For several years past a continued indisposition added to my very advanced age, has disqualified me for the most part, for the duties of a Visitor of the University of Virginia.

Not despairing however, altogether of a favorable change, and unwilling to withdraw myself from an Institution in which I have felt so deep an interest, I have thus long postponed the tender of my resignation. A further delay is now forbidden by a supervening malady which will not permit my attendance at the approaching meeting of the visitors, whilst every thing in the ulterior prospect, makes it proper that I should not be in the way of an efficient successor.

I must pray you therefore Sir, to regard this as a tender of my resignation of my place under the law establishing the University; in the progressive success of which I sincerely rejoice. Assuring yourself at the same time of my great and cordial esteem,