Gentlemen We are assembled as a Board of Trustees for last time before the completion of our preliminary arrangements of the opening of the College for the reception of those who are to enjoy its benifits[sic]. It is fitting that we pause to recognise the favoring Providence which has conducted our enterprise safely and successfully through the preparatory stage and shed the light of benignant promise upon the future. It is not given to man to force the perils and perplexities through which