1Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 16 September 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have not written to you for a long time, because I am aware of the burthen of your extensive correspondence, from my own experience in a much less degree. At present I have to write on my own affairs, but as they are connected in some measure with your own state, this may furnish an excuse for the trouble I give you. When I quitted Carlisle I came here with a view of being elected Chemical...
2Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 17 September 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
my letter to you respecting Williamsburgh was put in the post before I rec d yours . The Professorship which you do me the honour to propose is yet in the distance. I long to be settled somewhere, almost any where, provided I move to pecuniary advantage; for having the common motive of a family to provide for, I must act on that motive. I have written to Varro at Frankfort . When I am prepared...
3Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 19 September 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have seen two persons as teachers of the Classics neither of whom will suit. I have twice written to the person at Frankford according to his advertisement as Varro, and as F.G. but I have not seen or heard from him. shall I advertise? With reference for information to myself? I have seen Col: Basset of Williamsburgh to day, and have declined that situation finally. Mr Hare I believe wishes...
4Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 30 September 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I regret that it is not in my power to visit you this Season. I am not only busy preparing for my lectures ( a course of mineralogy and another of Chemistry) but I have undertaken to correct the press for M r Wirt ’s life of Patr. Henry of which about 100 pages are printed. M r Sanders of Williamsburgh called on a friend of mine here, wishing to see me on the Subject of the Coll e ge
5Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 24 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I feel myself much flattered by the kind offer of the Visitors of the College near Charlotte’s ville ; and have waited a very few days only to determine what course I ought to pursue. I have also been in pursuit of a M r Slack who was for a short time a classical tutor at Carlisle , and who I find has since been in the same capacity at Lynchburgh . I thought well of him. He was in town a few...
6Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 10 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been in daily expectation of a letter from you, but I presume the necessity of previously sending to Lynchburgh has occasioned the delay. About a week ago, I received a letter from M r Brown of Williamsburgh stating that the Trustees there, w d be Willing to renew their offer of a Professorship, if I w d engage to go either the beginning of the ensuing spring, or at next November. I...
7Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 20 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I suspect my letters have been strangely delayed. I wrote at least three weeks ago about M r Slack of Lynchburgh . I wrote about ten days ago , saying that the Visitors at Williamsburgh wished me to go there either next spring; or next fall, at my Option: this I heard from Mr Brown of that place, in a letter stating it: he requests an early reply, I shall leave this
8To James Madison from Thomas Cooper, 24 November 1817 (Madison Papers)
On receipt of the inclosed letter I wrote to Mr Jefferson saying that I did not wish to go to Williamsburgh—that if I could be so placed as to earn a moderate Income for the next year at Charlottesville I should prefer it: but that I meant to leave Philadelphia, & could not afford to subsist a twelve month on my present funds & unemployed. I wrote to the same purpose requesting an immediate...
9Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 6 December 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 25 Nov. arrived here to day. Your letter mentioning that the apartments and pavilion would be ready so as to enable me to go to Charlottesville by Midsummer, I do not recollect to have received. I understood the apartments for a classical tutor would be ready in the Spring of 1818; but that my services would not be required till the Spring of 1819. My great objection to...
10Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 7 December 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have written to you to Poplar Grove , stating my acceptance of the Chairs of Chemistry & its attendant branches, & of Law, at Central College ; and my readiness to remove thither about Midsummer next, 1818. I wish I had known before, that the Institution w d accept of my services so early as that period; y r letter stating this , has not been received. I write this lest there should be delay...
11Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 23 January 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Last night at 8 o’Clock died our friend D r Caspar Wistar aged 56. The vacancy occasioned by his death, may make a vacancy in the chemical Chair here: for I suspect either D r Physick or D r Dorsey the one professor of Surgery, the other a surgeon and professor of materia medica already, will succeed. Ine
12Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 20 February 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I feel myself greatly obliged and much gratified by the kind and liberal conduct of the Governors of your Institution in my case. In truth, having from the age of twenty to fifty laboured almost exclusively for the public, I find it absolutely necessary to labour now for my family, which forms if not the only the strongest motive to exertion with me now; and I must for their sake, use the few...
13Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 19 April 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your letter yesterday. For the present I am bound here. The friends who exert themselves in endeavouring to promote my interest, require of me that the pains they have taken shall not be rendered nugatory. If D r Dorsey be elected in the room of D r Wistar , which is likely: if D r Coxe be elected in the room of D r Dorsey , which also is likely but by no means void of doubt, it...
14Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 24 June 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
D r Coxe ’s election comes on the first Tuesday of next month. They talk of deferring the election for chemical professor to the first Tuesday in September. I am not sufficiently instructed to know the causes of this inconvenient determination. I send you, ad interim , a Syllabus of lectures of which I have delivered two courses. They have produced very complimentary letters of approbation...
15Enclosure: Thomas Cooper’s Geology Syllabus [ca. 24 June 1818] (Jefferson Papers)
SYLLABUS Of the Lectures of Thomas Cooper , Esq. M. D. as Professor of Geology and Mineralogy in the University of Pennsylvania . Of the characters of mineral substances, as distinguished by the sight, the touch, the taste, the smell, the hearing. Of the means of distinguishing mineral substances artificially; by the file, the knife, the blow-pipe, the mineral acids: by their crystallization...
16Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 21 August 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Our election for the chemical chair comes on the first day of September . The issue is uncertain. I think the family influence of M r Rob. Hare is likely to prevail. I have received an invitation from De Witt Clinton , D r Hosack and D r M c Neven
17Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 26 August 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I write now in reply to yours from the warm Springs, of the 7 th Instant . D r Patterson is not chosen Chemical Professor, nor do I think he will be. The election does not take place till the first day of September . The event you shall be informed of, without delay. If I should not succeed (a very possible case) M. Correa , M rs Cooper and myself, set out forthwith for Charlotteville . She is...
18Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 1 September 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Hare was elected to the chemical Chair of this University to day: Hare 10. Cooper 7. Patterson 3. On a second vote the three for D r Patterson came over to Hare . I have therefore lost no reputation, it being generally understood that the family influence of M
19Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 2 September 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
W d it not be well to get some thing like the inclosed inserted in the papers of Virginia , Kentucky , & Carolina , with a set of queries whe r this is not the time to ascertain if students cannot be taught medecine in Virginia by Virginians, as well as in Phila a by Virginians? Whe r the morals as well as the studies, and the expences also, of the sons of virginia planters, could not be as...
20Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 3 September 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
M. Correa and I will set out about the 16 th . He will have to stay 2 or 3 days in Washington : we then set off for your Place. In mean time, I think the present opportunity afforded us by Hare ’s election ought not to be lost; but the moment should be taken to appeal to the Parents in Virginia , on the strange infatuation of sending their children to be educated here, when they could have...
21Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 18 September 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very sorry to hear of your weak state of health, but I hope to find you better by the comforts of home and rest. M. Correa ’s carriage has undergone repairs, and will not be fit for use till Sunday morning when we propose to set out. I suppose it will require seven days to bring us to Montecello . M rs Cooper declines being of the Party. I defer all further communication, till I have the...
22Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 3 October 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I put in writing what I have to observe, respecting the College at Charlottesville , because I think you will prefer having my remarks so stated, to any recollection of them. I am not at Liberty to consult my Inclination alone: duty to my family, requires that I should attend to their Interest; and to those proposals which are most likely to promote it. I presume, nothing can be permanently...
23Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 6 October 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I was a little surprized yesterday, when M. Correa congratulated me on having agreed to come to Charlottesville . This is one of the mistakes so often arising from making a contract, matter of conversation, instead of writing. Therefore, I take the opportunity of the first post-town, to set it right. I was tempted to say, that if the permanent salary were 1500 in lieu of 1000 dollars, I would...
24Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 5 January 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I received a printed copy of your report , for which I thank you. It will serve to furnish more enlarged and more just ideas on the subject of education, than your countrymen have been accustomed to. I rejoice in the prospect of their being put in execution, whether I take any or no part in the Institution to be founded on them. I have been enquiring for workmen as you desired, and I send you...
25Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 2 February 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Richardson has not yet returned. I received y r friendly letter , but I see by the act , that your limits of permanent Salary, are 1000 Dlrs to each Professor. Had I twenty years of probable exertion before me I would accept the situation at once; but I see clearly, that I shall have to commence a new course of labour for the benefit of those who come after me, and be a loser in a...
26Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 13 [March] 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I have inserted the advertisement in the Democratic Press, and shall also insert it in Poulson’s paper: one democratic and one federal. I am glad there is to be a meeting of the visitors on the 29 th because it will afford an opportunity of laying before them my views of the situation proposed to me. My receipts here, are a few dollars above 3000 during the last year. The expences of my...
27Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 11 April 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
When you wrote to me concerning the advertisements and the Stoves, I was greatly oppressed with a cold and fever which prevented me from going about to look out for patterns. I put the advertisement three times at a week’s interval in the Democratic Press, and in like manner in Poulson’s daily advertiser. A fortnight ago dating from yesterday, I was attacked with pleurisy which has confined me...
28Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 15 April 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
M. Leshot found me yet confined to my bed; he gave me 125 Dlrs, and by the time he returns from New York , I shall in all probability be enabled to procure the Stoves. Mr Slack goes tomorrow to Norfolk & thence to Charlottesville . As to the Seal, I must wait till I can get up, and procure a classic drawing of the Peplon. The Peace Minerva, I believe has wings to her helmet. I know of no...
29Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 18 April 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Ware is absent from Philadelphia I find, in order to take the benefit of the Insolvent Law in Delaware State . A respectable looking Quaker, a M r James has been twice with me, and appears to be a relation much interested in Ware ’s welfare. The result of the conversations is as follows. Ware will thankfully accept the terms you propose as to prices, which he considers as liberal. There...
30Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, [22 April 1819] (Jefferson Papers)
M r John Vaughan as I am not yet able to walk about has undertaken to buy the Stoves and see them duly shipped to Cap t Peyton at Richmond to whom I will write when they are put on board the packet. I greatly regret to see in the papers that a wing of your house has been destroyed by fire: but I hope it amounts to no injury but what can be repaired. RC ( ViU: TJP ); partially dated at foot of...
31Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 21 June 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Vaughan has written to you that he will see to the Stoves & have them duly shipped. When I receive the acc t I will pay it. I have had much trouble in fixing on a Minerva. None to be found in Tooke , Spence , or any french Pantheon on authority. I examined Monfaucon , but I could find none worthy of being copied. I found the Minerva of Velletri in the
32Enclosure: Report on Thomas Cooper’s Collection of Minerals, 9 July 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
At the request of Professor Cooper , we have examined a Collection of Minerals, selected for the College of Charlottsville , and find them to consist of— 1st. Specimens of all the Rocks constituting the Primitive, Transition, Secondary and Flötz Formations. The specimens are large, and chiefly American. They fully illustrate the Geology of the United States , as far as it is at present known....
33Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 28 July 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Binns informs me he has sent you a copy of his Declaration of Independance; finished, except as to the arms of the United States ; and he desires me to say that when you have looked at it, he will feel himself obliged by any suggestion you may be inclined to make for the improvement of it; which he will carefully attend to. Mr Collins went to Baltimore just before the meeting of the...
34Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 13 September 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you at the Bedford Springs of this State , supposing from what I saw in the newspapers, you might be there. The castings are at last furnished. J. Vaughan has undertaken to forward them according to your directions. The seal is done; & the impression sent to you, which as soon as it receives your approbation I will pay for, as I shall for the castings, when the account is sent to...
35Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 11 October 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you to Bedford Virginia , and since to Montecello . The castings were shipped about Six weeks ago to by M r John Vaughan who undertook the commission and thought it expedient to wait for a fresh assortment from the Furnace. The Bill will be presented to me and forthwith paid. About three months ago I procured a seal for the University , of which I sent you an impression: I did not...
36Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 22 October 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I received and perused with much surprize and regret, your communication of the 15 th Instant , announcing the Inability of the Visitors of the University of Virginia , to fulfil the proposals made to, and accepted by me. I was aware from what I had lately seen in the newspapers, that the Institution was under pecuniary difficulties, but I could not be aware of their extent, or their bearings....
37Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 25 October 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I have reflected on the proposal of the board of Visitors . Besides the untoward circumstances stated in my last letter to you , I have just received a letter from M r Wickliffe of Lexington Kentucky , stating that as I could not engage myself permanently there, in consequence of my previous engagement in Virginia , the board had declined the offer of my temporary assistance in favour of D r
38Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 24 November 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for your letter of the 19 th Inst . How I shall dispose of my own time next year, I know not. M rs Cooper is desirous of removing in Spring, and remaining there till I can join her; of course, if the garden walls could with propriety be finished round the garden, it would be a convenience. I have succeeded in my law suit , but the land I had verbally contracted to sell last April,...
39Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 18 December 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the Seal for the University a long while by me, without knowing how to transmit it. The cost $16—which I think cheap. It is paid for. I shall set out to Columbia in South Carolina by the time you receive this. They have elected me Professor of Chemistry at the Columbia College ; at my request for 12 months only; as I stated to the trustees , my engagements in Virginia . should any...
40Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 24 December 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I sent you yesterday a Democratic Press containing a view of the Missouri Question. I shall send the Seal &c by M r Stack . I set out to Charleston on Tuesday. By this days post I Send you a pamphlet to amuse you. should any thing occur, pray write to me at Columbia . As I know not whe r I shall be hear here again, I shall leave a draught either in favour of M r
41Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 10 February 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
M rs Cooper writes to me that no letter has been received from you since my departure from Philadelphia , and desires to know whether she is to set out with her family to Virginia in the beginning of the Summer or sooner. My first course here, will end in June. my second will occupy four months of the next winter, when I shall quit this situation for Charlotte’sville If I am wanted there....
42Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 1 March 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I have waited anxiously to hear from you whether I shall certainly be wanted at Charlottesville next Spring. My family are at a loss whe r to prepare for their departure thither, or to this place. I have this day received a letter from Richmond , enclosing the following extract from the Rev. J. H. Rice ’s evangelical Magazine for January last p 49. “ The Visitors of the University have made...
43Enclosure: Thomas Cooper’s Order on Alexander Garrett, [by 3 March 1820] (Jefferson Papers)
Please to pay to the order of M r John Vaughan of this City seven hundred and fifty dollars being an anticipation in part of my salary as Professor in the University of Virginia agreably to the terms of my proposals in a letter to M r Jefferson of 25 Oct r 1819 MS ( ViU: TJP ); in Cooper’s hand, with notations in other hands as indicated; undated; adjacent to signature: “Treasurer of the...
44Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 21 March 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I received yours of the 8 th yesterday. The contents greatly chagrined me, as it is on every account to be regretted that your Institution cannot go into operation till 1822; and even that period is contingent. I was right in the commencement of our correspondence on this subject, in taking into my calculations the chapter of accidents. I shall request M r Vaughan to transmit you a draught not...
45Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 24 April 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your letter announcing the prejudices excited among the people by the Clergy, without surprize. I have never published any thing on theological subjects in this country, but the Sentiments you may have read in my review of D r Priestley ’s philosophical & metaphysical writings. In England about 35 Years ago , I published something of the same kind, but neither here or there, any...
46Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 3 May 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
On monday last 1 st instant , the board of Trustees of south Carolina College , at a regular meeting, (usually held here, during the courts of appeal in Law & Chancery , the Judges being Trustees) unimously unanimously determined That it should be proposed to and urged with the Legislature to appoint a Professorship of Geology and Mineralogy, or else a professorship of Law, with a Salary of...
47Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 12 July 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for your kind letter of the 4 th but I can give no decisive answer as to S. Carolina . The Trustees passed an unanimous resolution to apply to the Legislature for a new Professorship with 1000 Dlrs a year, giving me the option of Law or Geology and Mineralogy. I preferred the latter as more immediately connected with Chemistry, & they will apply for it. Whether the Legislature when...
48Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 21 August 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for your friendly letter . I hope to go by land to Carolina & to be there, about the middle of Oct r . M rs Cooper takes my family by sea in November. I think if Mess rs Eppes & Baker are at Columbia by the beginning of the second week of Oct
49Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 31 August 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
When I can be at Monticello I cannot yet determine. I attend to your movements. I write to say, that Columbia is situated on a Sand bank. One mile from the River, & 200 feet above it. I believe it to be as healthy, as any place in the Union, if I can judge from what I have seen of the place, & the uniform testimony of its most respectable Inhabitants. The situation impressed me with the common...
50Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 1 September 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote hastily yesterday for fear of losing the post. But as I believe I am in time to day, I write to say that I think there is nothing to be apprehended at Columbia in point of health. There is no swamp, no stagnant water near it; the mist of the River grounds, has never been known to cross the main street; and during the three last years, it has not only been healthy, but singularly so....