as elected the fourth
president of the college in August, 1820.

The substance of the next few pages is from the "Life of President
Dana," published in 1866.

The following is one of many letters addressed to him, urging his
acceptance of the presidency:

"Dartmouth College, Sept. 7, 1820.

"Rev. and dear Sir:--Not having heard from any of our friends what is
the prospect in regard to your acceptance of the appointment made by
our Trustees, I cannot help troubling you with a line.

"I need not tell you that our solicitude would rise to extreme
distress were we seriously apprehensive that you might decide in the
negative. Oh, sir, remember the desolations of Zion here, and have
compassion. The friends of the college look to you, and to you only,
to repair the waste places. When you know that the voice of the
Trustees conspires with that of the clergy and of the public at large,
and when this same voice is echoed from the tomb of our late beloved
and much lamented President Brown, can you hesitate? That good man, in
his last days, with almost the confidence and ardor of prophecy,
declared his belief in the future prosperity and usefulness of
Dartmouth College. You have, I hope, been informed of the strong
manner in which he, last autumn, expressed himself in relation to a
successor; and of the same decided and unwavering opinion which came
from his mouth a few days before his death. 'I have,' said he, 'but
one candidate, and that is Dr. Dana. Whom do they talk of for a
successor? My opinion is exactly the same as when I conversed with you
last fall.'

"I do pray, my dear sir, that Divine Providence may not permit you to
fail of coming.

"I should be grieved if, on making the trial, you should not find
yourself pleasantly situated here. I verily believe that you would
find a disposition on the part of the people of the village, including
all the college Faculty, to render your situation comfortable and
pleasant.

"We shall watch every mail and ask every friend, till we learn the
decision, or rather what we may expect the decision to be.

With great respect,
"Your obedient servant,

"R. D. M."[34]

[34] Professor R. D. Mussey.

* * * * *

What is here stated as to President Brown, was also true of President
Appleton of Bowdoin College. Each had desired that Dr. Dana should be
his successor. No stronger proof could be given of the confidence felt
in him