While principal of this academy he received, as an entirely voluntary tribute to his learning and skill, the honorary degree of Master of Arts from the Wesleyan University at Middletown, Conn. The president, Rev. Wilbur Fiske, D D., LL.D., in presenting this degree, said, in his letter to Professor Swinburne : "This honor is regarded by our Faculty and Board of Trustees as justly due to your superior scholarship, as proved by the fact that your scholars, who enter our Institution, are the best fitted of any we receive."

In 1841, Professor Swinburne, who desired a school which should be subject to his sole authority, and in which he might carry out practically and fully his views of the proper education of boys, established "The White Plains Institute," a boarding-school for boys. The reputation of it-* proprietor and principal, as an accomplished instructor and as a Christian gentleman of the highest qualities, was so extensively known and fully established, that from its opening apjdicants for admission to the institute were more numerous than could be received. He now found himself in just the sphere of educational effort which he had long wished. His school was his own, was admirably located, liberally furnished in every depart-

HISTORY OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

ment, and would rise or fall as his long-cherished ideal of such a school should find practical realization from his efforts. To say that his success was pre-eminent is only to state a fact testified to by all who know the history of the school. The prominent characteristic of its instruction throughout was thoroughness. Mastery of the study pursued, at every step of progress made, was the end aimed at and required ; and in this feature it strikingly resembled the celebrated Rugby School of Dr. Arnold in England. His scholars who left the school to enter upon a collegiate course uniformly took a high rank, and often the highest rank, in scholarship in the institutions they joined; and those who pursued a course preparatory to a business life have almost iiivariabh' been found among the most successful and honored in the circles of mercantile and commercial enterprise.