the provinces, his thoughts reverted to the subject; and in the year 1749, he entered with zeal upon such measures as he supposed would most promote the success of the project. As the first step, he endeavoured to interest in his favour several friends; of whom Thomas Hopkinson, Tench Francis, and the Reverend Richard Peters, seem to have been the most active and efficient Having secured their approbation and assistance, he next proceeded to write and publish a pamphlet, entitled "Proposals relative to the Education of Youth in Pennsylvania," which he took care to circulate extensively among the most respectable inhabitants of the city. The proposals attracted much attention, and several of the most influential citizens, to the number of twenty-four, having met together, determined to associate themselves into a Board of Trustees, for the purpose of carrying the design into effect.[1] Their first object was to establish certain regulations for their own government It was determined that they should not "for any services by them as trustees performed, claim or receive any reward or compensation." It was also determined, that the original number of twenty-four, should "always be continued, but never exceed upon any motive whatsoever;" and that vacancies should be supplied by the choice of the board from among the inhabitants of Philadelphia, or persons residing in its immediate neighbourhood. These rules were established as fundamental,
- ↑ Among the names of those gentlemen are many which are still well known and highly. esteemed in Philadelphia. They were James Logan, Thomas Lawrence, William Allen, John Inglis, Tench Francis, William Masters, Lloyd Zackary, Samuel Mc. Call jr., Joseph Turner, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Leech, William Shippen, Robert Strettell, Philip Syng, Charles Willing, Phineas Bond, Richard Peters, Abraham Taylor, Thomas Bond, Thomas Hopkinson, William Plumsted, Joshua Maddox, Thomas White, and William Coleman. Benjamin Franklin was chosen president, and William Coleman treasurer of the board.
