I recd. Sir, a few days ago your letter of Decr. 15. accompanied by that of Mr. Richardson. There being no vacancy or provision for such an Instructor in the University of Virga. I have sent his letter with an extract from yours to a friend in Williamsburg, who will communicate them to the proper authority in Wm & Mary. Should the services of Mr. Richardson be there wanted, a correspondence, will of course be opened with him. Should they not be wanted, his letter will be returned to me and receive the necessary answer. Should it appear that the Projected Institution at N. York has opened a chance of success for Mr. R. I will let his wishes be known there also; but it is not probable that the Establishment is ripe or very nearly so for an engagement of the Contemplated Professors.

Mrs. M. unites with me in acknowledgments, for the polite & kind terms in which you refer to our social intercourse at Richmond, and in offering our wishes for the re-establishment of your health, & for whatever else may conduce to the happiness of life.