41From 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...
42Thomas 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...
43Thomas 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...
44From 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?...
45From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Carrington Cabell, 12 March 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Having received from all our brethren approbations of the loan, I authorised M r Brockenbrough to engage the work of the Rotunda, and have it commenced immediately. we had only two bricklayers and two carpenters capable of executing it with solidity and correctness; these had not capital sufficient for so great an undertaking, nor would they have risked their little all but for a great advance...
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...