"MY DEAR BROTHER,—The poor condition of my health through this entire session thus far admonishes me that I cannot continue to hold the presidency of the College. I am compelled, therefore, to hand you this, my resignation of the office, to take effect on the 1st of September next, which will give the Trustees a period of five months, though I am sure they will not need so much time, in which to secure a suitable person for my successor.
"It is a source of great gratification to me that I shall leave the
College in good condition in every respect.
"Yours very truly,
"W. W. BENNETT.
"ASHLAND, VA., March 31, 1886."
[Illustration: RICHARD HEBER BENNETT, A. M., Of the Virginia
Conference.]
[Illustration: THOMAS F. SHERRILL, OF N. C., Sutherlin Medalist, 1885.]
The resignation of Dr. Bennett was accepted, and a committee was appointed to notify him of the action of the Board, and to express to him the appreciation by the Board of the value of his services.
On motion, it was—
"Resolved, That at the annual meeting in June next the Board will proceed to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Dr. Bennett."