194 MEMORIAL OF JOSEPH HENRY. 



the obligations under which he had come to the interests repre- 

 sented by the Smithsonian Institution. At a later day, after he 

 had entered on his duties in Washington, and found the position 

 environed with many difficulties, Mr. Calhoun came to him, and 

 urged his acceptance of a lucrative chair in a Southern college, 

 using as a ground of appeal the infelicities of his present post, arid 

 the prospect of failing at last to realize the high designs he had 

 projected for the management of the Smithsonian Institution. 

 Admitting that it might be greatly to his comfort and advantage 

 at that time to give up the Smithsonian, he declined at once to 

 consider the proposal that was made to him, on the ground that his 

 "honor was committed to the Institution." Whereupon Mr. Cal- 

 houn seized his hand and exclaimed, " Professor Henry, you are a 

 man after my own heart." 



When in 1853, and again in 1867, he was entreated by friends to 

 allow the use of his name in connection with a call to the Presi- 

 dency of Princeton College, the college of his love, and the scene of 

 his "happiest days," he instantly turned away from the lure, as feel- 

 ing that he could not love the dear old college so much if he loved 

 not more the honor and duty which bound him to the establishment 

 in Washington, with which, for good or for evil, he had wedded his 

 name and fortune. And in all other concerns, from the greatest to 

 the least, he seemed like one 



Intent each lurking frailty to disclaim, 

 And guard the way of life from all offence, 

 Suffered or done. 



The "Man of Ross," portrayed by the pencil of Pope, was not 

 more benevolent in heart or act than Professor Henry. His 

 bounty was large and free. The full soul mantled in his eyes at 

 every tale of woe, and the generous hand was quick to obey the 

 charitable impulses of his sympathetic nature. This benevolent 

 spirit ran like a silver cord through the tissue of his life, because it 

 was interwoven in the very warp and woof of his being,, and 

 because it was kept in constant exercise. It appeared not only in 

 acts of kindness to the poor and afflicted, but interpenetrated his 

 whole demeanor, and informed all his conduct wherever he could 

 be helpful to a fellow-man. He did good to all as he had oppor- 



