MEMOIR OF DANIEL TEEADWELL. 423 



The English patent was enrolled December 23, 1845, " For improvements in 

 ordnance carriages ; comprising apparatus for governing the recoil, and likewise for 

 moving the piece of ordnance backwards and forwards." No. 10728, English Printed 

 Specifications of Patents. 



The pamphlet referred to by Mr. Treadwell is that addressed to Secretary Bancroft, 

 and afterwards in the main printed as the " Short Account of an Improved Cannon," 

 from which the preceding extracts have been taken. Neither the Account nor the 

 letter addressed to the Secretary personally, calling his attention to the very great 

 importance of the subject, appears to have produced any favorable effect upon the 

 Department. Nevertheless, Mr. Treadwell was so thoroughly convinced of the supe- 

 riority of his cannon over any before tested, that he was quite sure, on business 

 principles, that the Government would adopt them, and he therefore continued 

 manufacturing them on his own account. 



The labors he had undergone during the four years devoted to this work and 

 to his other duties as agent of the Spinning Company had become too much, for a 

 constitution never strong, and obliged him to lay down a part of his burden. The 

 professorship in Harvard University was that least connected with the pecuniary 

 interests of others, and he therefore sent to the President the following letter of 

 resignation. 



To Hon. Josiah Quincy, President of Harvard University. 



Cambridge, May 12, 1845. 

 Sir, — The continuance of infirm health, together with the pressure of engagements which 

 require much of my time and attention, render it impossible for me to deliver my course of 

 lectures on the Application of Science to the Arts to the students of the University at the present 

 term. I must, therefore, beg leave to pi-esent to you my resignation of the Rumford Professor- 

 ship, which I have had the honor to hold for the past ten years. Permit me, sir, at the same 

 time, to ask you to accept my most respectful acknowledgments for the constant attention and 

 kindness which you, and every menljcr of the College government with wliom I have had 

 intercourse, have ever extended to me. 



With great respect, your most obedient servant, 



Daniel Treadwell. 



To Professor Treadwell. 



CAMBRmOE, June 14, 184.5. 



Sir, — I have the honor herewith to transmit an official copy of the vote, passed by the Presi- 

 dent and Fellows of Harvard College, on receiving your letter announcing your resignation of the 

 Rumford Profossor.siiip. 



Be assured. Sir, that 1 feel personally all the regret expressed by that Board at an event 

 which has deprived the University of your highly valued talents and services ; and that our 



