I thank you very sincerely for your letter of 28 Dec: and am mortified at the circumstance of my having been the cause of so much trouble to you. I am happy to inform you that our prospects are now very favourable. Every thing is understood, every thing is arranged. Our bill will be introduced in the Committee of Schools & Colleges in a day a two. We ought to have had a select Committee to get rid of enemies, & to expedite, but the Report was committed to the Committee of Schools & Colleges by a member who knew not our views, & there would be certain difficulties in getting it away from that Committee. We hope we are strong enough to meet our adversaries at every stage. The Report, I am told, will have a very happy effect. I heard a thing last evening which is very pleasing. In McLenburg, Lunenburg, Brunswick, Greenville, Norfolk, & Essex counties, the University was made a test in the election last Spring. The members who voted against us last year, were turned out, or compelled to promise to vote with us. I have the facts as to the four first counties from Col: Powell of Brunswick, as to Norfolk from Col: Lee, and as to Essex from Mr Hunter. The Institution is gaining greatly to the South & to the east. & indeed every where. Clopton will be elected from the Wmsburg district. The University was made a test on the Henrico Hustings yesterday, & Clopton almost universally voted for. I got Mr Mayo to withdraw. If he had offered, he would greatly have jeopardized Mr Clopton’s election. The prints of the University will be bought up rapidly. Ever faithfully yours

Jos: C: Cabell.