Harrisse, Henry, 1829-1910
Page [1]
Chapel Hill N. C.
Oct. 15th 56
Dear Sir
:
It is not without emotion that I determine to send you this letter. The two
oldest members of the Faculty, led on by Gov.
Swain
, have branded
me with the horrid epithet of "infamous liar"; and I fancy
that until my charges have been proved to the satisfaction of the
Trustees, I can no longer face an honest man
You can scarcely realise the scenes which followed the reading of my Memorials to
the Faculty. Instead of passing a calm and dignified judgment on its merits or
defects; instead of refuting my arguments — if this was in their
power, they heaped upon me the most unjust calumnies and outrageous insults. I
did not condescend to reply; but when Gov.
Swain
threatened to raise a
mob against me by reading my memorials to the classes, I dared him to do it!
Cool I was, and cool I shall remain; — for I am bent on conquering. To
that effect I have this day forwarded to Hon.
J. H. Bryan
a
"Key" to my Memorial of the 29th ult
o. in
which I subjoin to each of my 32 allegations a tangible proof or one which may
easily be made so.
The question is no longer between the French Instructor and the President, but
between the
Trustees and the
University. My dearest interests are also at stake; and you, Governor
Bragg
, will
soon have to decide whether I shall depart from this
Institution with a mark of infamy which, whether innocent or guilty,
must stick to me forever!
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