American History Told by Contemporaries/Volume 2/Chapter 14
CHAPTER XIV — INTELLECTUAL LIFE
90. "The History of Yale-College" (1698-1717)
Clap was president of Yale from 1739 to 1767. — Bibliography: Winsor, Narrative and Critical History, V, 102 ; W. L. Kingsley, Yale College, I, chs. i-vi. — For other colonial colleges, see Contemporaries, I, No. 137, and below, No. 95.
THE Design of founding a College in the Colony of Connecticut, was first concerted by the Ministers ; among which the Rev. Mr. Pierpont of New-Haven, Mr. Andrew of Milford, and Mr. Russel of Branford, were the most forward and active. They had sundry Meetings and Consultations, and received several Proposals or Schemes relating to the Constitution and Regulation of such a College. The first Plan was very formal and minute, drawn up by some Gentleman in Imitation of the Protestant Colleges and Universities in France, founded by their general Synods. In which it was proposed, 'That a College should be erected by a general Synod of the consociated Churches in the Colony of Connecticut. . . . That the Synod should agree upon a Confession of Faith to be consented to by the President, Inspectors and Tutors. That the College should be called the School of the Church. And that the Churches should contribute towards it's Support.' . . . in the mean Time, in the lesser Conventions of Ministers in Associations and Councils, and in private Conversation, ten of the principal Ministers in the Colony, were nominated and agreed upon by a general Consent both of the Ministers and People, to stand as Trustees or Undertakers to found, erect and govern a College, viz.
| The Rev. Messrs. | James Noyes, of Stonington. Israel Chauncy, of Stratford. Thomas Buckingham, of Saybrook. Abraham Pierson, of Killingworth. Samuel Mather, of Windsor. Samuel Andrew, of Milford. Timothy Woodbridge, of Hartford. James Pierpont, of New-Haven. Noadiah Russel, of Middletown. Joseph Webb, of Fairfield. |
. . . After mature Consideration, they concluded that it was safe and best to have a Charter, notwithstanding any change of the Government which might possibly happen ; and wrote to the Hon. Judge Sewall, and Mr. Secretary Addington of Boston to prepare a Draught of a Charter, to be presented to the next Assembly. . . .
The Trustees chose the Rev. Mr. Abraham Pierson, who was one of their Number, to take the Care of Instructing and Governing the Col legiate School ; under the Title and Character of RECTOR. . . .
At the same Meeting, they entered upon the Consideration of the most convenient Place in the Colony of Connecticut, in which they might erect and fix the Collegiate School : they were not perfectly satisfied or united in it ; but after a considerable Debate they fixed upon Saybrook, as the most convenient Place, at Present ; unless upon further Consideration they should alter their Minds : And this Matter was debated at several Meetings afterwards.
They also desired the Rector to remove himself and Family to Saybrook ; but till that could be effected, they ordered that the Scholars should be instructed at or near the Rector's House in Killingworth. As this School was some Years in forming, several young Gentlemen were preparing for it under the more private Instruction of some one of the Trustees or others : After the School became furnished with a Rector and a Tutor, eight of them were admitted, and put into different Classes, according to the proficiency they had antecedently made. So that in a Year or two some were qualified for Degrees.
The first Commencement was held at Saybrook, on Sept. 13th, 1702 ; at which four young Gentlemen, who had before been graduated at the College at Cambridge, and one more, who had a private Education, received the Degrees of Master of Arts. This and several Commence ments following were held privately in the House of the Rev. Mr. Buckingham, because the Trustees by a preceding Act, had forbid all publick Commencements ; to avoid the Charge and other Inconveniencies attending them. . . .
The Trustees and the Colony in general were from the Beginning, not very well agreed in their Sentiments about the Place where to fix the College ; and most Men s Sentiments were influenced by their Situation ; and they generally chose that Place which would best accommodate themselves. Three or four Places were generally discoursed upon, viz. Saybrook, New-Haven, and Hartford or Weathersfield. The Scholars were also somewhat uneasy at their Situation, they thought that Saybrook was not compact enough for their Accommodation, since many of them were obliged to reside above a Mile from the Place of publick Exercises, and they were not pleased with their Instruction and Government ; there being no resident Rector, and the Tutors sometimes very young. . . .
The Collegiate School being in this broken and tottering State, the People in several Parts of the Country begun to Subscribe large Sums for Building the College, to induce the Trustees to set it where it would best accommodate them. About ₤. 700 Sterling was subscribed for New-Haven ; and tis said that about ₤. 500 Sterling was subscribed for Saybrook ; and a considerable Sum for Hartford or Weathersfield.
The Trustees met at the Commencement at Saybrook, September 12, 1716, and entered upon the Consideration of the State and Place of the Collegiate School, but not being perfectly agreed they adjourned to New-Haven, to meet on the 17th Day of October following . . .
And Voted, 'that considering the Difficulties of continuing the Collegiate School at Saybrook, and that New-Haven is a very convenient Place for it, for which the most liberal Donations are given, the Trustees agree to remove the said School from Saybrook to New-Haven, and it is now settled at New-Haven accordingly.' . . .
The Reason assigned by the Trustees in their Votes (and other Papers) for settling the College at New-Haven, were these ; the Difficulty of keeping it at Saybrook, which arose partly from the Uneasiness of the Scholars, partly from the continual Endeavours of some to carry it to Hartford, which they supposed to be at too great a Distance from the Sea, and would no ways accommodate the Western Colonies. That they look'd upon New-Haven to be in itself the most convenient Place, on the Account of the commodiousness of its Situation, the agreableness of the Air and Soil, and the Cheapness of Commodities ; and that very large Donations had been made towards the Building an House there, without which they had not sufficient to defray the Charge.
The Major Part of the General Assembly, being desirous to strengthen the Hands of the Trustees in the present Difficulties, past the following Vote, in the same Session, viz. 'That under the present Circumstances of the Affairs of the Collegiate School, the Rev. Trustees be advised to proceed in that Affair ; and to finish the House they have built in New-Haven, for the Entertainment of the Scholars belonging to the Collegiate School.'
Thomas Clap, The Annals or History of Yale-College (New Haven, 1766), 2-22 passim.
91. "A poetical Lamentation, occasioned by the Death of His late Majesty King George the First" (1727)
This poem illustrates at once the poetical taste of the time and the undiscriminating loyalty of the colonists. Byles was a minister in Boston; he was renowned as a wit, and, though a known Tory, was permitted to remain in that town throughout the Revolution. — Bibliography: Winsor, Narrative and Critical History, V, 128- 130; Tyler, American Literature, II, 192-198.
NOW, O ye nine ! if all your pow'rs can paint
The scenes of woe which wake this loud complaint,
Breath from my muse such soft and solemn verse,
As suits to strew my matchless Sov'reign's hearse ;
And let my grief in mournful musick glide
To Albion's shores, and join the gen'ral tide.
While in this talk I'd try the tenderest skill,
Beneath the subject sinks my quiv'ring quill,
Restless, my muse her awful theme surveys,
While wounded passions plead for present ease,
My grief grows wild, and strugling sorrows throng
To break in trembling accents from my tongue.
Shall unrelenting rocks forbear to bleed,
While I proclaim the great AUGUSTUS dead !
AUGUSTUS ah ! my muse, I feel the sound
Rush thro' my soul, and all its pow'rs confound ;
Swift tow'rds my heart unusual horror climbs,
And strange convulsions seize my shudd'ring limbs ;
In my cold veins the crimson scarcely flows,
My slack'ning nerves their nat'ral aids refuse,
From aking eyes the briny sorrow breaks,
And liquid pearl, rolls down my faded cheeks,
The ling'ring remnant of my life's opprest,
And death-like damps bedew my lab'ring breast.
Had I the royal prophet's tuneful strain
When Israel's breathless chiefs had ting'd the plain ;
Would but Apollo's genial touch inspire
Such sounds as breathe from ***** warbling lyre ;
Then, might my notes in melting measures flow,
And make all nature wear the signs of woe.
Content, my muse must mourn with humbler strings,
While GEORGES's death, and Albion's loss she sings.
Long had the fields resign'd their smiling dress,
And herds rov'd round for food in dumb distress,
When famish'd hills, in russet robes array'd,
Seem'd to presage some dire event decreed :
While fainting nature felt such ardent fire,
As if 'twas with this fever to expire ;
Then from the King of kings, a message flies,
To call his great vicegerent to the skies :
An hasty summons snatch'd our Sov'reign's breath,
His life is set, his glory dim'd with death.
Let ev'ry gem which studs the British crown,
Look pale and wan, since Albion's light is down :
No more you'll share its rays, nor mingling shed
Your trembling splendors round his sacred head.
No more the throne shall show that awful face,
Where majesty was mix'd with mildest grace :
Nor hostile realms revere their conqu'rour king,
Nor nations shroud beneath his shelt'ring wing.
That wond'rous form, which once could kingdoms sway,
Is now the grizly tyrant's helpless prey.
Come, hoary registers of ancient times,
Whose vital tide declines your wither'd Limbs ;
Babes in the dawn of life, and you whose veins,
The dancing fire of ripen'd youth contains ;
With all Parnassus, bring your last perfume,
With bosoms bare, and mingled mournings come,
And spread in one wide ruin round your Sov'reign's tomb.
But cease, my muse, or weep in gentler streams,
Behind this shady scene some comfort gleams ;
Lift from the dismal gloom thy aking eyes :
Refreshment springs from whence thy sorrows rise.
When at the hour of Brunswick's swift discharge,
To heav'n seraphick guardians guide their charge ;
Rapid, the news thro' trembling kingdoms runs,
And all the skies are peirc'd with piteous groans ;
Then, as this light the dark'ned empire leaves,
Then, wondrous WALES the sinking scepter saves :
Then, with her sparkling issue, comes his Queen,
Like night's fair empress midst her starry train ;
With cypress crown'd, they guild th' imperial seat,
And prop, tho' weak with woe, the tott'ring state ;
While intermingling joys, and grief impress
Their different dies, in ev'ry subjects face.
Albion reviv'd, yet longs with eager eye
To see their Sovereigns shine in cloudless majesty.
So when in deep eclipse, the rising sun,
Streaks with a dusky light his orient throne :
With sully'd robes he mounts th' ætherial field,
And rules the day, with Cynthia's sable veil'd.
Languid, and faint, his muffled front appears,
While earth and air a semblant horror wears.
'Till rapid time unfolds his fulgid face,
And spreads his golden glories quick'ning rays.
[Mather Byles], A Collection of Poems (no title-page), 19-24 passim
92. "Some Account of the Earthquake that shook New-England" (1727)
Cotton Mather, most voluminous of colonial writers, was for many years minister at the North Church in Boston. — Bibliography: Barrett Wendell, Cotton Mather; Tyler, American Literature, II, 73-89. See also Contemporaries, I, No. 148. — For other extracts on New England life, see Contemporaries, I, ch. xxi.
THE Night that followed the Twenty ninth of October [1727.] was Night whereto NEW-ENGLAND had never in the Memory of Man, seen the like before. The Air never more Calm, the Sky never more Fair ; every thing in all imaginable Tranquillity : But about a quarter of an Hour before Eleven, there was heard in BOSTON, from one end of the Town to the other, an horrid rumbling like the Noise of many Coaches together, driving on the paved Stones with the utmost Rapidity. But it was attended with a most awful Trembling of the Earth, which did heave and shake so as to Rocque the Houses, and cause here and there the falling of some smaller Things, both within Doors and without. It cannot be imagined, but that it gave an uncommon Concern unto all the Inhabitants, and even a degree of Consternation, unto very many of them. This first Shock, which was the most Violent, was followed with several others, and some Repetition of the Noise, at sundry times, pretty distant from one another. The Number of them is not entirely agreed ; but at least Four or Five are allow'd for ; The last of which was between Five and Six of the Clock in the Morning.
How far this Earthquake extended thro' the Countrey, we are not yet informed ; But that it extended Scores of Miles, we have already a certain Information. And what added unto the Terrors of it, were the terrible Flames and Lights, in the Atmosphere, which accompanied it. The Vessels on the Coast were also made sensible of it, by a shivering that siezed on them.
When the greatly affected People, had a little Opportunity to look about them in the Morning, the Pastors of the Old North-Church, directed the Bells to be rung, that such of the People as could and would, might assemble immediately unto some seasonable Exercises of Religion. The Pastors of the New joined with them in sending up unto Heaven, the Supplications which the solemn Occasion called for. And the Pastors in the other part of the Town, made a speedy and hearty Appearance, and most affectionately united in a Concurrence with them. The Assembly that came together, did more than croud and fill the most capacious of our Meetinghouses; And as there was a multitude of serious Christians, who are acquainted with Real and Vital PIETY, so the whole Auditory expressed a Devotion which was truly Extraordinary.
[Cotton Mather], The Terror of the Lord. Some Account of the Earthquake that shook New-England, in the Night, between the 29 and the 30 of October, 1727 (Boston, 1727), 1-2.
93. A Protest against a Wicked Newspaper (1721/2)
Increase Mather was for many years minister at the Old North Church in Boston, and was also president of Harvard College. — Bibliography : Winsor, Memorial History of Boston, II, ch. ix, 396; Tyler, American Literature, II, 67-73. — See also Contemporaries, I, No. 135.
ADVICE to the Publick from Dr. Increase Mather. Whereas a wicked Libel called the New England Courant, has represented me as one among the Supporters of it ; I do hereby declare, that altho I had paid for two or three of them, I then, (before the last Courant was published) sent him word I was extreamly offended with it ! In special, because in one of his Vile Courants he insinuates, that if the Ministers of God approve of a thing, it is a Sign it is of the Devil ; which is a horrid thing to be related ! And altho' in one of the Courants it is declared, that the London Mercury Sept. 16, 1721, affirms that Great Numbers of Persons in the City and Suburbs are under the Inoculation of the Small Pox ; In his next Courant he asserts, that it was some Busy Inoculator, that imposed on the Publick in saying so ; Whereas I myself saw and read those words in the London Mercury : And he doth fre quently abuse the Ministers of Religion, and many other worthy Persons in a manner, which is intolerable. For these and such like Reasons I signified to the Printer, that I would have no more of their Wicked Courants. I that have known what New-England was from the Beginning, cannot but be troubled to see the Degeneracy of this Place. I can well remember when the Civil Government would have taken an effectual Course to suppress such a Cursed Libel ! which if it be not done I am afraid that some Awful Judgment will come upon this Land and the Wrath of God will arise, and there will be no Remedy.
I cannot but pity poor Franklin, who tho' but a Young Man it may be Speedily he must appear before the Judgment Seat of God, and what answer will he give for printing things so vile and abominable? And I cannot but Advise the Supporters of this Courant to consider the Consequences of being Partakers in other Mens Sins, and no more Coun tenance such a Wicked Paper.
Boston Gazette, January 29, 1721/2; reprinted in Joseph T. Buckingham, Specimens of Newspaper Literature (Boston, 1850), I, 53-54.
94. The People's Favorite Literature (1744)
BY BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
In colonial times the almanac was a household authority, to a large extent taking the place of books, which were few and costly. Of all the almanacs Franklin's became the most noted, on account of the author s personal reputation. — Bibliography : for Franklin, see No. 68 above; as to almanacs, see James Parton, Benjamin Franklin, I, 227-240; Tyler, American Literature, II, 120-130; Channing and Hart, Guide, §§ 25, 32. — See also a diary kept in an almanac, No. 95 below.
Courteous Reader,
THIS is the Twelfth Year that I have in this Way laboured for the Benefit of Whom? of the Publick, if you'll be so good-natured as to believe it ; if not, e'en take the naked Truth, twas for the Benefit of my own dear self; not forgetting in the mean time, our gracious Consort and Du r chess the peaceful, quiet, silent Lady Bridget. But whether my Labours have been of any Service to the Publick or not, the Publick I must acknowledge has been of Service to me ; I have lived Comfortably by its Benevolent Encouragement; and I hope I shall always bear a grateful Sense of its continued Favour.
My Adversary Jn Jn has indeed made an Attempt to out-shine me, by pretending to penetrate a Year deeper into Futurity ; and giving his Readers gratis in his Almanack for 1743 an Eclipse of the Year 1744, to be beforehand with me: His Words are, "The first Day of April next Year 1744, there will be a GREAT ECLIPSE of the Sun : it begins about an Hour before Sunset. It being in the Sign Aries, the House of Mars, and in the 7th, shows Heat, Difference and Animosities between Persons of the highest Rank and Quality," &c. I am very glad, for the Sake of these Persons of Rank and Quality, that there is no manner of Truth in this Prediction : They may, if they please, live in Love and Peace. And I caution his Readers (they are but few, indeed, and so the Matter's the less) not to give themselves any Trouble about observing this imaginary Great Eclipse ; for they may stare till they're blind without seeing the least Sign of it. I might, on this Occasion, return Mr. Jn the Name of Baal's false Prophet he gave me some Years ago in his Wrath, on Account of my Predicting his Reconciliation with the Church of Rome, (tho' he seems now to have given up that Point) but I think such Language between old Men and Scholars unbecoming ; and I leave him to settle the Affair with the Buyers of his Almanack as well as he can, who perhaps will not take it very kindly, that he has done what in him lay (by sending them out to gaze at an invisible Eclipse on the first of April) to make April Fools of them all. His old thread bare Excuse which he repeats Year after Year about the Weather, "That no Man can be infallible therein, by Reason of the many contrary Causes happening at or near the same ume, and the Unconstancy of the Summer Showers and Gusts," &c will hardly serve him in the Affair of Eclipses ; and I know not where he'll get another.
I have made no Alteration in my usual Method, except adding the Rising and Setting of the Planets, and the Lunar Conjunctions. Those who are so disposed, may thereby very readily learn to know the Planets, and distinguish them from each other.
I am, dear Reader,
- Thy obliged Friend,
- R. SAUNDERS.
- Thy obliged Friend,
The Country Man.
Happy the Man whose Wish and Care
- A few paternal Acres bound,
Content to breathe his native Air,
In his own Ground.
Whose Herds with Milk, whose Fields with Bread,
- Whose Flocks supply him with Attire,
Whose Trees in Summer yield him Shade,
In Winter Fire.
Blest, who can unconcernedly find
- Hours, Days and Years slide soft away,
In Health of Body, Peace of Mind,
Quiet by Day,
Sound Sleep by Night ; Study and Ease
- Together mixt ; sweet Recreation ;
And Innocence which most does please
with Meditation.
Thus let me live, unseen, unknown,
- Thus unlamented let me die,
Steal from the World, and not a Stone
Tell where I lie.
[Benjamin Franklin], Poor Richard, 1744. An Almanack, etc. (Philadelphia), 1-3.
95. A Year of a College Student's Life (1758)
BY NATHANIEL AMES
Ames was the son of Dr. Nathaniel Ames, publisher of almanacs. Later he also became a physician and a calculator of almanacs. The piece is characteristic of the life of the son of a well-to-do gentleman. — Bibliography : Tyler, American Literature, II, 122-130. — For an earlier view of Harvard College, see Contemporaries, I, No. 146.
CAMBRIDGE Septr. 20th 1758. They who see this in future times may know that it is the covering of an old Almanack 1758. And do not despise old times too much for remember that 2 or 3 centurys from the time of seeing this you will be counted old times folks as much as you count us to be so now, many People in these times think the Consumation very nigh much more may you think so, and do not think yourselves so much wiser than we are as to make yourselves proud for the last day is at hand in which you must give an account of what you have been about in this state of Probation & very likely you are more given to Vice than we are, and we than the last Century folks ; if you have more arts than we have that you yourselves have found out impute it not to our inability that we could not find them out for if we had had only those very arts that we have now when we first came to settle in N. America very like we should have found out those very things which you have the honour to be the Inventors of.
Dinner is ready I must leave off. January, 1758.
<poem>came home vacancy beg.
Doctr. Miller preach'd in the meeting house, went hear him.
kept school in the new room.
Mr. Havens day of prayer.
Holloway took a fine Prize La Glorie.
February.
8 Vacancy ended.
10 Went to Cambridge.
14 Mr. Epes came to College.
15 Mr. Avery came this Day to College.
17 Went to Mr. Appleton's Lecture.
21 Went to Doctr. Wigglesworth's Lecture.
22 Went to Mr. Winthrops Lecture.
23 cato brought some wood & Linnen.
27 performed all the Duties of the Day.
March.
2 Snow at night. Class met about Logick.
3 came home in the Slay very cold.
5 went to Meting Mr. Cotton preached.
6 Town meeting.
10 Quarter day at coll.
11 Lord Loudon came to our House talked about corn,
13 Come to College, began Logick.
14 Paid Prentice ye 2 first Quarter Bills 58:10.
17 Paid Seward 2 first Quarter Bills and Locke ye 3 first.
18 fit with the Sophomores about Cust.
20 had another Fight with the sophomores.
22 went to Newtown Ordination.
30 read Watses Logick.
April.
1 Daniel came from home & brought some Linnen. 6 general Fast, went to meeting. 11 training day, the Governour & Col. Frasier came to Cam. 20 went a gunning after Robins with Hooper.
26 drank tea with Otis, [later note by Ames] This was father of now, 1817, H. G Otis, a Jacobin. May.
2 Training Day at Dedham.
3 Captn. Fales's Compny Met at our house, came to College.
4 the class was plac'd last Tuesday.
5 the President and Tutors met went to them.
6 Mr. Hancock went Marlborough.
8 Doctr. was bury'd.
9 no disputing in the Hall.
14 went to Meeting. Mr. Flynt preached.
17 the Court Sot in the new Town House before it was half finish d at Camb.
20 the Court sot at Bradishes.
21 went to Meeting Mr. Prentice Preach'd.
22 went a fishing with 13 of my Class mates, sot away from Cambridge wharf at 12 o'Clock catch'd 3 cods besides dog fish skates & Sculpins ; arriv d at Nantasket at 8 o'Clock at night, lodg'd at a Tavern, sot off in the morning between 7 & 8 o'clock, pass'd holloweys
prize, arriv'd at the Castle at 2 'ck saw Mr. Gay of Dedham, dined with Mr. Bacon, did not see Captn Metcalf tho he was on the Castle, came from the Castle to Charlestown from whence we walk'd on foot to Cambridge which we were oblidg to do, the Tide being so low we could not come up Cambridge River.
23 The Class began Gordan.
24 Hollowey took two prizes 1 a Ship the other a Snow laden with provisions, bound to Louisbourg. About this time the Regiments marched from this Province to the Lake.
26 Went to Boston, Saw my Father. Holloweys prize came in.
27 Miss Abigail Pond & Mrs. Farbank came to.
28 went to Meeting Mr. Haven preach.
29 Mr. Epes went home.
30 Gay went home.
31 bad Election rain all Day.
June.
2 ye 1st Division of our Class Declaimed.
4 Mr. Minot preach d afternoon.
5 went to Boston with Moffat & Hooper.
6 fleec'd Mr. Hancock.
8 hoisting of Palmer & Browne.
1 Mr. Jackson preach d afternoon.
13 A 90 gun ship burnt in the Mediterranean Sea.
16 went home through Boston.
18 Mr. Haven preach'd.
20 went to Colleg with Seth.
22 Roman Father a Play.
23 Declaimed this morning left off my wigg.
25 Mr. Appleton prea.
26 Presidents Grass Mow'd.
29 went to Boston on foot saw Seth.
30 Valedictory day, I waited on the Orator. Tom Wentworth was Orator.
July.
1 finished the Presidents hay.
3 Cato a Play acted at Warrens Cham.
News about Louisbourg that all except the Town itself is taken.
5 Hollowey has took another prize which the French offer'd to Ransom for 16000 pounds. They sent out from Louisbourg in the fogs two Frigates Laden with their Riches and Women one of which we took, in which was the Governour, his Wife, & Daughter they are sent in to Hallifax.
6 Cato to perfection.
7 went to Boston with Moffat saw my father.
10 began to make arguments.
11 did not go to prayers.
12 Sirs came to receive their Quest.
13 dismis'd from reciting.
14 Cato more perfect than before.
15 Daniel came from Boston.
16 Sot in the Sophimores Seat.
18 Seniors went into the meeting house to dispute.
19 Commencement. Governours came.
20 came home with Seth.
21 Kingsby & Gay came, Ward turn'd by.
24 Gay went to Boston.
26 the City of Louisbourg surrendered to the English July 26th and now Septr 27th they are gone from Louisbourg to take Ticonderog at the Narrows & so on to Canada.
August.
11 Hedly Eaton Dana Daniel took off the Doors.
13 Quakers gen'ral meeting at Providence.
15 Hedley & Daniel went to Providence.
16 Dana run off. Eaton paid 10 Dollars.
23 Vacancy ended did not go to Coll.
31 Went to College this Day with Daniel.
September.
1 did nothing only read the Customs.
2 began Homer.
3 went to meeting Proclamation for Thanksg.
4 made Arguments.
5 Hooper came this Day.
6 read the Customs to the Freshmen.
8 Quarter Day got a horse of Bradish home.
9 came back to College this evening.
12 Hooper shook a Freshman cu.
14 Thanksgiving din'd at Prentice.
15 Highlanders encamp d at Boston.
16 they march d off.
17 Colin Bradstreet with his Army took Frontenack with a vast deal of provisions a great Detriment to the French.
18 Soldiers at Water.
20 Hancock & Marsh went to ye Castle.
21 I admired Flags Box.
24 Went to meeting. Mr. Stephens prea.
28 went to Boston went home.
29 Aunt Ellis went home.
20 went to Molly Kingsbery yesterday to get her to make my Gowne but now October 8th she hath disappointed me.
October.
1 Mr. Balch preach.
3 Corporation Meeting Forensick Disp.
4 Whitwel here did breakfast.
6 went to Boston. Surtout, Transports from Halifax.
9 some examined about Bulraging Monis.
12 went to Boston got my gowne.
13 sent home by Otis.
16 begin Euclid to morrow morning.
17 The President Pray'd 1st time since I came.
18 Palmer, Emerson, admonish'd. Monis Hobs & Fuller Degraded Dunbar.
19 Dr Russell Mr. Curtis Mr Stacey drank Tea.
21 Mr. Titterton brought some Linnen, sent a Letter.
22 Mr. Jackson preach d to Day.
23 My Father, Dean Healy came here. Gen'ral Amherst & Col. Frasier since the surrender of Louisbourg went up to the Lake, but Gen'ral Abecrombie order d them back so nothing this year against Canada.
24 Brooks analyz'd this evening.
25 Wore my surtout 1st time.
26 the taking of Shamburg near St. Malo and Gaspay among the Indians.
28 went to Boston on Isaac Bradish horse.
30 my Chum went to andover Ordination.
31 Daniel Oliver came here gone to Ordination with Avery.
November.
1 Ordination at Andover Mr. Symmes.
2 sent home by Mr. Hunting.
10 Very cold came home yesterday.
11 Soldiers returned home.
13 made two Rockets.
18 Calabogus Club begun.
19 went to Meeting Livermore Pre.
26 Fort Du Quesne taken by Gen'ral Forbes.
29 Painted Court of France.
20 Ditto. Stay;d home a week new Maid Pitcher.
December.
2 Returned to College with Seth.
6 got up to the Class in Euclid.
7 Hancock to Boston.
8 Quarter Day. Skated all Day & Din'd on ye Pond.
9 went Whitfield club Hooper's chamb.
12 I responded to the Class.
14 had some cold Pig, catch'd cold.
15 Class met a new committee, I not one of them.
16 began 2d book of Euclid Left of reciting Fridays.
17 Foster preach'd forenoon Appleton after.
18 Juniors disputed forensically, we did not dispute.
19 made arguments, news of Du Quesne.
21 had a dance at Bradfords Chamber, my Chum at Boston all night
22 Freshman began to Declaim.
23 Cato brought me some wood, very cold.
26 began 3d book of Euclid.
27 Corporation met President sick.
31 Club at my Chamber, Saturday night.
The Dedham Historical Register, 1890 (Dedham, 1890), I, No. I, pp. 10-16.
96. A Skit on College Examinations (1784)
BY FRANCIS HOPKINSON
Hopkinson, member of the Continental Congress, and later a judge in Pennsylvania, was one of the earliest humorous writers in America, as well as a famous contributor to the polemic literature of the Revolution. — Bibliography : Tyler, Literary History of the Revolution, II, 131-157. — On colleges, see Nos. 90, 95 above.
METAPHYSICS.
Prof. WHAT is a salt-box?
Stu. It is a box made to contain salt.
Prof. How is it divided?
Stu. Into a salt-box, and a box of salt.
Prof. Very well ! — shew the distinction.
Stu. A salt-box may be where there is no salt ; but salt is absolutely necessary to the existence of of a box of salt.
Prof. Are not salt-boxes otherwise divided?
Stu. Yes : by a partition.
Prof. What is the use of this partition?
Stu. To separate the coarse salt from the fine.
Prof. How? — think a little.
Stu. To separate the fine salt from the coarse.
Prof. To be sure : — it is to separate the fine from the coarse : but are not salt-boxes yet otherwise distinguished?
Stu. Yes : into possible, probable and positive.
Prof. Define these several kinds of salt-boxes.
Stu. A possible salt-box is a salt-box yet unsold in the hands of the joiner.
Prof. Why so?
Stu. Because it hath never yet become a salt-box in fact, having never had any salt in it ; and it may possibly be applied to some other use.
Prof. Very true : — for a salt- box which never had, hath not now, and perhaps never may have, any salt in it, can only be termed a possible salt-box. What is a probable salt-box?
Stu. It is a salt-box in the hand of one going to a shop to buy salt, and who hath six-pence in his pocket to pay the grocer : and a positive salt-box is one which hath actually and bona fide got salt in it.
Prof.Very good : — but is there no instance of a positive salt-box which hath no salt in it?
Stu. I know of none.
Prof. Yes : there is one mentioned by some authors : it is where a box hath by long use been so impregnated with salt, that although all the salt hath been long since emptied out, it may yet be called a salt-box, with the same propriety that we say a salt herring, salt beef, &c. And in this sense any box that may have accidentally, or otherwise, been long steeped in brine, may be termed positively a salt-box, although never designed for the purpose of keeping salt. But tell me, what other division of salt-boxes do you recollect?
Stu. They are further divided into substantive and pendant : a substantive salt-box is that which stands by itself on the table or dresser ; and a pendant is that which hangs upon a nail against the wall.
Prof. What is the idea of a salt-box?
Stu. It is that image which the mind conceives of a salt-box, when no salt-box is present.
Prof. What is the abstract idea of a salt-box?
Stu. It is the idea of a salt-box, abstracted from the idea of a box, or of salt, or of a salt-box, or of a box of salt.
PROF. Very right : — and by these means you acquire a most perfect knowledge of a salt-box : but tell me, is the idea of a salt-box a salt idea?
Stu. Not unless the ideal box hath ideal salt in it.
Prof. True : — and therefore an abstract idea cannot be either salt
or fresh ; round or square; long or short : for a true abstract idea must be entirely free of all adjuncts. And this shews the difference between a salt idea, and an idea of salt. — Is an aptitude to hold salt an essential or an accidental property of a salt-box?
Stu. It is essential ; but if there should be a crack in the bottom of the box, the aptitude to spill salt would be termed an accidental property of that salt-box.
Prof. Very well ! very well indeed ! — What is the salt called with respect to the box?
Stu. It is called its contents.
Prof.And why so?
Stu. Because the cook is content quoad hoc to to find plenty of salt
in the box.
Prof. You are very right — I see you have not mispent your time : but let us now proceed to
LOGIC.
Prof. How many parts are there in a salt-box?
Stu. Three. Bottom, top, and sides.
Prof. How many modes are there in salt-boxes?
Stu. Four. The formal, the substantial, the accidental and the topsey-turvey.
Pro. Define these several modes,
Stu. The formal respects the figure or shape of the box, such as round, square, oblong, and so forth ; the substantial respects the work of the joiner ; and the accidental depends upon the string by which the box is hung against the wall.
Prof. Very well — And what are the consequences of the accidental mode?
Stu. If the string should break the box would fall, the salt be spilt, the salt-box broken, and the cook in a bitter passion : and this is the accidental mode with its consequences.
Prof. How do you distinguish between the top and bottom of a salt-box?
Stu. The top of a box is that part which is uppermost, and the bottom that part which is lowest in all positions.
Prof. You should rather say the lowest part is the bottom, and the uppermost part is the top. — How is it then if the bottom should be the uppermost?
Stu. The top would then be the lowermost; and the bottom
would become the top, and the top would become the bottom : and this is called the topsey-turvey mode, which is nearly allied to the accidental, and frequently arises from it.
Prof.Very good — But are not salt-boxes sometimes single and sometimes double?
Stu. Yes.
Prof. Well, then mention the several combinations of salt-boxes with respect to their having salt or not.
Stu. They are divided into single salt-boxes having salt ; single salt-boxes having no salt ; double salt-boxes having salt ; double salt-boxes having no salt ; and single double salt-boxes having salt and no salt.
Prof. Hold ! hold ! — you are going too far.
Gov. We cannot allow further time for logic, proceed if you please to
NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.
Prof. Pray Sir, what is a salt-box?
Stu. It is a combination of matter, fitted, framed, and joined by the hands of a workman in the form of a box, and adapted to the purpose of receiving, containing, and retaining salt.
Prof. Very good — What are the mechanical powers concerned in the construction of a salt-box?
Stu. The ax, the saw, the plane, and the hammer. . . .
Prof. . . . Have not some philosophers considered glue as one of the mechanical powers?
Stu. Yes ; and it is still so considered, but it is called an inverse mechanical power : because, whereas it is the property of the direct mechanical powers to generate motion, and separate parts ; glue, on the contrary, prevents motion, and keeps the parts to which it is applied fixed to each other. . . .
Prof. Is the saw only used in slitting timber into boards?
Stu. Yes, it is also employed in cutting boards into lengths.
Prof. Not lengths : a thing cannot properly be said to have been cut into lengths.
Stu. Into shortnesses.
Prof. Certainly — into shortnesses. Well, what are the mechanical laws of the hammer?
Gov. The time wastes fast ; pass on to another science.
Francis Hopkinson, Miscellaneous Essays (Philadelphia, 1792), I, 340-349 passim.