1380.1 Dpi) [Fraley. 



erty, which had to be sold first, and also by collateral 

 security in other forms. But all these protections 

 failed us in the day of fiery trial, and even our library 

 and collections were at one time levied on by the 

 Sheriff. It is to this peculiar crisis in our history 

 that Dr. Patterson, so feelingly refers in his address of 

 1843, w ith hope but yet with fear. But the good old 

 ship was still manned by a gallant crew, although 

 somewhat cast down they were not dismayed. 



They went to work manfully, gathered their re- 

 sources together, paid their debts, and, as it were, took 

 a new and more vigorous start in corporate life, and 

 to-day the Society has a fund of nearly $60,000, the in- 

 come from which in addition to its rents enabling it to 

 defray all proper expenses and make liberal appropria- 

 tions for its publications. 



It is a source of unalloyed pleasure to me to 

 have participated in this successful restoration of our 

 affairs, and that I am able to answer to 1843: We 

 have overcome and prosper. 



Before I close I must refer to a subject in which my 



opened by the Society. But it was hard work, getting money. Finally, in No- 

 vember, Franklin (who was president of the Society until his death, in April, 

 1790) came to its relief and lent it ^"500, to finish the building. The Street 

 Commissioners objected .to the height of the front steps, and they were after- 

 wards transferred indoors. Plans for letting rooms to the University, to the Col- 

 lege of Surgeons, to the Freemasons, and to Mr. John Vaughan were formed, 

 and in some cases subsequently carried out; the Society retaining for its own 

 use only the south-west room, and the College of Surgeons taking the south-east. 

 15ut it was not. until the following summer — 



Aug. 21, 1789, that a resolution appears on the minutes that, when Franklin's 

 health would permit of his leaving his house, the Society should meet, not 

 there, but in their own " Philosophical Hall." 



No trace of a corner-stone laying ceremony can be discovered in the minutes. 



The accommodations must have been poor, for two years afterwards — 



March 4, 1 791 , it was resolved, that the south west room should be finished in 

 a neat manner, as soon as contributions could be raised by tlie building committee. 



