Thomas Jefferson Papers

Joseph C. Cabell to Thomas Jefferson, 17 December 1818 (second letter)

From Joseph C. Cabell

Senate Chamber. 2 p.m. 17 Decr 1818.

Dear Sir,

Since writing the within I have conversed with Mr Davidson, the Senator from Clarksburg. He arrived but two days ago. His friendship I was sure of: I feared the opposition had drawn him so far over, as to silence him: but I did him injustice. He tells me he has conversed with 22 members from the N. West: and they all, except one,1 expressed themselves in favor of the Central College. Davidson’s information again revives my hopes of a favorable issue. He will be very useful to us on this occasion, and his arrival is well timed & very fortunate. Thro’ him I can penetrate the designs of the opposition, and I trust be able to break their combination. Rest assured, sir, that nothing that I can do on this occasion shall be omitted to procure success. I will not stir from the seat of Government till this business is settled: my friends have urged me to go to Williamsburg: but I have refused; even if the dangers to my life existed, which they apprehended, I could not risk it in a better cause.—Faithfully yours

Joseph C. Cabell

RC (ViU: TJP-PC); endorsed by TJ as received 20 Dec. 1818 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with PoC of TJ to Mordecai M. Noah, 11 Apr. 1819, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Monticello”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 17 Dec. Enclosure: Cabell to TJ, 17 Dec. 1818 (first letter).

mr davidson: George J. Davisson.

1Cabell here canceled “promised.”

Index Entries

  • Cabell, Joseph Carrington; and establishment of University of Virginia search
  • Cabell, Joseph Carrington; health of search
  • Cabell, Joseph Carrington; letters from search
  • Cabell, Joseph Carrington; proposed visit to Williamsburg search
  • Davisson, George Izzard; and establishment of University of Virginia search
  • Virginia, University of; Establishment; and General Assembly search
  • Virginia; General Assembly search