1Thomas Jefferson and John H. Cocke to James Breckinridge, Joseph C. Cabell, Chapman Johnson, James Madison, and Robert … (Jefferson Papers)
In obedience to the resolution of the visitors of the university at their last session, the Proctor has been constantly employed in ‘ascertaining the state of accounts under contracts already made, and the expence of compleating the buildings begun and contemplated’: and we have consequently suspended, according to instructions, ‘the entering into any contracts for the Library until we see...
2John H. Cocke to Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 14 October 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter to M r Jefferson of the 12 —upon the subject of M r Neilsons undertaking Pavilion N o 5 was forwarded to me in consequence of the indisposition of M r J. endorsed “ T Jefferson being unable to write, begs the favor of Gen l
3John H. Cocke and Thomas Jefferson to Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 7 September 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
We the subscribers, acting as a committee of superintendance under the authority of the Visitors of the University of Virginia have consider’d the proposals of Michael and Gio Giacomo Raggi Sculptors, that we shou’d relinquish their obligation to continue longer in the service of the University & permit them to return to Italy under certain other stipulations: and we do not think we should be...
4Thomas Jefferson and John H. Cocke to Thomas Cooper, 15 October 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
By instructions from the board of Visitors of the University of Virginia we make to you the following communications. At our first meeting, in March last, the board determined that three buildings should be undertaken in the present year, which, with the two already on hand might enable them to open the University partially by the first 1 st of April next ; & with this expectation they fixed...
5John H. Cocke to Thomas Jefferson, 4 January 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
It is my opinion that Doctor Cooper had better be engaged upon the terms he offers. Taking it for granted, after your notice in the Enquirer , that all persons holding subscription pap ers wou’d forward them to you at the time desired, I have taken no step in the business since—but in compliance with your request , will obtain all the subscription papers which I sent out, & will transmit them...
6To Thomas Jefferson from John Hartwell Cocke, 13 December 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this morning received a letter from M r Timberlake, saying, that M r Michie has taken a school which prevents his accepting the office of Librarian— Accompanying this communication is a strong recommendation from M r Timberlake in favour of M r James M Bramham—who will deliver this but having no personal acquaintance with M r B can only inform you, what I learn of him from M r T–s...
7John H. Cocke to Thomas Jefferson, 31 March 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
By exposure to the late severe weather I have taken cold which has settled in my face, & from which I am suffering so much pain as to make it impracticable for me to undertake a journey to Albemarle today—I have sent up in case the more distant members of the board have failed to attend, to know whether it may be necessary still for me to make the effort to get up—it is probable, I may be able...
8To Thomas Jefferson from John Hartwell Cocke, 22 February 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Being the sole superintendent & director of a difficult & important job which employs many hands, who wou’d be almost idle in my absence; to leave home just at this time, or for a few days hence, wou’d be attended with unusual inconvenience to me: but all private considerations shou’d certainly yield to publick duty and your summons obey’d forthwith, did I not hope from the tenour of your...
9To Thomas Jefferson from John Hartwell Cocke, 7 August 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to introduce to you, the Rev d M r Marsh, who in returning to his native State of Massachusetts from Hampden, Sidney his late residence, calls to pay his respects to you & see the University.— M r Marsh, I understand, was a fellow Collegian of your correspondent M r Ticknor—and has devoted much of his attention to Classick literature.— CSmH : Jefferson File.
10John H. Cocke to Thomas Jefferson, 26 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your letter of the 10 th March and shall not fail, without some unforeseen obstacle to attend the meeting, you propose, of the Visitors for the establishment of the College in the neighbourhood of Charlottesville . I accept your polite invitation—and will be at Monticello on Monday the 7 of April. I have been long desirous to obtain some of your Marseilles fig—and send the...
11John H. Cocke to Thomas Jefferson, 12 April 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment rec d your letter of the 9. with the one enclosed to D r Cooper — I entirely approve of forwarding this private communication, not doubting, that it will lead to such a reply as will remove all difficulties in the way, at present of formal & definite propositions.— RC ( CSmH: JF ); endorsed by TJ as received 26 Apr. 1820 and so recorded in SJL . RC (
12To Thomas Jefferson from John Hartwell Cocke, 15 April 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Thinking that fresh Shad wou’d be a rarity, I avail myself of an occasion I had of sending up to the University, to forward you a few of the first we have obtained this Season. CSmH : Jefferson File.
13To Thomas Jefferson from John Hartwell Cocke, 23 November 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I will thank you to send by the Bearer, a copy of the Resolution of the Board of Visitors assigning to me the duty of examining the Proctors Books with its date that it may appear at the head of my Report— P.S. We are making the effort & hope to finish our labours tonight CSmH : Jefferson File.
14John H. Cocke to Thomas Jefferson, 15 November 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 5. inclosing D r Cooper s 3 letters, did not reach me until late the day before yesterday—or an answer wou’d have been more promptly returned. I agree with you as to the reasonableness of D r Cooper s propositions, and concur in your proposal to accept them May it not be as well to add, in case a Bankrupt law passes & D r Cooper obtains the appointment he mentions—then, we wou’d...
15John H. Cocke to Thomas Jefferson, 7 September 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I think your proposals to the Raggis reasonable and more liberal than they cou’d have expected—and for the interest of the University , by far more eligible, than any of their own propositions :— I have therefore copied your proposals, over your signature, and added my own in the form of a letter to M r Brockenbrough —You will receive it herewith. I am sorry that you have declined calling upon...
16To Thomas Jefferson from John Hartwell Cocke, 6 April 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just risen from a conference with General Cocke on the subject of the Law-Professorship at the University the result of which I beg leave to communicate to you. Some two or three years ago, after our contract with Doctor Cowper had been dissolved, General Cocke & myself felt greatly desirous to get Judge Carr appointed to the Law-Chair, but your answer to the letter which I wrote on...
17John H. Cocke to Thomas Jefferson, 20 March 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for forwarding the Seeds from M r Rodney .—I rec d them safely a few days ago. and hasten to send you herein the few Sea Kale seed I have left.—I am sorry you did not make known your wish to get this seed until I had reduced my stock so low.— I shall make a point of attending the special meeting of the Visitors at the time proposed RC ( CSmH: JF ); endorsed by TJ as received 22...
18John H. Cocke to Thomas Jefferson, 21 March 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Being pursuaded you wou’d gladly promote the views, of a practical agriculturist of Education, who is about to go to Europe , chiefly for the purpose of bringing back to his native State , whatever he may find applicable to our wants in the various branches of rural economy;—I take pleasure in introducing to your acquaintance, M r Wilson , who will deliver this.—He designs to embark in the...
19John H. Cocke to Thomas Jefferson, 20 October 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Governor Preston having occasion to pass thro’ your neighbourhood avails himself of an opportunity which he has long wished for, of becoming acquainted with you. I take pleasure in making you known to each other, because I confidently hope, that my agency will be productive of mutual gratification. I have the pleasure to inform you that I left M r Cabell on friday recovering fast. Accept Sir,...
20John H. Cocke to Thomas Jefferson, 3 May 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Conversations with M r Brockenbrough and other practical Mechanicks, together with estimates made by M r B. & myself have induced me to, suggest some changes in the Hotels & Dormitories designed to be connected with them, which are about to be erected at the University . In the Dormitories upon the upper level, connecting the Pavilions I wou’d propose no change. The beauty & convenience of...
21To Thomas Jefferson from John Hartwell Cocke, 8 October 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
You will receive herein sixty dollars which I understood you to say was the price asked for the Polyglot Bible, offerd to the University. Be so good as to order it, as my donation.— CSmH : Jefferson File.
22John H. Cocke to Thomas Jefferson, 11 October 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you herein the letter to D r Cooper with my signature. According to my understanding of the decision of the board of visitors it contains the fullest expression of their wishes.— I am sorry to hear of your indisposition since I left Monticello — Accept the Assurance of my high respect & friendly regard RC ( CSmH: JF ); endorsed by TJ as received 14 Oct. 1819 and so recorded in SJL . RC (
23John H. Cocke to Thomas Jefferson, 10 July 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Correct opinions in the liberal arts being the result of more cultivation than has fallen to my lot, and having the highest confidence in your taste in Architecture, I have taken the liberty to desire M r Neilson to call on you with the plan of my Building for the purpose of consulting you upon some points which he will explain:—not doubting, that such a trespass upon your valuable time will...
24To Thomas Jefferson from John Hartwell Cocke, 16 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
It is proper to inform you before I leave the neighbourhood what I have done, in discharge of the duty assigned us, by the Board of Visitors at its last meeting— Doctor Dunglison accompanied the Proctor & myself in viewing the situation of the Eastern Range of Hotels & Dormitores when it was decided to be necessary, to construct two paved or brick-laid gutters in the rear of two sections of...
25John H. Cocke to Thomas Jefferson, 12 November 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I am induced to fear, from what I hear from M r Neilson , of your daily expecting to hear from me, that the letter to Doctor Cooper which you some time ago sent me for my signature has not reached you;—it was immediately signed, inclosed in one expressive of my entire approbation of its contents, and put into the care of my friend Col o Miles Cary to be sent to the Wilmington post Office.—...
26To Thomas Jefferson from John Hartwell Cocke, 21 October 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed to you by my friend M r Maxwell of Norfolk. He calls at Monticello for the double purpose of paying his respects to you;—and understanding more fully, the footing upon which the Board of Visitors in their last report, have proposed to the Legislature, to place the Theological Schools at the University. M r Maxwell is on his way to Staunton to attend a Synod of the...
27To Thomas Jefferson from John Hartwell Cocke, 27 August 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of some conversation with M r Garrett, I deem it necessary to trouble you with a few lines, lest unexplained circumstances should leave the impression upon your mind, of my being regardless of the injunction of secrecy agreed upon by the last Board of Visitors in relation to the agent sent to Europe for Professors—and that this circumstance has become known thro me.— My Letter...
28John H. Cocke to Thomas Jefferson, 20 July 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received yours of the 19 .—accompanied by a letter from M r Garrett with a list of the subscribers to the College . I rejoice with you at the liberality of the subscriptions. I will be at Monticello on Thursday next early enough to visit the site of the College on that day, and will accompany you the day following to M r Madisons if necessary.—
29John H. Cocke to Thomas Jefferson, 1 December 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Your not having informed me, that I was appointed by the Board of Visitors at the meeting last Spring to examine the Bursars Acco ts —( M r Garrett being under the impression you so informed him)—and being desirous to have his Acco ts passed, we have to ask the favor of you to refer to the proceedings of that meeting and give us the necessary information to enable us to proceed with proper...
30John H. Cocke to Thomas Jefferson, 4 May 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I was sorry to hear that you had not succeeded in getting up the Fish alive—but be assured, Sir, I have had pleasure in doing my part towards repairing the failure— The Chub now sent are of a smaller size and I think are more likely to bear the transportation than the former parcel—I have thought it best to detain the Messenger, that he may set out very early in the morning. This will ensure...
31University of Virginia Board of Visitors Report to Literary Fund President and Directors, 30 November 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
To the President & Directors of the Literary fund . In obedience to the act of the General assembly of Virginia , requiring that the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia should make report annually to the President and Directors of the Literary fund (to be laid before the legislature at their next succeeding session) embracing a full account of the disbursements, the funds on...
32University of Virginia Board of Visitors Report to Literary Fund President and Directors, 4 October 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
To the President & Directors of the Literary fund . In obedience to the act of the legislature of Virginia , intituled ‘an act establishing an University ’ & enjoining on the Rector & Visitors thereof ‘to make report annually to the President & Directors of the Literary fund (to be laid before the legislature at their next succeeding session) embracing a full account of the disbursements, the...
33John Hartwell Cocke to James Madison, 2 November 1834 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance Edwd. C. Delavan Esqr. Chairman of the Executive Comtee of the New York State temperance Society. Mr. Delavan has visited our State, to be present at the temperance Convention which has taken place here—He anticipates some advantages to this great cause, if he can obtain the assurance of your countenance in its favour—He is more-over desirous of...
34To James Madison from John Hartwell Cocke, 6 October 1827 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 24. Ulto. upon the subject of Mr. Longs appointment in the University of London—and communicating his wish to be released from his engagement to us after the expiration of the present course of Lectures at the University of Virginia, came duly to hand. There is but one view of the subject, which produces a moments hesitation upon my part, in a prompt & full compliance with Mr....
35To James Madison from John Hartwell Cocke, 4 January 1828 (Madison Papers)
I returned yesterday from Charlottesville, & hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your package, containing several letters from Candidates for Mr. Longs Chair, together with your own, written under the impression that there would be a meeting of the Board of Visitors the 10th. of last Month. As there is now no immediate prospect of a meeting of the Board, I shall take the papers above...
36John Hartwell Cocke to James Madison, 23 May 1829 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 8th Instant, with the letters from Mr. Long & Mr. Barbour inclosed— I send you herein the result of Dr. Harrisons investigation of the deficient parts of "Valpy’s Edition of Stephens’ Thesaurus" by which it appears, the expense will be small to compleat this valuable work and I should concur with you in ordering it to be purchased immediately—The subscription price of...
37To James Madison from John Hartwell Cocke, 6 February 1827 (Madison Papers)
After acknowledging the rect. of your late favours, the one containing the Bills of D & N. and the other a copy of your communication to the Proctor respecting the reinstatement of the Hotel keepers: permit me to call your attention to the inclosed letter of Mr. Wm. Matthews. I can see no objection to Mr. M. being permitted to make up such a school for Military instruction at the University as...
38John Hartwell Cocke to James Madison, 17 December 1834 (Madison Papers)
In a letter I received from my Friend Mr. Delavan, soon after his late visit to Montpelier, he requested me to inform you, of the success of his application to Mr. Adams and the President to follow your Example in giving their countenance to the temperance reformation: but immediately after getting his letter, I perceived the information referred to, was carried to you through many channels of...
39John Hartwell Cocke to James Madison, 5 May 1828 (Madison Papers)
At the time I united with Mr Johnson, in declining to assent to the immediate appointment of Mr. Ritchie to the vacant Chair of Nat. Philosophy in the U—I consider’d we were in some degree committed by our understanding with Dr. Jones to pursue, this course—I am now informed, by a letter from Dr. Jones that he has accepted the appointment to the patent office, at Washington. And seeing the...
40To James Madison from John Hartwell Cocke, 29 November 1827 (Madison Papers)
I write chiefly to acknowledge the rect. of yours of the 19. together with the letters it inclosed. I am content to make the effort with the present Hotel keepers under your view of our restricted powers, but I am in duty bound to add, that new developments daily convince me, that we shall have finally to get rid of the present set. I was informed this week at Fluva. Court by Mr. Gilmer of...
41To James Madison from John Hartwell Cocke, 14 February 1828 (Madison Papers)
I received your several communications, addressed to me in Richmond—and together with our Colleagues there Mr. Johnson & Mr. Cabell, deliberated upon them. In relation to Doctor Jones, it was finally agreed to suspend further proceedings until July—and I accordingly wrote him the accompanying letter. Mr. Loyall had previously assented to the suspension of this appointment in a letter to Mr....
42To James Madison from John Hartwell Cocke, 23 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
I received your circular of the 27. May in due time. In a letter which I have just received from Mr. Short, he says, “I have lately taken up an idea from an expression which accidentally fell from a Gentleman with whom I was in conversation, & who is acquainted with Mr. Adrain, that he would accept the vacant Professorship in the University of Virginia if offer’d to him.” I deem it useless to...
43To James Madison from John Hartwell Cocke, 20 January 1827 (Madison Papers)
The extreme coldness of the Weather, rendering the passage of the Rivanna already difficult & probably impracticable by the time I should be returning home—must be my apology for failing to visit you at this time, according to my appointment by letter from Richmond. I therefore hasten to communicate to you the opinions of the Members of the Board of Visitors now in Richmond in relation to the...
44To James Madison from John Hartwell Cocke, 23 February 1828 (Madison Papers)
I received yours of the 9. Inst. covering Mr. Egans letter, & the accompanying recommendations of him, for Mr. Longs Chair. As I shall have no opportunity of placing these papers in the hands of our Colleagues but through the post, which I agree with you might be hazardous, I shall take the safer course of placing them in the custody of the Secretary to the Board of Visitors, at my next visit...
45John Hartwell Cocke to James Madison, 23 August 1828 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 12. inst. inclosing a Letter from Professor Lomax reached me by our last post. It is highly desirable to guard against the evils referred to in Mr. L’s communication, but I can see no reasonable hope of effecting anything at this advanced period of the vacation by attempting to communicate with our Colleagues. The dispersed state of our Members renders it impracticable to collect...
46John Hartwell Cocke to James Madison, 24 November 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours this day inclosing Monsr. Fer[ron’s] letter. Yours containing Professor Lomaxs communication came duly to hand, & has been acted upon. I informed Prof. L. that I could see no objection to "his occupying as heretofore, the hours of the Medical School, as long as in the opinion of the Faculty no inconvenience was likely to result from the change" I shall refer Monsr. Ferrons...
47To James Madison from John Hartwell Cocke, 2 April 1827 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 18. Ulto. came duly to hand. I am sorry to find Mr. Key has decided to leave us—and I can’t but be still further concerned, that at the moment of his leaving us, he should make a request with which there can be any doubt about the propriety of compliance. I must say, however, that his application for the permission of his Salary to run to the middle of August Even under the...
48To James Madison from John Hartwell Cocke, 12 October 1827 (Madison Papers)
Hearing from our Colleague Mr. Johnson, that Doctor Patterson of Phila. had declined being a candidate for our vacant professorship—whose claims to our consideration have hitherto kept me suspended in regard to Dr. Jones—I now hasten to give my assent to the immediate appointment of the latter Gentleman. Mr. Johnson mentions, that he has not consented to release Mr Long from his engagement to...
49John Hartwell Cocke to James Madison, 29 March 1828 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 9 Inst. inclosing Mr. Lawrences letter reached me in due course of Mail. Whatever we may have thought of Doctor Jones’ claims upon us he has taken a course which has left us entirely at liberty in future, by writing in answer to the letter referr’d to in yours, that he considers himself put out of nomination by our determination to deferr the appointment. His letter, with a copy...
50John Hartwell Cocke to James Madison, 25 May 1829 (Madison Papers)
After despatching my late letter to you from this place, Doctor Harrison put into my hands the within Corrected list of deficient Numbers of the Thesaurus I therefore hasten to forward *it to prevent a mistake—I am Yours respectfully RC (DLC) .inclosed by J. M. to Mr Long