A Guide to the Papers of Joseph Carrington Cabell Relating to the Founding of the University of Virginia,
A Collection in
Special Collections
The University of Virginia Library
Accession Number 2791, 2791-a, 2791-b
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Preferred Citation
Papers of Joseph Carrington Cabell Relating to the Founding of the University of Virginia, Accession #2791, 2791-a, 2791-b, Special Collections, University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.
Acquisition Information
This collection was purchased from Mrs. Raymond Orf, Bremo Recess, 1972 July 25.
Biographical/Historical Information
Joseph Carrington Cabell, 1778-1856, was an early adherent to Jefferson's party and well-traveled for his day--having completed a tour of Europe November 1802-May 1806--Cabell had opportunities to serve in the administrations of Presidents Madison and Monroe. He declined even to run for a congressional seat, preferring Richmond to Washington. He served for decades in the Virginia General Assembly not because he was incapable of attaining a higher station, but because his service there well-positioned him to advance his two great interests, the University of Virginia and the James River & Kanawha Canal.
Thomas Jefferson recruited Cabell's aid in the earliest stages of planning for the University of Virginia. Jefferson first raised the issue with his friend in a letter of 5 January 1815, and Cabell thereafter served as the University's most faithful advocate in the state legislature. He was the prime mover first behind the incorporation of Central College in 1817 and second behind the selection of Central College as the official state university in 1819. In that year, Cabell joined Jefferson, his best friend John Hartwell Cocke, and several other of the Commonwealth's most distinguished citizens on the University's first Board of Visitors. When Cabell's energy faded and he considered resigning his post in the state legislature, Jefferson begged his friend in the strongest possible terms not to abandon his post as the institution's most capable friend in Richmond. "Nature will not give you a second life wherein to atone for the omissions of this. Pray then, dear and very dear sir, do not think of deserting us," he pined in January 1821. Cabell found some hidden reserve of energy and served the University of Virginia longer than any of its original founders, as a Board member until his death in 1856 and as a member of the General Assembly until 1835.
In addition to his remarkable contributions to the University, Cabell spearheaded the drive for internal improvements in the state of Virginia. He doggedly pursued his goal of connecting the James and Kanawha Rivers, thereby linking the Chesapeake watershed and the Mississippi River, and demonstrated perseverance and political acumen that even his opponents admired. Editor of the Richmond Whig, John Hampden Pleasants, marveled in 1842 at Cabell's ability to keep the project afloat despite the disapprobation of a majority of his fellow citizens. "To keep this majority passive, and not merely passive, but to impel them into active co-operation," he wrote, "argues a great knowledge of mankind, and a great talent for influencing them."
Cabell died at his Nelson County estate, "Edgewood," in February of 1856, survived by his wife of forty-nine years, Mary Walker Carter Cabell. Cabell left no children to mourn his passing, but the Faculty and Visitors of the University each passed resolutions honoring him. His grateful successors on the Board further commemorated his sacrifices on their behalf by naming the University's new academic center Cabell Hall in 1895.
Scope and Content
This collection consists primarily of Joseph Carrington Cabell's letters to Thomas Jefferson, 1810-1826, concerning the founding of the University of Virginia; the collection also includes Cabell's copies of the University of Virginia Board of Visitors' minutes and his memoranda concerning passages of Jefferson correspondence omitted from Nathaniel Francis Cabell's Early history of the University of Virginia, as contained in the letters of Thomas Jefferson and Joseph C. Cabell, hitherto unpublished (Richmond, Va. : J. W. Randolph, 1856.)
Contents List
Unwillingness to enter into an agreement with Judge Cooper regarding collection of minerals. His knowledge only that of an amateur. His collection lent to William and Mary and to [Louis H.?] Girardin.
Defense of T. J.'s rights against the petition of the Rivanna Company. References to [Philip P.?] Barbour and [Chapman] Johnson.
Services by Cabell, [P. P.?] Barbour, and [Chapman] Johnson in the Virginia legislature in defense of T. J.'s rights against the bill petitioned by the Rivanna Company. Action in the Senate and House of Delegates. Use of T. J.'s canal by the company and exemption of T. J.'s and his customer's produce from tools were involved.
Bill concerning T. J. and the Rivanna River Co. will pass the Virginia Assembly. Disagrees with T. J. on the length of the charter. Prefers Jean Baptiste Say's book on political economy to Adam Smith's.
Books forwarded through General Moore. Reelection of Governor Barbour expected despite discontent throughout the state. Consultation with Charles Everett and Jesse W. Garth relative to the petition of the Rivanna River Co.
Expresses limited approval of a state banking system. Voted for chartering Bank of Virginia. Restriction of the residence of a member of the House of Representatives to the district from which he was elected. Bill respecting the Rivanna River Company. Reasons for the division of state into wards.
Assembly's action on residence requirements for Congressmen. Passage of the Rivanna River Company bill in form agreed upon by T. J. and [Dabney] Minor. Bill to charter bank at Wheeling.
Return of T. J.'s letters on banking and finance which have been shown to William C. Rives, [John?] Tucker, Thomas Ritchie, and [John H.] Cocke.
Preparations for defense of Richmond against the British. Lack of money in treasury at Washington and Richmond. Loans from Bank of Virginia and from the Farmers' Bank to the state. Stopping of specie payment in these banks. Suggests Colonel Nicholas as next governor.
Issuing of state certificates to bolster public credit.
Tracy's work on political economy. Possible solutions of the problems of financing the state government: loan from the Farmer's Bank; issuance of treasury notes by the state; or a private loan by citizens. Thomas Mann Randolph's petition to open the falls near Milton and charge tolls on traffic conflicts with the Rivanna River Charter. References to Charles Yancey and William Wood.
Copies of the minutes belonging to Joseph Carrington Cabell. Some of the notes date from 1814, with the minutes of the Trustees of Albemarle Academy. The notes for 1826 March 4 and 5 (2 pp.) have interlineations in T. J.'s hand. (See "Bibliography of Unprinted Official Records" in sixth Annual Report of the Archivist, Univ. of Va., 1935-36).
Petition regarding the setting up of an academy in Albemarle County; possible effect on the College of William and Mary. Hopes it will induce such men as Jean Baptiste Say to reside in Virginia. Disposition of his enslaved laborers from Corotoman taken by the British. References to Dr. [Charles?] Carr, Peter Carr, Admiral Cockburn, John A. Smith, Destutt de Tracy, David Watson, and Charles Yancey.
Expects no opposition to Mr. Miller's petition. Some resistance to the bill for establishing Central College. Questioning of powers given the professors to imprison students. Possibility of a school for the deaf and dumb, taught by a Mr. Braidwood, to be attached to the college. Recommends enlisting the cooperation of Chapman Johnson, William G. Poindexter, Edward Watts and John W. Green of the Senate. References to [Peter] Carr, [Thomas W.] Maury, and [Charles] Yancey. [1387]
Objections to the Central College bill. Papers in Captain Miller's case with respect to the Reed estate. Copy of the bill to prevent obstructions in the navigable watercourses of Virginia. Appropriations for Literary Fund and for endowment of a professorship for teaching the deaf and dumb. Dr. Smith asks recommendation of a textbook on the principles of government for use at William and Mary. References to Chapman Johnson, John Locke, Jean Jacques Rousseau, Jean Baptiste Say, and Charles Yancey.
Requests permission to publish T. J.'s letter to Peter Carr regarding the establishment of Central College. Possible locations: Charlottesville, Staunton, or Lexington. Move to shift seat of government to Staunton. References to [Charles F.] Mercer.
Passage of bill for Central College, Mr. Miller's bill, and the bill respecting navigable waters. Reference to [John W.] Green.
Passage of Captain Miller's bill and of bill respecting navigable water; rejection of lottery bill to purchase Triplett Estis' property. Possible appropriation of U. S. surplus to Literary Fund. Modifications in Central College Bill respecting powers of college proctor, glebe lands, and the Literary Fund. Translation of Jean Baptiste Say's Traité d'economie politique. Mentions William Cabell, John W. Green, Chapman Johnson, Thomas W. Maury, and Wilson C. Nicholas.
Publication of T. J.'s letter to Peter Carr. Appropriation of Virginia's U. S. Government stock to education. Presbyterians in Lexington and Scotch-Irish in Staunton will object to Albemarle as site for university since they hope to move seat of government to Staunton. Washington College at Lexington the bantling of the Federalists. Trouble with Colonel Monroe about caucus for an electoral ticket. References to Wilson C. Nicholas and [Charles F.] Mercer.
Maine's method of preparing hawthorne hedges is best. References to James Henderson, Isaac Newton, Dobson's Encyclopedia, and Lord Karmes' translation of Say's Traité d'economie politique. Implementation of General Assembly act requiring an accurate map of each county.
Superiority of thorn hedges. Surveying for the map authorized by the Assembly (Herman Boye's A Map of the State of Virginia). Advisability of a convention to amend the Virginia Constitution, favored by westerners desiring to place the pecuniary burdens of government on the easterners and by Federalist bank stockholders wishing to charter fifteen banks. Books by Montesquieu, Destutt de Tracy, and Say as textbooks at William and Mary. References to Philip Doddridge, Mr. Meriwether, Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., and John Augustine Smith.
Cabell to oppose the petition to which T. J. is opposed, and attend to Count Barziza's petition. Translation of Say's Traité d'economie politique. Copy of a banking bill enclosed. Failure to increase the Literary Fund as recommended by the governor. Col. [Samuel?] Taylor author of petition from Port Royal. Appointment of Cabell as a Visitor of Central College. Difficulty in obtaining money for colleges. Possible site for the University in Staunton. References to Thomas W. Maury.
Rejection of Count Barziza's petition. Is attending to Turnpike Bill. Hewing down of mammoth bank bill. References to Thomas W. Maury, [Joseph] Milligan (bookseller), William C. Rives, Tracy's Political Economy, and Archibald Thweatt.
Report on Turnpike Bill, bill to call a convention, bill to equalize senatorial districts (modeled after bill reported by T. J., Pendleton, and Wythe in 1779), and the University Bill. Mentions Archibald Thweatt and Charles Yancey.
Sends Maine's recipe for preparation of haws found in Brown's Rural Affairs.
Inability to attend meeting of the Board of Visitors of Central College. References to Bedford and Goochland counties, Enniscorthy, John Hartwell Cocke, James Madison, and David Watson.
Catalog of English books sold by Barrois at Paris. Subscriptions to Central College from Albemarle, Amherst, Campbell, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland counties. Death of Cabell's mother. Comments of T. J.'s manuscript on meteorological subjects. References to William Brent, George Cabell, John Camm, Hill Carter, Sterling Claiborne, Ellyson Currie, Thomas Eubanks, David S. Garland, Spottswood Garland, William J. Lewis, James Madison, Roderick McCullock, William Pope, Robert Rives, Mr. Ritchie, Henry St. George Tucker, Robert Walker, and Edmund Winston.
Delay in arriving at Board of Visitors meeting due to the meeting of the Association for an Agricultural Society. References to John Hartwell Cocke, James Madison, James Monroe, Judge [Archibald?] Stewart, and David Watson.
Plan for schools and colleges throughout the state of Virginia. Copy of membership list of Cincinnati left at Monticello. John Wayles Eppes endeavoring to secure subscribers at Buckingham Court House. Advises delay on the report to the Agricultural Society. Mentions John Hartwell Cocke, Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., and Arthur Young's Annals.
Subscriptions to Central College from [Henry St. George?] Tucker and John Coalter. Plan for primary schools throughout the state. Opposition to Central College from Federalists, bigots, members of the Society of Cincinnati, and from friends of Washington College at Lexington. William and Mary people are liberal. References to Judge Brooke, John W. Green, Armistead Holmes, Chapman Johnson, and Edward Watts.
Jefferson's ideas regarding the bill providing for the establishment of primary schools, academies, colleges, and a university. Discussion of whether education should be compulsory.
Opposition by members of the Society of Cincinnati to Central College, preferring to give funds to Washington College. Presbyterians oppose because T. J. is an infidel. Opposition in the Assembly to setting up a system of public education in Virginia. Encloses copy of letter sent to Robert Scott, Chairman of Committee for Schools and Colleges [1504]. Site for the University. Report on the Literary Fund. References to Francis T. Brooke, William Cabell, John Coalter, Thomas Cooper, Mr. Garrett, Chapman Johnson, Wilson C. Nicholas, [Alfred H.?] Powell, Spencer Roane, Henry Tucker, and Edward Watts.
Encloses letter from Major Christopher Tompkins regarding the price of bricklaying for Central College. Essay in the Enquirer by Mr. Giles. Prospects not good for the general education bill. Receipt of the papers of Poinsot des Essarts. Information regarding subscriptions to Central College from William Brent, Mr. Currie, and Creed Taylor. References to Wilson C. Nicholas, James P. Preston, Mr. Brown (bricklayer), and Mr. Night (bricklayer).
Search regarding land will be carried out for T. J. in the Register's Office. Copy of the Report of the Visitors circulated in the Assembly. Copy of T. J.'s letters regarding primary schools given to Robert Scott, Chairman of the Committee on Schools and Colleges. Motion to move the capital. Opposition to Central College by the Washington College people. Recommends that William Brent, John T. Brooke, John Hartwell Cocke, and George Poindexter run for the Assembly. Bank loan being negotiated. Recommends annuity from the Literary Fund as best income for Central College. Encloses note from Chancellor Creed Taylor regarding T. J.'s proposed system of public education. References to Jesse W. Garth, James Madison, Robert Mallory, Dabney Minor, and James Monroe.
Disappointment in the bill reported by the Committee of Schools and Colleges. Visitors will be personally responsible for a bank loan to Central College. Movement of seat of government from Richmond to the West postponed.
To the President of the Bank of Virginia, covering reports by the Visitors of Central College, given to enable the bank to judge the merits of a loan sought in anticipation of subscriptions.
Agreeing to lend money to Central College for 60 days with renewal of notes possible. Originally enclosed in Cabell to Jefferson, 1818 February 1.
Fears failure of general education bill for Virginia. Requests T. J. to draw bill for annuity from Literary Fund for endowment of professorships. Inquires with regard to Des Essarts' land patents. References to Robert Scott, Samuel Taylor, and [George J.] Davison.
Loan offered by John Brockenbrough, President of the Bank of Virginia, better than can be obtained from Benjamin Hatcher of the Farmer's Bank. Necessity for the Visitors to sign the notes as individuals. References to Wilson C. Nicholas and David Watson.
Inquiries regarding Poinsot des Essarts' land patents. Back-country opposition to T. J.'s general education bill. Opposition to Central College from friends of Lexington and Staunton. Recommends selection of men such as General [John George] Jackson in the Northwest of Virginia and William Burwell from the Southwest. References to Mr. Johnson, General Kosciuszko, and Peter Carr.
T. J.'s letter published in the Enquirer to help the general education bill, omitting T. J.'s estimate of the large amount of money necessary. Reference to William Cabell, Wilson C. Nicholas, and Lewis Somers (i.e., Summers).
Introducing Lewis Summers of Kanawha County.
Enquiries regarding Poinsot des Essarts' land. Failure of T. J.'s general education bill, with only a small appropriation for education of the poor, due to interests from Lexington and Staunton and to the Presbyterians, aided by a junto from the middle country delegation (Charles Yancey, Thomas Miller, Robert Mallory, and Charles Everett). Possibility of an appropriation for Central College. References to Francis T. Brooke, Dabney Carr, John W. Green, Thomas Hill, and Chapman Johnson.
Bill providing for education of poor, an appropriation for the University, and the setting up of the Rockfish Gap Commission passed the Senate.
Passage of the Rockfish Gap Bill. Asks T. J. to serve as a commissioner. Appointments in the hands of the president and directors of the Literary Fund, three fifths of whom are from beyond the mountains. Urges immediate work on buildings of Central College because of opposition from Federalists, Presbyterian clergy, and the entire back country. Mentions James Madison.
Selection of members of the Rockfish Gap Commission. Visit to Monticello.
Rivalry between Washington College, Rockbridge College, and Central College as to the site for the University. Offer by a Mr. Robinson of Lexington to leave his estate to the University if located there. Requests T. J. to urge Wilson J. Cary, John Hartwell Cocke, Randolph Harrison, and Washington Trueheart to serve in House of Delegates as friends of Central College. References to John Wayles Eppes.
Lending Jefferson a copy of the Oxford and Cambridge guide.
Invitation to Warminster; urges him not to tax his health.
Illness prevents visit to Monticello. Rockfish Gap Report. Reason why he cannot make the trip to Europe for the college. Possibility he may run for the House of Representatives. Information regarding the hill for locating the University. Mentions [Samuel] Carr, Isaac Coles, William F. Gordon, Spencer Roane, Francis T. Brooke.
Progress of the Rockfish Gap Report in the General Assembly. Attitudes of the William and Mary and Lexington interests. Cabell's health. References to Samuel Carr, William F. Gordon, Samuel Taylor, and Philip R. Thompson.
Progress of the bill to decide the site of the University. Prospects of Central College. Report of T. J.'s authorship of the bill gives appearance of dictation. References to Linn Banks, Samuel Taylor, and Robert T. Thompson.
Central College fixed as the site of the University in the bill reported to the House of Delegates. Combination of western delegates opposed to Central College. Publication of T. J.'s calculation of the center of population based on census of 1810. References to Wilson C. Nicholas and William Cabell.
Senator Davidson [Davison?] of Clarksburg in favor of Central College.
Delay of the University bill. Opposition from friends of William and Marv, who demand $5000 per annum for William and Mary as price of their concurrence, from those who wish education left to individual enterprise, and from those who wish Literary Fund devoted to the poor. Various methods of calculating the center of population. References to the Edinburgh Review, William S. Archer, James Hunter, Chapman Johnson, Francis Preston, Adam Smith, Dugald Stewart, and Colonel Tatham.
Cabell's labors in the General Assembly on behalf of the University Bill. T. J.'s health. References to John Brockenbrough, Chancellor John W. Green, Thomas C. Holmes, W. C. Nicholas, Mr. Pannel, Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., Spencer Roane, Mr. Slaughter, John Taliaferro, Samuel Taylor, Chancellor [Creed] Taylor, and Philip Thompson.
University Bill passes the House of Delegates with Central College fixed as the site. Various methods of determining the center of population favor Central College. Cabell's recent illness. References to Briscoe G. Baldwin, Dabney Carr, Armistead Holmes, and James Hunter.
Progress of the University Bill in the Senate. Bill to connect the eastern and western waters. Cabell's ill-health. References to Judge John Coalter, George Hay, Armistead Holmes, Chapman Johnson, Alfred Powell, John Taliaferro, and Philip Thompson.
Passage of the University Bill. Cabell's illness. References to John Coalter, Chapman Johnson, and Edward Watts.
Advises against moving now for the derelict portion of the School Fund. Copy of reports on the navigation of the James and on connection of eastern and western waters. Sketch of services rendered by the following friends of the University: William Brockenbrough, William H. Brodnax, Francis T. Brooke, Samuel Carr, John Coalter, [Francis W.?] Gilmer (author of essays signed "a Virginian"), John W. Green, George Hay, Armistead Holmes, Garrett Minor, Wilson C. Nicholas, George Nicholson, Mr. Pannel, the Rev. Mr. Rice (author of essay signed "Crito"), Mr. Ritchie, Judge Spencer Roane, James Robertson, JF., Mr. Scott, Captain Slaughter, Mr. Stannard, John Taliaferro, Chancellor [Creed] Taylor, Philip Thompson. Mentions also William S. Archer, Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., and James Madison. (Thirteen lines made illegible, probably prior to publication of N. F. Cabell's book).
Revenue of the Literary Fund not equal to appropriations.
Appointment of James Breckenridge, Joseph Cabell, John Hartwell Cocke, Chapman Johnson, James Madison, and Robert B. Taylor as Visitors of the University of Virginia. Cabell's health. Untrue report that Cabell is to go to Europe to seek professors. Advises delay in opening the University until sufficient buildings are ready. References to Samuel Taylor, Armistead Holmes, [Samuel] Carr, and Henry St. George Tucker.
Meeting of the Board of Visitors of University; appointment of Dr. Cooper one of great delicacy and importance; recommends delay in opening until several eminent professors are secured. Difficulties in securing adequate funds from the Assembly. References to James Breckenridge, John Hartwell Cocke, Isaac Coles, James Madison, Robert B. Taylor, and David Watson.
State funds for the University. The Literary Fund. Professorship offered to Thomas Cooper. References to John Hartwell Cocke, Isaac Coles, Alexander Garrett, James Madison, and James P. Preston.
Advertisement for workmen for the University inserted in the Enquirer. Alexander Garrett's draft on Literary Fund will be honored. Importance of securing Arthur Spicer Brockenbrough as proctor. Cabell's health improved. Mentions Mary Cabell, Mr. Montcarel, and Wilson C. Nicholas.
Recommends A. S. Brockenbrough as Proctor. Despite admiration for T. J.'s plans for the pavilions and lawn, recommends different style for hotels and ranges. Provision for lecture rooms in separate buildings from pavilions. Fire at Monticello. Reference to John Hartwell Cocke.
Returns copy of plan of Poplar Forest. Financial requirements prevent his moving to the neighborhood of the University at the present time. T. J.'s illness.
Funds for the University from Literary Fund and elsewhere. Health of his wife, Mary. Reference to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr.
Attempts to obtain money for the University from the Assembly. References to William and Mary, Burwell Bassett, James Breckenridge, James Dickinson, George Hay, and Chapman Johnson.
Encloses bill just passed regarding funds for the University. References to James Breckenridge, William F. Gordon, and Chapman Johnson.
Verification of Alexander Garrett's account.
Attack on Governor Randolph's character. Money from the Assembly for University. Requests fuller accounts by Bursar, Mr. Garrett. References to James Breckenridge, Mary Cabell, Chapman Johnson.
Resolution giving grants to William and Mary, Hampton-Sidney, Washington College, New London Academy, and the University will defeat the claims of the University on the Literary Fund. Attitude of James Breckenridge, John Bowyer, John Coalter, George W. Crump, Philip Doddridge, David S. Garland, William F. Gordon, Mr. [Richard] Morris, Thomas Miller, Isaac Otey, Jr., Judge Spencer Roane, Mr. [William?] Taylor, and David Watson. Alexander Garrett's account for the University. Comments on Governor Randolph's message.
Funds for the University. Doctrine that all colleges receiving funds should be under the control of the legislature. References to William and Mary, Mr. Bassett, Samuel Blackburn, Philip Doddridge, David S. Garland, Thomas Griffin, Chapman Johnson, Thomas Miller, [James?] Smith, Richard Venable, and Henry E. Watkins.
Little prospect of gaining additional funds for the University. References to Mr. Broadnax, [Richard?] Morris, and [Samuel] Taylor.
Funds for the University. Plans to leave public life at end of present session. References to James Breckenridge, [Nathaniel?] Claiborne, John Hartwell Cocke, Chapman Johnson, and James P. Preston.
Agrees to be a candidate for Assembly again. Funds for the University. References to Samuel Blackburn, James Breckenridge, Chapman Johnson, and William Selden.
Meeting of the Board of Visitors. Funds for the University. Passage of James River Bill by House of Delegates. References to William Archer, James Breckenridge, William Brodnax, Armistead Currie, David S. Garland, Chapman Johnson, Robert Mallory, Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., Samuel Taylor, and Robert B. Taylor.
Funds for the University. References to Samuel Blackburn, [Nathaniel?] Claiborne, and David S. Garland.
Passage of bill providing funds for the University. Mentions Samuel Blackburn, James Breckenridge, John Bowyer, William B. Chamberlayne, George W. Crump, Armistead Currie, William F. Gordon, James Hunter, Chapman Johnson, George Loyall, Richard Morris, Mr. Stephenson, and David Watson.
Advises building no more buildings than those for which there is money in hand. Urges Jefferson to use his influence in the election of friends of the University. References to James Breckenridge, William H. Brodnax, Samuel Taylor, Littleton Tazewell, and Mr. Watts.
Reasons for inability to attend meeting of the Board of Visitors. Note sent by [Valentine?] Southall.
Cabell's illness. Requests information regarding last meeting of the Board of Visitors. Success of Samuel Blackburn, James Breckenridge, David S. Garland, Mr. Maury of Buckingham, and Joseph Shelton in the recent election. Funds for the University.
Cabell's illness. Request for complete statement of all University accounts for the next General Assembly. Attacks on the University by the Presbyterians of Hampton-Sydney and the Episcopalians of William and Mary. Washington College to receive Robinson's estate.
Meeting of the Board of Visitors. Cabell's health. Reference to Mary Cabell.
Absence from the meeting of the Board of Visitors due to illness. Advisability of finishing all University buildings. University finances. References to Chapman Johnson and Dr. [John A.] Smith of Williamsburg.
Funds for the University. Reasons for Thomas Griffin's resolution. Opposition from the clergy. References to William and Mary, Hampden-Sydney, Chapman Johnson, Bishop [Richard Channing] Moore, Richard Morris, Rev. Mr. Rice, and Henry E. Watkins.
Funds for the University. Advises conciliation of the clergy who are uneasy because of the predominance of the Socinians at Cambridge (Harvard), the appointment of Thomas Cooper in South Carolina, and the discovery that George Ticknor and Nathaniel Bowditch are Unitarians. References to Chapman Johnson and David Watson.
Funds for the University. Estimate of revenue from the Literary Fund. References to John Bowyer, Chapman Johnson, and Charles Fenton Mercer.
Funds for the University. The Kentucky Mission. States' Rights. References to Samuel Blackburn, Thomas Griffin, Chapman Johnson, and Richard Morris.
Funds for the University. The Literary Fund. References to James Breckenridge, [Charles?] Cocke, Chapman Johnson, Thomas Miller, and Richard Morris.
Funds for the University. References to John Bowyer, Chapman Johnson, Richard Morris, Samuel Taylor, and David Watson.
Failure to pass various bills to provide funds for the University. Reports of extravagance in construction of the buildings. Attack on the Literary Fund based on the waste of the Primary School Fund. References to Arthur Spicer Brockenbrough, Samuel Blackburn, John Bowyer, Mr. Clay, Thomas Griffin, Chapman Johnson, Richard Morris, and David Watson.
Meeting of the Board of Visitors. Funds for the University. Convinced that all buildings should be completed to give favorable impression. Incidental effects of the move to shift the capital from Richmond to Staunton. Attitude of the Federalist Party. References to Wilson J. Cary, George Crump, Thomas Griffin, Chapman Johnson, James Madison, and John Tyler.
Illness prevents attendance at the Board of Visitors meeting. Auditing of the University's accounts by Martin Dawson. References to John Hartwell Cocke.
Funds for the University. Literary Fund finances very unfavorable. Cabell's health improved. Glad T. J.'s wound improving. References to Wilson J. Cary, David S. Garland, William F. Gordon, Chapman Johnson, Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., [William Cabell] Rives, and Judge St. George Tucker.
Cost of building the library estimated by James Dinsmore. Funds for the University. Purchase of books and apparatus. Settlement of the Proctor's accounts. References to John Bowyer, Alexander Garrett, William F. Gordon, James Hunter, George Loyall, and [William Cabell] Rives.
Funds for the University. Cost of the library. Error in the Proctor's accounts. References to Briscoe G. Baldwin, John Bowyer, Wilson J. Cary, John Hartwell Cocke, Peter M. Daniel, David S. Garland, William F. Gordon, Chapman Johnson, Daniel Sheffey, Allen Taylor, and Henry E. Watkins.
Funds for the University. University's popularity shown in elections in Mecklenburg, Lunenburg, Brunswick, Greenville, Henrico, Norfolk, and Essex counties. References to Mr. Clopton, James Hunter, Arthur Lee, and Addison Powell.
Funds for the University and for colleges and primary schools throughout the state. Question of moving the capital from Richmond. References to Hampden-Sydney College, William F. Gordon, [William Cabell] Rives, and Samuel Taylor.
Meeting of the Board of Visitors. Loan bill for the University secure. Mr. Brockenbrough's accounts. References to Philip Doddridge and Thomas Griffin.
Passage of the University Bill. References to William F. Gordon, Chapman Johnson, and George Loyall.
No attention paid to James Oldham's charges against Arthur Brockenbrough. Chapman Johnson's failure to attend meetings of Board of Visitors. University finances. Application from Dr. Tones, formerly of the College of William and Mary, for the chemistry chair at the University of Virginia. References to Briscoe Baldwin, John Bowyer, Philip Doddridge, David S. Garland, William F. Gordon, George Loyall, Daniel Sheffey, Allen Taylor, and Joseph Watkins.
Law regarding seats on the Board of Visitors. Contracts for the library should be for a definite amount. References to Chapman Johnson and John Augustine Smith.
Contracts for the library. Funds for the purchase of books and apparatus. References to John Hartwell Cocke and Chapman Johnson.
Selection of the site of the Nelson County jail. Details of its plan. References to Arthur Brockenbrough, William Cosby, Mr. Crawford, Mr. Nelson, John Perry, William Phillips. Enclosure: memorandum of the contract made 29 July 1823 between Robert Rives, Joseph C. Cabell, and Thomas Massie, Jr., for the court of Nelson County , and William B. Phillips, who agrees to build the jail. Contract refers to Jefferson's plan.
Coffey's and Roscoe's books on prisons. Unable to find the Oxford and Cambridge Guide. New purchase of land will make it necessary to withdraw from the Senate.
Personal affairs delay his attending Assembly meetings. Returns Roscoe's work on prisons. University bill to be pushed by James Breckenridge and Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr.
Bill to remove the University debt. References to Colonel Boyd, William F. Gordon, James Pleasants, and Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr.
Funds for the University. References to Thomas Miller and Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr.
Funds for the University. Purchase of books. Reference to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr.
Passage of the University bill. Funds for purchase of library and apparatus. Recommending Claude Crozet as professor of mathematics and Dabney Carr as professor of law. Mentions Alexander Garrett.
Logrolling attempt: University bill and the bill to recharter the Farmer's Bank. References to James Breckenridge, Alexander Garrett, William F. Gordon, and Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr.
Funds for the University from the debt due Virginia from the Federal government. Francis Walker Gilmer's scheme of professorships. References to James Barbour, William F. Gordon, [George?] Hay, Chapman Johnson, James Madison, and Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr.
Complete victory of the friends of the University in the Assembly. Downfall of William and Mary seems certain. Suggests hiring of certain of the William and Mary faculty: John A. Smith, Mr. Campbell, James B. Rogers, and James Semple. References to John Bowyer, James Breckenridge, Alexander Garrett, William F. Gordon, Chapman Johnson, George Loyall, James Madison, and Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr.
Attempt to get recognition of the University's claim to money owed Virginia by the United States. Monroe's recommendation of [James G.?] Percival and [John] Torrey for the University faculty. References to James Barbour, William H. Crawford, Chapman Johnson, and William Wirt.
Returning a horse loaned by T. J. Reference to Col. John Coles and to Mr. Maclure.
Agreeing to the engagement of the anatomical professor from Europe. Pleased to see the number of foreign professors is to be limited. Note by John Hartwell Cocke: "I concur with Mr. Cabell in the above."
Attitude of the University toward the possible removal of the College of William and Mary from Williamsburg to Richmond. Views on the subject held by William Armistead, Colonel Bassett, Chancellor Brown, [John B.?] Clopton, Dr. Charles Everett, N. Faulcon, Dr. Galt of Williamsburg, [James M.?] Garrett, Thomas Griffin, Mr. Johnson of Williamsburg, George Loyall, Thomas Macon, Bishop Moore, Hugh Nelson, Mr. Nicholas, Brazure W. Pryor, Archibald Ritchie, Judge James Semple, Mr. Scott, John W. Sourell, L. W. Tazewell, and John Tyler.
Urging that the friends of the University of Virginia be passive in regard to the removal of William and Mary from Williamsburg to Richmond, Petersburg, or the western part of the state.
Illness of Mrs. [St. George] Tucker prevents his visiting T. J. at Monticello and the Madisons at Montpellier. Removal of William and Mary to Richmond.
Cabell's business at Corotoman. Assembly politics with respect to the bill to move the College of William and Mary to Richmond and funds for the University. References to George Blaettermann, Francis T. Brooke, John Bowyer, William Brockenbrough, John Coalter, James M. Garnett, George Hay, Chapman Johnson, Mr. Leigh, Judge Marshall, James Madison, Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., and Robert B. Taylor.
Decision to vote against the bill to remove William and Mary to Richmond. Medical education at the University. References to Chapman Johnson and Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr.
Differences of opinion between Jefferson and Madison regarding the removal of the College of William and Mary to Richmond. Funds for the University. References to John Bowyer, Judge Dabney Carr, Francis W. Gilmer, William F. Gordon, George Loyall, Mr. Nicholas, James Pleasants, Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., James Semple, John A. Smith, George Tucker, and John Tyler.
Letter from George Tucker regarding a teaching position at the University. Application from Mr. Kidd for the position of professor of ethics. Bill for removal of William and Mary to Richmond to be rejected. Funds for the University. References to James Barbour, William F. Gordon, Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., James Madison, and Judge James Semple.
Request that T. J. prepare a bill to prevent removal of William and Mary College to Richmond. Clergy, Richmond, and the Federalists all united in favor of removal.
Removal of William and Mary to Richmond. Articles in the Whig on the funds of William and Mary and the decision of the Court of Appeals in the case of Bracken and the College. References to Alexander Garrett and John A. Smith.
News of Ship Competitor. Requests authorities to support the division of William and Mary's money. Mentions Dartmouth College case.
Publication of a letter from T. J. to help prevent removal of the College of William and Mary to Richmond. Consideration of Francis W. Gilmer and Chancellor [St. George] Tucker for the law chair at the University. Suggests the professor of law be also given a small chancery district. References to Servant Jones and Richard Morris.
Defeat of plan to remove William and Mary to Richmond. Plan for a general education system.
Defeat of the bill to remove William and Mary to Richmond. Delay in arrival of the University faculty. T. J.'s resolutions relative to primary schools. Expresses disapproval of a constitutional convention for Virginia. Opposition to Cabell in his senatorial district. References to John Bowyer, Judge Francis T. Brooke, Col. Benjamin Cabell, John Hartwell Cocke, David S. Garland, William F. Gordon, George Loyall, and Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr.
Funds for the University from interest claim of the Commonwealth of Virginia. References to George Loyall and Littleton W. Tazewell.
Arrival of the University faculty. Meeting of the Board of Visitors. References to Chapman Johnson, Francis Gilmer, George Loyall, and John Hartwell Cocke.
aculty positions offered to [Henry St. George?] Tucker and to George Tucker. References to Judge John Coalter and [St. George] Tucker.
Approves purchase of John M. Perry's land for the University.
Approves choice of William A. G. Dade for the law chair. Splendid prospects for the University. Greetings from Mr. Maclure in Paris.
Death of his brother-in-law, Dr. Carter, prevents his attendance at Board of Visitors' meeting. New regulations at the University. References to John Hartwell Cocke, Thomas Cooper, Chapman Johnson, George Loyall, and [George] Tucker.
Conference between George Loyall, Chapman Johnson, and Cabell regarding delay in the appointment of a law professor. Action regarding the William and Mary Bill. Conference regarding T. J.'s debts. References to Judge Francis T. Brooke, Judge Dabney Carr, Judge John Coalter, Judge John W. Green, and John T. Lemare.
Meeting of T. J.'s friends in support of the lottery. David S. Garland's bill for educational funds.
T. J.'s plan for location of colleges throughout the state better than that of David S. Garland. Motion made by George Loyall regarding T. J.'s lottery.
Action in the Assembly with regard to T. J.'s lottery. Bill to establish colleges throughout the state. References to James Madison, Chapman Johnson, and Hampden-Sydney College.
T. J.'s lottery bill. Bill to establish colleges throughout the state.
Passage of T. J.'s lottery bill, with list of the votes of the senators. Bill for establishment of colleges throughout the state. Reference to Samuel Taylor.
Concerning passages of Jefferson correspondence omitted from Nathaniel Francis Cabell's Early history of the University of Virginia, as contained in the letters of Thomas Jefferson and Joseph C. Cabell, hitherto unpublished (Richmond, Va.: J. W. Randolph, 1856.)