"Journal of the Meetings of the President & Masters of William & Mary's College"
Introduction and summary.[1]
Contents
- 1 Meeting Minutes, 29 December 1779
- 2 30 December 1779
- 3 2 February 1780
- 4 17 March 1780
- 5 23 May 1780
- 6 20 May 1780
- 7 27 June 1780
- 8 14 December 1780
- 9 No.date.
- 10 7 March 1781
- 11 7 March 1781
- 12 3 June 1782
- 13 12 June 1782
- 14 1 September 1782
- 15 1 September & 2 September 1782
- 16 2 September & 28 September 1782
- 17 28 September & n.d. October 1782
- 18 22 October & 8 November 1782
- 19 No.date.
- 20 31 December 1782
- 21 14 January 1783
- 22 17 February 1783
- 23 8 March 1783
- 24 14 March 1783
- 25 See also
- 26 References
- 27 Further reading
- 28 External links
Meeting Minutes, 29 December 1779
Page 280
Dec.r 29.th 1779.
At a meeting of the President &
Masters^Professors of Wm Mary College, under a statute passed by the Visitors the fourth Day of December, 1779 —Present
James Madison, President, & Professor of Natural Philosophy, & Mathematics.
George Wythe, Professor of Law & Police.
James M'Clurg, Professor of Anatomy and Medicine.
Robert Andrews, Professor of Moral Philosophy, the Laws of Nature & of Nations, & of the fine Arts.
Charles Bellini, Professor of Modern Languages.
Resolved, That M.r Andrews act as Clerk of the Society for this day.
Resolved, that the Lectures in the different Schools shall commence for the ensuing year on the 17.th of January.
For the Encouragement of Science,
Resolved, that a Student on paying an annually one thousand pounds of Tobacco shall be entitled to attend any two of the following Professors, viz.: of Law and Police, of Natural Philosophy. & and Mathematics, & of Moral Philosophy, the Laws of Nature & Nations, and of the fine arts, & that for fifteen hundred pounds he shall be entitled to attend the said three said Professors, the fees to be paid at that Period of the year when the Courses of Lectures commence.
Resolved, that Mr James Wilson be allowed 3,000 lbs. of Tobacco pr annum, two men & a Boy, & any Benefit he can derive from the Garden after supplying the President & Professors with vegetables, as Steward & Gardener of y.e College.
Resolved, that Winkfield, Bob, Lemon, Adam, & Pompey, be retained for cleaning the College, & other necessary Purposes.
Resolved, that the President & Mr Andrews hire the Negroes not retained, for Tobacco or other Country Produce.
Resolved, that Mr Andrews be appointed to execute the office of Bursar of the College.
30 December 1779
Page 281
Dec.r 30.th 1779.
At a Meeting of the President & Professors of Wm & Mary College.
Present
- James Madison, President,
- George Wythe, Robert Andrews
- James M'Clurg Charles Bellini
Resolved, that the Ceremony of Matriculation shall be a pecuniary contribution to the Library, from every Student when he enters the College, & annually afterwards, on which his Name, together with his Contribution, shall be entered in a Book kept for that Purpose by the Bursar, & he shall be entitled to the Use of the Library.
Ordered, that the Library be arranged according to the different Branches of Literature.
Resolved, that former Students shall enjoy a preferable Claim to Rooms until the 30.th of next month.
Resolved, that Application for College Rooms be made to the Presidt, who shall determine the Right according to Priority of Application.
Resolved, that the personal Property, not necessary for the Use of the College, shall be exposed to publick sale on the 7.th of January, 1780.
J. Madison, P.
2 February 1780
Page 282
At a Meeting of the President and Professors of William and Mary College, Feb.r 2.& 1780.
Present - James Madison Pr.
- George Wythe
- James M'Clurg
- Robert Andrews.
Resolved - that James Wilson be appointed Collector of y.e Rents in y.e County of King William in y.e place of Christopher Taliaferro
Resolved - that in future all surveyors be publicly examined before y.e Society, previous to their having a Certificate of their abilities.
Resolved - that Mr Wm Cole be desired to collect y.e Money due from y.e Rents of y.e Nottoway Estate.
Resolved - that Samuel Griffin, Esqe. be permitted to have any quantity of land near to his House not exceeding 20 acres for y.e Purpose of Pasturage only.
J. Madison, P.
17 March 1780
Page 283
March 17th 1780.
At a Meeting of y.e President and Professors of y.e College, Present —
J. Madison Presidt.G. Wythe — P. L. & P.
J. M'Clurg — P. A. & M.
R. Andrews P. M. P. &e.
Ch. Bellini P. M L.
Resolved that y.e Collectors be ordered to collect all Rents for y.e last Year in Tob.o only-and that all Arrears due for any Time preceding y.e Commencement of y.e last Year be collected either in Tob.o, or in Money according to y.e Value of Tob.o at y.e Time of Payment.
J Madison P.
23 May 1780
Page 284
May y.e 23.d 1780.
At a Meeting of y.e President & Professors, Present: J. Madison — George WytheRobert Andrews
Charles Bellini
Resolved — that y.e Collector of King Wm do receive the rents of 1779 at 30£ pr cwt, provided they be paid on demand.
Mr Wythe did not vote in y.e above Resolve.
That he shall bring suits for all arrears, unless paid at y.e current Price of Tob.o — and that those who are not able to pay their arrears be ejected.
— J Madison
At a Meeting May 25.
Present as above-also Doctr Mc Clurg.
Mr Joseph Fox was elected Collector of King Wm. Rents in y.e stead of James Wilson who had resigned.
The following advertisement was directed to be made public: The College having suffered very considerably by accepting current Money instead of y.e Rents reserved in y.e Leases of their Lands w.ch were payable in Tobacco or sterling Money at y.e option of y.e President & Professors; Notice is hereby given to y.e Tenants & others concerned that y.e Rents of y.e Current year, & of all future years will be exacted in Tobo according to y.e reservations. Actions are directed to be commenced immediately for Breaches of y.e Covenants in any of y.e Leases, and to recover Posession of all y.e Tenements, y.e Holders of which have forfeited by non-payment of y.e Rents by waste by y.e neglect to make improvements by Sales without License, or otherwise, and to be prosecuted with y.e greatest Expedition.
J Madison
20 May 1780
Page 285
At a Meeting of y.e President & Professors of y.e College May y.e 20th. 1780.
Present. J. Madison Geo. Wythe James Mc Clurg Robt Andrews Charles Bellini.
Resolved-that Mr Bellini be appointed Librarian.
2. That all Books belonging to y.e Library & lent out be forthwith returned, that none of y.e Books be hereafter delivered out of y.e Library to any but Professors & matriculated Students and to them for one month only at a Time, when they shall be returned, otherwise y.e Borrower shall not only be accountable for y.e value of y.e Book withheld, but be deprived of y.e Priviledge until y.e Society upon proper amends, at a subsequent Meeting agree to restore it.
3. That if any borrowed Book be defaced, torn, or otherwise injured, he who had y.e use of it shall replace it by another of y.e same Author, equal to what it was when put into his hands —
4. The first Monday in every Month at 9oC in y.e Morning is appointed as a Time to receive all Books lent out.
J Madison
27 June 1780
Page 286
At a Meeting of y.e President & Professors of Wm & Mary College, June 27th—1780. Present — J. Madison G. Wythe J. M'Clurg R. Andrews Ch. Bellini.
Resolved, That y.e vacations in future be as follows
- The first — from y.e first of April to y.e first of May.
- The second — from y.e first of August to y.e 10th October.
J Madison
At a Meeting of y.e President and Professors of
- Wm & Mary College November 27th. 1780.
Present J. Madison, P.
G. Wythe J. McClurg R. Andrews C. Bellini —
Resolved — That Col. Thomas Marshall be appointed surveyor of y.e County of Fayette. James Thompson of y.e County of Lincoln-and Geo. May of y.e County of Jefferson— Resolved — That James Wilson be allowed five Hhds of Tobacco ^pr annum as his Wages-and that he shall also undertake y.e Management of a Farm upon the Lands adjoining y.e College—
14 December 1780
Page 287
Resolved also-That three Hhds of Tobo — be farther allowed him in Lieu of his Board.
J Madison Pr.
At a meeting of y.e Presidt & Professors of Wm & Mary Coll., December 14.th, 1780
Present
J Madison Pr. Geo Wythe
J McClurg Robert Andrews
Ch. Bellini.
Resolved, that such of y.e Negroes as shall not be hereafter reserved, be disposed of in Exchange for Lands not exceeding the Distance of one Hundred Miles from Williamsburg —
J Madison Pr.
At a Meeting of y.e President & Professors Jan. 1. 1780
Present: J Madison, P. Geo. Wythe,
Robert Andrews — Charles Bellini.
Resolved — That Mr Wilson be desired to hire out the Negroes belonging to y.e College, except those necessary for y.e College, & Farm, y.e Persons hiring them to pay their Taxes & clothe them.
J Madison P.
No.date.
Page 288
At a Meeting of the President & Professors of Wm & Mary College.
Present. James Madison P. Geo. Wythe, Robert Andrews Charles Bellini
Resolved that y.e Collectors hereafter to be appointed be allowed six per Centum upon all Monies by them Collected for y.e Use if y.e College, and ten per Centum for Collections in Tobo —
That when ye Rent shall not be paid in Tobo, nor sufficient Distress be found, the Collector is impowered to receive Money of the Tenant who makes Default at the Rate of y.e current Price of Tobo, at the warehouses, by the notes of wch y.e Rent is payable —
Resolved, that M.r Benja C. Spiller be appointed Collector of King William Rents in y.e Room of M.r Fox deceased —
7 March 1781
Page 289
At a meeting of ye Presidt and Professors of y.e College.
Present J. Madison Pr., March 7.th 1781 -
G. Wythe Robt Andrews Charles Bellini.
Resolved, that Suits be brought to turn those Tenants out of Possession of y.e Nottoway Lands who refuse paying y.e Rent at y.e Time y.e Agreement was made for leasing them.
Resolved, that y.e Bursar be allowed 3 pr Cent upon all Monies received by him for use of y.e College.
At a Meeting of y.e Presidt and Proffessors of y.e College, March 1.st 1782.
Resolved that a Degree of Doctor of Civil Law be conferred upon Gen.r Chastellux of which the following is a Diploma
7 March 1781
Page 290
Diploma
Praeses et Professores Universitatis seu Collegii Gulielmi et Mariae in Virginia omnibus ad quos praesentes literae pervenerint Salutem. Cum eo gradus academici instituti fuerint, ut viri, de Academia, de republica optime meriti, seu in nostrae matris educati gremio, seu bonarum artium disciplinis aliunde eruditi, istis insignibus ornarentur; sciatis, quod nos gradu doctoris in jure civili libenter studioseq, collato, testamur quanti facimus DOMINUM DE CHASTELLUX, e strategis regis christianissimi & sociis quadragenis Academiae gallicanae coetibus philosophicis Philadelphiae Bostoniaeq virum stirpe nobili ortum ; literis interioribus et reconditis imbutum, et quum pacis artibus tum
Page 291
belli rebus gestis inclytum; Libertatum nostratium vindicem, inter alios praeclaros aeque fortem ac felicem insuper operam navantem (haud inauspicato precamur ut musae has sedes sibi dicatas, aliquandiu armis infestas, nunc pacatas, celebrent, et scientiae ibi cultae liberaliter et reflorescentes quasi palladium sint, quo salvo has in regiones tyrannis, ignorantia semper grassans et maxime suffulta, nuper exacta, post hac nec ingruere nec irrepere potuerit. Idcirco in solenni convocatione primo die mensis Martis Anno Domini in Millesimo septingentesimo octogesimo secundo habita, conspirantibus omnium suffragüs eundem honorabilem et egregium virum dominum DE CHASTELLUX Doctorem in Jure civili creavimus et constituimus; eumque, virtute praesentis Diplomatis, singulis juribus, privilegiis et honoribus isti gradui qua qua pertinentibus honoris causa frui et gaudere jussimus. In cujus rei testimonium Sigillum Universitatis commune, quo hac in parte utimur, praesentibus apponi fecimus. Datum in Domo nostrae convocationis Anno Die et Mense praedictis.
3 June 1782
Page 292
At a meeting of the Presidt & Professors of the University on the 3.d June 1782. present
James Madison President
George Wythe
Robert Andrews
Charles Bellin1. Resolved, that the Bursar be authorized to negotiate the Bills of Exchange received from the French Army for the destruction of the President's House.
2. That a House be rented in Town for the use of the President, and the rent be paid out of the interest of the Money due for the above Bills.
12 June 1782
Page 293
At a Meeting of y.e Presidt and Professors on y.e 12.th June 1782. Resolved, that a Degree of Doctor of Physic be conferred upon DoctTM Coste first Physician to y.e French Army-of which y.e following is a Diploma.
Omnibus ad quos praesentes Literae pervenerint Praeses et Professores Universitatis Gulielmi & Mariae in VirginiaSalutem:
Quum in Charta Nostra nobis concessum & confirmatum fuit, ut eos qui se literis et suis studiis praecipue ornarunt, Gradibus Academici Decoremus, quum volumus in hujusmodi honorem talis imprimis evehi vivos, quales nobis, et juventuti Virginieusi exemplum valde egregium praebeant; Quumque Joannem Franciscum Coste, Genevensem saluberrimarum medicinae facultatum Parisiensis Alumnum, Valentiensis Doctorem, Voscomii militaris et Arcis Caletensis Medicum & regis medicinae Societatibus Londinensi, Ediburgensi, Parissiensi, regii Lotharingorum medicorum collegiis, socium Honorarium et regiis Scientiarum artium et literarum academiis Nanceiana, Lugdunensi, Divionensi et patrioticis Sueciae et Hessiae, Hamburgensis, Societatibus, ex humana Societati Philadelphiensi Christianissimi regis Exercitus in America Archiatrum nobis commendarunt summi artis suae Honores a celeberrimis universitatibus supradictis in eum collati, nec non insignia quae nobis ipse obtulit doctrinae ingeniique sui monumenta: Idcirco in Solenni convocatione die duodecimo mensis Junii Anno Dom 1782 consp irantibus omnium Suffragiis eundem Joannem Franciscum Coste Medicinae Doctorem renunciavimus et constituimus eumque singulis honoribus et Privilegiis ad istum gradum inter nos pertinentibus frui et gaudere jussimus. In cujus rei testimonium his literis Sigillum Universitatis Gulielmi et Mariae apponi curavimus.
1 September 1782
Page 294
At a Meeting of the Presidt & Professrs of the University on September the 1.st 1782. Present
James Madison President
George Wythe
Robert Andrews
Charles Bellini
Resolved, that actions be forthwith commenced in the general court for recovering the rents due from the tenants of the Nottway Lands.
Resolved, that written leases be presented to such tenants as are by virtue of verbal Contracts, in possession of any tenements for the residue of the terms designed by the contracts, to be executed by them.
1 September & 2 September 1782
Page 295
September the 1.st 1782.
Mem. The Gentleman who prosecutes the Suit is desired to consider whether the Actions can be maintained upon verbal leases.
Resolved, that a Letter be written to M.r Attorney-General to retain him as counsel for the College, in case M.r Bracken shall commence any Suit against the Soceity for arrears of Salary or for any other cause.
At a Meeting of the President and Professors of the University on September the 2d 1782. Present
James Madison, President
George Wythe
Robert Andrews
Charles Bellini
Resolved, that the Plank now in possession of the Steward be disposed of to M.r Saunders, at the rate of a Penny per
2 September & 28 September 1782
Page 296
foot; The Steward to reserve as much as will be necessary for the repairs in and about the College.
Resolved, that the two Houses between the College and the Barn adjoining the Garden be disposed of by M.r Saunders.
At a Meeting of the President and Professors of the University on Sept. 2, 1782. Present
James Madison, President
George Wythe
Robert Andrews
Charles Bellini
Resolved, that so many of the Negroes not employed about the College be sold to defray the Expence of repairing the Buildings.
Resolved, that each Student, on matriculating, pay 10/per annum for the privilege of the Library, one third of it Shall be for the use of the Librarian and the other two-
28 September & n.d. October 1782
Page 297
thirds laid out in purchasing books for the Library. At a Meeting of the President and Professors of the University on October 1782.
Present James Madison President
George Wythe
Robert Andrews
Ch.s Bellini
On application made by M.r Johnson, the following Resolution was entered into
We the President and Masters of William and Mary College do hereby consent to, & approve of the Sale made by the Executors of Richard Johnson of certain Leases to John Syme the younger, bear date the 1.st day of Feb. 1763, retaining however the said Johnson's Representative Still bound for the Rent, & responsable for all Breaches of the Covenants contained in the said Leases untill the said Syme shall make new Leases to us, or otherwise bind himself by accepting an assignment of the said Leases in due form.
22 October & 8 November 1782
Page 298
At a Meeting of the President and Professors of the University on October the 22.d 1782.
Present George Wythe
Robert Andrews
Charles Bellini
Resolved, that Jacob Rinker of the County of Shenandoah be nominated Surveyor of the said County.
At a Meeting of the President and Professors of the University on Nov 8. 1782.
Present James Madison, President
Robert Andrews
Charles Bellini
Ordered that where Surveyors have regularly settled with the College & have between their last Settlement, viz. in october 1781, & the 1.st of January 1782. received Paper money on account
Page 299
of their Fees, the Bursar receive the proportion due to College in that money, provided it appears that the Surveyors have embraced the earliest opportunity of transmitting the said money to the Bursar.
Resolved, That M.r Tho.s Peirce be requested to lease the College Land in the County of Isle of Wight for one year, for as many Barrells of Indian Corn as he may think the said Lease or Leases to be worth. The Corn to be delivered in Smithfeild on or before the first of January, 1784.
No.date.
Page 300
At a Meeting of the President & Professors of the University on
Present James Madison, Pres.dt
George Wythe
Robert Andrews
Charles Bellini
Resolved, that M.r Stith formerly Surveyor of Bedford County, be nominated Surveyor of Campbell County, & M.r Samuel Dedman, formerly Surveyor of York County, be nominated Surveyor of Meklenburg County; and that M.r W.m Callaway formerly Deputy under M.r Stith, be nominated as Surveyor of Bedford County.
2. That a New Lease of a Lot formerly held by Jesse Peebles be ^granted to W.m Chambers upon the same terms & for the same Lives as those mentioned in Peeble's Lease.
31 December 1782
Page 301
At a Meeting of the President Professors of the University on December 31. 1782.
Present James Madison, Presid.t
George Wythe,
Robert Andrews,
Charles Bellini.
Resolved that a Degree of Doctor of Law be presented to Thomas Jefferson, Esq.r, of which the following is a Diploma.
Resolved that the Brafferton's House be rented at the rate of £50: per Annum.
Diploma.
Praeses et Professores universitatis seu Collegii Guilielmi et Mariae in Virginia omnibus ad quos presentes literae pervenerint Salutem : Cum eo gradus
Page 302
Academici institūti fuerint ut viri de Academia, de Republica optime meriti, istis (302) insignibus ornarentur, Sciatis, quod nos ea, sola qua po s sum u s via, gradu doctoris in jure civili libenter studioseque collato, testamur quanti facimus Thomam Jefferson Virginiensem ingremio nostrae matris educatimi mira in has Musarum Sedes benevolentia propendentem nec minorem inde reportantem, peritisimum et privati juris et publica; eximio erga Patriam Amore, quam aliis in rebus, tam maxime in libértate americana vindicanda insignem ; adeo literis qua vulgatis qua interiorìbus et reconditis imbutum, ut artes omnes bonae in uno homine convenire yideantur quas ornat Magnitudo animi, quae nihil ad ostentationem omnia ad conscientiam refert, recteque facti non ex populi sermone
Page 303
Sed ea facto petit. Idcirco in solemni convocatone vigésimo die mensis januarii Anno Domini Milessimo Septingentésimo octogésimo tertio habita conspUantibus omnium suffragiis, eundem honorabilem et egregium Thomam Jefferson Doctorem in Jure civili creavimus et constituimus, eumque virtute presentís Diplomatis singulis juribus, privilegiis et honoribus gradui isti quaqua pertinentibus honoris causa frui et gaudere jussimus. In cuius rei testimonium sigillimi Universitatis commune quo ac in parte utimur, presentis apponi fecimus. Datum in Domo Nostrae convocationis Anno, die, et mense praedictis.
14 January 1783
Page 304
At a Meeting of the President & Professors of the University on January 14 1783.
Present James Madison, Presid.t
George Wythe
James McClurg
Robert Andrews
Charles Bellini
Resolved that the Society accept of the Proposal made by M.r Norton to refer the matter in dispute between them to the arbitration of such Gentlemen as M.r Norton & M.r Edmund Randolph shall agree upon-
The arbitration to be before the 25.th of April 1783.
17 February 1783
Page 305
At a Meeting of the President & Professors of the University on February 17. 1783.
Present : James Madison Presid.t
George Wythe
Robert Andrews
Charles Bellini
M.r Thomas Stith was nominated Surveyor of Brunswick & Greenville Counties.
8 March 1783
Page 306
At a Meeting of the President Professors of the University on March 8. 1783.
Present
James Madison Presid.t
George Wythe
James McClurg
Robert Andrews
Ch.s Bellini
M.r William Baldwin was nominated Surveyor of the County of Isle of Wight.
14 March 1783
Page 307
At a Meeting of the President & Professors of the University on March 14 1783.Present
James Madison Presid.t
Robert Andrews
Ch.s Bellini
M.r Turner Anderson was nominated Surveyor of Louisa County.
See also
- Professor of Law and Police
- Other Related Wythepedia Pages
References
- ↑ "Journal of the Meetings of the President & Masters of William & Mary's College." Faculty Minute Book, 1729–1784, Faculty Assembly Records, Special Collections Research Center, William & Mary Libraries.
Further reading
- Lyon G. Tyler, "Journal of the President and Masters or Professors of William and Mary College," William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine 16, no. 1 (January 1907), 22-33.
External links
- Faculty Minute Book, 1729–1784, Faculty Assembly Records, Special Collections Research Center, William & Mary Libraries.
