Williams College, Williams town, Mass

was first started as a free school in 1791, and incorporated as a college two years later. Dr. Mark Hopkins was its most famous president. At different times it has received aid from the State, the last being a gift of $75,000, given in 1868, Williams burg, Va., formerly capital of the colony, was built under an act of the Colonial Legislature of 1699. The city received a charter in 1722, In 1780 the seat of government was removed to Richmond. A battle between the Union and Confederate forces occurred here May §, 1862, It was a nine hours’ engagement between the rear columns of Magruder’s army, retreating from York town, and Hooker's division of Mc- Clellan's army, at the opening of the Peninsular campaign. Magruder had been reinforced from Johnston’s army. Hooker had been sent in pursuit of the retreating Confederates, and he overtook them at Williams burg. Long street’s division had already pa ed the town, but returned. Hooker held his ground bravely, but was compelled to retreat before such odds.