1To James Madison from Chapman Johnson, 24 March 1827 (Madison Papers)
I am exceedingly sorry to learn, from your letter of the 18. that mr. Key has availed himself of our indulgence and resigned his place in the University. I see no serious objection to the permission which he asks to continue in office till the middle of August. It would certainly not be proper that he should vacate his seat till the 20. July—when the examination will be over, and the interval...
2To James Madison from Chapman Johnson, 3 October 1827 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 24. September, communicating Mr. Longs wish to resign his office in the University, at the end of the present session. I feel disposed to act as liberally towards Mr. Long, on this occasion as our duty to the institution will allow; but I doubt whether we should be justified in giving an unconditional assent to his leaving us, at the end of the session. I am...
3To James Madison from Chapman Johnson, 5 October 1827 (Madison Papers)
I have just received a communication from General Cocke, enclosing Mr. Shorts letters, on the subject of Doctr. Jones, also your letter with Mr. Browns and Mr. Bruces. I wrote to you a few days since, from this place, informing you, that doctr. Patterson had declined being a candidate to for the chair of Nat. Philosophy, in our University, and giving you an extract from his letter,...
4To James Madison from Chapman Johnson, 29 October 1827 (Madison Papers)
On my return home the other day I received a letter, from a freind in New York, mentioning Mr. James Renwick, at present professor of Nat. philosophy, in the college of Columbia, as a probable candidate for our vacant chair—and speaking of him in very high terms of commendation. Mr. Renwick does not wish to be regarded as a candidate, but his freind writes to obtain information to enable him...
5To James Madison from Chapman Johnson, 15 December 1827 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 9th. and am very sorry that my enquiries of Mr. Trist should have given you the trouble of writing; and am still more concerned to learn that you are indisposed. I sincerely hope your influenza and fever, have left you, and that you are restored to the enjoyment of good health. I received your communication on the subject of Mr. Harrison, and forwarded your...
6Chapman Johnson to James Madison, 8 March 1828 (Madison Papers)
I hope you will pardon my delay in answering your letter of December 19th. when I tell you, that ever since its receipt, I have been in duress, by the labors of my office, and by those which neither belonged to my office, nor should have been admitted into it— I now return you the letter of Mr. Trist, on Mr. Walker’s subject—and proceed to perform a promise I made to Genl. Cocke, but which I...
7Chapman Johnson to James Madison, 21 April 1828 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 24. March, accompanied, by the testimonials in favor of Mr. Ritchie and Mr. Dodd, was received, in the due course of mail; and I have been ever since expecting an opportunity to consult our brethren Mr. Cabell and gen: Cocke. Soon after receiving it, I learned that Mr. Cabell was in Washington, to remain there but a few days, and return through Richmond, on his way to...
8Chapman Johnson to James Madison, 3 August 1828 (Madison Papers)
As soon as I arrived at home, I wrote to Doctor Harrison, on the subject of the professorship of antient languages. In consequence of it, he visited me last night, and is now with me. I have explained to him the wishes of the visitors upon the subject, particularly their desire that he should devote his whole time to the duties of the station, in order that he may maintain as much as possible...
9Chapman Johnson to James Madison, 15 August 1830 (Madison Papers)
Since I inclosed you an extract of a letter from Mr Leigh recommending Colo. de la Peña for the appointment of tutor in the school of Modern languages, I have received several other communications, on the subject of that appointment which I send you herewith– One is from Mr. Stanard very strongly recommending Colo. Colonna, an Italian gentleman now in Richmond. He has been residing there for a...
10Chapman Johnson to James Madison, 23 July 1831 (Madison Papers)
I returned from the university day before yesterday, the visitors having finished their business and separated, wednesday evening—We had a bare quorum only till friday, when the arrival of Mr. Cabell, who had been detained by indisposition gave us five members, Mr. Monroes successor, Genl. Brodnax, not being with us. We regreted your absence very much, and the more, as it was caused by...
11Chapman Johnson, to Governor John Floyd of Virginia to James Madison, 3 June 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have just received a letter from Mr. Madison, in which he says,— "It has been suggested that the governor may wait for Some regular notice of the death of Genl Breckinridge, before he fills the vacancy occasioned by it. I hope this is not the case—He has all the Evidence of the event possessed, by any of us,—and beyond That of the news papers, better means of ascertaining it, than I...
12Chapman Johnson to Thomas Jefferson, 26 April 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter dated the 14 th of this month , was not received by me, until a few days since, on my return from an absence of a fortnight—Since that time, I have been very busily engaged in court every day, and must beg you to accept this fact as some apology for my permitting one or two post days to pass, without sending you the subpoena, you desired me to enclose—I hope the delay will produce...
13Chapman Johnson to Thomas Jefferson, 30 August 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Yesterday morning I received your letter from “ Poplar forest ,”— enclosing M r Divers’s answer to your bill against The Rivanna company —together with your notes thereon — I have filed the answer; and in pursuance of your request, will send you office copies of the answers, as soon as they are filed—None others have yet been filed—I will endeavour, too, to effectuate your wish, of preventing...
14Chapman Johnson to Thomas Jefferson, [5 August 1818?] (Jefferson Papers)
C. Johnson presents his respects to M r Jefferson , and asks the favor of him to drink tea with him this evening. RC ( DLC: TJ Papers , 213:38059); with Dft of TJ to Thomas Cooper, 7 Aug. 1818 , on verso; partially dated; addressed: “ M r Jefferson . Present.” This note was probably written during TJ’s brief stay at Staunton
15Chapman Johnson to Thomas Jefferson, 13 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving your very kind letter of the 3 d of this month ;—and will, if possible, avail myself of your invitation to be at Monticello the day before the first meeting of the visitors , on the 29 th instant. I am very sorry I cannot have the pleasure of spending a night with you, on my way home;—my time and the stages , I must necessarily make, will not allow of it— RC (...
16Chapman Johnson to Thomas Jefferson, 17 June 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your letters of the 9 th and 11 h of this month, addressed to M r Peyton and myself, with the exhibits depositions and notes therein referred to— The cause having been set for hearing during the term before the commencement of the court , I think it is probable, that it will be taken up and argued at least, during the present term—This will pretty certainly be the case, unless...
17Chapman Johnson to Thomas Jefferson, 19 June 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Brooks , who tells me, that he is going to the University , to cover some of the buildings with tin, has asked my opinion as to different modes of putting it on, and desired me, to commun i cate that opinion to You— I do so, not from any confidence at all in my judgment upon the subject, but because I have been able to learn the opinions of others in this place, who have used this covering...
18Chapman Johnson to Thomas Jefferson, 1 July 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your favors of the 26. and 28 h instant, the former apprising me of the taking of m r Garrett s and the intention to take m r Coles ’s deposition—The latter enclosing m r Coles ’s deposition taken—
19Chapman Johnson to Thomas Jefferson, 7 July 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry that I shall not be able to communicate the result of your trial with the Rivanna company , before you leave home for Bedford — The court has taken a recess for this week, and will not proceed with the docket till monday next—That will necessarily postpone the argument of your cause, till the middle, perhaps till the latter end, of the week— This delay, however, has the advantage of...
20Chapman Johnson to Thomas Jefferson, 25 September 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
In my last letter to you, I told you, that after our term of the chancery court was over, I would write to you in Bedford , and inform you what had been done, in your suit with the Rivanna company —On reflection afterwards, I thought it probable, that you were not desirous of receiving letters whilst at the Forest , and I concluded that I would return defer writing until your return to...
21Chapman Johnson’s Memorandum on Thomas Cooper, 4 October 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
It seems to me that the interest of the institution , requires that the engagement with D r Cooper should be postponed, if it can be done with good faith for so that we may have the benefit of D r Cooper s services when the institution commences, without being chargeable with his salary, in the mean time— If this cannot be done, the next thing most desirable, in my estimation would be dissolve...
22Minutes of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 4 October 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the Visitors of the University of Virginia at the sd University on Monday the 4 th of September October 1819. present Thomas Jefferson , Robert Taylor , James Madison , Chapman Johnson
23University of Virginia Board of Visitors Report to Literary Fund President and Directors, 4 October 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
To the President & Directors of the Literary fund . In obedience to the act of the legislature of Virginia , intituled ‘an act establishing an University ’ & enjoining on the Rector & Visitors thereof ‘to make report annually to the President & Directors of the Literary fund (to be laid before the legislature at their next succeeding session) embracing a full account of the disbursements, the...
24Chapman Johnson to Thomas Jefferson, 28 February 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
You have seen by the new’s papers, and I suppose have been informed , by M r Cabell , that all we could do for the University , at the late session of the legislature , was to procure a law authorising the visitors to borrow any sum not exceeding sixty thousand dollars, at interest not exceeding 6 per cent, for the purpose of finishing the buildings— To effect this, the visitors are at liberty...
25Call for Meeting of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 30 January–13 February 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
We the subscribers, visitors of the University of Virginia being of opinion that it will be to the interest of that institution to have an occasional meeting of the visitors , by special call, on the 1 st day of April next , do therefore appoint that day for such meeting, and request the attendance of the sd Visitors accordingly; personal notice being to be given to them respectively one week...
26Minutes of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 2 April 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of Visitors of the University of Virginia at the sa said University on Monday the 2 d of April 1821. present Th: Jefferson Rector, James Breckenridge , Chapman Johnson & James Madison . A
27James Breckinridge and Chapman Johnson to John H. Cocke, 5 April 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
We returned yesterday from the University , where we regreted your absence very much, and were the more concerned to hear that indisposition had prevented your attendance— We had a bare quorum, M r Cabell and Gen l Taylor being also absent—the latter had not been heard from,— the former like yourself was prevented from attending, by sickness— Want of information of the state of our finances,...
28Call for Meeting of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 15 August 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
We the subscribers visitors of the University of Virginia being of opinion that it will be to the interest of that institution to have an occasional meeting of the visitors by special call on the thursday preceding the next meeting of the General assembly do therefore appoint that day for such meeting, and request the attendance of the sd visitors accordingly. Witness our hands on the several...
29Chapman Johnson to Thomas Jefferson, 25 August 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your circular of the 15 th inst: approved by Gen l Cocke , and enclosing a summon s for an extra meeting of the visitors — I entirely approve the reasons assigned for deferring the regular meeting of the board , and holding the extra session, shortly before the commencement of the next General assembly ;—and have therefore signed the summons, which I now return enclosed—
30Minutes of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 29–30 November 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the Visitors of the University of Virginia by special call on Thursday the 29 th of November 1821. at the University , two members only attending, towit Thomas Jefferson and Chapman Johnson , they adjourned to the next day. November 30. present Thomas Jefferson ,
31University of Virginia Board of Visitors Report to Literary Fund President and Directors, 30 November 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
To the President & Directors of the Literary fund . In obedience to the act of the General assembly of Virginia , requiring that the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia should make report annually to the President and Directors of the Literary fund (to be laid before the legislature at their next succeeding session) embracing a full account of the disbursements, the funds on...
32Petition of University of Virginia Board of Visitors to United States Congress, 30 November 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. The Petition of the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia on behalf of those for whom they are in the office of preparing the means of instruction, as well as of others seeking it elsewhere, Respectfully representeth That the Commonwealth of Virginia has thought proper lately to...
33Chapman Johnson to Thomas Jefferson, 29 March 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very sorry that it is not in my power to be with you, at the meeting of the visitors , on monday next; I am unexpectedly spancelled , in a criminal prosecution here, from which I cannot be released— M r Cabell , however, who does me the favor to carry you this letter, will be able to give you more information than I should, as to the proceedings of the legislature and the temper of the...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Chapman Johnson, 12 April 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your letter of the 9 th in which you propose to make absolute, the provisional instruction to our agent, for employment of the anatomical professor—I am very sensible of the advantages which the present occasion offers, for the engagement of this professor, and I am very desirous to have him in place, without unnecessary delay—But I fear it is not safe to venture in the expense...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Chapman Johnson, 23 April 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to thank you, for your letter of the 15 th inclosing a copy of the rules for the government of the University—I am glad to hear that they are approved, and I hope they will be found useful—My leisure has not been sufficient to examine them with attention—but most of them, at first view, appear to me judicious— The proposition to purchase Perrys land, I would advocate with much interest,...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Chapman Johnson, 26 May 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 13 th received yesterday, on my return from Lynchburg, imposes on me a very unpleasant duty— I have been acquainted with judge Dade, for ten or fifteen years, and for a part of that time very intimately—We have been actors on the same theatre, and have been together. under circumstances, which have produced a strong, and I hope durable friendship between us—Not to concur,...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Chapman Johnson, 10 August 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 4 th was received yesterday, and I hasten to answer it— I am glad, that we have it in our power to return to our first choice of a law professor—and very chearfully give my consent to the reappointment of M r Gilmer. You will probably find, that it will be agreeable to him, not to commence the duties of his office, for some months—His ill health since his return from Europe,...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Chapman Johnson, 10 December 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
It is my duty to apologise to you and the visitors who will be with you on monday next, for n o attending their meeting—It is a subject of great regret and s ome mortification to me. Though my duties here, are pressing and important, I would have dispensed with them, if by attending your meeting, I could have hoped to fulfil the objects for which it was appointed —But under existing...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Chapman Johnson, 26 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your circular, on the subject of the law professor has been received, and we have had a meeting to consider what ought to be done. The continued ill health of M r Gilmer is very much to be lamented, and we deeply deplore the prospect of his loss, in the University and his country— We are very sensible of the importance of filling the vacant chair, as soon as possible, but think that a meeting...