by April C. Armstrong *14

In this week’s installment in our recurring series, Princetonians celebrate an innovation in transatlantic communication, the Wyoming governor seeks to prosecute students, and more.

August 19, 1858—Princetonians celebrate the laying of the first transatlantic telegraph line (the “Atlantic Cable”) by a procession through town and a brightly illuminated campus to the new Library, where a series of speeches about the significance of the event are given. Stephen Alexander asserts that the honors given to Samuel S. Morse as a result of this achievement in transatlantic communication have served to deny Princeton professor Joseph Henry with the credit he is due for the scientific discovery that undergirds Morse’s invention. The Nassau Literary Magazine will summarize:

We are not disposed to detract from the established reputation of Prof. Morse, as an ingenious inventor, but only to remind him of his forgetfulness in not attributing to the man at whose feet he was once proud to sit as a learner, the merit of having first demonstrated the telegraph to be eminently practicable.

August 22, 1819—A funeral is held for Samuel Stanhope Smith, Princeton’s president, who died a few days before. Poulson’s American Daily Advertiser will report,

His remains were interred near those of his venerable predecessors, amidst the largest assemblage of mourners, inhabitants and strangers, that perhaps was ever before seen on like occasion in the village of Princeton. In the procession that followed his remains to “the house appointed for all living,” were the students of the college (who at their own insistence agreed to wear crepe for 30 days, and walked as mourners at the funeral.)

August 24, 1895—Governor William A. Richards of Wyoming sends a telegram to the prosecuting attorney of Natrona County calling for the arrest of a party of Princeton students on a scientific expedition. They stand accused of violating game laws by killing antelope.

August 25, 1999—Princeton employee Anca Niculin has won the national “Journey Home Contest” sponsored by the New York Times for her essay about defecting from Romania in 1977, “at the time Europe’s most oppressive dictatorship.”

For the previous installment in this series, click here.

Fact check: We always strive for accuracy, but if you believe you see an error, please contact us.