SEPTEMBER 8th, 1836--Early up with a heart full of joy to help my college celebrate her two hundredth birthday party. Enech in with some journals come by post from New York, calls it no great thing judging by the age of the English colleges, our sisters. But a piece of good fortune, I count it to be the first upon this wild continent.

Out of bed with a leap to read the week's news in the journals. Sad to see the public vilification of General Jackson and Mr. Van Buren goes on unabated. "This no less than treasonable to call the President such names as the New York American does. Laughed merrily to read a speech made by Mr. Clay at a dinner of malcontents in his wilderness home of Kentucky. By way of attacking the Specie Circular the angry senator said, not with much wisdom methinks, "But on the small purchasers--the saddle-bags men--on the poor the operation of the measure will be most injurious." Strange and laughable to see the friends of Mr. Biddle embracing those plain men who labor with their hands.

On, in great hurry, to read reports from the continent. Hear that the House of Lords engages in debate on ways and means of abolishing slavery in India. "Tis wonderous, and happy too, that such ideas meet so little favor on these shores. King of England regrets that the civil war against the Queen in Spain goes on to disturb the general tranquility of Europe. Thought aloud and said that something will have to be done about Spain. To which Enoch replied laughing that something will ALWAYS have to be done about Spain.

Out into the Yard dressed in finery like the cockiest London beau to see the carriages, chaires, and omnibuses of all description trundling into the village. Would seem the throng number over a thousand spectators. Now came C. Austin, Jr., all abubble, and with him on past the gate to watch the festivities. Saw Mr. Emery of Philadelphia, the oldest graduate present, looking very touched yet happy at the affair.

Soon the reading of the roll of classes, an affecting ceremony to be sure, but rather pompous and tiresome methought. On to the Meeting House, in great procession, at the head of it all and followed by a fine band of music. Lord, how we did marvel to see the church so crowded, the galleries filled with the beauteous ladies of the Commonwealth. Came then events of no great importance until the rendering of a fine ode by a gentleman from Charleston, South Carolina. The first line was, "Fair Harvard, thy sons to thy jubilee throng," but the remainder has slipped my befuddled mind.

Anon Mr. Quincy with his discourse, great in matter and delivery. He paid due homage to the early presidents of this college and to our pilgrim fore-fathers whose devotion brought us our present greatness. More ceremonies, long and solemn, and then to the Pavilion for the festive part of the precedings. My heart bubbled to see the spaicous tent, the garlands, the festoons. Clatter of plates and glasses formed a song for the celebration. Soon speeches by Governor Edw. Everett, and then toast after toast until all our heads were swimming merrily in the good refreshment of the college. Fine words and much sense from Mr. Webster who expounded the glories of our Constitution. Now more toasts to cities and states, until Mr. Saltonstall, Mayor of Salem and descendant of "that most excellent knight," spoke for his town. Now many songs, the whole assembly joining in the singing of them.

In the evening to see more gaiety with Mr. Pickett, the merchant, and his lively daughter, Rose. The college buildings lighted to proclaim the occasion and Cambridge filled with visitors. A marvel it was to see the throng a happy yet well-mannered. Austin, Jr., along again, and back with him to Hollis before the curfew telled at ten. Soon into bed, tired from merry-making, to dream dreams of purlian ancestors founding a "schoale or college."