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This collection contains a manuscript draft and a contemporary printed copy of an address that Edward Everett delivered during the inauguration ceremonies for Washington University in Saint Louis, Missouri, in April 1857. Also included is an informational pamphlet for freshmen entering Washington University in 1945, containing information on the university's inauguration, among other subjects.

This collection contains 3 items pertaining to an address delivered by Edward Everett during the inauguration ceremonies for Washington University in Saint Louis, Missouri, on April 23, 1857. The first item is a manuscript draft of "An Address Delivered at St. Louis on the 22d April 1857, at the Inauguration of Washington University of the State of Missouri, by Edward Everett" (49 pages). The draft differs slightly from published versions and contains additions and excisions. Everett discussed the history of European exploration of and settlement in North America, Native American culture, and the history and importance of education. Defending higher education, Everett described the usefulness of three branches of study: language and communication, higher mathematics, and the "philosophy of the mind" (metaphysics).

The collection also contains a printed pamphlet of the proceedings of the inauguration ceremonies, including a version of Everett's speech (Inauguration of Washington University at Saint Louis, Missouri. April 23, 1857. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1857), and a Freshman Bible of Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri (Volume 37. Washington University Freshman Orientation Committee: 1945). The Freshman Bible contains information about the university and a brief description of Everett's remarks.