th, be admitted to some cern in the government of the university
[college].

"This appears to me to be a proposal of too much or nothing at all,
and of something not in the power of this Board to confer, who I think
cannot admit any foreign jurisdiction, any man, or number of men to
any share in government of the university, properly so termed,
otherwise than what the Constitution specifies.

"I have, however, subscribed under the influence of this
consideration: That in the event it may subject us to no other
inconvenience, but the imputation of inconsistence in conduct in
hereafter rejecting a compliance with our own proposal, if we shall
find that more is performed by others than was intended, or can be
admitted by us, though fairly enough proffered.

"I think some precautionary injunctions to the Agent in this matter
would be wise and prudent.

"In haste--

"I am, sir, with much esteem and sincere affection,

"Your sincere friend and humble servant,
"Bulkley Olcott."
"President Wheelock."

* * * * *

Mr. Wheelock's experiences also as a legislator and military
commander, in early life, doubtless gave him a larger confidence in
his own abilities on the one hand, and on the other a more profound
conviction that everything in the State should, be subordinate to the
State.

The religious aspects of President Wheelock's character, are worthy of
special notice. He was the dutiful, in some sense the favorite son of
an honored father. The former president, although sound in the faith,
had more catholic views and broader sympathies than many of the
leading divines of his day. The son was no less liberal than the
father. This liberality was doubtless the real cause of difference
between the second president and his associates in office. His first
decided opponent was Nathaniel Niles, who entered the Board in 1793, a
man of rare ability, and in early life a pupil of Dr. Bellamy, whose
religious views on some points were materially different from those of
his contemporary and neighbor, the first president.

The first important point gained by Mr. Niles was the election of his
friend, Mr. Shurtleff, to the chair of Divinity, in 1804.

For ten years the breach was constantly widening between the president
and his opponents. We now find the following official records:

"At a meeting of the Trustees, November 11, 1814, the following
preamble and resolutions, introduced by