18

and still less any explicit assurances were given to the Trustees as to what our
views and feelings were - Yet they very naturally drew the conclusion that our assent
had been given to the proposed measure - so that we have nothing to complain
of on the part of the Trustees. Had been really consulted we should beyond
all doubt have fallen in readily with the plan so there had been nothing irreg
-ular but the omission of an empty ceremony. But as you appear to be so
sensitive upon the subject it may not be improper to say that probably the
the expectations which the Trustees authorised us in indulging when we left our
early home have been satisfied inasmuch as the great increase in the value
of money within the last two or three years has rendered our present stipend-
as valuable as 1500 would have been in times like those in which our con
-tract was made. So that Adam Smith would say we had [torn]
complaint even if we chose to complain - and Adam you know is no mean
authority. Furthermore Mr Olmsted enjoyed for nearly two years and I have en
-joyed for a year and a half and am to occupy in future the house in which
I live - a thing not promised by the Trustees- So that if I were to give up -
what was promised [above?] what I receive from The treasury I should seem
to do very litttle. Knowing however what are the disposable funds belonging to-
the University and that although you are ready to do even more than was
promised yet we cannot hope to keep our Professor of Rhetoric except upon-
the present scheme I certainly cheerfully give up from the present time all
claim to more than 1240 Dolls per Annum. And whilst I wish these matters
to be communicated in the proper way to those few persons amongst whom the
subject has been talked over - I should be glad to have them after this has
been done - hushed to sleep. With regard to Mr Olmsted Iwill observe that-
up to the present time we have perhaps shared equally with myself-
the liberality of the Trustees in Relation to a house but that hearafter unless-
the expences I shall be obliged to incur for repairs to the building I occupy
should be more than I expect. I shall ^If his house is not purchased by the Trustees have the advantage of him -
he has moreover a pretty large and expensive family - and if the Trustees could
find themselves able agreably to their vote of last winter to purchase his -
house they would do a good kind and perhaps a just thing. After this -
he as well as myself would have every reason to be satisfied. There is -
one thing which is not taken into the account in fixing the salaries of men
in our situation. Shutting ourselves up as we do like a parcel of monks we -
never learn how to do business and manage money and are therefore forever
imposed upon. I alway think I come off grandly if when I make a bargain
I am not cheated more than one third. Now that I have you as it were in
my claws I will call your attention to the enclosed in presenting which
I hope you will not think I am stepping out of my proper sphere-