AMERICAN QUARTERLY REGISTER. VOL. XI. NOVEMBER, 1838. No. 2. SKETCH OF THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF JONATHAN P. CUSHING, M. A. PRESIDENT OF HAMPDEN SYDNEY COLLEGE. [Prepared by George W. Dame, M. D., Lynchburgh, Va.] WHEN a man from the humble walks of life is enabled to overcome the barriers which poverty and want of funds throw around him, and finally holds a situation of such extensive influence as the Presidency of an American College; the history, step by step, of his progress, is of great value. It is calculated to stimulate others, similarly situated, to bold and vigorous exertion, and places before them an example from which they may learn how to fill important situations in society, with honor and usefulness to their country. The Life and Character of President Cushing, if delineated by a hand capable of doing justice to the subject, would afford just such an example as we should desire; that of a man overcoming the obstacles arising from an early neglected education, and, by a course of regular, persevering diligence and virtue, attaining to a character and influence in society, far beyond the promise of his early youth. JONATHAN P. CUSHING, President of Hampden Sydney College, was born in Rochester, New Hampshire, March 12th, 1793. His father, Peter Cushing, was a respectable merchant in moderate circumstances, who, although too much engaged in business to devote much of his time to the care of his children, sincerely desired that they should receive such an education as would make them useful members of society. Upon the mother, therefore, Hannah Cushing, devolved the delightful duty of implanting those seeds in the mind of Jonathan, which should in after years, bud and blossom into usefulness; and she was fully prepared for this duty. Reared in a Christian family, and herself a Christian, she earnestly desired that the seeds of truth and righteousness should be implanted at that early age, at which alone, she rightly believed, the impression would most probably be permanent. And although about the time that Jonathan reached his seventh year, she was removed from him "for a season," she contributed in no small degree to the formation of that full and upright character, to which he afterwards attained. In 1804, when Jonathan was in his eleventh year, the death of his father placed him under the care of a guardian, who, it seems, was unfaithful to the pecuniary, and also neglectful of the moral and intellectual interests of his ward. This gentleman removed Jonathan to his farm in 15 VOL. XI. New Durham, where, for about twelve months, he was constantly employed in the drudgery of the farming and milling business. Believing that his guardian acted improperly towards him in not sending him to school, Jonathan refused to engage any longer in that business, and therefore spent the next year in visiting the various mechanic shops in his vicinity, and learning in detail the minutia of the different trades. In 1806, as his guardian manifested no interest in his improvement, he bound himself, as an apprentice to the saddler's trade, with Mr. Odiorne, an uncle of his residing in Rochester. This change in his condition, although apparently but a slight improvement, was of great advantage, in giving him constant employment, and enabling him to reflect upon his situation, and the best means of improving it. There was nothing in Jonathan's childhood to distinguish him from the thousands that are born, live, and die, without ever rising above that station in society, in which their birth may have placed them. There was no uncommon thirst for knowledge; he was not fond of reading, but much given to meditation; he was very ingenious, and fond of making models of instruments which he had seen; he was an affectionate and dutiful child, and while at the saddler's trade, his conduct commanded the confidence of his superiors, and the affection of his equals. He perhaps exhibited more firmness of moral principle, than is usual for a boy in his situation, by avoiding those gross immoralities and vices, to which neglected youth are so much exposed. He retained a strong recollection of the counsel and advice of his mother; and desiring to walk thereby, he spent much of his leisure time alone, avoiding the society of his fellow-apprentices, and seldom joined in their sports. While serving his apprenticeship, Jonathan received the "six months' schooling" to which, by the laws of New Hampshire, he was entitled, in the town school of Rochester. This, although little, was sufficient, in connection with what he received during the life of his father, to awaken his curiosity, and excite an ardent desire to drink deep from the fountains of knowledge. He now began to look forward to a literary occupation, as a profession for life. The small stock of knowledge which he then possessed, he knew must be greatly augmented, but the means by which that object could be effected were not as evident; his guardian would render no assistance, and there was no one of whom he was willing to ask it. This was evidently a subject of constant meditation, and rendered him unusually thoughtful and reserved. Unable, however, to see his way clearly, but determined to effect his object, one day whilst engaged at his work, he suddenly rose from his bench and observed to his companion, "I am determined to have a college education if it costs me forty years of my life to obtain it." From that time his resolution never forsook him; although the way was dark before him, his energy and perseverance were equal to the difficulties to be surmounted. By extra work he purchased the remaining portion of his time, and went immediately to Phillips Exeter Academy, at that time the best and most flourishing academy in New Hampshire. Mr. Cushing entered the academy in September, 1811, at the age of eighteen, and remained there eighteen months; when, from ill health and the want of relaxation, he retired to his native village and taught school for about the same length of time. He then returned to the academy and completed the regular course of studies. He supported himself, and paid the greater part, if not all, of the expenses of his education by the profits of his trade, at which he worked a portion of every day during the time he stayed at Exeter. Mr. Cushing was more distinguished at the academy as a popular commander of a military company than for the ardor with which he pursued his studies or the accuracy of his acquirements. His military talents brought him to the notice of Gov. J. T. Gilman and his brother, residents of Exeter, who rendered him a good deal of assistance by their advice and direction. His health failed him while here, from sleeping one night in damp sheets, and it was supposed by his physicians that he was threatened with pulmonary consumption. Whether his lungs had actually taken an inflammation was not so evident; but a prescribed course, he was told, if followed, would settle the point; if the disease had already seated itself, this course of medicine would rapidly hasten his end, if the reverse, he would soon be relieved. He observed that he was willing to make the experiment, for, said he, "I am determined to have a liberal education, or die in the attempt." In September, 1815, Mr. Cushing entered Dartmouth College, and joined the junior class, but was found deficient in some of the preparatory studies. Having these to bring up in connection with his regular class exercises, he failed to attain a high standing in his class. "He wanted confidence in his preparation for class exercises," says a class-mate, "which very much injured his appearance at recitation, although his standing was above mediocrity in a class of forty-five." He graduated in August, 1817, but did not receive a class appointment for commencement, although that honor was conferred upon about half of the class. His want of confidence, retiring manners, the short time he was at college, and the time consumed by an attendance upon the Medical Lectures, in connection with his deficiencies on joining college, and his ill health, were perhaps the causes of the loss of this distinction. A classmate, and afterwards a colleague of Mr. Cushing in Virginia, says of him while at college, "He was highly esteemed in the class as a man of sound judgment, manly and dignified in his deportment, beyond the customary standard of young men in college. He maintained a high degree of selfrespect without display, and in regard to the public relations of the college, which during our last two years were particularly trying both to the faculty and students, I recollect his observations were much thought of, and his judgment appreciated by those better able to appreciate them than his fellow-students. His knowledge of men, and ready insight into character, which distinguished him in Virginia, was an early characteristic; and I remember to have heard that this trait was noticed by his Preceptor at Exeter Academy, and led to his being charged with duties which tended still more to cultivate it. His character as a scholar in college, was distinguished rather by sound judgment, and clear, practical views, than by brilliancy and the more showy qualities of genius. Manliness, maturity, and comprehensiveness, marked his understanding and judgment, gave him firmness and consistency, where more discursive minds were often fluctuating, and imparted to his opinions on all subjects, upon which he was called to act, a high value even in his early years.' Sedentary habits and neglect of exercise had so enfeebled Mr. Cushing's health while in college, that as soon as he graduated, he was advised to proceed to the South, as the only means of restoring it. Among other letters of introduction which his friends proffered him, was one to the Rev. Dr. John Holt Rice, then Pastor of the 1st Presbyterian church in Richmond, Virginia. Being much pleased with Dr. R.'s family, he was spending a few days there when he learned that there was a young man in town from the North, confined to his bed by sickness. It was enough for Mr. Cushing to know that the young man was sick, and without friends, (although entirely unacquainted with him,) to insure any attention which it was in his power to render; but after a visit, and finding that they were both strangers in a strange land, natives of the same State, and alumni of the same institution, they became warm friends. This young man had a short time previously been appointed a Tutor in Hampden Sydney College, but from ill health had been unable to proceed to the field of his labors. Being very anxious to retain his situation, he solicited Mr. Cushing to occupy it for a few weeks, until he himself should be restored to health. His solicitations, seconded by the influence of Dr. Rice, (which in that short time had become great,) prevailed over Mr. Cushing's objections. He accepted the situation, and arrived in Prince Edward on the 1st of November, 1817. Alas! how often and how suddenly too, are the expectations of man blasted! Scarcely had this brief time elapsed, when the young man was removed from the uncertainties of time, to the realities of eternity. Having no longer a claim upon the Institution, Mr. Cushing was desirous of breaking the connection which then existed. Before the end of that session, he had several times determined on that step, and on one occasion, had taken a seat in the stage coach for Charleston, South Carolina, but was prevailed upon by the solicitations of the Rev. Dr. Moses Hoge, the President of Hampden Sydney, in whom he placed the greatest confidence, to remain. His reasons for wishing to leave his present field of labor were certainly deserving of consideration. He felt unwilling to spend his time and talents teaching in Virginia, when he had reason to believe a residence in a more southern clime would contribute more to the restoration of his health, and also allow him more time to devote to the prosecution of the studies of the legal profession which he had chosen as his occupation for life. And more than this, he felt assured that the assiduity and energy with which he had engaged in the pursuit of knowledge could not be recompensed by the small sphere of usefulness which he supposed was then open before him. Hampden Sydney, at that time, was but little known, and had but little reputation as a college. Attached to it was a theological school, to which the time of the President was in part devoted. In fact the college was considered by many more as an appendage to, or preparatory school for the students of theology, than as an institution to which young men could resort, and learn the arts and sciences, which should fit them for practical life. There was but a small number of students, the college buildings were cold and uncomfortable dwellings, and there was but the name of a library and apparatus. Moreover, there had been no graduates from the institution for a number of years, and the degrees, when conferred, were not respected at other institutions. Such was Hampden Sydney when Mr. Cushing found himself, almost without his consent, a member of its faculty. So unlike the literary institutions with which he was acquainted, that it was with considerable reluctance he accepted the pressing invitations of the trustees to continue in their employ. "It had, however, one recommendation which, with Mr. Cushing, outweighed many defects. It was a seminary of learning, where he could gratify the strong passion of his soul for acquiring and communicating instruction, more delightful to him, as he often said, than food to a hungry man." Feeling that he was now permanently connected with the college, his course was speedily marked out. He prevailed on the trustees to adopt a plan for the reorganization of the institution; having regular classes and fixed studies to each class; at the same time the course was greatly enlarged. A new and more rigid system of discipline was introduced, and the interference of the trustees with the decisions of the faculty, except upon extraordinary occasions, and at the regular meetings |