University of North Carolina,
Chapel Hill, July 31, 1861: The Faculty Understand That in Various Sections of the Southwestern States, and in Some Parts of Our Own State, an Impression Prevails That the Regular Exercises of This Institution Have Been Suspended, July 31, 1861
University of North Carolina (1793-1962). President
Swain, David L. (David Lowry), 1801-1868
Page 1
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA,
CHAPEL HILL, JULY 31, 1861.
The Faculty understand that in various sections of the Southwestern States, and in some parts of our own State, an impression prevails that the regular exercises of this Institution have been suspended. No event has occurred since the entrance of the first student, in February, 1795, to produce such a result, and no such calamity is apprehended at the present time. The troubled state of the country, caused by the existing war, and the paralysis which affects every kind of business, have very much diminished our numbers. We trust, however, that we shall not suffer a permanent loss from this source; and shall certainly endeavor to deserve success, whatever may be the result.
In the midst of this depression, we have the satisfaction to know that the temporary diminution of our numbers is contributing very essentially to the public good. At the beginning of the troubles which now afflict this country we were second in point of numbers to but one similar Institution in what was then the United States. Students who were with us at the opening of the present year are now to be found in arms under the banners of every State in the Confederacy; and there is probably no regiment in the service in which there is not one or more of our students or graduates enrolled. We were very fully represented in the action at Bethel, and in fair proportion in the well-fought field of Manassas. The instruction now given here in Military Tactics authorizes the assurance that the young men who shall go forth from our halls hereafter will prove themselves in the hour of trial, no less efficient then their elder brethren. The operations of this department will be enlarged as opportunity offers and the interests of the public may be thought to require.
The decrease in the number of our students, increases, for those who are here, the opportunities of improvement. Our corps of Instructors was never more effective. Two new edifices, containing forty dormitories, convenient Lecture Rooms, and Society Halls find Libraries very neatly embellished and richly furnished are now ready for occupancy. The Libraries, Cabinets, and Apparatus are constantly receiving additions.
In these circumstances the friends of the University need not fear that the patronage so freely bestowed heretofore, is likely to be materially and permanently diminished.
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