Mr. Key the able Professor of Mathematics in the University of Virginia is about to return to England, leaving a vacancy in that chair, which the Visitors are anxious to fill with an adequate Successor. Among the names which have been suggested for consideration, is that of Mr. Francis Grund,1 Teacher of Mathematics in Boston. Assured of your disposition to befriend the cause of Science, and presuming on your opportunities of judging of his qualifications, I take the liberty, in behalf of the Visitors, of requesting such information on that head, as may be convenient. Besides the question of Scientific competency, and moral deportment, it will not fail to occur that an aptitude for instructing and managing youth, and sharing in the administrative authorities of a University, are features of character necessarily claiming the attention of the Visitors.

As the University was not so fortunate as to obtain your much desired acceptance of a place in the Institution, the aid next in value is that of your judgment and counsel on such an occasion as the present.

It may be proper to observe that the name of Mr. Grund, is believed to have been brought into view without his knowledge of the circumstance; and it need not be observed, that whatever information you may be kind enough to impart, will be held in the reserve which delicacy may require. Pardon, Sir, this intrusion and accept assurances of my high & sincere respect.