University of Virginia Library

PREFACE

After the passing of a generation from the busy activities
of life at the University it may seem strange that a casual
alumnus inclines to turn from absorbing current events and
look backward through dim-visioned eyes upon scenes of
earlier days. As a fact, however, he is still to himself, despite
growing old in the sight of others, the same young man sitting
on those hard wooden benches—for he continues to absorb and
learn daily unfamiliar truths as in those formative years. Indeed,
with recurring frequency and delight the retrospect continues
to awaken memories, not as of the distant past, but of
the near-by yesterday, and through an ambition that such be
preserved while under happy recognition—ere the dawn of
mental decline and obscurity—and that a passing fancy for
the task be gratified, this work has been permitted to see light.

The author claims no special aptitude over legions of the
University's loyal sons for producing a reminiscent volume;
certainly he regrets that some one more gifted has not heretofore
made good the opportunity of a richer product along
similar lines—a hope that has occasioned much deliberation,
if not delay, in compiling his own available material. Such
a work might be regarded as coming best from that fortunate
coterie detailed these many years at the University in one or
another capacity—enjoying the closest contact with her daily
life—but glimpses from within are often less real than those
from without, and it is ever wholesome "to see ourselves as
others see us." In truth few have worshipped at that altar
and gone forth into chosen ways unmindful of her history,
unimbued with her love, or untrained in stating facts—those
readily correlated by one and all—such as it has been the effort
here to record, some possibly through filial affection a little
tinted but in the main void of any intent at exaggeration or
misrepresentation. The University needs no deceptive champion,
the truth is quite sufficient—whether her sons become
great, perhaps small, by or in spite of her training, argues not

the slightest against her intellectual forces and moral ideals
being the highest.

The conception of the work, like many undertakings, was
largely accidental—growing out of the preservation by parents
of the author's University letters, the recording by him of
weekly doings, a form of diary, and the retention of photographs,
magazines, newspaper articles and his side of a liberal
correspondence belonging to those times.

The chapters pertaining to Mr. Jefferson and the founding
of the University—the capstone of his fruitful life—have in
substance been collected from most reliable sources, supplemented
by the innumerable fragmentary conversations with
Mr. Wertenbaker. Not that his ipse dixit is believed more
accurate than others, but being the only conversant cotemporary
of Mr. Jefferson known then to the author, whatever
he said or indorsed as said by others seemed to receive a
vitalizing influence. The recounting of experiences and occurrences
of the several sessions has been restricted to those
making strongest impression upon the individual, relieved
largely of detail incident to the average student's life, wherein
slight variation can exist. Preparing for lectures, attendance
thereon, fraternity meetings, social visiting, even interest in
various young ladies, belong practically to so many alike as to
need little, if any, reference.

The impressions of my professors have been given without
reserve, and include much personal detail—that frequently
recognized unworthy of transmission, since it is claimed not
to edify but only to appease curiosity. Many delight in Mr.
Lincoln's witticisms, indifferent to his tall homely personality;
not a few desire critical knowledge of Napoleon's pyrotechnic
career, regardless of his diminutive stature—contented with
the common weakness of always associating intuitively physical
largeness with mental greatness—while some prefer an
intelligent conception of the man as well as his works. The
author wondered over the proportions of Mr. Jefferson long
before meeting Mr. Wertenbaker, and was only too glad to
accept from his lips valuable details, and be directed for the
first time to Mr. Webster's contribution in that direction.
Here, therefore, an effort has been made, as far as memory
serves, to remove individual uncertainties, so that even the

stranger comparing description and portrait may have a mind-vision
of the personage.

Many will consider both object and matter unworthy a
laudable ambition; some will claim, "it fails reach the mark
the archer meant," while a few—those for whom the volume
chiefly is intended—will accept gladly anything concerning
their alma mater honestly intended to encourage a remembrance
of her past, an interest in her present, and a stimulus
for her future.

If it may only impress the greatness of Mr. Jefferson,
strengthen a belief in his doctrines and hasten their reacceptance
in the land of his creation; or incline the doubting
towards a university training—perchance at her shrine—and
refresh youthful years there enjoyed, it will not have been
written in vain.