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Williamsburg Va. June 13, 1865
Mr B.S. Ewell
Prest of the College of William & Mary in Va,
Dear Sir,
As a member of the Faculty of the College of Wm & Mary, I am induced to address you with regard to the course which should be adopted in order to relieve its present condition & promote its future interests.
The College Buildings, as you are aware, have for the most part been destroyed by fire, and its finances crippled to a certain degree by the casualties of war. There still remains, however, an endowment fund for greater I suppose than that of any similar Institution in the state, and the buildings are still susceptible of being restored at an expense far less than their original cost, inasmuch as several of the houses are still standing, and the walls of the main building not materially injured.
The Philosophical apparatus has in a great degree be preserved uninjured, and a personal examination into the state of the Library - satisfies me that the more valued portion of the books have been saved and are now in good condition.
The losses sustained by the Library, are chiefly in the Department of Light Literature, and are mainly such as to not impair to any great degree the usefulness of the Library - for the ordinary purposes of Collegiate instruction or special study - although they diminish considerably the number of volumes, and detract from their interest to the general reader.
To be more definite, the works of fiction & light essays on miscellaneous subjects, have in many cases been carried off to be read in Camp & barracks, while the more valuable works of science & classical literature, more ponderous in form & less suited to such purposes, have been scarcely disturbed; so that there now remain of what is necessary as a solid foundation for educational purposes, or special scientific research - a collection of volumes of rare interest & great value.
Such being the actual condition of affairs - the question naturally arises - what is to be done, to restore the Institution to life & usefulness, with the least possible delay, & it is on this subject especially that I wish to confer with you.
It is plainly impossible to recommence our ordinary exercises at the beginning of the next session, as we can not have the necessary arrangements perfected in time, even if it were likely we could so soon find students to instruct; and the greatest difficulty we still have to contend with, lies in the financial embarrassment of our people, as young men of appropriate age for College classes, will not be able to devote to education, the time which they find if now necessary to give up to practical business pursuits.
The necessities of primary education - are, having so imperative, that parents will be disposed to make every effort to obtain that privilege for their young sons -
It strikes me, therefore, that the true policy of the College - would be without delay - to establish its Primary Department - at such point as the Visitors may deem best for the purpose - and to make that a High School of Mathematical & Classical Learning, bearing the name & being in all respects the representative of the College itself - until more fortunate circumstances shall admit of its complete restoration to all its faculties.
In this manner a considerable patronage for the Institution might be immediately relied on, and its organisation kept up - without fear of the danger which would beset it, if allowed to lie dormant for any length of time.,
Next, as the College Buildings were destroyed by the U. S. Forces - I think the Faculty together with the Board of Visitors, should adopt means to have brought before the Federal Government all the circumstances connected with that event, use every effort to obtain from Congress - a sum sufficient to repair the losses sustained by the Fire.
I think it highly desirable that there should be an early meeting of the Faculty & Board of Visitors - in order that the difficulties of the situation may be examined and the restoration of the Institution to vitality & usefulness - considered in all its bearings.
Hoping that there views may meet with your concurrence - and that speedy action may be taken, in a matter of such vital importance to the College, I am my dear sir,
Very respectfully & truly, Yours,
E. Taliaphus.
Prof. Lat Lang &c
Williamsburg, June 13th 1865.
Letter from Professor E. Taliaphus proposing a plan for returning the College
