Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

See the University of Virginia Library’s use policy.

Preferred Citation

James Madison, Letter and Engraving, 1830 and 1833, Accession #11148, Special Collections Dept., University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.

Acquisition Information

These two items were purchased by the University of Virginia Library from Sotheby's, New York, New York, on June 20, 1994; Daniel Costigan furnished a portion of the original purchase price as a gift to the University.

Alternative Form

A photographic copy of the engraving is in the Prints File and the original is with the other James Madison papers.

Scope and Content Information

This collection consists of one autograph letter signed, October 23, 1830, Montpelier, from James Madison to Thomas S. Grimke, answering questions about the University of Virginia, and an engraving of James Madison "Engraved by T.B. Welch from a drawing by J.B. Longacre taken from life at Montpelier, Va. July 1833" at age 82.

Formerly with this letter but no longer present, Madison had enclosed a printed copy of the University's statutes, the by-laws of the Faculty, and a manuscript statement of the expenses of a student. About the educational structure of the University of Virginia Madison says, "With respect to the course of study, it is to be observed that the students are not formed into graduated classes, as in most if not all of the American colleges and universities, but attend such of the schools as their parents or themselves choose; the mode of instruction being by lectures of the respective Professors & text books, and by constant & strict examinations preparatory to the annual one which is solemn & effective." Madison also thanks Grimke for sending pamphlets for the University and himself.