A Discourse on the Prospects of Letters and Taste in Virginia: Pronounced Before the Literary and Philosophical Society of Hampden-sydney College, at Their Fourth Anniversary, in September, 1827 - Softcover
Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1828. Excerpt: ... did not exempt themselves. They, laying aside the badge of their order, assuming the habiliments, and girding on the armor of the soldier, marched to the tented field, or to the field of battle. The principal of Liberty Hall, himself a clergyman, is known to have volunteered his services, on a pressing occasion, in concert with other volunteers, who, being destitute of officers, appointed him their captain and marched to meet the enemy. The enemy had retired, and they were discharged. The students of the academy, too, were called forth in common with the other militia. On one occasion, not yet forgotten, leaving the hall of science, exchanging Homer and Hesiod for the rifle, they hastened with their associates to the head quarters of the Southern army; and, soon after arriving, were led on to battle. Placed in open ground, they faced the British regulars for hours together, contending with chivalrous bravery for the mastery of the field, alternately advancing or retreating, as the rifle or the bayonet prevailed. But war did not endure forever. The halcyon days of peace returned. The cruel instruments of Mars were laid aside, and the implements of husbandry and the arts were resumed. The doors of Liberty Hall were again thrown open, and students resorted thither in greater numbers than at any former period." These are indeed glorious reminiscences for you, gentlemen, animating you to increased devotion to the interests and welfare of your collegiate foster-mother. An institution, cradled in the Revolution and touched with the baptism of blood and fire, can never we trust be unworthy of the steadiest attachment of her sons, nor cease to impart the lessons of patriotism to the rising youth of the country. But in this retrospect, in which we are indulging, le...
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