James Madison Papers
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To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 11 October 1824

From Thomas Jefferson

Monticello Oct. 11. 24.

Dear Sir

The reciept of the inclosed letter1 did not give me more pleasure than I feel in communicating it to you. It has dispelled the gloom which that from Edinbg. had produced, and gives me hopes that all will end well. With a good Professor of Modern languages assured, a good one of antt. languages in view, a prime Mathematician engaged, we want really nothing essential but an able Natl. Philosopher, and that he cannot fail to find. As to a Medical Professor, it is the one we can best do without. Nat. history we can supply here. We may then let him go on and hope well. I shall still however write and communicate our sentiments to him, in which we differ nothing except in admitting the idea of one of our Sangrados.2 Better nothing than bad. It is the school we are least prepared for. Let it lie therefore, unless he should already have filled it up. I direct the advertisement to be issued this day, as decided by the Visitors. I will give notice to Gilmer that the Professors books will be duty free.3 I have been glad to learn from mr. Harris that Alexr. has not entirely abandoned all concern as to the opinions of the world. Affectly yours

Th: Jefferson

RC (DLC); draft (DLC: Jefferson Papers). RC fragment. Last sentence, closing, and signature clipped, with a note on verso in an unidentified hand: “Memo. Cut off for Miss Whittle of Millbank, Va. Sept. 28th 47.”

1Francis Walker Gilmer’s letter to Jefferson, 27 Aug. 1824, assured him that he had engaged “an intelligent and fine young man, distinguished even at Cambridge for his mathematical genius and attainments,” and had a lead on “the most fit person for the classics” (Trent, English Culture in Virginia description begins William P. Trent, English Culture in Virginia, Johns Hopkins University Studies in Historical and Political Science, 7th ser., 5–6 (Baltimore, 1889). description ends , 94).

2Sangrado: quack, after the fictional Dr. Sangrado, whose cure for all ills was copious bloodletting (OED Online description begins Oxford English Dictionary, www.oed.com. description ends ).

3Here the remainder of text, closing, and signature is supplied from draft.

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