I inclose an extract of a letter from Professor Dunglison communicating his purpose of leaving his Chair in the event of his being appointed to a vacant one at Baltimore; and I have recd. a like communication from Professor Patterson, which I understand from him he has made directly to you. These occurrences are very embarrassing; and in some respects the more so, as involving contingences, difficult to manage in the engagement of successors. Should Professor Patterson be withdrawn, it will be unfortunate that we did not avail ourselves of the disposition of Mr. Ritchie, probably now out of our reach. Mr. Richardson whose offer was handed over to Wm. & M. is also recollected, tho’ it does not appear that his qualifications embrace more of Nat. Phily. than the particular branch of Astronomy. It is an unpleasant circumstance that he should have been made a Candidate agst. Mr. P. whose views were unknown to me, and that Mr. P. should become an agent against himself.

I hope you will turn your thoughts to the whole subject as it affects the University, and let me have the benefit of them. With great esteem & regard