After three years spent in a University whose course of study was at that time far from answering its lofty title, he was removed for his further improvement to Princeton College, New-Jersey-entering upon the junior, or third year in advance. Nassau Hall was then at the height of its popularity, perhaps of its strength; its president was 'the learned and able Witherspoon,' its vice-president "the accomplished and eloquent Stanhope Smith.' Of both these gentlemen young Hobart conciliated the esteem; with the latter he contracted an intimate and enduring friendship.

Of the two years here spent in academic retirement, records remain more full than generally survive the lapse of so many years; and which show this period of his life to have been equally happy and improving. At the end of the first year he thus writes: Could I have enjoyed the company of my dear relations, no one year of my life, I think I can say, has passed so agreeably, and I hope I may add, with so much benefit. Another will, I trust, pass away with as much ploasure, and as much improvement; and then my destination in life must be fixed. Whatever that may be, in whatever course of action I may be engaged, I shall strive to merit the esteem of my friends, and, above all, the approbation of my conscience, which I think I may say is not as yet stained with any voluntary offences; and I shall always feel most grateful to my dear relations for the means of improvement which I now enjoy.' An extract from one of his last letters will serve to show that he was not disappointed in this anticipation. The time draws near,' says he, 'when I shall leave college; and though the thoughts of being again united to my friends, affords me the greatest pleasure; yet the idea of leaving a place where I have spent so many happy hours, of dissolving connexions which next. to the ties of nature are the most dear, cannot but considerably alloy the happiness I hope. I feel, however, that a life of study and retirement is not a life of usefulness, and although my happiest days may be past, I look for

ward with trust that my most useful ones are yet to come.'

His own letters, during this period, are necessarily dispersed; but those addressed to him seem to have been all carefully preserved; the recollections too of the surviving companions of his studies, though few in number, are yet vivid and sufficiently minute.

The general results are well summed up by his early biographer. Habitual cheerfulness, great ardour and success in study, social habits, winning manners, and a peaceful disposition—a well-balanced mind, prompt and able elocution, native talent, persevering industry, and pure morals, compose the wreath of praise awarded to him when on classic ground.' But to give the language of actual recollection, He was distinguished,' says Dr. Otto, 'for an unusual gaiety of temper, without the least mixture of levity or thoughtlessness. His voice was good, and his ear musical; and he used occasionally, for his own and our amusement, to sing early in the morning before we arose. His temperament was ardent, and he studied with diligence both from a love of useful knowledge, and a laudable ambition to be honourably distinguished. The untiring zeal which he displayed so conspicuously in after life, in the performance of whatever he deemed his duty, was a part of his natural character, and manifested itself at college. His habits were very social, and during those hours which he devoted to recreation, he mixed freely in the company of the most distinguished students, being most intimate, as is usual, with the members of the literary Society to which he belonged. But from the great urbanity of his manners, and his high standing, he was much respected by all. I do not recollect that during the whole time we resided together, any incident occurred which suspended for a moment our friendly feelings toward each other. He loved peace and harmony, and zealously exercised his powerful influence

Memorial,' p. 20.

in composing the differences that occasionally take place where many youths live together. His strong sense of propriety, and his inflexible justice, gave him great weight on these occasions. There was no one branch of study, as far as my memory serves me, that especially engaged his attention, or to which he showed a decided preference. He was well acquainted with the whole course prescribed. His mind was vigorous and well balanced, none of the faculties being in an undue proportion.'

A few extracts from his mother's letters may serve to throw light on her character, as well as the domestic circumstances of the family. The following are taken from a bundle carefully preserved and endorsed by the affectionate child to whom they were addressed. They give the natural picture of the watchful timid tenderness of a solitary mother. Had we his in return, we should be enabled better to judge how well that tenderness was merited. At the period of his going to Princeton, she was residing, at least temporarily, with her married daughter at Abingdon, Pennsylvania, whence she thus writes her son on the subject of his removal:

'I am pleased with your dutiful and affectionate letter; from that and your sister's, the reasons for your desiring to go to Princeton seem so well founded, and the advantage that it may be to you appears so great, that I cannot refuse my consent. I never doubted the goodness of your own heart-my fears have been, lest the influence of bad example should overcome your own good resolutions; but I have so much confidence in you, my dear John, that I shall rely on your assurance for the rectitude of your conduct in every respect. I hope all I shall have to regret will be, that I have not the company of my dear child; but I find I must be deprived of that too much, whether you go from home or not. I want very much to be with you, my dear son, but still I have a full hope and confidence that your love of goodness, and your love of me, will preserve you from the influence of bad example; my heart is full of tenderness, but I cannot write what I feel. That Providence may make you his

peculiar care, and overrule all your actions, is the earnest prayer of, my dear John, your affectionate mother,

H. HOBART.'

Soon after his establishment, she writes him from Philadelphia as follows:

'I am happy to hear, my dear John, that you got safe to Princeton, and that you are so agreeably situated there; may you and I never have reason to regret that you went. It is now very inconvenient for your brother to spare the money you write for, but he will send it if he possibly can, as he would rather submit to difficulties himself, than subject you to them. You will remember, my dear, to keep a daily account of your expenses; you know the necessity there is for frugality, so that I shall not urge you on that subject. It will contribute to your happiness to hear that we do very well without you; we miss you very much to be sure, but the hope that it will prove best for you that we should be separated for a time, will help us to bear it with what cheerfulness we can. You may be assured you have the best wishes, and the most tender affection, of yours,

H. HOBART.'

Philadelphia, December 18th, 1791. From my dear John's letters of the 7th and 14th instant, I have the pleasure of finding you are well, and continue still satisfied with your situation. I am almost afraid to tell you how much I wish to see you at Christmas, for several reasons. One is, lest your absence from college should interfere with your studies, and be a disadvantage to you on that account. Another is, the probability that the weather will be very cold, and travelling very disagreeable at that time, and my exceeding apprehension of danger in crossing the ferry, which you must do twice if you come and return again; we ought not to wish, my dear John, to gratify our inclinations at the expense of discretion. If you find it will be in any way detrimental to leave your studies, don't do it-if there is any appearance of danger, don't risk it; but in either of these cases submit to prudence. If circumstances should prove favourable, I shall be most happy to see you, though I shall be again uneasy that you will have the same risk to run when you return.

I enclose a five dollar note, though I must again remind you of the absolute necessity there is to avoid every unnecessary expense, and of my fears for you in crossing the ferry, which I beg you will not attempt, if the weather should be boisterous, or any appearance of danger from ice, or any other unfavourable circumstance. Should you come as far as the ferry, and find it not quite safe to cross it, do not venture, but wait or return, rather than risk any danger; if you find it will be advisable and safe for you to come, let me know in time, that I may expect you. And may you ask and receive the blessing and protection of that Providence who alone can preserve us from dangers of every kind. That He may make you his peculiar care, prays your tenderly affectionate parent,

HANNAH HOBART.

'Philadelphia, 17th January, 1792.

I have received my dear John's welcome letter of the 10th instant. I am always happy to hear from you, but would not wish to purchase that satisfaction at the expense of your studies; when ever you can write without making that sacrifice, you may be sure I shall have pleasure in hearing from you, and will endeavour to make myself easy when you do not. I am perfectly satisfied, my dear John, with the assurances contained in your letter, and would wish you to believe that I have the fullest confidence in the rectitude of your heart, and the propriety of your conduct, and am certain it will be owing to mistake or inattention, if you do not always do right. I would remind you, my dear John, to to be careful of your eyes; they are of more value than you can conceive while you are blessed with the enjoyment of them. I am glad to find you are well, and continue pleased with your situation. I have too much confidence in the goodness of your principles, as well as understanding, to imagine you could have pleasure in any situation or engagements that would not afford satisfaction on reflection, as well as in present enjoyment. I need not say how much I wish to see you, and am happy to think it will not be long first. Let me know how much money you will want, and when. I write in haste, but am ever my dear John's

affectionate

H. HOBART.'