The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-07-24
Correspondence Of the Herald.

ya ALBANY, July II, 1872
Interesting Exercises at The albany Female Academu.
Mr.. BENNErr:-
The first annual meeting of the Association oil
Alumni OF the Albany Female Academy" was held
Last evening IN the chapel of the Academy During
'he week quite a sensation was created al the an
'ouhceheh' OF such an event. II was the first one
heard oil IN this country--perhaps in the world In
TIE literary institutions OF every cline IL has ever
oeen the custom for graduates to form themselves
INTO society Tor the purpose of penetuatinp the
bonds of friendship, correspondence. &c. Al no
time has woman deemed it advisable n do an ave,
If ever thought Of
AT the close of the last academic wear. the .radu-
ates formed themselvesinto society and resol,ed %
hold meeting at the close of the term in nlv
About the middle of June they were called toye,her
and though scarcely more than three weeks Were le,,
yet they agreed to celebrate the first even, in an an
proprlate manner Two pieces were gwen for com.
position. In that short time, though overwhelmed
ton, yet they had been prepared and were now Of
tered Tor our hearing.
The hour Of meeting was ushered in bv an awful
peal OF thunder and pouring down from the clouds
OF terrible storm Yet the chanel was crowded.
with youth and loneliness The Honorable hoard oi
Trustees seated on the stage with his eyceilen.
cy Gov Seward, Col. Young and Clergy. The
graduates Of the previous year first entered, dressed
IN white and wearing on their necks the evidence.
OF superiority In studies-in the shape of medals
nearly every lady having one. Aferthem came thu.
graduates al the present commencement Opposite.
them were old graduates The Throne of Grace
was addressed by the very Rev President DR.
Campbell in bret but eloquent PRAYER After the
ladies' composing the society sang a piece prepared
Tor the occasions but being without a leader it did
not succeed as happily could have wished
The President stated the object of our assembling
there-spoke OF the lnstitution-its designs and ex
pectatons. The gentemanly and highly intellecn
al Professor, Mr.. 'Hos-d then read the essay on
" Female Education" Ii was replete with moral
sentiment, and was designed TO show wherein con-
sisted the great aim OF human existence and happ-
ness The relations OF parent and child OF insruc.
lof ana pupil Inc audience listened 10 it with great
attention and on lis close made some demonstrations
OF applaudng, but not being responded TO by Others
II did not succeed We hope never to hear of an
enlightened assemblage counrenanrng such pro-
ceeding '
Il may answer al the theatre and opera. bur no, IN
society When Billy D read The declaration
OF Independence on the 18th, clappng and stamp
ing succeeded, whether through enthusiasm, or re-
wardng his success as reader, I do not attempt 10
decide, perhaps the latter. The learned and accom-
plished counsellor, Mr. lis, read the poem. II
was a beautiful thing, just what we expected from
me author. 100 much cannot be said in extong
IT. though feeling of disappointment was felt when
ne drew TO the close. We were too wrapped up in
ITS beauty to attempt any manifestation of approval
our silence was eloquent in itself
Inc essay was ny MISS Ii, at present at
Os--o, and poem by Miss CT, Of Shelter
Island We expect great things from her hereafter
and hope she will not the laures TO fade upon
her brow. The Academy will never fail of en-
courasement, so long as i gives to the world speoi-
mems equal To the two ladies above mentioned
DIR. c. stated that at the next annual meeting
IN July, four gold medals would be given, one for q
prose composliIon-one in Poetry-one i'm French
all to have Education for subject; also one for the
best moral tale The last might be competed for bv
any OF the old graduates Of the academy. He
then called upon some gentlemen present to give an
expression ct the feelings of the audience 10 thank
the society tor their courtesy inviting us upon the
occasion. Col ", Dr. W Rev DIR VT
and some others requested 10 speak. but de-
cined. Gov Seward arose and delivered one of
the hnes impromplus ever made although laboring
under the effects OF severe cold yet he entranced
them all Tor the lew moments he spoke. Ii was re-
plete with imagery and sentiment and full of feel.
ing He returned his sincere thanks TO the
graduates for being invited TO this their first public
meeting spoke of its effects upon the future, and
have hlm close, but 1T was more than could have
been expected though emanating from so talented
and accomplished an individual.
Should another year open upon us, we hope TO
see you present at the next commencement II
will repay any one for trouble of attending and "a
more time and great amount of talent will be
offered IN competition, we expect glorious result
1t would be invidious 10 mention the loveliest
present, Tor II Twas truly galaxy of stars Miss
Wal--n, Misses We, GU W-n.
hath not so sweet creature!) and host of others
All were charming, not face but breathed forth
beauty.
This afternoon the commencement takes place
We hope to tell you of great and happy results
great for the prosperity, and long continuance of
in the literary field Yours, truly, Ky.