1736 July 7 (Wednesday). Commencement. I rode up to Cambridge in the Morning. I traded with Mr. Lambson at Neck of Land, for Two pair Grave Stones. Divers young Ladies and Gentlemen at F. Champneys. Mrs. Sarah Mountfort with her Brother — Mrs. Betty Ellis and Mr. Thomas Goldthwait — and some others. I walked over with them. N.B. At Noon in the Hall, the President[1] would have room Made for the Representatives, and directed many up into the Library, where there was no room for them. But I kept my Scituation in the Hall. P.M. N.B. The unusual Opposition, and Contest between the Corporation and Overseers respecting Mr. Hartshorne’s[2] having his Degree. I lodged at F. Champneys. A very Public Commencement and a great deal of Company. But Hartshorne, and the Governours[3] hasty withdraw from the middst of the Public Exercise, the Grand Subject of all Talk.
[1]Benjamin Wadsworth (1670-1637, Harvard 1690; SHG, 83-91.
[2]Ebenezer Hartshorn, Harvard 1732. Hartshorn left Harvard during his sophomore year and later appealed, ultimately successfully, to receive his M.A. SHG, 9:164-66.
[3]Governor Jonathan Belcher (1682-1757), Harvard 1698; SHG, 4:434-49.