Lucius R. Paige, History of Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1630-1877, with a genealogical register

[368] that a successor was elected until after his death. Two manuscripts have been preserved,—one containing a reference to him, and the other written by him,—which seem worthy of publication: 1. In a letter from Thomas Danforth of Cambridge to Rev. John Cotton of Plymouth, dated Nov. 16, 1674, concerning the troubles which compelled Dr. Leonard Hoar to resign the Presidency of the College, the writer says,—‘As for the Dr.'s grievance, you do not I suppose wonder at it. I doubt not but he hath been told of his evill in that matter from more hands than yours, yet he does justifie his own innocency, and I perceive that Mr. Corlet, both elder and younger,¹ were so taken with hopes of a fellowship, that they strenuously sought to excuse the Dr. and lay the blame elsewhere; but by this time I suppose are out of hope of what they expected, the Colledge standing in more need of students than of rulers.’² 2. “Richard Cutter, brother-in-law to Mr. Corlett, felt aggrieved at a decision of the County Court in 1659, and Mr. Corlett united with him in petition to the General Court for relief; the petition was referred to the County Court with a favorable result. At the same session, the General Court, upon his petition, granted to Mr. Corlett two hundred acres of land.” ³ In acknowledgment of both benefactions, he presented his thank-offering to the magistrates of the County Court, who were also members of the General Court: ‘Much honoured, Mr. Deputie Governour, Major Willard, Mr. Russell, and Mr. Danforth: Elijah Corlett, who was latelie your Worps humble petitioner at the Generall Court in my owne behalfe, for land; very thankfull and humblie, I acknowledg the great favour and good will of that Court unto mee (and your Worps my good friends therein) confering upon mee 200 acres of land. As alsoe touching my petition in the behalfe of Ric. Cutter, referred to the full and finall decision of this honoured Court; I most humblie and thankfullie acknowledg your Worps favour in your remarkeable gentlenes and very tender dealinge with a sad, afflicted, weake man, inconsiderate and rash sometimes, &c., your goodnes towards him will, I hope, have a good effect upon him to mollifie his heart, and the influence of your good advice you left with him, to moderate his spirite. Soft meanes many times effects what rigour cannot; and mercie rejoiceth against (exulteth over) judgement. Elijah Corlett ’