w suit of clothes!

It was after his graduation that Brackenridge tutored in the College for
a while, meantime taking up a course in theology. After this, he
accepted a position as teacher in a school on the eastern shore of
Maryland, because the "Academy" offered him a most flattering salary,
and he could not reject it, however much he may have been interested in
his college work. No sooner was he established there than he wrote to
his friend, Freneau, inviting him to take the second position in the
Maryland Seminary. This position was accepted by Freneau, who wrote to
James Madison on November 22, 1772, mentioning therein that Brackenridge
was at the head of Sommerset Academy, to which he himself had come on
October 18th of that year, and where he was teaching the young idea and
pursuing at the same time his theological studies.

As illustration of how much Freneau was at heart in tune with the work,
we note that he says, "We have about thirty students in this Academy who
prey upon me like leeches."

According to Brackenridge's son, whose Memoir of his father is published
in the 1846 edition of "Modern Chivalry," there must, however, have been
in this part of Maryland a polished social atmosphere, which gave ample
opportunity for the wit, the scholarship, and the conversational and
social powers of Brackenridge to develop.

For the students of Sommerset Academy, Brackenridge wrote his play, "The
Battle of Bunkers-Hill,"[4] and though there is no record of this piece
having been actually presented, it is generally agreed that the
Principal wrote his drama as an exercise for the pupils to perform. It
was published anonymously, the fashion of the day which has led to many
disputes,--for example, as to the authorship claims of John Leacock and
Mrs. Mercy Warren. Royall Tyler was likewise diffident about letting his
name appear on the title-page of "The Contrast."

When published in 1776, Brackenridge's piece was dedicated to Richard
Stockton, and its tone and temper are thoroughly indicative of the
spirit that must have dominated all his writings while at College.

The year 1776 marks Brackenridge's severance from teaching work. He soon
after went to Philadelphia with his small fortune of one thousand
pounds, and continued his efforts to make a livelihood by editing the
_United States Magazine_, which afforded him an opportunity of airing
his patriotic views, and gave him the added pleasure of inviting his
associate