This will be presented to you, by Mr. J. T. Shepherd whom I most cheerfully recommend to your favorable consideration—as a young Gentleman of considerable merit; both in relation to his literary acquirements and his exemplary moral deportment. Should the Visitors of the University, at the head of whom, you are placed; contemplate the appointment of a Tutor to aid those who are not well grounded in the minutiæ of the Greek and latin languages, I should be much pleased, that, my young fr[i]end Mr Shepherd could be honored with that office or any other which might enable him to pursue the bent of his wishes and fondest predilections. By the fall Mr. Shepherd will be thoroughly qualified, for the above appointment, and as his exemplary and gentlemanly deportment, while with me, has prepos[s]essed me in his favor I should be much gratified if such provision could be made for him, comportable with the best interests of the University, as might enable him to pursue such a course of liberal studies, as he desires; but which the pecuniary embarrassment of his deceased Father’s estate will not enable him otherwise to pursue—with sentiments of the greatest respect I am yr afc Humb Sert