Mr Johnsons letter to you of Aug 25th (enclosing a copy of Mr Leighs to him) was recieved when Genl Cocke was with me. we had the evening before determined to recommend to you the temporary appointment of Col Colonna D’Ormano as assistant to the professor of modern languages. The reciept of Mr Johnsons letter without comment from you induced us to believe the course recommended of a temporary appointment, was approved. we have therefore to save time announced to Col Colonna his appointment for one year, leaving the permanent of appointment of Mr Hervè, a matter to be acted upon at our leisure. We refer to you as being most competent, to assign the respective duties to the professor & assistant. Dr Blaetterman calling soon after Genl Cocke left me. I advised him to communicate his views to you relative to a division of duties. I will advise Col Colonna to the same course, as I apprehend much danger of dissention between them upon the subject. Drs Dunglisson and Patterson have each had conversations with Colonna and find him an excellent French Tutor so far as pronunciation goes and a man of education he understands French: Spanish & Italian.

Should you feel the task of assigning the respective duties to the gentlemen unpleasant, governed by your advice I will take upon myself the more unpleasant part of it, or any part or portion you may please to assign to me. With feelings of the most affectionate and devoted attachment yours,