NEW JERSEY, COLLEGE OF, founded through the exertions of some leading mem bers of the synod of New York—which then included many of the Presbyterian churches in New Jersey—under charters granted, 1746, by acting governor Hamilton, and, 1748, with more liberal provisions by governor Belcher. It wasopened, 1747, at -Elizabeth. town; was removed to Newark, and thence to Princeton, where a large college build ing was erected and named Nassau ball, in honor of William III. of the House of Nassau. This building was used as a barrack and hospital by both American and British soldiers during a part of the revolutionary war. At the battle of Princeton, the British troops made a stand within its walls, and were driven out by Washington's advance. The continental congress met in it in 1783, and attended the commencement of that year in company with Washington, who presented 50 guineas to the trustees to aid in repair ing the damages occasioned by the battle. The money was used for a full-length por trait of Washington—painted by the elder Peale—to till the vacancy in a large gilt frame, hanging in the prayer-hail, from which the portrait of George III. had been shot away by a cannon ball during the assault. Jonathan Dickinson was the first president, Jonathan Edwards the third. Dr. Witherspoon—a member of the continental congress, and a signer of the declaration of independence, the fifth; Dr. Maclean, the tenth, yet lives, venerable in years and honored for his lifelong efficient and varied service in the college. Dr. James MeCosh, from Queen's college, Belfast, Ireland, the present head of the institution, elected 1863, has greatly advanced its interests by his distinguished reputation, able instructions, and skillful administration. During his presidency the faculty has been enlarged, and the number of students greatly increased; commodious and elegant buildings have been erected• new studies introduced, the school of science established, and more than $2,200,000 contributed for various objects designed to increase the efficiency of the college. Of this sum $1,356,000 was given by Mr. John C.
Green and by his legatees. since his death, in carrying out his wishes. Among the other large donors are Messrs. N. N. Halstead, Robert Bonner, Henry G. Marquand, William Libby, R. L. and A. Stuart, James Lennox, and John .J. Blair. The college year is divided into three terms. A part of the very complete curriculum of studies is elective during the junior and senior years. There is a large number of prizes, scholarships, and fellowships, the winners of the last are required to pursue a prescribed course of study for one year after graduation. The faculty consists of the president,—who. in addition to his charge of some other departments of instruction, is professor of Biblical instruc tion,-21 other professors, with 13 tutors and other instructors. During the current year, 1880-81, there are 7 fellows, 39 post-graduates, 93 seniors, 90 juniors, 106 sophomores, 89 freshmen, 50 in the school of science, and 11 "specials;' making a total of 491. The American Whig and Cliosophic literary societies have for more than a century added greatly to the fame, attractive power, and usefulness of the college. The college and society libraries contain nearly 50,000 volumes. The whole number of graduates is more than 5,000, among whom have been many distinguished and useftli men both in church and state. The campus forms a large qualrangle, fronting on the main street of the town, and is ornamented with many fine and venerable trees. The principal buildings are Nassau hall—twice ravaged by fire and rebuilt, East and West colleges, Whig and Clio halls, marking the administration of president Carnahan; the Halsted observatory, gymnasium. DickinsOn, Reunion, Witherspoon, Edwards. and Murray halls; school of science, library, new observatory, and the Marquand chapel now being built. There are also commodious residences for the president and many of the pro fessors.