Journal of the Meetings of the President and Masters; Wm. and Mary Qrtly., Vol. 1, No. 4 Transcribed by Kathy Merrill for the USGenWeb Archives Special Collections Project ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *********************************************************************** Journal of the Meetings of the President and Masters of William and Mary College Edwawrd D. Neill William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Papers, Vol 1., No 4. (Apr., 1893), pp. 214-220. JOURNAL OF THE MEETINGS OF THE PRESIDENT AND MASTERS OF WILLIAM AND MARY COLLEGE. [CONTINUED] II. Instructions from the President and Masters of William and Mary College in Virga to John Randolph Esqr now bound for England. I. That you would represent to the Lords of the Treasury and the Commission of his Majties Customs that the Revenue(1) of the penny p pound upon tobo ex- ported from Virga [9] and Maryland to the other plantations which their late Majesties K. William and Q. Mary gave for the support of the sd College in the year 1692, is now very much sunk, and yields not half of what it yielded at that time, which sinking of the sd Revenue we impute to the following causes: The officers in three lower counties of Pennsylvania, and the officers in N. Carolina, employed in the collecting the sd duty, as we are informed, in- stead of exacting the sd money in sterl. money, as the act of Parliament directs, let the Exporters escape for paying the penny in the currency of these countreys which in N. Carolina is little above a quarter part, and in Pennsyl- vania not above one halfe of what is payd in Virga, which occasions a greater Export from those places, and less from Virga and Maryland. Whereas in Virga there was formerly an officer allowed and maintained in Elizabeth River from whence is the greater part of the Exportation of tobo from this countrey to the plantations; and likewise a searcher at the port of Hampton who had authority to examine and search all vessels bound to the plantations; now these two offices are either sunk, or (which is all one as to the use of them) the offices are given to men that live out of the Countrey and so never reside so as to do their duty; which has occasioned vast frauds in that trade [10] that they carry out tobo in barrells entered as beef or port, or concealed under corn, and hhs of tobo at weights much less than they really weigh. Another great obstruction of that trade is that most of those who ________________________________ (1) By act of Parliament 25 Charles II. the King was granted a duty of one penny a pound on all tobacco exported from any of the colonies to England, Wales or Berwick on Tweed. This duty, so far as it accrued from the colonies of Maryland and Virginia, was assigned by the Charter of William and Mary to the College in 1692. Page 215. follow it trade in small vessells(1), in which the chief of their lading is wheat, or Indian corn or beef or pork and pipe staves, to which they could safely add two or three hhs or a few barrels of tobo. But as to the last of tobo, the difficulty upon them is that the act of parliament requires a bond with security, upon no less a penalty than a thousand pounds sterl., that they shall land the same in England or one of the English plantations, and being perhaps utter strangers or persons in low circumstances, can find no bondsman that will undertake for such high sums and so are obliged to let the Exportations of tobo alone, or to run it without paying any duty. And the New England men are so bold in their transgressions of the acts of trade (and are suspected of exporting much more than their Country consumes, perhaps to European markets) that no ordinary officer on the Eastern Shore cares to meddle with them. It would require a shallop of some force to watch the trade of the Bay both from Virga and Maryland, which the College can't afford, nor if they could have they authority to do it. No doubt the Lords of the Treasury and the Commissioners of the Customs, by ordering the same duty, in intrinsick value according to the act of parliamt to be payd in N. Carolina [11] and Pensylvania, and by giving strict orders to their officers in N. England, N. York, Barbadoes, the Leeward Islands and all the other plantations, to inspect and search all vessels, and to give an account to the proper officers of the port from which they set out, might find out what tobo had not payd the penny p pound, and might order prosecutions accordingly. Or if the Lords and Commissioners aforesaid, who, by reasons of their more extensive authority, can much better detect the above mentioned frauds, and recover the duties, and make much more advantage than we can of that revenue, would please to recommend it to his Maty to take the said revenue back into his own hand, both in Virga and in Maryland, and to allow the College a certain yearly valuable consideration for it, out of the quit-rents of Virga, such as it was worth when the grant was made to the College (which was about 400lb sterl) both his Maty and the College might be gainers by it. But this must be all left to your discretion to manage as the circumstances of affairs will bear. II. Another thing we would recomend to your care and management, is con- cerning a small library to be kept at the Indian house here _________________________________ (1) In Mair's Book-keeping (1760) pp. 331-2, we read: "The produce or commodities of the growth of Virginia and Maryland are pitch, tar, turpentine, plank, clapboard, hogshead and barrel staves, shingles, wheat flour, biscuit, Indian corn, beef, pork, tallow, wax, butter and live stock, such as hogs, geese and turkeys. These they generally export, in small sloops of their own, to the West India Islands, particularly to Barbadoes, Antigua and St. Christo- pers; and in return, bring home rum, sugar, molasses, and cash, being mostly Spanish coins, viz: pistoles of all sorts, from doubloons, value that currency L4 7s 6d, to chequins, value 10s 6d and piece of eight (dollars). Page 216. called Brafferton(1), upon that share of the fund allowed by the late Honble Robert Boyle(2) for the education of Indian scholars at this College, out of the mannor of Brafferton in Yorkshyre in England(3). We have been so good hus- bands of our share of that revenue, that tho' we have [12] built an handsome house for the Indian School wth other good conveniences for the Lodging of the Master and Scholars and have defrayed all the other charges incident to that pious undertaking, in the constant cloathing and boarding the Indian scholars and paying the Master's salary; yet we have now in bank upon that fund about 500 lb, part of which we desire to lay out in a well chosen library, which we judge necessary, and indeed the most necessary thing that is now wanted towards the finishing their education and fitting them for what was always intended, the being put in orders and sent out Pastours to preach in their own Country language and instruct and convert their own people(4). As we do not live in an age of miracles, it is not to be doubted that Indian scholars will want the help of many books to qualifie them to become good Pastours and Teachers as well as others, and the fund alloted for their education being able to supply them, what reason can be given why part of it may not be employed that way? If __________________________________________ (1) Carved in a brick near a door of this building are the figures 1723, supposed to represent the date of foundation. The "Brafferton" building is constructed after the fashion of the period, is of Virginia brick and three stories high, including garrett rooms having dormer windows. There are four large rooms to a floor, or twelve in all. The building is 54 feet long by 34 feet wide and stands on the College green opposite the President's House, a slightly larger building of similar make. During the war (1861-'65) the build- ing was used by the Federal troops who carried away all the wood-work except the roof. It has been since repaired, and is now used as a dormitory for students. (2) In the College library, are the works of this eminent philosopher and humanitarian, printed at London in 5 volumes in 1744, with an engraving taken from the original portrait, which is by T. Kerseboom and hangs in the College library, "the gift" of Boyle's executor, "the Earl of Burlington", to the College. (3) For the history of the Boyle fund "for pious and charitable uses", see "Historical Catalogue" and "Circulars of Information of the Bureau of Education, No. 1, 1887". After the Revolution Lord Thurlow entailed a heavy loss upon the College by decreeing the trust away from the College. i. Vesey Jr's Reports, p. 243. The manor of Brafferton in England was the scene, as the venerable Bede informs us, where the first British missionary, Paulinus, baptized 10,000 British heathen. A map of the estate, drawn in 1772 by William Pape, surveyor, hangs in the College library. (4) The education of Indian children continued a feature of the College till the Revolution. Gov. Spotswood took great interest in the work and wrote as early as 1711 that "the Queen of Pamunkey had not only sent her son to the College with a boy to attend him but also two of the chief men's sons of that nation, all handsomely cloathed after the Indian fashion, so that there are hostages from all of our tributary Page 217. it be alleged that our College Library, it may be expected, should supply them, it may be truly answered, that at present our funds are so poor, and theirs so rich, that they can better supply us than we them. And so it would be no hard- ship upon them, if while we furnish them Masters and [13] Professors to teach them latine, Greek and Hebrew and Philosophy, Mathematicks and Divinity, they should in their turn help themselves and us to a few neccessary books for those studies. But we are willing to compound the matter with them; we have, we can't say, good store of books, but enough to make a good foundation and be- ginning of a library, to the use of which they are very welcome, and if we were able we would buy a great many more which we and they want. This want is their loss as well as ours. What can be more reasonable than that since their fund is able to do it, and ours is not able, they should contribute their share towards so necessary means of Education? Some perhaps will be apt to object that by this means we think to make a considerable addition to the College Library at their expence; and if it were so there would be no great harm in it, since the College Library is to be a common Library to them and to us. But the case will really be much better on their side; for whatever books are bought with their money shall be not only deposited in distinct presse marked with the name of Boyle or Brafferton, and at their own house, being within the College; but every particular book shall have that inscription on the back of it; so that altho' as to use we shall have the benefit of their books, as they shall of ours, yet really the property [14] shall not be altered: every one shall know his own. And this of books we think as necessary a means and instrument of their education, as the paying for their victuals and cloaths, and Master's Salary and medicines; and falls fully within the designs of the noble founders, and therefore we hope the Earle of Burlington and my Lord Bishop of London(1), whose directions we are to follow in the management of this Charity, will easily come into it, and then there will remain nothing (for we shall give you a letter of credit to the cashier of this fund) but to take my Lord of London, our Chancellor(2), his advice concerning the properest books for our use and their best editions; and to helpe you in this choice you will have with you two catalogues; one, of those books the College is possest of already, and another, of those which an ancient minister designs shortly to leave to it that you may not buy them. Upon this occason, too, we must desire you to wait on his Grace, my Lord Archbishop of Canterbury(3), who, as he has been upon all ___________________________________________ Indians now at the College, who all seem as much desirous of a liberal education as can be expressed". Col. William Byrd and Rev. Hugh Jones thought indifferently of the results, but there can be no doubt that the College contributed to cultivating a spirit of good will with the Indians. (1) Edward Gibson, Bishop of London from 1723 to 1748. (2) The office of Chancellor was conferred, according to the sixth section of the charter upon some "eminent and discreet" person who acted as Patron of the College. (3) William Wake was ARchbishop from 1716 to 1737. Page 218. occasions a notable friend of the College, so was pleased particularly to signify his good intention of giving or leaving something towards our Library. Pray renew our thanks to his Grace and so consult him in the books you buy for us, that he may have his choice of supplying us in what part of learning he thinks most proper, that what you buy may not interfere [15] with his Grace's intended donation. These are the chief things occur to us at present. Perhaps you may meet with some charitable benefactors, especially towards our library, that being at present our cheif eant, and as all this will put you to trouble and charge, tho' you generously say nothing of it, wee shall think it our duty not to be ungrafeful, and so wishing you a prosperous voyage, good health and a safe return we rest. Sir Your most affectionate humble servants. A COPY OF THE LETTER OF CREDIT Williamsburg, Aug. 10, 1722. Sir: These are to advise that we have deisred Mr John Randolph's assistance in the choice of Books by my Lord Bishop of London, or Chancelour's advice for a small library for Brafferton; and therefore to desire you to supply him with money for that business out of the Brafferton fund, not exceeding two hundred and fifty or three [16] hundred pounds if he requires it. Take his receipts and place them to the Brafferton account. We are Sir You most humber Servants, To Mr Alderman Perry(1) Mercht in London. It was signed by the President and 4 Masters above mentioned. June 23, 1737. At a meeting of the Presdt and Masters: Present, Presidt Blair, Messrs. Fry, Dawson, Stith and Fox(2). The Usher's place in the Grammar School being vacant by Mr Barret's promotion to the Indian School Mr Thomas Dawson being first examined by the Presidt and Masters and having given long proof of his good behaviour at the College was unanimously elected Usher to the Grammar School. [17] Mr. Robert Barret(3) being at a meeting of the Visitors ______________________________________ (1) The leading firm in London dealing with Virginia in 1700 was Perry, Lane & Co., (consisting of Micajah Perry, Alderman of London, Thomas Lane and Richard Perry). Peter Perry, brother of Micajah Perry, was agent for the Company in Virginia. (2) Rev. John Fox was minister of Ware Church in Gloucester the same year. (3) Rev. Robert Barret was in 1754, minister of St. Martin's Church, Hanover Co. (Perry). Page 219. and Governors, June 15, 1737, elected Master of the Indian School, in the Room of Mr. John Fox, who resigned and having entered on the said office of Indian Master on the 24th of the same, did this day, June 28, 1737, qualify himself, as the Statutes direct, by subscribing his Assent to the thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England, and by taking the oath de fideli Administratione, in the usual manner, Vide, page 2. [18] [19] Nos Infra scripti Praeses et Magistri seu Professores Collegii Gulielmi & Mariae In Virginia Librum de Religionis Articulis, In quos Consensum est, ab Archiepiscopis & Episcopis Utrinsque Provinciae ac reliqui omni clero, In Synodo Londinensi An: 1562, omnino comprobamus; et omnes ac Singulos Articulos in eodem Contentos (qui Triginta Novem, citra ratificationem, numerantur), Verbo Dei consentatneos esse aguoscimus: 1738, Jan. 26. Novr 1st 1755, Emmanuel Jones Ed. Ford, April 7, 1755, Gronovius Owen. Thos Dawson, June 17, 1758, Jacob Rowe. Thos Robinson, Jan. 25, 1742. Oct. 19, 1758, W. Small. Wm Preston, Nov. 20, 1744. May 6, 1771, John Dixon. Aug. 30, 1738, Present: Mr. Blair, Presidt, Mr Fr. Fontaine, Mr Wm Dawson, Mr Graham and Mr Thomas Dawson. James Maury is unanimously elected a college student. [20] June 26, 1738. At a meeting of ye Prest and Mrs of ye Coll. of Wm & Mary. Present, James Blair, Presidt; F. Fontaine, Wm Dawson, J. Graeme. Mr. Ford being elected by ye visitors & Governors Master of ye Grammar School, & having entered in ye said office on ye 25th of march last, did this Day sub- scribe his Assent to ye Articles of ye Ch. of England, as in Page 19, & did also ye same Day take ye oath de fideli Administratione as in page 2. Mr. Thomas Dawson being elected Master of ye Indian School by ye visitors & Govrs did also subscribe his Assent to ye Articles & take ye Oath on ye same Day de fideli as above. [21] July 31, 1741. At a meeting of the Presidt & Masters: Present, Mr. Blair, Presidt; Mr. Fr. Fontaine, Mr. William Dawson, Mr. Thomas Dawson, Mr. Ford and Mr. Graeme. Page 220. Mr. James Morray(1) is elected usher of the Grammar School pro tempore in the room of Mr. Francis Robinson(2) deceased. Mr. Presidt is desired to write to Mr. Fothergill at Oxford to acquaint him of Mr. Robinson's death, and to pray him to recommend another. ____________________________ (1) Son of Mathew Maury and Mary Anne Fontaine, his wife, French Huguenots, who came to Va. in 1718. James was born in 1717, d. 1769; rector of Fredericks- ville Parish, Va. He m. Mary Walker, niece of Dr. Thomas Walker, the Kentucky explorer. "Va. Hist. Coll.", Vol. V., p. 123. In Feb. 1741-2, Dr. James Blair wrote to the Bishop of London: "This comes by an ingenious young man, Mr. James Maury, who was born of French parents, has lived with them in this country since he was a very young child. He has been educated at our college and gave a very bright example of diligence in his study of Latin and Greek authors, and has read some system of Philosophy and divinity." "Perry". He was minister of Fredericksville in 1754, and was plaintiff in the "Parson's cause" in Hanover, in which Patrick Henry first won reputation. (2) Francis Robinson, son of John R. of Halton, Lancashire, pleb. matric., Wadham College 25 May, 1732, aged 16; subs. of Queen's College: B.A. 5 March, 1735-6 M.A. 1738 - Foster's Oxford Matriculations.