The Ghost Apple

Not knowing how God in his Providence may dispose of my life, but praying that it may not be protracted beyond the usual span, for I suffer with the Gout, & the Strangury, & a most painful suppurating Boil in the centre of my forehead, & also a periodical ague, I venture to rely on the many proofs of friendship I have received from you, in all the years of our long acquaintance, in order to ask one favor more. I would have you destroy my last Will and Testament, and to please write another, as I will describe.

I assure you this is no rash jerk of my pen. I am lately returned from the island of Saint Reynard, where as you know, Sir, my Grandfather, the Esteemed John Morehead Tripoli, chanced to spend a year of his life. Having been (God keep him) somewhat imprudent in his own speculations, my Grandfather was never able to realize a design of which he spoke often and with the most agitated absorption, namely that something be done to improve the circumstances of the Carrawak Indians, at whose hands he had received such gracious treatment during his year upon the island. The Carrawak are now much reduc’d, even to the precipice of Extinction, in consideration of which, & as I believe my Grandfather would have wished, I have instead decided to lavish my charity upon their brethren the much abus’d Wapahanock, whom I have known during my long residence here in North Town. Therefor it is my Will to promise the Complete sum of my whole fortune toward the establishment of a Free School, to be intended Solely and Exclusively, in Perpetuity, for the education of the said Wapahanock Indians, believing as I do in the myriad and subtle advantages of a liberal education, & hoping thereby to throw a small stone into the balance that has weighed so heavily against the Indian these three centuries past. I am Greatly concerned to have this accomplished, & I commend the matter to your care knowing that you will do your utmost to see it executed. As I have said, I do not know when God may call me to his bosom, and yet I pray it shall be soon, having been all my life, as you know, more anxious than is perfectly convenient to leave the place I am, and to arrive at the place where I am going. I shall conclude by recommending my self to your prayers, and you & your Dear family to the Divine protection. I am, with great Esteem,

Your honor’s most Humble & most obliged servant,

Israel Framingham Tripoli

P.S. I could wish also that some money be provided for the benefit of North Town, in consideration of which it is my hope the Governour and General Court will give to said town the name of Tripoli.

P.S. I would make allowance also for bribes, with which the Indians may be induced to attend the school. The benefits of this education will serve afterward to keep them in attendance.

Tripoli College Office of Admissions

Information for Prospective Students

Why Tripoli?

We know that picking a university or college is one of the most difficult, not to say challenging, decisions of your life. So why should you pick us?

Founded in 1794 as a free school for Native Americans, Tripoli College opened its doors to tuition-paying students of all backgrounds in 1795. Today Tripoli is a fully accredited private institution of humanistic and scientific learning. We graduate outstanding young men and women with a high degree of civic responsibility, diversity, character, and commitment to leadership, in a student-centered learning environment that strives to foster the “teacher within.” We offer challenging courses in a large number of reputable degree programs, almost all of which are taught by full-time faculty. We have a strong Division III football program, guaranteed on-campus housing, and self-serve pudding bars in every dining hall. In addition, Tripoli students participate in a large number of extracurricular activities. Whether you want to play the carillon, compete in varsity crew, or just “make the wound” with a few of your fellow students, you’ll find plenty of ways to fill the winter nights.

Should any of that matter to you? Doesn’t every college or university say the same thing? What makes Tripoli special?

In addition to a traditional liberal arts education, we offer unique opportunities for “experiential” learning, including our innovative Vocational Writing Program, which teaches workplace-specific writing strategies. Our branch campus in the Caribbean, Tripoli’s Proxy College of the West Indies at St. Renard (formerly University College of the West Indies at St. Renard), provides students with unique opportunities for ecological and anthropological fieldwork. A large percentage of Tripoli students also choose to study abroad in places as diverse as Australia and the Falkland Islands. We strongly believe that in an increasingly globalized world, an appreciation and understanding of other cultures is essential.

Finally, a Tripoli education is great preparation for the “real world.” Our graduates go on to distinguished careers in almost every field. According to the latest estimates, only a small fraction (less than 3 percent) are homeless within five years of graduation.

So does any of it matter? You tell us.

Fall Semester

From

History Department Course Listings

Fall 2009

HIST 215
/ How to Make a Grapefruit: An Introduction to Atlantic History