USA > Maryland > Anne Arundel County > Annapolis > The Ancient City.: A History of Annapolis, in Maryland, 1649-1887 > Part 25
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Dinner over, the roar of artillery began, and to its salvos the fol- . lowing interesting and patriotic toasts were drank :
1. The United States.
2. The Army.
3. His Most Christian Majesty.
4. The United Netherlands.
5. The King of Sweden.
6. Our Commissioners Abroad.
7. The Minister of France.
8. The Minister of the United Netherlands.
9. Harmony and a flourishing commerce throughout the Union.
10. May virtue and wisdom influence the Councils of the United States, and may their conduct merit the blessings of peace and inde- pendence.
11. The Virtuous Daughters of America.
12. The Governor and State of Maryland.
13. Long health and happiness to our illustrious General.
At night the State House was beautifully and brilliantly illuminated, in which building a ball was given by the General Assembly of Mary- land. There were many ladies present, and General Washington opened the ball with Mrs. James Maccubbin, one of the most beautiful women of her day, as his partner.
The building in which this gay and renowned assembly danced the brilliant hours by, and which on the morrow was to be made forever famous, was erected between 1769 and 1773. Among those charged with its construction were Charles Carroll, barrister, and William Paca, the latter of whom signed the Declaration of Independence.
The last act of General Washington's official life was to write a let- ter to Baron Steuben. It ran :
"ANNAPOLIS, 23rd December, 1783.
"My Dear Baron :
"Although I have taken frequent opportunities, both in public and private, of acknowledging your great zeal, attention, and abilities in performing the duties of your office, yet I wish to make use of this last moment of my public life to signify, in the strongest terms, my entire approbation of your conduct, and to express my sense of the ob- ligations the public is under to you for your faithful and meritorious services.
"I beg you will be convinced, my dear sir, that I should rejoice if it could ever be in my power to serve you more essentially than by ex-
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pressions of regard and affection ; but, in the meantime, I am per- suaded you will not be displeased with this farewell token of my sin- cere friendship and esteem for you.
"This is the last letter I shall write while I continue in the service of my country. The hour of my resignation is fixed at twelve today, after which I shall become a private citizen on the banks of the Po- tomac, where I shall be glad to embrace you, and testify the great es- teem and consideration with which I am, my dear Baron, &c."
Washington and his aids arrived at the State House at noon, and entered the Hall of Congress. A messenger announced their arrival to the Secretary of Congress, who introduced Washington to Congress and conducted him to a chair, where he was seated. Colonel Benja- min Walker and Colonel David Humphreys, his aids, stood beside him. It was a memorable assembly. In it were four future Presidents of the infant Republic-Washington, Jefferson, Madison and Monroe : John Eager Howard and General Smallwood, of Maryland ; Eldridge Gerry, of Massachusetts ; Stone, Paca, Chase, and Carroll, Maryland's signers of Independence ; Joshua Barney and Alexander Hamilton, with beauty and grace unnumbered and unchronicled.
The hum of incident disorder being hushed, General Mifflin, with covered head, as he and his fellow-members observed in token of the sovereignty of the States they represented, addressed General Wash- ington :
"Sir-The United States, in Congress assembled, are prepared to receive your communications."
With his native dignity, augmented by the grandeur of the occasion, Washington arose and delivered that address, so renowned for its wis- dom and patriotic foresight. He said :
"Mr. President: The great events on which my resignation de- pended, having at length taken place, I have now the honor of offer- ing my sincere congratulations to Congress, and of presenting myself before them, to surrender into their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the service of my country.
"Happy in the confirmation of our independence and sovereignty, and pleased with the opportunity afforded the United States of be- coming a respectable nation, I resign with satisfaction the appoint- ment I accepted with diffidence ; a diffidence in my abilities to accom- plish so arduous a task, which, however, was superseded by a confidence in the rectitude of our cause. the support of the supreme power of the Union, and the patronage of Heaven.
"The successful termination of the war has verified the most san- . guine expectations, and my gratitude for the interposition of Provi- dence, and the assistance I have received from my countrymen, in- creases with every review of the momentous contest.
"While I repeat my obligations to the army in general, I should do injustice to my own feelings not to acknowledge, in this place, the peculiar services and distinguished merits of the gentlemen, who have been attached to my person during the war. It was impossible that the choice of confidential officers to compose my family should have been more fortunate. Permit me, sir, to recommend in particular those, who have continued in service to the present moment, as worthy of the favorable notice and patronage of Congress.
"I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my official life, by commending the interests of our dearest country to
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the protection of Almighty God, and those who have the superinten- dence of them to his holy keeping.
"Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of action ; and, bidding an affectionate farewell to this august body, under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my com- mission, and take leave of all the employments of public life."
At its conclusion Washington advanced toward General Mifflin and delivered to him his commission and a copy of his address. The Presi- dent made the following answer :
"Sir :- The United States in Congress assembled receive with emo- tions too affecting for utterance, the solemn resignation of the authori- ties under which you have led their troops with success through a perilous and doubtful war. Called upon by your country to defend its invaded rights, you accepted the sacred charge, before it had formed alliances, and whilst it was without funds or a government to support you. You have conducted the great military contest with wisdom and fortitude, invariably regarding the rights of the civil powers through all disasters and changes. You have, by the love and con- fidence of your fellow-citizens, enabled them to display their martial genius, and transmit their fame to posterity. You have persevered, till these United States, aided by a magnanimous King and Nation, have been enabled, under a just Providence, to close the war in free- dom, safety and independence ; on which happy event we sincerely join you in congratulations.
"Having defended the standard of liberty in this new world : having taught a lesson useful to those who inflict and to those who feel op- pression, you retire from the great theatre of action, with the blessings of your fellow-citizens-but the glory of your virtues will not termi- nate with your military command-it will continue to animate re- motest ages.
"We feel with you our obligations to the army in general, and will particularly charge ourselves with the interests of those confidential officers who have attended your person to this affecting moment.
"We join you in commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God, beseeching him to dispose the hearts and minds of its citizens to improve the opportunity afforded them, of becoming a happy and respectable nation. And for you we address to Him our warmest prayers, that a life so beloved may be fostered with all his care ; that your days may be as happy as they have been illustrious ; and that He will finally give you that reward which this world cannot give."
The Secretary of the Senate then delivered to Washington a copy of General Mifflin's address, Washington arose and, with affecting dig- nity, bowed to Congress. The members uncovered before him. He withdrew from the Chamber leaving beauty's eye dimmed with affec- tion's tear.
Washington, accompanied as far as South River, three miles from Annapolis, by the Governor of Maryland, immediately set out for Mount Vernon where he arrived on Christmas Eve.
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CHAPTER XLIII. ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE.
1784-1887.
Before the Revolution, Maryland had felt the necessity of larger facilities for advanced learning. Mr. Eddis, writing under date of Oct. 4, 1773, from Annapolis, says :
"The Legislature of this province, animated by sentiments which reflect the highest eredit on their patriotism and wisdom, have also determined, by a recent law, to endow and form a college for the education of youth in every liberal and useful branch of Science.
"An institution of this nature was most strongly recommended to their confidence by our worthy governor, (Eden, ) at early period after his arrival in this country ; and to his laudable and persevering exer- tions, the public are materially indebted for the establishment of a seminary which, as it will be conducted under excellent regulations, will shortly preclude the necessity of crossing the Atlantic for the completion of a classical and polite education." This college was incipient St. John's. Gov. Bladen's unfinished residence was to be repaired and used as a college. The Revolutionary war came on and education was neglected in the struggle for political existence. The war was barely concluded before the long-cherished hope of the State was realized. By chapter 37, Act of 1784, funds were provided "for founding a college on the Western Shore of this State and constitu- ting the same, together with Washington College on the Eastern Shore, into one University, by the name of the University of Maryland."
It is not possible for the most prejudiced mind to read the nineteen sections of this memorable Act and not be convinced of the large and wise provision the State intended to make to advance the cause of liberal education.
The preamble recited that, as "many public-spirited individuals" have subscribed and procured subscription to form a college on the Western Shore of this State, that, therefore :
"Be it Enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That a col- lege, or general seminary of learning, by the name of St. John's, be established on the said Western Shore, upon the following fundamen- tal and inviolable principles, namely : first, the said college shall be founded and maintained forever upon a most liberal plan, for the benefit of youth of every religious denomination, who shall be freely admitted to equal privileges and advantages of education, and to all the literary honors of the college, according to their merits without requiring, or enforcing any religious or civil test, or urging their at- tendance upon any particular religious worship, or service, other than what they have been educated in or have the consent or approbation of their parents or guardians to attend ; nor shall any preference be given in the choice of a principal, vice-principal, or other professor, master, or tutor, in the said college on account of his particular re- ligious profession, having regard solely to his moral character and lit- erary abilities, and other necessary qualifications to fill the place for which he shall be chosen."
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HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS.
For every thousand pounds subscribed by any individuals, who choose to class themselves together, one member of the Board of Visi- tors and Governors, was to be selected by those who formed the class.
Rev. John Carroll, Rev. Wm. Smith, and Patrick Allison, Doctors of Divinity, Richard Sprigg, John Steret and George Diggs, with power to appoint others, were made agents to collect the individual subscriptions to the College.
The seventh section enacted, "That, if the city of Annapolis should be fixed upon as a place for establishing the said intended college, this General Assembly give and grant, and that, upon that condition, do hereby give and grant to the Visitors and Governors of said college by the name of The Visitors and Governors of St. John's in the State of Maryland,' and their successors, all that four acres, within the city of Annapolis, purchased for the use of the public and con- veyed on the second day of October, 1744, by Stephen Bordley, Esq., to Thomas Bladen, Esq., then Governor, to have and to hold the said four acres of land, with the appurtenance, to the said Visitors and Governors, and their successors, for the only use, benefit, and behoof of the said college and seminary of universal learning for ever." Section thirteen granted the sum of £1,750 annually and forever thereafter as a donation by the public to the use of the college.
The singularity of the formation of the Board of Governors and Vis- itors and the widely separated residences of the members of it, cre- ated some difficulty in securing a meeting of the managers, but on May 25, 1789, a committee of the Board, announced that the Board had appointed John McDowell, A. M., professor of Mathematics, and that the committee intended to have two rooms "pushed with all conven- ient dispatch." This committee was James Brice, Charles Wallace, Richard Sprigg, Thomas Hyde, and Thomas Harwood.
On Wednesday, the 11th of November, 1789, St. John's College, was opened, and dedicated with much solemnity, in the presence of "a numerous and respectable concourse of people. The honorable the members of the General Assembly, the honorable Chancellor, the judges of the General Court, together with the gentlemen of the bar, the worshipful corporation of the city, and the principal inhabitants thereof, preceded by the scholars, the professors, and the Visitors and Governors of the college, walked in procession from the State House to the college hall. An elegant sermon, well adapted to the occasion was preached by the Reverend Doctor W. Smith, who presided for the day. An oration was also delivered by the Reverend Mr. Falph Higin- bothom on, "The advantages of a classical education." As a metuod of instruction, the Gazette, in its account of the college stated that- "an acquaintance with the learned languages being considered as the surest and most proper ground on which to lay the foundation of other branches of literature, it is intended in this seminary, the strictest attention shall be paid to the students in that particular. Grammar, in all its parts, will be taught with critical exactness, and the more strongly to impress a thorough knowledge of this prepara- tory branch of study on the minds of the pupils, daily exercise will be performed therein. Each lesson will be accompanied with an ex- amination into the rules and principles by which the order and con- struction of language is regulated in which the connexion and de-
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"'THE ANCIENT CITY."'
pending of its various parts on each other, will be explained. By the above method the student will not only be informed in the particu- lar language, which at the time engages his attention, but he will be enabled with ease to acquire a knowledge of other tongues, especially those of modern date, by the assistance derived from this mode of in- struction."
The Gazette added-"It is expected that the rooms will be ready in a few weeks for the different professors, by whom youth will be in- structed in all the sciences usually taught in colleges, The tuition is fixed at five pounds per annum, and good board, lodging and washing may be had, as the public is already informed, in respectable fami- lies, at the rate of £30 current money, per annum."
Before this early date the uncertain tenure of the appropriation by the State was already indicated. In November, 1788, the Legisla- ture resolved that the annual appropriation be suspended until "the professors and other officers thereof be appointed and actually en- gaged in the exercise of their several duties."
On Monday, January 11, 1790, the grammar and mathematical schools were removed to the apartments prepared for them in St. John's College, which were "fitted up in a commodious and neat man- ner."
On November 21. 1793, was the first commencement. There were two graduates-John Addison Carr, of Maryland and Charles Alexan- der, of Virginia. The former delivered a Latin oration, and another "On the Advantages of Agriculture." Mr. Alexander delivered the valedictory. On both graduates was conferred the degree of Bache- lor of Arts. "The principal then closed the business of the day by an address to the graduates, respecting their future conduct in life, and concluded with commending them to the care and protection of the Almighty Governor of the Universe."
"These young gentlemen, on their private and public examinations- acquitted themselves to the satisfaction of the visitors and others who attended, and their public exhibition, was received with the approba- tion of a polite and discerning audience."*
The College early had its enemies and so industriously had they been at work that in March, 1803, the Governors and Visitors depu- tized A. C. Hanson, Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, and Richard Ridgely, "to publish an account of the state of the College, and of the advantages it possesses and may afford." From this paper the fol- lowing is extracted :
"St. John's College was founded, and has been carried on. under an Act of Assembly, passed in 1784, by private contributions, by a pub- lic annual donation of £1,759, and by tuition money. Various un- toward circumstances delayed the opening and dedication until Novem- ber, 1789. But in the course of 18 months from that period, the plan of the college, and the regulations in the several schools, were com- pleted, and professors and teachers employed in the discharge of their offices.
"It is notorious, that from that time methods have been essayed to destroy, or suppress a seminary, the institution of which had been considered as reflecting a permanent honour on the State. It not- withstanding soon acquired a reputation scarcely exceeded by that of - Md. Gazette.
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any other college within the United States ; and although reports in- dustriously circulated, have lately impaired its credit, no seminary on the continent has afforded superior advantages to students of every description.
"It is incumbent on us to notice these reports.
"It has been bruited through the country, that young men and even boys, belonging to the college, have been corrupted, or at least ren- dered idle and dissipated, by the attentions paid to them by the citi- zens of Annapolis.
"It is indeed to be wished, that students be so far controlled as that they shall not neglect their college duties. But what is it that a wise parent or guardian comprehends in liberal education ? Does he not wish something more than languages, and abstruse science, to be at- tained by his child, or ward, whilst at college ? Can he be insensible of the vast importance of early acquired manners ? Let him then be- lieve all that with probability, can be told of those attentions. He may nevertheless, be persuaded, that the respectable houses which have been reported as the haunts of collegians, confer on them at least the advantage of polishing their manners, and of preventing, in some instances, a more pernicious dissipation of their time. Besides, it can- not be denied, that valuable connexions may be formed in the polite societies, to which the address or good fortune of some of the students has introduced them, and which prejudice or ignorance alone repre- sent as baneful to the rising youth.
"And now, admitting that students have heretofore been allowed to consume too much of their time in certain genteel, amiable circles of society, is it to be imagined, that no remedy will be found for the grievance ? The bare report through the country will be sufficient to bring about a correction of the evil.
"The truth is, that in Annapolis, where every person is known to every other, and where there are constantly men unfriendly to the college, viewing everything about it through the medium of prejudice, the con- duct of a few irregular young men may fix a reproach on the whole body of students, as well as the trustees and faculty.
"Can it be necessary to suggest to our intelligent fellow-citizens, that final advantage, enjoyed by the students in St. John's College of attending, at times, the debates in the General Assembly, and in the several supreme courts ? It is at Annapolis, that listening to the elo- quence of the bar, the Senate, and the House of Delegates, an in- genuous ardent young man may catch the flame of patriotism, imbibe a laudable ambition, and lay the best foundation for future eminence.
"Let us be permitted, then, barely to hint at a comparison between this seminary and a college fixed in the country, or at an obscure place. What are the superior advantages to be derived from the lat- ter? It is, beyond a doubt, that youthful innocence will be there bet- ter preserved ? No ! but the latter seminary is cheaper. This con- sideration is indeed important to men of scanty fortune. But, to men of easy circumstances, it surely cannot have weight sufficient to give ponderance to the scale, into which it is triumphantly thrown. We will not pursue a subject, which may be invidious, further than by giving a plain, correct statement of expenses at St. John's College :
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"Of a youth, boarding in the College Building, board, in- cluding washing, fire and candle, both in the public and bed rooms .. £50 00
Tuition, fire-wood in the schools, pensand ink. 6 10 0
Total, £56 10 0
"To which add £3 to each boy in the higher classes learning French. "At the last meeting of the trustees, it was resolved, that the next summer vacation, every student entering the college, who has not in Annapolis, a parent, or guardian, or a friend who will give him board, or in whom his parent or guardian reposes a confidence, and who will receive him as an inmate, shall board in the college building. And the cases in which a dispensation is to be allowed are to be judged by the principal. Inferior teachers, who are not married men, or house- keepers, are likewise to board there, for the purpose of superintending the students. Mr. Duke, the professor of languages, already boards there. All the rooms are spacious, airy, and convenient ; and the family which keeps the house is respectable, and affords such fare and treatment in every respect, as ought to give satisfaction. Students now boarding in private house are not to be compelled to board in the college, although they are earnestly invited to make that exchange, which must be salutary to themselves and to the institution.
"We presume, that there are few seminaries in town, where the whole expense, exclusive of eloaths, pocket money, and books, does not exceed £56 10 0 or £59 10 0, and where a student shall not, to the mortification of himself and his fond parents, subsist scantily on un- palatable food and be stinted even with respect to clean linen, &c. It is certain that whenever board is fixed too low, either it must in a short time be raised, or the boarder must submit to hard fare, and other inconvenience.
"Reports injurious to St. John's College have originated from an unhappy difference between a teacher and a professor. We content ourselves with remarking this most extraordinary circumstance, that the professor, who is indeed eminent for his knowledge of the learned languages, and who has voluntarily guided the college, without cen- sures from the trustees, has lately been appointed to an high station in a seminary of rising importance and reputation, in the prosperity of which every enlightened liberal citizen must feel an interest, although he may not wish the downfall of St. John's College."
The faculty at this time was :
John McDowell, A. M., Principal.
Reverend Ralph Higinbothom, Vice Principal.
Rev. William Duke, Professor of Languages.
Mr. John Connell, Professor of English and Grammar.
Mr. Philip Curran, Assistant Professor of English and Grammar.
Mr. Richard Owen, Master of Writing and Arithmetic.
Mr. Marin Detargny, Professor of French.
St. John's survived unscathed this attack of its enemies, and for years realized the most sanguine hopes of its broad and liberal foun- ders. Poets, jurists, scholars, and statesmen were sent forth from her classic halls, "who have been the pride of her own and the admiration of other States, and who have earned for the State reputation, and reflected honor on their alma mater."
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From 1793, when the first class was graduated to 1806, there ap- pears in the registry of the Alumini of the College, four Governors of Maryland, one Governor of Liberia, seven Members of the Executive Council, six United States Senators, five Members of the House of Representatives, four Judges of the Court of Appeals, eight Judges of other Courts, one Attorney-General, one United States District At- torney, one Auditor of the United States Treasurer, six State Senators, fifteen Members of the House of Delegates, besides foreign Consuls, Officers cf the Army and Navy, Physicians, and Surgeons, and dis- tinguished Lawyers, including one Chancellor of South Carolina. There were many others who left the College before completing its course and engaged in agriculture and commerce.
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