It is a painful consideration with me that I shall be unable to give my attendance at the periodical meeting of the Visitors of the University which is near at hand. A continuance of the complaint which formerly prevented it, to which has been added lately an attack of bilious fever, has reduced me to a degree of debility which does not permit me entirely to leave my bed. I must ask the favor of you therefore to communicate to the Board this explanation of my absence, with an assurance of the undiminished interest which I feel in the prosperity of the Institution under its care. With affectionate esteem