I have been duly favored with your very kind letter of the 23d. It was our intention to take Castle Hill again in our way to the University, for which the former experienced welcome was more than a sufficient inducement. But I am under the disagreeable necessity of saying that a late indisposition has left a prolonged feebleness in the state of my health, which will deprive me of the pleasure of joining my Colleagues on the approaching occasion. I regret it very much, but with the alleviation, that the law has provided against any embarrassment from my absence.

I have requested the Secretary to apprize the Board of my inability to take my place in it. Should an improbable miscarriage defeat the request, you will be good eno’ to make this a notice to that effect.

Mr. Monroe has not yet arrived here on his way to the University. I heard with concern from Mr. Trist that he appeared at a late day, to be under an erroneous impression as to the time appointed for the meeting of the Visitors. I hope he will have been set right by a letter from Mr. Trist, in time for his attendance. Should the opportunity not be lost, I shall not fail to communicate your invitation for him.

I need not express the pleasure, the visit you intended would have given; or how much it would have been increased by the company of Mrs Rives; a pleasure we shall always feel whenever such favors can be repeated. Mrs. M. unites in tendering to you both our great respect and our best regards.