Yours of Feby. 7 was duly recd., and I should feel some remorse, in noting the date, if I had not excuses, that I am sure your goodness will accept. On my return from Richmond, there had been heavy arrears of epistolary and some other demands on my pen; to which was added, an attention called for by the mismanagement of my rural affairs, which has forced a change of the manager at a very awkward season of the year. And for the last several weeks, I have had a still more valid plea, in a return of the Influenza which visited me in Richmond. Till within a few days it was attended with fevers which reduced me in flesh, and rendered mental occupation very inconvenient. I now consider myself in statu quo ante & avail myself thereof, to acknowledge your favor, and comply with your request of the return of the letter from Mr. Lomax. He has as you know, taken leave of the University, to be consummated at the Close of the current Session; and from considerations which probably were not removable by any which you or other friends could oppose to them. How he is to be replaced, is the desideratum. I do not hear from any of our Colleagues, that any one has occurred, to whom the vacant Chair would be acceptable, and who would be acceptable to us. I wish you may be an exception to the remark, and that I may soon learn that you have a successor to propose. I take for granted that Chancellor Tucker is beyond our reach. Barbour is no doubt equally so; and the same may be said of all to whom we formerly looked in vain. I reminded Mr. Johnson, of our reliance on his better opportunities of scanning the qualifications and dispositions, of candidates, than any of us. But he like others is still silent on the subject. I had almost forgotten my promise to send you Mr. Grimke’s pamphlet, which is inclosed herewith. It is a very able one; and contains much valuable matter; but not without a little heterodoxy according to our creeds. If you bring it with you on your visit to the university in July, it will be as soon as I wish to repossess it. With great esteem & cordial regard