We have had "Sketches of Travel," and "Sketches of Philosophy," and "Sketches of History," and it is full time the public should have "Sketches of Yale ;" and although it might be wished that the crayon was in the hands of an abler artist, who could portray more vividly the scenes of College life, yet, as no one seems disposed to select this subject for his pencil, the author hopes that his humble efforts will not be utterly in vain. If these "Sketches" shall be the means of making the public more generally acquainted with the early history and present condition of this venerable University,-if they shall awaken in the breasts of any of her graduates pleasing memories of his "Alma Mater," and send a gush of warm blood to his heart, as he recalls those "joyous happy days" of College life, his wishes will be fully gratified. The writer takes this method of expressing his gratitude to those gentlemen who have contributed information, or in any way assisted him in the compilation of this work. Especially he would acknowledge his indebtedness to E. C. HERRICK, Esq., and to the family of the late WILLIAM LYON, Esq., for the loan of rare works. For many of the ancient anecdotes inserted in the third part, he is indebted to the late NOAH WEBSTER, LL.D., and to several other old graduates of the Institution. Several valuable works have been published on the history and present condition of Yale College, nearly all of which have been consulted by the author of this work, and from many of them extracts taken. For the early history of the Institution he is chiefly indebted to Clap's Annals of Yale College, published in 1766; Trumbull's History of Connecticut; Dwight's Statistical Account of New Haven, and a Sketch of the History of Yale College, contained in Dwight's Travels. The history of the Institution at a later period and its present condition have been principally derived from Holmes' Life of President Stiles, Life of President Dwight, contained in his Theology, Baldwin's Annals of Yale College, Professor Kingsley's Historical Sketch of Yale College, Prof. Silliman's Address before the Association of the Alumni of Yale College, and the College Catalogue. The works of Professors Kingsley and Silliman and Ebenezer Baldwin, Esq., are invaluable for conciseness of style, depth of research and correctness of information. In conclusion, it may be proper to state, that as the plan of this work has not been made known to any of the officers of the Institution, of course no responsibility attaches to them for anything which occurs in it. The writer is actuated by the highest regard for their character and reputation, and most sincerely trusts that nothing which he has mentioned will have the slightest tendency to diminish their usefulness, or that of the College. YALE COLLEGE, Aug. 12, 1843. |