326 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF THE [M^P 



The American Philosophical Society determined that one of 

 their members should prepare and pronounce an oration com- 

 memorative of the character and virtues of their late worthy 

 president. Dr. Smith was appointed to this office. 



We now give two letters indicative of Dr. Smith's still continu- 

 ing active discharge of the details oi business, notwithstanding 

 that years were beginning to come heavily on him. 



Dr. Smith to Dr. Wesi. 



Philadelphia, April 5, 1790. 



Dear Sir : By Mr. Levering, who takes this letter to you, you will 

 receive the fifty copies of the Journal of Convention for the Western 

 Shore, which you will distribute among the clergy and vestries at nine- 

 pence each Journal. I shall be at Chester at the Commencement of 

 Washington College, the third Tuesday in May. I am fearful that I 

 shall not be able to stay in Maryland till the fourth Tuesday, to meet 

 you at Talbot Court House. 



Yours, etc., William Smith. 



Rev. Dr. West, 

 Baltimore, Md. 



Dr. Smith to Dr. West. 



May 21, 1790. 



Dear Sir : I have been informed, but have not seen the advertise- 

 ment, that the Visitors and Governors of St. John's College have de- 

 clared their intention of filling up the office of principal of that College 

 at the May ineetiug (viz. : next Tuesday) if any person of eminent abili- 

 ties shall offer, and that it hath been notified that a preference would be 

 given to a stranger or some gentleman of great character from Europe. 

 Character in literature is often found to be deceitful, and a mere literary 

 character, without experience in teaching and governijig, will not be suf- 

 ficient ; nor will it be easy, even among those who have both great 

 literature and experience abroad, to choose such as may truly suit the 

 genius of America. 



But, I doubt not, the worthy and respectable Visitors and Governors 



Philadelphia, July lOth, 179I. 

 Mr. Richard Bache. 



Bought of David Chambers. 

 A marble tombstone for the grave of his Excellency, Benjamin Franklin, 



Esq ;^i8 o o 



To engraving thirty letters at two pence per letter o 5 o 



Porterage o i 10 



;^i8 6 10 



