508 APPENDIX. 



negotiations with France and Holland in the struggles of that contest. 

 He was active in establishing the "Philadelphia Associators," in 1744, 

 and one of the founders and first trustees of the University of Pennsyl- 

 vania, a warden and active member of Christ Church. Towards the 

 close of his life he discharged with dignity, justice and efficiency the 

 important functions of Chief Magistrate of Philadelphia, in the Mayor- 

 alty of which city, now filling it for a second time, he died, not yet 

 having attained the age of 45 years, respected and lamented by a 

 whole community, November 30, 1754. 



His death, in the bloom of life, was justly regarded as a civic 

 calamity to Philadelphia. The Pemisylvania Gazette of December 5, 

 1754, contains a tribute to his memory, with some elegiac stanzas, by 

 the Rev. William Smith, D. D., first Provost of the College of Phila- 

 delphia. They are in these words : 



Last Saturday, after a short illness, departed this life, in the 45th year of his age, 

 Charles Willing, Esq., mayor of this city. As it may be truly said that this commu- 

 nity had not a more useful member, his death is justly lamented as a public loss to his 

 country, as well as an almost irretrievable loss to his family and friends. 



In the character of a magistrate, he was patient, indefatigable, and actuated by a 

 steady zeal for justice. As a merchant, it was thought that no person amongst us un- 

 derstood commerce in general, and the trading interests of the Province in particular, 

 better than he ; and his success in business was proportionably great. \s a friend, he 

 was faithful, candid and sincere. As a husband and parent, few ever exceeded him 

 in tenderness and affection. Being himself a sincere Christian, he was strictly atten- 

 tive to the education of his children in every virtuous qualification ; and in a particular 

 manner he was remarkable in the discharge of that essential part of a parent's duty, so 

 little considered — a regular attendance, together with his numerous family, on the 

 public worship of God. And for this, accordingly, they will now have reason to bless 

 his memory ; since the impressions thereby received will go farther to teach them how 

 to bear their present heavy affliction, and recommend them to the favor of the world 

 (degenerate as it is), than all the external advantages — all the fortune, graces and good 

 nature he has left them possessed of. 



ODE TO THE MEMORY OF CHARLES WILLING, Esq. 



1. Once more I seek the cypress shade, 

 To weave a garland for the dead, 



Alone, dejected, wan ! 

 Shall Willing quit this mortal strife. 

 And not a verse show him, in life 



And death — An Honest Man ? 



2. Forbid it every grateful muse — 

 The world itself will patriot-views, 



With transient tears, commend; 

 But nobler far your task, ye Nine ! 

 'Tis yours th' immortal wreath to twine, 



And consecrate each friend. 



