Kanawha Valley star. [volume] (Charleston, Va. [W. Va.]) 1856-1861, 1859-03-01
Destruction Of william and nary COLLEGE.
SKETCH OF iFsFnrsroRY.

landmarks which, dating from the earliest
colonial times, served to connect the past
with the present. in the history of our be-
loved old Common wealth.
Ofthe origin Of the fire, which COM
menced in one of the western wings. at
half-past two o'clock yesterday morning.
but little is known,Rith its esrtainty. By
| day-break nothing but. the bare walls
were standing. The Old Library, which
contained thousands of yolums OF rare in.
.terests, the contribution Of potentates.
and savans Of an countries. Was totally
lost OF The 90, 900 books, not one was
saved. The loss is irreparable. The ex-
Eceedingly rare and valuable chemical lab
ratory attached to the College, Was: also
burned. There were about sixty students
sleeping in or near the College, some Of
whome made narrow escapes from death.
Eloosing their elothing, Nc. The Eolle9s.
had for some time beenEthe scene Of busy
preparation for the l68lh anniyersarY,
which waste come off al an eafly day
There was an insurance of 20, 900 on the
building swhich will cover about one fifth
oftheloss Sustained on the edifice alone.
AT tie time Of its destruction, every chaire
was 6lled with competent Professors, and
fitbid fair to attain its ancient renown.
| The College was commenced about the
year 1881, when the House Of Burgesses'
dispatched Rev. J lanes Blair ID England,
to solicit Of their Majesties, William aud
Mary, acharter. which was readily grant
led in the following year. accompanied By
lights in land aud money and certain I'M
Emunities and privileges, which at once
established it on basis Of assured sue
Eeess. It was planned 1by Sir Christopher
Wren. and the first 4commencement took
Hplace in 100, yhenithe people came from
l1several of lhs6djoining States to see the
Isight. The building first erected was
burnt IN l705, but soon afetr. rebuilt. In
1.-THE square in front Of this sbnilding still
Islands, in mutilated condition, though
with evidence of its old elegance, statue
iof Lord Botetouft5 ordered by the Colony
II n l77l.
IL During the palmy days ofthe College.
lit was the recipient of ihnumeFabIe BEN
fefces in land and money. some ofthe lat
I ter of which was directed specially to be
tapplied towards converting the 4 poor, ig-
Inofant heathens." Indians. 10 sense
iof their sinful condition. which was very
seldom accomplished. The obstruction
apf the Indian was the romanceof eduea-
|tional effort, and acted III eniisGug bene-
Factors as much as a favorite. but ilhprac-
fticable, foreign missions hare done at a
Il later day. M
i The first organization OF tho College
Twas under a body ofyisilora, a President,
and six Professors. The corporations
was eptiled The President and Master,
Eor professor Of William and Mary Coll
IIege. There were two Divinity Profess
| sorships--one Of Greek and Latin, one of
Mathematics, one Of Moral Philosophy,
and lRoyle,s Indian ProEessqrslip was
sixth. It had representative in the
General Assembly. zEs
Il AT the Revolution, the endowments of
Tthe College underwent great changes -
The State tax for its support was cut
lshort andthe funds from England ceased
TO flow About this time The Divinity
II Professorships were abolished When
1.-THE Revolution broke out, half OF The stu
dents, including James Montoe, entered
the Army. TIe French troops, after9ths
surrender of oaFnwallis. occupisd the
building, and the Presidents house was
Burned down. They paid for it.
| Wythe. Nelson, St. George and Beverly
Tucker. have been Professors mtths Law
department, and four Presidents of f4s
Il TI~.t<As ~ r. n