M Blatterman has this day transmitted to you testimonials of his character, & of his capacity to teach the modern languages, which will, I trust, be found satisfactory.—

Having lived under his roof for many months & taken lessons from him occasionally in the French & German languages, I am perfectly free to say: that his sobriety, diligence, readiness1 clearness in communicating information are remarkable & eminently entitle him2 to confidence & commendation.—

Mr Bevan of Georgia, who was his pupil a few months ago, & had a better opportunity to Judge of his pretensions, entertained a very high opinion of Mr Blatterman, both as regards his character & qualifications as a teacher & will I am sure, be quite happy to unite his testimony with mine in Mr B.s behalf.—

Since you left London I have had an interview with Doctor Jones, who is well acquainted with Mr Blatterman, & thinks him singularly qualified to discharge the duties of the Professorship for which he is a candidate, with advantage to the Institution & credit to himself.

Doctor Jones takes a warm interest in this matter, & has written on the subject, to Mr Jefferson & to Benjamin Vaughan Esqr.—

Mr Blatterman is about thirty six years of age, in good health & ardently attached to his profession:—He is married but childless & Mrs Blatterman unites to a disposition the most gentle & amiable a considerable knowledge of the French and Spanish languages, & having lived as a governess in a family of rank and distinction in Gibralter, is qualified to render herself useful as an instructress of young ladies.—

I beg leave to add that in urging Mr Blattermans’ pretensions, I am as strongly influenced by a desire to render service to a public Institution in Virginia as by a wish to promote the interest of a highly worthy & respectable man. Accept, My dear Sir, a sincere assurance of the respectful & affectionate regards