46 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 



With the close of the war ends the most active period of his life, 

 and begins the gentle course of an honored old age, devoted among 

 other occupations to tlie advancement of the best interests of this In- 

 stitution. He was a member of the ]S"ational Academy of Sciences and 

 one of the fonnders of the Philosophical Society of Washington. He 

 was appointed by a joint resolution of Congress in 1885 a Regent of the 

 Smithsonian Institution, and from his entrance into the Board became 

 an active member of its executive committee, which positions he tilled 

 until his death, which occurred at his residence in this city on the 2d 

 of January, 1892, 



Of Gen, Meigs as a man alike in external or in moral aspects, one 

 cau only speak in terms of respect. Personally, he will be remem- 

 bered by all, even until his very last days, as erect in carriage, with a 

 soldierly bearing which did not recognize the lapse of years, and a 

 manner both dignified and engaging. In character he was not only 

 conscientious and sagacious, but firm at a time when tirmness tried 

 every quality of a man. What more can be added when we have said 

 that he was a nnm faithful in all things, who has left behind him a repu- 

 tation both high and enduring? 



NOAH PORTER. 



Noah Porter was born in Farmington, Conn., December II, 1811, and 

 graduated at Yale College in 1831, During a tutorship in Yale in 1833- 

 1835, he devoted himself Jto the study of theology. He was appointed pro- 

 fessor of moral philosophy and metaphysics at Yale in 1846. In 1871 

 he was called to the presidency of Yale, which post he resigned in 1880. 

 During President Porter's administration the progress of the college 

 Avas marked. As a teacher, and in his personal relations with the 

 students, he was one of its most popular presidents. He received the 

 degree of D. D. from the University of the city of New York in 1858, 

 and that of LL. D. from Edinburgh in 188G. His writings cover a wide 

 range of subjects, but are mainly philosophical. He was one of the 

 most scholarly metaphysicians this country has produced. His con- 

 nection with the Smithsonian Institution began January 20, 1878, 

 when he was elected to the Board of Regents by a joint resolution of 

 Congress, as a citizen of Connecticut, and this connection terminated 

 with his resignation December 31, 1889, on account of failing health. 



His death occurred on March 4, 1892, in the eightieth .\ear of his age. 

 President Dwight said of him in an address delivered at his funeral: 



He was strong in the native force of his mind, (luick in liis mental 

 action, keen in his insight, ttrm in his grasp of truth, )ich in his think- 

 ing, but most of all, wide in his reach. His eye kindled with enthusi- 

 asm as he saw the lirst opening of new ideas. His face beamed with 

 joy as he gained new measuies of knowledge. The field of truth was 

 full of attractiveness for him, and he was glad to enter it by any path- 

 way. He has been in the brotherhood of scholars a man of mark and of 



