| Citation |
NYJ-N.771.131
3 Oct 1771:31 (1500)
Princeton, Sept. 25. Yesterday was held in the public
library of the college in this place, before about twenty
gentlemen of liberal education, a competition for premiums
in the following branches of study.
I. Reading the English Language with propriety, and
answering questions on the orthography. On a decision by
ballot, the first premium was adjudged to Aaron Burr, of the
Junior Class; the second to William Linn, of ditto; the
third to Belcher Peartree Smith, of the Sophomore Class.
II. Extempore exercises in the Latin Language. The judges
thought proper, that the premium should be equally divided
between Brockholst Livingston, and David Witherspoon, both
of the Freshman Class.
III. Reading the Latin and Greek Languages with proper
quantity. The first premium was given to John Witherspoon
of the Sophomore Class; the second to Aaron Burr, of the
Junior; the third to Henry Lee of the Sophomore.
IV. Written translation of English into Latin. The judges,
on reading the several pieces, decided in favour of Henry
Lee of the Sophomore Class.
V. Public speaking. As the competitors were numerous, and
the judges were highly pleased with each of the
performances, it was very difficult to decide the pre-
eminence. On a division, a majority of votes adjudged the
first premium to William Bradford, of the Junior Class; the
second to William Linn, of ditto; the third to Hugh Hodge of
the Freshman Class.
This day the anniversary commencement of the college of New-
Jersey, was held in the church here.
After the usual procession, the business of the day was
introduced with prayer by the president, and a piece of
vocal music performed by the students.
[Detailed description of the exercises in oration follow] At
3 o'clock, the audience again convened, and after singing by
the students, Mr. Spring delivered an English oration on the
Idea of a patriot King. . . [3 more presentations] The
students sung an anthem; after which the following young
gentlemen were admitted to the first Degree for the Arts,
viz.Gunning Bedford, John Black, Hugh Brackinridge, Donald
Campble, Edmund Cheesman, Philip Freneau, Charles McKnight,
James Madison, Joseph Ross, Samuel Spring, James Taylor, and
Jacob Williamson. [List of those receiving a Masters of Arts
and honorary degrees follows] A pathetic valedictory oration
on Benevolence, by Mr. Bedford, concluded the exercises.
The whole was conducted with the greatest propriety.--The
speakers performed their several parts with spirit,
ingenuity and address; and met with the highest marks of
approbation and applause, from a numerous, polite, and
discerning audience.
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