As Mr. Harrison, who will deliver this is a candidate for the professorship which Mr. Long is about to vacate, I beg leave to submit to your inspection a testimonial in his favor from your venerable predecessor,1 who, in consequence of his frequent visits in the neighbourhood of Lynchburg, and his frequent intercourse with Mr. Harrison’s father, had such good opportunities of forming an opinion of this young gentleman from personal observation. His reputation has always been uncommonly high, wherever he has been, for diligence, correct moral deportment as well as native talent. If I may venture to obtrude an opinion His appointment will probably be a better as well as safer one than any other which the Visitors can easily make. A more critical acquaintance with Greek literate may occasionally be found, tho’ not on this side of the water with so young a man—but with Mr. Harrison’s genius—his decided taste for classical studies—and his sense of duty, he would in a short time supply any deficiency he may now have. He has the two great requisites talent & industry, with more than an ordinary stock to start with. As an evidence of Mr. Harrison’s talent, I will mention that he wrote that caustic address to Mr. Walsh which appeared in the Const: Whig about a fortnight since.2 As Mr. H. did all he could to preserve his incognito, I should not have mentioned this if I had not previously discovered it from intrinsic evidence, & if I did not think that the piece, whatever may be thought of its tone or its justice, was too creditable to his pen not to be mentioned on this occasion. With my respects to Mrs. Madison, & the hope that your health is perfectly good, I Subscribe myself, Dear Sir, your very respectful & obedt. Sert.