Page:History of the University of Pennsylvania - Montgomery (1900).djvu/179

Rh  very capable of teaching the French and German Languages, and that he is now out of employment, Mr. Peters, Mr. Franklin and Dr. Bond are desired to enquire more particularly into his qualifications and to treat with him concerning his teaching those Languages in the Academy.

On 8 January, 1754, Dr. Thomas Bond reports that pursuant to the Request of the Trustees at their last Meeting Mr. Franklin and himself had made some Enquiry concerning Mr. Creamer and had been informed he was qualified for Teaching the French, Italian and German Languages, and besides was well skill'd in Musick and some Kinds of Painting. That they had also desired to know of him upon what Terms he would undertake to teach these Things, or such of them as the Trustees should require, in the Academy. That in Answer to this he proposed to give attendance four Hours in a Day for a Salary of Sixty Pounds per annum, provided he might have Liberty of using the School Room to teach in at other Times, in Case any Scholars, not of the Academy, offer'd. The Trustees considering that some Inconveniences might attend this Matter, chose rather to make him an offer of £ioo. per annum for his attendance all the School Hours, or Time equivalent, if other Hours should be found to suit them better; Wherewith Dr. Thomas Bond is desired to acquaint him.

But this arrangement proved irksome to the Trustees, it seems, for a minute of 11 July, 1755, implies they desired a severance of these relations.

A letter from Mr. Creamer to the Trustees was read, requesting to be continued Teacher of the French Tongue till April next. But the Trustees being of Opinion his being longer employ'd in the Academy was unnecessary, agreed he should be paid up to this Time, and to give him a quarters salary over.

The interests of the Charity School kept pace in the thoughts of the Trustees with that of the Academy. At the meeting of 17 November, 1753,

Mr. Franklin and Dr. Shippen are desired to treat with one Mrs. Holwell (who for some Time past has kept a school, and is said to be well qualified for that Business) to know upon what Terms she would undertake the charge of thirty Girls to teach them Reading, Sewing and Knitting.

At the next meeting, these Trustees reported an engagement with Mrs. Holwell, for which she is to be paid Thirty pounds per annum; and that at present she teaches in one of the upper Rooms in the Academy, till a more convenient place shall be provided.