80 LIFE OF BENJAMIN SILLIMAN. 



fessor Silliman, it is needless to say, was entirely 

 satisfied with the action of the Corporation, and ren- 

 dered to the administration of Dr. Woolsey his cor- 

 dial support. But he was, at the same time, gratified 

 by various expressions of regard which he received, 

 on this occasion, from old and valued friends, among 

 whom were Charles Chauncey, and Chancellor Kent. 

 The latter, under date of August 3, 1846, in a let- 

 ter to Judge Baldwin of New Haven, wrote as fol- 

 lows : 



" I understand that at the annual Commencement, a 

 President is to be chosen in the room of the venerable 

 President Day, and permit me to say, that I ardently hope, 

 that our friend, Professor Silliman, may be his successor. 

 I do not know the man within the College catalogue, that 

 has a better title to the honor, and who is more fitted to fill 

 the station, with reputation to the College, and the general 

 and warm approbation of the community. His character 

 is pure and estimable. He has sustained his professional 

 duties for a long series of years, with distinguished ability 

 and success. His talents, his learning, his science, his 

 taste, his purity and elevation of character, and his varied 

 and almost universal accomplishments, point him out as the 

 very person that ought to be chosen I feel an un- 

 shaken love and attachment to Yale College, and I should 

 deeply regret, as one of its ancient alumni, if Professor 

 Silliman (provided he is willing to accept, of which I 

 know nothing,) should be passed by. I express these wishes 

 of mine, on my own spontaneous suggestion, and hope and 

 trust you will be willing to give to the choice of Professor 

 Silliman your effective countenance. In my humble opin- 

 ion, the elevation of Professor Silliman to the presidential 

 chair, will add diffusive renown to the College, both in this 

 country and in Europe." 



