1Francis W. Gilmer to Thomas Jefferson, 1 November 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
My inclination to visit Philadelphia with Mr Correa which has been strengthened by every days acquaintance with h im has finally determined me to do so; and I must beg of you the favor which you were so kind as to promise, in giving me a letter to Doctr. Wistar . I am sensible, of the obligation which such a recommendation as yours will imp ose upon me of deserving it, & will promise my...
2Francis W. Gilmer to Thomas Jefferson, 13 November 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you from Richmond , soliciting a compliance with the promise which you were so kind as to make of a letter to D r Wistar . The apprehension that my letter may not have reache d you, and the desire of making my visit to Philadelphia as pleasing, and as instructive as possible induce me to renew my applicatio n To which permit me to add, that nothing will give me more pleasure, than...
3Francis W. Gilmer to Thomas Jefferson, 16 February 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
During the sickness which has confined me to my room a great part of the winter, and from which I am still but slowly convalescent, I have occasionally turned my mind to the Florida question which the late demand of the Chevalier Onis has revived. When in Philadelphia last winter, I obtained from his secretary Mr. Heredia , the whole strength of their cause, which I found so weak, that I...
4Francis W. Gilmer to Thomas Jefferson, 10 July 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I have delayed until now the acknowledgement of your favour of June 7 th inclosing the ‘ traité du droit naturel ’ par Mr. Quesnay , from Mr. DuPont ; under the expectation that you would not return from Bedford ’till about this time. I can but feel myself flattered by your very polite invitation to meet our ‘ admirable friend the Abbé,’ as Mr. DuPont , calls him, at Monticello
5Francis W. Gilmer to Thomas Jefferson, 27 November 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I owe many apologies both to you and to Mr Dupont for having delayed until now the translation of the treatise of Mr. Quesnay . I have however almost ever since I received it, been engaged in the courts: having recently commenced the practice of the profession, I have found the forms of judicial proceedings require much of my attention, I have too, to make my way thro’ a thick rank of counsel...
6Francis W. Gilmer to Thomas Jefferson, 18 August 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I am penetrated with regret at the death of your illustrious friend, and I would fain call him mine— Mr. DuPont (de Nemours) —It is a consolation to me that I had redeemed before his death every promise which I ever made him.—His treatise on National Education was translated, of which I apprized him before I heard that he was indisposed. So long as he lived his own genius preserved the...
7Francis W. Gilmer to Thomas Jefferson, 15 January 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I have now the honor to inclose you the subscription to the central college . I have set about manuscript papers in some other counties with a request that they be forwarded to you or M r Madison . Some subscriptions will be made in Fauquier . P.S. one gentleman from particular circumstances has subscribed 300$ less than he at one time promised—which makes the whole amount that much less than...
8Francis W. Gilmer to Thomas Jefferson, 18 March 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose this letter to Mr. Jefferson both because it is an injustice to Ticknor to deliver even a message from him in any other words than his own, and because I am sure it will give him pleasure to hear young Terril thus spoken of by such a man. In the ‘ darkness visible ’ of Richmond , it is a happiness, a privilege, to be illuminated by the radiance of such a mind. If the enemies of...
9Francis W. Gilmer to Thomas Jefferson, 26 November 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I have heard with great pleasure of your convalescence. by winter you will be quite well to enjoy the triumph of the university which is now beyond all danger. It is highly probable that you will be consulted by friends from Philadelphia as to a successor to Dorsey & our excellent friend Doct r Wistar . Should you be—I must beg of you to converse with Colo: Randolph on the pretensions of...
10Francis W. Gilmer to Thomas Jefferson, 23 June 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
It is never without self-reprehension that I make a request which can for a moment draw your mind from the great concerns in which it is constantly engaged. But you are the only person living who can answer a very interesting question which has arisen in the general court . A citizen of Virginia has been indicted before that tribunal for a felony committed in George Town in the district of...
11Francis W. Gilmer to Thomas Jefferson, 29 November 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr William B. Page of Frederick has put into my hands as counsel a long record, from which I find, that on the 3 d Augt. 1787. a judgement was obtained by yourself and Mr Eppes executors of Mr Wayles against Col: Byrd for £96.. 12.. 9. 3. and costs—when assets. Mr Page is executor of Mrs Byrd who was executrix of her husband
12Francis W. Gilmer to Thomas Jefferson, 24 January 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
The court of Appeals has given judgement in one of the usury cases [ Taylor. v. Bruce ] and I hasten to apprise you of the result. I should have done it with more pleasure had the decision been different. I do not understand the particular nature of the transaction in which you are indorser for Col. Nicholas . I must therefore give you an outline of the case of Taylor & Bruce leaving to you...
13Francis W. Gilmer to Thomas Jefferson, 8 October 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
one of the last injunctions of our excellent & ever to be cherished friend Mr Corrêa , was, that I should send a small quantity of the ashes of Salsola kali to D r Cooper , that he might learn whether it contain as much Soda when growing remote from the sea, as when contiguous to it. The season being rather far advanced for a fair experiment even when I returned to Richmond , I lost little...
14Francis W. Gilmer to Thomas Jefferson, 15 November 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received the farewell of Mr. Corrêa to Virginia , to you, and to us all. I cannot so well acquit myself of the obligation his kindness has laid me under, as by inclosing his letter to you. I who know the sincerity of the sentiments it contains, can appreciate its worth. Read it, and be good enough to return it at your leisure. RC ( MoSHi : Gilmer Papers); at foot of text: “...
15Francis W. Gilmer to Thomas Jefferson, 10 December 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a little treatise which I wrote in Albemarle during my summer’s visit; on what is growing every day to be an important question in jurisprudence & politics. The notions of Bentham are every day becoming more popular in Virginia , and it is time the other side should be heard. I do not know your opinions on the subject, nor do I hope to edify you at all on the matter; I send you...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 25 October 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me dear Sir, to introduce to your acquaintance, Mr. Greenhow, a well informed young gentleman, who just returning from Italy, to his native state, is desirous of visiting Monticello. At the same time, I beg to present to you, a copy of Cicero’s “Re Publica,” lately recovered by the diligence of the Abbé Mai. It is a rare satisfaction, to have it in my power to offer to so distinguished...
17To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 3 December 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I avail myself of the first moment of leisure, to answer your letter of the 23 d nov r which requires the less consideration, because the same wish had already been intimated to me, long ago, by three of your colleagues. An acceptance of the ulterior appointment, as you observe, goes to an entire change of my whole plan of life: and the prudence or propriety of making so total an alteration in...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 6 May 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received both packets you forwarded. I arrived here this morning at 10 o’clock, and have already taken a birth, on board the Cortes, (Capt. De Cost) which sails on Saturday (the 8 th ) at 10’ o’clock for Liverpool. Permit me to suggest that if the Bursar has any option in the matter, he would find the Bank of Virginia more prompt and liberal in its dealings than the F.rs. The Cortes is...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 6 June 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Within this hour, I have arrived at Liverpool, after a voyage of 26 days from New York to Hollyhead. We were six days beating in St. George’s channel, against a wind dead ahead and it still continuing, I determined to disembark at Hollyhead, & to proceed by land thro’ Wales. I was obliged to come by this place, else I should have gone directly to London. I shall remain here only long enough,...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 21 June 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you at Liverpool informing you of my arrival on the 6 th Hatton lying immediately in my way to London, I determined to call on D r Parr: unluckily for me, he had gone to Shrewsbury; and I shall be obliged to visit Hatton again, before I go to Oxford. Since my arrival in London eight days ago, Mr. Rush (who is soon to return to the US) has been so constantly engaged, that he could do...
21To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 7 July 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I left London for this place on the 22 d of June, immediately I had procured from Mr. Rush, the necessary letters. I found on my arrival here, the same evening, that the long vacation at the university, had virtually commenced three weeks before, that is while I was at sea. of the three persons to whom I had letters, he on whom Mr. Brougham principally relied, was absent on a visit of a week....
22To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 20 July 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Doctor Parr (Samuel) was delighted with your letter, and received me with the greatest kindness. I have now been two days with him. Tho’ not above 76 years of age, I soon discovered, that he was too infirm, to be of much service to us in the selection of professors. Tho’ he is our decided and warm friend, my interview with him has been the most discouraging. He has however been of great...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 13 August 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
It is now more than a fortnight since I arrived at the ancient capitol of Scotland. The first four or five days were spent, in making inquiries for persons fit for any of our purposes, but especially for anatomy, natural history, and natural philosophy, for I had well satisfied myself in England, that we could not, except by chance, procure either of the latter there. In all Scotland, from all...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 27 August 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
My last letters from Edinburgh gave you so gloomy an account of our prospects, that I hasten to relieve the picture. When I saw needy young men, living miserably up 10 or 12 stories, in the wretched climate of Edinburgh reluctant to join us, I did not know where we could expect to raise recruits. While at Cambridge, I became acquainted in Trinity College, with an intelligent & fine young man,...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 15 September 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I have given you so much bad news, that I determined to delay writing a few days, that I might communicate something more agreable. When I returned from Edinburgh, where my ill success, is in fact to be ascribed (I am well assured) to the ill will of some of our Eastern Bretheren, who had just before me, been in Scotland, I determined to remain at London, as the most convenient point for...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 16 September 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
This is to recommend to your favorable reception, D r Dunglison, our professor of anatomy. &c. I have already mentioned him to you in a previous letter, as a man of talents, well acquainted with the branches he is to teach, & a writer of eminence on medical & physiological subjects. In addition to all that, he is highly amiable, and will be an accession to our society. MoSHi : Francis Walker...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 4 October 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I have made only the following draughts on Gowan & Marx, on account of the University—none of the money having ever passed thro my hands. viz. 20 th Sep £80. 0.0 29 th Sep. 21.16.6 15 t octr 1129. 7.6 do 50. 0.0 do. 50.
28To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 12 November 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just arrived in 35 days from Cowes, of Continuel tempest, emaciated to a shadow, not by sea sickness only, but by the bitter aggravations of a violent fever the whole way, exasperated by want of a physician, of medicine, of food, of rest, & of attendance. I shall be here some time to recruit. I am happy to inform you, I have engaged all the professors but for the chair of natural...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 13 November 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you a few words yesterday merely to apprize you of my arrival. I am likely to be confined here with the Doctors some weeks, God knows how many, and now send you a letter from D. Stewart whom I did not see, for his state of health made it improper to call on him: & another from J. Campbell the Poet. all Campbell expects is, the patronage of the university & of yourself for his young...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 28 November 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
D r Blaettermann will arrive in the Trident, bound from London, to new York; & I wonder he is not in. The other professors will arrive in the Liverpool Packet of the 16 th octr. at new York also, & that too, must be here in a few days. My health is still so low, & my future strength so precarious, after such a continued & dreadful shock, that I could not with propriety give a positive...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 30 November 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I observe from the paper, that both the Trident, & the Columbia (Liverpool packet) have just arrived at this port, and no doubt our professors with them; but being too ill to be of any service to them, I may not perhaps see them. They could not at the time procure a passage to the Chesapeak. It may be of use to you in making fixtures for their reception, to know, that, Blaettermann has a wife...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 3 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
During my illness, which still confines me to my room, I have sounded Torrey, as to the Professorship of Natural history. With very high expectations from the university, he for particular reasons, prefers West Point. The next best person I can hear of, and undoubtedly superior to any I saw in Gr. B is D r J. P. Emmet, son of the eminent Counsel of New York. He I find will accept it with...
33To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 4 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received your letter of Nov r 30 th . most of the inquiries I had already answered by anticipation. I am sorry we cannot obtain Torrey, but believe Emmet will make quite as able a lecturer, on chemistry, he is superior. He will certainly accept it. I have seen him at my room. as to the law chair, I am utterly dismayed by the labour it will require, so soon after a long &...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 26 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here on saturday after a very fatiguing journey from New York, staying two days in Baltimore, & as many in Norfolk. I did not write to you after receiving your last letter because I hoped to see you before this. I find myself so weak & so much exhausted by the Steam boats, that I think it imprudent to try the stages to charlottesville. as soon however as I can bear the journey I...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 13 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I have deferred writing to you, with the daily expectation of setting out to see you. My strength after so long a confinement naturally returns very slowly, and even now it would fatigue me too much to travel by the stage to Albemarle, nor can I consent to accept the private carriages which have been offered me. I am very desirous to see you, & to report to you fully my conduct, opinions &c....
36To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 21 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Marx, in writing to me from London, nov r 6 th says, “the professors sailed in the Competitor.” He does not mention on what day. This gives them on any estimate, a voyage of near 80 days. Tho alarming, the case is not desperate. It grieves me however, that their delay, should frustrate our opening in Feby. which I knew you had so anxiously at heart. My recovery is constantly retarded by...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 27 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I send by Mr. Garrett, a short report, such as my state of health enables me to make out at a sitting, without being irksome. I will enter into details when I see you, which shall be as soon as the roads are passable. I send also, a catalogue of the books & apparatus. Part only of the books have arrived. They should be opened without delay. Some delay I fear will occur, in sending a portion of...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 31 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Intelligence has at last reached us, that the Competitor is not lost; it put into Plymonth in the gale, & was there on the 8 th Dec r We may expect the professors every day. The delay is vexatious, but less distressing than the loss of the professors would have been. MoSHi : Francis Walker Gilmer Papers.
39To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 14 February 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received from Key the gratifying intelligence, that he, Bonnycastle, and Dunglison, are all in norfolk. They will be here early Wednesday morning, and in Charlottesville I suppose, by the Saturday’s stage. I had fixed on wednesday last, for setting out to albemarle. we had four days continued rain (& it is now raining) which will delay me another week. MoSHi : Francis Walker Gilmer...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 23 February 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I received yesterday from Mr. Key, a letter from D r Birkbeck of London, inclosing another from Mr. Harwood, of which I deem it my duty to apprize the visitors of the university. Mr. Harwood is the Lecturer on Natural History, at the Royal Institution, London. He was the only person I had any idea of employing in this department, of whom I could hear. His engagements however would not permit...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 12 March 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I kept no copies of the numerous notes which passed between Mr. Barlow and myself, on the subject of Mr. Bonnycastles engagement, but I have a very distinct recollection of the offer & assurances I made. you will observe, that the contract with D r Blaettermann allows him only $1000 salary after the first year. Without any very specific understanding with D r Dunglison & Mr. Key, in my...
42To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 13 March 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you a very full account of all that passed between Mr B. & myself. I am astonished he should be so entirely in error, from any thing I ever said or, wrote, for I know not what Mr Barlow may have told him. I am surprised that the books from the continent which were to be shipped in Nov r were not shipped on 29 th Jany. I cannot understand this. I have been waiting 6 weeks for a letter...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 10 May 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received from Mr Minor, a note urging me to call on you to day. Had my health permitted, I should have been with you weeks ago, but I can neither bear the fatigue of so long a ride, nor of continued conversation, and should be every way a troublesome & unprofitable guest to you. I hope in a week, to be able to see you. But my present health, & the long continuance of my sickness, render...
44To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 24 May 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
When I wrote to you last about the claim of Mr. Bonnycastle, I had not the least conception of the light in which he viewed the case, nor of the necessity of some speedy decision on it. I supposed there could be no occasion for you to act until the forfeiture was claimed, or I should certainly have taken a more immediate interest in his behalf. The letter I wrote contained my recollection of...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 28 May 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
on my arrival here, I found two letters and a bill of lading from Gowan and Marx, concerning the books you have already received. His letter does not apprise me, whether the two shipments of books he mentions, completes the order. a copy of a letter from Bohn to Marx, mentions also, a small box of books consisting of additions, omissions &c. to that part of the order to be executed in London....
46To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 10 August 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your letter of the 5 th and should have called to see you, but for my constant unwillingness to add another to the crowd of visitors who harass & oppress you. My health is much improved, and I hope the Springs will quite restore it to me. I set out tomorrow or the next day for “Bowyers White Sulphur,” where I shall remain about three weeks. MoSHi : Francis Walker Gilmer Papers.
47To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 23 October 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I reached this place last monday exhausted by fatigue & long sickness almost to death. The daily hope of being better, & able to visit you, has prevented my even sending to inquire after your health. I shall wait on you in a few days. Mr. Johnson (whom I saw at Lynchburg) had given me a great deal of very unpleasant intelligence of the university. The temper of Mssrs. Key & Long toward me as...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 1 December 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I am here looking after a mild air, and have had for eighteen days the most unpleasant weather I ever knew, at this season. If I have strength to lecture, I shall begin on the 1 st Feby. I am tired of long inactivity, and had rather die in harness than in the stable. I found a door to connect the chamber with the study in the Corinthian pavilion, absolutely necessary to any comfort, and hope...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 14 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have delayed perhaps longer than I ought informing you, that the state of my health renders it impossible I should join the university by February. For my own part, I have been so long sick, & growing worse, that I have little hope of ever being good for any thing again. I know the delicacy which the interests of the university requires. There will be a considerable law class concevened...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 24 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I am glad to hear you are so well. My health is such that I can only say I have denied every body. I could not talk with you two minutes without injury. Moreover I am forbidden to go down a high pair of stairs. When I can hold a conversation & leave my room, I shall still be proud of the honour you now offer me. MoSHi : Francis Walker Gilmer Papers.