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PF2.1.71
Date
11-17-1835
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Mount Vernon Nov. 17th 1835
Rev. Prof. Sparrow
Dr Sir
The fact that Doct. Bache has been offered the Dept of Nat. Philosophy bt the board of trustees, and has gone away with the understanding that it is now in his hands if he concludes to accept of it; makes it proper and necessary for me to state my views and feelings on the subject, at full length, to yourself and the Bishop.
I am willing to suppose that the Bishop was actuated by a mistaken idea of my wishes in reference to the matter; yet I cannot help thinking that it would have been at least proper to have consulted me before taking the step that was taken--and still more so that I should not be compelled to receive the first intimation fo it from one of the underlings of the institution. This together with another circumstance unnecessary to mention looks very much like a disposition towards cavalier treatment to say the least of it.
When I first came to the institution it was at Bishop McIlvaine’s own urgent request and as an inducement to come I was told that Maj. Douglass would be the Vice President and Prof. of Nat. Phil. United with him I was willing to take charge of a branch of the Scientific course and that one subordinate to his. He had long been an acquaintance and friend of mine and I knew and loved him. To be in a situation subordinate to such a man was in no wise objectionable. But he came not. The Prof’h of Nat. Phil. was thrown upon me. For two years I have sustained it, become attached to it, interested in it and identified with it.
I have besides learnt something that I did not know when I first came-- viz that the mathematical course is exceedingly incomplete, both nominally in the course of studies, and still more in reality. It is now but the A.B.C., of science. The only opportunity I now have for carrying a class at all beyond the mere elements is in the subject of Nat. Phil.
I have then come to the following conclusion, viz I cannot consent that my Department should be interfered with without my consent. I cannot consent to hold a Prof’h subordinate to one held by a man of whom I know nothing, and whom I have every reason to believe no better qualified than myself for the situation, and lastly, I do not think it my duty to remain attached to the College at a great pecuniary sacrifice merely to teach what hundreds may be employed to teach and who would be glad of the opportunity.
It is necessary then that I should have a distinct understanding in writing form yourself and the Bishop, that (as far sa you are concerned) the Dept. of Nat. Phil. is to continue in my hands, that I am to be provided wit an assistant in Mathematics and that no change will take place without consulting me.
Tomorrow I shall leave here for a few days and if on my return I should not find the above mentioned assurance I shall consider myself as disconnected with the institution.
I should by no means be surprised if it were desired that I should give way to some other. I know of many reasons for such a feeling & there are doubtless many more that my vanity prevents me from seeing. Among them is the very important one that I reside at so great a distance from the College that my influence (if I have any) in keeping up the discipline is entirely lost
Be assured that I shall feel no mortification in quitting the College. Few things would afford me greater pleasure than to know that my services are not needed there.
Yrs truly C.P. Buckingham
Please lay this before the Bishop
Recommended Citation
Buckingham, C. P., "Letter from C. P. Buckingham to Prof. Sparrow" (1835). 19th Century Correspondence. 10.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/correspondence_19thc/10