2221From James Madison to Henry B. Bascom, 21 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of June 26. inclosing a copy of the Charter of the College, having arrived during an absence from which I am just returned, I could not sooner acknowledge it. It gives me pleasure to find that the Trustees are about to attach to the Institution, an Agricultural Department, an improvement well meriting a place among the practical ones, which the lights of the age, and the genius of...
2222From James Madison to Naphtali Phillips, 20 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison, with his respects to Mr. Phillips, informs him that the date asked for in his letter of the 9th. inst. is March 5. 1751. RC (Abraham Lincoln Book Shop, Inc., Chicago, Ill., 2008; http://www.alincolnbookshop.com ).
2223Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 19 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
The board met, present the same as yesterday. Resolved that the Bursar of the University be authorised to borrow from Thomas Jefferson Randolph, trustee of Mrs Martha Randolph, a sum not exceeding Twenty thousand dollars, at an interest of six per centum, per annum , payable semi-annually, at the office of the Farmer’s bank of Virginia, in Richmond. For the money so borrowed, a stock shall be...
2224From James Madison to the President and Directors of the Literary Fund, 19 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
The following was the annual report this year made to the President and Directors of the Literary Fund. In obedience to the law requiring that the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia should make a report annually to the President and Directors of the Literary Fund, (to be laid before the Legislature at their next succeeding meeting,) embracing a full account of the disbursements,...
2225Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 18 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
The Board met, present the same as yesterday Resolved that the Professor of Chemistry be requested to prepare and to lay before the Visitors at their next meeting, the plan of a chemical Laboratory and of a Lecture room connected therewith, large enough for the accommodation of a class of 200 Students; & that the proctor be required to present an accompanying estimate of the expense of...
2226From James Madison to Dolley Madison, [17 July 1827] (Madison Papers)
I recd yesterday morning, your welcome letter of Saturday evening. I hope you recd. in due time my two last, the latter of which will have dissipated any doubts as to the degree of my indisposition. As I hoped, my health has continued to strengthen. I joined the Board yesterday, and am well enough today for the ride home if the business were over. But this is not the case and I fear a...
2227Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 17 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
The board met, present the same as yesterday. A letter was received and read from Professor Emmet, on the subject of the chemical laboratory. The reading of the minutes of the Faculty was resumed. Professor Bonnycastle was admitted to a conference on the subject of the schools of Mathematics and of Natural Philosophy. Resolved that hereafter, there shall be a standing committee of the...
2228To James Madison from Dolley Madison, [16 July 1827] (Madison Papers)
I trust in God that you are well again—as your letters assure me you are. How bitterly I regret not going with you! Yours of “friday Midday” did not reach me til last eveg. I felt so full of fear that you might relapse that I hasten’d to pack a few cloaths & give orders for the Carriage to be ready, & the post waited for, this morg—happily—the messenger has return’d with your letter of...
2229Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 16 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
The board met, present James Madison rector, James Monroe, George Loyall, John H. Cocke, Chapman Johnson, and Joseph C. Cabell. On their return from a visit to the examination room, Professor Bonnycastle was admitted to a conference on the subject of class reports as applicable to the school of Natural Philosophy. Professor Dunglison and the Proctor were then conferred with, on the subject of...
2230Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 14 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
The Rector still confined. The board met, present the same members as yesterday. The Proctor’s report on the state of the Library was received, & read. The rest of the day was taken up in attending on the examination. MS ( ViU : Special Collections).
2231Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 13 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
The Rector still confined to his bed. The board met, present James Monroe, George Loyall, John H. Cocke, Joseph C. Cabell and Chapman Johnson. The board had a conference with Th. Jefferson Randolph on the subject of the loan to the University proposed by him as trustee to his mother, Mrs Martha Randolph. They then attended the examination; on their return from which, they commenced reading the...
2232To James Madison from Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 12 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to call to your recollection the following subjects—viz: Shall contracts be made for the finishing of the Steps of the Portico of the Rotunda? Shall the plastering of the Western lecture room and the entrance Hall be finished during the Vacation? with or without Cornices? Shall the eastern lecture room be fitted up with similar benches & desks to those in the Western lecture room?...
2233To James Madison from Edward Coles, 12 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
My Brother has transmitted to me your letter to him of May 29., from which I perceive that you are in error in supposing that you are due me any thing on account of the Bank stock sold you, beyond the amount of your Bond. So far from it, that if any thing were due to either, it should be from me to you, & not from you to me. For the Stock has been sold by you for less than I believed it would...
2234Edward Coles’s Account with James Madison, [ca. 12 July 1827] (Madison Papers)
Dr. For a check on the Bank of Va. enclosed I. A. Coles in payment of Bank Stock—being $16:00 over and above the amt. due for Sd. Stock } 1600 Cr. By cash enclosed 16:00. 00:00. MS ( DLC ). Verso docketed by JM . Undated; conjectural date assigned based on Edward Coles to JM , 12 July 1827 .
2235Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 12 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
The Rector was taken seriously ill during the night; and is now confined to his bed. No meeting of the board, except for attendance on the examination. MS ( ViU : Special Collections). “A letter has been received in this City from a gentleman in Charlottesville, dated on the 12th. which states […] that Me. Madison was taken extremely ill with the Cholera Morbus on the night before; and that on...
2236From James Madison to Dolley Madison, 11 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
We made out to get to Mr. Goodwins by 5 OC. where we luckily fell in with Genl. Cocke. After consultation as to our lodging &c at the University, he was left to make the arrangements on his arrival, which would be that evening. On our reaching the University the morning after, we found, much to our satisfaction that he had provided by treaty with Mr. Broken-borough, that we shd. all lodge in...
2237To James Madison from Alexander Garrett, 11 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
Your letter, enclosing the proposal of the trustees of Mrs. Randolph, for the loan to the University of Virginia; was duly recieved; and in obedience to your instructions I immediately communicated the same by letter to the Visitors of the University, from whom I have recieved answers accepting of the loan as proposed, “with the understanding, that the interest upon the certificates shall be...
2238Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 11 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
The board met, present the same members as yesterday. Communications were received & read from various persons. The Reports of the Bursar and Proctor were received. After which the board were again occupied in attending on the public examination. MS ( ViU : Special Collections).
2239Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 10 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
At a meeting of the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia, held at the University on the tenth day of July 1827, at which were present James Madison rector, James Monroe, George Loyall, John H. Cocke and Joseph C. Cabell. A letter was read from Professor Key, dated March 10th 1827, communicating the resignation of the office held by him in the University, as authorised by a...
2240To James Madison from Naphtali Phillips, 9 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
Desirous of making a few historical memorandums for the use of my children, I take the liberty of requesting you to inform me on what day you was born. I would not take this liberty but have been Unable to ascertain it in this City. May you enjoy every happiness Compatible With the present State of Society. Your H. Servt. RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM . Naphtali Phillips (1773–1870) was...
2241To James Madison from James Taylor, 9 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
I do my self the pleasure to introduce to your acquaintance, Chapman Coleman Esqr Marshall of the State of Kentucky, a particular friend of mine & one of our worthiest citizens. Mr Coleman is a Native of your County, but left it when quite young & has not visited it since til the present trip. You will find him able to give you much information, both as to your friends & acquaintances, as well...
2242From James Madison to Lawrence T. Dade, 7 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
The great and affectionate esteem I ever felt for the deceased Revolutionary Patriot whose name I introduced on the 4th. inst: will not permit me to withhold the recollected substance of what fell from me on the occasion. But in complying with your request, I must be allowed to make the general remark, that when I received the invitation of the anniversary celebration, my anticipation was that...
2243To James Madison from Lawrence T. Dade, 5 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
The notice you took yesterday, of one of our revolutionary patriots (Governor Page) interested those who heard you much: justly distinguished as he is already, for the many acts of devotion to the cause of the People in our revolutionary, struggle; nevertheless, the peculiar, circumstances, under which he acted, to which you had reference; and which I believe, are within the knowledge of but...
2244From James Madison to Jacob Engelbrecht, 4 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
Though the request your letter makes be a little singular, a compliance with it seems due to the motives which prompted it; and a short autographic extract is accordingly subjoined. “In Europe, charters of liberty have been granted by Power. America has set the example of Charters of power, granted by Liberty. This revolution in the practice of the world, may, with an honest praise, be...
2245James Madison’s Remarks at Orange Court House for a Fourth of July 1827 Dinner, [4 July 1827] (Madison Papers)
The toast was given: “James Madison. He arrested the march of consolidation and gave construction to the written powers.” “Upon the annunciation of this sentiment, Mr. M. arose, and after making his acknowledgments for the kind notice taken of him, which he was very sensible he owed more to their partiality, than to any just claim he had to it, Mr. M. said, he would propose for commemoration a...
2246To James Madison from Richard Bache, 2 July 1827 [letter not found] (Madison Papers)
¶ From Richard Bache. Letter not found. 2 July 1827. Calendared in the lists probably made by Peter Force ( DLC , series 7, box 2).
2247From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
Among the names which are presented for consideration in filling the vacant Chair in the University is that of Thomas H. Levins, now of New York, formerly of the District of Columbia, where he was Professor of Mathematics in the College. Letters in his favor are recd. from Mr. Calhoun, Genl. McComb, and Mr. A. H. Powell who I suppose is the present Member of Congress of that name. Whatever be...
2248To James Madison from Henry B. Bascom, 26 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
Accompanying this letter, I send you a copy of the charter, of “Madison College” —by reference to the 9th. Art, you will perceive, it is the intention of the Trustees, to have attached to the Institution, an Agricultural Department, in which all the various arts & uses, of this important branch of human industry, shall be taught upon scientific principles and daily reduced to practice , in the...
2249From James Madison to the Managers of the Fourth of July 1827 Celebration, 26 June 1827 [letter not found] (Madison Papers)
¶ To the Managers of the Fourth of July Celebration. Letter not found. 26 June 1827. Offered for sale in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 1301 (13 May 1937), item 147, where it is described as an autograph letter signed from Montpelier in which JM promises to deliver the oration at the Fourth of July celebration at the Orange Hotel.
2250To James Madison from Nathaniel Bowditch, 25 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
I have not the least personal acquaintance with Mr. Timy Walker, nor do I know anything about his acquirements. I believe he completed his studies at Cambridge and left that college about a year since & he was then well spoken of. He is now an instructor in the Northampton Seminary. A few days since, upon the resignation of the mathematical tutor in Cambridge, who instructs in the lower...
2251To James Madison from Jacob Engelbrecht, 25 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 20th Inst, came to hand this afternoon, and I hasten to comply with your request, wishing only to add, that, as our national anniversary is nearly at hand, I would most respectfully suggest the propriety, of writing your letter on that day, which would certainly add much to its Value, Please accept the assurance of my profound respect and Esteem, RC ( DLC ).
2252To James Madison from Lawrence T. Dade and Others, 24 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
The citizens of Orange Court House and its vicinity, intend to celebrate the anniversary of American Independence at the Orange Hotel; and most respectfully request your company on that Occasion RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM : “Dade L. & others.” Edmund Pendleton Taylor (1791–1840) was a physician who lived at his plantation, Meadowfarm, north of Orange, Virginia, and at Spring Garden in the town...
2253To James Madison from John Hartwell Cocke, 23 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
I received your circular of the 27. May in due time. In a letter which I have just received from Mr. Short, he says, “I have lately taken up an idea from an expression which accidentally fell from a Gentleman with whom I was in conversation, & who is acquainted with Mr. Adrain, that he would accept the vacant Professorship in the University of Virginia if offer’d to him.” I deem it useless to...
2254From James Madison to Charles Dexter Cleveland, 22 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison, with his respects to Mr. Cleveland, thanks him for the copy of his Epitome of Gretian Antiquities. Such a digest, appears to have been called for, and from such parts of it, as J.M has been able to look into, he readily infers that the task has been usefully executed. The Copy will be duly deposited in the Library of the University of Virginia. Draft ( ViU : Special Collections,...
2255From James Madison to Roberts Vaux, 22 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison, with his respects to Mr. Vaux, thanks him for the copy of his letter to Mr. Roscoe, so judiciously and seasonably interposed in behalf of the Penitentiary System, an experiment so deeply interesting to the Cause of Humanity. Draft ( DLC ); Tr ( PHi ). Tr marked “True Copy R Vaux.” Roberts Vaux, Letter on the Penitentiary System of Pennsylvania: Addressed to William Roscoe […]...
2256From James Madison to Jacob Engelbrecht, 20 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
On a critical re-examination to which I was just led, of the appearances on which my letter of Ocr. 20. 1825, ascribed the poetic effusion copied from a page in Bartrams pamphlet, to Doctor Franklin, I find that I have committed an error in the case, by hastily applying the word “Given” to the pamphlet, when it was meant for the poetry, and by mistaking for the handwriting of the Doctor, what...
2257To James Madison from Alfred H. Powell, 20 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of recommending to your particular notice The Revd. Mr. Levins lately of George Town D. C. now residing in New York. Mr. L. has learned that a vacancy is about to take place in the Professo[r]ship of Mathematics at the Central College and is anxious to fill the Station. I presume the Character of Mr. L. as a mathematician cannot be unknown to you. He is at present one of the...
2258From James Madison to Timothy Clowes, 19 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
Your two letters of May 4. & 25. with their respective enclosures have been duly reccd. as has been a letter from Mr Hatch, enclosing the copy of Certificates refered to in the first of them to me. These several communications will be laid before the Visitors of the University of Virga. at their appointed meeting on the 10th. of next month. FC ( DLC ). In Dolley Madison’s hand.
2259From James Madison to Thomas C. Levins, 19 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
Since the rect. of your letter of May 7. I have recd. a letter of May 13. from Mr. Calhoun inclosing yours to him of Apl. 25: and since that your letter of June 14: all of which will be duly laid before the Visitors of the University of Virginia, at their Meeting appointed for the 10th. of next Month. With great respect Draft ( DLC ). Docketed by JM with additional note: “Levins Ths C....
2260From James Madison to Nathaniel Bowditch, 18 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
Since you did me the favour to answer my enquiries concerning Mr. Francis Grund, the name of Mr. Timothy Walker has been brought to our attention. May I intrude again on your kindness with a request of your view, as far as you may have had an opportunity of forming one, of his qualifications for a Mathematical Chair in a University. I am fully aware, Sir, of the trouble I am imposing on you,...
2261From James Madison to John Farrar, 18 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
Since I recd. your obliging answer to my enquiries concerning Mr. Francis Grund, the name of Mr. Timothy Walker has come to our knowledge as worthy of attention, in providing a Mathematical Professor for our University. As it is understood that he is a late graduate of yours, and can not therefore but be known to you in the more essential features of his Character, I venture on the liberty of...
2262To James Madison from Alexander Macomb, 18 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
Mr Thos. C. Levins, now of the city of new york, but formerly professor of mathematics & natural philosop[h]y in the College of Georgetown in this District, understanding that the present Professor of Mathematics in the University of Virginia was about to resign his situation, has requested me to mention him to you as a candidate to fill the place of professor of mathematics, when it shall...
2263From James Madison to Charles Johnston, 16 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
I recd. in due time your favor of May 21. accompanied by a copy of the Volume containing the well-written narrative of your Capture by the Indians, with sketches of their Character & manners. I have not however till within a few days been able to give it the reading I wished. The narrative would be interesting were it merely a tale of fiction. But stamped as it is with an authenticity so well...
2264To James Madison from Thomas C. Levins, 14 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
A few weeks since I had the honour of addressing you relatively to the Professorship of Mathcs. in the Virginia University. I then stated my wish to be admitted to fill the station, shd. I be deemed worthy, and shd. the present professor resign. The present letter is written, simply under the impression my former communication might not have been received. On the subject I wrote to the Honble...
2265From James Madison to Nicholas P. Trist, 12 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 8 th. is just come to hand. I send you the letter of Mr. Coolidge to me referred to in his to you, and with it a paper giving a sample of Mr. Grund’s professional Exhibitions. I send also the answer of Mr. Farrar recd. since you saw that of Mr. Bowditch. Tho’ favorable to Mr. G. it is cautious. These papers may remain with you till the meeting of the Visitors. It may not be amiss...
2266To James Madison from James Brown, 10 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
The Packet which sailed from New York for Havre on the 1st Ulto. brought me your letter of the 12 of April in which you request me on behalf of your University to ascertain how far the studies and acquirements of Mr Moncure Robinson have qualified him for the Professorship of Mathematics in that Institution. I have seen Mr Robinson frequently since he arrived in Europe, and feel much pleasure...
2267From James Madison to Richard Bache, 8 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
Yrs. of is just recd. I am too sensible of yr. kind intentions in takg up the note it speaks of to hesitate in determining to save you from loss [ illegible ]. I am sorry to be obliged to add that as the case comes on me witht. any foreknowledge of it, & finds me a sharer in the general pressure of the times, I must hope that either the draft itself allows time, or that yr. conveniency will...
2268From James Madison to Joseph Coolidge Jr., 8 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your favour of May 28. with the printed & manuscript papers of Mr. Grund. The communication, with whatever other documents interesting to him may come to hand will be laid before the Visitors of the University at their meeting on the 10th. of July and will bring him into consideration along with the other men of Science disposed to fill the chair vacated by Mr. Key. The...
2269From James Madison to John Farrar, 7 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
I recd in due time your favor of May 17th for which I return many thanks. The Vol: on astronomy to which it refers being retarded on the way arrived but a few days ago. For this also I must tend. my thanks. As soon as I have glanced at its contents, I shall send it to our Univy. where its merits will be best appreciated; and where I know that one of your former labors is highly valued. Draft (...
2270From James Madison to Bernard Peyton, 7 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 2d. is duly recd. I was not very sanguine as to the sale of my Tobo. being aware of the effect of the drought on it. But it has fallen short of my hopes, not being sufficiently aware of the mismanagement complained of. We must try & do more justice to the crop in hand which is an enlarged one, and in land which promises Tobo. of the first quality: The prospect in our wheat fields...