I regret that, in consequence of the serious indisposition of a member of my family, which took me from home for a few days, I did not receive your letter of the 13 Inst: till yesterday. It is unquestionably, in a very high degree, important that our law chair should be filled without delay, and as the two gentlemen to whom the appointment has been tendered have declined, I very cheerfully approve the choice of Judge Dade, of whose fitness for the station however, I rely entirely on the judgement of others, more capable, and with better opportunities of deciding upon his pretentions, than myself. Should he accept, I most sincerely hope that he may prove himself worthy of a trust, certainly very arduous, and to which I earnestly believe but few, either of our judiciary corps, or professional lawyers, are competent. I write, currente calamo, by the Steam Boat this morning, to fall in with the Mail of Thursday—for Charlottesville, and beg to assure you of my