The Virginia Gazette

WILLIAMSBURG, February 23.

Extract of a letter from a Gentleman, on his travels, to a friend in WILLIAMSBURG.

IN my tour through the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia, I had the pleasure of seeing, and being acquainted with, the SOMERSET ACADEMY; which far exceeded my expectations, though I had been informed it was an eminent school.

As you rejoice in all accounts of the culture of science, and the progress of learning, I shall give you a brief account of this growing academy: [It] was erected about two years ago, by a number of spirited Gentlemen, of different denominations, in the county of Somerset, Maryland; who, from a deep conviction of the great importance of learning both to church and state, generously united to encourage it upon such a Catholic plan, as might render it beneficial to persons of all denominations.

Accordingly they erected, by private subscription, a genteel commodious house, sixty-two feet in length, and twenty feet in breadth; where the scholars are boarded and instructed, which is peculiarly advantageous; for by residing all together, in one house, the scholars are always under the immediate inspection of the masters, and of consequence are less exposed to vice and temptation, and are free from various interruptions in study, which will unavoidably attend them when dispersed in different families: And it also prevents any loss of time, by coming tardy to school, or not coming at all by the badness of the weather; but by this means so much time is redeemed, that the scholars usually get a recitation before breakfast.

A steward is employed to victual the academy, who employs proper servants in cooking, and keeping all things neat and decent: BOARDING, which is a capital article in all seminaries, is by far cheaper here than I have known in any school on the continent, and is no more than nine pounds ten shillings per ann. including their firewood. Tuition is five pounds. Other charges, such as washing, mending, bedding, &c. are about fifty shillings more, so that the whole expense of education here is but about seventeen pounds annually, reckoning dollars at 7 s. 6 d. a piece, which is the cheapest school I have ever seen in America.

There are six Gentlemen who are managers, and have a general superintendency and direction of the institution. Who employ two masters of liberal education, and unblemished reputation, who spend from six to eight hours every day in teaching the scholars, who are about forty in number, with whom the masters perform usual prayer morning and evening, acceptable to the laudable practice of the most eminent schools and academies in Great-Britain.

The scholars are taught the rudiments of English grammar, orthography, or the art of spelling, and some portion of time is spent every week to perfect them in writing. They are instructed in the Latin and Greek languages, and may be taught the various branches of the arts and Sciences, such as geography, logic, navigation, surveying, &c.

Great pains are taken to cultivate the art of speaking, which is so necessary in order to shine in the senate, at the bar, and in the pulpit. Indeed I was both entertained and surprised to hear the spirited delivery, and to see the natural gesture and graceful action of several young orators there, who had not entered their teens.

There are two public days annually, when the scholars are all publicly examined by the managers, and such Gentlemen as attend on the occasion, before whom they exhibit specimens of oratory, which proves a spur to application and industry, while it fits them to appear in public with becoming fortitude and presence of mind, and at the same time entertains and delights the audience, who have expressed themselves highly pleased with the academic exercises.

This flourishing academy is so situated, as to be convenient for the inhabitants of the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia, and for many on the Western Shore; in a healthy place; with a good air. It is sufficiently remote from any neighbouring town, which might interrupt it by diversions, or infect it with vicious examples; and yet not so solitary, but that it enjoys a variety of good company: So that it seems well calculated, either for a nursery for any of our American colleges, or for an academy where those may complete their education, who cannot bear the expense of those more illustrious but distant seats of learning: Here youth may acquire such a fund of learning as will render them reputable members of the republic of letters, and useful in the various stations of life, without spending their fortunes, or distressing their parents.

Though a foreigner, and unconnected with the colony, yet as a citizen of the world, and a common friend of literature, I cannot but rejoice that such a useful institution is erected, especially in that part of the country, which is so remote from colleges, and so much needs the genial rays of science. May friends and benefactors be daily rising up to patronize, encourage, and support it, and may it inspire and stimulate other Gentlemen in the southern colonies to enlarge the commonwealth of learning, the flourishing of which is so necessary to the preservation of liberty, and the prosperity of church and state.

I am yours, &c.