In this week’s installment of our recurring series, the College treasurer defends himself against rumors of embezzlement, a new graduate meets an untimely end, and more.

August 9, 1844—With a high of 91 degrees, this is the hottest day of the year. It is “rather warmer” overall this year than in 1843.

August 10, 1881—Rumors are circulating in local publications that William Harris, the college treasurer, is embezzling from funds meant to supply fuel to heat students’ rooms and is keeping money parents have sent for their children rather than giving it to the students. Harris vows to demand that the Board of Trustees investigate. The Trustees will find no wrongdoing.

August 11, 1956—Philip E. Capicotto ’56 dies of cancer that has spread from his hip to his brain. He has kept his diagnosis largely under wraps among his classmates. “Phil had a very short life,” his mother will say, “but Princeton made up four very fruitful, beautiful years for him. He loved it. I’m so grateful he went there.”

Though Philip Capicotto ’56 struggled through his final semester, as can be seen in this document in his academic file, he nonetheless graduated with honors. (Click to enlarge.) Undergraduate Academic Records (AC198).

August 13, 1818—A writer for New York’s National Advocate notes in his travel log for the area:

Trenton–noble bridge–good supper, bad beds–fine roads, spirited horses–Princeton–students great bucks–segars [sic], rattans, and pretty women–good auxiliaries to study–Brunswick–old inns–paved streets and gothic mansions…

For the previous installment in this series, click here.

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