On the 31st of October, 1754, Governor de Lancey signed and passed the charter of King's (now Columbia) college, in spite of the long and bitter opposition of the Presbyterians, led by Mr. William Livingston. So decided were they against the Episcopalians at this time, and so determined were the efforts of Mr. Livingston to break down the college, that, though signed and sealed, the charter was not delivered in consequence of the clamor, till May 7th, 1755, when, after an address, Governor de Lancey presented it to the trustees in form.*

" No American had greater influence in the colonies than James de Lancey. Circumstances, it is true, aided in raising him to this elevation -- such as education, connections, wealth, and his high conservative principles ; but he owed as much to personal qualities, perhaps, as to all other causes united. Gay, witty, easy of access, and frank, he was, personally, the most popular ruler the Province ever possessed, even when drawing tightest the reins of Government."^

• See his .speech to the Assembly of .\iign8t 2utli, 1754. Ass. Jour., II, 386, 387.

- See the proceedings of the Cougresa. Doc. Hist. X. Y., II, HSfi, 387. 3 Assembly Joiinml, II, for September, 1754. *Doc. Hist. N. Y. IV, 1051. !■ Doc. Hiot. X. Y., p 1057.

The death of Governor James de Lancey, which took place on the 30th of July, 1760, was an event which had a great influence in the affairs of the Province. He was found expiring upon that morning, seated in his chair in his library, too late for medical aid. His funeral took place on the evening of the 31st of July, 1760. The body was deposited in his family, vault, in the middle aisle of Trinity Church, the funeral service being performed by the Rev.