 | Board of Visitors minutes October 3, 1825 |  |
said University on Monday the 3d. of Oct. 1825. at which were present
Thomas Jefferson Rector, James Madison, James Breckenridge, Joseph C.
Cabell, John H. Cocke, Chapman Johnson and George Loyall.
In pursuance of the resolution of the board of the 5th. of March
last, on the subject of a claim of mr Bonnycastle to the discharge of
a certain bond for 500.£ sterling given by him to the British government,
the Rector having agreed with him that the money for payment
thereof should be advanced by the University to be repaid by him in
instalments, RESOLVED that the board approves of the sd agreement,
and of the provisional measures taken by the Rector in his letters to
Rufus King, and Peter Barlow, bearing date the 30th. of June last, for
it's advance, if required by that government.
Resolved that the Board ratifies and confirms the purchase lately
made by the Rector of 132. acres of land of John M. Perry, lying
between and adjacent to the two parcels of 107-8/10 and 153, acres
proposition of the Rector with the approbation of the following members,
to wit, of James Madison, James Breckenridge, John H. Cocke,
Joseph C. Cabell, and George Loyall, previously expressed in letters
from them individually to the Rector, and the payment already made
towards the same, is approved.
Resolved that the board approves of the advance of 18,000. Dollars
to William Hilliard, agent for procuring the library, of the deposit
made in the hands of Rufus King esquire, of 6300.D. for the purchase
of a Philosophical apparatus, and of that of 3157.50 in the same hands
for articles necessary for the Anatomical school, with the instructions
relative thereto given by the Rector, and also of the purchase, and payment
of 500.D. for Doctor Emmet's Chemical apparatus and collection of
minerals.
fund, which was lying unemployed in the bank of Virginia, to take up
the note for the like sum, lent by the Farmer's bank of Virginia to the
University, thereby saving it's interest, and also of so much of the
said fund as was necessary to make the first payment to Perry, is approved,
and that the same sums be replaced from the general fund when
necessary.
Resolved that Francis Walker Gilmer be appointed Professor of the
school of Law
Resolved that it be communicated to the Faculty of the Professors
of the University, as the earnest request and recommendation of the
Rector & Visitors, that so far as can be effected by their exertions,
they cause the statutes and rules enacted for the government of the
University, to be exactly and strictly observed; that the roll of each
students should attend; that the absent and the tardy, without reasonable
cause, be noted, and a copy of these notations be communicated by
mail or otherwise to the parent or guardian of each Student respectively,
on the first days of every month during the terms, instead of the
days prescribed in a former statute for such communications.
That it is requested of them to make known to the Students that
it is with great regret that some breaches of order, committed by the
unworthy few who lurk among them unknown, render necessary the extension
to all, of processes afflicting to the feelings of those who are
conscious of their own correctness, and who are above all participation
in these vicious irregularities. while the offenders continue unknown,
the tarnish of their faults spreads itself over the worthy also, and
confounds all in a common censure. but that it is in their power to
relieve themselves from the imputations and painful proceedings, to
which they are thereby subjected, by lending their aid to the Faculty,
on all occasions towards detecting the real guilty. the Visitors are
aware that a prejudice prevails too extensively among the young, that
it is dishonorable to bear witness, one against another. while this
prevails,
unwilling to authorise constraint, and have therefore, in their regulations
on this subject indulged the error, however unfounded in reason
or morality. but this loose principle in the Ethics of school boy combinations,
is unworthy of mature and regulated minds; and is accordingly
condemned by the laws of their country, which, in offences, within their
cognisance, compel those who have knolege of a fact, to declare it for
the purposes of justice, and of the general good & safety of society,
and certainly, where wrong has been done, he who knows and conceals the
it becomes then but an act of justice to themselves, that the innocent
and the worthy sould throw off with disdain all communion of character,
with such offenders, should determine no longer to screen the irregular
and the vicious under the respect of their cloak, and to notify them,
even by a solemn association for the purpose, that they will cooperate
with the Faculty in future, for the preservation of order, the vindication
of their own character, and the reputation and usefulness of an
Institution, which their country has so liberally established for their
improvement, and to place within their reach those acquirements in knolege,
on which their future happiness and fortunes depend. let the good
and the virtuous of the Alumni of the University do this, and the disorderly
will then be singled out for observation, and deterred by punishment,
or disabled by expulsion, from infecting with their inconsideration
the institution itself, and the sound mass of those which it is preparing
for virtue and usefulness.
Altho' nocturnal absences from their Chambers, occasionally happening,
are not entirely forbidden, yet if frequent, habitual, or without
excusable cause, they should be also noted and reported, with other
special delinquencies to the parent or guardian.
effect, and the necessity of strict examinations of the Students, on
the topics of the lectures and lessons delivered them, reccommend this
practice to the consideration and attention of the Professors.
The Board, considering that it will be for the benefit of the school
of Medecine that it's Professor should have opportunities of keeping in
mind, to a certain degree, the practical part of his profession, and of
to our climate and country, are of opinion that, besides the habitual
practice within the precincts of the University, allowed by a former
resolution, he be permitted also to act as a consulting physician
elsewhere, so timing these avocations however as not to interrupt the
regular business of his school.
The 4. acres and 55/100 of lands purchased of Daniel A. Piper
and Mary his wife, since the date of the Statute defining the Precincts
of the University, and adjacent to the public road as now established,
are made a part of the sd Precincts.
Resolved that it be recommended to the Faculty of Professors, in
their appointment of a Janitor, to have regard to his qualifications
in law as a witness to transactions passing within his notice, and
that such a Janitor be allowed wages not exceeding 200.D. a year, and
a room to lodge in, he dieting, and otherwise finding himself.
Resolved that on a renewal of the leases of the Hotels, it shall
be made a covenant and condition of the leases that the tenant shall
furnish no entertainment in his tenement for pay or compensation of
any kind, to any one who is not a Student of, or attached to the University,
or a member of his own family: nor shall he permit his tenement,
or any part of it, for or without compensation, to be used for
any other than the purposes of a Boarding house. the Faculty of Professors,
on these questions, shall be judges of the matter of fact,
and, finding it true, shall decide either on the immediate determination
of the lease, & removal of the tenant, or his continuance on such
special conditions as shall satisfy them against a repetition of the
offense.
the following words `within those precincts, within their own chamber,
or in diet, a seat of degradation in his schoolroom of longer or of
shorter duration, removal to a lower class, imposition of a task'.
Resolved that the 36th. enactment be amended by striking therefrom
the word `minor' and inserting in lieu thereof the word `major'.
Resolved that the 39th. enactment be amended by striking therefrom
the words `impose a task'.
Resolved that the 43d. enactment be amended by striking therefrom
the following words `and repetitions of such offences by expulsion from
the University' and inserting in lieu thereof the following words `or
any of the minor or major punishments at the discretion of the Faculty.
Resolved that the 43d. enactment be amended by adding thereto the
following words `that every occupant of a Dormitory permitting these
offences therein, be subject to any of the minor punishments at the
discretion of the Faculty'.
Resolved that the Faculty shall have the power, for offensive
conduct, of removing the Occupant from any dormitory.
Resolved that if a Student be irregular in all his classes for
more than a month, after his parent or guardian has been informed, the
Faculty shall have the discretionary power to dismiss him from the University.
Resolved that the Faculty shall have power from time to time to
prescribe regulations of police, not inconsistent with the laws of the
land, or the enactments of this Board, which regulations shall be submitted
to the Wisitors at their next succeeding meeting, and shall be
in force till disapproved by the Visitors or repealed by the Faculty.
The Board then adjourned to tomorrow.
the same members as yesterday.
On complaint from the Faculty of certain riotous proceedings of
some of the Students on the nights of Sep. 30. and Oct. 2. and of insults
on some of the Professors the whole of the Students were called
before the board of Visitors. they were exhorted to state to the
board the facts which had taken place with their knolege, whereupon 14.
of them came forward and acknoleged that on the night of the 2d. they
had masked & disguised themselves and gone out on the lawn where they
had made some noise but denied they had committed any trespasses or
insults on the Professors, and on their engaging to appear before the
board of the Faculty and to repeat to them the information now given,
they were dismissed.
The board recieves from Messrs. Key and long a written declaration
that in consequence of the transactions which had taken place, and particularly
of a remonstrance of the day before subscribed by 65. students
they could no longer remain in their present situations, that they had
lost all confidence in the signers of that remonstrance, and cannot, and
will not meet them again
The board adjourned to tomorrow.
Wednesday Oct. 5. the board met according to adjournment. present
the same members as yesterday.
Resolved that the 47th. enactment be amended by inserting after the
word `chewing' the words `or smoking'
No Student shall appear out of his dormitory masked or disguised
in any manner whatsver which may render the recognition of his person
Professors.
Intoxication shall, for the first offence be liable to any of
the minor punishments, and any repetition of the offence to any of
the major punishments.
Resolved that the 40th. enactment be amended by inserting after
the word `dissipation' the words `of profane swearing'.
No person who has been a student at any other incorporated Seminary
of
a certificate from such Seminary or other satisfactory evidence to the
Faculty with respect to his general good conduct.
The Professors being charged with the execution of the laws of
the University, it becomes their duty to pursue proper means to discover
and prevent offences. respect from the Student to the Professor
being at all times due, it is more especially so when the Professor is
engaged in this duty. such respect therefore is solemnly enjoined on
every Student, and it is declared and enacted that if any Student refuse
his name to a Professor, or being required by him to stop, shall
fail to do so, or shall be guilty of any other disrespect to a Professor,
he shall be liable to any of the punishments minor or major.
Resolved that the compensation to the Accountant whom the Committee
of accounts has employed or may employ at any time to be 10. Dollars
a day while employed.
The act of Congress imposing an additional duty of 15. per cent
on works of marble having been past after the marble capitels for the
Portico of the Rotunda had been ordered, it is considered as retrospective
and unjust, and that it will be proper to apply to Congress for a
by that body but a just encoragement to science to relieve the University
from the old as well as new duties on the marbles recently
recieved for the same building, it will be expedient to bond the whole
duties for 8. months to give time for application to Congress on the
subject.
And thereupon the members executed the requisite bond in their
individual characters, instructing at the same time the Proctor to
retain in his hands always, a sufficient sum to pay the duties old
and new if ultimately required.
Resolved that 400. copies of a new edition of the enactments of
the board of Visitors for the government of the University be printed,
in which the amendments made since the date of each enactment shall be
incorporated, so that the same shall read, in form and substance as now
established.
— .. — of the University as can be conveniently applied to that
— .. — purpose, should be laid off in lots for the uses of the Pro—
.. — fessors, the Proctor and keepers of the Hotels, rent free,
— .. — but to be inclosed and improved at their expense, therefore
Resolved that the Proctor, under the direction of the Executive
Committee do cause such lots to be laid off, and assigned to the several
pavilions & Hotels and to the Proctor's house.
Resolved that on the supposition that the Renters of the Hotels
might reasonably have expected 33. boarders for the term at the rent
of 200.D. in which they have been more or less disappointed, the Board
of each in the proportion of the number of boarders each had, and the time of his boarding with them combined
The board adjourned to tomorrow morning.
Thursday Oct. 6. the board met according to adjournment. present
the same members as yesterday.
Resolved that mr Johnson, mr Cabell and mr Loyall be appointed a
Committee, whose duty it shall be to consider and enquire what system
may be digested for the better government of the University; that they
be especially charged with the duty of considering how far it may be
practicable and prudent to connect with the University a Court having
cognisance over misdemeanors committed within the precincts of the University,
and over those committed by members of the University, within
the county of Albemarle; and that they report thereupon to the next
meeting of the Visitors
Resolved that for the purpose of recieving the report of the
Committee appointed by the preceding resolution, and of acting thereupon,
and for the transaction of such other business as may then require
attention, an extra meeting of the board be held on the second
Monday in December next.
the following words, to wit, `University of Virginia. Ordered that
Wilson Miles Carey having on the night of the 1st. instant resisted
the authority of a Professor, used violence against him, and excited
others to follow his example, and for abusive epithets concerning the
said Professor, be expelled from the University. copied from the
minutes of the Faculty. Robley Dunglison Secretary. George Tucker
sentence is unanimously approved by the board of Visitors.
Another communication from the said Professors is recieved in
the following words, to wit, `University of Virginia. Ordered that
William L. Eyre having on the night of the 1st. inst. promoted a riot
by repeatedly using indecent and opprobrious language respecting some
of the Professors during the disturbance of the night in question, and
having refused to give his name when called upon by two Professors, be
expelled from the University. copied from the minutes of the Faculty.
Robley Dunglison secretary, George Tucker, chairman 1825. Octob. 6.'
Resolved that the said sentence is unanimously approved by the Board
of Visitors.
A third communication from the sd Professors is also recieved in
the following words, to wit, `University of Virginia. Ordered that
Robert A. Thompson having, in the night of the 1st. inst. armed himself
with a stick for the purpose of resisting the authority of two Professors,
be expelled from the University. copied from the minutes of
the Faculty. Robley Dunglison secretary. George Tucker, chairman.
Oct. 6. 1825.' Resolved that the said sentence is approved by the
Board of Visitors.
A letter is received from T. H. Key and George Long in these
words, to wit, `To the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia.
Gentlemen. The undersigned Professors of the University of
Virginia hereby tender to you the resignation of their respective
chairs. T. H. Key. George Long. Oct. 6. 1825'
be a Committee to communicate to Professors Key and Long the objections
in theirs of this day, and to confer with the sd Professors on the subject
of that letter.
Resolved that the sd Committee do make known to the Faculty of Professors
the proceedings which have been had upon their communication of
the 2d. day of this month, relative to the disorders in the University,
which have lately occurred, and that they also make known to them the
names of those Students who voluntarily acknoleged themselves present
and agents in some of the transactions complained of.
The Board adjourned to tomorrow.
Friday. Oct. 7. 1825. The Board met according to adjournment.
present the same members as yesterday.
Resolved that the Proctor be charged with the duty at all times,
as the Attorney in fact of the Rector and Visitors, of preventing trespasses
and intrustions on the property of the University real and personal,
and of recovering it's possession from any person who shall improperly
withhold the same, and, for this purpose, that he institute
such legal proceeding as may be proper. it shall also be his duty to
lay before the civil authority, and to communicate to the proper law
officer, such information as he may at any time have, and as may be
calculated to prevent or punish breaches of the peace, trespasses and
other misdemeanors within the precincts of the University, or committed
by Students elsewhere, and especially that he take the proper measures
to bring the late offences at the University before the civil authority.
A motion was made in the following words, to wit `After the present
year, the annual vacation shall commence on the 1st. of August and terminate
of all the schools for two weeks at Christmas. this regulation curtailing
the next session to six tenths of the usual length, the fees
of the Students for that session shall be reduced accordingly. but
this resolution shall be suspended till approved by all the Professors.
the said motion was ordered to be laid on the table.
of the chairs of Professors T. H. Key and George Long. the Proctor is
requested to communicate this resolution to those gentlemen.
Resolved, that in case of vacancy in the office of any Professor
happening during the recess of this board, it shall be lawful for the
Executive Committee to make such temporary arrangement for discharging
the duties of the vacant chair as they may deem expedient. provided
that such arrangement be not for a longer time than the next meeting
of the board. if such vacancy shall involve the breach of contract
on the part of any Professor, the Proctor shall be required to cause
an action of Covenant, or other proper action to be brought upon the
Contract, unless the Executive Committee shall deem it inexpedient.
A form of a Report, as annually required to be made to the President
and Directors of the Literary fund, on the funds and condition of
the University, was then proposed, amended, and agreed to, in the following
words.
To the President and Directors of the Literary fund.
In obedience to the law requiring that the Rector and Visitors
of the University of Virginia should make a Report annually to the
President and Directors of the Literary fund (to be laid before the
of the disbursements, the funds on hand, and a general statement of the
condition of the said University, the said Rector and Visitors make the
following
REPORT.
That which was rendered on the 5th. of October of the last year informed
the President and Directors of the Literary board of the state of
preparation to which we were then advanced towards getting the institution
into actual operation, of the measures taken for procuring Professors
for the several schools, for purchasing some books and apparatus,
and of the ground of hope then existing that it might be actually opened
on the 1st. day of Feb. then next ensuing. it was not however until the
7th. of March that, the Professors of Antient & Modern languages,
Mathematics, of Natural philosophy, and of Anatomy and Medecine, being
in place, the Institution was opened, and put into operation. Professors
of the schools of Moral philosophy, and Natural history were recieved
at short intervals afterwards,: but no satisfactory engagement
having been effected, till lately, of a Professor for the chair of Law,
that school has not yet been opened, nor is it decided whether it will
be most eligible to put it into operation at this advanced season of
the year, or to await the beginning of the term in February next. the
commencement on the 7th. of March was with about 40. students. others
continued to arrive from day to day at first, and from week to week
since, and the whole number matriculated on the last day of the last
month of September was 116. few more can be expected during the present
term, which closes on the 15th. of December next. and the state of the
schools on the same day was as follows.
in the school of Antient languages were 55. scholars
| Modern languages | 64. |
| Mathematics | 68. |
| Natural philosophy | 33. |
| Natural history | 30. |
| Anatomy & Medecine | 20. |
| Moral philosophy | 14. |
from the information recieved from different quarters we have reason
to expect a large accession to our numbers at the commencement of the
next term. the dormitories now provided can accomodate 218. Students.
the neighboring town of Charlottesville perhaps 50. more. but should
more be offered they could not be received. Ex-boarders too will labor
under serious disadvantages, as, besides increased opportunities
of relaxed order, they must lose the use of the library, the books of
which cannot be permitted to be carried out of the precincts of the
University.
A printed copy of the statutes and regulations enacted by the
board of Visitors for the government of the University is now communicated.
we have thought it peculiarly requisite to leave to the civil
magistrate the restraint and punishment of all offences
within the ordinary cognisance of the laws. at the age of 16. the
earliest period of admission into the University, habits of obedience
to the laws become a proper part of education and practice. the minor
provisions and irregularities alone (unnoticed by the laws of the land)
are the peculiar subjects of Academical authority. no system of these
provisions has ever yet prevented all disorder. those first provided
by this board were founded on the principles of avoiding too much
actions into things of offence, and of leaving room to the
Student for habitually exercising his own discretion. but experience
has already proved that stricter provisions are necessary for the
preservation of order, that coercion must be resorted to where confidence
has been disappointed. we have accordingly, at the present session
considerably amended and enlarged the scope of our former system
of regulations, and we shall proceed in the duties of tightening or
relaxing the reins of government as experience shall instruct us in
the progress of the institution; and we are not certain that the further
aid of the legislature itself will not be necessary to enable the
authorities of the institution to interpose, in some cases, with more
promptitude, energy & effect than is permitted by the laws as they
stand at present.
The lands heretofore purchased for the use of the University,
consisted of two parcels, about half a mile distant the one from the
other; the one of 153. acres, comprehending a small mountain, peculiarly
adapted, and important to be secured, for the purpose of an Observatory,
whenever the future advance of circumstances may render such an
establishment desirable. the other of 107-8/10 acres, made up of several
small purchases, which constitute the site of the University itself.
between these is a parcel of 132. acres, which besides the consolidation
of these possessions, and other and great conveniencies offered
by it, lies in the way of the water necessary for the supply of
the establishment, which is brought in pipes, through it, from the high
lands to the site of the University. from the benefit of this communication,
we were liable to be cut off, at any moment, by the owner of
thought reasonable, to wit, at 50.D. the acre. we had, several years
ago, paid 40.D. for the parcel adjacent on one side, and 100.D. the
acre had been given by an individual for a larger parcel adjacent
another side. the consideration that the purchase would so far lessen
the funds for finishing the Rotunda, called certainly for serious hesitation.
but the supply of water indispensable to the establishment.
the irrecoverable loss of it, if sold out to individuals in lots, as
proposed by the proprietor, made it, in our view, an over-ruling duty
to secure the University against so irreparable an injury, and we concluded
the purchase. this now gives to the institution a tract of
nearly 400. acres, beyond the limits of which it has nothing to desire.
The last Report stated that, in addition to the sum of 19,370.40½
which had been paid or provided towards the building called the Rotunda,
there were still remaining, of the general funds, a sum of about 24,000.
D. applicable to that building; that this sum, altho' not sufficient to
finish it, would put it into a state of safety, and of some uses, until
other and more pressing objects should have been accomplished. it has
been indispensable to finish the Circular room, destined for the reception
of the books; because, once deposited in their places, the removing
them for any finishing which might be left to be done hereafter,
would be inadmissible. that has therefore been carried on actively,
and we trust will be ready in time for the reception of the books. the
other apartments of indispensable use were, two for a Chemical laboratory,
one for a Museum of Natural history, and one for Examinations,
for accessory schools, and other associated purposes. an additional
building too for Anatomical dissections, and other kindred uses, was
for use, altho with some jeopardy as to the competence of the funds.
On representations to the General government of the interest which
the legislature of Virginia had given to their University in certain
claims then depending between them, of the great disadvantages under
which that institution must labor, without the books and apparatus which
this donation was to supply, that government did not hesitate to aid us
with an advance, on account, of such a sum as might cover that given to
the University. a Catalogue of books for the Library was thereupon prepared,
an Agent employed to purchase them, wherever they could be obtained
cheapest & best,
placed at his disposal. a previous sum of 7,677.81 had been advanced
by the general fund for the purchase of books, and apparatus of immediate
necessity; and a sum of 6000.D. appropriated on loan towards preparing
the room in the Rotunda destined for a Library, making together
31,677.81. for the purchase of a Philosophical apparatus, a sum of
6000.D. was deposited in London (having cost here 6300.D.) a list of
the proper articles, and their selection & purchase were committed to
a character there highly qualified for the execution of the charge,
and another sum of 3000.D. was deposited in London (having cost here
3157.50) for the acquisition of articles necessary for the Anatomical
school, which with 500.D. paid for a chemical apparatus, and 289.58
for transportation and other miscellaneous expences, amount to 41,924.89
leaving a balance of 8,075.11 for defraying incidental expences, which
will be considerable. a good proportion of these articles we are in
hopes to recieve this autumn, and the residue in the ensuing spring.
Some donations of mineral collections have already been recieved,
we shall, in this way, be supplied sufficiently for all the purposes
of education. much too may be expected from the future industry of
the alumni themselves of the University, when they shall have entered
on the active business of life.
The reciepts by the Collector of arrearages of subscriptions
since the date of our last report have amounted to 2734.89 and the
balance still to be expected is 4306.53½ leaving a sum of 4500.D.
desperate as believed.
The accounts for the reciepts, disbursements and funds on hand
for the year ending with the late month of September, as rendered by
the Bursar and Proctor are given with this Report, as is required by
Law.
The Board then adjourned to the second Monday of December next.
| Board of Visitors minutes October 3, 1825 | |