1To Thomas Jefferson from Matthias E. Sawyer, 26 August 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Wishing to partake of the advantages arising from the University of Virginia; and having no personal acquaintance from whom I could derive the necessary information; I have taken the liberty of applying to you; under the gratifying thought, that you will not consider it unworthy either of your time or talents to devote a few moments to the instruction of the young men of this country. The...