I have duly recd. your favor of June 29th. inclosing the letter to Mr Key from Mr Ritchie.

My letter of Aug 3d informed you that the vacant Chair of Nat Philos had just been provided for by the appt. of Doctr Patterson of the University of Pena. Being regarded as a highly accomplished Professor for that Branch of Science, and particularly recommended, by his being able to enter at once on his functions. The Visitors were bound to seize the opportunity of filling a chair the protracted vacancy of which had < > & was daily banishing Students from the Institution.  The Step taken by them was therefore entirely consistent with the very high opinion they had formed of the Scientific qualifications & the personal worth of Mr. Ritchie as they wish him to know.

The University having lost another professor by the resignation of Mr. Long, is now in need of a Successor for the Chair of Ant Languages & I have just written to our new Minister at London, to make provisional enquiries for one. Perhaps those which led to the discovery of Mr Ritchie may have brought to your knowledge meritorious individuals in that branch of instruction. To a renewal of the thanks due for your experienced kindness, allow to add that of my great esteem & good wishes