Page:The History of the University of Pennsylvania, Wood.djvu/38

32 such a sum of money, as, when united to that already possessed, and constituted into a permanent fund, might yield a fixed and certain income, adequate to all the wants of the institution. Too much had already been contributed by the citizens to justify an expectation that this object would be accomplished by a further appeal to their public spirit; and the legislature of the province wanted either the ability or inclination to yield any assistance. The attention of the trustees was, therefore, directed abroad; and as Dr. Smith, on his return from Europe, had reported that many of the best and most influential personages in England were favourably disposed to the institution, it was determined to seek, from the liberality of the mother country, those supplies which were not to be obtained in the colonies. The numerous and highly respectable acquaintance which the provost had formed, and the esteem in which he was held in Great Britain, naturally designated him as the most suitable person to act as the representative of the trustees on this occasion; and they accordingly requested him to undertake, in that capacity, another voyage across the Atlantic, promising the payment of all his expenses, and the continuance, during his absence, of the salary attached to the provostship. Dr. Smith cheerfully complied with the request; and, being furnished with the proper written power, sailed for England, where he arrived early in the year 1762. Persons of very high station and authority became interested in the success of his mission; and it was recommended, in order that the application from the trustees might come with greater weight, and the charity be rendered more universal, that a royal brief should be obtained, authorizing a collection to be made throughout the kingdom. Some embarrassment, however, was at first experienced in consequence of a similar application from the college of N. York, which, it was feared, if urged in opposition to that from Philadelphia, would