All these have long been dead. There are others, still alive,
who would meet Franklin Pierce, at this day, with as warm a pressure of
the hand, and the same confidence in his kindly feelings as when they
parted from him nearly thirty years ago.
Pierce's class was small, but composed of individuals seriously intent on
the duties and studies of their college life. They were not boys, but,
for the most part, well advanced towards maturity; and, having wrought
out their own means of education, were little inclined to neglect the
opportunities that had been won at so much cost. They knew the value of
time, and had a sense of the responsibilities of their position. Their
first scholar--the present Professor Stowe--has long since established
his rank among the first scholars of the country. It could have been no
easy task to hold successful rivalry with students so much in earnest as
these were. During the earlier part of his college course it may be
doubted whether Pierce was distinguished for scholarship. But, for the
last two years, he appeared to grow more intent on the business in hand,
and, without losing any of his vivacious qualities as a companion, was
evidently resolved to gain an honorable elevation in his class.
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