26 February–4 March 1821

Wonderful to relate ! within an hour of the time appointed, a larger number of the members than have attended any meeting since I have had the honour to be Sec'yj met at No. 4 H'y' to hear the Essays due last time, and the anniversary oration due from time not quite immemorial, but so long that it should have been delivered almost a year ago. — The meeting was then opened (with Br. Kent in the chair) and the oration called for. But Br. Kent, not having had sufficient time, we may suppose, to prepare himself since he was chosen Orator, desired that it might be post- poned till the next anniversary (April 24th) ; which was agreed to by the society. We shall then verify the -©W- proverb, by killing two birds with one stone. Having settled this business, Br. Burton was called on for his Essay, which has been due almost as long as the Oration. But not being prepared, it was Voted, after hearing his excuse, " that it be delivered on the evening of the Monday nearest the fifteenth of April." — Br. Gourdin being absent, his Essay of course was not read. Br. Blood, whose Essay was due at the same time with Br. Gourdin's, was next called on. — But it appearing that, by some fatal mistake, he had left it in Sterling, or elsewhere, a vote was passed to hear it with Br. Burton's. Thus we despatch business. No Essay now re- mained to be heard except Br. Emerson's ; which was not read last term on account of circum- stances mentioned page 46 of this volume. He was, therefore, called on to read now. And, oh ! how the Secretary's heart beat with joy, when he actually saw him arise from his seat, and, taking a roll of paper from his pocket, seat himself by the table! Rejoice with me, my Brethren, for we shall yet hear an Essay this evening. — He ac- cordingly read a very "Elegant and appropriate Essay," for which he received the unanimous and (let me add) the most sincere thanks of the society.