Chapter IV: Preface (4)

"Wm. A. Smith was born in Fredericksburg, Va., November 29, 1802. His mother was a consistent member of the Methodist Church, and in death prayed that her son might live to preach the glorious gospel. His father was a man of honorable character and position. Both died when he was of a tender age. For a time the orphan boy had rough usage; but he was afterwards adopted and raised by Mr. Russell Hill, a friend of his father, and a worthy merchant of Petersburg. When seventeen years old, he was converted, and joined the M. E. Church. He had received a good English education, and had commenced the study of the classics; but feeling that he was called of God to the ministry, and not being able to attend college as he desired, he studied privately one year at the home of his uncle, Mr. Porter, in Orange county, and taught school two or three years in Madison. In 1824 he travelled the Gloucester circuit under the Presiding Elder; in February, 1825, he was admitted on trial into the Virginia Conference. In 1833, while Agent for Randolph-Macon College, then in its infancy, he met with a fearful accident: the carriage which he was driving upset and fell on him, breaking his right thigh and dislocating his left hip, and badly laming him for life. He was a delegate to the General Conference of the M. E. Church every session from 1832 to 1844, and occupied a high position in that great council as an adviser and debater. In the memorable appeal case of Harding, and in the yet more important extrajudicial trial of Bishop Andrew, which led to the division of the church, he won a reputation wide as the United States, and inferior to that of no minister of any denomination, for the highest deliberative and forensic eloquence. He was a member of the Louisville Convention which organized the M. E. Church, South, and of all the General Conferences of this church to the date of his death. He commanded universal respect and confidence among his brethren by the sincerity of his zeal, the wisdom of his counsels, and the power of his reasoning. His impress will long remain on the legislation and institutions of Southern Methodism. In 1846 he was called from the regular pastorate, by the urgency of the Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, sanctioned by the Virginia Conference, to the Presidency of this institution. He was selected for that place because his courage, energy and strength of intellect seemed indispensable not only to the prosperity, but even to the saving of this noble institution. Twenty years of his life was consecrated to this cause--years of self-sacrifice, of unremitting toil, of courageous battling with difficulties and victory over them; of hope where others desponded, of faith where others doubted, of resolution where others wavered. He was diligent in his study, diligent in his lecture-room, diligent in his travel through Virginia and North Carolina to collect money and to arouse interest in behalf of the College. The number of students steadily increased, the standard of scholarship was elevated, and through the joint efforts of Dr. Smith and the agents of the College an endowment fund of $100,000 was raised. Then came the terrible war, which emptied those classic halls and swept away the funds which had been gathered with so much toil. Yet not in vain had he labored. Scores of ministers, hundreds of pious young men, educated under his care, moulded by his influence, are this day in their several spheres carrying on the same grand work to which he was devoted, and have learned, from his teachings and example, never to surrender, never to despair of Randolph-Macon.

"We have not spoken of Dr. Smith as a preacher and pastor. He soon rose to eminence in the ministry, and stood with the foremost in the pulpit and pastorate for faithfulness, ability and success. He had a deep, distinct, happy, constant experience of the saving grace of God in Christ Jesus. His zeal for the cause of religion was pure, steady, consuming. He was fully consecrated to the work of the ministry. The doctrines and polity of our church had no stronger, nobler expounder and champion than he. His sermons were "logic on fire"--grand and solid discussions of the leading truths of the gospel, animated with deep emotion. Thousands were converted under his ministry; many of them became preachers of the word in our own and other denominations; the churches he served were ever edified and trained, not less by his pastoral fidelity than by his luminous discourses.

"As a man, he was of marked character. Who that ever saw him could forget that bold, frank, noble face and forehead, which revealed at a glance the lofty attributes of his intellect, the loftier attributes of his heart! Cunning and deceit he knew not; to fear he was a stranger; his convictions he was ever ready to avow and maintain. Yet, with all his courage and indomitable energy of will, he had a tender, sympathetic heart, and much of a child-like spirit, simple, unselfish, trustful, easy to be entreated." *

* Copied from Memoir in Virginia Conference Minutes.

Rev. C. F. Deems did not accept the chair of Latin, and O. H. P. Corprew was elected professor _pro tempore_, and filled the place.

At a meeting of the Board held March 31, 1847, an effort was made to establish a medical department of the College, but it never resulted in any permanent success.

At the meeting of the Board held June, 1847, President Smith reported that the session had been pleasant and the prospects of the College improving. The success of the Agents in their work gave promise of better financial conditions. A committee was appointed to reorganize the Preparatory School system, and it was proposed to establish one or more at salient points.

Professor J.W. Hardy tendered his resignation, which was accepted. He had been elected President of La Grange College, Alabama, where he died after a short service.

The following received degrees:

A. B.

BENNETT PURYEAR, Va.
JOHN MOODY, Va.
R. H. BEALE, Tenn.

A. M.

W. C. DOUB, N. C.
JOHN LYON, Va.
T. C. JOHNSON, Mo.
ARCHIBALD CLARK, Va.
THOMAS H. ROGERS, Va.
JOHN HOWARD, Va.

D. D.

REV. D. S. DOGGETT, Va.
REV. EDWARD WADSWORTH, Ala.

At a meeting of the Board held at Charlottesville November 17, during the session of the Virginia Conference, a further issue of life-scholarships was authorized.

The committee on Preparatory Schools reported in favor of retaining the old school at the College under certain rules, and the establishment of one at Ridgway, N. C., under a contract with the Trustees of the Ridgway Academy, with William C. Doub, A. M., as Principal; also of one at Garysburg, N. C., with C. B. Stuart, A. M., as Principal.

At the close of the year, June, 1848, the President in the annual report reported increased patronage, and a session marked by studiousness and good order among the students. The number in the College and the Preparatory School was about one hundred and forty.

The graduates receiving degrees June, 1848, were--

A. B.

JOHN C. GRANBERY, Va.
JOHN H. CLAIBORNE, Va.
JAMES R. BRANCH, Va.
JOHN S. MOORE, Va.
DALLAS SMITH, Ala.
TAZEWELL HARGROVE, N. C.
RICHARD G. MORRIS, Va.
GEORGE W. FRIEND, Va.
CHARLES E. WILLIAMS, Va.
JAMES D. BLACKWELL, Va.

A. M.

CHARLES B. STUART, Va.
TURNER M. JONES, N. C.
WILLIE M. PERSON, N. C.
J. W. SHELTON, N. C.
THOMAS B. RUSSELL, Ga.
JOHN G. BOYD, Va.
WILLIAMS T. DAVIS (Hon'y), Va.
BENJAMIN JENKINS (Honorary), Missionary M. E. Church, South, in China.

D'Arcy Paul, Investing Agent and Chairman of the Finance Committee, reported the probable income for coming year at about $3,500, $2,000 of which amount to come from fees and the balance endowment dividends.

We pause again in this narrative to give a reminiscence of College life as written in 1882 by a distinguished member of the class last named, John C. Granbery, who delivered the valedictory as first-honor man. The distinction then achieved was but a presage of his rank in the several positions he has been called to fill--Pastor, Chaplain to the University of Virginia, Chaplain in the Confederate army (in which service he was severely wounded and taken prisoner), Professor in the Vanderbilt University, Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South (elected 1882), and author of several works. At this writing he lives at Ashland, and is the President of the Board of Trustees.

"As the earliest of the American Methodist Colleges now extant, Randolph-Macon may be called venerable, if not ancient. But I use the prefix _old_ in order to distinguish the College as it was at Boydton from the College as it is at Ashland. The features of contrast are many and important. In the old days slavery was, as we thought, a fixed and lasting institution; civil strife had not swept away lives and fortunes, and the South was proud, independent, fiery and enthusiastic, chivalrous withal, generous, genial; now we are just beginning to adjust ourselves to the new social and political conditions which have been imposed by a disastrous war. Then there was a single degree, Bachelor of Arts, for which the students strove, and the course of four years was prescribed, with its regular gradations of Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors; now the studies are eclectic, and the matriculates may select any one of several degrees, or study without reference to graduation. Then the lumbering stage brought up the tri-weekly, or perhaps daily, mail and passengers, and the word of the driver rang forth cheerily, but no shrill whistle of steam-engine or thunder of lightning trains disturbed the silence of the classic groves, and the attractions and distractions of the crowded, hurrying, clamorous city were out of reach and out of thought; now the steam-car and the steam-press are familiar objects, the capital is less than an hour's distance, and the stage-coach is a tradition.

"A change has taken place in the manner and measure of collegiate discipline. This is due not to the change of locality, but to the spirit of the age. It has come to be a maxim that the best government is that which governs least. We seek the minimum of restriction on liberty that is compatible with the ends of government, viz., order, morality and diligence. Formerly the dormitory system prevailed; students were required to be in their rooms during certain hours of the day and night; professors and tutors visited the buildings, seeking to surprise the inmates, in order to ascertain whether the rule was observed; there were many minute regulations which have since been abandoned. This continued exercise of authority and plan of watching provoked insubordination and evasion; the wits of the boys were set to work in order to deceive the teachers, and to break the rules without detection, or, at least, with impunity. The risk gave to mischief and lawlessness a relish they would not otherwise have possessed. Unwholesome suppers were stealthily brought to the rooms by negroes at late hours of the night; calathumps aroused the neighborhood with most hideous music; blackboards were greased; the bell-rope was cut, and old John had to blow his horn at daybreak in every row of the buildings, as a call to prayers and recitations. This provoked him greatly, and he used to say, 'If you won't be rung up as gentlemen, I must blow you up as hogs.' How heartily I have heard Dr. Smith laugh as he repeated the old negro's complaint at such times, 'We have the worstest young men, and the mostest on 'em, I ever seed!' Practical jokes, sometimes of a very disagreeable sort, were played on professors in their nocturnal rounds of inspecting the premises. Calves were hauled up into lecture-rooms, and other silly tricks were perpetrated. I am glad that these follies have passed away, that faculty and students treat each other as gentlemen and friends, and that the public sentiment of the College would not tolerate any rudeness, though disguised under the name of fun. It is well to appeal to the conscience, gentlemanly propriety and honor, and generous and kindly sentiments of young men, rather than resort to espionage and multiplied restraints.

"I appreciate the arguments in favor of locating institutions of learning on the great lines of travel, and in or near large towns. It should be easy to get to them, and get away from them. The frequent mail and the time-destroying telegraph are now indispensable where students are a small minority of the population, and where there is a vigilant and effective police many disorders are prevented, and faculties and boards of trust are saved much trouble. Low vice is cheap, and will go to the most secluded spot in search of victims; but the city presents many refined pleasures which may serve to draw off ingenuous youth from haunts of sin and projects of mischief. But there are advantages on the side of the more quiet and retired situation. It favors concentration of interest on books, lectures, and light collegiate exercises. The whole life at the country college becomes student life. There is no division of mind and heart. There is nothing to tempt the earnest youth from his proper work. The _esprit du corps_ of old Randolph-Macon was very strong. There were hospitable and cultivated homes in the neighborhood, and most charming maidens; those who visited them found entangling alliances for life, if the fair sex consented. But the number of young ladies sufficiently near to be easily visited was small, and many of the students were not, if I must use the modern slang which was unknown in my day, calicoists. The two literary societies were centres of enthusiasm. A new Randolph-Macon student can hardly understand the intensity of devotion "Washs" and "Franks" had for their societies in those times. All students were members of the one or of the other, and were ready to brag for it, quarrel for it, and, if need be, fight for it. They did not all attend regularly the meetings, or take part in discussion and other literary exercises; their lack of presence or performance was amply atoned for by the payment of their fines, for we were always eager to replenish the treasury. But a number studied carefully the questions of debate, reading largely, and thus, forming a fondness for books and habit of reflection; they prepared their speeches, and often waxed very warm. Indeed, bitterness and strife would sometimes arise, but they soon passed away. A frequent and effective debater of rather waspish and contemptuous temper alluded one day to the arguments of his opponents as flimsy cobwebs, as he quoted one after another, and answered it, 'I brush that cobweb away,' said he. A modest, merry-hearted man on the other side--he is now one of Lee's one-armed heroes--responded: 'The gentleman called my arguments cobwebs, and it may be that they are; but to-day is not the first time that I have seen a fly caught in a spider's web, and vainly struggling to get loose.' Colonel R., an intelligent gentleman of the community, said to me more than once, when he had been listening to a spirited debate, 'It is not inferior to the best debates I have heard in the Legislature of Virginia.' Some of the most skilled debaters in church and state would give a large share of the credit for their power in deliberative assemblies to the inspiration and training of those old Randolph-Macon halls. Many foolish things were spoken there, I must admit. 'I don't know I did the thing with which I am charged,' said an excited Frank; 'but if I did, I oughtn't to be fined, for I did it with malice aforethought.' 'With malice aforethought!' responded the censor, who was our honored and beloved Duncan; 'who ever heard before of that being an excuse?' 'I said it, and I repeat it, that I did it with malice aforethought; and if the gentleman doesn't understand, I will explain that it is a law phrase, and means I didn't go to do it!'

"There were many traditions in my day of giants who had been at old Randolph-Macon. They told how Dr. Olin, the first President, a man of great head and heart, would send for an idle or offending student, place his feet on the chair where the delinquent sat so as to hold him, a close prisoner, and talk to him faithfully, yet tenderly, until with burning cheeks and floods of tears the youth promised never again to offend. It was a memorable event when the great man preached; solid thought in vast masses was driven to the mark with resistless power. There was a story of an eloquent and mighty sermon from Dr. Lovick Pierce, of Georgia, from a text which astonished every listener: 'Let him that stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.' There were glowing reports of the wonderful pathos and power of Russell, of Georgia; how he melted the cold, stone hearts of the Faculty, who were bent on sending him home, but they had all their resolves converted into admiration and sympathy for the youth who pleaded eloquently his own cause; how often he electrified his society. It was my good fortune to see and hear him in the pulpit and on the platform, when he visited the College as Commencement orator."

During the session of 1847-'48, a man of more than ordinary distinction and talent became connected as Professor with the College, Rev. Charles Force Deems. He was a native of New Jersey, and a graduate of Dickinson College. In very early manhood he came to North Carolina to represent the American Bible Society in that State. He was there only a short time before he was elected to a chair at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. When Dr. Smith was elected President in November, 1846, he was elected Professor of Latin and Belles Lettres. He did not accept the chair at that time. In December, 1847, he did accept another, and the January following entered upon his duties as Professor of Chemistry. He remained that year and then returned to North Carolina, and entered on the regular work of an itinerant minister. It is not known why he so soon severed his connection with the College, for which he always to his latest day expressed an attachment, evidenced by more than one or two acts of interest and generosity. It is probable that there was little kindly feeling from some cause not known, or congeniality between him and the President of the College. This doubtless was the root of the bitter feud between him and Dr. Smith in after time, culminating in the alienation of many friends from each other and the North Carolina Conference from the College.

The portraits of the two now hang near together on the wall of the Trustees' room in the library, and it is hoped that all "bitterness and wrath" having been laid aside they together share the blessedness of heaven.

COLLEGE YEAR 1848-'49.

The report of the President and Faculty gives the following items for the year 1848-'49:

Students in College proper, 61; in Preparatory Schools, viz.: at the College, 51; Ridgway, N. C., 20; Garysburg, 40; Lowell, N. C., 21; Richlands, N. C., 20; in all, 213.

"The schools in North Carolina from the last quarterly returns are in a prosperous condition, and promise in reasonable time to operate as valuable auxiliaries."

Professor Deems resigned the chair about December, 1848. The vacancy was filled, or arranged to be filled, by Charles B. Stuart, of the class of 1845, with the privilege extended to him to spend about a year at Yale College, where Agricultural and Analytical Chemistry were made specialties. This arrangement was carried out.

At the meeting of the Board, June, 1849, a department of Agricultural Chemistry was provided for, to be in charge of Professor Stuart.

The following degrees were conferred:

A. B.

JAMES A. DUNCAN, Va.
WILLIAM G. FOOTE, Miss.
JAMES W. JACKSON, Va.
RICHARD W. LEIGH, Va.
LEWIS MILLER, N. C.
R.S.F. PEETE, Va.
B. CRAVEN (Honorary), N. C.

A. M.

LUCIEN H. LOMAX, S. C.
EDWARD T. HARDY, Va.
O.H.P. CORPREW, Va.
FRANCIS X. FOSTER, S. C.

COLLEGE YEAR 1849-'50.

The attendance this year at the Home Schools was 134 (College, 62; Preparatory, 72). Improvement reported in general morals and habits of students.

Great financial embarrassment reported, and urgent appeals for active measures to secure needed relief.

Early in the session of 1849-'50, Professor E. A. Blanch resigned the Chair of Mathematics on account of continued bad health. Professor John C. Wills, a distinguished graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, was elected to fill the vacancy, and entered on his duties. He was a local minister in the Methodist Church, and a man of fine character and an accomplished teacher. The College was fortunate in securing such a man.

The Faculty now consisted of the following; Dr. Smith, President; Professors Duncan, Stuart, Wills, Corprew (Tutor), and Williams T. Davis at the Preparatory School near the College.

In June, 1850, they reported the Preparatory School as having done well, and the reception from it of twenty students for the next session, and four from the Ridgway Preparatory School. The school at Garysburg, N. C., had been discontinued. The schools at Lowell, N. C., and Richlands, N. C., in successful operation and accomplishing much good.

From the above it will be seen that the establishment of academies as feeders to the College was a fact accomplished before the late effort in 1889. They were all in North Carolina, and the subsequent alienation carried them away from the College with whatever patronage they were bringing to it.

Degrees were conferred as follows, June, 1850:

A. B.

EDWIN A. THOMPSON, N. C.
EDWIN E. PARHAM, Va.
EDWARD A. ADAMS, Va.
JOHN F. DANCE, Va.
WILLIAM A. BRAME, N. C.
ROBERT H. WINFIELD, Va.
BENJAMIN C. DREW, Va.
THOMAS F. FITZGERALD, Va.

A. M.

REV. N. F. REID (Hon'y), N. C.
BENNETT PURYEAR, Va.

COLLEGE YEAR 1850-'51.

Number of students reported this year: In College, 91; in Preparatory School, 62--total, 153.

The schools in North Carolina, except Ridgeway, prosperous.

The year was not satisfactory in the deportment of students generally, nor in finances.

In June, 1851, the following degrees were conferred:

A. B.

WILLIAM H. CHRISTIAN, Va.
HUGH D. BRACEY, Va.
WILLIAM M. CRENSHAW, Va.
HENRY F. DRAKE, N. C.
ARMSTREAT E. FOWLKES, Va.
JOHN H. GUY, Va.
HEZEKIAH G. LEIGH, Jr., Va.
JOHN S. LONG, N. C.
JAMES O'HANLON, N. C.
JACOB M. PALMER, Va.
REUBEN PALMER, Va.
WILLIAM MCK. ROBBINS, N. C.
RICHARD H. WILLIAMS, Va.
HENRY W. WINGFIELD, Va.

A. M.

RICHARD H. POWELL, Ala.
DAVID CLOPTON, Ala.
THOMAS J. KOGER, S. C.
JAMES F. DOWDELL, Ala.
TENNENT LOMAX, Ala.
JAMES L. PIERCE, Ga.
EDWARD WADSWORTH, Ala.
ADDISON LEA, Miss.
Rev. B. CRAVEN (Honorary), N. C. President Trinity College.

The Finance Committee reported to the Board that the sum of $57,000 had been raised in subscriptions, bonds, etc., towards the endowment of the College.

COLLEGE YEAR 1851-'52.

A number of changes took place this year. Williams T. Davis, A. M., who had for many years successfully conducted the Preparatory School, retired to go to Petersburg, where he spent the balance of a useful life in the education of young ladies. He was temporarily succeeded by W. G. Foote, A. B., and later by James S. Kennedy, A. B., of Emory and Henry College.

O. H. P. Corprew, A. M., tutor, was succeeded by Rev. J. A. Dean.

The annual report mentions better financial condition; decrease in patronage, due in part to changes of teachers; the introduction of the "Demerit system," which is noted as having worked satisfactorily; also the establishment of the degree of "Bachelor of English Literature and Science," allowing a degree without taking classical studies.

The Preparatory School at Ridgway, N. C., was discontinued. The other schools were reported as doing well, but no statistics as to numbers in attendance were given. The first volume of the _Randolph-Macon Magazine_, containing ten numbers and three hundred pages, was published in 1851. The Editors' Table states that "the primary object of our publication is the _enlargement of our Society libraries_."

The following is another extract from the Editors' Table: "The time is at hand for us to throw off our dependence upon the North, and establish an _independent Southern_ literature."

The old _Southern Literary Messenger_ was then published, and several _Reviews_, more or less literary. None of permanent standing are published now. Southern independence in government and literature seem to have both surrendered at Appomattox. Some of these young men laid down their lives for one, some have been too busy fighting "the wolf at the door" to do much for the latter. While we lament their defeat, we admire their pluck.

The following is the title-page of Volume I.:

[Transcribers' Note: In the printed book, the editors and agents are listed in two parallel columns. The left-hand column is headed "_From F.L. Society._" and the right-hand column is headed "_From W.L. Society._"]

THE RANDOLPH-MACON MAGAZINE.

PUBLISHED BY THE STUDENTS OF THE R.-M. COLLEGE.

"_Adeo in teneris consuescere, multum est_."

EDITORS:

_From F. L. Society._
ROBERT M. MALLORY.
WILLIAM Y. PEYTON.
JOHN WILLIAMS.

_From W. L. Society._
CHARLES H. HALL.
JOHN S. JACKSON.
THADDEUS L. H. YOUNG.

AGENTS:
_From F. L. Society_.
JAMES SANGSTER.
THOMAS C. THACKSTON.

_From W. L. Society_.
LEROY M. WILSON.
EDWARD M. PETERSON.

-----------------------

PRINTED BY CHAS. H. WYNNE,
_150 Main Street, Richmond Va._

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The following degrees were conferred June, 1852:

A. B.

ROWLAND DOGGETT, Va.
ROBERT A. JACKSON, Va.
SAMUEL LANDER, N. C.
ROBERT M. MALLORY, Va.
BENJAMIN W. OGBURN, Va.
JOHN F. OGBURN, Va.
HORACE PALMER, Jr., Va.
RUFUS R. PEGUES, S. C.
HENRY H. WILLIAMS, Va.
JOHN WILLIAMS, N. C.

A. M.

JAMES W. JACKSON, Va.
JAMES A. DUNCAN, Va.
R.S.F. PEETE, N. C.
WILLIAM G. FOOTE, Miss.

COLLEGE SESSION 1852-'53.

At the annual meeting, June, 1853, the report of the President and Faculty was duly made, but, from some cause, it was not recorded.

The following degrees were conferred:

A. B.

CHARLES H. HALL, N. C.
JOHN S. JACKSON, Va.
EMBRY MERRITT, Va.
HENRY D. MILAM, N. C.
JAMES D. PROCTOR, Va.
JAMES E. SEBRELL, Va.
RICHARD W. THURMAN, Va.
JAMES SANGSTER, Va.

A. M.

E. W. ADAMS, Va.
JOHN H. CLAIBORNE, Va.
RICHARD W. LEIGH, Va.
EDWIN E. PARHAM, Va.
GEORGE HOWARD, Va.
LEWIS MILLER, N. C.
ROBERT H. WINFIELD, Va.
Rev. JOHN E. EDWARDS, Va. (Honorary).

D. D.

Rev. HEZEKIAH G. LEIGH, North Carolina Conference.
Rev. CHARLES F. DEEMS, North Carolina Conference.

COLLEGE YEAR 1853-'54.

There were in attendance this year 111 students in College and 43 in the Preparatory School. Great gratification was expressed on account of the good order of the session. The financial condition, however, was still very embarrassing. The scholarships sold had added something to the endowment fund, but the number of students paying tuition fees was reduced, and thus the current receipts were not increased. This embarrassed the officers of the College, because, while they preferred to remain, higher salaries elsewhere invited them away. The President stated that he visited the Virginia Legislature and made strenuous efforts to induce the body to pass an act which would give all incorporated Colleges $20,000 in State bonds for every $30,000 invested by them in State bonds. Though the project seemed to meet with great favor, nevertheless it failed, as all efforts to get the State to aid denominational colleges have done.

Dr. Smith adds: "But if the hope of succeeding with this scheme be not sufficient to justify you in making better provision for your officers, and another should not present itself to your minds affording better grounds of hope for success, it is respectfully submitted whether it be not better to close your doors until such of the officers as you shall deem proper to employ shall succeed in raising from the public an endowment fund sufficient to meet the wants of the institution."

The venerable Professor David Duncan resigned the Chair of Ancient Languages, September, 1853, to take effect June, 1854. So in June, after a continuous faithful service of twenty-one years, he bade farewell to Randolph-Macon, and went to Wofford, the scene of his labors to the end of a long life.

Professor O. H. P. Corprew, A. M., was transferred from the Chair of Natural Philosophy to fill the vacancy occasioned by Professor Duncan's resignation. Professor Corprew had been elected to the Professorship of Natural Philosophy in the previous December. H. G. Leigh, Jr., resigned as Tutor of Languages, and was succeeded by T. H. L. Young, A. B. Wm. H. Bass resigned the place of Principal of the Preparatory School, and was succeeded by John W. Stuart.

John S. Moore, A. M., was elected to the Chair of Natural Philosophy, vacated by the transfer of Professor Corprew.

At the annual meeting in June, 1854, the following received degrees:

A. B.

JESSE P. BAGBY, Va.
JOHN G. S. BOYD, Va.
RICHARD BOYD, Va.
WILLIAM H. CHEEK, N. C.
THOMAS C. ELDER, Va.
GEORGE W. HAMLIN, Va.
GARLAND B. HANES, Va.
GEORGE W. MAGRUDER, N. C.
ADOLPHUS W. MANGUM, Va.
A. C. MASSENBURG, N. C.
SAMUEL MOORE, Va.
THOMAS C. THACKSTON, Va.
L. O. RIVES, Tenn.
LEROY M. WILSON, Va.
THADDEUS L. H. YOUNG, Va.

A. M.

WILLIAM M. CRENSHAW, Va.
BENJAMIN F. SIMMONS, N. C.
WILLIAM MCK. ROBBINS, N. C.
HEZEKIAH G. LEIGH, JR., Va.
EDWARD S. BROWN, Va.
ARMSTREAT E. FOWLKES, Va.

B., Eng. Lit. and Science.

ALEX. HOGG, Va.
J. KIRKPATRICK.
W. H. SHAY.

D. D.

REV. T. B. SARGENT, Balt. Conf.
REV. ALFRED T. MANN, Ga. Conf.

At a called meeting held July 26, 1854, which was well attended, a further effort was made to secure aid from the Legislature of Virginia.

At this session of the Board the following important action was taken:

Rev. Robert O. Burton offered the following resolutions:

1. That in view of still further elevating the institution and securing its permanency we will endeavor to increase the endowment to $100,000.

2. That whenever the amount of $100,000 shall have been secured, or the interest on the endowment fund shall amount to $6,000, this Board will grant to the ministers of the Virginia and North Carolina Conferences the right to educate their sons free of tuition fees for thirty years.

3. That one or more agents be appointed to raise the money, and that we earnestly ask the co-operation of all the ministers of the Virginia and North Carolina Conferences.

4. That subscriptions of $500 may be paid by the subscribers either during their natural life or twelve months after death, with interest from date, to be paid annually.

5. That Rev. H. B. Cowles be appointed agent, and that Dr. William A. Smith be associated with him.

These resolutions were adopted, and the agents appointed were requested to make arrangements for the prosecution of the work as soon as practicable. It could not be done at once, as the Agent elected had to be assigned to the work by the Conference, which did not meet till November. So it was arranged that the work should be commenced next spring.

In the interval Dr. Leroy M. Lee, then editor of the _Richmond Christian Advocate_, proceeded to write and publish from time to time a series of articles on "Christian Education"--articles probably not surpassed in force and pertinence by any ever written on the subject. He kept the matter of the canvass which was to be inaugurated the coming year before the Methodist public, and thus effectually paved the way for better success.

In May, 1855, the agent and president of the College began the active field work to raise the amount to one hundred thousand dollars at Crenshaw's Church, on the Nottoway circuit, near Blacks and Whites station, on the the (then) Southside Railroad. At this church a mass-meeting was held, lasting several days. There were present, in addition to the leaders above named, Dr. Leroy M. Lee, editor, who was much interested in the effort.

Dr. Smith was the chief speaker, and he never appeared to better advantage, having the sympathy and interest of the audience with him from the start. Dr. Lee followed him. Agent Cowles struck while the iron was hot and took the subscription, which, in addition to what was secured in the circuit in the next few days, amounted to five thousand dollars. This gave the enterprise a good send-off, and was received and accepted by the church at large as an augury of final success, which proved to be true. The agents did not relax their efforts till the limit was reached.

There were several circumstances which made this effort a success. The men in charge were the right men. Dr. Smith was a great man before the people. Few men who lived in the State ever equalled, fewer still ever surpassed him. His colleague, while not deficient in public speaking (he was a most excellent preacher), was gifted with good business address and tact, well versed in reading and managing mankind in general, and thorough in his business transactions, securing all the benefits which were possible. Both were largely acquainted throughout the Conference.

The times were propitious. The decade beginning 1851 was the golden era in the material prosperity of Virginia. The spirit of improvement in lands, building railroads, and plank roads, and other roads was at its height. Most of the great lines throughout the State were built during this decade--the Richmond and Danville, the Southside (Petersburg and Lynchburg), the Virginia and Tennessee (Lynchburg to Bristol), the Orange and Alexandria (Lynchburg and Alexandria), and the Roanoke Valley (Clarksville and Ridgway, N. C.), and others were built or projected. The last named brought railway communication within twelve miles of the College, and Keysville, on the Richmond and Danville, was within thirty-five miles of the College. Besides these improvements, a plank road was built from Petersburg to Clarksville, which was, as long as it lasted, a great improvement. Another plank road from Blacks and Whites, on the Southside Railroad, was built through Lunenburg in the direction of Boydton, but its terminus was twenty miles short of reaching it.

The Crimean war, involving the great Powers of Europe, raised the price of wheat to a price seldom, if ever, reached previously. It sold in 1853-'54 for $2.35 per bushel, and good prices were maintained for the balance of the decade. Lands in the State, which had been low in price, were increased in value one hundred per cent. and other property in something like the same ratio. All this made people more ready to contribute as well as more able.

COLLEGE YEAR 1854-'55.

This College year was marked by no special change or event. The President's report notes: matriculates in College during the session, 134, 72 of whom were on scholarships.

Professor Samuel Lander, A. M., entered upon his duties as Adjunct Professor of Languages, and W. A. Shepard was Assistant in the Laboratory.

At the annual meeting, June, 1855, degrees were conferred:

A. B.

GEORGE E. BOOKER, Va.
JAMES B. DUGGER, Va.
WILLIAM N. CARTER, Va.
JOHN E. CHRISTIAN, Va.
THOMAS A. GATCH, Va.
JAMES C. HANES, Va.
PETER A. MOSES, Va.
ROBERT N. SLEDD, Va.
DAVID R. DUNCAN, S. C.
OLIVER G. SMITH, N. C.

A. M.

THOMAS E. MASSIE, Va.
SAMUEL LANDER, N. C.
ROWLAND DOGGETT, Va.
JOHN F. DANCE, Va.
JOHN F. OGBURN, Va.
ROBERT M. MALLORY, Va.
HENRY W. WINGFIELD, Va.
BENJAMIN W. OGBURN, Va.
SAM'L B. PAUL (Honorary) Va.

COLLEGE YEAR 1855-'56.

The celebrated trial of Deems vs. Smith took place at the Virginia Conference held in Petersburg, November, 1855. The charges were presented by Dr. C. F. Deems in person, and defence made by Dr. Smith. The verdict was almost unanimous, finding Dr. Smith not guilty.

The result of this unfortunate affair was the resignation of quite a number of the Trustees from the North Conference, that Conference having espoused the cause of Dr. Deems by a very large majority.

At the meeting of the Trustees in June, 1856, Dr. Smith tendered his resignation as President of the College. The Board refused to accept the resignation, only two voting to receive it.

This year the first catalogue, as printed, comes to us. Others had been printed, but no copies preserved.

Of the original charter members of the Board all had died or retired but John Early, William A. Smith, Mathew M. Dance and John G. Claiborne. All the original members of the Faculty had resigned. Students in College, 93; in Preparatory School, 36--total, 129.

We have no mention of the several Preparatory schools in North Carolina. Thos. A. Gatch, A. B., was Principal of the Home School.

A resolution was adopted by the Board asking the Legislature to establish a school of "military tactics" in connection with the College, but nothing ever came of it.

In January, 1856, a most remarkable fall of snow occurred, with a temperature of ten degrees below zero. The snow was fifteen inches deep.

In June, 1856, the following received degrees:

A. B.

W. T. BAILEY, Va.
GREEN A. JACKSON, Va.
THOMAS L. JACKSON, Va.
WILLIAM T. MERRITT, Va.
JOHN P. FULLER, N. C.

A. M.

JAMES E. SEBRELL, Va.
WILLIAM A. BRAME, Va.
JAMES D. PROCTOR, Va.

COLLEGE YEAR 1856-'57.

The changes in the Faculty this year were the resignation of Assistant Professor Samuel Lander, whose place was not filled, and the substitution of Charles W. Crawley, Principal of the Preparatory School for Thomas A. Gatch, resigned.

In June, 1857, Professor Charles B. Stuart resigned the Chair of Chemistry and Geology, and Professor N. T. Lupton succeeded him. Professor O. H. P. Corprew at same time resigned the Chair of Ancient Languages, and Professor William B. Carr succeeded him.

The degrees conferred June, 1857, were--

A. B.

GEORGE W. ARMISTEAD, Va.
WILLIAM I. COWLES, Va.
RICHARD W. JONES, Va.
JOSEPH E. LEIGH, Va.
EDWIN G. MOORE, N. C.
WILBUR F. DAVIS, N. C.
JOHN B. WILLIAMS, N. C.
WILLIAM W. PENNY, Mo.
WILLIAM A. SHEPARD, Mass.

A. M.

WILLIAM G. CONNOR, Tenn.
L. O. RIVES, Tenn.
GARLAND B. HANES, Va.
THAD. L. H. YOUNG, Va.
JESSE P. BAGBY, N. C.
ADOLPHUS W. MANGUM, N. C.
SAMUEL MOORE, Va.
THOMAS C. ELDER, Va.
THOMAS C. THACKSTON, Va.
WILLIAM H. CHEEK, N. C.

Number of students during the session, 144, including those at the Preparatory School (34).

The worst blizzard ever known in Virginia occurred in January, 1857; thermometer ten degrees below zero. Some suffering in the College for want of fuel.

COLLEGE YEAR 1857-'58.

This year was reasonably prosperous. Some dissatisfaction was expressed in the president's annual report on account of salaries.

In June, 1858, Prof. Lupton resigned the chair of Chemistry and Geology, which was subsequently supplied by the election of Prof. Bennett Puryear, of Richmond College.

Dr. W. A. Smith again tendered his resignation, for reasons personal to himself. At the urgent solicitation of the students, the Alumni Society, and the Board, he withdrew his resignation.

Degrees were conferred as follows:

A. B.

BENJAMIN H. THACKSTON, Va.
RICHARD FERGUSON, Va.
VICTOR M. BRANDON, Va.
RICHARD B. HOLSTEAD, Va.
ROBERT S. ISBELL, Va.
ALEX. MALLORY, Va.
ROBERT MOORE, Va.
CLAUDIUS G. PHILLIPS, Va.
PITTMAN R. VENABLE, Va.
RICHARD O. WYATT, Va.

B. L. AND S.

WALTER M. IRBY, Virginia.

A. M.

GEORGE E. BOOKER, Va. PETER A. MOSES, Ark. THOMAS A. GATCH, Va. ROBERT N. SLEDD, Va. JAMES C. HANES, Va. Prof. JOHN C. WILLS (Honorary), Randolph-Macon College.

Students in College this session, 109; in Preparatory School, 16-total, 125.

THE ENDOWMENT RAISED TO $100,000.

At a called meeting of the Board December 27, 1858, the following action was taken:

"The Board, being satisfied, from an examination of the bonds and subscriptions obtained by the agent, that the endowment fund of the College, in bonds, cash, and valid subscriptions, has been raised to and above one hundred thousand dollars; therefore be it

"_Resolved_, That the following notice be given through the newspapers of the State, viz.: 'By order of the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, at a meeting held this day, notice is hereby given to those persons who have contributed by bonds and subscriptions to increase the endowment of the College that the said fund has been raised to the amount of one hundred thousand dollars in bonds, cash, and valid subscriptions, that their obligations have become absolute, and it is hoped that they will discharge them, in order that the money may be invested in permanent form as soon as practicable.'"

The herculean task of raising the largest endowment fund ever contributed to any college in Virginia or in the South up to this date by public subscription was thus confirmed. When it is considered that the larger part of this amount was contributed by individuals in sums ranging from five to one thousand dollars (the latter sum the largest contributed by one subscriber), the immense labor and difficulties of the undertaking may be, to some extent, estimated. But the large number of subscribers evidenced one gratifying fact, that after the subject of education had been ventilated in mass-meetings, the people had become interested in Christian education, and had given practical proof of that interest.

The friends of the College were jubilant over this great event, which seemed to insure new life and energy to the College, the subject of so many hopes and prayers. The three great moving and active agents in consummating the work--President W. A. Smith, Dr. Leroy M. Lee, and Agent Rev. Henry B. Cowles--are worthy of all honor, and their names should be handed down to succeeding generations as the benefactors of their State and church.

At the commencement, June, 1859, there was a large re-union of the Alumni of Randolph-Macon to rejoice over the endowment secured and to consult together about the interests of the College. Prominent among those present were Rev. President John C. Blackwell, the oldest alumnus; Rev. Holland N. McTyeire, D. D., editor of the _Nashville Christian Advocate_; Rev. James A. Duncan, Hon. Thomas H. Campbell, etc. A banquet of the Society was held, which was attended by many of its members and invited guests. The Society of Alumni adopted the following preamble and resolutions:

"Whereas the Bible, as the word of God, contains the highest wisdom as well as the highest truth; and whereas it is the oldest as well as the best of books, and bears a vital relation to literature and civilization as well as to religion; and whereas a knowledge of its teachings and the history of those religious opinions and institutions which have exercised a controlling influence upon the character and destiny of mankind is necessary to a broad, liberal and complete education; therefore,

"_Resolved_, 1. That the Bible, as a text-book, ought to occupy a central place in education, as it does in morals.

"2. That it is eminently proper for the church, in conducting education, to give the Bible such a place and distinct recognition.

"3. That we, the alumni of Randolph-Macon College, recommend and respectfully urge upon the Board of Trustees the creation of a _Chair of Biblical Literature_, whose instruction shall be accessible to all students of the College who shall desire to include them in their course of study, and shall be extended free of charge to any young men who are studying with a view to the Christian ministry.

"4. That we recommend that the Virginia Conference rand the friends and patrons of the College everywhere take measures for speedily endowing a _Chair of Biblical Literature_.

(Signed) "HOLLAND N. MCTYEIRE.

"JOHN C. BLACKWELL."

This was the most pleasant and cheering commencement occasion which had occurred for many years. The catalogue showed the attendance to have been: Students in College, 119; in Preparatory School, 22--total, 141. This year the old curriculum of four years was abandoned, and the course was made _elective_, with the following departments, viz.:

1. Ancient Languages,
2. Mathematics,
3. Chemistry and Natural Philosophy,
4. Moral Philosophy,
5. Modern Languages,
6. Preparatory.

A. B. and A. M. courses for degrees were established.

Professor J. C. Wills resigned the Chair of Mathematics. He left much to the regret of the Board and the Faculty to take a professorship at the Southern University, Greensboro, Ala. Mr. Robert T. Massie was elected to fill the vacancy. Robert S. Isbell was Principal of the Preparatory School.

The following degrees were conferred:

A. B.

WILLIAM S. DAVIS, N. C.
AURELIUS T. GILL, Va.
ADAM C. BAGBY, Va.
JOHN L. JOHNSON, Va.
HENRY B. COWLES, JR.; Va.
JOHN DAVIDSON BLACKWELL, Va.
WILLIAM H. DAVIS, Va.
JOHN T. HUMPHREYS, Va.
THOMAS J. OVERBY, N. C.
JOHN L. CHAMBERLAIN, N. C.
EDWIN S. HARDY, Va.
JOHN W. JONES, Va.
WILLIAM G. STARR, Va.
CHRISTOPHER THROWER, Ark.
LEROY S. EDWARDS, Va.
LUTHER WRIGHT, Va.

ENGLISH AND SCIENCE.

J. W. HEARTSFIELD, N. C.
THOMAS W. BRANCH, Va.
F. X. MILLER, N. C.

A. M.

DR. SAMUEL D. SANDERS, S. C.
WILLIAM T. MERRITT, Va.
GREEN A. JACKSON, Va.
ARGYLE HALEY, Va.
JOHN E. CHRISTIAN, Va.
JOHN WILLIAMS, N. C.
ALEXANDER HOGG, Texas.

D. D.

Prof. A. M. SHIPP, Wofford College, S. C.

COLLEGE YEAR 1859-'60.

This was the first year under the new system of instruction. At the annual meeting of the Board of Trustees, the committee on "The course of instruction and new system of government" reported very favorably on the results, and advised continuance of the same, with some modifications.

The Preparatory School was abolished this year, after an unsuccessful course generally, for about twenty-eight years. The number of students in attendance this year was: in College, 149; in Preparatory School, 16--total, 165.

Degrees conferred June, 1860, _under new course_:

A. B.

JOSEPH D. ARNOLD, Va.
WILLIAM P. HILL, Va.
THOMAS J. JARVIS, N. C.

A. M.

BENJ. W. ARNOLD, Va.
ANTHONY DIBRELL, Va.
GEORGE B. FINCH, Va.
P. FLETCHER FORD. Va.
WILLIAM M. JONES, Va.
JAMES H. PEAY, Va.
BENJAMIN I. SCOTT, Va.
JOHN W. TAYLOR, Va.

A. M., under the old course.

WILLIAM I. COWLES, Va.
RICHARD W. JONES, Va.
JOHN B. WILLIAMS, N. C.
WILBUR F. DAVIS, Va.
EDWIN G. MOORE, N. C.
GEORGE W. ARMISTEAD, Va.
WILLIAM A. SHEPARD, Va.
JOHN L. GILLESPIE, Va.

COLLEGE YEAR 1860-'61.

This College year reached into the first year of the civil war. The matriculation at the opening was fairly good, but during the second term many of the young men left to enter the military service. The Commencement exercises were dispensed with, and the Board conferred only a few degrees. Those receiving them were--

A. M.

B. L. ARNOLD, Va.
B. J. HAWTHORNE, Va.
RICHARD B. HOLSTEAD, Va.
RICHARD O. WYATT, Va.

A. B.

JOHN THOMPSON BROWN, Va.

D. D

REV. JOHN C. BLACKWELL, A. M., Pres. Buckingham Female Inst.

Under the discouraging circumstances the Board determined to suspend the exercises of the College--a very wise move, but unfortunately it was countermanded at a subsequent meeting.

COLLEGE YEAR 1861-'62.

At a called meeting of the Board held August 29, 1861, the previous action of the Board was rescinded, and it was resolved, "That the College be opened at the usual time under a complete system of military government, and Rev. Major William H. Wheelwright Was elected Professor of Military Tactics."

At a subsequent meeting of the Board, Professor Lewis Turner was elected to the Chair of Mathematics, vacated by the resignation of Professor Massie, who had entered the military service; Professor W. A. Shepard had also entered the service, but his place was not filled.

At a meeting held in Norfolk, Va., November 22, 1861, a committee was appointed to secure a change in the charter, authorizing the military feature proposed for the College.

At a meeting of the Board held January 20, 1862, J. E. Blankenship was elected Professor in place of Major Wheelwright, who declined to accept the position offered him. On the 20th February the military organization was completed by the action of the Executive Committee. It was as follows, viz.:

REV. WM. A. SMITH, D. D., _Col. Commanding Corps Cadets_.
J. E. BLANKENSHIP, Major, _Professor Mathematics and Military
Science_.
BENNETT PURYEAR, Captain. _Professor Chemistry_. WILLIAM B. CARR,
Captain, _Professor Ancient Languages_.
G. STAUBLY, Captain, _Professor Modern Languages_.

A long schedule of military rules was adopted--too long for their insertion here, and much longer than their existence would have justified.

Those who reversed the deliberate action of the Board at the annual meeting, carried away with the excitement of the times, thought they were doing the best, but, as we look at it now, it appears a solemn farce. It was also an expensive one.

At the close of the year, June, 1862, the following received degrees:

A. M.

WILLIAM A. ARCHER, Va.
J. E. BUTLER, Ark.
R. A. COMPTON, Va.
WILLIAM S. WILLIAMS. Mo.

GRADUATES OF FORMER YEARS.

WILLIAM G. STARR,
ROBERT S. ISBELL,
JOHN D. BLACKWELL.

A. B.

WILLIAM E. EDWARDS.
B. L. ARNOLD, Va.

At the annual meeting, June, 1862, of the Trustees, the following resolution was adopted:

"This Board, having the utmost confidence in the ability of the Confederate States to maintain their independence, and that it is safe to make investment in their stocks (bonds), is of the opinion that it would be judicious to sell out our stocks which do not pay an interest of more than six per cent., and to invest the same in Confederate States bonds, bearing an interest of eight per cent. And that the President of the College be requested to confer with our Investing Agent on the subject, and that if the investing Agent concur with the Board in the propriety of the exchance of stocks, that he proceed to make it."

Under the military _regime_ the session opened as usual in September, 1862. The number of students in attendance was small, as might have been expected.

The board of students was fixed at $25 per month, with the following bill of fare at the Mess Hall:

"_For breakfast_--Sugar, coffee (_or substitute_) or milk (_those using the one will not be entitled to the other_), flour-bread, viz., loaf bread and biscuit, and either batter-bread, waffles or muffins, butter, cold or fried bacon, or hash.

"_For dinner_--Boiled bacon and cabbage, or other greens, and one of the following kinds of meats, viz., beef, mutton, shoat or fowls, with the vegetables of the season, and corn-bread.

"_For supper_--Sugar, coffee (_or a substitute_) or milk, as at breakfast, flour-bread, viz., loaf-bread and biscuit, and either batter-bread, waflles, muffins, or toast-bread and butter."

What soldier could not fight on such fare as this!

In October, 1862, Professor Staubly resigned, and soon afterwards went to Petersburg, along with Professor W. B. Carr, to teach in the Petersburg Female College. They were thus engaged till the 9th of June, 1864, when General Kautz attacked the Home Guards, under the command of Major F. H. Archer. In this engagement Professors Carr and Staubly were participants, and the latter was killed, along with Geo. B. Jones, a Randolph-Macon alumnus.

At a called meeting of the Trustees held December 18, 1862, the President presented to the consideration of the Board the condition of the College, with an exhibit of receipts and disbursements.

After much deliberation, it was ordered that the operations of the College be suspended from and after the 5th of February, 1863, to the opening of the fall term, in September following.

"Dr. W. A. Smith was placed in charge of the property. At a meeting of the Trustees held July 24, 1863, the President in his report in regard to the closing term said:

"The College opened September, 1862, with about twenty students, which number gradually increased to forty-four. The Conscript Act then went into operation, and took nearly half that number.

Then, on motion, it was ordered that the exercises of the College be suspended until otherwise ordered. The Virginia Conference of the M. E. Church, South, held its annual session at Broad-street Methodist Church November, 1863. At this Conference the following resolution was adopted:

"_Resolved_, That we recommend the Trustees of Randolph-Macon College to remove it from its present site to some more eligible locality, and we call their attention specially to the advantages presented by Lynchburg as the place to which it should be transferred."

A meeting of the Trustees was called to consider the resolution of the Conference, and the Trustees assembled at Broad-street Church November 26, 1863.

As there were only nine members in attendance, the Trustees adjourned to meet in the city of Petersburg on the 20th of January, to consider the recommendation of the Conference, and an order was made that notice of the adjourned meeting be given in the newspapers of Richmond and Petersburg.

The Trustees of Randolph-Macon College met, pursuant to adjournment, at the Washington-street M. E. Church, Petersburg, Va., on Wednesday, January 20, 1864. There were present seventeen members. The chairman, President Smith, presented the resolution of the Conference, given above.

After considerable discussion, the following was agreed upon as the sense of the Board: