1Thomas Jefferson to University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 30 September 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Brockenbrough has been closely engaged, since our last meeting in settling the cost of the buildings finished at the University , that we might obtain a more correct view of the state of our funds, and see whether a competency will remain for the Library. he has settled for 6. Pavilions, 1. Hotel, and 35. Dormitories, and will proceed with the rest; so that I hope, by our next meeting, the...
2Virginia Council of State’s Appointment of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 29 February 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
The Governor called the attention of the board to the subject of appointing Visitors for the University of Virginia in Conformity with the provisions of an act of assembly passed the 25 January 1819 —Whereupon, the following persons were duly appointed Visitor—to wit: Thomas Jefferson — James Madison — Chapman Johnson — Jos. C. Cabell
3Thomas Jefferson’s View of the Expenses and Funds of the University of Virginia, [ca. 28 September 1821] (Jefferson Papers)
A view of the whole expences & of the Funds of the University Actual cost estimated d o Averages D D D Pavilions. N o 3. & 7. undertaken in 1817.18. 19,149. 81 9,574. 90 N
4Thomas Jefferson and John H. Cocke to James Breckinridge, Joseph C. Cabell, Chapman Johnson, James Madison, and Robert … (Jefferson Papers)
In obedience to the resolution of the visitors of the university at their last session, the Proctor has been constantly employed in ‘ascertaining the state of accounts under contracts already made, and the expence of compleating the buildings begun and contemplated’: and we have consequently suspended, according to instructions, ‘the entering into any contracts for the Library until we see...
5Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 16 October 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Either inaccurate expression in myself, or the misapp r ehension of a friend to whom I had communicated my former letters on our finances , having obliged me to write another in explanation, I inclose you a copy of it because you had taken the trouble to read the others. I should wish this to be seen by those to whom you had communicated the former, lest they also should have misapprehended...
6Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 30 September 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
In my letter of the 23 d an important fact escaped me which, lest it should not occur to you, I will mention. the monies arising from the sales of the glebe lands in the several counties, have generally I believe, and under the sanction of the legislature, been deposited in some of the banks. so also the funds of the literary society. these debts, altho’ parcelled among the counties, yet the...
7From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Carrington Cabell, 22 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved your favor of the 16 th yesterday at noon and immediately turned in on the task it prescribed to me, in order that I might get it into the mail which is made up this evening. I am so worn down by the drudgery that I can write little now: the bill is most hastily drawn and will need your severe amendmt. I have said nothing of the manner of obtaining an account of the funds of the...
8From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Carrington Cabell, 23 January 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
When I wrote my letter of yesterday I had not seen the Enquirer of the 17 th I recieved it in the evening & did not close my eyes thro’ the night but to dream of the Scotch gift presented us by the University bill with it’s amendatory Provisos. for thus they make it stand. ‘Be it enacted that the 15,000. D. annual endowment given to the University shall stand discharged of all liability for...
9Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 10 September 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I omitted in my letter of yesterday to return Barrois ’ catalogue with thanks for the use of it. I omitted also to observe that it would be better that the bill for the elementary schools should not be known as coming from me. not knowing the present pulse of the public, should there be any thing unpalatable in it, it may injure our college as coming from one of it’s visitors. I wish it to be...
10Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 15 January 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
The messenger who carried mine of yesterday brought me in return your’s of the 5 th . I shall be anxious to hear from you after our report of the 6 th shall have been laid before the legislature , & to learn what impression it makes. because that shews how near we are to the accomplishment of a good College, one that cannot but be thought of some value to the state, and the urgency of their...
11Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 16 February 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
A resolution which I saw in the papers for the adjournment of the legislature the day before yesterday prevented my writing to you in the belief it could would not find you in Richmond . M r Summers now tells me he thinks you will set into the next week. the obj after acknoleging the reciept, since
12Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 27 June 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from Judge Cooper of Pensylvania , a political refugee with D r Priestley from the fires & mobs of Birmingham . he is one of the ablest men in America , & that in several branches of science. the law opinion which he mentions, I have recieved, and a more luminous one has not been seen. it will produce a revolution of opinion on the question treated. not in the present...
13Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 14 January 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your two favors of the 3 d & 7 th and in them the proof of your continued zeal for the object of our joint labors. of the course most prudently to be pursued mr Johnson & yourself are best judges. you alone are in a situation to know the state of the pulse of the body on which our institution depends for life or death; and to you I leave it entirely. silence and...
14Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 22 January 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you the inclosed as an exhibit to our enemies as well as friends. Kentucky , our daughter, planted since Virginia was a distinguished state, has an University , with 14. professors & upwards of 200 students. while we, with a fund of a million & a half of Dollars, ready raised and appropriated, are higgling without the heart to let it go to it’s use. if our legislature does not heartily...
15From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Carrington Cabell, 19 January 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I percieve that to the bill concerning the University an amendmt is proposed for suspending interest a certain number of years. you are sensible we could not propose to persons in foreign countries to break up, and abandon their prospects there and come here on compensations of temporary continuance only, which at the expiration of the suspension of interest would leave them without resource...
16Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 6 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be so good as to have the inclosed inserted immediately in the e Enquirer , and to place the expence to account of your next instalment? affectionate salutations. RC ( ViU: TJP ); dateline at foot of text; addressed: “ Joseph C. Cabell esq. of the Senate of Virginia now in Richmond ”; franked; endorsed by Cabell
17From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Carrington Cabell, 18 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his friendly salutations to mr Cabell, & his thanks for the communication of Workman’s pamphlet which he now returns, being in possession of one which the author had sent him some two years ago. of the Author he knew nothing personally; but being known to be one of the Mexican league, his availing himself of his office as judge to liberate his accomplices is not in his...
18From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Carrington Cabell, 22 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Let the contents of this letter be known to you & my self only. we want a Professor of Ethics. mr Madison and myself think with predilection of George Tucker, our member of Congress. you know him however better then we do. can we get a better? will he serve? you know the emoluments, and that the tenure is in fact for life, the lodgings comfortable, the society select E t c. if you approve of...
19Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 30 January 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
You will recollect that at the meeting of the Visitors of the University on the 4 th of Oct. last , mr Johnson being disabled by sickness to attend and having been prevented at the April meeting by bad weather we were we were apprehensive his commission might be vacated by a failure to act for one the space of one year , and I was requested to apply to the Governor for a renewal of the...
20From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Carrington Cabell, 28 January 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved your favor of the 23 d and it has entirely converted me to your opinion that we should let the primary schools lie for the present, avail ourselves of their temporary discredit, and of the breeze in our favor, until the University is entirely secured in the completion of it’s buildings and remission of it’s debt; and then to come forward heartily as the patrons of the Primaries...
21Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 20 November 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I very much lament the cause which has deprived us of the pleasure of seeing mrs Cabell and yourself at Monticello on your way to Richmond . I now commit to your care a letter to be delivered to the Speaker of the Senate , which contains the Report of the Commissioners who met at Rockfish gap . having been written in great haste, and by several hands, dividing the work in order to expedite...
22Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 13 July 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for Maine ’s recipe for preparing the haw, inclosed in your favor of the 4 th . I really thought it lost with him, and that the publication of it would be a public benefit. I do not know that his hedgethorn is to be found wild but in the neighborhood of Washington . he chose it, I think, for it’s beauty. I have extensive hedges of it, which I have too much neglected. the parts well...
23From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Carrington Cabell, 13 November 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d with real regret your’s of Oct. 27. the necessity of looking out for a substitute obliged me to act immediately. I consulted mr Madison, but it is of great importance to see you. pray therefore call on me as you go down. affectionate salutations ViU .
24Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, [ca. 26 February 1819] (Jefferson Papers)
M r Cabell is requested to lay the inclosed proceedings of his Collegues before the Governor & Council for the exercise of their power of Controul, should they consider any part of them as requiring. RC ( Vi : RG 79, House of Delegates, Speaker, Executive Communications); undated. Tr (
25Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 23 September 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 17 th is just recieved. I shall answer it, as usual, frankly, adding my suggestions to those you may recieve from others, or concieve yourself, that your own good judgment may examine all things and hold fast that which is good. having before imposed on you the Corvée of reading my general sentiments on the subject of our finances, I may be the shorter now. I then thought it...
26Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 31 January 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letters of the 23 d and 24 th come to hand just in the moment of the return of our mail. I have only therefore time to inclose the Conveyances for which Miller’s bill is hung up. I had no doubt but that he had deposited them with the other papers. friendly salutations. RC ( ViU: TJP ); dateline at foot of text; endorsed by Cabell. For the enclosed conveyances
27From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Carrington Cabell, 4 July 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
About a month before the reciept of your favor of June 24. I had been requested to draw the plan of a jail for the county of Cumberland adapted to the requisitions of the late law. I send you a copy of it, with estimates of the cost. some articles of it are left blank, because I had no ready means of coming at their value; but this may be as well obtained with you as here. there is only one...
28A Course of Reading for Joseph C. Cabell, September 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
A course of English History—recommended by Mr. Jefferson. Rapin to the end of Stephen. Ld. Lyttleton’s Henry II. Rapin’s R. 1. John. H. 3. E. 1. Edward 2. by E.F. by Sr. Thos. More. E. 3. R. 2. H. 4. 5. 6. Rapin. E. 4. Habington. E. 5. R. 3. Sr. Thos. Moor. R. 3. Rapin. Henry VII. Ld. Bacon. Henry 8. Ld. Herbert of Cherbury. E. 6. his own journal. E. 6. Mary Bp. of Hereford. Eliz. Cambden....
29Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 7 November 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
As the meeting of our legislature approaches, and I shall be absent in Bedford from the 17 th inst. to about the 8 th of Dec. within which period you will possibly be passing, I have thought it best to inform you that the Rivanna co. & myself consent that the bill concerning us which was before the legislature at their last session, should pass verbatim as amended by the Senate
30Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 18 December 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been detained a month by my affairs here, but shall depart in three days & eat my Christmas dinner at Monticello . I expect to find there the returns of our subscription papers , and I hope, the donation of the Cincinnati . these will enable me to make the report to the Governor which our board determined on. it will have to go the rounds of their residences for their amendments &...
31Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 3 September 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I am afraid I have kept your papers longer than you expected. mr Randolph ’s absence till within these two days has been the cause of it. they are valuable documents , and are now returned. with respect to the copy of my letter , I know it is safe in your hands, and I rely on your effectual care that it be kept out of the public papers. affectionately your’s RC ( ViU: TJP ); at foot of text: “...
32Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 5 January 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Dec. 27. with the letter inclosed , has been recieved. knowing well that the bank-mania still possesses the great body of our countrymen, it was not expected that any radical cure of that could be at once effected. we must go further wrong, probably to a ne plus ultra before we shall be forced into what is right. something will be obtained however, if we can excite, in those who...
33From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Carrington Cabell, 11 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
We are dreadfully non-plussed here by the non-arrival of our three Professors. we apprehend that the idea of our opening on the 1 st of Feb. prevails so much abroad (altho’ we have always mentioned it doubtfully) as that Students will assemble on that day, without awaiting the further notice promised. to send them back will be discouraging, and to open an University without Mathematics or...
34Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 24 January 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 16 th experienced great delay on the road and to avoid that of another mail I must answer very briefly. My letter to Peter Carr contains all I ever wrote on the subject of the College, a plan for the institution being the only thing the trustees asked or expected from me. were it to go into execution, I should certainly interest myself further & strongly in procuring proper...
35Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 17 January 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
In your last letter to me you expressed a desire to look into the question Whether, by the laws of nature, one generation of men can, by any act of theirs, bind those which are to follow them? I say, by the laws of nature, there being between generation and generation, as between nation and nation, no other obligatory law: and you requested to see what I had said on the subject to mr Eppes . I...
36Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 22 February 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I some time ago put into your hands a pamphlet proving indirectly that the Coll. of W m & Mary was intended to be a seminary for the church of England . it had been so long since I had read their printed statutes that I had forgotten them. looking lately into them, I find they declare that the 3. fundamental objects of the institution are 1. learning & morals. 2. to prepare ministers for the...
37Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 2 February 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of the 23 d & 24 th ult. were a week coming to us. I instantly inclosed to you the deeds of Cap t Miller ; but I understand that the Post-master, having locked his mail before they got to the office, would not unlock it to give them a passage. Having been prevented from retaining my collection of the acts & Journals of our legislature by the lumping manner in which the Committee of...
38From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Carrington Cabell, 22 January 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
After sending off my letter of the 19 th it occurred to me that I should have sent also the distribution of the sciences as I should propose them on the scale of 8. Professors. the inclosed is copied from the 1 st page of the Code of regulations which I have been preparing for the consideration of the Visitors. you will see by that that the Professors are already overcharged, and consequently...
39Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 19 February 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 15 th was rec d yesterday. the appointment of Visitors of the University is entirely unexceptionable; the only fear is that the distance of Gen l Breckenridge & mr Taylor will render their attendances uncertain. I should have been sorry indeed if either yourself or Gen l Cocke had been left out:
40Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 14 January 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
When, on the 6 th instant , I was answering yours of Dec. 29. I was so overwhelmed with letters to be answered , that I could not take time to notice the objection stated that ‘neither the people, nor their representatives, would agree to the plan of assessment on the wards for the expences of the ward-schools.’ I suppose that by this is meant the ‘pecuniary expence of wages to the tutor.’...
41Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 25 January 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
In a conversation with mr Garrett after his return from Richmond a few days ago he mentioned to me that the general opinion in the circles there in which he was, seemed to be that we could not expect within any moderate time more than 100. students at our university . this wonderful error proceeds from a want of information even as to our own state . my position with respect to that...
42From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Carrington Cabell, 4 February 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Brockenbrough has shewn me a letter, written anonimously, charging him with the grossest frauds and malversation in the office of Proctor of the University, and addressed to M r Griffin a member of the legislature. I know the hand writing of the letter as well as I do my own, and possess many samples from the same pen. it is from James Oldham one of our undertakers. I have known him 15. or...
43Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 3 January 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved a letter from M r Griffin a member of the legislature on the subject of the University , to which I have this day given an answer . not knowing to what purpose it may be used I inclose the letter and a copy of the answer for the information of mr Johnson and yourself, to enable you to meet any quotation which might be made otherwise than in the genuine terms & spirit of the...
44Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 9 September 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I promised you that I would put into the form of a bill my plan of establishing the elementary schools , without taking a cent from the literary fund. I have had leisure at this place to do this, & now send you the result. if 12. or 1500. schools are to be placed under one general administration, an attention so divided will amount to a dereliction of them to themselves. it is surely better...
45From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Carrington Cabell, 28 December 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 19 th was recieved some days ago, those of the 23 d the day before yesterday. at the same time with the former I recieved one of the same date from mr Rives, proposing a question to me, which, as he is absent, I will answer to you. it was, If the remission of the principal debt, and an accomodation of the cost of the library cannot both be obtained, what would be most desirable?...
46Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 26 February 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favors of the 20. & 22. came to hand last night. I congratulate you sincerely on having something begun on the subject of education. whatever be it’s faults, they will lead to correction. you seem to doubt whether mr Madison would serve if named a Commissioner for the location E t c of the University? but there can be no doubt that he would, & it is most important that he should. as...
47Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 6 January 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your favor of Dec. 29. the prospect it offers as to the general system of education is not very flattering. indeed I do not wonder at the confusion of opinion prevailing among the members of the legislature . a good system of education in the abstract is among the most difficult of problems, and this difficulty is infinitely increased when the system is to be modified and...
48Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 15 February 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I address this day to Gen l Breckenridge a letter as you desired ; to be shewn if it is thought expedient within the circle of discretion. I doubt much myself whether it’s exhibition to members independant in their purposes, & jealous of that independance may not do more harm than good. on this I put myself into the hands of my friends. I am sure you will see the propriety of letting no copy...
49From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Carrington Cabell, 22 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
The proposition to remove W m & Mary College to Richmond with all it’s present funds, and to add to it a medical school, is nothing more nor less than to remove the University also to that place. because if both remain there will not be students enough to make either worthy of acceptance of men of the first order of science. they must each fall down to the level of our present academies, under...
50From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Carrington Cabell, 16 May 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 5 th from Williamsburg has been duly received, and presents to us a case of pregnant character, admitting important issues, and requiring serious consideration and conduct. yet I am more inclined to view it with hope than dismay. it involves two questions. 1. shall the College of Wm. & Mary be removed? 2. to what place? as to the first I never doubted the lawful authority of...