Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1850-08-09
For the Journal.
AUGUST 9th, 1850.


MessRs ED1roRs--on Wednesday last, the 3lst
nit. had the pleasure of Witnessing the second ex
animation of the pupils of Topsail Academy being
the close of the first scholastic year OF ten months.
The exercises of the day were opened at half-past
nine o'clock, by prayer from the Prlnclpai' after
which the smaller classes were examined IN arthme-
tic next the geography and grammar classes; and
then astronomy and afterwards the first and second
Latin classes aud Greek class closing at halfpast
twelve o'clock at which time the company were all
invited by the Principal and patrons of the School to
the beautiful grove in front of the Academy, where
they found table spread with all kinds OF refresh
ments including lemonade in abundance, which suf-
fered considerably account of the extreme heat of
the day. After sumptuous repast, and recess of
an hour, the Board of Trustees met and appointed
their officers for the ensuing year, passed some reso
lusions, and adjourned
The examination commenced again at two o'clock,
P NJ with the first and second classes in arithme-
tic first and second classes in algebra then decla
nation after which there three or four orig-
nal speeches delivered, the subjects being lst Dis
union I'd, Tntemperance Sd, Youth and 4th, Our
Country-all of which, think, reflected credit upon
their authors and were delivered in style of which
few orators even of mature years, need have been
ashamed. | was present at the first examination
and the close of the first session of this School, which
thought highly favorable, hut On comparing it with
the last the progress of improvement far as l am
permitted to Judge, has exceeded my most sanguine
expectations And further the examination ofall the
classes being conducted in manner different from
what we have been accustomed to seeing, proves that
there is no deception in it-no attempt at show-but
that all is real and substantial The defamation
admitted to have been excellent, and peculiarly
interesting. will make no attempt at discrimina-
ton, nor do wish to draw lines of distinction be-
tween those bright-eyed boys, they all did so we'll
all so far surpassed our expectations must say
that there was a few whose calm, dignihed manner,
elevated STYLE clear and distinct pronunciation and
emphasizing displayed much talent and orig inali-
ty that they would have pleased and astonshed the
most fastdous observer; and from the present dawn
ing look forward to the time not far distant, when
Topsan Academy will turn out for College at least
few rare specimens which, should their industry
continue at present, will thrill with joy the hearts
of their parents and friends and prove an ornament
to the circle in which they may be destined to move
In speaking of this School, cannot leave the sub
ject without paying passing tribute to the high
character and gentlemanly bearing of its Principal
Mr. JAMES H. BRENT, whose strenuous efforts and
untiring industry, together with the very great in
terest which he has taken in the School, have made il
what it is. do not mean this compliment
or an attempt at fattery. Far from it. But we art
sometimes drawn out to express what feel, and
do when say that believe his qualifications
industry, and high moral character entitle him t.
the kind consideration and respect of the community
and that the Board of Trustees were fortunate il
procuring the services of so worthy man.
>. TOPSAIL.