Thomas Jefferson Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/03-11-02-0538

James Pleasants to Thomas Jefferson, 25 August 1817

From James Pleasants

Goochland 25th Augt 1817

Dear Sir,

Your letter covering a subscription paper to the Central college reached me at our last court. on that day also I received a letter from General Cocke on behalf of the visitors, directed to my self and several other citizens of this county, who were associated with me, empowering us to solicit subscriptions for the benefit of the institution. Five of us out of seven, were at court, and had a meeting on the subject of the letter, and agreed upon a mode of proceeding. We were strongly impressed with the benefits which would arise from an institution established in that part of the country, under such regulations as the one contemplated will no doubt be placed. The healthfulness & cheapness of the Country are also strong recommendations. Most of the old institutions are so high in the expences attending, that it amounts to a prohibition to parents of small property. I am much in hopes we shall be able to make a respectable collection, though do not anticipate any thing like what has been done in Albemarle. A Copy of the subscription list was sent us, and we were impressed with the opinion that it was very liberal indeed. The subscriptions here will I think be all payable in the 4 instalments, which plan has I think enhanced the amount considerably, & will continue to do so. With sentiments of highest respect, I am dear Sir yr obt &c

James Pleasants jr

RC (CSmH: JF); endorsed by TJ as received 11 Sept. 1817 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with PoC of TJ to Edmund Bacon, 29 Nov. 1817, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson esqr Monticello Albemarle”; address partially canceled and redirected in an unidentified hand to Lynchburg; stamp canceled; franked; postmarked Goochland Court House, 2 Sept. 1817, and Charlottesville, 6 Sept.

On 5 Aug. 1817 John H. cocke recorded in his diary that he had “Sent George to Carysbrook & to Carry a letter to Majrs Pleasants Poindexter &c &c of Goochland with a Subscription paper for the Central College” (MS in ViU: JHC).

Index Entries

  • Central College; subscription for search
  • Cocke, John Hartwell; slaves of search
  • George (J. H. Cocke’s slave); delivers letters search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Writings; Central College Subscription List search
  • Pleasants, James; and Central College subscription search
  • Pleasants, James; letters from search
  • Poindexter, Maj.; and Central College subscription search
  • subscriptions, non-publication; for Central College search