I have the pleasure to inclose you the letters of Messrs. Brown & Long, which you were so obliging as to send me for perusal. I am glad that the latter Gentleman possesses the kind feelings towards us which he expresses. I have heard from him several times, and in all his communications he alludes to his great Interest for this Institution & for the Country.

I regret very much that we are about to lose Mr Lomax, our Law Professor, as you are well aware. He has endeared himself to us all by many ties and his loss will be severely felt in more respects than one. I look with anxiety mixed with Uneasiness to the appointment of a successor. A little longer continuance in the same condition would I think have added to our prosperity, but these successive withdrawals must impress the community with the idea that there is something unpleasant ab[out] the situation and must render them cautious in bestowing their patronage. The truth is that some uncertainty has been thrown over the minds of more than Mr Lomax by certain proceedings at the last meeting of the Board of Visitors and there is some danger of bonds being separated which were at one [ ], believed to be closely cemented

I trust, however, that the apprehensions may be groundless. Still they have had the effect of separating Mr Lomax from us.

Tomorrow we shall commence our Examinations and have determined to be as rigid as at the close of the Session. It may be important to our discipline that the Student should be aware that it is necessary for him to study from the very commencement of the Session and a rigid Examination at this period may effect the object.

Permit me to hope— a hope in which Mrs Dunglison cordially joins me that your fatigues in Richmond– protracted. I presume much beyond your Expectation have not affected your health [injuriously]: & with our united heartfelt regards to Mrs Madison and yourself believe me, dear Sir Most Respectfully yours