This letter will be handed you by a grandson of one of my sisters, Christr Branch, who is a skilful & ingenious carpenter, of sound understanding—not much improved by education; though he is intelligent, & writes well on common subjects. He is advised by Arthur S. Brokenbrough, & others, to settle in, or near Charlottesville;—and should he be so fortunate as to obtain your countenance, and once get into useful employment; he will, I trust, merit the patronage of the neighbourhood, by his own good conduct.

I rejoice to hear of the prosperous advancement of the University; and earnestly hope that the legislature of Virginia will never suffer so noble, & interesting an institution to languish, through prejudice, or parsimony: though, being in the eighty eighth year of my age, I shall probably not live to witness the consummation of the establishment: but it will undoubtedly prove a great blessing to our posterity; and may possibly tend in a measure, to preserve, & perpetuate the union of the States; and it will, at least, reflect honour on the Ancient Dominion; and especially on its founders, who have hitherto been, & will no doubt, continue to be its Zealous patrons.

It is with diffidence I hazard an opinion that much will depend on the choice of its first professors, whose principles should be truly republican; and their successors, if reared in the same nursery under their influence, will imbibe the same sentiments.

I have the honour to be, with the highest consideration and regard, dear sir, your Old friend, & obedient servt

Wm J. Fleming