Left: Prof. Albert Hopkins.college fell through, Dr. Moore instantly resigned and accepted a call to the presidency of Amherst. The demonstrations of the people when he left Williamstown could hardly have afforded him much pleasure.
The situation in the Berkshire village was sufficiently critical. Among the students a strong disposition appeared to follow the late president to his new field; but two or three seniors made such strenuous opposition that the general exodus, which at one time impended, was prevented. In this emergency Governor Emory Washburne suggested the formation of an alumni association for the purpose of rendering more efficient service to the college. This organization, the first of its kind, proved to be an efficient auxiliary. The trustees, after their failure in the Legislature, stood by the college loyally and exerted themselves to repair the mischief they had done. They offered the presidency first to Professor Thomas McAulay, of Union College, and then to Professor C. A. Goodrich, of New Haven, both of whom declined it. Finally they tendered it to Dr. Edward Dorr Griffin, who, to the great surprise of everybody that knew anything of him or of the condition of things, accepted the post.
Magnificent in physique, with a gracious and noble countenance, always dignified and courteous in bearing, Dr. Griffin
James A. Garfield and his Sons 1880.
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