Call Number:

C1055

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division

Extent:

• 1 box
• 0.2 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Citations should be as follows: Samuel Finley Collection, Box #, Folder #, Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

1756-1766 (inclusive)

Creator:

Princeton University. Library. Special Collections and Finley, Samuel, 1715-1766

Form:

Correspondence -- 18th century and Manuscripts, American--18th century.

Abstract:

Consists of selected correspondence and documents of Samuel Finley, fifth president of Princeton University.

Samuel Finley, fifth president of The College of New Jersey (now Princeton University), was a Scotch-Irishman who came to the United States when he was nineteen. One of the original trustees of the college, Finley succeeded Samuel Davies as president on May 31, 1761. His presidency was marked by a steady growth in enrollment, and he was respected and beloved by the students.

The collection consists of selected correspondence and documents of Finley. Included are several receipts for payments of his salary, Finley's outline for the process of commencement in 1764, and a manuscript titled "A Forensic Disputation in the Presence of the Rev. Mr. Sam. Finley, President of Nassau Hall, the 29th of January, 1763." The subject of this debate was "Is it reasonable to suppose that preternatural Apparitions & Witchcraft do exist : or are they meer Creatures of the Imagination?" Correspondents include Joseph Bellamy, Richard Stockton (trustee of the College of New Jersey), and Eliezer Wheelock.

Arranged by accession number.