All Items 3

Joseph Vaill letter to Nathan Welby Fiske, 1844 December 21

Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869

Joseph Vaill, Trustee and Agent of Amherst College, letter to Professor Fiske, presumably Nathan W. Fiske, in which Vaill writes regarding the recent acceptance by the Board of Trustees of the proposals submitted to them by a committee of the acting professors, a copy of which he states is herewith transmitted to Fiske. Vaill notes that one of the Trustee votes proposes that the immediate adoption of the plan, and he explains the reasons for this decision. In doing so, he discusses the College debts, the current subscription fund, explains why the faculty should make this sacrifice now and effects on President Heman Humphrey, and notes that the successor for the presidency has been chosen from among the faculty. In closing, Vaill writes regarding how Professor Warner (Aaron Warner) may feel about the proposal. The enclosure Vaill mentions no longer accompanies this item.

Joseph Vaill letter to Nathan Welby Fiske, 1844 December 21
Joseph Vaill statement as General Agent of Amherst College submitted to the Executive Committee of the Trustees, 1844 November

Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869

Joseph Vaill, Trustee and General Agent of Amherst College, statement submitted to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees in which Vaill writes regarding his views on the present state and future prospects of the College. He discusses his role serving as General Agent and references the subscription books and the books of Treasurer. Vaill writes about whether or not the agency should be continued and for how long. He also discusses current debts, subscription funds, proposed endowments, and expenses of the College and of his agency. He proposes that a plan must be adopted to bring the annual expenses within the annual income, saying that he has learned that the professors have drawn up a plan presenting the conditions on which they will give instruction for a limited period at an expense that does not exceed the income of the institution. He goes on to discuss this plan and financial future of the College and writes regarding the process of appointing a new college president. A note on the back of the document states "General Agent Statement to the Prudential Committee" and includes the date.

Joseph Vaill statement as General Agent of Amherst College submitted to the Executive Committee of the Trustees, 1844 November
Joseph Vaill statement as General Agent of Amherst College submitted to the faculty, 1844 November

Vaill, Joseph, 1790-1869

Joseph Vaill, Trustee and General Agent of Amherst College, statement and suggestions submitted to the faculty of the College in which Vaill writes regarding the results of his efforts as the General Agent for the last three years in aiming to procure funds for Amherst College. He references the subscription books and the books of Treasurer and provides details on the one hundred thousand dollar subscription fund and the expenses and salary of the Agent. He remarks on the debt of the College, provides information on income of the College, and discusses the future of the agency and its role in procuring contributions from the public. He goes on to emphasize the need reduce College expenses, and proposes that faculty reduce their salaries, discussing a plan to this effect. In doing so, he mentions Professor Shepard (presumably Charles U. Shepard) and the College President Heman Humphrey.

Joseph Vaill statement as General Agent of Amherst College submitted to the faculty, 1844 November