Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1865-10-21
Inauguration OF General Lee as Presi-
dent Of Washington College.
New York Herald Correspondence

General Robert E. Lee was TO- day install
led President of Washington College.
There was no pomp of parade. The ex-
ercises of installation were the simplest
possible-an exact and barren compliance
with the required formula of taking the
oath by the new President, and nothing
more. This was in accordance with The
special request Of General Lee. Ii was
proposed to have the installation take
place in 'he college chapel, to send invi-
taliOns far and wide, 10 have band OF mu-
sic 10 play enlivening airs, 10 have young
girls, robed in white and bearing chaplels
OF flowers. to sing songs of welcome; 10
have congra'ulatory speeches, 10 make il
grand holiday. That this proposed
programme was not carried out was a
source of severe disappointment 10 many.
But General Lee had expressed his wish
es contrary to the choice and Ce!ermina.
ZION of the college trustees and the mult-
tude, and his wishes were complied with.
THE INSTALLATION CEREMONIES.
The installation took place at nine A.
NJ. in a recitation room of the college. In
this room were seated the faculty and the
students, the ministers Of the town church
es, magistrate and the county clerk, the
last two officials being necessary TO the
ceremonial. General Lee was indicted
| into the room by the Board of Trustees.
| At his entrance and introduction all in the
room rose, bowed and then became seat
ed. Prayer by Rev. DR.. White, pastor
Of the Presbyterian church, directly fol-
lowed. TO me il was a noticeable fact,
and perhaps worthy of record. tina, he
prayed for the President OF the United
States. Altogether it was most fitting
and impressive prayer.
JUDGE BRoCKENBRoUeH's SPEECH.
The prayer ended, Judge Brocken-
brough, chairman Of the Board OF Trus-
tees, stated the object of their coming to-
geher, to install General Lee as President
Of Washington College. He fell the Sc
rious dignity cf the occasion, but il was
seriousness and a dignity that should be
mingled with heartfelt JOY and gladness.
Passing a brief eulogy upon General
Lee, and congrsulatng the board and the
college, and its presen, and future students,
on having obtained one so loved and
great and worthy TO preside over the col
lege, he said he could say great deal
more had it not been voted against speech
making. During the delivery Of these
few words-and they came, despite the
prohibitory voting, very near eliminating
10 the dignity OF sci as well as eloquent
speech.
GENERAL LEES APPEARANCE.
General Lee remained standing, his
arms quietly folded and calmly and stead
(aslly looking into the eyes of the speak
er. Justice William White, al the in.
stance of Judge Brockenhrough, now adj
minislered the oath of office to General
Lee. For the benefit Of those curious to
know the nature Of this new oath TO which
General Lee has jus, subscribed, and as
it is brief, | give it entire. 1t is as fol-
lows -
THE OATH.
do swear that will. TO the best Of
my skill and judgement, faithfully and
truly discharge the duties required OF me
by an act entitled "An act for iHcorpora-
ting the rector and trustees of Liberty
Hall Academy" wilhou, favor, affection
or psrtiality. So help me God.
THE KEYS GIVEN TO TIE NEW PRESIDENT.
To this oath General Lee at once af-
fixed his signature, with the accompany
iag usual jurat of The swearing magistrate
appended. Those inquisiiive enough 10
seek further light than that revealed in the
copied oath Can look al the act therein re.
lerred to, and, when found, make note
Of it. The document in the form stated
was handed TO the County Clerk for safe
and perpetual cuslodianshlp. and al The
same time the keys of the College were
given by the Rector into the keeping of
the new President congratulatory
shaking Of hands followed. and wound up
the days's brief but pleasing. impressive
and memorable ceremonial. President
Lee and those Of the trustees present with
The faculty now passed into the room set
apart Tor the formers use--a good sized
room, newly but very plainly and taste
fully furnished.
GENERAL LEES DRESS AND APPEARANCE.
General Lee was dressed in plain but
elegan, suit OF gray. HIS appearance IN
dlcaled the enjoyment of good health
better, | should saw than when he sUr-
rendered his army al APpomatiox Court
mousse the frs, and only occasion before
'he present Of my having seen him.
! TOOK TUE O. Al