ii

LITERARY INSTITUTIONS.    525

class institution for learning, has been maintained against the tide of
changes which has swept over our country in every decade, not even
excepting literary institutions. The same rules are now enforced, as to
what is required of students, as were in the student days of Lewis Cass,
Daniel Webster, and many others over three quarters of a century ago.
Wealth and aristocracy have never found a foot-hold in this Institution,
whereby poverty should be trampled, neither are the faculty allowed to
cater to it, on any consideration, and without any regard to either, schol-
arship and deportment take the prize. The motto before the student is
this— “ Whatever you can rationally desire others should do to you,
that do for them in the kindest manner.”

A portion of the academy funds, from the first, has been set apart for
the special aid of a certain number of youths of merit who lack the means
of support, that number now being about twenty. They receive nearly
enough to pay for their beard while attending school. Some of the
brightest literary stars in the country have received this beneficiary
aid, and among the many who could be mentioned are the Honorable
George Bancroft and Jared Sparks. It can be said that honest poverty,
yearning for knowledge, can truly find a friend in this Institution.

Mr. Phillip’s endowments were made at several dates, and together
with his last bequest, at the time of his death, April 21, 1795, amounted
to at least $ 65,000. The present fund of the academy is about $ 125,000.
Abbott Hall was erected about twenty years ago, at an expense of $20,
000, and is used for a study, and as a students’ joint stock boarding house.
In the early part of 1873, the Swamscot Hotel was purchased, and has
been arranged for the same purpose. December 18, 1870, the old acade-
my building was burnt to the ground. It was a wooden structure, an-
tique in its architecture, but having a venerable appearance. A new
brick building has been erected upon its ashes, which is more com-
modious and convenient. It was dedicated June 19, 1872.

Special Endowments. There are two endowments worthy of mention,
coming as they did from men who had been befriended by this academy
in their youthful days, to complete their education. The first is called
the “ Bancroft Scholarship.” The income of this scholarship, found-
ed by Hon. George Bancroft, present minister to Berlin, amounts to
$ 140, and is given to a meritorious scholar, selected by the Trustees.

Sibley Book Fund.—This fund is about $ 15,000, the income of which
is appropriated for the purchase of text books for indigent students.

The whole number of students who have entered this Institution up
to the present time is over 4,000; the present number is about 200.

Instructors.—Albert C.Perkins, A. M., Principal; George A. Went-
worth, A. M., Professor of Mathematics; Bradbury L. Cilley, A. M.,
Professor of Ancient Languages; R. F. Pennell, A. B., Instructor in Lat-
in; Professsor Gideon L. Soule, LL. D., was principal of this Institu-
tion from 1838 to 1873, and instructor from 1822, to 1838. He retired in
June, 1873, after a service of fifty-one years.

Portsmouth High School.—This school was formerly in two de-
partments, the hoys occupying one department and the girls the other.