It is probably not unknown to you that the Visitors of the University of Virginia, anxious to procure for it Professors, with higher qualifications than might be attainable here, had recourse for a supply in part to Great Britain. They had the good fortune to engage five, all of whom have answered their expectations. One of them, however, Mr. Key professor of Mathematics, though friendly to the Institution and to the Country, is so anxious to return with his family that he has been released from his contract which obliged him to remain with us for five years. We are consequently under the necessity of looking out for a Successor; and it being uncertain whether we shall succeed at home I take the liberty in behalf of the Visitors, of requesting the aid of your enquiries, where they were so successful before. The terms on which the present foreign Professors entered the University, were that they should have a Salary of $1500 per annum, with fees from their pupils of $50–30–201 each, as they might enter 1. 2. or more schools; and be allowed a suitable Pavillion free of rent. The Mathematical School has been one of those most numerously attended. It will be expected, as in the former instances, that a new professor should be bound to continue in his station for five years.

What I have particularly to ask, is that you will be so kind as to avail yourself of the best opportunities you may have, of ascertaining whether a suitable character can be obtained on those terms, and that you favor us with the information with as little delay as possible.

In the meantime it will be our duty to see what prospect may exist at home; keeping the door open as long as may be for any option presented from abroad, and not losing sight of the possibility that no such option may be presented.

Mr. Key’s term expires on the 20th. of July, from which date there will be a vacation till the 1st. of September; and again a recess from the 15th: to the 31st. of December. It is much to be wished that the vacant chair could be filled before the end of the vacation; but it will be better to wait till the end of the Recess, than not to have it well filled; the mathematical Class being provided for as well as we can during the period from the 1st. of Sepr. to the last of December. On the 10th. of July there will be a periodical meeting of the Visitors lasting till the 20th: by which time it will be better known what are our prospects in this Country, and we may perhaps have some lights from you as to those in G.B.; possibly some decisive communication on the subject. I mention all these circumstances, because they will be of use in the enquiries and negociations to which the object with which we trouble you may lead.

It being possible that the Resignation of Mr. Key may produce a translation from the Chair of Natural philosophy, you will do an additional favor by extending your enquiries as to a fit character for that professorship.

Among the Mathematical names that may come into our consideration is that of Mr. Hassler, of whom I believe you have more knowledge than any one we can consult. He has the reputation of being an able Mathematician, and has lately published a work on Trigonometry which Mr. Key as well as others regard as a favorable specimen of his scientific powers. But it is very material to know whether there be joined to these, other points of character external & internal essential to a good manager of youth & a good associate in the administration of an University. My slight interview with him left an impression that his articulation and enunciation were not advantageous. These defects, however, tho’ not to be disregarded are not so serious in a mathematical, as in some other professorships.

I am sorry to be obliged to say that the number of Students is as yet considerably short of that of the last year. The fact is explained by the uncontrouled extravagance of the Students, and the unexampled difficulty of providing pecuniary means, which have prevented the return, of a large number, since the recess. The new and effectual guards adopted by the Visitors at their last Session, had removed the first evil; as well as otherwise greatly improved the discipline of the Institution. As a proof of both, a large proportion of the present Students are new Comers, avowedly in consequence of the new regulations; so that notwithstanding the actual decrease from 170 to less than 120, the estimate of their future numbers, is more flattering than heretofore.

Mrs. M. & myself had promised ourselves the opportunity of welcoming you with Mrs. Gallatin & your daughter at our domicil before you again crossed the Atlantic. We will not abandon the hope of that pleasure at some future day, assuring you both, that in the meantime we cherish all the affectionate regards we have ever professed for you.