In the name of God amen.

I James Innes of Cape Fear in North Carolina in America. Coll of the Regement of sd Province Raised for His Majestys imediate Service and Commander in Chief of this Expedition to the Ohio againest the French and there Indeans whoe have most unjustly Invaided and fortified themselves on His Majestys Lands.

Being now readdey to enter upon action and of Sound minde, memory, and understanding. Do make this my Last Will and Testment in manner and forme following viz.: I recomend my Soul to the Almighty God that gave it, relying on the Merits of Jesus Christ for Mercy att the last day. My Bodie I most freely offer to be disposed off as God in His wise providence shall pleas to direct.

I recommend the paying of all my Just and Lawfull debts instantly, or when demanded. I direct a remittance may be made to Edinburgh Sufficient to pay for a Church Bell for the Parish Church of Cannesby, in Cathness, agreeable to my Letter to Mr. Jams. Broadee Minister thereof.

I also appoint and Direct that there may be a furder remittance made of One Hundred Pounds Sterll. for the Use of the Poor of the said Parish of Cannesby. And the Said Summ of One Hundred Pounds to be put to Interest for the use of the Poor of Said Parish, as formerly directed by me.

The following statement shows the different items of expense of the government of the State for 1791:—

Governor's salary £ 800 Treasurer's salary 750 Comptroller's salary 500 Secretary of State salary 100 Council, their Clerk and Doorkeeper 100 Clerk to the Treasury 200 Members of Assembly, Clerks and Doorkeepers 12,000 Judges of Superior Courts 3,200 Attorney General and Solicitor, 320 l. each 640 Agents for settling with the U. S. 1,600 Public Printer 500 Incidental expenses of government of every kind the committee estimate at 250   £ 20,740

—Estimate of Assembly Committee of Finance, Laws 1790, p. 28.

Morgan Dist. White. Other Free. Slaves. Total. Burke 9,103 52 826 9,929 Buncombe 5,465 34 347 5,812 Lincoln 11,137 18 1,523 12,668 Rutherford 9,681 13 1,072 10,753 Wilkes 6,457 64 790 7,247 Ashe 2,698 55 85 2,783   44,305 236 4,643 49,184

Salisbury Dist. White. Other Free. Slaves. Total. Rowan 17,221 35 2,839 20,060 Guilford 8,537 40 905 9,442 Rockingham 6,644 116 1,633 8,277 Surry 8,500 21 1,005 9,505 Stokes 9,587 63 1,439 11,026 Iredell 7,348 17 1,508 8,856 Cabarrus 4,395 2 699 5,094 Montgomery 6,304 20 1,373 7,677 Mecklenburg 8,451 15 1,988 10,439   76,987 329 13,389 90,376

Hillsborough Dist. White. Other Free. Slaves. Total. Orange 12,797 116 3,565 16,362 Randolph 8,327 202 907 9,234 Wake 9,196 324 4,241 13,437 Caswell 5,913 26 2,788 8,701 Person 4,320 123 2,082 6,402 Granville 7,909 329 6,106 14,015 Chatham 9,052 102 1,809 11,861   56,583 1,222 22,498 80,303

Before this University went into operation, in 1794, there were not more than three schools in the State, in which the rudiments of a classical education could be acquired. The most prominent and useful of these schools was kept by Dr. David Caldwell, of Guilford County. He instituted it shortly after the close of the war, and continued it for more than thirty years. The usefulness of Dr. Caldwell to the literature of North Carolina will never be sufficiently appreciated: but the opportunities of instruction in his school were very limited. There was no library attached to it; his students were supplied with a few of the Greek and Latin Classics, Euclid's Elements of Mathematics, and Martin's Natural Philosophy. Moral Philosophy was taught from a syllabus of lectures delivered by Dr. Witherspoon in Princeton College. The students had no books on history or miscellaneous literature. There were indeed very few in the State, except in the libraries of lawyers who lived in the commercial towns. I well remember, that after completing my course of studies under Dr. Caldwell, I spent nearly two years without finding any books to read except some old works on Theological subjects. At length I accidentally met with Voltaire's history of Charles the twelfth of Sweden, an odd volume of Smollett's Roderic Random, and an abridgment of Don Quixote. These books gave me a taste for reading, which I had no opportunity of gratifying until I became a student in this university in 1796. Few of Dr. Caldwell's students had better opportunities of getting books than myself; and with these slender opportunities of instruction, it is not surprising that so few became eminent in the liberal professions. At this day, when libraries are established in all our towns, when every professional man, and every respectable gentleman, has a collection of books, it is difficult to conceive the inconveniences under which young men labored thirty or forty years ago.

From an “Oration delivered in Person Hall, on Wednesday the 27th June, 1827—under the appointment of the Dialetic Society—by the Hon. Archibald D. Murphey, and published by order of said Society.”

I recommend that you take into consideration the importance of facilitating our inland navigation, and the still greater importance of providing, through adequate and suitable means, for a general diffusion of learning and science throughout the State. Through the accomplishment of the first, we shall add to the respectability and increase the wealth of the State, as well as do away, in a great degree, with that unpleasant and unseemly state of things which renders us, at present, necessarily dependent on our sister states for markets and for merchandise. And in consequence of the attainment of the other, a far more estimable end, independent of other important and interesting considerations, we may reasonably indulge the fond and flattering hope, that our posterity will be enabled at all times, and on all occasions, duly to appreciate and properly understand and defend, their natural civil and political rights: In fine, that with enlightened minds, and the consequent love of freedom, they will never cease to be free.

—From the House Journal, 1802.

As the most certain way of handing down to our latest posterity, our free republican government, is to enlighten the minds of the people, and to preserve the purity of their morals, too much attention can not be paid to the education of youth, by promoting the establishment of schools in every part of the State. Education is the mortal enemy to arbitrary governments, and the surest basis of liberty and equal rights.

A Bill to vest in the different Superior Court Districts of the State such property as may escheat to the State, for the purpose of supporting and encouraging, a seminary or seminaries of learning in each District in this State and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, that in future all sum or sums of money that shall be collected from the sale of such property as have heretofore escheated to the State, One moiety of such sums shall be paid to the trustees of the University of the State of North Carolina, for the purpose of finishing and completing the buildings of the aforesaid University.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid that the moiety of such property as have heretofore escheated shall be paid in equal portions to the trustees of such seminaries of learning as are already or may hereafter be established in each Superior Court District in this State for the purpose of supporting such seminary or seminaries, in such Superior Court Districts.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that all property which may hereafter escheat to the State and after the passing of this act shall be vested in the different Superior Court Districts in which such property may escheat; the monies arising from the sale thereof shall be applied for the sole use and benefit of the seminary or seminaries, within said District by the Trustees thereof.

And be it further enacted, that where there is at this time no seminary of learning established in the District in which said property may escheat, the monies arising from the sale thereof shall vest in, and be considered wholly belonging to the different counties composing said District by an equal distribution, among the respective counties thereof—under such rules and regulations and be applied in the manner which the County Courts may direct.

And be it further enacted, that there shall be appointed a proper person in each District in this State a Commissioner of escheated property where the same has not been done by an act of the last General Assembly and the person so appointed shall give bond and security, in the manner which is now required by law; and such appointments shall be made from time to time as may be found necessary, by joint ballot of the General Assembly.

And be it further enacted that all Acts and clauses of acts which come within the meaning of this act be and the same is hereby repealed and made void.

In Senate Decem. 21st 1803. Read the first time and passed.

In House of Commons 21 Decr. 1803 read the first time and rejected.

It is a truth founded on the experience of the age, that knowledge is one of the firmest pillars of national strength; and believing that nothing would tend more to the adornment of the character and respectability of this state, than a general diffusion of learning, I am desirous of seeing a plan of education introduced, which shall extend itself to every corner of the state. It is true that many respectable academies have been instituted in different parts of the state; but it is also true, that several of them have failed for the want of sufficient support, and others are in a languishing state. Since the prosperity and happiness of a nation depends so much on the education of its citizens, individual exertions ought to be seconded by public patronage. Were this the case, our schools would be placed on a solid foundation; and the children of the poorest citizens might have access, at least, to necessary instruction. The best method of effecting this desirable end, will be devised by the General Assembly. It cannot, I know, be accomplished without an addition to our revenue; but certainly every citizen will be willing and desirous to contribute towards an expense so well applied.

To the Citizens or Electors of the Legislature of North Carolina.

I think it is time to awake and open your eyes of understanding, and see the approaching bane of distress in its tender bud, before it gets a strong root.

If I am rightly informed, what has ruined monarchical and republican governments, has been extravagancy; the means of heavy taxes—and I think our State is making some progress in that road of destruction.

I am informed our Legislature, at their last session, allowed each member per day for his attendance, thirty shillings. A member's wages, when we were under his Britannic majesty's government, was seven shillings and six pence per day, and a dollar was worth eight shillings.

The progress of our Legislature respecting their wages, since peace was proclaimed between Great Britain and the United States of America has been as follows, viz.: Their first allowance was twenty shillings per day, and a dollar was then worth twelve shillings; their next rise was to twenty-five shillings, and our currency had appreciated to ten shillings a dollar; and their next rise was, as above inserted, to thirty shillings.

Fellow citizens, I think it is time to be alarmed, and shew our resentment, and to reject, at our next election, every man who voted in favour of thirty shillings, or perhaps at the next assembly they will allow each member thirty-five shillings per day.

But more especially, let me again recommend to the serious consideration of the General Assembly the proper education of the youth of the State, upon some plan that shall be general and effective, whether by affording some uniform support to one or more well regulated school or schools in every county in the State, after the example of our sister State South Carolina, or in some other adequate mode, is submitted to your wisdom. It is evident that the situation of our State in this respect calls for legislative aid; for though it must have given pleasure to every friend of science and good government, to observe of late years schools springing up in many parts of our country, yet it must also have pained him to see that when left to the support of individual patriotism alone, they have too frequently languished and sunk for want of competent patronage and well-qualified Teachers. Under the protection of government, it is presumed, those fundamental institutions in which our youth would not only be taught the elements of useful knowledge but the principles of virtue, and on which perhaps depend the future prosperity, happiness and freedom of the State, would be completely upheld.

The common objects of legislation may be comprised under the following heads: Education, Internal Improvement, the Security of Property, and the Punishment of Crimes. Your attention has often been awakened to these several subjects; therefore it is unnecessary for me, at this time, to comment upon them; yet they are worthy of your consideration; for on the manner in which they are accomplished, eventually must depend the happiness of the community.

I will trespass no longer on your patience, but will close this communication by wishing you a happy session, and by observing that the proper Education of the Youth of our Country, and the improvement of our internal Navigation, are objects of such primary importance as justly to have a first claim to your attention.

Next, and second only, to the support of our independent Republican Government, in purity of principle and undiminished rights, is the importance of such provisions for the education of our Youth, as will afford, in certain prospect, the grateful anticipation, that independence gained by the toil, the blood and treasure of our fathers and brothers confirmed and supported by our own best efforts, will be transmitted to our sons, prepared by their education to manage its concerns with dignity and skill, and, when required by just occasion, to support it with firmness and valour.

The liberality of your predecessors has done much for the cause of letters and science, by the establishment of a Seminary for giving instruction in the higher branches thereof, within our State. But much remains to be done, as well for the perfecting of the Seminary, as for the more extensive establishment and distribution of subordinate schools. Nor will it be forgotten in your labors upon this subject, that letters and science, though useful as lights to enable a sound heart to shape a safe and beneficial course through the voyage of life, are mere delusions when not controlled and directed by correct moral principle, chastened and purified by the precepts of our holy Religion.

While it is equally unnecessary and impracticable to enumerate all the advantages which may be confidently hoped from judicious establishments and plans of education among ourselves, it may not be improper to give a transient view of some.

They afford our country a more extensive choice and general command of virtues and talents, for the direction of her affairs, by more extensively unfolding and displaying the germs of excellence in the minds of her youth.

They impress upon the more advanced and elderly, the propriety and necessity of exemplary deportment.

The education of our youth of both sexes, as indissolubly connected with the vital principles of our Institutions, will deserve an important place in your deliberations. Those of us who can look back a few years, must view with heartfelt satisfaction, the multiplied facilities afforded at this time for procuring a virtuous education, beyond what then existed among us. But I trust we shall never consider our task as finished, until preparation shall be made, and opportunity afforded for the most obscure members of society to procure such a portion of instruction for their offspring, as shall enable them satisfactorily to discharge the most important duties in society. It is by this alone that our country can obtain, in the management of its high concerns, the full benefit of that dispensation of intelligence which shall be made to it.

The progress of society and civilization depends upon the education and virtue of the people; great improvements, therefore, have been made since the first settlement of the county. From 1750 to twenty-five years after, it is computed that not more than one-third of the inhabitants could read, and scarcely half that number could write a legible hand; from 1775 to 1800 what was then called a common English education, viz: “to read, write and cypher as far as the rule of three,” was given to a little more than half the inhabitants, but from 1800 up to the present time the progress of civilization and literature has been greater than for perhaps fifty years antecedent to that time. The great revival of religion about that period seems to have contributed much to the dissemination of morality, sound principles and good order in society; but as the naturalists have observed every calm is succeeded by a storm, and accordingly many of the inferior class of society appear now more depraved than ever.

For the progress of literature in the inferior branches of an education, such as reading, writing, and arithmetic since 1800, the people of this county are much indebted to Mr. Robert H. Childers. Greater improvement in writing could not be expected from any man; at least one-half of the youth of the county who write well, were taught, either directly or indirectly, by this excellent pensman.

Situated within a quarter of a mile of the Court House is Caswell Academy. The plan of Caswell Academy was first conceived and brought to public view in the winter of 1801. Early in the succeeding year between five and six hundred dollars were subscribed, and during the year 1803 it was completed for the reception of students. The Rev. Hugh Shaw and Bartlett Yancey were the teachers for the first two years; the number of students was from fifty-five to sixty-five each year. From that period the institution was not in a very flourishing state until 1808, since which time it has prospered much under the direction of Mr. John W. Caldwell—a gentleman educated in Guilford by his father, the Rev. David Caldwell, well known in the State for his services in disseminating literature, morality and religion among his fellow citizens. The funds of the Academy at present are low; it is now, and always has been, dependent on the liberality of the trustees of the institution, and a few other public-spirited gentlemen of the county for support; no library of consequence is yet established—a plan has, however, been suggested and is now going into operation by which it is hoped that a good library will be procured in a few years. The number of students is at present thirty-eight.

Hico Academy, situated near the “Red House” in Caswell, was erected, it is believed, in 1804, by a number of public-spirited gentlemen in that part of the county. Mr. Shaw, after he left Caswell Academy became the teacher at this Academy for two or three years, during which time, it is believed, it had between thirty and forty students. It has since that time been on a decline, and about the middle of last month it was consumed by fire. There had been a school taught in it this year, but no fire had been used in it for several months previous to its being burnt; it is generally believed that some vile incendiary put fire to it, for the purpose of consuming it. The trustees have, however, determined to rebuild it of brick upon a more extended plan.

Since the establishment of these institutions the progress of virtue and of science in the county has exceeded the most flattering hopes of the friends of literature. The education that has been acquired there by our youth seems to have benefitted, not only its votaries, but to have imparted its blessing to all around them. The inhabitants generally are more enlightened—men who thirty or forty years ago were considered the best informed and most learned among us are now scarcely equal in point of information to a school-boy of fifteen years. The venerable fathers are, however, almost to a man (those that are able) the supporters of seminaries of learning; they seem to look forward with pleasing anticipation to the utility their country will derive from the cultivation of the minds of our youth; there are, however, some designing demagogues, “wolves in sheep's clothing,” who, because they can read a chapter in the Bible (when it is in large print) and drag over a congressional circular (after a manner) think they have learning enough, wish to excite prejudice against the institutions and their students—“but black sheep are to be found in almost every flock.”

Since the commencement of the year 1804 this county has sent the following students to the University of this State, the foundation of whose education (except one) was laid at these institutions, viz: Saunders Donoho, Bartlett Yancy, Edward D. Jones, James W. Brown, Romulus M. Saunders, David Hart, and John W. Graves; besides them the following students received the rudiments of their education at Caswell Academy: Dr. Horace B. Satterwhite, now of Salisbury; William W. Williams, of Halifax, Virginia; Archibald Haralson, of Person; Elijah Graves, of Granville, and James Miller, of Person.

Caswell is not distinguished for men of talents. We have no men of the first rate talents, but a great number are entitled to the rank of mediocrity and some above it. These are all natives, for we have no spreeing Irishmen, revolutionizing Frenchmen, or speculating Scotchmen among us.

In this county there are five practicing physicians: Dr. John McAden, Dr. William S. Webb, Dr. Samuel Dabney, Dr. James Smith and Dr. Edward Foulks. Of the profession of the law, now residing in the county, are the following gentlemen: Bartlett Yancy, Edward D. Jones and Solomon Graves, Jr. The order in which each professional character is named denotes the priority of time in which they commenced the practice of their profession.

There are two societies in the county constituted for intellectual improvement. One at Caswell Academy and another at the tavern of Jethro Brown, Esq. Their exercises are mostly polemical. We have no public library in the county.

About two years ago several gentlemen of Caswell and Person had formed themselves into a society for the encouragement of the arts and agriculture; but that spirit of emulation and national pride which then characterized all seems now to be possessed by a few only. Little has been done for the progress and promotion of this society as yet.

The religion of the inhabitants may be best estimated by the number of churches and communicants; there are four Baptist churches and about 300 communicants; four Presbyterian congregations and about 200 or 250 communicants; three or four Methodist societies, and about 250 or 300 communicants.

Caswell is a very healthy part of the country. The common diseases of the inhabitants are nervous and billious fevers. The remedy for the most part is stimulants and purgatives, the composition of which is best known to the physicians.

The amusements of the polite part of society consists in balls, tea parties and visiting parties. Those of an inferior class consist of Saturday night frolics, now become almost obsolete; shooting matches and horse-racing, afford amusement to the better sort of men, and now and then may be seen a party with an old rusty pack of cards amusing themselves for whiskey. The only Sporting Club in the county is the “Jockey Club” of the Caswell Turf.

As to the “progress of civilization,” little can be said here. Knowledge is certainly more abundant than formerly. Learning, morality and religion are more encouraged, or at least viewed with more complacency. The peaceful, social and humane virtues, it is believed, have more than kept pace with the growth of population. A thirst for knowledge was never great here. The people are neither aspiring, restless nor basely servile. They are generally satisfied with their political situations, and seldom trouble their minds with polities. There are not more than one hundred and eight newspapers taken weekly in the county. Although learning is not generally diffused, yet since the establishment of the University of this State there are more who possess liberal education now that at any former period.

There is a certain suavity of manners employed in many places by candidates for popular favor very little studied or desired here till within a few years past. It consists in a peculiar shake of the hand, called by our farmers the electioneering shake—in purchasing brandy and drinking with the people—persuading them to get drunk, whereby they may lose sight of the object of an election—flattering and gulling the people with empty professions of extraordinary devotion to their interests, &c. These means when artfully employed generally answer the desired end. Twenty years ago the practice was unknown in Edgecombe, and was considered as the reproach of some of our neighboring counties. It has since those days been introduced as a refinement—but as the first attempts at this innovation it was viewed as an indication of distrust to the sober judgment of the people. But so fascinating was the liquor that its use on these occasions became fashionable, and popular among all classes, and a liberal distribution of it became necessary to a man's election. But to the credit of the candidates of 1812 they have met in caucus and agreed to renounce this expensive and dangerous mode of electioneering.

There are seventeen county schools in the county, at which are about 400 scholars; nothing more is attempted to be taught in them than the elements of reading, writing and arithmetic, and but few of the teachers are qualified to do justice to those. Nothwithstanding this apparently infant state of literature, we may easily discover that it is progressing; for fifty years ago there was not more than one or two schools in the limits of the whole county. For want of an academy in this county several have sent to those in the adjacent ones, viz: At Westrayville and Vine Hill. It is in prospect to establish an academy at Mount Prospect, in this county, and we can not account for the delay otherwise than for the general indifference with which learning is still viewed.

It is to be apprehended that in this country general knowledge will never characterize many of its citizens as long as the dead languages are viewed as the basis of a liberal education. This county has never been prolific in men of talents, or they have been obscured for want of opportunities of education. Among the most distinguished characters it has afforded was Jonas Johnston, whose name and character have already been mentioned. Had he received an education corresponding with his general talents, he might have done credit to any country. Thomas Hall was a man who possessed considerable natural talents, with the advantages of a grammatical education. He was quite conversant with the Latin classics, which he made the most of. He represented our county in the state convention, but never offered again for any public office. He was a lawyer of some emminence and would have made a shining character at the bar had he not been almost led away from his professional studies by a strong poetical genius. He, however, continued to practice as long as he lived, and had a considerable share of business in the courts where he practiced. But his mind seemed more frequently engaged in poetry than the laws, and there have been frequent instances that while his opponent was speaking in a cause in which he was employed, that he was engaged in writing satyrical verses. His favorite subject was satyre, but he wrote with equal facility on other subjects. He also possessed and indulged in a most biting and ready wit, and was never at a loss for repartee; but like most other wits, he generally made fewer friends than enemies. Some few of his pieces are yet in the hands of his friends; but the bulk of them which would have been sufficient to form a handsome volume are now lost to the world.

We have but few more of literary talents in the county; the means of education having heretofore been much circumscribed; we have more now, however, than at any former period; and we have never been destitute of men in whom we could confide our interests. Before the establishment of our University no children were sent out of the county to any college or academy.

At present there is only one professional law character in the county, and he a native of the county; but there are more physicians than at any former period, who can not boast, however, of great erudition. Quacks are abundant and are privileged to boast.

It is believed that about two-thirds of the people generally can read; and one-half of the males write their names, but not more than one-third of the women can write. The girls now at school are learning and are very desirous to write; it is deemed a more important accomplishment in that sex, among the common people now than formerly.

The progress of learning for twenty-five years back has been slow, and perhaps has not more than kept pace with the population, till within these two or three years. The people now manifest some disposition to diffuse learning; perhaps from their finding the means of obtaining it more accessible now than heretofore. The custom at the public schools, and in some towns, among those who are desirous of intellectual improvement, has found its way here. Societies have been formed, and kept up with a tolerable degree of spirit, greatly to the benefit of the members thereof, both in talents and morals. Novelty is a great matter here. We are generally ready to encourage any new institution that promises beauty or utility, but when it becomes familiar we grow indifferent.

Three or four years ago a subscription was set on foot for establishing a free school for the education of poor children in the county—two or three hundred dollars were soon subscribed. A few children received the benefit of this subscription (for it never became an institution) but as the matter never got into proper hands it languished and died. But unhappily for want of sufficient interest in literary pursuits, and perhaps for want of a more permanent residence of many who compose these societies, they have generally languished in a few months, and are with difficulty sustained. Some attempts have been made to procure libraries, but this for some of the above reasons, was never effected, except by a society that was in existence about fifteen years ago. On the dissolution of that body the books were scattered abroad, or divided among those who contributed to the establishment. The agricultural society has appropriated a sum of money to procure an agricultural library. Some donations are made of books for this purpose. On the fourth day of July, 1810, proposals were made for the establishment of a society for the promotion of agriculture and the arts. The plan has succeeded, so far as to go into operation. It has now upwards of thirty respectable members, whose public spirit is thus manifested, greatly to their benefit, and it is hoped to the benefit of the county. The society convenes on the second day of every court of quarter sessions in the county; adjourning from day to day as they see fit.

Too much attention can not be paid to the all-important subject of Education. In despotic governments, where the supreme power is in possession of a tyrant or divided among an hereditary aristocracy (generally corrupt and wicked) the ignorance of the people is a security to their rulers; but in a free government, where the offices and honors of the state are open to all, the superiority of their political privileges should be infused into every citizen from their earliest infancy, so as to produce an enthusiastic attachment to their own country, and ensure a jealous support of their own constitution, laws and government. A certain degree of education should be placed within the reach of every child of the state; and I am persuaded a plan may be formed upon economical principles that would extend this down to the poor of every neighborhood, at an expense trifling beyond expectation, when compared with the incalculable benefits from such a philanthropic and politic system. In these schools, subject to proper superintendence, the rising generations might be brought up in the true principles of the Christian Religion, which includes the purest morality, and would prevent that multiplicity of crime now too frequently perpetrated in the country.

The encouragement of Agriculture and manufactures, the improvement of our roads and inland navigation, and the promotion of learning, are objects of such great importance, that a doubt can not be entertained as to the propriety of their occupying a considerable share of your deliberations.

An Act to incorporate the Newbern Female Charitable Society.

That the individuals who are at present associated in the town of Newbern, for the relief of the poor and the education of poor female children, under the name of the Newbern Female Charitable Society, and those who hereafter may become members of the said Association agreeably to the rules which may be therein established, be, and the same are hereby incorporated into a body corporate politic, by the name of the Newbern Female Charitable Society, and as such shall have perpetual succession, may sue and be sued, be capable of acquiring and holding real or personal estate; have ability to make and ordain laws and regulations for their own government, and elect their own officers, and generally to do, receive and perform all such matters and things as rightfully belong to, or are usually incident to bodies corporate or politic within this State. Any law, usage or custom to the contrary notwithstanding.

Nov 1, 1811, to Oct. 31, 1812.

All Public Taxes £25,889 19s. 2d. Dividends Bank of Newbern and Bank of Cape Fear 2,500     Loan from Banks 12,500     Balance from 1810 14,404 7s. 11d. Total 55,294 7s. 2d. Total Disbursements £26,203 18s. 6d.

Saturday, November 27, 1813. The committee of Propositions and Grievances, to whom was referred the petition of John T. Benton, of Gates County, stating that by the last will and testament of Miles Benton, the Testator devised a certain plantation and tract of land for the support of a Free School, together with the rents and profits of four acres of land. That a law suit was instituted, and a recovery had of the plantation and tract of land above mentioned; and that only the four acres as aforesaid remains to the use intended by the testator; and the petitioner being Heir at Law of the said deceased, he prays that the four acres aforesaid vested in Him, Report, That your committee are of opinion that to legislate upon principles affecting the will of the testator would be an interference highly improper, therefore recommend that the petition be rejected. Submitted.

Item, I give and bequeath to John Tatam alias Benton the other two thirds of my land and plantation whereon I now live and after the death of my wife the other third to him his heirs forever.

Item I leave to my brother Josiah Benton the use of my land and plantation whereon he now lives during his life and after his death it is my will and desire that the said land be equally divided between my two nephews, Jethro Benton and Henry Benton—to them and their heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath to John Tatem alias Benton the land and plantation whereon John Sanders lived, with as much land joining thereto as will make fifty acres of the whole to him his heirs and assigns forever. Item, It is my will and desire that the balance of land wherein those fifty acres are given to John Tatem alias Benton are taken out of, be equally divided between my two nephews, Jethro and Henry Benton's to them their heirs and assigns forever. Item, It is my will and desire that my land and plantation I purchased of Luke Sumner be sold by my executors on a credit of twelve months, and the money ariseing therefrom to be let at interest and the interest ariseing from the principal be applied to building a school house and hireing of a teacher for the purpose of a free school, and that said school house to be built within two miles of the place where I now reside, and all children with [in] four miles of my place of residence be permitted to be taught in said school,—It is my desire that the court appoint commissioners to Superintend said free school from year to year during time—Item, I give and bequeath to my sister-in-law Elizabeth Benton, wife of Josiah Benton, one negro girl named Clarkey to be at her own disposal. Item, I give and bequeath to my friend Kedar Ballard my riding horse Adams—to him his heirs and assigns forever. Item, It is my will and desire that all my personal estate of all kinds (excepting negroes) be sold and the money arising therefrom go towards paying my just debts, and if there should not be money sufficient to discharge my just debts, it is my will that my executors sell as many of my negroes discresionally as will be sufficient to satisfy all my just debts. Item, I give and bequeath to my loving wife Nansey Benton one third part of all my negroes after my debts are paid—to her her heirs and assigns forever. Item It is my will and desire that the other two thirds of my negroes not already given, be equally divided between John Tatem alias Benton—Luckey Benton Elizabeth L. Benton,—Patsey H. Benton, Jethro Benton—Henry Benton and Mary Benton, wife of Mills Benton all share and share alike to them their heirs and assigns forever. Item It is my will and desire that my house at the cross road meeting house with two acres of land on each side of the road leading to Edenton, adjoining the cross road leading to the creek be leased or rented as my executors think proper, and the money ariseing therefrom be appropriated to the same purposes as the money arising from the sale of the land I purchased of Luke Sumner and continue for the same term. Item I give and bequeath to my sister in law Elizabeth Benton widow of Jethro Benton dec'd ten dollars per year out of a lease rent from William Benton for ten years, to her, her heirs and assigns forever. Item—all the rest and residue of my estate of what kind soever I leave to be divided as follows, one third part to my loving wife Nancy Benton and the other two thirds to be divided between the two sons of Josiah Benton, John Tatem alias Benton, and the three daughters of Jethro Benton dec'd, all share and share alike. Lastly I nominate and appoint my friends Kedar Ballard and Thomas Parker to be my executors to this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 27th day of June, 1805, Signed—Sealed, published and declared by the testator to be his last will and testament in presence of Jos. Jr. Sumner James Knight—Jacob Benton.

An Act to establish a Free School in the county of Wayne.

That Silas Hollowell, John Davis, Nicholson Washington, Robert G. Greene, John Hooks, Sampson Lane, Cullen Blackman, Jesse Slocumbe, Laurence Wood, Robert Collier, and Barnabas McKinnie, shall be and they are hereby declared a body politic and corporate to be known and distinguished by the name of the Trustees of the Free School of the county of Wayne, and by the name aforesaid they shall have perpetual succession and a common seal, and they or a majority of them shall be able and capable in law to take, demand, receive, and possess all money, goods and chattels that shall be given them from charitable motives for the use of said Free School, and the same to apply according to the will of the donor, and by gift, purchase or devise, shall have, receive and retain to them and their successors forever, any lands, rents, tenements or hereditaments of what kind or nature the same may be in special trust and confidence, that the same or the profit thereof or all be applied for the purpose of establishing and endowing the said Free School.

II. That the said Trustees or a majority of them, shall determine on the place for establishing the said Free School, and adopt such rules and regulations for erecting the buildings and for the government of said Free School, and particularly for the preservation of religion, order and good morals therein as a majority of the said Commissioners or Trustees may desire for that purpose, and they are hereby declared to possess the same powers which the Trustees of any other seminary of learning within this State have or may possess or enjoy. Provided, the same are not contrary to the Constitution of this State or the United States.

III. That upon the death, resignation, removal or refusal to act of any of the said Trustees, it shall be lawful for the remaining Trustees or a majority of them to appoint others to act in their room, and when so elected they shall have the same powers as those appointed by this act.

IV. That the said Trustees or a majority of them are hereby authorized to raise by lottery a sum not exceeding two thousand dollars, by such scheme or schemes as they may think proper to devise, and the same shall be applied solely and exclusively to the use and benefit of the said Free School in such manner as may be by them prescribed.

V. That the said Trustees shall enter into bond payable to the Chairman of the county court of Wayne for the time being, and his successors for the faithful performance of the duties of their appointment1.

An Act to incorporate the Female Orphan Asylum Society of Fayetteville.

I. That the individuals who are at present associated in the town of Fayetteville for the education of poor children, under the name of the “Fayetteville Orphan Asylum,” and those who may hereafter become members of the said association agreeably to the rules which may be therein established, be and the same are hereby incorporated into body corporate and politic by the name of the “Fayetteville Orphan Asylum.” and as such shall have perpetual succession, may sue and be sued, be capable of acquiring and holding real and personal estate, have ability to make and ordain laws and regulations for their own government and elect their own officers, and generally to receive and perform all such matters and things as rightfully belonging to or are usually incident to bodies corporate and politic within this State, any law, usage or custom to the contrary notwithstanding. And whereas it appears by representations made to the General Assembly, that it is the wish and intention of the said society to seek out as objects of their charity, children who are destitute of both parents and who would become chargeable to the county in which they reside, which said children they the said society intend to board, clothe and educate, and when properly qualified and of suitable ages, to have them bound out to suitable trades, whereby they may become useful members of society; therefore,

II. That the aforesaid society are hereby authorized to take under their care and protection, by and with the consent of the Wardens of the Poor for Cumberland county, or any three of them, any such children who are destitute of both parents and who might become chargeable to the county; which said children they the said society shall be allowed to board, clothe, and educate, until the society conceive them properly qualified to bind out to proper trades or professions, and whenever said society conceive such children so qualified, they are hereby authorized, by and with the consent of the County Court of Cumberland, to bind out such children in the same manner as the County Courts have heretofore done.

Across the back of said Will is the following endorsement:

Knowledge and virtue are the great supporters of free governments. In a country like ours, nothing should be more carefully guarded against, than the establishment of anything like different orders in society. When the sources of information are confined to a few, it may have a tendency to introduce into society an order of men, who, valuing themselves upon their superior acquirements, are too apt to look upon those, who have been less fortunate, with a degree of supercillious contempt. They may be too apt to imbibe the idea, that the people were made for them and not they for the people.

It is under the hand of Legislative patronage alone, that the temple of science can be thrown open to all; and it seems to me well worth the consideration of the Legislature, if some plan can not be devised by which every member of the community, no matter how circumscribed his situation, may have an opportunity of experiencing the benefits of education.

The progress which has been made of late in the establishment of seminaries for the education of youth evinces a spirit of genius in the people of this State for literary acquirements. But so long as these establishments are left to depend for support upon the individual exertion their beneficial effects must necessarily be partial. It is under the fostering hand of legislative patronage alone that the temple of science can be thrown open to all.

The subject of education has always been one of primary importance, with all governments established for the benefit of the great body of people. Men intended for slaves the more ignorant the better. But, if for freedom, they ought, of course, to be enlightened. If the wealthy alone be admitted into the temple of science, the most dangerous species of aristocracy may be apprehended, from the union of two such powerful agents, as wealth and talents.

A plan by which the means of obtaining some portion of education may be afforded to every one, however indigent is, without doubt, practicable. The example set in a neighboring state, in establishing funds for the advancement of literature and internal improvements, seems well worthy of imitation.

Dec. 19, 1816.—The committee to whom was referred so much of the message of His Excellency the Governor as relates to the subject of Public Instruction, report:

That after forty years of succssful experiment, the most sceptical can not doubt the excellence of the system of government which we have adopted. Suited to our geographical situation, to our genius for commercial enterprise, and to our opinions of civil liberty, it has carried us in triumph through the perils of a revolution at a time when it wanted the federative strength which it now possesses; and in a late war has exacted the respect, if not the admiration, of distant nations. The national character has given force to the operations of the government, and has exhibited both the splendid virtues which adorn a nation and the more humble virtues which ornament private life. It is the government of our choice, and that of our forefathers, who established it. The inheritance is precious; and, whilst we cherish it with all the feelings of an ardent patriotism, let us in prudence seek to give to it improvement and duration, that our children may receive it from us unimpaired, but rendered more rich by the culture which we shall bestow upon it.

A republic is bottomed upon the virtue of her citizens; and that virtue consists in the faithful discharge of moral and social duties and in obedience to the laws. But it is knowledge only, that lights up the path of duty, unfolds the reasons of obedience and points out to man the purposes of his existence. In a government, therefore, which rests upon the public virtue, no efforts should be spared to diffuse public instruction; and the government which makes those efforts, finds a pillar of support in the heart of every citizen. It is true that knowledge and virtue do not always go hand in hand; that shining talents are sometimes united with a corrupt heart, but such cases only form exceptions to a general rule. In all ages and in all countries, the great body of the people have been found to be virtuous in the degree in which they have been enlightened. There is a gentleness in wisdom, which softens the angry passions of the soul, and gives exercise to its generous sensibilities. And there is a contentment which it brings to our aid: humility in times of prosperity, fortitude in the hour of adversity, and resignation in affliction. True wisdom teaches men to be good rather than great; and a wise providence has ordered that its influence should be most felt where it is most needed, among the great body of the people, who, constituting the strength of the State, have no other ambition than to see their country prosper and their wives and children and friends happy. To the several classes who compose this great body, the attention of the government should be particularly directed; to teach them their duties and enable them to understand their rights. The frightful examples of a few individuals who are led astray by the temptations of vice or the seductions of pleasure, will not deter the State from doing its duty. She will extend her maternal care to all her children. She will endeavor to reclaim the vicious, to strengthen the wavering, to reward those who do well, and afford to all the apportunities of learning their duties and their rights.

To effect this benevolent purpose, a judicious system of public education must be established. Few subjects present more serious difficulties, none is of more vital importance. To frame a system which shall suit the condition of our country and the genius of its government, which shall develop the faculties of the mind and improve the good dispositions of the heart; which shall embrace in its views the rich and the poor, the dull and the sprightly is a work of great magnitude and requires details to give it efficacy, which the little time allowed to your committee will not permit them to attempt. They will, however, give their general views upon the subject and recommend to the Legislature to appoint men to fill up the outlines in detail and make report to the next General Assembly.

Your committee feel proud to look back and review the efforts which have been made in North Carolina to diffuse public instruction. Few states have afforded such examples of private munificence for this purpose. And the Legislature has lent its fostering care, by establishing an University and endowing it with funds. But your committee regret that such success has not attended these benevolent efforts of their fellow citizens as they seem to have merited; and they entertain the fear that no better success will hereafter attend them, until a general system of public education shall be established and enforced by the Legislature. This general system must include a gradation of schools regularly supporting each other, from the one in which the first rudiments of education are taught to that in which the highest branches of the sciences are cultivated. It is to the first schools in this gradation that your committee beg leave to draw the attention of the Legislature at this time, because in them will be taught the learning indispensable to all—reading, writing and arithmetic. These schools must be scattered over every section of the State, for in them education must be commenced and there it will terminate as to more than one-half of the community.

These schools will be the most difficult in their organization, and the most expensive to the State; but they will be the most useful, inasmuch as all the children of the State will be taught in them, and many of these children are destined never to be taught in any other. Here their education will commence and have its end. With the learning which they here acquire, they will pass into active life and take rank with their fellow citizens. It is important therefore that in these schools the precepts of morality and religion should be inculcated, and habits of subordination and obedience formed. One of the greatest blessings which the State can confer upon her children is to instill into their minds at an early period moral and religious truths. Depraved must be the heart that does not feel their influence throughout life. It is a subject of deep regret that at this time in North Carolina the early education of youth is left in a great measure to chance. Thousands of unfortunate children are growing up in perfect ignorance of their moral and religious duties. Their parents equally unfortunate know not how to instruct them, and have not the opportunity or ability of placing them under the care of those who could give them instruction. The State, in the warmth of her affection and solicitude for their welfare, must take charge of those children and place them in schools where their minds can be enlightened and their hearts can be trained to virtue.

There is another class of unfortunate children who are objects of anxious solicitude. These are the children of the poor, whose parents, bereft of the comforts of life, are rendered doubly wretched by seeing their children bereft of the opportunities of education. How often among these children do we not see the most promising genius? And how often has not this genius been seen to burst the fetters which enchained it to the bed of poverty and towered its way to wealth and honours? Genius delights to toil with difficulties: they discipline its powers and animate its courage. Hence it has happened that many whose elevation has been prominent and whose virtues have adorned humanity have been born in the lap of poverty. The State must take into her bosom these poor children, and feed and clothe and educate them at the public expense. Such of them as give proofs of genius and hopes of future usefulness should be transferred to schools of higher grade, and eventually brought forward into active life under the public patronage. Among these youths who shall thus be educated at the public expense, the State will find her most useful citizens. Their devotion to her interests will be unbounded; her attachment to them will be unlimited. From these teachers may be selected for the schools in which they are qualified to teach; and, as they have been educated at the public expense because they were poor, they must in return teach gratuitously the poor children placed under their care. And, to stimulate them to honest and active exertions, let those who shall faithfully discharge their duty in teaching for the time required of them, be rewarded for their fidelity by being advanced into higher schools and instructed in the sciences at the public expense.

Discreet persons must be appointed in each county to superintend and manage the concerns of the sectional schools which shall be established, and to designate the children who shall be educated in part or in the whole at the public expense. The application of the funds which shall be consecrated to the purposes of these schools shall be made by them.

There yet remains one class of unfortunate human beings who have peculiar claims upon our humanity and who must not be overlooked in a plan of public instruction. These are the deaf and the dumb. There is a language of nature, expressed by the countenance, which all understand. This is the language of feeling, and, being the only one known to the deaf and dumb, is by them spoken with peculiar eloquence. But the artificial language necessary to the acquaintance of abstract ideas and to the development of the intellectual faculties remained unknown to this part of our species, until lately, when Providence in its goodness vouchsafed to discover to the Abbe de Cr. Epee the method of applying signs scientifically to their instruction. And at this day they can be taught language and instructed in religion, morals and the sciences about as easily as those who can hear and speak. Connecticut has had the honor of establishing the first asylum for the deaf and the dumb upon this Continent. And Messrs. Gallaudet and Clerc who have been the active ministers of humanity in founding this asylum deserve the thanks of the human race. The number of the deaf and dumb in North Carolina is not great, but, small as it is, it claims the humane attentions of the government.

When we shall commence this great work of national charity, of establishing schools for public instruction in every section of the State, and educating at the public expense those to whom poverty has denied the means of educating themselves, may we not hope that a benevolent God will smile upon our labours and cause them to prosper? We shall have discharged the highest duty which we owe to our fellow-beings, when we shall place within their power the means of learning those things which belong to their temporal and everlasting peace.

To carry into effect any General System of Public Instruction much expense must be incurred. But your committee rejoice that the state of our finances will shortly put in the power of the Legislature to appropriate nearly half a million dollars to this purpose, and yet not withhold the appropriations which shall be necessary to complete the system of Internal Improvements now under consideration. Your committee would gladly exhibit views of our finances to prove that this would be the result, but that duty more properly belongs to the committee who have the subject of the public revenue under consideration.

Your committee forbear to attempt the details which will be necessary to give effect to the system of education which they recommend to the consideration of the Legislature. Much time and much deliberation will be required to mature them and your committee recommend to the two Houses to adopt the following resolution:

The State of North Carolina, though not so highly favored as some of her sister states, has yet many advantages, which if properly improved, would give her that stand in the union, to which her population and extent of territory so eminently entitle her. Situated as she now is, a great part of her produce goes to swell the amount of the exports of the two adjoining States. To prevent this, State pride as well as interest should prompt us to use every exertion. Let her rivers be made navigable, and if practicable her outlets to the ocean opened, and ere long, we should have her agriculture improving, her commercial towns rising to importance, the value of her land increasing, and her people, instead of seeking new countries, contented to remain at home and cultivate the soil that gave them birth. Instead, then, of only contributing to the wealth and aggrandisement of others, we should be enabled to manage our own commercial concerns, and to free ourselves from a degrading species of dependence upon the citizens of other States.

A Bill to authorize the Trustees of Fayetteville to raise by way of Lottery a sum of money for the use of said school.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That the Trustees of the Fayetteville Academy be and they are hereby authorized to raise by way of one or more lotteries the sum of five thousand dollars for the use and benefit of said Academy.

And be it further enacted, That before the Trusteees aforesaid shall proceed to use and dispose of any tickets in the Lottery hereby authorized, they shall give bond in the sum of Five Thousand Dollars payable to the Commissioners of the Town of Fayetteville for the fair conducting of said Lottery or Lotteries, which bond may be put in suit without assignment for the benefit of any person injured by the misconduct of said Trustees.

In House of Commons Dec. 24, 1816: Read and Indefinitely Postponed.

To enlighten the public mind in a free government, has ever been held the surest mode of perpetuating the blessings of that government. In proportion as each individual in a community is informed, just in that proportion is he calculated to appreciate the benefits derived from the community. To devise a plan by which instruction may be extensively diffused, occupied some portion of the attention of the last Legislature; and as the subject may again be submitted for consideration, it may not be unreasonable for me thus to invite your attention to it in a particular manner.

Saturday, Nov. 29, 1817.—Mr. Murphey handed in the following report:

The Committee to whom were referred so much of the Message of his Excellency the Governor, as relates to public instruction, Report In Part:

Monday, Dec. 8, 1817.—The Speaker laid before the House the following letter:

Whereas a Society has been established in this place, by the name of the “Female Benevolent Society of Wilmington N. Carolina” whose object is “to secure to poor children and destitute orphans, a moral and religious, as well as a common education; and besides furnishing with such education, to adopt, support, and provide with situations that are useful, and not unfavorable to virtue, such children, as, in the opinion of the Society, stand most in need of their patronage.”

And whereas they can neither adopt children, nor hold funds or property, in a corporate capacity, untill they are recognized as such, by law: they beg leave to solicit Your Honorable Body for an act of incorporation. And your Petitioners, as bound, will ever pray

Whereas it is represented to this General Assembly that certain liberal and well disposed persons have subscribed sums of money for the purpose of erecting a school house or academy at the Town of Smithville, and that the subscriptions would be increased if it appeared probable that an adequate fund for erecting a proper building and supporting the same could be raised: Therefore, to encourage an undertaking so laudable, which may be highly beneficial to the inhabitants of the county of Brunswick, and produce advantages more extensive hereafter.

I. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That the Trustees of the said Academy, established by the General Assembly and under the authority of the same, shall have power, and they are hereby permitted to raise the sum of eight thousand dollars by a lottery or lotteries as they or a majority of them residing in the counties of Brunswick, New Hanover, and Bladen, shall deem most proper, and that the said Trustees or a majority from the counties aforesaid, being present shall appoint seven commissioners for the purpose of opening and completing a scheme or schemes of lottery or lotteries, calculated to raise the sums aforesaid, in which there shall not be more than two Blanks to a prize, and the said Commissioners shall be managers of said Lottery and accountable for the prizes and profits thereof, any three of said commissioners being competent to transact business.

II. And be it further enacted,—That when three-fourths of the said tickets are sold the drawing of said lottery shall commence under the management of said commissioners, any three of them being present, they giving thirty days notice in the Wilmington paper and one of the papers in the City of Raleigh.

When we reflect on the lethargy which has pervaded our state and enchained her energies until a few months past, and the manner in which our physical resources have been suffered to lie dormant for the want of a moderate portion of energy in the Legislature to elicit and call them into action, and at the same time take into consideration the extraordinary excitement of public feeling at the present time, I am persuaded that with me you will be fully sensible of the more than ordinary responsibility under which you are placed.

The impulse from public sentiment is too strong to be mistaken, and requires only a proper direction and organization of the representatives of the people, to arrest the progress of emigration, and to render our state in an eminent degree prosperous, and our citizens contented and happy.

In a government like ours where the sovereignty resides in the people, and where all power eminates from, and at stated periods, returns to them for the purpose of being again delegated, it is of the last importance to the well being and to the existence of Government, that the public mind should be enlightened.

A Bill to prevent all persons from teaching slaves to read and write, the use of figures excepted.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of North Carolina and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That any person who shall hereafter teach or attempt to teach any slave within this State to read or write, the use of figures excepted shall be liable to indictment in any court of record in this State and upon conviction shall be fined at the discretion of the Court not less than ($50) fifty dollars, nor more than ($100) one hundred dollars or imprisoned.

And be it further enacted, that the Judges of the Superior Courts and the Justices of the County Courts shall give this act in charge to the grand Juries of their respective Courts.1

Clerk's entry: In House of Commons 11th Decr. 1818 Read the first time and rejected.

And in the first place as claiming a pre-eminence above all others, allow me to call your attention to the subject of education of youth, the only durable basis of everything valuable for a government of the people, and to press on your attention the moral and political obligations which you are under, created and imposed by the solemn injunctions of the Constitution, to patronize and encourage a general diffusion of knowledge: for when we advert to the languishing condition of some of our nurseries of science, and observe the apathy which prevails in regard to their advancement, it becomes a subject of no less astonishment than regret. It is the boast of a republican government that all men are born equal; but what is it that keeps them so? On a proper solution of this question depends the perpetuation of the liberties of this and every other free government—Let the few monopolize the science of the country, and they at once monopolize its sovereignty.

Education.—Some exertions have been made at former sessions of the Legislature for the establishment of a general system of education throughout the State. There is, we believe, a prevailing wish among the citizens of North Carolina, that such a measure should be adopted—some difference of opinion, however, exists as to the means best calculated to carry it into effect. Objections may be made to every plan that has been proposed; and indeed, it is somewhat difficult to devise any plan that shall be completely adapted to every purpose that may be exepected to be embraced in a system of education. The leading object is the establishment of free schools, by which the children of the poor, as well as the rich, may be furnished with the means of acquiring, at least, the rudiments of useful learning. A thin population, extended over a large territory, may, in some parts of the state, render the application of the system impracticable; and it may, perhaps, be matter of doubt whether it would be better to appropriate a specific fund or a particular source of revenue for the support of free schools, or whether it would be more expedient to endow the several academies under the stipulation that schools should be established and maintained by the respective institutions. These, however, are minor considerations, and ought not to create objections to the principal question. The members of the assembly should first decide whether they are willing to form any system for the instruction of the rising generation—it may then be proper to discuss the details of its organization.

If the statesman would render himself useful to the people for whom he legislates; if he would confer an important and lasting benefit on their posterity, he should be aware that he cannot more certainly, or more effectually promote his benevolent purposes than by placing the means of education within the reach of all classes of his fellow citizens.