Upon my return home three days ago, I found the inclosed Letters from Mr. Short.1 As they contain interesting information, in relation to our vacant Chair at the University (which it is so desirable should be filled as promptly as possible) I avail myself of the earliest opportunity to forward them to you. When I lately passed through Richmond, I learned from Mr. Johnson that he had received assurances, in every way so favourable, of the qualifications of a Mr. Patterson of Phila. as to induce him to write to you on his behalf—but it may not be amiss as there was no certainty, that we could obtain Mr. P. to have a second string to our bow.

The injury to the Tobacco from the late Storm will not be as great, as I at first apprehended—still the crop must be seriously reduced in value & quantity. I hope you have been more favoured behind the Mountains. Yours with high respect & Esteem