the Church to the people of Virginia. It was established in 1693 through the efforts of Rev. Commissary James Blair, D. D., once Rector of the Church at Henrico and, subsequently for many years, the Rector of Bruton Parish Church and President of the College. This institution was founded for the purpose of educating and Christianizing the Indian youth, who were quartered in Brafferton Hall, on the College grounds, and for training a native ministry, and educating the sons of the Virginia planters. All of the eight presidents of the College prior to the Revolution were clergymen of the Church of England.
Next to Harvard in age, William and Mary has stood through the centuries for the making of men; and the presidents, statesmen, warriors, and clergymen who have gone from her ancient halls to serve their generation and their country are witnesses to the fact that the College has been faithful to her trust. The nation owes to this institution a debt of gratitude which has never been recognized, and which cannot be repaid too generously or too soon. She gave Washington to lead our armies, because she made him County Surveyor, through which work he acquired the knowledge and experience which equipped him for larger service. She gave Jefferson to write our Charter of Independence, and Monroe and Tyler to enlarge the nation's borders, and many others to stand among men as leaders in both peace and war.
The students of the College, accompanied by one of the Masters, attended Bruton Parish Church, where the gallery in the west end was assigned to them, into which, by order of the Vestry, they were securely locked, and there they carved their names, which may be seen to-day, and doubtless dreamed of religious liberty.
Removal of the Seat of Government
Upon the removal of the Seat of Government from Jamestown to Williamsburg in 1699, the city assumed its
