Pierce's class was small, but composed of individuals seriously intent on
the duties and studies of their college life. They were not boys, but,
for the most part, well advanced towards maturity; and, having wrought
out their own means of education, were little inclined to neglect the
opportunities that had been won at so much cost. They knew the value of
time, and had a sense of the responsibilities of their position. Their
first scholar--the present Professor Stowe--has long since established
his rank among the first scholars of the country. It could have been no
easy task to hold successful rivalry with students so much in earnest as
these were. During the earlier part of his college course it may be
doubted whether Pierce was distinguished for scholarship. But, for the
last two years, he appeared to grow more intent on the business in hand,
and, without losing any of his vivacious qualities as a companion, was
evidently resolved to gain an honorable elevation in his class. His
habits of attention and obedience to college discipline were of the
strictest character; he rose progressively in scholarship, and took a
highly creditable degree. [See note at close of this Life.]

The first civil office, I imagine, which Franklin Pierce ever held was
that of chairman of the standing committee of the Athenaean Society, of
which, as above hinted, we were both members; and, having myself held a
place on the committee, I can bear testimony to his having discharged
not only his own share of the duties, but that of his colleagues. I
remember, likewise, that the only military service of my life was as a
private soldier in a college company, of which Pierce was one of the
officers. He entered into this latter business, or pastime, with an
earnestness with which I could not pretend to compete, and at which,
perhaps, he would now be inclined to smile. His slender and youthful
figure rises before my mind's eye, at this moment, with the air and step