University of Virginia Library

Rutland Edits Madison Papers

The University will on January 1,
1971 assume sole responsibility for editing
the Papers of James Madison, fourth
president of the United States.

The project, since it was begun in
1956, has been cosponsored by the University
and the University of Chicago,
with the main editorial office in Chicago.

Named to direct the editorial project in its
new location at the University's Alderman
Library is Robert A. Rutland, currently coordinator
of bicentennial programs at the Library
of Congress.

He will replace William T. Hutchinson,
senior editor of the Madison papers and professor
at the University of Chicago, who is
retiring.

Before joining the Library of Congress staff,
Rutland completed the collection and editing
of a three-volume edition of the Papers of
George Mason. Former professor of journalism
at the University of California at Los Angeles
and a Fulbright professor in Austria in 1960,
Rutland is author of three books including
"The Birth of the Bill of Rights" "George
Mason, Reluctant Statesman" and "Ordeal of
the Constitution."

In addition to conducting the editorial work
of the Library of Congress Bicentennial Commission,
Rutland is currently preparing a history
of American journalism. He also will be
professor of humanistic sources at the University.

After serving as president of the United
States from 1809 to 1817. James Madison
succeeded Thomas Jefferson as Rector of the
University and held that position from 1826
until 1834. That he earlier had served as fund
raiser for the University is evidenced in a letter
of August, 1817, to residents of Virginia's
Loudoun County.

The letter, written in the Pres. Madison
retired from the United States presidency to his
home in Orange County, is addressed to Virginia
Congressman Charles F. Mercer and urges
support of the "Central College about to be
established near Charlottesville."

The Papers of James Madison is one of five
major editorial projects supported by the National
Historical Publications Commission under a
special grant from the Ford Foundation. The
project has also been funded by the Rockefeller
Foundation, in addition to the two universities.

The Papers of James Madison will be the
second major editorial project conducted by
the University. Also housed at Alderman Library
is the office of the Papers of George
Washington, directed by Donald Jackson,
Begun in the fall of 1968, this project is
sponsored by the University and the Mount
Vernon Ladies' Association.

Both projects will be related to a new center
recently established at the University for the
training of historical and literary editors.

Robert A. Rutland Named To Direct Editorial Project

The University Will Assume Responsibility For Editing James Madison's Papers