17S3] KEV. WILLIAM SMITH, D. D. 8/ 



Ijge have given an exemplary proof of their zeal for the honor and 

 interest of their country, by contributing so freely and liberally toward 

 the establishment of a general Seminary, lor the advancement of 

 knowledge, virtue and public spirit. 



Resolved, That the Declaration of Trust by the Visitors and Govern- 

 ors of the said College is an acceptable pledge and assurance that they 

 will continue to exert the utmost zeal and abilities to carry on and com- 

 pleting the establishment of a Seminary so successfully begun, and which 

 promises to be of public utility to the present and future generations. 



Resolved, Thar their exertions merit the approbation of the Legisla- 

 ture, and (when circumstances will permit) ought to receive their public 

 encouragement and assistance. 



Resolved, That the exalted and patriotic sentiments contained in the 

 letter of his Excellency General Washington, in answer to the letter of 

 the Visitors of Kent County School, and the polite manner in which he 

 hath been pleased to accept the honorable intentions of the General 

 Assembly, in dignifying the College with his name, are proofs of that 

 goodness and greatness of soul by which he is actuated in all his conduct. 



Resolved, That the several papers upon which these resolutions are 

 founded be entered on the journals of the Assembly, and be published 

 with the same, in honor of the first founders, benefactors and patrons 

 of this Seminary. 



CHAPTER XLIV. 



First Commencement of Washington College, May 14, lySj^^LiST of Gradu- 

 ates — Corner-Stone Laid — Convention at Chestertown, May 12, 17S3 — 

 Petition the Assembly — Dr. Smith to Rev. Dr. White — Convention at 

 Annapolis, August 13, 1783 — Petitions to the General Assembly of 

 Maryland — Declaration of Rights — Notice of Rev. Thomas Gates— Dr. 

 Smith Chosen for Bishop of Maryland — Clergy of Maryland Give 

 Recommendation of him for Consecration to the Bishop of London — 

 Notices Of the Rev. Dr. Gordon and of the Rev. Dr. West — Marriage 

 of Dr. Smith's Eldest Daughter. ■ 



On Wednesday, the 14th of May, 1783, was held the First Com- 

 mencement in Washington College for Degrees in the Arts and 

 Sciences. The scene was new and interesting, not only to the 

 inhabitants of Chestertown, but to those of the State in general. 



We have the following contemporary account of the event : 



At ten in the forenoon, a procession was formed Yrom the place where 

 the schools were kept, to the Church, in the following order, viz. i 

 1st. The body of Scholars and Students, two by two. • 

 2d. The Candidates for Degrees, in tlie like order. 



