Yours of the 1st. inst: came on slowly. I return the letter from Mr. Ingersoll whose continued drudgery in his profession, would be to be lamented, if his release from it would ensure such fruits of his literary pen, as one of his discourses to the Society, Philosophical (I think), which contained the ablest & most valuable Tableau of the Condition of the U.S. that has been published.1

I return the Copy of the letter of instruction in 1814.2 as I presume you intended.

I write in a State of incipient convalescence from an Influenza, which has confined me for more than a week, and disabled me from a visit to the University, if a Meeting could have been effected which I take for granted did not take place, tho’ I have had no definitive information on the subject. It was wished by some of the Visitors & I believe by the Faculty, and if not so inconvenient at this Season, might have been proper. Nothing however I hope will suffer from a failure. The case of the Hotelkeepers as finally decided, removes Chapman & Ritcheson, and substitutes J. C. Carter for Gray, as the patron of his aunt. S. & C. remain but there seems to be some impat[i]ence at it. Dr Jones has not accepted the Chair of Nat: Phil: owing to some misapprehension of his invitation, and could not now attend before March. Renwick of N York has been thought of & indirectly communicated with; but I know not the precise state of the correspondence which is in the hands of Genl. Cocke or Mr. Cabell or Mr Johnson.

I am Glad Col: M.3 approves our abstinence from the violent strife of party. Yrs. affy.