42 EARLY UNDERTAKINGS. [1834, 



The principal object of this letter is to consult you 

 in regard to some propositions made me by Professor 

 Hadley. Besides his situation in the Medical College, 

 you are aware that he holds the professorship of 

 chemistry and natural science in Hamilton College. 

 He has just concluded his chemical course in that 

 institution, but in the early part of summer he lectures 

 to the senior class upon botany and mineralogy. As 

 they are about to make some alterations in the college 

 building at Fairfield, his presence will be required 

 there, and he wishes me to take his place for the ensu- 

 ing term at Hamilton College. I ought also to state 

 that Dr. H. accepted that situation with the intention 

 of holding it but a few years, until the college should 

 have surmounted the trouble in which it was (and is) 

 involved, and from which we have pretty good rea- 

 son to hope, from the exertions now being made, it 

 will soon be extricated, so that the professorships may 

 be properly endowed. He has given notice of his in- 

 tention to resign about a year hence ; by which time, 

 if ever, the college will be able to place several profes- 

 sorships upon a substantial foundation. Dr. H. has 

 expressed to me a strong desire that I should be con- 

 sidered a candidate for the place, and I strongly sus- 

 pect that to further that object is one reason for his 

 wishing me to act as his substitute during the ensuing 

 summer. My presence there would be necessary 

 from the 1st of June to the middle of July. Dr. H. 

 has been acting under a nominal salary of $'500, 

 being engaged there but thirteen or fourteen weeks. 

 For the summer course I should receive 8200. Dr. H. 

 insures me $100 immediately, even if he has to ad- 

 vance it himself, and the whole if funds are in the 

 hands of the treasurer; if not, the whole would be 



