The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-06-28
LETTER FROM CHARACTERIZE
Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, June &c, 1866


On Monday evening, 18th instant, Al 5
o'clock, the commencement exercises al
tie Albemarlc Female Institute were held
in the Baptist church OF this town. A
large and Intelligent audience was assem-
blrd to witness the delivery OF diplomas IL
those of the Young ladies Of the school
who BY their attainments had entitled
themselves to this distinction.
The exercises were opened with prayer
bv the Rev. Mr.. Ware, of the Methodist
Episcopal Church; after which, MIR. ii. III.
Harris, one OF the professors OF the lnStl-
tute. proceeded to read the names OF those
who had distinguished themselves at the i'll
termediatc and final examinations III THEN
various branches Of study. The number
OF these was gratiiyingly large, and Dor,
high testimony to the fidelity Of the teach
crs and the industry and energy OF the
young ladies.
After reading the distinctions, Mr.. 1lar.
ris announced that, according to the pro-
grammc, the Grafton before the two So
cieties of the school was to have been dc.
livcred Ivy the Rev. William i. Hatcher.
Of Manchester, but that extreme and sud.
den illness compelled him to absent him.
self, much to the disappointment of the
school and the audience. MIR. Hatcher
had arrived in Charlottesville on that day
for the purpose of fulfilling his engage
ment, but on the trip from Richmond he
was seized with such serious illness as to
render it impossible for him to present
himself before the audience. The Rev.
Mr., Long was then introduced, who de-
liycred some pertinent and well-timed re-
marks, apologising for his brevity with the
remark that he always found il difficult 10
address ladies publicly.
Next i'm order came the delivery of di-
plomas TO the graduates in the various
schools. The number of graduates are rs
follows: In French, nine; Mathematics,
three; Greek, one; Latin, two; Natural
Philosophy, five; Chemistry, three; His
tory, five: Literature, eight; English Lam
guage and Composition, five. This is a
most creditablc list, and fully attests the
intellectual energy Of the young ladies,
students of the institution, many of whom,
In addition to their intellectual accom-
plishments, possessed graces of person not
easily surpassed. Dressed in robes OF
white, emblems Of their purity, they grace
fully fitted before the audience as fairy
forms in some vision of beauty.
The diplomas awarded them were not
won without toll and application. The
schools conducted on the University plan,
and Its standard is high. None but teach
ers Of the highest attainments are en-
ployed. The mode of instruction is by
lecture, and the examinations are written /;
and none but those who reach high STAN
dard, as evidenced by their examination, are
pronounced efficient and receive a diploma.
But one young lady received the d.
ploma Of full graduate, she having gradua-
ted in the schools Of ancient languages,
modern languages, natural sciences, mathe-
mates. moral philosophy, history, litera
ture, English language, and composition,
was entitled to this distinction. The au.
dience could not suppress their approba.
ton when, with blushing and trembling
difiidence so becoming her sex, she stepped
forward TO receive the well-earned reward
Of merit, the guerdon of toll and faithful
and diligent application. would that l
could be assured that a mention of her
name would meet with her appreciation
Out with a modesty equalled only BY her
merit, ! fell assured that she prefers |
should not in this be the herald of her in.
tellectual attachments.
After the delivery of the diplomas. the
Rev. William j. Broadus delivered some
most appropriate remarks, urging the
young ladies who felt themselves to be
proficient to become teachers, and iln.
pressing upon them the Importance and
dignity of such an ayocation. His remarks
were most appropriate, and were well re-
ceived. After which, the audience dis
persed, highly pleased with the exercises
Of the evening.
1t Ii 70 be regretted that sickness compel
led the principal, Mr. John Hart, to absent
ksSdE ssd dst tho audioOco wvre do.