part.

SEPARATE CHAIRS OF GREEK AND LATIN.

        In August, 1838, the Professorship of Ancient Languages was abolished and separate chairs of Greek and Latin were established. The professorship of Modern Languages was changed into the more modest chair of the French Language. Manuel Fetter of New York was chosen to the chair of Greek and John DeBerniere Hooper to that of Latin. Charles Marey was appointed to teach the French Language, to hear seven recitations per week, in addition to giving instructions in Topographical drawing. His salary was $750 per annum. At the same time the Faculty were required to introduce Civil Engineering, upon such plan as they deemed advisable and expedient. This was not carried into effect, the Executive Committee reserving the right to abolish the foregoing improvements if the receipts from tuition money should fall below $7,000 per annum.

        Manuel Fetter was of German descent, born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1809. Noticing his bright parts Rev. Wm. Augustus Muhlenberg, the eminent divine and author, took charge of his education and trained him to an unusual knowledge of the classics, Hebrew, French, and German. It was expected that he would enter the ministry, but after attending school at Flushing, Long Island, and Andover, he embraced the profession of teaching. The testimonials submitted


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to the Board of Trustees were exceptionally strong and he was unanimously elected. He brought with him his young bride, a lady of great vivacity and kindness of heart and fitted to adorn the social life of Chapel Hill.

        For reasons probably personal Professor Marey, who was a Frenchman born, was accorded only the rank of Instructor. He was a man of good accomplishments and handsome physique, but his usefulness was ruined by his fondness for ardent spirits. After serving a year the President heard an uproarious row going on in his recitation room. Hurrying thereto he found the Instructor too drunk to teach, mercilessly guyed by his class. The President sternly said, "Mr. Marey (pronounced Mar-ee), I will take charge of this class. You are relieved, sir." With lofty and drunken gravity, Marey replied, "If you give this order as President of the University, I obey. But if you give it as David L. Swain I demand satisfaction!" On being assured that the action was official, he vacated, speedily left the Hill and soon the news came that he had been killed in a brawl in Charleston, South Carolina.

IRREGULARITIES OF CONDUCT.

        Owing to the resignation of the Clerk, Prof. J. DeBerniere Hooper, coupled with the extreme illness of President Caldwell, and the interruptions caused thereby, there were no further entries of cases of discipline decided by the Faculty until January, 1836. After this there was for awhile a marked diminution of disorder. There was a fight in which a dirk was drawn and another in which a pistol was used only to intimidate the victim from resisting a beating with a stick. There was the running off to Pittsboro of three students under the strong suspicion of intoxication. We read of an egg-nogg frolic in a room in college, for all of which appropriate punishments were meted out, suspensions and pledges for the drinkers, while the man with the pistol was dismissed. With these exceptions all was very quiet until 1838. On the first Saturday night of the session of that year an organization, styling itself "The Ugly Club," with horns and tin pans and lusty lungs and whatever ingenuity can devise to make a noise, including of course the College bell,


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was organized to banish sleep from old and young. Nineteen of them were caught and made to sign the appropriate pledge.

        To illustrate the patience of the Faculty this case is given. J. B. continued to talk audibly in Professor Hooper's recitation room, although pointedly admonished to refrain. He was then requested to leave the room which he refused to do. The Faculty gave him three opportunities to admit his error, kindly reasoning with him on the subject and explaining to him that obstinacy would certainly incur the penalty of dismission. As he continued obstinate a resolution to suspend him was adopted. Here Professor Hooper interceded and the Faculty rescinded the resolution. This could not have happened in the days of Caldwell.

        In the summer of 1838 the proceedings of The Ugly Club were described as particularly disreputable. The members were disguised with lamp black, gave gross insults to sundry citizens of the village, threatened violence to members of the Faculty and "committed trespasses of peculiarly low and disgusting character on private property."

        W. G. was the leader. He promised amendment, but did not keep his promise. He rode a horse through the west building, was repeatedly reproved for disorders in the recitation rooms and irreverence at prayers. He was suspected of various other disorders of an aggravated character and was frequently absent from recitation. He was dismissed, but on the usual pledge and at the request of his class he was retained. In a few months, however, he was dismissed again. It is noticeable that dismissed students were now readmitted without promising to obey the laws in the future.

        A novel case presented itself in this year. At the Senior speaking in November one of the most orderly was found to be intoxicated on the stage. His excuse was that he drank wine in order to declaim with animation and that, being unaccustomed to stimulants, he took too much by mistake. The recently passed law about drunkenness compelled the Faculty to suspend him for two months.

        At a later date a Senior who had nerved himself with "Dutch courage," remarked to a colleague sitting near him, in a seriocomical


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whisper, "if my time doesn't come on shortly, I'm afraid my liquor will die out."

        A number of the Seniors, during the Senior vacation were delinquent in attending prayers. They were called up and informed that further unpunctuality in this regard would forfeit their diplomas.

        The Ugly Club of 1840 seems to have been comparatively mild mannered, as only five participants were haled before the Faculty and duly lectured.

        The behavior in the Chapel, during divine services, was such as might have been expected from compulsory attendance, especially when in the winter there was no fire. We find constant complaints of disorderly conduct. The three clerical members of the Faculty, Mitchell, Phillips and Green, were appointed a special committee to report on the best means of enforcing order on such occasions. Their recommendations are not on record, except that two of the college servants were ordered to attend during divine service. Their potent aid must have been needed to remove the obstacles to decent worship prepared by busy and impious hands the night before. These obstructions were sometimes piles of lumber, sometimes tar on the benches, sometimes a patient bull yearling fastened in the nave, vulgarly called "bull-pen." One recommendation of the committee in regard to order in the Recitation room was adopted, that spitting on the floor should be a misdemeanor. The recommendation that the students should sit in the alphabetical order of their names was laid on the table, but afterwards adopted.

FRUITLESS MOVEMENT FOR A CHAPLAIN.

        In 1836 the Societies petitioned the Trustees for the appointment of a regular Chaplain according to the plan of the University of Virginia. They offered to contribute $200 per annum toward the salary, provided that the Faculty and students would pay $400. The Trustees agreed to this, promising to pay the latter sum out of the University Treasury, a Methodist, Episcopalian, Baptist and Presbyterian to be employed in rotation. President Swain in 1837 applied to the Methodist Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Thos. A. Morris, for the assignment of Rev. E. Wadsworth,


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a very competent man, husband of a sister of Mrs. Swain. Bishop Morris gave a peremptory refusal, stating as his reason that Chapel Hill was small and, apart from the University, presented insufficient prospect of successful labor to justify making it a regular station to be supplied annually; and to supply it for the sake of the University, once in four years, would not probably justify the deduction of time and labor to be made from the regular work of itinerant ministers. Besides, when the next Methodist year comes around there may not be at command such a man as the University would chose for a preacher. President Swain was greatly disappointed at the failure of a scheme which he thought likely to relieve the University from the accusation of being under the influence of two denominations only, Presbyterians and Episcopalians, with the incidental advantage of having his wife's sister a resident of Chapel Hill. It was conjectured by some that Bishop Morris thought that all the energies of his church should be devoted to the upbuilding of Randolph-Macon College.

        The reply of Bishop Morris was regarded as final and the President recommended, with the approval of the Faculty, the election of Rev. Wm. Mercer Green, as Professor of Rhetoric and Logic, with four recitations a week, to be likewise Chaplain. His duties as Chaplain were to preach in the Chapel once a week and to conduct morning prayers throughout the year. Professor Mitchell was to hold evening prayers and of his own motion relieved Mr. Green of one-half of his Sunday morning preaching. The Faculty offered to pay $300 toward the new professor's salary of $1,000, and house rent, but the Trustees refused to accept this liberality. In consideration of being relieved of preaching every alternate Sunday Mr. Green took additional teaching, namely a class in elocution, and coaching the Seniors and Commencement Speakers, besides correcting original speeches and theses.

        Rev. Mr. Green, born in Wlmington, was, when elected, Rector of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Hillsboro. He had held this charge since 1825. He graduated with high honor in 1818 in the class of which President James K. Polk was the leader. He was particularly distinguished for attention to the


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duties of the Dialectic Society. He was ordered Deacon in 1821 and the next year was ordained Priest. His first charge was St. John's Church, Williamsboro, in Granville County. While at Hillsboro he was Superintendent of a Female School of high standing. He was a man of great industry, the kindliest temper and manners, of fervent piety and faithfulness to every duty. He entered on his labors in 1838.

        At the same time a salary of $100 a year was voted the Librarian of the University, Tutor Wm. H. Owen. This was done as it was in contemplation to increase the Library, but though $3,000 was placed at the disposal of the President, and subsequently $1,000 per annum, the appropriation was not expended. I note, however, that $22 was paid for binding eleven volumes of a Greek Lexicon.

        In 1839 it was determined to improve the Campus. Three thousand dollars were voted for the purpose. The money, however, could not have been spent, as no material changes were made. The Societies, by petition, pressed for new halls, offering to pay one-third of the cost.

        THE COMMENCEMENT OF 1839 was on June 27th and was distinguished by the presence of all the ex-Governors of the State, but one. Those present must have been John Branch, James Iredell, John Owen, David L. Swain and Richard Dobbs Spaight, Jr.; the absent being Montfort Stokes, Indian Agent in Arkansas, who died three years afterward.

        The first Chief Marshal was appointed by the Faculty for this Commencement, Thomas Davis Meares of Wilmington, a young man of remarkably fine address and force of character. Doubtless under his management the proceedings moved like clock-work. Of course the appointment was intended to conciliate the defeated Delphian party, of which he was head.

        The first of the Baccalaureate sermons was preached by the Rev. Professor Mitchell. He was chosen by the Faculty, but afterward the choice was given to the Senior class. The election of the Marshal likewise was soon afterward given to the Senior class, the person elected to be a regular member of the Junior class.


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        The Orator before the two Societies was Bedford Brown, then Senator of the United States, an alumnus of 1813. He was elected by the Dialectic Society of which he was a member. Without strong intellect his integrity and force of character, together with devotion to Andrew Jackson, gave him political preferment.

        The Alumni Address was by Hon. Hugh McQueen, an alumnus of 1818, a leading member of the Legislature from Chatham, the next year elected Attorney General, an orator of brilliancy. On account of the recent troubles in the Dialectic Society he urged the students to stand by the two Societies. "They, through every period in the history of the institution have nerved the arm of Collegiate authority by a nice adaption of their respective systems of government to the preservation of decorum, regularity and order." It is chronicled that the oration was received with "enthusiastic plaudits."

        The Declaimers of the Freshman class were Peter J. Holmes of Virginia, James J. Morisey, Ashley W. Spaight, Wm. F. Martin, John B. Smith.

        On the part of the Sophomores appeared Wm. J. Clarke, Francis M. Pearson, Robert Strange, Atlas O. Harrison, Joseph J. Norcott, Wm. F. Dancy, John W. Cameron.

        The Declamations were varied by what was known as a "Funny." This was by special order devolved on John W. Cameron, who delivered an original speech on Summum Bonum. The reporter stated that it abounded with the most delicate touches of satire and humor, which kept the audience in a continual roar. During all his subsequent career his genial temper and wit were conspicuous. The Declaimers of both classes remained to receive their diplomas except Norcott, who was a planter.

        There were six Representatives chosen by the Societies, who delivered original speeches on Wednesday night. There was much excitement in the election of these, the best orators, as a rule, being put forward. On this occasion Francis H. Hawks' subject was on the "Effect of Literature on the Destiny of Man," John A. Lillington on "Revolutions," David A. Barnes on "Popular Education," Calvin H. Wiley on the "Durability


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of Political Institutions," William H. McLeod on "Slavery," Isham Garrott on "Literature of the United States."

        The Faculty awarded the first honor to Alpheus Jones and the second to John A. Maultsby and Angus C. McNeill; the third to Jarvis Buxton, Richard S. Donnell and Dennis D. Ferebee. The class was allowed to add to these four others, so as to have ten speakers in all. Maultsby was a member of the Philanthropic Society and his fellow members of that Society sent to the President an unsigned letter demanding that he should be made equal to Jones. This paper was returned with the statement that the Faculty refused to receive an annonymous communication, whereupon it appeared again with the signatures of Buxton, Donnell and Ferebee. These were summoned before the Faculty and were addressed firmly, but kindly, urging the impossibility of the surrender to the class of the prerogative of the Professors to pass on class-standings. The Philanthropical Society then intervened, and, after expressing their belief that Maultsby had not received his dues, and, thanking their fellow members of the Senior class for their action, requested them in the interests of peace, harmony and good feeling, to recall their resolutions, which was done. A second interview was had with the committee, and the incident was closed, the President stating that the Faculty were not amenable to the Society, nor vice versa, and that the students must perform their duties or abide the consequences. He stated his intention to lay the matter before the Trustees. Buxton and Ferebee wrote special letters admitting that their course was wrong. Maultsby felt so aggrieved that he refused to speak or receive a diploma.

        The speeches by the Seniors, who were allowed that privilege, were as follows: Jarvis Buxton, on the "Interference of Government;" Dennis D. Ferebee, on the "Influence of Science on Individual Happiness;" Walter A. Huske, on "Liberty and Law;" John N. Barksdale, on the "Tendency of Governments toward Democracy;" Thomas D. Meares, on "North Carolina and Jefferson;" Isaac N. Tillett, on the "Liberty of the Press;" Alpheus Jones, the "Valedictory."


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        The Annual Address was by Wm. B. Shepard, of the Philanthropic Society, an able lawyer and congressman, who entertained no malice because of his dismissal from the institution in 1816, as heretofore related, for the delivery of a fierce party polemic in defiance of the orders of the President. His subject was "The Value of the Classics in Education," and was eloquently handled.

        The two Societies agreed to elect some member annually, and alternately from each body to deliver an address before the Alumni and Senior class. The Dialectic Society had the first choice and chose Charles Manly, Esq.

        Evidently this movement was designed to strengthen the Societies which had lost the hearty allegiance of some of the students on account of the temporary Delphian secession. Mr. Manly was very popular and had acted as Chairman of the Committee to induce the Secessionists to return to their allegiance. His address was a successful effort to arouse University and Society pride.

        On reading the annual report President Swain accompanied it with a speech showing in detail the improved condition of the institution.

        Of the honor men, Jones was very promising, but died early of pulmonary consumption; Maultsby, an influential lawyer of this State and Missouri; McNeill, a Presbyterian clergyman of high standing; Buxton, an able Episcopal minister, obtaining the degree of D.D.; Donnell, one of our ablest lawyers and reaching the dignities of Representative in Congress and Speaker of the State House of Representatives; Ferebee was often member of the Legislature, Delegate to the Conventions of 1861 and 1865, and Colonel of Cavalry, C. S. A.

        Of the rest Clark M. Avery was a Colonel, C. S. A., killed in the Wilderness, and Meares a leader in the General Assembly.

        Of the non-graduates Duncan Kirkland McRae of Fayetteville, was an eloquent orator, an able lawyer and journalist, Consul at Paris, Colonel C. S. A., and Agent of North Carolina in England during part of the Civil War. John Chambers Rankin of Guilford was a Doctor of Divinity, a Missionary to China. Lawrence O'Brien Branch, an Assemblyman in Florida, a Representative in Congress from North Carolina, a Brigadier General C. S. A., killed at Sharpsburg (Antietam).


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        Of those who matriculated this year, Clement G. Wright, Lieutenant Colonel, lost his life in the Confederate cause.

        The Faculty stated that the class was regarded as of very high promise. Until the annunciation of the Senior Report it was composed of thirty-one members. One of them is omitted in the foregoing enumeration and is not included in the recommendations for a degree, for causes known to his late associates and which need not be stated here. This refers to Maultsby, who had been a first honor man up to the Senior year.

        There is a tradition of an amusing nature that Maultsby, before he started for home, determined to give the Professor of Mathematics, Dr. James Phillips, whom he considered to be the author of his loss of the highest class honor, in plain language, his opinion of the injustice and iniquity of which he was the victim. Lying in wait for him as he went to his class, he opened the vials of his wrath. The Professor, afraid of nothing under the sun, taking firmer hold of his knotted cane, which he had the reputation of being able to use scientifically, started upon his adversary with fire in his eye. Maultsby had no intention to strike a man of his age and calling, and, being much superior in agility, ran in a circle around his pursuer, firing at him uncomplimentary epithets, until tired nature ended the pursuit.

        The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on Rev. George W. Freeman, afterward Bishop of Arkansas, and on Rev. Alexander Wilson, head of an excellent classical school. That of Master of Arts on Robert Allison Ezzell, John Hampton and Rev. Drury Lacy, all of North Carolina.

REPORT OF GOVERNOR DUDLEY.

        In the fall of 1840 the Governor, Edward B. Dudley, was requested to make to the General Assembly a minute and exhaustive report of the receipts and expenditures of the University since its establishment. The answer of the Governor was prepared by President Swain and Secretary Manly. It was printed on December 16th and embodies much of the facts heretofore given. His estimate of the aggregate receipts from the 15th of November, 1790 to the 20th of November, 1840, is stated as follows:


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From sales of Tennessee lands, including the Smith and Gerrard lands $195,294.82½
Sales of lots in Chapel Hill and other lands in N. C. 13,520.00
Profits on two lotteries 5,080.80
Donation from the State 10,000.00
Individual subscriptions of 1796 7,684.40
Dividends on bank stock 33,028.50
*Tuition fees since July, 1804

        * The tuition receipts prior to 1804 were paid to the Faculty. The record of them is lost.


111,581.91
Individual subscriptions through President Caldwell in 1809 and 1810 10,535.00
All other sources--escheats in North Carolina, unclaimed balances in hands of executors, etc., arrearages, interest, confiscated estates, subscriptions, etc. 134,066.99
  $520,782.42½

        The endowment of the University was stated to be:

        About 900 acres of land, being its site, including the grounds on which the buildings are situated.

        The University buildings, five in number.

        The Centre, or South building, is 117 by 50 feet, exclusive of the projections, three stories high. The East and West buildings, three stories high, 96 feet 6 inches by 40 feet one and one-half inches. These contain a Library room, Laboratory, Philosophical chamber, halls of the Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies, and three recitation rooms. They contain in addition sixty-five dormitories 18 by 16 feet, accommodating 130 students.

        Person and Gerrard Halls are smaller structures devoted to public exercises and to Divine worship.

        The Steward's Hall is a plain frame building, as are the four Professors' houses.

        
The lands and edifices, chemical and philosophical apparatus, geological and mineralogical cabinets and library may be estimated as worth about $115,000.00
1,000 shares of stock in the Bank of the State of N. C. 100,000.00
Individual bonds supposed to be secure 35,000.00
  $250,000.00

        The Faculty consists of:

        1. The President, who was Professor of National and Constitutional Law.

        2. Professor of Chemistry, Mineralogy and Geology.


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        3. Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy.

        4. Professor of Latin Language and Literature.

        5. Professor of Greek Language and Literature.

        6. Professor of Rhetoric and Logic.

        7. Professor of French Language and Literature.

        8. Tutor of Ancient Languages.

        9. Tutor of Mathematics.

        The Faculty have the same number as in 1827, although the number of students has doubled, yet it was thought that, owing to their efficiency, there was greater need of another edifice and increase of the Library, than of professors.

        The number of beneficiaries has for several years averaged ten. A much greater number could have this privilege if *

        * Beneficiaries, or "Frank students," were not allowed University rooms if needed for paying students.


dormitories were available. Thirty students were during last year forced to seek accommodations in the village.

        The number of students prior to the Presidency of Caldwell in 1804 was not ascertained. Beginning with that year the number from the beginning was stated at 631, and of the matriculates, not graduates, at least that number.

        The system of studies pursued at the University may be gathered from the following statement:

        The Seniors, being excused from recitation before breakfast, had eleven hours of class attendance. One of these was in the Bible Sunday afternoon, President Swain being the teacher. Soon afterward Wayland's Moral Science was substituted.

        The three lower classes had fifteen hours a week, including a Bible recitation on Sunday, Dr. Mitchell having the Juniors, Professor Hooper the Sophomores and Professor Green the Freshmen.

        The President was required to hear seven recitations a week, or perform equivalent scholastic work, "examining or correcting compositions for instance." Ten recitations were assigned to Professor Mitchell, ten each to the Professors of Rhetoric (Green) and of French (Roberts); to the other members of the Faculty fifteen each.


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        Text books were used in every department and instruction was principally by them. Lectures, written and oral were occasionally delivered in all the departments in the Junior and Senior years, and constituted a considerable portion of the duties performed by President Swain, Professor Mitchell and Professor Phillips.

        The hours and number of recitations per week were as follows:

        
Algebra 5 hours a week for 18 weeks.
Geometry 5 hours a week for 19 weeks.
Logarithms 3 hours a week for 1 week.
Plane Trigonometry 3 hours a week for 9 weeks.
Surveying, Mensuration and Navigation 6 hours a week for 19 weeks.
Conic Sections      
Spherics 3 hours a week for 5 weeks.
Astronomy 2 hours a week for 18 weeks.
Analytical Geometry 3 hours a week for 23 weeks.
Differential Calculus 5 hours a week for 8 weeks.
Integral Calculus 5 hours a week for 7 weeks.
Mechanics 3 hours a week for 11 weeks.
Application of Algebra to Geometry 3 hours a week for 3 weeks.
Hydrostatics 5 hours a week for 2 weeks.
Pneumatics and Acoustics 5 hours a week for 4 weeks.
Optics 5 hours a week for 2 weeks.
Electricity 5 hours a week for 3 weeks.
Magnetism 5 hours a week for 2 weeks.
Chemistry 2 hours a week for 34 weeks.
Use of Globes 5 hours a week for 1 1-5 weeks.
Botany -- hours a week for 2 weeks.
Mineralogy -- hours a week for 14 weeks.
Geology 1 hour a week for 9 weeks.
Natural History 2 hours a week for 2 weeks.
Latin in Freshman 4 hours a week for 37 weeks.
Latin in Sophomore 4 hours a week for 37 weeks.
Latin in Junior 3 hours a week for 18 weeks.
Latin in Senior 2 hours a week for 16 weeks.
Greek in Freshman 5 hours a week for 37 weeks.
Greek in Sophomore 4 hours a week for 37 weeks.
Greek in Junior 3 hours a week for 19 weeks.
Greek in Senior 2 hours a week for 18 weeks.
French in Senior 1 hour a week for 16 weeks.
French in Junior 3 hours a week for 19 weeks.


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Rhetoric ½ hour a week for 37 weeks.
Logic hours a week for 18 weeks.
Mental and Moral Philosophy 3 hours a week for 14 weeks.
International and Constitutional Law 3 hours a week for 15 weeks.
History hours a week for 18 weeks.
Political Economy 3 hours a week for 11 weeks.

        The explanation was given that in Chemistry there was a Lecture at 9 a. m. succeeded by a recitation at 11 a. m.

        Also that three half days in each week during the Senior year were allowed to the Professor of Chemistry, which were occupied with that science, and in addition Geology and Mineralogy, Technology and the simplest elements of Botany and Zoology, a lecture and a recitation on the same half day.

        There was exhibited sometimes dissatisfaction at such excess of Classics and Mathematics. One Senior class petitioned for substitution of Geography, and another asked for Constitutional Law in place of Greek. Both met with refusal. The correction of composition was sometimes distributed among the Professors.

TROUBLES OF DISCIPLINE.

        In the fall of 1840 the Professor of Mathematics, Phillips, laid down the rule that text books should not be carried by students into the recitation rooms. At the first meeting of the class thereafter about one-half the class complied. At the third all obeyed except five. At the next eleven appeared with their books. A meeting of the Faculty was then called and the President requested to explain the reasonableness of this rule and the determination to carry it into effect. At the next mathematical recitation twelve broke the rule. The Faculty were convened and the delinquents were called on for their final determination. Nine surrendered and promised obedience, but three, Messrs. Branch, Buchanan and Covington were dismissed. Branch was the son of Governor Branch, who expressed dissatisfaction with the action of the Faculty, whereupon President Swain procured from Dr. William Hooper a statement of an appeal made by him on this subject to the Board of Trustees and of their ruling that each Professor had


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the right to conduct the recitation as he thought best. Branch endeavored to enter Princeton University, and pressed upon the Faculty his right to a statement that he left not under censure. This was refused. Whether he succeeded eventually in his design the record does not show. Covington soon submitted and became a graduate.

        Another trouble during this fall arose from what was called the Fresh Treat. Under the plea that it was an established institution and the new members would be considered niggardly if they refused to pay the two dollars demanded, the materials of a bountiful feast, principally alcoholic liquors, were provided. The result was riots and disorders, during which the windows of the Tutors were shattered, stones were thrown at members of the Faculty, the University bell was rung violently and long, the laboratory and recitation rooms were broken and nearly destroyed, the stables of several Professors entered and the horses ridden. There were four dismissals of upper classmen, but the Freshmen were allowed to take the usual pledge and go free.

        Shortly afterward there was an assemblage in front of the South building, which held a blasphemous revival of religion, calling up mourners, singing ribald songs, ringing the bell, and afterward painting the horses of a Professor, cutting off his mane and tail and placing him in Person Hall. Two students were caught participating in these misdemeanors and were dismissed. They were, however, re-admitted on taking the pledge of penitence and reformation.

        About a fortnight afterward a holocaust was made of all the blackboards in the institution. There were three dismissals for this offence and a resolution passed that in case of any serious outrage on the property of the University, or of any individual, criminal proceedings against the perpetrators should be instituted. This was reported to the Board of Trustees and was approved by them.

        The foregoing statements give an accurate idea of the spirit of mischief among the students in the early part of President Swain's administration. It should be added that some of the


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wild set afterward became valuable members of society, and warm friends of the University. Some became members of the Legislature and Trustees of the University. Good Dr. Mitchell, who was kindly disposed towards errant boys, would often say, "Let him go! Let him go! He is good Legislature and Trustee material."

        We have a letter from a quite bright, but not very orderly student, one of the best speakers in the institution, written September 23rd, 1840, which paints the attitude of the students to the Faculty in lurid colors. He stated that College was in a state of rebellion. The discipline was for sometime very slack. The result of the lenient system has been that "the strictness of morality has vanished, while at the same time College is much more moral." He explains this statement by saying that in small things, such as talking in recitation, drinking occasionally, and playing cards once in awhile, the students were more careless of detection, but in addiction to riots, habitual intoxication and gambling, they were completely reformed. The Faculty, however, announced that the cords of discipline must be tightened. This fired the tempers of the students. The Ugly Club was at once organized. When the Faculty attempted to suppress it they were pelted with rocks and compelled to retire. Thereupon Professor Mitchell sallied forth with a sword cane and was again driven back.

        Another regulation was adopted, wrote Mr. Mullins, and it was threatened to apply it to the Sophomore class. He does not state what it was, but from other sources it is learned that it was probably the prohibition against taking text-books, except the classics, into the recitation rooms. The whole class signed an agreement not to submit and sent it to the Faculty. They were required to withdraw it but refused, although "threats," persuasions and prayers were resorted to." After three conferences and notifications that dismissal would follow further stubbornness, the Faculty gave way and the class triumphed. President Swain then requested a meeting of the Trustees and the writer fears that this will cause a defeat of the students.

        How much of this narrative is exaggerated it is hard to say. The writer was evidently a leader in the disorders and his animus is shown by his harsh epithets.


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        The records of the Faculty sustain the statements in regard to the misconduct of the "Fresh Treat," at which spirituous liquors were freely used. Nothing, however, was said of Dr. Mitchell's sword cane, which was probably a hickory stick.

        Not a word is recorded of the defeat of the Faculty by the class. An anonymous letter of that period shows that the Professor of Mathematics (Phillips) was held to be responsible for the new regulation, sundry uncomplimentary epithets being hurled at him, his English birth being alleged as a cause of his severity to the students.

SALARIES.

        The scale of salaries was fixed as follows:

        The President, $2,000 per annum, with seven recitations each week.

        The Professor of Chemistry, $1,250, with ten recitations.

        Whenever the aggregate amount of tuition per annum shall not be less than $4,000 the Professor of Ancient Languages shall receive $1,250 per annum, with ten recitations per week. The Professor of Mathematics $1,250, with ten recitations; the Professor of Modern Languages $1,000, with ten recitations, and each Tutor $600, with ten recitations each.

        Whenever the tuition receipts shall be less than $5,000 the Professor of Ancient Languages and Mathematics to have $1,400 each, the Professor of Modern Language $1,150, and the Tutors $700 each.

        When the tuition receipts shall exceed $6,000 the salaries of the Professors of Ancient Languages and Mathematics shall be $1,500 each, and the Professor of Modern Languages $1,250.

        It will be noticed that the salaries of the President and Professor Mitchell were not dependent on tuition receipts. The latter, in addition, was entitled to commissions on receipts, as Bursar. This added about $600 to his salary during the year, and much more afterward.

        It was made obligatory on the Professor of Chemistry to preach in the Chapel every alternate Sunday. The Caldwell residence at the Southeast corner of Raleigh and Franklin Street was set apart for the President and the other places belonging to the University were to be occupied by the Professors


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oldest in office. At the same time the dates of Commencements were to be the first Thursdays in June.

        As throwing light on academical training in the State at that period, I state that out of thirty-two applicants for admission twenty-two, two-thirds, were found deficient in one or more studies, principally in Algebra and the Ancient and Modern Languages. It was agreed to exclude anyone under censure in his school.

        On motion of Professor DeBerniere Hooper the Valedictory was declared to be the highest honor in the future and the Latin Salutatory the next. As a rule, however, it became the practice to group the first, second and third honor men into classes, in which case those in the first class decided by lot which were to have the honorary speeches. Occasionally one was so decidedly superior that he obtained the Valedictory by assignment of the Faculty.

        It was at this time that Dr. Mitchell, who was an amateur Roadmaker and Civil Engineer, in addition to his other accomplishments, presented a plan for making the Raleigh roads enter the campus at the new athletic field and then divide, one branch going by the rear of the South building to Cameron Avenue at Commons Hall; the other, passing by the East building to Franklin street at the west of the Chapel Hill Hotel. The recommendation had such weight with the Trustees that Gerrard Hall, then being built, was made to front to the South, as was evidenced by the porch on that side, with large Doric columns. Those who had business houses on Franklin street, as well as wagoners, who had dealings with them, made a silent, but effective resistance to the change, so the scheme was dropped, leaving the porch on the wrong side of Gerrard Hall, an unsolvable puzzle to future visitors and students. This porch was recently torn down, with a floating intent to rebuild it over the East door.

        AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF 1840 Daniel Moreau Barringer, of the Class of 1826, elected to Congress three years afterward, was the Orator, chosen by the Dialectic Society. John Y. Mason of Virginia had agreed to deliver the Address before the Alumni Association, but was unable to be present. Col.


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John D. Long of Halifax supplied his place by an extempore talk, which was much praised.

        The Freshman Declaimers were Walter L. Steele, Leonidas C. Edwards, Wm. Augustus Blount, Robin Ap C. Jones, Robert H. Cowan, John Cowan. On the next night the Sophomores appeared--Richard B. Hill, Joseph M. Bunch, Richard T. Jones, Ashbel G. Brown, Robert P. Dick, John L. Meares. All the declaimers, except Bunch, became graduates.

        The speeches of the Society Representatives were declared by the reporter as burdensome from their length. The names and subjects were: Wm. S. Mullins, on the "Triumph of Free Principles in France;" Rufus Barringer, on the "Extension of the British Empire;" Joseph C. Huske, on "Influence of Christianity on Society;" Richard Don Wilson, on "Influence of Woman;" John F. Flack, on the "Superiority of the Present Over the Past Ages;" James W. Campbell, on the "Influence of Science on Individual Happiness." The close of the speech of Mullins was long remembered. Speaking of the victory of French Democracy he predicted that the energy and progressive spirit of the new France will fuse with the conservatism of the old, and "the Eagle will bear up the Lily in its onward course to Heaven."

        After several years' experience it was found that the Society Representatives claimed too wearisome length for their orations. The Faculty therefore abolished this feature of the exercises after 1840. No original speeches were to be delivered in future except by the Seniors. Representatives and Competitors selected by the Faculty were to declaim selections approved by the President or Professor of Rhetoric. This resolution was not to go into effect if the Representatives would agree to shorten their speeches.

        The Faculty were determined not to be accused of partiality as they had been by the friends of Maultsby in 1839. They grouped the honor men into two classes, the first distinction being assigned to William H. Henderson, John A. Lillington, Albert M. Shipp, William M. Shipp and Thomas H. Spruill. To Henderson, however, was given the first honor speech, the


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Valedictory, because he had been among the highest at every examination for four years.

        The second honor came to Daniel B. Currie, Tod Robinson Caldwell, John Worthy Cameron and Francis H. Hawks.

        The third honor men, if there were such, are not recorded.

        The exercises of Commencement Day were as follows:

FORENOON.

        Latin Salutatory--Wm. M. Shipp, Lincoln County.

        Duty of Submission to Constitutional Government--Thos. H. Spruill, Warren County.

        Advancement of Literature and Science in North Carolina--Albert M. Shipp, Lincoln County.

        Influence of Poetry in the Formation of Character--John A. Lillington, Wilmington.

        The Responsibility of American Youth--Daniel B. Guthrie, Robeson County.

        Defense of American Character--Tod R. Caldwell, Burke County.

        Duelling--John W. Cameron, Moore County.

        Life and Character of Aaron Burr--Francis H. Hawks, Beaufort County.

        Valedictory--Wm. H. Henderson, Tennessee.

        Of the best scholars William M. Shipp became a popular member of the General Assembly and the Convention of 1861, Attorney-General by vote of the people in 1870 and Judge of the Superor Court; Spruill was a promising lawyer cut off by pulmonary consumption; A. M. Shipp, cousin of William, a Methodist Doctor of Divinity, Professor of History, teaching at different times also French and English literature in this University, Professor in Furman University and Dean of the Theological Department of Vanderbilt University; Lillington was an able lawyer and legislator, dying in middle age; William H. Henderson I have been unable to trace.

        Of the second honor men, Currie was a Presbyterian minister; Caldwell became a prominent lawyer and member of the Assembly, Lieutenant-Governor, and then Governor of North Carolina; Cameron a lawyer, member of the Legislature and


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editor, keeping up a reputation for humor and kindliness to his death. Hawks was a sound lawyer.

        Of those not gaining honors, John W. Cunningham was long a trustee of the University, an able State Senator, a planter and merchant of unbounded influence in his county; David A. Barnes, a wise Legislator and Judge; William Johnston, Railroad President, Mayor of Charlotte, Quarter Mater General of North Carolina; Calvin H. Wiley, a Presbyterian minister, author, and efficient Superintendent of Public Instruction.

        Barnes, Wiley and Samuel J. Proctor were reported as especially distinguished "for ability and punctuality in discharging the duty of composition."

        The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on Rev. Nehemiah H. Harding, a Presbyterian divine of this State and of Batchelor of Arts on Walter W. Pharr, of Cabarrus.

        Of the matriculates during this year, 1840, Robin Ap Caldwallader Jones, Captain, and James H. McNeill, Colonel, were victims of the Civil War.

        THE COMMENCEMENT OF 1841 was held on June 3rd. The reporter praised the colored walls of the buildings. There was a general air of neatness, marred, however, by the numerous cows and swine frequenting the Campus, an evil promised to be remedied by the rock walls soon to be finished. The grove had been grubbed and the water-boughs of the trees removed. The students had improved greatly in behavior. The music was excellent.

        The address before the two Societies was delivered by Wm. Henry Haywood, a graduate of the class of 1819. Speaker of the House of Commons, a great lawyer, the next year to be Senator of the United States, but to lose his seat and his popularity because he differed from his party on the tariff question. His subject was, "Want of State Pride," peculiarly appropriate in North Carolina. It was pronounced to be practical, occasionally lighted up by true eloquence.

        The address before the Alumni Association was by James Cole Bruce, of the class of 1825, a man of talent and literary tastes, but hindered from high public career by the possession of thousands of acres of Dan River land and hundreds of slaves.


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He spoke of the causes impeding American Literature. The reporter thought that if the orator succeeded in convincing us of our inferiority to our mother land in Literature and Arts, he left the audience in doubt whether the genuine eloquence they listened to could be surpassed by the writers of that or any other land. His manner was forcible and imposing rather than graceful. The address has recently been reprinted by his descendants.

        The Freshmen Declaimers were DeWitt C. Stone of Franklin, Eugene J. Hinton of Bertie, Owen D. Holmes of Sampson, Jesse P. Smith of Cumberland, James J. Herring of Lenoir, Waller R. Staples of Virginia. On the part of the Sophomores were John Cowan and Robt. H. Cowan of New Hanover, John Ballanfant of Tennessee, Robert T. Fuller of Alabama, William Augustus Blount of Beaufort County, Robert Ap C. Jones of Hillsboro. Of these all graduated except Staples, who obtained his diploma from the University of Virginia.

        There were no Society Representatives, because the students refused to conform to the new regulation as to length of speeches. As a consequence of this clashing the honor of delivering original speeches was confined to the Seniors.

        The Senior class was highly praised for punctuality and good behavior. R. R. Bridgers, W. F. Dancy, A. O. Harrison, A. R. Kelly, A. F. McCree, H. McAllister, Charles and S. F. Phillips were entirely punctual, and of these Bridgers, Dancy, Kelly, McAlister, and Charles and S. F. Phillips were totally free from censure during their University career. It thus appears that good behavior, good scholarship and success in after life went together.

        The first distinction was awarded to Robert R. Bridgers, Wm. F. Dancy, Charles Phillips, Samuel F. Phillips, and James H. Viser; the second to James A. Delk and John Simianer Erwin; the third to Benjamin F. Atkins, Wm. J. Clarke, Wm. W. Green, James A. Long, Francis M. Pearson, Jesse G. Shepard, James F. Taylor and Thomas B. Wetmore. All the honor men were bound to speak on Commencement Day unless excused. Mr. Viser was so excused.


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        Wm. F. Dancy spoke the "Latin Salutatory;" Samuel F. Phillips, on "National Pride;" Robert R. Bridgers, on the "Science of Law;" J. Simianer Erwin, on the "Progress of Constitutional Liberty;" Benjamin F. Watkins, on the "Influence of Circumstances on Character;" Francis W. Pearson, on the "Heroes of the Revolution;" James A. Delk, a French Oration, "Discours sur la Conquete de Grenade;" Jesse G. Shepherd, on the "Character of Alexander Hamilton;" James A. Long, on the "Moral Grandeur of the Bible;" Wm. J. Clarke, the "Mecklenburg Declaration;" Charles Phillips, the "Valedictory."

        All the first honor men held their preeminence in after life. Bridgers was a strong lawyer and politician, member of the Congress of the Confederate States and then a masterful Railroad President.

        Charles Phillips was an able Professor of Mathematics and a preacher of power. Dancy embraced the profession of law, served two terms in the Legislature, and then devoted his attention to his planting interests. Samuel F. Phillips was one of the ablest lawyers in North Carolina, became Speaker of the House of Commons and Solicitor-General of the United States; Viser was a prominent lawyer of Alabama.

        Of the second honor men, Delk became a Doctor of Laws of Rochester University in New York and of Union College. He was a teacher for fifty years, especially in Colleges for Females; Erwin, a physician of brilliancy, but cut off in early manhood.

        Of those of the third rank Atkins was a lawyer and member of the Legislature. During a heated canvass he had the misfortune to kill his opponent, McDiarmid, as the jury said, in self-defense. He then removed to Texas and there became prominent as a lawyer and politician. William J. Clarke was wounded in the Mexican War, serving as Captain. He was a Colonel in the Confederate service, and after the war a Superior Court Judge. Shepard was a leader in the Democratic party, and a Judge of the Superior Court; John S. Dancy, a member of the Legislature and President of the State Agricultural Society. John W. Ellis was a Judge of the Superior Court and Governor at the outbreak of the Civil War. John F. Hoke was


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State Senator and State Adjutant-General; Montford McGehee, a Commoner and Commissioner of Agriculture; Robert Strange, a Major in the Mexican and Confederate war, State Solicitor and member of the Convention of 1861, of the General Assembly and of the Convention of 1865; Samuel H. Walkup, State Senator and Colonel, C. S. A.; Thomas Ruffin, a Representative in Congress, a Confederate Colonel, killed in battle.

        Of the non-graduates, John H. Dillard reached the Supreme Court as Judge; Isham W. Garrott was in the General Assembly of Alabama, Brigadier-General C. S. A., and killed at Vicksburg; Samuel Hall was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia; William J. Hawkins, a physician, President of the Raleigh and Gaston Railroad Company, and of the Citizens National Bank of Raleigh; William Marcellus McPheeters, Professor of Materia Medica in a medical college in St. Louis, an eminent physician.

        In 1839 there belonged to this class a bright, well-mannered youth of popular ways, son of an eminent Democratic editor, who was neglectful of his studies and often involved in the pranks of college life. His next visit to this part of the State was as Lieutenant-General in Sherman's Army, Francis Preston Blair, afterward State Senator and Representative from Missouri and candidate for the Vice-Presidency on the Democratic ticket with Seymour.

        Of the matriculates, Josiah E. Bryan, Private; Tristram L. Skinner, Major, and Thomas T. Slade, Captain, were killed in the Civil War.

        As has been stated the French Language ceased to be taught in 1831 when Mr. Hentz resigned. The course was resumed in 1836 under the instruction of J. DeBerniere Hooper. Marey taught a few months and then Rev. John James Roberts, a graduate of 1838, who had studied in France for two years, took charge as Professor in 1841. He resigned the next year and Professor J. DeBerniere Hooper resumed his care of the instruction, in addition to his Latin department. He had likewise been the locum tenens in the interval between the going of Marey and the coming of Roberts. A Frenchman, Thomas S. Barshall, was Instructor for a few months in 1842, teaching nothing but French.


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        Dr. Roberts is still living, a retired Episcopal minister. He has done excellent work as Principal of Female Schools in Massachusetts and New York City.

        As heretofore mentioned, a correspondence with John Randolph Clay, our Secretary of Legation at Vienna, resulted in the purchase of an excellent cabinet of minerals for about $1,500. These specimens, notwithstanding some pillaging at the close of the Civil War, are still extremely useful in illustrating the minerals of Europe. The Trustees, as a token of gratitude, conferred the degree of Master of Arts on Mr. Clay in 1845.

FIRST BIBLES TO GRADUATES OF 1842.

        THE COMMENCEMENT OF 1842 was distinguished by being the first at which Bibles were presented to the members of the graduating class, a laudable custom kept up to this day. On a fly-leaf is the autograph of the President. Not a word of opposition, so far as is known, has ever been uttered by educational or religious critics.

        The Baccalaureate sermon to the Graduating class on this occasion, once called the Valedictory address, was delivered by Rev. Wm. Mercer Green, Professor of Rhetoric and Logic. "It was characterized by great dignity, pathos and unction." Judge John Y. Mason had agreed to deliver the annual oration before the two Literary Societies, but was prevented by pressure of business. He wrote an admirable letter, however, which was read to the audience by President Swain.

        In consequence of not having the Annual Address, a novel feature, interesting to us on account of scientific achievements since, was introduced. The following is the contemporary account: "The indefatigable Professor of Chemistry, Dr. Mitchell, made various very successful experiments with the fine electro-magnetic apparatus, which the University has lately procured from Boston. He produced powerful and most rapid motion by magnetism alone, and demonstrated the practicability of its application to useful arts, but seemed to think that the cost of copper and zinc (materials indispensable to the excitation of the magnetic influence in such degree as to be useful), would hinder it from coming into competition with steam."


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        Two years afterwards Morse's electro-magnetic telegraph between Washington and Baltimore was successfully tested, but the days of the telephone, phonograph, electric-motors, and other inventions had not come.

        A sad event occurred on Monday afternoon of Commencement week, the death of a bright and attractive girl, 16 years old, Jane, the daughter of Rev. Dr. Alexander Wilson, President of the Caldwell Institute at Greensboro. She had been attending the private school of Mrs. Dr. James Phillips. Her burial was at Chapel Hill, Tuesday afternoon, her funeral sermon being preached by Dr. Phillips.

        It was during this year that the Executive Committee was authorized to establish a Professorship of Law and another of Civil Engineering, but the Committee deemed it premature.

SECRET FRATERNITIES FORBIDDEN.

        On the 12th of December, 1842, the Board, on motion of Charles L. Hinton, enacted what was styled a "regula generalis" on the subject of secret societies or clubs. They were declared to be "not less injurious to the regularly established Literary Societies in the University than to the cause of good morals and sound learning." The Faculty was ordered to suppress them, and authorized to receive no student unless on pledge of not joining any such association. This action was supplemented by the two societies, who entered into an agreement to fine heavily any of their members who should break this by-law. During my student life, 1845-49, I never heard of such a society in the institution.

        The Trustees seem to have caught glimpses of unseemly conditions of the rooms of the students. The extraordinary resolution was passed solemnly requesting the Governor of the State to address them on the importance of neatness.

        The Faculty were instructed to change the scheme of recitations so that each student should have sixteen hours per week and one at least every day. This included the Sunday recitation, which was compulsory.

        It seems that the students had been making political speeches. A by-law was passed prohibiting speeches by them except in


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the Society Halls or in the performance of some literary exercise under the sanction of the President.

        The two Societies petitioned for the abolition of Saturday recitations. The Faculty were authorized to grant the request, which was done on the agreement of the Societies to have regular exercises of their own on Saturday mornings. The reading of compositions and declamations was required, debates being on Friday night.

        The Trustees had an exalted opinion of the persuasive powers of Governor Morehead. By resolution, he was requested to attend at the opening of the session in 1843, and explain the principles of the administration of the University and of its punishments. It does not appear that he heeded the request.

        The first honor in this class was awarded to Wm. Alexander Bell, Francis Theodore Bryan, Thomas Junius Morisey, and Nathaniel Hill Quince; the second to Wm. Hooper Haigh, Wm. Figures Lewis, Wm. Francis Martin, Wm. Sidney Mullins, Ashley Wood Spaight, and Joseph John Summerell.

        Mr. Quince was, at his request, excused from speaking. Morisey obtained the Valedictory and Bryan the Salutatory by lot. The rest delivered original speeches, Rufus Barringer being chosen, on account of his powers of oratory, to take the place of Quince.

        The speeches on Commencement day were as follows:

        Latin Salutatory, Francis T. Bryan, of Wake.

        "Principles of the Old Federal Party," Rufus Barringer.

        "Obligations of Educated Men," Joseph J. Summerell, Northampton.

        "Spirit of Reform," Wm. H. Haigh, Fayetteville.

        "Reciprocal Influence of Science and Religion," Wm. F. Lewis, Edgecombe.

        "Eloge de Louis Philippe," Wm. A. Bell, Alabama.

        "Reverence for the Past," Wm. F. Mullins, Fayetteville.

        "The Middle Ages," Wm. F. Martin, Elizabeth City.

        The Valedictory, Thomas J. Morisey, Clinton.

        The newspaper of the day says that the orations were distinguished by manly good sense and graceful elocution. Complaint was made that the attendance of the Trustees was meagre,


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but there were large praises for the refinement of the visitors and the management of the institution.

        The Faculty record states that as a whole the class maintained an extraordinary reputation for punctuality, "yet there are various individuals who will not be able in after life to recur to the tables of absences without emotions both of surprise and regret." An inspection of the tables justified this ominous prediction, though it is hardly possible that the eyes of the offenders ever rested on the doleful record. One individual has to his account 148 absences from Recitation, 90 from Prayers, and 18 from Church. Another 183, 190, and 19, another 132, 250, and 33, a fourth 119, 241, and 23, a fifth 54, 200, and 26, absences from those functions respectively. Only one Senior, Wm. W. Green, afterwards physician of Granville County, was perfectly punctual for four years.

        Of the honor men, Bell became a lawyer in Alabama, volunteered in the Mexican War, and died in 1850. Bryan entered at West Point, was No. 6 at graduation, was First Lieutenant for gallant conduct at Buena Vista, where he was wounded. He resigned from the army and is a prominent and wealthy citizen of St. Louis, Missouri. Morisey was a leading lawyer of the Cape Fear section and a useful member of the General Assembly. Quince died early.

        Of the second rank, Haigh was an esteemed lawyer, Lewis an influential planter and among the most useful Justices in his county; Martin was one of the best lawyers in the State, a trusted legislator, a Colonel in the Confederate Army; Mullins was a brilliant speaker at the bar and in the Legislature of South Carolina and president of a railroad company; Spaight was a lawyer and legislator in Texas, Brigadier-General in the Confederate service, and Secretary of State; Summerell a physician of eminence in Salisbury; Barringer was a sound lawyer, a broad-minded legislator, and an intrepid Brigadier-General in Hampton's Cavalry. His standing as a student was only respectable, his attention being mainly directed to composition and debates in his Society, the Dialectic. He has delivered valuable historic addresses.

        Only one of the matriculates was a victim of the Confederate war, William L. Johnson.


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THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

        was organized May 13, 1842, under the name of the Church of the Atonement, Chapel Hill, N. C., agreeing to be governed by the Constitution and Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States. The following males signed the agreement: Archibald M. Hooper, T. Lloyd Moore, John J. Roberts, Manuel Fetter, John DeB. Hooper, Stephen S. Green, John M. Craig, Robert T. Hall, Wm. M. Green, Jr., George Moore, Johnston B. Jones, James S. Green, and the following females, Charlotte Hooper, Mary F. Waddell, Anne C. Hall, Mary E. Hooper, Matilda A. Williams, Mary W. Green, Mary W. Hall, Elizabeth Craig, Catharine S. Waddell, Charlotte S. Green, and Mrs. ---- Jones. Although he was originator and guide of the movement, and although the names of four of his children are in the list, Rev. Wm. M. Green did not sign the paper. It is probable that he signed another as Rector de facto.

        Of the founders of the church, Archibald M. Hooper, late of Wilmington, lived with his son, Prof. J. DeB. Hooper, and Charlotte Hooper, born DeBerniere, was his wife. Mary F. Waddell, born Fleming, was the wife of Haynes Waddell, afterwards of Hillsboro. Her sister Charlotte was the wife of Professor Green. Mary E. Hooper was wife of Professor Hooper, being a daughter of Rev. Dr. Wm. Hooper. Mrs. Anne C. Hall was widow of William, son of Judge John Hall of the Supreme Court. Catharine S. Waddell was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Haynes Waddell, marrying afterwards Dr. James S. Green.

        The Parish retained the name of the Church of the Atonement until its consecration by Bishop L. S. Ives in the fall of 1848, when at his instance the name adopted was "the Parish of the Chapel of the Cross." While the church was being built, the congregation worshipped in the parlor of Professor Green as a rule, occasionally in that of Prof. Hooper. The building was carried on mainly by the energy of Professor Green, who, besides obtaining funds, contributed most generously out of his slender means. The design was by Upjohn of New York, architect. There were four pinnacles on the


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tower, but when one was blown down the others were removed. The building is pronounced by experts to be very beautiful in its proportions.

        At the Commencement of 1843 the Declaimers selected from the Freshman class for Tuesday evening were Joseph L. Bozman, William J. Cannon, Edward H. Hicks, James Holmes, David T. Tayloe and Owen H. Whitfield. Those from the Sophomore class for Wednesday evening were Isaac C. Carrington, James J. Herring, Eugene J. Hinton, Virginius H. Ivy, Jesse P. Smith, Owen D. Holmes. All of the Declaimers remained to receive their diplomas except Bozman, Cannon, James Holmes and Carrington.

        The number of Trustees was greater than usual. Dr. John Hill of Wilmington, A.B. in 1814, delivered the Annual Address. The contemporary estimate was that "it displayed refined humanity, philosophical enquiry, manly piety, liberal accomplishment, the proper fruit of the early lessons of his Alma Mater. All these characterized and enriched this noble production."

        There were no Trustees at the examinations prior to Commencement week. A novel feature was the examination of all the classes on the Holy Scriptures by the Faculty in presence of Governor Morehead on Monday of that week. On the forenoon of Tuesday by President Swain in presence of the Governor, John D. Hawkins and Secretary Charles Manly, all Trustees, the Senior class was examined on Constitutional and International Law. All of the 33 members of the class obtained their diplomas, although six, for various valid reasons, were not present at the final examinations.

        The first distinction was conferred on Joseph Caldwell Huske, Walter Waightstill Lenoir and Samuel Jones Person. It was announced that John Luther Bridgers would have been in the same rank, if he had not been absent on account of sickness one-half of the Senior and part of the Junior years. Walter W. Lenoir was a grandson of General Wm. Lenoir, the first President of the Board of Trustees in 1790.

        The second honor was assigned to Ashbel Green Brown, Robert Paine Dick, Richard Thomas Jones, James Warren


Illustration

        JUDGE DICK'S SPRING--WALLED UP BY HIM, 1840.


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Lancaster, Joseph McClees, and Willis Henry Sanders; the third to James Augustus Leak and John London Meares.

        The graduating speeches were as follows:

        Latin Salutatory, Joseph C. Huske.

        "Moral Influence in Science," Joseph McClees.

        "Rage for Novelty," Richard T. Jones.

        "Resources of North Carolina," Robert P. Dick.

        "Gradual Improvement of Man," James W. Lancaster.

        "Considerations sur l'Influence Intellectuelle de la France," (in French), John L. Bridgers.

        "Virtue and Intelligence, the Safe-guards of Liberty," Willis H. Sanders.

        "Decline of Morals in our Country," Ashbel G. Brown.

        "Connection between Intellectual and Moral Cultivation," Samuel J. Person.

        "Bonds of Society," with the Valedictory, Walter W. Lenoir.

        As usual, the Valedictory and Salutatory were assigned by lot among the first-honor men.

        All of the first-honor men attained distinction in after life. Huske, an Episcopal minister of great worth, became a Doctor of Divinity; Lenoir was an esteemed lawyer, planter, Captain in the Confederate Army and wise legislator; Person was a very able member of the Legislature, and Judge of the Superior Court; Bridgers was a sound lawyer, Commissioner to the Confederate Government at Montgomery, a planter, and Colonel in the Confederate Army. Of the second rank, Brown was an efficient Assistant Professor of Latin in the University; Dick, a Judge of the Supreme Court of North Carolina and of the Federal District Court; Lancaster, a good lawyer and member of the Legislature, as was McClees; Sanders was a member of the General Assembly and Lieutenant-Colonel C. S. A. Of the third-honor men, Leak was president of a bank, a planter, and afterwards Senator from his county; and Meares a prominent physician in San Francisco.

        Of those who received no honors, Thomas O. D. Walker was a lawyer and energetic President of the Wilmington, Charlotte and Rutherford Railroad Company; Thomas D. S. McDowell was a State Senator and Representative, in the Convention


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of 1861, and member of the Confederate Congress; and John Haywood Manly, Colonel in the Confederate Army and Mayor of Galveston, Texas.

        There were eight victims of the Civil War who matriculated in 1843, viz.: John A. Benbury, Captain; Edwin L. Dusenbury, Private; Peter G. Evans, Colonel; Elias C. Hines, Corporal; J. Johnston Pettigrew, Brigadier-General; Thomas J. Sharp, Captain; John H. Stone, Private; John H. Whitaker, Major.

ORGANIZATION OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION.

        The Alumni Association of the University was organized on the 31st of May, 1843. The following were present, being the first members:

  • John D. Hawkins, Franklin, Class of 1801.
  • John Hill, Wilmington, Class of 1814.
  • Charles Manly, Raleigh, Class of 1814.
  • Charles Hinton, Wake County, Class of 1814.
  • John M. Morehead, Governor, Greensboro, Class of 1817.
  • William M. Green, Chapel Hill, Class of 1818.
  • Hugh Waddell, Hillsboro, Class of 1818.
  • William H. Battle, Chapel Hill, Class of 1820.
  • William A. Graham, Hillsboro, Class of 1824.
  • John W. Norwood, Hillsboro, Class of 1824.
  • J. DeBerniere Hooper, Chapel Hill, Class of 1831.
  • Cadwallader Jones, Jr., Hillsboro, Class of 1832.
  • Wm. H. Owen, Chapel Hill, Class of 1833.
  • Harrison Covington, Richmond County, Class of 1834.
  • Wm. W. Hooper, Chapel Hill, Class of 1836.
  • Benjamin I. Howze, Haywood, Class of 1836.
  • Ralph H. Graves, Chapel Hill, Class of 1836.
  • Henry K. Nash, Hillsboro, Class of 1836.
  • Pride Jones, Hillsboro, Class of 1837.
  • Alpheus Jones, Wake County, Class of 1839.
  • Thomas D. Meares, Wilmington, Class of 1839.
  • William S. Green, Danville, Va., Class of 1840.
  • Benjamin F. Atkins, Cumberland County, Class of 1841.
  • Robert R. Bridgers, Tarboro, Class of 1841.
  • John W. Brodnax, Rockingham County, Class of 1841.
  • Wm. J. Clarke, Raleigh, Class of 1841.
  • John D. Hawkins, Jr., Mississippi, Class of 1841.
  • Charles Phillips, Chapel Hill, Class of 1841.
  • Samuel F. Phillips, Chapel Hill, Class of 1841.
  • Richard J. Ashe, Hillsboro, Class of 1842.
  • Stephen S. Green, Chapel Hill, Class of 1842.

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        Governor Morehead was called to the chair. Messrs. Wm. A. Graham, John D. Hawkins, John Hill, Charles Manly, Wm. M. Green and William H. Battle were appointed a committee to report a constitution to the meeting in 1844 at Commencement. Thomas D. Meares was appointed Secretary.

COMMENCEMENT OF 1844.

        At the Commencement of 1844 the Freshman Declaimers were Thomas I. Sharpe, Lionel L. Levy, Eli W. Hall, William Henry Manly, John A Benbury, John Pool. Those from the Sophomore class were Richard W. Forbes, Lucian Holmes, John Napoleon Daniel, Edward Hubbell Hicks, Owen W. Whitfield, Richard T. Weaver. The speeches were mainly selections from Webster, Clay, Pinckney, Sprague, Ames, and Shakespeare. All in due course obtained diplomas, except Sharpe and Benbury. Both were Captains in the Confederate service and were killed in battle, the former in the Southwest, the latter at Malvern Hill. Benbury was a very useful member of the Legislature.

        The address before the Historical Society was eloquent and instructive, by the Right Reverend Levi Silliman Ives, Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church. His theme was the guidance of the Almighty as shown in history. At the close he ventured an explanation of the generally conceded honesty of our State. He attributed it first to the soundness of our controlling minds, second to the poverty of our soil, "too poor to allow in anyone idleness or prodigality. Property is slowly acquired and slowly diffused." The Bishop grew pessimistic, "There are some sad symptoms of a turn in the tide of our honorable, although humble, advance. We have manifestly become infected with the national contagion, the money-getting mania, now the blighting curse of our whole country. . . . Oh! what must be the end of the generation now living in our midst, absorbed as it seems in the thoughts and acquisition of earth!"

        The orator before the Societies was James Biddle Shepard of the Class of 1834. His address was well received, well written, often eloquent, and well delivered. It was probably


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the cause of his nomination two years afterwards as the Democratic candidate for the office of Governor against the incumbent, William A. Graham, the latter being elected. It was noticed that he delivered his oration with his hands gloved in kid, with a ring on one of his fingers, a style quite unusual.

        The following are the names and subjects of the Senior speakers:

        Latin Salutatory, George B. Wetmore.

        "State Sovereignty," James S. Johnston.

        "Genius--Fuller and Whitney," Wm. F. Barbee.

        "Columbus," John H. Bryan.

        "Influence of Literature on Science," Robert H. Cowan.

        "Our Navy," Alfred G. Foster.

        "The Deaf and Dumb," Pleasant H. Dalton.

        "Influence of Moral Principles on the Intellect," John Ballanfant.

        "Le Genie de Voltaire" (French), Edward B. Lewis.

        "Progress of Free Principles," Wm. S. Battle.

        "Independence of the Judiciary," James H. Horner.

        "Prison Discipline," Exum L. Whitaker.

        "Parties in our Country," Robert T. Fuller.

        "Right of Instruction," Walter L. Steele.

        "Mutual Interests of Individuals and Society," with the Valedictory, Stephen Addison Stanfield.

        Robert H. Cowan, James Hunter Horner, James Sterling Johnston, Stephen Addison Stanfield and George Badger Wetmore obtained the first honor. The second honor men were Wm. Franklin Barbee, William Smith Battle, Pleasant Hunter Dalton, Robert Thomas Fuller, Edward Bulkley Lewis, Walter Leak Steele, and Exum Lewis Whitaker. The third honor went to John Ballanfant, John Herritage Bryan and Alfred Gaither Foster.

        Nearly all of the honor men had successful careers. Cowan was a good lawyer, legislator and railroad president, as well as a brave and resourceful Colonel; Horner was founder of the celebrated Horner School at Oxford; Johnston, a most promising lawyer, with the elements of a great man, died early; Stanfield was a Presbyterian minister of high repute, and


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Wetmore, first a lawyer and then an active and useful Episcopal minister. Of the second rank, Battle was a large planter and cotton manufacturer, and member of the Convention of 1861; Dalton was a devoted Presbyterian minister; Fuller a Judge in Arkansas; Lewis, an efficient teacher, dying early; Steele an active politician, serving two terms in Congress, a cotton manufacturer, a most valuable Trustees of the University. He was Secretary of the Convention of 1861. Whitaker was a Captain in the Mexican War, lost his life in Mexico from disease. Of the third rank, Ballanfant was a leading planter and member of the Tennessee Legislature, and Foster stood high as a lawyer and legislator, dying in middle life.

        It was stated by President Swain that one of the first honor men, Johnston, had attended every duty, Prayers, Recitations, and Church, for four years, nearly 5,000 in number.

        Of those who did not obtain honors, Leonidas C. Edwards is a leader of the bar and was prominent in the General Assembly, a Colonel in the Confederate service. William H. Hinton was also prominent in the Legislature and much sought after as a political speaker, described by a listener as "flying a magnificent spread-eagle." Thomas Ruffin was one of the most adroit verdict-winners in the State, a Colonel C. S. A., and Judge of a Military Court. He was afterwards a Judge both of the State Superior and Supreme Courts.

        Of those who did not graduate, Hill Burgwin attained eminence as a lawyer in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.

        The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on Rev. Albert Baldwin Dod, of New Jersey, Presbyterian preacher, author, and Professor of Mathematics in Princeton University, and on Rev. Robert Brent Drane, Episcopal minister in Wilmington, N. C.

        Of the matriculates, who lost their lives in the Civil War, were James J. Iredell, Major; Edward M. Scott, Captain, and Leonidas C. Ferrell, Surgeon.

THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

        In 1833 an Act was passed to incorporate the North Carolina Historical Society. The incorporators were James Iredell, David L. Swain, Alfred Moore, Joseph S. Jones (Shocco), Louis


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D. Henry, Isaac T. Avery, Joseph A. Hill, Wiliam D. Mosely and Richmond M. Pearson. Nothing was done to carry this Act into effect.

        In January, 1844, President Swain and his Professors and Tutors published some facts of the history of our State, especially in Colonial times, stating that a Historical Society had been formed, President Swain being President, the Professors being Executive Committee, Tutor Ralph H. Graves being Treasurer and Librarian, and Tutor A. G. Brown Secretary. It was announced that the first meeting would be on June 5, 1844, and that the Introductory Address would be delivered by Bishop Levi Silliman Ives.

        The object of the Society was quite ambitious, viz.: 1st, to obtain from England documents throwing light on the Proprietary government; 2d, to collect and preserve every book, pamphlet and newspaper published in this State since the introduction of the Press in 1749; 3d, all books published in our own and foreign countries on the History of North Carolina, and especially all documents relating to the American Revolution.

        Notwithstanding these important objects, it is remarkable that there was no charter, no organization, no effort to obtain members, other than the Faculty. In a short while the co-operation even of the Professors and Tutors was dispensed with, except those President Swain called on specially. Occasionally eminent men, by invitation of the Faculty, delivered addresses at Commencements before this mythical Society and the assembled company, but no meeting was held.

        On the belief that the Society was an entity, a live organization, valuable books and documents were presented to it. A list of part of these I give in my narrative of 1846. The President was active and successful in procuring letters of men prominent in the State. When he could not obtain gifts of such he solicited loans, which were seldom returned. A story is told of a Mr. Webb journeying many miles in order to recover the family papers--all in vain, for the borrower "talked him out of them."


Page 487

        Among the documents, books and papers gathered was a valuable collection made by Judge Murphey, which, after his death went by loan into the possession of Jos. Seawell Jones, who was writing his Defence of North Carolina. When he removed to Mississippi he left the treasure in the vault of the Branch Bank of Cape Fear at Raleigh. President Swain obtained the co-operation of Governor Graham and induced the Cashier to turn it over to him. Among other things the box contained the Revolutionary History of General Joseph Graham, and many papers relating to the so-called War of the Regulation. It was from the latter that the President was enabled to prepare for the University Magazine his valuable contribution to the history of that movement.

        I anticipate my history by mentioning here that President Swain did not name in his will this collection. His executrix, Mrs. Swain, finding the Historical Society papers and books on her husband's bookshelves, claimed them as her own, sold many valuable autographs, but ultimately surrendered to the University a considerable portion. This transaction will be narrated in detail in my second volume.

THE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE OF 1844.

        In 1844 for the first time a North Carolina University Magazine was launched on the literary sea and had an honorable existence of one year. It was fathered by the Senior class and edited by a committee, namely, Edmund DeBerry Covington, of Richmond County, Robert H. Cowan, of Wilmington, and Samuel F. Phillips, of Chapel Hill, of the Dialectic Society, and James S. Johnston, of Halifax, Leonidas C. Edwards, of Person County, and a third, probably George B. Wetmore, of Fayetteville, or William H. Hinton, of Bertie. This uncertainty shows the modesty of the editors, whose names are not on the pages of the issues. All were Seniors except Mr. Phillips, who was a Post-graduate, studying for the legal profession. These were strong men and appear to have labored with diligence. They certainly produced a very creditable journal. Tradition differs as to the leading spirit, some giving the honor to Covington, others, in my opinion most justly, to Phillips.


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        The following list of a portion of the contents will give some idea of this first literary venture by the students. They are preceded by an "Address to Patrons." The magazine is commended "as a voluntary offering, as a token of devotion to Literature. We present it as a flower in the bud. It is for you to determine whether it shall wither and die from neglect, or increase in beauty and fragrance, and expand under the genial sunshine of public favor."

        There is a great deal of value in the twelve numbers of this magazine. The criticisms seem just and well written. In history I instance the articles on Macaulay's Miscellanies, the eulogy of "Judge Gaston" by Judge Battle, on Prescott's Conquest of Mexico, on the Life of Lewis Cass, on the origin of the Ruined Cities of America, on Western Europe and Hindostan, on Biblical Researches in Palestine. There were proceedings of various Revolutionary Committees of Safety, such as Rowan and Wilmington, History of the University, Life of President Caldwell, the so-called Battle of Elizabethtown, Life of Col. Wm. McRae, of Alfred Moore by Chief Justice Taylor, of Abel P. Upshur, of Thomas W. Gilmer, Indexes to Colonial Documents, and formation of the North Carolina Historical Society. We find Questions of the Constitution, politics, and economics discussed, for example, a dissertation on Rural Economy, the Influence of the University on the State, Our Federal Judiciary, the Constitution of the United States, Common schools in North Carolina, The Legitimacy of Government, The Spirit of Democracy, Slave Labor in the Southern States. Social questions are also intelligently handled, such as Influence of Circumstances, Wandering Thoughts, Shaking Quakers, The Lawyer, Tea Parties, The College Loafer, the Duty of Man, The Influence of Woman, The Medical Profession, Responsibility of Educated Men. Scientific questions are subordinate, as might be expected from the University curriculum of that day. We find, however, an article on Phrenology, on Immortality of Brutes, the Study of the Natural Sciences. Three able Commencement addresses add to the value of the volume, by Bishop Ives on the Presence of God in History, and by James B. Shepard and William Gaston on the Duties of


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American Citizens. A letter of Chief Justice Marshall is printed, strongly praising Judge Gaston's address, which was a reprint of that delivered in 1832, and timely because of his recent death.

        Romance of course found a place in this periodical. We have the Legend of College Point; An Incident at Sea; Caroline Lee--a Revolutionary Sketch; Maiden of the Old Dominion; An Allegory; The Rose Trees.

        Psychological speculations fared meagrely in these papers. Articles on Mythology, on Ambition, Coleridge's Confession of an Enquiring Spirit, showed what the writers could have done if they had been minded.

        The magazine would not have been complete without studies in Poetry and occasional flights to Parnassus. We find an essay on American Poetry, Short Poems of Governor Alexander Martin on General Nash and Governor Caswell, an ode in imitation of the Scotch on the "Auld Poplar Tree in the Campus," a well-thought criticism on Shelley and his poetry; a melancholy moan entitled, "No More, No More, No Never More," a stirring story of the "Smuggler's Escape," a hairraising "Dream"; which is relieved by cheerful lines on a "Sycamore Tree," an appeal to "Miss Anna," and to "The Ladies," while we are gently led to the spring of life by "Young Heart's Love." Passing by those shorter pieces, I note a poem of twenty-nine verses of decided merit on Thermopylæ. It was by a young law student, afterwards Solicitor-General of the United States. It shows not only classical learning, but genuine poetical talent, and if it had been published in a Harvard or Yale Magazine by one of their students, would have attracted wide praise. The author was one of the editors, Mr. Phillips, as tradition avers. The names of the writers are not printed.

        I give one extract from the Magazine, a poem on the Old Poplar, under which, tradition says, the Commissioners of Location partook of their lunch. Although the poet sang its funeral dirge, it is hale and hearty after sixty-two years, having survived a fierce stroke of lightning and the rending off


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by a storm of most of its top branches. The author was E. B. Covington.


                         Auld Tree! ye haud your head fu' high,
                         Your spirlie spauls 1 athart the sky;
                         Ye gar 2 all ithers stand abeigh,
                         Abune them al':
                         I 3 rede ye, tho' ye 4 gech sae 5 skeigh,
                         Ye soon may fa'.


                         Ye ken ye stand on classic grun',
                         And reek na win, nor rain, nor sun;
                         For weel ye trow our lo'e you've won,
                         Auld totterin frien'!
                         But now I grieve your course is run,
                         Ower late to men'.


                         Ye have a stock of antique lair,
                         Whilk ye ha'e kept with 6 tentie care,
                         For ilka 7 birkie who may 8 spier
                         Wi' studious airs;
                         For weel ye ken that we would hear,
                         Of one forbears.


                         Ye mind ye weel--in bye-gone days,
                         How Trustee fathers--carls o' grace,
                         When toddlin on to choose a place
                         For Learning's seat,
                         Unco 9 forjesket--take their case
                         E'en at your feet.


                         How they beguiled the 10 lee-lang day,
                         (An' auld Rip, too, I weel might say)
                         Wi 11 clishmaclaver, 12 crouse an free
                         In 13 druchen gate,
                         Ov croonin' o'er some antient glee
                         Till gloamin' late.


                         But time has passed--an they are gane,
                         An' ye, auld frien, are left alane
                         To speak their fauts--which give no pain;
                         For know the trowth,
                         That 14 runkled eild may have its fun,
                         As weel as youth.


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                         A 15 douce auld Tree, ye lang hae stood;
                         But Time, wha recks na ill nor good,
                         With blastin tooth has sapped your blude
                         An' left his mark.
                         I'd fain uphaud ye an I could
                         Auld Patriarch.

        1 Climbing limbs.


        2 Make.


        3 Fear.


        4 Sport.


        5 Proud.


        6 Cautious.


        7 Lively young fellow.


        8 Ask.


        9 Jaded.


        10 Live-long.


        11 Idle talk.


        12 Brisk.


        13 Drunken.--The poet here does injustice to the University Fathers.


        14 Wrinkled old age.


        15 Sedate.


        The magazine died for lack of support. No periodical, other than political or religious, has ever in our State brought to its projector income sufficient to pay expenses. At that time, too, the depressed financial condition consequent on the panic of 1837 had not passed away. After a few months we hear from the editors such laments as, "What reason have they of hope when it (the magazine) goes forth upon the tideless sea of literary apathy and insensibility, where none know or care for its incomings or its outgoings, and its merits, if any, are doomed to perish as "the flower that's born to blush unseen"? At the request of the printer, Thomas Loring, the Indexes to Colonial Documents and Proceedings of the Safety Committees took the place of the last two numbers, and the editors bade a final farewell in touching words.

        Mr. Loring assumed the risk of publication, promising twelve numbers of forty-eight pages each, the price being three dollars. He was accustomed, if matter furnished did not fill out the promised space, to supply the deficiency with his own selections. He lost money by the venture, but it is said that President Swain reimbursed him to some extent at least. If so, he probably drew on the fund derived from payments for diplomas, which were under his disposal.

THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION.

        The second meeting of the Alumni Association was on the 5th of June, 1844, Governor Morehead presiding. Charles Phillips was elected Secretary. There were twenty-four Alumni present and 27 new were added, in all 51. On motion of Hugh Waddell, all matriculates, whether graduates or not,


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might be admitted on vote, as honorary members, entitled to all the privileges of graduates. Eight were admitted under this resolution, including President Swain.

        The Committee on the Constitution made their report. The name was The Alumni Association of the University of North Carolina. Its objects were to renew and perpetuate the friendships formed in their collegiate course, to promote the interests of their Alma Mater, and the cause of education generally. The members were those graduates who joined the Association in 1843, and others admitted by a unanimous vote. There was to be an annual meeting on the day preceding Commencement, at which the President, six Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, Treasurer, and Executive Committee were to be chosen, who were to hold office for one year and until their successors should be elected. By-laws could be adopted by a majority vote.

        The first officers were John M. Morehead, President; Charles L. Hinton, W. A. Graham, Hugh Waddell, John D. Hawkins, the elder, Lucius Polk, and Wm. H. Haywood, Jr., Vice-Presidents; Rev. W. M. Green, W. H. Battle, and J. DeB. Hooper, Executive Committee; Charles Phillips, Secretary, and Ashbel G. Brown, Treasurer. The Executive Committee were authorized to select an orator for the next Commencement.

        An abortive scheme was unanimously adopted by the Faculty on the 27th of January, 1844, when they passed resolutions appropriate to the memory of Judge Wm. Gaston, lately deceased, for 42 years a wise and useful Trustee of the University. They requested that the Board would allow them to inaugurate a burial ground in plain view of the buildings, and they asked the relatives of Judge Gaston to allow his body, then temporarily resting in Raleigh, to be interred in this cemetery. It was promised that efforts would be made to remove to this spot the remains of other men prominent in our history, "with the high and noble object of keeping before the youth of the institution such ever present remembrances of the great as may incite them to a vigorous prosecution of their studies and assiduous cultivation of their hearts." The letter to the Trustees was eloquently written by Professor Deems and signed by him and Professor Green. The graves, then almost


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forgotten, of Governor Caswell and General Nash, are especially mentioned. The Faculty evidently did not count the cost of this pious enterprise, but the Trustees, more practical, gave it a respectful quietus.

COMMENCEMENT OF 1845.

        The chronicler grew enthusiastic over the Commencement of 1845. "A more imposing and brilliant occasion had never been witnessed in the republic of letters in North Carolina." The numbers were at least 1,500. The ladies, more numerous than ever, "gave beauty and cheerfulness." The Trustees present were Governor Graham, ex-Governor Morehead, President Swain, James Mebane, Dr. James Webb, John D. Hawkins, Judge Battle, Charles Manly, Hugh Waddell, Dr. James S. Smith, John H. Bryan, Louis D. Henry, Charles L. Hinton, Robert B. Gilliam, Nicholas L. Williams, George F. Davidson, Weston R. Gales.

        The first exercise in order was the Baccalaureate sermon by Rev. Mr. Gilchrist, of Fayetteville, which was sound and inspiring.

        The Freshman Declaimers were Henry G. Williams, Thomas C. Pinkard, James Gallier, Thomas H. Holmes, Thomas E. Watson, John K. Strange, John W. Cameron.

        The Sophomore Competitors on the next evening were Lionel L. Levy, William M. Howerton, Eli W. Hall, Elias C. Hines, John Pool, Leonidas C. Ferrell, Wm. Henry Manly.

        Six of the two classes of Declaimers were from different States. All became graduates except Williams, Pinckard, Gallier, and Ferrell.

        The Marshals, Stephen F. Poole, of Alabama, Chief, and his aids, popularly known as Subs, Wm. A. Daniel of Halifax, Richard N. Forbes of Newbern, Lucian Holmes of Pittsboro, and William B. Meares of Wilmington were particularly praised. They wore gorgeous regalia, the blue predominating in that worn by the Dis and white in that worn by the Phis.

        The Orator was the Rev. Thomas F. Davis, of the class of 1822, afterward Bishop of South Carolina. His subject was, "The Capacious Powers of the Mind and Duty of Cultivating Them," and was ably handled.


Page 494

        The first distinction in the Senior class of '39 was assigned to Joseph Branch Batchelor, Thomas Frederck Davis, Frederick Divous Lente, Jesse Potts Smith, and George Vaughan Strong. The second rank contained Edward Dromgoole, Richard Henry Mason, and Thomas Jethro Sumner. In the third rank were Ralph Potts Buxton, Peter Garland Burton, James Joshua Herring, and Reuben Clarke Shorter. It was announced that Davis, Smith and Strong had been first at every examination for four years. Batchelor was first during three years, but was absent from sickness during the Sophomore year. Thomas Edward Whyte would have been second if he had not been absent from sickness at the close of the Senior session.

        Batchelor obtaned the Valedictory by lot and Davis the Latin Salutatory. The programme for the exercises of the Senior Class was as follows:

        Latin Salutatory, Thomas F. Davis.

        "Public Opinion Enlightened," Thomas J. Sumner.

        "Greek Tragedy," Edward Dromgoole.

        "Pleasures of Literature," James J. Herring.

        "Tendencies of Ultraism," P. Garland Burton.

        "True Theory of the Constitution," Fred. D. Lente.

        "Periodical Literature of North Carolina," Ralph P. Buxton.

        "Influence of National Insignia," Reuben C. Shorter.

        "All is Vanity," George V. Strong.

        "Incompetency of the Reason to Control the Passions," Jesse P. Smith.

        "Grandeur of the Missionary Character," Richard H. Mason.

        "Responsibilities of Talent," with the Valedictory, Joseph J. Batchelor.

        Gerrard Hall was described as being brilliant. The narrator dropped into poetry.


                         "Minerva's Hall well shone that night
                         With beauty's glowing splendors.
                         Bright eyes and forms both shed their light,
                         On our country's true defenders."

        The President reported that with the exception of the expulsion of two students "whose conduct was of the most rebellious and violent character, the action of the University through all its arteries is sound and healthy."


        

Illustration

        Will. H. Battle


Page 495

        Following the honor men in after life we find that Batchelor became Attorney General and one of the ablest chamber lawyers in the State. Davis, son of the Bishop of South Carolina, a faithful minister in the Episcopal Church, dying early; Lente, Professor of Gynecology in the New York University, Founder and President of the American Academy of Medicine; Smith died early; Strong was an excellent lawyer and Judge, also a leader in the Legislature, distinguished himself in procuring the revival of the University. Soon after graduation he published a booklet of poems, which he endeavored to suppress, as inconsistent with the standing of a man of business.

        Of the second honor men Mason became a useful and learned, but not eloquent, Episcopal minister; Summer a Civil Engineer and energetic Superintendent of the North Carolina Railroad during the Civil War. Of the third rank Buxton became a Judge, Shorter a prominent lawyer in Alabama, Whyte a Surgeon in the Confederate Army and a Physician in Mississippi. Herring was a lawyer and planter.

        Of the non-graduates of the class James Marshall McCorckle was a very strong lawyer and leader in the General Assembly, a Reporter of the Supreme Court; Waller R. Staples was a Presidential Elector, member of the Confederate Congress, Commissioner to revise the laws of Virginia, and Judge of the Supreme Court of that State; Henry Y. Webb, President of the Board of Censors and Health Officer of Alabama.

        The Matriculates of this year, who lost their lives in the Civil War, were Edward Mallett, Lieutenant-Colonel, and George T. Baskerville, Captain.

LAW DEPARTMENT.

        In 1845 the Professorship of Law was established under William H. Battle, then Judge of the Superior Court, afterward Justice of the Supreme Court, who had been for two years in charge of a private school. The full course was that prescribed by the Supreme Court as necessary for license to practice law. It comprised Blackstone's and Kent's Commentaries, Stephen and Chitty on Pleading, Greenleaf's Evidence, Cruise's Digest of Real Property, Williams on Executors, together with lectures


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on the Municipal Laws of the State, as modified by Acts of the Legislature and decisions of the Courts.

        There were two classes. The Independent had no connection with the College classes; the College class consisted of such undergraduates as the Faculty allowed to join it. The normal time required of the Independents was two years, and of the College class two and a half years. At the end of these terms those deemed worthy received the degree of Bachelor of Law. The Professor of Law received no salary from the University, but was entitled to charge $100 per annum of the Independents and $50 of the others. He was assisted by Samuel F. Phillips, a young lawyer of great promise.

        The degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred on James Knox Polk, President; on John Young Mason, Attorney General; and on Willie Person Mangum, Senator of the United States. The honorary degree of Master of Arts was conferred on John Randolph Clay, Secretary of Legation at Vienna, and Jeremiah Wm. Murphy, of North Carolina.

        The Alumni Association met in the Library in Smith Hall on June 4th, President J. M. Morehead in the Chair. There were twenty-five old members and thirty-five accessions, making sixty present. The officers for the ensuing year were ex-Governor Morehead, President, Governor Graham, C. L. Hinton, H. Waddell, J. D. Hawkins, L. Polk and W. H. Haywood, Jr., Vice-Presidents; Wm. H. Battle, W. M. Green, and J. DeB. Hooper, Executive Committee; C. Phillips, Secretary, and A. G. Brown, Treasurer.

        The Association then adjourned to meet in Gerrard Hall at 3:30 o'clock. The Executive Committee reported their inability to procure an orator. In lieu of an address sketches of the lives of ten of the Alumni, who had died during the year, were read, viz. Of James Martin, by Charles Manly; Joel Holleman, by George F. Davidson; Wm. S. Mhoon, by Wm H. Battle; Edward D. Sims, by Wm. M. Green; Robert H. Cowan, by Thomas F. Davis; Green M. Cuthbert, by Ralph H. Graves; John N. Barksdale, by Samuel F. Phillips; Thomas H. Spruill, by Ashbel G. Brown; James W. Campbell, by Wm. J. Clarke; Ruffin W. Tomlinson, by Wm. S. Mullins.


Page 497

        In addition to these ex-Governors Swain and Graham paid a tribute of respect to the worth of William W. Cherry, an alumnus who did not graduate.

        The Secretary reported that it had been generally expected that the body of Dr. Caldwell would at this time be removed to the monument in the western part of the Campus, but President Swain stated that it was designed to change the situation of the college graveyard and "establish, under the auspices of the Association, a cemetery where the remains of eminent citizens of the State might be deposited." For this reason the expected ceremonies were deferred.

        During this year there was considerable stir over the application for employment of a Major Roberts as a teacher of athletics, including fencing and boxing. He procured strong letters of recommendation from leading trustees, and naturally won the favor of the student. It was shown, however, that he advertised himself as having given at the University of Virginia instructions, not only in fencing and boxing, but in the use of the bowie knife. Moreover, he boasted of having been a London prize-fighter. The faculty refused to allow him to form a class and he went his way.

COMMENCEMENT OF 1846.

        In 1846 the Freshman competitors in Declamation were Bryan Whitfield of Alabama, Thomas M. Arrington of Nash, William H. Jones of Wake, Martin A. Lyons of Alabama, William E. Hill of Duplin, Ridley Browne of Warren, and Augustus S. Graves of Georgia.

        On the next night the Sophomore Declaimers spoke; Oliver P. Meares of Wilmington, John K. Strange of Cumberland, Thomas E. Watson of Chapel Hill, Seaton Gales of Raleigh, George Washington of Goldsboro, William A. Jenkins of Warren, and Belfield W. Cave of Chapel Hill. Of the Freshmen Lyon, Browne and Graves did not remain to graduation. Of the Sophomores all received their degrees in 1848, except Watson.

        The Baccalaureate sermon was preached by Rev. Edward McCartney Forbes, an alumnus of 1828, an Episcopal minister of


Page 498

Eastern North Carolina. Before the Historical Society at a public meeting Rev. Dr. Fordyce M. Hubbard read a valuable paper on Sir Walter Raleigh. The annual Orator before the two Societies was Bartholomew F. Moore, a graduate of 1820. His theme was well and eloquently handled, "The Claims of the University on Her Sons for Cultivating Truth and Universal Justice."

        In our day we look on 1846 as only the beginning of great scientific discoveries and inventions, yet we find Mr. Moore saying in his oration, "The present age * * * to me is an age of Revolution. * * * While here and there Astronomers have been opening the secret pages of celestial nature, genius, under the guidance of science and art, with a thousand hands, and in every civilized country on the globe, has been handling the elements of the earth, and moulding them in every imaginable form for practical use and application. * * * * Water, fire, air, steam and electricity, are all yoked in the harness of art, and are creating, fetching, carrying, concentrating and distributing as taste and want may direct, the treasures of mountain and plain, of rivers and seas, of the poles and the equator. * * * Time overcome, and leagues shortened to furlongs, and the press free to discuss the principles of science and announce every discovery and invention, the knowledge of all men becomes the knowledge of one. * * * The number and variety of inventions and discoveries, the rapidity of their succession, and, above all, their successful application to the pursuits of life, at first staggering mankind with fearful apprehensions of a stupendous change, have by their use so suspended the occupations of men, and rooted up the fixed habits of business, within my own time, that I seem not only to have suffered a revolution, but to be in the midst of a far greater one still.

        "As sensible, however, as I am made, of the immeasurable benefits which have accrued and are still accruing to us from the wonderful energies of mind, and as rapidly as I am whirled along in their dazzling march, I yet see much that obstructs the moral advancement of our species, and administers poison to the passions of the heart."


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        This language, it should be recollected, was used before the laying of the first transatlantic cable, before the completion of a transcontinental railroad and the great ocean liners and war ships, before the invention of the telephone, phonograph, wireless telegraphy, sewing machine, automobile, before the marvelous improvements in printing and agricultural and manufacturing machinery.

        The first distinction was assigned to William Shepard Bryan, the second to Richard Nathan Forbes, David Saunders Johnston, Sion Hart Rogers, Frederick Augustus Shepard, and Owen Holmes Whitfield. The third to Turner Westray Battle, James Riddle Ward and Richard Thomas Weaver. James Saunders Amis was in the second rank, but was not named with the others because he was not on regular standing at the University at the beginning of the Senior year, and William Kennedy Blake, although of the same rank, was debarred from the examination by severe sickness. Both were allowed honorary speeches at Commencement. Alexander Franklin Brevard and Robert C. T. Sydenham Hilliard were mentioned as next to the third honor men in scholarship.

        The Seniors spoke as follows:

        Latin Salutatory, Frederick A. Shepard.

        "Howard, the Philanthropist," Richard T. Weaver.

        "English Tragedy," Daniel S. Johnston.

        "True Glory," James S. Amis.

        "True National Greatness," Sion H. Rogers.

        "Shades of the Past," Turner W. Battle.

        "Reformation," James R. Ward.

        "Influence of Fiction," Richard N. Forbes.

        "Influence of Literature on Free Institutions," Owen W. Whitfield.

        "Highland Character," Wm. K. Blake.

        The Valedictory, Wm. S. Bryan.

        In after life Bryan became a Judge of the Court of Appeals of Maryland; Forbes a lawyer of great promise, but died early; Rogers, Attorney-General of North Carolina, a Representative in Congress, and a Colonel in the Confederate army; Shepard, a merchant and banker of high standing in Nashville, Tennessee; Battle, a planter and Captain in the Confederate army;


Page 500

Ward and Weaver, trusted physicians; Blake, a Professor in Female Colleges in Greensboro, Fayetteville and Spartanburg, South Carolina, a lawyer, druggist and member of the South Carolina Legislature, a polished orator, hindered from an eminent career by ill-health; Amis, an able lawyer and member of the Legislature.

        Of the matriculates, not graduating, Thomas Courtland Manning, LL.D., was a Brigadier-General C. S. A., Chief Justice of Louisiana and Minister to Mexico; Josiah G. Turner, who dropped the G. from his name, lawyer, State Senator and Representative, Captain, C. S. A., journalist, elected to Congress in 1866, but not allowed to be seated; Owen Holmes Whitfield, Chancellor of Mississippi.

        Joel C. Blake, Captain, and James Chalmers, Private, were the only matriculates killed in the Civil War.

        The degree of Master of Arts was conferred on John Kimberly, a Teacher in Hertford County, afterward a Professor in the University.

        Tutor Charles Phillips, Secretary of the Historical Society, reported the following as in the archives of the Society:

        Journals of the Conventions of 1788 and 1789.

        Newspapers donated by Rev. Simeon Colton: Boston Gazette; Connecticut Journal; Supplement to the Cape Fear Mercury, Nos. 48, 50, 51, 52. Connecticut Courant; New London Gazette; Connecticut Gazette; Massachusetts Spy; Continental Journal; Independent Chronicle; American Mercury; Columbian Centinel; Hampshire Federalist; Weekly Messenger (broken); North Carolina Chronicle; North Carolina Mercury; Salisbury Watchman, Vol. 2, 1799. From Hon. Archibald Henderson. MS. Order Book of Colonel Brown, 1771, Against the Regulators. By A. A. Brown. Order Book kept by English officers, 1780-1781.

        By Dr. Wm. Hooper--Sketch of General John Ashe, by A. M. Hooper.

        By G. J. McRee--Extracts from letter book of W. H. Hill.

        By F. C. Hill--MS. about services of Colonel Murphey, father of Judge A. D. Murphey.


Page 501

        By Mrs. Gatlin--MS. of Governor Richard Caswell, letters and papers collected by James Hogg, preserved by his daughter, Mrs. Helen Caldwell.

        By Miss Mary L. Burke--Letter Book, etc., of Governor Thomas Burke.

        From his relatives--Letters of Charles W. Harris, First Professor of Mathematics of the University of North Carolina.

        Recognition was made of the efforts of ex-Governor Morehead, when in office, to secure the elucidation of our State history.

        Of the Alumni Association there were thirty-six members present at the meeting in Gerrard Hall June 3, 1846. On motion of ex-Governor Graham, all Alumni who attended the meeting were enrolled as members.

        As a rule to choose the orator from the class which graduated thirty years prior was adhered to, the Executive Committee had not succeeded in procuring one for this occasion. Tributes to eight Alumni, who had died during the last year, were submitted. Those of John Phifer, Rev. John Paisley, Richard H. Claiborne and Edmund D. Covington were read by the Secretary; that of Hon. John Giles by Judge Battle; that of Edward L. Lewis by Rev. Professor Green, and that of Stephen Sneed Green by Mr. Samuel F. Phillips. Mr. John P. Sharpe of Edgecombe died during the year, but his memorial did not arrive in time for this meeting.

        The President of the Association, ex-Governor John Motly Morehead, then delivered an address, a fit model for all to come afterward. It was in his peculiarly felicitous style and aroused much enthusiasm.

        To the surprise of the Trustees a proposal was received from Rev. Dr. Francis L. Hawks, the author of valuable historical works, Rector of Calvary Church, New York, and eminent as an orator, expressing his willingness to accept the Chair of History in the University. He was a native of this State, born in Newbern, a graduate of this University, was a rising member of the bar, being at one time Reporter of the Supreme Court decisions. Quitting the bar he became an Episcopal minister,


Page 502

distinguished as a preacher. He was in 1846 engaged on his history of North Carolina, two volumes of which, coming to 1729, were published in 1858. The Trustees declined to establish the Chair, as suggested.

        There was some correspondence with Mr. S. Charles Ball to procure the delivery of lectures embracing "the geological structure of the earth, the origin of soils, the history of organic life, animal physiology, etc., and so on to the food plants, the manufacture and application of manures and the mechanical cultivation of the soil." It does not appear why the project was not carried into effect.

DEATH OF MRS. CALDWELL.

        Dr. Caldwell's widow died October 30, 1846, while on a visit to Professor DeBerniere Hooper at Chapel Hill. Her maiden name was Helen Hogg, she being a daughter of James Hogg. I repeat some facts of her history. Her first husband was Wm. Hooper, son of "the signer." He died early, leaving two sons, William and Thomas Clark, and when the elder was prepared for the University she moved to Chapel Hill in order to have them with her. Dr. Caldwell had married Susan Rowan, daughter of Robert Rowan of Fayetteville who, with her infant daughter, died soon, leaving him a widower and childless. Before many years elapsed the fascinating young widow Hooper became the President's wife, and she adorned the station by the graciousness of her manners, the activity of her benevolence and leadership in good works. Her elder son, Rev. William Hooper, D.D., became eminent as is told elsewhere. Thomas was a lawyer, died early. After the President's death she moved back to Hillsboro, where were many relatives.

        The following letter from the accomplished authoress, Mrs. Caroline Lee Hentz, well expresses the impression Mrs. Caldwell made on all who knew her:

LOCUST DELL, FLORENCE, ALA., Dec. 6, 1840.

        I always recur with pleasure to our residence at Chapel Hill. There was so much kindness, warm feeling, hospitality, union, and we all loved Mrs. Caldwell so much, and relied so entirely on her sincerity. I have often thought since I have been here


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that I would give all the world if I had another Mrs. Caldwell living just as near. I should now love her better than ever, for my own beloved mother, for whom I was then yearning, is now dead, and there is no one like her left behind.

        The following notice, kindly copied for me by Miss Alice C. Heartt from the Hillsboro Recorder, of which her father, Mr. Dennis Heartt, was for many years editor and owner, is a truthful estimate of Mrs. Caldwell's character.

"HILLSBORO RECORDER,
THURSDAY, November 5, 1846.

        Died at Chapel Hill on Friday morning, the 30th ultimo, in the 78th year of her age, Mrs. Helen Caldwell, relict of the Rev. Joseph Caldwell, late President of the University of North Carolina. The deceased was a woman of extraordinary endowments, blending in her character the highest mental culture with all the Christian graces in their liveliest exercise. She has left few superiors; and those who enjoyed her acquaintance will feel that, by her removal, a space has been left in society which will not soon be filled. But with what confidence can her friends and relatives commit her to the tomb! She was a bright and shining light in the church, and it was impossible to be in her company without admiring the Christian cheerfulness which she at all times exhibited."

        "The funeral obsequies were performed at Chapel Hill on Sunday last, the President and Faculty of the University acting as pall-bearers on the occasion. The sermon was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Mitchell from Phil. 4:3. 'Endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace,' and her remains were deposited with those of her late husband at the base of the monument erected to his memory by the Trustees of the University."


        Her son, Dr. William Hooper, on his death-bed requested that his body be placed by that of his mother, which was done August 19, 1876. In July, 1894, the remains of the three were reverently re-interred by the east side of the Caldwell monument, the wife being between her husband and her son.

        It was at this Commencement that a dangerous panic occurred in the Chapel which created much fright, but no damage to anyone. The galleries were supported by very slender pillars, widely separated. While the exercises were in progress, every seat taken and many spectators standing, some one, alarmed perhaps by the breaking of a stick, shouted "The gallery is falling!" There was a general rush for the doors, and some


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young men had the pleasure of showing their gallantry by catching young ladies as they jumped from the windows. There was real danger to those in the galleries as the staircases were narrow and winding. Returning sense soon discerned the fact that the danger was imaginary. Some attempted to jump from the upper windows, but were held back.

        The coolness of President Swain, Governor Graham, and other Trustees, contributed to pacifying the excited crowd and after an interval the exercises were resumed. Before the next Commencement additional pillars were placed, and a competent architect pronounced the galleries perfectly safe.

PRESIDENT POLK'S COMMENCEMENT.

        The Commencement of 1847 was the most interesting and conspicuous in our history up to that time. The President of the United States accepted the urgent invitation of President Swain and revisited his Alma Mater after an absence of twenty-nine years. He was accompanied by his Secretary of the Navy, John Young Mason, a Senior, when his chief was a Sophomore. With him, too, was Lieutenant Matthew P. Maury, then in the beginning of his great career in the study of the air and ocean. His classmate, Thomas J. Green, of Virginia, generally regarded at the University as the greater genius by nature, also accompanied him, as did also Branch, once Secretary of the Navy and Governor of this State and of Florida, and Wm. A. Graham, Governor of North Carolina, ex-Governor Morehead, and other prominent men. A classmate, Professor Green, was on hand to welcome his old associate. The chronicler averred that no other institution ever had a President and member of his cabinet and Governor of a distant State in attendance on its exercises.

        The occasion was likewise memorable because the Senior Class contained many strong men, but especally two uncommonly conspicuous, and destined to eminent careers. These were James Johnston Pettigrew, whose brilliancy of scholarship has never been excelled, if equalled, at this institution, and Matt Whitaker Ransom, a close second to Pettigrew in scholarship, and superior to all in oratory.


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        Numerous visitors overflowed the little village, and while the hospitality of the Professors and the other whole-souled citizens was stretched to the utmost, the popular hostess of the hotel, Miss Nancy Hilliard, erected a special addition to her building for the accommodation of the chief officer of the Republic.

        The President and his suite arrived at five o'clock on Monday, in carriages from Raleigh. The Faculty and students in double line received them at the hotel. After allowing a short while for brushing off the dust of the journey, the visitors were conducted to Gerrard Hall, where they were received with enthusiasm, such as students know how to accord. The speech of President Swain was "distinguished by eminent courtesy of sentiment and chasteness of diction." The answer of the President was most felicitous. His tribute to President Caldwell was extremely touching. Secretary Mason was as usual most happy in his answer to the cordial welcome extended.

        On Monday night there was the Valedictory sermon, now called the Baccalaureate, by Bishop Levi Silliman Ives, then in the zenith of his fame as a pulpit orator.

        Tuesday was occupied by the examination of the Seniors in Constitutional and International Law in presence of the distinguished visitors, and in Astronomy for the special honor of the Superintendent of the National Observatory, Captain, (afterward Commodore), Maury. He was so struck by the brilliancy of our mathematical champion, Pettigrew, that he offered him a situation in the Observatory, which was accepted.

        The number of competitors in Declamation was reduced to four in each class and their exercise was on Tuesday night. Those from the Freshman class were William Henry Johnston, Joel C. Blake, Richard Hines and Samuel E. Whitfield. The Sophs were Charles R. Thomas, William H. Jones, Thomas J. Robinson and Augustus S. Graves. All became graduates except the last, who settled as a farmer in Texas.

        The Address before the two Societies was by choice of the Dialectic Society, James W. Osborne of the Class of 1830. He had been very prominent in the Legislature, on the hustings and at the bar and was afterward a Judge of the Superior Court.


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Expectation ran high, somewhat dampened, however, when it was learned that he wrote much of his address after he reached Chapel Hill. Being so fresh from his manuscript his delivery was tame. His subject was, "Causes tending to retard literary taste and excellence in the United States." The contemporary chronicler, however, pronounced the effort "one of the most chaste and eloquent addresses he had ever listened to. Especially great was his tribute to Judge Gaston, who died three years before." "No literary flounces decorated the skeleton of thought, but there was throughout the rich embroidery, which can be found only in the storehouse of a well cultivated mind."

        The pupils of Dr. Caldwell beheld with sorrow the unseemly condition of the old sandstone monument which was the only outward evidence of the reverence felt by the Alumni to his memory. On motion of John Y. Mason, advocated by President Polk, it was resolved that the Alumni, by small contributions of three dollars each, erect a marble memorial of his virtues in a central part of the Campus. Two hundred and ten dollars was raised at once, showing the presence of seventy Alumni. It became afterward necessary to remove the limit.

        The Alumni Address was by John Y. Mason, of the class of 1816, on Wednesday night. He was accompanied on the stage by Hon. John H. Bryan, of that of 1815, and Professor W. M. Green, of 1818. The address, in manner and matter, was uncommonly successful. The speaker had a well-modulated silvery voice. The chronicler expressed the views of the audience when he said that "trope and simile flashed in quick succession, electrifying at times the dullest intellect. The subject was, "The substantial advances and glories of this country--the mysterious links by which a general education, an omnipotent free Press, a common object and a Religion, under different manifestations, one and the same, bound together the destinies of a mighty people, the benefactors of this generation and the last hope of the world."

        The deaths of five Alumni, William F. Brown, William H. Bell, Lawrence W. Scott, John A. Graves, and Dr. John Hill were reported. The obituaries of Messrs. Brown, Bell and Hill were prepared, but could not be read for want of time.


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        The first honor in the class of 36 members was awarded to James Johnston Pettigrew and Matt Whitaker Ransom "in the order of their names," the former allowed the Valedictory because of being a shade better than the latter. In Mathematics, Pettigrew's mark was "excellent," while Ransom's was "very good." In other respects they were equal.

        The second distinction went to Alfred Alston, Jr., John C. Coleman, Samuel J. Erwin, Wm. M. Howerton, John Pool, and Robert H. Winborne; the third distinction to Joel D. Battle, John A. Guion, Lionel L. Levy, Wm. Lucas, W. H. Manly and John J. Kindred.

        The subsequent careers of the honor men were mostly continuations on a grander scale of their University successes. Pettigrew, after a short service in the Nautical Almanac office, embraced the profession of the law. He settled in Charleston and during a term in the South Carolina Legislature distinguished himself by a very able minority report opposing the revival of the Slave Trade. Foreseeing the Civil War he studied the science of war and when the disastrous struggle came he rose rapidly until, with the rank of Brigadier General, he was placed in command of Heth's Division and led it in the far-famed assault on Cemetery Hill at Gettysburg. He was killed during the retreat into Virginia. His old superior officer, Commodore Maury was so impressed by his genius as to declare that he was well fitted to take General Lee's place if it should unfortunately be vacated. Ransom's long term in the United States Senate after being Attorney General, and high reputation as Brigadier General in the Confederate Army are well known, as is his fame as an orator.

        Ransom was the only member of the class who attended punctually the required nearly 5,000 exercises, Prayers, Church and Recitations. Because of his special powers of oratory a Salutatory in English was created for him and he won much distinction by his effort. The Salutatory in Latin came next, by Samuel J. Erwin. Then followed:

        "Quisque Suae Fortunae Faber," by Joel D. Battle.

        "Militarism," by Eli W. Hall.

        "National Insanity," by Lionel L. Levy.

        "Revival of Literature," by John C. Coleman.


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        "Public Opinion," by Charles E. Shober.

        "Political Defamation," by John Pool.

        "Progress of Free Principles," by William Lucas.

        "Law and Lawyers," by Wm. M. Howerton.

        "Ireland," by Alfred Alston.

        "Dependence of Liberty on Law," by John J. Kindred.

        "Wm. Gaston," by Wm. Henry Manly.

        "Progress of Mind," by Robert H. Winborne.

        The Valedictory, by J. Johnston Pettigrew.

        Not obtaining an honor was Thomas E. Skinner, a Baptist preacher, who won the degree of Doctor of Divinity and President of the Board of Trustees of Wake Forest College.

        Among those with the Class not graduating was Edmund Burke Haywood, LL.D., youngest son of Treasurer John Haywood, Surgeon C. S. A., President of the State Medical Society, President of the Raleigh Academy of Medicine and of the Board of Directors of the State Insane Asylum, Chairman of the State Board of Public Charities; also Jonathan Osborne, a Judge in Louisiana, a native of Oxford.

        The matriculates during the year 1847, who gave their lives for the Southern cause were: George B. Anderson, Brigadier General; Isaac E. Avery, Colonel; John A. Avirett, Captain; James Chalmers, Private; Benjamin R. Huske, Major; John R. Waddill, Lieutenant; Charles E. Bellamy, Surgeon; Ethelred Ruffin, Sergeant.

        The degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred on Benjamin Peirce, of Harvard University, and of Master of Arts on Matthew Fontaine Maury, of the National Observatory.

        It is evidence of the extreme carefulness with which was guarded the granting of degrees, that even Maury, of worldwide fame, for his work on Winds and Currents, was not deemed worthy of the Doctorate of Laws.

        The procession on Thursday, Commencement Day, was the largest ever seen, but was well conducted by the efficient corps of marshals, Thomas J. Person, Chief, and his "Subs," John B. Bynum, John W. Cameron, Lorenzo D. Pender and John K. Strange. Their watchful efficiency met with universal praise.


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        The public agreed that all things passed off well and the University had acquired more than ever a National standing President Polk was applauded for his total absence of ostentation, his sincere and unassuming courtesy. The contrast of the thoughtful, tranquil expression of his classmate, Thomas J. Green, of Virginia, looking twenty years younger, with the President's anxious countenance, his silvered hair and careworn features, denoting incessant toil and perhaps suffering, was observed. Green, his equal in talents, had chosen a private life. Judge Mason was considered a fair example of a Virginian in the best days of the Old Dominion, of frank, generous temper, always willing to be pleased. Lieutenant Maury, high in the world of science, able and studious, won all hearts by his sunny temper and genial manners. It was said of him that in the seclusion of the closet he had not lost the characteristics of the sailor. The President's Lady, as his wife was called, was pronounced by all classes to be peculiarly fascinating.

        The President's party remained until the conclusion of the exercises on Thursday and, greatly to the regret of the Ball managers, journeyed to Moring's eight miles, and thence next morning took the train to Raleigh. With the party was a correspondent of the New York Herald, the first reporter of our Commencements to a Northern newspaper. He was fair and, as a rule, complimentary.

        The chronic grumbler praised the music, but felt outraged because it was by Signor George's band, of Richmond, Va., instead of one vastly inferior from our own State. He made no converts to this heresy.

        The Ball was as usual brilliant and well managed, cotillons and reels being more prominent than the waltz and polka. The pleasure was marred by the bad floor, low ceiling and dingy walls of the Hotel dining room, the only available room in the village, and the dancers complained of the absence of violin strains from the music.

COMMENCEMENT OF 1848.

        The Commencement of 1848 showed a distinct reaction from the greatness of that of the preceding year. It was noted with sharp censure that there were only six or seven Trustees


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present. On Monday there was an examination of the Senior Class in Chemistry in presence of Messrs. Nicholas L. Williams and Wm. Eaton, Jr.

        The Freshman Competitors in Delcamation were John McK. Henson, Joseph B. Bryan, Claudius B. Sanders, Malcolm J. McDuffie, Charles C. Terry, Rufus L. Patterson, Samuel B. Morisey, Neill McKay, Jr., and David M. Carter. The Sophomores were Joel C. Blake, Alexander R. Strange, John Manning, Washington C. Kerr, Richard Hines, Jr., Henry Hardie, Samuel E. Whitfield and Benjamin R. Huske. All were graduated except Henson, Morrisey and Strange.

        On Wednesday Hon. William Eaton, Jr., of the class of 1829, then in the height of his reputation on account of the publication of his excellent book of Legal Forms, delivered the annual Address. His theme was the "Future Literary Prospects of America." The reporter voiced the sentiments of the audience in saying that his ability as a writer was only exceeded by his modesty as a man.

        A very able eulogy on John Quincy Adams, who died on the 23rd of the preceding February, was then pronounced at the request of the Historical Society by Hon. Samuel Field Phillips of the Class of 1841.

        At night the sermon before the Graduating class was preached by an eminent Presbyterian divine and teacher, Rev. John A. Gretter, D.D. It was full of wise thought, clothed in devout and chaste language and delivered in a most reverend and earnest style.

        The Alumni Association held their business meeting in the Library on May 31st, 1846, Governor Graham, Vice-President, in the Chair. The Committee for collecting funds for a new monument to Dr. Caldwell reported progress and were instructed, in conjunction with the Executive Committee, to decide on a suitable plan and to call on the Alumni for the necessary funds.

        In order to provide for contingent expenses each of the Alumni was required to pay one dollar, unless he had already paid the same.

        At the public meeting in Gerrard Hall obituaries of the


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Alumni who had died during the past year were read as follows:

        That of Hinton James, the first student, by Governor Graham; Thomas D. Bennehan, by President Swain; John B. Brown, by Prof. W. M. Green; Wm. P. Ferrand, by Wm. Eaton, Jr.; Dr. James B. Slade, by Rufus Barringer; Rev. Philip W. Alston, by Prof W. M. Green; Captain Exum L. Whitaker, by James Johnston; Peter G. Burton, by Owen H. Whitfield; Wm. Henry Manly, by Menalcas Lankford.

        The obituary of Dr. John Hill, prepared for the meeting in 1857, was read by the Secretary, Charles Phillips. President Swain paid a feeling tribute to the memory of Dr. James A. Washington and promised an extended notice for the next meeting.

NEW SOCIETY HALLS.

        As long ago as 1837 Gaston H. Wilder, James M. Burke and Dennis D. Ferebee were appointed a Committee on behalf of the Philanthropic Society to petition the Trustees for a new Hall. This was followed the next year by a similar petition on behalf of the Dialectic Society. A new building was estimated to cost $5,000. The Society agreed to subscribe liberally and the members on their own account promised subscriptions. It was urged that the exercises were seriously injured by the small size of the debating halls and the increase of the library was prevented by want of shelf room. The Committee of the latter body were Tod. R. Caldwell, Isham W. Garrott and William Johnston. The Trustees referred the petition to Messrs. D. L. Swain, Andrew Joyner and W. A. Graham, who reported in January, 1839, that the societies had accumulated libraries, aggregating about seven thousand volumes, which were in the shingle-covered South building, having in the winter season over twenty-five fires constantly burning. The erection of one or two new buildings would enable the Trustees to have six dormitories, out of the vacated halls, and at least four more could be had in the new building. The present dormitories accommodated one hundred and thirty students, whereas there were one hundred and sixty-five, one-fifth of whom reside in the village. Another consideration was that the existing Philanthropic


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rooms were smaller than those of the Dialectic, whereas there should be perfect equality. The Special Committee therefore recommended that the Executive Committee, after the payment of the debt to the Banks, as soon as the State of the funds would admit, join the Societies in the erection of two fireproof halls of the same dimensions and external plan, or one building of suitable proportions, the University to pay at least two-thirds of the cost. The Board concurred in the report.

        Probably because of suits for Tennessee lands, the title of which the University had warranted, which as a rule, however, after considerable delay, were decided in its favor, nothing was done under the resolution for several years. In 1843 President Swain was instructed to correspond with Mr. Robert Donaldson, of New York, "on the best mode of procuring plans for the Society Halls, and of obtaining the services of an individual skilled in laying out pleasure grounds, landscape gardening, etc." Under these instructions Mr. A. J. Davis, an architect of New York, was employed.

        In the next year the plans and specifications for the enlargement of the East and West buildings for the accomodation of the two Societies with Halls and Libraries were submitted and approved. The Societies asked that the Trustees should credit their one-third subscription with fourteen hundred dollars for each society, that is, allowing one hundred dollars for every dormitory room added by the improvement. The East and West buildings were to be extended toward the North, one-half their former length, the halls for the meetings to be in the second story of the extension and the Libraries divided into alcoves in the third. The charges of the architect seem very moderate, namely one hundred dollars, besides expenses of his trip to and from New York, and an additional hundred on completion of the work. The improvements were finished four years later. The narrative of the ceremonies attending the removal of the Societies into the new quarters will be hereafter given. The Societies eventually were released from their promise to pay one-third of the cost.


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        In 1846 the Trustees concluded to grant by lot the East building and the Eastern half of the South to the members of one Society, and the West building and the Western half of the South to those of the other. After the allotment the East and West buildings were to have the names of the Society of the occupants. Wm. M. Howerton, the Dialectic President, and Matt. W. Ransom, the Philanthropic President, were to cast the lots in behalf of their respective Societies in presence of Governor Graham, President Swain and Secretary Manly. The Philanthropic Society won the Eastern division and of course the Dialectic the Western. The plan was, however, so modified by agreement in regard to the South building, that all the rooms looking North were given to the Philanthropic and all looking South to the other. The arrangement lasted until the closing of the doors in 1868, and was acceptable, because it was considered desirable to have the members on the same side as were their Halls and Libraries. The rooms to the North have the advantage of the outlook on the Campus; those to the South are much cooler in the summer, a matter of moment when the exercises began in July.

        The extensions planned by Davis of the Old East and the Old West were executed under the supervision of President Swain and Judge Battle, by Isaac J. Collier and Kendall B. Waitt, the contract price being $9,360, and were finished in 1848. Mr. Samuel F. Phillips, of the class of 1841, superintended the removal of the books into the Dialectic alcoves. He adopted the plan of arranging by subjects. The books of the Philanthropic Society were rearranged by Mr. Joseph F. Cannon, a law student, who adopted a somewhat similar plan, deviating from it where economy of space required.

        The inauguration of the Societies into their new debating halls was attended with interesting proceedings. In the Dialectic Hall the first President of the Society, in 1795, James Mebane, was present, having come from his home near Milton. Rev. Professor William M. Green offered up a prayer. Then Mr. Mebane, who had been speaker of the House of Commons and a very influential citizen, by request took a seat by the side


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of the President, Kemp. P. Battle. In complying he delivered a neat and appropriate address, giving reminiscenses of the past and sound advice to the students. He was followed by Mr. Samuel Field Phillips, with a most masterly history of the Society, which has unfortunately been lost. The Society afterward asked the privilege of having painted, by Wm. Garl Brown, an oil painting of the First President. It is a perfect likeness as he appeared, when causa honoris presiding, fifty-three years after he was the first executive officer of the Society.

        The orator of the Philanthropic Society was Tutor Ashbel Green Brown, a graduate of 1843, a man of fine talents and attainments. The Secretary of the Society informs me that no additional ceremonies were had.

        It is perhaps needless to say that the resolution to change the names of the Old East and Old West buildings to the Philanthropic and Dialectic buildings was never carried into effect. There are associations connected with the old names too precious to be lost.

        The following shows the names and subjects of the Graduating Class, Wilson drawing the Valedictory, leaving the Latin to Gales, who exchanged with Baskerville. Barringer, Gales and Jenkins won most plaudits:

        Salutatory Oration (in Latin), George T. Baskerville.

        "Inducements to Intellectual Exertion in Our Country," John W. Cameron.

        "International Law," James N. Montgomery.

        "The Glories of Our Age," Thomas H. Holmes.

        "The Poetry of the Bible," Victor C. Barringer.

        "Character of Sir Walter Raleigh," Willie P. Mangum, Jr.

        "The Fundamental Constitutions of Carolina," John B. Bynum.

        Decatur's Sentiment: "Our Country, May She Always be Right; but Right or Wrong, Our Country," Seaton Gales.

        "Representative Democracy," Thomas J. Person.

        "Character of Hugh S. Legare," Oliver H. Dockery.

        "Cedant Arma Togae," William A. Jenkins.

        The Valedictory, John Wilson.


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        The first distinction was awarded to Seaton Gales and John Wilson.

        The second to George T. Baskervllle, John W. Cameron, Thomas H. Holmes, William A. Jenkins, Willie P. Mangum and James N. Montgomery.

        The third to Victor C. Barringer, Oliver H. Dockery, Peter H. McEachin, Thomas J. Person and Robert W. Wilson.

        No member of the class was entirely punctual. The class, with three or four exceptions, was commended for punctuality, fidelity and courtesy in the recitation room, but a similar compliment could not be recorded for punctuality at Prayers. The worst offender had 370 absences, the next 339, then 286 and 276, out of 520 attendances required for four years.

        Following the honor men in after life we find Gales editor of the Raleigh Register, Adjutant of a Brigade in the Confederate Army, celebrated in the State as a lecturer. Wilson was a physician of repute.

        Of the rest, Jenkins was a very able Attorney General of the State and a Confederate Lieutenant Colonel; Mangum, Consul and Consul General for China and Japan. *

        * Mr. Mangum's widow has made, to the University, in memory of her late husband, a handsome gift of Japanese and Chinese porcelain and other objects of beauty and value.


Barringer was a Commissioner to revise the statutes of the United States and Judge of the International Court in Egypt; Dockery, a member of the State Legislature and of Congress, Lieutenant Colonel of the Confederacy, and Consul at Rio de Janeiro. Grimes rose to be a Major General in Lee's army, went through the war without a wound and was foully assassinated in 1880 by bad men whom he was prosecuting for crime. Meares was a Confederate Colonel and Judge of the Criminal Courts of Wilmington and Charlotte.

        The degree of Master of Arts was given to Michael Tuomey, of Alabama, State Geologist and Professor of Geology in the Alabama University.

        Of the matriculates the Confederate dead were Hutchins G. Burton, Private; Thomas M. Garrett, Colonel; John H. McDade, Captain; Lamon Ruffin, Private; Milton A. Sullivan, Captain; William M. Walker, Captain.


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        In 1848 Rev. Charles F. Deems resigned the Adjunct Professorship of Rhetoric and Logic and the Chair was not filled. I give a short sketch of this eminent and most useful divine.

        Charles Force Deems, D.D., LL.D., was born in Baltimore, December 4, 1820, and died in New York, November 18, 1893. He was trained at Dickinson College and, before he was twenty-one, began preaching at Asbury, N. J. In 1840 he came to North Carolina as Agent of the Bible Society. Two years afterward he was made Adjunct Professor of Rhetoric and Logic in the State University, an office created especially for him. In addition to the work of this Department he had classes in Latin and the Bible. After leaving the University in 1848 he was for a year Professor of Natural Sciences in Randolph-Macon College. He then had a pastoral charge at Newbern, and was elected Delegate to the General Conference. Then he successively had pastoral charges and was Presiding Elder of the Wilmington and Newbern Districts. After a tour of Europe and the Holy Land he declined the Professorship of History in our University. He was the founder of a school of high rank in Wilson and during the war was active in raising funds for an orphanage for the children of Confederate soldiers, a laudable purpose defeated by the calamities of the war. After the sun of the Confederacy went down he projected a newspaper, the Watchman, designed to aid in bringing the hearts of the two sections together. He changed his residence to New York, where it was published, but was obliged, for want of support, to discontinue it. Nothing daunted he began to administer to the religious needs of the numerous strangers in the city, and such was his enthusiasm and eloquence that he built up a flourishing Church, which he appropriately called the Church of the Strangers. In a few years he had organized the American Institute of Christian Philosophy, and was editor of its magazine, Christian Thought.

        Besides his arduous labors as a preacher Dr. Deems found time for much literary work. For five years he was editor of the Southern Methodist Episcopal Pulpit; for ten years of the Annals of Southern Methodism; for some years of Leslie's Sunday Magazine, and of Christian Thought. He was author of the following books: Triumph of Peace, and Other Poems;


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Life of Adam Clarke; Devotional Melodies; Twelve College Sermons; Home Altar; What Now? Forty Sermons in the Church of the Strangers; Jesus (or Life of Christ); Light of All Nations; Weights and Wings; Sermons, 1855; A Scotch Verdict in re Evolution; Gospel of Common Sense; Gospel of Spiritual Insight; Chips and Chunks; My Septuagint.

        His Doctorate of Divinity was conferred by Randolph-Macon College; that of Doctor of Laws by the University of North Carolina.

        The Deems Fund, to be loaned on security to needy students, now about $20,000, has been of signal benefit to worthy and aspiring young men being trained at our University. It was established by Dr. Deems in memory of his son Theodore Disosway Deems, a Confederate Lieutenant, who was killed in the famous charge at Gettysburg. His friend, William H. Vanderbilt, largely added to it for his sake.

        In the same year Professor John DeBerniere Hooper resigned his Professorship of Latin. It was understood that he thought that the methods of discipline, handed down from Dr. Caldwell's day, caused a feeling of hostility of students against the Faculty and led to secret mischief and immorality. He had been one of the most faithful and able teachers and the loftiness of his character was conspicuous. In exchanging a congenial position for the uncertain and unpleasant task of managing a miscellaneous school, while he had a wife and three children to support, he showed the spirit of a martyr.

        Professor Hooper, after leaving the University, opened a classical academy in Warren County, near Littleton. He was assisted by his father-in-law, Rev. Dr. Wm. Hooper. Thence he removed to Fayetteville and conducted a similar school. Afterward we find him in charge of a flourishing female seminary in Wilson, from which he was elected in 1875 to be again a Professor in the University. He died at Chapel Hill, January 27, 1886.

        Those nominated for Professor Hooper's chair were Benjamin Summer, of the class of 1822, who had been a member of the General Assembly; Rev. Moses A. Curtis, an Episcopal ministerof great learning, especially in Botany; Jefferson M.


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Lovejoy, a native of Vermont, Principal of the Raleigh Male Academy; Rev. Fordyce M. Hubbard, a gifted classical scholar. All were, or had been, Principals of classical schools.

        Rev. Fordyce M. Hubbard was an Episcopal clergyman, born in Connecticut, and an alumnus of Williams College in Massachusetts. He was for some time a Rector of Christ Church, Newbern, and then became Principal of Trinity High School in Wake County. Thence he was elected to the Professorship of Latin in the University, and entered on his duties the following year.

        He had a well deserved reputation for extensive acquaintance with the Classics and English Literature. He had a keen eye for discerning their force and beauty. He published no book, but his fugitive writings on biographical and other subjects were models of elegance of style and propriety of diction. His teaching was quiet and scholarly. If a pupil showed flippancy or pertness he met it with an aptness of sarcasm, which crushed the tendency, but left no sting. He was made Doctor of Divinity by Williams College.

        It was with great reluctance that the Professors and Trustees of the old school gave up even in part compulsory worship in the Chapel on Sundays. Professor Green, after the Episcopal Church was finished in 1848, moved for the privilege of members of that denomination to attend worship in their Church. He was fought vehemently and sometimes with scant courtesy, but, although in non-essentials mild in manner, in matters of conscience he was firm as a rock. He ultimately triumphed, but not until he became Bishop of Mississippi, and not completely until after Presbyterian, Baptist and Methodist Church edifices in the village were erected.

        The Chapel services were held at eleven o'clock in the morning, the roll being called after the second bell. Dr. Mitchell as a rule officiated one Sunday and Professor Green the next. The latter omitted the Ante-Communion service, and the Litany. There was no heating of the Chapel in the winter and in cold weather there was sad shivering in overcoats and cloaks. As a rule self-respect caused the students to don their best clothes, because ladies were present, and did not appear in shirt and


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drawers, covered by a bed quilt as was often the case at Morning Prayers. The service lasted about one hour and a half. Although Dr. Mitchell disapproved of forms, his long prayer was always the same. We all knew its successive stages and could accurately estimate how many minutes there were to the longed for end. The music was led by Tutor Charles Phillips, armed with tuning fork, but few of the students could be induced to join him. No discouragements, however, could daunt his persevering pluck. Once at the funeral of his oldest child Dr. Mitchell said, "It is painful for me to call on a parent of the deceased to raise the tune, but there is no other course to pursue." Right manfully did Mr. Phillips respond, by painful effort subordinating private grief to religious duty. The sermons were not adapted to the young, orthodox thoroughly, but solemn truisms, not animated sufficiently to awaken a slumbering youth or keep him awake after attention had been secured. I must not be understood as censuring the eminent preachers. Their style was the fashion of the age. Young Dr. Deems, who accasionally occupied the pulpit, was the pioneer of discoursing on live subjects. His little book, Twelve College Sermons, has brightness as well as truth.

        The Presbyterian Church was built by the energy particularly of Tutor Phillips, who, in addition to the large subscriptions of himself and his father, procured aid from members of the denomination all over the State. The list of names with amounts paid embraces nearly all of the influential Presbyterians of North Carolina about the middle of the century.

COMPULSORY CHAPEL WORSHIP.

        The efforts of Professor Green to procure liberty to students to worship at the Church of their choice met, for some years, with little success.

        There was excitement on the subject in distant quarters. On December 11, 1849, at a meeting of the Trustees it is recorded "that sundry petitions from different parts of the State and different Christian denominations on the subject of the modification of the ordinance relating to public worship in the College Chapel on the Sabbath was laid before the Board." Ex-Governor


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James Iredell offered an ordinance that attendance at some Church should be obligatory, but that students of full age might choose their places of worship, and parents and guardians might choose for their sons and wards under age. This was referred to a Committee, viz: Walter F. Leak, B. F. Moore and Calvin Graves.

        Mr. Leak, for the Committee, submitted a substitute, embracing the Iredell ordinance, with the addition that the places of worship should be selected within ten days after the admission of the student, and could not be changed during the session, except to the Chapel service.

        The Board adjourned to January 4, 1850, when the Leak ordinance was voted down. There was so much feeling that the ayes and noes were called. Wm. B. Shepard, Wm. H. Washington, Wm. Julius Alexander, Robert B. Gilliam, James Iredell, John H. Bryan, are recorded in the affirmative, and Charles Manly, Daniel W. Courts, George P. Davidson, James C. Dobbin, John A. Gilmer, William A. Graham, Charles L. Hinton, Giles Mebane, Frederick Nash, Samuel F. Patterson, David L. Swain, Hugh Waddell and Nicholas L. Williams in the negative. General Samuel F. Patterson then offered a substitute, which was unanimously adopted, that communicants within ten days after entrance, on notifying the Faculty of their wishes, could attend the church of their choice, but could not change during the session. The Faculty should require regular attendance by all somewhere as a University duty. Here the matter rested for ten years, communicants only being excused from Chapel worship. There are some names recorded in the negative, whose sentiments in favor of liberality are so well known that it is clear their votes were given in deference to President Swain. His vote was, it is suspected, determined more by considerations of discipline than of religion.

COMMENCEMENT OF 1849.

        At the Commencement of 1849 the large audience was arranged, said the reporter, to produce a beautiful and artistic effect. The assemblage of ladies was especially brilliant. The explanation of this improvement is that the ladies were all


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seated together, experience having proved that the sexes, when within talking distance, will effervesce in unseemly chatter. The change was very beneficial to order.

        The Baccalaureate sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Charles Force Deems, and fully sustained his reputation as a pulpit orator.

        The Declaimers from the Sophomore class were Bartholomew Fuller, Malcolm J. McDuffie, Neill McKay, Thomas J. Norcom, Rufus L. Patterson, James A. Patton, Claudius B. Sanders, Francis E. Shober and Charles C. Terry. For the Freshman class were Wm. D. Barnes, Thomas B. Burton, Wm. M. Carrigan, Thomas H. Gilliam, Benjamin A. Kittrell, Joseph A. Manning, Wm. A. Moore, James J. Slade, Basil M. Thompson, and Legh R. Waddell. All became graduates except Kittrell and Moore. Of these, Kittrell was a lawyer and politician of promise but died early. Moore became a Judge and Speaker of the State House of Representatives. He had a large brain, but lacked continuity of effort.

        On Wednesday morning ex-Governor William A. Graham, of the class of 1824, chosen by the Dialectic Society, delivered the Literary Address. It was read from manuscript, and there was no room for oratory, but the thoughtful auditors pronounced it admirable. The subject was Popular Education, and his thoughts were full of wisdom.

        After this, Dr. ----Togno, a native of Corsica, gave an instructive lecture on grasses, demonstrating their value as a crop, and the neglect of our farmers in cultivating them.

        At twelve o'clock on Wednesday the Alumni Association had their meeting. Plans for the Caldwell monument were submitted. Only $600 had been raised, and it was estimated that $1,000 would be needed. The Committee were instructed to continue their efforts to secure additional funds, and the $3 limit was removed. Obituaries were read of Wm. Sneed (1799), by Prof. W. M. Green; Durant Hatch (1806), by Charles Phillips; James McClung (1816), by Judge Battle; H. W. Covington (1830), by S. F. Phillips; James S. Johnston (1844), by J. H. Horner; David W. Stone, by Dr. Thomas H. Wright.


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        Next in order was an oration by Hon. James T. Morehead, who was a successful lawyer and a member of the General Assembly and of Congress. It was said to exhibit much research of a practical nature and allusions to great minds. He was a favorite with the members of the bar in his circuit, who affectionately called him "Uncle Jimmy." He was naturally a laudator temporis acti. The last time I saw him he was denouncing the Code of Civil Procedure, then recently imported from New York, and declaring that he would spend the rest of his life procuring its abolition and return to the good old practice. The Code modified outlived him and has come to stay.

        Other Alumni had died during the year, but their obituaries had not been obtained, viz., Francis L. Dancy (1801), Thomas J. Lacey (1821), James Saunders (1830).

        The first distinction was awarded to Kemp P. Battle, Peter M. Hale and Thomas Jefferson Robinson; the second to Thomas Devereux Haigh, James M. Johnson, Charles Eden Lowther, John A. Whitfield. The third to Wm. B. Dortch, Peter E. Hines, J. Calvin McNair, Malcolm McNair, Wm. G. Pool, Charles R. Thomas, and Needham B. Whitfield.

        The Senior speakers were as follows, the three first-honor men having drawn lots as usual for the Latin and the Valedictory. P. E. Hines, James M. Johnson and M. McNair were excused from appearing on the stage, and at their request Thos. M. Arrington, James P. Scales and Fourney George were substituted.

        Salutatory (in Latin), Peter M. Hale.

        "Palestine," Thomas J. Robinson.

        "The Dependence of Liberty on Law," Wm. B. Dortch.

        "The Bible apart from its Divine Aspect," Wm. G. Pool.

        "Agriculture," Needham B. Whitfield.

        "The Poetry of the Middle Ages," James Pinckney Scales.

        "Authors," Fourney George.

        "Influence of Scotland on Liberty," John Calvin McNair.

        "Influence of America," Charles E. Lowther.

        "Association of the True Principles of Progress," Thomas M. Arrington.


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        "Public Opinion," John A. Whitfield.

        "Love of Country," Thomas D. Haigh.

        "Christianity and Civilization," Charles R. Thomas.

        The Valedictory, Kemp P. Battle.

        Of the honor men of the Class of 1849, Battle was Tutor of Mathematics for four years, then a lawyer, Member of the Convention of 1861, State Treasurer, President of the University, and now Professor of History. Hale was a distinguished editor of the Fayetteville Observer and the Raleigh Observer. Robinson was a Professor of Mathematics in the United States Naval Academy, a teacher in North Carolina, and Secretary of the State Agricultural Department. Haigh was President of the North Carolina Medical Association and a very prominent physician of Fayetteville; James M. Johnson had uncommon natural talent, singular aptitude for scientific research, but lacked ambition; J. Whitfield was a lawyer of fine promise, reached the rank of Colonel as a dashing soldier, and was killed in the battle of the Wilderness. Hines, Director-General of North Carolina Hospitals, a Brigade Surgeon, C. S. A., and President of the North Carolina Medical Society; John Calvin McNair was a Presbyterian minister, entered the University of Edinburgh and died while a student. He left by will, after the death of his mother, a valuable property in land, slaves and securities to the University of North Carolina for the establishment of a course of lectures by eminent divines on the Harmony between Science and Religion. Owing to the losses of the war nothing was left but land, which has recently been sold for $14,500. Thomas had uncommon gifts as an orator, was Judge and Representative in Congress, member of the Convention of 1861, and Secretary of State. His son of the same name in Congress inherits his gifts.

        Of those matriculating with the class but not graduating, Almand A. McCoy was a State Senator, member of the Convention of 1865, and a Judge of the Superior Court: William H. Moore, a physician and Superintendent of the Colored Insane Asylum at Goldsboro; Alfred Moore Scales, LL D., was a member of the Legislature, a Brigadier-General, C. S. A., a Representative in Congress, Governor of North Carolina, and President of a bank.


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        The degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred on ex-Governor William Alexander Graham.

        The matriculates of the year lost of their number in the Civil War James F. Bell, Color Sergeant; William M. Carrigan, Lieutenant; Gavin H. Lindsay, Lieutenant; James T. McClennahan, Sergeant; John Henry Morehead, Colonel; John T. Taylor, Captain.

DR. SHIPP.

        Rev. Albert Micajah Shipp was elected Professor of English Literature and History. In 1851 French was stubstituted for English Literature, and in 1854, the French being transferred to M. Herrisse, he had charge of History only and so continued until 1860.

        Dr. Shipp was born in Stokes County, North Carolina, February 15, 1819. He was a graduate of the University of North Carolina in 1840, one of the first honor men. He was a Methodist preacher of uncommon power. He was not perhaps a specialist in the studies of his department, but had general cultivation and talents sufficient to enable him to qualify himself. His teaching lacked animation, though in the pulpit his manner was vigorous and exceedingly impressive.

        In the fall of this year Rev. Wm. M. Green left the University to become Bishop of Mississippi, and in 1850 Rev. John Thomas Wheat, of Nashville, Tennessee, took his place. Bishop Green continued in his high office until his death in 1887. After the Civil War he was made Chancellor of the University of the South and often resided at Sewanee. Shortly before his death he revisited his Alma Mater, and the inscription on his tablet in Memorial Hall was penned by himself. He was a saintly man.

        It was determined to enter in earnest on the improvement of the Campus, then still in its primeval state. One thousand dollars yearly for several years were spent under the supervision and personal labor of gardeners trained in England, first one Loader and soon afterwards Paxton, with colored laborers to assist them. They dug up many useless trees, macadamized a large part of Cameron Avenue and the three larger walks leading to the village, bordered two of the latter with beautiful


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flowers, especially roses, and hid the hotel back-yard and stables with osage oranges, hollies and shrubs. After the University lost its endowment the flowers were gradually destroyed by fire or neglect, but the other work is of value to this day. It is possible that the plan of A. J. Davis, architect, of New York, made some years before, may have been followed, but the gardeners understood their business.


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CHAPTER IV.

RECOLLECTIONS OF U. N. C. IN THE 40'S.

        After he was made a Judge, an office during good behaviour, that is, practically for life, my father removed his home to Chapel Hill in order to educate his five boys. This was in June, 1843. I was prepared for the University by recent graduates--A. G. Brown and R. Don Wilson-- and entered Freshman in 1845. After graduating I was an instructor for one year and Tutor 1850-1854, sleeping in the old East Building. I have therefore vivid recollections of the Faculty and villagers, students and employees, the teaching and curriculum, manners and customs of this period. I propose to introduce them to the reader. The description will show what the University was under President Swain before it reached its greatest numbers.

        1. Taking 1844 as a typical year. There were 64 Trustees They were then chosen by the General Assembly for life. It was considered to be a great honor to be a member. The Board was truly a noble body. At the head was Judge Henry Potter of the United States District Court, elected in the year in which Washington died. Next to him was Judge Gaston of the Supreme Court, elected in 1803, and then came John D. Hawkins and Judge Frederick Nash, both chosen in 1807. And then came a line of men prominent in our State.

        The Trustees in attendance on the Commencement of 1843 were the following: John M. Morehead, Governor and ex officio President of the Board; George E. Badger, Simmons J. Baker, Wm. H. Battle, John H. Bryan, Weston R. Gales, Wm. A. Graham, James Iredell, Andrew Joyner, Charles Manly, Secretary and Treasurer of the University, Samuel F. Patterson, Thomas Ruffin, James Webb and Jonathan Worth. It would hardly be possible to get together an abler or more worthy body of men. As a rule, they were of imposing physique. Nearly all had attained or were destined to attain high office. Morehead, Graham, Iredell, Manly and Worth occupied.


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the Governor's chair; Badger and Graham were Secretaries of the Navy and Senators of the United States, Iredell likewise a United States Senator, Ruffin was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and Battle Judge of the Superior and then of the Supreme Court; Bryan had been a member of Congress; Hinton, Patterson and Worth, State Treasurers, and Baker a State legislator, and he and Webb very prominent physicians; Joyner Speaker of the Senate; Gales editor of the leading newspaper and Mayor of Raleigh. "Old Dr. Baker," as he was then called, wore an old-fashioned cue, and had the courtly manners of the old school. The Trustees sat on the rostrum with President Swain, and each student felt that, whenever in coming years he could be elevated to similar honors, his noblest ambition would be realized.

        Judge Wm. Gaston, one of the greatest "all-round" men this State ever had, was absent from the Commencement of 1844. He died suddenly on January 23d previously. A Faculty Committee, Judge Battle being chairman, reported resolutions on the subject. They declare that his death was "a great loss to the Union, to the State, and to this University," that "as members of an institution of which he was more than forty years a guardian and benefactor, we feel ourselves called upon in an especial manner to honor his memory, and to propose to the youth committed to our trust his life and character as a noble example of the legitimate results of a pure, well-regulated and virtuous ambition." This is high praise and is well deserved. It was on his motion, as has been told, seconded by another active and sagacious Trustee, Judge Duncan Cameron, that the Board in 1804 resolved to have a President of the University, instead of a "Presiding Professor," and unanimously elected the first President, Rev. Joseph Caldwell, twelve years afterward honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity.

THE FACULTY.

        In addition to President Swain and Professor Mitchell, Phillips and Tutor Owen heretofore mentioned, the heads of the departments were John DeBerniere Hooper, A.M., of the Latin and French Languages; Manuel Fetter, A.M., of the Greek


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Language and Literature; Rev. Wm. M. Green, A.M., of Rhetoric and Logic; Rev. Charles M. F. Deems, A.M., Adjutant Professor of Rhetoric and Logic; Ralph Henry Graves, the elder, Tutor of Mathematics.

        In 1844 there were two changes in the Faculty. In January, Ashbel G. Brown, graduate of 1843, took the place Owen resigned, and Charles Phillips, of 1841, succeeded Graves, resigned.

        President Swain--never so called, but always Governor Swain--was at the height of his powers, mental and physical. He was bright in conversation, fond of punning, had a powerful memory stored with genealogies of North Carolina families, and anecdotes of public men. He had a kind heart and genial manners. He was not an extensive reader. His range of learning was not wide, but accurate as far as it went. Having lived through important parts of our history, he had absorbed much. When sent by Governor Vance to meet General Sherman, and introduced to one of his aides, Colonel Hitchcock, he surprised the party by saying to the Colonel: "Your mother was a ----. She married your father at ----." Similarly, students found that he could give them lessons about their ancestors, concerning whom, paternal and maternal, he diligently enquired. He was accustomed to talk familiarly with the students, especially the Seniors. He often visited them at their rooms in the daytime. He seldom went out at night on account of consumptive tendency. In wet weather he would walk to his lecture room, Indian moccasins in one hand and rubber shoes on his feet. His habit was to knock at the doors of students, and, being somewhat deaf, an infirmity which increased as he grew old, to walk in without waiting for a bidding. He thus occasionally found a party seated around a table enjoying a game of cards, then against the laws whether for stakes or for fun. He would confiscate the pack. It was said that he had a bushel basket full at home. He never reported the offenders, except in one case when the playing was on Sunday, and then the perpetrators were suspended. He was too nervous, but after a few pleasant words, would take his leave, making a pun or other humorous remark as a parting gift. His puns were sometimes atrociously bad. I have known


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him to be called back by his visitee with the words, "Come back, Governor; that is not good enough to leave on." He was always welcomed except when there was a game of cards or other breach of the regulations going on. There was only one instance of disrespect, and that was at a later day, and intended as a practical joke. A student kept excellent shaving apparatus with razor especially sharp. The President often asked the privilege of using it. One morning the owner of the razor substituted a very dull instrument. After making one stroke the President silently washed off his face and left the room never to return, to the penitent grief of the joker. As a rule, however, he took good naturedly impudent fun though aimed at himself.

        He was extremely restive under adverse criticism, and in his precautions to avoid censure was sometimes thought by some not to be ready to sustain in public items of reports of a harsh nature which he approved in committee. The late Colonel W. L. Steele, a Trustee, regular in attendance at Commencements, and on the preliminary examinations, when it was his duty as committeeman, made this charge against the President. The explanation probably was that while he agreed to the truthfulness of the report, he considered it bad policy to communicate names of delinquents to the public. A Mr. Land, of Louisiana, conceiving that his son, who was expelled from the institution, and forced to pay money for damages to University property, had been badly treated, sent a challenge to the President to mortal combat. Prof. Kimberly, with mock gravity, moved that, inasmuch as the age and station of the President prevented acceptance of the challenge, Prof. Fetter should be requested to take his place. Mr. Fetter, although fond of jokes on others, was sensitive at their being perpetrated on himself, repelled the motion with ludicrous heat. "I will not fight! I don't believe in duels." Young Land was a good soldier, howbeit an unruly student, was killed in the early part of the war.

        One impudent fellow had the presumption to call attention to the President's extraordinary knock-kneed conformation, by


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questioning his ability when a youth to successfully drive a pig, explaining that the animal must have escaped by running between his feet. The silence with which he received this attempted wit was a caustic rebuke. Good mimics, John H. Manly, for example, afterwards Colonel of a regiment and Mayor of Galveston, often imitated his peculiar voice, but never knowingly in his presence. At the sale of the old furniture of the Dialectic Society, the amateur auctioneer, the late Major R. S. Tucker, offered a pair of plated silver candlesticks. "Here, gentlemen, is a combination candlestick and mirror. They have the peculiar power of making an ugly man look handsome. Governor! they are the very thing for you!" The victim laughed as much as the crowd. Tucker was one of his favorites.

        Later on the Governor made a bid on some article. Tucker rattled on, "Don't you hear, gentlemen? Governor Swain bids $--. Don't you know he never pays more than half price for anything?" He took the hit in good part. It was founded on fact, as he was a careful economist. He laughed and said, "That is true--at auctions."

        Nor was he offended at ridicule of his bad puns, of which he made many. Professor Fetter's name was an obvious target, and the Professor's invariable retort was, "That will do for a beardless Swain." The Governor's face was nearly free from capillary adornment. He was much pleased at compliments to those puns which were worthy of applause. The following is one of his best. Robert H. Tate, in his Senior speech, spoke of the many uses of the Longleaf Pine, and bemoaned the recent losses to the State from the destruction of extensive forests of that valuable tree by myriads of pestilential insects. "What?", he asked, "will become of our good old State, if this devastation of our pines goes on?" The answer of the President was, "Re-pine, of course!"

        The following shows in a piquant way the friendly relations between the President and the students. After the marble shaft was erected to the memory of Presdent Caldwell, leaving the dilapidated sandstone monument first erected, gaunt and hideous, several young fellows waited on President Swain in


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mock gravity, saying, "Governor! we boys have had a meeting and resolved to keep the old monument for you." For once he did not take the joke with his accustomed hilarity.

        His curiosity for the news was insatiable. Every person arriving on "the Hill" was called on at once by the President and catechized as to what had happened of interest or importance within his knowledge. He kept up, even after postage fell to five cents for any distance, the old custom of sending letters by the hand of travellers, who often had to pay more than the postage to a specially employed delivery messenger. He retained always the practice of economy, which he learned in his straitened youth.

        Although extremely knock-kneed and round-shouldered, and with homely features, his face illumined by a kind heart and by a strong mind, and his tall figure gave him a commanding appearance. On account of his intellectual power, the great offices he had held, his influence over Faculty and Trustees, together with courtesy to old and young and his inclination to merciful dealing with offenders, "Old Bunk," as he was called behind his back, was almost universally popular with the students. I think he was intentionally insulted only once during his incumbency. That was when a Mississippi student, really crazy from whiskey, threw a chair in his direction, but did not touch him. The offender was dismissed, then expelled for refusing to leave Chapel Hill as the law required. He redeemed his wildness by becoming a good citizen and an officer in the church, and was killed in the Civil War, having reached the rank of Captain.

        The President's deafness, which sorely affected him in his latter years, was of no great inconvenience at this period of his life.

        For the most of the period the President taught the Seniors Constitutional and International, or as he published it, National Law, Intellectual Philosophy and Moral Science. The mode of recitation was almost altogether by questions and answers, the President adhering closely to the text. He required the table of contents or marginal topics to be memorized in order, an exaction considered by the class as burdensome. Occasionally


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he lectured most interestingly on such subjects as Magna Carta, the Petition and Bill of Rights, the character of the great men of North Carolina and the United States.

        He introduced greater system in keeping the records of the students for scholarship and punctuality. Tables exist showing in his handwriting the standing of each after every examination, and the absences from Prayers, from Recitations, and from religious services in the Chapel.

        Circular letters were sent to each parent or guardian, showing the standing of the student, and earnestly advising that they should not be allowed to buy anything on credit. At the end of the terms, then called sessions, the grades were reported. The President filled these out with his own hand, which was often tremulous. One parent told him that after careful study he had been unable to ascertain whether his son's standing was g-o-o-d or b-a-d.

        President Swain was strict in requiring formal Faculty meetings once a week, usually on Friday night. At first these were held at the dwellings of the Faculty alternately, but afterwards at the President's. Tutors were considered regular members, entitled to vote. Informal meetings were held in the afternoons after Prayers, a majority of the Faculty usually being present. He introduced the practice of having the regular meetings opened with prayer by one of the clergy present. Then the roll of the students was called over twice, absences recorded, and all instances of misbehaviour discussed. The following partial list shows the character of the offences appearing on the Conduct Book: "Talking or laughing at recitations or Prayers"; "Spitting on the floor"; "Blowing a trumpet in study hours"; "Being out of one's room in study hours"; "Bringing book into recitation room"; "Throwing a bucket of water on a student"; "Shouting too loud when drenched"; "Loud shouting"; "Riding horseback in Campus"; "Shooting pistols"; "Exploding gunpowder"; "Hoisting pigs with ropes as they fed under the windows," and so on.

        The next business in order was the trial of those who were cited to appear to answer serious charges. The Professor making the charge was first heard, and then the accused answered.


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As a rule his statement was accepted. The members of the Faculty were then invited one by one, beginning with the youngest, to ask questions or make comments, which were sometimes caustic, sometimes kindly. Some made it a rule to keep silence. After this ordeal the offender retired and the vote was taken on the case, beginning with the Tutors, according to the court-martial rule, adopted to prevent junior officers being overawed by their superiors. The theory was that the majority ruled, but in practice, if the President thought best not to punish, he was sure to carry his point. Sometimes his leniency did not escape criticism on the part of his colleagues, and on one occasion a committee of the Trustees instructed their chairman, ex-Governor Iredell, to announce publicly from the rostrum at Commencement their opinion that it was injuring the institution. The President answered the charge with spirit, even with heat, we must presume satisfactorily, as the subject was not mentioned again.

        The cases of discipline being disposed of, opportunity was given for a general discussion of the condition of the institution. No rules of order were deemed necessary, nor were lacking agreeable pleasantries and instructive comments on the affairs of the State and General Government. Sometimes, but not often, there would be heated differences of opinion.

        Whether it arose from the President's politic carefulness or his nervousness, his usual rule was to appoint professors to write to parents about the delinquencies of their sons. Professors were also entrusted with the duty of admonishing those who needed to be rebuked or stirred up. In choosing the mentors, regard was had to considerations of their likelihood of being able to exert special influence from acquaintance with parents, church affiliations and the like.

        As a rule he consulted the Faculty about other matters before acting, but was annoyed when they differed from him. By adroit management he generally carried his point, without causing dissatisfaction. He had decided ideas in regard to his prerogative. He often quoted the words of ex-Judge Duncan Cameron that the Captain of the University should have powers similar to those of a captain of a ship. When Professor DeBerniere


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Hooper wished for leave of absence at the close of the academic year, 1836-'7, the year be it noted of his marriage, the President, who believed that Commencement should be made as imposing as possible, declined permission, whereupon Professor Hooper appealed to the Faculty with success. Nothing daunted, the President carried the question before the Trustees and triumphed. He was a Trustee for life before he became President, and attended the meetings of the Board by right and not by courtesy. In general it may be said that the Trustees carried into effect his recommendations, but it should be observed that he was a cautious man and was careful to recommend nothing which would probably be disapproved. He prided himself on being independent of the Trustees, and often stated that for this reason he made it a rule never to invest a dollar in Chapel Hill property. He was prudent in money matters, as was his wife, and at death was worth at least $60,000, notwithstanding the losses of the war. It was an instance of his prudence that about 1862 he sold $10,000 stock in the Bank of North Carolina and invested the proceeds in a plantation in Pitt County.

        Mrs. Swain, a granddaughter of Governor Caswell, a woman of fine intellect but retiring disposition, cared nothing for Society, and therefore the President did not dispense a large hospitality. As he did not for reasons of health often attend entertainments at night, there were not many at his home. Occasionally, however, he was the host of distinguished visitors, such as President Buchanan and Secretary Thompson, President Johnson, Secretary Seward, Postmaster-General Randall, and Governor Graham. And rarely he gave a banquet to the Trustees, Seniors and others.

        In his domestic government he was conspicuously lenient. The neighbors thought that he "spoilt," to use a common term, his children and his slaves. A story was told with much glee, how, when irritated beyond measure by his washerwoman, he seized a switch to punish her, she said with satirical emphasis, "Whip away! I can supply back as long as you can supply whip!" His female slaves multiplied rapidly, although they did not enter into the matrimonial engagements usual among


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slaves, which though not binding in law, were as much respected in fact as are now legal marriages in some of our States. One of his women was a grandmother at twenty-seven years of age. Some of them became conspicuous for fidelity and efficiency in after life. One, Wilson Swain Caldwell, for instance, was for many years one of the most trusted and efficient University servants, with the unbounded respect of Faculty and students. He held the office, though not with the name, of Janitor.

        President Swain occasionally gave public lectures to the University officers and students, the villagers being also invited. I can recall one on the early history of the University, one on the comparative rank of North Carolina in geographical position, wealth, and population; another on the Importance of Agriculture; a fourth, which was published, on Military Operations in North Carolina in 1776. He had a floating intention to visit England in search for papers relating to our history, but the General Assembly, while appointing him agent for this purpose, made no appropriation for expenses. He wrote in an uncommonly good style some historical papers for the University Magazine on the War of the Regulation, and edited publications of papers of Governor Burke, Whitmill Hill, Cornelius Harnett, and others, mostly obtained from the collection of Judge Murphey. The history of this collection will be found in the second volume.

        The President was a Presbyterian, an Elder in the Church, but I never heard of his praying or discoursing in public. There is a tablet to his memory in the Presbyterian Church at Chapel Hill. Mrs. Swain was a Methodist, but an infrequent attendant at church.

        The President is commonly censured for using his influence to keep the North Carolina Railroad from coming to Chapel Hill, alleging that it would facilitate the running off of students during term time. It certainly was his policy, as was the policy of his predecessors, to keep the University dormitories isolated. No road was allowed through the Campus. A rail fence, along which a hedgerow grew up, separated the tree-covered part of it from the open field on the eastern side, and there was no


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access to the Raleigh road. Carriages could only reach the buildings by the west. Dr. Mitchell, as had been said, endeavored to have two public roads, one in the rear of the South Building and the other along the Old East, but the project failed. Still, I think that Governor Swain should not be held responsible for the railroad going by Hillsboro. In the first place its most powerful promotors, ex-Governor Morehead, ex-Governor Graham, John W. Norwood, Giles Mebane, Cadwallader Jones, the elder, John A. Gilmer, Ralph P. Gorrell, Paul C. Cameron, Calvin Graves, and other men, influential not only as stockholders to a large amount but as public leaders, without whose active labors the State appropriation could not have been procured, lived along the Hillsboro route. In the second place, the Chief Engineer, Col. Walter Gwynne, reported against the route by Chapel Hill. In his report of 1851 he says, "The result by any combination that could be made would be in favor of the route by Hillsboro in all the essentials of grades, cost, curvature and distance." Again, "Owing to the frequent deflections this, (the Chapel Hill) route, although called the direct route, would be about two miles longer than the line by Hillsboro, and a comparison of the grades, curvature and cost would also be against it."

        Against the opposition of the most powerful stockholders and the adverse report of the Chief Engineer, of course President Swain could do nothing. It was wise in him to yield gracefully and to get what comfort he could from the inevitable.

        As sustaining my charitable view, I add on the testimony of Mr. Paul C. Cameron that President Swain certainly advocated the Chapel Hill route before a meeting of the stockholders, while he himself urged that the road should go by his Farintosh and Flat River plantations, east of the adopted line. On the whole, I conclude that the President would not have opposed its location near the University if it could possibly have been procured, and that he persuaded himself that its loss was best for University discipline.

        The Faculty of President Swain's early incumbency was very little changed for many years. When changes occurred by death or resignation, the new professors did not sensibly


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modify the accustomed order. The fashion of discipline and instruction set by Dr. Caldwell and his coadjutors, less sternly administered, however, was continued.

        The Senior Professor, Dr. Elisha Mitchell, nicknamed "Old Mike" by the students, had a big frame and a big brain. While his body was formed for strength and not for grace, his face was handsome and intellectual. He might have been among the great specialists of this country, if he had not aspired to be universally learned. To his students he appeared to know everything in literature and science. He seemed familiar not only with flowers and rocks, minerals and ores, and the secrets of chemistry and physics, but with questions of fiction and poetry, theology and law, history and art. He was a strong mathematician, indeed, as has been shown, was professor in that department for several years. He once taught rhetoric and logic. He read Blackstone for recreation. He was well versed in the classics and was a good theologian. When a Junior he said to me, "Do you believe that Solomon had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines?" I replied that I thought I was bound to believe it. He said, "Well! I do not. The Bible comes to us after numerous transcriptions. A slight mark in Hebrew will make hundreds or thousands more or less. Perhaps some transcriber, Jewish of course, accidentally, or on purpose to increase the glory of Solomon, altered the figures." This was my first experience of the Higher Criticism. His sermons were good, but were delivered in such a tame manner, without gesture and without raising his eyes from the manuscript, that they left no lasting impression as a whole. Particular expressions were remembered from their quaintness. For example, he began a sermon on Moral Courage thus: "If a man walking on the street sees a mad bull charging on him with lowered horns, and hastens to leap the fence to escape, he is not a coward. If he does not, he is a fool." His prayers appeared to the youthful mind of undue length. They were always the same, and when he came to "line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little," we knew that he was half through and a thrill of gladness entered our souls.

        While Dr. Mitchell was curious to know everything, he was


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also ready for active work wherever called for. It was said that a year's term of Chairman of the Faculty after Caldwell's death left him willing to undertake the Presidency. He was one of the most diligent in enforcing discipline, and as he had a bed in his private room in the South Building, in which he frequently spent his nights, was commonly on hand to lend his aid in preventing or suppressing riotous conduct. Once while Faison was running from hot pursuit of a Tutor, he leaped out of a door of the South Building right into Dr. Mitchell's arms, and was held in his embrace. The fun of the thing moved F.'s risibles and he burst into a jovial laugh. While often detecting offenders, the good Professor was very merciful in punishment.

        He was, as has been told, the Bursar, and kept the accounts of the students. This involved much labor both of collecting and paying out money for tuition, room rent, servant hire, board, washing, and other expenses. The law required all funds of students, even pocket-money, to be deposited with him, a law smacking of espionage, and not obeyed except as to what was needed for expenses of board, books, and the like. No one ever saw his books, and it was a common belief that he carried all their accounts in his head, but this could not have been true. The only concrete criticism by the students was as to the deposit money. Each was required to pay $4 per annum to defray the expenses of damages to University property not traceable to any perpetrator. At the end of the session the unused residue was returned. As the students knew nothing of the aggregate damages, there was ample room for disappointment, and so they jocularly called the Bursar's old gray horse "Old Deposits," as having been paid for out of the fund. Often in emergencies he employed his own property, slaves or horses and wagons, in aid of the University, and repaid himself in a rough way in kind.

        As Bursar he took charge of all needed ordinary work and repairs, building stone walls and the like. As Town Commissioner, he improved our streets by supporting walls and culverts, and as Justice of the Peace he was always ready to try the petty cases of a sparse neighborhood. Occasionally in


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affrays among students, where serious trouble was threatened, he forced the fighters to give security to keep the peace.

        As a teacher he was very interesting, often illustrating the subject by facts of history and even amusing anecdotes, at which he laughed as heartily as the students. I remember that one of my classmates had the habit of giving a convulsive snort, instead of genuine laughter. Once this was not uttered until the rest of us subsided into quiet, so that it sounded like ridicule. The Professor angrily said, "Is that man a fool that he cannot appreciate a joke?" At one period he read written lectures of his own on Chemistry, Geology and Mineralogy. The notes of these were handed on from class to class, and on the margin were the entries, "Here comes in the joke about A. B.," "Here comes in the joke about C. D.," and so on. He did not often make a slip. I remember one. He taught the Junior class Sunday afternoons in the Books of Kings. During the first term he finished the first book. The next term we were dreading the complicated reigns of the kings of Judah and Israel, when to our delight he began the first book again and never discovered the reiteration. We did not undeceive him.

        In the laboratory he performed experiments well. The transformations he predicted all came according to the prophecy. But he did not require the students to work with their own hands. Indeed, there was not room for it in the combined lecture-hall and laboratory, which was on the first floor of the South Building, south side.

        As a citizen, Dr. Mitchell was kind-hearted and public-spirited, ready to give counsel or material aid to all who asked for it, fond of humor, as well as grave conversation. He enjoyed a joke on himself if there was no malice. To a retort of a member of my class he laughed and said, "Well, Mr. Dusenbury! I forgive the impudence of that for the wit of it." On a geological excursion with his class, when Vance invited him to go out of his way to inspect a newly found red stratum, and he found a divided watermelon, he said, "That Vance is a funny fellow," but he declined to partake of the fruit because he doubted Vance's title and would not be guilty of concealing


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stolen goods in his capacious stomach. Passing an old mill-house near an empty pond he was much amuused at Vance's pretended grave inquiry, "Doctor, do you think that mill is worth a dam?" Once when I showed displeasure at a coarse joke by a Professor in which the name of a refined young lady, then a guest at my father's, was mentioned, he paid me a special visit to endeavor to persuade me that I was wrong. "People are becoming too squeamish," he said; "when my wife was a girl she and her friends used to play dolls with human bones, which her father, Dr. North, had in his garret. The relations between the sexes were established by God, and there is no harm in talking about having children." I was not convinced, although I appreciated his kindness.

        The Doctor was one day explaining the transmission of qualities of mind and body by heredity. "Yes, gentlemen, often if you know the father and mother of a student and their idiosyncracies, you can form a fair estimate of his character." Then turning to a tall, dignified member of the class, whose father he well knew, he said, "Mr. Alexander! what is your mother's name?" "Vi'let, sir!" was the answer. The Doctor laughed with the class and said, "well, I admit that I can not estimate your character from that name. I enquired after her family name."

        He explored thoroughly the woods and fields around Chapel Hill, showing the love for solitary journeyings which led him to make excursions over our mountains and other parts of the State, evincing the same self-reliance which led him to his death on Mt. Mitchell. The University has his manuscript book of notes. It has a dedication "To Myself."

        He was charitable to the extent of his ability. My observation was that he and others of like heart in Chapel Hill were greatly imposed upon by a few who were, not too proud, but too lazy to dig, and not ashamed to beg. One of his benefactions was a standing source of merriment to the villagers. He lent money to a neighbor on mortgage of his home. He was compelled to foreclose and buy the property to save his debt. The wife of the debtor, Mrs. Snipes, declared that she would not vacate her dwelling. Her husband died, and still she stood


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firm. The good Doctor was too kindhearted to eject her by legal process, and so she continued for years, paying neither interest nor rent. The Doctor was reading in the Bible one Sunday, "Beware of Scribes . . . which devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers." My next neighbor, his son-in-law, Ashe, whispered to me, "the widow Snipes!" The remark exactly fitted the controversy of Mitchell vs. Snipes, coupled with the Doctor's longitudinous petitions, and was acutely ludicrous.

        One weakness the Doctor had--impatience of criticism or contradiction. I will give an instance. When the old road, ascending the Piney Prospect hill on the north, became, about 1840, almost impassible, it was resolved to make a new road on the south side, beginning about two miles from the village. He was selected as the engineer, and laid out a fairly good highway, but ascending the hill by quite a steep grade. Afterwards Professor Green was made road-overseer, and he deemed it his duty, although at considerable expense to himself, to adopt a much more gentle grade, using his own negroes in aid of the county "hands." Dr. Mitchell was so incensed at this implied reflection on his skill that he called Professor Green "no gentleman" and declined to speak to him afterwards.

        He also showed much intolerance against allowing any students to attend church services on Sunday morning elsewhere than in the University Chapel, as proposed by Prof. Green, and he, as well as other members of the Faculty, always became heated in discussing the subject. He was engaged occasionaally in newspaper controversies, notably with the State Geologist, Dr. Emmons. The dispute was whether the Deep River coal deposit is a veritable coal bed or only a vein. Although denounced and ridiculed by speculators who wished that Emmons was right, the developments since, it is said, show that the dip of the stratum of coal is holding the same angle as was then known and that Mitchell possessed the superior sagacity. In his controversy with General Clingman on the subject of Mount Mitchell, conducted in excellent temper on both sides, he carried his point. After his death the General magnanimously yielded.


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        The Professor of Mathematics, Rev. James Phillips, to whom this University gave the degree of D.D. when he was absent as a Visitor to West Point in 1851, was a very strong character. As a preacher he was singularly gifted in the ability by words, tone and sincerity of manner to touch the heart. His prayers were with the earnestness and pathos of one standing in the presence of God. His heart was large and kindly. He was as firm as adamant in his opinions. He was a most accurate scholar, especially in Theology and Mathematics, Natural and Applied. His lectures on Physics are written elegantly and clearly, without interlineation, and embracing the latest researches of his time. When the teaching force was enlarged, his work was confined mainly to Pure Mathematics. His teaching was somewhat mechanical, taking the propositions in regular order and, as a rule, calling up the students alphabetically. The idlers took advantage of this and calculated not only the day when their turn came, but often the problems which would fall to their lot. Like many teachers he had certain phrases, which he was fond of using. He would say, "Mr. B., I don't see dat," "Mr. A., that oversteps the modesty of nature!"

        In my day he kept excellent order in his classes. Besides his natural dignity, the boys were impressed by the fact that his youth had been spent in Old England, his native land, and he had gazed on the great Napoleon as he paced the deck of the Bellerophon.

        It was believed, too, that he was an expert in fencing and the use of the single stick, and the knotted cane with which he walked was looked on with awe. Freshmen were stuffed with the absurd story that he was a reformed pirate, but the truth was that he had been a church member from boyhood, first of the Church of England before reaching maturity, and then a devout Presbyterian.

        The following rhymes by James D. Lynch, of Virginia, afterwards of Mississippi, author of a Centennial Ode of merit, who was a student in 1855-'58, well expresses the fate of an ignorant student:


        

Illustration

        MANUEL FETTER.

        W. M. GREEN.

        J. DE BERNIERE HOOPER.

        CHAS. FORCE DEEMS.

        FORDYCE M. HUBBARD.


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                         Taken up, questioned and * rushed,
                         Laughed at, seated and hushed;
                         Of this a fellow gets full,
                         Whenever he recites to Old Bull.

        * Rushed meant a failure, in whole or in part.


        Owing to his English birth, his college name was Old Bull, or Old Johnny.

        Dr. Phillips occasionally preached at night in the village chapel. His regular charge was New Hope Church, about six miles north of the village.

        He was a hard student. The light from his little window upstairs over the parlor of the dwelling, where resides President Venable, was one of the latest in the village. He had a good library, mainly theological, which, after his death, was given by his daughter to the University.

        Professor Manuel Fetter, although his students teased him in his recitation room, had a warm place in their hearts. He was well versed in the reading and parsing of Greek, but had the defect of most classical teachers of his day, that of not calling attention to the literary excellence of the books he taught. He was minutely strict in carrying out the rules, and was very sensitive to ridicule. Sometimes students intentionally committed breaches of the regulations or of etiquette, in order to laugh at his evidences of annoyance. But even these, and certainly all the well-behaved, carried to their homes respect and affection for "Old Fet."

        In teaching he placed great stress on the "Dictionary meaning," Liddell and Scott being his sine qua non. No alternative reading was favored, so that those who wished good marks were driven to much turning of leaves. Those who studied Greek for the grandeur of thought and beauty of imagery were not pleased, but those who wished familiarity with the grammatical structure of the language, the declensions and tenses, dialects and derivations of words, obtained as much as they could carry off.

        It is said that when he first came from the North he knew nothing of gardening. After he planted his "sweet potato" slips, he was shocked to find that the growing of the tubers had


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caused little fissures in the earth of the hills. He consulted his neighbor, Mr. Snipes, about the difficulty. "The remedy is easy," said Snipes, "take some lime mortar and plaster up the cracks." And so indeed he did. He afterwards became a most skillful gardener.

        He was perhaps too strict in reporting indecorums for the demerit roll, and calling larger offenders before the Faculty. Once he brought on himself some ridicule. He asked a student, James W. Wilson, who afterward became an eminent Civil Engineer, the name of an ancient river, Oenoe, or Enoe, pronounced En-o-e. Wilson, who had often fished in the stream running through Orange County, confidently replied, "E-no, Sir!" There was a general laugh and he was ordered before the Faculty for disturbing the recitation. In reply to the charge he said, "Governor! how do you pronounce E-n-o-e?" "E-no, Sir!" was the reply. "Well, Sir! Mr. Fetter summoned me for pronouncing the word just as you do." Of course he was acquitted and the Faculty thought the joke was against the Professor.

        Sometimes a student would hold his text-book under his cloak and gaze intently at it as if he were reading a novel. The Professor would administer a rebuke for violating the law, when the cloak would be thrown open and, with an injured tone, the question would be asked, "What, Mr. Fetter! is it against the law to read my text-book?" Sometimes his feet, uncommonly large, would be gazed at with faces expressing wonder. As his chair was on a platform elevated two feet above the floor, there was no way of avoiding the inspection, and his annoyance was plainly visible.

        Occasionally several students would groan without opening their lips, so that it was impossible to discern which of the innocent-looking youths were guilty. Occasionally nearly all the class would march behind the Professor, as he repaired to the Chapel for Evening Prayer. Those in front were usually summoned before the Faculty for a reprimand. Of course ridiculous questions were sometimes asked as gravely as if the speakers actually sought knowledge. The old torment of cat calls was not wanting and in acorn and chinquepin seasons these nuts would be rattled across the room.


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        Another mode of teasing Mr. Fetter was to induce a large number of the class (there were always about a half a dozen who would not join them) to "snap," that is, to absent themselves from the recitation room, or to "fess," that is, to decline answering questions. They invariably were discomfited in the end, the Faculty requiring them to recite the lesson, with the alternative of being dismissed. Twenty-five members of a Freshman Bible class, however, submitted to this penalty, because when their regular teacher was absent, they claimed that they were not bound to recite to another. Of course there was the usual submission and restoration.

        Similar to this was the fate of a class locked out of their room by some sly youth pouring shot into the capacious key holes, into which fitted brass keys nearly or quite a foot long. The locked out Professor would direct the class to follow him to the Chapel or to other vacant rooms, but was generally disobeyed, except by a faithful few. Other instructors anticipated the ringing of the bell by five minutes so that, if the lock had been tampered with, a servant with an axe could break into the room and the damage charged to "Deposites."

        In 1844 Professor Fetter, as the phrase of the day had it, "disapproved," or "glistered," all the Junior class, except three, on the Medea of Euripides. The unfortunates dressed the book in black crape, marched by the Professor's home in solemn procession, and then back to the Davie Poplar and buried it with funeral honors. Over it was a slab of sandstone on which was inscribed Hic Jacet Medea. On the corner, in small letters, was "E. Hinton, sculpsit." It is to be regretted that it was not allowed to remain in honor of the graduating class of 1845.

        These instances suffice to show the nature of the teasing to which the Professor was occasionally subjected.

        Professor John DeBerniere Hooper, descended from a brother of the Signer of the Declaration of Independence, and on his mother's side from a noble French Huguenot family, was Professor of Latin and French until 1848. He had a strict sense of duty. In enforcing the old-fashioned rules of discipline he concluded that they caused evasions and deceits


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among the students and hostility toward the Faculty. So he afterwards resigned his Professorship and undertook the work of school teaching. He was a man of peculiarly gentle manners, but he gave the impression of possessing great reserve power. The noisiest students were quiet in his presence. He was regarded as a broad and accurate scholar. He was such an excellent writer that he was more than once selected to deliver Commencement addresses, but his modesty forced him to decline. No student ever dared to treat him with ridicule. His manner was gentlemanly, and so decided and firm, and his rebukes so just, that offenders could not answer him with rudeness. He had no other nick-name than the abbreviation Hoop, or Old Hoop.

        As a teacher of Latin, while exacting in parsing and constructions, he took pains to point out the excellencies of style and thought, but neither he, nor the Professor of Greek, required the translation of English into Latin or Greek. In teaching French he was successful in regard to reading and construction, but his pronunciation was said by experts to have been formed from the teaching of books. There was no attempt to train the students in conversation in that language.

        Professor Hooper was brother of Johnston Hooper, the Alabama lawyer, who wrote Simon Suggs and other humorous stories, once very popular.

        Professor William Mercer Green, afterward Bishop of Mississippi, Professor of Rhetoric and Logic, also Chaplain of the University, combined in a great degree suavity of manners with strength of character. He was a good teacher, as far as he went, but his heart seemed to be in his clerical duties more than in his department. In his Chapel preaching he carefully refrained from inculcating doctrines peculiar to his denomination. His sermons were always sensible and interesting, but he could not be called eloquent. His delivery was smooth and graceful, but not energetic.

        In 1844 he inaugurated two enterprises which he prosecuted with great energy, which will be more fully described. The first was the building of the first church in the village, the Episcopal, which he succeeded in finishing largely of his own


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means. The second was allowing the students the option of attending divine service in the village instead of in the University Chapel (Gerrard Hall). A full account of this controversy is given elsewhere. The whole system of compulsory attendance may sound well, but in practice it did not conduce to edifying. There are very many more active religious men under the voluntary plan.

        His instruction in Blair's Rhetoric was satisfactory, but in Logic it was deficient, merely requiring the careful study of Hedge's treatise, a diminutive book. Besides these he had a class in Vandenhoff's Elocution. We thought the gesticulation and intonation too mechanical, indeed unnatural. There was a similar defect in his preaching. The language and style were good, the thoughts excellent, of the most approved orthodoxy, but there was lacking fire, enthusiasm.

        He was of boundless kind-heartedness and benevolence. I heard him say that when a boy he shot a woodpecker and grieved over it with occasional tears for a whole day. He allowed his slaves to impose on his easy temper to the indignation of his neighbors. Particularly one Sam, by deception as to his sore hand, escaped all work. My classmate, Young, one of the best men in the world, who had a room on the Professor's lot, was so delighted at seeing him, irritated beyond endurance, take up a switch to punish Sam, that he forgot himself, threw up his window and shouted, "Give him h--l!"

        Once, when there was a scare about the insurrection of the negroes, for which there was not the slightest foundation, Sam loudly asserted his innocence; "When I rises I rises to do my master's work!" The ludicrousness of this declaration from one who avoided all work tended to allay the panic. The Bishop's conscientiousness is evident by the fact that he lost most of a brick kiln, worth $250, by having the fires extinguished on Saturday night, so as to relieve the loborers from work on Sunday, a strange construction of Christ's words about the ox or ass falling into a pit. He carried on a small farm, now called Tenny's plantation. I have known of his lending a driver and a pair of mules for several days to a neighbor for a trip to Raleigh, when they were needed on the farm.


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        Besides conducting prayers every morning and preaching every alternate Sunday in Gerrard Hall, Professor Green officiated once a month in a Chapel erected by Judge Duncan Cameron on his Farintosh plantation. He also occasionally conducted the services of his church in his parlor and in the Episcopal Church, when finished. He, however, declined being Rector of the Parish.

        His manners under all circumstances were those of a polished gentleman; his conduct regulated by a Christian's sense of duty.

        Professor Charles Force Deems, in addition to his work in his own department, had a class in Horace and the Bible. He did not care for the niceties of parsing and grammar, but brought out the literary power of the work studied remarkably well. He was not much over twenty-one years old, was admired as a preacher of clearness, force and eloquence. He seldom officiated before the students, but often preached at Orange Church in the country, and was pastor of the Methodist congregation of the village, whose church, named Bethesda, was a plain room above a store, with only backless benches for seats. Of all the teachers of Latin I have known he was the most happy in showing the force and beauty of the poetry of Horace. He treated everyone with the utmost politeness and kindness, and was not watchful in preventing fraud. It was not uncommon for students to recite to him out of Smart's Horace, which had interlinear translations. At one time by a strange misunderstanding he was exceedingly unpopular. He was involved in a controversy with the father of two students and the strong feeling engendered was of course shared by the sons. It led to throwing stones into a room which he visited in pursuance of his duty. It is evidence of his freedom from resentment that he always retained love for the University and showed it practically years afterward by a beneficient donation of money to be loaned to needy students, called the Theodore Deems Fund. It was named in honor of his oldest son, who was born at Chapel Hill and, becoming a Confederate soldier, was killed in service. Except with the students mentioned and their immediate friends he was very popular.


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        As a preacher his sermons were distinguished by clearness and practical bearing on the duties of life. His manner was simple and unaffected, and his discourses so impressive as not easily to be forgotten. I remember much of one of his sermons, the subject being "Truth," after the lapse of sixty years. He left the University in 1848. Nominally he was Adjunct Professor of Rhetoric and Logic. His work in the department was chiefly the correction of compositions and original speeches. He published a volume of discourses preached at Chapel Hill, entitled "Twelve College Sermons." After he became a distinguished preacher in New York he gave, in one of his books, a list of those who most influenced his life. Among them were of the University of North Carolina Faculty, David L. Swain, Elisha Mitchell, James Phillips and William H. Battle.

        On October 3, 1845, the Department of Law was established with William Horn Battle as Professor, but without any responsibility for the discipline of students. Indeed, for several years the names of his students were not published in the catalogues. A native of Edgecombe, he graduated at the University in 1820 among the highest in his class. Studying law at the school of Chief Justice Henderson in Williamsboro, Granville County, he settled in Louisburg. In addition to his practice at the bar he republished Haywood's reports with annotations, was one of the Revisers of the Revised Statutes of 1835, and for several years joint Reporter of the Decisions of the Supreme Court with Thomas P. Devereux. On the resignation of Mr. Devereux in 1839 he became sole Reporter and removed his residence to Raleigh. In 1840 he was elected Judge of the Superior Court and soon afterward made his home in Chapel Hill for the purpose of educating his sons. He was an ardent lover of his profession and engaged in politics only a short while, serving in the General Assembly as a Whig from a Democratic County in 1833-35. He was one of the few members from his part of the State who voted for the Constitutional Convention of 1835 as an act of justice to the Western Counties, which they always remembered with gratitude. In 1848 and from 1852 to 1868 he was a Judge of the Supreme Court.


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        While at his Court Judge Battle had as his assistant in the Law School Samuel F. Phillips, who after a distinguished career as a lawyer, member of the House of Commons, Commissioner of Claims against the State, and Auditor, held during the administration of Grant, Hayes, Garfield and Arthur, the high office of Solicitor General of the United States.

        The Tutors were Ralph Henry Graves, father of the Professor R. H. Graves of a later date, in charge of Mathematics and Wm. H. Owen of Languages. Graves filled his chair ably and, when he went off to take charge of classical schools, at first alone, afterward in conjunction with James H. Horner, much regret prevailed among Faculty and students. Owen was of lighter calibre, but equal to his duties. He had a habit of using great words, which gave much amusement. Here is a specimen of one of his reports, if we may credit the students. "I was aroused from my slumber by the untimely ringing of the bell and forthwith vigorously pursued the perpetrator in cloudy and moonless darkness. Suddenly with painful violence I struck my pedal extremity on an excressence of a gigantic oak and fell supine on my mother earth." He was a good man, however, and fully deserved his elevation to a Professorship in Wake Forest College. It was his uncommon dignity of manner which gave him the College name of "Judge" Owen.

        Tutor Graves was succeeded by a man whose brain well corresponded to his huge frame of 230 pounds, Charles Phillips, son of Professor James Phillips, a first honor graduate of 1841. After spending some time in Princeton Theological Seminary he became Tutor of Mathematics in our University in 1844. He loved hard work and soon acquired the reputation of being the first of the young mathematicians of the South. He published a text-book on Trigonometry, which showed a firm grasp of the subject, and was highly regarded by scholars. The eminent preacher and College President, Rev. Dr. J. H. Thornwell said of him, "where have you been hiding this man Phillips? Why, sir, he has a brain as big as his abdomen!" He, however, declined being a specialist, and devoted much time to preaching and the study of theology, and after some years to Political Economy. He was very active


Illustration

        CHARLES PHILLIPS.

        RALPH H. GRAVES, SR.

        JOHN KIMBERLY.


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in enforcing discipline of the institution, and sometimes temporarily lost popularity by his zeal. But his untiring unselfishness in helping those who asked his aid, spending hours often in explaining difficult questions out of recitation hours, his open-handed charity, his skill as a teacher and his deserved reputation for intellectual ability, always won the respect of all, and the affection of most of the students. His college name was "Fatty," which he accepted with good humor. A French merchant in Fayetteville, seeing him panting after a hot walk, earnestly inquired, "Fat is de mattaire?" "That is it," said Tutor Phillips, "you have it exactly. Fat is the matter." It was one of his characteristics that he scorned to take care of his bodily health. He would rise from a hasty dinner and at once lead an engineering class in practical exercise in the field in the hottest weather, on one occasion eleven miles to University Station and back in one afternoon. He has been known to spend the whole of the last night of Commencement, after attending all the exercises and all the duties of hospitality, in preparing for the press the story of the happenings of the week. Once, after burying a member of his church, he became drenched with a wintry rain on his return and conducted a recitation for an hour without changing his clothes. The result of this indiscretion was that he lingered for days between life and death.

        In consequence of this neglect of the laws of health he was soon grievously afflicted with gout, which pursued him from time to time to the end of his days. He was thoroughly unselfish and desirous of doing his duty, and much more. In the class room he was a luminous teacher. His aim was to inspire the desire of learning more than the lesson assigned. His instruction was of chief advantage to the best scholars. At this period he was admittedly one of the ablest teachers in the University. In after life he often shot above the heads of his pupils and the best students complained of being made to appear as if they were ignorant, while the less diligent were hopelessly lost. He contended that by this method the pupils were aroused to aspire to higher things.

        The mathematical text-books used at this period were those of Professor Benjamin Peirce, which the average student


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thought to be "hard" and uninteresting. After awhile it was ascertained that the edition of Calculus was exhausted. So a secret committee of students raided every room in the University, and collected all the obnoxious volumes. A fire was kindled and soon the dark places of those books became light. Church and Loomis superseded Peirce on Calculus and Analytical Geometry and proved to be more easily understood. Trigonometry, by Professor Charles Phillips, was also used and highly steemed.

        Mr. Phillips was Secretary of the Faculty and had charge of the preparation of schedules and other University papers. Indeed, he was so fond of work that he induced his father to turn over to him the lectures and Experiments in Natural Philosophy. He repaired and polished up the dust-covered instruments bought by Dr. Caldwell in 1824, and proved to be a brilliant experimenter. Many regretted that he did not refrain from journeys into other fields and gain for the University the honor of having among its Alumni a man acknowledged to be one of the greatest mathematicians of America.

        The Tutor of Ancient Languages, Ashbel Green Brown, elected in 1844, a graduate with second honor in the class of 1843, was an excellent teacher of the construction of sentences, the tenses and conjugations and declinations of words, but like Professor Fetter, gave little idea of the beauty of classical literature. He was a serious man, devoid of humor, a good disciplinarian. He was of abnormal nervous sensitiveness, which grew on him as time wore on and became so severe that after a few years he was given a vacation for a year, and as he did not recover, he thought best to resign in 1855.

THE CURRICULUM EXERCISES

        were chiefly Latin, Greek and Mathematics. Chemistry, Geology, Mineralogy, Botany, Zoology, occupied only three hours a week for nine months; Methaphysics, Political Economy, Constitutional and International Law occupied the same time. Even after the inauguration of the School of Engineering and Agricultural Chemistry more than one-third of the student's time was spent in the Dead Languages; one-half in the Languages, Ancient and Modern; three-fifths in Languages


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and Pure Mathematics; only one-fifth in Physics; in Mental Philosophy, Logic and Rhetoric only one-twentieth; and in Political Science, Law, Psychology and Rhetoric, all combined, only one-eighth of the time of four years. The English studies were assigned to the department of Metaphysics and allowed three hours a week for one year. In that time were attempted to be taught Logic, Psychology, Rhetoric, and the English Language and Literature. This is a brief statement of the curriculum for the twelve years of the period beginning with June, 1856. Prior to 1856 the proportion of Latin, Greek and Pure Mathematics was much greater.

        No laboratory work was required before 1854, but the Professors of Chemistry and Natural Philosophy (Physics) performed experiments in presence of the classes. The Geology and Surveying students were once or twice a year taken out on excursions into the field to receive practical instruction. The teaching was generally quite thorough, but theoretical in its character. Much attention was paid to pure Mathematics, less to its application. In the classics there was no instruction in Latin and Greek composition, but there was required a minute acquaintance with the grammar and dictionary. The effect was to make these languages disagreeable to the average student. Recitations were exceedingly tedious and consequently disorder was common in more than one of the rooms.

        The impression on the mind of the student was that the chief object of the Professors was to ascertain whether they had learned the lessons assigned. The rule was to mark the value of the answers as soon as the catechising ceased and the average of these showed the standing. There were seven grades, "very good," "good," "very respectable," "respectable," "tolerable," "bad" and "very bad." Those who obtained "very good" in all, or nearly all, their studies, had the first distinction. Those who averaged "good" obtained the second distinction. The "very respectable" had the third distinction. The students, however, classed these as 1st, 2nd and 3rd "might" men. I have been unable to discover any institution where the word "might" was used in the sense prevalent at Chapel Hill. It was usually spelt mite, but I think that the other is probably correct.


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        The examinations counted hardly more than single recitations. Sometimes they were oral, sometimes in writing, lasting one hour or an hour and a half. Occasionally some were held on Tuesday of Commencement week, in presence of Trustees, an ordeal quite formidable.

        Diplomas were easily gained. They were, in fact, nothing else than certificates of behaviour and attendance on the University exercises. The distinctions showed the proficiency obtained in the year's work. In the class of 1844 one student obtained his degree of A. B. whose grades in the Senior year were "very bad" in Latin, "tolerable" in Chemistry and in Constitutional Law. Another equally fortunate was "bad" in one study, "tolerable" in two, and "respectable" in the fourth. Nor was the man "very bad" in Latin passed through because of his orderly behavior. It is recorded that during his Senior year he was absent from prayers 227 times, from recitation 137, and from church 19 times, while there were charged against him 44 demerits. The Faculty Journal shows that a special committee of two Professors were requested to call on him, about three months before graduating day, and warn him that his absences from duty were jeopardizing his chances of obtaining a diploma. It seems not to have been necessary to hint to him that the "very bad" standing in Latin should be improved.

        The distinctions awarded were read out publicly and published in the newspapers. Those who obtained them did faithful work. While the minimum standard of scholarship needed for obtaining a diploma was lower than at present, the honor men studied as hard and as successfully as those in similar ranks today.

        The chambers in which instruction was given were called Recitation Rooms. Person Hall, or the Old Chapel, was in 1842 divided by thick walls and large chimneys, so as to make four of these, one to the Latin, one to the Greek, one to the Rhetoric Professor, and one to the Tutor of Ancient Languages. The Tutor of Mathematics had two rooms with partitions removed on the second floor of the Old East, North end, possessing a tragic reminiscence from the futile efforts of


Page 555

an insane student to hang himself therein. The other recitation rooms were in the South building. That used by Governor Swain and that by Dr. Phillips, both on the second floor, had the ambitious names of the University Library and the Philosophical Chamber, respectively, while that by Dr. Mitchell on the first floor, originally designed for a Chapel, was called "the Laboratory." When the Dialectic and Philanthropic halls on the third floor were vacated in 1848 they were used for class purposes. When the members increased so greatly afterward other apartments were brought into use.

        The Seniors of those days were specially privileged and as a consequence were expected to show superior dignity and manliness of conduct. They were exempt from attending the most odious recitation, that before breakfast, so that they had one-third less attendance on lectures than the others. This was in accordance with President Swain's policy of dignifying this class. His maxim was "as is the Senior class so is the University." They were presumed to be improving their minds by reading and writing. To them was given a month's holiday anterior to Commencement. This was preceded by "Senior Speaking," original orations being delivered in the "New Chapel," i. e., Gerrard Hall, before the public. A student band, generally two violins and a flute or two, furnished the music, which was uncommonly sweet and enlivening. Richard, or "Dick," Weaver was a noted flute player. The orations were of the usual dignity and solemnity, but there was always what was called a "Funny." In 1844 Long was the comical man. I recall only one passage. He began,


                         "You'd scarce expect one of my size
                         Before the public gaze to rise!
                         And if I shall chance to fall below,
                         Horner high and Duncan low,
                         Don't view me with a critic's eye
                         But pass my imperfections by."

        As Horner (James H.) was about six and a half feet in height, and "Duncan," i. e., Alexander Duncan Moore, though very active and strong for his inches, was only about five feet two, the students rewarded the hit by kicking the uncarpeted


Page 556

floor with resounding heels, making a noise which echoed from McCauley's Mill to Piney Prospect. They were allowed to use their heels ad libitum, but not to applaud with canes.

        The speeches were submitted to the censorship of the Professor of Rhetoric. How the following gorgeous metaphor escaped the knife of Dr. Wheat in 1851 is certainly strange. A Senior wound up a glowing description of the future greatness of the United States with this prediction, "And the Angel of Liberty will plant one foot on the Alleghanies and the other upon the Rocky Mountains and spread her white skirt over all this broad land!" This was paralleled by a Missionary, who visited Chapel Hill in the interest of his mission and was invited to preach in Gerrard Hall. He was portraying the sublimity and terror of the Last Day of Judgment. His closing was, "And the avenging Angel will plant one foot on the Ganges"--Dr. Mitchell said that he expected, of course, that the other foot would be on the Mississippi or the Amazon--but no, "one foot on the Ganges and the other on the Georgium Sidus!" The Georgium Sidus or Uranus was then thought to be the outermost planet.

        These exercises were attended by the ladies and gentlemen of the village. Perfect decorum was observed. The speakers wore black silk gowns, belonging to the two Societies. No manuscripts nor prompting were allowed. If memory failed the unfortunate Senior took his seat and his eloquence was lost to the world, a tragic ending as painful to the sympathetic audience as to the victim. To avoid this peril the halls and forests around for weeks previously resounded with oratory.

        Long speeches were taboed, eight minutes being the limit. Allusions to politics, to differences between religious denominations, all advocacy of the Higher Criticism of the Bible, and any doctrines offensive to average orthodoxy, especially all ridicule or censure of the Faculty, were rigorously excluded. Notwithstanding this handicapping there were many speeches of marked excellence. I recall particularly those of Wm. K. Blake, M. W. Ransom, Victor C. Barringer, W. A. Jenkins, and Seaton Gales. Some were allowed to be repeated at Commencement, but generally new orations were prepared.


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        At Commencement the prize oration, the Valedictory, was sometimes a short address at the end of an oration on another subject. Usually, however, it was a genuine farewell to Faculty, students and classmates, and sometimes Trustees, full of tender reminiscences, or regret of separation, of educational advantages realized, of wise counsel for the future. According to the temperament of the speaker, some of these orations were very touching and were listened to with more interest than all the others. The Faculties of the present day think that such speeches are beneath the dignity of Universities, but the old-time Faculties saw no triviality in a student, at the close of his labors, and entering on manhood's work, speaking to his fellows words of affection, of gratitude, of warning, of encouragement, of hope and lofty purpose.

        The Latin Salutatory was regarded as the second prize. It was listened to with interest, although understood by few. There were certain catch phrases always recognized and vehemently applauded. The most common was formosissimae puellae Septentrionalis Carolinae. The other speeches were by the honor men--each being required as a rule to perform his duty. Occasionally a non-honor man of superior repute as an orator was allowed by consent to take the place of a kindly friend willing to avoid the trouble and forego the glory of appearing on the stage. When the number of students largely increased only the first and second distinction men were awarded speeches. Occasionally, not often, a Salutatory in English was given to one possessed of extraordinary powers as a speaker, as in the case of Matt W. Ransom.

        There was much interest in the Freshman Declamation on Monday night of Commencement week, and those of the Sophomores on Tuesday night. The speakers wore black gowns, the property of the two Societies, which disappeared at the time of the occupancy of the Federal soldiers. Pinned on the lapels of the gowns were blue and white ribbons, the society colors. While there was much commonplace in the speeches there was much of great excellence. I recall particularly those of Wm. Henry Manly and Alonzo T. Manning as meeting universal commendation. The importance given


Page 558

the declamation, although considered by some as below University dignity, certainly was a valuable aid to the polishing of orators.

        After the Sophomore declamations the Societies held secret meetings, during which honorary members were admitted. Questions were discussed by four Juniors elected by the Societies, who were called "Debaters." These studied the questions with great care and many of them delivered speeches of conspicuous merit. The election was considered as an honor much to be desired. They had the peculiar privilege of free access to the Society libraries at all hours, and their orations were filed in the Archives.

        Declamations were required of all students, except Seniors, in the Chapel after evening prayers, formerly before Faculty and students; at this time only before the Faculty. Webster's peroration in his reply to Hayne, Emmett's defence on trial for treason, and Charles Phillips' turgid eulogium of Napolean, beginning "Grand, gloomy and peculiar he sat on the throne, wrapped in the solitude of his own originality," were looked on as the perfection of oratory. Poetry was seldom chosen. Occasionally, however, one of dramatic instincts and manner would attempt an extract from a great tragedy and procure boundless applause. I think John T. Taylor, of Oxford, excelled in this line. Theophilus Terry, of Texas, produced a thrilling effect without a gesture, solely by the appropriate intonations of his voice.

        "Deviling" certain Professors, whose defective powers of command made them targets for such treatment was, as I have explained, because of the school boy mode of discipline, led to resentments toward the Faculty. Among other arbitrary rules the members of the class were required to sit in alphabetical order, to sit upright on benches, whose backs were of rigid perpendicularity, to stand in most departments in front of the Professors while reciting. All books, except classical books, were forbidden to be taken into the recitation rooms. All students were compelled to attend prayers every day long before sunrise in winter, and near sunrise at other seasons, and each afternoon, except Saturdays. Compulsory attendance on divine worship in the Chapel on Sundays at 11 o'clock a. m.,


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was insisted on, even in bitter cold weather without fires. The classes must all sit together, and the roll was called by a Tutor beginning with the Seniors in alphabetical order, then with the Juniors, and so on. The President sat on the rostrum with the officiating minister at evening prayers, the other members of the Faculty being located so as to enclose the "student body" with a cordon of detectives. Absences were carefully noted and delinquents often offending were called up for reprimands and even subjected to deprivation of diplomas. Napoleon Daniel, A.B., 1846, was notified that his cup of grace was run over. He determined to be on hand. He carried into the Chapel at bed time a blanket and spread himself for sleep on a rear bench. The backs of the benches were high and he was unobserved. When he awoke the sun was high in the heavens and the worshippers had dispersed.

        In the afternoons of Sundays there was compulsory Bible class, excepting that the Seniors exchanged the Bible for Wayland's Moral Science. As answers were required to be substantially in the words and order of the book, this last was a difficult study.

        There were no recitations before breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays, and consequently students could, after attending prayers, sleep until breakfast hour. On those mornings particularly the spectacle was by no means edifying. Numbers would rush into the Chapel, with faces unwashed and hair uncombed, clad only in chamber wrappers, great coats, or counterpanes, and as soon as the longed for Amen was pronounced, hurry back to bed.

        The following doggerel, slightly altered, written concerning the morning exercises at Harvard, is an exact description of the similar experiences at Chapel Hill.

ANTE-SUNRISE PRAYERS.


                         Hark the morning bell is peeling,
                         Faintly on the drowsy ear,
                         Far abroad the tidings dealing,
                         Now the hour of prayer is near.
                         See the pious yawning students,
                         Starting from the land of Nod,
                         Loudly give the rousing summons,
                         Let us run and worship God.


Page 560


                         'Tis the hour for deep contrition;
                         'Tis the hour for peaceful thought;
                         'Tis the hour to win the blessing,
                         In the early stillness sought.
                         Kneeling in the quiet chamber,
                         On the deck or on the sod,
                         In the still and early morning,
                         'Tis the hour to worship God.


                         But don't you stop to pray in secret;
                         No time for you to worship there;
                         The hour approaches--tempus fugit,
                         Tear your shirt or miss a prayer,
                         Don't stop to wash! don't stop to button!
                         Go the way your fathers trod!
                         "Go it!" "Leg it!" "Put it!" "Streak it!"
                         Run and worship God!


                         On the stair-case, tramping, stamping,
                         Bounding, sounding, down you go.
                         Bumping, thumping, smashing, crashing,
                         Jumping, bruising heel and toe.
                         See your comrades far before you,
                         Thro' the open doorway jam;
                         Bless my soul! the bell is stopping!
                         x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

        (The last line is at the taste of the reader, but will rhyme with jam.)

THE DISCIPLINE.

        Even as late as this period the discipline was so harsh as to lead to hostile feelings and to greater disorder than it prevented. The crashing of stones through a Tutor's window was not then fashionable. But knowing that some of the Faculty would leave their warm beds and engage in a race after the offenders it was piquant fun to ring the bell, which was in a belfry near the well, shout, fire pistols and make other like noises. If caught the offenders were probably suspended, or in their own language "rusticated" for two or three weeks. Sometimes, I grieve to say, there would be bad corn whiskey which would incite to worse actions. The superior temperance of the students of today is a source of pride and joy to all who love the University and feel a kindly interest in young men.


Page 561

        The feeling of irritation on the part of students was not universal.

        Most of them obeyed the laws with true Anglo-Norman loyalty. Warm feeling of friendship sprang up between them and their able and kindly instructors. The Faculty were hardly responsible for the rules. These were probably similar to the rules in all other institutions. They were the fashion of the age. They descended from old times. But they were productive of serious evils, and when the University was revived in 1875, they were allowed to lie dormant forever. The students have responded nobly to the change of policy to the "great and endless comfort" of all the members of the University.

        Demerit marks were imposed for many minor breaches of the regulations. If the Professor or Tutor thought an offense too great to be punished by a demerit mark, the sinner was ordered to appear before the Faculty. I give the number of delinquencies for which offenders were summoned in 1850-51, before the Faculty for punishment, reprimand, notification to parents, suspension or dismissal during one year. For talking and other misbehavior at Prayers there were 68; for misbehavior at recitation rooms there were 114, of which 67 were to annoy Professor Fetter and 18 to annoy Tutor Brown. For tardiness at recitations there were 26; not making up omitted recitations 7; 10 were up for riotous conduct at night; 14 for being out of their rooms while the riots were in progress, and 3 for riding horses in the Campus, one of whom shocked the Faculty by forcing his steed through the West building; 3 were up for shooting a pistol in the woods South of the Campus, and 1 for not sending away his dog; 4 were called before the Faculty for fighting, of whom one frankly confessed that he was in the wrong and apologized, and another was forced by the Faculty to do likewise; 7 were up for general impropriety of conduct, and 8 for drunkenness. All of the last were suspended or dismissed.

        The prohibition against having dogs and guns was gradually relaxed on condition that the dogs should not be kept near the


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University buildings. Only one student brought a horse or horses for personal use. Colonel W. H. S. Burgwyn had a pair, which he used for visiting relatives in Hillsboro. President Swain suggested to him that his example might encourage similar expense by those unable to afford it. He readily sent them home.

        When the punishment of suspension was inflicted the offender usually spent his period of "rustication" at the home of a substantial citizen, father of our present Bursar, on New Hope Creek. The penalty of passing on the studies pursued by his class during his absence was more or less strictly enforced.

        One Tutor was required to reside in the East, the other in the West building, in the second stories, both looking toward the well in the quadrangle. All classes recited at the same hours, the first before breakfast, the second at eleven o'clock a. m., the third at four o'clock in winter and five in summer. From the afternoon recitations all proceeded to the Chapel for Prayers. "Study hours" were from nine to twelve, and two to five in the afternoon in one term, and from eight to twelve, and three to six in the other. Then in one term at eight o'clock at night, in the other at nine o'clock, the notice bell was rung and the students were supposed to be in their rooms engaged in study or sleep. It was a breach of the rules, for which they were liable to be called to account, to visit the village, engage in any game, or sit on the steps during study hours, or sleep hours. A standing joke was, when the Freshmen were green and tender, for an idle upper class man, usually a Soph, to watch for the appearance of one in the area between the buildings, East, South and West, and shout "Fresh in the Campus," whereupon almost every window facing this area would be thrown up, and numerous yelling throats would take up the chorus. It was trying to the nerves, as I well recollect. After the Fresh joke became stale, any unusual appearance, except ladies, who were gazed on in courteous silence, was greeted by similar shouts.

        President Swain once became so annoyed at the shouting from doors and windows that he announced from the rostrum that the next offender would be dismissed. Coming down stairs from his room in the East building a Tutor came upon


Page 563

a knot of students sitting on the steps, one of whom, a large raw-boned Scotch Highlander from the Cape Fear country, was bawling Fresh! Fresh! at the top of his voice. The Tutor tapped him on the shoulder, saying, "Don't bawl so loudly! I might hear you and have you sent off." There was a merciless laugh by the other students at his discomfiture. The case was not reported as the officer knew that the President's threat was in terrorem only.

        Cheating on examination when the object was only to pass and not to get an honor was not considered dishonorable. It was a trial of wit between the class and the Professor, and it was considered good fun to win. One of the most ingenious plans was to cut a hole in the floor of the recitation room in an upper story under the benches, then to lower the questions by a string, and haul up the answers worked out by a number of good scholars underneath. These were then distributed. This was called "working the telegraph." A Tutor of Mathematics exhorted the boys to study, telling them that he knew all about their telegraph. Great was his chagrin to discover afterward by accident that they had already prepared to play a similar trick on him through a wood closet in rear of the benches underneath a similar closet on the floor above, the answers being lowered to the eager hand. Another plan was to obtain a copy of the printed questions in advance from the printing office in Raleigh. Sometimes a rapid worker, after finishing his task would ask for a plug of tobacco and the lender, when it was returned, would find answers hid in its recesses. Sometimes a paper containing questions would be thrown from a window and the solution wrapped around a pebble would be returned through the same opening. Once a selfish boy, J--, well up in his studies, was working away on his solutions, the first two or three of which were easy. His neighbor, C--, in trepidation begged earnestly for one. "Don't bother me," said J--, "I want to do them all." He soon, however, "struck a snag," and became demoralized. In the meantime C-- had shot the questions out of the window and received several solutions from a watchful upper classman. "C--," said J--, in terror, "let me have one of your solutions." "Don't bother me," said C--, copying


Page 564

industriously, "I want to do them all." He took care, however, to solve only as many as his class standing made reasonable. It was as dangerous to do too much as too little.

        The heated excitement of the Log-cabin and Hard-cider campaign of 1840 reached the secluded groves of Chapel Hill. I find that the Faculty, fearing trouble, made a formal request of the county candidates not to speak at Chapel Hill, a request probably not granted. And when three of the students were chosen to be managers of a Whig dinner, which was to be given in the village, they were peremptorily forbidden to accept the honor. Nearly all of the Faculty were Whigs, but it was the settled policy of President Swain to keep the University out of politics. The deviation in this policy in the first years after the war by some of the Professors led to disaster in 1868 as we shall see.

        It was impossible, however, to keep down party enthusiasm among the students. There was considerable electioneering by them, and the Democrats were greatly elated when the Whigs clubbed together to buy fifty acres for "old blind Pendergrass," to enable him to vote for their candidate for the Senate, and he traitorously put in his ballot for the Democrat.

        The anxiety of the Faculty about these gatherings was not alone that the University might get the hostility of one of the parties. Corn whiskey was abundant in almost every covered wagon; the bullies of the county early in the day were loaded with this maddening stuff and there was considerable danger of collision. The Faculty and cooler portions of the students managed to keep the peace. There was pointed out to me a giant of a man, said to have been regularly hired to protect the college boys from hostile engagements. Though there were occasional angry words, there were no blows. Those fond of gladitorial contests were content to witness the fights between the country people. Of these there were seldom less than four or five. I recall a fisticuff between a town and country boy, about fifteen years old each. The former was clearly in the wrong, yet all boys in Chapel Hill ranged themselves on the side of the wrongdoer and proclaimed their thirst for the gore of his adversary and every rustic siding with him. It was analogous to the old Oxford "Town and Gown" rivalry


Page 565

on a small scale, but peace prevailed. The elders interfered. I saw the leader of the town belligerants, ignominiously spanked by his elder brother. Enthusiasm could not be sustained for a spanked hero. The country boys did not accept the gage of battle. The town boys threw their clubs into ditches.

        The abstention from political discussion was, however, not so rigorous as to prevent the Faculty giving a half holiday in order that the students might hear the speeches of Romulus M. Saunders and Henry W. Miller, candidates for Congress. This was probably for their improvement in oratory. Saunders, although a ruthless murderer of "the King's English," was a strong stump speaker, and the Whig, Miller, who answered him, was famous as an orator. As an example of the pronunciation prevalent near the Virginia line I give a colloquy between Saunders and Morehead, when candidates for the Governorship, "Whar?" said Saunders, "did the gentleman get his authority for that thar assertion? I ask him whar?" "Thar!" said Morehead, "thar, sir! in them thar dockyments!" Both knew better, but thought it politic to imitate the idiom of their hearers. Miller always used polished language.

THE TWO SOCIETIES.

        Until 1848 the two Societies held their meetings in their library rooms, which were in the third story of the South building, the Dialectic occupying the central hall on the South, the Philanthropic being opposite. These halls were considered attractive. The students were proud to show them. The books, the portraits of eminent members, and the chairs for the members in session were all in the same room. Conversations with ladies, after introductions, were not on the hackneyed theme of the past or prospective state of the weather.

        The first question was, "Is this your first visit to the Hill?" The second was, "Have you visited the Halls?" The third, "Are you a Di or a Phi?" It was then fair sailing. If the lady claimed to be of a different society from the questioner, a mock quarrel followed; if of the same a sweet bond of sympathy was established. From these beginnings there ensued hundreds of pleasant acquaintances and many ardent loves.


Page 566

Commencements were famous for making matches. This was aided by the non-accessibility of Chapel Hill by railroad or water. Scores of gentlemen and ladies came in carriages and buggies drawn by noble trotters. These were extensively used in the intervals of the exercises for flirtation purposes. They led often to life-long unions.

        The order and decorum of the meetings of the two Societies were worthy of all praise. Not only was parliamentary law learned, but the power of extempore speaking and writing compositions, as well as gracefulness in delivery were acquired. The members were proud of their society and afraid of its censure. The habit of self-government, of using their own liberty so as not to interfere with the liberties of others, was inculcated. Many young men who neglected text-books obtained here a valuable education, while those who were candidates for offices learned here what they could not learn in the class room--how to manage men. Indeed, men who attained distinction in after life as Senators, Governors, Judges, and the like, have been known to date their beginning of success from their forensic exercises in the Society Halls. The chief debaters studied their subjects well and argued them with intelligent zeal and often eloquence. Of course these questions were generally those discussed in Congress, in the journals, and on the hustings, but sometimes the time-honored historical disputes about the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots; whether the career of Cromwell was beneficial to England, whether the civilization of Greece or Rome was most beneficial to the world, whether the United States was bound by treaty to aid France in her Revolutionary wars, and the like, were fought over again.

        Of course, among a number of members of verdant hue, there were ludicrous sayings. For example, a Freshman, who had undoubted talent, though untrained, denounced the argument of his opponent as a "tissue of unintel-ligible jar-goon." When he saw that he had caused merriment, he explained, "I know there is some tautology in the expression, but it is true." He rose to be a very successful jury lawyer. Another, now a most reputable physician, whose duty it was to prosecute Warren Hastings for his conduct in India, contended that it was


Page 567

"atrocious robbery in him to despoil the Princesses of Oude of their bee-hives (Begums). But such mistakes were rare.

        It was praiseworthy that the President and other officers were voted for, not on account of personal popularity, but for the substantial reason of attention to Society duties and attaining high marks in the class room. The members, too, listened with interest to the written theses, or compositions which were read on each alternate Saturday, and one deemed of sufficient excellence was on motion, by a vote of the members, filed in the archives. I recall that those of Dr. Theodore Kingsbury were repeatedly so honored. The Presidents were required to deliver inaugural addresses, which were bound in books and preserved in the archives, as a matter of course.

        The relations between the Societies were, as a rule, harmonious. Once there was danger when two leaders had a fight in front of the Chapel and the "Dis" supposed that two or three "Phis" were helping their member. It was soon found that they were parting the combatants and hostile feelings vanished. Once when the sarcoptes scabei had affected certain individuals of both societies, so that the authorities quarantined them at Craig's, a farm house a mile from the town, in sulphurous loneliness, the other students were merry over the incident. "Phis" posted handbills warning all to avoid the dormitories inhabited by "Dis." I heard an eloquent speech from a "Di" on the enormity of thus displaying "black-guards," as he called placards. The "Dis" retaliated by inventing a story that the "Phis" had a scratching post in their Society Hall; that a member was overheard to say, "Mr. President! may I scratch?" "No, sir!" was the reply, "not at present, Mr. Koontz has the post."

        There was much emulation at Commencement. The "Di" color, blue, was worn by the Marshals, Ball Managers and Speakers of that Society, while the Representatives of the other Society wore white. Emulation was shown in inducing distinguished visitors to become honorary members. Committees were appointed to wait on them. The Eastern and Western dividing line was not recognized until after about 1850, so that there was great zeal, sometimes leading to bad feelings, in procuring recruits from the new members. Old


Page 568

students sometimes rode miles into the country to meet the incoming Freshmen. This electioneering, although bad, was not an unmixed evil. It often led to protection from hazing.

        As such books as they desired were not purchased for the University Library, the two Societies levied a tax for supplying their own needs. Dr. William Hooper, in his "Fifty Years Since," states, of course with some exaggeration, that in his day, whenever one Society bought a new book, the other duplicated it. This was by no means the case in "the forties," but there was duplication of most reference books. The two libraries together had probably the best collection in the State. They were not accessible to the public, except for a few hours per week, so that continuous research was impossible. Certain costly works were marked "prohibited," especially those with engravings placed on tables for the inspection of all comers. All the others could be borrowed for two weeks. Covers of cloth of various sizes were provided, to be fitted on by the borrower, but eventually the practice was discontinued because of injury to the backs of volumes. Fielding, Scott, James, Bulwer, Cooper, Irving and Dickens were the favorite authors. Shakespeare was much read. The "Dis" had quite a collection of antiques and curios, the larger part given by Lieutenant Boudinot, of the Navy, retired, but it has come to nothing.

        If the law against Fraternities was violated, the secret was well kept. Occasionally a few students would associate together in such manner as to incur suspicion.

        Sometimes the Society seemed to have more power than the Faculty. A youth of well-known and honorable family stole ten dollars from his room mate, a poor boy--all he had. He was not prosecuted in the Courts, but of course was dismissed from the University. He met this with brazen effrontery, but when his Literary Society, after a fair trial, convicted and expelled him, his spirit was broken. The piteous appeal of his mother, his only parent, for his restoration, moved every heart, but it was impossible to grant it.

        I witnessed prior to 1849 a trial on impeachment for slander in one of the Societies. The proceedings were as orderly, and as carefully secured to the accused the provisions guaranteed by our Declaration of Rights for a fair trial, as may be seen


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in our Superior Courts. The members of the Society voted viva voce and there was a large majority for acquittal. Very rarely a course analagous to Lynch law was adopted outside the Societies. When a student perpetrated an act that made him unworthy to associate longer with gentlemen, a number of his fellows would give him notice to leave the institution at once, which order was obeyed. For example one ---- slandered a virtuous young lady and was glad to be allowed to depart by the next train. This was deemed better than a formal trial. If he had denied his guilt a trial in his Society would have been promptly held.

COMMENCEMENTS.

        As the Chief Marshal was elected out of the Junior class by all the students there was generally active electioneering, sometimes lasting for two years or more. One of the most heated contests was between Thomas J. Person of Northhampton, afterward a Militia General of North Carolina, and Bryan Grimes of Pitt, afterward a Major General of the Confederacy. Grimes' chances were ruined by the charge that he was the candidate of the aristocracy, while Person courted the democracy. Occasionally, however, as in the case of William M. Howerton of Virginia, in 1846, and William H. Hall of Wilmington, in 1854, the popularity of the candidate ensured no opposition. As treating to ardent spirits was fashionable everywhere in the country, there was no lack of it here. It was a serious evil. Libations were offered to secure victory and then to celebrate it. Sometimes the quantity furnished was the cause of a general spree. One Marshal, on account of his wealth, natural generosity and determination to win, left the University two thousand dollars in debt. Such results of universal suffrage led to the election of a Junior by the Senior class by order of the Trustees.

        The greatest man at Commencement, except the Governor of the State, the President of the University and the Orator before the two Societies was the Marshal. The selections were, as a rule, excellent. The Marshal was conspicuous for good manners, a handsome person and savoir faire. He selected six assistants, called "Subs," three from each Society, and took


Page 570

pains to make his term successful by having them possessed of qualities similar to his own.

        Part of their duties was to ride out on the Raleigh road to meet and escort the band into the village. Truly it was a gallant sight. All the students and Faculty, and all the village turned out to listen to the music, and to witness one of the noblest spectacles in all the world, graceful young men, skillfully managing spirited horses.

        Another duty of the Marshals, now partially discontinued, from which they probably got their names, was forming and preceding a procession of the men at Commencement to the Chapel. Standing on the steps of the South building the Chief called out sixteen classes, beginning with the Orators of the Day, then the Governor and President of the University, then the Trustees, Faculty and students of the University and so on, ending with the citizens and strangers generally.

        As these were called they were arranged two and two by the "Subs," along what was then a mere road, now Cameron Avenue, with the head of the column, including high officials, distinguished visitors, and the speakers of the day, toward the West. The Marshal placed the band at the east end, conducted the column in reverse order by the most convenient route around the old Caldwell monument, then a conspicuous object. As the monument was passed, all raised their hats. Arriving at Gerrard Hall a halt was called and the Marshal, leaving the band to play near the door, marched through the column dividing the men right and left, with his gold-headed cane. Through the lane of students and undistinguished visitors he conducted the officials and speakers into the Hall, the rest of the procession falling in behind them, according to the rule of precedence. This imitation of martial pomp was kept up successfully until our people became sickened by the results of the great Civil War. A revival of the procession was attempted in recent years, but after two or three failures they were discontinued. Our people were sick of war and all imitation of war.

        The Chief Ball Manager was likewise elected by all the students and appointed three assistants from each Society. Although they had for dancing only the large dining room of


Page 571

the Hotel, and the ball was closed long before daylight, and, notwithstanding cotillons and waltzes and occasional reels were in place of Germans and Lancers, there was as much enjoyment as now, if not more. Pre-engagements for sets, long in advance, were not common. Such a thing as a young lady willing to dance not having an opportunity was never heard of. It was the duty of the managers to supply beauless ladies with partners. Then, as now, however, there was panicky terror at the prospect of being chained to a "wall-flower."

        The Band was composed of colored men--very much colored--mostly black. The leader was famous, Frank Johnston. They did not play as artistically as the Richmond Band of our day, but they were more enduring and accommodating. Frank's orders to the dancers, "Promenade all." "Chassez." "Dos-a-dos." "Ladies to the Center." "Turn Corners," etc., floated into the air a mile from the Ball room.

        An elaborate supper was always provided, usually by the skill of Miss Nancy Hilliard. It was the rule that gentlemen could not go to the "first table," unless accompanied by a lady. It was not a violation of etiquette, when a Freshman, fourteen years of age, and not tall for his age, walked up to a stout old maid, weighing over two hundred pounds, and obtained her hand to be escorted to the feast. It was certainly a proof of his resourcefulness and pluck, which has led him to the presidency of a great and progressive State institution of learning.

        The Managers, as well as the Marshals, wore very elaborate regalia, usually a broad band of silk ribbon diagonally from shoulder to waist, the "Dis" having blue upon white and the "Phis" the reverse. Sometimes the regalias were streamers of broad ribbon, worn on the left arm. It was the custom then, as now, to donate the regalias to chosen ladies at the close of the Ball, and very proud were the recipients.

        "Commencement Day" being on Thursday, the ball was given that evening. It did not continue all night as now, but only to about three o'clock. There were short dances likewise Tuesday and Wednesday nights after the exercises in the Chapel. The Chapel exercises were usually attended by the dancing ladies. There were no Fraternity or other banquets, so that the Ball began about 9 o'clock. There was no expressed opposition


Page 572

to it among the people of the State, doubtless because it came down from the beginning of the University. Tradition is that in old times President Caldwell, a Presbyterian minister, often attended them, and a still more daring tradition asserts that, arrayed in shorts, silk stockings and pumps, he actually danced. I am unable to verify this startling statement and do not credit it. I add that no ladies ever came to Chapel Hill for the sole purpose of dancing, but all made it their duty and pleasure to be present at the exercises and cheer the speakers. Always the behaviour was good, the obedience to the Marshals and Managers being without question.

        There were, of course, notable triumphs among the votaries of Terpsichore. I recall one. Ladies wore low-quarter and heelless slippers. A very vivacious and handsome girl from Warrenton, while waltzing, had one of her slippers to come off. Without stopping she adroitly, on the next round, inserted her stockined foot into the vacant slipper without losing time in the waltz. The gracefulness with which this feat was accomplished was much admired.

        It would be an endless task to mention all the ladies at our Commencements distinguished for beauty, grace or vivacity. According to my memory Miss Sallie R. Jones, of Hillsboro, was conspicuous for splendid beauty and queenly bearing. We had a German artist, named Weigandt, under the patronage of Rev. Dr. Wheat, who worshipped her at a distance with the devotion shown by Petrarch to Laura. He wrote a poem addressed to "Lady Sallie R. Jones," whether above mediocrity or not, I have forgotten.

        A student who was leaving the University "under the weather" because he would not attend to his duties, suddenly attained fame by daring conduct which averted almost certain disaster to many. He had taken passage in one of the large four-horse stages. There were nine passengers inside and a number outside going home from Commencement. One of the horses fell, pulling to the ground the driver, who carried the reins with him. The spirited horses made a wild dash down a rocky hill. Our student crept out on the tongue, gathered up the reins and stopped the horses. His praise was in every mouth. His shortcomings in the matters of differential


Page 573

co-efficients and Ionic dialects and Juvenal's satires were forgotten. He became a hero.

        The disposition of the students to stand by one another, whether right or wrong, came near leading to a serious affray. The boys were coming up from the direction of Raleigh at the end of a vacation. The popular dinner-house, Moring's (often called Moreen's), was eight miles from Chapel Hill. A Raleigh student inclined to be wild became engaged in an altercation with a passenger on the stage, named Carson. Feeling aggrieved by the result of the quarrel, the student and his friends hurried to their destination and roused up their fellows to meet the stage and punish the adversary. Carson had true pluck. With a pistol in each hand he marched through the angry crowd calmly to his supper. By this time President Swain appeared on the scene and induced the students to retire to their rooms.

        Another incident illustrates this thick and thin comradeship. The University gardener, a powerful Englishman, became angry with a student and struck him. He said that he expected a ring would be formed and they would fight out the dispute according to the rules of the ring. He was surprised, however, to find a number of athletic youths rushing all at once with fire in their eyes to avenge their fellow. Like Hector from Achilles he fled from the danger, the pursuing company increasing in size at every leap. Fortunately President Swain was near enough to quiet the trouble, the gardener tendering an apology which was amicably accepted.

FACETIAE.

        I give some incidents and sayings, which were the cause of interest or merriment in the past, now become "old times."

        A practical joke which gave much amusement to bystanders was for an upper classman who combined humor and gravity to be introduced as a member of the Faculty to an applicant for admission into the University who wished to stand an entrance examination. The mystification was sometimes considerably prolonged, until the overawed mind of the greenhorn was brought to realize the truth by the absurdity of the questions.


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        All collections of young men, and possibly girls, have their simpletons of whom absurd stories are told. I give specimens, in some degree true, of the tales told of one in the forties and another of the same name in the fifties. I can not distinguish between the two. He took some friends to a restaurant for a treat. "Burnett! Give me a sixpence worth of vari-egated candy. Dog the expense!" He enquired of a Senior whether "Robespierre was any kin to Shake--." Showing a lady into a library in which were alcoves, the books being arranged by subjects, he said, "Now, Miss Mary, I will show you the concave of fictionary novels." In a dry goods store he asked the price of a cake of soap. "Fifteen cents," said the clerk. "Oh! that is too dear!" "I will sell you two for thirty cents." "I will take a couple then." Once in the Library he was surrounded by several large volumes. To a friend he said, "You see I'm literature as the Dickens."

        There was current the story that one of his letters to his father was found on the campus open, and it ran thus, "Dear Father! Please send me some money. Peas is good but they is 'spensive." He meant groundpeas, of course.

        A student going into the room of another of the verdant men found his watch on the table. He inserted a tack into the wall next the ceiling and hung the watch thereon, writing underneath Tempus fugit. The owner, named Tyler, coming in, after considerable search, espied his property and read the legend. "I know what that is: Tempus fugit means Tyler's watch."

        The Tutor of Mathematics once ordered a student of Geometry, "from a point without a line to drop a perpendicular on the line." The student with his chalk carefully made a mark on the vacant blackboard, and said "Take a dot," and could go no further. "Well, sir, said the teacher, "where is your line?" The reply was, "You said from a point without a line."

        The Tutor gave a problem to Engelhard, a very good mathematician, in which the number of cards in a pack was one of the data. He pretended to be disturbed. Surprised at this, the teacher said, "What is the matter, Mr. Engelhard?" "You have not given me the number of cards. I lack one of the data." The Tutor said, "Oh! I thought every student in college


Page 575

knows there are fifty-two." The problem was solved, and he afterwards ascertained that the wily Freshman had played a joke on him--that he was considered the best whist player in the University.

        The Tutor called up P. G. and began to give him a problem in Navigation. "Mr. G., a ship sails from Charleston, S. C." He broke in despairingly, "Mr. B., you might as well stop. I never could do one of them ship sailing sums in my life!"

        A big-mouth Sophomore once caught a Tartar. A shabbily dressed, slouchy country boy was passing near the well. The smart student shouted from his window, ba-a-a! The country boy drawled out, "Yer looks more like a sheep than yer bleats like one!" The discomfiture of his assailant was intensified by the jerring laughter of four score college mates. They are merciless always to the under dog in such a fight. This story is authentic. The late Dr. Richard B. Haywood, of Raleigh, told me that he witnessed the scene.

        The young son of the President, Richard, known as "Little Bunk," made a reply to a student which was quoted often afterwards. He spoke one day of what "Thad" had done, meaning his cousin, Thaddeus Siler. The student said, "What Thad? Who is Thad?" With great indignation little Bunk burst out, "Don't you know Thad? Everybody knows Thad? Anybody is a fool who don't know Thad!"

        Of course there were occurrences of an amusing nature connected with spirituous and vinous liquors, malt liquors not having then flowed into this inland region. Many stratagems were resorted to in order to secure the coveted stimulant without being detected. A favorite scheme was to hide bottles in boots returned from the shoemakers. It is said that Governor Swain brought from Durham what he thought was a can of kerosene oil, but instead of oil was corn whiskey. Tutor Brown once at night caught a negro with a jug of spirits in the Campus. He promptly arrested him, and haled him to the gate of President Swain. 'Now, sir! stay here until I turn you over to the President." Leaving the darkey at the gate, he walked up the avenue and summoned his chief. Great was their disgust, when the twain returned, to find that the liquor man had gone with his liquor, his identity enveloped in the darkness. There


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was great merriment in the University circles, but not in Mr. Brown's presence, for he was a fierce man and could not with impunity be laughed at. He once struck a Professor in retaliation for a sarcasm.

        One afternoon a wagon loaded with peach brandy passed through the village and its owner encamped outside the prohibition zone, then two miles, now four, from the town. A company of students got together and, pooling their funds, called for and obtained two volunteers to purchase and bring in a jugful, while the rest waited impatiently for the coming treat. The volunteers, one afterwards a Governor, trudging over a road deep in wintry mire, with half frozen toes, brought in the prize. Bursting into the room with a triumphant shout, "Boys! we've got it," the future Chief Executive struck the jug on the floor with miscalculating violence. The treacherous earthenware was shattered and the red brandy sought the cracks of the floor.

        It was on this same floor that Professor Fetter found a tall Sophomore of Scotch Highland lineage seated helpless by the side of a jug emptied of everything except the odor of its recent occupant. With a charming naivete he queried, "Mr. ----, haven't you been drinking?" The reply was with thick-tongued gravity, "Yes, sir, a little." How much, Mr. ----?" "About a gallon, I reckon." He was allowed to return, graduated and became eminent in his profession. It was a saying among the students that, when a "Mac" drank whiskey at all, he was "capacissimus vini," as Tacitus described the Germans.

        Hazing was infrequent and quite mild. "Newies," who were not Freshmen, were never molested. Sophs would not allow hazing of a member of their class, on the principle that "dog does not eat dog, nor pup eat pups," and Juniors and Seniors felt it a point of honor to preserve their class-mates from all indignities. The hazing of Fresh was merely "blacking" their faces one time, after which they were considered acclimated. Usually there was no resistance, the victim submitting almost willingly as to a practical joke. A brother of General Evans, of South Carolina, of Leesburg fame, however, prepared in 1853


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to resist even unto death. With cocked pistol he awaited the assault, led by one McRae, who had all the uncalculating daring of his Highland ancestors. A student knocked up Evans' hand as he pulled the trigger and the ball penetrated the fleshy part of McRae's arm. This led to the discovery of the hazing party. The two Societies offered to stop the practice if the Faculty would not dismiss the offenders. The bargain was made and was very effectual for years. McRae encountered a truer bullet in the great Civil War.

        An amusing exercise of the art of teasing took its place. A number of students would call on a Freshman, dropping in casually as if without concert. Then one would tell an anecdote, followed by others. Finally the Freshman would be beguiled into perpetrating a joke. Instead of laughing, each visitor gazed solemnly and mournfully at the joker, with mouths wide open, loudly ejaculating, HA! The discomfiture of the victim was painfully ludicrous.

        The initiation into the mysteries of the Empire of the Grand Mogul could not be called hazing, as admission was entirely voluntary. The ceremony was in the attic of the South Building, on the stair-case of which was written Sic itur ad astra. T. J. Robinson, one of the best students and most courteous gentlemen, was Grand Mogul when his class was Junior, and the office was usually held by good men. There was much fun and frivolity, but no indignity nor cruelty. The self-possession and mother-wit of the novitiate were tested by the questions of the Grand Mogul and his officers. It was admitted that the late Senator Vance, when he joined, discomfitted the questioners by his apt retorts. And no impression was made on the imperturbable coolness and pluck of Senator John Pool, although he was sentenced to be thrown from a window and was suspended over the abyss by sinewy arms.

        A trick played on a Professor at a later date was very dangerous, although intended only for amusement. The Professor's chair was on a hollow box in front of, and fastened to, which was a desk, all rudely made of pine. Shortly before the recitation opened, two youths placed under the box a ball


Page 578

of gunpowder to which was attached a time-fuse lighted. When all were assembled the explosion came with unexpected violence. Although the Professor was projected into the middle of the room, no one was injured. W. H. S. Burgwyn, a model student, who had "smelt gunpowder" in actual battle, was earnestly attentive to his French lesson, then being recited. The sudden noise and smoke transported him to a field of battle in Virginia. He leaped to his feet and gave the appropriate order, "Steady, boys! Steady!"

        The guilty youths were so alarmed that they consulted counsel, but their names were never known until they became staid Senators and Trustees of the University.

        A youth from a distant State who lacked neither intellect nor pluck, but was abundantly endowed with greenness, was often made a butt for practical jokes. A mock quarrel was fastened on him. He was challenged to mortal combat at Piney Prospect with pistols. He promptly accepted. A liquid of a red color was provided, and when the innocent weapons were exploded at the word Fire!, his adversary fell. Apparently his shirt front was bathed in blood. The green man showed no agitation but, calmly remarking, "he brought it on himself," walked back to his room and began to study his lessons. He was teased no more. Respect for his nerve counteracted the disposition to ridicule his verdancy.

        The late genial Francis E. Shober, a popular member of Congress, related with inimitable mimicry his adventure, when during a dark night some of his friends were "out on a lark" and he was trying to protect them from discovery. There was then a five-foot high terrace around the East Building. As he emerged from one of the entrances, he was seized by Tutor Charles Phillips, who was of heavy weight and of ponderous strength. Being strong himself he resisted, and in the struggle they rolled down the terrace. When they reached level ground Shober was at the bottom, Phillips mashing the breath out of him and panting, "Who are you? Who are you?" To avoid suffocation he gasped out, "Francis E. Shober, confound your soul!" Not one of his friends rushed to his rescue, which in the darkness could easily have been effected, but one


Page 579

more sympathetic a few score yards off shouted, "Give him ----!" On his trial Shober was saved by the President from dismissal because he had not been drinking, was out of his room from motives of friendship, was not engaged in the disturbance, and had a good character for orderly behaviour. His swearing at the Tutor was excused because the words were forced from him by heavy pressure. Some of the Faculty, however, were displeased at the lenity. Shober to his dying day thought his sympathetic friend was either selfish or showed the white feather. He notwithstanding attained very high position afterwards and often showed conspicuous courage.

        Good humored tricks which boys play on one another often have an educating effect. For example, a green Freshman would be induced to take a sip of wine or other spirits. In a few minutes comments would be made on his appearance. He would be assured that he was tipsy and warned to avoid the Faculty. He would deny the allegation, and, as the politician said, "defy the allegator." In the midst of the dispute a proposal would be made to leave the question to an umpire. The umpire would avow his inability to decide without the walking-a-crack test. The accused would begin to walk a crack in the floor with confidence, when the umpire would decide against him on the ground that no sober man would ever undertake to do so simple a feat. A boy thus caught would be wary thereafter. I saw General Matt. W. Ransom once act as bogus umpire.

        A favorite joke on the trusting Freshman was snipe-hunting. His imagination was stirred by stories of great catches at night of this excellent food-bird. The woods were said to be full of them. One hunter must hold the bag while three or four others should drive them into it. The Freshman was of course the bag-holder, while the others making a circuit hastened to their rooms and hilariously waited for their victim, who, alone in the forest, longingly watched for the luscious snipes that never came. Such tricks probably saved him in later life from the wiles of "confidence men" and gold-brick dealers, or even from a corner lot in a "boom town," but it was often a cruel lesson.


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        It was considered a good joke to notify in a mysterious manner some soft-hearted Professor or Minister of the Gospel, or a physician, that a duel to the death was contemplated at a certain spot in the forest or field. Occasionally a fruitless walk in the dark was the consequence. Once the sham duel took place when the peace-maker was hundreds of yards off, and at the explosion of the powder load he hurried home in terror. Dr. W. P. Mallett, who knew not fear, turned the joke on the student, who called for him, by charging him $2 as for a professional visit, and making him pay for it. At another such trick a member of the Faculty rushed in, caught the dead man much to his horror, but did not report him.

        The genial and witty Z. B. Vance, as soon as he stepped out of the stage after the long ride from Asheville at four miles an hour, showed his humor and intuitive perception of what would give pleasure to his comrades. His fellow travelers were old students and were cordially shaking hands with those who came to meet the arrivals. Vance had not an acquaintance, but instead of moping on account of his lonesomeness, he ran up to an old negro standing by, whom he had never seen before, Ben Booth by name, and shook his hand with effusive cordiality--declared that he had been seeking him for years. It made Vance a favorite at once. Handshakings rained on him.

        Students of law, reading without a teacher to test their acquisitions, are at a great disadvantage as compared with those regularly catechised by competent instructors. A young man, a cousin of Vance's, of decided talent, Augustus S. Merrimon, came down from Asheville on his way to the Supreme Court to be examined for his license. He stopped for a day in Chapel Hill and was invited to go before the Professor with the class. He found that although he had a general knowledge of the subject, he was unable readily to answer pointed questions. In truth, his failures to answer were lamentable. As he came out of the room, Vance remarked, "He went in a Merri-man, he came out a sorry man." He secured his license, however, and became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.


Page 581

        Of course the Temperance Lecturer came to Chapel Hill. Philip S. White, a reformed drunkard, delighted old and young with his oratory, and induced many to join his Society. While the lecture was progressing, some waggish students collected all the bottles that could be found and breaking them made a pyramid of the fragments in the chief walk leading to the village. This novel mode of signifying the success of the movement was greatly enjoyed.

        Another lecturer met a very painful rebuff, a militia Colonel of Georgia, named Dawson. David M. Carter, a man of genius and oratorical ability, very striking in looks, with large rosy face and flaming red hair, a leader in the Philanthropic Society, introduced him to the audience. It was soon after Webster delivered his great speech in favor of the Compromise of 1850. The Colonel illustrated his address by the evil examples of great men, among others Webster, who, he said, often drank to excess, whereupon Carter, who adored Webster, stalked down from the rostrum and out of the hall with an indescribable expression of disgust. Professor Wheat arose and stated that doubtless the speaker would be glad to learn that the distinguished Defender of the Constitution had given up the habit of drinking alcoholic stimulants, but the Colonel declared that he had seen to the contrary at Webster's own sideboard within two or three weeks. Notwithstanding his pluckiness, he was visibly chagrined--his speech was a failure.

        Vance aforesaid of course directed his wit at the Temperance Societies, though he was by no means a drinker to excess. One morning a knot of students were gathered about the well. "Vance," said Lewis, "what are those boys doing?" His answer was, "Governor Swain was in hot pursuit of Doug. B. Afraid of being caught with whiskey on him, Doug. threw his half-emptied tickler into the well. The temperance boys have been drinking the water ever since, hoping to get a taste of the spirits."

        A prank for which the perpetrator was sentenced to rustication for a fortnight was by a Raleigh student, generally orderly but of a most humorous turn. There was an immense hat, about a yard high, used as a sign over a sidewalk in Raleigh,


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in front of the dry-goods store of Wm. Peck. The student bought this magnitudinous and altitudinous tile and by tying tape across it managed to balance it on his head. He then stuck a red wafer in the centre of a pair of large green goggles, and with these on his nose and the mountainous hat on his head, marched into the Chapel one afternoon while the roll was being called for Prayers. There was an uproar which for many minutes could not be silenced.

        Another impious prank, which tradition vouches for, was that shortly before the 40's, a youth who had an undue share of deviltry, a few minutes before Chapel service on a summer Sunday morning, dragged a fox skin by devious ways into the Chapel and through the aisles. After the preacher began he turned aloose a pack of hounds on the track, who soon made the building resound with their eager yelps. The records have no allusion to this, from which it may be inferred either that it did not happen, or that the perpetrator was not detected. The preacher could have preached appropriately from the text, "Beware of Dogs."

        When the boys went off by night to Hillsboro, Pittsboro, or Raleigh, (Durham did not then exist), there was occasionally dissipation and sometimes danger. The University came near losing a handsome legacy on this account. There was an implied agreement that some should remain so cool as to take care of the others. Once Treadwell, of Mississippi, was talking in too loud a tone on the sidewalk in Hillsboro, when his Mentor gave him a caution. "Never mind!" said he, "I do not expect to marry in this burg." This became a proverb in Chapel Hill circles, as did another expression of his. He was telling of a certain student having been on a "bus." "I thought," said the lady, "that he was too stingy." "Oh! it was only a cheap bus." Some of these nocturnal journeys to neighboring towns were at a marvellous speed. There was a gray horse named Toodlem, who would cover uninjured the twenty-eight miles to Raleigh in three hours. He was such a favorite that his owners, Mr. and Mrs. Mason, were called Mr. and Mrs. Toodlem, and their handsome daughter Miss Toodlem.


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        A circus was once held at what was called Pinhook, now West Durham. Quite a company ran off to witness it. Some came very near a fight with the circus men, which would have been a serious matter, as there were practically no police officers to interfere. The conflict was averted by Thomas E. Skinner, late a Reverend Doctor, who in those days was not averse to breaking University law for such transcendent bliss as was found under the canvass, but who abstained from strong drink and kept his head. He induced the manager to start suddenly such an exhibition of acrobatic agility and such a blaze of brilliant scenery, as to surprise his friends into forgetfulness of their wrath.

        Vance distinguished himself at a moot-court in defense of the "College Bore," indicted as a nuisance. Bernard Gretter, a man of great natural ability was prosecutor. Vance's defense was analogous to the famous defense of the bed-bug by S. S. Prentiss--that the Bore was walking in the way the Creator marked out for him--that he taught his suffering fellow creatures patience and resignation, Christian virtues, and so should be numbered with the missionaries; that his conduct showed such lack of brain, as to lead to the conclusion that he was not criminally responsible for his acts. This resumé gives no idea of the wit and eloquence of his argument.

        There was a fine in Vance's Society, the Dialectic, for audible laughing. One night, of malice aforethought and without violating parliamentary law, he made a speech so excruciatingly funny that the listeners were forced to break the anticachinnation rule and the treasury was largely replenished.

        A parody on the opening verses of Byron's Bride of Abydos, written by the late Solicitor General S. F. Phillips, in 1853, contains many local allusions and is on the whole founded on fact.


                         Know ye the land where the black-board and Homer
                         Are direst of curses to Sophs and to Fresh?
                         Where the fear of dismissal, the hope of diploma,
                         Never chequer the dreams of an idle malish?
                         Know ye of rock walls and ditches the land,
                         Where the granite is brickwork, the terraces sand?
                         Where the speeches of Seniors, quotation oppressed,


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                         In the opinion of Subs will rank with the best?
                         Where demand and supply, your all conquering law
                         Robs barrels and hen-roosts from Pinhook to Haw?
                         Where the 'possums and 'simmons are fairest of fruit,
                         And the lunatic serenade never is mute?
                         Where groves are as green as the students they shade,
                         And naught can be worse than the warm lemonade?
                         'Tis the land where the Juniors, sworn foeman to books,
                         Beats College all hollow in playing for knucks,
                         From supper till sundown still kneels at his taw,
                         Where students and shaving are "done" by Dave Moore?
                         'Tis the site of the Chapel, the slope of the Hill,
                         Can it smile on such potions as students will swill?
                         Oh! passing the absurda of blackboard and chalk,
                         Are the liquors they drink and the nonsense they talk!

        Some explanation of the poem may be useful. The optional student, or malish (militia), usually resided in the village and escaped strict surveillance. He could obtain no diploma or certificate of any kind. The buildings were colored and one, Smith Hall, was stuccoed to resemble granite. There were terraces around the Old East and Old West buildings, on which the grass was not then growing. At the spring Senior Speaking the Marshal and his "Subs" kept order. They sat conspicuously in front of the speakers and seemed to, as a part of their office, admire their utterances. Pinhook was a crossroads about twelve miles east of Chapel Hill and Haw River is about the same distance to the west. In older days when boarding "at Commons" was compulsory, the Steward being the lowest bidder, there was a practice among some of supplementing the meagreness of the table by purloining "hen products," but the crime had become rare. The only nocturnal raids were for fruit, especially scuppernong grapes. It is a source of sincere regret that the opossum is fast becoming extinct in our woods. Hunting them at night was once a pleasant and profitable pastime. Athletics had very little share in the interest of the students, hence they paid more attention to music and to serenading the ladies, who ofen rewarded their compliment by showers of rose buds. In the spring time there were groups of marble players. The champion at this date was a Junior, Ben Guion, but his aversion to books was not particularly


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obvious, the pleasantry aimed at him notwithstanding. The satire on Dave Moore was not in earnest. His character was high. The liquor bought by students, generally through the agency of negroes, was atrociously bad, some of it colored, it is said, by tobacco. One of its names was "forty yards" whisky, implying that it would kill as far as a rifle ball. Another name embalms the theory in terse Saxon that the liquor is a poison, to the inner man. The increased sobriety in our days is highly gratifying.

        There was no dancing at social gatherings except at Commencements, nor were card parties allowed. "Conversation parties" were common and the ebb and flow of the talk was oceanic. Of course much of it was lacking in sense, and so intended. We had a club in which prizes were offered for the worse pun. The competition was had on the anniversary of the genesis of a pun so extravagantly lacking in wit as to be productive of fun. The prize winner was crowned with a wreath of roses and was King of Bad Puns for the next year. He was seated on an elevated throne, and presided over the competition at the next anniversary.

        At another time bathos, the fall from the sublime to the ridiculous, was fashionable. The following is a good example:


                         She never smiles! No happy thought
                         Lights up her pensive eye.
                         The merry laugh from lip to lip,
                         Passes unheeded by.
                         Frozen forever in her heart
                         The sparkling fount of gladness,
                         And o'er it pours in rapid flood,
                         The ebon wave of sadness.


                         She never smiles! Has frowning grief
                         With its stern magic bound her?
                         Has care her long, lean finger raised
                         To cast her fetters round her?
                         Has one so young the lesson learned
                         That love is oft betrayed?
                         Ah no! she never smiles because
                         Her front teeth are decayed.


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        The boys at one time had an amusing way of latinizing proper names. Caldwell was Vocatusbene. Anderson (And-her-son) was Et ejus filius. Henderson (Hen-her-son) was Gallina-ejus-filius. Miss Nancy Hilliard was Miss Nancy Tumulus-tres-pedes. Governor Swain was Gubernator Puer, Judge Battle was Judex Prelium, and so on.

        At another season it was the fashion to use only the first letter of words. For example, French brandy was F. brandy; Daniel Webster was D. Webster; Governor Swain was G. Swain; Parson Green was P. Green; Fried Chicken was F. chicken. Profanity was sometimes softened, for example, D. Fool, or D. S. (damnatus stultus), and so on.

        The disinclination to call a fellow student by his real name resulted often in giving the younger brother the appellation of the older. For example John H. Bryan (1844), because of his devotion to a great English poet, was called Keats Bryan. His brother, William, late Judge of the Supreme Court of Maryland, was dubbed "Young Keats." Peter Brown Ruffin (1838-39) had a favorite anecdote in which the upsetting of a stage was the chief incident. So he was universally known as Stage Ruffin. When his brother, Thomas (1844), late Judge of the Supreme Court, matriculated, he became Hack Ruffin, a hack being of inferior dignity to a stage. Even when he attained his highest eminence at the bar an old student would give him this ridiculous nickname. Alfred Alston (1846) was always Nick Alston, his brother Nicholas having preceded him by a year or two, and so on.

        The Literary Trumpet was a pen and ink paper issued in 1846, for private distribution only, by Wm. Matthew Howerton, chief editor, and a lady, who was only a nominal editor. As it was the first of the Fliegende Blatters of the University, I give an extract from it, premising that Howerton was a second honor man, Marshal in 1846, and very popular.

"Early Reminiscences of Chapel Hill."

        "On a late occasion the fingers of jollity tickled us so unmercifully that we swooned away into a state of ha-ha-ha-ity. We were hearing how sumptuously our early students fared. After the organization of the institution, the first care of the


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trustees was to procure a proper victualler for the boys, and the secondary care was, as a matter of course, an appropriate Faculty. Looking around on the men of talent and distinguished ability in the State, the Trustees were wonderfully betaken with the idea of securing an indefatigable Mr. Taylor as the best hotelster to superintend the literary stable of the Hill of Science, who, though he could not furnish the young gents with the fodder and corn of classic lore, was thoroughly conversant in the science of ash-cake and buttermilk.

        "But without attempting a eulogium upon this great Prince of the kitchen we will simply (as is our subject) apprise our readers of the contract agreed on between Mr. Taylor and the Trustees.

        "Mr. Taylor bound himself to perform the following duties:

        "To have meals thrice a day and six times in two days.

        "To bestow a biscuit on each*

        * In the Preparatory or Grammar School.


prep. at play time; to provide such a number of knives and forks that every two students should have the use of one pair, one soup tray and spoon for every three, a bib for each Fresh, to suppress every symptom of snatching and grabbing, to enforce mastication and the use of forks instead of fingers, to allow no one to swallow without first exerting the teeth a minute on each mouthful, to decorate the dinner table with the splendors of corned beef and corn bread, to enrich their breakfasts and suppers with ample troughs of buttermilk, exaggerated into enthusiastic festivity by the incomparable lustre and magnificence of wheat biscuit, ten inches in circumference, three feet in diameter, and (to accommodate the mouths of gentility) three feet in depth.

        "Here we lost all connection in the account of the venerable Steward's duties, so much were we delighted with the idea of this stupendous biscuit. And then again when we thought of three Fresh dipping their bills into one soup dish, the wheelbarrow of our gravity was completely upset, leaving us floundering in the mudhole of convulsive giggling. When we rise from the prostration, and again mount our wheelbarrow upon the cushion of our dignity we will expatiate at length on the Biography of our College."


Page 588


        I give this extract merely to show a style of writing, which was considered in that day to be amusing.

AMUSEMENTS.

        At Commencements, as I have said, our streets and roads into the country were gay with handsome equipages. Those who have tried it say that there is no better courting time and place than in a light buggy drawn by a spirited team. But let the amatory youth take warning from the mishap of a friend of mine. He borrowed of his grandfather a barouche and pair and took his lady-love on a four mile ride, determined to bring love matters to a focus. After skirmishing around with preliminary sweet speeches, he turned his head to gaze into her face while he asked her to share his life. As he did so he discovered that the colored boy, whom he had employed to hold his horses at the house of his girl, had jumped up behind and was listening with grinning delight to all tender words. The shock was so great that the opportunity was lost--and as matters turned out, lost forever. My readers need not weep over this story. "Mrs. Grundy" said that the young lady would have refused him. Another "smart" young man driving over Franklin street saw a cow lying contentedly in the way. He thought he would show his skillfulness as a driver by running one wheel over her side. Much to his grief the animal suddenly rose, upset the vehicle, and turned him and his lady-love sprawling into the sand. Unfailingly courteous, too, were the beaux of fifty years ago. I give one specimen of this: A lady friend of mine was taking a ride with a student of the forties. The buggy wheel ran into a deep rut on his side of the road and threw the lady with some violence on him. She said, "I beg your pardon, sir!" He replied with evident sincerity, "Not at all disagreeable, madam!"

ATHLETICS.

        There was no gymnasium. As mentioned heretofore, long walks and buggy rides were the fashion. There was seldom a fair evening which did not witness divers couples of ladies and gentlemen wending their way to a forest path. The favorite routes were to Piney Prospect and through the grove near Professor Williams' residence to Tenny's, then Professor


Page 589

Green's, plantation. The plantation house, once the residence of Benjamin Yeargin, was at the bottom of the hill near the creek, so there was no unpleasant farm yard litter on the way. It was a beautiful walk with lovely prospects. A side path led to Lone Pine Spring. A shorter, but more romantic walk, was to roaring Fountain, the water trickling beautifully from a mossy bank into a limpid spring. The fountain is still lovely, but the music of falling drops which gave the name is gone. Some ventured as far as Glenburnie, Otey's Retreat and Laurel Hill. Battle Park was then a pathless wilderness. During warm weather the walking was confined to well-traveled roads. Cows roamed at large and in consequence swarms of seed ticks were perched on blades of grass or sprigs of weeds ready to seize the dresses of passers by. Whenever, in pursuit of flowers, chinquepins or blackberries, the girls and boys daringly braved these enemies of peace and comfort, they carried in their hands bunches of pennyroyal, with which to thrash off the successive swarms. Even then some of the blood-thirsty wretches eluded all precautions and unerringly found their way to their coveted feeding ground.

        Athletics was not under University supervision in any degree. The games were, in summer, marbles, in cooler weather, bandy, often called shinny. The latter was peculiarly exciting. It was played at one time on the old, on another on the present Athletic field. Nearly all of the students were engaged. The ball was of hard wood, turned round, and when struck by curved sticks wielded by powerful arms, spun through the air with fearful velocity. In the excitement the sticks were often brandished in disregard of the proximity of the noses and bodies of other players. On the whole it was quite as dangerous as football. There were no deaths, but many severe accidents. The ball once struck a student on one cheek bone and broke the bone on the other side. For many days he was forced to subsist on huge bowls full of soup. His mother said, "You ought to thank your stars that the ball did not strike you on the temple. You would have been killed." The pain did not allow him a thankful heart. His peevish reply was, "I think I ought to curse my stars for its hitting me at all." It seems to me that with the proper regulations to ensure


Page 590

safety this is one of the best college games. Everybody can play and can play much or little at pleasure. It exercises the legs, arms and, in fact, all the body. It requires strength and agility. It cultivates dexterity and quickness of thought, hardihood and pluck, self-possession and readiness of wit. In one form or another it has been in use probably in all nations. We played it as it was in the Highlands of Scotland.

        I add that intercollegiate games and debates were not known. They, of necessity, awaited the introduction of railroads. I do not recall that there were any match games between the classes. The champions chose their assistants alternately, the privilege of naming first being settled by a rough kind of lottery. One tossed to the other a bandy stick. After being caught each lay hold of it alternately, the hand of one touching that of the other, until the end was reached. The champion who held by the extreme end, if his hold was strong enough to enable him to throw the stick over his head, had first choice of players on the ground. The other had second, and so alternately until all willing to play were in the game.

        The Faculty made no objection to the teaching of the arts of dancing, boxing, fencing, single stick and the like by experts in those accomplishments. There was, however, no regular instructor in dancing until about 1850, when a Mr. Frensley made annual visits to the Hill. The students, before his arrival, practiced hilarious stag-dances in the halls (or passages) of the South building. About the beginning of the Mexican War a Captain, O. A. Buck, a tall, powerful, graceful man, had large classes in fencing, boxing and single stick. I recall that General J. J. Pettigrew, of the Gettysburg charge, was among the most skillful, if not the best. Captain Buck joined the army in Mexico, and died of pulmonary consumption, much regretted by his pupils and others who knew him.

        Hunting partridges, or quail, was more pleasant and profitable than now. Only one plantation, about two and a half miles from town, was "posted," i. e., prohibiting hunting. As no cotton, but only grain, was raised, the birds were more abundant. Two good huntsmen starting about sunrise, just after Morning Prayers, seldom brought in less than forty or fifty.


Page 591

A glorious supper followed, or they were given to the landlady for the next morning's breakfast. A silent, serious looking student, named Lawrence Smith, was fond of hunting alone. One day he found himself two miles from home, the dog pointing a covey in a broom-straw field. To his horror he had left his percussion caps on his chamber table. An oath rose to his lips, but he was a faithful member of the church and he suppressed it. Dropping his gun he shouted the despairing cry, "I've a good mind to cuss!"

        The fishing was very inferior. Probably the lands through which the creeks run are too poor to supply food.

        Opossum hunting was, in those days, a sport of entrancing interest. The picturesque appearance of trees, and rocks, ravines and streams in the flashing torch-light, the musical bark of the dogs eager on the trail, their frantic leaps toward the limbs, after the quarry sought refuge in a tree; the rapid flying of chips as the huntsman wielded his axe; the tottering of the tree, and the excited croy of "Look out!," then the crash and triumphant capture of the animal with the fat of a thousand persimmons over his ribs. More prosaic, but still interesting, was the supper on the next night, the hot grease exuding from the crisp skin and covering the plump roasted potatoes and well-baked hoe cake.

        The hunting of raccoons was still more exciting, but required a journey of many miles, with doubtful chance of success. The "coons" had mostly migrated to the rivers.

        Of what was called "modern conveniences" there were none. There were practically no bath-rooms and no baths, except at two places half a mile off, where the waters of springs were conducted through gutters and fell sub divo in a delicious stream. Most of the students used bath tubs in their rooms. When the weather was warm a few resorted for swimming to Kings, afterwards Valley Pond, to Merritt's afterwards Purefoy's, to "Scott's Hole," so called from a man drowned in it, to Barbee's afterwards Cave's, or to Suter's Pond. These, except the last, still exist, though, probably owing to the clearing of the land above them, they are more shallow and muddy. They range from one and a half to two and a half miles from the dormitories.


Page 592

        At night studying was done by the light of adamantine candles, one being usually sufficient for two persons, sitting by the table on which it was placed. Lamps came in after the middle of the century. Camphene, made of spirits of turpentine, was used at first, but found to be too explosive and dangerous. One student was severely burned and several had narrow escapes from this cause. Notwithstanding the inferior lights there were probably not so many complaints of defective eyes as in recent years. Before the invention of plaited wicks there were much time and patience consumed in removing the accumulated snuff by instruments called snuffers.

        There was no sewerage system, and, until shortly after 1850, slops were thrown from the windows freely. Yet the students were strikingly healthy. Very seldom was one sick unless he brought the disease with him. There was no infirmary until "the Retreat" was built, as hereafter mentioned. Prior to that time the patient, by preference, remained in his own room and was usually nursed with assiduous, though sometimes not skillful, care by his fellow students. Seldom was one willing to be removed to the Retreat, because that would partially separate him from his friends. Occasionally a very sick man was carried to the hotel for the convenience of his mother or other relatives who came to nurse him. Occasionally, too, a mother or lady nurse would be given a room in the dormitory adjoining that of her charge, if he was dangerously sick. At such times the general behaviour was as quiet as in any well-managed hospital. Deaths among the students were infrequent. Prior to the finishing of the railroad to Durham the bodies were, as a rule, buried at Chapel Hill at the expense of the Society to which they respectively belonged, which also erected a monument to their memories. The funerals were very touching; all the Faculty and students marching behind the hearse to the cemetery. As a rule the deaths were painless, the dying persons apparently unconscious of the awful change, but Dr. Hooper told of a young man, who, when informed that he had not long to live, frantically declared that he WOULD NOT DIE; that he was too young to die! Then leaping to the floor with a convulsive effort, swore he would not die, and fell back on his bed to rise no more.


Page 593

        The usual resolution that crape should be worn on the arm for thirty days was no idle formula. It was strictly observed by the members of the Society to which the deceased belonged.

        When the numbers increased so rapidly after 1853, in order to supply the demand for dormitories, citizens of the village either rented to students part of their dwellings or built isolated houses for their accommodation. Of course the students racked their brains to give quaint names to these habitations. Some of the Alumni will recognize Bat Hall, Pandemonium, The Poor-House, Possum Quarter, Craigsville, Pickard's (not the Pickard of this day), the Retreat, the Sniddow's (changed from Widow Snipes), the Crystal Palace. After the war some of them were allowed to go to decay, others were sold for negro houses and moved to new sites in the village or in the country.

VACATIONS.--SOCIAL AMUSEMENTS.

        The vacations were six weeks in summer, from the first Thursday in June, and the same period in winter, beginning about the first of December. There was no "University Day." The only certain holidays was the 22nd of February, and also a "skating holiday" if there happened to be a sufficiently cold spell. There was a good pond in front of Professor Williams' residence, often covered with skaters, some "cutting didos," as fancy skating was called, others racing, others pulling chairs and sleds on which were seated ladies, all the prettier because the cool morning air brought roses to their cheeks. I recall no female skaters of that day. The Valley Mill pond, then called King's, and Suter's, on the same creek higher up, were also used.

        Many students remained at Chapel Hill during the winter vacations, fewer in the summer. Those who went home in the winter had dreary times getting back over, and under, the miry roads. Eastern students came through Raleigh and Oxford, Westerners through Hillsboro, those from the Southwest by Fayetteville. The mail was carried in huge conveyances, called stages, drawn by four horses, and reached Chapel Hill three times a week from the East, about nine o'clock at night;


Page 594

three times from the West, about midday. The drivers were superior men and very popular. When a mile or two from the Post Office they were accustomed to blow long tin trumpets, usually called horns. It is impossible at this day to realize how exquisitely beautiful this music was in a clear cold night, the rattling of wheels over the stones being a fit accompaniment. Nor can those who are accustomed to daily mails imagine the thrilling excitement which stirred the breasts of their grandfathers at the opening of the tri-weekly mails from the East. The students and most of the male villagers collected at the Post Office and great was the crowding and the struggling when the one-eyed postmaster, Esquire McDade, after long delay, opened the door. A single letter or newspaper was a prize. The majority received nothing. If the letter contained money the owner hurried off with his intimate friends to a treat. I remember well Boggan Myers coming out on the top steps, waiving a thick letter and shouting, "Come on, boys. Bowels, boys! bowels! My treat! my treat!"

        Most of the travel and trade of this section went to Raleigh and during the winter the roads, cut up by the heavily loaded four-horse stages and wagons, became almost impassable. The notice posted at a Virginia cross-road was not a great exaggeration, if applied as well to some of the pipe-clay stretches between Chapel Hill and Raleigh.


                         The road is not passable,
                         Not even crossable.
                         Who wants to travel,
                         Must bring his own gravel.

        When the maximum softness and stickiness was reached, in order to get the mail through, the stage would be taken apart, a light box fastened on the front wheels, two seats in front, one for the driver and the other for a passenger. Four strong horses were attached. These would pull through at the rate of two and a half or three miles an hour. I have seen Governor Morehead coming from Greensboro by the side of the driver in such weather. A hack driver, bringing four passengers from Raleigh, charged six dollars each, and probably lost money at that. A student told with Munchausen


Page 595

gravity that in the widow Atkins' lane, about seven miles from Chapel Hill, the mud was so soft that a blanket spread on it sunk at once out of sight, and so tenacious that a knitting needle could not be pulled out except by an ox team. Seven vehicles are said to have been stuck in that lane at the same time. The difficulty of travel very seriously interfered with the opening of the winter term. As similarly it prevented the students from visiting other places, it made Chapel Hill all the more a microcosm.

        I met a German pedestrian, who had walked in from the West and was splashed with mud, on his way to Raleigh. I said, "You find the roads muddy." "Ya," said he, "foots is more petter as a poggy on this road," i. e., "feet are better than a buggy."

        As there was no dancing at Chapel Hill, except at Commencement, the social meetings, then called "parties," or more elaborately "conversation parties," now known as "receptions," were frequent. It seemed that all the guests felt bound to keep up an unceasing flow of talk and laughter, and the clatter was such that, while the talking was always at flood-tide, the listening was at an ebb. In truth it required a practiced ear to distinguish the sounds at all. When a gentleman blew on the flute or sawed on the violin, or a lady, by pressing invitation, coyly or dashingly played on the piano, only those who made the request felt bound to be silent. The rest of the company rattled on with the cruel heedlessness of an alarm clock. But when the performer finished he or she was complimented profusely. Etiquette, however, required that when a male or female singer began all gave attention.

        If a gentleman called on a lady who had a guitar or piano in sight, it was incumbent on him to ask for music, whether he liked it or not. It was keen enjoyment to his companions to watch a fellow visitor, who could not distinguish one note from another, standing by a piano, turning over leaves of the music book and pretending painfully to listen to a ballad of eight verses, eight lines to a verse, or to a "march" in which the imitations of rolling drums and ear-piercing fifes, and the tramp of armies in motion were prolonged to distressing weariness.


Page 596

        The usual musical instruments, besides pianos, were flutes, violins and guitars. At the parties the favorite music was singing. The best male singer was James Gallier of New Orleans. His "Fine Old English Gentleman" and "Cork Leg" are sweet memories to this day. The most delightful female singer was a daughter of Professor Green, Miss Mary W., who died soon after removing to Mississippi. In the parlor, on the steps, in the grove, at picnics, her sweet voice was equally attractive, in pathos and in humor. She would most gracefully give us Scotch ballads and other melodies, sad and comic, in a manner I have never seen surpassed by the best amateurs. It was she who organized and trained, so far as I can ascertain, the first church choir in Chapel Hill, in which students were the larger element, the tunes theretofore having been raised by some one in the congregation. This duty for years fell on Tutor Charles Phillips, who studied music as a part of his Natural Philosophy. Miss Green's choir was for the Episcopal church and received commendation from all listeners. The leader was Richard H. Whitfield, now a druggist in Mississippi. The only instrument was a tuning fork which he used with accuracy. The bass voice of John Manning was exceptionally fine. I doubt if the Grand Te Deum has ever been more sublimely rendered in North Carolina than by this choir. I remember that Bishop Ives, who, notwithstanding his ecclesiastical vagaries, was an able and accomplished man, was fervid in his praises.

        Perhaps the rising generation would like to know what songs pleased their grandparents, so I give a list of the most popular: "A Life on the Ocean Wave;" "Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes;" "A Wet Sheet and a Flowing Sea;" "Gaily the Troubador;" "The Blind Boy;" "Coming Through the Rye;" "I Glowered as I'd Seen a Warlock;" "Johnnie's so Long at the Fair;" "Roy's Wife of Aldivallock;" "Wilt Thou Tempt the Waves With Me;" "Robin Adair;" "Young Rory O'Moore;" "Annie Laurie;" "Whistle, and I'll Come to Thee, My Lad;" "Vive le Vin, Vive l'Amour;" "Lilla's a Lady."

        There was a noted banjo player of Virginia, named Joe Sweeney, who brought his band of Chapel Hill and gave one


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concert. They set the boys and girls wild over their negro and other comic melodies. For a year or two the banjo and "bones," viz: fragments of cow ribs held between the fingers and clashed together, were used for accompaniments to the rattling words: "Old Uncle Ned;" "I'm Come From Alabama;" "A Little More Cider;" "Dearest Mae;" "We'll Have a Little Dance;" "On the Banks of the Ohio;" "Rosin, the Beau;" "Carry Me Back to Old Virginia;" et id omne genus.

        There was frequent visiting of the popular unmarried ladies, by students sometimes fifteen or twenty in an evening. Some visitors were so verdant that it required all the lady's tact to "bring them out." One of them astonished his hostess by inquiring, "Miss, do you want a puppy?" "No! why do you ask?" "Oh! just to make talk." It is fair to state that he claimed that he was quoting a Florida story. The same lady was in the corner of a room talking to a beau, rather rough in his manners. He seemed to be enjoying himself so greatly that five or six others came up to participate in the fun. He looked around in a satisfied way and said, "Miss, we have 'increasted' our family."

        A matron of the village, bright and free-spoken, had three very attractive female visitors, who drew the students as molasses draws the bees. In the midst of the music and jollity the voice of the hostess calling to the housemaid was heard, "Jane! come shut up the house; it is eleven o'clock, time for all decent people to be in bed!"

        The warm-hearted invitation of good Miss Nancy Hilliard, "come and see me and set till bedtime," has good sense in it, as all who are bound to rise early in the morning will recognize.

        There was, during the forties, a perfect state of harmony in the village, no cliques or rivalries. Not long afterwards there were two rival circles, from which resulted criticisms, tinged with acrimony. It was really amusing to see how different were the angles and facets of the same story in these two circles.

        The first concert, by students and ladies combined, was given in Gerrard Hall, the proceeds of the admission fees going to some religious purpose. There was both vocal and instrumental


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music. The chief mover was a beautiful lady, Miss May Wheat, afterwards Mrs. Francis E. Shober. She was aided by a teacher of music at St. Mary's School, Raleigh, named Mendelsohn, an accomplished violinist. I forget the names of the other participants. The Chief Marshal, at the request of the ladies, was William Watters of New Hanover. In view of the novelty some predicted rowdyism, but the behavior of the students was excellent and the satisfaction general.

        There was no livery stable, though a few horses and buggies were kept for hire in the village. Hence ladies always walked to parties and to church. It was inviolable etiquette for the lady to take the left arm of her escort. The modern, sometime indelicate, innovation of the gentleman grasping her arm above the elbow, would have been thought grossly impudent. Unmarried ladies, as a rule, declined to attend Chapel exercises even in the day time without a male escort. At night it was, to use an old word found in the records, "unthinkable" for them to be found on the streets without such escort, though a mere boy was sufficient. This was because lights were dim within the houses and non-existent without. It was ludicrous to see a stalwart woman walking in satisfied security with a protector urchin, whom she could have easily pitched over the fence. When the night was inky black many a merry laugh was had over the tumbling into invisible ditches, which were not bottomless, howbeit the bottoms were of mud.

        The picnics were as a rule at one of the following places. Otey's Retreat, so named because it was a favorite retreat for Bishop Otey when he was a Tutor here, with his lady love, Miss Bessie Pannill, a remote dell on Morgan's Creek, where yellow jessamine abounds; Laurel Hill, lower down on the same creek, where the rhododendrons and trailing arbutus flourish; Patterson's Mill, at the crossing of New Hope Creek by the Durham road; the Cliffs, a remarkable ledge of rocks near the crossing of New Hope by Oxford road, mentioned by Lawson in his so-called History; Glenburnie, on Bowling's Creek, where the hillsides are covered with evergreen ferns. Resort was sometimes had to two private residences, Esquire


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Charles Johnston's, four miles north of Chapel Hill, and Esquire William Barbee's, three miles to the East, on a high hill known as the Mountain. The daughters of Johnston and Barbee gracefully welcomed the guests to their lawns.

        Besides picnics, tableaux vivants were sometimes presented. As might be expected of such a reading community, well acquainted with history, romance and poetry, the costumes and the incidents were abundantly accurate and interesting, but the costumes and other accessories were all home-made.

        I was called on once to arbitrate a question on an important point of etiquette. A new law student obtained an introduction to a lady peculiarly indifferent to masculine admiration. After talking to him a short while she left him sitting "like a sparrow on the housetop." He came to me sorrowfully and after stating the case said, "I wish you would tell me whether I ought to get angry or not." I assured him that the lady treated all men similarly, that she was a confirmed man-hater, and succeeded in pacifying him. In these entertainments and all others alcoholic liquors were excluded. Villagers vied with the Faculty in setting a good example to the students.

        The viands were not only abundant, but were substantial. The rooms were too crowded for servants so two or three gentlemen of the party were requested to aid the hostess. A Mr. A., acting on this duty, piled a plate with slices of turkey and started, with fork in hand, to distribute to the guests. The first he encountered was a buxom widow from a distant state, who was the guest of honor. "Shall I help you to turkey, madam?" "Thank you, sir!" she said, as she took his plate and all that was therein. An artist endeavoring to depict surprise and disappointment could have taken his face for a model.

        Quarles, of Louisiana, of the class of 1863, created much merriment at one of these parties. The child of the hostess, all elegently dressed, was brought out for general admiration. Quarles offered to take it, but was greeted by a burst of wailing. He went to each lady and, putting on a comical air of grief, announced, "I looked upon the babe and lo! the babe wept."


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        A serious trouble to pedestrians arose from the presence of numerous bovines and hogs on the streets. There was so little traffic that there was an abundance of good pasturage in the village and every family kept at least one cow, and many raised their own pork. Ladies and gentlemen were often compelled to drive animals from the sidewalks in order to pass. The more timid sometimes yielded precedence to the intruders and made a wide circuit to avoid them.

UNIVERSITY DEPENDENTS AND LABORERS.

        The College Carpenter was Kendall Waitt, a Northern man with the usual Yankee ingenuity and industry. He filled the place for he was "a Jack of all trades." He was skillful in all kinds of carpenter's work, from building a house to making a coffin. He was an accomplished locksmith and cabinet maker, and if necessary could do good work in a blacksmith shop. He was sometimes paid a salary, about $500, but usually his remuneration was according to work done. In the latter case his bill seemed portentous, but considering the recklessness of breaking and smashing and the inevitable wear and tear of College buildings and Faculty houses, it was probably not exaggerated.

        A white man worthy to be mentioned, although not officially connected with the University, was Washington or Wash Davis, the best athlete and best bootmaker in this part of the world. In the cant phrase of the present day his boots were "creations," were "dreams." Graduates, when courting the favor of the fair, frequently sent back to him for their footgear. For boots suitable for Commencement the charge was eight dollars. They were made very tight, but the wearers were willing to submit to pedal torture in order to have a graceful and shining fit. Students having smaller feet were in demand in order to "break," as it was termed, or stretch, the constricting leather and ameliorate the tormenting twinges. According to my recollection no machine made shoes of modern days, of similar price, equal in elegance and durability Wash. Davis' make, while those then made by machinery were scorned by men aspiring to be well dressed. Patent leather was unknown.


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        There was no Janitor, the two slave servants, Dave Barham and November Caldwell, the latter usually called Doctor November, having charge of all the dormitories and recitation rooms. The name "doctor" was in honor of Dr. Caldwell, to whom he once belonged. They were irreproachable in the performance of duty. Barham was a good moral man; November failing only on the side of unchastity. They were quick beyond belief in making fires, which were kindled always before daylight. One would come into a room with a basket of dry chips on the left arm and a bunch of burning "light-wood" in the left hand. Then a large stick of wood from the pile in the room was thrown to the back of the fireplace, followed by one of similar size in front, with one smaller in the middle. Two or three of the blazing fragments of the torch were placed in the cavity between the front and rear logs, and covered with chips. Two sticks on the top completed the fire. I have never heard of a failure. If only a small fire was required the back log was dispensed with and the blazing torchlets were placed on top of the small stick next to the bricks.

        Dave and the Doctor had great tact in that they pleased Faculty and students. Although thrown for years with all kinds of young men there was only one slight difficulty with one of them, and that arose from a misunderstanding. They made much money for themselves in the way of fees. Few students blackened their own boots or carried their own parcels. The profits of such jobs went to the servants.

        Then there were licensed wood-cutters, the chief of whom was Tom Jones. Tom kept his axe under the South building. He died suddenly from apoplexy without having time to arrange his earthly matters. Alongside of his axe, under a pile of kindling, was found a quantity of corn whiskey, which he had been selling under the name of "light-wood." So it came to pass that Tom's memory was execrated--by the Faculty. He was an abject "mourner" at every revival for four years, but he never "came through." He was, in figure and walk, whimsically like Dr. Mitchell. Possibly it was a conscious imitation by him.

        Besides the college servants there were some negroes, who


Page 602

in different ways contributed to the amusement and comfort of students. There were Jack and Chesley Merritt, who owned opossum dogs, and for a consideration acted as guides at night in the hunts for 'posums and 'coons. Then there was Ben Boothe, who, on account of his simian features was, after the publication of Darwin's books, called "the Missing Link." His forte was butting planks asunder by his head, and allowing planks to be split open on the summit of his skull. His charge was five cents for each. After awhile Ben, at a revival, professed religion and felt it his duty to give up worldly pleasures. He could think of no other sacrifice, so he sadly resolved to split planks no more. He then began the imitation of the crowing of a cock, I can not say to remind himself of the humiliation of St. Peter. He was no beggar, worked for his living as long as he was able, and was honest in his dealings. When he became nearly helpless from old age he was well cared for by the King's Daughters, a white organization, which found work for him suitable to his strength, supplementing his gains with what was needful, and when he died bore the expense of his burial.

        Sam Morphis was a picturesque mulatto, a slave, but allowed to "hire his own time," i. e., to regulate his own actions on paying his master, James M. Morphis, who removed from this state to Texas, author of a history of that state, a stipulated sum per annum. This was against the law, but that was evaded by his having a white man, John H. Watson, to be his nominal hirer. Sam was very handsome, full of humor, an expert manager of horses. His occupation was to drive hacks (as the passenger carriages in use were called), a lucrative business before the advent of railroads. His defect was inclination to alcoholic stimulants.

        In his prime Sam was a great favorite with all classes. As a specimen of his humor I give the following: As he was conveying Professor, now President Winston, from Hillsboro to Chapel Hill, he began to drive recklessly in order to pass all vehicles ahead of him. The Professor saw that he was dangerously near intoxication and prudently insisted on taking the reins. This sobered Sam, and for a full mile he was silent.


Page 603

Suddenly he burst into a laugh and exclaimed, "TO THINK of a gentleman of your cloth driving a gentleman of my cloth!"

        He married one of Judge Battle's slaves and then considered himself "one of the family." After officiating as a driver of a lady's carriage through the mountains where the Judge was very popular, he was asked how he "got along with the mountaineers." "Splendid," he said. "Never had no trouble. All I had to do was to tell them that I was Judge Battle's son-in-law, and they opened their doors and gave me everything they had."

        After the war he essayed politics, but his mind was weakening and he did not take as high a position as his natural talent seemed to claim. One of his speeches, in a Republican Convention, caused much mirth. He was advocating the nomination of a candidate, who had been a Democrat. "Mr. President, we ought to nominate Mr. ----. He ought to have the office. He has yearnt (earned) it. He came over to our party on purpose to git it, and we would be ongrateful not to give it to him."

        Like hosts of "drinking men" his mind became more and more feeble, his little property disappeared, and he would have been sent to the County Home to die the death of a pauper, if one of his daughters had not taken him into her humble home. A mind of decided natural strength ended in idiocy.

        A fifth notable negro was George M. Horton, the slave poet. He was a good servant, generally working on the farm of his master, James Horton, but, whenever he wished, allowed to hire his time at fifty cents a day. On such occasions he would visit Chapel Hill and write for the students acrostics on the names of their sweethearts. When his employer was willing to pay fifty cents the poem was generously gushing. Twenty-five cents procured one more lukewarm in passion. He flourished from 1840 to 1860. About 1850 he published a book of poems in paper. After the Civil War he published another edition bound in boards. The book is rare. There is a copy in the Boston Public Library.

        Horton was of medium height, dark, but not black. His manner was courteous, his moral character good. Like Byron,


Page 604

Burns and Poe he often quenched the divine spark with unpoetic whisky. He lived near Chapel Hill until the advent of the Federal Cavalry in 1865. He accompanied a Union General to Philadelphia after the Civil War. He left a son and a daughter, who no longer reside in this neighborhood. I give extracts from poems, one of nine verses on the Pleasures of a Bachelor's Life, and the other of six verses on the Pains of a Bachelor's Life.


                         O tell me not of Wedlock's charms,
                         Nor busy Hymen's galling chain,
                         But rather let me fold my arms
                         From pleasures which will end in pain.


                         'Tis true the primogenial flower
                         Arose to please in Eden's grove,
                         But did she not as soon devour
                         The silly bee that sought her love?


                         Then with content remain alone,
                         But still on wings of pleasure soar,
                         The storms of life will soon be gone,
                         Perhaps, and to return no more.


                         Without a surly wife to scold,
                         Or children to disturb your mind,
                         To pillage o'er your chest for gold,
                         And spend for trifles what they find.

PAIN OF A BACHELOR'S LIFE.


                         When Adam dwelt in Eden's shade,
                         His state was joyless there;
                         He then the general scene surveyed,
                         No true delight the world displayed
                         To him without the fair.


                         His mind was like the ocean's wave
                         When rolling to and fro;
                         He seemed a creature doomed to crave,
                         Too melancholy to be brave,
                         When no true pleasures flow.


                         At length a smiling woman rose,
                         A bone from his own side,
                         The scene of pleasure to disclose
                         And lull him into soft repose,
                         The raptures of a bride.


Page 605


                         Young bachelor whoe'er thou art,
                         Thy pleasures are but rare;
                         A thorn will ever pierce thy heart
                         Until fond nature takes its part
                         Of comfort with the fair.

        Horton was entirely self-taught, picking up his A B C's from scraps of papers which accidently came into his way. Then he gained possession of a spelling book. He conned over such of Wesley's Hymns as he had learned by heart, while listening to the singers. And so, entirely unaided by instruction, he made the acquaintance of Grammar and Prosody and read many books, given or loaned to him by the students. One of his earliest poems began thus,


                         At length the silver queen begins to rise
                         And spread her glowing mantle in the skies,
                         And from the smiling chambers of the east,
                         Invites the eye to her resplendent feast.

        Andrew Mason, of a livid, cadaverous aspect and with a hardly audible squeaking voice, was volunteer hanger-on of the University. He sold night suppers, namely, opossum and chicken in their season, and, when they were not procurable, fried pork and eggs. In consequence of a story that young cats had been substituted for 'possum, it was required that the head should be produced as evidence of good faith. Then the story was supplemented by the alleged discovery that the same head figured in seven different messes. Be this as it may, certain students of medicine under Doctors Jones and Moore, after Andrew's death, took revenge by stealing his body, and doing to it according to the custom of young disciples of the healing art.

        These same medical students played a gruesome trick on a clerk, Abdel Kader Tenny, in the one drug store of the village. A negro of the neighborhood, with the singular name of Asgill, was hung for murder and buried in the Morgan plantation burying ground. They stole the body and while the clerk was alone about eleven o'clock at night, getting ready to close the store, a negro came in with a bag. He said, "some young men sent you a watermelon," and leaving the gift went away.


Page 606

The clerk hastening to feast on the luscious fruit, emptied the bag and found himself alone with the ghastly murderer's head.

        I must not omit the restaurant keepers, both of whom were free negroes and of high character. One was Dave Moore, whose business was conducted opposite the Chapel Hill (then Eagle) Hotel. He had relatives in Ohio and sometimes visited them. He was prosperous, and during the war was known in addition to land, to have several hundred dollars in silver concealed. He died suddenly of heart disease. It was generally believed that the coin was found and stolen by a confidential servant. No legal evidence was forthcoming, but the unexplained possession of considerable money by this servant caused much suspicion.

        The other caterer to the stomachs of the students was Charles J. Burnett, likewise well-to-do. He and his family emigrated to Ohio and prospered. He gave his children a good education at Oberlin and they became teachers in Graded Schools. Burnett's combined dwelling and restaurant was a few yards East of Moore's. It has been torn down.

        Another negro, named Yatney, so quickly answered when he was called, that he acquired the name of Yes Sir! Yatney. His accomplishment was the imitation of a dog fight. It was so realistic that it was impossible to tell that canines were not furiously tearing one another. He made it an invariable condition that he should be in an adjoining closet or otherwise invisible to the auditors.

        My tale of colored men who ministered to the pleasure of students of the forties would not be complete without the further mention of Jack Merritt and Chesley, or Ches. Merritt. They kept 'possum dogs and for a small consideration, after working all day, were ready to be the leaders of the favorite sport of hunting the marsupials. If perchance a racoon, or 'coon, was caught, the pleasure was intensified, as he was "game" and a stout fight with the dogs resulted. Although experts at woodcraft, I know by experience that they were not infallible. One night I accompanied Ches. and a party of students into the woody bottoms of Bowlin's Creek. We were in pursuit of the lordly 'coon. No grinning 'possum for us. The dogs opened


Page 607

cheeringly. Ches. was in estasies. "I know its a 'coon by the way the dogs bark. They don't bark that way for 'possums." Away we went through water, briars and bushes. Ches. shouted, "I know it's a 'coon, bekase he runs so fur. A 'possum would have climed a tree long ago." Finally the dogs treed the game. They barked furiously up a tall poplar. Ches. was exultant and shouted, "Now I knows it's a 'coon, bekase 'possums never climbs big trees." After much vigorous cutting the tree crashed on the ground. We turned loose the dogs, whom we had been holding to protect them from injury from the falling branches. At the same time Ches. ran in to the game. Without the slightest shame for his false prediction, he sung out, "Nothing but an old she 'possum. She's so lean--that's de reason she run so fur." And we returned to our habitations after having more fun than game.

        The name of a singular character should be recorded--Leroy Couch, a white man. He once owned, it is said, considerable substance, but lost it by dissipation. He seemed to have no kin. He sought no acquaintances. He bought or squatted on an acre near the eastern edge of the town and with the remnants of his possessions lived a hard, squalid and solitary life. In some way it was discovered that he was a faithful and skillful nurse and, on petition of nearly the entire student body, he was employed for years in all cases of severe sickness among the students. Without pretending to independent knowledge, he implicitly obeyed the doctors, watched his patients with unsleeping vigilance and rendered the needful service with regularity. When the University was closed, as if his mission was finished, he returned to his solitary life, was extremely poor, but never begged and, when decrepit, died in the county home for paupers. Two or three other houses were built near his, and the settlement, separate from the village habitations, was called Couchtown. Handsome residences now extend to this distant and obscure hamlet.

THE VILLAGE.

        The principal merchants of the village about 1845 were John W. Carr, of Orange County, and Jesse Hargrave, of Davidson County. The latter married a daughter of Wm. Barbee. Both


Page 608

were quiet, prosperous and useful citizens, the former being the father of one of the chief benefactors of the University, Julian S. Carr.

        Transportation of packages by mail and express was not then developed to much extent, and country merchants did not suffer seriously from their competition. The following will show the range of prices about 1845: French calico, 35 cents a yard; white factory cloth, 25 cents; spool sewing thread, 10 cents; beef, mutton, fresh pork, 4 and 5 cents a pound; butter, 12 1-2 cents; eggs, 8 to 10 cents a dozen; turkeys, 40 to 50 cents each; flour, $5.00 a barrel; corn meal, 40 to 50 cents per bushel.

        The average housekeeping expenses, exclusive of clothing, for a young professor, wife and two children, were about $750 per annum. The groceries were usually bought by barrel or sack and hauled by wagon from Fayetteville, at an earlier date from Petersburg. It must be remembered that the influences of the Panic of 1837 had not passed away entirely when these prices were recorded. Manufactured goods speedily fell in price by improvements in transportation and machinery. Of course the coming of the railroad made great changes. Up to that time the arrival of the McCauley wagon, with its coffee, sugar, molasses, and in the earlier days wine, was eagerly expected. This wagon line belonged to the father of our townsman, David McCauley.

        The physicians of the place were notable men. The leaders were Johnston Blakely Jones and George Moore. Both were of distinguished lineage, the former being a son of Solicitor General Edward Jones, claiming to be a descendant of Jeremy Taylor; the latter of the blood of Governor James Moore, of South Carolina, and of Governor Sir John Yeamans. Jones was a man of genius and an acknowledged authority in his profession. He was, however, except when aroused by a dangerous case, fond of his ease and without ambition. I have known him to come to my father's home by a circuitous route, in order to avoid a call for his services and spend hours in talking and reading Don Quixote. He had a theory which I mention to incite investigation by makers of perfumery--that successive odors could be made to play on the nerves of smell, and produce sensations analagous to musical sounds impinging


Page 609

on the nerves of hearing. Just prior to the Civil War he invested his own and wife's property in slaves and a cotton plantation in Lenoir County, and lost all. After the Civil War he removed to Charlotte and was a leader in his profession.

        Doctor Moore was a silent, reserved man, the soul of truthfulness and honor; a good physician, but without the genius of his partner. He gave the impression that he did not know what fear was. He had great respect for religion, often attended church, but did not become a member. On his deathbed he called his nurse, Miss Sally Williams, who was a simple-minded, devout Christian, and said, "Miss Sally, do you think that a man will go to hell for not believing all that is in the Bible?" She faltered out, "I suppose I must." "Well," he replied, "I don't, I can't. I have never to my knowledge lied or cheated. I have been charitable to the extent of my means. I never was a coward. I have paid my debts as far as I possibly could. Now if they send me to hell, I will go a grumbling." And so he died.

        This Miss Sally Williams, long a housekeeper in Professor Green's large family and the forerunner in a humble way of the modern professional nurse, deserves further notice.

        She performed her duty thoroughly, her wages being $5 a month. Unobtrusive as she was, she had the endurance of a martyr. When she died it was found that for years she had been suffering from a painful, eating cancer on her bosom. She had concealed it from all the world. I add that though she had no conception of a witticism, she once unintentionally, in a church meeting, by reason of the depth of her earnestness and fervor of her piety, made an inquiry which convulsed the company. There was a meeting of the Episcopal congregation to ascertain whether money could be raised sufficient to pay a preacher. After much canvassing it was pronounced impossible. Losing her bashfulness in her excitement, she burst out, "Can't we raise enough to hire a little deac?" The suggestion was adopted. The little deac. was hired. She had a sister of similar virtues, who went from house to house as a seamstress--very slow, but very sure. She took it good naturedly when


Page 610

a boy, whom she liked, said, "Miss Matilda, did you ever see a snail?" "Yes, why do you ask?" "Well, you must have met him, you did not overtake him."

        Doctors Jones and Moore had the practice of the well-to-do families. There was another physician, Charles Yancey, who was generally called "Bullet Yancey, because of having only one shining black eye. He had the reputation of possessing a fine natural talent for the healing science, but was of incorrigibly intemperate habits. He could be heard singing about "Commodore McDonough and General Jackson," and "some love coffee and some love tea, but corn-cob whiskey is good enough for me," in a most maudlin voice, while he was barely able to keep his horse as he rode at midnight, or later, through the streets. His second marriage gave much merriment to the village. The bride's father had no eyes, the groom had only one, the officiating Justice had the same defect, and the best man was a deaf mute, the groom's brother. The result was a fair measure of connubial bliss, cut short by the speedy death of the husband.

        The deaf mute, Lemuel Yancey, brother of the doctor, was an important part of the community. He was totally uneducated, except by experience. He invented for himself vivid natural signs, sometime ludicrous, but always expressive. To represent President Swain, with his knock-kneed legs, he, with his hands, indicated this divergence, at the same time assuming an air of dignity. For the President's wife and daughters he added to the foregoing a motion indicating the swelling front of the upper part of a lady's dress. He designated Judge Battle by crossing his fingers like the bars of a jail window, then looking through them and imitating the turning of a key. He made it his business to gather the news and then walk about from man to man, retailing it, always pressing his hand on his mouth and shaking his head; thereby signifying secrecy. He was a Whig and was never known to vote a Democratic ticket. He selected as his advisers one of our best men, Mr. McCauley, and adhered rigidly to his advice. He was very intelligent and thoroughly reliable, but never was known to work. He had a small property whose income was supplemented by


Page 611

his brother and the generosity of neighbors. He was no beggar. He accepted, but never asked for gifts.

        About 1845 the village of Chapel Hill seemed to make a beginning of prosperity. Sales were made--on Rosemary street, four acres to Gabriel Utley and others; on Columbia street, to William Hogan two acres; two acres to Miss Sally Mallett on College street, now called Cameron avenue. Sales had already been made to Dr. Johnston B. Jones of four acres on Franklin street, and to Judge Battle of two acres adjoining his residence. An application by Judge Battle to purchase the grove in front of his dwelling, East of the Raleigh road, was declined, as was also a proposal by Mrs. Anne C. Hall to buy a lot South of his dwelling. President Swain stated that it was the policy of the University to have no further settlements East and South of the Campus. Testimony proving this refusal induced the Circuit Court of the United States, Judge H. L. Bond presiding, to allow to the University as its site, as contradistinguished from endowment for support, the land from the Pittsboro road to the Durham road, including the Campus and buildings thereon, and also the Professors' residence, in all about 600 acres.

        From time to time were sold other parcels of land belonging to the University at about $100 an acre as a rule. In 1846 the beautiful oak grove at the northwest corner of Franklin and Columbia streets, where the people were used to meet to listen to the speeches of candidates, was conveyed to John W. Carr for $300. In the same year the lot where was the Village Chapel, was bought for $200 by Prof. James Phillips, as trustee, for the site of the Presbyterian Church, with the stipulation that no burials should be had therein. The Chapel was removed a few hundred yards northward and, much enlarged, was, until lately, used for the public school. The lot between that of the Presbyterian Church and Henderson street was afterwards sold to Mickle and Ashe for $150.

        Chapel Hill at the beginning of this period was diminutive and struggling, surrounded by extensive forests in all directions, except where broken here and there by cultivated or worn-out fields. Up to 1848 there was no church edifice used


Page 612

solely for divine services. Person Hall up to 1838 and then Gerrard Hall, the Old Chapel and the New Chapel, were used for all assemblies, sacred and profane, at one hour decorous divine worship, at another a boisterous mass-meeting of students, at another academic exercise of speaking, at others the various functions of Commencement. There was, however, the "Union" or "Village Chapel," used at Sunday nights for the worship of God, in week days as a school-house. There was one Hotel, the Eagle, presided over by the eagle-eyed old maid, Miss Nancy Hilliard, who had all the traveling custom and most of that of the University. Her table was bountiful and the food well cooked, and the wonder was how receipts could balance expenses. She was accustomed to say that she lost on the students, but the travelers and the rich harvests at Commencements more than supplied the deficiency. How much her uncollected dues from students unable or unwilling to pay, amount to, will never be known, but they were very large. When the University was most prosperous, having no help but that of a good-natured but improvident brother-in-law, Benton Utley, she sold her hotel interest to Col. Hugh B. Guthrie and took charge of the North Carolina Railroad eating-house at Company Shops, now Burlington. The feebleness of old age and the losses of the war impoverished her. In her last sickness she was tenderly nursed by Mr. Utley, and was buried in the Chapel Hill Cemetery. At the instance of Mrs. C. P. Spencer, alumni, who retained an affectionate remembrance of their old landlady, erected over her grave a marble slab with this inscription:

        NANCY S. HILLIARD.
Born in Granville County, October 17, 1798.
Died in Chapel Hill, November 8, 1873.
ERECTED 1886,
By certain alumni of this University, in
grateful remembrance of her unfailing
kindness and
hospitality.


        Nor was there lacking the discovery of a Mineral Spring. It was below a mill, which then stood near the crossing of Bowling's Creek by the road to Durham. It was pronounced to


Page 613

be chalybeate and was soon reported to be effecting cures of half-sick bodies. A large hotel was talked of, and visions of fashionable visitors indulged in. But, alas! furious waters, after a great rain, broke the dam. The spring disappeared. It was merely the seepage of the water of the dam through the mud and trash accumulated at the bottom. Dr. Mitchell once said, "They take water which has percolated through decayed leaves and the carcases of dead cats or pigs and rusty horsehoes and the like, and because it stinks they send it to me to analyze as mineral water." In quoting from the Doctor I must not be understood as reflecting on the Strowd spring, discovered in more modern times, and undoubtedly containing iron.

        The cool drinking water used by the students was drawn from the famous "College well" by rope and windlass. Despite of the modern theory of bacteria and other germs, a case of sickness from this source was never heard of. The song of the Old Oaken Bucket was a reality in Chapel Hill.

        The failure of the scheme of living at Commons was caused in a general way by the increase in the size of the village and the advent of boarding-house keepers, who supplied good food at moderate prices. Some parents made Chapel Hill their home in order to educate their boys, others to repair fortunes lost in the Panic of 1837 and the stringency following. But the chief cause was the unparalleled efficiency and popularity of Miss Nancy Hilliard. "Miss Nancy," as she was called, redeemed a homely face by the correctness of her principles, her energy, pluck and good sense. To a student, sick or in trouble, she was as tender as a mother. To one who was wayward she was a candid and kind counsellor.

        Another good lady of the old school who for fifty years cared for the stomachs of successive waves of students and unmarried professors, but was now nearing the close of an active and useful life, was Mrs. Elizabeth Nunn, widow of Captain William Nunn, of the Revolutionary army. In matters of business she had the strength and boldness of a man, but her disposition was kindly, generous and sympathetic. She was much beloved and respected by the students, and many


Page 614

hearts were moved when she died December 20, 1851, in the 92nd year of her age. She was one of the last survivors of the old troublous times, having in her girlhood lived among the Regulators and shared in the privations and anxieties of the War of the Revolution. When asked which side she favored in the Regulator troubles, her answer was, "I was as good a Regulator as ever hopped."

        The Campus prior to 1851 was a forest just as nature left it, with the underbrush cleared off. The trees were not thinned out, nor was it until then that the well-paved walks were constructed. The Campus practically extended only to the open space adjoining the Raleigh road, there being between them a rail fence and thick hedgerow, obstructing the outlook towards the east. The enclosure was used as a pasture for the President's cattle. On it afterwards browsed his white mule, Cuddie, who so often paid nocturnal visits to the attic of the South Building--frequently painted with stripes like a zebra. "It is the courage that marks the assassin!," vehemently harrangued the President. "It is the courage that marks old Cuddie," whispered William Knight, of Edgecombe, afterwards a gallant Confederate Colonel.

        In the middle of Cameron Avenue, in front of the Carr Building, facing the west, was the wooden residence, white-painted, with green blinds, known as Steward's Hall, where for many years the students obtained their nutriment for the inner man. 1844 was the last year of its existence under University authority. The next year the building was rented as a private residence, and soon afterwards was sold and now forms a part of the late village school-house.


Page 615

CHAPTER VI.

COMMENCEMENT OF 1850.

        At the Commecement of 1850 the Baccalaureate sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Wm. Hooper, of the class of 1809. His subject was "The Force of Habit." The sermon was printed, and its excellence caused it to be rated high among the classics of the State.

        The Declaimers from the Freshman Class were Nathaniel C. Jones, John W. Johnston, Walker Meares, James M. Spencer, Junius B. Wheeler, George M. White, John T. Taylor, M. William Wise, David G. Worth. They appeared before the public Monday night. On Tuesday night appeared Wm. D. Barnes, Hutchins G. Burton, Wm. M. Carrington, John M. Dennis, Wm. E. Drisdale, Thomas H. Gilliam, Thomas C. Leak, Joseph A. Manning, James B. Slade, Basil M. Thompson. The audience seemed to favor Manning and Taylor as the best.

        The Annual Address was by Wm. Waightstill Avery, of the Class of 1837, on State Pride, the duty of which, as well as our reasons for possessing it, he strongly enforced.

        At the meeting of the Alumni Association the following were reported as having died the preceding year, namely: James K. Polk, 1818; Philip E. Bradley, 1839; Hillory M. Wilder, 1846, and James W. Duke, 1847. On motion of President Swain, a committee was appointed to prepare a suitable memoir of President Polk, to be filed in the Archives. The Annual Address was by Dr. Thomas H. Wright (1818), a copy of which was asked for likewise to be filed in the Archives. The Literary Address was by Hon. James C. Dobbin, of the Class of 1832, in a few years to be Secretary of the Navy under President Pierce. It was an eloquent portrayal of the sources of the enjoyment and influence of the cultivated mind.

        The Senior speeches were as follows:

        Salutatory (in Latin), Richard Hines.


Page 616

        "Quo Difficilius, Hoc Preclarius," Washington C. Kerr.

        "The Influence of Religion on Law," John Manning.

        "Infidelity," Benjamin R. Huske.

        "Vincat Utilitas," Edward C. Chambers.

        "Co-operation of Christianity with Philosophy," Wm. Henry Johnston.

        "Dismemberment of Poland," Richard H. Whitfield.

        "Honor to Distinction Due," A. Julius Caldwell.

        "Early History of North Carolina," Richard L. Smith.

        "Revolutions and Reforms of the 19th Century," Thomas Settle.

        "The Reformation in the 16th Century," Henry Hardie.

        Valedictory, John Hill.

        The first honor men: Hill, Johnston and Kerr drew lots for the Valedictory and Salutatory. Both Johnston and Kerr preferred an English speech. Hines was induced to take the Salutatory.

        The second honor men were Caldwell, Chambers, Hines, Huske, and Smith.

        Those who stood third were Hardie, Settle, and R. Whitfield.

        The honor men, as a rule, won similar honors in after life. Hill was an accomplished physician, who died too early to become eminent. Kerr was our distinguished State Geologist; Johnston one of the ablest counsellors at the Edgecombe bar; Hines a Doctor of Divinity in the Episcopal Church; Huske a prominent lawyer, a Major in the Confederate service, in which he lost his life; Manning, able lawyer, Code Commissioner, member of the Legislature and Convention of 1861, a very successful Professor of Law in the University; refused office of Judge and of Secretary of State; Settle was Presidential Elector, Confederate Captain, Speaker of the State Senate, Judge of the Supreme Court of North Carolina, Minister to Peru, President of Republican National Convention, Judge of the U. S. District Court of Florida.

        The honorary degree of Master of Arts was conferred on James B. Donnelly, of North Carolina.


        

Illustration

        VIEW FROM THE OLD ATHLETIC FIELD.


        

Illustration

        SMITH HALL.


Page 617

        The list of Confederate dead among the matriculates rapidly grows larger. They were for 1850: Clinton M. Andrews, Colonel; John B. Andrews, Captain; Jesse Averitt, Sergeant; D. Whiting Husted, Lieutenant; J. Glenn Jeffreys, Lieutenant; Leonidas J. Merritt, Lieutenant; John T. Wheat, Captain; Carey Whitaker, Captain; Bryan Whitfield, Captain.

        The two Societies had requested that the proceeds of the sale of Stewards' Hall should be appropriated towards the construction of a hall for the meeting of the Alumni Association and for balls at Commencement. In January, 1849, the Committee resolved that there should be a building to be used by the Trustees and Alumni Association as a dining-hall, and also a ball-room at Commencements, "and for such other public purposes as the Trustees might direct." The building must be of brick, one story high, near the other college buildings. President Swain and Judge Battle were appointed to procure a plan with an estimate of cost and to designate a site. On July 16th they suggested that the building should likewise accommodate the University Library and belfry, as well as the objects theretofore designated. This was approved, and they were requested to contract for and superintend the work.

        In 1850 A. J. Davis, of New York, architect, met the Committee in Raleigh, and was instructed to alter the plans so that the main hall should be ninety feet long, which was done.

        The builder was Captain John Berry, a very substantial citizen of Orange, State Senator in 1848, and repeatedly afterwards. The cost was about $10,000. The building designed for so many purposes, aesthetic and literary, was named, a belated honor, Smith Hall, to commemorate General and Governor Smith, a sketch of whom has been heretofore given. In a few years an important use was found for the basement, to serve as a Chemical Laboratory. The project of attaching a belfry to it was abandoned.

        The retirement of Bishop Green led to the election of Rev. John Thomas Wheat, D.D., to the Chair of Rhetoric and Logic. His competitors were John Sutherland Lewis, W. C. Richards, and Albert M. Shipp. The latter was chosen to fill a new professorship, that of History and English literature.


Page 618

        Dr. Wheat was born in Washington City November 15th, 1801. While a student at the Episcopal Theological Seminary at Alexandria, he was instructor of a class of thirty advanced pupils. He was ordered Deacon by Bishop Moore, of Virginia, in 1825, and the next year ordained priest by Bishop Kemp, of Maryland. He then had charge successively of St. Matthew's Church, Wheeling; St. Pauls, New Orleans, and of Christ Church, Nashville, Tennessee. In 1849, at the earnest request of Bishop Otey, he accepted the principalship of a new institution, the Ravenscroft Theological Seminary at Columbia. In despite of energetic labor, the enterprise failed for want of patronage. His most influential recommendation to the University of North Carolina came from Bishop Otey, whose high character and former connection with it made his advice potent with the Trustees. Dr. Wheat proved to be an active and energetic professor, and his family added much to the social attractions of the village.

        At the meeting of the Alumni the first Vice-President, Governor Charles Manly, presided. Nine new members were admitted. Wm. J. Bingham moved that the members of the Faculty might by unanimous vote be admitted as honorary members. The resolution was laid upon the table until the meeting in 1853, and then passed. President Swain, Wm. J. Bingham, and Wm. H. Battle were appointed to decide upon a plan for the Caldwell monument, and take steps for its completion. Obituaries of B. W. L. Claiborne and J. Mallett DeBerniere were ordered to be filed.

        Governor Manly was elected President.

        At this Commencement a difficult question came up. The ball managers and marshals had ordered a quantity of spirituous liquors, in addition to wine, which was not forbidden, chiefly for visitors, including some Trustees. Students broke into the room where the stores were deposited and a carousal ensued. The Faculty felt bound to dismiss the officers, who had broken the law against the introduction of liquors. Some of them were among the best students. Besides, the summary sending away of all the officers would have been a serious blow to the success of the Commencement. The Trustees


Page 619

came to the rescue. On motion of ex-Governor Graham it was ordered that in the preparation for the balls and other entertainments at the University no spirituous liquors shall be introduced or used, and a manager violating the ordinance shall be dismissed. The Faculty, in consideration of this ordinance, were requested to rescind their determination in cases occurring that day in violation of it.

RIOT--METHODIST CHURCH.

        There was a dangerous riot on the night of August 13th, 1850. A number of students, eight or ten, while drinking and shouting boisterously, became incensed with two of the professors for interfering, and stoned them so violently that they were forced to take refuge in the room of a student. A tall, strong rioter from the Southwest climbed up to the window, and was endeavoring to assault them with a huge stone when he was struck with a chair by one of the attacked party. There ensued a fierce cry to burst open the door and kill the assailant. J. J. Slade, a firm and orderly young man, afterwards Principal of a prominent Female School in Columbus, Georgia, assisted by others, parleyed with the rioters, and a treaty was made by which the members of the Faculty retired from the campus in safety. After one o'clock all the Faculty inspected the rooms in college. The tall rioter with the murderous stone was next day expelled, another was dismissed, and one suspended, eight found out of their rooms, but denying participation, were admonished. The case was laid before a special meeting of the Board of Trustees at Hillsboro, who ordered the evidence to be presented to the Solicitor of the Judicial District with a view of prosecuting the offenders. When at the next Commencement the Board concurred in the sentence of expulsion of the two leaders; it was entered of record that it had been proved in the Superior Court of Orange that they had destroyed wilfully much University property, and had assaulted with intent to kill, two of the Faculty. They were not however criminally punished, having left the State.

        The Methodists of Chapel Hill first met for worship in the residence (not now standing) of Miles Davis, on the north side of Rosemary Street in the rear of the Presbyterian Church.


Page 620

Afterwards in the forties the upper story of Jesse Hargrave's store (now McCauley's) was used. In that room young Chas. F. Deems, afterwards D.D., LL.D., a Professor in the University, preached excellent sermons, at the invitation of the people, but not perhaps by appointment of the Bishop. Dr. Deems named the hall, which had once been a Mason's Lodge, Bethesda--the House of Mercy.

        After Dr. Deems left the University in 1848, ministers were regularly appointed to this charge. In January, 1851, Rev. J. Milton Frost, afterwards D.D., of Mocksville, was stationed in Chapel Hill, not only taking charge of the congregation, but pursuing a course in the University leading to the degree of A.B., in 1852. Being an able man and of active temperament, he determined to build a church, and set himself to raise the funds necessary. He visited Greensboro, Salisbury, Lexington, Hillsboro, Pittsboro, Raleigh, Louisburg, Warrenton, Shady Grove in Warren County, Henderson, and South Lowell, and succeeded in raising the handsome sum of $5,000, which was sufficient to pay for the lot and build the church. It was dedicated July 31st, 1853, by Rev. Rufus T. Heflin. The contractor was Horn, of Pittsboro.

        Dr. Frost was succeeded by Rev. J. L. Fisher, after whom, in 1853, came Rev. L. S. Burkhead, who married a beautiful daughter of Miles Davis. Subsequent preachers were Rev. P. Doub in 1854, Rev. H. T. Hudson in 1855-6, Rev. A. W. Mangum, 1857-8, afterwards D.D., and Professor in the University, Rev. J. A. Cunninggim 1859-60, Rev. J. W. Jenkins 1861-2, Rev. R. A. Willis 1863, Rev. W. C. Wilson 1864, Rev. R. S. Webb 1865, Rev. O. J. Brent 1866-67-68.

        This church building is on the corner of Rosemary and Henderson streets. The lot was bought of the University. When the new church was erected on Franklin street the old lot was sold to the Congregationalists, who subsequently parted with it, and is now used for secular purposes.

FRATERNITIES.

        I cannot find any ordinance of the Board or resolution of the Faculty admitting Fraternities, but in 1851 they began to enter the University.


Page 621

        The Sigma Alpha Epsilon, S. A. E., was established in 1857, and withdrew before the close of the war.

        I have been unable to obtain the statistics of any except that of Zeta Psi, the history of this University branch having been written by Dr. Wm. J. Battle, of the University of Texas. It was organized in January, 1858. It had in the Confederate service four Colonels, one Lieutenant-Colonel, three Majors, six Captains, nine Lieutenants, three Surgeons, one Adjutant-General, one Adjutant, one Orderly Sergeant, one scout, twenty-seven privates. Nine were killed.

        The Delta Kappa Epsilon, D. K. E., was organized in 1851, and withdrew in 1861. They had 34 members. The Beta Theta Pi was established in 1852, and withdrew in 1859. There were probably others. All were dissolved before the end of the war.

        I was informed by Judge Augustus Van Wyck, of Brooklyn, N. Y., that his membership at Chapel Hill was of eminent service to him when he settled, a stranger, in New York. The members there from other institutions soon gave him a large, pleasant and profitable circle of friends.

        Similar testimony as to their value was given after the reopening in 1875 before the Board of Trustees by General Julian S. Carr, Captain James A. Graham, Colonel Paul B. Means, and the late Eugene L. Morehead.

ESCHEATS.

        It has been mentioned that by the charter escheats, i. e., real property whose owner died without an heir capable of inheriting, were given to the University. Lawyers were appointed in different sections of the State to look out for these windfalls. This plan was successful for many years, but in course of time, when escheats became fewer, these lawyers, being as a rule men of large business, became less attentive.

        In 1798 the General Assembly enacted that if executors or administrators should have funds in their hands belonging to the estate, and the legatee or distributee entitled could not be found for seven years, the same should be paid to the University to be held without interest until the end of ten years, and if the claimant did not appear, it should be irreclaimable. In 1868 five years were substituted for seven.


Page 622

        At the December, 1850, meeting the Board appointed Messrs. J. H. Bryan, David L. Swain, and B. F. Moore to examine the ordinances relating to this subject, and also to report whether it was best to surrender the right to the State. In a few days President Swain made an elaborate report against the propriety of a surrender. The Board concurred and directed the Executive Committee to arrange the details of management of the University claims.

        The following is the system adopted in 1851: The Treasurer for the time being should be the Principal Escheator, or Escheator-General. He shall appoint escheators for each county, removable by the Executive Committee, furnish them with blanks and all necessary information in regard to the University rights, and in general exercise a strict supervision over them. He shall report progress to every meeting of the Executive Committee. The county escheators must make diligent inquiry as to escheated lands and examine inventories, wills and settlements to ascertain if any rights have accrued to the University, and report progress by October of each year. Their compensation shall be ten per cent of receipts, and more if the Committee think proper. The Principal Escheator shall be paid annually such sum as the Board of Trustees shall deem reasonable. I give the list of the first county escheators, as it shows those who were considered by the Treasurer, ex-Governor Manly, to be able lawyers and friends of the University:

        *Giles Mebane, Alamance; *A. H. Caldwell, Alexander; P. H. Winston, Anson; F. Neal, Ashe; J. S. Hawks, Beaufort; A. H. Gilliam, Bertie; D. Reid, Bladen; *D. B. Baker, Brunswick; N. W. Woodfin, Buncombe; *Tod R. Caldwell, Burke; *Rufus Barringer, Cabarrus; *W. W. Lenoir, Caldwell; *D. D. Ferebee, Camden; *A. G. Hubbard, Carteret; John Kerr, Caswell; *J. H. Haughton, Chatham; A. T. Davidson, Cherokee; *E. C. Hines, Chowan; *H. W. Guion, Cleveland; *J. A. Maultsby, Columbus; *James W. Bryan, Craven; J. Winslow, Cumberland; *D. D. Ferebee, Currituck; G. W. Caldwell, Catawba; J. M. Leach, Davidson; *J. A. Lillington, Davie; *Stephen Graham, Duplin; *R. R. Bridgers, Edgecombe; Dr. Starbuck, Forsyth; *J. D. Hawkins, Franklin; *J. F. Hoke, Gaston; W. J. Baker, Gates; *J. L. Bridgers, Greene; *R. B. Gilliam, Granville; *R. Gorrell, Guilford; *J. B. Batchelor, Halifax; J. W. Woodfin, Haywood; J. Baxter Henderson; W. N. H. Smith, Hertford; M. Shaw, Hyde; W. P. Caldwell, Iredell; -- Evans, Johnston; *R. S. Donnell, Jones; W. H. Washington, Lenoir; *H. W.


Page 623

Guion, Lincoln; *D. W. Siler, Macon; A. L. Erwin, McDowell; A. Biggs, Martin; *J. W. Osborne, Mecklenburg; *A. R. Kelly, Moore; *A. R. Kelly, Montgomery; G. E. Singletary, Nash; *W. A. Wright, New Hanover; Thomas Bragg, Northampton; *J. W. Bryan, Onslow; *J. W. Norwood, Orange; *J. C. B. Ehringhaus, Pasquotank; *T. F. Jones, Perquimans; E. G. Reade, Person; F. B. Satterthwaite, Pitt; *W. J. Long, Randolph; *J. W. Cameron, Richmond; *R. E. Troy, Robeson; *W. R. Walker, Rockingham; J. B. Lord, Rowan; *W. M. Shipp, Rutherford; *T. C. Holmes, Sampson; *T. S. Ashe, Stanly; J. N. Davis, Stokes; J. M. Cloud, Surry; J. R. Stubbs, Tyrrell; *W. H. Haywood, Wake; *M. W. Ransom, Warren; E. W. Jones, Washington; L. B. Carmichael, Watauga; W. T. Dortch, Wayne; Ch. Parker, Wilkes; R. P. Waring, Union; N. W. Woodfin, Yancey.


        These marked with an asterisk were Alumni of this University. In consideration of the extra duties thus thrown on the Secretary and Treasurer, and of the large amount of funds for which he was responsible, the Board increased his salary to one thousand dollars per annum.

        A large escheat came to light about this time, concerning which golden hopes were kindled. Soon after the Revolution began an active speculation in wild lands, a rock like that on which the fortune of the great Robert Morris was shattered. One David Allison, of Philadelphia, turned his attention to our mountains and bought from the State an immense area in Buncombe, Henderson, and Haywood. He died without heirs, and the University laid claim to his interests. The heirs of Robert Love contested the claim, and after much negotiation, in the course of which a settlement made by the University attorney was repudiated as having been made under false pretenses, a compromise was effected by President Swain as special attorney by which the litigating parties became tenants in common of thousands of acres, the number of which was totally unknown. When after the war this, among other parts of the University property, was sold under decree of the Circuit Court of the United States, the price of its share of these lands was about $13,000. By a survey ordered by the court the tract contained about 70,000 acres whereas the Trustees supposed it to be about 10,000 acres. The purchaser resold at a large profit--over thrice what he paid.

        In 1852 from alleged desire to help the public schools, escheats were transferred by the General Assembly from the


Page 624

University to them. Soon afterwards the friends of the University rallied and procured the repeal of the act. It was once supposed that the gift of escheats by the Charter of 1789 was a contract and could not be broken, but the Supreme Court decided that the University was a part of the State, and subject to the legislative power. There has been no further attempt of a similar nature, but on the other hand the value of the franchise is year by year growing less.

COMMENCEMENT OF 1851.

        About this time the University began to increase in numbers, and additional instructors were needed. In 1850 Kemp P. Battle was added as a Tutor of Mathematics, and the next year William H. Johnston, of Tarboro, as Tutor of Ancient Languages. In 1852 Richard Hines was made Tutor in the same department.

        At the Commencement of 1851 the new Professor of Rhetoric and Logic, Rev. Dr. Wheat, preached the sermon to the Graduating Class. It was highly praised. Rev. Dr. Hubbard before the Historical Society read a valuable paper on the Historians of North Carolina, and in lieu of the address before the Alumni, President Swain spoke on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution.

        The Freshman competitors were H. Sylvester Gibbs, Leonidas J. Merritt, W. LaFayette Scott, James C. Moore, Samuel S. Jackson, Jr., Thomas N. Crumpler, Richard B. Henderson, John B. Andrews, and Malachi Haughton.

        Those of the Sophomore Class were John T. Taylor, Spencer A. O'Daniel, David G. Worth, J. Irving Scales, John W. Johnston, James H. Whitaker, J. Glenn Jeffreys, Baldy A. Capehart, James M. Spencer, Peter A. McEachin.

        Of the Freshmen, Gibbs, Crumpler, Henderson, and Haughton did not remain for graduation. All these became useful citizens. Crumpler was a lawyer, member of the Legislature, an eloquent speaker, killed in battle, having become a Major.

        The first honor in the Senior Class was awarded to Bartholomew Fuller, Benjamin S. Hedrick, James A. Patton, and Claudius B. Saunders. The second to Thomas A. E. Evans, Thomas M. Garrett, Jesse H. Lindsay, Jr., Malcolm J. McDuffie, Wm.


Page 625

M. Richardson, and Fred A. Toomer, and the third to David M. Carter, B. W. Leigh Claiborne, Julius Guion, Neill McKay, Jr., and Lowndes Treadwell.

        The orations were as follows:

        The Latin Salutatory, Claudius B. Sanders.

        "The Early History of North Carolina," Bartholomew Fuller.

        "Party Spirit," Thomas A. E. Evans.

        "Infirmities of Men of Genius," Benj. S. Guion.

        "The Graduates' Aspirations," Wm. M. Richardson.

        "Virtue Alone Makes Men Free," Thomas M. Garrett.

        "Religious Tests of Office Unjust and Impolitic in a Republic," David M. Carter.

        "Excelsior," Wm. Lowndes Treadwell.

        "Socialism," Jesse H. Lindsay, Jr.

        "Public Opinion," B. W. Leigh Claiborne.

        "The Noblest Motive is the Public Good," Charles C. Terry.

        "The Late Crisis in Our National Affairs," Fred A. Toomer.

        "Flora MacDonald," Malcolm J. McDuffie.

        The Valedictory, James A. Patton.

        Following the honor men in after life we find Sanders a lawyer, State Senator, and member of the Convention of 1861; Fuller a good lawyer, the candidate of the Democratic party for Judge of the Superior Court; Hendrick, Professor in the University and expert chemist in the Patent office; Patton a lawyer, Lieutenant C. S. A.

        Of the others Carter was a very prominent lawyer, a leader in the Legislature, Colonel C. S. A., and Judge of the Military Court, of great natural ability. Of those not in the honor rank Samuel A. Holmes was a Judge of the Superior Court in California; Francis E. Shober, a Representative in Congress, Chief Clerk of the United States Senate, and State Senator. Peter E. Smith was an ingenious Civil Engineer, and Super-intendent of the building of the Ram Albemarle.

        Of the contemporaneous matriculates not graduating, Theodore B. Kingsbury is an eminent journalist, of conspicuous power as a writer and a critic. George Burgwin Anderson, a


Page 626

graduate of West Point, Lieutenant in the U. S. Army, Brigadier-General C. S. A., mortally wounded at Sharpsburg.

        In this year Cameron Avenue was extended through the University Forest westward, the new street called by the Village Commissioners College Avenue. The lots on the same were offered for sale. Professor Hubbard in 1851 induced the Trustees to set apart the lot at the corner of this avenue and Pittsboro street for his occupancy, and to build a dwelling house thereon, to be repaid by annual installments of $300 besides the interest. The house cost $2,541, being $541 more than the estimate. Very little of this was ever repaid, and the Trustees about 1869, when Dr. Pool was President, sold the premises for $1,200, village property being greatly depressed.

        Another event of 1851 was the delivery of a Thanksgiving Sermon by Dr. Hubbard at the request of the Faculty and the students. He was a polished, able and interesting preacher. A forward step was resolved upon by the Trustees that the Library should be increased. The sum of $1,000 yearly was placed at the disposal of the President, but none of it was ever spent.

        The list of the matriculates of 1851 who lost their lives in the great war is as follows: Wm. L. Alexander, Captain; William Bailey, Captain; Henry L. Battle, Private; Richard Bradford, Captain; Wm. H. Bunn, Captain; John S. Chambers, Lieutenant; Thomas Newton Crumpler, Major; James H. Fitts, Private; Richard H. Glaze, Private; John M. Mickle, Captain; James C. Moore, Lieutenant-Colonel; Theophilus Perry, Major; Peter P. Scales, Captain; Maurice T. Smith, Lieutenant-Colonel; Thomas McG. Smith, Major; Peter E. Spruill, Private; Owen A. Waddell, Major; James A. Wright, Captain.

        There was a notable breach of order during the night of February 20th, 1851. The walls of the belfry, and a week after, the doors of the recitation rooms were decorated with caricatures of the Faculty, mostly amusing. Gunpowder was exploded at the door of the laboratory, breaking the door and many glass articles within the room. An organized party, blowing horns and ringing bells, singing and shouting, "created


Page 627

an uproar about the professors' houses and assaulted one of them with stones." The Faculty in a body visited all the rooms; twenty-one of the absentees were summoned for inquiry, and their answers recorded and read to them. Ten were found guilty and dismissed. The President addressed them "in a most solemn manner about their past conduct and the precaution to be observed in their present situation." "The Professors and Tutors immediately afterwards repaired to the house of Professor Phillips and wrote the necessary letters to the parents of those who were dismissed."

        The total suspensions for the year were seven, of dismissions thirteen, of expulsions one. All except the latter were afterwards readmitted.

        The total number of delinquencies for which summoning before the Faculty was deemed necessary was 282 for 230 students. Of course some students were called up many times. A large majority were perfectly orderly. The records seem to show that if ten or a dozen had been rigidly excluded, disorder would have ceased, but on the other hand many rule-breakers became valuable citizens, proud of their Alma Mater and her strong supporters.

COMMENCEMENT OF 1852.

        The honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on Rev. Wm. Norwood, Episcopal minister of Richmond, of the Class of 1826; on Rev. James Phillips, Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, then absent as visitors to the U. S. Military Academy at West Point, and of Master of Arts on Rev. Braxton Craven, President of Trinity College, N. C.

1852.

        At the Commencement of 1852 Hon. Thomas Samuel Ashe, of the Class of 1832, was the orator. He was a distinguished lawyer, and held the office of Solicitor of his Judicial Circuit. He was afterwards member of the Confederate House and Senate, a Representative in the United States Congress, and Justice of the Supreme Court of the State. As was expected, his oration on the Relations of Knowledge abounded in wise suggestions, which had all the more weight on account of the loftiness of his character. There was no Alumni orator provided.


Page 628

Those who died during the year were ex-Governor Richard Dobbs Spaight, 1815; Rev. Junius B. King, 1833; Henry I. Toole, Esq., 1828; Rev. Daniel B. Currie, 1840; Joseph W. Small, 1850.

        There was reported $840.29 collected for the Caldwell monument fund. Circulars were ordered to be sent to absent alumni requesting additional subscriptions.

        The President, John M. Morehead, was flanked on the rostrum, while presiding, by President Swain and ex-Governor John Branch, the latter being in attendance on the semi-centenial anniversary of his graduation, and the former having matriculated in 1821.

        The first distinction in the Senior Class was awarded to Thomas H. Gilliam, John Bernard Gretter, Leonidas F. Siler, and Jeremiah J. Slade. The second honor went to George A. Brett, John L. Dismukes, Alexander R. Smith, and James W. Wilson; the third to Edward Alston, Jr., Robert L. Beall, Richard H. Lewis, James A. McNeill, and Nathan Newby.

        It was reported that Rev. S. Milton Frost was first in all but Mathematics, and James F. Bell was first in the Senior year. The only perfectly regular man for four years was J. J. Slade.

        Of those of the first honor Gilliam was a promising lawyer, but died early; Gretter had great natural ability, but lacked ambition. He was a railroad Passenger Agent. Siler had uncommon weight of character, was a lawyer and then a Methodist minister; Slade was a Captain C. S. A., and is head of a Female School.

        Of the others Wilson was an eminent Civil Engineer, President of the Western North Carolina Railroad Company, and then of the North Carolina Railroad Commission; Dismukes a Surgeon C. S. A., author of a medical work, and President of the Kentucky Medical Association.

        Of contemporaneous matriculates, not graduating, Flavillus S. Goode was a Captain C. S. A., member of the Legislature of Louisiana, Presidential Elector, Attorney-General, and Judge of the Superior Court; Joseph H. Baker was a Surgeon C. S. A., a member of the Legislature and of the Convention of 1868.


Page 629

        Of the Senior speakers the Valedictory, by Leonidas F. Siler, was pronounced worthy of praise. Gretter's on the "Bubble Reputation" was considered the best--epigrammatic, full of antithesis and paradox, interspersed with severe truth. Warner Lewis' oration on Webster was full of sincerity and truth. These comments were by the newspaper correspondents, doubtless correct, but probably doing injustice by omission. The other speakers were:

        Salutatory in Latin," by Gilliam.

        "The Yadkin," by Beall.

        "Moral Courage," by Lewis.

        "The Political State of Europe," by McNeill.

        "Government's First Duty is to Its Citizens," by Slade.

        "Misguided Genius," by Bell.

        "Oliver Cromwell," by Wilson.

        "Mystery No Ground for Misbelief," by Newby.

        "Agriculture Aided by Legislation," by Smith.

        "Et Brevi Spatio, Spem Longam Reseces," by Dismukes.

        The Baccalaureate Sermon was by one of the graduates, Rev. S. Milton Frost. His theme was Ambition, as illustrated by the career of Daniel. It was handled in a manner fresh and vigorous, and gained for him a marked reputation as a pulpit orator.

        Of the Freshman Declaimers O. R. Waddell was considered the best, and W. H. Hall, J. R. Hogan, Jesse Averitt and Peter E. Spruill the next. Of the Sophomores Joseph A. Engelhard carried off the palm. His subject was the Death of Absalom.

        There was no music except for the dancing at night, furnished by the Ball Managers, it being the custom for the Marshals to raise the money to pay the Commencement band, who played in the intervals of the speaking, and as will be seen there were no Marshals. The correspondent also noted that there was no unpleasant ordering of visitors from one seat to another as he had seen a year ago. This criticism of the Marshals of the preceding year is unjust. Certain seats had been reserved for the Graduating Class, as was usual and proper. The Marshals insisted that the arrangement should


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be carried out. The Seniors could not do honor to their valedictorian, nor march up to receive their diplomas "decently and in order" unless they sat in a body. Visitors should not be willing to crowd them out. The Marshals were more apt to err on the side of politeness than of harshness. They greatly desired a large attendance of happy people.

        The Degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred on Commodore Matthew F. Maury, and of Doctor of Divinity on Rev. Alexander Lacy and Rev. Moses A. Curtis.

        The matriculates of 1852 who lost their lives in the Civil War were: William Adams, Captain; George A. Baxter, Captain; Owen N. Brown, Major; Thomas S. Crump, Private; Francis D. Foxhall, Lieutenant; Robert E. James, Sergeant; Daniel W. Johnson, Captain; Daniel McDougald, Captain; Duncan E. McNair, Captain; Montford S. McRae, Sergeant; E. Graham Morrow, Lieutenant; William A. Owens, Colonel; Stark A. Sutton, Captain; James N. Turner, Captain; Shubal G. Worth, Captain.

        At this Commencement occurred an unpleasant difficulty with the students. At the instance of the Faculty the Trustees passed an ordinance that no one should represent the University who was very irregular in attention to his duties. Under this the Faculty refused to allow a nominee of the Chief Marshal to act as a Sub-Marshal. The students met on May 6th and passed intemperate resolutions, prefacing them with a preamble asserting that they were compelled to support the expenses of Commencement; should therefore have the appointment of the officers. The resolutions were: First, that the Trustees have most inconsiderately made the office of the Marshal and subordinates "dependent on the mere whims and unjust decisions of the Faculty"; second, that the Faculty have so construed the law regulating the standard of punctuality as to deprive an estimable Sub-Marshal of his rights; third, that unless this prohibition be withdrawn the Chief and other marshals should refuse to act; fourth, that the aggrieved students refuse to submit to any officers not chosen by themselves; fifth, that these resolutions be maintained with the most unswerving and uncompromising fidelity."


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        The only students who opposed in full these fiery and unfair utterances were A. R. Black, Alexander McIver, James Magnus Spencer, Peter E. Spruill, and Leonidas Siler. Three voted for all except the first, and approved of that. One voted for all except the first; three voted for only the third and fourth; eleven refused to vote; twenty-four were absent; 183 supported all the resolutions. After much deliberation and consultation with Professors, Trustees, parents and others, there was a change of opinion. On the 21st of May another meeting was held, and the resolutions were unanimously withdrawn. It is probable that the students were persuaded to leave the question to the Board of Trustees. The Board decided in favor of the Faculty and advised the Marshal, Walker Meares, to appoint another assistant. Declining this, he resigned. The vacancy was not filled, and the Commencement exercises, under the guidance of Chief Justice Ruffin, who presided in the absence of the Governor, was had without Marshals. There was a distinct air of gloom, a want of brightness and gaiety apparent, but the proceedings passed off without a jar. It seemed to the students that if one of their number was deemed worthy to retain his place in the institution he should be eligible to a mere ministerial office which had no connection with text books or punctuality. This view was strengthened by the fact that the young man, who although not attentive to prayers and recitations, was exceptionally well qualified by intelligence and gentlemanly manners for the position to which he had been appointed. The Faculty's idea was to stimulate to good behavior by such discriminations. They certainly were not sustained by the younger part of the community. The Trustees six months afterwards perfunctorily approved the action of the Faculty, but on motion of Mr. B. F. Moore, usually a strong advocate for enforcing obedience to law, repealed this regulation and left the appointment of Commencement officers entirely to the students. The evils of electioneering by candidates for the Marshal's place proving intolerable, in 1856 the choice was taken from the students at large and given to the Senior Class, none but a Junior to be eligible.


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UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE.

        In this year (1852) steps were taken to begin the publication of another University Magazine. It could hardly be called the renewal of the old. A meeting of the students was called. Jeremiah J. Slade, of Georgia, moved the re-establishment. The motion was carried, and the Senior Class was authorized to elect the first editors. Afterwards this elective function was devolved on the Junior Class within a few days of Commencement. The prospectus was issued in December, and the first number appeared in February, 1852. The students took much interest in the enterprise, and it was necessary to reject numerous articles offered. The first editors were L. F. Siler, J. J. Slade, and Alexander R. Smith, of the Dialectic, and Wm. D. Barnes, Thos. B. Burton, Thomas H. Gilliam of the Philanthropic. Zebulon B. Vance was an editor for a few months; resigned when he procured his law license.

        Wm. D. Cooke, of Raleigh, was the publisher. The subscription price was two dollars per annum for ten numbers. It was promised that if there should be a surplus after paying the amount promised to Cooke, it should go to the libraries, but there was never enough to buy a dime spelling book, although the books showed over 500 subscribers. It was stated that 525 paying subscribers would pay expenses. Of course many subscribers neglected to pay. It was estimated that by 1856 $5,000 promised was uncollected--a manifest exaggeration. Considerable cash was collected, and beyond question the editors properly applied the moneys paid them. Cooke became clamorous for his compensation, and by way of compromise the subscription books were turned over to him. A new publisher, James M. Henderson, was found, editor of the Chapel Hill Gazette, an ephemeral weekly. He was succeeded by John B. Neathery, both of whom demanded their pay in advance. There was constant trouble on this score. In 1859 the two Societies came to the relief of the struggling managers by agreeing to make up the deficiencies. The magazine was then prosperous until June, 1861. After this date few young men of the South were found in the college walls. During 1860-'61 there were 376 matriculations into the University. About one-fourth


Illustration

        VIEW TAKEN 1852--SHOWING OLD BELFRY.

        SOUTH BUILDING.


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returned, and the number every year diminished. There was retrenchment everywhere. The magazine died.

        The University Magazine of 1852-'61 contained many articles of real historical value, and is now much sought after by students of North Carolina History. The principal authors were President D. L. Swain, Archibald M. Hooper, Gen. Joseph Graham, Archibald M. Murphey, Rev. Dr. Hubbard. In some instances President Swain turned over his material to an editor, especially L. F. Siler, and the authorship was attributed to him. Among the most valuable of these articles I enumerate: "Closing Scenes of the Revolution in North Carolina," by Gen. Joseph Graham; "First Symptoms of Independence in North Carolina," by Siler; "Sketch of the Indian War of 1776," by Siler; "Civil War of 1781-'2; Colonel David Fanning," probably by Doctor Hubbard; "Memoirs of General Howe," by A. M. Hooper; "Revolutionary Services of General Joseph Graham," by Murphey; "Life and Letters of General Caswell," by Doctor Hubbard; "Memoir of Governor Abner Nash"; Memoir of Governor Thomas Burke"; Carolina in 1710," by a Swiss Gentleman; "Revolutionary History of North Carolina," by Gen. Joseph Graham; "Many Issues"; "Historical Addresses of Bishops Atkinson and Ives, and Rev. Dr. Joseph M. Atkinson; "Indian Nations--War of 1755-62," by Judge Murphey; "Tory Massacre"; "Pyle's Defeat"; "Fan for Fanning"; "War of the Regulation," by President Swain, many numbers; "Life and Letters of Cornelius Harnett," by President Swain; "Life and Letters of Whitmill Hill," by President Swain; "Character of the Early Governors of North Carolina," by Col. John H. Wheeler; "British Invasion of 1776," by President Swain; "Dr. Mitchell and the Mountains of Yancey," by Dr. C. Phillips; "Life of Judge Iredell," Anonymous; "Life of Samuel Johnson"; "Judge Gaston," by Judge Battle and Col. R. B. Creecy; "Memoir of Col. Edward Jones," by Dr. Wm. Hooper; "Revolutionary Experiences of Hugh McDonald"; Memoir of Chief Justice Nash," by Hon. John H. Bryan; "Memoir of Chief Justice Henderson," by Judge Battle; "Memoir of James C. Dobbin," by James Banks; "Memoir of Chief Justice Taylor," by Judge Battle; Commentary 1857-8, Henry T.


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Brown, Edward S. Bell, Wm. M. Coleman, Wm. C. Lord, Thomas W. Mason, Joshua W. Wright; 1858-9, Richard C. Badger, S. L. Johnston, R. F. Hamlin, Charles W. McClammy, George B. Johnson, Ro. F. Hamlin, Francis S. Stockton; 1859-60, George P. Bryan, Wm. J. Readen, Wm. T. Richardson, Vernon H. Vaughan, Samuel P. Wier, George S. Wilson; "On the Natural History in Hawks' History of North Carolina"; "Memoir of Judge John Hall," by Wm. Eaton, Jr., Esq.; "Fifty Years Since," by Dr. Wm. Hooper; "Memoir of Johnston Blakely," by Joseph Johnson, M.D.; "Memoir of Gen. John Ashe," by A. M. Hooper; "Retreat of Gen. Howe from Savannah," by A. M. Hooper; "Sketch of Judge Murphey." Some of the editors pursued the modest policy of those of 1844, and did not disclose their names. Others gave them at the end of the volume in their names. Others gave them at the end of the volume in their letter of farewell. I give those which I have been able to discover: 1852-3. Vine A. Allen, J. Irving Scales, James Mangum Spencer, George M. White, Alexander R. Black, and James Woods; Zebulon B. Vance was elected to supply a vacancy; 1853-4, Joseph A. Engelhard, Leonidas J. Merritt, J. J. C. Moore, Wm. C. Nichols, Wm. H. Spencer, Wm. L. Scott; Joseph M. Bell supplied a vacancy; 1855-6, Henry R. Bryan, Clement Dowd, J. B. Killebrew, Daniel W. Johnson, A. Haywood Herritt, Coleman Sessions.

COMMENCEMENT OF 1853.

        In 1853 the books of the University were removed from their dusty shelves in the President's lecture-room in the South Building to Smith Hall. Messrs. Hubbard, Charles Phillips and the Librarian were appointed to prepare a catalogue for the same, which I think was never done. Here they rested until they were stored in a room in the East Building at the beginning of the war.

        The Commencement of 1853 was called the Hawks' Commencement because of the conspicuous part taken in it by the Rev. Dr. Francis L. Hawks, of New York, a graduate of 1815. On Monday night he preached the sermon to the Graduating Class, which was pronounced to be able and eloquent, and particularly impressive on account of his wonderful voice and oratorical grace.


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        His subsequent address before the Historical Society, a vindication of Sir Walter Raleigh, was a remarkable triumph of oratory. The reporter to the newspaper said truly that there was no passion in the breast, to which the various arts of oratory can appeal, that was not fully aroused.

        At the meeting of the Alumni twenty new members were added.

        On motion of Dr. Hawks, the Executive Committee were instructed to report at the next meeting a plan for offering and awarding prizes on literary and scientific subjects to the undergraduates of the University.

        The Association in reply to a letter from the editors of the University Magazine, apprised them of its interest in the enterprise and of the steps already taken likely to render them material aid. What these steps were is not explained, but the resolution of Dr. Hawks was probably meant.

        Obituaries of the recent dead, Thomas L. Avery, 1841; Reuben C. Shorter, 1844, and John K. Strange, 1848, were read.

        Dr. James H. Dickson, of the Class of 1823, escorted by three of his classmates, Judge Richmond M. Pearson, A. M. Scales, and Dr. James A. Washington, delivered the annual address. It was pronounced to be able, learned and interesting, and a copy was requested for publication on motion of President Swain, seconded warmly by Dr. Hawks.

        The Freshmen Declaimers for 1853 were A. Haywood Merritt, William Johnston Saunders, David T. Oates, E. Graham Morrow, Joseph W. Stevenson, John C. Crawford, Owen N. Brown, Thomas L. Cowper, John B. Yarborough, Jerome J. Hadley. On Tuesday night, on the part of the Sophomore Class, appeared Henry W. McMillan, John M. Puttick, Charlton Yellowley, James H. Colton, William H. Hall, Alexander D. Betts, Nathaniel A. Boyden, Robert E. James, Peter E. Spruill, John R. Hogan.

        Of the Freshmen, Oates, Crawford, Brown, Cowper, Yarborough, Hadley, left before graduation. All the Sophomores received their diplomas. Brown became a Major C. S. A., and was killed in battle; Cowper died the year of his appearance on the stage; Yarborough was a Confederate soldier and then merchant.


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        The literary critic of the exercises was horrified at the length of the extracts declaimed by the competitors, averaging, he said, fourteen minutes. He thought that Peter E. Spruill was the best of the Sophomores, and that E. Graham Morrow and Owen N. Brown the best of the Freshmen.

        The Marshals won praise by their masterly performance of duty. Directed by the Ball Managers, the dancing was abundant and orderly, the music excellent; the speeches of the Seniors, and Declamations of the competitors very respectable, and the addresses by the eminent orators beyond all praise.

        The honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) was conferred upon Judges Walker Anderson, Frederick Nash, Richmond M. Pearson, and William H. Battle, the first of the Supreme Court of Florida, the others of the Supreme Court of North Carolina. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was given to Rev. Joseph Cross, a prominent Methodist minister and author of sacred books; Rev. Cyrus Johnston, a Presbyterian divine, and Bishop Thomas F. Davis, of South Carolina, a graduate of 1822.

        The first distinction in the Senior class of sixty members, the largest to date, was awarded to Archibald R. Black, Alexander W. Lawrence, Alexander McIver, Alfred G. Merritt, John L. Morehead, James M. Spencer, and George M. White.

        The second to Vine A. Allen, Robert A. Chambers, Benjamin T. Green, Cyrus Harrington, Hugh G. Livingston, Solomon Pool, Wm. H. Powell, James Woods, and David G. Worth.

        The third to William H. Battle, Jr., James M. Bullock, Thomas T. Dismukes, Thomas C. Ferebee, Wm. W. Peebles, N. Eldridge Scales, Junius Irving Scales.

        The next best scholars were Du Brutz Cutlar, John C. Stickney, John T. Taylor, Daniel McN. McKay, John A. McKay. Bullock, Ferebee, D. McN. McKay and V. E. Scales never missed a duty in four years, 4,800 attendances.

        I give a succinct history of the chief honor men, so far as I have traced them. Black was a good teacher and Sheriff of Pender; Lawrence Assistant in the National Observatory, came South, and was a Confederate Captain; McIver, Professor of Mathematics at Davidson College and (1869-70) of


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the University, then State Superintendent of Public Instruction; Merritt was in the Confederate service, then a Judge in Tennessee; Morehead a wealthy capitalist, and director of railroads; Spencer a lawyer of great promise, but died early; White a lawyer, also died early.

        Of the others Pool was Adjunct Professor of Mathematics in the University, and President thereof 1869-1874, also a Methodist minister; Worth, a prosperous commission merchant, and a liberal donor to the University; Junius I. Scales, a Colonel C. S. A., a leader of the bar and the General Assembly; John W. Moore, author of a two-volume history of North Carolina; Shorter, Chairman of the Railroad Commission of Alabama; John D. Taylor, a member of the Legislature, Colonel, losing an arm in battle, and now Superior Court Clerk; Woods was of brilliant parts, but cut off in early youth.

        Among the matriculates not graduating was Alfred Moore Waddell, a Lieutenant-Colonel, a Representative in Congress, Mayor of Wilmington, author of "A Colonial Officer," and many other historical monographs, and a polished orator. Junius B. Wheeler entered at West Point, where he graduated, became a Major U. S. A., and Professor of Engineering in the U. S. Military Academy; Thomas M. Holt, a large manufacturer, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Lieutenant Governor, and then Governor of the State; John H. Morehead, Colonel, killed at Gettysburg; Frederick N. Strudwick, State Solicitor and Presidential Elector; William Strudwick, an eminent physician.

        The matriculates who lost their lives in the Civil War were: John Anthony, Corporal; Thomas O. Closs, Captain; Andrew J. Flanner, Private; Hugh W. Gardner, Private; James W. Horne, Sergeant; Thomas R. Long, Private; Wm. A. Lord, Private; John W. Mayfield, Lieutenant; George T. Morgan, Private; Henry Mullins, Captain; John D. Rankin, Sergeant; Edwin S. Sanders, Captain; William E. Wilson, Private.

        The Ball Managers directed the dances and provided for the supper with all possible grace and efficiency. Their names were E. H. Davis, Chief, and W. C. Nichols, C. W. Phifer, J. W. Sanford, R. M. Sloan, and W. H. Spencer.


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        In 1853 the Secretary and Treasurer, Charles Manly, made to the Board a history of his office. The first Treasurer, he said, was Walter Alves, son of James Hogg, one of the earliest Trustees, and himself a Trustee. Then came Robert Williams, a Brigadier-General of militia, succeeded by himself, who held the office for forty-four years. For sixty-four years Daniel Dupree, the Clerk of the State Bank, had posted the books in journal and ledger, being paid by the Treasurer.

        Governor Manly was slightly mistaken in his list of Treasurers. John Craven preceded, and Galvin Alves succeeded Walter Alves.

        In 1854 President Swain delivered before the General Assembly an address on the history and work of the University. It was thought to be so able that one thousand copies were printed by the Faculty for distribution.

        Applicants for admission into the Freshman Class were required to stand examination through equations of the second degree in Algebra. To insure thorough instruction the two As Gerrard Hall could not be heated, there was shivering to each.

        The graduates of Yale College of 1813 held a reunion on their 40th anniversary. Dr. Mitchell applied for and obtained permission to meet his classmates.

COMMENCEMENT OF 1854.

        The Commencement of 1854 was afflicted by rain and cold, so that fires were necessary. Ladies with thin and low-necked dresses suffered severely. There was no moonlight rambling. As Gerrard Hall could not be heated, there was shivering discomfort among old and young, small and great.

        The journalistic critic reported that the extracts chosen by the Declaimers of the Freshman and Sophomore Classes were too tame and too long. If a good thing cannot be said in five minutes it cannot be in five years. The same is true in regard to the original addresses of the Seniors.

        The Declaimers were as follows:

        Sophomores--William Bingham, Henry R. Bryan, William H. Burwell, Clement Dowd, Solomon P. Green, Daniel W.


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Johnson, A. Haywood Merritt, E. Graham Morrow, Joseph W. Stephenson, Stuart White.

        Freshmen--John Anthony, Andrew J. Manner, George H. Gregory, Wm. H. Hayley, Wm. H. Jordan, Henry Mullins, Henry C. Thompson, John H. Tillingshast, Nathan P. Ward, John E. Wharton.

        One correspondent gave special praise to Gregory, Hayley, and Tillinghast; another to Bingham, Johnson, Saunders, and White.

        All these speakers remained until they received their diplomas, except Tillinghast. He was chaplain in the Confederate Army, and is an Episcopal minister.

        On Tuesday there was an examination of the Senior Class in Constitutional and International Law. The sermon before the Graduating Class was delivered by Rev. Thomas G. Lowe, of the Methodist Church. There was disappointment that the preacher did not indulge in the impassioned flights of eloquence for which he had high reputation, but the discourse was full of religious fervor and sound instruction.

        The Literary Address was by ex-Governor Aaron V. Brown, of Tennessee, of the Class of 1814, once Representative in Congress, and soon to be Postmaster-General. His theme, Encouragement to Students from the Future Prospects of our Country, was ably handled.

        There were before him ex-Governors Branch, Swain, Morehead, Graham, Manly, and Reid.

        As they had been accustomed for several years, the Alumni then formed in the order of their classes in order to march to Smith Hall, their place of meeting. It was stated that one of the Class of 1799, Dr. W. S. Webb, and one, a citizen of Texas, of the Class of 1800, Dr. Thomas Hunt, still lived, but were not present. Ex-Governor Branch answered for that of 1801. Of the seven ex-Governors present, two were or had been Federal Senators and Secretaries of the Navy; two had been Ministers to Spain, and two Judges of the Supreme Court. There was no public speaking on behalf of the Alumni, no graduate of the Class of 1824 having been secured, according to the thirty years rule prescribed by the Association.

        Among the sixty members of the Senior Class of 1854, the


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first honor was awarded to Wm. L. Alexander, William Badham, Jr., Richard H. Battle, Jr., John W. Graves, Samuel S. Jackson, Jr., Wm. LaFayette Scott, and Wm. R. Wetmore.

        The second to John H. M. Bullock, John M. Gallaway, Robert B. Johnston, Willam S. Long, Leonidas J. Merritt, Oscar R. Rand, David G. Robeson, John K. Ruffin, Enoch J. Vann, and James A. Wright.

        The third honor to Richard Bradford, Joseph A. Engelhard, John M. Morrison, William Lawrence Saunders, John D. Shaw, Wm. H. Spencer, Bryan Whitfield, and Theodore Whitfield.

        John M. Andrews, Richard H. Battle, John W. Graves and Wm. L. Scott were reported as having been perfectly punctual for four years.

        As the honor men numbered twenty-five, it was resolved to limit the number of speeches on Commencement Day to twenty. The Valedictory and Latin Salutatory were as usual drawn for by the first honor men.

        The programme was as follows:

        The Salutatory, Wm. Badham.

        "Greeting to Our Friends," John D. Shaw.

        "Science in the Bible," James Mangus Spencer.

        "Young America," John M. Gallaway.

        "Why Love Turk and Hate Russia?" Enoch J. Vann.

        "The Scale of Being," Samuel S. Jackson, Jr.

        "Distribution of the Bible," Theodore Whitfield.

        "The Future," James A. Wright.

        "Denominational Education," Leonidas J. Merritt.

        "English Liberty," Oscar R. Rand.

        "Farming Interest in North Carolina," Robert B. Johnston.

        "LaFayette" (in French), W. R. Wetmore.

        "To Prepon" (in Greek), John W. Graves.

        "Practical Benefits Conferred by Astronomy," Richard H. Battle.

        "Legislative Aid to University of North Carolina," Wm. L. Alexander.

        "Where Are We?" Joseph Engelhard.

        The Valedictory, Wm. L. Scott.


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        The correspondent reported that the orations of Battle, Jackson, Johnston, Merritt, and Whitfield were received with marked commendation.

        Of the first honor men Alexander, Badham and Graves became lawyers and Captains C. S. A., Alexander dying of wounds received in service.

        Scott, likewise a lawyer, was Lieutenant-Colonel; Battle, after being Tutor in the University, served as Lieutenant and Quartermaster in the Confederate Army, with the rank of Captain, was State Auditor, and for years, having refused a Judgeship, has been among the leaders of the Raleigh bar; Jackson was a Tutor in the University and an able lawyer; Wetmore a devoted and useful minister of the Episcopal Church, a Doctor of Divinity.

        Of the others, Gallaway was in the Legislature of Tennessee and North Carolina, a Colonel of Cavalry, and is a farmer and Bank President; Vann a Judge in Florida; Engelhard a lawyer, journalist, Adjutant of Brigade, with rank of Major, and Secretary of State; William L. Saunders a lawyer, Editor of the Colonial Records, and author of Prefatory Notes to each volume; Theodore Whitfield a Doctor of Divinity in the Baptist Church.

        Of those receiving no honors Needham B. Cobb was a Doctor of Divinity in the Baptist Church; William C. Nichols a Surgeon, Editor and City Physician of New Orleans; Phifer in the United States Army, and then a Brigadier-General in the Confederate Army.

        The Confederate dead roll of the matriculates was as follows: Robert L. Allen, Private; John W. Ballard, Captain; Jesse S. Barnes, Captain; Edward S. J. Bell, Lieutenant; Hugh T. Brown, Captain; Thomas Cowan, Jr., Captain; John L. Fuller, Private; William H. Gibson, Lieutenant; Frederick H. Jenkins, Captain; James B. Jordan, Private; William C. Lord, Captain; William B. McKinnon, Private; Julius A. Robbins, Captain; William H. Whitaker, Private; David J. Young, Private.

        In December, 1854, the North Carolina Railroad was finished to Durham, then and for some time afterwards called "Durham's Station." The authorities of the road gave a free


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ride to the members of the Legislature and their friends. By the kindness of Hon. Samuel F. Phillips, a Commoner from Orange, I was of the company. There was only one residence in the place, that of Dr. Bart. A. Durham, once a member of the Legislature. Such was the abundance of game in that day that the breakfast table had enough and to spare of hot broiled partridges for the goodly number present.

        There was no speaking or other ceremony, but the Legislators present had pleasant converse for awhile with the neighbors, and then the major part took stages and journeyed westward to their homes. There being no conveyance to Chapel Hill, my journey was on foot, three hours for the twelve miles. From that day until the completion of the branch railroad in 1882, the Chapel Hill and Durham two-horse line superseded the four-horse stage line to Raleigh. Dr. Durham's plantation is the growing city of Durham.

        In pursuance of a resolution of the Board adopted in 1852, on the first of January, 1854, began the School for the Application of Science to the Arts. The instructions were intended to prepare for professional life, Engineers, Artisans, Chemists, Farmers, Miners and Physicians. While the students had opportunities given for practical work, the chief attention was given to the study of the theories, which Science presents as applicable to the Arts.

        Candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Arts could substitute Civil Engineering or Agricultural Chemistry for the Ancient and Modern Languages, or for International and Constitutional Law, during the second term of the Senior year. They could get the diploma of A.B. with the other graduates, and in one year more, exclusively devoted to the new department, obtain the degree of Master of Arts. Those who were connected with the University only as pupils of this school as a rule completed their course in two and one-half years, and obtained the degree of Bachelor of Science (B.S.) They were subject to all the rules as to attendance on Public Worship, Prayers, Recitations and discipline, to the same extent as other students.

        The new school was divided into the Departments of Civil


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Engineering, and that for the application of Chemistry to Agriculture and the Arts. Those entering the Engineering Department were expected to have a fair familiarity with Algebra and Geometry, and with Plane and Spherical Trigonometry, together with its applications. Church's Analytical Geometry, Church's Calculus, Davies' Descriptive Geometry and Davies' Shades and Shadows were studied the first year. In the second, Smith's Mechanics and Engineering, Mahan's Civil Engineering, Gillespie's Roads and Railroads, Troutwine, Borden, Long, etc., on Geodesy and Earth Works. In the third year attention was given to the application of Science to various constructive Arts and reviews of previous studies. Mechanical, Topographical and Architectural Drawing, plain and isometrical, were taught throughout the course, and also the theories of the construction and adjustment of instruments, together with their use in the field. Besides the foregoing, the pupils pursued such work in Chemistry and in the Academic Department as was necessary to the ends they had in view.

        Rev. Charles Phillips, who had distinguished himself as Tutor of Mathematics, was elected Professor of Civil Engineering, and was given a year for special study. He selected Harvard University.

        In the Department of the application of Chemistry to Agriculture and the Arts, students were promised instruction in Analytical Chemistry and its application to the analysis of soils, manures and mineral waters, the assaying of ores and minerals, the testing of drugs and medicines. A laboratory was fitted up in the basement of Smith Hall, and was open every day in the week. Recitations and Lectures on the Chemistry of Agriculture were given. The text-books for reading and reference were Noad's Chemical Analysis, Rose's Analytical Chemistry, Regnault's Chemistry, Johnson's Agricultural Chemistry, Stockhardt's Field Lectures, Plattner's Testing with the Blowpipe, Bowman's Medical Chemistry.

        Benjamin Sherwood Hedrick, a first honor graduate of the Class of 1851, and one of the ablest mathematicians the University has had, who had pursued his studies in Chemistry in the laboratory of Harvard University, was placed at the head of this new department.


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        The names of the students under Professor Phillips and Hedrick were not printed until 1856. In that year they were forty-four in number; in 1857 sixty-nine, and so on, most of them already students of the University, candidates for Bachelor of Arts.

        A native Frenchman, Henri Herrisse, a scholarly young man, was appointed Instructor in French. Solomon Pool, A.B., 1853, was added as Tutor of Mathematics, and Joseph B. Lucas, of the Class of 1849, as Tutor of Ancient Languages.

        The degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred on John Randolph Clay, of Philadelphia, and of Doctor of Divinity on Rev. Eli W. Caruthers and Rev. Aldert Smedes, both of North Carolina. Clay was Secretary of Legation at Vienna, then Chargé d'Affaires to Russia, and Minister Plenipotentiary to Peru. Smedes was Principal of the flourishing St. Mary's School at Raleigh, and Caruthers Presbyterian minister in Alamance, and author of two volumes of Revolutionary History.

INCREASE OF NUMBERS--LAWS REVISED.

        The number of students increased rapidly after the middle of the century for several reasons: the increase of prosperity of the cotton-growing States, the extension of railroads, the want of public confidence in colleges South of our State. Moreover many planters who had left our State for the cheaper and richer lands of the Gulf States had a natural desire that their sons should finish their education in the State of their old home. The following figures show the extent of the movement: The matriculates for the ten years 1840 to 1850 were 1,602, averaging 160 per annum. From 1850 to 1860 they were 3,480, averaging 348 per annum; for the five years 1850 to 1855 the number was 1,344, or 269 per annum; for the five years 1855 to 1860 it was 2,736, averaging 427. To form some idea of the patronage from other States, I take at random the year of the largest attendance. There were 460, including four law students not counted in the catalogue. Of these 282 were from North Carolina, leaving 178 from other States, over one-third of the whole. Tennessee furnished the


Page 645

largest number, 39. Then came Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama with 28, 26 and 21, respectively. South Carolina and Texas furnished 15, Georgia 14, Virginia only eight. There were four each from Kentucky and Florida, two from Arkansas and one each from New York and Iowa. Contrast this with 620 in the catalogue of 1903-4, of whom 565 are from North Carolina, only 55 are from beyond our limits, about one in eleven. Tennessee now sends not one, nor do Alabama or Mississippi. Louisiana has only two, South Carolina has 17, but Texas only one. Most of the Southern States have universities and colleges satisfactory to themselves.

        The continued increase in the number of students necessitated new buildings for dormitories, lecture rooms, and for halls for the two Societies. In 1856 a plan of extending the Old East and West Buildings was adopted, but this was abandoned.

        The Revised Code of 1855 strengthened the acts of 1824 and 1827, in regard to the University, the substance of them being as follows:

        License to retail spirituous or vinous liquors within two miles of Chapel Hill was prohibited. This limit extended nearly three miles from the dormitories. It is now four miles from the town limits. The prohibition applies to the selling by the drink or measure less than a quart.

        The second section forbids within two miles all houses for the sale in any quantity of spirituous, vinous or malt liquors.

        The third section forbids the selling or giving to any student or other person any cordial, wine, spirituous or malt liquor, with the intent that the same shall be used within two miles of Chapel Hill.

        The fourth prohibits electioneering treats within said limits.

        By the fifth section public billiard tables or other public tables for playing games of chance or skill are forbidden within five miles of Chapel Hill. By the sixth are forbidden within the same limits theatricals, sleight of hand or equestrian performances, dramatic representation or recitations, rope or wire dancing, natural or artificial curiosities, or any concert, serenade,


Page 646

or performances in music, singing or dancing, without the written permission of the President or member of the Faculty, given in writing seven days beforehand.

        Seventhly. Offences against the preceding provisions shall be misdemeanors.

        The eighth section declares void all contracts with shop-keepers, merchants, traders or other persons, including livery stable keepers, by students, if made within two miles of Chapel Hill, without the written permission of the President or some member of the Faculty; if without the two miles limit, the written permission of the person having control and authority over such students.

        By the ninth section contracts contrary to the foregoing provisions may be avoided on plea of the general issue, and the fact of being a student raised the presumption that the defendant was a minor.

        By the tenth section such contracts were made incapable of being confirmed by the student after reaching full age.

        The eleventh section restored to the University escheated real estate.

        As to the practical workings of these laws, it may be said that while there were no "grogshops" within the prohibited limits, there were some at no great distance outside, and while intoxicating liquors could not be openly bought, there were abundant underground streams which could be and were easily tapped by those who had money and inclination. The suppression of liquor shops, made first in 1827, was of great advantage in rendering drinking less common and less scandalous, and the danger of collisions between drunken students and still more drunken non-students was lessened. The law in regard to gaming tables and circuses and other performances passed in 1794 was well enforced. It was strengthened in regard to dramatic and other diversions by there being no suitable hall in the village, and the refusal of the Faculty of the use of the Gerrard Hall. Nothing however could prevent surreptitious excursions to Hillsboro and other places, even as far as Raleigh. Frequently seekers after pleasure would ride horseback twenty-eight miles to the metropolis, witness


Page 647

the entrancing circus or drama and answer to their names in the Chapel by sunrise, after an absence of little over twelve hours and a ride over an execrable road of fifty-six miles.

        Copies of the laws were sent to the merchants of Chapel Hill and other places. Once when a Raleigh merchant sent whiskey to Chapel Hill for sale, a general warning was sent to all, whereat there was much indignation in the breasts of the innocent, who contended that there was timid sheltering of the guilty.

        The attention of the merchants of Chapel Hill having been called to these laws, they met and agreed not to sell to students under age on credit, without permission in writing from their parent or guardian. The obligation was not to be binding without the concurrence of the Faculty of the University, and was to continue eighteen months. The following were the signers, being a large majority of the merchants of the village: Richard B. Saunders, J. R. Hutchins & Co., C. Scott & Co., J. T. Hogan & Co., Long and McCauley, Walter A. Thompson, F. A. Davies, H. L. Owen, John W. Carr.

        Andrew Mickle, President of the meeting, and George M. Long, Secretary, approved its action and the Faculty, on their part, did likewise.

THE BAPTIST CHURCH.

        The Baptist Church was organized in Chapel Hill on September 15th, 1854. The building was dedicated May 6th, 1855. The most generous benefactor was Elder William Henry Merritt, who was the owner of the mill and plantation now called Purefoy's. The flour of this mill had a wide reputation in the days before the railroads came. Elder Merritt donated the lot on which are the church edifices, and $1,200 in money. Elder George W. Purefoy, D.D., was Chairman of the Building Committee, and Elder J. J. James preached the dedicatory sermon. The first pastor was Elder Brantley Jones Hackney.

COMMENCEMENT OF 1855.

        At the Commencement of 1855 Rev. Benjamin M. Palmer, D.D., the eminent Presbyterian divine, then of Columbia, later of New Orleans, delivered the sermon to the Graduating


Page 648

Class. The audience generally agreed that it was learned, eloquent, impressive, beautiful, but some of the striplings thought it was too grand for young people. He enforced two cardinal truths, that all men are religious in temperament, and that the Bible is true.

        The competitors in Declamation were, of the Freshmen, John A. Gilmer, Julius W. Wright, Thomas S. Price, Jesse S. Barnes, Rufus B. Mann, Joseph M. White, Wm. M. Coleman, Leroy M. McAfee, Reuell M. Stancill, Gilmer, Coleman, McAfee, Barnes, and Wright won the favor of the listeners.

        The Sophomore competitors were Nathan B. Whitfield, James J. Perkins, John Anthony, Nathan P. Ward, Henry C. Thompson, John E. Wharton, Daniel M. Graham, Charles A. Mitchell, Junius B. Deberry. Mitchell, Graham, and Anthony were considered the best. All graduated except Whitfield, who became a Colonel C. S. A., and a Judge, and Perkins a planter.

        During the speaking opportunity was given for the presentation of a prize offered by Professor Wheat, to Alphonzo C. Avery, for the best English Composition. Professor Wheat's speech of presentation and President Swain's reply were considered models of their kind.

        On Wednesday there were three extraordinary addresses. The first was by Hon. George Davis, of the Class of 1838, afterwards Confederate States Senator and Attorney-General. His subject was Sketches of the History and Men of the Lower Cape Fear. The interest was enhanced by his excellent delivery. It was printed in pamphlet, and is now much sought for.

        After him came Bishop Thomas Atkinson, of the Protestant Episcopal Church, on the True Character of Cromwell. The Bishop's clear, incisive and convincing address removed much of the odium heaped upon the great Oliver by royalist pens. The press reporter, however, thought he was "too apologetic for the artful tyrant and cunning statesman," and complained that he read his address, but his reading was so clear and forcible as to command the attention of all.

        The third address was by Mr. Wm. J. Bingham, of the


Page 649

Class of 1825, one of the ablest teachers the State has produced. The Alumni met at 4 P. M. to escart him to Gerrard Hall. Rev. Dr. Samuel I. Johnston, of the Class of 1826, and Lewis Thompson of that of 1827, marched with him. Ex-Governors Graham, Manly, and Morehead, John D. Hawkins, Robert B. Gilliam, Samuel J. Person, Bishop Atkinson, Rev. Dr. Alexander Wilson, Rev. Drs. Simeon Colton and Richard H. Mason, Congressman L. O'B. Branch, Treasurer Courts and other noted men were in the procession of about 200 Alumni. The subject of the address was "The Relative Wisdom of the Ancients and Moderns." It was a satire on modern progress. "Young America suffered from the multitude and sharpness of the satiric arrows, and pseudo-progress, bleeding from innumerable wounds, fell an easy victim to successful lampooning," said the reporter.

        A pleasing incident was the dinner given by Richard H. Battle, of the Class of 1854, to all his classmates who had come together on this occasion; if not the pioneer of class dinners, the first recorded in public prints.

        The Chief Marshal was James Bruce of the Junior Class. His assistants, or "Subs," were Henry R. Bryan, Wm. H. Burwell, Samuel P. Caldwell, and Wm. G. Drake. There was much commendation of them for their activity and courtesy. The Ball Managers, Wm. Johnston Saunders being Chief, met with similar praise.

        It should be noted that ex-Chief Justice Thomas Ruffin attended all the examinations except those of Commencement week, the Bible and Chemistry. He had just voluntarily resigned the high position as head of our Supreme Court, which he had so ably filled, and accepted the more humble but important position of Chairman of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Session of Alamance County.

        Four members of the Class, Hall, Puttick, Slade, and Whitfield were not absent from one of the 4,700 services required in their four years' course.

        The graduating speeches were:

        The Latin Salutatory, James H. Colton.

        "Influence Inevitable in Extent and Duration," Peter E. Spruill.


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        "College Education and Its Defects," Duncan E. McNair.

        "The American Explorer," Wm. Gaston Lewis.

        "Commemorative Monuments," James N. Turner.

        "Fate of the Gifted," Jesse R. Wharton.

        "Geology and Anti-Christian," James Campbell.

        "Science, Nature's Complement," Charlton W. Yellowley.

        "Scottish Chivalry," Evander J. McIver.

        "Which Way?" Edmund J. Gaines.

        "Love of Fame the Scholar's Fire," John M. Puttick.

        "Aide toi, le ciel t'aide," Daniel McDougald.

        "Wellbeing of Man," Robert E. James.

        "The Self-Made Man," James R. Gatling.

        "Sailor's Destiny," William H. Hull.

        Valedictory, Edward W. Gilliam.

        Messrs. Campbell, James and Spruill were especially praised, and next to them McIver, Hall and Gaines.

        The first honor in this Class of '55 was awarded to James H. Colton, Edward W. Gilliam, John M. Puttick.

        The second to Matthew S. Davis, Edmund J. Caines, Wm. H. Hall, Alfred B. Irion, Daniel McDougald, Duncan E. McNair, Jesse R. Wharton.

        The third honor to Alexander D. Betts, James Campbell, James R. Gatling, William W. Glover, Thomas B. Graham, Joseph H. Hyman, Wm. Gaston Lewis, Evander J. McIver, Edward H. Plummer, James M. Smith, James N. Turner, Charles Whitaker, James H. Whitfield.

        Of the first honor men Colton became a Presbyterian preacher and teacher, President of Alexander College in Kentucky; Gilliam an Episcopal minister, but resigned, and is now a physician in Baltimore; Puttick taught school and then enlisted in the Confederate Navy, and died early.

        Of the others Davis was President of an important Female Seminary at Louisburg; Irion was a lawyer, planter and Congressman from Louisiana, as well as Judge of the Court of Appeals; Betts a much respected Methodist minister, a Doctor of Divinity, Chaplain in the Army, and is generally designated as "Father Betts," is a Trustee of the University; Graham was a Chancellor in Mississippi; Lewis a Civil Engineer, a Brigadier-General,


Page 651

one of the best in Lee's Army; McIver a Confederate Colonel and State Superintendent of Public Instruction in Alabama; Montgomery a Major, State Solicitor and Judge; Nicholson likewise a Major, a journalist and Professor of Agriculture and Natural History in the University of Tennessee.

        Of those matriculating, but not graduating, was Zebulon Baird Vance, LL.D., Representative in the State Legislature and Congress, twice Governor and United States Senator.

        John Alexander Smith, of Cumberland County, who was matriculated the preceding year, a member of the Freshman Class, died on May 30th, near the opening of Commencement.

        The matriculates of 1855 who were victims of the war were: Solomon W. Alston, Assistant Surgeon; Robert W. Anderson, Lieutenant; Benjamin I. Blount, Lieutenant; James G. Bustin, Sergeant; Thomas D. Claiborne, Lieutenant;-Colonel; John T. Cook, Sergeant; Henry R. Daniel, Lieutenant; John S. Green, Private; Rhydon Grigsby; Robert T. Harris, Captain; William M. Holt, Lieutenant; N. Collin Hughes, Captain; George B. Johnston, Captain; William P. Mangum, Lieutenant; James L. McCormic, Captain; John G. Purcell, Lieutenant; Edward L. Riddick, Private; Edward F. Satterfield, Private; William W. Sillers, Lieutenant-Colonel; Daniel Stewart, Lieutenant; Augustine Burkette Washington, ----; Joseph A. Williams, Captain; David C. Whitaker, Lieutenant.

        The Executive Committee of the Alumni Association reported the deaths of Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon, James H. Norwood, Rev. L. A. Watts, L. G. Slaughter, Joseph W. Evans, W. R. Walker, Alpheus Jones, John A. Lillington, Philo Henderson, John B. Borden, Dr. John Hill, N. Y. Kelly, and B. M. Thompson.

        John D. Hawkins was elected President and Richard H. Battle Treasurer in place of Samuel F. Phillips, resigned.

        President Swain perseveringly carried out his policy of making Commencement attractive. An ordinance was procured from the Trustees that no member of the Faculty should leave Chapel Hill before Monday after Commencement. This


Page 652

not only secured their attendance, but enabled the professors to make out reports more intelligently. They seconded the policy of making the best possible impression on visitors by most bounteous hospitality, far in advance of our day, when cooks and house maids are free, not always obtainable and often lacking in efficiency.

        At the request of President Swain the Evecutive Committee met the Faculty at Chapel Hill for the consideration of three questions: 1, The enlargement of Gerrard Hall; 2, the building of new dormitories, and 3, the readjustment of salaries. The Committee appear to have performed their mission with fidelity, attended a meeting of the Faculty and praised the systematic reports of the professors, visited the Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies, and listened to the exercises in their respective halls, and were impressed with the interest shown by the junior members. They found a need most urgent of new dormitories, and requested Mr. A. J. Davis to visit Chapel Hill and make plans for the consideration of the Trustees. They likewise adopted in substance the following ordinance, conditioned on the tuition and room rent being at least $12,500.

        
1. The President salary should be $2,250
2. That of the Prof. of Chemistry 1,250
3. That of the Prof. of Mathematics 1,650
4. That of the Prof. of Greek 1,650
5. That of the Prof. of Latin 1,650
6. That of the Prof. of History 1,550
7. That of the Prof. of Rhetoric 1,350
8. That of the Prof. of Civil Engineering 1,400
9. That of the Prof. of Agri. Chemistry 1,400
10. Adjunct Professor of Latin and Greek 1,200
11. Senior Tutor (Pool) 800
12. Senior Tutor Lucas 700
13. Senior Tutor Battle 700
14. Senior Tutor Wetmore 700
  $18,200

        The Professor of Chemistry was Bursar, and his compensation was ordered to be so regulated that his total salary should not exceed that of the President.


        

Illustration

        NEW WEST BUILDING.

        NEW EAST BUILDING.


Page 653

BURNING OF THE BELFRY.

        It was in 1856 during a sport of throwing fireballs, that is balls of strips of cloth, tightly wrapped and saturated with alcohol or kerosene, that the old belfry was burnt and the sonorous bell destroyed. Some thought that the destruction was intentional, others that a fire-ball recklessly thrown lodged in the lattice work opposite the bell and caused the mischief. Certainly no proper effort was made to extinguish the flames, whether for want of ladder or for want of inclination, it is possible to say. The Executive Committee appointed a sub-committee to collect the facts and ordered them to be reported to the Solicitor for the Orange Circuit, to the end that a criminal prosecution might be instituted. As no bill was sent to the Grand Jury, it is presumable that there was no probable evidence of guilt. There was some criticism of the failure of a Tutor, who saw the fire, not rushing to the rescue, but there was no official censure. Fortunately the new bell is so like the old that former students cannot discern the change.

        The action taken by the two Literary Societies implies at least doubt in the minds of a large majority of the members as to whether guilt did not lodge somewhere. They declared that "manly virtue and sound sense were inconsistent with the late disorders." By joint agreement a fine of $25 was to be imposed on any member guilty of the wanton destruction of University property. The vote was over two one. The Phis who formed a committee of their Society were Mills L. Eure, George L. Wilson, Thomas W. Cooper, Richard C. Badger, and the Dis were James L. Gaines, James L. Robbins, Richard F. Hamlin, Robert B. Houston, and William Bingham Lynch. It is worthy of note that President Swain requested the Societies to take this action. It was his policy to invoke the aid of the students wherever practicable. The punishment was not made retroactive, as they understood well the constitutional inhibition against ex post facto laws. Nearly all the committeemen won distinction in after life.


Page 654

        Three years afterwards the salaries were increased, that of the President to $2,500, and residence, and that of Professor of Mathematics to $1,800, out of which was to come $150 for house rent; that of the Professor of Greek $1,650; of Latin $1,650; of History $1,600, less $200 for house rent; of Rhetoric $1,600, less $200 for house rent; of Civil Engineering $1,600; of Chemistry, etc., $1,600, and of Modern Languages $1,400. The first Tutor $800, and the others $700 each. The Bursar was allowed $500, making Prof. Fetter's compensation $2,150.

        In 1859 $100 was added to the salaries of each of the eight professors. The Senior Tutor, Solomon Pool, was promoted to be Adjunct Professor of Pure Mathematics at a salary of $1,200, and also $100 per annum for his services as Clerk.

CASE OF PROFESSOR HEDRICK.

        In the fall of 1856, in the heated contest between Buchanan and Fremont, Professor Benjamin Sherwood Hedrick startled the public by declaring himself a Free-soiler and supporter of Fremont. He was attacked in the Raleigh Standard in a letter written by a law student, an honor graduate of 1854, Joseph A. Engelhard. Being a man of pluck he replied defending his position with ability, but taking the peculiar ground that the prevention of carrying slaves to the territories would increase the wealth of North Carolina by keeping her slaves and their incomes at home. The indignation of the public and of the students was furious, and the public press generally demanded his dismissal. The burning him in effigy in the campus, while the bell was funereally tolled, was but the beginning of the warfare against him.

        President Swain stated to the Faculty and Trustees in substance that in an institution like this, patronized by all denominations and parties, nothing should be done calculated to disturb the harmonious intercourse of those who support, and those who direct and govern it. Professor Hedrick himself said, that he "knew of no institution North or South from which partisan politics and sectarian religion are so carefully excluded." Cautious forbearance has been practiced by the


Page 655

Faculty and enjoined upon the students. Sermons in the chapel have been on the leading doctrines of Christianity about which no difference of opinion exists. And students for twenty years have not been allowed to discuss on the public stage questions of party politics. The Faculty resolved, on motion of Rev. Dr. Mitchell: 1st, that Professor Hedrick's course is not warranted by our usage, and his political opinions are not entertained by any other member of the Faculty; 2nd, that the Faculty have none other than feelings of personal respect and kindness and sincerely regret his indiscretion.

        The vote was unanimous, except that the Instructor in French, Mr. Henri Herrissee, dissented on the ground that the Faculty is not charged with Black Republicanism, nor likely to be suspected of it.

        The Executive Committee acted promptly. On the 11th of October, present Governor Bragg and Messrs. John H. Bryan, Daniel W. Courts, Charles L. Hinton, Bartholomew F. Moore, and Romulus M. Saunders, the Committee expressed great regret at the publication of Professor Hedrick in the Raleigh Standard on the 4th inst., because it violated the established usage of the University which forbids any Professor to become an agitator in the exciting politics of the day, and was well calculated to injure the prosperity and usefulness of the institution."

        It was further resolved that in the opinion of the Committee Mr. Hedrick had greatly, if not entirely, destroyed his power to be of further benefit to the University.

        It was hoped that the Professor would have resigned after this action, but he was a man of singular persistency and pluck. In the meantime there were signs of a coming storm. Politicians were getting ready to attack the University on the stump, editors were meditating editorials denunciatory of an institution which would keep in its Faculty an avowed enemy of Southern institutions, parents were threatening to withdraw their sons from the University, and students were devising further schemes of insult and annoyance to make the Professor's position unendurable. The Committee prevented such evil consequences by declaring his chair vacant. In the preamble


Page 656

to the resolution it was recited that he seemed disposed to respect neither the opinions of the Faculty nor the Trustees, but persisted in retaining his situation to the manifest injury of the University. His salary was paid to the end of the term. Prof. Hedrick made no further opposition, and behaved with dignity. He was born in Davidson County February 13th, 1827, was of German descent. He was prepared for the University by Rev. Jesse Rankin. He entered the Sophomore Class of 1848, and graduated in 1851, among the first honor men. He was considered the ablest mathematician in the class, and was in consequence recommended and appointed to a clerkship in the Nautical Almanac office. He entered Harvard University in order to take advanced studies in Mathematics. After being elected to the Chair of Chemistry applied to Agriculture and the Arts, in 1854 he administered the department with ability. When his office came to an untimely end, it was supposed that the anti-slavery men of the North, where he sought employment, would take care of him, but they gave only words. After some delay he obtained a clerkship in the office of the Mayor of New York City, teaching and lecturing during his leisure. In 1861 he became principal Chemical Examiner in the United States Patent Office, residing in Georgetown, D. C. In 1865 he visited his native State and endeavored unsuccessfully to induce all parties to acquiesce in negro suffrage, which he foresaw would certainly be demanded by Congress, and then to place the government of the State in the hands of the best and ablest men. He died September 2nd, 1886, leaving his wife, Mary Ellen, daughter of William Thompson, of Orange County, N. C., four sons and four daughters. His failure to realize the success to which his uncommon talents, his thorough integrity, his energy and industry seemed to entitle him, shows the importance of tactful manners, and not hastily arousing the prejudices of communities on subjects about which there is feverish excitement. Many professors at the North have lost their places from inculcating doctrines odious to the governing bodies. Dr. Charles Phillips, a friend of Hedrick, and a man of broad views, in a letter written to Professor Kerr, then at Harvard,


Page 657

tells him that practically all the people think the Trustees did right and adds, "I take it as an axiom that when we wish to work for the people for the peoples' good, we are bound to consider their characteristics and not arouse their prejudices unnecessarily, else they won't let us work for them."

THE HERRISSE CONTROVERSY.

        As showing the intensity of the feeling in the South on the subject of slavery, such feeling as usually precedes resorts to war, I record the fact that when about this time Professor Hedrick visited Salisbury, as a delegate to an Educational Association, he was notified by the satellites of Judge Lynch that he must immediately leave the town or be subject to gross personal indignities. Brave as he was, he reluctantly made an abrupt departure for home.

        Besides this Hedrick incident the Faculty were much stirred up near the same time by what I will call the Herrisse controversy. M. Henri Herrisse, who has distinguished himself in the field of letters in more recent years, was in 1856, as has been said, Instructor in French at this University, a very bright young man and a hard student. As is usually the case with foreigners, he had difficulty in managing his classes. One student in particular (W. W.), was not only impertinent, but outrageously insulting. After bearing with this youth for awhile, he brought him before the Faculty. On the motion to dismiss him there was a tie, and the President voted in the negative, giving as his reason that the Faculty meeting, not being a regular one, had not been called according to the by-laws.

        Mr. Herrisse was much offended at the decision and determined to appeal to the Executive Committee of the Trustees. The Committee called for a copy of the proceedings of the Faculty. With it was submitted a second memorial by Herrisse, "setting forth a want of discipline and maladministration of the affairs and government of the college by the Faculty." This was referred to the Faculty.

        The consideration of the subject was resumed on October 18th, the several memorials of Mr. Herrissee, copies from the


Page 658

University Journal, together with answers and statements of the President and several of the Professors, being read, Governor Bragg presented other papers from Mr. Herrisse, called by him "a Poscript to Memorial No. 1, and a key and appendix to Memorial No. 2, and a Postscript to the Key and Memorial."

        The whole subject was referred to Messrs. B. F. Moore, J. H. Bryan and C. Manly. The Committee submitted sundry resolutions, which were amended and adopted. They were substantially as follows: "The case of W. W. presents repeated acts of disorder and irregularity in the recitation room of the French Instructor, and the Faculty appear to have treated him with extraordinary leniency." The Committee however believe that the Faculty have superior means of judging of the expediency of the discipline and have confidence in their judgment. Mr. Herrissee has justly subjected himself to the complaints of the Faculty, the Committee hope from want of knowledge of the institution and the necessity of harmony. This last statement has reference to the charges against the President and his colleagues.

        It could not be denied that the behavior of W. W. and others in the class of Mr. Herrisse was intolerable. The President and Faculty in declining to punish the offenders evidently acted from the belief that his want of tact and his foreign manners to some extent mitigated the offences. A judicious member of the Faculty stated that either the offenders should have been dismissed from the institution or the Instructor asked to resign his post, that the allowing such behavior to go on unpunished led to disorder in other classes, and injured the good name of the University.

        During this year the Associate Professor of Greek, Mr. A. G. Brown, resigned, and it was resolved to employ two Tutors in his place. Mr. Herrisse, stating to his friends that President Swain would endeavor to select men who would vote at his dictation, of his own motion wrote to two graduates acceptable to himself. They were worthy of the place, but the President was unwilling to submit to such violations of propriety. He caused to be spread on the minutes of the


Page 659

Faculty a long statement, showing that he consulted the Professors of Greek and Latin, and acted under their advice; that during the twenty years of his connection with the University he had never adopted any important measure without notice to, and generally not without the unanimous concurrence of, the Faculty. He further stated that in relation to the delicate and difficult subject of appointments he had proceeded with caution and deliberation, and always when in his power had conferred freely with the Faculty before submitting a recommendation to the Board. No Tutor had been nominated without unanimous concurrence of the Faculty. He submitted resolutions, the substance of which I give: 1st, that the Instructor in French was ill-advised in opening correspondence with parties on the subject of Tutorships, without consultation with the President or any members of the Faculty; 2nd, his statement that he would prevent the election of Mr. Killebrew because he would, if chosen, sustain the views of the President, does not meet with the concurrence of the Faculty. There were three votes against the first resolution, those of Hedrick, Brown and Lucas, and on the second only Mr. Brown.

        Mr. Herrisse did not remain in the service of the University longer than the end of the term in December. In January the Board of Trustees created the Professorship of Modern Languages, and elected Hosea H. Smith to fill it. Mr. Herrisse was not a candidate. A resolution was passed prohibiting communications by members of the Faculty to the Board except through the President.

NEW BUILDINGS, PROFESSORS AND DEPARTMENTS.

        The Trustees took up the question of new buildings. On motion of ex-Governor Graham on June 3, 1856, a committee of three were appointed to consider the question with power to employ an architect and report plans to the Board. The President of the Board appointed Messrs. Graham, Swain and Battle.

        On June 3rd, 1857, the Committee were authorized to expend $30,000, but in June of the next year the plans of Mr. Percival, an architect, who had been an officer of the English


Page 660

army, were adopted, and the New East and New West Buildings were begun. The builder was Thomas H. Coates, the sum appropriated being $40,000. For the first time in the University history heating with other than fireplaces was adopted on the recommendation of Percival. Furnaces were placed in the basement of each building and the hot water system adopted. The plan proved a failure, the rooms near the furnaces being too warm and those at a distance being too cold. After much expense the system was disused, not because the principle was faulty, but because there was a defect in the work.

        Hildreth Hosea Smith, elected Professor of Modern Languages, was born in Deerfield, New Hampshire, February 17th, 1820, was prepared for college at Foxcroft Academy in Maine, and graduated in 1842, one of the best two in his class. He became Professor in Catawba College at Newton, North Carolina, in 1850, and the next year was made President, and continued as such until his election to the Chair of Modern Languages in the University. He continued in this position until the institution was closed in 1868.

        After leaving the University at the request of Rev. Dr. Sears, the Superintendent of the Peabody Fund, he organized the public schools of Shelbyville, Tennessee. Four years later he performed the same service for Houston, Texas. He was then called to the Presidency of the Sam Houston State Normal College. He was afterwards for twelve years Literary Editor of the Atlanta Journal. His wife, Mary B., is a daughter of Michael Hoke, the candidate of the Democratic party for the Governorship in 1844, and sister of the Confederate General, Robert F. Hoke. Among their children is Hon. Hoke Smith, the next Governor of Georgia, Secretary of the Interior under Cleveland.

        Professor Smith was a good teacher, has fine talents, and was accomplished in his department. He was possessed of such physical strength as to gain the nickname of "Old Tige." Once in fighting a fire in the village the bystanders were amazed at his extraordinary skill and prowess.

        Mr. John Kimberly was elected in place of Professor Hedrick. He was a man of superior talent, a native of New Jersey,


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and graduated at the Lawrence Scientific School of Harvard University. He had high testimonials from Agassiz, Wyman and Horsford. Agassiz stated that the notes of his lectures written by him were the best ever submitted by any student since his connection with the school. He had been teaching for several years in Eastern North Carolina, married into the Capehart family and was a widower without children. Feeling the need of latest discoveries in his department, he asked and obtained leave to spend a year in a laboratory of the University of Berlin. He, too, occupied his chair until 1868, and was Professor for a year after the reopening.

        I give briefly the studies of each department after the introduction of Civil Engineering and of Industrial Chemistry.

        The Department of Moral Philosophy, Metaphysics, Political Economy, Constitutional Law, International Law, was administered by the President. Instruction was given the Seniors five hours per week for the academic year, less the Senior vacation of one month prior to Commencement. Metaphysics and Political Economy occupied the first term. The Sunday recitations throughout the year were given on the Pentateuch and Moral Science. The text-books were Wayland's Moral Science, Abercrombie's Intellectual Powers, Wayland's Political Economy, Sheppard's Constitutional Law and the first volume of Kent's Commentaries.

        Oral lectures were given from time to time, and towards the close of the year a regular course on the History of Constitutional Law, beginning with Magna Charta and ending with the Constitution of the United States.

        The Greek Language and Literature occupied four hours a week for the Freshman year. The books studied were the Anabasis of Xenophon and Herodotus. The Sophomore Class had four recitations a week during the first, and three during the second term. They read part of the Iliad, selected Orations of Demosthenes and Thucydides. The Junior Class, having two recitations a week, studied such Tragedies of Sophocles as the Professor designated and the Senior, with one recitation a week, read the Gorgias of Plato. The teachers were Manuel Fetter, Professor, and Tutors Richard H. Battle and Samuel S. Jackson.


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        The Latin Department, presided over by one professor, Rev. Dr. F. M. Hubbard, and Tutors Joseph B. Lucas and Peter E. Spruill, had for the Freshmen four recitations a week. They read Virgil's Georgics, some of Cicero's Orations and Livy. The Sophomores with three recitations the first term and four during the second, were occupied with the Odes and Satires of Horace, then the Epistles of Horace, and Cicero on the Immortality of the Soul. The Juniors with two hours a week for the year, had the Satires of Juvenal and then Cicero's Brutus; the Seniors with one week being satisfied with Cicero de Officiis.

        Messrs. Brown and Lucas taught also in the Greek Department.

        The Department of Mathematics was conducted by the Senior Professor, Dr. James Phillips, aided by Tutors Solomon Pool and Thaddeus C. Coleman. The three lower classes had four recitations a week. The Freshmen studied Peirce's Algebra, and Munroe's and Peirce's Geometry. The Sophomores took up Phillips' Plane and Spherical Trigonometry, with its application to Navigation, Surveying, etc., then Loomis' Differential and Integral Calculus. The Seniors studied Olmsted's Natural Philosophy and Norton's Astronomy.

        One of the four recitations of the Junior year was given up to lectures on Natural Philosophy (Physics) and Astronomy. They were illustrated by experiments, performed with skill, and were extremely interesting and instructing.

        In 1855 an Analytical, as distinct from a Geometrical course of Mathematics during the Sophomore and Junior years, was organized. It proved unsatisfactory and had been abandoned. It was found best to give the same studies to the less gifted, as well as the more gifted, thus stimulating the former, while the latter were constantly urged to higher work than was afforded by the curriculum.

        In Modern Languages the Sophomores and Junior Classes had two recitations a week throughout the year. The Sophomores studied Levizac's Grammar, with exercises in writing French, and also De Fivas' Classic French Reader. The


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Junior year was devoted to Moliere's Comedies, Rowan's Modern French Reader, and a review of the studies of the course. There was a class in German two hours a week for a year and optional courses were offered in German, Spanish and Italian.

        The modern languages except German, were regarded and taught as dialects of the Ancient.

        The text-books were Ollendorf's German and Spanish Grammars, Adler's German Reader, Don Quixote, Schiller's Maid of Orleans, Goethe's Iphigenia in Tauris; Monti's Italian Grammar, Tasso's Jerusalem Delivered. There was only one teacher, Professor Smith.

        The Department of History had two recitations for the year, for the Freshman Class, and two for the Junior. Freshmen studied History of Greece and then of Rome. Juniors gave their time to Modern History, especially England and the United States. The classes were stimulated to investigations of historical subjects outside the text-books. Rev. Albert M. Shipp was the Professor in charge.

        In Chemistry, Mineralogy and Geology I give the last work of the Department under Dr. Mitchell.

        Two lectures to the Junior and two to the Senior Class were delivered each week. They were illustrated by experiments and exhibition of specimens. After an interval of an hour after each lecture an examination was had on its facts and doctrines. Chemistry, its Nomenclature and General Doctrines, the Imponderables, including Light, Heat, Electricity and Galvanism, as related to Chemistry, and the non-metallic elements, occupied the Junior year. In the Senior year the non-metallic elements, if any remained unfinished, were completed, with the Metals and Organized bodies.

        In natural History, the sciences of Botany and Zoology were taught only as to their methods, classifications and modes of distinguishing plants and animals from one another. More time was given to Mineralogy and pains was taken to acquaint the student with the more common and useful minerals. A very sufficient collection had been made, and was increasing from year to year. The cabinet purchased in Viena afforded additional facilities to those desiring more accurate knowledge.


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        In the Department of Logic and Rhetoric the Sophomores were required to write compositions every third week during the first term. These were carefully criticised. In the second term lectures were given on the origin and growth of the English language. In the Junior year the lectures were on habits of reading and writing for the proper conduct of the Understanding, Forms and Tribunals of Taste and Criticism, Elocution and the different kinds of Oratory. The class had occasional exercises in extemporaneous speaking and debate.

        The Senior Class had two recitations a week in Whately's Logic and Rhetoric. At the close of the second term each Senior was required to deliver in public an original oration, the correction and supervision of which devolved on the Professor of Rhetoric and Logic, Rev. John Thomas Wheat, D.D.

        The Law School continued to be only nominally a department of the University. The Professor, Judge Battle, received no salary from the institution, and his students paid nothing to it, nor were they amenable to its discipline. Judge Battle was absent nearly half his time at the Supreme Court. During this absence Samuel F. Phillips, then a practicing lawyer, when not at his courts, took charge of the classes.

        There were two classes, the Independent, which had no connection with the University, reciting three times each week, and the College Class, consisting of undergraduates, allowed by the Faculty to study law, reciting twice only.

        The books studied were those prescribed by the Supreme Court--Blackstone's Commentaries, Cruise's Digest, Fearne on Remainders, Iredell on Executors, Stephen on Pleading, Smith on Contracts, Greenleaf on Evidence, and Adam's Equity. Lectures on the Common Law, with special reference to the Legislation and Judicial decisions of North Carolina, were written out by the Judge, but students were so urgent to obtain their licenses to practice that they were often omitted. The instruction was almost altogether catechetical, that is, questions on prescribed lessons in the text-books. Moot Courts were offered to the students, but not often used.

        The degree of B.L. was given to members of the Independent Class satisfactorily completing the two years' course.


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        The fee of the Independent was $50 per term, of the college students $40.

        It was found in practice that those students who had been vigorously catechized, and had shown their proficiency by answering searching questions on the statements of the text-books, made a far better showing before the Supreme Court than those who had read the law under the general supervision of a lawyer and thought they understood it, but had never been called on to tell what they knew.

        The requisites for admission in the Freshman Class were the Grammars of the English, Greek and Latin Languages, Latin Prosody, Andrew's or Arnold's Exercises, Cæsar's Commentaries, Ovid's Metamorphoses, Virgil's Bucolics and six Books of the Æneid, Sallust.

        In Greek was required St. John's Gospel and the Acts, Gracca Minora or Greek Reader.

        In Mathematics Arithmetic, Algebra through Equations of the first degree.

        Ancient and Modern Geography were also in the list of requisites.

        There was much complaint of insufficient preparation. In the mathematics more time and practice was recommended in problems wherein the rules of Arithmetic were involved with more or less complexity, otherwise instructors must do the drilling of the grammar school instead of maturing the taste and scholarship of the pupils.

        Mr. A. G. Brown, who left the University in this year, taught in various places: in this State, in Tennessee, in California, in Honolulu, and again in North Carolina. In all he had similar experiences. Beginning with fair prospects, highly respected for his talents, scholarship, skill and bearing of a gentleman, his temper so soon embroiled him with the school authorities that he thought proper to resign. In his old age, having no near kin to take care of him, his old pupil, Colonel J. B. Killebrew, procured for him light work as an assistant secretary, but he lost the place for the same reason. On account of increasing infirmity, according to his own wishes,


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he was placed in the Home for the Aged in Nashville, Tennessee, and there died in September, 1906.

CENSURE OF THE FACULTY.

        It was during this year that the Executive Committee passed a resolution that they had heard with deep regret of gross irregularities of conduct by students on the railroad cars, at circuses and other places, and they had reason to believe that these irregularities are daily increasing for want of due execution of the Ordinances of the University. They then declare that the usefulness of the institution depends not so much on numbers as on exemplary conduct and that, not only in view of the approaching State Fair, but on all occasions, the Faculty are expected to execute the ordinances so as either to subdue all disobedient conduct or dismiss the refractory.

        The specification in regard to misconduct on the railroad cars was that once when large numbers of students were traveling together in the rear coach their conduct was so boisterous that the conductor switched it off on a siding, uncoupled it and started off with the rest of the train with such rapidity as to induce signals of distress and promise of reformation of behavior. How much of this conduct was due to natural buoyancy of spirits at release from duties, and how much to the artificial buoyancy of John Barleycorn, is unknown, but the incident was widely spread, vires acquirit eundo, and was asserted to be the habitual method of traveling by the University boys. It could not be denied however that there was occasional rowdyism and, more rarely, excitement from spirituous liquors.

        The Faculty, and especially President Swain, were greatly moved by the censure of the Committee. The President drew up a paper which was passed by the Faculty, declaring that the stories were greatly exaggerated; that all diligence was used in carrying out the laws of the University; that it was absolutely impossible to prevent sporadic breaches of discipline, and all detected infractions were duly punished.

        Nothing further was done in the matter.


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COMMENCEMENT OF 1856.

INVITATION TO ARCHBISHOP HUGHES.

        In the same year there was a notable stir in the University world over a question which would not now attract notice. The Senior Class, in pursuance of a privilege long enjoyed, met to elect a preacher of the Baccalaureate sermon during the following Commencement. From various motives, some from mere curiosity, some from disapprobation of the principles of the American, or Know Nothing party, some probably from a desire to tease the Faculty, a majority of the class voted to invite Archbishop Hughes, of the Roman Catholic Church. The committee appointed wrote the invitation at once.

        There was great consternation among the Faculty and other friends of the University, who feared that the vengeance of orthodox Protestants would destroy its patronage, and the American party become its enemy. President Swain was so moved that he delivered to the class a carefully written address, which he repeated to the Faculty.

        He stated that no one doubted the ability of the Archbishop, but he felt bound to intimate to them that their course was indiscreet and ill-advised; that he had always regarded religious tests wrong, and in the Convention of 1835 voted to strike out of the Constitution the 32nd article. His objection to this gentleman was not on account of a difference of creed, but because his appearance as the representative of the University would be distasteful to the great majority of those who attended the Commencement exercises. It would be especially painful to about one-fourth of the class, who were members of the leading denominations in the State.

        He called to mind the fact that to secure harmony at Commencement the Senior speeches were revised by the Professor of Rhetoric, and allusions to slavery, or party politics, were expunged, and loss of diploma was the penalty for not heeding the correction. He advised that the Executive Committee should be consulted before sending the invitation.

        The President asked the approval of his address by the


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Faculty, which was given with only two dissentients, Rev. Dr. Hubbard, who was a "High Church" Episcopalian, and M. Herrisse, who, while at the University, showed no predilection for any religious denomination.

        The Executive Committee, present Governor Bragg and Messrs. John H. Bryan, D. W. Courts (State Treasurer), Charles Manly and Romulus M. Saunders, considered the action of the President and the Faculty on the subject. The President took care to explain that the reason for throwing the responsibility on them was that they, and not the Faculty, had conferred the election on the Seniors. He deemed the matter of sufficient importance to report in detail the religious proclivities of some members of the class. There were 44 in all. Only 26 were present at the election. There were eleven professing Christians, viz: one Baptist, two Episcopalians, five Presbterians and three Methodists, one of the latter being a clergyman. Of these ten were among the minority. The President reiterated the statement that in the Convention of 1835 he voted to strike out the Constitutional prohibition against Roman Catholics holding office. The Committee approved his action, and resolved that while they earnestly deprecate anything like religious intolerance, as in conflict alike with the principles of the Constitution, and their own views, there are other important considerations, the force and bearing of which upon the question at this time, the Executive Committee could better understand and more justly appreciate than the Senior Class. The action of President Swain in advising the class to consult the Committee was judicious. As the invitation to deliver the sermon had already been transmitted, it was not deemed expedient to take further action.

        The interest shown by the President in the matter will be better understood when it is recalled that the "Know Nothing" National Convention was about to meet in Philadelphia, and their orators generally endeavored to arouse prejudice against Roman Catholics, as being under foreign influence. It seemed to some that the Democrats of the Senior Class sought to commit the University against this doctrine and so bring it into politics.


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        However this may be the Archbishop relieved all anxiety by declining the invitation. Four years later the invitation was renewed and accepted, and he preached on the Love of Christ, a sermon which pleased and instructed a numerous audience, composed almost entirely of Protestants.

        The Catalogue of 1855-56 showed 366 students, every State in the Union South of Mason and Dixon's line, except Maryland, being represented, as were sixty counties in this State. There were forty-nine Seniors. Of the Board of Examiners Colonel Walter L. Steele attended all examinations, Rev. Cushing B. Hassell the greater part, while ex-Governors Morehead and Graham and Hon. Giles Mebane were present as often as their engagements permitted.

        On Monday morning the classes were examined on the Holy Scriptures. At night the Baccalaureate sermon was preached by Rev. Basil Manly, Jr., Pastor of a Baptist Church in Richmond, Va. It was "solemn, earnest and thoroughly evangelical," on the text: "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way."

        Tuesday morning the Senior Class were examained on International and Constitutional Law, Agricultural Chemistry and Engineering, and at night came on the Freshman Declaimers: Nathan B. Small, C. Stephens Croom, Hugh L. Cole, John T. Cook, Henry L. Rugeley, James P. Coffin, Charles W. McClammy, Algernon R. Morris, Alexander Kirkland, James H. Swindell; Messrs. Cole, Cook and Morris were especially commended.

        The Sophomore Declaimers spoke on Wednesday night: Winter H. Goodloe, Reuell M. Stancill, William C. Dowd, Jesse S. Barnes, John A. Gilmer, Julius W. Wright, Joseph M. White, Leroy M. McAfee, Wm. M. Coleman. The verdict of the hearers was that "better speaking than that of Messrs. Stancill, Gilmer and Wright is seldom heard, while that of Mr. Coleman was a perfect gem."

        The Judges for the prize for the best English Composition divided it between Wm. M. Coleman and Thomas W. Mason. It was a set of Washington Irving's Works.

        The Annual Address on Wednesday was by Hon. Matt W.


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Ransom, of the Philanthropic Society, a graduate of the Class of 1847. His theme was "The Union--the Importance of Its Preservation." It was able and eloquent, worthy of the great subject. In five years he was fighting for its destruction.

        Rev. Joseph M. Atkinson, of the Presbyterian Church at Raleigh, read before the Historical Society a carefully prepared and most interesting paper on the Life and Time of Sir William Berkeley, Royal Governor of the Colony of Virginia. The correspondent bewailed the thinness of the attendance, but philosophically consoled himself with the thought that "when lamb and green peas, ice cream and fruits, are abundant within, and the thermometer is at 90 without, the spirit may be very willing, but the flesh woefully weak."

        There was no Alumni Address. The oldest Alumnus present was James Mebane, who matriculated in 1795, and left two years afterwards. The oldest graduate was John Branch, of the Class of 1801. The Committee on the new Caldwell Monument reported sufficient funds, $1,197.96, and they were instructed to have it erected at once. James Mebane was elected President of the Association.

        The assemblage in Gerrard Hall on Commencement Day was large and brilliant. The speaking of the Seniors was as follows:

        Latin Salutatory, Henry R. Bryan.

        "The American Engineer," Adolphus A. Lawrence.

        "The Claims of the Fine Arts," Joseph W. Stephenson.

        "Necessity of a National University," E. Graham Morrow.

        "Perpetual Progress of the Human Mind," Thomas Bogg Slade.

        "Napoleon Bonaparte," Thomas W. Jones.

        "The Empire of Mind," Marmaduke S. Robins.

        "St. Paul," A. Haywood Merritt.

        "The People and Their Common Schools," William Bingham.

        "Farming Becoming One of the Learned Professions," Wm. F. Alderman.

        "Sir Nigel Bruce," John Cooper Waddill.

        "I Am an American," Daniel W. Johnson.


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        "The American Politician," Clement Dowd.

        "The People and Their University," J. Buckner Killebrew.

        The Valedictory, Coleman Sessions.

        It was the general opinion that seldom were so many good speeches heard in one day. For manner and matter combined those of Lawrence, Merritt, Bingham and Killebrew were especially praised, while the palm for fiery vigor in declamation was conceded to Johnson.

        When the lots were cast for the Valedictory and Salutatory Sessions obtained the former and Killebrew the latter, which was by consent transferred to Bryan.

        The class numbered forty-seven, only eighteen of whom entered as Freshmen. There were eighty-four connected with it from time to time.

        The first honor was assigned to William Bingham, J. Buckner Killebrew, Adolphus A. Lawrence, Marmaduke S. Robins, and Coleman Sessions.

        The second to Wm. F. Alderman, Robert G. Barrett, Henry R. Bryan, John B. Erwin, John T. Gilmore, Daniel W. Johnson, A. Haywood Merritt, E. Graham Morrow, Thomas Bog Slade, and J. Cooper Waddill.

        The third honor went to James Bruce, John R. Burney, John S. Hines, Joseph W. Stevenson, Stuart White, and Neill S. Yarborough.

        Killebrew's course should encourage men of pluck. He said to the Faculty, "I know I am not prepared to enter the University, but I have just money enough to enable me to graduate. I will not go in debt. Let me try, or I must go elsewhere." He was admitted and was always among the best in his class.

        Wm. Ballard Bruce obtained the first honor in Mathematics and French; Slade was the only perfectly punctual member for four years; Waddill and McNair never missed a duty after entering--three years.

        Of the first honor men, Wm. Bingham became Principal of one of the best male schools in the South, and author of very good Latin text-books. He was also Confederate Colonel; Killebrew was State Superintendent of Public Instruction and


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Commissioner of Agriculture, a strong writer for the press and author of an octavo volume showing the resources of Tennessee; Lawrence was a Surgeon C. S. A., Superintendent of the Memphis City Hospital and U. S. Marine Hospital; Robins was a strong lawyer, State Senator and Speaker of the House of Representatives; Sessions died soon after graduation.

        Of the others Barrett is a prominent Methodist minister; Bryan a Judge of the Superior Court; Merritt a useful State Senator and Trustee of the University.

        The honorary degree of Master of Arts was conferred on Samuel H. Wiley, of North Carolina.

        The list of the Confederate dead of the matriculates is mournfully large; Isaac T. Attmore, Private; Junius C. Battle, Corporal; George P. Bryan, Captain; Charles Bruce, Jr., Captain; Thomas W. Cooper, Lieutenant; Addison Harvey, Captain; Robert H. Lindsay, Private; James B. McCallum, Lieutenant; Robert J. McEachern, Captain; John W. Mebane, Captain; Charles B. Murphy, Private; William T. Nicholson, Captain; Walter C. Y. Parker, Captain; James L. Robbins, Private; Iowa M. Royster, Lieutenant; Edward G. Sterling, Private; James H. Taylor, Private; John F. Thompson, Private; Samuel P. Weir, Lieutenant; William A. Wooster, Lieutenant; Sterling H. Brickell, Captain; Hubert Harvey, Private; Philip T. Hay, Major; Bernard B. Hemkin, Captain; James D. Hunt, Captain; James L. McCormick, Captain; James G. McNab; Duncan G. McRae, Captain.

COMMENCEMENT OF 1857.

        The Board of Examiners, members of the Board of Trustees, submitted through their chairman, Col. Walter L. Steele, a report which for the first time was publicly read. They expressed themselves as gratified on the whole, but stated that they found many deficient in scholarship and some very much deficient. The Trustees requested the Committee to make another report in 1858.


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        The Marshals, Robert J. L. Connor Chief, and John Anthony, Thomas H. Christmas, Junius B. DeBerry and Cadwallader Polk, gave entire satisfaction. The same can be said of the Ball Managers, John W. Graham, Chief, Gabriel J. Davie, Jesse Hargrave, Norman A. Morrison, Junius M. Ramsey and Isaac N. Tillett, Subs.

        The favorite landlady, Miss Nancy Hilliard, was not present to care for the guests, having concluded to seek ease and quiet in her old age. Her successor, Hugh B. Guthrie, well sustained the reputation of the old Eagle, changing its name to Union Hotel. The price paid was $10,000.

        The Commencement of 1857 was ushered in by the Baccalaureate sermon preached by the Right Reverend James Hervey Otey, Bishop of Tennessee, who graduated in 1820, and was then tutor for a year. His subject was Life Pilgrimage. He took occasion to pay a most feeling tribute to Dr. Mitchell, attributing to him a direct and most beneficial influence on his own life. It proved to be an elegy as the good Doctor, less than thirty days after lay cold in death at the foot of a precipice on Mount Mitchell. A year afterwards the Bishop preached his venerable preceptor's funeral sermon on its summit.

        The next oration was an elaborate and eloquent argument by Rev. Francis L. Hawks, D.D., which has been published, in advocacy of the verity of the Mecklenburg Declaration of May 20th, 1775. The distinguished divine and author was fiercely in earnest. He did not spare Jefferson and other disbelievers in the authenticity of the paper so dear to numerous patriotic North Carolinians. In his audience, but bound to silence by the proprieties of the occasion, was an equally ardent opponent of the disputed document, Professor, afterwards Doctor, Charles Phillips.

        The Freshmen Declaimers on Tuesday night were William T. Nicholson, Junius C. Battle, Benjamin W. Brown, Tobias Gibson, Wm. J. Headen, Daniel R. Coleman, Alexander T. Cole, Iowa M. Royster, Wm. J. Hogan. The reporter gave the palm to Nicholson and Coleman, and unfavorably criticised Gibson for intentionally making a caricature of Robert


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Emmett's well known speech delivered in court after he was condemned to death.

        On Wednesday Henry Watkins Miller, a distinguished orator, and eminent lawyer of Raleigh, a graduate of 1834, delivered the annual oration. The address was an able laudation of the United States Constitution, but, being read without raising eyes from manuscript, disappointed the audience. The peroration however sustained his reputation. He left his written speech, and with the flashing of his dark eyes and with sonorous voice, for which he was conspicuous, he exclaimed, "We cannot--we DARE not surrender one jot or title of our Federal Constitution to the demands of sectional ambition, or the mad behests of fanaticism! It is that which has made us what we are--a prosperous, happy, powerful people. Under and by that we are content to live. It will guide us to a still higher degree of national prosperity and glory. It will prove an impenetrable shield to our rights, our honor, our safety. But if--which heaven forbid! the dread conflict with faction and fanaticism must come, let us appeal to the example of the immortal Washington, to inspire our hearts with patriotism to meet the crisis, and to the just God of our fathers, to lead us through that conflict and give us courage to face and fortitude to bear the direful consequences which may follow."

        In four years Mr. Miller was a member of the General Assembly about to meet in adjourned session for the purpose of calling the Secession Convention, and voting money and troops to join the Confederate forces. Stumbling down his staircase he fell on his head, received a mortal blow, and so never saw the "direful consequences" which he predicted.

        At the close of the address the Alumni Association held their meeting. The venerable James Mebane resigned by letter, Mr. Paul C. Cameron, an alumnus, but not a graduate, was elected to the Presidency in his place.

        The Alumni who died during the year were reported as Archibald D. Smith, Walker Anderson, Benjamin Y. Beene, Alexander M. Hogan, Burton Smith, William A. McIntyre.

        The Committee on the Caldwell Monument reported that the very severe winter had prevented its completon as expected.


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On motion of Bishop Otey, seconded by Dr. Hawks, they were instructed to make all proper arrangements for the dedication at the next Commencement.

        Judge Battle, Professor Shipp and S. F. Phillips were chosen Executive Committee and Tutor R. H. Battle, Jr., Treasurer. The Association accompanied Orator Warren Winslow to Gerrard Hall, and at the conclusion of his address thanks were tendered him for his "most agreeable performance," and a copy requested for publication. Mr. Winslow's career illustrates the value of a trained mind. After leaving the University in 1827 he was a merchant until ruined by the panic of 1837. Not disheartened, he became a lawyer and attained high rank in his profession. He was honored by his county with a seat in the Senate, was chosen President of that body, as such acted as Governor. He likewise was a Representative in Congress, and Chairman of the Military Board of this State.

        The Sophomore Declaimers of Wednesday night were James P. Coffin, Thomas C. Evans, Joseph L. Granberry, Alexander Kirkland, Wells Thompson, Henry L. Rugely, C. Stephen Croom, John T. Cook, Henry C. Lee and Charles W. McClammy.

        Of the Freshmen all remained for graduation except Brown and Gibson; of the Sophomores all except Evans and Lee.

        The reporter decided that Coffin and Kirkland were the best Sophomore speakers. Governor Bragg delivered to Mr. McClammy an Encyclopedia of Biography offered by Dr. Wheat for the best English essay.

        There were sixty-nine graduates. The first honor was assigned to Alphonso C. Avery, Robert Bingham, Benjamin F. Grady, Joseph Venable, James L. A. Webb and John E. Wharton. These drew lots for the honorary speeches, Webb getting the Latin Salutatory and Wharton the Valedictory.

        Those obtaining second honor were John H. Coble, John E. Dugger, Hubert Harvey, John C. McLauchlin, Julius A. Robbins, Felix G. Smith, Jonathan F. L. Stewart, Henry C. Thompson, George L. Wimberly.

        Those obtaining third distinction were Thaddeus C. Belsher, Daniel McL. Graham, John W. Graham, Leonidas N. B. Hayley,


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William H. Hayley, Charles A. Mitchell, Henry R. Thorp, Nathan P. Ward, and Frank S. Wilkinson.

        It was stated that William H. Jordan would have obtained honor if he had not left the University in order to be a Tutor at Wake Forest College. Counting him there were twenty-five honor men or about thirty-six per cent. of the class.

        Following the first honor men into after life we find Avery a Captain, a Judge of the Superior and Supreme Courts of the State and a State Senator; Bingham a Captain and the Principal of the Bingham School at Asheville, with the rank of Colonel; Grady a Sergeant, Professor of Mathematics in Austin College, Texas, a teacher of a classical school and a Representative in Congress; Venable a teacher in Virginia; Webb a Confederate soldier and merchant; Wharton a Captain.

        Of the others Belsher, after serving in the Confederate Army, became founder of the University of Columbus and of Carrollton College in Mississippi; John W. Graham Tutor of Mathematics, and for years a Trustee of our University, Major, State Senator, Member of the Convention of 1868, a lawyer of eminence.

        Of those not graduating with honors Thomas S. Kenan was a Colonel, member of the Legislature, Attorney-General, Clerk of the Supreme Court, President of the Alumni Association and Trustee of the University; McLean was a Major, member of the Legislature of Texas, Representative in Congress, member of the Convention of 1875, and a District Judge.

        The degree of Bachelor of Science, the first in the history of the institution, was awarded to James E. Lindsay, subsequently a physician and a Professor in the Baltimore Medical College.

        The following delivered orations on Commencement Day, it being the rule that all honor men should speak unless excused: J. L. A. Webb, the Latin Salutatory; J. E. Wharton, the Valedictory, as has been said; John E. Dugger, the Greek, and Joseph Venable the French Oration. Messrs. J. L. Steward, R. Bingham, A. C. Avery, J. C. McLauchlin, B. F. Grady, Jr., J. H. Coble, Charles A. Mitchell, J. A. Robbins, John W. Graham, delivered English orations. Those particularly


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noticed by the reporter were Bingham, Grady and Robbins, Dugger's Greek was pronounced correct, while Wharton's Valedictory was peculiarly touching.

        The matriculates of this year were just of the age to rush into the war as an holiday excursion. This melancholy list shows that thirty-three never returned: Lawrence M. Anderson, Lieutenant; William H. Austin, Sergeant; Henry K. Burgwyn, Jr., Colonel; Thomas Cowan, Private; John H. D. Fain, Captain; James W. W. Ferebee, Captain; Benjamin L. Gill, Lieutenant; Thomas S. Hill, Ord. Sergt.; Joseph V. Jenkins, Private; H. Francis Jones, Lieutenant; John McDonald Land, Private; Jarvis B. Lutterloh, Lieutenant; George S. Martin, Captain; William Whitmel Martin, Major; George W. McMillan, Private; Stephen D. Richmond, Lieutenant; David W. Simmons, Jr., Lieutenant; Thomas Lucius Smith, Lieutenant; Massillon F. Taylor, Captain; James N. Thompson, Private; Nathan B. Whitfield, Captain; Henry G. Williams, Ensign; John W. Wilson, Lieutenant; E. Eldridge Wright, Captain; John Bradford, Private; James E. Butts, Lieutenant; Wm. A. Dunn, Lieutenant; David H. Froy, Lieutenant; John W. Harris, Lieutenant; Neill E. McCaskill, Private; James C. McClelland, Private; Mitchell S. Prudhomme, Private; Lucius R. A. Pearce, Private.

        The honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) was conferred on Aaron Vail Brown, a graduate of 1814, late Representative in Congress, Governor of Tennessee, and then Postmaster-General; that of Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) on Rev. Wm. Hooper, a graduate of 1809, once Professor in the University heretofore described. The like degree of Master of Arts on Wm. S. Mason and Lucian Holmes.

        President Swain, being himself of prudence in money matters and economical in his habits, attached great importance to the necessity of students keeping out of debt. In 1855 he not only distributed two circulars warning merchants not to transgress the law giving credits to students, but in April, 1856, he induced Governor Bragg and other members of the Executive Committee to issue a circular to the merchants, shopkeepers, traders and others in Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Hillsboro,


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Wilmington and elsewhere in North Carolina, virtually accusing some of them who had maintained a fair character for integrity, of seducing young men entrusted to the honor of "the honest State of North Carolina, into habits of imprudent and unlawful expenditure." It was threatened that there would be a perfect union of all the authorities of the University to bring down proper punishment upon all violating the provisions of the law. It was roundly asserted that giving credit without proper permission was corrupting the morals of the youth of the country.

        The Committee stated that the University was in a state of unprecedented prosperity, the discipline mild, parental and firm, and general quiet, order and diligence prevail in every department.

        All these efforts to prevent credit being given proved futile. The laws of trade cannot be changed by threats.

        In this year (1857) Col. Walter L. Steele and Rev. Cushing B. Hassell, as a Committee of Trustees, examined the classes. While they found much to praise, the report was so severe as to bad scholarship of certain students, whose names were read from the rostrum, that the Chairman was threatened with a personal attack by one or more of those censured, a threat that he so easily thwarted as to make it probable that nothing more serious than vaporing was intended.

        The report was read by Col. W. L. Steele on the afternoon of Commencement Day, in substance as follows: Comparatively few infractions of the regulations have occurred during the year, and they of a venial nature. The exceptions to this statement are less than ten per cent. of the whole number who have been guilty of riotous and disorderly behavior, the result for the most part of intoxication from spirituous liquors. It was hoped that the public mention of this evil, which has caused more scandal to the University than all other causes combined, would induce reformation of conduct. It was not doubted that the Faculty had been diligent to detect offenders, and it was earnestly recommended to dismiss or suspend every student found in a state of intoxication. For minor offences a demerit roll was recommended and dismission should follow the attainment of a given number of demerits.


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        The Committee thought that the corps of instructors was never more able and faithful. As suggested by Prof. Charles Phillips, purchase should be made of additional instruments and apparatus and an Observatory erected in which there should be a telescope "of greater or less dimensions." The lecture system should be adopted in all branches, and illustrative experiments where appropriate.

        In regard to proficiency in studies, the Committee find that "quite a considerable number" are diligently availing themselves of the opportunity of advancement while others seem apparently not to appreciate them, and some have incurred disapprobation. The University is not answering the ends of its institution if it allows graduation without respectable attainments. Parents should be asked to withdraw those not deriving adequate benefit from their studies, and no one should go into an upper class who has not passed an examination on the "general average of his standing in his studies." Gratification was expressed at the prosperous condition of the University, and the committee asked the Trustees to strengthen the Faculty in repressing vice and advancing the standard of scholarship and good morals.

        An unusual and painful duty was devolved on Governor Thomas Bragg, as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, to announce to the audience the expulsion of two of the students for riotous behavior. The Board of Trustees emphasized their profound disapproval of drinking among the students by passing a law depriving the Faculty of power to reinstate one dismissed for drunkenness, until after the expiration of two months.

        The Board likewise increased the price of tuition to $30.00 per annum. No student was allowed to room in the village until the college rooms were full, an old rule, but of late often broken.

DEATH OF DR. MITCHELL.

        On the 27th of June, 1857, in the sixty-fourth year of his age, and in the fortieth year of his service for the University, perished the Senior Professor, Elisha Mitchell. A sketch of his lineage and early life has already been given. Until 1825


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he presided over Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, introducing the study of Calculus. When Dr. Olmsted was transferred to Yale Dr. Mitchell gladly became Professor of Geology and Mineralogy. He then began the practice of visiting the various sections of the State in order to study their rocky formations, their soils, fauna, flora, rivers and swamps. He was much attracted by the lofty summits of the Black, and explored them at various times, beginning with 1835. He discovered and measured the highest peak, called in his honor Mount Mitchell. Senator Thomas L. Clingham contended that the Doctor had been on a lower peak and claimed the name of the highest peak himself. After a discussion of the question in newspapers, Dr. Mitchell proceeded in the summer of 1857 to make an instrumental survey and obtain the testimony of those who had assisted him in his former barometrical measurement. He had been at the work about two weeks when on the 27th of June, on Saturday afternoon, he undertook alone to journey over the mountain, down the rugged defiles and through the tangled and pathless thickets, in order to reach the settlements on Caney River. His singular self-reliant nature proved his ruin. He slipped over a precipice forty feet high into a deep pool of the Sugar-camp branch of the Cat-tail Fork of the Caney River.

        He was found on Tuesday, July 8th, and was buried at first in Asheville by the desire of his family, but on the 16th of June, 1858, in compliance with the general opinion of its fitness, he was with their consent reinterred on the summit of the loftiest peak east of the Mississippi. One of his former pupils and colleagues in the Faculty, Right Rev. James Hervey Otey, Bishop of Tennessee, conducted the funeral services and delivered a most impressive and eloquent sermon. It was followed by an interesting impromptu address by President Swain. Copies of these discourses, together with a sketch of Dr. Mitchell's life, by Rev. Dr. Charles Phillips, the history of the search for the body by Senator Z. B. Vance, and of the reburial by Mr. Richard H. Battle, together with sundry laudatory resolutions by different public bodies, have been published, with an excellent portrait of the good professor.


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        Dr. Mitchell was a large figure in our University life. His massive, tireless frame, his encyclopedic information and readiness to impart it, his broad humor, his firm, but not narrow Calvanism, his genial manners, his laborious reading, his kindness of heart and unfailing generosity, his intrepid spirit, his firm reliance on his opinions, would have made him conspicuous anywhere.

        Dr. Mitchell was personally well known throughout North Carolina by his expeditions, botanical and geological. Everywhere his reputation for learning was high. He wrote valuable articles, which were published in Silliman's Journal, such as "On the Low Country of North Carolina," 1828; "The Geology of the Gold Regions of North Carolina," 1829; on "Weather's Tube of Safety," etc., 1830; "The Causes of Winds and Storms," 1821; "Analysis of the Protogaea of Leibnitz," 1831; "Notices of the High Mountains of North Carolina," 1839, etc. Similar contributions he continued up to his death. I have already noticed his supposed contributions to the Harbinger, published at Chapel Hill. He prepared for his classes a manual of Chemistry, the second edition of which was given to the press before his death, but was not published; A Manual of Geology, illustrated by a geological map of North Carolina; a Manual of Natural History, and a collection of facts and dates respecting the History and Geography of the Holy Land.

        He was regarded in this State and by the Alumni of the University elsewhere as intrinsically a very great man. He certainly was possessed of extraordinary natural abilities, and if he had confined himself to a specialty would have been world famous. The following resolutions of the Trustees give without exaggeration their opinion and that of the people of the State generally.

        "His Excellency Gov. Bragg having communicated officially intelligence of the recent sudden and melancholy death of the Rev. Doctor Elisha Mitchell, late Professor of Chemistry and Mineralogy in the University of North Carolina, the Executive Committee, in view of his high character as a Christian gentleman, of his arduous, long continued and inestimable services in the academic corps, and his distinguished position


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for the last forty years as a member of the Faculty in the administration of the affairs of the college; in view of his eminent attainments in Literature and Science, his ardent patriotism and public services, consider the present a fit occasion to express their unanimous sentiment of true condolence and sympathy with the widow and family of the deceased, with the officers and members of the college and the people of the whole State, at this sad and overwhelming bereavement; and in the name and on behalf of the whole body of the Trustees of the University, this Committee will cordially unite with other associations and individuals in paying enduring honors to his memory."

        This offer of co-operation, made in the first gush of sympathy, in the erection of a Mitchell memorial, as frequently happens in similar cases, met with no adequate response. A committee of citizens, mainly of Asheville, consisting of Z. B. Vance, James A. Patton, John A. Dickson, A. S. Merrimon, D. Coleman and W. M. Shipp, in a well written paper, of which Vance was the author, published in the Asheville Spectator and other journals, called for contributions to the amount of $5,000, for building a granite shaft on Mount Mitchell, but the movement came to nothing. The present iron monument was erected by means of a sum bequeathed by Dr. Mitchell's youngest daughter, Mrs. Eliza N. Grant, Dr. William B. Phillips as the agent of her sister, Miss Margaret Mitchell, superintending and aiding laboriously the difficult work.

        The Faculty of Davidson College, after bearing testimony to the faithfulness of his teaching, adds, "the Church also in this general grief, sorrows most of all, because she has lost in this distinguished philosopher an eminent Christian minister and a noble examplar of the high and essential harmony of Science and Religion. Through the whole of a long life he was an assiduous and enthusiastic devotee of Science, and to us there is something of a melancholy, poetic grandeur and greatness in the place and manner of his death, whereby Science in burying one of her worthiest sons has hallowed a new Pisgah, which future generations shall know and mark."


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        The Philanthrophic Society spoke of him as "a most able, skillful and learned instructor" * * * a man whom we admired and a friend whom we loved, whose many kind offices and wise counsels we shall sadly miss." The Dialectic Society recorded their "obligations to him for that high example that the much absorbed and universal student need not, amid such pursuits, divest himself of those homely yet noble qualities which make the benevolent and public-spirited citizen, the courageous magistrate and the humble and sincere Christian."

        The Faculty of the University in an eloquent and truthful eulogy said, "In the midst of our regrets it affords us a melancholy satisfaction to reflect that he met his death in the cause of Science, and thus, in appropriate keeping with the duties of his life has, in his death, added his name to the list of her honored martyrs." He was described as the Christian gentleman whose heart, overflowing with the tender sympathies of humanity, made him the ever beneficent friend of the poor and the wretched; as the minister of our Holy Faith, dispensing the precious truths of eternal life to the sinful and wayward; as the watchful friend and faithful guardian of the young; as our associate, who brought experience to our deliberations, and the cheerful playfulness of innocent mirth to our social intercourse."

        Dr. James Phillips, who succeeded him in the Mathematical Chair, was requested to deliver a funeral discourse and President Swain an eulogy in his honor.

        The Trustees acted with liberality towards his family. They paid his salary to the end of the year and allowed them to retain his residence without rent for six months after his death. They bought his books for $3,500, and his apparatus and cabinet of minerals for $1,000. On the other hand, from the requirement that he should be responsible for all tuition, not donated to the beneficiaries, although credit was often necessarily given at his risk, there was a balance due by him to the University. This was promptly paid by his administrator, Richard J. Ashe, a son-in-law. There was liberality shown in a real estate transaction. In 1844 the Board after the settlement for building the stone wall agreed to make a deed to


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the Doctor for "a small strip of ground near his ice-house, whenever a deed for the same should be presented." Under this indefinite description a conveyance was made to his heirs of two acres on Cameron Avenue, fronting the University lot occupied by Professor Gore. The heirs were requested to give the University the option for the repurchase if they should ever sell, but when they concluded to part with the property there was no money available. Being so near the University buildings trouble may some day come by reason of this generous gift.

        Dr. Mitchell was succeeded by Wm. James Martin, who was born in Richmond, Virginia, graduated at the University of that State in 1854, having particularly distinguished himself in scientific branches. He was then Professor of Natural Philosophy and Chemistry for three years at Washington College, Pennsylvania. He had the highest recommendations from Professor Maupin, of Chemistry, and many other professors, and well deserved them. His first step after reaching Chapel Hill was to get an appropriation for increased laboratory work. The subjects of Botany and Zoology were dropped and attention was given exclusively to Chemistry, Mineralogy and Geology. The Juniors had two recitations and two lectures in Chemistry each week throughout the year, and the Seniors had the same in Mineralogy and Geology. It was announced that a sufficient stock of apparatus and chemicals and a large cabinet of minerals and fossils afford abundant means of illustrations in the several branches of this Department.

        It should be recorded that on the 19th January, 1857, occurred a blizzard analagous to those of our northwestern plains. All Saturday night the wind roared and the snow fell, and the next morning the ground was covered to the depth of about eighteen inches with icy snow. The temperature was so cold for many days thereafter that there was slow melting. Each room had its own fireplace and separate heating. For a week the wood wagons could not run, and there was serious inconvenience and some suffering in consequence. For the first time and perhaps only time in the history of the University all duties were suspended, the suspension lasting from Sunday until Tuesday.


        

Illustration

        WM. J. MARTIN.

        ALBERT M. SHIPP.

        JOHN T. WHEAT.

        B. S. HEDRICK.

        HILDRETH H. SMITH.


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        In the same month Chief Justice Thomas Ruffin, one of the most learned and thoughtful Trustees, offered a resolution which was adopted, directing the President and members of the Faculty to review the course of studies and consider whether it was not too extended for the time alloted, and if so, whether the remedy should be to lop off some, or extend the curriculum a year or raise the requisite for admission.

        There was no record of any report in response to this resolution. Certainly nothing was done under it.

COMMENCEMENT OF 1858.

        On Monday night of the Commencement of 1858 Rev. Dr. Moses A. Curtis, Rector of the Episcopal Church at Hillsboro, a learned divine and very distinguished botanist, preached the sermon to the Senior Class. It was a strong argument to prove that a devout recognition of God's glory, whether in the world of mind or matter, raised the soul nearer Him.

        On Tuesday morning Rev. Dr. Francis L. Hawks, at the request of the Historical Society, unfolded most eloquently the truths of the lesson bequeathed to us by Washington in his Farewell Address.

        On Wednesday forenoon Rev. Dr. John Thomas Wheat, of the Philanthropic Society, delivered the Annual Address. His theme was the Proper Relation between Life and Literature. He showed how unprincipled heart and immoral life had ruined many a genius. Truth is essential to real greatness.

        The Declaimers of the Freshman Class on Tuesday evening were John McK. Whitted, of Bladen; Guilford Nicholson, of Halifax; John Bradford, of Alabama; James E. Butts, of Georgia; James M. B. Hunt, of Granville; Joel P. Walker, of Mississippi; Robert S. Clark, Texas; Nicholas L. Williams, of Yadkin County; Thomas T. Allen, Windsor; John W. Pearson, Mississippi; Henry S. Puryear, Huntsville.

        On Wednesday night came the Sophomores: George S. Martin, Tennessee; Louis West, Mississippi; T. Lucius Smith, Tennessee; William T. Nicholson, Halifax; Thomas W. Davis, Franklin County; Iowa M. Royster, Raleigh; Vernon H. Vaughan, Alabama; Pierce M. Butler, South Carolina; Daniel


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R. Coleman, Concord; Walter J. Jones, of Milton; George P. Bryan, Raleigh, and Charles Walsh, Jr., of Alabama.

        The Freshmen were pronounced by the critics too tame, only Bradford rising above mediocrity. The Sophomores were much praised, especially Royster, Coleman, Walsh and West. Whitted, Bradford, Pearson, West and Puryear left before graduation. Whitted joined the army, Bradford also, and was killed at Seven Pines; Pearson was a merchant; West has not been traced; Puryear is a lawyer.

        The prize for the best English Composition was presented on behalf of Dr. Wheat to George L. Wilson, of Newbern, by Dr. F. L. Hawks in his inimitably felicitous manner.

        There were ninety-three graduates, twenty of whom spoke on Thursday:

        Latin Salutatory, Thomas W. Mason, Virginia.

        "A Plea for Ambition," Robert D. Johnston, Lincoln County.

        "Inventive Genius," John B. Buchanan, Richmond County.

        "Bene cogitare, non multo melius est, quam bene somniare," Nathaniel P. Lusher, Tennessee.

        "The Conservative Spirit of the South," William C. Lord, Salisbury.

        "The Influence of Religion on Government," Hamilton C. Jones, Rowan County.

        "The Mechanic Arts," Robert H. Marsh, Chatham County.

        "Josephine; a Poem," James S. Hill, Stokes County.

        "To Palaion Dramaton Hellenon," Wm. M. Hammond, Wadesboro.

        "Revolution an Element of Progress," Philip T. May, Rockingham County.

        "Byron," Leroy M. McAfee, Cleveland County.

        "Responsibility of American Youth," Robert T. Harris, Alabama.

        "The Historian's Trust," John M. Perry, Beaufort.

        "La Gloire de la France," Robert W. Anderson, New Hanover County.

        "Die Vaterlandsliche," James Turner Morehead, Greensboro.


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        "The Westward Flight of Freedom," Edward S. Bell, Alabama.

        "Poetry of Our Battlefields," John A. Gilmer, Greensboro.

        "Liberality of Thought," Addison Harvey, Mississippi.

        "The Beautiful; a Poem," William M. Coleman, Concord.

        Valedictory, Wm. Carey Dowd, Wake County.

        The comments on the speeches were that they were too long, but showed as a rule a high degree of merit. Especially noticed were those of Marsh for its simplicity and good sense; of Lusher and Hervey of a metaphysical kind; the poem of Coleman, both for thought and feeling and for rythmical structure. The Greek oration of Hammond, the Latin of Mason, and the German of Morehead were well conceived and well uttered. The reminiscences by the Valedictorian Dowd of the excellence of Dr. Mitchell, and the apostrophe to his spirit as still hovering over us, struck the hearts of the audience.

        The first honor was awarded to Robert W. Anderson, Wm. Carey Dowd, Wm. M. Hammond, Wm. C. Lord, Thomas W. Mason, Leroy M. McAfee, James Turner Morehead and John M. Perry.

        The second to Edward S. Bell, John B. Buchanan, John A. Gilmer, James I. Grover, Robert T. Harris, Addison Harvey, Philip T. Hay, James S. Hill, Robert D. Johnston, Hamilton C. Jones, Nathaniel P. Lusher and Robert H. Marsh.

        The third to James S. Baker, Samuel M. Brinson, Nevin D. J. Clark, Samuel W. Clement, Wm. M. Coleman, David S. Goodloe, Oscar F. Hadley, Francis M. Johnson, Thomas N. Macartney, Daniel Stewart, William L. Twitty, James A. Walker, William H. Young.

        The Faculty noted that the class was distinguished by a larger number than usual of able and upright men.

        Of the first honor men Anderson was a Lieutenant, killed at the Wilderness; Dowd was a Tutor, U. N. C., died early; Hammond was a Captain, a prominent lawyer in Georgia and member of the Legislature; Lord was a Captain, killed in battle; Mason a Captain, State Senator and member of the Corporation Commission; Morehead a Colonel and President of


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the Senate; McAfee a Colonel, member of the Legislature and a very able lawyer.

        Of the others Gilmer was a Colonel, State Senator, Trustee of the University, and Judge of the Superior Court; Harvey a Captain of Harvey's Scouts, killed at Atlanta; R. D. Johnston a strong lawyer and banker, and a Brigadier-General; Jones a leader of the Charlotte bar and U. S. District Attorney; Marsh a Baptist preacher and often President of the State Association; Coleman Attorney-General and an author; Macartney a Confederate soldier, County Solicitor and Adjutant-General of Georgia.

        Of those not gaining honors Hilliard was a Captain, a member of the Legislature and Superior Court Judge; Phillips also a Captain and Superior Court Judge; Richmond a Surgeon C. S. A. and prominent physician in Missouri.

        Of the matriculates not graduating John F. Miller was a physician and Superintendent of the Hospital for the Insane at Goldsboro.

        The list of the matriculates of 1858 belonging to the "Confederate dead" still shows an increase--thirty-six in number: Edward H. Armstrong, Captain; Joseph H. Bason, Sergeant; Luther R. Bell, Private; James J. Cherry, Captain; Joseph D. Cherry, Private; Weldon E. Davis, Captain; John H. Dobbin, Private; John C. Gaines, Captain; John L. Haughton, Private; Thomas C. Holliday, Captain; James P. Jenkins, Lieutenant; Aurelius C. Jones, ----; John T. Jones, Lieutenant-Colonel; James S. Knight, Lieutenant; Thomas Benjamin Davidson, Private; Jacob F. Foster, Private; Robert F. Fulton, Captain; John F. Lightfoot, Private; Albert G. Moore, Lieutenant; Harrison P. Lyon, Lieutenant; Richardson Mallett, Lieutenant; William T. Nuckolls, Captain; Augustus M. Parker, Private; Oliver T. Parks, Lieutenant; Charles E. Riddick, Lieutenant; Jesse G. Ross, ----; Jesse W. Siler, Lieutenant; Rufus S. Siler, Lieutenant; James M. Smith, Private; Samuel T. Snow, Lieutenant; Reuell A. Stancil, Private; Archibald T. Staton, Lieutenant; Simon H. Taylor, Private; John M. Sutton; Lawson W. Sykes; James Milton Tomlinson, Sergeant.


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        The attendance on the occasion might be called brilliant. All regretted the absence of the Secretary, ex-Governor Manly, detained by sickness, and of Dr. Elisha Mitchell, both familiar figures for about two scoreyears.

        In 1858 the Examining Committee were Judge W. H. Battle, Hon. D. M. Barringer, W. F. Leake, Esq., and Hon. S. P. Hill. Judge Battle, as Chairman, read the report on Commencement Day. It praised highly "many of the students," and to them was given the high credit of sustaining the reputation of the University. The Committee turned with feelings of sadness to many, too many, who "went through all the grades of poor scholarship" on their examinations. "To the questions of the examiners they either maintained a profound silence, or returned answers so wide of the mark as to show that the subject had never before engaged their attention."

        The Committee were sorry to notice that the better scholars seemed to have devoted more of their attention to some textbooks than to others.

        The demeanor of the students had been good on the whole. The cases of disorder proceeded more from heedlessness than a deliberate purpose to injure the University. Praise was given to the ability and faithfulness of the Faculty. Nothing was wanting but persevering attention to duty on the part of the students to cause our noble Alma Mater to be as great as the proudest in the land.

        The Tutors addressed to the Board a temperate communication in the handwriting of Solomon Pool to the effect that the small salaries paid them deprived them of any inducement to remain long in the service of the University. This discouragement was increased by not promoting those who were worthy to professorships, but instead going into other States for professors. It was suggested that salaries proportioned to length of service and promotion of those qualified adopted as the policy of the Trustees would remove these difficulties. At present the lower classes who especially need good instruction are taught by inexperienced men, who, as soon as they become skilled, are forced to go into more remunerative pursuits. The signers were Solomon Pool, who wrote the paper, R. W. Anderson,


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Samuel S. Jackson, William L. Alexander and Wm. Carey Dowd. They recommended $700 for the first year, $800 for the second, $900 for the third and afterwards, with an additional allowance to the Senior Tutor of $100 yearly.

        Fighting was not common as in the early years of the century, and when it occurred the combatants were soon parted. If they were likely to renew the combat they were carried before Dr. Mitchell, who was a Justice of the Peace, and bound over to keep the peace. Occasionally a troublesome fellow, who was getting the worst of it, was allowed to be well whipped before interference by the bystanders. Firearms were seldom used. I told of the case of Evans shooting McRae through the arm while hazing. Watson was killed by Ford, who was acquitted on the plea of self-defence. One Cheek, not in the University, was killed by a student, a case of self-defence. In this case a well-known prostitute was called as a material witness. Dr. Mitchell testified that her character for truth was as good as that of any woman in the county. Such was the general opinion of her neighbors. There was another instance of an infuriated student by accident stabbing badly a friend who endeavored to prevent the wounding of another. These cases occurred after the University increased in numbers, within a few years before the war.

LAWLESSNESS--THE PRESIDENT'S CIRCULAR.

        It was in these days, when the minds of many were unsettled by the portentious rumblings of the coming war and the angry passions of political strife, that in 1858 a lawless club was formed, the members pledged to stand by one another in their breaches of University rules. Spirituous liquor was drunk, the air was filled at late hours with direful uproars and furious din, the bell was rung violently and unceasingly, or the clapper was stolen and hid, in fact all disorder committed which ingenuity could devise, and when the Faculty endeavored to restore order, stones were thrown at them with dangerous accuracy. Finally the benches and black-boards were collected from the recitation rooms and piled for a huge bonfire. The leaders were expelled and, suit being brought against them in the Superior Court of Orange, they were compelled


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to reimburse the University for the damages sustained, about $200.

        These outrages, coupled with rumors of others, gave the public such opinion of want of discipline at the University that the President thought it necessary to issue an elaborate circular on the subject to the friends of the institution. I give its substance:

        He began by quoting from a similar circular by Dr. Caldwell, of which I copy the concluding sentence: "How unjust it is that calumny must be forever watching as if with a lynx's eye, the disorders of a few wrong-headed young people, who are mixed up in a college with the body of students, and then proceed to multiply and misrepresent and aggravate until the country is at length led to believe that the institution could not be worse if even filled with a parcel of inveterate demons."

        The President continued, "In modern times the Institution has been treated with much greater charity * * * than the foregoing statement would indicate, * * * but exaggerated accounts of occurrences have found their way into the newspapers."

        The most important occurrence of the year was the interest on the subject of religion, which resulted in an unprecedented accession to the various churches. A riot shortly afterwards, participated in by a tenth or twentieth of the students, for which the ring-leaders were severely punished, created a stronger impression on the public because so incongruous with the religious revival. Those engaged in the outrage met with such disapproval on the part of more than nine-tenths of their fellows that there was danger of a collision between them. The proceedings of the two Literary Societies, adopted with great unanimity, prove that the great body of the students did not sympathize with the malefactors.

        The wounding almost to death of a student by one of the fellows was an accident. In sixty-four years only two serious wounds, and one of these by accident, have been received. There is a strong by-law against having deadly weapons, and the aid of patrons for enforcing it is earnestly requested.

        The President hardly deemed it worth while to mention the warlike correspondence which appeared in the papers last fall.


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One of the young men had ceased to be a student before the affair was known, and the other was disciplined immediately when it was discovered. This of course refers to an abortive duel.

        The President affirmed that the subordination and general quiet for the last ten years equalled that of any like period since the foundation. "Dr. Caldwell was frequently called upon to correct public sentiment as to the condition of things here forty or fifty years ago. In the course of these appeals he states facts that show that in those days among some fifty students there was a worse state of things than has existed among the three of four hundred that have crowded here durthe last half dozen years. * * * The balance of results from the extraordinary occurrences of the session has been vastly in favor of good."

NEW CALDWELL MONUMENT.

        On June 2nd, 1858, the Committee on the erection of the new Caldwell Monument, reported that their commission had been executed and that the monument was ready to be dedicated; that ex-Governor Charles Manly, who had consented to deliver the eulogy on President Caldwell, was prevented by sickness, and that the President of the Association, Mr. Cameron, although he had short notice, would take his place.

        A procession of the Alumni, preceded by music, marched from their place of meeting, the Library in Smith Hall, to the monument. Standing around it they sang the Doxology and joined in a prayer offered by Rev. Dr. James Phillips. The procession then moved to Gerrard Hall, where all Alumni who had been pupils of Dr. Caldwell, took their seats on the rostrum. Hon. John H. Bryan (1815) and Maj. Charles L. Hinton (1814) were the escort of the orator. The address was most appropriate and in excellent taste, the orator having strong personal regard for the subject of his eulogy, as well as admiration of his clients, his virtues and services to the University and to the State. The following extract from a printed address by Mr. Cameron in 1885, at the dedication of Memorial Hall, shows the character of his eulogy on this occasion:


        

Illustration

        CALDWELL MONUMENT.


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        "These words must ever call up the memory, form and characteristics of Joseph Caldwell, and will, as long as these walls by which we are surrounded shall stand, or this pleasant village is known as the seat of learning; and so long as the name of the University is on the map, it will be associated with that of the first President. To leave it out would be as if the topographer should present us with Switzerland without its profile of mountains, or old Egypt without its overflowing and fertilizing Nile, or our own vast North American Continent without the great Father of Waters, in his grand sweep from the lakes of the North to the Gulf of Mexico. The good man needs no eulogy at my hands, and no praise of mine can add a cubit to his stature. His early struggles in its behalf must stand alone in the building up of this institution. He came like Paul to plant, and then like Apollos to water with his tears, prayers, benedictions and benefactions to the end of his days--a continuous effort of thirty-one years."

        "It is a pleasant memory to the surviving Alumni to recall the steady devotion of good President Caldwell to this institution and his complete identification of himself with the citizens of the State in every interest. He made himself a freeholder and a slave-holder, and thought it no offence so to live and so to die, and to-day the *

        * The late Wilson Caldwell.


chief servant of the institution is of his family of slaves. And so long as the great trunk line railroad from Morehead City shall increase the wealth and commerce of the State, the name of Caldwell will be remembered as its first projector in the letters of "Carlton."


        After the address the benediction was pronounced by Rev. Dr. Hawks.

        At a subsequent meeting Maj. Charles L. Hinton was elected President of the Alumni Association.

        The thanks of the Association were returned to the Wilmington and Weldon and the North Carolina Railroad Companies for their liberality in transporting the monument free of charge; to Paul C. Cameron for his enterprise and generosity in providing the apparatus and hauling so ponderous a mass of marble from Durham to Chapel Hill; and to the Committee,


Page 694

President Swain, Judge Battle and Mr. Wm. J. Bingham, for their prolonged attention to the business and their skill and good taste in executing it.

        The monument, from the works of Struther & Co., Philadelphia, is an obelisk of white marble over twenty feet high, and stands about half way between the South Building and Franklin Street. It is near the venerable Davie Poplar. A tablet toward the top bears as emblems of Dr. Caldwell's services to the State and to religion, a railroad wheel, and engineer's transit, and the Holy Bible. The inscriptions on the faces are as follows:

        On the South face--

        "He was an early, conspicuous and devoted advocate of the Cause of Common Schools and Internal Improvements in North Carolina."


        On the East face--

        "Near him repose the remains of his beloved wife Helen Caldwell."


        On the North face--

        "In grateful acknowledgment of their obligation to
The First President of this University,
JOSEPH CALDWELL, D.D.

        The President of the United States,
The Governor of North Carolina, and other Alumni,
Have raised this monument
A. D. 1847."


        On the West face--

        "Born at Lamington, New Jersey,
April 21st, 1773.

        Professor of Mathematics in this University, 1796,
Died at Chapel Hill, January 27, 1835.


        In July, 1904, the remains of Dr. Caldwell, his wife and her son were transferred to the eastern base of this monument and reinterred, the President being at the north, his widow in the middle, and then her son toward the south. It is designed to have an appropriate addition to the inscription on the east face of the marble.

        The sandstone monument was taken down and is to be re-erected in the part of the City cemetary assigned to our


Page 695

colored population in memory of three faithful servants of the University, November Caldwell, usually called Doctor November, David Barham and Wilson Caldwell, son of November.

        The Marshals for 1858 did their duty well. They were Jesse F. Boyce, of Texas, Chief. Assistants--R. W. Cole, of North Carolina; W. Frierson, of Tennessee; H. Bein, of Louisiana; S. Smith, of Alabama; J. E. Beasley. The Ball Managers, too, were highly praised. They were: Chief, R. F. Lewis, of Bladen; J. B. Perkins, of Mississippi, of the Philanthropic Society; A. S. Callaway, Wilkes; L. M. Frierson, of Tennessee; F. B. Long, of Tennessee, of the Dialectic Society.

ELECTION OF PROFESSORS.

        In 1859 there were changes in the Faculty. Rev. Andrew D. Hepburn was elected in December to the chair of Rhetoric and Logic, and entered on his duties the next year. Prof. Hepburn was about thirty years old, the eldest son of Judge Samuel Hepburn, of Pennsylvania, a man of legal learning and good fortune. The son graduated early with the highest honors from Jefferson College, and then spent two years at the University of Virginia. After twelve months devoted to general reading, he spent three years in Princeton Theological Seminary, and obtained his degree and license to preach. He then exercised his ministry in Rockingham and Rockbridge counties in Virginia. His preaching was strong and often eloquent, his manners modest, retiring and those of a Christian gentleman. He was pronounced by his preceptor, the distinguished Dr. W. H. McGuffey, of the University of Virginia, to have special aptitude in psychological studies. He obtained the highest rank in his classes, and was pronounced to be "thoroughly acquainted with all that is requisite to ensure success in teaching Logic, Rhetoric, together with criticism and correct expression (with pen or orally) of whatever thoughts may convince or persuade."

        There were about thirty letters from eminent scholars and public men sustaining this estimate of Dr. Hepburn's qualifications, though not in such detail. His career here showed that they were not overdrawn.


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        For fear that his father being a Pennsylvania man might prejudice the Trustees against him, Dr. A. T. Bledsoe, whose Southern proclivities were well known, testified that to his personal knowledge, Judge Hepburn, under trying circumstances had upheld the national laws in favor of our rights. His son had cast his lot with us.

        At a special meeting of the Board held in July, 1859, the resignation of Rev. Dr. A. M. Shipp, as Professor of History, was accepted, and Rev. Francis L. Hawks, D.D., LL.D., was chosen unanimously in his place. At a subsequent meeting Dr. Hawks declined because of the meagre salary, and the Board directed President Swain to ascertain whether and on what terms he would accept the position of Lecturer on American History and kindred subjects. No arrangement was made, and at the December meeting Rev Charles F. Deems, D.D., was chosen Professor. He also declined the appointment, and the chair was left vacant, doubtless on account of the falling off of patronage caused by the threatening political issues.

        The election of two Virginians, both of them Presbyterians, Professors Martin and Hepburn, caused attacks in the press fierce and illnatured on the policy of the Trustees. President Swain was so galled that he made an elaborate reply to what he called misconception and misrepresentations.

        He began by stating that when he was elected in 1835 the name of an Episcopal clergyman was withdrawn because Judge Cameron took the ground that, while clergymen might be Professors, the President should be a layman. When he entered on his duties the Faculty consisted of Professor Mitchell and Phillips, Presbyterian preachers, though neither was a member of the Presbyterian Church at the time of his election; Dr. Hooper, a Baptist clergyman; of Professor Burgevin, a Roman Catholic, and of Tutors McAllister and Owen, one a Presbyterian and the other of Methodist family. The religious services were conducted on alternate Sundays by Drs. Mitchell and Hooper. When the latter resigned in 1838 efforts were made, as has been narrated, to procure Rev. Edward Wadsworth as Chaplain. His assent was procured, and also the approval of Rev. Hezekiah G. Leigh, Presiding Elder, but the project was vetoed by Bishop Thomas A. Morris. It was thought impracticable to procure the services of a Baptist or


Page 697

Methodist, and Rev. Wm. M. Green, the first Episcopal minister ever chosen, was created Chaplain and Professor of Rhetoric.

        When the Trustees met to choose a successor to Professor Hooper, as Professor of Ancient Languages, there were three names before the Board: Professors Henry Tutwiler, of Alabama; Wm. E. Anderson, then of Hillsboro, and Manuel Fetter, of New York. Judge Cameron stated that in his opinion the Board should choose no one without the concurrence of the President, who, like the captain of a vessel, should have the privilege of selecting his crew. Judge Gaston followed, taking the same position. The President then stated that Mr. Anderson was a most estimable man, but in scholarship hardly equal to the others, and that he was prepared to nominate Mr. Tutwiler as the choice of himself and the Faculty. Unfortunately, however, his name had just been withdrawn by letter, and his preference now was Mr. Fetter. Mr. Tutwiler was a Methodist, both the others Episcopalians.

        In 1842 Rev. C. F. Deems, a Methodist, was appointed to an adjunct professorship. In 1849 Rev. Albert M. Shipp, a Methodist, was elected Professor of History.

        No instance was known since the foundation of the University, where a Methodist has competed unsuccessfully for either a Professorship or Tutorship. As now organized, there are two Episcopalian, two Presbyterian, and two Methodist clergymen in the corps of instructors. A Baptist was sought for to fill the last vacancy, but none came forward. The President stated to the Board before the vote for a successor to Dr. Mitchell was had, that, as this was a State institution, all denominations should be represented in the Faculty; that, other things being equal, he would prefer a Baptist and next a Methodist, a graduate of this University, to one from another institution, and a southern to a northern man.

        As to the Board of Trustees, while the Episcopalians are most numerous, he thought that the Presbyterians, Methodists and Baptists are about equal in numbers.

        The Executive Committee of seven, residing in and near Raleigh, are composed only of Episcopalians and Methodists, politically four Democrats and three Whigs.


Page 698

        The Board of Trustees has never departed from the principles of wise liberality and Christian charity. "During the last quarter of a century there have been more than 150 members of the Board, and it is no more than justice to the living and the dead to say that no similar number can be found of equal ability, attainments, wealth and influence." The present state of the institution affords satisfactory evidence that their fostering care has been crowned with the only reward they coveted. Its numbers have increased five-fold, and its revenues and means of influence in still greater proportion. It is believed that at present there is but one institution in the Union which has in its regular classes a larger number of undergraduates."

THE BUCHANAN COMMENCEMENT, 1859.

        The Commencement of 1859 was conspicuous on account of the presence of the President of the United States, James Buchanan, who, however, did not arrive until Wednesday. He missed therefore a sermon and an address, both of extraordinary power. The sermon was on Monday night, specially to the graduating class. The preacher was Rev. David S. Doggett, afterwards a Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. It was on Paul in Athens, the centre of the educational world in his day. He showed how necessary it was, and is, to supplement the philosophy of the world with the religion of Christ.

        On Tuesday evening the Freshmen Declaimers performed their parts. They were Henry C. Wall, of Richmond County; William M. Fetter, of Chapel Hill; Aurelius C. Jones, of Texas; William M. Jones, of Henderson; Thomas S. Webb, of Tennessee; Andrew J. Moore, of Pitt County; Wm. C. Jordan, of Greenville; John H. Bass, of Georgia; Herbert M. Varner, of Georgia; Leonidas P. Wheat, Chapel Hill. Messrs. Jordan, Varner and Wheat were most praised.

        On Wednesday forenoon the address before the two Literary Societies was delivered by Hon. Duncan K. MacRae, a University student in 1837, lately Consul to Paris, and afterwards a Colonel in the Confederate service. His subject was the Cultivated Intellect--the Equal of Genius. He fully sustained his reputation for brilliancy and eloquence.


Page 699

        The President and his suite, accompanied by a large escort of citizens, all covered with the dust of travel, reached the village soon after the conclusion of Colonel MacRae's oration. With him was Hon. Jacob Thompson, Secretary of the Interior, a graduate of the Class of 1831. They were received by President Swain and the Faculty, students, villagers and visitors. The speeches of welcome and reply were said to be gems of their kind, but were not reported, because the two reporters of the New York Herald, and those of the Richmond Dispatch and Fayetteville Carolinian had been unable from the crowded state of the road to reach Chapel Hill in season. After the speaking, the President and the Secretary repaired to the residence of President Swain, whose guests they were.

        At half-past two, by invitation of President Swain, a large number of guests, Trustees, prominent visitors, Faculty, Seniors, dined with President Buchanan and his Secretary under the lofty trees of his front yard. Long rows of luscious eatables were ranged on long tables, but no wines nor other alcoholic stimulants in any form. Blooming young ladies were efficient volunteer waitresses. There were no speeches, owing to the necessity of repairing to Gerrard Hall, in order to listen to the addresses before the Alumni Association, by Rev. Dr. William Hooper, of the Class of 1809. When the roll of graduates by classes was called only one appeared older than he, Gen. Wm. James Cowan, of 1808. The address, entitled "Fifty Years Since," was a masterly effort. It was composed of two parts, the first a humorous description of the University of 1805-09, with laughable stories of students and professors, the second of wise counsels, drawn from his experience of colleges and men. His earnest appeals to young men to avoid intemperance led to President Buchanan's words on the same subject in presenting to E. E. Wright, of Tennessee, the English prize at night, when he said, "We bring upon ourselves a greater calamity than is brought upon us by the yellow fever or any of the pestilences that afflict our citizens."

        On Wednesday night came on the Sophomores: Thomas T. Allen, of Windsor; Guilford Nicholson, of Halifax; Robert S. Clark, of Texas; John H. Dobbin, Fayetteville; Stephen M.


Page 700

Routh, Louisiana; Oliver T. Parks, Wilkes County; Henry J. Hogan, Chapel Hill; John Bradford, Alabama; Charles M. Stedman, of Fayetteville, and Eli S. Shorter, of Georgia. Those most deserving of credit were said to be Messrs. Routh, Dobbin, Stedman, Bradford, and Shorter.

        During the exercises Dr. Wheat led to the rostrum the successful competitor in English Composition, Elisha E. Wright, of Memphis, Tenn., and requested the President to present the prize, Hawk's History of North Carolina. The President's remarks were peculiarly felicitous. It is gratifying to record that the importance of using short sentences was insisted on. The ancient style is the best style, and that is emphatically the style of Mr. Calhoun, and in an eminent degree the style of Mr. Webster. He most impressively depicted the evils of drunkenness, and urged all to beware of intoxicating liquors.

        On Thursday at 9 o'clock the Marshals conducted a procession of the military company, the Faculty, students and citizens from the residence of President Swain to the Chapel. The music was by the Richmond Armory band. When the head of the column entered the Hall, Presidents Buchanan and Swain in front, the audience rose and cheered. The lower floor was filled with ladies, Faculty, students and distinguished visitors. The correspondent of the New York Herald wrote that "the ladies were dressed in a style of gorgeous splendor, surpassing anything I have seen outside of the fashionable city of New York. Their beauty accords well with this graceful display."

        On the stage, besides President Buchanan and Secretary Thompson, were President Swain, Governor Ellis, ex-Governor Morehead, Judge Battle, Thomas Bragg, U. S. Senator J. H. Weller, late Minister to Nicarauga, Rev. Dr. F. M. Hubbard, Professor of Latin.

        The exercises were opened with a most devout and appropriate prayer by Rev. Dr. Hubbard. Wm. Bingham Lynch followed with the Latin Salutatory, which gave all the more pleasure because it contained a goodly number of phrases like "formosissimae puellae," with appropriate glances at the ladies. The other speakers in order were:

        "The Hamiltonian System," Thomas W. Harris, of Chatham County.


Page 701

        "Objection to an Elective Judiciary," Mills L. Eure, Gates County.

        "The Imagination to be Cultivated," Richard W. Nixon.

        "The Persecution of the Jews," Cicero S. Croom, of New York.

        "The Man of Letters," James L. Gaines, Knoxville.

        "The Common Sense Man," William F. Foster.

        "The Independent Thinker," Franklin C. Robbins.

        "The American Student," Berryman Green, Danville.

        "To be Great is to be Misunderstood," Benjamin L. Gill.

        "Comparative Merits of Curriculum Colleges," Frederick A. Fetter, Chapel Hill.

        The morning exercises closing here, President Swain announced that President Buchanan and Secretary Thompson would hold an informal reception under the Davie Poplar. Large numbers, including all the ladies present, paid their respects to them shaded by the historic tree, then in its vigor and beauty, before the lightning and the fierce wind had shattered it. It is observable that there was no kissing, except that the President gallantly obtained this favor from one pretty girl, and deputized her to impart it to others.

        At 3.30 o'clock, after dinner, the company reassembled. The first speaker was Francis D. Stockton, on Die Deutsche Sprache, in German; then Elijah B. Withers, on Benedict Arnold; Charles W. McClammy, on Political Influence of Educated Men. The German speech was said to be uncommonly accurate, interesting and well delivered. The Valedictory, by George Burgwyn Johnston, was appropriate, practical and affecting. After that President Swain called up the graduates and delivered them their diplomas and to each a Bible.

        The annual report was then read. The first honor men of the Seniors were Thomas W. Harris, of Chatham; George B. Johnston, Edenton; Wm. Bingham Lynch, of Orange County; and Francis D. Stockton, Statesville.

        The second honor went to C. Stephens Croom, of New York; Mills L. Eure, Gates County; Isaac R. Ferguson, of Georgia; Frederick A. Fetter, Chapel Hill; Wilbur F. Foster, Alabama; James L. Gaines, Asheville; Benjamin L. Gill, of Franklin County; Berryman Green, and James C. Green, Danville,


Page 702

Va., Charles W. McClammy, Jr., and Richard W. Nixon, New Hanover County; Franklin C. Robbins, and James C. Robbins, of Randolph County; Elijah B. Withers, of Caswell County.

        The third best were Richard C. Badger, of Raleigh; John W. Cole, Richmond County; John T. Cook, Warrenton; Simmons H. Isler, Goldsboro; George D. Jones, of Texas; Calvin N. Morrow, Alamance County; George M. Pillow, Tennessee; William J. Rogers, Northampton County; Wm. W. Sillers, Clinton; Richard S. Webb, Alamance County, and John A. Woodburn, Guilford County.

        Messrs. Fetter and McClammy never failed to answer to any of the 4,700 roll-calls during their four years' course. There were eighty-six Bachelors of Arts graduates, and six Bachelors of Science, in the course recently established. The correspondent of the New York Herald reported that "whenever any member of the class, deemed by his classmates unworthy of a diploma, was called, a shout was raised, which of course was meant in irony. This brought a blush to the cheek of the unfortunate beneficiary, and he hurried from the rostrum with all possible haste to avoid this significent and humiliating display." This statement is certainly misleading. Applause was not often, if ever, for the reason assigned. It was sometimes given for personal popularity, sometimes for some college joke, sometimes because the recipient had obtained the honor after repeated trials, sometimes because he was the college wag.

        Of the first honor men Harris finished his medical education in Paris, was a Captain of Cavalry, a physician of acknowledged skill, Professor of Anatomy and Materia Medica in the University of North Carolina; Johnston was a Tutor in the University, and Captain; he died in service; Lynch was a Lieutenant and able co-partner in the Bingham School, then Principal of a Military Academy at High Point, and in Florida; Stockton was a Lieutenant, a lawyer of great promise, but died early.

        Of the others, Eure was a Superior Court Judge, and then a commission merchant in Norfolk; Gaines a Colonel and Comptroller of Tennessee; Croom a Major and city attorney of


Page 703

Mobile; Berryman Green a Colonel and Judge of the U. S. District Court; McClammy a Major, planter, Presidential Elector, Representative in the Legislature and in Congress; Badger a Major, member of the General Assembly, and of the Convention of 1875, and U. S. District Attorney.

        Of those obtaining no honors, Field was in the Mississippi Legislature, and Adjutant and Inspector-General; Bein an Adjutant-General of the Confederacy, and a lawyer in Arkansas; Kolb Commissioner of Agriculture in Tennessee; Latham a Major, and Representative in the Legislature and in Congress; Thompson a Captain, President of the Texas Senate, and Lieutenant Governor.

        Of the non-graduates matriculating with the class, Elias Carr was a planter and Governor of this State; Hugh L. Cole was a Major, and Assistant Corporation Counsel of New York City.

        The honorary degree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred on Rev. Lewis H. Shuck a graduate of Wake Forest College, of unusual merits, for special reasons, and of Master of Arts on Hon. Robert R. Heath, Judge of the Superior Court; the degree of Doctor of Laws on Judge Mitchell D. King, of South Carolina, Right Rev. James H. Otey, Episcopal Bishop of Tennessee, and on James Buchanan, President of the United States.

        On the afternoon of Commencement day Judge Battle, on behalf of the Committee of Examiners, read their report. The University was in a most prosperous condition; number of students 456, with instructors consisting of a President, nine professors and five tutors. Two large additional buildings have been contracted for. It had scarcely a superior, and few equals, in the United States.

        The Committee regretted to find in too many of the students great want of interest in their studies. This direliction is as a rule most conspicuous in those who spend the most money. They are exhorted to greater diligence in study and stricter attention to the recitation rooms. Especial praise was given to the applicants for the degrees of Bachelor of Science.

        The evils of extravagance in dress and other expenditures, and of the use of intoxicating liquors were emphasized. "Intemperance is a great, damning sin of our country, and it is


Page 704

not to be wondered at that it has found its way into our institution." Gratification was expressed that President Buchanan had the evening before so well and strongly denounced its evils. The importance of attention to studies was well illustrated by the statement of the Alumni Orator, John Y. Mason, late Secretary of the Navy, that one of the brightest recollections of his life was the pleasure he felt when he went home from the Freshman Class in this institution and told his father that he had obtained first distinction.

        I have given the substance of the reports of the Examining Trustees, which are on record. Being busy men in State and church and in private affairs, it was naturally inconvenient for the appointees to perform this duty. For example, in 1855 Chief Justice Ruffin, and Messrs. John Gray Bynum, Robert B. Gilliam, Calvin Graves, and Lewis Thompson were selected, but not one appeared. The duty itself was tedious and uninteresting beyond description. The students wondered whether the eminent examiners, grown gray in the successful prosecution of their respective professions, remembered their classics and mathematics so accurately as to detect the mistakes of the answers.

        The company was larger than ever seen before, and there was much sleeping on floors and other similar humble couches. All the reports are emphatic in praising the sobriety and orderly behavior of students, as well as visitors. The President was treated with extraordinary respect, and his demeanor, as well as speeches, were eminently worthy of the chief magistrate of our great country.

        The hospitality of the housekeepers among the Faculty was strained to the utmost. It was common to have long tables filled three times every meal. The hotels and boarding bouses of course had many times more, but gave general satisfaction.

        All the old carriages of whatever name, shape or age were brought out, drawn by improvised matches of horses and mules, for transporting the visitors, estimated at twenty-five hundred at least, from and to Durham. In addition many a springless wagon was turned into a passenger coach. The reporter of the Raleigh Standard, probably John Spelman, stated that he and "twenty-one others were conveyed to Durham


Page 705

in a machine (for we can give it no other name) at the rate of about two miles an hour, paying $2 per head, $44.00 for one load for twelve miles."

        With the exception of the criticism as to the treatment of the press reporters, which was a mere oversight, the Chief Marshal, Thomas W. Davis, and assistants, Vernon H. Vaughan, Charles Bruce, Sydenham B. Alexander, and Wm. T. Nicholson, won laurels by the firm and respectful discharge of their duties. Those who frequented the dance gave similar praise to Mr. Pierce M. Butler, Chief Ball Manager, and his assistants, W. A. Cherry, J. W. Mebane, J. R. Bowie and Horace Ferrand.

        For the first time a military company, the Wilmington Light Infantry, attended our Commencement. Of course it was in honor of the President. They were under the command of Captain Edwin D. Hall, and were in good discipline, and added much to the ceremonies. They were encamped in the Northeast part of the campus, and entertained, and were entertained by, their friends freely. Indeed many a homeless visitor found a sleeping place in their tents.

        It was universally admitted that the President was received with enthusiastic respect, which was greatly appreciated. His graceful courtesy, wise words and bearing, indicative of a great man, commanded the admiration of all. Secretary Thompson too "won troops of friends."

        The correspondent of the Standard attended the ball given Thursday night in honor of the Senior Class, and gives his testimony that it was very splendid. He indulged in a gorgeous metaphor, making it superior to the noon-day sun. The teacher of dancing, Mr. Frensley, had tastefully decorated the rooms and artistically marked out the floor for five sets of quadrilles.

        The President was unable to attend the ball, alleging weariness, but some wondered if his Presbyterian principles inclined him to stay away. The correspondent of the New York Herald gave it very brilliant praise. He wrote, "to the extent of the number that composed it, I might say that so grand a display of fashion and beauty I never beheld. The costly array of dress and glittering trinkets there exhibited vastly surpassed


Page 706

any idea which I had hitherto conceived of the taste of the people of North Carolina." At 12 o'clock there was a magnificent supper, after which dancing was kept up until a late, or rather an early, hour.

        The correspondent gave favorable reports of all he heard and saw except that there were no facilities provided for the representatives of the press, not only no transportation to and from the railroad, no accommodations for eating and sleeping, but no reserved seats or tables. He charitably forgives these shortcomings because the committees were too much absorbed by attentions to their distinguished guest. The press did the occasion full honor. There were reporters not only from New York, but Columbia, S. C., Richmond, Va., Petersburg, Va., as well as many North Carolina towns. There was entire unanimity of praise, except that an admirer of Colonel MacRae complained that the schedule was not changed to allow the President to hear his address.

        Of the bright youths who matriculated in 1859, twenty-six lost their lives in the great war: Archibald H. Arrington, Private; W. Lewis Battle, Lieutenant; Elias Bunn, Lieutenant; Edward J. Chilton, Private; Leonard A. Henderson, Captain; John M. Kelly, Major; Neill R. Kelly, Lieutenant; Nathaniel A. Ogilby, Private; George M. Quarles, Private; Felix Tankersly, Lieutenant; William B. Whitfield, Private; William L. Yager, Private; Leonard W. Bartlett, Captain; Edward F. Bass, Corporal; James D. Blanchard, Private; John Garlington, Private; Wm. M. Gunnels, Lieutenant; J. J. D. Hodges, Private; Thomas P. Hodges, Captain; Benjamin R. Holt, Lieutenant; Lewis Maverick, Major; Richard A. Morrow, Private; Walter H. Montague; Alfred G. Thompson, Private; James N. Ware, Private; William H. Ware, Private.

        It was during this year that the Trustees made a disastrous mistake in financial policy. The University, as heretofore stated, owned 1,000 shares ($100,000) in the Bank of the State of North Carolina. When the charter of the bank expired the Trustees subscribed, and paid for with the proceeds, a like number of shares in the new Bank of North Carolina. The General Assembly authorized the University to subscribe for another thousand shares. These could not be paid for at


Page 707

once, but it was thought by some that the debt necessary to be incurred could be liquidated partly out of money loaned individuals, and the residue from savings out of annual receipts. By a bare majority the subscription was made. Only $10,000 was ever paid on the principal of the debt, and at the end of the war the $90,000 debt remained, and the 2,000 shares were worthless. The result will be in my second volume explained. Those who voted for this disastrous measure were Daniel M. Barringer, John H. Bryan, William W. Holden, Bartholomew F. Moore and David L. Swain; those in the negative Thomas Bragg, Daniel W. Courts, Charles L. Hinton and Charles Manly. Governor Ellis, who presided, by voting with the negative, might have killed the proposition. It is noticeable that the two men who had the widest reputation for financial prudence were with the majority, namely, Messrs. Moore and Swain. Certainly, however, they must not be criticized for not having known in 1859, a year before Lincoln was elected, that the great Civil War would begin two years afterwards. It shows the absorbing nature of the struggle that after the clash of arms was heard, it did not occur to the very able Trustees that it was best to sell the second thousand shares and pay the debt. Some say that this step would have made the University unpopular as implying a distrust of the success of the Confederacy, that such was the hot feeling, that distrust expressed by a word or act was regarded as akin to treason. Still it seems reasonable that a sale could have been effected so privately as not to arouse the suspicions of the fire-eating element. Probably the unbalancing general excitement caused this question of policy to be overlooked.

        The changes of the Faculty in 1860 were: Andrew D. Hepburn, Professor of Metaphysics, Logic and Rhetoric, in place of John T. Wheat, resigned; E. Graham Morrow, Tutor of Mathematics, in place of John W. Graham, transferred to Latin; Frederick A. Fetter, Tutor of the Latin Language, vice Wm. C. Dowd, resigned.

        At the Commencement of 1860 there was a ripple of excitement on account of the Senior Class having invited the Roman Catholic Archbishop Hughes to deliver the Baccalaureate sermon, and his having accepted the invitation. Extreme Protestants,


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especially those who disliked the University, were offended, and freely criticised the appointment. One newspaper apologetically explained that no one was responsible but a few of the members of the Senior Class; that so many were absent at the election that only a majority of a bare quorum extended the call. However this may be, neither the Class nor the University was injured by the selection. The Archbishop conducted himself with singular tact, and preached a sermon of rare excellence. He stood without table or desk before him, and spoke without notes for an hour and three quarters. There was nothing peculiar to Romanism in sermon or services. "The young lady whose protestantism kept her from the sermon, and piety did not keep her from the ball," was in no danger of perversion, nor was any student or Faculty man, nor any of the audience in danger.

        The Archbishop was attended by Bishop Lynch and Father McNeery. He introduced no gorgeous ceremonies. He wore his cassock, a doctor's hood, a massive gold cross and a diamond ring, said to have been given him by the Pope, and to have the value of $150,000, which might probably be called a Protestant exaggeration. The band played a piece of sacred music. Bishop Lynch read a collect. The Archbishop preached his sermon. Bishop Lynch then read another collect, which was followed by more sacred music from the band, and then the Archbishop, with Bishop Lynch and Father McNeery, retired.

        The words of the preacher were singularly wise, and won the admiration of all, even those most opposed to his ecclesiastical tenets. They were on Love to God because of his infinite power and goodness, and Love to Man as His creature and formed in His image. He enforced this theme with cogent reasoning and striking metaphors. Before closing, he advised against reading works by infidels, because they know not the God of the Scriptures, and therefore their writings prevent the soul from loving God as He has revealed Himself. Loving not God, one cannot love his neighbors aright. The discourse teemed with noble and holy thoughts, and held the attention of the audience throughout.

        It is handed down that the Archbishop consulted the proper authority on the propriety of his choosing for his sermon an


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exposition of the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church, but was advised against this, as likely to be offensive to many of the congregation. It was inevitable that there should be supersensitiveness on both sides, Protestant and Roman Catholic. A correspondent of the Hillsboro Recorder, supposed to be Judge Manly, in acrid words, charged discourtesy. He said the whole affair, the reception and treatment of Archbishop Hughes at the University, was a stain upon the President and the Faculty, and a blot upon the fair fame of the State. This was strongly denied, and it was shown that more courtesy had been shown him than had been accorded to other Baccalaureate preachers. He was entertained in excellent style by Rev. Dr. Hubbard.

        The Freshmen declaimers were, Julius C. Mitchell, of Alabama; Richard H. Smith, of Scotland Neck; Wesley Lewis Battle, of Chapel Hill; William H. Reeves, of Tennessee; G. Lawrence Washington, of Kinston; Marandy R. Willeford, of Texas; John T. Harris, of Franklin County; Robert D. Graham, of Hillsboro; William J. White, Warrenton; John H. McGilvary, Fayetteville; Norman L. Shaw, Harrellsville.

        The newspaper critic pronounced the speaking the best from Freshmen for years. Willeford and Harris seemed to be the favorites with the audience.

        The Sophomore competitors on Wednesday night were: William W. Jones, Henderson; Aurelius C. Jones, Texas; John H. Bass, Georgia; William Biggs, Williamston; S. Jay Andrews, Greensboro; John W. Hinsdale, Fayetteville; Henry C. Wall, Richmond County; Reuell A. Stancill, Mississippi; James H. Polk, Tennessee; Thomas G. Skinner, Perquimans County; Thomas W. Taylor, Granville County; William M. Fetter, Chapel Hill.

        The exhibition was not considered equal to that of the Freshmen Class. A. C. Jones, Andrews, Wall and Fetter were especially noticed by the correspondent.

        The Annual Address before the Literary Societies was by John Pool, Esq., of the Class of 1847, of the Philanthropic Society, then candidate for Governor on the nomination of the Constitutional-Union Party, which was the heir of the old Whig party. He was after the war a Republican United States Senator. His discourse was an able and earnest effort to inculcate


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the duty of patient study and diligent reading of the best authors, as essential to correct thinking and success in this world's pursuits.

        The following programme shows the themes of the Graduating Class. It seems strange that not one shows that the speaker's brain was filled with Secession and War:

        Latin Salutatory, Iowa M. Royster, Raleigh.

        "Where Eloquence Flourishes Liberty Must Dwell," Junius C. Battle, Chapel Hill.

        "Moral Courage," James Kelly, Moore County.

        "Man Worship," Erasmus Decatur Scales, Rockingham County.

        "The Origin of Love--a Poem," Samuel P. Weir, Greensboro.

        "Literary Vanity," Wm. John King, Louisburg.

        "The Sentiment of Honor," Wm. Joseph Headen, Chatham County.

        "Emulation--Its Office in the Work of Education," Thomas W. Cooper, Bertie County.

        "The Alleged Democracy of the Age," George P. Bryan, Raleigh.

        "The Social Duties of Man," Wm. M. Brooks, Chatham County.

        "The Study of Men," Hugh Strong, South Carolina.

        "Common Sense," Lewis Bond, Tennessee.

        "Extemporaneous Speaking," Charles C. Pool, Elizabeth City.

        "Industry and Civilization," George L. Wilson, Newbern.

        "Influence of Speculative Minds," Wm. A. Wooster, Wilmington.

        The Valedictory, Edward J. Hale, Fayetteville.

        Those especially noticed by the critic were: Royster, who spoke Latin so clearly and with such propriety of emphasis that people thought they understood his meaning; Hale, who won applause by the metaphor with which he began, that he and his classmates were like a river flowing in its banks before the waters spread abroad over the wide ocean before them, and was listened to admiringly throughout. All the others secured the attention of a crowded house.


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        The report of the Faculty was then read, showing the best scholars of the graduates, Junius C. Battle, George P. Bryan, Edward J. Hale, Charles C. Pool, Iowa M. Royster, Hugh Strong, George L. Wilson and William A. Wooster.

        The second honor men were: Lewis Bond, William M. Brooks, Thomas W. Cooper, William J. Headen, James Kelly, William J. King, Erasmus D. Scales, and Samuel P. Weir.

        In the third rank were William W. Baird, William H. Borden, Charles Bruce, Samuel V. Daniel, John D. Fain, James A. Fogle, James A. Graham, Edward J. Hardin, Eugene S. Martin, Tims Rial, John H. Thorp.

        Two members of the class were reported as never having been absent from any of the 4,500 duties during their four years course, Junius C. Battle and James Kelly. One of the Trustees in attendance, Hon. John H. Bryan, was present at the graduation of the seventh of his sons, four of whom were among the best scholars of their respective classes, and one the best of all.

        There were eighty Bachelor of Arts, and five who obtained the degree of Bachelor of Science (B.S.), viz.: J. L. Douglas, R. L. Heiley, J. A. Prudhomme, G. C. Smith, and S. K. Watkins. Messrs. Alexander Kirkland and Sidney Smith, who were providentially prevented from graduating with their class last year, were now allowed to take their degrees.

        Of the first honor graduates, Battle was a teacher, a corporal, and was mortally wounded at South Mountain, 1862; Bryan was a Tutor in University of North Carolina, destined for the ministry, Captain, killed at Charles City Road, 1864; Hale was a Major, Consul at Manchester, and is an editor; Pool was a member of the Convention of 1868 and Judge of the Superior Court; Royster was a Tutor of University of North Carolina, a Lieutenant, mortally wounded at Gettysburg; Strong was a Confederate soldier, a Presbyterian minister and Principal of a Female School in Walhalla, S. C.; Wilson was a Confederate soldier, and died early; Wooster was Captain, killed in battle. It thus appears that four of the first honor men were killed.

        Of those of the second rank Bond was a Captain, a lawyer, and Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives.


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        Of those who obtained no honors, Sydenham B. Alexander has been often Senator from Meckenburg, President of the Farmers' Alliance, Captain, and Representative in Congress.

        Of those matriculating, but not graduating, William Alexander Graham was Assistant Adjutant-General, a manufacturer, State Senator, and is author of Life of General Joseph Graham; Robert N. Ogden was a Lieutenant-Colonel and Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives.

        The following is the list of "Confederate Dead," matriculates of 1860: Joseph H. Adams, Sergeant; Edward R. Atkinson, Private; Seaborn W. Chisholm, Private; George M. Clark, Major; Joseph B. Coggin, Lieutenant; Virginius Copeland, Lieutenant; Reuben R. DeJarnette, Private; Richard M. Footman, Private; William P. Gill, Lieutenant; DeWitt Clinton Buck, Jr., Private; Montraville D. Clegg, Lieutenant; William T. Hargrove, Adolph Lastrapes, Private; Joseph A. McDermott, Captain; Samuel Wiley Gray, Captain; John H. Green, Sergeant; Neverson C. Maner, Private; Clarence D. Martin, Sergeant; William R. McKethan, Private; William H. H. Mills, Private; Edward A. T. Nicholson, Captain; Jesse H. Person, Lieutenant; Seth B. Speight, Private; Charles Vines, Jr., Lieutenant; Randolph Mitchell, Private; Wm. J. Rhodes, Private.

        This was the last recorded meeting of the Alumni Association for twelve years. It was presided over by the First Vice-President in Gerrard Hall. Fifteen were ascertained to be present, who marched to the Library to hold their business meeting. The Executive Committee reported that they had not succeeded in procuring an orator, and that there was no regular business on hand. A proposition was made that the members of the Senior Class about to graduate might be eligible to membership. After much earnest discussion it was tabled. A small balance due the Treasurer was contributed by the members present. The following officers for the ensuing year were chosen:

        Bartholomew F. Moore (1820), President.

        The Vice-Presidents were: Richard H. Smith (1832), George F. Davidson (1823), John Pool (1847), Ralph H. Graves (1836), James H. Horner (1844), Thomas B. Hill (1832). Davidson was afterwards our "oldest graduate."


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        The Executive Committee were: William H. Battle (1818), Samuel P. Phillips (1841), Richard J. Ashe (1842).

        The Treasurer was Solomon Pool (1853).

        The Secretary was Charles Phillips (1841).

        The Association adjourned to meet at the Commencement of 1861, but "Ate had cried havoc and let slip the dogs of War." None showed greater alacrity in volunteering for the war or submitting to greater sacrifices or behaved with more gallantry than the Faculty and Alumni of the University.

        It was during this year that the Executive Committee recorded their opinion of hazing in the following resolution: "The ridicule and petty annoyances practiced by certain students upon new members of the College, who upon their first admission need sympathy and kindness of their fellows, is a cruel and contemptible practice, wholly below the dignity and gentle bearing of the students of our University, and ought to be put down peremptorily by the Faculty."

        This was the last Commencement which was not marred by the groundswell of the coming war. Hereafter the vacancies in the ranks of the several classes will be typical of the vacancies in regiments swept by shell and ball.

        The Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church took action in the matter of attendance on Sunday services. At the Convention held in Charlotte in May, 1860, Rev. Edwin M. Forbes and Richard S. Mason, on the part of the clergy, and Messrs. Josiah Collins, T. George Walton and A. J. DeRossett, of the laity, reported a memorial, which was unanimously approved and forwarded to the Board of Trustees. The substance is that the law of the University requiring students, not communicants, to attend religious service in the Chapel, even although parents and guardians request permission to attend service in some other church, is now injurious and wrong: 1st, it interferes with the conscience, because the student is deprived of the worship to which the parent and perhaps the student is conscientiously attached; 2nd, it is against the Constitution of North Carolina and of the United States, guarantying the right to worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences. The Convention disclaimed any censure of the Trustees for having passed the law, when the


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Chapel services were all, or nearly all, that were accessible, but that condition no longer exists. They asked nothing especially for the Episcopal Church, but that the same privileges should be extended to all, namely, that a student of full age can attend the services in which he has been educated, and if under age, wherever requested by his parent or guardian.

        The memorial, which was very respectful in tone, together with an ordinance offered by John H. Bryan, were laid on the table at the June meeting to be taken up at the next annual meeting in December.

        At that meeting, at the instance of Judge W. H. Battle, the subject was considered, and, after much discussion, on the motion of Judge R. M. Saunders, referred to Judge M. E. Manly, Judge Battle and P. H. Winston (of Anson) to report such a scheme of ordinances and regulations as were indicated as the sense of the present meeting.

        On December 18th, 1860, Judge Manly reported in substance the following scheme, which was adopted. The preamble expresses the desire of the Board to free the institution from just charges of putting constraint on the conscience of any student.

        The President may grant a dispensation from attending any public worship on the Lord's or other day,

        1. Where the parent or guardian resides in Chapel Hill and desires his son or ward to worship with his family;

        2. Where the student is a communicant with some denomination having worship in the village different from that of the officiating Chaplain;

        3. When a student is a member of a religious denomination or Church, and declares in writing that he has scruples against attending Chapel worship;

        4. Where the parent or guardian declares in writing that he has scruples of conscience against his son or ward attending Chapel worship, and indicates what denomination he prefers him to unite with.

        The attendance on Chapel worship elsewhere is compulsory, but if the student has scruples against attending anywhere he must remain in his room in a quiet and orderly manner.

        The Faculty were authorized to enforce the ordinances.


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        The President could give occasional permission to attend elsewhere than in the Chapel for any reason satisfactory to himself.

        The Board declared its conviction that a seasonable, reverential and habitual attendance on prayers and public worship is an important aid to intellectual and moral training of youth, and in the maintenance of order, and therefore ordain that all students not exempted shall attend public worship on the Lord's Day. All without exception shall attend morning and evening prayers, except those temporarily excused by the President, or permanently excused by a vote of the Board of Trustees.

        It will be noticed that the regulations providing for the cases of such as objected to attending any Protestant worship, was doubtless suggested by Judge Manly, who was a Roman Catholic. Jews were cared for by the same provision. The Faculty were puzzled in regard to ascertaining absences from services in the village. The plan of asking students on Monday morning whether they had been "to Church" the day before was adopted. Tradition says that some, who answered in the affirmative, did not deem it their duty to report the length of their stay. The regulations thus adopted continued in force until the doors were closed in 1868. The agitation and settlement are analagous to the long continued struggle between the Church of England and the Non-Conformists over the religious services in English schools.

        President Swain, as might have been expected of his kindliness of heart, was quite liberal in allowing attendance on the village churches for special reasons. For example, all the students had permission to absent themselves from the Chapel in order to hear a sermon preached by Bishop Atkinson in the Episcopal Church.

        The Faculty sought loyally to carry out the instructions of the Trustees. To ensure orderly deportment the students attending Chapel were required to sit in classes, the pews assigned to each class being changed whenever the increase in numbers required. The postures agreed on at first was sitting when the Bible was being read and sermon preached, standing at prayers and singing. In 1856 the postures customary in the Church to which the officiating minister belonged were


Page 716

ordered to be observed, with the exception that sitting and leaning forward should be substituted for kneeling, because the arrangement of the seats made kneeling difficult.

        After the adoption of this ordinance there were numerous summonings before the Faculty for breaches thereof, the most numerous being for changing seats, contrary to rule.

        The Sunday services in Gerrard Hall were not popular, although after about 1855 there was a student choir, whose members had the sole right to sit in the gallery. I find four students, whose religious fervor could not be detected in daily life, petitioning to be absent from the Chapel in order to join the choir of the Episcopal Church. They were refused.

        To ensure proper inspection of the attitudes of the worshippers, the President and three preachers, Professors Mitchell, Phillips and Wheat, occupied the rostrum; Professors Kimberly and C. Phillips, assisted by Tutors Pool, Lucas, Spruill and Coleman, were seated in the center of the building between the Seniors and Sophomores and between the Juniors and Freshmen, and Professors Fetter, Hubbard and Shipp, assisted by Tutors R. H. Battle and Jackson, were stationed in the rear behind the Seniors and Juniors.

        With all this "cloud of witnesses encompassing them around," with thirty vigilant eyes flashing on every movement, it was thought that propriety of demeanor was secured, however much at the expense of religious fervor of students and of the professorial detective force. The frequent summonings before the Faculty for breaches of the rules show that the watchers were vigilant, the bad behavior detected but not prevented.

        As late as February, 1868, the Faculty voted, eleven to one, that all religious denominations should be represented in the clerical services of the Chapel on the Sabbath; and, secondly, that all students should be required to attend unless excused by the Faculty on conscientious scruples. The Trustees, however, did not change their ordinances on the subject. The action of the Faculty was doubtless in consequence of the paucity of numbers then on the roll of the institution.

        There are not now two opinions on the subject of the effect of compulsory attendance on religious exercises. There were


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no student organizations in the old days analagous to our Young Mens' Christian Association. There were no student classes for the study of the Bible. There was almost no teaching by students in the Sunday Schools of the town and country as we now have. There were few members of the Church. Treating divine worship as a college duty for breach of which the usual punishments were inflicted, had the result of making such worship a college regulation only, to be complied with or avoided as the temperament of the student dictated. This system was in truth pro tanto a union of Church and State, and was attended with the coldheartedness and formality, evasions and secret hostility, which history shows have been the results of such unions in all ages.

        In September, 1860, the Faculty issued a ringing circular to the public. They declared that they, as well as the Trustees, were more anxious to elevate the standard of scholarship and morals than to gather numbers. They were therefore gradually increasing the rigor of examinations for admission and for advancement from class to class. They asked the co-operation of parents and guardians.

        It was stated that half of the States and over thirty colleges, North and South, were represented in the student body. This University favorably compares with those of other institutions, and at no period in its history did we have a superior Faculty, or were the students more eager to avail themselves of the educational advantages offered.

        Parents and guardians were earnestly requested to be chary of granting permission to students to be absent from the institution. Permission extended to one produces a desire to his associates to accompany him. "The contagion spreads rapidly, and the concurrence of a concert, a circus, a political meeting, or the State Fair, begets a spirit of restlessness for days before and afterwards, altogether unfavorable to the quiet and diligent performance of duty." The loss of time and money is considerable, and other serious evils occur. The rule of the Faculty requires that no one shall be allowed to attend the State Fair unless the parent or guardian asks for it and himself is to be present.


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        During the year the belfry on the South Building was built according to the plans and supervision of Thomas H. Coates, architect. Since the reopening of the institution in 1875, it has been strengthened and bears well the daily and nightly clanging of the melodious bell. When it was the fashion to pursue unlawful and nocturnal ringers, there was wild scampering when warning was given that professors were ascending the stairs. Some slid down a rope through a trap door previously cut, others hid in perilous places on the roof, and one more daring, David Vance, climbed down the lightning rod. Few were ever caught. The bell-rope then reached down no further than the attic, now it descends through a tube to the first floor. Any one can pull it who wishes, but it is seldom interfered with without authority.

        The number of students in the Fall of 1860 was 376, a falling off of 54 from the preceding year. There were from North Carolina 221, a falling off of 24. Of those from other States, Mississippi sent 26, Tennessee 26, Louisiana 22, Alabama 19, Georgia 17, South Carolina 15, Texas 10, Florida 5, Virginia 4, Arkansas 3, Missouri and New Mexico 2 each, California, Iowa, Kentucky and Ohio 1 each, a total of 155 as against 185 the previous year, a falling off of 30.

        Rev. Dr. Albert M. Shipp left the University in this year. He was afterwards much honored by his Church. He was President of Greensboro Female College, President of Wofford College in South Carolina, and Dean of the Theological Department of Vanderbilt University. This last position he resigned because of differences with Bishop McTyeire, and published a pamphlet giving his side of the question. He was a preacher of power and eloquence, but was hindered from greatest success by throat disease.

        Rev. Dr. Wheat also resigned his chair of Rhetoric and Logic and became Rector of Christ Church, Little Rock, Arkansas. Having two sons in the Confederate army, Robateau, Colonel of the Louisiana Tigers, killed at Gaines' Mill, and John Thomas, killed at Shiloh, his sympathies were so strong that he accepted a Chaplaincy in the army, and held it during 1862. He then continued in charge of a church in Little Rock until 1867, when he became Rector of the Monumental Church


Page 719

in Memphis, resigning in 1873. At the farewell service the preacher, Rev. Dr. Carmichael, feelingly stated that his leaving the bar and entering the ministry was caused by an eloquent sermon of Dr. Wheat's.

        Dr. Wheat had the high honor of being six times a Delegate to the General Convention. He received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from the University of Nashville, Tennessee. He was author of a book entitled, "Preparation for the Holy Communion." He and his wife Selina Blair (Patten) Wheat in 1875 celebrated their Golden Wedding, on which occasion he wrote a poem on his pre-nuptial life, describing scenes in his natal Washington City. In the next year and afterwards he planted churches in Berkeley, California, in Lewisburg, West Virginia, and Concord, North Carolina. After nealy sixty years of labor as a minister, he died February 2nd, 1886, in his 86th year.

        In 1861 George P. Bryan was Tutor of Latin, in place of John W. Graham, resigned; George B. Johnston, Tutor of Greek, vice Samuel S. Jackson, resigned, and Iowa M. Royster, Tutor of Rhetoric and Elocution. Solomon Pool was raised from a Tutorship to being Adjunct Professor of Pure Mathematics. Morrow resigned his Tutorship. Rev. Albert M. Shipp resigned the professorship of History, and the vacancy was not filled.

        The State authorities found that the increased business required by the war made it necessary to make available all the space in the Capitol. They therefore donated to the University the collections, made by State Geologist Ebenezer Emmons, of rocks and minerals stored in one of its rooms. Probably the most valuable part of the collection was disposed of by his son to Williams College for $6,000, including the famous fossil, dromotherium, the earliest mammal in the primeval world. Professor Martin spent two weeks in classifying the specimens and superintending the shipments to Chapel Hill.

        As each State passed an ordinance of Secession, its citizens at the University hurried home fired with zeal to take up arms, never doubting that their cause was just. Of those who remained until the firing on Fort Sumter, all were in a ferment. On April 27th the Juniors, Sophomores and Freshmen petitioned


Page 720

the Trustees for a total suspension of exercises until the Fall term. They stated that the Seniors did not sign the petition because they intended not to return to Commencement at the end of their Senior vacation to receive their diplomas in person. It was urged that it was impossible on account of excitement to attend to duty. If the Trustees should object that the war would end in two or three months, the reply was that nothing would be lost, because the students could not study at present, and they would return strengthened in body for more arduous labor; but if hostilities should longer continue, and if they should remain at the University, they would leap at once from ease and inactivity into the hardships of war.

        Moreover they had ascertained that at the end of the term there would be only about seventy-five students in all the classes. Eight or ten were leaving every day, and very many were waiting for remittances from home to enable them to do likewise. They sincerely hoped that the Trustees "will see the necessity of every arm being wielded in the coming contest and every son's participating in defense of our homes and firesides." The petition met with no success.

        The Committee were H. H. Price, of New Orleans; Robert B. Peebles, of Northampton County, and Willoughby F. Avery, of Morganton. All in due time entered the army.

        So far from granting the petition, President Swain promptly issued a circular especially to the patrons of the institution. It began by conceding that the affairs of our country called for our best services, in the tented field, if necessary. The Faculty have no wish to quench patriotic ardor, or to withhold from service, at the proper time, any one capable of performing the duties of a soldier, but beg leave to intimate the propriety of restraining the young and inexperienced from rushing prematurely into the army.

        Many young men, he said, had left with the consent of parents and Faculty; others without permission, who, it is hoped, will return and stand the May examinations.

        It was emphatically announced that the University exercises would go on as heretofore. No reasonable pains would be spared to render the approaching Commencement successful. The Seniors, except where specially exempted, are expected to be in attendance.


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        Notwithstanding these brave words, over the Commencement of 1861 there was a general gloom. Large numbers of the students, Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores, Freshmen, had enlisted in the army, and most of those remaining were preparing to go. Some of the Faculty were getting ready to follow. General Thomas L. Clingman had agreed to deliver the address before the two Societies, but was detained by unavoidable military duty. There were no Historical or Alumni addresses. But President Swain had determined that the exercises of the University should not be suspended by war or preparations for war.

        The preacher of the sermon to the Graduating Class was one of the most eminent Southern divines, Rev. Dr. John A. Broadus, of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary at Louisville. His text was: "Have any of the Rulers of the Pharisees believed on Him." The object was to account for the fact that so many great men in Science and Philosophy deny the Christ. The chief reason was to be found in the self-denial required in the true disciple of Christ. The predominance of Faith by which a Christian walks, over sight, by which Rulers and Pharisees walk, was most clearly and attractively set forth as the truest adornment of the manly character, a strong support in the trials of life and the best preparation for the Future.

        Professor Charles Phillips, who furnished this abstract to the press, praised most highly the manner of delivery as well as the excellence of the sermon.

        Dr. Broadus occupied Wednesday morning. At night the Sophomore Declaimers came on. They were John T. Harris, of Franklin County; Olin Welborn, of Georgia; Robert B. Peebles, of Northampton; Joseph A. McDermot, Tennessee; G. Lawrence Washington, of Kinston; Gabriel Johnston, of Edenton. The speaking of Harris was particularly praised. There were no Freshmen Declaimers. Of the Sophomores, Wellborn rose to be a Colonel C. S. A., a Representative in Congress from Texas, and United States District Judge in California; Peebles and Johnston are mentioned hereafter; McDermott was a Captain C. S. A., and was killed at Vicksburg.


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Not one of these Declaimers continued his course to the close of his Senior year.

        On Thursday the Seniors delivered their original speeches. Those were:

        "The Greek Oration--the Ancient Greek," Cornelius Furman Dowd, Wake County.

        "The Study of Man," Nicholas L. Williams, Yadkin County.

        "Agriculture," Guilford Nicholson, Halifax County.

        "The Festal Hour," N. Partee Foard, Concord.

        "Knowledge of Character, a Prerequisite to the Enlightenment of Society," Rufus L. Coffin, Mississippi.

        "The Study of Geology," Thomas B. Davidson, Louisiana.

        "The Neglect of Moral Science," John W. Halliburton, Mississippi.

        "The Golden Mean," Robert T. Murphy, Sampson County.

        "The Political Reformer," William Van Wyck, South Carolina.

        "Thomas Paine," James M. Hobson, Davie County.

        "Spanish Oration, Castellano el Hermoso Language," James Turner Morehead, Greensboro.

        The Valedictory, Thomas T. Allen, Windsor.

        It will be noticed that the Latin Salutatory, which had been on the programme for many years, was omitted. The Salutatorian, Charles M. Stedman, was with his regiment at Yorktown. There is a striking absence of allusions to the war in those speeches.

        In the fervor of patriotism the Faculty agreed, with the consent of the Trustees gladly given, to grant diplomas to all members of the Senior Class, although many had joined the army and did not stand their examinations. Only thirty out of the eighty-seven were present in person. Azariah Coburn Stewart, who was one of the best scholars of the class until the Senior year, then a member of the State Convention, was also allowed a degree.

        The first distinction was assigned to Thomas T. Allen, Robert S. Clark, J. Turner Morehead, Robert T. Murphy, David W. Simmons, Jr., Charles M. Stedman, E. Eldridge Wright.

        The second to James E. Butts, C. Furman Dowd, James M. Hobson, James S. Knight, Lewis Maverick, William Van Wyck.


Page 723

        The third to R. Lawrence Coffin, John D. Currie, Weldon E. Davis, John H. Dobbin, Franklin Garrett, John W. Halliburton, Thomas Haughton, John F. Lightfoot, James Marshall, Guilford Nicholson, James P. Parker, Oliver T. Parks, Jesse G. Ross.

        Of the best scholars Allen was a lawyer and died early; Clark, not traced; Morehead was Adjutant of a Cavalry Regiment, State Senator, member of Convention of 1865, Banker and Manufacturer; Murphy was a Lieutenant, Clerk and Master in Equity, died early; Simmons was a Lieutenant, killed in battle; Stedman was a Major, a lawyer, Lieutenant-Governor of North Carolina; Wright a Captain, killed at Murfreesboro; Hobson was a Lieutenant, in the Legislature of Alabama, Judge of the County Court. (1)

        (1) Mr. Hobson was the father of Richmond Pearson Hobson, distinguished in the Spanish war.


        Of those not receiving honors, Spier Whitaker was Adjutant, Chairman of the State Democratic Committee, Judge of the Superior Court; Stewart died while a member of the Convention of 1861.

        Of the matriculates not graduating with the class, John R. Ely was Adjutant-General; James C. Luttrell, Captain and Mayor of Knoxville; Joseph M. Morehead Lieutenant, Clerk and Master, and President of the Guilford Battle Ground Association.

        The following matriculates lost their lives in the war: Joseph H. Branch, Private; Theophilus H. Holmes, Lieutenant; Robert C. McRee, Sergeant-Major; Napoleon B. Owens, Private; Edward L. Richardson, Private; Nathan J. Snead, Private; Alva C. Hartsfield; Henry C. Miller, Private.

        The degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred on Abraham Caruthers and Nathan Green, of Tennessee.

        Professor William J. Martin on the 21st of September, 1861, asked for and obtained leave of absence, at first for twelve months, renewed for the war at the end of that time. At first he was Captain of the 28th North Carolina Infantry. He was afterwards promoted to be Lieutenant-Colonel of the 11th.

        July 31, 1861, the Faculty became alarmed at the report widely spread that on account of the war the exercises of


Page 724

the University had been suspended. They hastened to issue a circular stating that since 1795 there had been no suspension and would not be in the future. The troubled state of the country and paralysis of all kinds of business very much diminished the number of students. Much satisfaction was expressed that the diminution of numbers contributed much to the public good. Students, who were with them at the opening of the year, were to be found in arms under the banner of every State of the Confederacy, and there was probably no regiment in the service in which there was not one or more of our alumni or students enrolled. We were very fully represented at Bethel, and in fair proportion at Manassas. The instruction now given in Military Tactics renders our present students likely to be as efficient as their elder brethren. This Department will be increased as needed.

        The decrease in numbers it was contended rendered the instruction more efficient. The two new edifices (the New East and the New West) containing forty dormitories, convenient Lecture Rooms, and Society Halls and Libraries, very neatly embellished and nicely furnished, are ready for occupancy. The patronage is not likely to be materially or permanently diminished.

        The Military Tactics mentioned was drilling after Upham's Manual. For some months Professor Martin was the Drill Master. The Tutor Frederick A. Fetter, who had a few months of service in the field, was appointed to this duty March 18, 1862, with the obligation to occupy a room in the South Building and be vigilant in preserving order. The regular studies were to go on as usual.

        Again in November the watchful President found it advisable to assure the Trustees, and through them, the public that he would not close the doors of the institution under his charge. A circular, expressed in the elegant style of Dr. Hubbard, was issued. The Faculty, considering the troubled condition of the country, requested the President to make known to the Trustees their purpose to remain at their posts and divide among them the labor of instruction and aid in whatever way they can the interests of the institution. In order to relieve as far as they could the cares of the Trustees


Page 725

touching pecuniary affairs, they expressed their willingness to accept such compensation for their services as the Trustees might judge best.

        In light of the subsequent progressive decrease in the value of Confederate and State currency, this offer was magnanimous. The Trustees took them at their word. The salary of the President was reduced to $2,000, those of the Professors to $1,500, the Assistant Professor (Pool) $1,100, with $100 additional for clerical duties, of the Librarian (Dr. Hubbard) $100, and the Bursar (Fetter) $500. President Swain, in a letter to the Executive Committee, stated that his salary had been from January 1st, 1836, to July 1st, 1855, $2,000 per annum; from July 1st, 1855, to January 1st, 1858, $2,200, and from January 1st, 1858, to January 1st, 1862, $2,500. He suggested a reduction of ten per cent.

        The Trustees were watchful to distribute labors properly among the diminishing corps of instructors. For example, it was graciously enacted that those who preached in the Chapel on Sunday mornings should be excused from teaching the classes in the Bible in the afternoons.

        President Swain was urged to provide that the University should not be behind the prevailing warlike spirit, but should supply the general demand for military education. Nothing was done but some instruction in the manual of arms and company evolutions.

        Various expedients were resorted to to obtain supplies necessary for man and beast. There has been preserved a calculation made in November, 1862, by Dr. Charles Phillips, showing how Mr. Andrew Mickle was sent by thirty heads of families into a neighborhood abounding in corn to make purchases for them. He bought 383 4-15 barrels, equal to 1,921 1-3 bushels, for $1,897.95. The freight on the railroad to Durham was $349.70; on wagons from Durham $327.51. His expenses were $172.35. Adding minor expenses, the cost of the corn at Chapel Hill was $2,460.61, or $6.75 per barrel. It was distributed in varying amounts from two barrels upward, according to demand. John H. Watson, who kept the livery stable, took ninety barrels, President Swain 33, Judge Battle 24, and so on. Cornbread was much used during the scarcity,


Page 726

and the thrifty housewives studied the art of making coffee out of parched sweet potatoes, grains of rye and other substitutes.

        At another time, probably two years later, some of the Faculty accepted the offer of a gentleman owning a farm in Wake, over twenty miles from Chapel Hill, to give them gratis all the peas they were willing to gather from the field. This leguminous addition to their bill of fare was highly appreciated.

        The Commencement of 1862 was naturally more gloomy than that of 1861. There were only five Trustees present, two of whom were from Chapel Hill, the others being ex-Governor Charles Manly, Secretary-Treasurer, of Wake; ex-Governor Graham, and Mr. Paul C. Cameron, the last two of Orange. There was only one father of a graduate, and not one mother, or sister, or cousin. The Graduating Class contained only twenty-four against ninety-nine in 1861, and 125 in 1859. There was present only one young lady, not then a resident in Chapel Hill. The audiences, because of the considerable number of "refugees" added to the normal population of the village, were however quite respectable. The number of students, which at the beginning of the term was 320, had shrunk to about 100. Besides Professor Martin, Lieutenant-Colonel, Tutor Johnston was a Captain and a prisoner of war. The other Tutors had enlisted or were about to enlist in the army.

        The Sermon before the Graduating Class was equal in excellence to any of its predecessors. The preacher was the Right Reverend Thomas Atkinson, Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in North Carolina. The text was, "Come, let us reason together." He invited all to reason, argue, meditate as to their future course. They should not seek after wealth or fame or pleasure. Heavenly wisdom was pressed as leading to happiness in this world and in the next. He made no gestures, but his enunciation was so clear and forcible, his emphasis so appropriate, his looks so sincere, and his thoughts so elevating, that his words penetrated to the heart. It was impossible not to listen and be affected.

        Hon. Wm. B. Rodman had been invited to deliver the Address before the two Societies, and agreed to do so. He was necessarily prevented, and Rev. Dr. Hubbard, Professor of


Page 727

Latin, ably filled his place. He gave an analysis of the motto of the Society he represented, the Philanthropic (Love of Virtue, Liberty and Science), and pressed the pursuit of the virtues indicated as the noblest course for all.

        The Freshmen Declaimers were William C. Prout, of Granville County; James A. Hodge, of Wake; John G. Young, of Charlotte; Joseph H. Branch, Florida; Alvin B. Howard, of Iredell County; Abner H. Askew, Bertie County; William H. Call, Mocksville; William F. Parker, Halifax County.

        The audience seemed to give the preference to Mr. Branch, and next to him Mr. Hodge.

        The Sophomore Declaimers were William A. Guthrie, Chapel Hill; Robert C. McRee, Wilmington; Augustus Van Wyck, of South Carolina; Carney J. Bryan, of Washington, N. C., and John M. Jordan, of Richmond County. Messrs Johnson and Van Wyck were much praised, but Mr. McRee's effort was particularly remarked for excellence. The rain poured in torrents, the lightning flashed, and the thunder terrifically rolled during the exercises of this and the preceding night.

        Of the Freshmen only Prout, Hodge and Askew, and of the Sophomores only Guthrie and Van Wyck, finished their course.

        There were ten speeches of the Seniors:

        The Latin Salutatory, by John A. Cameron, of Harnett County.

        Archibald McFadyen, Cumberland County.

        "The Vicissitudes of Life," Albert B. Gorrell, of Winston.

        "The Crisis and its Cause," Archibald A. McMillan, of Robeson County.

        "Departed Greatness," Thomas S. Armistead, of Plymouth.

        "The Die is Cast," Boaz W. Young, Wake County.

        "The Influence and Obligations of Professional Men," William W. Jones, of Henderson.

        "The True Statesman," Thomas J. Hadley, of Wilson.

        "The Triumphs of Machinery," John M. McIver, of Moore County.

        "The Vanity of Fame," John G. Rencher, Santa Fe.

        The Valedictory, James E. Moore, of Martin County.

        The speeches of Messrs. McFayden, Young, Hadley and McIver were generally pronounced the best.

        In the Senior Class the first honor was awarded to Mr.


Page 728

Frank M. Leigh, of Columbus, Mississippi, then with the army about Corinth.

        The second distinction was assigned to John A. Cameron, Ovide Dupré, of Louisiana; Edward A. Martin, Chapel Hill; James Edwin Moore and Boaz W. Young.

        The third distinction to Adolphus L. Fitzgerald Rockingham County; Archibald W. McFayden, of Cumberland County, and Archibald A. McMillan, Robeson County.

        Taking the honor men in order, Leigh was a Captain, and is a manufacturer and commission merchant; Cameron a Sergeant and a planter; Dupré a lawyer in New York, Assistant United States District Attorney; Martin a Regimental Adjutant, a teacher, and died early of consumption; Moore was a Lieutenant, a member of the Legislature and a leader of the bar; Young is a teacher, farmer, and Chairman of the Board of Education of Johnston County.

        Fitzgerald is Judge of the Supreme Court of Nevada; McFayden was a Lieutenant and a Presbyterian minister.

        Of those not graduating, Silvester Hassell was Principal of a Collegiate Institute and author of a history of the Primitive Baptist Church. He uniformly won first distinction, but was forced on account of the war to leave the University without graduating.

        Of those matriculating with the class, about six times as many as graduated, a long list may be seen in the Appendix. I note especially Thomas D. Johnson, of Tennessee, Surgeon, Staff Surgeon in the Egyptian army; Dossey Battle, Lieutenant, journalist, Judge of the Criminal Court; Thomas G. Skinner, Confederate soldier, a leader at the bar, Representative in Congress.

        Only four matriculates of the year 1862 were killed in battle: John H. Haughton, Private; Frederick Nash, Private; John W. Lawrence, Private; John R. Mason, Private.

        The degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred on Right Rev. Thomas Atkinson, Bishop, and Matthias Evans Manly, Judge of the Supreme Court of North Carolina.

        Ball managers were elected as usual. On their behalf R. D. Osborn wrote to the Trustees that it was doubtful if the usual ball could be had unless the Trustees would give $200 or $300.


Page 729

"Of course the "Seignors" will feel slighted, as this will be the first time the festival in their honor will be omitted." The Trustees felt too mournful to respond, and the ball was not held.

        There was trouble about the marshal, who should have been elected by the Seniors out of the Junior Class. Instead of that, the Seniors took offense at a supposed insult by the Juniors, and declined to be escorted into the Chapel by one of that class. They accordingly elected Mr. R. H. Lee, a Sophomore, and asked for his confirmation. The Trustees declined to depart from the rule, so that there were no marshals at this Commencement.

        There was no music. The ladies in Chapel Hill escorted themselves to decorate the Chapel. But the young men went through with their exercises with spirit, while the news was constantly coming in of gallant fighting or deaths or wounding of their late associates at the front. President Swain at the close of the exercises told of the student life of the brave, the accomplished, the admired and loved Pettigrew, the best scholar of the University, grievously wounded at Seven Pines.

        As usual, the grand Doxology was sung by all the audience.

        At the Commencement of 1863 the number of Trustees increased. There were Governor Vance and four ex-Governors, namely, Swain, Morehead, Graham and Manly. There were two Judges of the Supreme Court, Battle and Manly. The other Trustees were Hon. D. M. Barringer, and Messrs. P. C. Cameron, M. L. Wiggins, and K. P. Battle.

        The Sermon before the Graduating Class was preached on Wednesday night by Rev. Dr. W. H. McGuffey, Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy in the University of Virginia. It was from Proverbs, "The preparation of the heart in man and the answer of the tongue is from the Lord." He showed that every creature capable of development requires the preparation of an intelligence superior to itself. This proposition was enforced in a style of "rare lucidness, terseness and power. He had none of the unintelligibility proverbially attributed to teachers of metaphysical subjects."

        The Declamation on the part of the Freshman Class had seven competitors, Paul B. Means, of Cabarrus; John Burgwyn


Page 730

MacRae, of Fayetteville; Julian S. Carr, of Chapel Hill; Frank P. Redmond, of Tarboro; Joseph C. Mickle, of Chapel Hill; George W. Wallace, of Norfolk; Mark D. Stevenson, of Newbern. Messrs. Stevenson, Mickle and Wallace won most praise according to the reporter.

        The Sophomore competitors were Charles J. Austin, Tarboro; Abner H. Askew, of Hertford County; John S. Henderson, of Salisbury; Wm. M. Chalmers, of Halifax County, Va.; John T. Rankin, Wilmington; Henry A. London, Pittsboro; Robert D. Osborne, Charlotte; John R. D. Shepard, Raleigh. All these did well, but Mr. Osborne was thought to be the best.

        At the Commencement of 1866, when these Freshmen Declaimers should have received their diplomas, not one was present, though Means subsequently graduated. Of the Sophomores Austin, Askew, Henderson, London and Shepard were so fortunate as to obtain their degrees in 1865.

        President Swain, as Orator before the Literary Societies, gave a series of Geographical and Historical parallels between North Carolina and the world at large, and then with Great Britain and other countries. Col. John H. Wheeler followed with an Address before the Historical Society, showing scenes in North Carolina History well calculated to inspire the pen of the poet and pencil of the artist.

        The Marshals, William R. Kenan, and his assistants, William A. Guthrie, James T. Tate, Augustus Van Wyck, and J. Buxton Williams, Jr., were active, polite and graceful, and the visitors, notwithstanding the anxieties of war, expressed themselves as well pleased.

        The Seniors of 1863 numbered only eight. As they were so few, I name them here as well as in the Appendix:

  • Thomas M. Argo, Wetumpka, Ala.
  • Thomas T. Broyles, Anderson C. H., S. C.
  • Titus W. Carr, Pitt County.
  • John L. Carroll, Kenansville.
  • Edward Hines, Craven County.
  • Matthias M. Marshal, Pittsboro.
  • Wm. L. Quarles, Minden, La.
  • Warner M. Watkins, Milton.

Page 731

        It started Freshmen with eighty members. The Graduates were two less than the Trustees present.

        Argo was the best scholar, Quarles won the second distinction, and Hines and Watkins the third. Carroll, of Kenansville, joined the Senior Class, and was one of the best during that year.

        Of the honor men, Argo was a Lieutenant, Solicitor of the Fourth District of North Carolina, member of the Legislature, is a strong lawyer; Quarles died early, as did Hines; Watkins is a merchant; Carroll became a Doctor of Divinity in the Baptist Church, and died while pastor at Chapel Hill.

        Of those who gained no distinction, Broyles is a physician; Carr was a Lieutenant, a planter and merchant; Marshall is an Episcopal minister, President of the Diocesan Convention of his Church and a Delegate to the General Convention, Doctor of Divinity.

        Of other matriculates with the class, Kerr Craige was a Captain, member of the Legislature, Collector of Internal Revenue and Assistant Postmaster-General; Charles W. Broadfoot Colonel, leader at the bar, Trustee University of North Carolina; Thomas Badger, Sergeant, Mayor of Raleigh, Judge of the City Court; John W. Hinsdale, Colonel, very prominent lawyer; Gabriel Johnston, in the Confederate service, Doctor of Divinity in the Episcopal Church of Canada; James McKee, Lieutenant, physician, Superintendent of the Central Hospital for the Insane; Robert B. Peebles, Assistant Adjutant-General, member of the Legislature, Trustee of the University of North Carolina, Judge of the Superior Court.

        One matriculate during the year, John J. Philips, Private, was among the Confederate dead.

        In the Fall of 1863 a bonus of $500 was voted to each Professor on account of the depreciation of Confederate currency. This was not a munificent gift, as the depreciation was fifteen to one, and the bonus, measured in gold, was only $33, and a salary of $2,000 only $133. A year afterwards Indian corn was quoted at $25 per bushel, flour $150 per barrel, beef $2 per pound.

        The following statement shows more clearly the difficulties of salaried men in supplying their tables.


Page 732

        In the fall of 1862 bacon cost 33 cents a pound, in 1863 $1, in 1864 $5.50. In March, 1865, $7.50 per pound.

        At the same dates beef was 12 cents, 50 cents, $2.50 and $3 per pound.

        At the same dates Indian corn was $1.10, $5.50, $20 and $30 per bushel.

        At the same dates flour was $18, $35, $125 and $500 per barrel.

        At the same dates coffee was $2.50, none in market, $15 and $40 per pound.

        At the same dates sugar was 75 cents, $1.60, $12 and $30 per pound.

        The $500 bonus of 1863 therefore was only worth about 500 pounds of bacon, or 84 bushels of corn, or 14 barrels of flour. In truth it is a mystery that the professors lived without actual suffering, and, to their credit be it spoken, uncomplainingly, indeed, except when the tidings of disaster came in, even cheerfully.

        To follow in a small degree the depreciation of the currency, the charge for tuition was raised from $60 to $100.

        The conscription law of the Confederate States bore hard upon the University. It prevented young men from coming, and it carried off students already within its walls. President Swain was authorized in October, 1863, to request from President Davis the exemption of all liable until the end of the session, and in addition the exemption of all young men advanced in liberal studies. He was further instructed to open correspondence with other institutions of learning in order to secure co-operation in this regard.

        He addressed a carefully written letter to President Davis in support of this resolution. He stated that of the eight Seniors who received the first distinction in 1860, four were in the grave and the fifth a wounded prisoner. The Freshman Class of eighty pressed into service with such impetuosity that only one remained to graduate. Even he had entered the army and been discharged on account of ill health.

        The Faculty at that time numbered fourteen, of whom five volunteered. One had returned from a long imprisonment in Ohio with ruined constitution. (Johnston) A second was a wounded prisoner. A third fell at Gettysburg (Royster).


Page 733

        The nine remaining members of the Faculty with one exception, were clergymen, or laymen beyond the age of conscription. Their sons, if of military age, had volunteered. Five of them, so liable, were in active service. One was mortally wounded (J. C. Battle) at South Mountain, another (W. L. Battle) at Gettysburg.

        Besides, in the village of Chapel Hill, dependent on the University, fifteen had already been killed.

        The number of students was 63. The enforcement of the Conscript Act would carry off nine or ten young men. With diminution of our income, and a slender endowment, it was difficult to sustain the institution. The conscription of students would make no appreciable addition to the army--their withdrawal from the institution might very seriously affect our organization, and its ultimate effects close the doors of the oldest University now accessible.

        Orders were issued to grant the exemptions, President Davis saying that he would not grind up the seed corn. Col. Peter Mallett, the Commandant of Conscripts, expressed his gratification and pride in perusing President's Swain's Report, and stated that it would be filed in his office with pride as a North Carolinian, as a relic rather than as a public document.

        The necessities of the war did not allow the exemptions, however, to extend beyond the Senior and Junior classes, then in attendance, to whom the promise had been given. When this became known on March 5th, 1864, by direction of the Board, the Secretary-Treasurer, Manly, forwarded a petition to Secretary of War Seddon. It was stated that there were nine members of the Senior Class; two had enlisted, two had substitutes, two had seen hard service in the army, one was under eighteen, and one was permanently disabled.

        The Junior Class had fifteen members. Of these seven had substitutes, five have been killed in the army, two were under eighteen years of age, one had died. At the close of the Sophomore year the class had fifteen more members, all of whom were supposed to be in the army.

        The Sophomore Class at the end of their Freshman year had twenty-four members, of whom sixteen were supposed to be in the army. Of the nine remaining, three were exempt on


Page 734

account of physical disability. Of the remaining six, one had a substitute, an Englishman over conscript age; another was in delicate health.

        Of the twenty-seven members of the Freshman Class, twenty-four were under age. Of the remaining three one had a substitute, leaving two only who were legally and morally bound.

        It was thus seen that the conscription applied to the lower classes would have added very few to the army, while it might have closed the University, one of the oldest and largest in the Confederacy, and disband the able and venerable band of instructors in their declining years.

        To this request Mr. Seddon made the cold reply, "I cannot see in the grounds presented such peculiar or exceptional circumstances as will justify departure from the rule acted on in many similar instances. Youths under eighteen will be allowed to continue their studies; those over, capable of military service, will best discharge their duty, and find their highest training in defending their country in the field."

        Of course the students subject to conscription at once without compulsion volunteered, and others accompanied them. There was an advantage in volunteering in that the soldier could select his regiment, and so be associated with friends.

        For the year 1864-1865 there were only sixty matriculates, Senior Class fifteen, Junior Class two, Slover and Smith. The first distinction was awarded to Smith, the second to Slover. Sophomore Class had twelve, two of whom were absent from examinations. The Freshman had twenty-one. Partial course students ten. Three were from Arkansas, three from Virginia, one from Tennessee, the rest from North Carolina. The catalogues for this year and for 1865-'66 were printed under one cover.

        A letter from Dr. Charles Phillips states that half a month after the beginning of the Fall term only forty-six students had appeared.

        On 10th December, 1863, leave was granted to Prof. Hepburn to be absent for one year. He took charge of a Church in Wilmington in this State. When the Federals marched into the city he was selected to meet the troops and surrender the city. His speech was misinterpreted in some quarters as being


Page 735

too friendly in tone, but the harsh criticisms were found to be unjust. After leaving the University in 1868 he accepted a professorship in Davidson College, and afterwards became its President. This place he resigned and became a professor in Miami University.

        Dr. Hepburn's career in North Carolina was distinguished for excellent scholarship, inspiring teaching and preaching, a style in writing which was a model of pure English and for the lofty virtues of a gentleman and a Christian. As an administrator, he aimed at cultivating self-government among the students, trust and confidence in their relations to the Faculty, instead of fear and distrust. He aimed to give them the principles of high manly character, which could not be done by surrounding them with irritating checks and prohibitions. Of this manner of treatment, now generally adopted, he was a pioneer. It required bold initiative to begin it.

        In October, 1864, Senator Wm. A. Graham was requested to call on President Davis with the view of procuring a general exemption of students. Governor Vance and Secretary Manly were requested to urge Lieutenant-General Theophilus Holmes, in command at Raleigh, to approve the request. Two of the Trustees opposed the motion as being against the interests of the Confederacy, and called for a vote by ayes and noes. It was carried, Chief Justice Ruffin, President Swain, ex-Governor Manly, Daniel M. Barringer, John H. Bryan, Kemp P. Battle, B. F. Moore, Samuel F. Patterson, Jesse G. Shepherd, Charles E. Shober, Edward Warren, and Mason L. Wiggins in the affirmative, and Judge M. E. Manly and Treasurer D. W. Courts in the negative. The resolution led to no results.

        At the same meeting the Committee on the Salaries of the Faculty recommended that $500 be added to the salaries of the President and Professors, and the Governor was requested to procure easy rates of transportation of supplies in their behalf. The report was adopted.

        President Swain and Daniel M. Barringer were appointed a Committee to report on the advisability of the University buying supplies of food and reselling to the Faculty at cost. The Committee favored the scheme, but the matter was referred to the Executive Committee, who found it impracticable.


Page 736

        What made matters worse was that the bank passed a dividend, and the Board was forced to borrow $8,000 in order to pay the professors.

        To relieve their privations to some extent, the Faculty were allowed to cut fire-wood from the University forests, and the same liberty was granted to the widow of Tutor George B. Johnston, who had died in service.

        On the 17th February, 1864, the Treasurer was ordered to cease receiving Confederate currency from those owing old debts. Specie according to the legislative scale was then one to twenty-one. The Treasury then had a large amount, viz., $29,992 of Confederate notes and other war securities.

        In a letter to Hon. Daniel M. Barringer in December, 1864, Dr. Charles Phillips gave a sketch of what the University had done in the way of teaching military tactics. When the war broke out the students were spending their leisure hours in drilling under the direction of Mr. (afterwards Brigadier-General) Lilly. Then Professor William J. Martin, before joining the army, continued the work, the participating in it being elective and not counted in the University course. Afterwards Lieutenant Frederick Fetter, who had served in the Bethel regiment, gave similar instruction to all students, as a part of the curriculum. This instruction was suspended on his reentry into the army. The Faculty had often discussed the importance of military science and the demand for it; to what extent it could be introduced into the University curriculum, the expensiveness and other difficulties in procuring properly qualified teachers, books and apparatus; whether it would increase the danger to the property of the institution in case of a hostile raid. The Faculty appointed Dr. James Phillips and Messrs. H. H. Smith and John Kimberly to report on the subject. They recommended that instruction should be given on Tuesdays and Thursdays afternoons and on Saturday; that the attendance should be compulsory, and that the drill-master should not be below the grade of Captain. The Faculty resolved:

        I. That for the present a renewal of the military drill among the students of the University be recommended to the Trustees thereof, together with such instruction in Tactics and Engineering as can be provided, with suitable books and apparatus.


Page 737

        II. That the minutiæ of this plan could be determined only with the help of the teachers whom the Trustees may select to superintend it.

        Col. W. J. Martin, who was seriously wounded, was in hospital in Wilmington. On being consulted, he gave it as his opinion that some day, if the Southern Confederacy should not establish a national military academy, such as that at West Point, it might be best to establish one or more military professorships at the University. At present, however, all that could be done is to give some incidental instruction in drill and the general principles of the military art, provided that the plan will add to the patronage. The studies of the course should not be diminished; all the work for making soldiers should be outside the regular course. As to the possibility of his being detailed for this service, he could not answer intelligently. His trip from Richmond to Wilmington had set back his wound, and it would be at least a month before he would be fit for any service whatever.

        As showing how the ablest men can be deceived by their sanguine temper, I quote sentences of Colonel Martin's letter: "The news we have from the line of the railroad is encouraging. Hampton and Hill are said to have routed Grant's raiding party at Belfield, and Leventhorpe to have done the same at Tarboro. I wish I could know that a similar fate has befallen Sherman. I confess I am afraid of him. The Yankees will raise such a howl of delight if he gets through to the coast, and our croakers will put on such long faces. Yet the real damage done will be slight, except to individuals."

        The vicissitudes of the war prevented the realization of the project for introducing military instruction. Col. Martin's letter was dated December, 1864. On the 22d of February, 1865, Schofield entered Wilmington. On April 9th General Lee surrendered.

        The Commencement of 1864 was held under a still deeper gloom. There were only seven Seniors of a class which as Freshmen numbered sixty-eight, as Sophomores thirty-five, as Juniors nine. Mr. Williams was the only member who joined as Freshman. The class started with nine, but two died at Chapel Hill during the year. Two others buried their mothers,


Page 738

one within a month of Commencement Day, the other on that day. All the seven were enlisted in the Confederate army and two were absent in Georgia attending to their duties as Staff Officers. Of the Faculty when the class joined, one-fifth had been killed, two others bore marks of wounds received in battle, and one had been active as private and officer since the battle of Bethel.

        Rev. Dr. Charles F. Deems preached the Baccalaureate sermon. It was an exhortation to the Seniors, and to all his hearers, to cultivate always and everywhere love to God.

        There were only two Sophomores left at the end of the year, the seven others who started with the class being with the army. Hence there were no Sophomore Declaimers.

        At the beginnng of the session the Freshman Class had twenty-eight members; at the close only thirteen. These furnished the following Declaimers: Herbert H. Mallett, of Chapel Hill; Patrick H. Winston, of Windsor, Albert G. Carr, of Chapel Hill; Andrew J. Burton, of Halifax County; William C. McAdoo, Greensboro; Robert W. Means, of Cabarrus; Fabius H. Busbee, Raleigh. Mr. Busbee was thought to be the best and Winston next. They all graduated except Mallett, Burton and McAdoo. Mallett joined the army and became a planter in Louisiana; Burton was an Adjutant in the army, a lawyer and State Senator.

        The Trustees present were, besides Governor Vance, President Swain, ex-Governor Manly, Judges Battle and Manly, and Mr. Paul C. Cameron. Judge Manly during the war resided at his country seat at Hillsboro, and hence his attendance.

        The Marshals were vigilant and efficient in keeping order. They were Peter H. Adams, Chief, Greensboro; John S. Henderson, Salisbury; Henry A. London, Jr., Pittsboro, and Nathaniel K. Roan, of Yanceyville.

        There was excellent music by the band of the 43rd regiment. The leader was a Mr. Wyess.

        The Senior speeches, although meagre in number, were good in quality. Guthrie spoke the Latin Salutatory; Boozer on the "Omnipresence of God"; Williams on the "Career of Hannibal," and Gilmer the Valedictory. Tate was providentially prevented from speaking, and Clark and Van Wyck were with the army.


Page 739

        The following is the meagre list of the Seniors of 1864:

  • Albert M. Boozer, Lexington C. H., S. C.
  • Walter McK. Clark, Halifax County.
  • James C. Gilmer, Mt. Airy.
  • William A. Guthrie, Chapel Hill.
  • Alfred C. B. Holt, Augusta, Ga.
  • William R. Kenan, Kenansville.
  • John P. Rogers, Wake County.
  • James Turner Tate, Gaston County.
  • Augustus Van Wyck, Pendleton, S. C.
  • J. Buxton Williams, Jr., Warren County.

        The first honor was gained by Gilmer, the second by Guthrie and Tate; the third by Boozer and Van Wyck. Clark was present in the Senior year only. He was one of the best scholars during that year.

        Of these honor men Gilmer is a teacher of repute; Guthrie was a Confederate soldier, and is a very prominent lawyer and a Trustee of the University; Tate was a manufacturer and banker; Boozer is Clerk of the Supreme Court of South Carolina; Van Wyck Judge of the Supreme Court of New York, and was the Democratic candidate for the Governorship of New York against Roosevelt. Clark, who has dropped his middle name, is Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina, after having been a Confederate Lieutenant-Colonel and Judge of the Superior and Supreme Courts.

        Of those matriculating with the class, William L. Church was a Captain, a minister, a physician, and Professor in the University of Georgia; Tim Erwin Cooper Judge of the Supreme Court of Mississippi; Tazewell Hargrove in Confederate service and in the Legislature and State Attorney-General; William N. Mebane in the Confederate service, State Senator and Representative, Judge of the Superior Court; John M. Moring Speaker of the State House of Representatives; Daniel L. Russell, member of the Legislature, Judge of the Superior Court, Representative in Congress, Governor; William R. Webb Captain, Principal of the celebrated Webb Classical School at Bellbuckle, Tennessee; Olin Wellborn, Colonel and Representative in Congress; Alonzo C. Whitner, Judge of the Superior Court of Florida.


Page 740

        One matriculate of the year, William H. G. Webb, Lieutenant, is the last of the "Confederate Dead" of the University.

        The honorary degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon Rev. Francis W. Hilliard and Norval W. Wilson, both of North Carolina.

        Of the other graduates, Holt was in the Confederate army and is a lawyer; Kenan an Adjutant of a regiment and afterwards a commission merchant; Williams was also in the Confederate service and then a physician; Rogers died during the war.

        In December, 1864, on motion of Colonel D. M. Barringer, a special gold bond of $100 was issued to the Secretary and Treasurer, and to each member of the Faculty, payable two years after the close of the war. This afforded decided relief, as the bonds were of much greater value than the paper currency in use. They were taken at par in part of salaries.

        The privilege of cutting fuel from the University lands was extended twelve months longer, to be under the supervision of President Swain and Judge Battle, Bursar Fetter to mark the trees which it was allowable to fell. It is needless perhaps to state that there was extensive pillaging on the part of families in no wise connected with the University. They adopted the philosophy of an old Wake County man, "God made the trees for all, and no one man has the right to make them his own." Then, too, they said that while the soldiers were fighting and dying amid privations, their families must not suffer at home. Nor were the negro choppers careful to wait for the inspection of the Bursar or for his marks before using the fateful axe. Many acres nearest to the village were completely stripped, and thousands of stately oaks and hickories were laid low in these years, when the wolf was howling at the door.

        A leading spirit in those dark days was Mrs. Cornelia Phillips Spencer, only daughter of the Professor of Mathematics, Rev. Dr. James Phillips. She was brought to Chapel Hill from Harlem, New York, when a year old, and therefore was almost a native of the village. She married in 1853 James Magnus Spencer, of Alabama, an alumnus of large brain and great force of character. His early death left her with one child, and she removed to her old home, and there resided until


Page 741

she joined her daughter Julia, wife of Professor James Lee Love, of Harvard University. During all of her life--even now when she has passed her four score years--in her distant home, this University and its village, all their past and present, are precious to her.

        Possessed of unusual intellectual endowments and an elegant style, she has written to illuminate the University's past many sketches of the Professors, and social life at Chapel Hill, and by her letters to the press, and inspiring odes, she aided to keep it from being forgotten, when, by adverse circumstances, it lay apparently dying. Her heart was constantly with our "Boys in Gray," and no one was more ready or more energetic in sympathizing with their trials and relieving their wants. The obituary notices she wrote of those whom she knew are models of graceful style and fragrant with tender sympathy.

        At the suggestion of President Swain, she published a book, deeply interesting, now out of print and much sought after, the "Last Ninety Days of the War in North Carolina." The President supplied her with many facts, and she obtained others by correspondence with such public men as Governor Vance, ex-Governors Graham and Manly, and with many private citizens who had suffered by the looting of the soldiers. She is our authority for the incidents connected with the occupation of Chapel Hill by the Federal forces.

        On the 14th day of April, 1865, Wheeler's Cavalry reached Chapel Hill. As they had acquired the character of having loose notions with regard to movable property, there was danger of loss of books and apparatus of the University. Fortunately, there was with the army a graduate of the University of 1859 a citizen of Knoxville, Tennessee, James P. Coffin, who had fought throughout the war, and was in Hume's division of Wheeler's corps, serving as Inspector-General on the staff of Colonel Henry M. Ashby, commanding the brigade in the place of General Hume, wounded. The last stand made by the retreating force was at Morrisville, though there was a skirmish at the farm of widow Atkins near New Hope. At the request of Coffin, General Wheeler detailed Lieutenant McBurney Broyles, of the 5th Tennessee Cavalry, with fifteen men, with orders to report to President Swain and obey his instructions.


Page 742

The President was in Raleigh on the mission, with ex-Governor Graham, to surrender the city of Raleigh and ask for protection of public property, the care of the University in his absence being left with Professor Charles Phillips. The headquarters of General Wheeler were in a building opposite the Episcopal Church, since torn down. There Captain Coffin learned of the surrender of General Lee. The next day he had charge of the rearguard and cleared the town of all stragglers.

        Mrs. Spencer describes Wheeler's men as wretchedly poor. A Lieutenant, who had been a student of the University from Tennessee, had just learned of the burning of his home by the enemy, his wife and child being penniless, told her that he had only a twenty-five cent Confederate note and his horse. When informed that Lee had surrendered he burst into tears. Some few of the soldiers appeared demoralized, but most were full of pluck. A general officer commented on the visit of ex-Governors Swain and Graham to Sherman's headquarters by tersely saying that they ought to be shot. One poor fellow, wounded at Morrisville, was carried to the residence of one of the leading physicians, "talked of his home in Alabama, sent messages to his mother, begged the lovely girl, who was watching over him, to kiss him for his sister's sake, and died in child-like patience."

        I quote Mrs. Spencer's description of the entry of the Federal Cavalry:

        "General Wheeler and his men left on the 16th April at two P. M. A few hours of absolute and Sabbath stillness and silence ensued. The groves stood thick and solemn, the bright sun shining through the great boles and down the grassy slopes, while a pleasant fragrance was wafted from the purple panicles of the Paullonias. All that Nature could do was still done, with order and beauty, while men's hearts were failing them for fear and for looking after those things which were coming on the earth.

        "We sat in our pleasant piazzas and awaited events with quiet resignation. Our silver had all been buried. There was not much provision to be carried off. The sight of our empty store-rooms and smoke-houses would be likely to move our


Page 743

invaders to laughter. But there was anxiety as to the fate of the University buildings, libraries and portraits. About sunset a sedate looking officer with a small squad of cavalry rode in. President Swain, with a few citizens, met them and told the officer of General Sherman's promise of protection to University and village. He replied that he had received the orders and they should be heeded. He then made inquiry for rebels, and on being informed that they had all left, he returned to camp."


        About eight o'clock the next day, the 17th, General Smith B. Atkins, of Freeport, Illinois, with four thousand cavalry, took possession of the town, and the citizens for the first time in four years saw unfurled the Stars and Stripes, which once they loved so well, and of late correspondingly hated.

        General Sherman's orders were obeyed, and all the dwellings in the town, as well as the University property, were well guarded. The soldiers detailed for this purpose from the 9th Michigan Cavalry were especially noted for civility and propriety.

        The persistency of President Swain in keeping up the exercises of the institution was evident from the fact that when the Federal troops took possession of the village there were about a dozen students, mostly residents of Chapel Hill, on hand to witness the novel spectacle. Those from a distance had repaired to their homes, starting on foot, as vehicles were not obtainable.

        The President returned to the Hill on the 15th. Four days afterward he wrote to General Sherman that Wheeler's men had to a considerable extent, and afterwards the Federal soldiers, denuded the country of forage and had taken a number of horses and mules. Many families outside the village had been stripped of the means of subsistence, among them a Baptist preacher, Rev. Dr. Purefoy, who had a family, white and colored, of over fifty persons, with no provisions and not a horse or mule. He hoped that the General would relax the severity of his orders, and believed that General Atkins would welcome the change.

        General Sherman replied on the 22nd that as soon as war should cease, "seizure of horses and private property will cease.


Page 744

Some animals for the use of the farmers may then be spared. As soon as peace comes the Federals will be the friends of the farmers and working classes, as well as actual patrons of churches, colleges, asylums and institutions of learning and charity."

        This correspondence shows that, away from places where guards were posted as an especial favor, plundering of the country people was allowed by the military authorities over ten days after Lee's surrender. There was much robbery, too, by stragglers and other unauthorized men, called "Bummers." Outrages to females were forbidden, and the orders were obeyed. I heard of no burning of houses in this part of the world traceable to the soldiers.

        It was during the time that General Atkins was stationed at Chapel Hill that he wooed and won Eleanor, the beautiful daughter of President Swain. The General ingratiated himself with our people by his fairness and courtesy. He was a man of fine appearance and of high character, the editor of an influential paper in Freeport. Still the people living in the line of Sherman's march, who had suffered much by the plundering of his army, could not forget that Atkin's brigade was a part of it, and heard of the match with disapproval. It distinctly weakened the President's popularity, though he never seemed to realize the loss.

        I have alluded to the bringing home of the bodies of our Chapel Hill soldiers who lost their lives in the war. Mrs. Spencer gives a pathetic narrative especially of the burial of two sons of the University, Corporal Junius C. and Lieutenant W. Lewis, youngest sons of Judge Battle, the first having received a mortal wound at South Mountain and the other at Gettysburg, one of the foremost in the famous Pickett's Charge. They came home on the 16th of April, 1866, the whole population pouring out to meet them. "They were placed side by side in that Church whose aisles their infant feet had trodden. The plain deal boxes that enclosed them were graced with garlands, and the emblem of the holy faith in which they had died, more than conquerors, woven of the flowers of their own dear native State."


Page 745


                         "Come Southern flowers and twine above their graves;
                         Let all our rath spring blossoms bear a part;
                         Let lilies of the vale and snowdrops wave,
                         And come thou too, fit emblem, bleeding heart.


                         Bring all our evergreens, the laurel and the bay,
                         From the deep forests, which around us stand;
                         They know them well, for in a happier day
                         They roamed these hills and valleys hand in hand.


                         Ye winds of heaven, o'er them gently sigh,
                         And April showers fall in kindliest rain,
                         And let the golden sunbeams softly lie
                         Upon the sod for which they died in vain.

        "It was something--it was much that we could lay them among their own familiar hills, pleasant in their lives and undivided in their deaths."

        Probably no community in the South took deeper interest in the military operations than Chapel Hill. No community experienced more acute griefs on account of the tragedies of battlefields and hospitals. The inhabitants were so few that the students were known to all, either personally or by reputation. Their careers were watched with the interest which followed the movements of near friends and brothers. Great was the joy over victories and promotions of "our boys" to higher rank for gallantry in fighting or talent in strategy or tactics. And then came the gloom and the tears over the killed and wounded, sometimes over the mournful burials of bodies brought home.

        Many times the wounded fell into the hands of the Federals, and then there were the tortures of suspense--to be ended in some cases with news of deaths, after painful lingering, in others by the tidings that the dear son or brother was in a grave, undecorated, unknown.

        The seclusion of Chapel Hill, the distance from the railroad, the absence of telegraph wires, added to the nervous anxieties as to happenings at the front, and almost unsettled reason. Imagination not corrected by facts, fed itself with fancied triumphs or dismal forebodings. Partial successes were exaggerated into "glorious victories," and inconclusive defeats into complete annihilation.


Page 746

        Of course the excited feelings found expression in speech. It was the fashion to heap on Yankees, as all Northerners were called, the vilest epithets conceivable, and similar language was used against all in the South who sympathized with them, or who hinted at the possibility of the ultimate restoration of the Union. It is said that the denunciations of W. W. Holden, afterwards Governor, in Chapel Hill circles determined him to deprive of their seats all the old Faculty. This he had power to do, because he appointed and controlled the Board of Education and the Board elected the Trustees.

        The population of Chapel Hill was increased by some excellent families from Edenton, Newbern, Wilmington, and other places, who were unwilling to be under Federal domination, or in imminent danger of it. Those of Mr. William A. Wright and Dr. Armand J. DeRossett, Rev. Dr. Samuel I. Johnston, and others, polished and intelligent, rented houses, and for four years became virtual citizens of the village. They assisted and were aided in bearing the burdens of the common trials. They bore their part in supporting churches and charities. When the war ended it was a keen regret to lose their gracious manners and kindly hearts.

        General Lee surrendered his army on the 9th of April, 1865. The tramp of the conquering bluecoats was still heard in the village. It certainly showed wonderful pluck on the part of the President to have Commencement exercises. They occupied only two days, Wednesday and Thursday, at the usual time in June. The thought of our soldiers in distant graves, the general poverty and the political uncertainty made this a gloomy festival. President Swain was absent in Washington on the invitation of President Johnson to advise about Reconstruction.

        There was, as to be expected, small attendance from a distance. The only Trustees present were Judge Battle, ex-Governor Graham and Hon. Samuel F. Phillips. Mr. William C. Prout was the only graduate who completed the course. Fourteen began the Senior year. Only three, besides Prout, were able to be present and deliver their speeches.

        Rev. G. F. Bahnsen, Bishop of the United Brethren (Moravians) in North Carolina, preached the Baccalaureate sermon


Page 747

on the text, "Whither of the Twain will ye that I release unto you?" He showed that the choice between Christ and Mammon, between Light and Darkness, between Good and Evil, was before every nation, every community, every person. Eloquently and with deep emotions the preacher urged his audience to make the right choice.

        The Sophomore Class furnished the only competitors: Andrew J. Burton, of Halifax County; Winfield S. Guthrie, of Chapel Hill; Albert G. Carr, of Chapel Hill, and Robert W. Means, of Cabarrus County. The audience was very complimentary.

        The Address before the two Literary Societies was by Judge William H. Battle, LL.D., Class of 1820. He gave a clear and interesting history of the foundation and beginnings of the University, and showed the great work it had done for the State and the nation. He sketched the careers of two students of the early days, of extraordinary brilliancy of intellect, cut off in early life by dissipated habits, and urged their careers as warnings to all young men. They were Wm. Allen and Wm. Cherry. Judge Battle won the thanks of the friends of the University for being willing in those exciting times--inter arma--to keep up its time honored custom of the Anniversary oration.

        I copy all the names of the Senior Class in the eventful year of 1865:

  • Adams, Peter Henry, Greensboro.
  • Askew, Abner H., Hertford County.
  • Austin, Charles J., Tarboro.
  • Bryan, Elias H., Haywood.
  • Henderson, John Steele, Salisbury.
  • Hodge, James A., Wake County.
  • Hodge, Rufus A., Wake County.
  • Huff, William, Brunswick County, Va.
  • London, Henry Armand, Pittsboro.
  • Montague, Alexander, Wake County.
  • Prout, Edmund G., Williamsboro.
  • Prout, William C., Williamsboro.
  • Richardson, Milton C., Johnston County.
  • Roan, Nathaniel K., Yanceyville.
  • Shepard, John R. D., Raleigh.

Page 748

        Of the Seniors who thus upheld the customs of the University under adverse circumstances, W. C. Prout is an Episcopal minister: E. G. Sprout, who was in the Confederate army, is also an Episcopal minister; Shepard is a man of wealth, living in Paris, France, though retaining his North Carolina citizenship; London was a Confederate soldier, is a lawyer, journalist, State Senator, Trustee of the University.

        Of the other members of the class, Adams was a Confederate Scout; Austin is a merchant; Bryan was in military service and is now a planter; Henderson also joined the army, is a lawyer, and was State Senator, Code Commissioner, Representative in Congress; Huff is a physician; Richardson is a lawyer; Roan joined the army and then was a merchant.

        The Senior orators were as follows, the first three not having finished the course, on account of being off on public duty, but being allowed to graduate:

        "Uneasy Lies the Head that Wears the Crown," Edmund G. Prout, Williamsboro.

        "Music," John R. D. Shepard, Raleigh.

        "The Crusades," Henry A. London, Jr., Pittsboro.

        "The Past, Present and Future of Our University," with the Valedictory, Wm. C. Prout, of Williamsboro.

        No Junior was present at the examination of this year. Five represented the Sophomore Class, and only two Freshmen.

        The Chief Marshal was A. J. Burton, and his assistants were A. G. Carr, W. S. Guthrie, R. W. Means and A. K. Tenny. It was noted that, howbeit their duties were not arduous, their manners were graceful and their work efficient.

        It is worthy of record that by the order of General Kilpatrick, a guard of thirty-five men, under Lieutenant Bradley, of the 10th Ohio Regiment, were detailed from General Atkins' Brigade of Cavalry to preserve the University property. A contemporary statement by a careful observer certifies that the guards were present during the Commencement exercises, were vigilant for the protection of the property under their charge, and courteous to the citizens of Chapel Hill and the vicinity." While the kindness is attributed to General Kilpatrick, it is well known that the real benefactor was General Atkins, the officer in immediate command of the troops.


Page 749

        It is believed that the University of North Carolina was the only institution of rank, for males or females, which had Commencement exercises in the terrible year of 1865.

        It is proper here to give a summary of facts showing the part taken by the University in the Civil War. Its younger professors and teachers and its alumni and students of military age rushed into the conflict with all the elan of Southern character. Out of a Faculty of fourteen, six volunteered for the war, the others being clergymen or too old for service, one of them, Martin, rising to be a Lieutenant-Colonel. Out of the five Tutors, four lost their lives, all very promising, Johnston, Royster, Bryan and Anderson. Of former members of the Faculty three, Spruill, Alexander and Morrow, were killed.

        I extract from a paper drawn up by Dr. H. B. Battle at my request for the 5th volume of Regimental Histories, edited by Chief Justice Clark, showing what the University did for the Confederate war. I add also facts published by Dr. Stephen B. Weeks in an address, delivered at the University Centennial of 1895:

        

  • Number of students 1830-1867, less those who died prior to 1861. . . . . 2,592
  • The total number who entered the army 1861-'65 was . . . . . 1,062

        Therefore forty-two out of every hundred became soldiers.

         Of the younger alumni 1850-1862, there were . . . . . 1,478 of whom 842 entered the army, or 57 out of every hundred.

        The University had in the service one Lieutenant-General, one Major-General, thirteen Brigadiers, fifty Colonels, twenty-eight Lieutenant-Colonels, forty Majors, forty-six Adjutants, seventy-one Surgeons, two hundred and fifty-four Captains, one hundred and fifty-five Lieutenants, thirty-eight non-commissioned officers, and three hundred and sixty-five Privates. Of these 312, or 34 per cent were killed or died in service. The Lieutenant-General was Bishop Leonidas Polk, matriculate in 1821, who was killed on Kennesaw Mountain in Georgia. The Major-General was Bryan Grimes, of the Class of 1848; the Brigadier-Generals were Richard C. Gatlin, L. O'B. Branch, J. Johnston Pettigrew, Thomas L. Clingman, Charles W. Phifer, of Mississippi, George B. Anderson, Isham W. Garrott, of


Page 750

Alabama, Alfred M. Scales, Matt. W. Ransom, Robert D. Johnston, William Gaston Lewis, Rufus Barringer and John D. Barry. Of these Branch, Pettigrew, Garrott and Anderson were killed.

        Besides these, Adjutant-General R. C. Gatlin and John F. Hoke, Quarter-Master-Generals, and Commissary-General Wm. Johnston were University men. Also Peter E. Hines, Medical Director, and Surgeon E. Burke Haywood, of the General Hospital at Raleigh. Ashley W. Spaight was a Brigadier-General in the Texas service, Thomas C. Manning, Adjutant-General of Louisiana, and Jacob Thompson, of Mississippi, Inspector-General.

        The Memorial Hall of the University has the names of 271 of those who died for the Confederacy. According to rank they were: 1 Lieutenant-General, 4 Brigadiers, 12 Colonels, 6 Lieutenant-Colonels, 17 Majors, 4 Adjutants, 2 Sergeant-Majors, 5 Surgeons and Assistant Surgeons, 2 Aids, 67 Captains, 69 Lieutenants, 23 Sergeants and Corporals, 100 Privates. By subsequent investigations of Dr. S. B. Weeks, this list has been increased to 312.

        Of those regiments which were distinguished by extraordinary losses in battle, the University of North Carolina Colonels led into battle the greater number. The 26th North Carolina, which had a phenomenal loss, one of the greatest in all history, 83 3-10 per cent, was under Henry K. Burgwyn, a matriculate of 1857. The 4th North Carolina, under George B. Anderson, a matriculate of 1847, lost 54 4-10 per cent at Seven Pines; the 18th, under Robert H. Cowan, A.B. 1844, 56 5-10 at Seven Pines; the 1st North Carolina Battalion, under John D. Taylor, graduate of 1853, 57 per cent at Bentonsville; the 33rd North Carolina, under Clarke M. Avery, a graduate of 1839, lost 41 4-10 per cent at Chancellorsville.

        The battle of Gettysburg was peculiarly fatal to the University. There were *

        * General Pettigrew is included because he was wounded at Gettysburg and killed in the retreat.


General J. J. Pettigrew, Colonel H. K. Burgwyn, Colonel Isaac E. Avery, Lieutenant-Colonel Maurice T. Smith, Major Owen N. Brown, Maj. George M. Clark, Captain E. Graham Morrow, Captain N. Colin Hughes, Capt. Thomas W. Cooper, Capt. George T. Baskerville, Capt. Joel C.
Page 751

Blake, Capt. Thomas O. Closs, Capt. Edward F. Satterfield, Capt. Samuel Wiley Gray, Lieut. Wesley Lewis Battle, Lieut. William H. Gibson, Lieut. John H. McDade, Lieut. Richardson Mallett, Lieut. Jesse H. Person, Lieut. Iowa M. Royster, Lieut. Wm. H. G. Webb.

        One of the saddest deaths of the war was that of Lieut.-Col. Edward Mallett, killed at Bentonville, after passing unscathed through many battles, buried in his uniform in the cemetery at Chapel Hill, leaving penniless a wife in the last stages of consumption, and four little children.

        The village of Chapel Hill had little independent trade or manufactures, but was dependent on the University and shared its fortunes. The depth of its poverty was partially relieved by the influx of refugees from Wilmington, Edenton, Newbern and elsewhere. In the earlier months of the war, when soldiers returned on furlough, the usual festivities were gotten up in their honor, but when the news of battle brought news of our young men slain, especially after the fatal casualties at Gettysburg, the sorrow and gloom could not be shaken off. In the touching language of Mrs. Cornelius P. Spencer, who has a heart to feel and a brain to recall the agonies of this period, "The bonds of common sympathy became stronger, as the pangs of common suffering became more intense. * * * People who wept and prayed and rejoiced together, as we did for four years, learned to love each other more. The higher and nobler and more generous impulses of our nature were brought constantly into action, stimulated by the heroic endurance and splendid gallantry of our soldiers.

        When the war ended the difficulties of the restoration of the University to its former prosperity assumed larger proportions. The dividends from bank-stock, four per cent semi-annually, ceased, never to return. Practically the officers of the institution depended for their salaries on tuition receipts, and the number of students diminished each year. This was partly owing to the general poverty, largely to the widespread belief that the institution must soon of necessity close its doors. Parents thought that their sons would lose time by beginning under one Faculty and then transferred to another.

        But President Swain continued to labor with all his former energy. Never did an officer give his whole heart and anxious


Page 752

care to the interests of his charge more devotedly than he. Right nobly and with high courage did he meet the loss of patronage and income, and the virulence of unfair criticism. The students were his children, their success brought him unalloyed joy, and his heart sorely felt their failures and was wounded by their deaths.

        In 1864, 1865 and 1866 the professors were nominally the same, but the tutors were reduced to two, Pool and Fetter.

        The Commencement of 1866 was fairly successful for the times. The reporter for the Raleigh Standard speaks of the University being reviled on one side as being a "Yankee concern" and on the other as being "a hot-bed of rebellion," epithets which show how sensitive was the public mind in those anomalous days. The former epithet was of course on account of the marriage of the President's daughter to a Federal General. The attendance on the exercises was large.

        The Baccalaureate sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Charles Phillips. He gave a masterly analysis of Christian Love, and urged it as needed to quiet the passions so prevalent among men.

        The paucity of speeches of the graduating class was compensated for by unprecedented numbers of declaimers. The Freshmen competitors were Platt D. Walker, of Wilmington; Willie Maverick, of Texas; Thomas C. DeRossett, of Wilmington; Blair Burwell, Louisburg; James M. Means, of Cabarrus County; Alfred T. Alston, Warren County; Joseph C. Webb, of Hillsboro; Peter M. Wilson, of Warrenton, Edmund Jones, Jr., of Caldwell; Virginius St. Clair McNider, of Edenton; Alonzo Phillips, of Hillsboro, and George V. Cowper, of Hertford, twelve in number. Messrs. Maverick, DeRossett, Wilson and McNider received the greatest applause.

        On the part of the Sophomores the Declaimers were likewise twelve in number--Fabius H. Busbee of Raleigh, Augustus W. Graham of Hillsboro, Wm. D. Horner of Granville Co., Isaac R. Strayhorn of Hillsboro, George G. Latta of Tennessee, Wm. S. Pearson of Morganton, Edwin W. Fuller of Louisburg, Isaac H. Foust Randolph Co., James W. Harper Lenoir Co., John Burgwyn McRae of Georgia, afterwards North Carolina; William H. S. Burgwyn of Northampton, and Paul B. Means, Cabarrus Co. The prize of public approval


Page 753

was given to Mr. Busbee. All became graduates except Fuller, Foust and McRae. Fuller was a merchant in Louisburg, and author of a touching poem called Angel in the Cloud, and a novel, Sea-Gift, much read by our University students, who wrongly think that the incidents were drawn from actual happenings at this University.

        The address of ex-Governor Z. B. Vance was worthy of that distinguished man. It was the Annual Oration before the two Literary Societies, on "The Duties of Defeat." His counsels, like those of General Lee on the same subject, were eminently wise and timely, a sincere acceptance of the decisions of the war, loyalty to our governments, national and state, faithful labor for the reconstruction of society, for the up-building of the material interests of our people and the education of our children.

        There were only three Graduates, Abner H. Askew, Hertford, William C. Rencher, Pittsboro, George Slover, Newbern.

        Of them, Askew and Slover were reputable physicians and Rencher a lawyer and journalist.

        Of those who matriculated with the class were Julian Shakespeare Carr, a wealthy manufacturer and banker, and a large benefactor of the University, Joseph William Holden, Speaker of the State House of Representatives, and Abraham K. Smedes, a Confederate soldier and a lawyer of great learning.

        The Latin Salutatory was spoken by Slover of New Berne. Askew's address on the Latin phrase, "Quisque Suae Fortunae Faber," was in English. The Valedictory fell to Rencher, and was delivered with much feeling and grace.

        The degree of A.B. was conferred, ex gratia, on Charles J. Austin, Alexander Montague, Nathaniel K. Roan, Elias H. Bryan, and William C. Jordan, whose course, nearly completed, was interrupted by the war.

        The Marshals were eminently satisfactory. They were Robert W. Means, William H. Reeves, of Tennessee, George M. Rose and John G. Young.

        Trustees present were Governor Jonathan Worth, ex-Governors Morehead and Graham, Judge W. H. Battle, President Swain and State Treasurer, K. P. Battle. There were also


Page 754

the State Geologist, W. C. Kerr, and General William R. Cox--State Solicitor and afterwards Judge.

        As showing the disruption of education caused by the war, I state that, if Mr. Askew had continued in the class in which he began, he would have graduated in 1863. Mr. Rencher similarly would have graduated in 1863. Mr. Slover was the only representative of the Freshman class of 1862. In 1859 Rencher's class numbered 80, in 1861, 106; in 1862, 29, in 1863, 8.

        The degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred on Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, and Edwin G. Reade, Judge of the Supreme Court of North Carolina. The degree of Doctor of Divinity on Rev. Numa F. Reid, of the Methodist Church.

        In 1866 the troubles of the University thickened. The salaries of the Faculty could not be paid. Having a young and growing family and unable to support them without outside aid, Adjunct-Professor Pool obtained leave of absence and accepted a position of Deputy Appraiser in the revenue service. A stipulation was adopted by the Trustees that, when his service should expire, they should not be bound to re-establish his chair.

        When the Trustees examined the wreck of the University to see what was left the situation was appalling. The debts were $103,000, besides $7,000 arrears of salaries. To pay these there were 2,000 shares of worthless bank stock, $25,000 of equally worthless Confederate securities, and a small amount of other securities, very little paying interest. For a whole year the only receipt from this source was $25.

        As the notes of our best banks were selling for 70 or 80 per cent under par, it was thought to be a good plan to borrow money on mortgage of all the University property, which was then thought to be legal, and buy notes of the Bank of North Carolina and with them pay the large debt to the Bank. President Swain was therefore instructed to visit "the North," and negotiate on this security a loan of $30,000. The President called on John Jacob Astor, who declined to consider the proposition, stating that it was his custom to accept as security only real estate in New York, and very seldom outside the city. His reason was that it would be necessary to employ lawyers acquainted


Page 755

with the laws of the State where the borrowers lived, and that would make the loan unprofitable. The President was so discouraged that he made no further attempt.

        When preparations for Commencement were being made, President Swain and his staff were thrown into uneasiness, almost a panic, on learning that the Ball-Managers had selected as Honorary Managers some most conspicuous Confederate leaders. This was done without consulting the great men so honored. They were Jefferson Davis, General Wm. R. Cox, General J. C. Breckenridge, General Robert D. Johnson, General R. E. Lee, Governor Z. B. Vance.

        The President laid the matter before the Trustees. They decided at once that under present circumstances the selection of those recently conspicuous in public affairs was likely to expose the University to undeserved suspicion, and moreover it was grossly improper to place the name of any one as a manager of a ball without previously obtaining his consent. It must be remembered that Congress, which by excluding the Southern members, had a two-thirds majority of Republicans, was then debating the action to be taken with the Confederate States, and that the University is a public corporation. Hostile legislation was feared.

        The dividends of the bank having ceased, there was a constant struggle for money for necessary expenses, including salaries. The report of a Committee to reduce the Bursar's compensation to $300 and that of the Secretary-Treasurer to $500 was adopted.

        A plan of aiding the Faculty, though at the expense of the principal of assets, was the issue of $7,300 of bonds, bearing eight per cent interest, payable at the end of five years, secured by pledge of securities. This was of signal benefit, but some of the more impecunious professors passed them to merchants at a large discount.

        Messrs. B. F. Moore, Thomas Bragg and Daniel M. Barringer were authorized to confer with the Bank of North Carolina, with the view of compromising the debt of the University by reducing the amount to one-fourth and giving a mortgage on its property in favor of all creditors. The bankrupt law allowed no preferences.


Page 756

        Subsequently Mr. Moore reported the compromise, which was carried into effect--on paper. The following are the terms: The debt was reduced to $35,712.64 in national currency, at one dollar and thirty-four cents of the same for one dollar in gold. The debts to Miss M. C. Cameron, $10,000, to David L. Swain, $3,000, and other small debts, were included. The plan in substance was for the University to pay twenty-five per cent of its debt in gold and be discharged.

        As security all the University property at Chapel Hill and lands in Buncombe County were pledged. The Trustees, Charles Manly and George W. Mordecai, were to sell the property whenever called on by any creditor. It is anticipating, but it seems best to state, that this mortgage was decided by the Circuit Court of the United States to be void, as to such property as was needed for the life of the University, as contradistinguished from endowment, because it belonged to the State. This will be explained more fully in Volume II of this history.

        At this time the General Assembly appropriated $7,000 to aid in paying the officers of the institution, which was a welcome relief, although it was only for one year.

        On February 11th, 1867, President Swain had the good fortune to procure from the General Assembly the transfer of the State's right to the Agricultural and Mechanical College Land Scrip under the Act of Congress of July 2nd, 1862, often called the Morrill Act. The conditions demanded by the General Assembly were: 1st, "The University shall comply with the Act of Congress.

        2nd. The second condition was that the Trustees should dispose of the scrip and establish at least two professorships, which should be especially devoted to carry into effect the Act of Congress. In the second section the words of the Act were fully quoted, "The leading object shall be, without excluding other classical and scientific studies, and including Military Tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts, in such manner as the General Assembly shall prescribe, in order to promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions of life."


Page 757

        The third provision was that each county court might send annually one indigent student to the University free of tuition.

        And fourthly, that students might be admitted into the branches relating to Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts without requiring the training necessary for admission into the regular College courses.

        President Swain proceeded to Washington and applied for the transfer of the scrip for 270,000 acres of land, i. e., 30,000 acres for each Senator and Representative to whom this State was entitled. Notwithstanding that Congress refused to regard the seceding States as restored to their rights in the Union, President Johnson ordered the transfer to be made. The Trustees determined to sell at once at the market price, then fifty cents per acre for cash. Congress had suspended the location of scrip going to Southern States, but G. F. Lewis, for himself and Fisher, Booth & Co., of Detroit, offered the following terms, which were accepted August 22nd, 1867, viz.: They were to pay at the rate of fifty cents an acre for the 270,000 acres. The scrip was to be delivered as paid for and the rest was to be held as security. $5,000 was to be paid in ten days. On or before the 1st of March, 1868, $5,000 more was to be paid. Within sixty days after Congress should rescind its resolution prohibiting the location of the scrip, the purchasers were to pay $30,000 more, and from time to time make further payments until the whole debt should be discharged within twelve months from the date of the contract. The purchasers were not to be bound to pay more than $10,000, unless Congress should rescind its resolution, and if this was not done before the 5th of March, 1869, the contract should come to an end.

        Ex-Governor Graham then moved that, as Congress authorized the investment of ten per cent of the proceeds of the scrip in purchase of sites of colleges and experimental farms, and as the University furnished the site, $13,500 of the first purchase-money should be applied to general expenses.

        And, secondly, that as the General Assembly had been prohibited by military order from meeting, in consideration of the exigencies of the Treasury, the Board deemed it necessary to act without the previous assent of the Assembly and relies for


Page 758

its ratification at the next session of the Legislature. Both motions were adopted.

        The cash thus paid to the officers of the Institution relieved them of painful straits. There was some criticism of Governor Graham's resolutions, as not being good law, but practical men realized the necessity for such action. As he said in its advocacy, public servants must sometimes take responsibilities, and go beyond their instructions and trust that their action will be approved by the proper authority. Afterwards, when Attorney E. G. Haywood advised the Board, elected under the Reconstruction Acts of Congress, that the Trustees, who passed the resolutions, could be forced to refund the money, Chief Justice Pearson strongly advised that public officers acting in good faith could not be held personally responsible in a case like this. His advice was taken--no suit was brought.

        The Executive Committee adopted very feeling resolutions on the death of Dr. James Phillips on the 14th of April, 1867. He was the Senior Professor, the first to enter the Chapel and take his accustomed seat with his recitation-room key and text-book for morning recitations in his hands. He died almost instantly without a struggle or a groan in the very spot where often he had risen to lead in the religious services of the Institution. The last sounds in his ear were the familiar tones of the College Bell, the last object of sight the Students Assembling for Prayers. On Wednesday night of the following Commencement, Rev. Prof. A. D. Hepburn, afterwards D.D. and LL.D., gave a most beautiful and truthful estimate of his life-work; for forty-one years Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in the University. The discourse was singularly felicitous in matter and manner, a worthy tribute to a learned mathematician, an eloquent and Christ-loving divine, and a kind and generous citizen. A Trustees remarked that in the same year, 1826, the road to Chapel Hill saw Andrew Johnson going out to show the sons of North Carolina what they could do and Professor Phillips coming in to show them what they ought to do.

        At the beginning of 1867 we had nominally nine Professors, but Assistant Professor Pool and the Tutors had indefinite leave of absence or had resigned. Rev. Dr. Charles Phillips


Page 759

was Secretary of the Faculty and Professor Hubbard Librarian.

        In this year another President of the United States honored our Commencement, Andrew Johnson of Tennessee. In reply to the speech of welcome by President Swain, he told how forty-one years before he had left Raleigh, his native town, and journeyed on foot by way of Chapel Hill to his newly chosen home, how he walked over our main street weary and hungry and asked for food and a night's lodging from kindly James Craig, who not only complied with his request but gave the forlorn boy a bag full of bread and meat for his future needs. His next visit to Chapel Hill was as President of this great Republic of nearly forty million souls. The cabin which gave him shelter still stands.

        He was accompanied by his Secretary of State, Wm. H. Seward, and Postmaster-General Alexander W. Randall, together with General Daniel E. Sickles, who under the Reconstruction laws of Congress was Military Governor of this State and our Southern neighbor; also by Colonel J. W. Bomford, and General Avery, subordinate officers of General Sickles. The two most distinguished visitors lodged with President Swain. They were all received and treated with due respect and honor, and the reception speeches by them and by President Swain were in unexceptionable taste.

        The Chapel resounded with the borrowed eloquence of twenty-four declaimers. The Freshmen performed their duty on Monday night. They were, James B. Yellowley, Greenville; Andrew M. Craig, Alamance County; Stephen W. Noble, Lenoir County; Wm. Buchanan, Richmond County; James A. Smith, Robeson County; Wilson J. McKay, Harnett County; J. Knox Livingston, Florida; Daniel A. Long, Alamance County; William A. Shorter, Alabama; Reuben C. Shorter, Alabama; Nelson M. Ferebee, Camden County; Quintus P. Siler, Alabama.

        On Wednesday eve came on the Sophomore Declaimers. They were, George H. Estes, Georgia; Joseph C. Webb, Hillsboro; Willie H. Maverick, Texas; Edmund Jones, Jr., Caldwell County; Peter M. Wilson, Warrenton; Platt D. Walker, Wilmington; V. St. Clair McNider, North Carolina; Samuel T.


Page 760

Bitting, Surry County; William H. Bledsoe, Raleigh; James M. Means, Concord; Alexander Graham, Cumberland; Charles F. McKesson, Morganton.

        It was thought by many that more graceful Freshmen Speakers were noticed than were among the Sophomores. Some good judges were of opinion that Wilson of the latter and Buchanan of the former carried off the palm. Smith, McKay, Livingston and Siler were praised by many. McNider had an uncommonly graceful delivery which secured suffrages among the ladies. There was complaint that old moss-backed fossils of speeches should be annually brought out, but the criticism would have been more just during some former Commencements.

        Ex-Governor Henry A. Wise of Virginia had agreed to deliver the Address before the two Literary Societies, but was forced to recall his acceptance so late that a substitute could not be secured. Hence the Baccalaureate sermon was preached on Wednesday morning.

        The preacher was Rev. James McDaniel, a Baptist preacher of high reputation in charge at Fayetteville. His text was, "But one thing needful." The "one thing" is Moral Culture, which will save us from the dangers of infidelity, from "the weakness of a falsely balanced soul." The music of this service was unique and very beautiful, rendered by two male voices, those of Mr. Eugene Wilson and his brother Charles, both accomplished vocalists, and teachers of singing.

        At night was the address by Dr. Hepburn on the Life and Character of Dr. James Phillips, heretofore described.

        On Thursday the audience was imposing. On the stage were President Johnson, Secretary Seward and Postmaster-General Randall, General Sickles, Governor Worth, Judge Battle, President Swain, the Chaplain of the Day, Rev. Dr. F. M. Hubbard, and the Senior orators.

        On the floor in front were Rev. Cushing B. Hassell, Messrs. Paul C. Cameron, Francis E. Shober and Kemp P. Battle, Trustees, Colonel Bumford, General Avery, and other officers of the United States Army, Colonel J. T. Morehead, General Rufus Barringer, and other officers of the late Confederate States, ex-Governor Clark and his associates, being the Legislative


Page 761

Committee to report on the state of the University. In addition to these were famous teachers, lawyers, physicians, divines, and others prominent in agricultural and other business pursuits.

        The following programme shows the exercises of the day:

        Latin Salutatory, George M. Rose, Fayetteville.

        "Napoleon at St. Helena," Willie Alston, Halifax County.

        "The Athenian Republic," William Henry Miller, Shelby.

        "The Achievements of Hannibal," Albert G. Carr, Chapel Hill.

        "The Love of Money," Winfield S. Guthrie, Chapel Hill.

        "Hopes and Disappointments of Life," John Graham Young, Charlotte.

        "The Pleasures of Memory," Robert Work Means, Concord.

        "Civilization," Wm. Hicks Reeves, Tennessee.

        "Emancipation," James Billingslea Mitchell, Alabama.

        The Valedictory, Patrick Henry Winston, Windsor.

        Messrs. Reeves and Mitchell were excused from appearing, the former on account of sickness, the latter from being detained at home by other duties. The Salutatory was praised because it was well pronounced, not because it was understood. The Valedictory had many encomiums. At its conclusion, Secretary Seward, on behalf of Mr. Winston's father, presented him with an elegant gold watch and chain for winning the first honor after a four years course. President Johnson shook his hand and warmly congratulated him. The Senior class numbered eleven, the same mentioned above with James M. Wall of Ansonville in addition.

        Patrick H. Winston obtained the first honor, George M. Rose the second, and Robert W. Means the third. Owing to the stormy times, Means was the only Senior who attended all the examinations of the four years course.

        Winston reached the positions of Attorney-General and United States District Attorney in the State of Washington; Rose was a Confederate regimental Adjutant, Speaker of the State House of Representatives, and is a leading lawyer; Means is a lawyer and has been Mayor of Concord and member of the Legislature.

        Of the non-graduates, Wm. W. Fleming was a Major, a


Page 762

member of the North Carolina Legislature, and successful lawyer in New York City; James S. Battle, Aid to General Cox; State Senator, Manufacturer, Trustee of the University; Wm. A. B. Branch, a Confederate soldier, Representative in Congress and State Legislature; Andrew J. Burton, Adjutant, strong lawyer, a leader in the Legislature.

        Both Societies held meetings for the initiation of honorary members. The President joined the Dialectic Society and made a most appropriate informal talk. Nearly all the members desired the admission of General Sickles, but a small minority prevented it, which they had the power to do under the rules, not for any personal objections but in order to emphasize their hostility to the Reconstruction Acts. Secretary Seward, Postmaster-General Randall and Colonel Bomford joined the Philanthropic Society. In the case of Seward there was a reminder of an ancient political controversy. In the promise required of each member was an expression something like "not divulging any matter derogatory to the dignity of the Society." The old New York champion of the Anti-Masons stopped the proceeding, saying, "Mr. Secretary; I must have that understood--I am principled against joining secret societies." Satisfactory assurances were given that certainly as to honorary members, the Society did not come within the category of those which he so valiantly fought, and he became a member. Both he and Randall spoke words of kindness and wise suggestions.

        The eminent visitors as a rule showed kindly tact. There was one exception. Mr. Seward, in conversation with gentlemen who called on him, criticised the dwellings of Chapel Hill, saying that they reminded him of Auburn, his home, sixty years ago. He should have remembered that the buildings he saw had belonged to the University for many years, and such ancient buildings are seldom improved, particularly under so economical a President as Governor Swain. He should further have noted that six years had elapsed since the great Civil War began, and not only the buildings had deteriorated but the loss of the University endowment prevented their repair. They were not at all fair representatives of dwellings in the towns and villages of the State even at that unfortunate period. It


Page 763

is not meant that Mr. Seward intended to sneer at our poverty, but his comparisons were not pleasant.

        The degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred on Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of State, and that of Doctor of Divinity on Rev. Richard Hines, then of Tennessee, of the Class of 1850.

        In the Fall of 1867, Mr. Charles Phillips took the place of his father as Professor of Pure Mathematics, leaving the chair of Mixed Mathematics vacant; Col. Wm. J. Martin resigned the chair of Chemistry, Mineralogy and Geology; and Professor Hepburn resigned the chair of Metaphysics, Logic and Rhetoric. The teaching force of the undergraduates was reduced to five, counting the President. Even this could not shake his serene hopefulness, that somehow the storm would pass away and the University ship sail on with favorable winds.

        Colonel Martin was for awhile Professor in a school of high rank in Columbia, Tennessee. He was thence transferred to Davidson College as Professor of Chemistry, and conducted this department with great ability. For several years he acted as President and was distinguished for his combined sagacity and firmness. The strength of his brain and his knowledge in matters pertaining to his department, corresponded with his lofty principles and kindly heart. He was one of the most lovable men this State ever had.

        As the year 1867 progressed it became evident that the University was on the verge of failure. On July 30th, Governor Worth, as President of the Board of Trustees, called a meeting for the 22nd of August, and by special letter urged each Trustee to attend and "share the responsibility of the trust he had accepted." He stated that there were three important vacancies in the Professorships. President Swain had offered to resign, "at the earliest period at which the Board may be pleased to designate a successor." All the endowment was lost. The University owed a large debt for which all its property was mortgaged and there was no possibility of redemption. The tuition fees would not pay adequate salaries. The noble Institution must soon perish unless efficient measures for preserving its existence be taken.

        Those present at this important meeting were: Governor Worth, Judge W. H. Battle, and Messrs. K. P. Battle, D. M.


Page 764

Barringer, Thomas Bragg, Paul C. Cameron, Seaton Gales, William A. Graham, Charles Manly, Montfort McGhee, Samuel F. Phillips, Thomas Ruffin, Francis E. Shober, Walter L. Steele, Thomas Settle, David L. Swain.

        It was clear that neither Faculty nor mode of government nor curriculum had the approval of the friends of the University. Mr. Kemp P. Battle determined, as no one else seemed disposed to undertake the task, to procure a complete remodelling of the Institution. In this he had the cordial co-operation of Rev. Dr. Charles Phillips, Professor of Mathematics, who was thoroughly conversant with the courses and government of the leading institutions of America. Dr. Phillips procured the resignations of President Swain and of Professors Hubbard, Fetter and Smith and of Judge Battle, accompanying them with his own. Although the resolution of Congress prohibiting the location of Southern Land Scrip prevented further payments by the purchasers, it was not likely that this prohibition would be long continued, and thus the University could be started with a larger infusion of scientific teaching. It was the design to reopen the Institution with such changes as to present a new front to the public, and thus get rid of prejudices which rightly or wrongly impeded the popularity of the University. Although the teaching force would be newly chosen, the Trustees in all probability would re-elect at least part of the old staff. With this plan in view, Mr. Battle offered a resolution which was adopted, reciting that, whereas, it is deemed expedient to make thorough changes in the course of studies and mode of government of the University, that increased facilities may be afforded for the acquisition of a complete education, and that the standard of scholarship may be elevated, Resolved, that a Committee of five report to the annual meeting the 10th of December, 1867, a scheme, embodying as near as may be the "University or Elective system," with higher qualifications for admission and graduation. The Board expressed deep regret at the severance of official relations with the Faculty, and thanked them for past faithful conduct.

        The Committee appointed under the resolution were Wm. A. Graham, Samuel F. Phillips, Kemp P. Battle, Thomas Settle, and Thomas S. Ashe.


Page 765

        Governor Worth departed from the usual custom and designated ex-Governor Graham as Chairman, a post which was peremptorily declined, partly because Governor Graham favored the old system, and partly because he insisted that the Chairmanship belonged of right to the mover of the resolution. The Governor readily acquiesced in this view.

        The Committee made a careful and exhaustive study of the subject, obtaining valuable suggestions from President Swain, Rev. Dr. McGuffey Dr. Woolsey, Messrs. Wm. Bingham and James H. Horner, and particularly from Prof. John E. Minor, Dr. Charles Phillips, Profs. W. J. Martin and A. D. Hepburn. A careful study of the catalogues of the leading Universities and Colleges was also made.

        After discussing the features common to the two systems, known as the Curriculum and University system, the Committee gave their idea of the latter. The four years curriculum and the regular progression of classes are abandoned. There are independent schools, each professor being supreme in his own department, subject to the control of the Trustees, solely responsible for the instruction and solely invested with the power of conferring degrees therein. The majority of the Committee preferred this to the old system.

        1. Because it offers peculiar facilities for instruction in scientific departments now too much neglected.

        2. The present curriculum is so crowded that it is impossible to teach one branch thoroughly without crowding the others. For example, in our four years course, Metaphysics, Logic, Rhetoric, English Language and Literature have only 111 hours, or about thirty-seven days of three hours each. To Applied Mathematics, including Mechanics, Hydrostatics, Electricity, Magnetism, etc., are given only 145 hours, or forty-eight days. The great sciences of Chemistry, Mineralogy and Geology have only 244 hours or 81 days, while the Ancient Languages have 740 hours, or 246 days, or one-third more than all combined. Zoology, Botany, Physiology, etc., are not taught at all.

        3. The University system would be best for those having a limited time for work and for those who are honestly resolved to make the most of their time. It certainly makes the careless


Page 766

and indolent no worse, and it is possible that the liberty of election may result in arousing the interest of even these in at least one department.

        Under the new system the University would have the opportunity of paying a much smaller salary out of the University treasury and supplementing it by allowing the Professors part or whole of the tuition money paid by his students. One thousand dollars was thought to be reasonable as the amount to be paid out of the University Treasury. It was suggested, too, that the Professors should have a concurrent vote with the Trustees.

        The Committee are fully impressed with the advantages of the Classics and Mathematics as trainers of the mind. They believe, however, that sufficient time can be found to secure this result without neglecting as at present other studies.

        The Committee think that a proper construction of the Constitution requires that the University should hold a superiority above all similar institutions in the State. Hence there should be loftier standards of admission, and diplomas should be evidences of solid attainments. When the honors of the institution are granted to ignorant men, either the degree is worthless, or the reputation of the grantor is injured, or the public are deceived. So the examinations at the close of each term should be stringent and have much weight in estimating the standards of students.

        The Committee recommend the following Academic Departments, leaving those of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts, of Law and of Medicine to be reported on hereafter.

        1. School of Political Science, including Political Economy and History.

        2. School of Latin Language and Literature.

        3. School of Greek Language and Literature.

        4. School of Pure Mathematics, including Mechanics.

        5. School of Physics, including Astronomy.

        6. School of Metaphysics and Ethics.

        7. School of Rhetoric and English Language and Literature.

        8. School of Chemistry and Mineralogy.

        9. School of Geognosy, including Geology, Geography and the inhabitants of the earth, vegetable and animal.

        10. School of Modern Languages.


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        The report of the Committee, to which ex-Governor Graham dissented, was adopted by a vote of 18 to 3. The election of the Professors was left to a future meeting, the Faculty in the meantime retaining their chairs by request. It was resolved to put the new scheme into operation at the beginning of the Fall Term, 1868. On the 16th of March, 1868, a new State Constitution was adopted under the Reconstruction laws of Congress. By its provisions the Board of Trustees was to give way to new members elected, not by the General Assembly, but by the Board of Education. As the University was to go into new hands, the Trustees at the Commencement of that year, reappointed President Swain and his Professors and rescinded the resolution to put the new scheme into operation.

        It was the expectation of the promoters of the new scheme that vigorous efforts should be made to obtain contributions from the General Assembly and from the Alumni and friends of the University, and also a canvass made for new students. It was not likely that payments of the interest of the Land Grant fund would be long deferred, and, on the whole, with energy the execution of the plan seemed quite hopeful. Seven years afterward the Chairman of the Committee on the subject, almost altogether by correspondence, in a few weeks procured $20,000 in subscriptions for the revival of the institution. It is reasonable that similar liberality existed in 1868 which would have brought good fruit, if new men, who had not the sympathy of the Alumni generally, had not displaced the old authorities.

        We have come to the last Commencement of the old Regime, that of 1868. After that event these occasions, though like the old somewhat in form, were in principle essentially different. The old University became moribund in that year.

        On Tuesday morning President Swain examined the Senior class, in the presence of the Examining Committee, on Constitutional Law and the Law of Nations. The Societies then had a meeting for the initiation of new members. At night six Freshmen Declaimers competed for the favor of the audience. They were Samuel L. Patterson of Caldwell County, W. Plummer Batchelor of Raleigh, Samuel M. Davidson of Charlotte, Andrew J. Britton of Northampton County, John K. Gibson


Page 768

of Richmond County, Robert A. Johnston of Richmond County. Messrs. Britton and Gibson received the verdict of the most careful critics.

        The Sophomore Declaimers, twelve in number, appeared the ensuing night. They were W. James McKay of Harnett, Henry M. Shaw of Currituck, Wm. Buchanan of Richmond County, George T. Winston of Windsor, Reuben C. Shorter of Alabama, John W. Philips of Edgecombe County, Charles E. French of Wilmington, Edgar Leary of Oxford, Charles A. Reynolds of Leaksville, Nelson M. Ferebee of Camden County, Joseph K. Rankin of Lenoir, James B. Yellowley of Greenville.

        While there was general concurrence in the opinion of Governor Seymour that the speakers of both classes showed a high degree of propriety of diction and grace in delivery, Messrs. McKay, Buchanan, Winston, French, Leary and Ferebee seemed to be especially praised.

        The oration before the two Societies was by Hon. Thomas H. Seymour, late Governor of Connecticut. He was introduced most felicitously to the audience by Mr. Fabius H. Busbee, and gave a thoughtful and statesmanlike essay on "Government, its Origin and Forms, together with its Functions and Dangers."

        In the afternoon was the Baccalaureate sermon by Rev. Dr. R. S. Moran, of the North Carolina Conference. By men acquainted with metaphysical speculations it was emphatically praised, but it went far above the heads of most of the audience. A correspondent wrote that it was a subtle, broad and deep generalization, along the lines laid down by Sir Wm. Hamilton, of the dealings of God with His creatures. The mythology of the heathen, the philosophy of the Greeks, the legal instincts of the Romans, the speculations of the schoolmen, the discoveries of science, re-echo Jewish types, that it is the plan of the Almighty to reconcile all things to Himself through Christ.

        The speeches of the Seniors were of a high order, exhibiting an uncommon maturity of intellect. The following is the programme:

        Latin Salutatory, Wm. H. S. Burgwyn, Northampton County.


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        "Thoughts, not Swords, Rule the World," Charles Fetter, Chapel Hill.

        "Pro Patria," Eugene Morehead, Greensboro.

        "Andrew Jackson," W. Clarence Jones, Alabama.

        "Peter the Great," Augustus W. Graham, Hillsboro.

        "Effects of the Reformation," Wm. D. Horner, Granville County.

        "Orange County," Ike R. Strayhorn, Hillsboro.

        "Die Macht der Musik," (German Oration), James W. Harper, Lenoir County.

        "Poland," Paul Barringer Means, Cabarrus County.

        "Constitution of the Union," Wm. S. Pearson, Morganton.

        Valedictory Oration, Fabius Haywood Busbee, Raleigh.

        It was universally agreed that the Latin speech was pronounced with singular propriety, and that the Valedictory overflowed with sound sense and pathos. The twenty graduates had among them representatives from seven different classes, the earliest dating 1858, and the last 1864. Only one of these, J. A. Watson, was present at the eight examinations of the four years course. Mr. Busbee took highest honor at eight examinations, though two of them were not of the Freshman class of 1864.

        The degree of A.B. honoris causa, was granted to W. N. Mebane and Lorenzo A. T. Jobe, former students, then teachers of Classical Schools. Mebane became a Judge and Jobe a preacher in Kansas.

        The degree of A.M. was given honoris causa to E. Burke Haywood, M.D., of Raleigh, and to William S. Pettigrew, Esq., of Tyrrell County.

        The degree of D.D. was conferred on Rev. Charles Phillips, Professor of Mathematics in the University, Rev. Thomas H. Pritchard of Raleigh, and Rev. A. A. Watson of Wilmington, since Bishop.

        The degree of L.L.D. was granted to ex-Governor Seymour, and Hon. Bartholomew F. Moore, of Raleigh, a lawyer of profound learning and a wise and active Alumnus and Trustee of the University. He graduated in 1820.

        The first honor in the Senior class was awarded to Messrs. W. H. S. Burgwyn, F. H. Busbee and Eugene L. Morehead.


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A distinction, however, was made by giving Mr. Busbee the Valedictory. The second distinction went to James W. Harper, Wm. S. Pearson and Augustus W. Graham, in the order of their names. The third to Charles Fetter, Wm. D. Horner, Edmund Jones junior, Paul Barringer Means, and Isaac R. Strayhorn.

        The Faculty, in their report, declared that in years, maturity of intellect and extent of attainments, the class was above the average of its predecessors. This is not surprising when we remember that nearly all of its members had been doing the work of men in most trying times, either in the tented field or in civil life.

        Of the Senior first honor men, Busbee has been a Confederate Lieutenant, United States District Attorney, Presidential Elector, and is Trustee of the University, an eminent lawyer, and a law author. Burgwyn was a Captain C. S. A., L.L.B. of Harvard, author of the Maryland Digest, and is a Trustee of the University, a lawyer and President of a Bank. Morehead was a Confederate soldier and then a prominent banker, dying much lamented in middle age.

        Of the second honor men, Harper was a lawyer and editor; Pearson, Consul at Palermo, an editor, author, and is a lawyer; Graham was a Confederate soldier, member of the Legislature and Judge of the Superior Court.

        Of the third honor men, Fetter was a classical teacher and is an Episcopal minister; Horner . . . . .; Jones has been a Confederate soldier, a member of the Legislature and Trustee of the University, a leader of the bar: Means was Aid to General Rufus Barringer, State Senator, and Colonel on Governor Vance's staff, and is now an attorney of the Southern Railroad and a Trustee of the University; Strayhorn was a lawyer and State Solicitor.

        Of those who did not obtain an honor, George G. Latta was a member of the Arkansas Legislature, of the Conventions of 1872, 1874 and 1876, and Prosecuting Attorney; Thomas A. McNeill was a Judge of the Superior Court.

        Of the non-graduating matriculates, Warren G. Elliot was President of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company; George G. Thomas, Chief Physician of the Atlantic Coast Line


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Railroad Company and President of the State Medical Society.

        For the first and only time the Marshals were from the Senior class, Eugene L. Morehead, Chief, and James W. Harper, George W. Graham and Isaac R. Strayhorn, assistants. No adverse criticism could be made as to their efficiency.

        As the students in the classes below the Seniors never returned on account of the closing of the institution, I give the honor men.

        There were eighteen Juniors. Franklin Porter of Tarboro and John M. Webb of Alamance were first in scholarship; Alexander Graham of Fayetteville, William E. Murchison of Harnett County, and John M. Rose, Jr., of Fayetteville, were second, and Samuel T. Bitting of Mt. Airy was third. George V. Cowper of Hertford was first in all studies but Mathematics.

        Of these first honor men, Porter is a good lawyer in Missouri, and Webb is one of the Principals of the excellent Bellbuckle School in Tennessee. Of the second honor men, Graham was in the Confederate army, and is Superintendent of the City Graded Schools of Charlotte; Murchison was a lawyer and merchant; Rose a prominent Presbyterian minister. Bitting, the third honor man, is a merchant in Texas, and Cowper, distinguished in all but Mathematics, is a lawyer of good practice.

        Of the Juniors who obtained no honors, John W. Fries is a very prominent manufacturer, financier, and Trustee of the University.

        Among the thirty-five Sophomores, the first in scholarship were Jacob Battle of Edgecombe, Ralph H. Graves, Jr., of Granville, Richard H. Lewis of Tarboro. The second were Wm. Buchanan of Richmond and Edgar Leary of Oxford. The third honor men were Charles E. French of Wilmington, Alexander Malloy of Richmond County, and John D. Sloan of Alabama. George T. Winston was first in all but Mathematics. Thompson Anderson of Nashville, Tennessee, and Edward O. Lindsay of Greensboro were second in all but Mathematics. James B. Yellowley was third in one of his studies and second in all the others.

        Of the foregoing, Battle is a learned lawyer, ex-Judge and State Senator. Graves was Professor of Mathematics and


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Civil Engineering in the University of North Carolina, one of the ablest the South has seen. Lewis is an eminent specialist, viz., oculist and aurist, author of many valuable medical papers, written for the Board of Health of which he is Secretary.

        Of those of the second rank, Buchanan is a prosperous lawyer and member of the Legislature of Mississippi; Leary died early.

        Of the third honor men, French is a flour manufacturer in Minnesota, Malloy is a highly respected planter, Sloan was a teacher in Alabama. Winston was the accomplished Professor of Latin and German, and then of Latin only, in this University, and was afterwards successively President of the University of North Carolina, of the University of Texas, and now of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of this State.

        Of those not gaining honors, Charles Alston Cook was State Senator and Supreme Court Judge, now a lawyer in the Indian Territory; Daniel A. Long, a Doctor of Divinity and of Laws, and once President of Antioch College, Ohio; Richard H. Speight is a physician, and Trustee of the Central Hospital for the Insane and was State Senator; Charles A. Reynolds was Lieutenant-Governor, and is Postmaster of Winston-Salem.

        Of those who once belonged to the class, Platt D. Walker is a Supreme Court Judge; Willie H. Maverick joined the army and is now a lawyer, banker and real estate broker in Texas; Blair Burwell, a merchant and surveyor in Colorado; James M. Means, a prominent railroad officer in the same State; Alfred T. Alston, a planter and merchant; Joseph C. Webb, a merchant; Peter M. Wilson, Assistant Clerk of the United States Senate; Edmund Jones, junior, a lawyer, a Confederate soldier, an Assemblyman; V. St. Clair McNider, a physician in Texas; Alonzo Phillips, a merchant in Chicago.

        Of the Freshmen of 1868, Andrew J. Britton won the first honor; is a lawyer; James T. Crocker, one of the second, was a Lieutenant, and is a lawyer and journalist; Samuel M. Davidson, another second, a teacher; John K. Gibson, also a second, a lawyer and member of the Legislature in Arkansas. Of the third rank, Robert A. Johnston was a Civil Engineer and is a lawyer. Vinson died early.


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        Of those not competing for honors, Samuel L. Patterson was a member of the Legislature and is Commissioner of the Board of Agriculture; Hannis Taylor is author of a work of great merit on the Constitutional Law of England, was Minister to Spain. Wm. Plummer Batchelor was for years Chief Clerk under the Secretary of State.

        Of the matriculates with the class, Melville E. Carter was a Captain, a leader of the bar and in the General Assembly.

        I give a statement of the annual expenses, as estimated by the Faculty, before, during and after the Civil War. The annual expenses in 1833 were stated to be $138, not including fuel and candles; in 1840, $178, including those items. In 1850 they were about the same. In 1859, $237. At these dates the tuition was $30, $50, $50, $60. At the same dates the board was $60 to $80, R74 to $102, $84 to $92, $100 to $140. It is noticeable that in 1840 and 1850 fuel (wood) does not vary, $5 per annum, and in 1859 only $5.50 yearly.

        The list of expenses does not include clothing, pocket-money and Society fees. Nor does it include text-books, which during the whole period of twenty-six years, are priced at $60 to $70 for four years, an average of $15 to $17.50 for one year. The Faculty, in 1837, dreading the effects of the great panic, sent out circulars stating that in their opinion, exclusive of clothing, the expenses of students should not exceed $250 per annum. This estimate was adhered to until 1856, when the statement was that with the exception of clothing and traveling expenses, the student should not spend over $300 per annum. The next year this was raised to $325, which was adhered to until the third year of the Civil War, when it was deemed impossible to name a limit in Confederate dollars.

        The expenses of the University, expressed in Confederate currency, apparently increased. There was little increase of tuition and salaries of officers even in that currency. In 1861 the expenses averaged $237 as in 1859; in 1862 the same. In 1863 the optimistic statements of the President were forced to succumb. The usual expenses were stated at $459 and no estimate of the total expenses was made. Board was stated at $250 to $400 per annum. The next year the Faculty acknowledged themselves unable to predict prices of board, bed,


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lights, etc., but promise to keep them within reasonable limits. There was the same omission in 1865, but in 1866, after the war, in United States currency, the general expenses are set down at $207.50, and text-books at $40 to $50. In 1867 the first item was placed still lower, $183.50, and was lower still in 1867-'8, $164.50. Board in the latter year is $60 to $75 per annum, a sad indication of the poverty of our villagers and the desire to regain the streams of money which flowed into Chapel Hill when students were numbered by hundreds, nearly all of prosperous families.

RECONSTRUCTION.

        The passing of the Reconstruction Acts in March, 1867, the contemplated destruction of the State government inaugurated under President Johnson, the subjecting the State to the control of a General of the army, naturally impaired the confidence of the people in the prosperity of State institutions. This was shown in the attendance of students at the University. In the Fall of 1867 only 13 Freshmen appeared, as against 34 the preceding year. There was widespread uneasiness about the future. Very few shared in the vain belief of Mississippi and Georgia, that the Federal Supreme Court would declare the Reconstruction Acts unconstitutional. On the 14th of January, 1868, a Convention, by order of General Canby, met to form a new constitution for this State. On the 16th of March the instrument was adopted, submitted on the 21st, 22nd and 23rd of April to the voters prescribed by Congress, and adopted.

        A radical change in the government of the University was made by this Constitution. It was placed in charge of a new Board of Trustees, to be elected by the Board of Education. The Governor was to be Chairman both of the Board of Trustees and of the Executive Committee, which was the real governing power. The Board of Education, together with three appointed by the Board of Trustees, and the President of the University, constituted this committee.

        When the names of the new Trustees were announced, it was seen that there was careful elimination of all who had been in the past active in the management of the University. Out of 78 new Trustees, only four belonged to the old Board, and not


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one of these four had been regular and constant on the meetings of the Board and exercises of the institution, whereas all those intimately identified with the institution, some of them for years, were omitted. There were 18 alumni out of the 78, but of the remaining 60 only a handfull had ever seen Chapel Hill or shown any interest in the University. It was clearly understood, even in advance of official action, that the old professors would be turned off and the doors would be reopened with new men to compose the Faculty. Of course there were many who were opposed to this complete breaking with the past. Naturally the old patrons and friends were displeased. Naturally they began to look out for other institutions where their sons could obtain higher education. Notwithstanding these adverse influences. President Swain never lost hope. This hope was ripened into realization, as he thought, when he read the Constitution of 1868. I never saw him in finer spirits than when he started to attend, by invitation, the first meeting of the new Board of Trustees.

        Circumstances seemed to point him out as the proper successor of himself. He had for years abstained from active partisanship, so that he was not obnoxious for party reasons. The Republican General, Sherman, showed him marked attention, furnishing him a team and presenting the horse as a gift. President Johnson invited him, together with Wm. Eaton, B. F. Moore, R. P. Dick, W. W. Holden, perhaps others, to Washington to become his advisers as to the rehabilitation of the State government. His daughter had married a prominent Republican General of great influence as a politician and editor of an able journal. And lastly, not a word had been spoken in the Convention of 1868, showing any intention to change the President.

        All these considerations indicated that he would be continued by the new Board as head of the University with opportunity to renew its prosperity.

        The first meeting of the Trustees of the Reconstruction was on July 23rd, 1868. Secretary-Treasurer Manly was present by invitation and submitted his report--very full and accurate--for which he was courteously, and evidently not perfunctorily, thanked. I give the peroration of his report, the


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parting words of an officer who had grown gray in the service of the University.

        "In conclusion I may be allowed an old man's privilege and say that I took leave of those books and papers with deep and unaffected pain. They appear to be the friends and associates of fifty years of the better part of my manhood. They awaken days that are gone, they recall scenes and incidents connected with many of the most eminent men of the State and they form a page in the annals of North Carolina, unstained and ineffaceable. In them you may trace the financial history of the Institution through perils, tribulations and poverty, and see how through the patriotic exertions of her Trustees her finances and means were improved and enlarged until she was raised to a condition of ease and affluence."

        "Here you may mark her honorable 1

        1 Governor Manly made a slip here. University instruction was given from the beginning. There was a grammar school in addition.


beginning as a Grammar school, may trace her gradual but steady growth in reputation and influence, till through the noble and sustained efforts of her first President, Joseph Caldwell, and the still more extended and successful policy of her last President, David L. Swain, and the unremitting labor of her noble band of professors and teachers, she became the just pride of the State, distinguished among the most elevated institutions of the whole country. Here we see the scholastic footsteps of her thousand young men, pursuing the curriculum to the final goal of their Collegiate course. When leaving her academic grove her Alumni have gone forth to fill and adorn the highest places in the Nation. They fill the pulpit and Bar and Bench and National Councils. You will find them in the highest offices in the gift of the American people, Governors, Senators, Ministers abroad and in the Cabinet at home, and in the Presidential Chair."

        "God grant that her sun may never set! that under your government her effulgence may grow bright and that her usefulness may increase more and more throughout all time!"

        Ex-Governor Manly graduated fifty-four years before this, was Secretary-Treasurer from 1821 and Trustee since 1826. Losing the office was a cruel blow, especially as his income had been greatly reduced by the emancipation of his slaves.


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He had by nature a very bright mind, but was too unambitious to become great. His declamation was graceful and impressive; his manners agreeable and courteous. His mind abounded in humorous and instructive reminiscences, which he narrated most interestingly. He was always a welcome visitor at Commencements, from which he was never absent except from sickness. He died May 1, 1871, from a painful disease, gangrene in the feet.

        President Swain attended the same meeting also by invitation. He had studied the new constitution and concluded that the clause making the Board of Education and President of the University ex officio Trustees and members of the Executive Committee, was a constitutional recognition of himself as President. He fully believed that the new Board invited his presence as the head of the institution, to receive his aid in starting and running the new machinery. According to his view his participation in the meeting was not as an invited guest, but as a member of the Board. It was on his motion as such member that the report of the Secretary-Treasurer was read.

        No notice was then given him that his place was considered vacant, but the next day at a meeting held in his absence the Board declared his resignation and those of the Professors in 1867 final, ignoring the re-election by the former Board on June 4th, 1868. Of course the usual thanks for past faithful services were given.

        The ex-President was profoundly astonished and shocked. It was a pathetic sight--this venerable man, full of years and honors, who had held high places in the executive, legislative and judicial departments of the State, who for over one-third of a century had charge of its chief institution of learning, who had influenced for good thousands of the leaders of the people in public and private life, so saturated with love of the University that he sought to control her even in her desolation, under new and untried guardians, but by them coldly and without explanation turned away.

        When President Swain heard of the action of the Board on July 24th, he was at Chapel Hill. On August 4th he addressed a protest to Governor Holden, as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He began by reciting the low state of the institution at the death of Dr. Caldwell, and then showed how steadily it


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improved under his own management. It had numbers, he said, greater, with a single exception, than were at any similar institution in the United States. The net earnings in twenty-five years added a hundred thousand dollars to the cash endowment and permanent improvements.

        The transfer to the University of the Agricultural and Mechanical Land Scrip gave, he thought, reasonable hope of incidental aid to be derived from this fund, but this hope was defeated by the action of Congress, postponing the enjoyment of the grant.

        At no previous period, he insisted, had his labors been more zealous, faithful and unintermitting. When he tendered his resignation in 1867, the Board thanked him for his long, successful and eminent services and requested him to continue in office until the following Commencement, when his successor would be elected. When that time came the Board felt obliged to continue him in the government of the University in order that its property should be cared for, and assurance was given to the public that the doors would be re-opened at the usual time. They therefore re-elected him and other members of the Faculty.

        The Charter of 1789 gives the Board power to remove the President, Professors and Tutors for "misbehavior, inability or neglect of duty." No such charges had been made against him and he was unwilling to suppose that the resolution for accepting the resignation of 1867 was passed with due consideration. He desired in no spirit of captiousness, but with an earnest desire for the prosperity of the University and with a proper degree of self-respect, to solicit a reconsideration.

        It can hardly be contended, he argued further, that a resignation accepted by a Board which has ceased to exist, could be resurrected and accepted by a Board which came into existence long afterwards. Still less can such tender and acceptance be valid to declare the chair of the President vacant, who is by the Constitution an integral part of the Executive Committee.

        Doubtless it was the position of the new Board that prior to June 4th, 1868, the new State constitution had gone into operation, namely, on the 16th of March, and that, while it was proper that the old Board of Trustees, as de facto officers,


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should care for the property and for the ordinary exercises, it had no authority to elect officers to take permanent charge of the institution after they had notice that they would be superseded in office. His claim that, because the Constitution ordained that the President should be a member of the Executive Committee, it was a recognition of himself as such President, was not thought tenable, but the new Board published no justification of their action.

        As corroborating the statements made by President Swain in his protest, I give the following estimates made by Secretary and Treasurer Manly at his request, and submitted as an exhibit.

        Money expended on the University buildings and grounds from 1836 to 1863:

        
Cost of the Vienna Cabinet of Minerals $1,400.
Cost of Stone Fences 2,000.
Cost of the Mitchell Library and Apparatus 4,500.
Cost of Sundry Improvements (1845) 4,385.11
Cost of Sundry Improvements (1848)-9-50) 4,498.35
Cost of Smith Hall, Captain Berry, builder 10,303.63
Cost of President's house, changes and repairs 2,575.
Cost of Collier and Waite's bill 4,935.42
Cost of Infirmary and Architect Davis 2,259.11
Cost of Coates and Percival's work on New East and New West 45,703.72
Paid Captain John Berry, builder, at various times 4,762.05
Campus improvements and keeping in repair ten years 10,000.
Repairs of buildings, thirty years 30,000.
  $124,322.

        It is not probable that the President would have sought by an action of mandamus to enforce his recognition. Before the Trustees met according to adjournment his long and brilliant career had come to a tragic end. Having lent money on mortgage of a plantation about six miles from Chapel Hill, called Babylon, he was forced to purchase it. On the 11th of August, in company with Professor Fetter, in a buggy drawn by the spirited horse, which General Sherman had given him,


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he rode out to inspect his farming operations. On their return the animal made a wild dash. Mr. Fetter was the driver, and probably could have controlled him; but the President, being of nervous temperament, made an effort to seize the reins. The result was the crushing of a wheel on a roadside stump and throwing both occupants of the vehicle violently to the ground. Mr. Fetter's recovery was rapid, but President Swain received such a nervous shock that he could not rally. His wounds healed rapidly, but his physical weakness continued, although his spirits seemed good. At last on the 29th he felt strong enough to sit up for an hour, but on lying down he soon passed away. His last words were whispered mutterings, indicating physical suffering. He was buried in his garden by the grave of his daughter Annie and son David. His funeral sermon was preached by one of his intimate friends, Rev. Dr. Charles Phillips of the Presbyterian Church. In his sickness he gave assurance of faith in the Christian religion. His wife who loved him with touching devotion, caused the bodies of him and his children to be removed to Oakwood Cemetery at Raleigh and erected over them a monument of rare beauty, of Scotch Granite.

        I have heretofore at some length considered the character of President Swain. I think it can not be denied that according to modern standards he was lacking some essentials of a great College President. He did not, like Elliott, direct the streams of public or private generosity to the University. I have already shown that he bought no books, and provided no apparatus for scientific instruction. He seemed not to strive for the extension of the University's reputation in the literary and scientific world. In his carefully drawn paper of resignation, 1867, and which he repeats in his protest to the new Board in July, 1868, evidently intended as a summary of the results of the achievements of his Presidency, he mentions nothing but the increase of numbers, of endowment by saving from income, and of buildings.

        What can be said in favor of his policy of increasing numbers and buildings? of granting diplomas without requiring proficiency in studies? Undoubtedly that he gave what the public demanded. The estimate of the success of the University was measured by numbers. Governor Swain's policy coincided


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with public opinion. The usual question about the success of the University was "how many boys have you?" Even at this late day the boast of her friends is that in the year before the war the Catalogue showed nearly five hundred names, and that her sons won wonderful success after leaving the institution.

        The University of old times admirably supplied the public demand in the South. This was not for scientific specialists, or for scholars in history, literature or philosophy, but for men belonging to the so-called "professions," law, medicine, teaching and, I will not say theology, but preaching. This was recognized in a curious University law, that the degree of Master of Arts, Artium Magister (A.M), could be had for the asking by any alumnus, who, after graduation, pursued for three years either of these "learned" professions. President Swain shocked the old time men by inducing the Faculty to give the degree to a successful merchant. The course of Dr. Mitchell in scattering his energies over many branches was caused not only by his personal tastes, but by want of appreciation by the people of specialists. The same statement could be made of Dr. Charles Phillips, a man of extraordinary talent in mathematics and energy of character.

        No one was deceived as to the value of diplomas, and the sonorous assertions therein of profound learning in literature and the sciences. The list of those who had obtained honors by hard study was read from the Chapel rostrum and published in the newspapers. The public looked to this as showing who had done honest and successful work in the class-room. And many a youth who neglected his classics and mathematics became afterward a leader in the walks of life.

        The University diploma, while it did not, unless accompanied by an honor, prove scholarship, yet was of great value. Its possessor in this little world had learned much that gave him an advantage over his neighbors not blessed as he was. He had learned human nature and how to manage men. He had learned to a considerable extent polished manners. He could think and speak on his feet. In county meetings he knew rules of order and how to conduct business. He had confidence in himself, and realized that he secures the fruit who has boldness to seize it and to hold it with tenacious grasp. He saw that his neighbors expected much of him and his self-respect


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forced him not to disappoint them, on the principle "noblesse oblige."

        A serious difficulty in the way of being strict in granting diplomas lay in the want of preparatory schools. There were excellent institutions of this sort, but large numbers of those desiring University education could not from poverty or other reason attend them. There were many counties where preliminary education could not be had. President Swain accepted the situation and did what he conceived to be the best for all the people.

        Another effect of President Swain's policy, sometimes criticised, was the giving the students a preference for public life. This came from several causes. In the first place he himself had been a politician of brilliant record. He was well acquainted with all the public men of his day and with the histories of most of their predecessors. He was familiar with the questions which divided parties from the beginning of the government. He was an interesting talker, about the legal and official men, whom he had personally known. He necessarily turned the attention of ambitious young men towards political life. He particularly influenced the members of the Senior class, to whom he taught Constitutional law.

        In the next place the obligation on all students to join one or the other of the two Literary Societies, the rules of order, the political questions debated, even the declamations of extracts from speeches of great statesmen, gave a bias to the young minds towards public life. This was increased by the prominence given to original speeches. All the Seniors delivered orations early in May and the honor men at Commencements. On these occasions there was never a thesis read and many a bashful youth made the discovery that he possessed the gift of debate.

        The presence of the Trustees contributed to the glamour of political life. Nearly all of the eminent men, who occupied prominent seats and were the "outward and visible signs" of the dignity of the institution, were occupying or had occupied official positions.

        Add to these surroundings the fact that the teaching of the classics was as a rule tiresome, not such as to attract the young mind, but on the contrary to repel it, that the wealth of English


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literature was not then opened to the student, that mathematics was a series of problems, often hard and prolix, the practical uses of which were insufficiently explained, and take into consideration the further fact that rewards of a professional life were more sure and brilliant than in any other, and it becomes evident why the influence of the University in moulding and preserving our political institutions was so great. Some of the influences towards this life were lacking under Caldwell, but they were sufficient to secure the general result.

        Dr. Stephen B. Weeks in his Centennial (1895) address has, with his usual tireless industry, collected facts prior to 1868 concerning our Alumni of which I freely avail myself, abridging them as far as practicable. We have had a President and Vice-President of the United States, Polk and King; two Presidents of the Senate, Mangum and King; seven Cabinet officers, Eaton, Branch, Mason, Graham, Dobbin, Thompson and Brown; five foreign ministers, King, Mason, Barringer, Eaton and Saunders; three Governors of Florida, Branch, Eaton and Moseley; two of Tennessee, Brown and Polk; one of Mississippi, Thompson; one of New Mexico, Rencher. We have had of United States Senators, Branch, Brown, Graham, Haywood and Mangum of North Carolina; Nicholson of Tennessee, Benton of Missouri, and King of Alabama. The University had 41 members of the House, including the Speaker, Polk. She gave two Chancellors to Tennessee, Chief Justices to Florida, Alabama and Louisiana, and five Bishops to the Protestant Episcopal Church, Davis, Green, C. S. Hawks, Otey and Polk, besides many members at the head of the professions and avocations of life.

        The first University graduates were in 1798. One of our alumni, Governor Miller, occupied the executive chair as early as 1814. From that date to 1866 this institution furnished thirteen 1

        1 William Miller, John Branch, Hutchins G. Buxton, John Owen, David L. Swain, Richard Dobbs Spaight, John L. Morehead, William A. Graham, Charles Manly, Warren Winslow, John W. Ellis, Henry T. Clark, Zebulon B. Vance. Governor Bragg is usually included in the list, but while his name is found on the catalogue among the regular members of the Philanthropic Society, it does not appear in the roll of students. He was only twelve years of age at the time. His brother, John, was an alumnus and became a Representative in Congress and a Judge in Alabama.


out of twenty Governors, filling the chair thirty-six
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years out of fifty-two. From 1815 to 1870, except fifteen years, the Speakership of the Senate was held by University men, as was the Attorney-Generalship from 1810 to the end of the war, except fourteen years. The same was the case of the Speakership of the House of Commons, with the exception of twenty years.

        The University shows as strongly in the case of the Courts. For many years Chief Justice Pearson and Judges Battle and Manly sat together on the Supreme Court bench and there were numerous University men on the Superior Court bench.

        Civil war always brings forward the men in whom the people most trust. The delegation sent to Montgomery before the Civil War began, in order to aid in effecting a settlement, if practicable, were President Swain, General M. W. Ransom and Colonel J. L. Bridgers, all University men. Three out of five commissioners to the Peace Conference were University men. The Convention of 1861 had in all 139 members, 19 from time to time filling vacancies. About one-third were University alumni, forty-four in number.

        Of the members of the Provisional Congress, elected in 1861, both Senators and four out of eight Representatives were University men. Of the subsequent congresses Chapel Hill had two Senators and eight Representatives.

        The Professors who were turned adrift in 1868 all left Chapel Hill. Professor Fetter taught classical schools at various points in the State, for example, Henderson and Goldsboro. He had been too long in University work to be successful as a disciplinarian. He found the new calling uncongenial. But all who knew him recognized him as an accurate scholar and Christian gentleman. He died at the residence of his son Charles in Virginia, and was buried by the side of his wife in the Chapel Hill Cemetery.

        Rev. Dr. Fordyce Mitchell Hubbard was for years a teacher and Chaplain in St. John's College, Manlius, New York. In his old age he resigned, returned to North Carolina and lived with his son-in-law, Colonel Thomas M. Argo, in Raleigh. He added to his reputation as a scholar of wide culture and writer of elegant English. He was found dead on his knees by his bedside, his last thoughts on earth in communion with his Maker.


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        Rev. Dr. Charles Phillips soon found a place as Professor of Mathematics in Davidson College. He also taught Political Economy and the Bible. For some time he was pastor of a congregation near the College. His sermons were strong and thoughtful and the increase of his reputation in that line was perhaps greater than in the departments in which he taught. On the re-organization of the University in 1875 he was brought back to his old place as Professor of Mathematics and also as Chairman of the Faculty. He held the position of Chairman for twelve months and then gladly gave place to President Battle. Attacked by his old enemy, the gout, he resigned in 1879 the chair of Mathematics and accepted the honorary position of Emeritus Professor. In 1889 he concluded to accept the invitation of his son, William, to live with him in Birmingham, Alabama, but died on the journey on the 10th of May at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. John S. Verner, in Columbia, S. C. He is buried near many members of the Phillips' family in the cemetery at Chapel Hill, a handsome monument giving the facts of his distinguished and useful life.

        Professor John Kimberly engaged in farming in Buncombe County. He was elected Professor of Agriculture on the reorganization in 1875, resigned the next year and died soon afterwards. He was a man of distinguished manners and was accomplished in the department of Chemistry applied to the Arts.

        Solomon Pool, absent as Deputy United States Assessor by leave, was by the new Board elected President. For want of funds and patronage the doors were closed after one year's experiment, but he was retained in office until 1874. After leaving the University he became a Methodist preacher. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on him by a denominational college.

        The last officers of the two Societies, believing that those societies would not be managed according to their constitutions, did what they could to preserve the books and papers. The Dialectic Society placed their in the custody of Prof. Alexander McIver, an old member, and the Philanthropic in the hands of Colonel Wm. L. Saunders. The consequence was that they lay dormant until the revival of 1875. When the revival came it was found that their property had been carefully preserved by their temporary guardians.


Page 786


        NOTE.--The records do not show the names of the "Independent Law Students," some of whom attained eminence, e. g. Judge George Howard, Mr. Patrick Henry, Senior, of Bertie, Chief Justice James E. Shepherd, Mr. Hugh Murray, and others. I hope to have a complete list in the second volume.



Page 787

APPENDIX.

        1. List of Graduates to 1868, with the names of such as appear from the records of the University to have achieved success after leaving the institution. With these are mentioned some matriculates who did not obtain degrees. These lists are of course imperfect. It is hoped to do full justice to all our alumni in a Catalogue now being prepared.

        2. List of Trustees 1789-1868, and of Executive Committee 1835-1868. In detail the cost of our buildings up to 1868.

        3. List of the Subscriptions made to start the University and to complete the South Building.

        4. Hon. Walter Murphy's Statistics of Alumni.

        

Graduates of 1798.

Samuel Hinton Wake Co.
William Houston Iredell Co.
Hinton James New Hanover Co.
Robert Locke Rowan Co.
Alexander Osborne Rowan Co.
Edwin Jay Osborne Salisbury.
Adam Springs Mecklenburg Co.

        

Graduates of 1799.

Francis N. W. Burton Granville Co.
Wm. D. Crawford Lancaster Co., S. C.
Andrew Flinn Mecklenburg Co.
Samuel A. Holmes Chapel Hill.
George W. Long Halifax Co.
Archibald Debow Murphy Caswell Co.
John Phifer Cabarrus Co.
Wm. Morgan Sneed Granville Co.
Wm. S. Webb Granville Co.

        

Graduates of 1800.

Wm. Cherry Bertie Co.
John Lawson Henderson Salisbury.
Thomas D. Hunt Granville Co.

        

Graduates of 1801

Thomas Gale Amis Northampton Co.
Thomas Davis Bennehan Orange Co.
John Branch Halifax Co.
Wm. McKenzie Clark Martin Co.
Francis Little Dancy Edgecombe Co.
John Davis Hawkins Granville Co.
Thomas Devaux King Sampson Co.
Archibald Lytle Tennessee.
Wm. Hardy Murfree Hertford Co.

        

Graduates of 1802.

Adlai Laurence Osborne Rowan Co.
George Washington Thornton Virginia.
Carey Whitaker Halifax Co.

        

Graduates of 1803.

Chesley Daniel Halifax Co.
William P. Hall Halifax Co.
Matthew Troy Salisbury.

        

Graduates of 1804.

Richard Armisted Plymouth.
Thomas Brown Bladen Co.
Richard Henderson Kentucky.
Atlas Jones Moore Co.
Willie Wm. Jones Halifax Co.
James Sneed Granville Co.

        

Graduates of 1805.

Benjamin Franklin Hawkins, Warren Co.
Joseph Warren Hawkins Warren Co.
Spruce Macay Osborne Mecklenburg Co.

        

Graduates of 1806.

John Adams Cameron Virginia.
Durant Hatch, Junior Jones Co.
James Henderson Kentucky.
James Martin Stokes Co.

        

Graduates of 1807.

Duncan Green Campbell Orange Co.
Stephen Davis Warren Co.
John Robert Donnell Newbern.
Gavin Hogg Chapel Hill.
John Carr Montgomery Hertford Co.
John Lewis Taylor Chatham Co.

        

Graduates of 1808.

John Bright Brown Bladen Co.
Robert Campbell Cumberland Co.
John Coleman Virginia.
William James Cowan Wilmington.
William Pugh Ferrand Onslow Co.
Alfred Gatlin Newbern.


Page 788

John Giles Salisbury.
James Auld Harrington Richmond Co.
William Henderson Chapel Hill.
Benjamin Dusenberry Rounsaville, Lexington.
Lewis Williams Surry Co.
Thomas Lanier Williams Surry Co.

        

Graduates of 1809.

John B. Bobbitt Franklin Co.
Maxwell Chambers Salisbury.
Abner Wentworth Clopton Virginia.
John Gilchrist Robeson Co.
Philemon Hawkins Warren Co.
William Hooper Chapel Hill.
John Briggs Mebane Chatham Co.
Thomas Gilchrist Polk, Mecklenburg Co.
John Richmond Stokes Wilkes Co.
John Campbell Williams, Cumberland Co.

        

Graduates of 1810.

Thomas Williamson Jones Virginia.
James Fauntleroy Taylor Chatham Co.
John Witherspoon Hillsboro.

        

Graduate of 1811.

John Ambrose Ramsey Chatham Co.

        

Graduates of 1812.

Daniel Graham Anson Co.
James Hogg Chapel Hill.
Thomas Clark Hooper Chapel Hill.
William Johnson Franklin Co.
Murdock McLean Robeson Co.
Archibald McQueen Robeson Co.
Johnson Pinkston Chowan Co.
Joseph Blount G. Roulhac Bertie Co.
William Edward Webb Halifax Co.
Charles Jewkes Wright, New Hanover Co.

        

The Graduates of 1813.

William Edward Bailey, Charleston, S. C.
Thomas Wharton Blackledge Newbern.
William Salter Blackledge Newbern.
Archibald Fairley Richmond Co.
Thomas J. Faddis Hillsboro.
Robert Gordon Richmond Co.
Francis Hawkins Warren Co.
George Washington Hawkins, Warren Co.
John Harper Hinton Wake Co.
Duncan McInnis Robeson Co.
William Julius Polk Raleigh.
John Gray Roulhac Martin Co.
Abner Stith Lawrenceville, Va.
Lewis Taylor Granville Co.

        Besides those mentioned in the text, Fairley, Faddis and F. Hawkins were physicians, Roulhac a planter in Florida.

        Of the non-graduates, Hill was a physician, Wm. Gilchrist and David E. Sumner were members of the Legislature.

        

Graduates of 1814.

William Augustus Boon Johnston Co.
Aaron Vail Brown Lawrenceville, Va.
James Farrier Duplin Co.
James Graham Lincoln Co.
John Lewis Graves Caswell Co.
John Williams Graves Caswell Co.
Robert Sloane Hill Iredell Co.
Tippoo Saib Henderson Chapel Hill.
John Hill Wilmington.
Charles Lewis Hinton Wake Co.
Charles Manly Pittsboro.
James Morrison Mecklenburg Co.
Samuel Pickens Cabarrus Co.
Thomas Batup Scott Halifax C. H., Va.
Edmund T. Wilkins Hicksford, Va.
Tryon Milton Yancey Caswell Co.

        Besides those elsewhere mentioned, Farrier, J. L. Graves, Henderson and John Hill were physicians, Hill very prominent in the Cape Fear country; Graham a lawer and member of the Legislature; J. W. Graves a planter and member of the Legislature, and R. S. Hill a teacher.

        Of the non-graduates, John Allen and Willie H. White were physicians and John Lord an influential merchant.

        

Graduates of 1815.

John Herritage Bryan Newbern.
Isaac Croom, Lenoir Co., afterwards Greensboro, Ala.
George Franklin Graham Lincoln Co.
Edward Hall Warrenton.
Lemuel Hatch Newbern.
Francis Lister Hawks Newbern.
Robert Hinton Wake Co.
James Hogg Hooper, Chapel Hill, then Fayetteville.
Robert Rufus King Iredell Co.
Matthew McClung Knoxville, Tenn.
Priestly Hinton Mangum Hillsboro.
Willie Person Mangum Hillsboro.
Stockley Donelson Mitchell, Rogersville, Tenn.
Matthew Redd Moore Stokes Co.
Henry Lyne Plummer Warrenton.
Richard Dobbs Spaight Newbern.
Hugh Montgomery Stokes Wilkes Co.

        In addition to those elsewhere mentioned, there were three physicians, Graham, Hinton and Plummer; Hatch was


Page 789

a minister, Hooper and McClung were merchants; Moore was a member of the General Assembly and of the Convention of 1861; Stokes and P. H. Mangum members of the Legislature, and Mangum also a tutor in the University.

        Of the non-graduates, Arthur F. Hopkins, Judge of the Supreme Court of Alabama.

        

Graduates of 1816.

Lawson Henderson Alexander, Lincoln Co.
Wm. Julius Alexander, Mecklenburg Co.
James Alexander Craig Lincoln Co.
Nathaniel Daniel Halifax Co.
Moses John DeRosset Wilmington.
John Edward Graham Richmond Co.
Mark M. Henderson Oxford.
Charles Applewhite Hill Franklin Co.
Joseph Ross Lloyd Tarboro.
James White McClung Knoxville, Tenn.
John Young Mason Hicksford, Va.
Junius Alexander Moore Wilmington.
John Patterson Richmond Co.
James Sampson Sampson Co.
William Bane Alexander Wallis, Stokes Co.

        Besides those mentioned in the text, Craig was a physician, Lloyd a member of the Legislature, Moore a lawyer in Alabama, described by Dr. Hooper as having poetic ability. Sampson was a preacher of the gospel.

        

Graduates of 1817.

Richard Henderson Alexander, Mecklenburg Co.
Hardy Bryan Croom Lenoir Co.
Gooderum Davis Fayetteville.
Samuel Thomas Hauser Stokes Co.
John Henry Hawkins Warren Co.
Hardy Lucian Holmes Sampson Co.
William Rainey Holt Orange Co.
John Motley Morehead Rockingham Co.
James H. Murdock South Carolina.
James H. Simeson Virginia.

        Of these, besides those mentioned in the text, Davis was a physician and Holmes a well-known lawyer.

        And of the non-graduates, Bryan Grimes was an influential planter, Geo. W. Jeffreys a preacher, Blake Little, Archibald Fairley, William K. Fenner, Lawrence O'Brien and Alexander Williams, physicians, Abraham Maer, lawyer and teacher, and Francis N. Waddell, member of the Legislature and lawyer.

        

Graduates of 1818.

Robert Donaldson Cumberland Co.
Thomas Jefferson Green Virginia.
William Mercer Green Wilmington.
Arthur Jay Hill Wilmington.
Hamilton Chamberlaine Jones, Rowan Co.
Henry Jones Warren Co.
Pleasant Hugh May South Carolina.
Edward Jones Mallett Fayetteville.
Elam Johnson Morrison, Mecklenburg Co.
Robert Hall Morrison Cabarrus Co.
William Dunn Mosely Lenoir Co.
Peter Oliver Picot Plymouth.
James Knox Polk Tennessee.
Hugh Waddell Wilmington.

        Of this class, besides those mentioned in the text, T. J. Green was a very prominent lawyer in Virginia, Picot was a physician of high standing, Morris a Presbyterian preacher and teacher, Donaldson a capitalist in New York, who, being displeased with his daughters for becoming Romanists, left the bulk of his property, by a will not valid under the laws of that State, to this University. Hill was a respected planter.

        

Graduates of 1819.

Walker Anderson Petersburg, Va.
Iverson Lee Brooks Caswell Co.
David Thomas Caldwell, Mecklenburg Co.
William Henry Haywood Raleigh.
Owen Holmes Clinton.
Simon Peter Jordan Stokes Co.
James N. Mann Nash Co.
James Turner Morehead Greensboro.
John Quince McNeill Wilmington.
Clement Carrington Read, Smithville, Va.
James Hipkins Ruffin Rockingham Co.

        Of those not mentioned in the text, Mann was a member of the Legislature and Holmes a prominent lawyer; Brooks a preacher, and Caldwell a physician.

        Of the non-graduates were George Craighead and William J. Harrison, physicians.

        

Graduates of 1820.

Cyrus Adams Alexander Cabarrus Co.
Richard Allison Cabarrus Co.
William Horn Battle Edgecombe Co.
Archibald Grayson Carter Caswell Co.
Charles Dixon Donoho Caswell Co.
William Hill Hardin Rockingham Co.
John Steel Haywood Raleigh.
William McNeill Lea Caswell Co.
James Franklin Martin Stokes Co.


Page 790

Bartholomew Figures Moore, Halifax Co.
James Hervey Otey Liberty, Va.
Matthias Brickell Dickerson Palmer, Northampton Co.
Malcolm Gilchrist Purcell Robeson Co.
Thomas E. Read Smithville, Va.
Charles Grandison Rose Person Co.
William Royall Virginia.
Thomas Bog Slade Martin Co.
Richard Ivy Smith Caswell Co.
Charles George Spaight Newbern.
John Malone Strake South Carolina.
David Williamson Stone Raleigh.
John Camillus Taylor Granville Co.
Philip Hungerford Thomas Milton.
Henry Christmas Williams Warren Co.
Thomas Henry Wright Wilmington.

        Besides those especially mentioned in the text, Alexander was a most respectable physician in Cabarrus, and fifty-five years afterwards joined with Messrs. Moore, Battle and others in contributing to the revival of the University. Lea, Martin and Thomas were likewise physicians; Purcell, a member of the Legislature; Hardin, a noted teacher; Taylor, a highly respected planter.

        Of the non-graduates, Nash LeGrand joined the United States Navy and James P. Martin was a physician.

        

The Following Received their Degrees in 1821:

Nathanael Washington Alexander, Mecklenburg Co.
Samuel Johnston Alves Orange Co.
Benjamin Franklin Blackledge, Newbern.
Robert H. Cowan Wilmington.
Bryan S. Croom Lenoir Co.
Frederick John Cutlar Wilmington.
John Rives Jones Daniel Halifax Co.
Nicholas John Drake Nash Co.
Robert M. Galloway South Carolina.
Henry Turner Garnett, King and Queen C. H.
Nathaniel Harris Orange Co.
William Rufus Haywood Raleigh.
George Washington Haywood Raleigh.
Samuel Headen Liberty, Va.
Pleasant Henderson Chapel Hill.
Thomas Jefferson Lacey Nelson, Ky.
Willis Monroe Lea Leasburg.
Wm. Kinchen Mebane Orange Co.
Anderson Mitchell Wilkes Co.
Wm. Spivey Mhoon Bertie Co.
Wm. Debow Murphey Orange Co.
Spencer O'Brien Granville Co.
Edward Griffith Pasteur Newbern.
Joseph Hubbard Saunders Chowan Co.
Wm. Andrew Shaw Raleigh.
Samuel Henry Smith Granville Co.
James Stafford Rowan Co.
James Harvey Taylor Granville Co.
Onarles Law Torrence Salisbury.

        Of those not mentioned in the text, Blackledge, Cutlar, Lea, W. R. Haywood, Henderson and Shaw became physicians, Shaw likewise a preacher. Smith and Stafford were also preachers. Drake was a member of the Legislature and a physician.

        Of the non-graduates, Henry McAdin was a physician, a teacher and preacher.

        

Senior Class of 1822.

James Bowman Stokes Co.
John LeRoy Davies South Carolina.
Wm. Beauford Davies South Carolina.
Thomas Frederick Davis Wilmington.
John G. Elliott Sampson Co.
James Gatlin Hall Currituck Co.
Wm. Alexander Hall Iredell Co.
Wm. Hardeman Columbia, Tenn.
Benjamin Franklin Haywood Raleigh.
Fabius Julius Haywood Raleigh.
Thomas Hill Wilmington.
John Allen Hogan Randolph Co.
Joel Holleman Isle of Wight.
Wm. Duke Jones Granville.
Samuel Kerr Salisbury.
Pleasant Williams Kittrell, Chapel Hill.
Robert Goodloe Martin Granville Co.
Robert Harrison Mason Hicksford, Va.
Washington Morrison Cabarrus Co.
Robert Nash Ogden Louisiana.
Wm. Dickson Pickett Anson Co.
Lucius Junius Polk Raleigh.
Abraham Rencher Chatham Co.
Marion Sanders Sumpterville, S. C.
James Bog Slade Martin Co.
Benjamin Sumner Gates Co.
George Patrick Tarry Tarry's Mill, Va.
Alexander Erwin Wilson Cabarrus Co.

        Of the others not described in the text, W. L. Davies, M. B. Davies and W. A. Hall were preachers, while Wilson was a physician, preacher and missionary to China. Jones, Kerr, Mason and Slade were physicians, the latter a surgeon in the United States service.

        Of the members of this class who did not graduate may be noted Edward C.


Page 791

Bellamy and Robert Carson, physicians; Nicholas Williams, a Councillor of State, and long a Trustee.

        

Graduates of 1823.

Samuel Slade Bell Newbern.
George Shonnard Bettner Newbern.
Alexander McCulloch Boylan Raleigh.
William Smith Chapman Chapel Hill.
Daniel William Courts Surry Co.
George Franklin Davidson Iredell Co.
James Henderson Dickson Wilmington.
John Crawford Ellerbe South Carolina.
Robert Ballard Gilliam Oxford.
Thomas G. Graham Cumberland Co.
Isaac Hall Warrenton.
Thomas Burgess Haywood Raleigh.
James Knox Leetch Alabama.
Edmund Loftin Martin (Not recorded).
Hugh Martin Stokes Co.
Benjamin Tyson Moore Stokes Co.
Victor Moreau Murphy Orange Co.
Richmond Mumford Pearson Rowan Co.
John Rains Newbern.
Benjamin Sherrod Ricks Halifax Co.
Matthias Enoch Sawyer Edenton.
Alfred Moore Scales Rockingham Co.
Samuel Stewart Chatham Co.
Thomas Sumner Hertford Co.
James Augustus Washington, Lenoir Co.
George Whitfield Lenoir Co.
Robert Paine Williamson Roxboro.
William London Wills Edenton.

        Besides those named in the text should be chronicled as belonging to this class Davidson, member of the Legislature, and living to be the "oldest graduate"; Hall, son of Judge John Hall, a physician of repute at Pittsboro. Other physicians were Moore, Sawyer and Williamson.

        

Graduates of 1824.

John R. Allison Iredell Co.
Benjamin Hardy Alston Edenton.
Willis Wilson Alston Halifax Co.
Daniel Bellune Baker Brunswick Co.
Benjamin Bynum Blume Stokes Co.
Thomas Bond Bertie Co.
Robert Henry Booth Nottaway, Va.
John Bragg Warrenton.
James West Bryan Newbern.
Henry Embry Coleman, Halifax C. H., Va.
Armand John DeRosset Wilmington.
Thomas Dews Lincolnton.
Richard Evans Pitt Co.
Richard Lee Fearn Chatham, Va.
Erwin James Frierson Tennessee.
William Nelson Gibson Germanton.
William Alexander Graham Lincolnton.
Robert James Hull Iredell Co.
Hardy Holmes Clinton.
William Franklin Lytle, Rutherford Co., Texas.
Matthias Evans Manly Chatham Co.
Augustus Moore Edenton.
James Hogg Norwood Hillsboro.
John Wall Norwood Hillsboro.
David Outlaw Bertie Co.
Bromfield Lewis Ridley Oxford.
David Mitchell Saunders Tennessee.
Edward Dromgoole Sims, Lawrenceville, Va.
William Ruffin Smith Halifax Co.
Samuel Farrer Sneed Williamsboro.
William Anderson Taylor N. Carolina.
William Henry Thompson Chapel Hill.
William Johnston Twitty Warrenton.
John Lewis Wright Wilmington.

        In addition to those described in the text, should be named of this class, Smith, a popular and influential planter of the Roanoke, J. H. Norwood, Tutor of the University, then lawyer and teacher, Allison, B. H. Alston, Fearn, Holmes, Thompson and Wright, physicians; Hall, a preacher, and Frierson, a lawyer and active business man of Tennessee.

        Associated with these were James G. Brehon, of Warrenton, and John W. Potts, Washington, N. C., physicians. Potts was also an Assemblyman, and so were John H. Brown, of Caswell, and Frederick Sawyer, of Camden Co.

        

Graduates of 1825.

Charles Eaton Alexander Boydton, Va.
Elam Alexander Mecklenburg Co.
Albert Vine Allen Newbern.
Walter Alves Kentucky.
William Edward Anderson Hillsboro.
Isaac Baker Brunswick Co.
Allen Jones Barbee Orange Co.
William James Bingham Hillsboro.
William Polk Boylan Raleigh.
James Cole Bruce Halifax C. H.
Jesse Carter Milton.
John Dunham Clancy Hillsboro.
Richard Spaight Clinton Cahaba, Ala.
Washington Donnell Guilford Co.
John Mason Gee Halifax Co.
Milo Alexander Giles Salisbury.
Ralph Gorrell Guilford Co.
Livingston Harris Mecklenburg Co.
Frederick William Harrison, Eastville, Va.


Page 792

Jonathan Hatch Haughton Chowan Co.
Samuel Smith Hinton Wake Co.
William Henry Hodge Tarboro.
Samuel Lockhart Holt Orange Co.
Benjamin Sherrod Long Halifax Co.
James Martin Pickens Co., Ala.
James Moore Martin Co.
Columbus Morrison Mecklenburg Co.
James Elisha Morrison Cabarrus Co.
Thomas Hare Pipkin Murfreesboro.
Marshall Tate Polk Columbia, Tenn.
Samuel Washington Popleston Edenton.
Thomas Riddle Chatham Co.
William Seawell Raleigh.
William Dromgoole Sims, Halifax C. H., Va.
John William Watters Brunswick Co.
Burwell Bassett Wilkes, Lawrenceville, Va.
William Augustus Wright Wilmington.
William Beck Wright Duplin Co.
John Jenkins Wyche Granville Co.

        Other members of this class, besides those described in the text, were Allen, a leader of the Newbern bar; Anderson, a teacher and banker; Clinton, a Probate Judge in Alabama; Gorrell, a good lawyer and often Senator from Guilford; Morrison, preacher and teacher in Anson County; Wyche, Tutor in the University and Professor in Jefferson College, Mississippi; W. B. Wright, of Duplin, then of Fayetteville, an esteemed and useful lawyer and member of the Legislature.

        Those matriculating but not graduating with these, are David Chalmers, a member of the Virginia Legislature; John G. Chalmers, of Virginia, a physician in Texas; Josiah T. Granbury, a Commoner of Perquimans; John Lee Haywood, of Raleigh, a physician of Smithfield, N. C.; Archibald M. Holt, of Orange, a physician; Hugh Y. Waddell, planter on Red River, La.; Maurice Q. Waddell, Wilmington, Clerk and Master in Equity, Chatham County.

        

Graduates of 1826.

Silas Milton Andrews Rowan Co.
Daniel Moreau Barringer Cabarrus Co.
Samuel Edward Chapman Newbern.
Henry Toole Clark Tarboro.
Richard S. Croom Lenoir Co.
William Bell Dunn Raleigh.
Henry Branson Elliott Randolph Co.
Archibald Gilchrist Richmond Co.
William Henry Gray Northampton Co.
Thomas Skinner Hoskins Edenton.
Samuel Iredell Johnston Hertford Co.
James Albert King Iredell Co.
George W. Morrow Orange Co.
Erasmus Darwin North Connecticut.
William Norwood Hillsboro.
Ferdinand William Risque, Lynchburg, Va.
John C. Smith Cumberland Co.
Oliver Wolcott Treadwell Connecticut.
Leander Albert Watts Williamston.
Thomas Wynn Watts Williamston.
James Morehead Wright Bladen Co.

        Of this class, besides those named in the text, Croom was a physician, King a lawyer and member of the Legislature, Hoskins a member of the Legislature, Morrow a teacher, Andrews a Tutor in University of North Carolina and then a preacher in Pennsylvania, Johnston a D.D. and Episcopal preacher, Watts a preacher, Dunn a physician, Gray an influential planter.

        Of the non-graduates, Robert C. Bond of Raleigh, Thomas Bunting of Sampson, John H. Hall of Wilmington, Wm. G. Hill of Raleigh, Godwin C. Moore of Hertford, were physicians, Moore being likewise a member of the Legislature. Colin M. Clark was a prominent planter, Andrew M. Craig was a preacher, Anderson E. Foster was a lawyer and Assemblyman of Rowan County, Harper J. Lindsay was of high standing in Greensboro, Abraham Penn of Virginia was a preacher, William B. Street was a lawyer in Alabama, John W. Childress a lawyer and member of the Legislature of Tennessee; James Hunter and Gray Sills, physicians.

        

Graduates of 1827.

Charles Wilson Harris Alexander, Mecklenburg Co.
Robert Grier Allison Iredell Co.
James Watson Armstrong Orange Co.
Absalom Knox Barr Rowan Co.
Thomas Wright Belt Iredell Co.
Thompson Byrd Caswell Co.
Wm. Dunlap Crawford Cabarrus Co.
John Laurin Fairley Richmond Co.
Thomas Pleasant Hall Iredell Co.
Lawson Frank Henderson Lincoln Co.
John Winslow Huske Fayetteville.
George Ryan Jordan Bertie Co.
Edwin Augustus Keeble Murfreesboro.
Lorenzo Lea Leasburg.


Page 793

Richard Henry Lewis Edgecombe Co.
Jesse Harper Lindsay Greensboro.
Alexander Macky Savannah, Ga.
George Miller Duplin Co.
Alfred Osborne Pope Nicholson, Columbia, Tenn.
Thomas McCarrell Prince Pitt Co.
Robert Archibald Thomas Ridley, Oxford.
Reuben Troy Saunders Johnston Co.
Charles Biddle Shepard Newbern.
Lewis Gilchrist Slaughter Salisbury.
James Young Thompson, Caswell County.
Lewis Thompson Bertie Co.
Whitmell Peyton Tunstall, Chatham, Va.
John Reed Williamson Lincoln Co.
Warren Winslow Fayetteville.
John Winslow Winston Fayetteville.
Wm. Hill Wooding, Pittsylvania Co., Va.
Henry Yarborough Hillsboro.

        In addition to those mentioned in the text, Barr and Byrd of this class were preachers; Belt, Henderson and J. Y. Thompson, physicians; Crawford and Fairley, members of the Legislature.

        And of the non-graduates Alonzo T. Jerkins, a prominent merchant of Newbern, was a Representative in the Legislature.

        

Seniors of 1828.

Richard Henry Battle Edgecombe Co.
Edwin Greenhill Booth, Nottaway C. H., Va.
Henry Selby Clark Beaufort Co.
John Peter Gause Brunswick Co.
James Davidson Hall Iredell Co.
Edwin Robert Harris Cabarrus Co.
Thomas Pinckney Johnston Iredell Co.
James King Nesbitt Statesville.
Thomas Jefferson Oakes Rowan Co.
John Lewis Taylor Chapel Hill.
Henry Irwin Toole Edgecombe Co.

        In addition to those named in the text, Nesbitt was a physician, James D. Hill a preacher in Iredell and Gaston counties, Henry Irwin Toole gained reputation as a political speaker, when, as nominee for Congress by the Democrats, he met the able Whig champion, Edward Stanly. Gause was a lawyer and member of the Legislature.

        Contemporaries with the class were James W. Armstrong, teacher in Georgia, John B. S. Harris, of Mecklenburg, Alexander Martin Henderson, physicians, the latter in Arkansas, and Alfred Waddell, a planter on Red River.

        

Graduates of 1829.

Philip Whitmell Alston Edenton.
John Potts Brown Wilmington.
Burton Craig Salisbury.
Thomas Washington Dulaney, Onslow Co.
William Eaton Warrenton.
James Alphonso Johnston Lincoln Co.
Sidney Xenophon Johnston Lincoln Co.
James Emerson Kerr Rowan Co.
David McMicken Lees Mecklenburg Co.
Osmond Fritz Long Randolph Co.
Richard Muse Shepard Newbern.
Franklin LaFayette Smith Charlotte.
Richard Robert Wall Rockingham Co.
Rufus Augustus Yancey Caswell Co.

        Of these, besides those described in the text, J. A. Johnston was a merchant and planter, Kerr a farmer and lawyer, Long a physician, Shepard a lawyer in New Orleans.

        Of the non-graduates of the class, James G. Campbell, Bruswick County, was a lawyer and settled on Red River, Arkansas; John K. Campbell, of South Carolina, was United States Attorney for Florida; William S. Campbell, Brunswick County, was a Civil Engineer in Louisiana; Samuel Connor, of Lincolnton, was a physician in Alabama; Junius C. Dunbibin, of Wilmington, was also a physician; Francis P. Haywood was an officer in the Civil Service of the Confederacy; John H. Jones, planter and physician, highly regarded; John B. Muse, a member of the Legislature; Frank Stanly, a Methodist minister.

        

Graduates of 1830.

John Allen Backhouse Newbern.
John Henry Edwards Person Co.
Rawley Galloway Rockingham Co.
Cicero Stephens Hawks Newbern.
Richard King Hill Iredell Co.
William Lee Kennedy Washington.
George Gallatin Lea Caswell Co.
Nathanael Henry McCain, Rockingham Co.
James Walker Osborne, Mecklenburg Co.
William Kirkland Ruffin Orange Co.
Aaron Joshua Spivey Bertie Co.
Elisha Stedman Pittsboro.
John Madison Stedman Fayetteville.
Benjamin Franklin Terry Virginia.

        Besides those mentioned in the text, should be noted Spivey, a preacher, Kennedy, a member of the Legislature, Ruffin,


Page 794

a lawyer of learning but not ambitious.

        Of the classmates and contemporaries of the above, who did not graduate, Robert H. Austin was a very influential merchant of Tarboro, Wm. S. Baker a physician and member of the Legislature from Edgecombe, Charles Chalmers and Edwin Dancy physicians, George W. Hufham, a minister of the Baptist Church, father of Rev. J. D. Hufham; Joseph T. Rhodes, who represented Duplin in the General Assembly and the Convention of 1861; Elisha B. Stedman, a physician of Pittsboro, and Joseph W. Townsend of Perquimans, an Assemblyman from that county and then a Judge in Arkansas.

        

Graduates of 1831.

Henry Jordan Cannon Raleigh.
James Grant Halifax Co.
John DeBerniere Hooper Wilmington.
Allen Cadwallader Jones Hillsboro.
Calvin Jones Somerville, Tenn.
Alexander Mebane Orange Co.
Giles Mebane Orange Co.
Thomas Robeson Owen Bladen Co.
Thomas Jefferson Pitchford, Warren Co.
Lemuel Brown Powell Warren Co.
Archibald Aaron Tyson Smith, Fayetteville.
William Wallace Spear Hillsboro.
Jacob Thompson Caswell Co.
Jesse Albert Waugh Stokes Co.
James Monroe Williamson Person Co.

        Besides those described in the text, should be named of this class Cannon, a lawyer and planter of West Tennessee; Allen C. Jones, member of the Legislalature in Alabama and Colonel in the Confederate Army; A. Mebane, a preacher of the Gospel; Owen, a Baptist preacher and teacher of wide influence, a resident of Tarboro; Waugh, an Assemblyman from Stokes County, and J. M. Williamson, a lawyer and member of the Legislature.

        

Graduates of 1832.

Thomas Lapsley Armstrong, Orange Co.
Thomas Samuel Ashe Orange Co.
Samuel Simpson Biddle Craven Co.
Thomas Lanier Clingman Surry Co.
David Gillespie Doak Guilford Co.
James Cochran Dobbin Fayetteville.
George Hairston Virginia.
John Lindsay Hargrave Lexington.
Thomas Whitmel Harris Halifax Co.
John Hooker Haughton Tyrrell Co.
Thomas Blount Hill Halifax Co.
Michael William Holt Orange Co.
Cadwallader Jones Hillsboro.
Thomas Francis Jones Perquimans Co.
John Haywood Parker Tarboro.
Rufus Milton Rosebrough Iredell Co.
Richard Henry Smith Halifax Co.
Stephen Sills Sorsby Nash Co.
James Owen Stedman Fayetteville.
Samuel Barrow Stephens Newbern.
Thomas Edwin Taylor Chapel Hill.
Samuel Alston Williams Warren Co.
Charles Crawford Wilson Newbern.

        Besides those named in the text, Hargrave was a lawyer, member of the Convention of 1835, and died nine years after graduation; Stedman was a worthy minister of the Gospel; Thomas F. Jones was a good lawyer, who killed his antagonist in a duel for which public opinion justified him; Armstrong, a Tutor in the University, but his subsequent career has not been ascertained. He moved to a Southern State. Biddle was a farmer and Representative in the Legislature; Cadwallader Jones was State Solicitor; Smith a good farmer and lawyer, and a most useful citizen; Doak was a preacher.

        Of those not graduating, Whitmell Hill Pugh, of Bertie, was a member of the Louisiana Legislature and Convention; John Stirewalt, of Cabarrus, was an architect; Wm. T. Sutton, of Bertie, was an influential planter and owner of a Fishery; John L. Florence was an Assemblyman, as was Lunsford Richardson, of Johnston County, and Robert D. Webb, a physician in Marion, Alabama.

        

Graduates of 1833.

John Gray Bynum Stokes Co.
William Martin Crenshaw Wake Co.
Protheus Eppes Armistead Jones, Granville Co.
Edmund Walter Jones Wilkes Co.
Warren Easton Kennedy, Washington, N. C.
Junius Bayard King Iredell Co.
Henry McLin Newbern.
Solomon Lea Caswell Co.
William Nelson Mebane Greensboro.
William Hayes Owen Oxford.
Julian Edmund Sawyer Elizabeth City.
Josiah Stallings Duplin Co.
Addi Edwin Donnel Thom Greensboro.


Page 795

        Besides those named in the text, there were of this class several worthy of notice. Crenshaw was a physician of high standing in Wake, Protheus Jones was a good lawyer, James N. Neal, of Chatham County, was next in scholarship to Bynum, but died before graduation and was buried in the cemetery belonging to the University, now mainly given up to the village.

        Of those who did not graduate there were John L. Chalmers, a physician of Chapel Hill, and John N. Young, of Iredell County, a member of the Legislature and physician.

        

Graduates of 1834.

Albert Gallatin Anderson Caswell Co.
Samuel Richardson Blake, Miccosukie, Fla.
Wm. Pugh Bond Bertie Co.
Wm. Brown Carter Caswell Co.
Harrison Wall Covington, Richmond Co.
Wm. Pinckney Gunn Caswell Co.
Thomas Goelet Haughton Edenton.
David McAlister Cumberland Co.
Henry Watkins Miller, Buckingham Co., Va.
Abraham Forrest Morehead Rockingham Co.
James Biddle Shepard Newbern.
Thomas Jasper Williams Halifax Co.
Samuel Williams Halifax Co.

        Besides those mentioned in the text, Blake was a Tutor in the University, Haughton at one time an Episcopal minister, Williams a physician, Covington a lawyer and member of the Alabama Legislature, Carter a lawyer and planter, and Anderson a preacher.

        Of the non-graduates of the class, Frederick Nash, son of the Chief Justice of the same name, was a Presbyterian minister; James W. Sneed a lawyer and member of the Legislature, and T. P. Burgwyn, a descendant of Governor Thomas Pollock, a prominent society man.

        

Senior Class of 1835.

Christopher Columbus Battle, Edgecombe Co.
Thomas H. Brown Newbern.
Richard Benbury Creecy Chowan Co.
Charles Russell Dodson Milton.
Augustus John Foster Louisburg.
Henry Lea Graves Yanceyville.
Haywood Williams Guion Newbern.
Robert Williams Henry Halifax, Va.
James Hill Hutchins Newbern.
John Paisley Guilford Co.
Horace Lawrence Robards, Granville Co.
William Alexander Rose Stokes Co.
Samuel H. Ruffin Louisburg.
James Campbell Smith Cumberland Co.
John Carnes Thompson, Port Tobacco, Md.
Williams Peter Webb Tuscaloosa, Ala.

        Besides those mentioned in the text, Hutchins was a lawyer and land agent in Texas; Graves was a minister of the Gospel, who removed to Texas; Smith a physician in Cumberland County; Battle, Private Secretary to Governor Dudley, an Orderly Sergeant in the Mexican War, and a lawyer; Brown and Dodson were physicians; Graves and Paisley, preachers, the former in Texas; Robards, a member of the Legislature from Rowan County.

        The most notable of those not graduating were James M. Bullock, of Granville, planter and State Senator; George Washington Graves, of Caswell, a physician; John Riley Holt, of Orange, preacher and teacher; Henry J. Robards, of Granville, a physician; John L. Gay, preacher, Professor of English, University of Indiana; Leopold Heartt, of Orange, a merchant of Raleigh; Lemuel Murray, a Presbyterian minister, and John Buxton Williams, of Warren, a highly esteemed farmer.

        

Graduating Class of 1836.

James E. Chrichton Brunswick, Va.
John Alexander Downey, Abram's Plains.
Thomas Gholson Brunswick, Va.
Ralph H. Graves Granville Co.
James Edward Hamlett Charlotte, Va.
William W. Hooper Chapel Hill.
Benjamin J. Howze Haywood.
Thomas S. Jacobs Perquimans Co.
Thomas Jones Petersburg, Va.
Robert McCutchen South Carolina.
Frederick N. McWilliams Halifax Co.
Henry K. Nash Hillsboro.
Charles L. Pettigrew Tyrrell Co.
William B. Rodman Washington.
James Saunders Raleigh.
Lawrence W. Scott Newbern.
Thomas Stamps Halifax, Va.
William L. Stamps Halifax, Va.
John Graham Tull Lenoir.


Page 796

        Besides those mentioned in the text, Dr. William L. Stamps was a physician and planter, McCutchen a minister of the Gospel, and Saunders a lawyer, who volunteered for the Mexican War and died in service.

        With this class, but not graduating, were James Henry Bate, a preacher, of Bertie; Edward Jones Hooper, Chapel Hill, a physician of South Carolina; Thomas Jones, of Virginia, a minister; Robert George McCutchen, of South Carolina, a minister; Charles G. Nelms, planter in Mississippi, a Lieutenant-Colonel C. S. A., killed at Shiloh; Francis Jones Smith, of Orange, a physician, whose sister, Miss Mary Ruffin Smith, founded a fund in the University called by his name; Robert B. Watt, of Rockingham, a prominent lawyer; A. B. Chunn and John C. B. Ehringhaus, members of the Legislature; Alexander Morrow, of Orange, a physician.

        

Graduates of 1837.

William Waightstill Avery, Morganton.
Augustus Benners Newbern.
Perrin H. Busbee Raleigh.
Peter Wilson Hairston, Pittsylvania Co., Va.
George Stanly Holley Bertie Co.
Pride Jones Hillsboro.
Samuel Buckner Massey, South Carolina.
Leonard Henderson Taylor, Granville Co.
James Green Womack Pittsboro.

        Alexander Swann and Samuel B. Massey were with this class but did not graduate.

        Besides those mentioned in the text, Jones was a physician of Hillsboro, a member of the Legislature, and Clerk of the Superior Court; Holley was a lawyer.

        Of the non-graduates, Frank Hawkins, of Franklin County, was a planter and member of the Legislature in Mississippi, and James Sidney Smith was a Commoner from Orange and a lawyer.

        

Graduates of 1838.

Kemp Plummer Alston Warren Co.
Hasel Witherspoon Burgwyn Hillsboro.
Charles James Fox Craddock Virginia.
Green Mosely Cuthbert Newbern.
George R. Davis Wilmington.
Joseph Washington Evans, Cumberland Co.
Needham Whitfield Herring Lenoir.
Benjamin Mosely Hobson Milton.
Albert Gallatin Hubbard Leesburg.
Joseph John Jackson Chatham.
Kenelm Harrison Lewis Edgecombe Co.
William John Long Randolph Co.
Charles Maurice Talleyrand McCauley, Chapel Hill.
John Jones Roberts Newbern.
Colin Shaw Fayetteville.
James Summerville South Carolina.
Wm. Richmond Walker Caswell Co.
Wilson Willis Whitaker Wake Co.
Gaston Hillory Wilder Johnston Co.

        Besides those mentioned in the text, Hobson and Shaw became preachers. Long was a lawyer, member of the General Assembly and of the Convention of 1861. Craddock was a physician, as was Herring, Lewis (called Kelly Lewis) was Clerk and Master in Equity; and Whitaker was a Commoner.

        Of those associated with the class of 1838, Isaac L. Battle, of Edgecombe, was a member of the Legislature of Florida; Wm. W. Davis, of New Hanover, was a physician; David Dickie, of Orange, a minister; John W. Glenn, of Virginia, a physician, a surgeon in the Mexican War. Lucius J. Johnson was a Major in the Confederate service; Oliver H. Prince, a Captain; Albert G. Procter, a Commoner; John Thompson, a surgeon in the Mexican War and also in the Confederate service; John M. Ashurst was Solicitor-General of Georgia; Robert P. Hall, of Fayetteville, was a physician, as was Wm. B. Knox, of Elizabeth City; David W. Lewis, of Georgia, was a member of the Confederate Congress, and President of the Georgia Agricultural and Mechanical College; Thomas W. Nicholson was a very influential planter of Halifax, and William S. Pettigrew a member of the Convention of 1861, and a prominent Episcopal minister.

        

Graduates of 1839.

Clarke Moulton Avery Morganton.
John Nash Barksdale, Rutherford Co., Tenn.
William Frederick Brown Caswell Co.
Jarvis Buxton Fayetteville.
Richard Spaight Donnell Craven Co.
Dennis Dozier Ferebee Currituck Co.
John Livingston Hadley, Nashville, Tenn.
James Hunter Headen Chatham Co.
Walter Alves Huske Fayetteville.


Page 797

Alpheus Jones Wake Co.
Angus Currie McNeill Robeson Co.
Thomas Davis Meares Wilmington.
Isaac Newton Tillett Elizabeth City.

        Of these, in addition to those named in the text, Headen was a physician, and Huske and Tillett lawyers.

        Of the non-graduates, Livingston Brown was a member of the General Assembly; Shakespeare Harris, also a Commoner, was a scholarly man; Peter B. Hawkins, John Z. Davis and Isaac B. Headen were physicians; Abner C. Terry, of Virginia, a journalist.

Graduating Class of 1840.

David A. Barnes Northampton Co.
Tod R. Caldwell Burke Co.
John W. Cameron Moore Co.
Richard H. Claiborne Danville, Va.
R. Alexander Clement Franklin, Va.
John W. Cunningham Person Co.
Daniel B. Currie Robeson Co.
Shelby S. Currie Caswell Co.
Wm. H. H. Dudley Raleigh.
Isham W. Garrott Wake Co.
Charles C. Graham Lincoln Co.
William S. Green Danville, Va.
Francis H. Hawks Washington, N. C.
William H. Henderson, Carroll Co., Tenn.
Lucius J. Johnson Chowan Co.
William Johnston Lincoln Co.
Daniel L. Kenan Selma, Ala.
John A. Lillington Wilmington.
William Logan Halifax, Va.
Willis H. McLeod Johnston Co.
Andrew McMillan Richmond Co.
Oliver H. Prince Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Samuel J. Procter Elizabeth City.
Archibald Purcell Robeson Co.
Duncan Sellars New Hanover.
John Pike Sharpe Edgecombe Co.
Albert M. Shipp Lincoln Co.
William M. Shipp Lincoln Co.
Thomas H. Spruill Warren Co.
William Thompson Leasburg, N. C.
Calvin H. Wiley Guilford Co.

        Besides those mentioned in the text, Currie and Green were physicians; Graham a large manufacturer, banker and commission merchant in Memphis, Tennessee; Lucius J. Johnson, a Major C. S. A., dying in service; Hawks a sound lawyer in North Carolina and Alabama; Andrew McMillan, a minister of the Gospel; Oliver H. Prince, a lawyer in Alabama, Captain in the Confederate service, killed at Chickamauga; Duncan Sellars, a minister; William Thompson, in the U. S. service in the Mexican War, and in the Confederate army.

        Of those matriculating with the class of 1840, but not graduating, were Martin Locke Phifer, a lawyer and planter; Edwin G. Thompson, a physician; Andrew J. Askew, a physician; R. L. Myers, a Civil Engineer; Albert G. Proctor, member of the Legislature.

        The Senior class of 1841 numbered 43, the first which matriculated under President Swain.

        
Benjamin F. Atkins Cumberland Co.
Thomas L. Avery Burke Co.
James Boylan Raleigh.
Robert R. Bridgers Edgecombe Co.
John W. Brodnax Rockingham Co.
Robert Burton Lincoln Co.
Archibald H. Caldwell Salisbury.
John D. Cameron Fayetteville.
William J. Clarke Raleigh.
John S. Dancy Tarboro.
Leonidas Lafayette Dancy Tarboro.
William F. Dancy Tarboro.
James A. Delk Clarksville, Va.
Robert D. Dickson Wilmington.
John W. Ellis Davidson Co.
John S. Erwin Morganton.
Chauncey W. Graham Duplin Co.
Stephen Graham Duplin Co.
William W. Green Granville Co.
Atlas O. Harrison Raleigh.
John D. Hawkins, Jr Franklin Co.
Richard B. Haywood Raleigh.
John F. Hoke Lincolnton.
Nathaniel Jones Wake Co.
Angus R. Kelly Moore Co.
James A. Long Randolph Co.
Hector McAllister Cumberland Co.
Vardry A. McBee Greenville, S. C.
Montfort McGehee Person Co.
Andrew F. McRee Mecklenburg Co.
Samuel B. McPheeters Raleigh.
Stephen A. Norfleet Bertie Co.
Francis M. Pearson Anson Co.
Richmond N. Pearson Anson Co.
Charles Phillips Chapel Hill.
Samuel F. Phillips Chapel Hill.
Horatio M. Polk LaGrange, Tenn.
Thomas Ruffin Franklin Co.
Jesse G. Shepherd Cumberland Co.
Robert Strange, Jr. Fayetteville.


Page 798

James F. Taylor Raleigh.
James H. Viser Florence, Ala.
Samuel H. Walkup Mecklenburg Co.
Thomas B. Wetmore Fayetteville.
John C. Williams Cumberland Co.
James H. Williams Cumberland Co.

        In addition to those named in the text, McPheeters was a Presbyterian minister of great influence; Polk a lawyer and member of the Louisiana Legislature; Cameron was a popular editor; C. Graham an enlightened physician; S. Graham a planter and was in the Legislature, Green a physician, Hawkins a prosperous commission merchant in New Orleans, Haywood a physician, Kelly an able lawyer in Alabama, Long was a lawyer and journalist, McAllister a minister, McBee railroad agent, R. Pearson a physician in Georgia, F. Pearson a lawyer in Arkansas. Taylor had fine natural abilities but lacked steady application to business. He was at one time State Librarian. Wetmore was a prominent lawyer in Alabama and Major in the Confederate service.

        The undistinguished list contains many worthy names. Broadnax, an excellent farmer, attended the Commencement of 1904, a hale and hearty man. He was a Confederate Major. Caldwell was a lawyer of note and a member of the Legislature, and Clerk and Master in Equity.

        Of the non-graduates were Wm. L. Barrow, Jesse G. Bryan, Jesse D. Graves and George H. Mitchell, physicians; James D. Parke, Adjutant U. S. A., and William B. Pope, a lawyer and Captain C. S. A. General Frank P. Blair was described in the text.

        The Senior class of 1842 was much smaller than that of the preceding year, owing to the continued severity of the financial depression. They were:

        
Richard J. Ashe Chapel Hill.
Rufus Barringer Cabarrus Co.
William A. Bell Eutaw, Ala.
Francis T. Bryan Raleigh.
James A. Caldwell Burke Co.
James W. Campbell Marengo, Ala.
Rufus M. Campbell Marengo, Ala.
David Coleman Buncombe Co.
James L. Dusenbery Lexington.
Stephen S. Green Chapel Hill.
William H. Haigh Fayetteville.
Will White Harriss Wilmington.
Charles P. Hartwell Brunswick, Va.
William J. Hayes Lincoln Co.
Peter J. Holmes Southampton, Va.
John Findley Jack Grainger, Tenn.
William F. Lewis Edgecombe Co.
William F. Martin Elizabeth City.
William P. McBee Greenville, S. C.
Thomas J. Morrisey Sampson Co.
William S. Mullins Fayetteville.
Israel Leonidas Pickens, Greensboro, Ala.
Nathaniel H. Quince Wilmington.
George W. Ruffin Franklin Co.
John Baptist Smith Granville Co.
Ashley W. Spaight Selma, Ala.
Joseph J. Summerell Northampton Co.
Ruffin Wirt Tomlinson Johnston Co.
Richard Don Wilson Caswell Co.

        In addition to the first and second honor men mentioned in the text should be noticed Ashe, a merchant and railroad man, afterwards a lawyer in California and member of its Legislature; Caldwell was in the Legislature, J. W. Campbell a lawyer in Alabama, R. Campbell a Captain C. S. A., Dusenbery a Surgeon C. S. A. Green was promising but died early. Harriss a Surgeon C. S. A. and Mayor of Wilmington. Hartwell was a physician in Virginia, as was Hayes in Lincoln County. Wilson had gifts as a poet; after teaching a short while, he became a lawyer. He served in the Confederate army, and then losing his reason ended his own life.

        Of the non-graduates, George S. Coleman was a physician in Texas, Thomas Hill Lane, of Wilmington, was killed in the Confederate service in 1864. Thomas I. Lenoir settled in Haywood County and was a Captain C. S. A. Albert Y. McAdoo was a physician in Guilford, Gaston Meares was a lawyer in Arkansas, a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Mexican War, a planter in Brunswick County, a commission merchant in New York, a member of the North Carolina Legislature, a Colonel C. S. A., killed at Malvern Hill. James A. Price was a physician in Georgia; Peter Brown Ruffin, of Orange, was long Treasurer of the North Carolina Railroad Company.

        

Graduates of 1843.

Chesley Page Patterson Barbee, Madison Co., Tenn.
James McClure Boyd Edgecombe Co.
Ashbel Green Brown Granville Co.
Henry Lawrence Clement Davie Co.
Thomas Arey Covington Richmond Co.


Page 799

William Dick Cowan Wilmington.
Robert Paine Dick Greensboro.
James Webb Downey Granville Co.
Philo P. Henderson Mecklenburg Co.
Richard Bradley Wilmington.
Joseph Caldwell Huske Fayetteville.
James P. Irwin Charlotte.
Thomas Lynn Johnston Lincoln Co.
Richard Thomas Jones Powelton, Va.
Rufus Henry Wake Co.
Michael Angelo King Huntsville, Ala.
James Warren Lancaster, Edgecombe Co.
James Augustus Leak Richmond Co.
Walter Waightstill Lenoir, Fort Defiance.
Frederick James Lord Wilmington.
Joseph McClees Tyrrell Co.
Thomas David Smith McDowell, Bladen Co.
Bartlett Yancey McNairy, Guilford Co.
John London Meares Wilmington.
John Gray Blount Myers, Washington, N. C.
Samuel Jones Person Moore Co.
John James Reese Knoxville, Tenn.
Willis Henry Sanders Johnston Co.
Thos. Owen Davis Walker Wilmington.
John Thomas Watson Nash Co.
John Lea Williamson Caswell Co.
Clement Gillespie Wright Bladen Co.

        In addition to those mentioned in the text, of those who received no honors, Boyd, Cowan, Johnston, Myers and Watson were physicians, Lord was a rice-planter and Vice-Consul of Spain at Wilmington, Reese a lawyer, Captain in the Mexican War, and Lieutenant-Colonel C. S. A.; Wright a lawyer, Assemblyman, Lieutenant-Colonel C. S. A., dying in service.

        Of the class mates who did not graduate were Thomas Tate Tunstall, of Alabama, Consul to Cadiz and to San Salvador; Franklin Hart, Wm. G. McDonald and Edward F. Smallwood, physicians.

        

Graduates of 1844.

John Ballanfant Maury Co., Tenn.
William Francis Barbee, Haywood Co., Tenn.
William Smith Battle Edgecombe Co.
William Augustus Blount, Washington, N. C.
John Beck Borden Wilcox Co., Ala.
John Herritage Bryan Raleigh.
John Houston McIntosh Clinch, St. Mary's, Georgia.
Edmund DeBerry Covington, Richmond Co.
John Cowan Wilmington.
Robert H. Cowan Wilmington.
Pleasant Hunter Dalton, Rockingham Co.
Charles Francis Dewey Raleigh.
Leonidas Compton Edwards Person Co.
Alfred Gaither Foster Lexington.
Robert Thomas Fuller Caswell Co.
Henry William Graham Lincoln Co.
Joseph Montrose Graham Catawba Co.
Ebenezer Clarkson Grier, Mecklenburg Co.
Robert Troy Hall Wadesboro.
Philemon Benjamin Hawkins, Franklin Co.
William Hill Wilmington.
William Henry Hinton Bertie Co.
James Hunter Horner Orange Co.
James Sterling Johnston Halifax Co.
Gustavus Adolphus Jones Wake Co.
Robin Apeadwallader Jones Hillsboro.
Edward Bulkley Lewis Chapel Hill.
John Wesley Long Randolph.
Joseph McLaurin Wlimington.
Peter K. Rounsaville Lexington.
Thomas Ruffin Orange Co.
Robert Alexander Sanders Johnston Co.
James Graham Scott Chapel Hill.
Benjamin Men Smith Granville Co.
Stephen Addison Stanfield Halifax, Va.
Walter Leake Steele Richmond Co.
Thomas Henry Clay Turner Hillsboro.
George Badger Wetmore Fayetteville.
Exum Lewis Whitaker Halifax Co.
James Alexander Wimbish Halifax, Va.
Edward Clements Yellowley Pitt Co.

        Besides those named in the text, Scott and Yellowley attained distinction in the Legislature, and Yellowley was a Colonel. Clinch was an officer in the United States Army; Dewey, H. W. Graham, Long and Turner were physicians; Hall was a Superior Court Clerk and Captain; Hawkins, General of the Home Guard and a member of the Legislature; Rounsaville, a lawyer in Indiana, and Colonel C. S. A.

        Of those matriculating at the same time with these, but not graduating, Cameron Anderson, of Florida, was a lawyer and Paymaster U. S. A.; William Grimes was a planter of wealth and high standing; John R. Hawes was a physician and a Captain C. S. A.; John R. Mercer, of Edgecombe, a physician; James H. McNeill was a minister and Colonel, killed in battle; Andrew J. Polk a Captain C. S. A.; R. H. Cannon, H. W. Faison, Jesse D. Hines, John R. Mercer, John F. Tompkins were physicians.


Page 800

        

Graduates of 1845.

William E. Barnett, Russell County, Ala.
Joseph John Branch Batchelor, Halifax Co.
Charles Bruce Halifax, Va.
Peter Garland Burton Fayetteville.
Samuel James Calvert, Northampton Co.
Samuel William Cockrell, Green Co., Ala.
Thomas Frederick Davis Salisbury.
Edward Dromgoole Brunswick, Va.
Edwin Lafayette Dusenbery, Lexington.
Alexander Boyd Hawkins Franklin Co.
James Joshua Herring Lenoir Co.
Eugene Joseph Hinton Bertie Co.
Owen Davis Holmes Wilmington.
Pleasant Allen Holt Orange Co.
Octavius Wright Hooker Greene Co.
Virginius Henry Ivy Norfolk Co., Va.
Frederick Divoux Lente Newbern.
Langdon Cheves Manly Raleigh.
Richard Henry Mason Raleigh.
Thomas Cowan McIlhenny Wilmington.
William Thomas Mebane Greensboro.
Alexander Duncan Moore Chapel Hill.
Lucian Holmes Sanders Johnston Co.
Reuben Clarke Shorter Eufaula, Ala.
Thomas Turner Slade Lincolnton.
Jesse Potts Smith Fayetteville.
Dewitt Clinton Stone Franklin Co.
George Vaughan Strong Sampson Co.
Thomas Jethro Sumner Oxford.
Leonidas Taylor Oxford.
Samuel Davis Wharton Guilford Co.
Thomas Edward Whyte Chapel Hill.

        Besides those mentioned in the text, of those who received no honors, Dusenbery was a physician, a soldier in the Confederate army, killed in battle; Hawkins a physician and planter in Florida; Holt, a Surgeon; Hooker, a physician and druggist; Ivy, a lawyer in Texas; Manly, Taylor, Mebane and Moore physicians; Slade, a physician and Captain; Stone, Mayor of Goldsboro, Texas; Whyte, physician in Georgia and Surgeon.

        Of those matriculating with the class, but not graduating, were John A. Bryan, of Sampson, a physician and member of the Legislature; James S. Green, a physician of Tennessee; Samuel S. McCauley, teacher, physician and Mayor of Monroe; Chas. Manly, Lieutenant in the Mexican War; Thomas G. Polk, of Tennessee, Captain C. S. A.; James Fleming Waddell, Lieutenant Mexican War and C. S. A.; George W. Wortham, of Oxford, lawyer and Captain; John P. Barnes and W. S. Johnston, physicians.

        

Graduates of 1846.

James Saunders Amis Granville Co.
Turner Westray Battle, Edgecombe Co.
William Kennedy Blake Fayetteville.
Alexander Franklin Brevard, Lincoln Co.
William Shepard Bryan Raleigh.
William Franklin Carter Mocksville.
John Napoleon Daniel Halifax Co.
William James Duke Vicksburg, Miss.
Solomon James Faison Sampson Co.
William Alexander Faison Sampson Co.
Richard Nathan Forbes Newbern.
Edward Hubbel Hicks Oxford.
Robert C. T. Sydenham Hilliard, Nash Co.
John Lyon Holmes Wilmington.
David Saunders Johnston Yanceyville.
William Belvidere Meares Wilmington.
Thomas Mullin Newby Perquimans Co.
Stephen Farmer Pool Perry, Ala.
Sion Hart Rogers Wake Co.
James Sterling Ruffin Marengo, Ala.
Frederick Augustus Shepherd, Wadesboro.
John Victor Sherard Wayne Co.
David Thomas Tayloe, Washington, N. C.
James Riddle Ward Chatham Co.
Richard Thomas Weaver, Northampton Co.
Benjamin Franklin Whitaker, Halifax Co.
Owen Holmes Whitfield Aberdeen, Miss.
Hillory Madison Wilder Wake Co.

        Besides those mentioned in the text, Brevard was State Senator; Hilliard an esteemed planter in Mississippi; Meares, Ruffin, Taylor and Whitaker, physicians; Tayloe a physician, likewise a Surgeon; Sherard was State Solicitor, and S. J. Faison in the Convention of 1865.

        Matriculating with the foregoing but not graduating were Julius F. Faison, Baptist minister; J. S. Grasty, a Presbyterian minister, and Lucian Holmes, an Episcopal minister. James Holmes, 1st Lieutenant U. S. A.; George McNeill, Presbyterian minister and journalist; Samuel Perry and John H. Roscoe, physicians; Wm. A. Daniel, in the Legislature; Joseph L. Bozman, Colonel; William J. Cannon, Surgeon.

        

Graduates of 1847.

Alfred Alston, Jr. Warren Co.
Joel Dossey Battle Chapel Hill.
Joseph Benjamin New Orleans.
Gee Wood Berry Marion Dist., S. C.
Alexander Jacob Cansler Lincolnton.
Duncan Lamont Clinch St. Mary's, Ga.


Page 801

John Clark Coleman Halifax, Va.
Thomas von Webber Dewey Raleigh.
Samuel Jethro Erwin Lincolnton.
John Osborn Guion Raleigh.
Eli West Hall Wilmington.
Thomas Chambers Hall Chapel Hill.
James Wood Hicks Granville.
Elias Carr Hines Raleigh.
David Hinton Raleigh.
William Matthew Howerton, Halifax, Va.
John Junius Kindred, Southampton, Va.
Menalcus Lankford Franklin Co.
Lionel Lincoln Levy New Orleans.
William Lucas Chapel Hill.
William Henry Manly Raleigh.
Benjamin Franklin Mebane Orange Co.
James Littleton Mosely Warrenton.
John Douglas Myrick Hertford.
Edmund Halsey Norcom Chowan Co.
James Johnston Pettigrew Tyrrell Co.
John Pool Elizabeth City
Matt. Whitaker Ransom Warren Co.
Charles Eugene Shober Salem.
Thomas Edward Skinner, Perquimans Co.
Robert Hunter Tate New Hanover Co.
William Stephen Trigg, China Grove, Ala.
Joseph Joel Washington Tucker, Raleigh.
Thomas Webb Hillsboro.
John Henry Whitaker Halifax.
Robert Henry Winborne Hertford.

        Besides those mentioned in the text, Alston was a planter of influence, Erwin a teacher in Florida and Superintendent of public schools; Howerton a member of the Virginia Legislature and Sheriff of his county; Winborne, a skillful physician; Battle was a physician, died early; Guion a merchant in Mississippi; Hall a lawyer of prominence, but had a short life; Kindred, also a lawyer, was Adjutant of a regiment in the Confederate service; Levy was a successful lawyer in New Orleans; Lucas and Manly both died early; Norcom was a merchant, served a term in the Legislature; Shober was a banker; Benjamin had charge of a large plantation for his brother, the distinguished Judah P. Benjamin, in Honduras; Clinch was a Captain in the Mexican War and Colonel; Dewey, a banker; Hall and Hicks physicians, and the latter a Surgeon; Hines a Corporal and State Solicitor; Mebane and Tate physicians and members of the Legislature; Webb a member of the Legislature and President of the North Carolina Railroad Co.; Whitaker a Major, Cansler a preacher, Hinton a planter.

        Of those matriculating but not graduating were John A. Benbury, member of the Legislature and Captain; Peter G. Evans, Colonel of cavalry, killed in battle; Augustus M. Lewis, prominent lawyer, Trustee U. N. C., Major, and member of the Legislature; James M. Morphis, author of History of Texas; Thomas I. Sharpe, Captain.

        

Graduates of 1848.

Victor Clay Barringer Concord.
George Thomas Baskerville, Mecklenburg Co., Va.
John Bowen Bynum Northampton Co.
Richard Alexander Caldwell Salisbury.
John Wilder Cameron Fayetteville.
John Xavier Campbell Marengo, Ala.
Belfield Wm. Cave Chapel Hill.
Oliver Hart Dockery Richmond Co.
Seaton Gales Raleigh.
Bryan Grimes, Jr. Washington, N. C.
Benjamin Simmon Guion Newbern.
Thomas Hall Holmes Clinton.
Erasmus Roscoe Hooker Hillsboro.
James Johnston Iredell Raleigh.
Wm. Alexander Jenkins Warrenton.
Peter Hector MacEachin, Montgomery, Ala.
Willie Person Mangum Hillsboro.
Oliver Pendleton Meares Wilmington.
James Newton Montgomery Caswell Co.
Hardy Murfree Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Hazell Norwood Hillsboro.
Lorenzo Dow Pender Edgecombe Co.
Thomas Jefferson Person, Northampton Co.
Nathan Alexander Ramsey Pittsboro.
John Kirkland Strange Cumberland Co.
Rufus Sylvester Tucker Raleigh.
George Washington Goldsboro.
John Wilson Milton.
Robert Willis Wilson Hillsboro.

        Not repeating those mentioned in the text, we note that Baskerville was a Captain, and Iredell a Major, both killed in battle. Cameron a Major and then manager of a large hotel in Savannah. Holmes was a good lawyer and Confederate Major; R. W. Wilson a teacher; Ramsey and Campbell were Captains; Tucker a wealthy and influential citizen, and a Major; Caldwell a lawyer and member of the Convention of 1861; Guion a Civil Engineer and Major; Hooker a physician and druggist; Person a member


Page 802

of the Legislature and Brigadier General of Militia.

        Of those who matriculated with the foregoing, but did not graduate, Wm. R. Miller was a physician, Thaddeus P. Siler was a merchant and planter and Confederate soldier, Leonidas C. Ferrell was a Surgeon, Edward M. Scott a Captain and Edmund B. Sumner a Lieutenant; Henry G. Williams, member of the Legislature.

        

Graduates of 1849.

Thomas Mann Arrington Nash Co.
John Troup Banks Columbus, Ga.
Kemp Plummer Battle Chapel Hill.
Benjamin Yancey Beene Catawba, Ala.
Ephraim Joseph Brevard Lincoln Co.
John Pettigrew Bryan Raleigh.
John Archibald Corbett, New Hanover Co.
Alexander Cunningham Person Co.
Johnston Mallett DeBerniere, Fayetteville.
William Alexander Dick Greensboro.
Wm. Baskerville Dortch, LaGrange, Tenn.
Henry McRory Dusenbery Lexington.
Fourney George Columbus Co.
Thomas Devereux Haigh Fayetteville.
Peter Mallett Hale Fayetteville.
William Edward Hill Duplin Co.
Peter Evans Hines Raleigh.
Samuel Tredwell Iredell Raleigh.
James Madison Johnson Chowan Co.
John McAdin Johnston Yanceyville.
Wm. Hogan Jones Wake Co.
Charles Eden Lowther Chowan Co.
Nathaniel McLean Robeson Co.
John Calvin McNair Robeson Co.
Malcolm MacNair Robeson Co.
Edward Mallett Cumberland Co.
Wm. Gaskins Pool Elizabeth City.
Thomas Jefferson Robinson, Fayetteville.
Isaac Benjamin Saunders Onslow Co.
James Pinckney Scales Rockingham Co.
Charles Randolph Thomas Beaufort.
Daniel Thomas Towles Raleigh.
Bryan Watkins Whitfield, Demopolis, Ala.
John Alexander Whitfield, Lowndes Co., Miss.
Needham Bryan Whitfield, Demopolis, Ala.
George Valerius Young Waverly, Miss.

        In addition to those mentioned in the text, Arrington was a Judge of the City Court of Montgomery, Alabama; Bryan, John M. Johnston, B. Whitfield and Iredell became physicians; DeBerniere, who changed his name from Mallett, was of high promise as a lawyer, but died early; Lucas, a grandson of Governor Stone, inherited his talent but fell a victim to pulmonary consumption. Edward Mallett rose to be a Lieut.-Colonel of Cavalry and was killed at Bentonville, Cunningham, Corbett and Hill were skillful farmers and the two latter served in the Legislature. George and McLean were lawyers and members of the Legislature; Jones a farmer and Captain. Scales was a lawyer and member of the Legislature of Mississippi; Towles a Presbyterian missionary in the mountains of North Carolina; Young, the mighty hunter of the class, was a wealthy planter in Mississippi, a Colonel; M. McNair a teacher and preacher; Pool was a physician, but retired to a farm and lived a secluded life; Thomas White was a Captain and then a Railroad Agent. Lowther had fine talents, but died early; Dortch, a member of the Tennessee Legislature and a good lawyer.

        

Graduates of 1850.

Joel C. Blake Miccosukie, Fla.
James F. Cain Orange Co.
A. Julius Caldwell Salisbury.
Alfred H. Carrigan Alamance Co.
Edward C. Chambers Montgomery Co.
Julius L. Gorrell Greensboro.
Robert A. Hairston Lowndes, Miss.
Henry Hardie Raleigh.
Madison Hawkins Louisburg.
John Hill Wilmington.
Richard Hines, Jr. Raleigh.
Benjamin R. Huske Fayetteville.
William H. Johnston Tarboro.
Washington C. Kerr Greensboro.
John Manning, Jr. Norfolk, Va.
James R. Mendenhall Guilford Co.
Robert H. Sandford Fayetteville.
Thomas Settle Rockingham Co.
Joseph W. Small Pittsboro.
Richard L. Smith Scotland Neck.
Milton A. Sullivan Laurens, S. C.
John A. Turrentine Hillsboro.
Richard H. Whitfield Demopolis, Ala.
Samuel E. Whitfield Aberdeen, Miss.
William J. Whyte Chapel Hill.

        In addition to those named in the text, Caldwell was a prominent physician in Salisbury, Chambers a teacher in Tennessee and Texas, and was in the Legislature of the former State; Hardie a useful


Page 803

Presbyterian minister; Smith a Captain, and R. H. Whitfield a Surgeon, and a druggist of high standing; Cain a physician and planter; Gorrell a physician; Whyte a teacher in Mississippi and Alabama; Sullivan a Captain, killed in battle; Sandford a teacher; Blake was a Captain, killed at Gettysburg; Carrigan, member of the Legislature of Arkansas and of the Convention of 1861, a Lieutenant-Colonel; Hawkins a merchant.

        Of the non-graduating matriculates with this class, James Chalmers was a Confederate soldier, killed in battle; James F. Johnston was a Captain; Willis L. Miller a Presbyterian minister and a Doctor of Divinity; George B. Myers a merchant and Clerk of the Court in Mississippi; John L. Scales a physician and Lieutenant; George H. Waddell, Judge of Probate in Alabama; William D. Williams, in the Confederate army, also in the U. S. Internal Revenue Department.

        

Graduates of 1851.

Charles Edward Bellamy Marianna, Fla.
Joseph Bonner Bryan, Washington, N. C.
David Miller Carter Mattamuskeet.
Watkins Leigh Claiborne Tipton, Tenn.
Thomas Addis Emmett Evans, Cumberland Co.
Bartholomew Fuller Fayetteville.
Thomas Miles Garrett Colerain.
Richard Swepson Grant Norfolk, Va.
Julius Guion Raleigh.
Benjamin Sherwood Hedrick, Davidson Co.
Samuel Ashe Holmes Fayetteville.
Giles Leitch Robeson Co.
Jesse Harper Lindsay Greensboro
Malcolm James McDuffie, Cumberland Co.
Neill McKay, Jr. Memphis, Tenn.
Thomas James Norcom, Washington, N. C.
Rufus Lenoir Patterson Caldwell Co.
James Alfred Patton Asheville.
Wm. Marshall Richardson Anson Co.
Ethelred Ruffin Louisburg.
Claudius Brock Sanders Johnston Co.
Joseph James Seawell Marion, Ala.
Francis Edwin Shober Salem, N. C.
Peter Evans Smith Scotland Neck.
Charles Cornelius Terry Richmond Co.
Frederick Toomer Pittsboro.
Lowndes Treadwell La Mar, Miss.
John Waddill, Junior Hertford Co.
James Augustus Washington, Waynesboro.
George Washington Watson, Courtland, Ala.
John Thomas Wheat, Junior, Nashville, Tenn.
Wilson Cary Whitaker, Tallahassee, Fla.
Edmund Webb Wilkins Brunswick, Va.
John Lewis Wooster Wilmington.

        David W. Fisher, Lowndes County, Alabama, a member of the class, died during the year.

        Evans was a successful civil engineer; Garrett was a lawyer, Lieutenant-Colonel under Lee, killed at Spottsylvania Court House; Lindsay, very promising, died early; McDuffie was a member of the General Assembly and of the Convention of 1861; Richardson, a physician in Louisiana and a Lieutenant; Toomer a druggist and physician; McKay a leader of the Harnett bar and State Solicitor.

        Of those not in the honor rank, Bellamy was a Surgeon, killed in battle; Bryant a merchant and Lieutenant; Leitch was an able lawyer and member of the Legislature; Patterson a prominent merchant and manufacturer, Chairman of the County Court of Forsyth. Mayor of Salem, member of the Conventions of 1861 and 1865, and Colonel on the staff of Governor Vance; Seawell in Alabama Legislature and Captain; Terry was a member of the Legislature of Mississippi; Waddill an Episcopal minister; Washington a physician and Colonel; Wheat was Secretary of the Convention of Louisiana in 1861, Captain, killed at Shiloh; Whitaker a physician in Florida; Wooster a Captain.

        Of the contemporaneous matriculates, who did not graduate, John A. Averitt was a Captain, killed before Atlanta; Isaac Erwin Avery, a Colonel, killed at Gettysburg; Wm. C. Bellamy, a Surgeon, as was John M. Henson; Sullivan a merchant and Captain; Joseph B. Stickney member of the Legislature and merchant.

        

Graduates of 1852.

Edward Alston, Jr. Warren Co.
William D. Barnes Jackson, Fla.
Robert L. Beall Davidson Co.
James F. Bell Statesville.
George A. Brett Hertford Co.
Charles S. Bryan Raleigh.
Thomas B. Burton Halifax.


Page 804

William M. Carrigan Alamance Co.
John M. Dennis Sumter Dist., S. C.
John L. Dismukes Nashville, Tenn.
William E. Drisdale Franklin, Ala.
S. Milton Frost Mocksville.
Thomas H. Gilliam Gatesville
John B. Gretter Greensboro.
George H. Haigh Fayetteville.
Frederick J. Hill Wilmington.
John F. Hutchins Raleigh.
John R. Hutchins Chapel Hill.
Nicholas Y. Kelly Mocksville.
William W. Lane Wilmington.
Thomas C. Leak Richmond Co.
Joseph Warner Lewis Brunswick, Va.
Richard H. Lewis Chapel Hill.
John H. M'Dade Chapel Hill.
James A. McNeill Robeson Co.
Jos. Alonzo Manning Norfolk.
Nathan Newby Perquimans Co.
Stephen C. Roberts Newbern.
Christopher C. Sherard Livingston, Ala.
Leonidas F. Siler Macon Co.
James B. Slade Martin Co.
James J. Slade Columbus, Ga.
Alexander R. Smith Cumberland Co.
James C. Smith Cumberland Co.
William H. Smith Scotland Neck.
Basil M. Thompson Richmond Co.
Legh R. Waddell Pittsboro.
W. Meares Walker Wilmington.
Thos. L. Williamson Yanceyville.
James W. Wilson Alamance Co.

        Besides those mentioned in the text, Brett was a planter and Confederate soldier; A. R. Smith died early; Alston, a Confederate Lieutenant, shot through the breast but recovered; he is a planter. Beall was a physician, a planter and a bee cultivator; Lewis was a physician, a Captain, and a prominent classical teacher; McNeill was a Confederate soldier and teacher; Newby a member of the Legislature and advocate of Secession, McDade, a Captain, killed at Gettysburg; Roberts, an Episcopal minister.

        Of the contemporaneous matriculates, Benjamin A. Kittrell was member of the Convention of 1861; John D. Hyman, a member of the Legislature; Robert G. Lewis, Major, and Wm. A. Moore, Judge of the Superior Court.

        

Graduates of 1853.

Vine A. Allen Newbern.
Richard T. Arrington Warrenton.
William H. Battle, Jr. Chapel Hill.
Archibald R. Black Moore Co.
James M. Bullock Greene Co., Ala.
B. A. Capehart Murfreesboro.
Robert A. Chambers Montgomery.
Frederick H. Cobb Kinston.
Dubrutz Cutlar Wilmington.
Thomas T. Dismukes Nashville, Tenn.
William B. Dusenbery Lexington
Thomas C. Ferebee Camden.
Benjamin T. Green Granville.
Plummer W. Green Warren.
David Clark Hall Warrenton.
Cyrus Harrington Moore Co.
John W. Holmes Wilmington.
James B. Hughes Newbern.
John W. Johnston Halifax Co.
Nathaniel C. Jones Wake Co.
J. Horace Lacy Raleigh.
Cornelius G. Lamb, Jr. Camden.
Alexander W. Lawrence Raleigh.
Walter J. Leak Salem, Miss.
Thomas C. Leak Richmond Co.
Gavin H. Lindsay Greensboro.
Hugh G. Livingston Robeson Co.
Peter A. McEachin Robeson Co.
William A. McIntyre Fayetteville.
Alexander McIver Moore Co.
Daniel McN. McKay Cumberland Co.
John A. McKay Cumberland Co.
Walker Meares Wilmington.
Alfred G. Merritt Davidson, Tenn.
John S. Moore Chapel Hill.
John W. Moore Hertford Co.
John L. Morehead Greensboro.
William H. Morrow Chapel Hill.
Kenneth M. Murchison Manchester.
S. Augustus O'Daniel Chatham Co.
William W. Peebles Northampton Co.
Solomon Pool Elizabeth City.
Wm. H. Powell Bertie Co.
William A. Robinson Warren Co.
Lemon Ruffin Franklin Co.
Junius Irving Seales Madison Co.
N. Eldridge Seales Rockingham Co.
Henry R. Shorter Eufaula, Ala.
James M. Spencer Green Co., Ala.
John C. Stickney Greensboro, Ala.
John D. Taylor Wilmington.
John T. Taylor Oxford.
George N. Thompson Caswell Co.
Henry T. Torrence Pittsboro.
James H. Whitaker Halifax Co.
George M. White Bladen Co.
James Wood Nashville, Tenn.
David G. Worth Asheboro.
Adam E. Wright Wilmington.

        J. Horace Lacy, an able young man, died before receiving his diploma.


Page 805

        Besides those mentioned in the text, there were Allen and Woods, of large brains, dying early; Chalmers, Green, J. A. McKay and Wright, physicians; Stickney and Hughes, Surgeons, and Morrow a Captain and physician; Harrington a Presbyterian preacher; Livingston, President of a college in Texas; Battle was a physician and Brigade Surgeon, Bullock a lawyer and planter in Alabama, a Lieutenant. Dismukes was a physician of Nashville, Tennessee, a Surgeon; Peebles a prominent lawyer and State Senator; N. E. Scales, a Civil Engineer, Railroad Contractor and Major; Cutlar was a respected lawyer and Confederate soldier; Stickney was a Surgeon; Taylor was a Captain, killed in service; J. A. McKay was a prominent physician; Arrington was a commission merchant; Capehart was a Captain and Chairman of the County Courts of Hertford and Granville; Hughes a Surgeon, Johnston a member of the Legislature, Leak a wealthy manufacturer, Lindsay a Lieutenant, killed in battle; Murchison a Colonel and a wealthy commission merchant, Morrow was a Captain and a physician, Ruffin was killed in service, Thompson County Attorney and U. S. Commissioner; Whitaker a Captain, City Physician of Wilmington; Meares, a druggist, Superintendent of Public Instruction for New Hanover.

        Of those matriculating contemporaneously with this class were J. Franklin Bell, editor and lawyer in Arkansas, dying in the Confederate service; Bernard B. Guion, Captain; Thomas Hill, Surgeon; Gabriel Holmes, Captain; James T. McClennahan, Orderly Sergeant, killed at Malvern Hill; Robert L. Morehead, Captain; John M. Morrison, Surgeon.

        

Graduates of 1854.

William L. Alexander McDowell Co.
Julius F. Allison Orange Co.
John B. Andrews Greensboro.
William Badham, Jr. Edenton.
Richard H. Battle, Jr. Chapel Hill.
Joseph M. Bell Jackson, Ark.
Edward Bradford, Jr. Tallahassee, Fla.
Richard Bradford Tallahassee, Fla.
Daniel Brooks Forsyth Co.
John H. M. Bullock Person Co.
William H. Bunn Nash Co.
John S. A. Chambers Montgomery Co.
John P. Cobb Wayne Co.
Needham B. Cobb Wayne Co.
Hayne E. Davis Iredell Co.
Thomas C. Dennis Sumter Dis., S. C.
Joseph A. Engelhard Jackson, Miss.
E. Livingston Faison Sampson Co.
John M. Gallaway Rockingham Co.
Albert K. Graham Memphis, Tenn.
John W. Graves Caswell Co.
John G. B. Grimes Raleigh.
John H. Hill Wilmington.
Delano W. Husted Raleigh.
Samuel S. Jackson, Jr. Pittsboro.
James W. Jacobs Northampton Co.
Robert B. Johnston Waynesville.
Joseph P. Jones Wadesboro.
William L. Ledbetter Anson Co.
Ivey F. Lewis Greensboro, Ala.
William S. Long Yanceyville.
John C. McKethan Cumberland Co.
Leonidas J. Merritt Chatham Co.
James A. Montgomery Abbeville, S. C.
James C. Moore Jackson, Miss.
John M. Morrison Richmond Co.
John Neal Franklin Co.
Wm. Charles Nichols New Berne, Ala.
Theophilus Perry Harrison, Texas.
Charles W. Phifer Coffeeville, Miss.
Oscar Ripley Rand Wake Co.
David G. Robeson Bladen Co.
John Kirkland Ruffin Alamance Co.
John W. Sandford, Jr. Fayetteville.
Richard Benbury Saunders Chapel Hill.
Wm. Lawrence Saunders Chapel Hill.
Rufus Scott Greensboro.
Wm. Lafayette Scott Greensboro.
John D. Shaw Richmond Co.
Robert M. Sloan, Jr. Greensboro.
Wm. Henry Spencer Hyde Co.
Wm. Thompson Chowan Co.
Wm. H. Thompson Sampson Co.
Enoch Jasper Vann Madison, Fla.
Joshua C. Walker Wilmington.
Wm. Roberts Wetmore Fayetteville.
Bryan Whitfield Tallahassee, Fla.
Theodore Whitfield Hinds, Miss.
James A. Wright Wilmington.
Joseph H. Wright Wilmington.

        Of those not mentioned in the text, Bullock was a Confederate Captain; Johnston, a thrifty farmer and a Confederate Captain; Long, a prominent teacher, County Superintendent of Public Instruction and a preacher; Merritt, a lawyer, member of the Convention of 1861 and Confederate Lieutenant, killed in 1862, regarded as very promising; Rand, a farmer and Confederate Captain; Ruffin was a physician, Surgeon;


Page 806

Wright was of great promise, Clerk of the Superior Court, a Captain, killed at Mechanicsville; Bradford was a lawyer, a Confederate soldier, killed in the first year of the war; Shaw, an able lawyer; Spencer, a lawyer in Alabama and Chairman of the Railroad Commission; R. Whitfield, a physician, Captain in the Confederate service, killed in 1861.

        Of those who received no honors, John B. Andrews was a teacher and Captain C. S. A., killed near Richmond, 1863; Edward Bradford was a merchant and Confederate soldier; Bunn was a Captain, killed in battle; Chambers, a Lieutenant, killed in battle; John Cobb, a Lieutenant-Colonel; Davis, a Captain, losing an arm; Dennis was a teacher and Lieutenant; Faison a planter and Confederate soldier; Grimes a planter and Captain; John H. Hill a druggist and Mayor of Goldsboro; Husted a Lieutenant, killed at Gaines' Mill; Jacobs a planter and Lieutenant; Jones in U. S. A., a lawyer in Florida, and Colonel C. S. A.; Ledbetter a Surgeon; Lewis a Colonel and planter; Moore a Lieutenant-Colonel, killed at Mumfordville; Perry, Major, killed in service; Sandford, Surgeon; R. B. Saunders, druggist, Captain; Sloan, bank cashier; Wm. Thompson, Captain, as was Wm. H. Thompson; Walker a Surgeon.

        Of the contemporaneous non-graduating matriculates, Clinton M. Andrews was a Lieutenant-Colonel of Cavalry, killed near Nottoway C. H., Va.; James B. Averitt was a Chaplain C. S. A., an Episcopal minister, and an author; David Stone Cowan, a State Senator and railroad contractor; Thomas Newton Crumpler, lawyer, member of the Legislature, distinguished as an orator. Major, killed in battle before Richmond, 1862; Wm. Lord DeRosset, a Colonel; J. Glenn Jeffreys, a Lieutenant, killed in battle; George Whitfield, of Florida, a Surgeon; Henry S. Gibbs, a member of the Legislature; Nicholas M. Long and Cary Whitaker, Captains.

        

Graduates of 1855.

Richard B. Bellamy Marianna, Fla.
Alexander D. Betts Harnett Co.
Nathaniel A. Boyden Surry Co.
Henry M. Brearley Darlington, S. C.
James Campbell Harnett Co.
Robert A. Carrigan Alamance Co.
James H. Colton Asheborough.
Matthew S. Davis Warren Co.
James W. Ewing Montgomery Co.
Edmund J. Gaines Montgomery Co.
James R. Gatling Gates Co.
John B. Gilliam Bertie Co.
Edward W. Gilliam Fayetteville.
William W. Glover Robeson Co.
Thomas B. Graham Hillsborough, Miss.
Willis L. Green Warrenton.
James Hadley Davidson, Tenn.
William H. Hall Wilmington.
Atherton B. Hill Scotland Neck
John R. Hogan Chapel Hill.
Joseph H. Hyman Tarboro.
Irion, Alfred B. Cheneyville, La.
Robert E. James Darlington, S. C.
William G. Lewis Chapel Hill.
William J. Love Wilmington.
Alphonso J. McDade Chapel Hill.
Daniel McDougald Harnett Co.
Calvin A. McEachin Robeson Co.
Evander J. McIver Moore Co.
Henry W. McMillan Robeson Co.
Duncan E. McNair Robeson Co.
Rory McNair Robeson Co.
H. James McNeill Robeson Co.
William J. Montgomery, Montgomery Co.
Hunter Nicholson Columbia, Tenn.
James Park Columbia, Tenn.
Malloy Patterson Richmond Co.
Gideon J. Pillow, Jr. Columbia, Tenn.
Edward H. Plummer Warrenton.
John M. Puttick Raleigh.
Peter P. Scales Henry, Va.
Jeremiah Slade Martin Co.
Burton Smith Hillsborough, Miss.
James M. Smith Anson Co.
Peter E. Spruill Warrenton.
Stark A. Sutton Bertie Co.
Marcus C. Thomas Beaufort Co.
Richard A. Torrence Mecklenburg Co.
James N. Turner Harnett Co.
Samuel P. Watters Wilmington.
Jesse R. Wharton Guilford Co.
Charles Whitaker Davenport, Iowa.
James Hervey Whitfield, Gainesville, Ala.
Thomas D. Williams Warrenton.
Charlton W. Yellowley Jackson.

        Besides those mentioned in the text, McDougald was a lawyer, a Confederate Captain, killed at Malvern Hill; McNair was also a Captain, killed in service; Wharton was a teacher and Superintendent of Public Instruction for Guilford County; Gaines was a Confederate soldier and lawyer; Hall a skillful physician in New York City; Campbell is a


Page 807

minister; Gatling died soon after graduation; Glover was a Civil Engineer; Hyman was a Confederate Colonel and planter in Texas; Plummer was in the Confederate Army, a lawyer and manufacturer; Smith, a planter in Mississippi; Turner, a Confederate Captain, killed at Petersburg; Whitaker, a lawyer in Iowa; Whitfied, a planter in Mississippi.

        Of the graduates who received no honor, Bellamy was a Surgeon; Brearly was a Chaplain; Carrington a Captain; Ewing a physician, Trustee U. N. C., and a Confederate soldier; Green a lawyer and Confederate soldier; Hogan a physician; James a Sergeant, dying in service; Love a prominent Physician; McDade, Mayor of Chapel Hill; McEachin in the Confederate Army and member of the Convention of 1875; McMillan a lawyer in Arkansas; McNeill a Presbyterian minister and a Colonel; Park was a Confederate soldier; Scales a Captain, killed in battle; Smith a physician; Spruill a Tutor U. N. C., a Confederate soldier, died in service, a lawyer; Sutton a Captain, killed in service; Thomas a Methodist minister; Torrence a Captain; Watters an Episcopal minister; Williams a lawyer and Confederate soldier; Yellowley, a lawyer and Principal of a Seminary in Texas, Confederate soldier, dying in service.

        Of those who matriculated with the class may be mentioned Harvie S. Duval, of Florida, Captain C. S. A., Civil Engineer; Edward R. Liles, Colonel C. S. A., State Senator; Theophilus W. Moore, Methodist minister; Maurice T. Smith, Lieutenant-Colonel, killed at Gettysburg; Thomas M. Smith, Major, killed near Richmond; Owen A. Waddell, Major, killed at Altoona; Wm. Bailey, Captain; Mark Bennett, a first-honor man, who died while a student; Jesse C. Jacobs, Captain; John M. Mickle, Captain; Jas. M. Wynns, Colonel; Richard F. Yarborough, Internal Revenue Collector; Henry L. Battle, James H. Fitts, Richard H. Glaze, all three Confederate soldiers, killed in battle; Wm. H. Knight, Colonel.

        

Graduates of 1856.

Wm. F. Alderman New Hanover Co.
Averitt, James L. Miccosukie, Fla.
Robert G. Barrett Carthage.
William Bingham Orange Co.
James Bruce Halifax Co., Va.
William Ballard Bruce Halifax Co., Va.
Henry R. Bryan Raleigh.
John R. Burney Warren Co.
William H. Burwell Warren Co.
Samuel P. Caldwell Charlotte.
Thomas C. Clark Pickens Co., Ala.
Thomas S. Crump Stanly Co.
Clement Dowd Moore Co.
Wm. G. Drake Uchee, Ala.
John B. Erwin Yorkville, S. C.
John T. Gilmore Noxubee Co., Miss.
Solomon P. Green Warrenton.
David Hilliard Nash Co.
John S. Hines Raleigh.
Alexander M. Hogan Chapel Hill.
Daniel W. Johnson Richmond Co.
Calvin Jones Dallas Co., Ark.
Thomas W. Jones Somerville, Tenn.
Killebrew, Joseph B. Clarksville, Tenn.
Adolphus A. Laurence Iredell Co.
Thomas Ruffin Long Yanceyville.
Archibald McLauchlin Cumberland Co.
Dugald P. McNair Robeson Co.
James A. McQueen Robeson Co.
A. Haywood Merritt Chatham Co.
George T. Morgan Gates Co.
E. Graham Morrow Chapel Hill.
Angus Munn Bladen Co.
Wm. A. Owens Charlotte.
David Settle Patrick Rockingham Co.
Marmaduke S. Robins Randolph Co.
Gilbert M. Robinson Lowndesboro, Ala.
Wm. J. Saunders Raleigh.
Coleman Sessions New Orleans, La.
Thomas B. Slade, Jr. Columbus, Ga.
Samuel P. Smith Mecklenburg Co.
Joseph W. Stevenson Newbern.
James E. Sumner Oxford.
Lewis T. Thompson Clinton, Miss.
J. Cooper Waddill Selma, Ala.
Stuart White Raleigh.
James B. Williams Warren Co.
Thomas A. Windham Pickens Co., Ala.
Neill S. Yarborough Sumpter Co., Ala.

        In addition to those mentioned in the text, Alderman was a Professor in Greensboro Female College; Erwin a planter and State Senator in South Carolina; Gilmore was a physician, a Surgeon; Johnson was a Confederate Captain, killed at Richmond, 1862; Merritt was a teacher of repute, State Senator and Superintendent of Public Instruction for Chatham County, also a journalist and Trustee of the University; Morrow was a Confederate Captain, killed at Gettysburg; Slade is a teacher; Waddill was an Episcopal minister in Houston,


Page 808

Texas; Charles Bruce died two years after graduation; William Ballard Bruce is a planter in Virginia; Hines was a Confederate Captain and proprietor of a hotel in St. Louis; Stevenson a lawyer and Confederate Lieutenant; White was a physician and died early.

        Of those who obtained no honor, Burwell was a teacher, Dowd a Representative in Congress and President of a bank, Collector of Internal Revenue; Drake and Green, Surgeons; McQueen a minister of the Gospel; Morgan a teacher and soldier; Munn, Principal of an academy; Owens a Colonel, killed in service; Patrick, Professor U. N. C. 1869-'70; Saunders a Major; Williams, teacher and planter.

        I give the most known of those who matriculated with the graduates of 1856. Owen N. Brown was a Major, killed at Gettysburg, a lawyer; Wm. James Courts a physician at Reidsville, and a member of the Legislature; James Francis Craig, a descendant of one of the donors of the University site, a preacher of the Friends; Henry W. Doss, a physician, a Major; Jerome J. Hadley, a teacher in Tennessee; A. R. McDonald, State Solicitor; Montfort S. McRae, a Sergeant, killed in battle; Robert Lee Payne, a physician, President of the North Carolina Medical Society; John M. Springs, a Captain; Shubal G. Worth, Captain, killed in battle; George W. Arrington, a teacher; George A. Baxter, a lawyer, Captain; Luther Blue, lawyer, a Captain; Omega H. Foster, a Lieutenant; Frank D. Foxhall, a Lieutenant; Joseph D. Myers, a Captain and merchant; Cornelius Robinson, a Captain, commission merchant; James J. Speller, a Lieutenant; Redding S. Sugg, a druggist, Lieutenant.

        

Graduates of 1857.

John Anthony Halifax Co.
Alphonso C. Avery Burke Co.
Benjamin B. Barnes Wilson Co.
Thaddeus C. Belsher Pickensville, Ala.
Robert Bingham Orange Co.
Robert J. Cannon Somerville, Tenn.
Thomas H. Christmas Bolivar Co., Miss.
John H. Coble Guilford Co.
Gabriel J. Davie Montgomery Co., Tenn.
Junius B. DeBerry Northampton Co.
John E. Dugger Warrenton.
George M. Duskin Orange Co.
James H. Evans Marion C. H., S. C.
Andrew J. Flanner Wilmington.
Hugh W. Gardner Wilmington.
Benjamin F. Grady, Jr. Duplin Co.
Daniel McL. Graham Fayetteville.
John W. Graham Hillsboro.
Joseph Graham Hillsboro.
George H. Gregory Washington.
Jesse Hargrave Wilmington.
Hiram P. Harrell Bertie Co.
Pinckney C. Harrington, Meadville, Miss.
Hubert Harvey Saline Co., Mo.
Leonidas N. B. Hayley, Franklin Co., Ala.
William H. Hayley Franklin Co., Ala.
Joseph A. Hill Calhoun Co., Ga.
Thomas N. Hill Halifax Co.
Lewis W. Howard New Hanover Co.
Eustace Hunt Pittsylvania Co., Va.
John C. Jacobs Northampton Co.
Louis M. Jiggitts Livingston Co., Miss.
Thomas W. Johnston Orange Co.
William H. Jordan Bertie Co.
Thomas S. Kenan Kenansville.
John M. Lawing Mecklenburg Co.
W. Jones Lea Mobile, Ala.
Exum Lewis Chapel Hill.
John E. Logan Greensboro.
George M. Lusher Memphis, Tenn.
John McKinnon Cumberland Co.
John C. McLauchlin Cumberland Co.
Wm. P. McLean Cass Co., Texas.
Robert S. McLemore Gerenton, Miss.
Hamilton McMillan Robeson Co.
Charles A. Mitchell Chapel Hill.
Norman A. Morrison Laurinburg.
Henry Mullins Fayetteville.
Wm. S. Norment Lumberton.
Cadwallader Polk Columbia, Tenn.
Junius N. Ramsay Northampton Co.
Felix R. Roan Yanceyville.
Julius A. Robbins Randolph Co.
Edwin S. Sanders Johnston Co.
Henry W. Sessions New Orleans, La.
Felix G. Smith Gonzales Co., Tex.
Jonathan L. F. Stewart, Monroe Co., Miss.
Wm. M. Sutton Bertie Co.
Henry C. Thompson Chapel Hill.
Henry R. Thorp Nash Co.
Isaac N. Tillett Camden Co.
Joseph Venable Oxford.
Nathan P. Ward Franklin Co.
Nathaniel H. Watson Chapel Hill.
James L. A. Webb Maury Co., Tenn.
John E. Wharton Guilford Co.
Nathan B. Whitfield Marengo Co., Ala.
Frank S. Wilkinson Edgecombe Co.
William H. Williams Greene Co.
William E. Wilson Elizabeth City.
George L. Wimberly Edgecombe Co.


Page 809

        Besides those mentioned in the text, Coble was a Presbyterian minister; Dugger a Captain, Principal of a classical school and Superintendent of the Graded Schools of Raleigh; Harvey died in service, a Confederate soldier; McLauchlin was a lawyer and Clerk of the Superior Court of Anson County; Robbins was a Captain C. S. A., killed at Mt. Sterling, Ky.; Smith was in the Confederate service and is a Civil Engineer; Stewart is a teacher, a Baptist minister and a lawyer; Thompson was a teacher, farmer and Chief Clerk in the Revenue Service; Wimberly is a planter of high standing; Daniel W. Graham, a physician, a Surgeon in the Confederate Army; L. N. B. Hayley was a physician, as also was W. H. Hayley; Mitchell and Thorp were physicians and during the Civil War Surgeons; Ward was a farmer; Wilkinkinson, Principal of a classical school of high rank.

        W. H. Jordan, whose scholarship was especially mentioned as being of high rank, after service as Tutor in Wake Forest College, became a Chaplain C. S. A., a Baptist minister of power.

        Of those who obtained no distinction, Anthony was a lawyer, a corporal, killed at Malvern Hill; Christmas, a physician; Davie a teacher and Captain; Gregory a lawyer, member of the Legislature, and Captain; Joseph Graham an able physician of Charlotte, and Captain; Hargrave a lawyer and Colonel; Thomas N. Hill a leader of the bar in Halifax; Howard a Civil Engineer C. S. A. and fruit grower; Jacobs a physician; Jiggitts a Surgeon; Lawing was a physician; Lea a Captain; Logan a physician; Luther, Civil Engineer; McMillan member of the Legislature, teacher, lawyer, author; Mullins a lawyer, Captain, killed at Williamsburg, 1862; Norment a Captain and Solicitor for his Circuit; Roan a Captain, Register of Deeds; Sanders, Captain, killed in service; Sutton, a prominent physician; Tillett, a teacher, lawyer, Lieutenant; Whitfield, Civil and Mining Engineer in the Civil War, in California and the Klondyke; Williams, farmer and merchant; Wilson, killed at Roanoke Island.

        Of those who matriculated in 1857 and did not graduate, Rufus Amis was a Captain, member of the Legislature, and a journalist; Thomas O. Closs was a Captain, killed at Gettysburg; Julius T. Coit was a Captain and merchant; Thomas W. Gattis a Methodist minister; James W. Horn, a Surgeon, died in service; Lord was killed in battle; Benjamin R. Moore, Lieutenant-Colonel and Solicitor of the Criminal Courts of New Hanover; John D. M. Rankin, a teacher and Sergeant; Oliver P. Taylor a Captain and real estate dealer in Texas; John Huske Tillinghast, Episcopal minister and Chaplain; Nathan B. Whitfield, of Lenoir, a Colonel, Judge of Superior Court, Representative in the Legislature; Thomas Benton Wilkerson, Surgeon, author; John W. Jones, Surgeon, President of the North Carolina Medical Association and Board of Health; John W. Mayfield, a Lieutenant; Charles M. Roberts, a Lieutenant; David W. Sanders, a lawyer, mayor; John V. Stallings, a Baptist minister, President of Thomasville Female College, member of the Convention of 1875.

        

Graduates of 1858.

William Adams Greensboro.
Edward L. Allen Fayetteville, Tenn.
Robert W. Anderson New Hanover Co.
James S. Baker Jackson, Fla.
Jesse S. Barnes Wilson.
Edward S. Bell Bladen Springs, Ala.
Lemuel C. Benbury Edenton.
John H. Bitting Germanton.
Wm. Bonner, Jr. Fayetteville, Tenn.
Samuel M. Brinson Newbern.
Hugh T. Brown Wilkesboro.
Joseph A. C. Brown Davidson Co.
Wilkins Bruce Halifax, Va.
John D. Buchannan Richmond Co.
Nevin D. J. Clark Montgomery Co.
Samuel W. Clement Granville Co.
William M. Coleman Concord.
Thomas Cowan Wilmington.
Cader G. Cox Onslow Co.
Ambrose Davie, Jr., Montgomery Co., Tenn.
William C. Dowd Wake Co.
Macon T. Dugger Warrenton.
Peter B. Faison LaGrange, Tenn.
William G. Foreman Pitt Co.
John P. Gibson Concord.
William H. Gibson Concord.
John A. Gilmer, Jr. Greensboro.
David S. Goodloe Madison Co., Miss.
Winter H. Goodloe Madison Co., Miss.
John C. Goodman Gates Co.
S. DuPuy Goza Carroll Par., La.
James I. Groover Thomas Co., Ga.


Page 810

Oscar F. Hadly Sumpter Co., Ala.
William M. Hammond Wadesboro.
Robert T. Harris McKinley, Ala.
Thomas B. Harris Warrenton, Ala.
Addison Harvey Canton, Miss.
Philip T. Hay Rockingham Co.
James S. Hill Stokes Co.
Louis Hilliard Nash Co.
William W. Humphries, Jr., Columbus, Miss.
James D. Hunt Izard Co., Ark.
Stephen W. Isler Goldsboro.
Francis M. Johnson Davie Co.
Robert D. Johnston Lincoln Co.
Zebulon M. Johnston Cabarrus Co.
Hamilton C. Jones, Jr. Rowan Co.
Wm. L. Kerr Alamance Co.
William Little Raleigh.
William C. Lord Salisbury.
Nathaniel P. Lusher Memphis, Tenn.
Thomas N. Macartney Mobile, Ala.
Rufus B. Mann Granville Co.
James A. Marsh Asheboro.
Robert H. Marsh Chatham Co.
Thomas W. Mason Brunswick Co., Va.
Leroy M. McAfee Shelby.
Alexander C. McAlister Randolph Co.
Joseph L. McConnaughey Rowan Co.
James A. Miller Rutherfordton.
James T. Morehead, Jr. Greensboro.
William Murphy Salisbury.
John M. Perry Beaufort.
Frederick Philips Edgecombe Co.
John M. Richmond Fairfield Dist., S. C.
Joseph H. Ringo Fayetteville, Tenn.
James T. Scales Henry Co., Va.
Richard W. Singletary Pitt Co.
Benjamin G. Smith Halifax Co.
Daniel Stewart Richmond Co.
William T. Sutton, Jr. Bertie Co.
Richard C. Swain Chapel Hill.
Caldwell C. Swayze Opelouzas, La.
Edward T. Sykes Columbus, Miss.
S. Turner Sykes Columbus, Miss.
Henry H. Tate Gaston Co.
John W. Tate Gaston Co.
John B. Tatum Milledgeville, Ga.
William S. Twitty Rutherford Co.
Thomas B. Wade Williamson Co., Tenn.
James A. Walker Wilmington.
Augustine B. Washington, Memphis, Tenn.
James S. Watlington Caswell Co.
Samuel E. Westray Nash Co.
William Whitaker Davenport, Ill.
Joseph M. White Marianna, Fla.
Willie W. Whitehead Kenansville.
Boaz Whitfield Demopolis, Ala.
Thomas S. Whitted Bladen Co.
Joseph Williams Yadkin Co.
John W. Williamson Caswell Co.
Julius W. Wright Wilmington.
David J. Young Granville Co.
William H. Young Granville Co.

        Of the members of this class who won honors, not described in the text, Bell was a Lieutenant C. S. A., killed in battle; Buchanan, a planter; R. T. Harris, Captain, lawyer in Alabama; Hay, lawyer in Mississippi, killed in battle; Hill, a teacher in Tennessee and North Carolina; Lusher a lawyer in Tennessee; Baker was member of the Legislature and planter; Brinson a lawyer; Clark is a teacher; Clement also is a teacher; Goodloe, Captain and a preacher.

        Of those not mentioned in the text, Adams was a Captain, killed in battle; Barnes, Captain, killed at Seven Pines; Benbury, a Captain, Representative in General Assembly; Hugh Brown a Captain, killed in battle; Joseph Brown, a physician in Confederate service; Bruce, a planter and Confederate soldier; Cowan, Lieutenant, killed in battle; Cox, a Surgeon; Foreman, a planter and in the Confederate service; Gibson, physician and druggist in Confederate service; W. Gibson, Lieutenant, killed; David Goodloe, Captain, minister; Thomas Harris, Adjutant; Humphries, Captain, in Legislature of Mississippi; Hunt, Captain, killed at Corinth; Little, Surgeon; Jas. Marsh, Captain; McAlister, Lieutenant-Colonel; Miller, Lieutenant; Singletary, Lieutenant-Colonel, Representative in Legislature and Convention of 1865; Smith, Captain C. S. A.; Sutton, Brigade Surgeon; Swain, Surgeon; Edward Sykes, Assistant Adjutant-General; Tatum, killed in service; Washington, killed at Chicamauga; Johnson, a merchant, member of the Legislature, and Trustee U. N. C.; Stewart was a Lieutenant C. S. A., killed in battle; Twitty was a merchant and Assemblyman; Walker was a merchant in Wilmington; Young, Lieutenant; Westray was a Captain of Home Guards, captalist; Whitaker died in service, 1862; Whitfield, planter and physician; Williams, manufacturer, Trustee U. N. C.; Williamson, Surgeon; Wright, lawyer, in Confederate service; David Young, killed in battle.

        Of the non-graduating matriculates with this class, Robert L. Allen was


Page 811

killed at Sharpsburg; Samuel W. Clement, Principal of a classical school; Peter F. Doub, Lieutenant; Jonathan Evans, Major, on Board of Agriculture; John L. Fuller, physician, died in service; Richard C. Gordon, Captain, planter; Henry W. Horne, lawyer, Captain; Henry W. Ledbetter, Civil Engineer; William S. Richardson, Methodist minister in Florida; John J. Spann, Major; Jacob A. Thompson, Surgeon; James W. Coleman, Lieutenant; Edward H. Davis, Lieutenant; Charles M. Graham, lawyer, Captain; John D. Hawkins, planter, commission merchant, in Confederate service; Frederick H. Jenkins, Captain, died in service.

        

Graduates of 1859.

Peter B. Bacot Darlington Dist., S. C.
Richard C. Badger Raleigh.
Thomas J. Badgett Caswell Co.
John W. Ballard Wake Co.
George B. Barnes Northampton Co.
James E. Beasley Plymouth.
Hugh H. Bein New Orleans, La.
Thomas P. Bonner Washington.
Jesse T. Boyce Clarksville, Texas.
John S. Boylan Raleigh.
James G. Bustin Halifax Co.
Abner S. Calloway Wilkesboro.
James P. Coffin Knoxville, Tenn.
John W. Jole Richmond Co.
John T. Cook Warrenton.
Andrew J. Costin Wilmington.
C. Stephens Croom New York City.
Henry R. Daniel Bladen Co.
Edward H. Davis Elizabeth City.
George F. Dickson Alamance Co.
John Duncan, Jr. Matagoria Co., Texas.
Mills L. Eure Gates Co.
Isaac R. Ferguson Randolph Co., Ga.
Frederick A. Fetter Chapel Hill.
Joseph H. Field Columbus, Miss.
John M. Fleming Wake Co.
Augustus M. Flythe Northampton Co.
Wilbur F. Foster Tuskegee, Ala.
Lucius Frierson Columbia, Tenn.
James L. Gaines Asheville.
John T. Gatling Sunsbury.
Benjamin L. Gill Franklin Co.
Joseph L. Granbery Macon, Tenn.
Berryman Green Danville, Va.
James C. Green Danville, Va.
Richard F. Hamlin Calloway Co., Ky.
Thomas W. Harris Chatham Co.
Thomas S. Hill Wilmington.
Cooper Huggins Onslow Co.
N. Collin Hughes Newbern.
Simmons H. Isler Goldsboro.
G. Burgwyn Johnston Edenton.
Stuart L. Johnston Plymouth.
George D. Jones Matagorda, Tex.
Reuben F. C. Kolb Eufala, Ala.
Louis C. Latham Plymouth.
Charles Lesesne Bladen Co.
Andrew D. Lindsay Greensboro.
Frank P. Long Jackson, Tenn.
John B. Lynch Mecklenburg Co., Va.
William B. Lynch Orange Co.
Charles W. McClammy, Jr., New Hanover Co.
George C. McConnaughey Rowan Co.
William McDonald Moore Co.
Daniel P. McEachin Robeson Co.
William G. Mebane Fayette Co., Tenn.
James A. Miller Rutherfordton.
Calvin N. Morrow Alamance Co.
E. Theodore Morrow Chapel Hill.
Richard W. Nixon New Hanover Co.
James B. Perkins Columbus, Miss.
George M. Pillow Columbia, Tenn.
Marshall H. Pinnix Caswell Co.
Edward L. Riddick Gates Co.
Franklin C. Robbins Randolph Co.
James L. Robbins Randolph Co.
Isaac Roberts Carbonton.
William J. Rogers Northampton Co.
Henry L. Rugeley Matagorda, Texas.
Simpson Russ Bladen Co.
Edward F. Satterfield Roxboro.
Nicholson B. Shannon, Lake Bolivar, Miss.
George E. Shepard New Hanover Co.
William W. Sillers Clinton.
John A. Sloan Greensboro.
Sydney Smith Tallahatchie Co., Miss.
John Somervell Tipton Co., Tenn.
William J. Somervell, Haywood Co., Tenn.
Francis D. Stockton Statesville.
James P. Taylor Pittsboro.
Wells Thompson Matagorda, Texas.
Timothy Walton Dayton, Ala.
Thomas L. Watson Chapel Hill.
Richard S. Webb Alamance Co.
James G. Whitfield Lenoir Co.
John Wilcox Todd Co., Ky.
Joseph A. Williams Pitt Co.
Withers, Elijah B. Caswell Co.
Woodburn, John A. Guilford Co.

        In addition to the honor men described in the text, Ferguson was a Presbyterian preacher; Fetter a Tutor U. N. C., then a classical teacher, and now an Episcopal minister; Foster was in the Confederate service, a lawyer, and in


Page 812

the Alabama Legislature; Gill, a Lieutenant, killed in battle, and J. C. Green a Surgeon C. S. A.; Nixon is a sound lawyer; Robbins is a strong lawyer, and State Senator; J. L. Robbins was killed in the Confederate service; Withers was a Lieutenant-Colonel and lawyer of note, member of the Convention of 1865; removed to Danville, Va., and was in the Virginia Legislature; John W. Cole and Robert W. Cole were Lieutenants in the army; Cook was Sergeant-Major, killed at Chancellorsville; Isler is a Presbyterian minister; Jones was a planter, and a Confederate soldier; C. Morrow is a Presbyterian minister; Pillow was a Lieutenant and a lawyer, died early; Sillers was a Lieutenant-Colonel, killed in battle; Webb was a Chaplain and is a Methodist minister; Woodburn is a Presbyterian minister and Principal of an Academy for boys.

        Of those who were not reported as distinguished, Bacot was a Surgeon; Ballard, a Captain; Barnes, Quarter-Master, commission merchant; Beasley, Lieutenant, general insurance agent; Bonner, a Surgeon; Boyce, killed in battle; Coffin, a Captain, Clerk of Circuit Court; Daniel, Lieutenant, died in service; Davis a Lieutenant; Dixon, a planter in Arkansas, in Confederate service; Fleming, Deputy Warden State Penitentiary; Flythe, Episcopal minister; Frierson, a banker; Gatling, Adjutant and in the Legislature; Granbery, a Captain; Hamlin, in Confederate service, President of Blandville College; Hill, killed in battle; Hughes, Captain, killed at Gettysburg; S. Johnston, a Captain; Kirkland, Presbyterian minister; Lindsay, Lieutenant; McDonald, a minister; Mebane, Captain; Miller, a Lieutenant; Pinnix, State Representative and Senator, Trustee; Riddick, killed in service; Rugeley, Surgeon; Russ, Surgeon; Satterfield, killed in service; Sloan, Lieutenant-Colonel, author of Sketches of the War; John Somervell, Sergeant-Major, Superintendent of Memphis City Schools; Taylor, teacher in Texas; Watson, Lieutenant, killed at Chicamauga; Whitfield, Sergeant-Major, planter and miller; Williams, Captain, killed in battle.

        Of the non-graduating matriculates of the class, John C. Brent is a Methodist minister; James G. Campbell, Brigade-Surgeon; Thomas D. Claiborne, Lieutenant-Colonel, killed at Nottoway, C. H.; Fenton G. Foster, planter, inventor; Alexander H. Galloway, Captain; Thos. S. Galloway, Colonel; Rhydon Grigsby, killed in battle; William M. Holt, Lieutenant, died in service; Thomas J. Lee, journalist, druggist, in Confederate army; Wm. Preston Mangum, Lieutenant, killed at first Manassas; Algernon R. Morris, collector of taxes in Travis County, Texas, Clerk of District Court; Frederick Nash, Captain; Robert C. Pearson, Surgeon; Alfred B. Pulliam, Surgeon; David S. Ryan, telegrapher, journalist; Andrew J. Ellis, Captain; Edwin D. Foxhall, Captain; Alexander Kirkland, Presbyterian minister; Francis D. Koonce, Captain; Richard F. Lewis, physician, member of the Legislature; John G. Purcell, Lieutenant; Thomas C. Singletary, Colonel; James B. Sugg, Captain; Joseph T. Waldo, member of the Legislature.

        

Graduates of 1860.

Robert B. Adams Yorkville, S. C.
Sydenham B. Alexander Charlotte.
Lawrence M. Anderson Tallahassee, Fla.
Geo. Washington Askew, Columbus, Miss.
Isaac Taylor Attmore Newbern.
William W. Baird Person Co.
Algernon Sidney Barbee Chapel Hill.
Alexander Barrett Carthage.
Junius Cullen Battle Chapel Hill.
Lewis Bond Brownsville, Tenn.
William Henry Borden Goldsboro.
John R. Bowie Lake St. Joseph, La.
Sterling H. Brickell Halifax Co.
William M. Brooks Chatham Co.
Charles Bruce, Jr. Halifax Co., Va.
George P. Bryan Raleigh.
Richard Alexander Bullock, Williamsborough.
Pierce M. Butler Edgefield, S. C.
Alexander T. Cole Richmond Co.
Daniel R. Coleman Concord.
Robert English Cooper, Sumter Dist., S. C.
Thomas Watson Cooper Bertie Co.
S. Venable Daniel Granville Co.
Samuel C. Davis Yadkin Co.
Thomas Whitnall Davis Louisburg.
Edwin L. Drake Fayetteville, Tenn.
John H. D. Fain Granville Co.
Horace Ferrand Caldwell Par., La.
James O. A. Fogle Columbus, Ga.
Samuel R. Franklin Marshall Co., Miss.
Woodson L. Garrett Greene Co., Ala.
Chas. Edward Gay, Oktibbeha Co., Miss.


Page 813

James Augustus Graham Hillsboro.
Charles Haigh Fayetteville.
Edward Jones Hale, Jr. Fayetteville.
Edward Jones Hardin Columbia, Tenn.
Robert B. Hays Jackson, Tenn.
William Joseph Headen Chatham Co.
William Wild Henry, Sunflower Co., Miss.
Samuel A. Hightower Homer, La.
Thomas C. Holliday Aberdeen, Miss.
Robert Bruce B. Houston Catawba Co.
H. Francis Jones Thomasville, Ga.
Walter Jeffreys Jones Milton.
James Kelly Moore Co.
John B. Kelly Carthage.
William John King Louisburg.
Jarvis Buxton Lutterloh Fayetteville.
Eugene Stuart Martin Wilmington.
George S. Martin Columbia, Tenn.
James Baxter McCallum Robeson Co.
James C. McClelland Iredell Co.
Edwin Turner McKethan Fayetteville.
Arthur N. McKimmon Raleigh.
James McKimmon, Jr. Raleigh.
Cornelius Mebane Mebanesville.
John Wood Mebane Fayette Co., Tenn.
Augustin Micou New Orleans, La.
Thomas S. Mimms Todd Co., Ky.
William Thorne Nicholson Halifax Co.
Oliver Winfield Pearce Fayetteville.
Reddin Gresham Pittman Halifax Co.
Charles Carroll Pool Elizabeth City.
George McD. Quarles Minden, La.
Tims Rial Caldwell Par., La.
Iowa Madison Royster Raleigh.
Edwin Benjamin Sanders Onslow Co.
Jos. Hubbard Saunders Chapel Hill.
Erasmus Decatur Scales, Rockingham Co.
Farquhard Smith, Jr. Harnett Co.
Norfleet Smith Halifax Co.
Thomas Lucius Smith Newport, Tenn.
Edward G. Sterling Greensboro.
Hugh Strong Chester Dist., S. C.
Richard Lycurgus Sykes, Columbus, Miss.
George W. Taylor Homer, La.
Samuel M. Thompson Florence, Ala.
John Houston Thorp Nash Co.
Vernon Henry Vaughan Mt. Meigs, Ala.
James Albert Wallace Pitt Co.
Samuel P. Weir Greensboro.
Cicero Whitfield Lenoir Co.
George Lovick Wilson Newbern.
William A. Wooster Wilmington.

        Of the honor men, Cooper was a Lieutenant, killed at Gettysburg; Headen, a teacher, a Lieutenant, a member of the Legislature, died in 1865; Kelly is a Presbyterian minister; King was a Confederate soldier, a lawyer and a teacher; Scales was a Captain and is a lawyer; Weir was a Lieutenant, killed at Gettysburg; Baird was a Lieutenant; Borden a Lieutenant and is a manufacturer; Bruce was a Captain, killed in battle; Daniel was a Lieutenant; Fain was a Captain, killed in probably the last battle in Virginia; Foyle was in the Confederate service; Graham was a Captain, member of the Legislature, and a lawyer, also Trustee of the University of North Carolina; Hardin was an Assistant Adjutant-General and is a merchant; Martin was Lieutenant and is a lawyer; Rial was a Confederate soldier; Thorp was a Captain, member of the Legislature, a lawyer, and now a planter.

        Of the undistinguished, L. M. Anderson was a Captain and killed at Shiloh; Attmore was in the Confederate service and killed at Spottsylvania C. H.; Barbee was a Lieutenant and often Mayor of Chapel Hill; Barrett a Lieutenant; Bowie a Sergeant and planter; Brickell a Captain, killed in battle; Bullock, a Sergeant; Butler a Lieutenant; Cole a Captain; Coleman was in the Confederate service; Cooper a Chaplain C. S. A.; S. C. Davis, Lieutenant; Drake, Lieutenant-Colonel, physician, journalist; Ferrand in C. S. Army; Franklin killed in Confederate service; Garrett a Lieutenant; Gay a Lieutenant and a merchant; Haigh, a Sergeant-Major, physician and merchant; Hays was in the Confederate service; Henry a Captain and lawyer; Hightower in Confederate service and lawyer; Holliday, Assistant Adjutant-General, killed in battle; Houston, a Lieutenant, State Representative; H. F. Jones, Lieutenant, killed in service; W. J. Jones, in Confederate service, teacher and lawyer; J. B. Kelly in Confederate service; Lutterloh, Lieutenant, killed in battle; G. S. Martin, Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp, killed in service; J. B. McCallum, Lieutenant, killed at Drury's Bluff; J. C. McClelland, in Confederate service, teacher; E. T. McKethan, a Lieutenant; A. N. McKimmon, a Confederate soldier; J. McKimmon, a Lieutenant and druggist; C. Mebane, Adjutant and manufacturer; J. W. Mebane, Captain, killed at Kennesaw Mountain; A. Micou, Lieutenant C. S. A.; Mimms, planter; Nicholson, Captain and Judge Advocate, killed; Pearce, in Confederate army; R. G. Pittman, Top. Engineer;


Page 814

Quarles, C. S. A., killed; E. B. Sanders, C. S. A., planter; Jos. H. Saunders, Lieutenant-Colonel, planter; Scales, Captain, lawyer; T. L. Smith, killed in battle; Sterling, killed; Sykes, physician; Taylor, Captain, merchant; Thompson, Colonel; Vaughan, Adjutant, Professor of Mathematics, Governor of Utah, miner and planter; Whitfield, Sergeant, physician; Wallace, in Confederate service.

        Of the matriculates with the class of 1860, not graduating, were Wm. T. Allen, a Lieutenant; John D. Barry, Colonel, journalist; Thaddeus C. Coleman, Tutor U. N. C., Civil Engineer, in Confederate service; Edwin L. Drake, Lieutenant-Colonel, physician, journalist; Thomas C. Evans, Captain, journalist; Thomas Branch Harris, Adjutant; Wm. Edwin Holt, manufacturer; Robert H. Lindsay, died in service; Julius A. Little, merchant, in Confederate service; Charles J. McDowell, Sergeant; Kenneth M. McIntyre, Presbyterian minister; James G. McNab, died in service; Duncan G. McRae, Captain, killed at Chancellorsville; Benjamin F. Moore, physician, Lieutenant; Robert P. Nicholson, Presbyterian minister; W. G. B. Pearson, druggist, in Alabama Legislature; Charles Philips, real estate agent; Thomas J. Reid, Surgeon; David A. Settle, in the Legislature, Colonel, U. S. Marshal; Sydney Smith, merchant, Dallas, Texas; James H. Taylor, planter, died in service; John F. Thompson, Lieutenant, died in service; James M. Wall, Sheriff of Anson, in Confederate service; David C. Allen, Colonel; Benjamin J. Blount, Lieutenant, C. S. A.; Wm. A. Cherry, Lieutenant; Wm. Frierson, Lieutenant-Colonel; John H. Hicks, Surgeon; Thomas R. Lawrence, teacher, Lieutenant; Thomas McBryde, Lieutenant; James L. McCormic, Captain; Robert J. McEachern, Captain; Basil Manly, Colonel, Mayor of Raleigh; Melville J. Shattock, Adjutant; Walter C. Y. Parker, Captain; Joseph C. Shepard, Surgeon; John R. Tillery, in Confederate service, manufacturer.

        

Graduates of 1861.

William L. Alford Trinity College.
Thomas T. Allen Windsor.
James L. Anderson Winton.
Calvin Barnes Wilson.
Charles H. Barron Edgecombe Co.
Luther R. Bell Oxford.
Joseph C. Bellamy Edgecombe Co.
William R. Bond Halifax Co.
Allen T. Bowie, Jr., Lake St. Joseph, La.
Thomas C. Bowie Lake St. Joseph, La.
John Bragg, Jr. Raleigh.
Edmund G. Brodie Granville Co.
George B. Bullock Warren Co.
William E. Butler, Jr. Jackson, Tenn.
James E. Butts Columbus, Ga.
Robert S. Clark Upshur Co., Tex.
R. Lawrence Coffin Pontotoc, Miss.
Benjamin M. Collins Warren Co.
John D. Currie Bladen Co.
Thomas B. Davidson Mansfield, La.
Allen Davies Orange Co.
Weldon E. Davis Warren Co.
John H. Dobbin Fayetteville.
C. Furman Dowd Wake Co.
Andrew K. Edmondson, Fayetteville, Tenn.
James A. Everett Carroll Co., Miss.
Oliver B. Flowers Warren Co., Miss.
Noah P. Foard Concord.
David H. Foy New Hanover Co.
Franklin Garrett Monroe, La.
Hamilton C. Graham Newbern.
Madison R. Grigsby Canton, Miss.
John W. Hallyburton Woodville, Tenn.
John W. Harris Chatham Co.
Paul B. Harris Lancasterville, S. C.
John L. Haughton Jones Co.
Thomas H. Haughton Newbern.
Fabius J. Haywood, Jr. Raleigh.
John M. Hicks Duplin Co.
James M. Hobson Davie Co.
Henry J. Hogan Chapel Hill.
Benjamin R. Holt Augusta, Ga.
William A. Horney Greensboro.
George B. Hunt Washington Co., Miss.
James M. B. Hunt Townesville.
Isaac A. Jarratt Yadkin Co.
James P. Jenkins Northampton Co.
Joseph V. Jenkins Edgecombe Co.
John T. Jones Caldwell Co.
James G. Kenan Kenansville.
James S. Knight Rockingham.
John M. Land Grenada, Miss.
John F. Lightfoot Tuscumbia, Ala.
James C. Marshall Wadesboro.
Lewis Maverick San Antonio, Texas.
George W. McMillan New Hanover Co.
William C. Michie Bastrop, La.
J. Turner Morehead Greensboro.
Robert Murphy Sampson Co.
Guilford Nicholson Halifax Co.
William T. Nuckolls Columbus, Ga.
James Parker Gates Co.
James P. Parker Haywood Co., Tenn.


Page 815

Oliver T. Parks Wilkes Co.
Robert L. Pugh Assumption Par., La.
Preston Roan Yanceyville.
Jesse G. Ross De Soto Par., La.
David W. Simmons, Jr. Onslow Co.
Charles M. Stedman Fayetteville.
Massilon F. Taylor Granville Co.
Simon H. Taylor Marksville, La.
Andrew M. Thigpen Edgecombe Co.
Alfred G. Thompson Franklin Par., La.
James N. Thompson Leasburg.
William P. Timberlake, Lexington, Tenn.
William Van Wyck, Jr. Pendleton, S. C.
Joel P. Walker, Lauderdale Springs, Miss.
Benjamin J. Wesson Calloway Co., Ky.
Spier Whitaker, Jr. Davenport, Iowa.
Henry G. Williams Warren Co.
Nicholas L. Williams, Jr. Yadkin Co.
Elisha E. Wright Memphis, Tenn.
Joshua G. Wright, Jr. Wilmington.

        Besides the honor men mentioned in the text, Butts and Knight were Lieutenants, killed in battle; Dowd a physician; Maverick, a Major, died from wounds in battle; Van Wyck, a lawyer and capitalist in New York City; Coffin was a Confederate soldier and is a cotton factor; Currie was a Lieutenant, in the Legislature, a merchant, and Trustee of the University; Davis, a Captain, killed at Kelly's Ford, 1863; Dobbin was a Confederate soldier and died in service; Garrett was a Captain and is a lawyer; Thomas H. Haughton was a Captain and is an insurance agent; Lightfoot, a Confederate soldier, killed at Shiloh; Marshall was a merchant and is an insurance agent; Nicholson a Lieutenant, now a planter; Parks, a Lieutenant, killed in battle; Ross a Confederate soldier, killed in battle.

        Of those not in the honor list, Barnes was a Captain; Barrow a Captain and physician; Bell, killed in battle; Bellamy a planter and Sergeant; Bond a Lieutenant; A. T. Bowie a Captain; Thomas C. Bowie, a planter and in the Confederate service; Bullock, Captain; Collins, Captain; Davidson, killed in battle; Foard, constructor; David H. Foy, died in service; Graham, Captain, Clerk of Circuit Court, Selma, Ala.; John W. Harris died in service; John Lawrence Haughton, Lieutenant, killed in battle; Haywood, Adjutant, physician; Holt, Lieutenant; Hunt, Major; Jarrett, a Captain; James P. Jenkins, Captain, died in service; Joseph V. Jenkins, died in service; Jones, Lieutenant, killed in the Wilderness; James G. Kenan, Captain, member of the Legislature; Land, killed at Shiloh; Lightfoot, killed at Shiloh; McMillan, killed in service; Michie, Captain; Nuckolls, Captain, killed near Richmond; Pugh, Lieutenant; Roan, Surgeon; Ross, killed in service; Routh, Captain; Massillon F. Taylor, Captain, killed in service; Simon H. Taylor, Captain, killed at Culpepper C. H.; Thigpen, Lieutenant; James N. Thompson, killed in service; Walker, Captain, County Attorney in Mississippi, member of the Legislature; Henry G. Williams, Ensign, killed at Malvern Hill.

        Of those who matriculated with the class of 1861, but did not graduate, were John Bradford, killed at Seven Pines; Felix G. Claiborne, Lieutenant; Robert E. Cooper, Presbyterian minister; Thos. Cowan, Lieutenant, killed at Fort Fisher; Wm. A. Dunn, Lieutenant, died in Fort Delaware; Jacob F. Foster, killed at Chancellorsville; Algernon M. Lee, physician, in Confederate service; Frank P. Long, in Confederate service, railroad officer; Neill E. McCaskill, in Confederate service, teacher; Henry B. Pegram, Lieutenant; George M. Pillow, Lieutenant; Mitchell S. Prudhomme, killed at first Manassas; George M. Quarles, died in service; Stephen D. Richmond, Lieutenant, killed in service; G. Gordon Sims, General Manager, Greenville, Miss., Improvement Company; John J. Ware, Surgeon; Louis West, Captain; Nathan B. Whitfield, Captain, killed at Spottsylvania C. H.; John W. Wilson, Lieutenant, killed in battle; Wm. H. Austin, Sergeant; R. E. Ballard, Lieutenant; Wm. W. Cross, Surgeon; Wm. A. Holland, Major; R. P. Howell, Quartermaster; M. J. McSween, in Confederate service, journalist; William W. Martin, Major; Louis E. Satterthwaite, Captain; Charles Walsh, Jr., Captain.

        

Graduates of 1862.

Thomas S. Armistead, Jr. Plymouth.
John A. Cameron Harnett Co.
Francis M. Carter Carter Co., Mo.
Ovide Dupré St. Martin's Point, La.
Adolphus L. Fitzgerald Rockingham Co.
Robert F. Fulton Fayetteville, Tenn.
Albert B. Gorrell Winston.
Thomas J. Hadley Wilson


Page 816

Sylvester Hassell Williamston.
Robert W. Haynes Knoxville, Tenn.
Joseph A. Haywood Raleigh.
James D. Jenkins Edgecombe Co.
William W. Jones Henderson.
William C. Jordan Greenville.
Frank M. Leigh Columbus, Miss.
Edward A. Martin Chapel Hill.
Archibald McFadyen Cumberland Co.
John M. McIver Moore Co.
Archibald A. McMillan Robeson Co.
John K. McQueen Floral College.
William H. H. Mills Nashville, Tenn.
Walter H. Montague Wake Co.
J. Edwin Moore Martin Co.
Augustus M. Parker Gates Co.
John Grant Rencher Santa Fe, N. Mex.
T. Sidney Scales Lowndes Co., Miss.
Reuell M. Stancill Carrollton, Miss.
Boaz W. Young Wake Co.

        In addition to those named in the text, Armistead was a Lieutenant, lawyer and journalist; Fulton was killed at Chicamauga; Gorrell was Colonel of the State Home Guards, and a prominent merchant and manufacturer; Hadley was a Captain and prominent merchant; Hassell is a minister, an author, and Principal of a Collegiate Institute; Haynes was a member of the Tennessee Legislature; Haywood, a Lieutenant; Jones, State Solicitor; Jordan a Captain and physician; McQueen in the Confederate service and a physician; Parker, killed in service; Rencher, Captain and lawyer; Stancill killed in service.

        Of the matriculates not graduating were J. Monroe Anderson, Captain; Samuel J. Andrews, Presbyterian minister; Edward H. Armstrong, Captain, killed in battle; Joseph T. Bason, Sergeant, died in service; John Hicks Bass, in Confederate service, journalist; Marsden Bellamy, Paymaster; Allen T. Bowie, Captain; Assistant Postmaster, Natchez, Miss.; James Adolphus Cody, Inspector; James M. Covington, prominent physician; James T. Douglas, Captain; Edward C. Easterling, in Confederate service, U. S. River and Harbor service; David S. Ellington, member of the Legislature; Jacob F. Foster, killed at Chancellorsville; John Charles Gaines, Captain, killed in the Wilderness; Robert T. Hailey, Civil Engineer; Wm. H. Johnson, Lieutenant-Colonel, physician; Wm. D. Jones, Captain; Thomas T. Land, lawyer and planter in Louisiana; John O. Miller, Captain, planter in California; Albert G. Moore, Lieutenant, killed at Fort Republic; Patterson A. Hill, Sergeant, merchant, Louisville, Ky.; James H. Polk, Captain, live stock and commission merchant; Robert J. Powell, Civil Engineer, State Senator; Clement S. Richardson, Surgeon; Benjamin Junius Rogers, Captain, Sheriff of Marlborough County, S. C.; Stephen M. Routh, Captain; Charles S. Shorter, Captain; Jesse W. Siler, Lieutenant, killed in service; Rufus S. Siler, Lieutenant, died in service; James M. Smitn, died in service; Araziah C. Stewart, member of the Convention of 1861, died 1861; John M. Sutton, Captain, died from consumption contracted in service; Lawson W. Sykes, Captain, killed in the Wilderness; Simon H. Taylor, of Louisiana, killed at Culpepper Court House; George S. Thompson, Major; Henry Clay Wall, author, manufacturer, merchant, Trustee; Thomas S. Webb, of Tennessee, Major; Thomas L. Williams, of Tennessee, Major; Walter S. Williamson, journalist, planter in Texas; Edwin Barnes, Assistant Surgeon; Wm. Biggs, Captain, journalist, lawyer; James J. Cherry, Captain; George O. Cherry, Captain; James W. Ferebee, of Virginia, Captain; Wm. M. Fetter, Captain; Wm. H. Green, of Alabama, Lieutenant; Julian A. Latham, Lieutenant; James A. Law, Colonel; Lyon Harrison, Lieutenant; R. D. McCother, Lieutenant, teacher, member of the Legislature; Richardson Mallett, Lieutenant; A. J. Moore, Captain, Baptist minister; J. A. Murphy, Sergeant; Eugene C. Rhodes, Captain; Chas. E. C. Riddick, Lieutenant; Wm. E. Satterthwaite, Lieutenant; James C. Smith, steamboat Captain; Samuel T. Snow; Lieutenant; Archibald T. Staton, Lieutenant; M. B. Walker, Captain, member of the Mississippi Legislature.

        

Graduates of 1863.

Thomas M. Argo Wetumpka, Ala.
Thomas T. Broyles, Anderson C. H., S. C.
Titus M. Carr Pitt Co.
John L. Carroll Kenansville.
Edward Hines Craven Co.
Matthias M. Marshall Pittsboro.
Wm. L. Quarles Minden, La.
Warner M. Watkins Milton.

        Of the matriculates with the class, not named in the text, there were Leonard White Bartlett, of South Carolina, Captain, killed at Savage Station; George


Page 817

F. Bason, Confederate soldier, lawyer, member of the Legislature; George P. Bass, of Texas, physician, in Confederate service; Wesley Lewis Battle, Lieutenant, killed on Cemetery Hill, Gettysburg; James D. Blanchard, of Mississippi, killed on Malvern Hill; R. Warren Boyd, of South Carolina, in Confederate service, Presbyterian minister; Wm. A. Brown, of Mississippi, Captain; Edward J. Chilton, of Tennessee, killed at Yorktown; Wiley Adams Clement, Captain, Clerk of Inferior Court; John Cowan, Captain, Clerk of Board of Audit and Finance; Reuben J. DeJarnette, of South Carolina, killed in battle; Thomas J. H. Douglass, physician and planter; Alcée Dupre, of Louisiana, Captain, member of the Legislature; Wm. Isaac Everett, Quartermaster, merchant, State Senator; James H. Exum, Captain, member of the Legislature; Angus N. Ferguson, Presbyterian minister; Frederick S. Foard, Lieutenant C. S. A.; John Garlington, of South Carolina, killed at Fredericksburg; Wm. Martin Gunnels, of South Carolina, Lieutenant, died from wounds in service; Paul B. Harris, died while a student; Leonard A. Henderson, Captain, killed at Cold Harbor; Joseph J. D. Hodges, killed at second Manassas; Thos. P. Hodges, of Tennessee, Captain; Kenneth R. Jones, Captain; John M. Kelly, Major, killed at Fredericksburg; Neill R. Kelly, Lieutenant, killed at Drury's Bluff; Hyder Ali Kennedy, Lieutenant-Colonel, Assistant Assayer U. S. Mint of New Orleans; Joel G. King, Surgeon; C. H. Martin, Captain, planter in Louisiana; Edwin A. Martin, Adjutant; Julius Cæsar Mitchell, of Alabama, Captain; Augustus M. Moore, Lieutenant; Bryant P. Moore, of Louisiana, Lieutenant; Nathaniel A. Ogilby, of Georgia, killed in service; Edward R. Outlaw, Captain; Benjamin L. Perry, Assistant Adjutant-General; Mark B. Pitt, Lieutenant; Nymphas E. Price, in Confederate service, Episcopal minister; William J. Robards, Sergeant-Major; Samuel Garland Ryan, in Confederate service, prominent lawyer; Philip H. Sasser, Lieutenant; Joseph Henry Scales, of Virginia, Lieutenant; Norman L. Shaw, Captain, journalist; Felix Tankersley, of Alabama, Lieutenant, killed in service; G. Edwards Thurmond, Superintendent of Schools in California; Edward J. Timberlake, of Tennessee, Clerk of Circuit Court, member of Legislature, banker; James N. Ware, of Alabama, died in service; Wm. H. Ware, of Alabama, killed at Fredericksburg; Stephen K. S. Watkins, of Tennessee, Lieutenant; Wm. H. Whitfield, killed at Seven Pines; Wm. E. Winston, of Alabama, Lieutenant, stockbreeder in Texas.

        

Graduates of 1864.

Albert M. Boozer Lexington C. H., S. C.
Walter McK. Clark Halifax Co.
James C. Gilmer Mt. Airy.
Wm. A. Guthrie Chapel Hill.
Alfred C. B. Holt Augusta, Ga.
William R. Kenan Kenansville.
John P. Rogers Wake Co.
James Turner Tate Gaston Co.
Augustus Van Wyck Pendleton, S. C.
J. Buxton Williams, Jr. Warren Co.

        Of the matriculates of this class not mentioned in the text the following are the more noticeable: Edwin R. Atkinson, Assistant Adjutant-General; Willoughby F. Avery, Captain and journalist; James Barrett, of Georgia, Lieutenant; Octavius H. Blocker, Captain; DeWitt C. Buck, of Missouri, killed near Vicksburg; George C. Bynum, a Methodist minister; Seaborn W. Chisholm, killed in service; George M. Clark, Major, killed at Gettysburg; Montraville D. Clegg, Lieutenant, killed at Reams' Station; Joseph B. Coggin, Lieutenant; Virvinius Copeland, Lieutenant; George Ferdinand Farrow, in Confederate service, member of Tennessee Legislature; Wm. P. Gill, Lieutenant, killed at Malvern Hill; Samuel Wiley Gray, Captain, killed at Gettysburg; Robert W. Haynes, member of the Tennessee Legislature; Adolphus Lastrapes, killed at first Manassas; Frank M. Leigh, of Mississippi, Captain, a manufacturer, commission merchant; Joseph A. McDermott, of Texas, Captain, killed at Vicksburg; Calvin Y. Marshall, Lieutenant; John W. Mallett, Adjutant; Clarence D. Martin, Sergeant, died from wounds at Gettysburg; James I. Metts, Captain; Wm. H. H. Mills, of Texas, died in service; Randolph Mitchell, of Alabama, killed at Fredericksburg; Edward V. Nicholson, Captain; John H. Parsons, of Mississippi, bank cashier; Rufus J. Polk, of Tennessee, in Confederate service, stock-breeder in Arkansas; Mungo T. Purcell, of Mississippi,


Page 818

Lieutenant; Lavender R. Ray, Lieutenant, member of the Legislature of Georgia; Wm. James Rhodes, died in service; Stanly M. Riggsbee, Sergeant-Major; Henry Jasper Robertson, of Tennessee, Captain, planter in Missouri; Wm. T. Smith, Sergeant, teacher; Henry H. Taylor, Captain, Clerk U. S. Circuit Court; Charles Vines, Jr., Lieutenant; W. H. G. Webb, Lieutenant, killed at Gettysburg; Benjamin F. Whitner, Captain, merchant in Florida; James F. Cooper Williams, Captain, planter and Judge of Probate Court in Georgia; Stephen Winstead, of Arkansas, Captain; Earnest L. Whitick, of Alabama, Color-Sergeant, killed at Cold Harbor; James B. Young, Captain; W. H. Young, in Confederate Navy.

        

Graduates of 1865.

Peter Henry Adams Greensboro.
Abner H. Askew Hertford Co.
Charles J. Austin Tarboro.
Elias H. Bryan Haywood.
John S. Henderson Salisbury.
James A. Hodge Wake Co.
Rufus A. Hodge Wake Co.
William Huff Brunswick Co., Va.
Henry Armand London Pittsboro.
Alexander Montague Wake Co.
Edmund G. Prout Williamsboro.
William C. Prout Williamsboro.
Milton C. Richardson Johnston Co.
Nathaniel K. Roan Yanceyville.
Shepard, John R. D. Raleigh.

        Of those who matriculated with this class, without graduating, Wm. H. Call was an Orderly Sergeant and Methodist minister; Joseph W. Chalmers was Drill Master, and since a teacher; Alva C. Hartsfield died in service; Robert Cowan McRee, Sergeant-Major, killed at Spottsylvania C. H.; Henry C. Miller, of South Carolina, killed at Cedar Creek, Va.; Thomas Lenoir Norwood, a Captain, teacher in the Bingham School, Professor in the University of Texas; Joseph H. Adams, of Georgia, Sergeant; John A. Baker, Sergeant; John W. Cotten was a Confederate soldier, Mayor of Tarboro, and Colonel of State Guards; James W. Draughon, Lieutenant; Henry C. Foscue joined the army, a planter; John A. Green, Sergeant; Theophilus H. Holmes, Jr., Lieutenant; Robert W. Joyner, in Confederate service, a physician; John R. Joyner, joined the army, is an Episcopal minister; Wm. F. Parker, Lieutenant; Harry H. Price, Adjutant; Preston H. Sessums, Sergeant, teacher, Octavius A. Wiggins, Lieutenant, manufacturer; Thomas J. M. Wiggins, Lieutenant.

        

Graduates of 1866.

Abner Askew Hertford Co.
Wm. C. Rencher Chatham Co.
George Slover Newbern.

        Besides those mentioned in the text, there were of the matriculates with the class, Wm. W. Adams, of Virginia, in Confederate Army; Walter Blow Chambliss, Lieutenant; Henry Embry Coleman, of Virginia, in the Confederate service; John Robert Haughton, died in service; John W. Lawrence, died from wounds received in service; John Burgwyn MacRae, in Confederate Army; John R. Mason, died in Northern prison; Alexander Montague, a physician; Joseph Caldwell Mickle was a Confederate soldier, a Methodist minister; John Taylor Rankin, a Lieutenant; Wm. Wyche Wilkins, a Civil Engineer; F. Edgeworth Eve, of Georgia, a Captain; George W. Wallace, a physician.

        

Graduates of 1867.

Willis Alston Halifax Co.
Albert G. Carr Chapel Hill.
Winfield S. Guthrie Chapel Hill.
Robert W. Means Cabarrus Co.
William H. Miller Shelby.
James Billingslea Mitchell, Glenville, Ala.
William H. Reeves Somerville, Tenn.
George McN. Rose Fayetteville.
James M. Wall Ansonville.
Patrick H. Winston, Jr. Windsor.
John G. Young Charlotte.

        Of those not especially mentioned in the text, Alston is a physician of repute, as was Albert G. Carr; Miller was in the Confederate service, is a journalist; Mitchell, a Lieutenant, member of the Alabama Legislature; Young, in Confederate service, is a Civil Engineer and merchant; Reeves and Wall were both Confederate soldiers.

        Edmund DeBerry Covington was in the Confederate army and is a turpentine operator in Georgia; Frank S. Faison was a Captain; John B. Hussey was a Confederate soldier and a journalist; George P. Burgwyn, Hugh M. Caffey,


Page 819

Joseph Cotton, M.D., Herbert H. Mallett, Frederick Nash, F. S. Norfleet, James J. Philips, Alexander H. Smith, M. DeW. Stevenson and D. B. Webb were all in the Confederate service.

        

Senior Class of 1868.

Julius Shirley Barlow Tarboro.
Wm. H. S. Burgwyn Northampton Co.
Fabius H. Busbee Raleigh.
William H. Craig Chapel Hill.
J. William Davies Chapel Hill.
Charles Fetter Chapel Hill.
Augustus W. Graham Hillsboro.
George W. Graham Hillsboro.
James W. Harper Lenoir Co.
William D. Horner Granville Co.
W. Clarence Jones Wilcox Co., Ala.
George Gray Latta Robeson Co.
Thomas A. McNeill Robeson Co.
Paul B. Means Cabarrus Co.
Eugene L. Morehead Greensboro.
William S. Pearson Morganton.
J. Edwin Purcell Robeson Co.
Isaac R. Strayhorn Hillsboro.
James A. Watson Chapel Hill.

        Of those not mentioned in the text, Barlow died soon after graduation; Craig was a teacher and then a lawyer in Arkansas; Davies is in the railroad service; George W. Graham is a medical specialist and an author; Purcell was State Senator; Watson is a physician in Arkansas; Barlow, Craig, George W. Graham, McNeill and Purcell were in the Confederate Army. Horner, whose vocation is not given in the text, is a teacher.

        Of the non-graduating matriculates may be specially mentioned Henry Bond, banker at Chattanooga; Thomas Davis Meares, in the railroad service; James Tillman Smith, State Senator and Representative in Texas; Henry Clay Walkup, a physician in Florida.

        

Junior Class of 1868.

Samuel T. Bitting Mt. Airy.
William H. Bledsoe Raleigh.
Alfred W. Cochran Glenville, Ala.
George V. Cowper Hertford Co.
John W. Fries Salem.
Alexander Graham Fayetteville.
Edmund Jones, Jr. Caldwell Co.
Walter S. Little Ansonville.
James B. Mason Davie Co.
Willie H. Maverick San Antonio, Tex.
Charles F. McKesson Morganton.
James M. Means Cabarrus Co.
Wm. S. Murchison Summerville.
Franklin Porter Tarboro.
John M. Rose, Jr. Fayetteville.
Millard F. Stancell Northampton Co.
John M. Webb Alamance Co.
Joseph C. Webb Hillsboro.

        Besides those mentioned in the text, of the members of the class who did not obtain honors, Little is a planter; Mason a lawyer and State Senator; Maverick, lawyer and real estate broker; McKesson, lawyer, journalist; Means, Traveling Passenger Agent of the Southern Pacific R. R.; Stancill, physician; Webb, merchant.

        Of those who matriculated with these Juniors, Thomas Childs DeRosset, in the Confederate service, was an insurance agent; Isaac H. Foust was a banker and is a physician; Lorenzo A. T. Jobe is a minister; Eugene Thomas Jones was Superintendent of Public Instruction for Wake County; Jno. McIlhenny is a druggist; Wm. B. Maness was a Methodist minister; John Williams Pearson, Lieutenant, lost at sea; Alonzo Phillips, merchant in Chicago; Henry P. Kingsbury, graduated at West Point, Lieutenant United States Army; George M. Maverick, captalist in Texas, in the Confederate service; Peter M. Wilson, Assistant Clerk U. S. Senate.

        

Sophomore Class of 1868.

Thompson Anderson Nashville, Tenn.
Jacob Battle Edgecombe Co.
Wm. Buchanan, Jr. Laurinburg.
Charles A. Cook Warren Co.
Nelson M. Ferebee Camden Co.
Charles E. French Wilmington.
Ralph H. Graves, Jr. Williamsboro.
Walter H. Guthrie Chapel Hill.
John W. Jefferson Memphis, Tenn.
Edgar Leary Oxford.
Richard H. Lewis Tarboro.
Edward V. Lindsay Greensboro.
James K. Livingston, Madison C. H., Fla.
Daniel A. Long Alamance Co.
Alexander Malloy Richmond Co.
Wilson J. McKay Harnett Co.
David E. McKinne Wayne Co.
Americus C. Mitchell Glenville, Ala.
Levi J. Moore Lenoir Co.
Stephen W. Noble Lenoir Co.
John W. Philiphs Edgecombe Co.
Joseph W. Powell Edgecombe Co.
William H. Purcell Robeson Co.


Page 820

Joseph K. Rankin Lenoir Co.
Charles A. Reynolds Leaksville.
James P. Rives Edgecombe Co.
Henry M. Shaw Currituck Co.
Reuben C. Shorter Montgomery, Ala.
William A. Shorter Eufaula, Ala.
John D. Sloan Pike Co., Ala.
Isaac H. Smith Halifax Co.
James A. Smith Robeson Co.
Richard H. Speight Edgecombe Co.
George T. Winston Windsor.
James B. Yellowley Greenville.

        In addition to those mentioned in the text, Anderson and Lindsay were second in all but Mathematics. The former is a merchant in Nashville, Tennessee, the latter a physician. Yellowley is a lawyer and member of the Legislature of Mississippi.

        Of those of this class who did not gain honors, Guthrie is a Civil Engineer and machinist in Boston; Jefferson is a lawyer in California; Livingston is a lawyer and member of the Legislature in Florida; McKay a minister; McKinne, Adjutant, merchant; Noble, Captain; H. M. Shaw, physician; R. C. Shorter, lawyer, Alabama; I. H. Smith, in Confederate service, planter; J. A. Smith, in Confederate service, Baptist minister.

        Of those not graduating who matriculated with this class, Alfred W. Cochran is a lawyer in Birmingham; Henry W. Connor was in the Confederate service and a merchant; Henry Houston Patterson was a sharp-shooter and is a merchant.

        

Freshman Class of 1868.

Wm. Plummer Batchelor Raleigh.
Edward M. Bledsoe Raleigh.
Andrew J. Britton Northampton Co.
James T. Crocker Northampton Co.
Samuel M. Davidson Charlotte.
John K. Gibson Richmond Co.
Robert A. Johnson Richmond Co.
Samuel L. Patterson Caldwell Co.
Peter F. Pescud, Jr. Raleigh.
Robert L. Roan Yanceyville.
Henry L. Staton, Jr. Edgecombe Co.
Hannis Taylor Raleigh.
James D. Vinson Northampton Co.

        

Partial Course Students of 1868.

Melvin E. Carter Madison Co.
Robert D. Graham Mecklenburg Co.

        In addition to those mentioned in the text, Peter F. Pescud is a prominent insurance officer in New Orleans; Robert L. Roan is a merchant; Henry Logan Staton is an influential lawyer.

        Of the matriculates contemporaneously with the class, Quintus Park Siler is a merchant in Alabama; John D. Sloan is a teacher and physician in Texas; Benjamin F. Bullock, member of the General Assembly; George M. Whitesides, lawyer.


        NOTE.--Wherever in the foregoing lists the words Colonel, Major, Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant, Surgeon, etc., etc., are used, they apply to the Confederate service, (C. S. A.), unless stated otherwise.



Page 821

        

TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, 1789-1868.

Began.   Residence. Ended.
1789 Samuel Johnston, LL.D. Chowan 1801
1789 James Iredell Chowan 1790
1789 Charles Johnson Chowan 1792
1789 Hugh Williamson, LL.D. Chowan 1801
1789 Stephen Cabarrus Chowan 1792
1789 Richard Dobbs Spaight Craven 1802
1789 William Blount Craven 1793
1789 Benjamin Williams Moore 1802
1789 John Sitgreaves Craven 1802
1789 Frederick Harget Jones 1796
1789 Robert Whitehurst Snead Onslow 1799
1789 Archibald Maclaine New Hanover 1791
1789 Samuel Ashe New Hanover 1798
1789 Robert Dixon Duplin 1790
1789 Benjamin Smith Brunswick 1824
1789 Samuel Spencer, LL.D. Anson 1793
1789 John Hay Cumberland 1809
1789 James Hogg Cumberland 1802
1789 Henry William Harrington Richmond 1795
1789 William Barry Grove Cumberland 1818
1789 Samuel McCorkle, D.D. Rowan 1801
1789 Adlai Osborne Rowan 1814
1789 John Stokes Stokes 1790
1789 John Hamilton Guilford 1802
1789 Joseph Graham Mecklenburg 1790
1789 John Williams Granville 1799
1789 Thomas Person Granville 1795
1789 Alfred Moore Brunswick 1807
1789 Alexander Mebane Orange 1795
1789 Joel Lane Wake 1795
1789 Willie Jones Halifax 1799
1789 Benjamin Hawkins Warren 1798
1789 John Haywood, Sr. Edgecombe 1827
1789 John Macon Warren 1792
1789 William Richardson Davie, LL.D. Halifax 1807
1789 Joseph Dixon Lincoln 1795
1789 William Lenoir Wilkes 1804
1789 Joseph McDowell, Sr. Burke 1790
1789 James Holland Rutherford 1795
1789 William Porter Rutherford 1798
1790 Alexander Martin, LL.D. Guilford 1807
1790 James Kenan Duplin 1799
1790 James Glasgow Glasgow 1801
1790 Charles Pettigrew, D.D. Tyrrell 1793
1790 Joseph McDowell, Jr. Burke 1794
1790 William Polk Wake 1834
1791 William H. Hill New Hanover 1809
1792 David Stone Bertie 1818
1792 Thomas Blount Edgecombe 1812
1793 John Louis Taylor Craven 1818
1793 Thomas Wynns Hertford 1825
1793 Josias Collins Chowan 1795
1795 John Moore Lincoln 1809
1795 John Skinner Perquimans 1797
1795 William P. Little Granville 1818
1795 William Hinton Wake 1799


Page 822

1795 Walter Alves Orange 1813
1795 Waightstill Avery Burke 1804
1795 Wallace Alexander Lincoln 1804
1795 John Williss Robeson 1801
1796 John Gray Blount Beaufort 1802
1798 John Haywood, Jr. Halifax 1807
1798 Alexander Duncan Moore New Hanover 1807
1799 Joshua Granger Wright New Hanover 1811
1799 Henry Potter Cumberland 1857
1799 Evan Alexander Rowan 1809
1799 John Hill New Hanover 1812
1799 Richard Bennehan Orange 1804
1800 Charles Wilson Harriss Cabarrus 1803
1801 Gabriel Holmes Sampson 1804
1801 Durant Hatch Jones 1807
1801 Henry Seawell Wake 1835
1801 Nathanael Alexander Mecklenburg 1808
1801 Robert Montgomery Hertford 1808
1802 Duncan Cameron Orange 1838
1802 Calvin Jones Wake 1832
1802 Archibald Debow Murphey Orange 1832
1802 Blake Baker Warren 1804
1802 John Churchill Osborne, M.D. Rowan 1807
1802 William Gaston, LL.D. Craven 1844
1803 William Hawkins Warren 1819
1803 Robert Williams Wake 1841
1804 Joseph Caldwell, D.D. Orange 1835
1804 Edward Jones Chatham 1841
1804 Robert Troy Anson 1807
1804 William Cherry Bertie 1809
1804 James Welborn Wilkes 1814
1805 John Steveley Burke 1812
1805 Peter Forney Lincoln 1808
1805 Montfort Stokes Rowan 1838
1805 Jesse Franklin Surry 1817
1805 Samuel Lowrie Mecklenburg 1817
1805 Thomas Davis Cumberland 1808
1805 Robert Cochran Cumberland 1821
1805 Bryan Whitfield Lenoir 1808
1805 Edward Harriss Craven 1813
1805 William Hardy Murfree Hertford 1818
1805 William Slade Chowan 1813
1805 William Williams Halifax 1812
1805 Richard W. Freear Northampton 1808
1805 Joseph Thomas Rhodes Duplin 1812
1805 Thomas King Sampson 1813
1807 Archibald McBryde Moore 1837
1807 Robert Williams, M.D. Pitt 1820
1807 Joseph Winston Stokes 1813
1807 John Davis Hawkins Warren 1857
1807 Benjamin Woods Craven 1808
1807 Willie William Jones Halifax 1812
1807 Frederick Nash, LL.D. Orange 1858
1807 James Rhodes Wayne 1810
1808 Robert Hill Jones Warren 1832
1808 John Spence West Craven 1817
1808 John Winslow Cumberland 1820


Page 823

1808 Israel Pickens Burke 1817
1808 Samuel Russell Jocelyn New Hanover 1816
1808 Jeremiah Slade Martin 1824
1808 Nathanael Jones (White Plains) Wake 1815
1809 Francis Locke Rowan 1823
1809 William Edwards Webb Halifax 1818
1809 Joseph Hunter Bryan Bertie 1817
1809 Thomas Love Haywood 1834
1809 Thomas Brown, Jr. Bladen 1826
1809 Atlas Jones Moore 1825
1810 James Wallis Mecklenburg 1820
1811 James Mebane Orange 1857
1812 Robert Hett Chapman, D.D. Orange 1817
1812 William McPheeters, D.D. Wake 1842
1812 John Steele Rowan 1815
1812 Simmons Jones Baker, M.D. Martin 1853
1812 James Webb, M.D. Orange 1850
1812 Thomas Davis Bennehan Orange 1847
1812 Joseph Blount Littlejohn Chowan 1817
1813 James West Clark Edgecombe 1844
1813 James Iredell, Jr. Chowan 1853
1813 Lewis Williams Surry 1842
1813 Thomas Ruffin Orange 1831
1814 William Caldwell Love Rowan 1818
1814 John Briggs Mebane Chatham 1819
1817 John Branch Halifax 1844
1817 William Miller Warren 1826
1817 John Stanly Craven 1833
1817 Leonard Henderson Granville 1828
1817 Kemp Plummer Warren 1826
1817 Bartlett Yancey Caswell 1828
1817 John Witherspoon, D.D. Orange 1834
1817 Gabriel Holmes Sampson 1829
1817 Alfred Moore Brunswick 1837
1818 Enoch Sawyer Camden 1827
1818 James Cathcart Johnston Chowan 1863
1818 George Edmund Badger, LL.D. Craven 1844
1818 Joseph Blount Skinner Pasquotank 1851
1818 Willie Person Mangum, LL.D. Orange 1859
1818 William Dozier Martin Pasquotank 1834
1818 John DeRossett Toomer Cumberland 1856
1818 John Burgess Baker Gates 1838
1819 Lewis De Schweinitz Surry 1822
1819 Romulus Mitchell Saunders Caswell 1864
1820 John Owen Bladen 1841
1820 Thomas Pollock Devereux Wake 1827
1821 Richard Dobbs Spaight Craven 1850
1821 Louis D. Henry Cumberland 1846
1821 Francis Lister Hawks, D.D., LL.D. Orange 1828
1821 Solomon Graves Surry 1860
1821 James Strudwick Smith, M.D. Orange 1832
1821 Leonard Martin Hertford 1826
1821 Thomas Wharton Blackledge Beaufort 1830
1821 Thomas Burgess Halifax 1833
1821 Archibald Roane Ruffin Stokes 1829
1823 James Martin, Jr. Rowan 1836
1823 Daniel Morgan Forney Lincoln 1834


Page 824

1823 John Heritage Bryan Craven 1868
1824 John Scott Orange 1836
1824 Joseph Hawkins Warren 1827
1826 Nathanael Macon Warren 1828
1826 Charles Manly Chatham 1868
1826 James Fauntleroy Taylor Chatham 1828
1826 William Augustus Blount Beaufort 1867
1826 Thomas Settle Rockingham 1857
1826 Isaac Croom Lenoir 1836
1827 William Julius Alexander Mecklenburg 1856
1827 Nicholas John Drake Nash 1831
1827 William Robards Granville 1843
1827 Emanuel Shober Forsyth 1846
1828 Hugh Waddell Orange 1864
1828 John Giles Rowan 1847
1828 John Motley Morehead Guilford 1866
1828 John Lancaster Bailey Pasquotank 1868
1828 William Spivey Mhoon Wake 1835
1828 John Robert Donnell Craven 1864
1831 Thomas Gilchrist Polk Rowan 1839
1831 Joseph Alston Hill New Hanover 1835
1831 John Bragg Warren 1835
1831 William Dunn Moseley Lenoir 1839
1831 David Lowry Swain, LL.D. Buncombe 1868
1832 Daniel Moreau Barringer Cabarrus 1868
1832 Daniel Williams Courts Surry 1868
1832 Charles Lewis Hinton Wake 1860
1833 William Horn Battle, LL.D. Franklin 1868
1833 John Reaves Jones Daniel Halifax 1853
1833 Hugh McQueen Orange 1845
1834 Henry Selby Clarke Beaufort 1854
1834 William Alexander Graham, LL.D. Orange 1868
1834 Owen Holmes New Hanover 1840
1834 Pleasant Williams Kittrell Granville 1836
1835 Frederic Jones Hill, M.D. Brunswick 1860
1835 James West Bryan Craven 1856
1835 Matthias Evans Manly Craven 1868
1835 William Belvidere Meares New Hanover 1841
1835 Samuel Finley Patterson Caldwell 1864
1836 Andrew Joyner Halifax 1856
1838 Charles Chalmers, M.D. Moore 1857
1838 George Franklin Davidson Iredell 1868
1838 William Eaton, Jr. Warren 1868
1838 Robert Ballard Gilliam Granville 1868
1838 Michael Hoke Lincoln 1844
1838 James Turner Morehead Guilford 1868
1838 William Biddle Shepard Pasquotank 1852
1838 Lewis Dicken Wilson Edgecombe 1840
1840 Burgess Sidney Gaither Burke 1868
1840 Weston Raleigh Gales Wake 1848
1840 Cadwallader Jones, Jr. Orange 1857
1840 George Cameron Mendenhall Guilford 1860
1840 Bartholomew Figures Moore Wake 1868
1840 John Campbell Williams Cumberland 1868
1840 Patrick Henry Winston Anson 1864
1840 Jonathan Worth Randolph 1868
1842 Thomas Samuel Ashe Anson 1868


Page 825

1842 Thomas Bragg Northampton 1868
1842 John McClintock Dick Guilford 1860
1842 George Washington Jeffreys Person 1848
1842 Thomas Ruffin, LL.D. Orange 1868
1842 William Walton Cherry Bertie 1843
1844 Calvin Graves Caswell 1868
1844 Nicholas Lanier Williams Surry 1868
1844 William Henry Washington Craven 1860
1846 Thomas Nash Cameron, M.D. Cumberland 1851
1846 Daniel Williams Courts Rockingham 1868
1846 John Adams Gilmer Guilford 1868
1846 John Kerr Caswell 1868
1846 alter Francis Leak Richmond 1868
1846 Giles Mebane Orange 1868
1848 James Cochrane Dobbin Cumberland 1857
1848 Cushing Biggs Hassell Martin 1868
1848 Lewis Thompson Bertie 1868
1850 William Waightstill Avery Burke 1864
1850 David Settle Reid Rockingham 1868
1852 Samuel P. Hill Caswell 1868
1852 Walter Leak Steele Richmond 1868
1854 John Gray Bynum Rutherford 1857
1854 John Wilson Cunningham Caswell 1868
1856 Richard Dillard, M.D. Chowan 1868
1856 James F. Eppes Hardy, M.D. Buncombe 1868
1856 William Woods Holden Wake 1866
1856 Thomas Settle Rockingham 1868
1858 Robert Rufus Bridgers Edgecombe 1868
1858 Paul Carrington Cameron Orange 1868
1858 Robert D. Hart Granville 1868
1858 Joseph John Jackson Chatham 1868
1858 William Lander Lincoln 1867
1858 Thomas Smith David McDowell Bladen 1860
1858 Rufus Lenoir Patterson Forsyth 1868
1858 Matthew Whitaker Ransom Northampton 1868
1858 Alfred Moore Scales Rockingham 1868
1858 DeWitt Clinton Stone Franklin 1868
1858 James M. Taylor Nash 1868
1862 Kemp P. Battle, LL.D. Wake 1868
1862 Neill McKay, D.D. Harnett 1868
1862 Jesse G. Shepherd Cumberland 1868
1862 Francis E. Shober Rowan 1868
1862 Leonidas F. Siler Macon 1868
1862 Edward Warren, M.D., LL.D. Wake 1863
1862 Mason L. Wiggins Halifax 1868
1864 David M. Carter Beaufort 1868
1864 Montfort McGehee Person 1868
1864 Samuel F. Phillips, LL.D. Orange 1868
1864 John Pool Bertie 1864
1865 Luke Blackmer Rowan 1868
1865 William P. Bynum Lincoln 1868
1865 John W. Cameron Richmond 1866
1865 Dennis D. Ferebee Camden 1868
1865 William A. Jenkins Warren 1868
1865 Seaton Gales Wake 1868
1865 William A. Jenkins Warren 1868
1865 William N. H. Smith Hertford 1868


Page 826

Executive Committee.

        The following were from time to time members of the Executive Committee, chosen out of the Board of Trustees annually, beginning 1835, seven each year, the Governor being ex officio Chairman: Duncan Cameron, George E. Badger, Wm. McPheeters, Charles Manly, Frederick Nash, Wm. A. Graham, Samuel F. Patterson, Charles L. Hinton, Romulus M. Saunders, Thomas D. Bennehan, John H. Bryan, Daniel W. Courts, William H. Battle, Weston R. Gales, Louis D. Henry, James Iredell, Bartholomew F. Moore, Daniel M. Barringer, Jonathan Worth, Kemp P. Battle, Thomas Bragg, William W. Holden.

        Of these, the longest in office were Charles Manly, Charles L. Hinton, John H. Bryan, Daniel W. Courts, B. F. Moore, R. M. Saunders.

        

Presidents of Board of Trustees.

Began.   Ended.
1790 William Lenoir 1792
1792 Alexander Martin 1793
1793 Richard Dobbs Spaight 1795
1795 Samuel Ashe 1799
1799 Benjamin Williams 1802
1802 William Polk 1805
1805 Nathaniel Alexander 1807
1807 Benjamin Williams 1809
1809 David Stone 1810
1810 Benjamin Smith 1810

        After this the Governors were ex officio Presidents of the Board.

        

Secretaries.

Began.   Ended.
1790 James Taylor 1791
1791 Robert Burton 1792
1792 Thomas Rogers 1795
1795 Hugh Williamson 1801
1801 Gavin Alves 1809
1809 Robert Williams 1821
1821 Charles Manly 1848
1848 Charles Lewis Hinton 1850
1850 Charles Manly 1868

        

Treasurers.

Began.   Ended.
1790 John Craven 1795
1795 Walter Alves 1799
1799 Gavin Alves 1809
1809 Robert Williams 1821
1821 Charles Manly 1848
1848 Charles Lewis Hinton 1850
1850 Charles Manly 1868

        

Presidents.

Began.   Ended.
1804 Joseph Caldwell, D.D. 1812
1813 Robert Hett Chapman, DD., 1816
1816 Joseph Caldwell, D.D. 1835
1835 David Lowry Swain, LL.D., 1868

Cost of Buildings.

        The Treasurer's books do not show the exact cost of each building, but the following statement will enable the reader to make an approximate estimate:

        
In 1793 and 1794 the expenditures were £3,448, or $6,896
In 1795 the expenditures were £2,082, or 4,164
Total 11,060
In 1796-8-9 the expenditures were £560, or 1,120
Total 12,180

        This amount finished paying for the Old East Building, two storied, and two-thirds the present length, the President's house, Steward's Hall and Person Hall.

        Then work began under Samuel Hopkins, in 1800, on Main (South) Building. There was paid him in that year £4,900, or $9,500.

        The building was left unfinished for some years. In 1812 work was resumed.

        
1812, 1814 and 1815 the expenditures were £4,513, or $9,026
1816-1817 the expenditures were 7,863
Total $16,889

        In 1822 work was begun on the Old West Building, Gerrard Hall, or New Chapel, and making the Old East one story higher. The expenditures were, under Wm. Nichols, Superintendent, 1822, 1823, 1826 and 1827, $48,605.42.

        In 1841 there was paid, principally for Gerrard Hall, left unfinished, $2,575.

        In 1845 were begun the lengthening of the Old East and Old West, containing four rooms for Society halls and Libraries. The enlargements were finished in 1848, costing $10,182.53.

        In 1849 were begun the Library, or Smith Hall, the remodelling of the President's House (since burnt), and many repairs of other buildings. Up to 1853 the expenditures were $21,627, of which about one-half went to Smith Hall.


Page 827

        In 1857 began the construction of the New East and New West Buildings and erection of the belfry on the South Building. The following statement shows the progress of the work: 1857, $2,109.90; 1858, $2,259.11; 1859, $18,565.54; 1860, $18,349.50; $4,468.86; 1861, $9,045.71. Total, $54,798.62.

        It should be kept in mind that this sum includes repairs on professors' houses and the University buildings.

        William Percival, a retired officer of the British army, was the architect, and Thomas H. Coates, a New England man, was builder.

SUBSCRIPTIONS OBTAINED IN 1793-'4.

        

Halifax District.

Willie Jones $100.
Wm. R. Davie 100.
Nicholas Long 100.
Robert Hall 40.
John Eaton 40.
Charles Pasteur 40.
Wm. Muir 20.
Good. Davis 10.
Thomas Amis 20.
Stephen Burt 20.
John B. Ashe 70.
Lunsford Long 20.
Mungo Ponton 40.
Samuel Peete 30.
George McCulloch 20.
James A. Tabb 40.
Wm. Gilmour 40.
Basil Stith 60.
John Whitaker 40.
John Branch 40.
Matthew Whitaker 40.
Wilson W. Carter 20.
John Drew 64.
James Smith 40.
John Dawson 32.
Louis Dickens 80.
Blount Joyner 8.
Drew Smith 8.
Marmaduke Norfleet 64.
Norfleet Harris 24.
Thomas Barnes 10.
Wm. Drew 10.
Shadrack Rutland 10.
John Granberry 4.
Thomas B. Whitmill 4.
Robert Armistead 4.
Marmaduke Bell 4.
Thomas Haynes 4.
Shadrack Bell 4.
Eli Joyner 1.
Wm. Wiggins 1.
John Drew (Deep Creek) 4.
John Alsibrook 2.
Francis Young 6.
Wm. Boykin 8.
Wm. Bryan 2.
Josiah Nelmes 8.
Jonathan Joyner 2.
John Haywood 40.
Lovat Burgess 40.
John A. Irwin 20.
Benjamin Edwards 20.
Robert Freear 60.
Joseph John Alston 30.
Richard Freear 30.
James C. Williams 40.
Willis Alston 40.

        

Donations in the Wilmington District.

Alfred Moore $200.
Wm. E. Lord 20.
Edward Jones 30.
James Walker 50.
Griffith John McRee 20.
John London 40.
Peter Mallett 80.
Wm. H. Hill 60.
Nathaniel Hill 20.
John McKenzie 60.
Henry Toomer 60.
Christopher Dudley 20.
John G. Wright 25.
James Moore (Clerk) 20.
Robert Whitehurst Snead 40.
Richard Quince, Jr. 20.
Richard Quince, Sr. 40.
Wm. Wingate 15.
James Flowers 15.
Samuel Houston 15.
John Hill 80.
Thomas Brown 30.
Wm. Campbell 60.
Hugh Waddell 30.
Thomas Moore 60.
Joshua Potts 15.
Wm. Hall (Sheriff of Brun'k) 20.
Thomas Hill 40.
J. R. Gautier 60.
Samuel Ashe, Jr. 30.
James Moore, Sr. 50.
Samuel Hall 10.


Page 828

Thomas Ashe 50.
Samuel R. Jocelyn 20.
Alexius M. Forster 12.
John Fergus 25.
Henry d'Herbe 8.
Duncan Stewart 25.
James Kenan 50.
John Burgwin 100.
Samuel Ashe (son of the Gen.), 60.
Wm. Green 15.
Thomas Wright 15.
Anthony Toomer 10.
Frederick Jones 30.
John Brown 5.
Henry Urquhart 10.
John Cathorda 10.
Wm. Cutlar 10.
Michael Sampson 20.
John James 20.
James Read 20.
George Davis 20.
Wm. Monfort 10.
George McKenzie 60.
Nehemiah Harris 5.
Spafford Drewry 10.
William Bingham 20.
Daniel McNeil 25.
Marshall Wilkings 10.
George Gibbs 8.
Wm. Davis 8.
Hugh Campbell 10.
John Allen 6.
J. Scott Cray 20.
John Blakeley 20.
John Peter Martin 10.
John Fulwood 10.
John Hall 15.
John A. Campbell 30.
James Spiller 60.
John Lord 10.
John Campbell 5.
Amariah Jocelyn 10.
  $2,222.

        

Subscriptions in the Hillsboro District.

Walter Alves, including part of a legacy from -- Johnston, $200.
Wm. Watters 50.
Absalom Tatom 40.
David Ray 40.
Spencer C. Vaughan 20.
Wm. McQuiston 20.
Thomas Watts 20.
Thomas O'Neil 10.
Henry Thompson 20.
John Taylor 80.
Joseph Dixon 10.
Wm. Courtney, Sr. 40.
Frederick Taylor 10.
James H. Keys 20.
Wm. Rider 4.
Samuel Thompson 10.
John Thompson 20.
Samuel Benton 40.
John Latta 10.
Wm. Cain 200.
John Cain 50.
John Cabe 40.
Wm. Cabe 40.
John Piper 10.
Wm. Lytle 40.
Wm. Hooper 40.
Joseph Moore 10.
John Allison 10.
David Streyhorn 6.
Gilbert Streyhorn 10.
James Strain 6.
John G. Rencher 20.
George Johnston 20.
John Gattis 4.
John Caldwell 20.
Jesse Nevill 100.
Wm. Partin 20.
Job Pendergrass 10.
Wm. Watts Green 40.
Matthew Colter 10.
George Daniel 60.
Charles Collier 10.
Ezekiel Trice 2.
Robert Campbell 20.
Wm. Riggins 4.
Samuel Daniel 10.
John Moore 10.
Jesse Hunter 5.
John Strayhorn 5.40
James Hart 6.
James Nelson 6.
Alexander Borland 6.
Alexander Strain 10.
John King 10.
B. Collins 10.
Anderson Hunt 16.

        

Donations in Newbern District.

Richard Dobbs Spaight $100.
Joseph Leech 100.
Daniel Carthy 100.
John Council Bryan 50.
John Davis 50.
John Devereux 40.
Wm. Good 40.
Wilson Blount 100.
James McKenlay 50.
John Green 40.
John C. Osborne 40.


Page 829

George Ellis 40.
George Pollok 100.
Spier Singleton 40.
Thomas Tomlinson 40.
John Starkey 20.
  $950.

        

Donations in Fayetteville District.

John Louis Taylor $50.
Wm. Barry Grove 70.
John Sibley 50.
  $170.

Subscriptions Obtained in 1803-'06

        

Jones County.

Durant Hatch $12.
Lewis Bryan 5.
Enoch Foy 2.
Archibald McAlop .25
Rhodes Harrard 2.
Samuel Hatch 10.
John Becton 5.
Richard West 4.
Frederick Foscue 1.
  $41.25

        

Hertford County.

Thomas Wynns $25.25
Robert Montgomery 20.
Daniel Van Pelt 5.
  $50.25

        

Chowan County.

Samuel Johnston $100.

        

Craven County.

John S. West $20.
Isaac Taylor 10.
Joseph Shute 10.
James Gatlin 10.
Charles Bates 5.
Edward Griffith 10.
R. D. Stanly 5.
Wm. Tignor 5.
  $75.

        

Lenoir Co.

Benajah White $20.
Wm. Hurst 5.
  $25.

        

Caswell Co.

John McAden $4.
Archibald E. Murphey 2.
Hugh Shaw 5.
Wm. S. Webb 15.
Henry Atkinson 5.
  $31.

        Howell Tatum, Agt. 1804--Of Joshua G. Wright.

        

Robeson County.

John Peter Martin $5.

        

Bladen County.

Uriah Flowers $5.
James L. Purdie 5.
Benjamin Lock 5.
Matthew Byrne 5.
  $20.

        

Warren County.

Philemon Hawkins $30.

        

Nash County.

John Hilliard $25.
Robert C. Hilliard 25.
James Hilliard 25.
Henry Hines 10.
Isaac Hilliard 25.
  $110.

        

Stokes County--Salem.

John Rigtotz $0.50
Conrad Preusser 2.
Rud. Christ .25
Fred. Becher .50
Henry Herbert .50
G. Shober 2.
Emanuel Shober .62
  $5.87

        

Perquimans County.

Wm. Creecy $5.
John Harvey 10.
Wm. Blount 4.
John Clary 4.
Philip Pointer 4.
Gabriel White 4.
Samuel Nixon 5.
Caleb Goodwin 2.
John H. Reed 4.
Charles Moore 4.


Page 830

Joseph Sutton 2.
Samuel W. Ludlow 2.
Will Blount 4.
Robert Wheaton 4.
  $58.

        

Carteret County.

Brian Holten $3.

        

Granville County.

Thomas Brown $5.
Leonard Edwards 2.
Thomas Falconer 2.
Thomas B. Littlejohn 5.
Samuel Goodwin 5.
James Hamilton 10.
James Vaughan 10.
James Lyne 10.
Francis W. Burton 8.
Stephen Snead 10.
Wm. Dickens 5.
John Hare 5.
Henry Lyne 4.
Wm. Robards 4.
Lewis Reaves 2.
Wm. Pannel 2.
Henry Yancey 2.
Charles Lewis 2.
Micajah Bullock 2.
Elijah Mitchell 2.
Richard Inge 2.
  $99.

        

Wake County.

Wm. Peace $10.
Wm. Hamilton 10.
Cargill Massenburg 10.
John D. Hawkins 10.
Robert Williams 10.
Peter Casso 2.
David Glass 5.
Charles Parish 2.
Joseph Peace 5.
Simon Turner 4.
Theophilus Hunter 10.
Sherwood Haywood 5.
Wm. H. Haywood 5.
Robert Raiford 5.
John Hall 5.
John C. Russell 5.
Robert Taylor 5.
John Nuttall 20.
John W. Guion 5.
Jacob Willfong 2.
Wm. Boylan 10.
  $145.

        

Orange County.

Wm. Bond, merchant $10.
John Green 5.
1804.  
Duncan Cameron $20.
Wm. Norwood 10.

        Thomas D. Bennehan, 50 bushels oyster shells, delivered.

SUBSCRIBERS TO THE COMPLETION OF THE MAIN (SOUTH) BUILDING,
1809-'11. Other sums were obtained afterwards by Dr. Caldwell.

        The range of subscriptions was much higher than heretofore, showing increase of prosperity in the State and greater confidence in the institution. There were 15 of $200 each, the highest amount by one. They were:

        
David Stone Bertie Co.
Wm. Polk Raleigh.
John Haywood Raleigh.
Joshua G. Wright Wilmington.
Wm. Gaston Newbern.
Archibald D. Murphey Orange Co.
Joseph Caldwell Orange Co.
Duncan Cameron Orange Co.
Willie W. Jones Halifax Co.
Francis Locke Rowan Co.
John Taylor, Sr. Orange Co.
Benjamin Smith Brunswick Co.
Wm. Campbell Wilmington.
John Lord Wilmington.
John Devereux Newbern.

        The next largest subscribers gave $100 each, as follows:

        
Samuel Lowry Mecklenburg.
Robert Williams Raleigh.
Robert H. Jones Warrenton.
Halcott Jones Pride Halifax.
Frank N. W. Burton Williamsboro.
Andrew Flinn Charleston, S. C.
Leonard Henderson Williamsboro.
John Hall Warrenton.
William Norwood Hillsboro.
Archibald Henderson Salisbury.
Oliver Fitts Warrenton.
Alfred Moore, Jr. Brunswick Co.
James P. Somerville Warrenton.
Richard Bullock Warren Co.
Wm. Boylan Raleigh.
Benjamin Williams Moore Co.
Samuel Jocelin Wilmington.
John Hill Wilmington.
George Hooper Wilmington.


Page 831

John Burgwin Wilmington.
John Grange Wilmington.
A. Duncan Moore Wilmington.
James W. Walker Wilmington.
John Waddell Wilmington.
Hugh Waddell Wilmington.
Samuel Ashe Wilmington.
John L. Taylor Newbern.
Geo. H. B. Burgwin Newbern.
John S. West Newbern.
Wm. McKenzie Wilmington.

        John R. Donell, of Newbern, gave $75.

        Wm. Hall, of Wilmington, gave $60.

        The $50 subscribers were:

        
Joseph Gales Raleigh.
Beverly Daniel Raleigh.
Wm. J. Cowan Bladen Co.
John Cameron Fayetteville.
John Owen Bladen Co.
Isaac Williams Cumberland Co.
James Campbell Cumberland Co.
Robert Campbell Cumberland Co.
John Williams Cumberland Co.
Wm. Giles Wilmington.
David Anderson Fayetteville.
A. F. McNeill Wilmington.
Robert Cochran Wilmington.
Carlton Walker Wilmington.
Will. Richardson Elizabeth.
John R. London Wilmington.
Hanson Kelly Wilmington.
R. Mitchell Wilmington.
John Bradley Wilmington.
John L. Haslin Newbern.
John G. Blount Washington.
Thos. H. Blount Washington.
David Clark Williamston.

        The following gave $40:

        
Samuel Hall Brunswick Co.
A. J. DeRosset Wilmington.
Thomas F. Davis Wilmington.
Thomas Cowan Wilmington.

        The following contributed $30 each:

        
Wm. Shaw Raleigh.
Alex. Hostler Wilmington.
John Mitchell Wilmington.
L. H. Toomer Wilmington.
Edward B. Dudley Wilmington.
Henry B. Harward Wilmington.

        The following $25 each:

        
Sherwood Haywood Raleigh.
Wm. L. Turner Raleigh.
Henry Potter Raleigh.
Evan Jones Wilmington.
John D. Toomer Wilmington.
John Hogg Wilmington.
Ls. Leroy Wilmington.

        The $20 subscribers were:

        
Sterling Wheaton Raleigh.
Wm. Peace Raleigh.
Jonathan Smith Fayetteville.
George Cameron Wilmington.
Will. Wilkinson Wilmington.
John Cathorda Wilmington.
Thomas Wright Wilmington.
John Poisson Wilmington.
Gilbert Geer Wilmington.
Will. Mitchell Wilmington.
James Dixon Wilmington.
W. H. Williams Wilmington.
Wm. Guthrie Wilmington.

        John Marshall, of Raleigh, gave $15, and the following $10 each:

        
Wm. Glendenning Raleigh.
Charles Parish Raleigh.
Jesse Wingate Wilmington.
Will. C. Kemp Wilmington.
John M. Gabi Wilmington.
Jethro Darden Wilmington.
O. Kenan Wilmington.
John Hall Wilmington.
Em'l C. Bittencourt Wilmington.
Jos. G. Swift Wilmington.
D. A. Tarbé Wilmington.
Robert W. Brown Wilmington.
Joseph Shute Wilmington.
Jesse Wingate Wilmington.

        The $5 subscribers were:

        
Richard Smith Raleigh.
Robert Scott Wilmington.
Thomas Swan Wilmington.

        The amounts from the different localities were, besides Charleston, S. C., $100: New Hanover, principally Wilmington, $2,700; Orange, principally Hillsboro, $900; Wake, principally Raleigh, $885; Craven, principally Newbern, $825; Warren, principally Warrenton, $500; Brunswick, $340; Cumberland, principally Fayetteville, $320; Rowan, principally Salisbury, $300; Halifax, principally Halifax, $300; Granville, principally Williamsboro, $200; Bertie, principally Windsor, $200; Beaufort, principally Washington, $180; Bladen, principally Elizabeth, $150; Martin, principally Williamston, $150; Moore, $100.


Page 832

THE FOLLOWING LIST, MADE BY HON. WALTER MURPHY IN 1899,
SHOWS THE PUBLIC OFFICES HELD BY THE ALUMNI OF
THE UNIVERSITY.

National United States Officials.

        Tennessee: James Knox Polk, President.

        Alabama: William Rufus King, Vice-President.

Presidents of the United States Senate.

        North Carolina: Willie P. Mangum, 1842-45.

        Alabama: William Rufus King, 1835-41, 1849-53.

Speaker of the National House.

        Tennessee: James Knox Polk, 1835-39.

Secretary of State.

        Virginia: John Y. Mason.

Secretary of War.

        Tennessee: John H. Eaton, 1829-31.

Secretaries of the Navy.

        North Carolina: John Branch, 1829-31.

        Virginia: John Y. Mason, 1844-45-46-49.

        North Carolina: William A. Graham, 1850-52; James C. Dobbin, 1853-57.

Secretary of the Interior.

        Mississippi: Jacob Thompson, 1857-61.

Postmaster-General.

        Tennessee: A. V. Brown, 1857-59.

        North Carolina: Kerr Craige, Assistant Postmaster-General, 1893-97.

Attorney-General.

        Virginia: John Y. Mason, 1845-46.

Solicitor-General.

        North Carolina: Samuel F. Phillips, 1873-85.

Foreign Ministers and Consuls.

        To France: Wm. R. King, minister, 1844-46; John Y. Mason, minister, 1853-59.

        To Spain: John H. Eaton, minister, 1836-40; R. M. Saunders, minister, 1846-50; D. M. Barringer, minister, 1850-53; Hannis Taylor, minister, 1893-98.

        To Mexico: Thos. C. Manning, minister, 1886-87; Matt. W. Ransom, minister, 1894-97.

        To Greece: Eben Alexander, Professor U. N. C., minister, 1893-97.

        To Peru: Thomas Settle, minister, 1871-73.

        To Guatemala: Wm. Miller, chargé d'affaires, 1825; Thos. N. Mann, chargé d'affaires, 1826.

        To Portugal: Abram Rencher, chargé d'affaires, 1843-47.

        To Naples: Wm. H. Polk, chargé d'affaires, 1845-48.

        To Venezuela: J. G. A. Williamson, consul general, 1830-42.

        To Italy: E. J. Mallett, consul general, 1858-62.

        To China: W. P. Mangum, Jr., consul general, 1861-81.

        To Japan: W. P. Mangum, Jr., consul general, 1861-81.

        To Paris: D. K. McRae, consul.

        To Shanghai: A. D. Jones, consul, 1893.

        To Manchester: E. J. Hale, consul, 1885-89.

        To Rio Janeiro: O. H. Dockery, consul, 1889-93.

        To Buenos Ayres: A. M. Slade, consul, 1836-40.

        To Montevideo: E. J. Hill, consul, 1887-89.

        To Tegucigalpa: Wm. H. Little, consul, 1893-98.

        To Palermo: W. S. Pearson, consul, 1873.

        To Matanzas: D. W. Courts, consul, 1839-41.

        To Cadiz: T. T. Tunstall, consul, 1856.

        To San Salvador: T. T. Tunstall, consul, 1888.

        To Vera Cruz: John A. Cameron, consul, 1829-31.

United States Senators.

        From North Carolina: John Branch, 1823-29, served 6 years; Bedford Brown, 1829-41, served 12 years; Willie P. Mangum, 1837-53, served 16 years; William A. Graham, 1841-44, served 3 years; William H. Haywood, 1843-46, served 3 years; Thos. L. Clingman, 1857-60, served 3 years; John Pool, 1867-73, served 6 years; M. W. Ransom, 1873-96, served 23 years; Z. B. Vance, 1879-94, served 16 years; Marion Butler, 1894-01.


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        From Missouri: Thos. H. Benton, 1820-50, served 30 years; F. P. Blair, 1870-73, served 3 years.

        From Alabama: Wm. R. King, 1819-53, served 30 years.

        From Tennessee: John H. Eaton, 1818-29, served 11 years; A. O. P. Nicholson, 1840-61, served 4 years.

        From Louisiana: Thos. C. Manning, 1880-86, served 6 years.

Representative in Congress.

        From North Carolina: Lemuel Sawyer, seated in 1807, served 16 years; Wm. Rufus King, seated in 1811, served 6 years; Bartlett Yancey, seated 1813, served 4 years; W. H. Murfree, seated in 1813, served 2 years; Lewis Williams, seated in 1815, served 27 years; W. C. Love, seated 1815, served 2 years; Thos. H. Hall, seated in 1817, served 16 years; H. G. Burton, seated 1819, served 5 years; R. M. Saunders, seated in 1821, served 10 years; R. D. Spaight, Jr., seated in 1823, served 2 years; Alfred M. Gatlin, seated in 1823, served 2 years; Willie P. Mangum, seated in 1823, served 3 years; John H. Bryan, seated in 1825, served 4 years; John Giles, seated 1829, served 2 years; W. B. Shepard, seated in 1829, served 10 years; John Branch, seated in 1831, served 2 years; M. T. Hawkins, seated in 1831, served 10 years; Ebenezer Pettigrew, seated in 1835, served 2 years; Chas. B. Shepard, seated in 1837, served 4 years; John Hill, seated in 1839, served 2 years; J. R. J. Daniel, seated in 1841, served 12 years; Anderson Mitchell, seated in 1842, served 2 years; D. M. Barringer, seated in 1843, served 8 years; Edward Stanly, seated in 1837, served 10 years; Thos. L. Clingman, seated in 1843, served 8 years; James Graham, seated in 1833, served 12 years; James C. Dobbin, seated in 1845, served 2 years; H. S. Clark, seated in 1845, served 2 years; R. S. Donnell, seated in 1847, served 2 years; David Outlaw, seated in 1847, served 6 years; J. T. Morehead, seated in 1851, served 2 years; Burton Craige, seated in 1852, served 9 years; Sion H. Rogers, seated in 1853, served 4 years; Thos. Ruffin, seated in 1853, served 8 years; L. O'B. Branch, seated in 1855, served 6 years; Warren Winslow, seated in 1855, served 6 years; A. M. Scales, seated in 1857, served 12 years; Z. B. Vance, seated in 1858, served 3 years; O. H. Dockery, seated in 1867, served 4 years; F. E. Shober, seated in 1869, served 4 years; R. B. Gilliam, seated in 1870; John Manning, seated in 1871, served 2 years; A. M. Waddell, seated in 1871, served 4 years; Chas. R. Thomas, seated in 1871, served 4 years; J. J. Davis, seated in 1875, served 4 years; Thos. S. Ashe, seated in 1872, served 4 years; W. L. Steele, seated in 1877, served 4 years; Clement Dowd, seated in 1883, served 4 years; John S. Henderson, seated in 1885, served 10 years; L. C. Latham, seated in 1887, served 4 years; Thos. D. Johnston, seated in 1885, served 4 years; Thos. G. Skinner, seated in 1883, served 4 years; W. A. Branch, seated in 1891, served 4 years; B. F. Grady, seated in 1891, served 4 years; C. W. McClammy, seated in 1887, served 4 years; S. B. Alexander, seated in 1891, served 4 years; W. T. Crawford, seated in 1891; John E. Fowler, seated in 1895, served 2 years; W. W. Kitchin, seated in 1897; Chas. R. Thomas, seated in 1898.

        From Virginia: John T. Epps, Mark Alexander, Joel Hollemon, John Y. Mason, George C. Dromgoole, Geo. W. L. Marr.

        From Tennessee: James K. Polk, Aaron V. Brown.

        From Missouri: Thos. H. Benton, Francis P. Blair.

        From Alabama: John Bragg, Gaston A. Robbins.

        From Texas: Wm. P. McLean, Olin Wellborn.

        From South Carolina: A. D. Sims.

        From Mississippi: Jacob Thompson.

        From Louisiana: Alfred B. Irion.

United States District Judges.

        For North Carolina: Robt. P. Dick.

        For Virginia: Berryman Green, John Y. Mason.

        For Florida: John A. Cameron, Thomas Settle.

        For Louisiana: R. N. Ogden.

        For Alabama: H. Y. Webb.

United States Court of Land Claims
Judge.

        Thos. C. Fuller.

United States District Attorneys.

        For North Carolina: H. C. Jones, Jr., R. C. Badger, R. P. Dick, Jas. B. Shepherd, F. H. Busbee, C. B. Aycock.


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        For Florida: John K. Campbell.

        For Alabama: Geo. M. Duskin.

        For Washington: P. H. Winston.

State Officials--Governors.

        North Carolina: William Miller, 1814-17; John Branch, 1817-20; H. G. Burton, 1824-27; John Owen, 1828-30; David L. Swain, 1832-35; R. Dobbs Spaight, 1835-37; J. M. Morehead, 1841-45; W. A. Graham, 1845-49; Charles Manly, 1849-51; Warren Winslow, 1854-55; John W. Ellis, 1859-61; Henry T. Clark, 1861-62; Z. B. Vance, 1862-65; Tod R. Caldwell, 1870-74; Z. B. Vance, 1876-79; A. M. Scales, 1885-89; Thos. M. Holt, 1891-93; Elias Carr, 1893-97; Daniel L. Russell, 1897-1901; C. B. Aycock, 1901-05.

        Tennessee: James K. Polk, A. V. Brown.

        Florida: W. D. Mosely.

        Mississippi: Jacob Thompson.

        Florida: John H. Eaton, territorial; John Branch.

        Utah: Vernon H. Vaughn.

        New Mexico: Abram Rencher.

Presidents of the Senate and Lieutenant-Governors.

        North Carolina: John Branch, 1815-17; Bartlett Yancey, 1817-28; Bedford Brown, 1829; D. F. Caldwell, 1830; W. D. Mosely, 1832-36; Hugh Waddell, 1837; Calvin Graves, 1848; Warren Winslow, 1853-54; W. W. Avery, 1856; H. T. Clark, 1859; Giles Mebane, 1862; M. E. Manly, 1866; Tod R. Caldwell, 1868; C. M. Stedman, 1885-89; Thos. M. Holt, 1889-91; Rufus A. Doughton, 1893-97; Charles A. Reynolds, 1897.

        Texas: Wells Thompson.

        Florida: William D. Barnes.

        Virginia: Geo. C. Dromgoole.

Speakers of the House of
Representatives.

        North Carolina: William Miller, R. M. Saunders, James Mebane, John D. Jones, Alfred Moore, W. J. Alexander, Wm. H. Haywood, Wm. A. Graham, Calvin Graves, R. B. Gilliam, Jas. C. Dobbin, Jesse G. Shepherd, Thos. Settle, Wm. A. Moore, R. S. Donnell, M. S. Robbins, S. F. Phillips, Jos. W. Holden, John M. Moring, Geo. M. Rose, Thos. M. Holt, Rufus A. Doughton, Z. V. Walser, S. M. Gattis.

        Louisiana: Robert N. Ogden.

        Alabama: Jas. W. McClung.

        Tennessee: Lewis Bond.

        Georgia: R. A. T. Ridley.

        Iowa: James Grant.

        Mississippi: James P. Scales.

        Alabama: Willner F. Foster.

Judges of the Supreme Court.

        North Carolina: Archibald D. Murphey, 1822; John D. Toomer, 1829; Joseph J. Daniel, 1832-48; William H. Battle, 1848-68; Richmond M. Pearson (C. J.), 1848-78; M. E. Manly, 1859-65; W. B. Rodman, 1868-78; Robt. P. Dick, 1868-72; Thos. Settle, 1868-72; John H. Dillard, 1872-76; Thos. S. Ashe, 1878-87; Thos. Ruffin, Jr., 1881-89; J. J. Davis, 1887-92; A. C. Avery, 1888-96; J. E. Shepherd (C. J.), 1888-96; Walter Clark, 1889.

        Tennessee: A. O. P. Nicholson (C. J.), Thos. L. Williams, Edward A. Keble, Thos. J. Haywood.

        Louisiana: Thos. C. Manning (C. J.), Alfred B. Irion.

        Alabama: Arthur F. Hopkins, Ed. G. Pasteur.

        Florida: Walker Anderson (C. J.).

        Georgia: Samuel Hall (C. J.).

        Maryland: Wm. S. Bryan.

        Virginia: Waller R. Staples.

        Arkansas: Robt. T. Fuller.

        Mississippi: Tim Erwin Cooper.

        New York: Augustus Van Wyck.

Superior Court Judges.

        North Carolina: Joseph J. Daniel, Robert H. Burton, John D. Toomer, Archibald D. Murphey, John R. Donnell, Willie P. Mangum, James Martin, David L. Swain, R. M. Saunders, Edward Hall, John M. Dick, John S. Bailey, R. M. Pearson, D. F. Caldwell, M. E. Manly, W. H. Battle, John W. Ellis, Augustus Moore, Samuel J. Person, Jesse G. Shepherd, James W. Osborne, Geo. Howard, Thos. Ruffin, Jr., Robt. B. Gilliam, Wm. M. Shipp, David A. Barnes, Anderson Mitchell, Chas. R. Thomas, Wm. A. Moore, Wm. J. Clarke, D. L. Russell, Ralph P. Buxton, C. C. Pool, A. A. McCoy, A. C. Avery, O. P. Meares, Mills L. Eure, John A. Gilmer, Jas. E. Shepherd, Fred. Phillips, Walter Clark, W. J. Montgomery, Henry R. Bryan, Spier Whitaker, Robt. W. Winston, A. W. Graham, A. L. Coble, H. R. Starbuck, Thos. A. McNeill, Thos. J. Shaw, Geo. V. Strong,


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Louis Hilliard, Jacob Battle, Wm. N. Mebane, Dossey Battle.

        Alabama: W. D. Pickett, W. S. Chapman, Wm. P. Webb, Thos. M. Arrington, John Bragg.

        Arkansas: Isaac Baker, Robert T. Fuller, Thos. J. Lacey, Jos. W. Townsend.

        Florida: Alfred C. Whitner, Daniel B. Baker, Enoch J. Vann.

        Virginia: John Y. Mason, Fleming Sanders.

        Tennessee: N. W. Williams, Alfred G. Merritt, B. S. Ridley, Calvin Jones, Wm. M. Inge.

        Louisiana: F. S. Goode, Jonathan Osborne, Thos. B. Graham.

        Iowa: James Grant.

        California: S. A. Holmes.

        Texas: W. P. McLean.

        Nevada: A. L. Fitzgerald.

Number of Members State Legislatures.

        North Carolina, 411; Tennessee, 21; Alabama, 19; Texas, 10; Virginia, 9; Florida, 7; Louisiana, 7; Georgia, 7; Mississippi, 7; Arkansas, 4; Missouri, 4; South Carolina, 4; Washington, 2; California, 2; New York, 2; Iowa, 1. Total, 517.

Secretaries of State.

        North Carolina: Charles R. Thomas, 1864-66; Jos. A. Engelhard, 1877-79; W. L. Saunders, 1879-91.

        Texas: A. W. Speight.

State Treasurers.

        North Carolina: Robert H. Burton, 1839; William S. Mhoon, 1830; D. W. Courts, 1837-51; Charles S. Hinton, 1845; Kemp P. Battle, 1866.

State Comptrollers--Auditors.

        North Carolina: Joseph W. Hawkins, John L. Henderson, W. J. Clarke, S. F. Phillips, Richard H. Battle.

        Florida: William D. Barnes.

        Tennessee: James L. Gaines.

Attorney-Generals.

        North Carolina: Wm. Miller, H. G. Burton, James F. Taylor, R. M. Saunders, J. R. J. Daniel, Hugh McQueen, Spier Whitaker, Edward Stanly, B. F. Moore, Wm. Eaton, Jr., M. W. Ransom, J. B. Batchelor, Wm. A. Jenkins, Sion H. Rogers, W. M. Coleman, W. M. Shipp, Thos. S. Kenan, Z. V. Walser.

        Washington: Patrick H. Winston.

        Florida: Joseph Branch.

        Louisiana: F. S. Goode.

Commissioners of Agriculture.

        North Carolina: Montford McGehee, S. L. Patterson, P. M. Wilson.

        Tennessee: R. Mc. Hord, J. B. Killebrew.

        Alabama: R. F. C. Kolb.

Superintendents of Public Instruction.

        North Carolina: C. H. Wiley.

        Tennessee: J. B. Killebrew.

Reporters Supreme Court.

        North Carolina: Archibald D. Murphey, Francis L. Hawks, W. H. Battle, Perrin Busbee, Quentin Busbee, H. C. Jones, S. F. Phillips, J. M. McCorkle, W. M. Shipp, Thomas S. Kenan, Ralph P. Buxton.

Prosecuting Attorneys--Solicitors.

        North Carolina: J. W. Ferguson, Larry I. Moore, A. L. Brooks, E. W. Pou, T. M. Argo, H. F. Seawell, Colin McLean, W. S. Norment, F. N. Strudwick, W. J. Montgomery, I. R. Strayhorn, E. D. Carter, B. R. Moore, C. A. Webb.

        New York: Geo. Gordon Battle.

Confederate States Government--Attorneys-General.

        North Carolina: George Davis, Thos. Bragg.

Confederate States Senate.

        North Carolina: George Davis, W. W. Avery, Wm. A. Graham.

Members of Confederate Congress.

        North Carolina: Thomas Ruffin, Thos. D. S. McDowell, John M. Morehead, Burton Craige, R. R. Bridgers, Thos. S. Ashe, Josiah Turner.

        Georgia: D. N. Lewis.

        Virginia: Waller R. Staples.

Generals in Confederate Army.

        Louisiana: Lieut.-Gen. Leonidas Polk.

        North Carolina: Maj.-Gens. Bryan Grimes, R. C. Gatling; Brig.-Gens. Geo. B. Anderson, Rufus Barringer, L. O'B. Branch, M. W. Ransom, R. D. Johnston,


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A. M. Scales, W. G. Lewis, J. Johnston Pettigrew, Thos. L. Clingman.

        Alabama: Brig.-Gen. Isham W. Garrott.

        Mississippi: Brig.-Gen. Chas. W. Phifer; Inspector-General Jacob Thompson.

        Texas: Brig.-Gen. A. W. Speight.

        Louisiana: Brig.-Gen. Thos. C. Manning.

        Colonels: Number, 71; Lieutenant-Colonels, 31; Majors, 52; Captains, 216; Lieutenants, 126.

        Alumni in the Confederate Army, 1,017.

        Killed in battle and died from wounds, 308.

Miscellaneous.

        Generals in Union Army: Maj.-Gens. Francis P. Blair; E. J. Mallett, Paymaster General.

        Judge of International Court, Alexandria, Egypt: Victor Clay Barringer.

Bishops of the Protestant Episcopal Church.

        Wm. Mercer Green, of Mississippi, 1849-87; Cicero S. Hawks, of Missouri, 1844-68; Leonidas Polk, of Arkansas and Louisiana, 1838-64; James H. Otey, of Tennessee, 1834-63; Thos. F. Davis, of South Carolina, 1853-71.

Presidents of Colleges and Universities.

        David L. Swain, Solomon Pool, Kemp P. Battle, George T. Winston, Edwin A. Alderman, Presidents of the University of North Carolina.

        Geo. T. Winston, President of the University of Texas.

        Geo. T. Winston, President of the North Carolina Agricultural and Mechanical College.

        Robert H. Morrison, President of Davidson College.

        A. M. Shipp, President of Wofford College.

        William Hooper, President of Wake Forest College.

        John Witherspoon, President of Miami College.

        Daniel A. Long, President of Antioch College.

        D. W. Lewis, President of Georgia Agricultural and Mechanical College.

        Charles D. McIver, President of State Normal and Industrial College.

        Alumni of the University have been professors in Yale, Harvard, University of New York, Annapolis, West Point, Vanderbilt, University of Indiana, University of Texas, University of Tennessee, University of Alabama, Smith College, University of Missouri, University of Arkansas, University of Georgia, University of North Carolina, University of South Carolina, Trinity of Connecticut, Trinity of North Carolina, Davidson College, Wake Forest, and Randolph-Macon.

        Johnston Blakely, of the class of 1801, Captain United States Navy, captured the "Reindeer" and "Atalanta" from the British, in the War of 1812.

        Presidents of Conventions: National, John Owen, Harrisburg Convention, 1840; Thos. Settle, Republican Convention, 1872; John M. Morehead, President of Whig Convention, 1848.

General Summary.

        Number of Governors, 28. Governors of North Carolina, 1810-1899, 33. Alumni 20, or 60 per cent.

        United States Senators, 17. Senators from North Carolina, 1810-1899, 25. Alumni 11, or 44 per cent.

        Members of United States Congress, 78. Members from North Carolina, 1810-1899, 135. Alumni 61, or 45 per cent.

        Speakers of Senate and Lieutenant-Governors, 20. Of North Carolina, 1815-1899, 24. Alumni 17, or 70 5-6 per cent.

        Speakers of the House, 31. Of North Carolina, 1810-1899, 46. Alumni 24, or 53 per cent.

        Secretaries of State, 4. Of North Carolina, 1810-1899, 9. Alumni 3, or 33 1-3 per cent.

        Judges of the Supreme Court, 31. Of North Carolina, 1810-1899, 31. Alumni 16, or 52 per cent.

        Judges of the Superior Court, 82. Of North Carolina, 1810-1899, 129. Alumni 57, or 43 2-5 per cent.

        Attorney-Generals 21. Of North Carolina, 1810-1899, 26. Alumni 18, or 70 per cent.

        Reporters of the Supreme Court, 11. Of North Carolina, 1810-1899, 17. Alumni 11, or 64 per cent.

        State Treasurers, 5. Of North Carolina, 1810-1899, 14. Alumni 5, or 36 per cent.

        Comptrollers and Auditors, 7. Of North Carolina, 1810-1899, 14. Alumni 5, or 36 per cent.

        WALTER MURPHY.


        NOTE.--Now Foust succeeds President McIver, deceased. Edwin A. Alderman is President of the University of Virginia, after being President of Tulane University.



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INDEX.

    U.

  • University Magazine, The 487, 632-634
  • Upsher, Abel P. 488
  • Urquhart, Henry 828
  • Utley, Benton 612
  • Utley, Gabriel 611