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at the close of the present College year, I now beg leave to tender you my resignation more formally and officially.
It is eighteen years since I entered upon the duties of this Professorship.
They have been to me pleasant and congenial; and I hope I have discharged them to your satisfaction, and to the advantage of the College in whose prosperity I shall always take the deepest interest.
In dissolving a connection, which has lasted so long, and which has been to me a source of so much pleasure and advantage, permit me to express to you my grateful thanks for the confidence you have reposed in me, and the many marks of kindness and consideration which I have received at your hands.
With best wishes for the College and for yourselves, I have the honor to be, Gentlemen,
Your Obedient Servant
Henry W. Longfellow, Smith Professor of French and Spanish, and Professor of Belles Lettres.1 Cambridge, August 23, 1854.
[to President Walker.]
Nahant, Aug. 23, 1854.
my dear Sir,—I inclose you the Letter of resignation we were speaking of yesterday.
I 