Richmond Enquirer

ANSWER Of the President of the United States to the Address from the Corporation of Harvard University.

SIR,

I am deeply impressed with the distinguished attention with which the President and Fellows of Harvard University have been pleased to honor me on my present visit. Nothing is more interesting to my own mind, and nothing can be more important to our common country, than the cultivation of science and liberal literature. The principal support of a free government is to be derived from the sound morals and intelligence of the people: and the more extensive the means of education, the more confidently may we rely upon the preservation of our public liberties. Whatever doubts may once have been entertained upon the subject of the stability of a republican government, and of its capacity to promote the public interests, the progress of our own must now have satisfied the most sceptical mind, and awakened the strongest conviction of its energy and excellence.

The venerable University over which you preside, has long been a great ornament of our Country. It seems exceedingly well adapted in its organization to give the best instructions. It has nurtured in its bosom many of those who by their patriotism, their piety and their learning, have conferred lasting benefits on mankind. Most sincerely do I wish that it may continue to be a public blessing, and under the smiles of Providence increase in usefulness. An Institution which endeavors to rear American youth in the pure love of truth and duty, and while it enlightens their minds by ingenious and liberal studies, endeavors to awake a love of Country, to soften local prejudices, and to inculcate christian faith and charity, cannot but acquire, as it deserves, the confidence of the wise and good. You do justice, therefore, to my feelings, in believing that such an institution must possess my highest regard; and that I shall always take a lively interest in its prosperity.

JAMES MONROE.

To the Rev. President KIRKLAND.

July 12, 1817.