Page:The History of the University of Pennsylvania, Wood.djvu/40

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34
HISTORY OF THE

shown in the management of this collection." At a subsequent meeting, they gave him a still stronger testimony of their consideration in the grant of one hundred pounds a-year, which was to be considered, "not as an addition to the salary of provost, but solely as a reward for his personal services in England." The individuals in Great Britain who most interested themselves in this affair of the two colleges, and whose influence, both in obtaining the brief, and afterwards in promoting the collection, was of most importance, were the archbishop of Canterbury, primate of the English church; the Rev. Dr. Chandler, who was considered at the head of the dissenting interest; and Thomas and Richard Penn, the proprietors of the province, who themselves contributed five hundred pounds. To these gentlemen letters had been originally written by the trustees, requesting their aid; and their exertions, particularly those of the archbishop and of Dr. Chandler were the more praiseworthy, as it was expressly understood that the objects of the college were not to promote any sectarian interests, but that its doors were open indiscriminately to individuals of every religious persuasion, whether in the capacity of officers, or of students. The collection was completed by the end of the year 1763, and the share of it which fell to the Philadelphia college amounted to more than six thousand pounds sterling. According to the original intention of the trustees, this sum was considered as a permanent fund, of which the interest only was to be applied to the purposes of the college; and the different portions of it, as they were received, were immediately invested in the best securities, generally in mortgages accompanied with a bond and judgment.

The finances of the college might now be considered in a good condition; as the income from its real estate and other investments, united with the money for tuition, and the casual receipts from various sources, were sufficient for its support.