Roswell Farnham Jr.
U.V.M.
Oct. 20th. 1848.
Born July 23, 1827
Died Jan 5, 1903
JOURNAL.
1
U.V.M. Oct. 20th. 1848. Some great
man has said that it is a good thing to keep a jour-
nal. It teaches one to write and leads
him
them to
review
his
their actions during the past day or week
as the case may be. Considering these things I
have began.
I suppose it would be well enough in the
beginning to make a statement of my own affairs
describe the place I dwell in, and give a short
account of my companions.
First. U.V.M. is the abbreviation for Universitas
Viridismontanae (i.e.) University of the Green
Mountains. So you see (for I am writing this to
whoever reads it first: I must have an auditor or
I cannot write, and the one that is so fortunate
as first lay his or her hands upon this may consider
himself or herself the one addressed) well, as I was
saying, you, my dear reader, perceive that I am a
student in U.V.M. - - - more than that, which you
cannot know, unless I tell you, I am a senior.
Don't say Poh! nor Pish! at this, for may be
you will have reason to say did a senior do this?
2.
in wonder rather than in contempt, "though I say it, who
should not." We are fifteen only, for there have been
proscriptions, and sickness and various other caus-
alities that have cut us down to our present pitiful
remnant of a class - We have be been proscribed on
various slanderous accusations, such as drunkeness,
laziness, horn-blowing, "magus pars fui" &c &c: yet
the spirit of the class is not the whit the less, hence as
a matter of course the individual spirit of each one is
increased in a direct ratio as the class is diminished.
As to the particular members of of [sic] th class I will
describe them as they come into notice.
The situation of U.V.M. is most beautiful, It
faces lake Champlain, and the mountains in New York, and
turns its back upon the mighty monarchs of the hills
from which it takes its name, - - it turns its back
not in derision, but that it may have strong support
in its rear. I shall also describe the mountains and
scenery in general as occasion requires.
Now for myself. You must have noticed before
this that I am rather vain, self-conceited, egotistical,
or whatever you choose to call it. Well I intend to
be as every one must, when writing such a thing
as this, in some degree: but I mean to have myself
stick out as plain as your nose on your face, I dont
mean to insinuate that you have a long one; but
that you have one perceptable, a thing not to be
3.
sneezed at but through: well I wish to be as evident
to you as that is when you lay your fing[e]r upon it -
I hardly know how to begin a description. I am five
feet eleven inches in - - - - not my stockings, but in heighth.
Perhaps you can get a better idea of me from a drawing
[image]
Well here I am. so you can consider yourself
perfectly acquainted, and take what I say as
gospel. I never cast a shadow but once
in my life and then the reaction was so
great that it knocked me down. Mother used my face
for a chopping knife until she battered my nose
some what, and then after using me as a scarecrow
two or three years father thinking
me
good for nothing else
sent me to college: so here I am -
Speaking of noses. - - I have quite a respectable
proboscus of my own, and as I intend to illustrate
my book with drawings from my own hand it
may not be out of the way to exhibit my most
prominent feature. Here it is, and if you are
a physiognomist, perhaps you can tell
some thing of my character, disposition
and so on. You observe that the mouth
and chin will do very well, but such
a nose to over shadow them ! ! ! ! !
[image]
My eyes are a kind of a blueish kind
of a grayish sort of a hazel. My eye-
brows are black and come together like this
[image]
4.
If I should continue to write in this way my book
would be an autobiography or something of the sort
rather than a journal. I simply wish it a memorandum
of thoughts, feelings, and actions arranged chronologically.
To-day had been one of a great many rainy, cold,
disagreeable days of which we have had any quantity
this fall. As a matter of course, the bell roused me
before sun-rise this morning to go into prayers, though
it failed of getting up until it began to toll.
Immediately after prayers we have a lesson
in Pschy Psychology which lasts until breakfast.
Our next lesson is not until an hour before sunset.
To-day we finished Astronomy, in which we have
been writing to Proff. F.N. Benedict otherwise Little
Ben. Our next study is to be "central forces," which
I have had the pleasure of copying.
From morning until afternoon recitation we study,
read, write, or any-thing we choose. In the evening we
do the same - - - - Every day is the same. Oone [One] is so like
another that I cannot tell them apart when I
look back and endeavour to remember some
particular circumstance - - - so I hope a description
of one will suffice for the whole -
Sat. Friday. Oct. 21st. Last evening I attended
the concert of the Alleghanians, and it was
truly a musical treat. Their songs were very choice
and their manner of singing took not the least
5.
from them. There were three gentlemen and one lady -
This morning the sun undertook to shine for a while
but the thick clouds put a veto upon that, and so we
a having rather a mean day - a damp cold one, which
may be spoken a d-d cold one or a damp, cold one
just as you please, either will give you a very proper
idea of the condition of things in the outer world just
now. - - - - I have been reading Motherwell's
poems. I happened to come upon them just in the
right time, for I have been engaged in the "History
of the Northmen" for a few days past, and his poems
contain songs of old Norse chiefs. Whoever goes to the
time when the Old Sca Kings lived will find poetry
in any quantity. There is mystery about the whole and
this mystery together with their wild country and still wilder
manners, and the ocean, their home, gives a grandeur, yes
grander to their history to be found in no other. It
startles one to think that those rude barbarians in their
mere cockle shells, came to this county: but the ocean
was their home and their frail barks, cradles in
which the waves rocked them. It was a curious
notion they had, that the ocean was a mighty
serpent winding the earth in its huge folds - ready
to crush it. Is it not so? Is he not continually
winding himself from the warm and sunny Floridas
to the cold regions of the north? See how he rages
amont among the rocks off the ruggest coast of
6.
Norway, the dwelling place of the Norse men: yet
how calm he lies basking in the sun among the sweet
smelling isles of the south. In a storm the white
crested, raging billows are but his silver tipped scales
bristling with his wrath, and when he puts on his
storm bearing mantle heavy with the falling waters
the earth trembles. What are the tides but his windings
and contortions? He is all-powerful. Old winter, in
vain end-eavors to bind him
in
chains of ice and snow.
He breaks from them, like Sampson from the new
ropes of the Philistines, and rushing on bears the
broken bands with him -- large ice bergs -
I saw the ocean once. It was in a moment
when the winds were made, and the elements were
having a gambol together. Ships, sailers, went drifting
by, and some even went upon the rocks within
sight. That day more gallant ships went down than
ever before upon our coast. I was but ten years of
age, yet I never shall forget the impression made
upon me. The rest of the party went to ride on the
smooth new beach, while I as being too young
was left to shift for myself. I did nothing but
wander up and down among the slippery rocks
and watch the waves in their ceaseless motion.
The ocean was always to me full of wonder. Its
depths I had imagined full of monsters, some
hideous, others partly beautiful - of a wild, horrid
7.
beauty, like that of mermaids and sirens of which
I had read in the Arabian Nights. Whales, serpents,
and the huge leviathan were dwellers in it.
I never have seen the ocean since then: but
not as it was then. It was calm -
Sunday, Oct. 22d. This is the day of rest. Every thing
seems to say "Thou shalt not labour," The cattle seem to go
about with careful tread, dogs are still in the
streets, and even students demean themselves in a
manner becoming the sacredness of the day.
Yesterday I received a letter from Mary, a thing
long expected and earnestly desired. She is the same
as ever, - will she never change? In nothing
except her name!! I am inclined to think that
her letters do me more good than my lessons in
Psychology. One reason for it I read them more,
another my heart is there. - - - Last evening was
the meeting of the ΛΙ or Owls as the profane call
us. We are owls in one sense our eyes are wide open
and we can see in the night; and also in the day -
time. Minerva is our divinity - and under her
protection we shall prosper as we have prospered -
I have just returned from a walk to Green-
Mount Cemetery, where the Noble Ethan lies buried.
He died in 1789, and his tomb stone says "Tried the
mercies of his God in whom he believed and firmly
trusted". How well the epitaph agrees with his
8.
sentiments I cannot
say
but report says he was an
infidel. Vermonters will not ask questions about
his religion. He showed that he was right at heart
whatever his peculiar belief was.
Wednesday noon. Oct. 25th. I have just returned
from Hinesburgh, where I taught school last winter.
Sunday afternoon I had a chance to ride out there and
as I wished to make a visit there Improved my
chance. I went with Gray a member of the the
sophmore class who is now teaching a select school
in Huntington. We had rather a pleasant ride.
The mountains were covered with snow. Camel's Hump
looked glorious. I expected every moment to see it
moving off. It was the perfect picture of a gray
old camel. Mansfield was also white.
After a ride of about two hours we arrived at
the place of destination. I had a pleasant visit
in the evening with Miss Bostwick and Orphia Baldwin
Miss Bostwick is very intelligent and her conversation is
interesting. I stopped there that evening and night.
In the morning after breakfast I went to the south
part of town, to the district where I taught.
I found things about the same as ever.
Monday night I stopped at P. Ray's. They appeared glad to see
me and I think the really were.
Tuesday I took dinner at I. Ray's Saw Susan.
Phebe Sherwood was not to be seen. "Coming events
9.
cast their shadows before them". Ray is building a house
for Sherwood, and has given him some land.
After noon I called on Dr. Beecher and rode with him
to the village in the rain, stopping by the way at Baldwin's
Mill, where the select men of the town were assembled
to talk over the expediency of changing the road.
The mill reminds one of pictures of such things in
England. The water-wheel is thirty feet in circumference
and turned by a very small stream.
At the village I called on Miss Orphia and took
tea. In the evening in company with her I went to
Mr. Hoyts. Mary was at home and as blooming as ever.
Ann Eliza has lost none of her good looks. Her hair
and eyes are as black and her brows as beautifully
arched as ever. She sang and played finely.
I slept at Baldwin's.
This morning just as I was finishing breakfast, one
of the boys came in saying that there was a team about
to start for Burlington, so I hurried and went over to
the store. I found Jim Campbell ready to start with
two good horses and an empty waggon, and in need
of company. So I mounted and arrived in this goodly
place wind, limb &c, safe and sound.
The speaking in the chapel this after noon did
not amount to much, with the exception of Mills.
He never spoke better. After chapel exercises we
had a great game at foot ball. Every student was
10.
on the ground, even to Hopkins. There was the usual
quantity of shin kicking and capsizing.
Thurs. Oct. 26. Last evening I attended a party
at Miss. Cubley's, where I boarded during the Spring.
Then were three fine looking girls there, and I had
the pleasure of waiting upon one to her place of
residence.
This morning I slept over.
At eleven we had a lecture from Proff.
Shedd on the relation of language to thought.
He said they were correlative. Language is
not the effect of thought (i.e.) in the sense of
cause and effect nor was a language ever inventd,
It is a spontaneous production.
Benedict had a few things to say on Central Force
to-night.
Just after dinner Dr. Beech [Beecher] of Hinesbugh [Hinesburgh]
called on me, and as I am librain [librarian] of the Institute
I let him have a few books.
I went to the P.O. at dark and then
found a letter from my old friend Amos
Prichard. I was glad to hear from him.
I have spent th evening in writing a long
letter to Mary. How I have spent th day
generally I can hardly say: but I believe I
have done but little except read -
11.
Friday. Oct. 27th. Today began with a beauti-
ful morning, but could not hold out; before night
the sky was obsured with clouds.
For the first time I have seen Scott's poems
all together, and have read Marmion - That
has been my principal business to-day except
what I have read in the History of the Northmen.
This evening I have attended a levee at
the seminary. Such arms and shoulders,
I have not seen of late! they made me think
of old times. Would that some one had been there.
Saturday. Still thoughts of the sem. and its fair
occupants run in my head. I hope, now I shall have
a chance of getting introduced to some of the beauties
of the fair town of Burlington. I wonder if I shall
get farth [farther] acquainted with Miss G-. or T-.
Would to God I might.
This is a most beautiful day. The sun rose in a cloud
but it has since come out and we are having an
Indian summer in earnest. The lake on such days
as this has a strange look. The hill beyond it seem
higher than they really are. They "loom" up, and are
as distinct as though but a short distance from us.
There is a haziness about the lake that gives it
a peculiar beauty. The sails upon it glisten in the
sun like silver, and its islands are raised from
its surface to keep them dry!
12.
The hills to the east of us have put on their white caps
for winter, and will not probably doff them again before
the sun gets back from its visit to regions of the south.
This morning I rose before prayers, something won-
derful, since I did not retire last night until twelve
and has some beer to help my sleep. Old Joe's lecture
went towards refuting Locke's Doctrine of memory
and idea of time and space.
The fore noon I have spent in playing cards, except
what little time I was reading Marmion.
Oct. 29th. Sunday noon. I have just returned
from church, where I heard the minister Mr.
Worcester, touched the rich old cocks, and all
others under the tail, where it is soft, as the
Carthagenians did their elephants; in other words
he told them it was their duty to give. His cry
is that of the horse leech. Give! Give!
To speak of the business for which more
especially went to Church, there were but few
ladies there, on account of the "inclemency of
the weather". - it is rather cloudy. I saw Miss. E-
Last night while drinking tea, my room-mate
John J.A. Fellows fainted. He had been sick
during the day, and his supper had a bad effect upon
him. In the morning he took an emetic, and is
now better. We both stopped at Mitchell's our
boarding place.
13.
The ΛΙ met last evening, and all say they had an
excellent meeting. I am sorry I could not be there.
Mon. Oct. 30th. To day has ben as warm as summer.
The lake was so blended with the mist and clouds that
they seemed one, and the islands were hung in the sky.
While sitting in Charley Loomis' room Blake proposes
to go a hunting; so we three started. We had a pleasant
tramp killed for chip birds, and got home before dinner.
The most of the afternoon I have played cards.
Did not go in to recitation or prayers - This evening
I have done nothing; thus the day has passed.
Fellows is better -
Last evening I spent in Blake's room, smoking
and hearing poems and stories. Stopped over night
at Mitchell's with Fellows -
Oct. 31st. I am getting short of funds. Cyrus
does not seem inclined to answer my letters for
money, so I have written home for some -
This evening I called on Miss E.
Nov. 1st. I have just come from the Institute
the literary society to which I belong. We have
had a good discussion upon the question of the
patriotism of Cromwell. I spoke in the affirmative
because I think he was. I was assisted by Higbee
and Wheelock both seniors. Higbee is a curious
fellow - smart in the yankee acceptation, and
something of a genius: but he is careless and lazy
14.
He will probably make some stir in the world
before he leaves it unless that be pretty soon. Wheelock
is a hard workimg, dull, steady fellow - a regular
Methodist preach in talking. Our opposers were
Petty and Mills also of the senior class. Petty is
a strong man in every sense of the term. He is a
clear thinker and fluent speaker. He studies hard
and has always marked the highest in the class.
Mills is good-hearted and obliging to every one -
ready to give his opinion upon every subject without
hesitation. His speaking is not good grammar half
of the time.
There was speaking in the chapel this afternoon
though hardly worth speaking of - Palmer a junior
had what he thought a deep metaphysical piece.
I have spent most of my time in copying
Proff. Torry's [Torrey] lectures on Psychology. He gave us
the first this morning and is to continue them
until the end of the term. -
I have not yet obtained a school for the
winter. I applied yesterday down in town, though
with what luck I cannot say. Teaching district
school for a living is rather poor business, and
I must confess all I do it for is the money.
Sunday Nov. 5th. It has been dull and stormy
all the day long, and now is snowing - the first we
have had this fall. I expect we shall get old
15
Winter in Earnest now, It is growing colder fast, and
the wind is in the north -
I did not get up until eight o'clock this morning and then
went immediately to breakfast, since then I have been reading.
Since Wednesday I have kept no journal, but now I will
record the various and interesting events of the intervening days.
Thursday there was a "Shooting Match" at Bishop's tavern about
two miles east of here, and as some of us wanted something to
do we went out. As it began to grow dark there was but little
shooting after we got there. The business was adjourned to the
house, where the turkeys were "raffled" for. When turkeys were
scarce money stood very well in its place. I came away before
dark, but some of the boys stayed until midnight, and brought
away with them any quantity of booty.
Friday evening just as I started to go down in town I came across
Higbee who was going for a team to go out to Bishop's again, and
proposed to me to go, and of course I went. We got two single
waggons and nine of us went out. We got there about eight
and every one was at work. There was "hustling" and "poker"
and every thing else that could win money. Little boys that
could scarce look up to the table were ready with half dimes
and old gray men, were there with the money they should have
spent for bread. We stayed until twelve. As the boys say, "the
horse paid his way".
Saturday I slept some and read some. In the evening we had
an excellent meeting of the ΛΙ. After meeting we went to
Mitchell's and had some beer on Dave Rolfe's acct.
16.
Monday, Nov. 6. The ground was covered with snow
this morning but it soon disappeared. Things begin to
have the appearance of winter. The winds blow cold
and the lake looks blue and dreary.
During the forenoon I copied some Psychology, and
in the afternoon read &c. This evening I went to
see about getting a school down in town, and have
attended a school meeting. I dont know certainly
whether I shall have it or not, but rather think
I shall - After school-meeting I went to the last
meeting of the Rough and Ready Club and heard some
whig speeches. Tomorrow is election -
Thursday. Nov. 9th. I am still in expectation about
a school. I must teach this winter or I dont know how I can
stay in college. Money I must have by some means, and teaching
school seems to be the only way, now. If I was alone, had
no friends to look to me, school teaching might go to the devil
I would stay in college and and run in debt; but at things are, as
father wishes me to get through as little in debt as possible
and since Mary is really waiting for me. I feel it my duty
to work. How pleasant it would be to stay here all alone,
pleasant, yet there would be times when I would give the
world for company, and even that lonesomeness would be itself
a pleasure. The feelings that come across us when we are
alone and sad, pensive rather, do us good. They soften our
natures. It is good to be alone. If I am so fortunate as to
get the school down in town to teach I shall stay here this
16.
winter, and perhaps be alone. I hope fortune will thus favor
me. The students are many of them leaving to teach and our
numbers are getting thin. But, thank God! thus far none have
gone for whom I care.
Tuesday was election, and I am happy to say that I voted for
Gen. Zachary Taylor for President. There was excitement of course
during the day-time, and in the evening, every body got "tight".
Wednesday fore noon I lay abed; in the afternoon went to the
library and let out books for the winter. There was a good
discussion during the evening. I did not speak, for I felt unwell.
Higbee read an excellent essay criticism on Hopkins oration.
Higbee's writing always reminds me of the essays of Elia. He
has a beautiful style. Every thing is smooth and flowing.
The lake is covered with white caps to-day - the winds are
loose and playing all sorts of games with things that are loose.
Sat. 11th. November. This is a beautiful day. It is cold,
yet old sol still shows that he can be master. The frozen soil
yields to him, and hoary white mountains glisten in his
light. As we came out of recitation this morning we were
greeted with a glorious sight. The scarce siren sun was hidden
by the clouds, yet he found means to light the tips of the
distant hills, in a manner so beautiful that the horizon
appeared a wavy line of light - that edge of the world was
done in silver.
I spend most of my time these days in reading. I cannot
say that I have any marked course in my literary plays for
I cannot call them labours, but I read as the mood takes
17
me. If I get no improvement, I at least get pleasure,
and that is more than every one can say of their daily pursuits.
I think it my due to receive pleasure from books, since I do
not from other things. As for money to buy the superfluities of
life I have it not. I wash my hands clean of that. My
pockets have been loaded with nothing save my door-key and
a broken-bladed pocket-knife for some weeks. My only hopes
are in a school. Let that go, It only troubles me when I
think of my creditors, and of them such as need it more
than I do -
Our Catalogues came up to-day and such miserable looking things
I never before saw, - I'll take that back for I have seen worse.
Sat. Eve. Death has come among us. Edwin
Ruthven Parker of the Junior Class now lies cold and
motionless. In his youth, suddenly was he cut down by
the most relentless reaper. He was, but now he is not.
"The golden bowl is broken": But "whom the gods love, die
young." He was taken from our very midst, for he was
a member of the ΛΙ. Wednesday he was well - to-night he
died - how uncertain is life. The sun goes on in an ever [never]
ceasing circle: but man's life, man for whom the sun shines
is as transitory as the vapours that float before his daz-
zling face. Death never came so near me before. When
I used to go to funerals and see the friends with their sober
faces and somber dresses - I had a feeling that I cannot express
I thought they must have a feeling that I could not appreciate
grief - I had never felt that I knew, it was for those
18.
older than me to sit and look sober. I cried when I
felt bad; but I never was grieved - Edwin is dead. It
came like the earthquake shock upon us all,
οί δ' άgα παυτεϛ αnγυ εγενοντο σιωπη -
and the silence expressed everything, awe for death, sorrow for
his death, and it gave us time to reflect.
I said before that the catalogues were bad, so
the students almost unanimously collected in the chapel
this afternoon with their catalogues under their arms, ready
to dispose of them as the meeting should see fit. It voted to
burn them. So we did, in front of college, and dance around the
smoking ashes in great glee. Soon Old Joe (Prof. Torrey) was
seen coming and there was such a scattering as was never before
seen since Gideon hid his lamps in pitchers: but it was
altogether uncalled for. Torrey was not displeased that we had
burned them, and promised us some new ones -
Thus has passed the day -
Sunday Morning. I forgot to say on Thursday that I received a
letter from my brother Cyrus. He is in, or was in N.Y. City, but has
now gone south on business for his employer. He will travel
during the winter through Georgia, Alabama and Misissippi. He
goes in his own conveyance after leaving Augusta Geo. He wrote
me some time last term that he had been sick and I supposed
from what he said that he had recovered, but it appears
from his letter that he has been an invalid during the whole
summer. He has been so lame from inflammatory rhematism
that he could not dress or undress himself. He is better now
19.
and I hope his journey at the south will make him strong
again. He has promised to get me a situation while south, so
that I shall have something to do immediately upon leaving college.
It is trying to snow now and I rather think it will make
out. I hope we shall not have such a winter as we did last
year. May there be snow, and cold weather in the winter rather
than rain and such uncomfortable weather as we had last year.
May Old Winter put on his white coat in earnest now, not
undertake to ape summer and thus make a fool of himself.
It is his business to bind the running waters, not let them
go wandering about whither it may please them, destroying
roads and lands as they did last year. That is the business of
the wanton maiden Spring - It is what every one expects of her
just springing from the embrace of an old gray beard like Winter.
She rejoices in her freedoms. But Winter - let him be steady, do
as become an old man hoary, and gray -
Thursday. Nov. 16th. Money doeth a man's
heart good. It is like old wine to his spirits. It loosens
his sl them from a bondage ten times more irksome than
any bodily chaining - At length it has come to me
with a hearty welcome, and I am relieved
"Auri sacra fames &c" Fiddle!
What a blessed thing thou art gold. Those will melt
the fiercest creditor's look. Those will make the debtor
leap for joy, and what a beautiful color - so shining!
Well I have money in my pocket, and with the
blessing of God and school teaching will soon have more
20.
Since Sunday I have been quite sick, but am quite recovered
now. Last eve I went to the Sem. - saw some tableaux! If the
same had been done in a district school, it would have been a poor
exhibition. During the evening the boys fired sixty-two guns
and sent up some rockets in honour of Taylor's election. Right!
The park looks like an old battlefield. The cannon carriage
is smashed and the walk is black, could there be a few
of the boys lying round in the condition they were last night
they might represent the dead and wounded.
Sat. Nov. 18th I have engaged a school here
in town, so now I have nothing to do but be quiet
a while, and then go to work, and it earn one dollar
a day, - - - - - Friday evening there was a whig jollification
at Hart's Hotel - the Exchange. I went down in the
early part of the evening but did not stop. They were
getting tight as fast as possible, being a little sprung
when I was there, and they succeeded before they left
the supper table. Some got their hats filled with
liquid, while others were made foot-stools of -
Locus made whig - speeches and whigs made flaming
ones in favor of Taylor. The Glee Club could not keep
the pitch, except a few who came near pitching
headlong. The leader was the only sober one and
Champaine had evidently done something for him.
To-day I told old Mitchell that I could not pay him
what I owed him until spring and it made him
rather grouty. But he must wait. -
21.
Sunday. Nov. 19th. This is a most beautiful day.
The sun shines bright and clear, and the air is as
pure and bracing as invalid can desire.
This forenoon I wrote a letter home, but that is only
one of a dozen I ought to write. I have been waiting to
be sure of a school somewhere.
Nov. 22d. My room-mate, Fellows has started
for home to-day. He goes home to a comfortable
leisure. otimun cum dignitate, while I am to remain
here and teach a district school. Well, never mind
I can do it. I get also the benefit of the morning
lectures and perhaps the evening ones also, while he has
nothing of the sort. His going makes me a little home
sick. I would like to be there just a few days, and then
I would come back contented.
Mr. Mowe an old Bradford aquaintance has been
here to-day and I have had the extreme pleasure of taking
him about to see the lions of the place. He is a jackass.
Thursday. Nov. 23d. I made out to get up this morning
without being called, and shall probably continue to do so.
I find I have only to will in order to wake up when I
choose. Last night I read until twelve, yet I awoke
in time. By the way I read Kenilworth, and I was so
much interested I could not well leave.
This morning while trying to build a fire, who should
make his appearance but Joe Bliss an old friend of
mine in Bradford. I was right glad to see him, and
22.
willing walked about with him. He is on his way home.
He is a brother to Neziah Bliss, one of my oldest and
best friends. I rec'd a letter from him on Tuesday Eve: he
is in Lucasville, Ohio. teaching; at the same time with
his came also a line from T.W.W. Austin of Bradford, and
the two carried me back to old times. We were three friends
together, and good jolly meetings we have had too. Wallace
is studying law with his father in B. He is not a graduate.
N. Bliss is, and an owl also. Wallace writes the best
letters, and is a smart boy any how, though lazy -
Along in the forenoon sometime Uncle Goodey and Canada
went over to Winooski city where they drank three pints of
Maderin each, and by the time they reached here they were
both pretty tight. During the afternoon Uncle was in here
and made capital sport for two or three of us -
We are having beautiful days. The sun set in glory, covering
the snow clad hills with mantles of crimson and silver.
Mansfield and Camel's Hump got on their winter suits
of Canada grey, and will probably keep them until warm
and passionate Spring comes to take them in her arms,
and in her warm embraces, they will have little need
of thick winter coats. - - This evening there has been
a fine display of the Northern Aurora. First there was
a faint arch of silver light across which fairies might
drive undisturbed, it was so calm; but soon clear streams
of bright light shot aloft, ruining the bridge but making
fairy paths to the stars -
23.
Old Joe had some talk to-night upon the various races
of men found upon the Earth. He gave us some of the different
arguments of those who think there were distinct races
created in the beginning, and of those who think all sprung
from the first pain of whom we have an account in Scripture.
The latter seems the most probable. All nations seem to
have emigrated or sprung from emigrants from Asia, and
none have any other account than the one which we
have of our origin, and difference in climate and diet
and customs will account for the physiological differences.
Sat. Nov. 25th. The last dollar I had went this after-
noon for a picture. It was well worth it. It is a French
lithograph and probably cost three when new. There are
two faces in it. One girl stands with a small bird cage in
in [sic] her hand while another is looking over her shoulder
with a bird in her hand. The faces are the most
beautiful parts of course; one has blue eyes and light
hair while the other has black eyes and hair. It
is a fine picture, and I consider it money well laid
out.
I have spent the two days past in copying Psychology
and have not yet finished, but shall soon.
This morning Proff. Torrey gave us a few ideas upon the
difference of powers in the two sexes. He said each one
showed abilities that the other has not &c.
I shall begin school Monday, and I await the event
with some anxiety.
24.
Mon. Nov. 27th. I have taught school to-day, and have
suceeded better than I expected. There were thirty eight pretty
good looking boys and girls. They appeared far better than I
expected. There will probably be about eighty before school is
done. I anticipate a hard time, but it is all for money. Soon
I shall be above teaching district school, that is I hope to be
able to do better than that. Perhaps I cannot; but I live
in hope - I must confess I feel a little home-sick
today - not exactly home sick but uneasy. I have began a
winter's work but with the heart I should, though
I intend it shall go through right -
Wed. Nov. 29th. Three days of my school have gone by, and
I am yet alive and doing well. I have had forty eight different
scholars thus far, and expect more. I have hard work, they are so
noisy and uneasy, but I will endeavor to get them rid of that.
Last evening I went to Mr. Parker the Baptist preacher to be
examined, but he would not examine me. He thought it
unnecessary in the case of a senior in the University; but he said he
would call on my school
The new catalogues came out to-day and they look well.
I have not yet heard from home since I wrote. I dont
know what I shall do for boots. I have but my thin
ones. If I dont hear this week I shall try my credit.
We had a beautiful sun-rise this morning, though it
has been very windy through the day - There will probably
be some snow soon, and sleigh rides as a matter of
course. I shall spend another thanksgiving away from
home -
25.
Sat. Afternoon. Dec. 2d. One week of school
is past without trouble - without trouble!! I am
not turned away, nor abused by the boys; but is it not
trouble to have sixty wild Arabs to tame? Is there no
vexation in ruling a kingdom of wild beasts - beasts
too with whom Plato, I think, says there is no other wild
animal will compare? I have been so tired at night
that I have felt like going to bed as soon as school
was done.
The scholars consist of Irish French and Yankees of
all shades. There are Fitzgeralds, De Lomes, &c. &c.
Some come bare headed and barefooted, without book
and boots. I hope they wont be so fortunate as to get
boots and then
there
will be no trouble to get books.
Dec. 4th Another week's labor is begun, and to judge from
what I had this forenoon it will be a hard one.
Dec. 7th. Thursday. Today is Thanksgiving. The day
appointed by the chief-magistrate of our state to give
thanks to our Maker for the good he has done us,
and the manifold blessings He has showered down
upon us in every form. We are to thank Him for
food and raiment, for life and health. Every one
is to be thankful; but shall it be in the same degree?
Shall the poor man who can scarce find food to satisfy the
ravenous cravings of his hunger, be as thankful for
blessings (?) as the man who fares sumptuously every
day. Shall the barefooted hungry child feel as grateful
26.
for what he has, as the rich mans child cloathd in
purple and fine linen? Are we all to be thankful in
the same degree? Shall the man whom disease has
visited and made loathsome thank God for the life which
he would rid himself of were it not a sin? This is a
strange place. Often the poorest are most thankful.
I have hardly been thankful to day. I have eaten my fill, I
have been warm, yet unhappy. I am away from home and
Mary. I have no friends here like toh those of my childhood.
My bodily wants - my appetites have been satisfied to-day,
but that is not sufficient. We must have friends and
acquaintances with us. How, as I walked down the street,
did I envy the ragged boy with his new sled on
Thanksgiving day. How happy were the little parties going
on this evening visit. Surely there is a saint or guardian
spirit for our good New England Thanksgiving. There is some
good old fellow like Santa Claus about making children
joyous and happy. He comes on the wings - the white
downy wings of the Snow Storm. He keeps himself afar
among the white snow clad hills, until his time, then
he goes about doing good - freezing the lakes and ponds for
the boys to skate - giving them good snow to slide upon,
and making the girls joyous and gay. There is such a good
spirit, and he started on his journey of mercy last eve, spreading
his beautiful wings, so white and soft: but the clouds gathered
and the rain fell and beat him to the Earth, and so he
has been grovelling instead of lighting the hearts of many.
27.
The lake is black and frightful to-day. It makes me
shudder to look at it. The hill in New York are covered
with snow. It has rained and the winds have blown
all the day long. Yesterday it snowed. When I first went
out this morning, Old Earth appeared to have Cloathed
herself in silver mail. The trees were ladened with glittering
jewels. - May my next Thanksgiving be a joyous one.
This is the fourth sorrowful one, and may it be the last.
Monday Dec. 11th. I have began the third week of
my school, and if I am to take an augury from the
number I have, of my success, I shall probably have
little trouble, for there were only sixty present this
afternoon, and I have had but seventy three different
ones. There is a catholic school near by and I wish
those who belong there would go - After some running
about I have got a licence to teach for a year to come.
Mr. Parker one of the school Examining Committee came in
to my school on Friday, and in the evening gave me
the paper, which the other committee J.K. Converse
signed without asking a question.
Saturday I kept all day but dont think I shall again.
Sunday was rainy and I stayed at home. Billy Mills
called here in the evening, and I went with him to Willets eve
Today has been very pleasant indeed. It is as warm and
pleasant walking as in June.
I received a letter from Mary Saturday. She is in
Charlestown, Mass.
28.
Sat. Dec. 16th. The third week of my school is past
and I am still among the living. I have had seventy seven
scholars in all, and this week the average attendance has been
about fifty-five.
Thursday, Dec. 21st. Time glides away in so monot-
onous a manner that I hardly think it worth the while
to make a record. The young idea still continue shoot
in a most flourishing manner under my tuition.
My family has increased to eighty, and one of them is
black - an African - a Negro. - perhaps, as Willett
suggests, the decendant of a long line of princes. Who
knows but his grandfather was king of some mighty
tribe in Ethiopia? His subjects grovelled in the dust
when they approached him. His limbs were loaded with
rudely fashioned ornaments of gold, and his "crisped
locks" powdered with golden sand. Perhaps his nose
was honoured with a ring. Perhaps when his Great
Grandfather died, thousands of slaves were sacrificed
to attend him in the spirit land. It may be that my
Negro, is but an illegitimate descendant of that
mighty line of kings - only grandson of a concubine,
of which his grandfather, the most mighty and
august monarch, kept hundreds. How their beautiful
black eyes sparkled! How their jetty breasts glistened
as they rose and fell beneath the white drapery?. With
what pride did they adorn their crisped locks!
How carefully was hung the ring in their nostrils,
and how was the jewelry hung in their long ears?
29.
The principal things of interest now talked of are the
Cholera and Calafornia Gold. There have been a few
cases of the former in New York, and the latter is
found in any quantity in our new territories to the
west. Men get rich in a week. They make fortunes in
a month. There is no end to the quantities they find.
The worst fever men about here have is the Calafornia
fever. It takes old and young, and there will probably be
many to go in search of the mines.
The day has been uncommonly cold,
though not colder than we ought to expect at this
season. It undertook to snow last night, but did
not make out. The ground is yet bare.
Friday, Dec. 22d It has snowed all this day
and still continues to snow. There will be fine
sleighing for Christmas.
I have just finished a letter to Wallace Austin
an old friend of mine in Bradford. He writes good
letters and the corrispondance is worth keeping
up, if for nothing more than the literary merit
of his letters. He is a good fellow anyhow.
There is a levee at the Seminery to night.
and I should be there were it not for the careless
ness of More who forgot my invitation. I should
like to have gone, but I am not there -
30.
Thursday. Dec. 28th. We have snow enough now, and
the bells ring merrily. This is the first day that has
appeared really like winter. There was a new moon to-night
and it looked a clear and bright as silver, and the stars
glitter like diamonds.
Christmas is past, - that is Christmas Eve, and we are
now having the days that ought to be holidays: but here
among the tight fisted Yankees it is well if we get two days
in the year for sport. Christmas passes in New England
with hardly a thought. It was too much a Catholic or
Episcopalian custom for the old Puritans to observe it.
Sunday eve I went to see the performance of high mass
at the catholic church. I cannot say that I was
much edified. I saw various boy-ish and heathenish
sort of tricks and heard some latin badly pronounced,
and that appeared to be the amount of the whole.
After leaving the church I came to my room in
company with Col. Brick, the Judge, as we call him,
who by the way was a little "sprung", and Dwinell. D
and Judge went to bed while Brick and myself sat
up and drank brandy and water to keep us awake.
I went to breakfast feeling not the least sleepy, and
during the forenoon could not sleep although I tried;
so we finished the liquor and I took dinner at the
Pearl St. House. In the afternoon I went to bed, and
there I stayed until the next morning -
31.
Sat. Dec. 30th. I taught school all day.
In the evening went to the seminary, after which
I eat some oysters at Mitchell's &c. &c.
1849 -
January the first -
Monday -
To-day I have taught school though contrary
custom, for there were but three scholars in the
fore-noon and six P.M.
Every body has been riding to-day and calling.
Monday Jan, 29th. - - - Marinus has gone
and I feel sad and lonely. He was one of the
best boys I ever knew, and I had but just begun
to know him. He was always the same. - As a token
of his love for me he presented me with a copy of
Byron, which I shall long keep - God bless him
May his shadow never be less!
Wednesday. Feb. 28th. Thus has a month passed.
It has merely taken so much from the length of my
days. I have done nothing, and nothing has happened
out of the ordinary course of nature. Term has
commenced, but there was no particular excitement at
the time. The boys go through the regular routine of
study without much apparent effort. Every thing is
monotonous. Even in my school when I
32.
expects any quantity of fights there are not the least
signs of rebellion.
The lake is chained in its fetters of ice, and will so continue
until May perhaps.
Fellow has returned. The friends at home are well.
March. 12th. I am in suspense now. There has
been something to disturb the monotony of our life
and it threatens its even tenor still more.
A week ago last Friday (March 2d, I think) several
of us congregated in the room of Hill called
Buena Vista from his warlike deeds. We had
quite a row and the faculty have found out some-
thing about it and are still making further
inquiries. They have probably come to the conclusion
that we were pretty well corned. If so, they have
come pretty near the truth; for among us we
drinked four and a half gallons of beer, There
were two that could fiddle so we danced, and
kept it up until about three in the morning.
I have been over to see little Ben. He asked
me all sorts of questions, and gave me some
advice. What it will amount to I cannot say.
My school closes this week. Thus far I
have had no great trouble. Every thing has gone
on pleasantly.
The snow has left us and it really seems
like spring.
33.
March. 23d. The breeze has blown over and we are
not expelled. We passed with merely a reprimand. and that
very slight. I will here copy part of a letter which will g[ive]
some insight into affairs. The letter is to N.W. Blis my oldest
and best friend.
"One evening after dancing school, "Bueno Vista" Hill t[he]
Mexican hero, asked several of the boys to call on him and
drink some beer. We did so, accordingly. He had provided t[wo]
and a half gallons, but as we were very thirsty that
vanished like dew before the morning sun, and some
of the boys went for two galls. more, and that, too,
was imbibed in the course of the evening. About twel[ve]
o'clock some one proposed to have some dancing, as two of
the boys were fiddlers: so they went out after the instru[ments?]
and in order to give the faculty a sly hint of matters they
fiddled and yelled up and down the park. When they
returned to the room the way the boys "hoed it down" [is?]
a caution to cripples. Eight of us danced about two hours
incessantly, with the slight interruption of making water,
a very necessary operation at such times. Every time so[me]
of the boys went down they took the liberty of poking the[ir]
feet through the windows of some of the recitation ro[om]
doors. Old [illegible] was kicked out entirely."
"The best of the whale is, that, the faculty could fin[d]
out nothing of consequnce about it, and we all pass[ed]
with a slight reprimand. J. S. Burt that was expelled, [or?]
is now back kicked out all the doors base and some of the
34.
windows; but the faculty think he was asleep in his bed.
Jim was pretty well corned when he came up from town,
and for some time before we went into Buena Vista's room,
amused himself by poking a cedar post through the windows
of N.G. after the manner of the ancient battering ram.
Some of the boys that were sober saw Old Joe just after
nine o'clock, but as we were still for quite awhile after
entering the room, he went home supposing that the breeze
had blown over. Higbee, says, (make some allowance for
a strong imagination) that he saw old Joe leaning against
one of the trees in front of Coll., and just as one of the
windows "blew" out, he exclaimed: "I hate to disturb
innocent amusement, but community must be regarded,
by God!" Whether he is in the habit of using profane lan-
guage is more that I can say. I take Higbee's word.
"The faculty have the idea that twelve or fourteen of us
got drunk on two quarts of beer!"
The principal excitement now is electioneering for officers
in the Literary societies. The feeling is so strong that some have
come to blows. The great ass Ross told Fellows he lied, and
of couse, to speak in the language of the day, he "pecked
[h]im on the sconce."
March. 26th. The excitement has cooled down, and will
not be raised again before Wednesday, and then it will receive
a check. In the Institute, Petty will probably be elected, and
it is hoped that Robertson will have the election in the
Phi Sigma Nu.
35.
On Friday eve there was a great dance, which I attended and
enjoyed much. Saturday Iwent [I went] to court and heard some of
the boys testify upon the Billiard case. Sat. eve the ΛΙ met.
Yesterday I stayed in my room most of the day, copying some essay[s]
into the latter part of this book. They are hardly worth preserving yet
I wish to keep them to see what I did while in college.
About ten o'clock last night Higbee came into the room "pretty
tight". Bill Blake was with him, but as liquor has no more
effect upon him than so much water he was but slightly "fuddled"
although he had been drinking all the day. We had to put Nate
to bed - This morning he got up as clear as a whistle, and as
soon as he got his breakfast, began to steam again. He was in
here a short time since, and made more fun in ten minutes
that some would in half a day. He made speeches, improvised
prayed and finally read his chapel piece, - one of the best
I ever heard. It is upon Shelly, and is like himself; profound
yet beautiful. Higbee is acknowledged to be one of the strongest
fellows in our class. He can write or speak, - is equally ready
upon an argument or essay. In person he is about a medium
heighth, with muscles of iron. I had rather fight with any person
in college than Elnathan Elisha Higbee. His features are good
though there is something of prominence in the chin. That sho[ws]
determination and courage. He is one of the best hearted
fellows I know, always poor but ever ready to help others.
The ice still holds the lake, though some what
cracked and warm. It is now dangerous crossing -
36.
Thursday 29th. Election is over and we have Carried the
day. We have elected our whole ticket in both societies.
Tomorrow eve is the great Publica.
Sunday. April 1st. April Fool's day - what recollections
of boyish tricks and fun came up at the sound; and College
boys are yout boys though they had rather be called young
gentlemen.
It has been a custom from time immemorial to cut the
bell rope and fasten the trap door that goes into the bell-fry, so
as to prevent the ringing of the bell on the morning of the
first of April. - This year, Calvin, the Greek, thought to
"thwart" the young gentlemen in their well meant endeavours.
And to that purpose caused a door to be put at the entrance
of the dome. and iron gratings to all the windows of the
same. Now, this, fastening up the dome, in such a way
too, was a most unprecedented outrage upon the liberties
of students. But this is not all he has shut all the doors
that lead from some of the attics rooms to the attic and
thus has cut off all communication by means of the
roof; so there is no chance to skulk, or blow horns from
the scuttles to the annoyance of pious and sleepy freshmen.
But see how Calvin failed in his attempts. Before the door
had been up half a day it was unlocked, and students could
go out and in as they choose. This morning the bell did
not ring until about an hour later than usual, and when
they [the] boys went out the lamentable truth was made known
that Calvin had been forced to cut down his own door!
37.
Braces had been so placed behind the door that when it
shut they fell into their places and held it fast. There were
three, and nothing could start the door. The only way was
to cut off one corner of the door and creep in, which
humiliating to relate, miserable dictu, Calvin did.
April, 6th. Fast Day. This is and has been one of the
most beautiful days I ever experienced. For the past week
I have been sick, and today have been out for the first
time. Life comes with a new relish. It is a pleasure even
to live - to breath and feel every pulsation of my heart
giving me new life. I have had half the sensations of
intoxication the whole day, - the better half - all the
pleasure and none of the pain or disgust. I can feel the
every morsel of food giving me new strength.
All day the sky has been almost cloudless, and the
sun has been warm and cloudles. In the morning I
rode out a short distance, to enjoy the cool invigorating
air. The birds were singing, and every thing seemed almost
as joyous as myself.
About college it is still. Most to the boys are gone
to ride, and will probably come home somewhat exhilirated
The lake is now nearly clear of ice. There was a report
that the Ethan Allen was to go over to Port Kent
to-day, but it could not get out beyond the break water
Sat. April. 7th. The Ethan Allen has crossed the lak[e]
to-day. The ice seems to have disappeared entirely.
There is a strong south wind now and it will probably
38.
blow up a storm... This afternoon the Institute met, and
I did my last duty as librarian to that honorable body by
reading a report of the condition of the library, and for my
services was paid five dollars. - The first money I ever received
as a public officer.
Last night Calvin slept in the college library, or rather
watched there in order to catch such young gentlemen as should
choose to "elevate the ancient Nicholas." He did not succeed
in catching any one, for the boys knew he was out.
Sunday. April 8th. This evening several of the boys have
been in here, and we have talked of various matters. Among
others, the expediency of whipping several of the rowdies of
the place that maltreated two boys, Blake & Higbee, last eve.
Five came upon those two and struck them once or twice.
Geo. M. Hill or Buena Vista Hill as we call him from
having been at the battle of B.V. was all for fighting.
He offered to whip any or all of them if the boys would
but point them out. After singing some, the conversation
turned upon Mexico and that drew out Hill. He told us
some of his experience, which was rather interesting -
I have not attended church to-day - This
morning I finished "The Prarie," and like it well.
During the day I have written to my old friend
Amos Prichard, who is now at St. Albans studying
law. Most of the after noon I loafed in Loomis'
room. I have thought some of a chapel piece, but
have not yet done anything about it -
39.
Tuesday, April, 10th. This forenoon I wrote Mary and
as I wanted exercise I carried the letter to the P.O. The rest
of the forenoon I spent in reading "The Last of the Mohicans"
Cooper's best novel. It is one of the series of Leather stocking
novels, and I think in interest exceeds many of Scott's, and
I am not sure but it equals his best.
Yesterday morning I was Last evening for the first time
since my illness, I went into recitation. We have Locke [yet?]
After supper I called over to Mitchell's to play backgammon with
Mary Ann, and make some inquiries in relation to some
remarks that have been made respecting my self. I was
not successful. Mitchell came in and spoiled our tete-a-tete.
Gray is here from Hinesburgh, and he brings news of the
marriage of Emerett. I would like to have seen her once more.
Out doors it is windy and stormy. The lake is rough, and cover[ed]
with white-caps - To-day is quite a contrast to the quiet and summer
like air of yesterday. The sun has not been seen to-day -
Wednesday, April 11th. One day is so like another that I
have hardly any thing to record. Last evening I rec'd a letter
from Laura. She says aunt Lydia is dead. I am sorry to
hear it. I always liked her, as every one did who knew her.
She leaves five children. There is some talk of uncle Rufus'
going to Bradford in August. I hope he will, for there I shall
see him, - the first time for five years or more.
This morning I took a bath and I believe I feel bett[er]
for it. Locke is rather dry, though occasionally there
is a chance for argument, if nothing further -
40.
This after noon Dwinell spoke of the most wishy-washy
common place pieces I ever heard in the chapel. He was the only
speaker, and his star set before it rose. After chapel exercises I
spent some time in writing on my piece. I want to show the Earnestness
is one of the distinguishing characteristics of Genius.
This evening I called in to the court-house to hear the trial of the case
Proctor vs. state, brought on in behalf of E.E. Higbee & W.W. Blake. It was
postponed until to-morrow, and the prisoner remanded back to Jail.
Since then I have read the wonderful story of Miss Kilmansegg and
her wonderful
precious
legs by Tom Hood.
Thursday, April, 12th. To-day I have written on my piece
and read "Deer-slayer" one of the Leatherstocking novels.
At eleven we had rhetorical exercises. There were but five
of the class present; three of whom read compositions.
I did not go in this morning.
Friday, April, 13th. After breakfast I finished "Deer-
slayer", and then went to work upon my piece, I bored
away until dinner time. After taking as refreshment a few
pounds of veal, I went to work again, and a precisely at
twenty minutes past four P.M. the piece was finished -
probably the last chapel piece I shall ever write. After
speaking it, which I shall probably do on Wednesday next,
I shall copy it into this book, where it will be preserved
for future generations.
This Evening I have been at the sem. to see Miss. G__
As I went down I called in at the billiard-table room,
and found several of the boys, Chas. L. John B. and Col.
41.
Brick, who went with me to the abode of the
fair damsels. The Col. was a little tight: but all the
happier for that. We found things agreeable, stopped an
hour or so and left - Hibbard and Palmer were there. [Ba?]
As I came back I stopped at the Billiard room and
found the same boys there that I had left. Charley has
been having a spree for some days back, and is yet keeping
it up -
Sat, April, 14th. This has been one of the most
boistrous days we have had for some time. There has been
a strong wind the whole day.
This morning Shedd handed back my piece, and I am
happy to say that he found no occasion to correct it. I
have copied it in the latter part of this book, together with
the rest. I shall speak it Wednesday.
The forenoon I spent in reading. This after noon the clu[b]
met, There was no fire and we closed business as soon as
possible. Joe Healy called upon us and stayed a part of
the afternoon. After he left, Abbott and Warren came in: the
former is a member of our class from Newbury, Warren is a
sophmore and an owl. We had quite a visit from them.
Abbott expects to room them next door, and he came up to
look over the premises.
After supper I went to the American Hotel and there
found a bundle from home, which I have been expecting
for some days. The ΛΙ was well attended, though some
came in late. There was fun enough.
42.
I have left off the use of tea and coffee for a month. If I
feel better I shall not take them up again. Though if the feelings
of to-day are to be taken as a sample of what I am to have, I
shall not anticipate any improvement in health. I have not
drinked a drop of liquor or even beer for two weeks. I am going
without every thing a while and see if I shall not feel better.
I beleive [believe] we are having our March winds now. This morning
the opposite side of the lake was covered with the storm. It
seemed to have settled down upon the water, and there remained
a while stationary. To-night the mountains to the east are
covered with - not clouds - but storm. It is in motion
continually. - - -
Higbee spoke at considerable length this morning upon the
question "Does Poetry decline as Philosophy advances?", and did well
as he always does.
Sunday, April, 15th. I have written to sister Laura to-day.
She has written twice since I last wrote, and letter was certainly
due her.
This forenoon I finished "The Pioneers" one of the Leather-
Stocking novels by Cooper. It closes the list with although not
the last in the list. It was written first I beleive, and is
the third in the series I think. This closes my novel reading
for some time. I wanted to read Cooper's best, as he is our
Novelest. This evening I have read some Locke, and the Corsair
by Byron. I have begun at the beginning of Locke. He there gives
his reasons for writing and his intentions in so doing. He does not
intend to go into a discussion of the powers of knowledge, themselves,
43.
that is, he has nothing to do with Psychology; but his business
is with the manner of acquring [acquiring] knowledge. He says no
ideas are innate -
I read the Corsair in order to see its connection with Lara.
I shall read Lara tomorrow.
I have not been to church to-day as it has been very
stormy, and I was so unfortunate as to rend my outer garment
in such a way that it would be unseemly for me to appear
before the ladies. It was, in fact, a rent in arreas [arrears].
The storm continues with unabated fury. The lake makes
one shudder at the sight of it. Except the white caps, it is
as black as night. We had some snow this morning; but it
is so cold that the ground is not covered. It cannot snow
on account of the cold. Old Boreas is loose, and he will
crack his cheeks at this rate. The mountains to the east
and west have been enveloped in a mantle of storm.
Monday April, 16th. This morning there was no recitation
as Old Joe was sick. During the forenoon I read The Prisoner of
Chillon and some in Locke. I also wrote some upon a sort
of tale I intended to publish, though it will probably perish,
before being finished. After dinner I went down in town.
I took from the Library to-day Bancroft's History of the U.S. It
will be pleasant and instructive reading I expect.
I sent Bliss a Catalogue and Hopkins Poem.
The storm has somewhat abated, and for the first
time since Thursday, we have been able to see the hills in
New York -
44.
Tuesday April, 17th. This has been one of the most beautiful
days we have had this spring. There has been no wind even upon the
hill, and the sun has been out in all its brightness. The lake has
been so still as to reflect the mountains and clouds in its mirror
like busom. Mansfield and Camel's Hump are white.
I have had a letter from Cyrus. He is well, and has been
during the winter. He talks of coming here in June.
My piece is not yet learned for tomorrow, and it is somewhat
doubtful about my speaking, though I intend to do so, if I succeed
in committing it to memory.
Thursday April, 19th. I have just come from the new
billiard room, where, since to-night is the first, the boys are
allowed to play free, and of course the room is crowded.
There are three good tables in the same room. Everybody
that ever played billiards at all before is there.
The air is a[s] mild and warm as June. One would hardly
think to see snow such weather as this, but the hills to east
and west are covered with snow.
At eleven I read a composition probably the last I shall ever
read in this old mill. Shedd is now or rather next term is
going to give us lectures on style etc. This afternoon I have
been reading Macauley's [Macaulay's] History of England. It is almost as
enticing as a novel, even in the beginning. I also wrote a
letter - a long one, - to Cyrus -
Yesterday I spoke in the Chapel, and failed in making a
sensation. I had not my piece learned, and only spoke
two pages. I felt as though I was not doing much and
45.
embarrassed me. After speaking I went down in town.
After staying about a while, I came up with Uncle Goodeye, who
purchased a bottle of brandy to cure him of the diarrhea. I
took one horn and went out to play ball. After playing a while
I came in and got some more "sperret". Uncle to save his brandy
put in some St. Croix rum, and the mixture of the liquors
upset my equilibrium somewhat. I went to supper, and I
expect I made some strange remarks. After coming to my
room, I throwed one of the dumb-bells at the clock but missed it
I then caught it by the chain that holds the weight and swung [it?]
over my head. After cutting up various other shines I laid dow[n]
and slept until bed time and then undressed and crawled in.
This morning I felt well enough. The clock is as well
as ever, and I rather think better. I loosened its stiff old
joints, and started its fluids, so that it will be more free in
its movement -
The lake was very still to-night, and a schooner that was
floating upon its busom, was entirely reflected.
"A painted ship upon a painted ocean"
Sat. April. 21st. The fore noon I read Macauley [Macaulay].
This afternoon the Institute met. I spoke on the aff[air]
of the question "Do spectres appear?" I also read a criticism
upon an essay of Pangborn's, which I wrote yesterday.
After meeting I went down and played billiards with
Bill. Robertson. He beat me one game, and I returned the
compliment. In the evening I went to the meeting of
the ΛΙ. As our usual place of devotion was disturbed
46.
by the noise of the billiard room, we met in the building
back of the one thus disturbed, and had a very good time -
Sunday, 22d. This is curious weather. To-day. we are
having snow for a variety. Yesterday was as clear as could be
asked... This fore-noon I have been to church, and been
most damnedly bored. I would have slept, but I was afraid of
making some sort of a disturbance.
Sunday, 29th. One week ago we were having a snow storm,
to-day is as pleasant as can be expected. The sun shines warm and
bright. The heat would be uncomfortable were it not for the
north wind. I have been to church all day. This forenoon our own
minister, Mr. Worcester, preached and did about the same as usual.
For a variety we had a sermon from Mr. Parker, the Baptist preacher,
this afternoon. The way he gave the Idolators, Mahommedans, Roman
Catholics &c Hell is a caution. He showed himself rather an
imperfect scholar in several instances. He called armistice
armistick.
There has been trouble in Canada. The Parliament house has
been burned and the mob, they connot be called rebels, for they are
the old royalists, pelted the Governor with eggs, stones &c. The cause
was his signing "The Rebellion Losses Bill" as it is called. A bill
for the indemnifying the rebels for what they lost in the last
rebellion. Of course the royalists did not like the idea of paying for
losses sustained by those who were fighting against them, and
to give the governor a slight hint of their feelings, they held rotten
eggs to his nose, in hopes, perhaps, that the smell would bring
him to his senses. He is now arming the French population
47.
[who] were the rebels formerly, and the English are arming
themselves. The governor, Lord Elgin, seems to be on the part [of]
the rebels, fighting against the royalists. There is much talk
about annexation to the U.S. But the south will probably object
to that. The parliament house was burned on Wednesday the 25[th]
Weare [We are] to hand in subjects for our graduating pieces on
Thursday next. Prof. Torrey when he gave the notice said he w[as]
willing to give any of the class advice upon the matter
and one thing, the class would do well to notice, vis, th[at]
it was not necessary to get new subjects, for that was
impossible. This fore noon while in church I though[t] of
a subject, whether it will do or not I cannot say -
"We are, what we know." In the first place this is taking
for granted that there are no such things as innate ideas.
To be sure, we know in one sense what is innate, but it is n[ot?]
the knowledge that strikes us as what we know. It is in us and [we]
scarcly feel it, much less know that we know it. To be, that is to
live, does not merely imply to exist, when speaking for human beings
it implies action, thought, and this thought is what constitutes
what we are. We are not simply beings of feelings
and
of passions, an[d?]
are that. Thought is what distinguishes man from animals, and in
that is his being. Thought, according to Locke, is the comparing of
ideas with one another in our mind, and thus gaining new ones.
Our primitive or simple ideas are gained through the instrumentality of
the senses. Animals have the same senses but yet they never gain ideas
by them. They are not what they know, for they know nothing, they h[ave]
no mind and hence can gain no knowledge. Whereas man gains
48.
knowledge, not only through the medium of his senses but also by comparing
ideas. This is what constitutes the man. Just for a moment think of a
man that actually knows nothing, has learned nothing, what is he but
a brute? Look at the idiot. Look at the infant. Look at children, they do
not become conscious of their own individuality - until they become
themselves, by knowing, by having the strength of their minds brought out
they are mere animal - &c &c ad infinitum -
During this week the boys have trained rather hard, and Higbee
after a train had some trouble with is brother who furnishes him with
money, and swore he would leave the place. He was going out in the
evening steamer, but after some persuasion he concluded to stop. It was
merely one of his vagaries, and was over with in a few hours -
He is sick now and has just returned from home where he
has been doctoring for the "eresiphalas" [erysipelas].
Monday, April, 30th. Last night Higbee was quite sick
so that fellows went for a physician, but was unable to find
one. To-day Rolfe and myself went out with him to his father's
where he will probably remain some days -
Tuesday, May, 1st. May day! The day that has been
a holy day for centuries - the day especially set apart for the
pleasure of the young and joyous - throughout all the countries
settled by the Anglo Saxon race, this is regarded as a day upon
which youth and beauty are to meet "to chase the glowin hours
with flying feet." Perhaps here, in the cold region of our green hills
we do not feel the genial warmth of the May-day sun as
those farther south, yet the few rays of the sun that do reach
us will find as warm hearts here as ever beat among
49.
the orange groves of the sunny Floridas. To-day almost n[o]
one has been out a-Maying, with the exception of a few of [the?]
poor students. I had invitations to two, but did not feel like
going to either, so stayed at home and loafed -
Last evening I went down in town with the expectation [of]
going to the concert of the Harmonists. They did not sing. Som[e]
of the boys were going to a dance in Essex, so I concluded to g[o.]
I went with Billy Mills and Bill Wells. The rest went in [a]
large team. We had a pleasant time going although the dus[t]
drove into our eyes so much as to make it rather uncomfort[able.]
After an hour's drive we arrived at the place of destination, [a]
small country tavern, kept by a very mean man, named Nicho[ls?]
His face was a Yankee's, emaciated. He is so mean that they
would not grant him a license to keep even an inn. We [went]
with the expectation of having a dance, but the reputation of
his house was such that he could not raise a single fe[male]
so we were forced to have a "stag" dance. The fiddlers were
there and the hall was ready, and immediately began to
trip it on the light fantastic toe, or in vulgar parlance, we b[egan]
to shake the hoof. Our chassering and badening and promenading [would]
have driven Ellsha to a convent forever. She would have
given up in despair could she have seen the pigeon-wings
we cut. We had a supper, and such a supper! The table
was spread for fourteen, and one of the οι πλλοι crowding
himself into the company I was so crowed [crowded] out that I was
forced to sit upon the table instead of by the side of it.
After a while the matter was arranged and I had a
50.
plate set for me. After supper we drank some toasts. We had
what they called wine, but Bacchus preserve me from ever
tasting such again. It was a perfect burlesque upon vinegar,
[a] failure at that and to save the waste they had called it wine,
About one we left "the place of entertainment." or more properly
termed perhaps the house of entrapment. The wind had not gone
down, and the gravel, not dust, for that had been blown away
[h]ours before, struck us in the face like grape shot. The corners
of our eyes were perfect shoals and quicksand, against which
the rays of light were wrecked in their passage through the
straits of the pupil. About three miles this side of Nichols.
Wells, who drove, being perfectly sober, drove to one side of the road
and tumbled out. As he went out one side I sprang out at
the other and caught the horse by the bit. The boy was not
much hurt, and picked himself up readily. We stopped at
"Jack's" and rested the horse, and washed out our throats.
[illegible] a short time the boys came up, but we did not wait long
for them. Coming down the hill near Cutter's, our driver again
fell out dragging with him Mills. As they fell out I heaved
forward for the reins and not finding them cried "Whoa." The
horse stopped and I jumped out and caught the reins. The boys
were not much hurt, though Wells was some what frightened. The
rest of the way I drove. I slept with Mills and this
morning did not go in to recitation.
This afternoon I saw J.S.D. Taylor, my old teacher. He
looked just the same as ever, younger, I think than he
did last Summer.
51.
Wednesday. May. 2d. This forenoon I laid down and
slept nearly three hours. So that went. At two o'clock we
went into the chapel and heard six students speak, two from
each of the three upper classes. A thing hardly ever before
heard of. Mills spoke very well, better than I ever before hea[rd]
him. J.H. Buck did well and Petty spoke as musically as
ever. - - During the evening I have been down to the steam
boat, On board the Whitehall were forty convicts going from
Clinton prison to Sing Sing. They were dressed in coarse striped clot[hes?].
Every thing to their caps was made of the same material.
One is almost ready to be a believer in Physiognomy upon s[eeing]
the faces of such men. There was hardly one, but would [be]
pointed out as a man to be avoided, wherever he might be
seen -
Thursday, May, 3d. This morning I handed to Old
Joe my subjects for graduating pieces. viz. "We are, what we
know" and "The "οι πολλοι" of the Greeks." I dont like
either of them very much yet there are some things I like
in them both. After breakfast I went to walk out in t[he]
woods where the may party had been. During the fore noon
I went down to the lake - saw the United States. She l[ooks?]
beautifully this spring. We could not go on board. Coming up
we called into Harrington's to see a "proteus", an animal of t[he]
lizard kind, found only in this country, and for a while
supposed to be found only at the falls of Winooski [illegible]
though now they are know to be found a the mouths of
streams that empty into lake Ontario. This specimen
52.
is about a foot long. He is of an olive green color with darker spots
of an oblong form about the size of a half-dime. The great peculiarity
is his breathing apparatus. He is furnished with two. One outward,
to come in contact with the water, the other in the form of
lungs within his chest. The bronchia or outward lungs look
like three tufts of downy feathers, of a bright red. He keeps them
in continual motion. Mr. Thompson the Historian, Geographer,
Geologist, and Natural Historian of Vermont, was the first
who ever recognised it as a distinct species. He lives here
in town & is very modest - and very much respected - His "Vermont"
is something that every Vermonter ought to be furnished with.
It contains every thing relating to the history, Geography, and
Natural History of this state -
For some days past New York seems to have been on fire. On
Monday evening the whole of our hills was enveloped in flames,
and ever since then the smoke has risen in clouds. The im-
mense forests between the Hudson and the St Lawence will
probably burn over -
Last week I received a letter from Cyrus, saying that
he would be here in June on a visit to me. We will have a
fine time. To counteract the pleasure I received from the letter
Cyrus wrote, father sent me a line saying that he could
not let me have any money until June. If so I shall
be rather short for a while. I have been living upon
borrowed money for some time.
53.
Friday, May, 4th. In the evening went to a levee
at the seminary, was bored for a while and then came
away -
Saturday. This morning, before breakfast we
were examined in Algebra. I did every thing on the card.
During the fore noon we had Chemistry and Herodotus.
I probably took about three in Chemistry. I cannot say that
I am particularly well informed on that subject. Herodotus
went very well. In the evening the ΛΙ met and had a glorious
time. After meeting several of us went into Whist's and drank
some cider and then scouted round.
May, 6th. Sunday. This morning just after our
morning meal two or three of us started to go to Patchin's.
On the way there was some railling and joking, and finally Jam[es?]
Rolfe and myself came back. In order to make up for
the loss of the anticipated pleasure we went to one of the stables
and procured a team. It was a beautiful day, and in
order to enjoy it properly we thought we must have some
[illegible]. We got some at Harrington's and came up to college.
We had not been here fifteen minutes when before what
little rum we had was gone, and some more must be
had. Two went after some and were so fortunate as to procure
a quart. After drinking and singing we started. We went out
towards Essex. We returned in time to be present at
prayers. In the evening I talked a while with Charley
Torrey and then stopped with him -
54.
Monday. This morn before breakfast we had
Quintilian. I did passably well. During the day we had
statics and Thucydides
History.
This afternoon I procured a hat
something I never before wore and I hardly know how
to manage it.
There has been no Sophomore Schedule out yet, so
two or three of us thought it our duty to get one out.
We went into Buena Vista Hill's room and went to work.
It was not finished until after three in the morning. There
were some pretty hard hits in it and we were in hopes it
would remain upon the wall a few days at least, but
alas! Old Chunk sent Michael to tear it down. Thus in
fifteen
minutes
by the hands of an illiterate paddy was destroyed the
hours work of genius! So things go through this world -
Often the most valuable are the soonest to go -
Hibbard and Pangborn, of the Junior class left
rather unceremoneously on sunday, and as they told no one
of their destination there was some curiosity excited to
know their destination, but all was useless, and in
order to calm our troubled feelings somewhat, we resolved
to adventure. During the evening I have written a notice that
if I am so fortunate as to get published, will, I hope,
show their whereabouts -
Tuesday, May, 8th. The mock schedule was obliterated before
I was up and thus I lost the chance of seeing it in all
it noontide glory. During the day we have been examined
in Thucydides, Dynamics & Electricity & Magnetism. Upon the
55.
whole the examination has passed off well, and I
think I shall mark higher than I did last year.
After our examination closed, I went after a team
to go with Higbee to Williston. As I drove up to college I
made some noise, and Bill Roberston, wanting to ride I
took him in and down about the buildings, supposing
that examination was over. It was not, and old Joe
was corned. The noise of the waggon raised the duce with
his naturally quick temper and he came rushing out with the
determination of anihilating us. His face was putty pale and he
showed marks of temper in every action. He called us up into the
chapel and began to blow, like a nor-wester. He would not
hear the least excuse, so we grinned and bore it. When he
had fairly exhausted we were allowed to depart. There
was a crowd of students about the door waiting for us
with painful anxiety, expecting nothing less than anni-
hilation. I though once he was going to lay his hands
on me - not after the manner of the apostles laying [of]
hands - but in a way that might have caused him come
trouble. We had our ride nevertheless, and a pleasant one
it was too. Just as the boys came out from prayers we
returned. I stopped and talked a while with M.A.M. after
tea, and then went down to Billy Mill's room. He was reading
and probably would have passed the evening very quietly had
he not been interrupted. His is now the acting editor of the
Sentinel, and as such he showed me the advertisement for the
lost boys. We had been talking but a few minutes when
56
Blake came in, and proposed having some brandy. So we did.
In the course of the evening we went to Mitchell's grocery where
we found all the boys pretty tight. We had some oysters, made some
noise and then left. Billy wanted some pickles, and I went
to Harrington's after them. He had nothing but pickled onions, so I
was forced to take them. We eat [ate] a few such as they were, and then
I went to the rest of the shops for some more, but none of them
had any.
This is the last adday of the last spring term I shall ever
pass in college - but one more term and I shall be emancipated
from thraldom - the thraldom of happiness, to be thrust into the
freedom of misery, or the misery freedom. For a week to come I
shall be forced to stop about the old mill, doing nothing, merely
existing, only because I have no money. The boys will all leave.
Wednesday. May. 9th. This morning I was in the Sentinel office
when Billy proposed to me to write an article upon the adorning of the
park with shade trees. I did so. - my first newspaper effort with
the exception of the "Notice" -
When I came to the hill I found most of the boys drunk
as usual, and of course talkative. They were all going to Plattsburgh
or Montreal. This evening they started -
The first day of vacation is past -
Taking with it a sea of vexations,
But thank God, it'll not always last
Laying 'pon the temper such taxations!! Bah!
57.
May, 10th. Thursday. I have just received a
letter from Mary. She is going to Bradford soon. I wish I
could make it convenient to be there; but duty and
want of
money,
by far the more powerful of the two keep me where I am.
Billy Mills has gone away on the lake, and left the Sentinel
in my charge, provided Geo. H. Paul does not see fit to take
it upon himself. His is P.M. and is there for rather fearful
about committing himself.
I took tea this evening at Mrs. Thomas', and stopped
a while to converse with Kate. She sang some -
Most of the day I have spent loafing about the
streets with Burt. Before supper we played "Hop Scotch",
a game I used to play when rather younger and smaller
than now: but we were driven to it, having nothing else to
do. There has been a corporation meeting to-day and
they have reëlected Worthington Smith D.D. as president of
this institution. We are now whole, have a head as well as
trunk, and one too that is worth something I hope.
Friday. Loafed about the Sentinel Office.
Saturday. Got out copy for Monday's paper.
Sunday. May. 13th. Walked over to the falls.
Monday. Stopped at the S. Office.
Tuesday. Did the same.
Wednesday. This morning Billy Mills came home
and thus my Writership closes.
May, 17.th Thursday is Sophomore exhibition day. The
boys did very well. Some of our boys viz. Warren, Wells
58.
and Parmlee had the best places and they did the
ample justice. After the exhibition was over the Sophs
treated of course.
Friday, 18th. This morning I rose at twelve, and con-
sequently eat [ate] no dinner. During the afternoon, with the help
of Bill Roberston I read the lesson in Political Economy, and
went in to recitation. I think it will be made rather in-
teresting. We will have something of business - of actual life.
May, 19. Sat. This morn Old Joe gave us a lecture
on Fine Art or Esthetics. Thus we are to have lectures
every morning and a lesson each evening. We are obliged
to keep awake in the morning now, if not from interest
in the lecture, at least to be able to answer questions on
the next morning. During the forenoon I have read
some in Chamber's Cyclopedia of Literature I think it is.
I bought it on Thursday, and am well pleased with my
bargain. After dinner I went to the lake with Dubois
to get a boat and go a fishing, but we were not so
fortunate as to find one, so we fished a moment from the
end of the wharf, and then went out to ride.
We went up through Colchester to a small pond, where
after resting a moment we turned about and retraced
our steps. The pond is like one in Bradford called
Whortlebury pond, only larger it is surrounded with a
border of green moss, and, as Dubois says, looks
like a diamond set in emeralds.
The night I spent with Wm R. Mills.
59.
Sunday, May, 20.th This morning I did not rise
until ten o'clock; then it was too late for breakfast, and
Billy sent over to the Howard Hotel after something whereby
to still the out cries of the inner man. As I was hardly in the
condition to attend church, and it being too late then to
prepare, I concluded to stop in Billey's room until the church
goers had disappeared, and then come to college. William
went to church. I had time, before dinner, to go through
with scientific and thorough ablutions, and I took great
pleasure in so doing. I intended to attend church in the
afternoon, but carelessly lying down just after dinner
Sommus took advantage of my position and bound me.
I slept till too late for church.
In the evening I attended service at the Epispocal
Episcopal. The Bishop is preaching against infidelity.
Monday, May, 21.st A part of this forenoon I spent in
reading Byron and my new Cyclopedia. Just before dinner
I wrote to Mary. During the afternoon I read over the lesson
in "Say."
It seems as though spring never would come. To-day has
been so cold that we have had a fire. The warm-weather
maid is a[s] coy as a nun - She seems desirous of being
wooed this year instead of hastening as forward as
usual with outstreached arms, to clasp us in her warm
and lustful embraces.
The trees are just beginning to leave out, and
the grass to assume its natural colour.
60.
Friday, May, 25th. It has rained all day. Things are
growing fast. As one of the boys remarked you can hear the
trees shout. I hope by to morrow we shall have some sun shine -
The few days past I have spent in reading and writing.
Wednesday or Thursday I wrote Neziah Bliss a long letter -
one that he will keep to remember me I hope -
Nathan and I are now engaged in writing a work to be
entitled "Happy Nights." It is a conversation upon the
pleasures of drinking and smoking. The moral tendency
will be bad perhaps: but it probably will not extend
its influence very far. We take pleasure in writing it
and that is enough for one time. It We write alternately
carrying on a pleasant humorous dialogue, with now
and then a song or so by Elnathan - We intend both to
keep copies, and have them to remind us of college days.
In after life when we meet sometime, we will revise
and publish perhaps. What dreams of authorship!!
Sat. June 2d. Since I last wrote I have been up
the lake to Fort Ticonderoga. We had a very pleasant ride, but
very unfortunately while we were there it rained most of
the time and so we were confined to the house.
Wilcox, the landlord, provided as with some Lake George
trout for dinner, and considering all things we had quite
a comfortable time. It was on last Wednesday -
We are now having most beautiful spring weather.
The trees are leaving out in good earnestess
61.
Sunday, June 3d. Yesterday afternoon I rode out
to Richmond, thirteen miles east of this, with Billy Mills
to see Sands & co's great circus and Hippo [illegible] arena!
We did not have a very pleasant ride out, for the horse
was poor, and we were impatient. We arrived there
just in time. I had anticipated considerable pleasure from
the performance, but was rather disappointed. My had
expectations had been built upon what I saw or rather
upon the feelings with which I saw such things when
I was a boy, younger than I am now. Then I took every
thing as it appeared without any discount; but now I
am to much inclined to find fault to have the full enjoyment
of such things. The ground as usual was covered with peddlers
of all kinds from the man with a barrel of hard cider to
the tin-ware merchant in all his glory - The way people
devoured ginger-bread was a caution to bakers
The ride home was very pleasant.
I received a letter from Cy saying that her was to start
from the city tomorrow, and that he will probably be h[ere]
during this week.
To-day is as cool and comfortable as you please.
Thursday, June 7th.
Sunday, June 17th. Cyrus has been here and returned [to]
New York. He came on Saturday June 9th. and left on Thursday
the 14th. I had a very pleasant time with him and wish he had
stopped longer. I could not persuade him to go home, and
it is doubtful about his ever going again.
62.
One week ago last Thursday (i.e.) June 7.th Blake & Roberston
were sent home. - Blake Expelled - Roberston suspended -
The cause was this. On Wednesday they went to Keasville
across the lake and came home intoxicated. Blake sat down
by the side of the road and while he was there Calvin saw
him, and of course informed the faculty. Roberston feels very
bad, but he has many to sympfathise with him. All the young
ladies in town shed tears at his departure.
Tuesday, while Cy. was here we went down to Fort Ti-
conderoga with the three Landon girls. We had a fine time. Every
thing went off nicely, and we arrived in Burlington Bay without
any particular adventure, except the running aground of the boat.
I dont know as I felt particularly patriotic at the ruins, although
I had a vivid recollection of old Ethan's demand "In the name
of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress." It seems
La Place had not a good knowledge of the Continental Congress,
though the name of the Great Jehovah, and the glittering
sword of Allen were forcible arguments
Monday, June, 18th. On the 27th of this month we are
to have our graduation pieces ready. I have not begun mine.
When I shall I can hardly say. I dont feel like writing, and
beside that my subject is not what I wish it was, yet there
are some things about it I like. I think I can write a popular
piece, although it may not be such a one as would suit some
of the boys, or one that I shall be proud of. If Belcher is to
be here I wish to do well if nothing more.
Yesterday I went to church for the first time for some months.
63.
and as I expected, passed a profitless time. The Landon girls
were there, and I had the pleasure of looking at them as
well as at the Sem. girls. Smith preached in the forenoon.
This morning we began "Waylands Moral Science", - one of
our last studies I expect. I hope it will improve my morals
if, as he says, the greatest happiness follows good actions.
I have had one of some rather strange thoughts or rather
imaginings come across me of late. One night ___
June, 21st. Thursday. As I was about to say, strange
thoughts come across me occasionally. As I was
meditating in bed one night, Death with all its horr[or]
came across my mind so suddenly that I actually
shuddered. It was not a horror of dissolution itself
but leaving friends and every thing I love. Oh! the
terrible, vivid loneliness as it presented itself to m[y]
imagination was almost more than I could bear.
If there is no hereafter, he is a brave man that can face
the King of Terrors, and if there is, and such as some
say, he is yet braver that can face that.
Today is the longest day in this year and almost
the hottest. Yesterday the thermometer was up to 98°.
To endure the heat we are obliged to go half naked an[d]
perform continual ablutions. Yesterday afternoon we hung
some rings between two trees for the purpose of swinging
and performing gymnastic feats. I intended to exercise th[ere]
every day and thus strengthen my arms and chest, for I
shall want to work a little when I get home.
64.
On sat. eve I am to deliver an oration before the ΛΙ. and
I have not yet written it, but shall go about it soon.
Six weeks from to-day I shall be out of college, and what
I am going to do, I don't know. I think some of going to
Canada to teach, but dont know certainly yet.
July 17th. Our last examination has begun, and we are
doing pretty well. Yesterday we had Physiology, Optics & Psychology.
Roberston who was suspended is back and undergoing examination.
The faculty have said nothing to him as yet and probably will
not. Laura Ann is not coming here at commencement, she has
concluded to go to Haverhill Mass. I shall be rather lonesome
but I will do the best I can. My piece is done and
corrected but not committed. I must go about it soon -
65.
August. 1st. 1849. On this day I graduated.
Durham, Canada East -
Aug. 26th I am now fairly a denizen of the world.
I have begun the voyage of life, and may I be prospered as
I have been thus far. May the Queen shed her good and
gentle influences over my head in a way that will be to my
honor and glory.
I am here to teach an academy at [illegible] 100. = $400. per
annum. The school will commence - Mr. Baker knows
when - The trustees are waiting for one of their number M?
who is now in Montreal to make his appearance before they
can decide upon the time to commence operations -
I was at home but two weeks and three days - rather a
short visit after an absence of two years, but I enjoyed
myself while there - Father and Mother and Laura were, of
course glad to see me. And Mary, my betrothed, wept for joy.
It almost pays one for being away so long to be received
with such overflow of affection - -
Aug. 28. This doing nothing is getting to be rather bor[ing?]
business, for as yet my school has not began. I study some, read?
some, and write some, yet I feel that I am without business
I am just between a student and a business man - a worldly [man?]
I have been from the shades of the academic groves of the U.V.M.
66.
hardly long enough to be entirely free from its dreamy habits of
meditation, or to acquire the energetic habits of the world. I cannot
study, for I am not in the place for it, yet soon I hope to make
this a place of studiousness not only to myself but also to others -
Sept. 1st. Saturday. This is the last of my idle days -
On Monday school commences. This afternoon I have been up
to the academy cleaning out the aparatus room. It was full
of dirt and rubbish - I have suceeded in giving the glass and
the well varnished mahogony a new lustre. A lustre such as it
has not had for some days at least. The apparatus is quite
extensive for a place like this and I anticipate making
some very interesting experiments while I am here. At least
I will experiment until I learn something about Chemistry
and Philosophy, practically - so far as this apparatus will
allow - After having cleaned out the room, I attended a horse-
race - a regular Canada horse-race. When we got upon
the ground there was quite a crowd there: but not many
signs of the approaching race. One of the horses was lame -
While they were talking and bullying one another, a couple
of boys mounted upon two nags that would not disgrace
a college-Inne-training, started across the course. A
fellow with a good sized stick followed them a third of
the way in order to get them fairly at work. They came out
nearly togather - One was not much slower than the other.
Finally, the run between the two horses was given up and
the sorrel one sent off the ground: but before he had
gone far, the other party crowed so much that he was
67.
recalled and there was every prospect of a race. The
stakes were $1.50. I will write it out so there can be no
mistake about it - one dollar and fifty cts. The black horse
party was troubled some time about collecting so much, but
after a while, the money was put into the umpire's
hands, and the horses declared ready. The sorrel was a
small well made horse, with a very fine timely eye and good
nostril, while the black was a great clumsy long-legged
fellow, with a very dull eye and a bad head every way -
After one false start they were off in good style, the sor[rel]
taking the lead and gaining all the way. He came in more
than three lengths ahead - It was exciting to see them run
although not much of a race -
Sept. 15th. Two weeks of school teaching have made
their entrances and exits. Fourteen day have passed over
my head since first I commenced teaching here, and am
I the better? am I the worse? I have commence my
work - I have [l]earned some what of law - I have
learned some what of French and am continuing to learn
I am the better - I have learned some what of philosophy
I dont mean Natural Philosophy, but the philosophy of
living and enduring - - - There is never a cloudy sky
without a bright sun behind - and the most violent
storms are but the precursors of most fair and
delightful weather made more so by the very rain
and lightning that preceeded it - so in life - in the
darkest moments there is yet hope, and great troub[le]
68.
but give greater enjoyment to our happy moments. The
deepest feelings of sorrow are soon weakened and the
most poignant sufferings are blunted in time - Learn
to live and wait - should be the motto of one ready
to die with every present sorrow, and wishing merely
to get rid of such - but "Learn to labor and wait" is
the motto for the man that is ambitious. Work continually
for that alone can give a man strength and vigor of
intellect - work for that will give a man information
wisdom - Wait - thy time will soon come - Wait -
it is but giving thee time to prepare for the contest -
time to strengthen every muscle - to oil and dust thyself
for the arena. Then, when all ready - glowing with
the vigor of manhood - at the first luck of fortune
leap forth as a strong
man
rejoicing to run a race -
Then will thy working show itself. Then will thy
waiting and disappointments be fully repaid -
Sun. Oct. 7th. Five weeks have passed and so noislessly
that I hardly have noted their presence or absence.
I have had but seventeen scholars, not so many as I
expected, yet enough for a pleasant school. There are some
intelligent boys and girls and others that are rather empty in
the attic. If I stop here another term I hope to have a
larger school than at present, and I intend to do some-
thing in the way of lectures on chemistry &c -
For the past week, it has rained almost continually
Nothing but drizzle drizzle -
69.
Νοlz xοc mad uleddim dxec uiiq οc!
ih[?]isdit - Dxi rοcd deni? υladi: cοet, xabit
cxi uawrt try 2 sani xili dxic nemdil da cdab
uedx ni - ? ihbisd cxi nerr sani -
Oct 31st. Cxi xοc uladdin dοxod cxi uin
sani, οmt nerr blapoprz niid ni οd W.F.[?]
Cxi ec tiolil da ni, ifilz tοz -
Oct. 31st. Wednesday. To day for the first time
we have had something that looked like snow
and it has been almost as cold as winter
My school has increased to the number twenty
seven. I begin to take considerable interest in
it, and by next term shall feel at home.
My boarding place proves as good as I expected.
Brown is a good fellow, and his wife a fine wo[man]
I am learning some French daily, though I must
confess rather slowly, I am to easily contented, or
rather the language is too easy. I begin to find th[at]
I need not trouble myself about looking [at] my
lessons before I go in to hear a recitation - My
scholars generally like me, and I have no fault [to]
find with many of them -
Αmi av dxim ec jiddemj lοdxil dix
dauοltc ui - Cxi ec filz νamt aν xοf
ui gecc xil, οmt b[?]t uz οln οpawd xil
uοecd - uxοd nawt Νοlz cοzum Uxοd cxi
cοz eν cxi gmiu dxod? dxawjxd av rοz
uzdx dxi cilfomd jelr m
70.
I have not yet began the study of law but I must
soon or I never shall commence. I dont know why
it will not be well to hang about here for two or
three years, as there is some prospect of annexation
to the U.S. and then, should such a thing happen, I
shall
be
just where I would wish to be, for certainly
will be one of the places for a young man in that
case, better even than Minesota or Calafornia -
I shall now probably stay here the rest of this
Academic year, and perhaps longer. People seem
to like me pretty well and as I get acquainted I
like better -
71
Oct 1857.
Teaching school in Franklin
Academy. It is a beautiful day, alm[ost]
like summer, and if hard work
makes one enjoy life, I certainly
am happy. I work from eight o'clock
until five in the evening, and then
a Lecture, or some troublesome lesson
intrudes itself on my leisure hours
How I wish I had began to study law
when I first graduated. But there was
my debts to pay. What a vexacious thing
debts are to pay!! Why some never have
them to pay? how do they get alo[ng]
Why they have no wife to support, and
here I am with a wife, O some that I
know are foolish! And never are like
to be wiser No Never!! as long as they have
a Wife Whew!!!
Susan Rayd
Yes I am a married man. and my
sweet little wife would wish to intimate that [I]
am discontented, although she herself knows bett[er]
72
First Chapel piece. deliverd Sept. 22d 1847.
U.V.M.
Genius, its reward and end.
True genius, however much it may be educated, will
still preserve its original character. It feels itself something unlike
other men, and has a foresight of what it shall be; and that
supports it in trouble - urges it to work when almost in despair.
Of this sort, Columbus affords a strange instance. He thought
himself sent by God to find a new world, and felt that while doing
as he did, he was but fulfilling a prophecy. Amidst all his sufferings
and privations, and the contempt cast upon him for his strange
fancies, (for they were not considered much else) when the sailors
mutinied, in every thing the firm belief of what he was about to
accomplish sustained him.
Yet notwithstanding all their foreknowledge of what they are
destined to be, geniuses are not happy. This merely seves [serves] to make
them contented for a while with their lot - bear what other men
do: for had they not something of the kind to support them, they
would die of utter hopelessness. They need more than the mere
necessaries of life. Their hearts are open to every good feeling, and
they expect those of other men to be the same: they are ready to
receive everyone to their bosom as friends - confide in all: but they
soon find to their sorrow that all is not kindliness in the world,
and their feelings come home to them bruised and wounded.
They find that their great talents but serve to make them more
obnoxious to envy, and too late, that the world mistakes them and
they have mistaken the world.
73
It may be that this want of encouragement strengthens
such men. They are forced to work. Trouble and opposition bring out
their full power: yet it is a bad way and some have sunk under it.
Keats, who wrote some of the most delicate poetry, died of a broken
heart, caused by opposition and ridicule. His nature was too
sensitive for the treatment he received: while Byron, quite as
sensitive, yet with pride that nothing could break, grew strong.
His whole being was roused to action and nothing could turn
him. It was like blowing upon coals, that but flash and sparkle
in the face of the blower, and instead of being extinguished, soon
burst into flame to be seen more plainly by those around. -
And Byron did shine, so that the whole world saw and stood
entranced. Opposition strengthened him; but it was to the ruin of many
good qualities.
Genius starts full of hope. It looks abroad upon the world
with heart full of gladness - ever ready to enjoy the good things
here given by God. Of its own strength it rises and puts forth its
feeble hands to work, but the buffitings of the hearless world
beat it down: again it essays to rise, but cannot, and cries for
help, and receives nothing but scorn and rebuke. Then comes despair,
flat despair - and when a man comes to that God help him for
man cannot. Then, when all hope is gone, like the dying swan,
or the nightengale robbed of her young, genius sings most
sweetly. But it is a mournful melody - the last gasps of
a breaking heart - one broken by the pitiless world, and
shall we take pleasure in them?
Genius will bear long. The consciousness of its worth will
74
support it for beyond the endurance of other men -
Burns when about to leave his native land, forever, had nearly
lost hope, and his sufferings must have been great to cause this,
for his was a buoyant nature, and could support itself better than
many. From unexpected good fortune he did not leave his country,
but remaining at home was honoured for a while, and was then
cast back to his poverty and hardship.
Homer, while alive, a poor blind man wandering from
city to city was hardly known; yet when dead seven cities contended
for the honor of being his birth place, and he was thought almost
a god.
When Columbus first landed in this new world what visions
of glory floated through his mind! He saw himself honoured and
courted by kings and remembered by all nations in all ages. Did he
dream of being carried a felon, in chains, across the broad
ocean, which he for the first time, with so much difficulty
had traversed? Yet was it not so? The man who had given to
the King and Queen of Spain, [illegible]! to the Eastern Hemisphere,
a new world, was cast into prison for desiring to govern
what he had discovered. His fame was to come afterwards. -
hundreds of years afterwards.
The end of genius is often sad. It may be prospered for
a while, but its prosperity is not lasting. Its whole story
is "Endure and die."
75
Second Chapel piece - spoken, March 15th, 1848 - U.V.M.
Catholicism and Freedom incompatible.
It may be considered an axiom, that different
principles which are, in and of themselves, correct, will harmonize
with one another in whatever way they may be brought together -
that there will be no discrepencies in whatever form they
may appear.
There is no doubt but that the world, instead of going back-
wards, growing worse and worse as some contend, is going onward
& upward to the highest point of civilization - and I mean by civil-
ization, not polish of manner but "reclaiming from savageness" in
every respect. To see this we have but to look about us and
compare things and men now, with those of former times.
The Romans in their most polished state were savages in
regard to moral principle. The games most loved by them were
gladiatorial shows, and their chief occupation was war. Brute
force was their ideal of excellence. It is not so now. We look to
intellectual rather [than] physical strength, and are beginning to admire
goodness of heart rather than great abilities.
If then mankind is growing wiser and better, every thing
which pertains to it is improving, and not among the things that
are improving the least, is, government -
The oldest form and that now found among the savage
tribes is monarchical and hereditary. All need to be ruled and
as untaught savage men cannot rule themselves another
must do it for them, and that one the strongest.
This is the first and most barbarous form of government -
that of might.
76
When it came to be that the most cunning tools the head there was
an approach to civilization, for the intellect was exercised. This form
held so long that at length men began to invest kings with a
"divine right", and thought their prerogative was not to be disputed:
and it was not disputed so long as men were ignorant of their
own rights and power. As they grew wiser they began to see their
condition, and the yoke of servitude galled them. The signing of Magna
[Ch]arta, the execution of Charles I. of England, and of Louis XVI.
of France, went far towards divesting kings of their divinity: and the
French and American revolutions opened men's eyes to truths they
had not before seen.
It is now known that the best form of government is
that in which men learn to govern themselves, and the nearest
approach to it is the republican. It is the fruit of a growth of
civilization for four thousand years. Every government of enlightend
nations is coming nearer to it. It needs no great head. The
spirit of it pervades the people, is not a thing over them.
It gives men true liberty, and that is freedom of thought
[no]t of action. It gives men liberty to judge upon any subject
for themselves, and to act as they choose, but it presupposes
they will be influenced by right motives. This form seems to
be adapted right, for it is adapted to man in his highest
tale of civilaztion [civilization].
Government alone will not suffise for man. There is
more needed, without which government must be monarchical.
Other forms may be tried, but they will fail as was the case
in Athens and Carthage. They needed the true religion.
77
What is this? It is one that will harmonize with freedom and
become a part of it, in its best form. Is it one that gives men
liberty to act but not think? one that says, "read not God's
law for fear you may not understand it, but rather let those
who are over you expound and do you obey their teachings"? Is
such a religion compatible with liberty? Has it kept pace with the
march of improvement? Any form of worship that keeps its
followers in ignorance of its own doctrines and requires of them
a blind observance of its ceremonials cannot be in unison
with freedom of thought in any form. However much it may
have done, apparently, towards enlarging the bounds of civilization,
through its ministers and servants, self-love will be found to be
the ruling motive. Further than it scattered the seeds of knowledge,
its power extends. Its servants were made learned that they might
become more powerful instruments of spreading its doctrines.
Every thing it did was for its own aggrandizement, not the good
of mankind, and in its glory was the most complete
despotism ever exercised over man.
It is obvious that such a system is not fitted for
freemen. But men in their highest state of civilization
will be free: hence it follows that Liberty, and the mode
of worship of which we have spoken, cannot harmonize,
and as a matter of course one is right and the other wrong.
The Americans, and, indeed, all the enlightened nations
have a fact, not a Brahmin tradition, but a well established
fact, viz: that the world "hangs on nothing", and is kept in
its place, by a power which pervades and keeps in their
78
places all the heavenly bodies, and acting on them keeps
them in continual, regular motion, without collision or
disorder. They know too that unless the principles of self-government
be deeply seated in the hearts of the people, be the main spring
of all their actions, no government may hope to stand. But
let this be as inseperable from man as attraction from
matter, nations will endure as long and go on as harmoniously
as the Universe itself.
"All nature then shall be
In perfect unison with man
And man with Deity.
One more, as when the world began,
Shall God be all in all and the whole world be free."
Liberty a poem by
J. H. Hopkins.
Junior exhibition piece, spoken Aug. 1st. 1848. in the Cong. Church
Burlington, Vermont.
The effect of monasteries upon the early condition of England.
About the beginning of the fourth century, Christianity was first
introduced into England. For a while it flourished among the native
Britons: but at length was forgotten. Again at the end of the sixth
century, when a part of the island was in in [sic] the hands of the Saxons,
[i]t was preached by Augustine, a monk sent by pope Gregory and from
that time it steadily gained ground until it was firmly established
throughout the country. This was the beginning of civilization in
Britain. The Romans had, indeed, held it some hundred years
[pre]vious, but they could not force the inhabitants to refinement.
79
Now it was in the hands of the progenitors of the great Anglo
Saxon race, and they were Christians.
Never was a fitter time or place for the rise of a great
people. Rome was in her dotage. She had long held the sceptre that
swayed the world. Her libraries and galleries of art were filled
with the choisest works of genius - philosophers swarmed in her
streets - Apollo and Minerva, seemingly, having deserted Olympus,
had taken up their abode in this home of the arts.
But now a change had come over the face of things.
Corruption was at work in the trunk of that mighty tree
the Roman Empire, and it was about to fall and crush those
who had taken shelter beneath its far-spreding branches. The
goddess of learning, terrified at the vice and wickedness of
her new home, fled, and all weary and way-worn laid
herself down at the door of the rude barbarian of the North.
He received her kindly, and nourished her, together with
her sister Religion. So hand in hand they grew, and in
return have made their benefactors master of the world.
The religion which Augustine preached to Ethelbert and
his subjects was not one that would prosper in ignorance.
It[s] precepts, and the history of God's special people, and of the
world's Redeemer were written in foreign tongues. The writings
of the fathers were in Latin. Thus at the same time with
the introduction of the only true religion, did the Britons
become acquainted with three of the most important
languages and literatures. Moreover, Christianity, of itself,
fostered the spirit of true inquiry. It is a religion that
80
cultivated both mind and heart. Its teachers then, as now, were
set apart, and supposed to hold closer communion with God than
others. Their business was study. For this they needed a place
away from the world: for in those days barbarous times scholars
were few, and were looked upon as strange beings. They were
[re]tired and silent while life about them was active. They found
quiet in monasteries. Thither learned and pious men repaired,
with a zeal for knowledge and a determination to serve God.
There they could be alone with their books and God - in sol-
itude: yet never so little by themselves as then. There they
could study and meditate. There were the classics read
and preserved in all their purity. When Rome was crum-
bling to ruins - an unfit repository for things so precious -
the gems of literature were hiddden in the monasteries of
England. Thence, the monks, as from perrenial springs,
quaffed copoius draughts of learning. Then it was that
the English language received additional harmony and
copiousness from the Latin and Greek. Then careful study
of these produced such men as the "venerable Beda" - men
unequalled in energy and persevereance, and versed in
science as well as literature.
Monasteries became schools, and every branch of learning
was taught in them. Religion
and knowledge
then as they ever do, when
side by side, gained strength.
Thus the barbarous Saxons began to be a literary people.
Yet this was not all that was effected by monks and mon-
asteries. The social condition of those about them was
81
bettered. They introduced new arts of civil life. Monks served
as mediators between the upper and the lower classes. They
laid the foundation of English liberty: for by their encouragement
slaves were freed. They remitted the penances of the rich provided
that they aided the poor.
Monasteries were places of refuge to those who were
weary of the world and were desirous of ending a troubled
life in seclusion. Repentant criminals here found a home -
a place where they could fit themselves for the world to come.
Men in utter despair went thither and found freedom from
their cares.
Monasteries were often situated in the wildest deserts
to be found. Aa siecluded spot was wanted and that could
not be had in cultivated districts. Yet, soon, under their
genial influence, noisome swamps became beautiful
meadows, and barren tracts, rich harvest fields. At length
through their industry, not through avarice, for that came
not till after years, did they grow rich.
Then also, the wealthy dying bequeathed them large sums.
Kings delighted to endow them, for perchance they might
need them as places of refuge in times of trouble. There too
men desired to sleep their final sleep. Monasteries were inviolable.
No one could harm the living or desecrate the dead there.
Thus, at length, they became the sepulchers of the great, and
hence sprung that respect for the resting places of the dead, so
strong in the hearts of Englishmen. In times most disturbed
these dwellings of recluse monks have remained untouched -
82
and still remain as monuments of the veneration of the Anglo
Saxons for things sacred.
Thus by the piety of a few individuals, who thought that
by living alone they could worship God more in spirit, was
[l]aid the foundation of classic learning in England and of English
literature generally. By their benevolence were slaves made freemen,
by their energy and industry worthless lands became fruitful - and
by their example were the people made better -
Third Chapel piece - - spoken Sept. 20th 1848. U.V.M.
The madness of Lear -
Works of art are to be judged of, variously. There are some to
which there are laid down fixed rules, and unless these are followed,
the production is not what it professes to be. Such can be examined
[cri]tically - by the intellect. Every part may be looked at by itself -
[tri]ed by rule and measure to see that it follows its own law, and
[e]ach part may be compared with another to see that they have a
proper relation, and harmonize, so as to make a justly and
beautifully proportioned whole. These are the works that merely
present the outward world, that of which we gain a knowledge by
[our?] senses. But there is a higher branch of art than this, and
[its] productions in this higher sphere, are as much above others as the
[art] with which they have to do is above others material things.
They bring to light the feelings and passions of men, lay bare
83
his spiritual part - make it as it were palpable. They
cannot be examined by any critic's rules. Intellectual analysis
merely will not suffice. The heart is to be the arbitrator, and if
this be correct, natural, its judgement will be far better than
any thing laid down by rule. This only can appreciate the higher
works of art, for by it they are dictated.
One of the highest productions of the highest power of art
is Shakespear's King Lear.
The mere mechanical execution - the metre, arrangements of
the parts and so on, may be criticised: but this is the husk to
a kernel which no man, of rules and minute criticism, dare
touch. By what particular grammatical rule is the madness of
Lear to be governed? What rule shall say we must have a
question here, or an exclamation there? Why! the king is mad!
and only in our most excited moments can we appreciate
what Shakespear only could have written. We are to look into
our own deepest feeilngs, - ask our hearts, - whether this madness
of Lear is reality, or whether it is a player's mockery of the most
dreadful thing to be imagined - the wreck of an immortal being.
If our hearts tell us, that King Lear, heart-broken, is clean
mad by the ingratitude of his daughters, then criticism may beg.
The king is old, yet vigorous and warm hearted: but,
"Ingratitude, more strong than traitors' arms,
Quite vanquished him."
When the gentle Cordelia replied she loved him "according to
her bond" he was cut to the heart, for, from her he had expected
an overflow of affection. She was his youngest, and with her
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he had hoped to breath out life peaeefully [peacefully] and calmly: but was dis-
appointed. This was but the first link in the chain of sorrows that
was to encircle him.
Next he is turned out of the heart and home of her who had
professed to love him more than words can tell.
"As much as child e'er loved or father found.
A love that makes breath poor and speech unable."
She that first called him father did this, and it wrung his
heart until black drops oozed from it, and he breathed the deepest
curses upon her.
Then Regan, his final refuge, proving that she was made of
that self-same stuff with her sister, refused to receive him - left him
to the tender mercies of a fearful storm, yet more tender than the
mercies of "a thankless child."
Thus, by his own f short-sighted tenderness, deprived of his kingdom,
thrust out by his own offspring - heart-broken by their treatment, he
exclaims "I shall grow mad." Was it a mere matter of volition with
him whether he should hold his reason or not? Could he say, come
trouble you'll move me none at all? Was the black ingratitude
of the vile serpents he had cherished in this bosom to affect him
in no way? Could he stand amid the flood of his misfortunes
unmoved? As well might the bruised reed say to the swollen
mountain torrent, "I will not bend," or the oak, proud of
its giant strength, defy the lightning. The black cloud of despair
had overshadowed him, and crept into every corner of his heart,
smothering hope in its thick folds.
It is a fearful thing to see King Lear raving mad upon
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the barren heath. The storm in the heavens is but the outward
type of what is raging within him. He is attended by his fool -
a fit companion - both human - both void of reason. The one
without thought, the other so filled with one thought that it
has overwhelmed him. He cares not for the storm. The winds
may roar, and the rain pour in torrents: it is nought to
him. They are not his daughters. They owe him nothing, and he
will not tax them with unkindness. He is uncovered: his gray
locks are the sport of the fierce winds, and his wrinkled pout
exposed to the peltings of the storm: yet he heeds it not. His whole
mind is engulfed in the thought of the ingratitude of his
daughters -
In a lucid moment he partly understands his condition and
begins to speak of the treatment he has received: but stops and
exclaims,
"O! that way madness lies: let me shun that:"
He is so entirely embued with the thoughts of the unkindness
of his children, that when he sees Edgar as a madman, he supposes
him to have been brought to that pass by his daughters, and prays
that all plagues may light on them.
This is madness, real, unfeigned. It is not raving got up to
make the people stare. It cannot be acted. It is a reality in
itself. It is a true idea and that is more real than mere matter
of fact. No one can read King Lear without being moved.
We feel with Lear, are carried along with him, are stung as
he is stung as he is stung, and amid the storm and lightning
upon the heath are half mad ourselves. It can only be
86
appreciated by being read; and every one that does this carefully feels,
if he stops to think, at all, of an author, that Shakespear must have
known what madness was -
The King never raves after the first out break. He is quiet in
his madness after that: yet he sees not things as they are. Ingratitude
is the medium that distorts every ray that enters his mental vision.
In his shelter from the storm, he thinks himself in court and
proceeds to arraign his unnatural daughters, swearing, that, that
Goneril kicked the poor old king her father. Every words and
action show how deeply he is touched. He thinks he is turned off
by every thing: even the little dogs bark at him. To him, the
world is one of ingratitude, and he but stays in it because life
holds him. He goes about garlended, still thinking himself king,
and holds courts with beings of his wild imagination.
Reason never again resumes its sway. Though for a while,
from the time of seeing Cordelia until his death, he has his con-
sciousness. He is too entirely broken up to be what he once was,
and when he hears of his dearest one's death, the feeble spark of
life goes calmly out. It is what we expect - he is free from his cares.
Shakespeare knew that it would be revolting to our feelings
to have him live, imbecile as he was. His death is not necessary
to make this play a tragedy of the highest order - it is such
without it - but it is due to our failings expectations. Never were
expectations more fully realized in every respect than in this
play. It is nature - It is reality, and to say a word in its
[pr]aise would be but endeavouring "to paint the lily or gild
refined gold". -
87
Composition read Sept. 21st. 1848. U.V.M.
Natural History.
The study of the works of nature is, of all pursuits, the most
pleasing. In nature we are continually finding something new, something
to excite our wonder, and this is the seed of all knowledge. Our
minds are excited to new inquiries and exertions, the more
we exert and accustom ourselves to look into the causes of the
various things we see about us.
The final end of all study, from grammer to geology - from
physiology to psychology, is nature and its works. The highest we
can get is God, and the meanest animal that crawls upon the
earth is his work.
One of the most interesting of portions of nature's works, is
the animal creation, - the vast world of nervous life. Its
study opens the mind more and more to the power and all-seeing
goodness of Him who made all.
A student of Natural History never can be weary or satiated.
Were his minds as insatiable as the great vortex of life, still there
are new wonders, and never will it want things to admire and
call it on to new endeavours in this boundless field of science.
It is boundless; yet simple in its laws and regulations. Indeed,
its simplicity is its greatest wonder. There were times when
philosophers looked to the most complex methods for the solution
of any problem in nature: but they have seen their mistake,
and now, when they have reason to suppose that a new law is
about to be brought to light, the one most easily explained is
looked for -
88
The animal kingdom is the most extensive and nearest perfect.
It reaches from creations that appear to be but lifeless matter, to
man the most perfect of all beings upon the earth. He is the
image of the Creator and next to him is most worthy of our
attention. We cannot turn our eyes without beholding specimens of
the animal kingdoms. The land seems to be alive. Every crevice
in the earth is the refuge of some creeping thing - the hills are
[co]vered with herds, the jungles and thickets are alive with beasts
of prey and hideous serpents - and the trees are the resting place
of those whose home is the air. Every bit of decayed wood, even,
has its inhabitant.
But our wonder is turned into astonishment, when we behold
the myriads that swarm in the deep. Every globule of water is
teeming with life. We wonder at the minuteness and are astonished
at the magnitude of Ocean's inhabitants. Yet the monsters of the
deep - the inhabitants of water drops, and the animals of the
[dry] land have but one end and object. Whales and polypi, elephants,
every living creature, - all tend toward one thing - the nourishment
of man. He is at the head of animal life, - the perfection of this
world. In him are concentrated all forms of life. There is
no creature but can find a type of itself in man - and the
tracing of this universal law contains all that is wonderful
in Natural History -
Vegetables draw their nourishment from unorganised
matter. They organise, give life to it, and thus it becomes
fitted for the food of animals, and they in turn become the
food for other animals of a higher order. Thus it is easy
89
to see how the lowest creature, the most imperfect worm,
does its part towards sustaining man. Where there is corruption
and this is filled with animal life of the most loathsome kind,
these animals - the scavengers of creation - are but arresting the
work of decay, and turning back this disorganising matter into
the channels of life. Were it necessary for all matter to be
disorganised, to go back to its original elements and thus return
through the vegetable, to animal life, the chain of creation
would be imperfect: there would be links wanting and finally
life would become extinct. But, by animals subsisting upon animals
this is prevented, and every thing goes on harmoniously and con-
tinuously, forming and perfecting the circle, the great end and
aim of which is to support the only creature endowed with a
soul -
90
Fourth Chapel piece, written April 13th 1849. U.V.M.
Spoken April. 18th
Earnestness, a mark of genius.
Earnestness is one of the distinguishing marks of genius.
However much men of genius may differ in other things, in
their pursuits or in ability, they will all be found alike earnest
in whatever they undertake. Lukewarmness is not one of their
characteristics. There is no half-doing here. Whatever they find to do,
is done "with might and mind and strength." The commonest, every-
day, matter-of-course duties are performed with an emphasis that
makes common minds tremble. It is not that they take more
interest in the matter-of-fact phase of life than others, for the
converse is true: but there is a spirit of earnestness within that
must and will work itself out - that will make itself
known to its fellow-men by action: - action! - not like
that of others, merely for the sake of performing so much labor:
but action like that of volcanic fires bursting from the earth. -
action to relieve itself.
This same energy, excess of vitality, earnestness, or whatever
you choose to call it, urges its possessor on to undertakings
that men, without this spur, would never dream of, except as
impossibilities: and yet these mighty undertakings are but
satisfaction, or more truly speaking relief, to those thus
goaded on. Men of such temperments must work. It is
not for them to say, "I will take my ease to-day and to-morrow
I will be up and ready." Idleness is not for such men. To them
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Idleness and Misery are synonymous terms. Their only ease is
in labour. The very restlessness, that wears out other men, is
the life of such - the antidote against all moral poisons.
Why did Milton write? Was it to please others? or rather was it
not because he was driven on by something he could not control?
by himself? There was a continual working within in him, that
must be made known - be written down. Had he not sung,
his life would have been an uncesing [unceasing] struggle with the inward
fires of his genius, - pent up, they would have scorched him,
and he would have died miserable. But he did his work, and
who can doubt he was satisfied.
This readiness to go forward on all occasions is at the bottom
of open-heartedness, of generosity. It blinds men to the faults of others,
and even throws a bill over their own. Thus they have no distrust
of their abilities, and show themselves to the world as Nature has
made them, without disguise or concealment. They expose to view
their bad as well as good qualities, and until thoroughly convinced
of error, are as ready to stand by the one as the other. They have more
of that feeling that may be called worldly-wisdom to restrain them -
none of that feeling which causes men to watch the lips of others
to see whether there be scorn or approval upon them. They may, and
do, feel the withering blast of contempt as it sweeps across their
bosoms, yet never in their hopes or fears, do they anticipate it.
They go on from the impulse of the moment, doing the work
that seems good to them, without the advice of any one.
This earnestness gives trifles an uncommon interest, and what
are considered every day occurances by some, become eras in the lives
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of those who see through the medium of it. Those who regard
every event as, merely, a part of the regular routine of life - who
find nothing wonderful in the occurances of each day, rarely effect
much. There is nothing to rouse them. Whereas, he who sees in every
change of the heavens the hand of the Almighty, in every movement of
of [sic] the wind, the power of an all-wise God, and who by simple things
infused with his power and goodness
will be found among the mighty in intellect and
moral
strength.
Between the mind and the outward world there is a reciprocal
action and reaction, as between the senses and the objects of sense.
The flash of lightning may be terrible, yet it affects the blind man
not at all. The thunder may roar, but the deaf man heeds it not.
Only as a man's senses are acute does he receive ideas through them.
So the events of life affect minds, only, as they are capable of ap-
preciating them. The ready, active, intellect sees something worthy of
notice in every phenomenon, and is moved accordingly, while the
sluggish man waits in vain for a chance to distinguish himself.
There is something startling in the energy with which strong
earnest men grapple with their destiny. They make, what
comes by chance to some, and carries them along in its current,
their slave. Fate is a thing in which they thave [have] a hand.
Here is strength - strength that directed the right way will ever
be doing good to itself and others; but which put put upon the
wrong track, will, not only make itself miserable, but be
the ruin of its fellow - men - strength that will do its duty
in silence and harmony with those about it, so long as unopposed,
then, when opposed, like the lightning, that glides so noiselessly along
its proper conducter, and destroys whatever may obstruct it in its
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silent pathway, it, also, crushes all obstacles.
Truth strikes these earnest minds more forcibly than others,
and in return is more plainly brought to light. It comes to them as
it has passed through generations, unappreciated, unfelt, and for
the first time is felt, is appreciated. Again it goes forth with the
zeal of genius upon its parchment as a mark of its genuiness - Then
it works its way doing good and being felt.
Genius does not always pour forth original - perfectly new - things
but it shows trite and old truths in so bold a light, that they are mis-
taken for something not before known. This is the originality of
genius. That feeling which carries the whole soul into every under-
taking is at the root. When we see a man really earnest, doing
what he himself believes to be the right and true, faith follows
readily. It is not natural for man to distrust man, whatever
may be said to the contrary, and when one shows by his actions
that he is conscious of being in the path of duty he will ever
find followers.
This ready earnestness in every situation will ever be found
in true genius. Its possessor becomes an actor when others
would be but spectators.
Although from this well-spring of energy, may bubble forth
water pure and sparkling, yet, if stirred too deep, the dark
pitch of Tartarus, is not blacker or more filthy than the stream
that pours therefrom -
94
Graduating piece, written July 1849. spoken Aug. 1st '49.
The Greek Populace -
There is in nations as well as individuals, a characteristic spirit
that will in some degree develop itself and impart to its possessors, a
marked character which no force of circumstances can entirely restrain -
its vigor may be modified by situation and peculiar events, strengthened or
weakened, but the original indomitable soul of man can never be
[en]tirely deprived of its freedom. When this characteristic spirit is
assisted by fortuitous events and has every aid in its development,
it gives a nation a character that will not fail to leave its impress
upon the age in which it exists.
The Greek nation seems to have been one thus favored with
a restless spirit of progress and with circumstances to develop its utmost
strength and peculiarity. Although more than twenty centuries have elapsed
since its prime, yet for ages past it has exercised a civilizing power upon
mankind greater than that of any other nation, and, although but the
[ruins?] of its ruins remain its influence is still felt and will continue
to be, so long as man can appreciate the beautiful in Literature or
Art. Its influence, like the light of a star blotted out of existance,
continues to diffuse itself years after its source has disappeared.
The Greeks were peculiar in themselves, and were made
yet more so by the country they inhabited, and the circumstances
in which they were placed. Descended from the nearest perfect
of the human race, the Caucasian, revelling, as it were, in heath [health]
and strength, by their severe mental and physical training they
95
soon came to take the lead in the known world. In their love of war,
in their acuteness of intellect and readiness in every emergency,
in their insatiable thirst for revenge, in their duplicity, and
most especially in their plain heart-moving eloquence, during
their infancy, they resembled more than any other people, the Aborigines
of this country. But there was in the Greek a spirit that could
not content itself with the present. There was always something
higher and better to which it was aspiring, the effect of which
can be seen in the beautiful remains of Literature and Art that
have come down to us this day.
Although divided into various tribes, dissimilar in their
habits and customs, still, by their religion were they united in the
closest intimacy. It was a belief that fostered superstition in its
most beautiful form, and led men to trust to, and expect direct
and immediate responses from the gods on every occasion. Thus it
kept them in awe of the unseen divinities, and led to a reverence
of them, of their temples and outward representations that well
might cause Christians to blush. It fostered Literature and Art,
for by the one were their gods made visible to the senses, and
through the instrumentality of the other were they praised. The
Greeks were idol-worshippers, yet not to the extent of the Romans.
They were more spiritual in their nature and thus looked beyond
the mere sensuous images, to the invisble powers of which
their matchless-statues were but symbols. The attributes of
the Almighty were to them as distinct and different beings,
and as such were worshipped -
96
At their games all met on equall footing, and partook with equal
interest in the contest. The sluggish Boeotian, the vivacious Athenian,
the hardy Spartan, contended for the same prizes and gave thanks to
the same gods for victory. The Parthenon, the Minerva of Phidias, the
Olympian Jupiter were the property of all. Every Athenian, however poor,
as he gazed upon the lofty and beautifully sculptured pillars of Minerva's
wonderful temple, or on the majestic features of the Phidian Jove, felt
the same interest as the most wealthy archon. They were his as much
as he was a part of the commonwealth.
Greece as a country, was the most delightful and healthy then
known. In richness its soil rivalled that of the ante-deluvian world -
spontaneously the olive grew upon its plains and the grape upon its mountains,
its inhabitants, without labor, were refreshed by the purple juice of the
one and strengthened by the golden oil of the other. Its history lent it
a new interest. Every hill had its legend and every valley its hero. The
very breezes as they played among the vine-clad hills and rushed down the
vallies of the murmuring brooks, breathed of freedom. The mountain
[to]ps, as they glistened in the morning sun, seemed to point to heaven and
speak of the glory of those who had given their lives for their country.
Born in a country like this, and amid circumstances that
of themselves would create heroes, the Greek added to these advantages
an education, that has never been surpassed. Endowed by nature with
reform that has ever been a model for the artist, by proper exertion from
youth to manhood, he developed it to its utmost strength and sym-
metry. The training necessary for entering the lists at the games
was such as to make men of steel rather than of flesh and blood.
They contended before the assembled multitudes of Boeotia and Sparta,
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Attica and Achaia. There before all Greece, at the feet of their
rulers, before the eyes of their parents and friends, the combatants, full
to overflowing, of vital energy stepped into the arena to do battle for honor
alone, yet honor so high that fathers died from excess of joy at seeing
their sons crowned victors. To wear the laurel once ever, at the Olympic
games was considered as honor enough for a life time.
Then glowing with the warm blood of health and rejoicing in
their strength they rest from the victorious contests of the palaestrum to
the more exciting contests for intellectual superiority in the market-place.
Here quivering with excitement stands a crowd of young men listening to
the recitation of the Iliad, how, "The twang of the silver bow was
terrible." There with pale lips and strained eyes and heaving chests
stand thousands listening to the winged words of Demosthenes, as, con-
juring them by the shades of those who fell at Marathon, by the
shades of the brave three hundred that with Leonidas, went down
to sup in Pluto's kingdom, he incites them against the Macedonian
invader. Soon the theatre is open, and, as the curtain rises, Prometheus,
who first brought fire from heaven, appears, chained to the rough
crags of the Caucasus. He is as indomitable as the Satan of Milton,
and, in vain, Jove endeavours to wrest from him his secret -
crushed and pierced he asserts his strength and immortality - bound
in chains of adamant he is free.
Educated thus - with bodies strengthened in the gymnasium -
with hearts touched by the relation of the deeds of their ancestors at
Marathon and Thermopylae - with wills hardened by the sight of
the torments of the godlike Prometheus - the Greek went forth to active
life. Yet, beyond all these, there was a power that gave him a
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delicacy of feeling and nicety of perception in matters of taste
that no other ever acquired. This refining influence was beauty. It
was felt by the Greek in all situations and at all times: at home,
abroad, in the streets of Athens, in the country, all about him was beauty
displayed, and susceptible as he was to every emotion of the higher order
he felt its power to its utmost extent. Beauty has a power over its
admirer that can only be felt. There is at the perception of it, a fulness
of ideas, a pleasurable tumult of the feelings that words cannot show
forth, but which is felt in every movement of the mind, and gives
a coloring to the outward manifestations of the ideal that can be gained
only by a close communion with Nature and Art in their perfect
development. The contemplation of it refines the moral perceptions also and
it may be said with some truth it was the most powerful moral
teacher the Greek ever had. Under its soothing influence his naturally
impetuous and somewhat brutal passions became calm and pure affections.
Instead of a mere being, well developed physically, he became a nearly
perfectly educated, intellectual man.
The sense of beauty reacted upon itself, and by the study of art
in its highest form, this faculty gained strength and purity, and thus
became able to reproduce in its own ideal a work of art superior
to any model, until at length it gained the summit of perfection
in Phidias as a sculpture and Æschylus, Sophocles and Eurypides as poets.
The lofty height which the greatest genius of a nation attains
is the result of the working of the whole people, but is not an index
of the whole fading of that people. It is merely an expression
of its present tendency. It reaches its greatest elevation but for
a moment, and then goes on never again to return, as a
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swimmer in a torrent, with outstreched arms ready to grasp any chance
of succor, reaching with but the lips [tips] of his fingers the saving rope,
is swept onward in the course of the roaring waters.
The Greek with his strongly marked character, with his
mental and physical endowments, in a country never yet surpassed,
using a language so pure that it seemed almost impossible to express
impure thoughts through it, living amid the refining influences of
the works of the greatest artists, reached once, the highest point
in Literature and Art that has ever been reached by man, But
there was wanting the principle that alone can preserve a nation
in its strength and purity. He was a Pagan and fell - fell
yet the ruins of his country have been a mine of beauty to
all succeeding ages -
Finis -
100
Commencement -
The sunday, preceeding the day upon which we were to
graduate, was ushured in by a clear morning. The sun seemed
to have gathered new vigor from the refreshing showers of the
few days before, in order to pour his scorching rays upon
our devoted heads upon that day -
At two o'clock all the seniors were present at the
church door, and in a few moments had taken their seats
in the very shadow of the pulpit, under the droppings of the
sanctuary, "the observed of all observers." Soon our venerable
president elect, the Rev. Worthington Smith D.D. was
seen slowly making his way toward the sacred desk. Not
a student rose as he passed to the scandalizing of many
of the good persons who were looking on. A a [sic] prayer deep
and solemn in its tones, and a hymn, he began his discourse.
First he spoke upon his text in general terms - preached a
sermon - then he addressed himself particularly to us as mem-
bers of the University and finally as about to graduate
and enter upon the active duties of life - He spoke of
the "studious retreats" we were about to leave, and of
the follies, and faults, and errors, and perhaps vices
we had been led into, but, for which, as we grew older,
we should repent. His discourse was more than two
hours in length, and but few were sorry when we
closed. The day continued warm and gave every
promise of fair weather for the ensuing week -
101
On the evening of Monday July, 30th. the Rev. Ebenezer
Cutter addressed of Waterford Vt. addressed the so Society of
Religious Inquiry.
Tuesday morning the students, after breakfast, collectd
about the American Hotel whence they were to march in
procession to the Congregational Church to be present at the
Inauguration of the President. The ceremony was performed
about eleven, by Smith simply taking the oath, administerd
by Chas. Adams the oldest graduate from the University.
Dr Smith then delievered an oration and that exercise closed.
Just after dinner father arrived in Burlington, and having found
him and abiding place, we then went over to the church to
attend the Celebration of the Literary Societies - A mistake - I
did not find him until after the Celebration of the Societies -
We marched with from the American with badges of the
Literary Societies only. Robertson and Petty were upon
the stage as presidents of the Phi Sigma Nu and Institute
societies respectively. Washburn our expected orator disappointed
us, so our celebration was deferred and that of the Alumni
went on. The Alumni listened to a long and very borous
address from C.F. Davey, and afterwards to a very
simple poem from O.W. Withington. After leaving the
church I went down to the square, and then found father,
who had been in town some hours. I found him a
place to stop at and took tea with him. In the
evening he attended Junior exhibition, which was
good, though it did not quite come up to the one the
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year before. The house was well filled as a matter of
course, and the galleries made a great display of beauty
and fashion -
Wednesday morning was such a one as the student
would have voted had they been allowed to act upon the
matter. The sun was bright and hot, the roads dry and
dusty, - things as necessary to the comfort and good order
of a procession as the marshalls themselfves. After some
delay in front of college occasioned by the meeting of the
alumni, and the trouble of getting the freshmen into march-
ing order, we started - The music was pretty good, and we
did as well as possible in keeping time, though that was
rather difficult to such as had no ear for music. After
marching about through the dirt and dust until the seniors
were in a fit condition to show themselves upon the stage
and their throats were well parched we reached the
church. The Alumni and freshmen went in, the rest
scattered at the door. Those about to speak rushed for
the vestry to get off some of the dirt and clear out their
throats - -
Mills spoke first. He had a bette[r] piece than I
ever heard from him before. Petty came last with his
usual style and manner. This was the pride of the ΛΙ
satisfied. I had the place just before the first music, a
better situation than I expected. Higher followed me
after the music. He had as good a piece as there was
in the lot, but it was too much above common com-
103
prehension to be much liked. Abbot spoke next before Petty.
Shaw next befor him, a strain of music intervening -
Robwerson & Loomis just before him - &c -
The pieces were highly commended as a general thing.
There were no really bad ones, and some were certainly
superior to any spoken the year before -
From the church all went to the corporation dinner at
the American, There was a crowd. Our class found seats all
together, and we had a good comfortable time of it -
Roast pig & salmon were hurried to their tombs in a war
that was most unceremonious. There was no wine,
and but little speaking, so the eating was the main part,
and that was well done -
After dinner there was a short resting spell, then
we that were managers began to hurry for the evening's
business - a ball.