and Raymond, likewise entered the newspaper controversy, even to the extent of quarreling with each other as they sought to publicize their views. One correspondent calling himself “Peace,”
wearying of the Removal material which flooded the Register early in 1848 and realizing more was to come, wrote, “we have had light enough-a little more will incline some of us to shut our eyes.”
His plea went unheeded.
Several of the leading Baptists of Albany agreed with Wilder and the Rochester brethren on the advisability of removal. Four of them, Ira Harris, judge of the State Supreme Court; Friend Humphrey, Mayor of Albany; the Rev. Bartholomew T. Welch of the Pearl Street Baptist Church; and Smith Sheldon, merchant, were Trustees of the University, having been named to the Board in the charter; while two, Humphrey and Sheldon, were also on the Education Society Board. Their familiarity with University affairs and their standing in denominational and political circles enabled them to become effective sponsors for a bill authorizing the removal of Madison University which was introduced in the State Assembly early in February 1848.
Over their names and Wilder’s, a circular was sent to members of both Boards and other friends telling them of the bill and asking for an expression of ‘opinion. A large majority favored its passage even though some opposed removal. The latter believed that its provisions, which granted permission to change the location only on condition that a $50,000 endowment were not raised, would cause friends of Hamilton to rally to the University’s support. One Trustee, however, objected