Thomas Jefferson Papers

“D.W.” to Thomas Jefferson, 22 January 1822

From “D.W.”

Kentucky, Louisville 22d Janry 1822

Sir,

Are not the best regulated universities in this Country deficient in not embracing the Elements of Military Science in thier courses of Tuition? Persuaded that with me, you will answer this Question in the affirmative, I take the liberty to Suggest for your consideration the propriety of establishing for that purpose a professorship in the University of Virginia. The interest which I understand you take in, and the fostering care which you bestow on this Institution, will, I hope, be an apology for this intrusion.

To attempt a justification of my project to one who is so capable of appreciating its merits as you are, would be an act of Supererogation. With the most profound respect for you as a Philosopher & a Politician, altho’ not personally acquainted with you, I am Sir,

yr. very Hble Servt

D.W—

RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as an anonymous letter about “Military school” received 10 Feb. 1822 and so recorded (with bracketed notation: “D.W. military school”) in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Ferdinand R. Hassler, 22 June 1824, on verso; addressed: “Mr Thomas Jefferson Montecello Virginia”; stamped; postmarked Louisville, 22 Jan.

Index Entries

  • anonymous authors; letters from search
  • education; military instruction search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Correspondence; anonymous letters to search
  • military; and collegiate curriculum search
  • Virginia, University of; Faculty and Curriculum; military-science professorship search
  • “D.W.”; letter from search
  • “D.W.”; proposes military-science professorship at University of Virginia search