1To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 6 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the correspondence enclosed in yours of the 3 d inst. The reluctance of M r Emmett, & probably of his colleagues, to the enlargement of their duties, is neither to be wondered at nor yielded to. You have put the matter on a ground to which I can suggest no improvement. It may be well perhaps that what has passed should not be generally known. With some it might produce reflections on...
2To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 25 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d yours of the 21 st The refusal of the Offer to M r Wirt. inviting as it was. does not suprize me. It is very gratifying to learn that M r Lomax takes so well with everybody, I hope his success will make some amends. for the delay in filling the Chair which is to receive him. I have made a beginning with Capt. Peyton as the consignee of my business at Richmond, as recommended in...
3To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 24 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 17 th was duly rec d . The awkward state of the Law professorship is truly distressing, but seems to be without immediate remedy. Considering the hopeless condition of M r Gilmour, a temporary appointment, if an acceptable successor were at hand, whilst not indelicate towards the worthy moribund incumbent, might be regarded as equivalent to a permanent one. And if the hesitation...
4To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 25 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Circular of the 20 th instn post marked 23 rd was rec d last evening, and the letter from M r Pictet, is forwarded as desired to our Colleagues at Rich d . I concur in your mode of providing for the foreseen vacancy which, I sincerely lament, on every account; as I should in any admissible mode that would avoid the necessity, for an Extra meeting of the Visitors. I am
5To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 7 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I return D r Emmet’s letter as requested. Wall’s qualifications as a Drawing Master, are sufficiently authenticated to make his connection with the University very desirable. But there seems little ground for hope, that he will exchange for it his present advantages in New York. The only material attraction, beyond the fees, is that of a Pavilion. rent free; of which his tenure would be of...
6To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 28 December 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d yesterday evening yours of the 24 th inst: inclosing a paper drawn up with a view to the question of “Roads & Canals,” and to the course of proceeding must expedient for the Legislature of Virg a now in session. In my retired position it is difficult to scan the precise tendency of measures addressed to the opinions & feelings of the States & of their Representatives; these being...
7To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 14 October 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Browere (pronounced Brower) is so anxious to pay his respects to you that I can not refuse him a line of introduction His object is to take your likeness in plaster, much desired it appears by patrons of a Public Gallery. His success as an Artist is very highly attested. His bust of Gen l Lafayette is pronounced by other imitation Artists as a conspicuous proof of his talent. The little...
8To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 10 August 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Circular of the 4 th instant did not come to hand till yesterday. In the present attitude of things the reappointment of M r Gilmer to the Law Professorship seems a matter of course: though I am sorry to learn that there is some ground to apprehend that his qualifications are not as well understood & as highly estimated as they deserve to b DLC : Papers of James Madison.
9To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 4 August 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Having but little hope that Judge Dade will accept the place offered him, & having occasionally heard M r Lomax of Fred g spoken of favorably , I sought an occasion yesterday of learning more of him from Judge Barbour (without disclosing My object ) who has long been at the same Bar with him, and is otherwise well acquainted with his character. The Judge considers him as a man of solid talents...
10To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 19 May 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I did not receive yours of the 12 th in time to be answered by the last mail. My thoughts, as heretofore intimated, had been turned to Judge Dade for the Law Chair; and with the recommendatory opinions which you enumerate, I cannot hesitate to concur in the offer of it as proposed. I concur also in the issuing of a Commission on the written sanctions of the Visitors without the formality of a...
11To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 21 April 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d yours of the 15 th relating to a purchase of the parcels of land offered for sale by M r Perry. and very chearfully concur in your proposition for making it. The advantage of thus connecting the separate parcels of the University. and securing the sources and ducts which are to supply it with water, seems well to justify the measure on the terms & in the mode explained by you....
12To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 13 April 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
When I suggested, some time ago, Judge Carr for the Law Chair in the University, I did not know that he had been taken into view by any other member of our Board; and inferring from the silent reception given to my letter, and the attractions of the place he now holds. that I ought not to persist in the idea of his appointment, my thoughts were turned altogether to other chances. By a letter...
13To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 12 April 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter for Judge Barbour inclosed in your last to me, did not reach him, till his return on saturday evening from his visit to Culpeper. Yesterday he called on me on his way to his Court in this County. I found that he adhered to his purpose last communicated, and that such would be his answer to you. There can be no chance therefore of obtaining him for the University, unless the vacancy...
14To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 28 March 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I saw Col. Barbour yesterday, as I intended. He remains decided ag st relinquishing his Judgeship without a previous experiment of the chair in the University. He feels evidently a strong attraction towards it; and I think a growing one. It is quite possible that the experiment he is making of his Judicial duties, carrying him as they will beyond the Mountains, will diminish his preference of...
15To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 26 March 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d some days ago yours of Mar. 10. The last mail brought me that of Mar 22. inclosing the letter of Col. Barbour & your answer, both of which I return. If you have not satisfied him of the value of your proposition, he must at least be convinced of the unreasonableness of his own. I have not yet seen him since I rec d your letter requesting me to do so, having been confined by a very bad...
16To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 17 February 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d yesterday your two letters of the 12 & 15 th & return the letter from M r Cabell inclosed in one of them. I approve the course you have in view of obtaining an eventual meeting of the Visitors. The Judicial appointment of M r Barbour will, I understand, be accepted; and as it is in the road to the Court of Appeals, lessens the chance of him for the University. I am sorry you hear...
17To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 8 February 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
The letters from M r Cabell are herein returned. I just see that he has succeeded in defeating the project for removing the College from Williamsburg. I hope your concurrence in what I said of M r Barbour will not divert your thoughts from others. It is possible that the drudgery of his profession, the uncertainty of a Judicial appointment acceptable to him, and some attractions at the...
18To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 28 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d yours of the 23 d inclosing a copy of the Bill sent to M r Cabell; but omitting the letter from him. Without that I cannot estimate the reception such a measure will have in the Assembly. The grounds on which the Bill dissolves the Charter of the College , & disposes of its funds are captivating . But there will probably be a powerful opposition to it. The uncertain & scanty...
19To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry M r Tucker requires time for deliberation. It shews the difficulty in our Country of withdrawing talents from rival pursuits into the service of Education. I do not think he will have chosen the best of literary careers, if he devotes himself to Novel writing. The public taste is nearly satiated with the fashionable, perhaps the best species, in which the success of Walter Scott has...
20To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 31 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received yours without date inclosing the letter of M r Cabell & your answer. I approve entirely the course you recommend to the friends of the University at Richmond, on the proposed removal of the College at Williamsburg. It would be fortunate if the occasion could be improved for the purpose of filling up the general plan of Education, by the introduction of the grade of Seminaries...
21To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I return M r Gilmers two letters to you & that of M r Emmet to M r Calhoun, inclosed in yours of the 10 th . I have so much confidence in the )pinion of M r Gilmer, & respect for the testimony of the father, with every abatement for partia that I can not doubt the chemical & other mine ascribed to young Emmet. As a letter however such as you propose, would be viewed by him as equivalent nearly...
22To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 3 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the letters from M r Gilmer enclosed in yours of Nov r 30. His account of the engaged Professors is very encouraging. It is a happy circumstance that none of them are beyond the ages mentioned. They will be the less inflexible in their habits, the more improveable in their qualifications, and will last the longer. It would seem that Gilmer’s mind leans now to the station he declined...
23To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 22 October 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I return your letter to Gilmer as fairly copied. Will he understand that he is not to return without a Nat: Philosopher, tho’ bringing the other Professors named, and despairing of that one? There will however be time for final instructions on this point after hearing further from him. ViU .
24To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 14 October 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
It is very lucky that Gilmer was so soon able to relieve us from the alarm he had excited. He does not say whether his Mathematician is an Astronomer also; or does he look for one in a professor of Nat: Philo y ? If so, his remaining task will be greater than might be wished. His good spirits however authorize ours. CSmH : Emmet Collection.
25To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 9 October 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 6 th inclosing the letter of M r Gilmer did not reach me till la st evening. The foreign prospect for the University is very gloomy, and the domestic far from bright. We must not however despond. What occurs to me as best on the occasion, is that M r Gilmer pro to exhaust the experiment in G.B. and if necessary then extend it to Ireland. On the ques tion how long he should be...
26To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 28 September 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
The list of books you have made out will do very well as a nest Egg for the Library. May not the high prices of some of them have been occasioned by a scarcity since removed by Editions both better & cheaper. I know nothing of Fayette’s movements but through the newspapers from which it appears that he cannot leave Philad a before the 1 st of October. It becomes questionable I think whether he...
27To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 17 September 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I return M r G Gilmer letter. The uncertainty of his success , and the increase of his expences, give an unwelcome aspect to his mission. It is to be hoped that Scotland will do more for him than Eng d is likely to do. Germany may open a field of choice better in some respects than either: But the alien language, and less affinity of manners are grounds of unfavorable comparison. It w d seem...
28To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 10 September 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
On the rec t of yours of Aug. 8. I turned my thoughts to its request on the Subject of a Theological catalogue for the Library of the University: and not being aware that so early an answer was wished, as I now find was the case. I had proceeded very leisurely in noting such authors as seemed proper for the collection. Supposing also, that altho’ Theology was not to be taught in the...
29To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 August 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I acknowledged in my last yours of the 8 th and now return the letters of M r Gilmer & M r Rush inclosed in it. It would be matter of much regret if insanity should befall such a man as Ivory; but it is to hoped his condition will be fixed before he leaves Eng d or rather before any engagement of him. I hope M r Gilmer will be able to avoid also men much advanced in life. After a certain age...
30To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 12 August 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer M r E. Ta y loe, son of Col: Tayloe of Washington is desirous of making a respectful call at Monticello, and I can not refuse to his motive, the gratification of a line presenting him to you. He is at present a resident at Fredericksburg, reading Law with his kinsman M r Lomax; and appears to be quite estimable & amiable. M r T. is so good as to take charge of the 4 last volumes of...
31To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 12 July 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d from M r H. Wheeler who is engaged in a Biography of the late W. Pinkney a letter w ch I enclose with my answer. If your recollection or memoranda can confirm or enlarge the information I have given with respect to the origin of the Embargo, be so good as to return my answer that it may be improved: If otherwise, it may be sealed & forwarded; the letter from M r Wheaton to be...
32To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 20 May 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the letter from M r Cabell with your answer to it inclosed in yours of the 16 th just come to hand. It is not probable that a removal of the College from Williamsburg, will be espoused by a Majority of the Visitors, controuled as they will be by the popular voice in that quarter. If it should, Richmond will not be without competitors. The pretensions of Petersburg have already been...
33To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 April 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 9 th was not rec d till the evening before the last, and c d not be sooner answered tha n by the Mail which p asses our Court House today. As it is proper to give as wide an opening to the University as we can, I readily accede to the p rovision of an Anatomical as an 8 th Professor, which you propose as within a f air estimate of its resources. I think how ever that unless a...
34To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 10 April 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose the letter dated Jan y 24. 1796—referred to in your memorandum. You will observe that it acknowledges two of mine, one of Dec r 27. 1795, the other of Jan y 10. 1796. As these are not among the letters from me to you, which you were so good as to transfer from your files to mine, and as it may be proper for me to examine them, for the reasons you wished a return of the one inclosed,...
35To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 14 January 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the letters from Doc r Cooper inclosed in yours of the 7 th It is truly to be lamented that at his stage of life and in the midst of his valuable labours, he should experience the persecutions which torment , and depress him. Should he finally wish to exchange his present birth for one in our University, and make the proposition without any advances on our part, there could be no...
36To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 18 December 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the letter from M r Gilmer. It would have been more agreeable if he had not suspended his decision as to the ulterior object offered him: but he can not be blamed for yielding to the reasons he gives for it. There is weight in what he suggests as to an extension of his research into Germany; and there may be some advantage in the attraction w ch a professor from that quarter might...
37To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 11 November 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d yours of the 6 th My preference of F Gilmer for the law professorship, to any other name brought into view, has not changed; & I know of no one better suited for the mission now declined by M r Cabell. It will be well I think to hold out, in the first instance at least, not more than $1500 for the Salary, as the reduction of the number of professors from 10 to 7. may not be...
38To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 1 November 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the letter of the President. The correspondence from abroad has gone back to him as you desired. I have expressed to him my concurrence in the policy of meeting the advances of the B. Gov t having an eye to the forms of our Constitution in every step in the road to war—with the British power & navy combined with our own we have nothing to fear from the rest of the world: and in the...
39To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 6 September 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the two communications from the president inclosed in your letter of Aug. 30. I am afraid the people of Spain as well as of Portugal need still further light & heat too from the American example before they will be a match for the armies, the intrigues & the bribes of their enemies, the treachery of their leaders, and what is most of all to be dreaded, their priests & their...
40To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 27 June 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the copy of your letter to Judge Johnson inclosed to me in your favor of the instant. your statement relating to the farewell address of Gen l Washington is substantially correct. If there be any circumstantial inaccuracy, it is in imputing to him more agency in composing the document than he probably had. Taking for granted that it was drawn up by Hamilton, the best conjecture is...
41To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 29 April 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
What is the proper quetus for the solicitudes within expressed? DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
42To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 21 March 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d your two letters of the 12 & 14. inst: You will have inferred my approbation of the course taken in order to avoid a loss of time in executing the Rotunda. I shall be with you at the Meeting of the Visitors if possible. The letter from O. Flaherty with its companions, are herewith inclosed. It is quite presumable that he possesses the technical qualifications for the professorship...
43To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 19 February 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letters & papers being addressed to you as well as me, I am not at liberty to withhold them. tho’ I know the disrelish you will feel for such appeals. I shall give an answer, in a manner for us both, intimating the propriety of our abstaining from any participation in the electioneering measures on foot. DLC : Papers of James Madison.
44To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 19 February 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I congratulate you on the loan, scanty as it is, for the University; in the confidence that it is a gift masked under that name; and in the hope that it is a pledge for any remnant of aid the Establishment may need in order to be totus teres atque rotundus . Can you not have the hands Set to work without the formality of a previous meeting of the Visitors? I have rec d no notice from Richmond...
45To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 January 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received yours of the 6 th with the letters of M r Cabell, M r Gerry, and Judge Johnson. The letter from M r C. proposing an Extra Meeting of the Visitors, & referred to in yours was not sent, and of course is not among those returned. The friends of the University in the Assembly seem to have a delicate task on their hands. They have the best means of knowing what is best to be...
46James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 7 May 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I fulfill the request of M r Rush by inclosing the letter in which it is made; and the rather as the letter is of pretty late date and touches on the affairs of Europe . I have heard of your intended visit to Bedford , but count on this reaching Monticello before you leave it. RC ( Heritage Auctions , auction 6182, Dallas, 19 Oct. 2017, lot 47062); endorsed by TJ as received 9 (reworked from...
47James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [29 March 1822] (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry that the approaching meeting of the Visitors will furnish an exception to the punctuality of my attendance … I presume that my failure, even if it prevents a quorum, is rendered of little consequence by the obduracy of the Assembly to the pleas in behalf of the University , whose interests are certainly the best interests of their constituents … Extract, including ellipses, printed...
48James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 March 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
This is the first mail since I rec d yours of the 25 Ult: which did not come to hand in time for an earlier answer; having lain a day or two at Or: C t House . Regarding the New Soc y for the benefit of the Indians, as limited to their civilization, an object laudable in itself; and taking for granted, perhaps too hastily, that the plan had not been formed & published without the sanction of...
49Minutes of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 29–30 November 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the Visitors of the University of Virginia by special call on Thursday the 29 th of November 1821. at the University , two members only attending, towit Thomas Jefferson and Chapman Johnson , they adjourned to the next day. November 30. present Thomas Jefferson ,
50University of Virginia Board of Visitors Report to Literary Fund President and Directors, 30 November 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
To the President & Directors of the Literary fund . In obedience to the act of the General assembly of Virginia , requiring that the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia should make report annually to the President and Directors of the Literary fund (to be laid before the legislature at their next succeeding session) embracing a full account of the disbursements, the funds on...