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merous societies of different kinds, calculated to spread the light of knowledge through the whole American continent, wherever inhabited.
Sure I am that you regard the rising youth as the growing hopes of the country. You ardently wish that they may become eminent, in every qualification which can render them an ornament, or a blessing to their fellow creatures. You are, no doubt, anxious to encourage a spirit of literature amongst them, and are attentive to procure them every advantage that may enable them to fill the higher offices of life, and especially the learned professions, with ability and dignity. Nor do I imagine you will neglect any occasion, such as this which now offers, to answer these salutary purposes. Destitute of culture, the imagination of youth shoots wild and unprofitable; but, directed by art and improved by science, a natural genius is like a rich soil, the fruitful source of many benefits to a country.
Whilst the studies of youth are prosecuted under the encouragement and patronage of men distinguished by their literature and worth, they have the highest motives that can animate the pursuits of a generous mind. They consider themselves as under the notice of the public, to which every ingenious person labours to approve himself.
