Will now rise, please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance, the national anthem. Governor, grace is your name and all the world. Grace is your presence in this land. You were here when native people first lived, loved, and governed themselves. You were here when the first englishmen emigrated and when they held their First Legislative Assembly 400 years ago. You were here when the first english women chose to come and join the men and dabblers communities and when the first African People were brought here in harrowing circumstances against their will you were with our ancestors men and women of diverse races and cultures through trial adversity , hope, and fear. In the same way that you are with your people then. Be with us now while we remember the relationship and legacy that has shaped us as americans today. Give us the courage to do the hard work of real reconciliation, and bless our continued effort for justice, freedom, and peace for everyone in this land, everyone without exception. You are a god who does wonders, and in your name we see wonders. May it be so and may we be partners with you and making it so. Amen. Please remain standing. In these days of conflicting political views, there is one thing that all americans can remain united on. Please join me in pledging the allegiance to the flag of the united dates of america. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Oh, say, can you see, by the dawns early light, what so proudly we haild at the twilights last gleaming . Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro the perilous fight, oer the ramparts we watchd, were so gallantly streaming . And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof thro the night that our flag was still there. O say, does that starspangled banner yet wave oer the land of the free and the home of the brave . [ applause ] but if everyone will please be seated. What a perfectly moving away to get this session underway. Earlier today gov. Northam observed this occasion with a program in the reconstructed church in historic jamestown, and then just a few moments ago many of us sat nearby in a primitive structure that was recreated to replicate the church in james ford in a 1640. The condition under the gen. Assembly. It may have been primitive to our standards , the dynamic model of democratic government that began a james town 400 years ago on this very day, it was anything but. For the first time in virginia, free englishmen brought their concerns to a gathering of their peers. The first representative Legislative Assembly in the western hemisphere, it all began right here in jamestown, virginia. The first capital. In 1699, the capital moved from jamestown to Middle Plantation , or williamsburg as it is unknown today. In 1780 , the state capital moved to richmond. Today the Virginia House of delegates continues to work to improve the lives and livelihood of all virginia residents. And that Thomas Jeffersons a beautiful capitol building. The logo behind us underscores that continuity. In 2007 on the anniversary we work to focus of national and International Attention on chains town. The First PermanentEnglish Settlement in the new world. On the convergence of culture did it shape our country. In this commemorative year of 2019 we have drawn heavily on archaeological and Cultural Research and broaden our perspective. The result is a far more diverse, comprehensive, and palling picture of the event. We are determined to continue that story, and bring to light other events in our nations history. Commemoration 2019 we highlight the genesis of american slavery, diversity, and opportunity. American survival and american genius. We resolved to tell the story , today we are gathered on this momentous occasion of the virginia gen. Assembly. Which is been serving the people of virginia beginning in six virginia beginning in 6t 90. We are delighted with the presence of each of you here and those of you watching. We are truly honored to be joined as a joint assembly by so many distinguished guests. If i could before i recognize some of those distinguished guests, asked that we pause to remember a great leader of our commonwealth who passed away this week. President Harrison Wilson was a true pioneer in higher education, one of virginias historic black universities through two decades of progress and growth. Join me in a moment of silence and his way. We are truly honored to be joined by so many distinguished guests, deputy secretary of the interior kate mcgregor, amb. Of portugal, counsel of defense edward ferguson, clerk of the british house of commons, congressional representative, Toi Hutchinson , tommy norment, robb wittman. Statewide elected officials, the hon. Justin fairfax, mark caring, and former lieut. Gov. John hager. And we welcome members of the governors cabinet. And former gov. Allen, and robert mcdonald, we also want to welcome members of the supreme court, state legislators, Jordan Harris from pennsylvania, and Toi Hutchinson. And of course our tribal chief, from austin, and Stephen Adkins , and Chickahominy Indian tribe , and Stephen Adkins. We also want to welcome local officials and the chairman of the National Endowment of democracy and the president of the university of virginia. On behalf of the joint assembly we are thankful that you are here to be part of this commemoration. The clerk will report a resolution. Commemorative the first representative Legislative Assembly in the western hemisphere. Wears 2019 marks the 400th anniversary of the first virginia gen. Assembly. When they met on july 30, and whereas members of the Virginia Company implement it a series of reform that resulted in gov. George yeardley selecting two sellers from each of the areas that would attend a General Assembly, whereas the members shared power with the council appointed by the Virginia Company, which took place from july 30 to august 4 and at that first meeting they formed several committees to develop just laws and addressed concerns to approve the management of the colony. Also functioned as a high court of justice and now we officially recognize the assembly in 1627. And while we continue to appoint governors the seeds of Self Determination have planted , whereas the concept of parliamentary government was introduced , they created the house and eckstein 40 , the result included the house and council of state. Is now the oldest lawmaking body in the western hemisphere and has become a model of other english colonies, and the other 49 date legislators and countless bodies across our country. Whereas other organizations are hosting programs to commemorate the milestones, of the gen. Assembly and the heritage of the nation and whereas the story of virginia is the story of america and they continue to influence serving as leaders in their community now for may it be resolved that the house of delegates hereby commemorates the anniversary this very day of the establishment of the First Assembly in the western hemisphere. Resolving that the delegates should proceed in a special Edition Journal to the clerk of the senate. That delegate from fairfax. Delegate hugo. Adopts the resolution, all those in favor say aye. We bring you greetings on behalf of other legislators, and we are honored to have Illinois State senator tori hutchinson. Good afternoon, distinguished guest, when a group of 20 burgess convened in 1619 little did they know that they were as that machine a template for selfgovernance that would endure for 400 years, a democracy that was practiced by billions of people worldwide. What a privilege it is to be on this very ground, to mark this monumental moment , to honor that moment in time, and celebrate the legacy that their experiment left behind. Generations have passed since that summer day. It was probably just as hot and humid as this one. From that humble beginning evolved as the sum of democracy where the legislative institution is the cornerstone. The first time africans were brought to the colony, and laid the groundwork for the law that created a system where children were born free or bond determined by the status of their mother which laid the cornerstone for that institution of slavery the United States. That evolution is breathtaking. From that rudimentary is breathtaking. From that rudimentary gathering of land owning white men to legislative bodies filled with the best and brightest of every race and gender, legislative bodies now serve as the place where ordinary, hard working americans become extraordinary ambassadors of their neighborhoods, their cities, and their towns and strive together to secure the blessings of liberty. Legislatures were where innovation and experimentation flourish, where people come together to solve vexing problems and where the voice of the people is expressed in Self Governance. I am here today as the president of the National Conference of state legislatures, representing over 7,500 american state legislators and more than 30,000 legislative staff. It is a tremendous honor to be here. Ncsl also began as an experiment nearly 45 years ago. Our formation was the product of intensive study, debate, and compromise. And the members and staff of this organization remain as committed to its founding today as they were then. We were founded on the belief that a powerful, cohesive voice representing legislatures is essential to shaping federal policy. We were founded on the principle that the bonds that unite us are stronger than the differences that divide us. And we were founded in the conviction that legislative service is one of democracys worthiest pursuits. I am proud. I am proud to stand here with you today. Im proud that in 2009, at the age of 36, i was duly elected to represent my district in the great state of illinois, in a country where my grandparents didnt have a constitutionally protected right to vote until they were 34 and 35. Im proud that as a woman of color, a mother, and an american. Im proud because we as a people fought for and died for, protected and nurtured the nascent idea born in this place so many years ago, and have worked tirelessly to ensure its survival and further its success. I am proud because despite the many challenges and setbacks this country has faced, america is still a place where our right to Self Governance is not taken for granted, where we can challenge our deposit and debate our principles. And the institutions which provide for that right are held dear. And most of all, i am proud because our state legislatures remain places where we come together even in the most divisive of times, to find solutions to the problems that playing us and serve the people of the United States. So on behalf of the nearly 7,500 legislatures across the country who understand that our service is our legacy, who understand that legacy as described in the amazing american broadway play hamilton, legacy are the seeds planned in a garden you may never get to see. The institution of the legislature, the article i branch of our three coequal branches of government, needs to be protected. For it is as strong and as fragile as democracy itself. And absolutely worth fighting for. Thank you. [ applause ] [ applause ] thank you, senator hutchinson, for your strong leadership on behalf of state legislatures, lawmakers and staff. Now for the purpose of welcoming todays keynote speaker, we are pleased to have with us a former Capital Square colleague who presently serves in washington, d. C. In the United States congress representing americas first district, the honorable robert j. Wittman, United States house of representatives, first Congressional District of virginia. Congressman wittman. [ cheers and applause ] well, thank you, folks, and good morning, and welcome to americas first district, and welcome to jamestown, the locus of so much of our history. It was here where a small group of adventurers established the very foundation of this nation, a nation built on democracy and the rule of law. Mr. President , you made all americans proud earlier this summer when you traveled to normandy to recall and honor the sacrifice made there by so many Young American patriots, many from right here in virginia. Your eloquent words touched us all and what you said there has such resonance for our anniversary gathering today that i want to read a passage from your remarks. Speaking of the dday heroes you said, more powerful than the strength of american arms was the strength of american hearts. These men ran through the fires of hell, moved by a force no weapon could destroy. The fierce patriotism of a free, proud, and sovereign people. They battled not for control and domination but for liberty, democracy, and selfrule. They pressed on for love and home and country, the main streets, the school yards, the churches, the neighborhoods, the families and communities that gave us men such as these. They were sustained by the confidence that america can do anything because we are a noble nation with a virtuous people, praying to a righteous god. Mr. President , the liberty, democracy, and selfrule to which you paid such tribute, the cause for which so many made profound sacrifice, traces its roots here to this place. It was here in a little church, in a little fort, in a struggling colony, that the light of liberty was first lit on these american shores. It was here that representatives first gathered to give voice to the will of the people. A government deriving its power from the governed. On this day, 400 years ago, governor yardley called for the first representative Legislative Assembly, marking the beginning of Representative Democracy that is now the great United States of america. They did not know that they would succeed in this great experiment of democracy. But through ingenuity, perseverance, and idealism, the founders of jamestown created a movement, the one that has brought us here today. All that we have become and aspired to be today in this great and diverse american democracy could not even have been contemplated on that hot summer day. But what was unleashed was a powerful idea, the idea that free people can govern themselves. The idea that created a great nation. And it changed the world. Mr. President , your presence today as the leader of our great nation says something profound and powerful about the importance of this place, about the national and International Significance of this anniversary. We are grateful that you have come to help us tell that story to a listening world. Reflecting on the birth of our nation allows us to see how far we have come as a nation and as a commonwealth. When the small group of british settlers landed in this place, they could not have imagined what they were about to set in motion. Just in this area we have the second Oldest University in the country that educated the Founding Fathers of this nation. We have the Largest Naval base in the world and our oldest nasa field center. We are so blessed to call this place home. As a former member of the house of delegates, the chamber that is the first decescendant of th legislative gathering, i am so pleased to be here this morning. When you speak in a few moments you will become the first president of the United States to address this virginia General Assembly in its swire illustrious 400year history. [ applause ] this is the highest of honors and a singular distinction that will live on in history. But we too are honored. We are honored by your presence. And we are honored by your recognition of this 400th anniversary. It is a worthy moment that stands in significance and remembrance by all americans, all of whom live in this land of freedom and enjoy its blessings because of four centuries of service and sacrifice. Mr. President , welcome. Thank you so much for your leadership and for taking the time to be here with us today. [ applause ] the assembly will be at ease just for a second. Ladies and gentlemen, the commonwealth is honored to have with us on this historic occasion, and it is my privilege as speaker to now formally present to the assembly the president of the United States, donald j. Trump. [ hail to the chief ] [ applause ] thank you very much. Please make yourselves comfortable. I want to thank you, speaker cox. Its a true privilege to be back in the great commonwealth of virginia. [ applause ] and its a tremendous honor to stand on these historic grounds as the first president to address a joint session of the oldest lawmaking body in all of the western hemisphere, the virginia General Assembly. Congratulations. [ applause ] on this day, 400 years ago, here on the shores of the james river, the first repetitive Legislative Assembly in the new world convened. By the devotion of generations of patriots, it has flourished throughout the ages. And now that proud tradition continues with all of you. To every virginian and every legislator with us today, congratulations on four incredible centuries of history, heritage, and commitment to the righteous cause of american selfgovernment. This is truly a momentous occasion. [ applause ] i want to thank the governor of virginia for inviting me to speak at this very important event. And with us this morning are many distinguished guests and officials from across the commonwealth, including Lieutenant Governor justin fairfax. [ applause ] speaker kirk cox, thank you, kirk. [ applause ] Senate Majority leader tommy norment. [ applause ] and members of the host and other federal, state, and local tribal leaders all with us today. Thank you very much. [ applause ] were also very thankful as well to have with us secretary ben carson. Ben, thank you very much, wherever you may be. [ applause ] and acting director, a person that you know very well, acting director ken cuccinelli. [ applause ] he spent a lot of time with you folks and he has a lot of respect for you. And the terrific people at the department of the interior and the National Park service. I want to thank you all for being here with us. Its a great honor. [ applause ] i also want to recognize everyone at american evolution and the jamestown settlement. The jamestown yorktown foundation. The jamestown rediscovery project. And preservation virginia. Thank you very much. What a great job you do. Thank you. The fact is that each of you has helped protect and preserve our National Treasures here at jamestown. And its a great debt. We owe you a great, great debt. Thank you. What a job. On this day in 1619, just a mile south of where we are gathered now, 22 newlyelected members of the house of burgesses assembled in a small wooden church. They were adventurers, explorers, farmers and planters, soldiers, scholars, and clergymen. All had struggled, all had suffered, and all had sacrificed in pursuit of one wild and very improbable dream. They called that dream virginia. [ applause ] it had been only 13 years since three small ships, the susan constant, the godspeed, and the discovery, carried 104 settlers to carve out a home on the edge of this uncharted continent. They came from god and country. They came in search of opportunity and fortune. And they journeyed into the unknown with only meager supplies, long odds, and the power of their christian faith. Upon reaching cape henry, at the mouth of the chesapeake bay, in 1607, a long time ago, the first men of the Virginia Company erected a cross upon the shore. They gave thanks to god and asked his blessing for their great undertaking. In the months and years ahead, they would dearly need it. The dangers were unparalleled. The jamestown settlers arrived in america amid one of the worst droughts in over seven centuries. Of 104 original colonists, 66 died by the years end. During the third winter, known as the starving time, a population of up to 500 settlers was reduced to 60. By spring, those who remained where will in search of whatever they could get to survive. And they were in dire trouble. They left jamestown deserted. They just sailed away, never to come back. But they had not gone far down the james river when they encountered the answer to their prayers. Ships bearing a years worth of supplies and more than 300 new settlers. As we can see today on this great anniversary, it would not be the last time that god looked out for virginia. Together the settlers forged what would become the timeless traits of the american character. They worked hard. They had courage and abundance and a wealth of selfreliance. They strived mightily to turn a profit. They experimented with producing silk, corn, tobacco, and the very first virginia wines. At a prior settlement at roanoke, there had been no survivors, none at all. But where others had typically perished, the virginians were determined to succeed. They endured by the sweat of their labor, the aid of the powapowa tch pow powatan indians, and the leadership of john smith. Ships bearing supplies and settlers from england also brought a culture and a way of life that would define the new world. It all began here. In time, dozens of brave, strong women made the journey and joined the colony. And in 1618, the great charter and other reforms established a system based on English Common law. For the first time, virginia allowed private land ownership. It created a basic judicial system. Finally, it gave the colonists a say in their own future, the right to elect representatives by popular vote. With us today in tribute to that english legal inheritance is the former clerk of the british house of commons, sir david nadsler. Thank you, david. [ applause ] sir david, were thrilled to have you with us. Thank you very much for being here. Thank you very much. At that First American assembly in 1619, the weather was so hot that one legislator actually died. Mercifully, the session was cut very short. But before adjourning, the assembly passed laws on agriculture and trade with the indians. With true american optimism, the Assembly Even endorsed a plan to build a World Class University in the stillrugged wilderness. It was a vision that would one day be fulfilled just miles from here at one of americas earliest educational institutions, the esteemed college of william and mary. Great place. [ applause ] great place. As we mark the first Representative Legislature at jamestown, our nation also reflects upon an anniversary from that same summer, four centuries ago. In august, 1619, the first enslaved africans in the english colonies arrived in virginia. It was the beginning of a barbaric trade in human lives. Today, in honor, we remember eve everyone who suffered the horrors of slavery and the anguish of bondage. More than 150 years later, at americas founding, our declaration of independence recognized the immortal truth that all men are created equal. [ applause ] yet it would ultimately take a civil war, 85 years after that document was signed, to abolish the evil of slavery. It would take more than another century for our nation, in the words of reverend Martin Luther king jr. , to live out the true meaning of its creed and extend the blessings of freedom to all americans. [ applause ] in the face of grave oppression and grave injustice, africanamericans have built, strengthened, inspired, uplifted, protected, defended, and sustained our nation from its very earliest days. Last year i was privileged to sign the law establishing a commission to commemorate the arrival of the first africans to the english colonies and the 400 years of africanAmerican History that have followed. That was an incredible day. That was an incredible event. Today we are grateful to be joined by that commissions chairman, dr. Joseph green. Thank you, dr. Green, please. [ applause ] thank you. Thank you very much, dr. Green. In the decades that followed that First Legislative Assembly, the democratic traditions established here laid deep roots all across virginia. It spread up and down the atlantic coast. One fact was quickly established for all time. In america, we are not ruled from afar. Americans govern ourselves. And so help us god, we always will. [ applause ] right here in virginia, your predecessors virginia is our home, mr. President , dont send us back, this is our home. [ audience reacts ] [ protesters chanting ] thank you very much. Thank you. Right here in virginia, your predecessors came to williamsburg from places you all know very well. They were names such as George Washington from fairfax dont, Thomas Jefferson from albemarle county, James Madison from orange county, james monroe from spotsylvania county, Patrick Henry from louisa county, george mason from fairfax county, george with, with, thats a great name, from williamsburg, and Richard Henry lee from westmoreland county, incredible names. Incredible names. [ applause ] selfgovernment in virginia did not just give us a state we love. In a very true sense, it gave us the country we love, the United States of america. So true. Thank you very much. [ applause ] when madison drafted the First Amendment to our constitution, he drew inspiration from virginias statute for religious freedom. As john adams row in philadelphia just before the adoption of the declaration of independence, we all look up to virginia for examples. Great. Its great. [ applause ] and when Patrick Henry rose to speak his famous words at st. Johns church in richmond, give me liberty or give me death, he spoke in defense of a tradition that began more than 150 years before, at jamestown, right here. [ applause ] it was a heritage. Those patriots would fight a long war of independence to defend. And it is a heritage that countless americans have fought and died for to secure in all of those centuries since. In our time, we must vigorously defend those cherished democratic traditions that have made our beloved republic the envy of the entire world. And it still is, as much as ever before, and maybe more, our hardwon culture of selfgovernment must be nourished, protected, and constantly preserved. That is why we must speak out strongly against anyone who would take power away from citizens, individuals, and state governments such as yours. [ applause ] in america, the people will forever rule. The people will forever reign. And the people will forever be sovereign. [ applause ] from the First Legislative Assembly down to today, america has been the story of citizens who take ownership of their future and their control of their destiny. That is what selfrule is all about. Every day, americans coming together to take action, to build, to create, to seize opportunities, to pursue the common good, and to never stop striving for greatness. [ applause ] four centuries ago, one early voyager to jamestown captured the spirit of confidence and daring that has always powered our great experiment in selfgovernment. He wrote, we hope to plant a nation where none before hath stood. That was something. In that hope, the men and women of jamestown achieved success beyond anything they could possibly have imagined. They started the nation that settled the wilderness, won our independence, tamed the wild west, ended slavery, secured civil rights, invented the airplane, vanquished the nazis, brought communism to its knees, and placed our Great American flag on the face of the moon. [ applause ] and in a program thats just started, some day very soon, american astronauts will plant our beautiful stars and stripes on the surface of mars. [ applause ] but among all of americas towering achievements, none exceeds the triumph that we are here to celebrate today. Our nations priceless culture of freedom, independence, equality, justice, and selfdetermination under god. [ applause ] that culture is the source of who we are. It is our prizedinheritance. It is among our greatest accomplishments in the history of the world. What you have done is the greatest accomplishment in the history of the world. And i congratulate you. It started right here. [ applause ] now we must go bravely into the future, just as those bold explorers first ventured into this majestic land. We must call upon the same scale of imagination, the same thirst for knowledge, the same love of adventure, the same unrelenting courage, and the same total determination to prevail. Above all, we must be proud of our heritage, united in our purpose, and filled with confidence in our shared, great, great, Great American destiny. [ applause ] for in america, no challenge is too great. No journey is too tough. No task is too large. No dream is beyond our reach. When we set our sights on the summit, nothing can stand in our way. America always gets the job done. America always wins. [ applause ] that is why, after 400 years of glorious american democracy, we have returned here to this place to declare to all the world that the United States of america and the great commonwealth of virginia are just getting started. [ applause ] our future is bigger, bolder, better, and brighter than ever before. [ applause ] its been a great honor for me to be with you this morning. I would like to thank you, god bless you, god bless virginia, and god bless america. Thank you very much, everybody. [ applause ] we would like to thank the president for attending our anniversary and his remarks, especially emphasizing our tremendous ideals and freedoms. And i think he said it well when he said nothing can get in americas way, if we appeal to our higher instincts. I want to thank the president very much. So the members will rise for the benediction offered by stephen h. Adkins sr. Chief adkins. Mr. Speaker, im proud to be an american. [ applause ] ill start my prayer in the algonquin tongue. [ speaking Foreign Language ] great spirit, loving father of all nations, our father, god in heaven, we come today speaking the benediction of your love and wisdom on this historic gathering of elected officials, friends, and guests as we adjourn this General Assembly session. We seek your guidance as we continue our journey toward a more perfect union, through the very principles of Representative Government espoused in a similar gathering 400 years ago today. Our prayer is for transparency and forthrightness. We pray for genuineness and authenticity as we work through ideological disagreements toward a shared consensus. A place of blurred lines without rancor and ill will. A place where principles and ideologies are not compromised but rather are clearly understood. At this very time, in this very place, cause us to lift up the downtrodden, love the unlovely, enable resilience among the vulnerable, give voice to the voiceless, and reach out to the needy. Empower these leaders and friends to boldly approach your throne of grace and seek your guidance on every decision made and every initiative undertaken. Bless in god our president whose actions and decisions have worldwide implications. Let us move forward with optimism, enabling us to embrace the impossible so we establish a foundation on which the next 400 years can stand. As we stand amidst a world filled with turmoil and strife, let us be that beacon of life and hope as was that Assembly Four centuries ago. Finally, cause us to recognize that even as you did with esther in the old testament, that perhaps you have placed us here at this time and in this place for such a time as this. Amen. [ applause ] thank you so much, chief adkins. The senator from lynchburg, senator peake. The senator from lynchburg, senator peake, moves the joint assembly adjourn sine die. The motion is agreed to. The joint assembly on this 400th anniversary of the virginia General Assembly stands adjourned sine die. [ applause ] American History tv is on cspan3 every weekend, featuring museum tours, archival films, and programs on the presidency. The civil war and more. Here is a clip from a recent program. I want you to freeze your attention on that image here. For defense, buy United States savings bonds and stamps. The u. S. Treasury adopted this symbol. This is the minuteman soldier. This is from the revolutionary war days. And they said, you know, weve got to impress upon the American People that this world war ii that we are involved in now is just as important a fight for freedom and independence as was the revolutionary war in 1776. So if you want to be in that grand tradition of the patriots of 1776, then youve got to do your part for defense and buy United States savings bonds and stamps. This was a very prevalent symbol around the country, advertising the need to buy savings bonds and stamps. It even made its way into the first issue of wonder womans own magazine. This is a panel from a story, from the end of the story, of one of the adventures wonder woman had in wonder woman number 1. And wonder woman says, when you see these minuteman posters, boys and girls, remember, hes talking to you. So yes, the superheroes that we have been spending a number of days in this class researching the origins of, and getting into the background of, they too are joining in this effort. You can watch this and other American History programs on our website, where all our video is archived. Thats cspan. Org history. Next, on American History tv, bancroft and Pulitzer Prize winning historian gordon wood delivers a talk titled the revolutionary roots of the civil war. Professor wood discusses the founders views on slavery and argues that the civil war was inevitable. The James Madison memorial Fellowship Foundation hosted this event. Were privileged to have gordon s. Wood with us for this 2019 James Madison lecture. Professor wood is, i think its fair to say, the dean of early american historians. He is the Professor Emeritus at brown university. Born in concord, massachusetts, where the revolutionary war began, he was raised in that commonwealth and graduated assusumma cum laude. He taught at