[Illustration: HENRY B. COWLES, Virginia Conference; Agent
Randolph-Macon College.]
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."
[Illustration: REV. WILLIAM S. DAVIS, Of the North Carolina Conference;
General of Cavalry in the C. S. A.]
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.:
[Illustration: THOMAS J. JARVIS, LL. D., Ex-Governor of North Carolina;
Senator in U. S. Congress; Minister to Brazil.]
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.
[Illustration: B. W. ARNOLD, A. M., Professor of Vanderbilt University;
Member of the Virginia Legislature.]
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.
[Illustration: WILLIAM E. EDWARDS, D. D., A. B., 1862.]
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:
"Resolved unanimously, That while the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College are not prepared to take decisive action on the resolution of the Virginia Conference in relation to the change of location of said College, yet this Board so far concurs in the spirit of their resolution as to appoint five members as a committee of the Board to take immediate steps to ascertain the comparative advantages offered by other localities with a view to its removal; and that the committee be requested to perform their duty with dispatch, and report to an adjourned meeting to be held in Petersburg, Va., on Wednesday, March 9, 1864."
The following were appointed said committee: Rev. W. A. Smith, chairman, Rev. L. M. Lee, Rev. J. C. Blackwell, E. R. Chambers, and R. M. Smith; and, on motion, Captain Richard Irby was added to the committee.
The Trustees met, pursuant to adjournment, in Washington-street M. E.
Church, Petersburg, Va., March 9, 1864.
The committee appointed at the meeting January 20 last made report, as follows:
"The committee to whom were referred the comparative claims of the different localities which have been spoken of as offering the most encouraging prospects of success beg leave to submit, that such is the unsettled state of public opinion as to the financial condition of the country at this time, and for some time to come, that no enlightened judgment can be reached by your committee as to the advantages offered by other localities compared with the present location of the College, we beg, therefore, to be relieved from the further consideration of the subject.
"(Signed) WM. A. SMITH, Chairman."
The following order was adopted in regard to the report, viz.:
"Resolved, That the report of the committee be referred back to the same committee, with instructions to take into consideration all the subjects committed to them at the meeting held in Petersburg on the 20th January last, and report to a subsequent meeting to be held in Petersburg at the call of the President, or when he may be requested to call a meeting by any five members of the Board of Trustees."
This meeting was never called. The committee never formulated any further report. In a few weeks after the meeting was held, Petersburg was invested by the Federal army, under General Grant. This investment was continued until April, 1865, when General Lee's right wing was turned, Petersburg and Richmond evacuated, and the final surrender at Appomattox.
The following reminiscences of the last days of the College before the suspension are given by Rev. Dr. W. E. Edwards, who was at the College till near the close:
"The years 1860-1862 were among the most memorable in the history of the College. In 1860 the College, perhaps, had attained the climax of its ante-bellum prosperity. It had met difficulties and conquered them. It had grown and developed into commanding importance. A future of great promise opened up before it. Dr. William A. Smith was now at the zenith of his great popularity as a college president and as an instructor in Moral Philosophy. The changes which from time to time he had introduced in the management of affairs bore continually-increasing fruit in the orderly conduct of students and in their closer application to books; nay, more, his adaptation to the professorial duties which he had assumed shone out conspicuously before the church and the state. He was endowed with splendid abilities—an intellectual giant. Especially was he a born metaphysician. He possessed a power of introspection and an aptness for the logical arrangement of truth that fall to the lot of but few men in life; and now, by patient toil, he elaborated and delivered to his classes a course of original lectures upon the various subjects in his special department, which of itself would justly entitle him to a high rank among the instructors of the country. It is to be regretted that these lectures were never written out in extenso and given to the public. No doubt, at certain points, they would disclose a lack of thoroughness, due to the absence of large and general reading; still, they would manifest a marked degree of original and profound investigation, and would prove, what cannot be said of all that today is taught in our colleges under the name of Moral Science, exceedingly helpful in the proper culture and discipline of character. In other words, the Doctor, in the plan and order of his talent, was practical rather than speculative.
The dark cloud of civil war, so long anticipated and dreaded, now appeared with threatening aspect upon the horizon. The presidential nominees were made. Intense excitement pervaded every department of society. Still the attendance of students upon the fall session of the College for 1860 was not much abated. Of course, the storm without was felt in the narrower circle of college life; all the circumstances of a regular political campaign was here faithfully enacted. Parties were formed; electors were chosen; speeches were made; votes were cast. The majority upon which so important a decision was made (to the best of my memory) was five, yet, in spite of this political strife, studies were pursued with the zest and regularity of former years. A few months passed by. The great American people, despite the students of Randolph-Macon College, decided who should be the President of the country, and declared in favor of Abraham Lincoln, 'the rail-splitter of Illinois.' The College participated more and more in the effects of the increasing excitement. Many students from the seceded States returned to their homes. At length the 4th of March, 1861, arrived. Mr. Lincoln was inducted into office. Immediately he called for seventy-five thousand men to crush the 'rebellion.' Virginia, so long standing aloof, and hoping against hope, now compelled to make a decision, unhesitatingly cast her fortune with that of her Southern sisters. The wildest enthusiasm prevailed among the students. Bondfires were kindled; a great torchlight procession was formed; the different professors were visited, and, after the most approved style, called on for speeches. Then the march was continued to Boydton, to the manifest delight of the citizens of that little town; and then, at a late hour of the night, the line was broken, and every one was left to find his way as best he could back to his room. It is a time long to be remembered.
"Soon students in large numbers left for their homes to prepare for war. The country was converted into an immense camp. So great was the depletion in the number of students, and so great was the excitement that prevailed throughout the country, that the College authorities deemed it inexpedient to hold the regular commencement exercises for this year. So closed the term of 1860-'61.
"A word at this point: In those days it was not deemed improper or unbecoming for ministers of the gospel to have decided views upon questions of state. There were clerical Whigs and there were clerical Democrats, and very stoutly did they maintain the cause of their respective parties. Of course, they never entered the political arena, but in private and around the fireside there was often no small war waged by these 'gentlemen of the cloth' over the great issues of the day. Dr. William A. Smith was a Democrat of the Calhoun stamp. He believed implicitly in the right of secession, a sacred right guaranteed by the constitution, and was not slow to give the reason for the opinion which he cherished. Still, in the earlier part of 1861, he did not recognize the necessity for the exercise of this right on the part of the South. He thought that some compromise might be effected and the Union saved; yet when Mr. Lincoln was inaugurated, and his policy forecast in the call for seventy thousand men to crush the rebellion, he no longer hesitated, but claimed rights which before he was willing to ignore; and the South had no stauncher friend or more zealous advocate than he during all those dark days of fratricidal strife, even to the close, when drums ceased to beat and the battle-flags were furled.
"We start a new era. Vacation begins. The excitement in the land, if possible, becomes more intense. There is volunteering for service, drilling, hurrying on to the front. Everything is placed under contribution to facilitate and render successful the mighty trial of arms which is impending. The battle of Manassas is fought. The South is the victor; yet the fruits are not what were desired and anticipated. The war cloud, instead of vanishing, grows denser. The evidences of a protracted and sanguinary conflict become manifest. The trustees of the College, under existing circumstances, were embarrassed. They knew not what to do; yet in the early part of July they declared against the opening of the doors of the institution for the coming year. Later on, however, they reversed this decision, and the College began its fall session at the usual time. Several important changes are here to be noticed. First, the number of students was perceptibly smaller than usual; the whole body, perhaps, did not exceed sixty-five or seventy. A few of these were manifestly parties desiring to shirk military service; yet the great majority was composed of persons under the age of conscription and of persons who were already far advanced in their college course and looked forward to a speedy graduation.
"Again: there was a change in the complexion or membership of the Faculty. Professor Massie resigned to accept a call to governmental work in Richmond, and Professor Turner was elected to fill the Chair of Mathematics. He, however, resigned at the close of the half session, and Professor Blankenship was chosen as his successor. Professor Shepard resigned, and entered upon active military service in the field. No one was appointed to fill his place, as the exigencies of the case did not demand it.
"Once more: the style of the College was changed from a purely literary to a semi-military institution. A regular uniform was prescribed; drills were daily observed, and other things of a similar character were enjoined, all looking to the preparation of the student for the duties that awaited him in defence of his country.
"The Commencement exercises for this year were exceedingly interesting and for the times very largely attended. Dr. James A. Duncan delivered the address before the two societies. His presence among the scenes of his boyhood was a joy to his old acquaintances, and his address was highly appreciated for its worth and for the sake of the man who delivered it."
The record of the meeting held March 9, 1864, given above, closes the official history of the College prior to the surrender.
We give the names of the trustees following those who were named in the charter of February, 1830, with date of their election:
NAME. STATE. YEAR.
NATHANIEL MASON,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1833
THOMAS ADAMS, . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1833
THOMAS WILLIAMS,. . . . . South Carolina, . . . 1833
ALEXANDER SPEAR,. . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1834
W. H. ELLISON,. . . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1834
Rev. WILLIAM CAPERS,. . . South Carolina, . . . 1834
Rev. W. M. KENNEDY, . . . South Carolina, . . . 1834
Rev. W. M. WIGHTMAN,. . . South Carolina, . . . 1834
GEORGE W. JEFFRIES, . . . North Carolina, . . . 1834
BEV. SYDNOR,. . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1834
Rev. I. A. FEW, . . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1834
Rev. LOVICK PIERCE, . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1835
SEABORN JONES,. . . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1835
J. C. POYTHRESS,. . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1835
Rev. JAMES McADEN,. . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1835
Rev. ABRAM PENN,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1835
WILLIS LEA, . . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1835
Bishop J. O. ANDREW,. . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1835
HUGH A. GARLAND,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1835
Rev. STEPHEN OLIN,. . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1835
HORACE PALMER,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1837
Rev. JAMES JAMEISON,. . . North Carolina, . . . 1837
Rev. B. T. BLAKE, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1837
M. M. MCPHERSON,. . . . . Georgia,. . . . . . . 1838
THOMAS W. WILLIAMS, . . . South Carolina, . . . 1838
S. K. HODGES, . . . . . . South Carolina, . . . 1838
L. C. GARLAND,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1840
D'ARCY PAUL,. . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1840
A. A. CAMPBELL, . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1840
Rev. D. S. DOGGETT,.. . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1841
Rev. A. M. FORSTER, . . . South Carolina, . . . 1841
Rev. HENRY B. COWLES, . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1842
GEORGE ROGERS,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1842
EDWARD R. CHAMBERS, . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1842
WILLIAM TOWNES, . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1844
WESLEY YOUNG, . . . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1845
Rev. R. O. BURTON,. . . . North Carolina, . . . 1845
Rev. WILLIAM B. ROWZIE, . Virginia, . . . . . . 1845
ELLIS MALONE, . . . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1846
THOMAS BRANCH,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1846
Rev. L. M. LEE, . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1846
THOMAS W. HARRIS, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1846
RICHARD B. BAPTIST, . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1846
CHARLES R. EATON, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1848
MASON L. WIGGINS, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1848
CHARLES S. HUTCHESON, . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1848
WILLIAM IRBY, . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1848
JAMES J. DALY,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1848
Rev. R. I. CARSON,. . . . North Carolina, . . . 1848
Rev. JAMES REID,. . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1848
G. W. S. PARHAM,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1848
GEORGE WILSON,. . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1848
GEORGE D. BASKERVILLE,. . North Carolina, . . . 1848
Rev. ANTHONY DIBRELL, . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1849
Rev. WILLIAM CLOSS, . . . North Carolina, . . . 1852
Rev. THOMAS S. CAMPBELL,. North Carolina, . . . 1854
THOMAS H. CAMPBELL, . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1854
RICHARD IRBY, . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1854
CHARLES SKINNER,. . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1854
Rev. GEORGE W. NOLLEY,. . Virginia, . . . . . . 1855
JOHN G. BOYD, . . . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1855
Rev. LEO ROSSER,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1855
Rev. J. P. MOORE, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1855
Rev. R. E. G. ADAMS,. . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1855
Rev. P. W. ARCHER,… . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1855
Rev. N. F. REID,. . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1855
Rev. WILLIAM CARTER,. . . North Carolina, . . . 1855
Rev. J. E. EDWARDS, . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1857
N. MILAM, . . . . . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1857
Rev. G. W. CARTER,. . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1858
RICHARD M. SMITH, . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1858
Rev. JOHN C. BLACKWELL, . Virginia, . . . . . . 1858
THOMAS P. JERMAN, . . . . North Carolina, . . . 1858
LEROY M. WILSON,. . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1859
O. H. P. CORPREW, . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1859
WILLIAM A. SMITH, . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1860
W. T. SUTHERLIN, . . . . Virginia, . . . . . . 1860
Secretaries of the Board.
Rev. WILLIAM A. SMITH,
Rev. WILLIAM M. WIGHTMAN,
Rev. JOHN G. CLAIBORNE,
Rev. EDWARD WADSWORTH,
Rev. HENRY B. COWLES,
RICHARD B. BAPTIST,
RICHARD IRBY,
WILLIAM A. SHEPARD.
Treasurers.
JOHN W. LEWIS,
ALEXANDER BOYD,
BEVERLY SYDNOR,
LANDON C. GARLAND,
DAVID DUNCAN,
CHARLES B. STUART,
Rev. WILLIAM A. SMITH.
Agents.
Rev. H. G. LEIGH,
Rev. WILLIAM HAMMETT,
Rev. M. P. PARKS,
Rev. JOHN EARLY,
Rev. WILLIAM A. SMITH,
Rev. THOMAS CROWDER,
Rev. JOHN A. MILLER,
Rev. JOHN KERR,
Rev. S. S. BRYANT,
Rev. R. O. BURTON,
Rev. WILLIAM B. ROWZIE,
Rev. R. I. CARSON,
Rev. BENJAMIN R. DUVAL,
Rev. N. THOMAS,
Rev. HENRY B. COWLES.
Rev. JOHN EARLY,
Chairman Board of Trustees, 1831.
President " " 1833 to 1872.
In the body of the history sufficient prominence has not been given to a number of the Professors and Agents. They in many instances richly deserved this prominence, but it seemed to be impossible to get portraits of them. A search for some of them for years failed to secure them.
The good work, as agents, of Rev. B. R. Duval and Rev. N. Thomas, more particularly the former, deserved a much more extended notice and commendation.
WAR HISTORY.
The war history of the College and its Professors and sons is and must remain very imperfect. It is impossible for the writer to gather up the scattered threads of this history. No approximate estimate can be given of the number who went into military service, nor of the casualties which befell them. That many of them were killed and wounded and many died of sickness is well known.
Six Randolph-Macon men were enrolled in one company, and the casualties which befell these are here given from actual data. Whether this is a fair sample of the rest is not known with certainty. There is no reason why it should not be assumed as a fair average.
In Company G, Eighteenth Virginia Regiment, Army Northern Virginia, the following casualties occurred, viz.:
Richard Irby, class of 1844, first lieutenant and captain, wounded twice at Second Manassas, 1862.
Samuel Hardy, class of 1846, first lieutenant, lost an arm and disabled at Gaines' Mill, 1862.
Richard Ferguson, class of 1858, first lieutenant (and adjutant of the regiment, 1863), wounded at Gaines' Mill, Frazier's Farm, Second Manassas, and captured inside the cemetery wall at Gettysburg; in prison to the close of the war.
Edward H. Muse, class of 1861, second lieutenant, wounded at Frazier's farm, Gettysburg, and Sailor's Creek.
Anthony Dibrell Crenshaw, class of 1858, third lieutenant, killed at
Five Forks, 1865, and buried on the field.
Benjamin I. Scott, class of 1860, corporal, killed near Boonsboro, Md., 1862, and left on the field.
The writer can give the history and portraits of these, because he had the honor to command the company in which they served, and preserved their records and portraits.
The College premises were occupied after the close of the war for some time by the Federal forces. The main building was used as headquarters of the Freedman's Bureau, and the rooms filled with the "wards of the nation." The damage done to the property was assessed at about five thousand dollars, which is unpaid to this day, and will doubtless so remain to the end of time.
This closes the ante-bellum record.
[Illustration: OFFICERS COMPANY G, EIGHTEENTH VIRGINIA REGIMENT. No. 1.
Captain Richard Irby. No. 2. Lieut. Richard Ferguson. No. 3. Lieut. S.
Hardy. No. 4. Lieut. E. H. Muse. No. 5. Lieut. A. D. Crenshaw. No. 6.
Corpl. B. I. Scott.]
INTERLUDE.
BEFORE entering upon the subsequent history of the College, this writer would take this occasion to refer to one of many omissions, which he has noted in revising the pages already printed, a point of special interest and importance. This is the religious element in Randolph-Macon College.
The College was the child of the Methodist Church, established, in large measure, to educate young men for the ministry in accordance with the ideas and usages of the church of that day. Religion was the first and foremost consideration—religion as taught and emphasized by the Methodist Church—religion allied with education. At the first opening of the College a chaplain was appointed for it by the Conference, a man who was as complete a model of the Methodist minister as could be found, William B. Rowzie, a walking, living epistle of Christ, "known and read of all men." One better than he could not have been found to inaugurate the religious life of the College.
Never in the history of the church in Virginia has Methodism, in its spirit and economy, been more thoroughly exemplified than it has been at Randolph-Macon. The morning and evening sacrifice of prayer and praise noted every day of work. Preaching in the chapel was had twice on Sabbath and prayer service was held on Wednesday evenings. Students were required to attend morning and evening prayer and Sunday morning service. Besides this, the members of the church were organized into classes with leaders, according to Methodist usage, and class-meetings were regularly held once a week. Thus was exhibited a complete practical example of Methodist economy as prescribed in the Discipline. The result and fruit of this work was a high state of religious life. Every year, or oftener, this life took the form of great religious activity, and sweeping revivals occurred, bringing well-nigh all in the College and many outside under spiritual influence, and many converts into the church. There were few years, if any, when some such revival did not take place. Of many it could be said, "This and that man was born there"; many who not only became Christians themselves, but went forth from the College to preach the gospel throughout the Southern land. Many here were drilled in Methodist usages, and thus prepared to become class leaders, stewards and Sunday-school teachers and superintendents after they left College. A large proportion of these became presidents of colleges and principals of high schools and academies, in which they inaugurated the same system of "religion in earnest." These schools shared the same benign and gracious influences, and in turn became "fountains in the desert," from whence "streams broke out," reaching even to the ends of the earth, "making glad the city of our God," and causing "the wilderness to bloom and blossom as the rose."
It may be thought strange that fathers belonging to other churches and others not religious were ever found sending their sons to a college which was thus permeated with religious life as taught and practiced by Methodists. But in many cases they did send them.
This writer, whose acquaintance with the College extends over a period of nearly sixty years, makes bold to say that he has never known a student to change his church membership during all that time and become a Methodist. He has known class-leaders who had been at home Presbyterians and Episcopalians, but after leaving College they resumed their work in their fathers' churches, none the worse for having for a time worked in "Methodist traces."
As to calculating the ultimate effects of all these causes and influences in time and eternity, it were as vain to try to calculate or measure them as it would be
"To bind the sweet influences of the Pleiades
Or loose the bands of Orion."
COLLEGE HISTORY AFTER THE WAR.
THE period immediately succeeding the surrender of the Confederate army at Appomatox was one of the darkest and most discouraging that any civilized people was ever called to face. Virginia had been for four years the battle-ground over which great armies had marched and counter-marched and fought. Every home had felt the torture that "tried men's souls." Widows gathered their fatherless children around them to share the last crust of bread together, not knowing whether even that much could be found to-morrow. For miles along the highways over which the armies had marched, the bare chimneys only, marked the sites where comfortable houses had sheltered happy households. The farmer had his land left—that could not be carried away; but few had any teams to break the ground, and many had not the seed needed to sow the fields. The last cow was in many cases driven away or killed. A noted Federal general had boastfully reported to the general-in-chief that so completely had he devastated the fairest and most fertile section of the State that a crow could not travel over it without carrying his rations with him.
Richmond, the capital city, after withstanding two sieges successfully, had been, in large part, made a bank of ashes. Petersburg, beleaguered so long, was a scarred and battered wreck. Fredericksburg, Winchester, Norfolk, and many other towns, were little better off. Some of the railroads were stripped of their rails—all of them in bad plight and almost without any equipment for business, if any business were to be found. The labor system, which had for centuries been used to cultivate the land and gather the crops, had been at one stroke subverted, and virtually destroyed. None had been found for months afterward to take its place. With the people at large it was a struggle for existence and a fight with famine.
One of the saddest scenes this writer ever witnessed was at Nottoway courthouse. A few days after the surrender at Appomattoax, he was summoned with other citizens of the county to attend a meeting called to confer with the military officers as to the best plans to be devised to prevent suffering among the people. Just as he entered the courthouse, where a number of people were assembled, he saw a venerable man of more than three-score years and ten standing before the officer, with tears streaming down his furrowed cheeks, and heard him say: "Every scrap of meat, every grain of corn, everything in the way of food I had, has been taken from me. I know not where I shall get my meat or bread to-morrow." This man had been for many years one of the foremost men in the county, a Senator in the General Assembly of Virginia, and for many years a Trustee of Randolph-Macon College.
But poverty and penury were not all. The people were humiliated and despondent. Their State, "the mother of States and statesmen," had now the tyrant's heel upon her neck, and was styled "District" (No. 1), a "conquered province"—her governor, first a refugee, then a prisoner. Military satraps filled the seats of judges and magistrates. The ignorant slave was often shown more deference than his former cultured master. Most of the flower of the manhood of the State had died by the sword or disease. The boys and girls of the next generation were growing up without the means of education, and helping to eak out a living for their widowed mothers.
Such, in brief, was the condition of Virginia in the period succeeding the close of the war.
What could the Trustees of the College do under such circumstances as now surrounded them? The endowment gathered at such an expenditure of time and labor was in large part lost. The investments made were in bonds and stocks of more than uncertain value, some not worth the paper on which they were printed. The College buildings, libraries and laboratories had all been impaired and damaged by non-use or abuse. There was no money in hand to repair and refit them. Our own people were too poor to furnish it. Those who had devastated the property, and added injury to insult, could not be expected to restore what they had destroyed.
Nevertheless, it had been but a few months after the surrender before a meeting of the Board was called to be held in Petersburg, August 23, 1865.
At this meeting a quorum was lacking, and the Board adjourned to meet on
September 13 following, at the residence of Richard Irby, in Nottoway.
This adjourned meeting was held, and a quorum was present.
One of the first matters attended to was the appointment of a committee consisting of President W. A. Smith and four others "to estimate the damage to the College incurred by the occupation of it by the United States troops after the surrender, and in behalf of the Trustees to make application to the proper authorities of the government for payment."
On motion of D'Arcy Paul it was—
Resolved, That all the Professor's chairs be declared vacant.
A provisional arrangement was made to open the College for school purposes, but this arrangement was not carried out.
A further plan was provided for taking care of the College property, and the Board adjourned.
The next meeting of the Board was held at the College July 11, 1866, with eighteen members in attendance. The chairman of the committee appointed at the last meeting to assess and press claim for damages to College, reported that the committee had not been encouraged in their efforts by the military authorities in Virginia.
Judge E. R. Chambers was appointed to prosecute the claim.
It may save time here to say, as has been said before, that this claim was never recognized by the government.
The Finance Committee made a report of the Endowment fund and liabilities of the College:
Bonds of the city of Petersburg and interest, . . . . . . $19,000
Bonds of the State of Virginia, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,000
———-
(Classed available),. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,000
Bonds Southside Railroad Company, guaranteed
by city of Petersburg,. . . . . . .$15,800
Stock Petersburg Railroad Company, 8,000
———-
$23,800
———-
$45,800
———-
Private or personal Endowment bonds, . . . . . . . . . . .$24,900
Legacy of W. B. Jones, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .500
———-
$25,400
=======
Confederate bonds, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $37,000
Confederate currency, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,536
———-
$44,536
=======
Leaving out the Confederate bonds, which were worthless, the balance
of available and possible assets were $71,200
Liabilities as far as known, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,854
———-
Net assets, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $62,346
This, under all the circumstances, might be considered a favorable showing, and the credit of it is due to the faithful Investing Agent, who also showed his skill and faithfulness by bringing through the war the "Savings and Insurance Company," of which he was president, free from wreck.
The resolution of the Virginia Conference in regard to the removal of the College had been allowed to sleep since the committee's report, in March, 1864. It was again brought forward by the following resolution, offered by Richard M. Smith, Esq.:
"Resolved, That a committee of ——— be appointed to ascertain what accommodations and on what terms and what inducements generally can be obtained for transferring Randolph-Macon College to Petersburg, Richmond, Lynchburg, or any other place, and also the earliest day at which accommodations can be at command, and report to an adjourned meeting of this Board."
This resolution was defeated by a vote of 12 to 6.
The following, offered by Judge E. R. Chambers, was then adopted:
"Resolved, That it is inexpedient and injudicious to change the location of the College."
The ayes and noes on this were recorded, as follows:
Ayes.—William Townes, Sr., C. S. Hutcheson, W. B. Rowzie, William Townes, Jr., William Carter, T. P. Jerman, R. B. Baptist, N. Head. J. P. Moore, O. H. P. Corprew, N. Alexander, E. R. Chambers, L. M. Wilson—13.
Noes.—Richard Irby, D. S. Doggett, R. M. Smith, J. C. Granbery, T. S. Campbell, J. C. Blackwell—6.
Dr. W. A. Smith, at his own request, was excused from voting.
It was resolved to take steps to re-open the College as soon as practicable.
The degree of A. M. was conferred, under the law, on the following: Leroy S. Edwards, Thomas J. Overby, and J. Davidson Blackwell, A. B.'s of former years.
Dr. William A. Smith tendered his resignation as President of the College, to take effect at once. The resignation was accepted by the Board, and resolutions were adopted expressing the high appreciation of him and his work, which had extended over a period of nearly twenty years.
The Board resolved to adjourn to meet again on the 18th of August following to elect a president and three professors. The salaries of these were fixed—Guaranteed, to the President, $1,000; to the professors, $750 each, and, in addition, the tuition fees of the students in attendance.
At the adjourned meeting, August 15, 1866, the following elections were made:
RICHARD W. JONES, A. M., Professor of Mathematics.
O. H. P. CORPREW, A. M., Professor of Ancient Languages.
Rev. JOHN C. BLACKWELL, A. M., D. D., Professor of Chemistry.
ERNEST LA GARDE, Professor of Modern Languages.
The election of a President was postponed to an adjourned meeting, and Dr. John C. Blackwell was appointed to act as President until a president should be elected.
At an adjourned meeting held October 16, 1866, on the nomination of William Townes, Sr., Col. Thomas Carter Johnson, A. M. (Class 1842), was elected President and Professor of Moral Philosophy.
The Board then adjourned to meet at the session of the Virginia Annual
Conference, November 22, 1866. Colonel Johnson was then a citizen of
Montgomery, Ala., practicing law. He accepted the office tendered,
but did not take the position until near the close of the year.
At the adjourned meeting held at Norfolk, November 22, 1866, the Board, on motion of Dr. William A. Smith, resolved to establish "The School of Commercial Science" in the College. This was never done.
At this meeting a representative from Ashland, Hanover county, Va., presented a communication from owners of property in that town offering to sell certain property in case the Board should determine to move the College. A committee, consisting of D'Arcy Paul, R. M. Smith and D. S. Doggett, were appointed to investigate and report in regard to the matter.
At the adjourned meeting in December, held at the College, President-elect Johnson appeared before the Board and was formally inducted into office. He was requested to visit the Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, which had recently adhered to the Southern Church, and endeavor to secure the patronage and co-operation of that Conference; also, to visit Baltimore and other cities with a view to securing financial help for the College.
An overture was also made to the North Carolina Conference with a view to the restoration of former relations and the securing of its patronage.
President Johnson subsequently reported the result of his visit to the Baltimore Conference, and submitted the action of that body, which was as follows:
"BALTIMORE CONFERENCE, M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
"REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON COLLEGES.
"The Committee on Colleges submit the following report:
"Resolved, 1. That the Conference accepts the proposition of the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College to give its patronage to said institution and to participate equally with the other patronizing Conferences in its government and privileges, and we hereby nominate four suitable persons to be elected Trustees from this Conference to represent our interests on said Board.
"Resolved, 2. That when a Trustee shall locate, it shall be his duty to resign.
"Resolved, 3. That we will give the full weight of our influence in extending the patronage of Randolph-Macon College."
"(Signed) S. S. ROSZEL, Chairman."
These resolutions were adopted by the Conference March, 1867.
On the recommendation of the Baltimore Conference the following
gentlemen were elected Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, viz.: Rev. S.
S. Roszel, Rev. John Poisal, Rev. S. S. Register, and Rev. John
Landstreet.
At the first annual meeting of the Trustees held at the College, June 25, 1867, after President Johnson had assumed control, eleven Trustees were in attendance.
Ex-President W. A. Smith had gone to Central College, Fayette, Missouri, of which he had been elected President.
The President's report stated that the attendance for the session of 1866-'67 had been in all forty-five students; a large proportion of them were on scholarships. The net receipts from fees were necessarily very small.
The degree of D. D. was conferred on the following: Rev. Nelson Head,
Rev. John E. Edwards, and Rev. W. W. Bennett, of the Virginia
Conference; Rev. Samuel S. Register, Rev. S. S. Roszel, Rev. John
Poisal, and Rev. John S. Martin, of the Baltimore Conference; Bishop
Enoch M. Marvin, of the M. E. Church, South, and Rev. Smith W. Moore, of
the Tennessee Conference.
The degree of LL. D. was conferred on Bishop George F. Pierce, M. E.
Church, South, and Hon. James F. Dowdell and William F. Samford, of
Alabama.
The degree of A. M. was conferred on Thomas J. Jarvis, of North Carolina (class of 1860).
REMOVAL OF THE COLLEGE.
The College year, 1867-68, was not a prosperous one. The financial condition of the country was anything but favorable to a successful year. The dissatisfaction with the location of the College had been increasing since 1863. At the annual meeting in 1868 it was to culminate. The President had become convinced that something must be done or the College would have to close its doors. Some who had opposed removal heretofore now favored it.
In the notice for the meeting a special request was made for a full meeting, and the object was generally understood. The meeting commenced its session June 24, 1868. There were present the following: Revs. James Jamieson, H. B. Cowles, Robert O. Burton, W. B. Rowzie, L. M. Lee, T. S. Campbell, Geo. W. Nolley, L. Rosser, J. P. Moore, Wm. Carter, John E. Edwards, J. C. Blackwell, Nelson Head, J. C. Granbery, John Landstreet, and Messrs. N. Alexander, D. Paul, E. R. Chambers, Wm. Townes, Sr., Thos. Branch, R. B. Baptist, J. J. Daly, R. Irby, R. M. Smith, T. P. Jerman, T. M. Jones, T. C. Johnson, C. S. Hutcheson, W. Townes, Jr., and O. H. P. Corprew—thirty in all.
President T. C. Johnson presided, and Professor Corprew was secretary. The feeling prevailed generally that this meeting would decide the question of removal. There was early skirmishing by the opposing sides, and it was some time before the decisive vote was reached and taken.
Finally, the motion of Dr. J. E. Edwards, which was as follows:
"Resolved, That in the judgment of the Board of Trustees for the greater prosperity of the institution, Randolph-Macon College should be removed from its present to a more accessible and eligible location"—was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes.—Paul, Cowles, Burton, Rowzie, Branch, Lee. T. S. Campbell, Irby, Nolley, Rosser, Edwards, R. M. Smith, Jerman, Blackwell, Head, Granbery, Jones, Johnson, and Landstreet—19.
Noes.—Alexander, Chambers, Townes, Sr., Baptist, Daly, Moore, Carter, Townes, Jr., and Corprew—9.
[Illustration: REV. JOHN ELLIS EDWARDS, A. M., D. D., Virginia
Conference, M.E. Church, South.]
On motion of D'Arcy Paul, the Board took steps to secure the authority of the constituted authorities for the necessary change of the charter, so as to allow the change of location.
On motion of Dr. J. E. Edwards it was—
"Resolved, That so soon as the gentlemen (Messrs. Branch, Irby, Snyder and Watts) who have purchased the property and premises at Ashland are prepared to make a tender of the same to the Trustees for the use of Randolph-Macon College, free from any encumbrance as to title, and so soon as the legal authority is secured for the transfer of the institution, the Trustees bind and pledge themselves to make the transfer and removal to Ashland; and also pledge themselves further to open the next session of the College exercises at that place; provided the above-named conditions are complied with in time to enable the Trustees to carry out this pledge."
A committee, consisting of D. Paul, R. M. Smith, Drs. L. M. Lee, J. E. Edwards and N. Head, were appointed to secure the legal authority to remove the College to Ashland, and to secure proper title to the property to be used for the location of the College.
The President was authorized to employ an Agent to have the furniture, libraries, apparatus, etc., removed to Ashland.
Thus ended the struggle in regard to moving the College. The majority, while taking this step, which they deemed absolutely necessary in order to carry out the object sought in the establishment of the College, took it with the greatest reluctance. They could not grieve so generous a people as those living in the vicinity of the College without feelings of the utmost regret and pain.
The minority could not see what had been the pride of the community and section taken away, without feelings of sorrow. Many of them had for many years been the strongest and warmest friends of the College, and had often manifested their friendship by generous acts and steadfast devotion to it in adversity and prosperity.
After transacting a few items of business, one of which was the
conferring the degree of D. D. on Rev. Robert S. Moran, of the North
Carolina Conference, the Board adjourned to meet again in Centenary
Church, Richmond, Va., July 29, 1868.
After the adjournment of the Board the opponents to the removal of the College sued out an injunction restraining the Board from taking the step contemplated.
When the adjourned meeting of the Board assembled in Centenary Church, Richmond, July 29, 1868, this action was reported, "whereupon a motion was adopted to appoint a committee to wait on General Stoneman, in charge of the District."
This committee addressed the following communication to General
Stoneman:
"RICHMOND, VA., July 29, 1868.
"Major-Gen. Stoneman, Commanding General District No. 1:
"SIR,—We are instructed by the Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, now in adjourned session in this city, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th instant, addressed to a previous committee of this Board, touching the interests of the College under their management.
"Since the communication on behalf of the Trustees, to which your letter of the 8th instant was in reply, a contingency then contemplated has arrived. A minority of the Trustees have sued out an injunction restraining the Board from making the contemplated removal of the College, the writ being returnable on the first Monday in August at Charlotte Courthouse for hearing before Judge Marshall. We are advised that the suit will prove very tedious as well as very expensive, and will thus operate very disadvantageously to the interests of the College whatever the decision. We therefore add to the former application made to you in behalf of the Trustees, that you will issue an order protecting us, both from obstruction and from delay, through these appeals to the courts, until such time as the legislative authority of the State, of which you are at present the sole representative, shall be regularly organized and open to the application usual in such cases.
"Very respectfully yours,
(Signed) "J. EARLY, ETC., ETC.,
"Committee."
To this communication General Stoneman submitted the following reply:
"HEADQUARTERS FIRST MILITARY DISTRICT,
"RICHMOND, VA., July 29, 1868.
"GENTLEMEN: I am directed by the commanding General to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this date in relation to the subject of the removal of Randolph-Macon College, and in reply thereto, to inform you that authority is hereby given to the Trustees of that College to remove that institution, with all the appurtenances and fixtures thereunto belonging, to such place and at such time as the majority of the Trustees may think proper, this removal to be subject to the conditions set forth in a former letter from these headquarters, dated the 8th instant.*
*This letter is not found in the record.
"I am, gentlemen, very respectfully,
(Signed) "S. F. CHALFIN,
"Assistant Adjutant-General"
"To Messrs. John Early, D. S. Doggett, Richard Irby, R. M. Smith, and others, Committee of the Trustees of Randolph-Macon College."
The owners of the property at Ashland, who had purchased the same for the Trustees, submitted the conditions on which they proposed to turn it over to the Trustees, and the same were, on motion, accepted. This property embraced all the buildings then standing on the thirteen acres, now constituting the campus of the College at Ashland, with some other lots adjacent. Thus the location was provided for the College with accommodations for professors and students, and the way was cleared for the removal of the College to it.
At this juncture President Johnson submitted the following communication:
"RICHMOND, VA., July 30, 1868.
"Gentlemen of the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College:
"The experiment upon which you are about to enter, with my aid and approbation, seems to me to demand that you should have the widest field for the choice of a man to fill the position I now hold. The general troubled condition of the country, excluding many distinguished men from the arena of politics, in which the talent of Virginia and the South has heretofore been employed, and also the returning to this State of many unemployed scholars and literary men, affords you a wide field of selection for this purpose. I feel that in your straitened condition, having to make a new appeal for students and for friends to re-endow your College, you are entitled to every possible advantage in your arduous undertaking. A son of the College, I love her too well, and the church which has founded and supported her in the past, to stand in the way of any possible effort that may give prestige to your labors to put her once more on the high road to prosperity.
"With this view and the kindest wishes to every member of the Board, I hereby resign the presidency of the College.
"Very truly, your obedient servant,
(Signed) "THOMAS C. JOHNSON."
On motion of Rev. J. C. Granbery, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
"Resolved, That in accepting the resignation of President Johnson it is due to ourselves as well as to him that we express the high esteem which we feel for him as a Christian gentleman and our admiration of the great zeal and fidelity with which he has discharged the duties of his oflice at a most critical and embarrassing juncture in the history of the College, also our warm appreciation of the disinterested and generous motives which have prompted him to tender his resignation."
On motion of Dr. N. Head—
"Resolved, That in the absence of a Legislature having obtained authority from General Stoneman to do so, the College be removed from Mecklenburg county to Ashland, in Hanover county, Va., and that a session of the College be opened at that place on the first day of October next.
"Resolved, That in deciding to change the site of Randolph-Macon College this Board has been actuated only by the solemn conviction that it was imperatively demanded by the educational interests of the church and community at large, and that the opposition which has been offered to this action by a minority of the Trustees is deeply deplored by their colleagues of the Board, who here now and hereby respectfully request that those members will withdraw that opposition, as injurious to the interests dear alike to all, this earnest and fraternal appeal being prompted and encouraged by the very high esteem and respect entertained for the gentlemen to whom it is addressed by their associates of the Board."
On motion of Richard Irby—
"Resolved, That this Board holds itself in readiness to make such arrangements as will secure to the county of Mecklenburg a High School at the present site of Randolph-Macon College on terms such as may be desired, said school to be a preparatory school to the College."
Preparatory steps were taken to have the College furniture, libraries, etc., removed at once to Ashland.
The Board then proceeded to fill the place of President, vacated by the resignation of President Johnson.
Dr. Landon C. Garland, of the University of Mississippi, was unanimously elected President.
A committee of nine members was appointed, who were authorized, in conjunction with Dr. Garland, to elect the professors of the College; and in the event that Dr. Garland declines to accept the presidency, then said committee shall be authorized to elect another man to be President.
The following were then, on nomination, elected to constitute said
committee, viz.: Bishop John Early, Bishop D. S. Doggett, Drs. N. Head,
L. M. Lee, J. E. Edwards, L. Rosser, Rev. H. B. Cowles, Rev. J. C.
Granbery, and Richard Irby.
Professors Corprew, Jones, Blackwell, and La Garde severally submitted their resignations.
The duty of removing the College and preparing the buildings and premises at Ashland, and making other necessary arrangements, was devolved on the "Executive Committee, which consisted of Richard Irby, Dr. N. Head, D'Arcy Paul, Thomas Branch, and Rev. T. S. Campbell.