Class of 1813 Princeton University
Respected Sir
. ..
In 1812, the trustees of ~ r i n c e t o nset about to reform the college, ransoming it from its secular ways, and reestablishing the religious discipline that was so good far men's souls. In doing so, they decreed that students and faculty must beware of heresy and must close their ears to scientific discoveries that might weaken belief in revealed religion. A first step was to inform the popular and able Professor John Maclean, a facultymember since 1795,t h s t the trustees would welcome his resignation. Maclean resigned on August 13,1812, after accepting a position at William and Mary. A few days later, ss he was preparing to leave for Virginia, he received the following communication:'
Provided by Pmhaaor Hubert N. Alyea 9 Respected Sir n is with sentiments of the mast sincere and unfeigned regret that the membera of the Junior Clans receive the official notiea of the resignation of their most esteemed and ever to be remembered Profensor. They tsnder him their warmest thanks for the good opinion which he entertains of them aa s Clam and the politenea8 and friendship ever manifested towards them aa individuals. The remembrance thareofruillafford them reflections ofthe
complaud their collegiate eourae with pride and pleaaura. They bcg leave to a a m e Dr. Maciean, that their highest honorwili bs torender fhem~elveaworthy af the fsvorablerepr ~ n t a t i o nwhich ha has been plsaaed tomakeofthem to hi8 i m e d i e u S u e a m r , that hia friendiy advice will ever be raspccted and ramembored, and that their ardent wish- are for his prmpcrity and happinssa. Receive De~rSir,this ustimonial ofourraspetmd eataem,in hahalfofthcJuniorCLaaP, s t their oartieulsr xeouest from
Volume 53, Number 7. July 1976 / 413
