5

The great merit of the very [illegible] in
{gentlemen crossed out} persons who have preceded me in the occu-
pancy of the chair of law, in this University
fills me with apprehensions of which I have never
been more sensible, than at the moment I [illegible]
to discharge its duties.

{crossed out text: Apologies, however, are [illegible] }
But, as I cannot occupy [your?]
time with vain apologies, or useless promises
I proceed at once ot the subject which has [called?]
us together.

The giant mei??of the very in??? in (gentlemen crossed out) persons who have persuaded me in the occ?? harm of the chain of law, in this University fill me with apprehensions of when ? I have new ? been men sensible, that at the mamoth, I ? to dr? change it, wrties?

But, as I cannot occupy ? time with vain apologize, on weelsp? of enemies I proceed at once ot the sialyeth which that ? an together.