Jefferson Quotes & Family Letters

My dear father

University October 12th 1825

I received your letter of the 11th this morning, by Mr Maxwell; and take the favourable opportunity of answering it by Mr Chapman, who is going down to Bremo [. . .] tomorrow—Since the late unhappy occurrences here; every thing seems to be changed for the better; the young men are becoming more studious, and have been more punctual in their attendance on lectures than I have ever before known them to be. Several of the young men have been [. . .] presented before the grand jury, for gambling, and for some damages which Mr Winn’s property received; I heard to day that Wilson Cary [had been] was among those who were presented for the last offence, but the court has not yet discoved discovered who are the gamblers; although a great many of the young men have been examined and called upon to give evidence, yet none of those have had any knowledge of unlawful gambling in the University

Clayton’s fate has not yet been made known to him by the Faculty; nor has he been presented before the grand jury. To my regret I have seen no coolness existing bettween him and the rest of the young men; but the same intimacy which existed before, he was guilty of the cowardly trick¹ he owns, is now allowed to prevail.

I have heard nothing of the address of which you make mention in your letters but I suppose that we shall hear it red read to morrow or the next day; and I will then obtain a coppy of it for you. No step has been taken, as yet, to institute such a society, among the young men, as was recommended by Mr Johnson or [. . .] rather by the visitors. I think that it would require a young man of a great deal of influence, here, to commence a society of the kind; but the misfortune is that all who have influence, are those who would be the first to condemn or atleast, to retard, such proceedings as might advance the popularity of such a scheme. Ballard Preston has returned² from Princ Edward, perhaps if you were to write to him upon the subject, he might be able to advance its cause, as he is a young man who has a good deal of influence here.

I think that the societies which we have, (the Patrick Henry and Jefferson) for our improvement in literature, might be so constructed as that they would prove still more beneficial to the University. Suppose our societies would punish their members, with suspension or expultsion, for any breach of the laws of the University. I think that it would have a very salutary affect. If you were to like my notions upon the subject, and would mention something of the kind to Ballard; who is a very influential member of The Patrick Henry perhaps he might be able to have it adopted by the society—

I have determined to Board at Mr Miner’s until the end of this year. Write me, by Mr Chapman, when you intend to come up here again; when you are going to Richmond, wheather uncle and aunt Faulcon are at Bremo their health &c &c. I should also like to hear what sort of at tobacco crop you are likely to make this year. When did you hear from Charly; how is he?

I shall write to Brother John, before long, according to your directions; if you have heard from him lately, I would be glad if you would mention in your next letter; what he [. . .] is now employed about; wheather he had got into any business or not in the way of his profession—

Remember me affectionately to all the family—