To Benjamin Franklin from the Regents of the University of the State of New York, 12 June 1784
From the Regents of the University of the State of New York
LS: American Philosophical Society
New York June 12th. 1784.
Sir,
Lieutenant Colonel Clarkson will have the honor of delivering your Excellency this Letter. His business in Europe is to solicit donations for the University of the State of New York.5 We have instructed him to consult with your Excellency on the most proper mode of effecting the Objects of his Mission And we flatter ourselves that notwithstanding the important Concerns which must constantly claim Your Excellency’s Attention, you will chearfully lend your Aid and Advice to promote the Cause of Science, of which you are so distinguished an Ornament.—
We have the Honor to be with the highest sentiments of Esteem and Respect, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and very humble servants
[In Clinton’s hand:] By Order & in Behalf of the University
Geo: Clinton
Jas: Duane6
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr.—
5. See William Livingston to BF, June 10, above.
6. George Clinton (ANB) was governor of New York and James Duane (DAB) the mayor of New York City and a state senator. Clinton and Duane were the driving forces behind the 1784 reconstitution of Kings College as Columbia College, and the two men sat, ex officio, on the first board of regents of the University of the State of New York. Clinton also served as the first chancellor of the University: Robert A. McCaughey, Stand, Columbia: a History of Columbia University in the City of New York, 1754–2004 (New York, 2003), pp. 51–3; State of New York, The University Manual (rev. ed., Albany, 1882), p. 190.