allotted term of thirty-three years, or a generation 

 from the time of his graduation from College, and in 

 accordance with a determination previously ex- 

 pressed, handed in his resignation to the Board of 

 Trustees. In taking leave of him in this connection, 

 an incident which I find recorded in his journal may 

 be of interest, illustrating as it does the widespread 

 reputation and influence of the man.* 



Soon after the war, a fine looking gentleman in 

 middle life called at the Academy door, and 

 remarked that being on the way from Boston to New 

 Bedford, he thought he would stop long enough to 

 visit Peirce Academy, of the fame of which he had 

 heard at various times. Inviting him to a seat on 

 the platform, the Principal called up the first class, 

 which was in French. The stranger requested that 

 he might take a seat with the class and recite. 

 Humoring this singular whim, his request was 

 granted, and he was called upon in turn to translate, 

 which he did very creditably. The next class was 

 in Algebra, and keeping his seat the stranger desired 

 to try his hand at that. In this also he succeeded, 

 working out a problem on the blackboard. Till 



*The Hon. John S. Brayton, LL- D., a graduate of Brown University, 

 in the class of 185 1, thus writes respecting his early instructor : 



"I attended Pierce Academy in 1845, and have maintained the 

 acquaintance which I then formed with Professor Jenks up to his death. 

 He was a warm friend of mine. Mr. Jenks led a most active life ; he 

 was a great worker ; enthusiastic in everything in which he became 

 interested ; was never tired in doing good, and always ready to aid 

 and assist those who were deserving and needy. I regret that the 

 Corporation of the University did not, during his life time, bestow 

 upon him an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, which he justly 

 merited." 



