University of Virginia Library

CONTENTS

                                                                                                                                                         

CHAPTER I
Thomas Jefferson—Students' Benefactor and Exemplar
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Early knowledge of him and that gained through various conversations with Mr. Wertenbaker, who remembered him well, as he did his younger friend Edgar Allan Poe; personal characteristics of Mr. Jefferson as outlined by Randall, Webster, Randolph, Smith, and himself; estate—depreciation of; hospitality, financial troubles. Students' surprise and appreciation; his principles and epigrams, etc.	21
CHAPTER II
Thomas Jefferson—Ambitious Young Man and Statesman
Father's characteristics and prominence; his own early life, education, experience at William and Mary College; personal sorrows; lawyer, member of the House of Burgesses, Continental Congress, and Congress; Shadwell destroyed; marriage; death of Dabney Carr and its episode; Patrick Henry's great speech; John Adams' eulogy; Declaration of Independence—when, where, and how composed; religious liberty, public reforms; diffusion of knowledge; Governor, Northwestern Territory; Minister to France, Secretary of State, etc.	39
CHAPTER III
Thomas Jefferson—Ideal Parent and President
Retires to Monticello; daughter Martha—Mrs. Thomas Mann Randolph—becomes its mistress; Rochefoucauld-Liancourt's visit; Excise Law, revolts in Pennsylvania; Curtius and Camillus; Jay Treaty; Vice-President, Talleyrand, Alien and Sedition Acts; President—Burr Vice-President; inauguration, address, principles; death of daughter Mary; Judge Samuel Chase, John Randolph; Embargo Act; administrations compared; retirement, declines public reception; reconciliation with Adams; employment, advocate and user of machinery; correspondence, etc.	59
CHAPTER IV
Thomas Jefferson—Advocate of Knowledge and Education
University of Virginia—interest in "Diffusion of Knowledge"; his educational plan, bills incorporating same; Quesnay French Academy; Swiss College of Geneva; correspondence with Joseph Priestley; Mons. Dupont de Nemours; National University at Washington; Professor Pictet; Joseph C. Cabell, Dr. Thomas Cooper, Samuel Knox; sold library to Congress; letters to Dr. Jones, Adams, Burwell; Lieutenant Hall's visit to Monticello; educational plan submitted to Peter Carr; Albemarle Academy: Central College—first Board of Visitors; Charles Fenton Mercer's plan; Governor Nicholas' report, etc.	77
CHAPTER V
Thomas Jefferson—Father of the University of Virginia
The Mercer bill vs. Mr. Jefferson's; Mercer in Congress; Mr. Jefferson's Educational Bill of 1817-1818; first report of Central College proposing its conversion into the University of Virginia; Mr. Jefferson's final draft and trial; dreams realized; difficulty over location; Rockfish Commission—its report to Legislature; final contest, Mr. Baldwin of Augusta; First Board of Visitors; Mr. Jefferson chosen Rector; University's architecture, plans, construction; Dr. Thomas Cooper's opposition, religious apprehensions; selection of Ticknor and Bowditch; buildings advanced; monetary difficulties; religious doctrines; Father of our Navy, etc.	96
CHAPTER VI
Thomas Jefferson—Champion of Free-Religion and Government
Letters to Dr. Cooper and James Smith—religious conditions and ideas; student discipline; denominational schools near the University; letter to Gallatin, ambition for the University—remitting her debts, financial difficulties disappearing; correspondence with Cabell; rotunda begun; letter to Judge Johnson defining object of the Federalists; letter to Cartwright explaining State and Federal powers; letter to Adams concerning health and the University; letter to President Monroe about "Monroe Doctrine"; letters to Lafayette, Cabell, Jared Sparks and Van Buren; Gilmer seeking professors abroad; buildings completed and described; English professors arrive; University opened March 7, 1825.	116
CHAPTER VII
Thomas Jefferson—Defender of "Equal Rights to all Men"
Mr. Jefferson's letter to Giles; defense against letter in Enquirer, by "American Citizen"; letter to Madison concerning financial |
CHAPTER VIII
Conditions Dominating the Selection of the University
Luther M. Reynolds—academic and professional education—Professors Allen, Horsford, Norton, Porter; his trip to Pennsylvania and Kentucky, where he frequently saw and heard Henry Clay make impressive speeches; other experiences related and personages encountered that enthused my youthful mind; his high appreciation of college training, and estimate of various institutions, including the University of Virginia; factors that led me to select that University, etc.	154
CHAPTER IX
Maiden Trip to Washington and Virginia
Leaving home for the University; visit in Baltimore at my uncle's; short stop in Washington; first inspection of the Capitol; view of the White House, Arlington; made a friend of the brakeman; Alexandria—its seeming antiquated appearance; Orange and Alexandria Railroad; Henry Knox, the courteous and obliging brakeman; Fairfax, Bull Run, Manassas—Confederate cemetery —Bristoe, Catletts, Warrenton Junction (Calverton), Bealeton, Rappahannock, Brandy, Culpeper, Rapidan, Mitchell, Cedar Mountain, Orange, Madison (Montpelier), Gordonsville, etc.	173
CHAPTER X
Arrival at the University—Mr. Jefferson's Child and Pet
Last twenty-one miles—Gordonsville to Charlottesville; Lindseys, Keswick, Rivanna River, Shadwell—Mr. Jefferson's birthplace— Monticello, his home and place of burial; Charlottesville— friendly greeting of students; arrival at the University; meeting the Proctor, Major Peyton, and the Chairman, Colonel Venable, with whom I dined; letter from Colonel Charles Marshall; selecting room; passing of the first few days; first letter home; University work selected and begun—its character; meeting students; mass meeting in the Court House, etc.	193
CHAPTER XI
First Visit to Monticello—Mr. Jefferson's Home and Grave
Monticello—visit to Lawrenceville and Princeton; Aaron Burr's grave and tomb contrasted with those of Mr. Jefferson's; pilgrim students journeying on foot to his home and tomb; description and dilapidation of both; now happily restored—the one by Jefferson M. Levy, the other by act of Congress; his tomb inscription, also that of Dabney Carr; home-letter to grandmother; secret fraternities; literary societies—Jeff and Wash; method of electing officers, etc.	210
CHAPTER XII
Literary Societies; Debates and Celebrations
Became a member of the Jeff; recorded many of the debates, excerpts from a few—Wickes, Saunders, Smith, Herron, Brent, Green, Clark, etc.; trip home at Christmas; excerpts from diary; sickness and death of Professor McGuffey; accident to room-mate— Pearce; closing weeks of the session; remained for Commencement; sermon by Rev. J. William Jones; Wash Celebration— Richard H. Maury, John W. Stephenson, Fergus R. Graham; Jeff Celebration—B. Chambers Wickes, William R. Alexander, John Sharp Williams, etc.	230
CHAPTER XIII
Commencement—Addresses and Banquet—Session 1872-73
Commencement of 1873 continued; memorial address on Professor Gessner Harrison, by Rev. John A. Broadus; Joint Celebration —Hon. Thomas F. Bayard; Commencement or Final Day— alumni address by Ex-Governor Thomas Swann; alumni banquet—to which a few of us students were invited to enjoy the good things and speeches; escorted two of the honored guests, Senator Bayard and Ex-Governor Swann, to Professor Venable's home; death and funeral of Mr. Swann, etc.	250
CHAPTER XIV
Incidents and Commencement of Session 1873-74
Session of 1873-74; democratic set of students; Professor Noah K. Davis; excerpts from home-letters; Gen. Wade Hampton's lecture; death of Mrs. Venable, also Dr. Henry Howard; Jeff and Wash interests; Episcopal Convention; Commencement—sermons by Revs. T. D. Witherspoon and James A. Duncan; Wash Celebration—T. L. Raymond, R. A. Saulsbury, J. St. Clair Brookes; Jeff Celebration—F. F. Reese, M. W. Ransom, Jr., J. A. Powell; Joint Celebration—Hon. John Goode, Gen. Jubal A. Early; alumni address—Judge J. H. Kennard; session 1874-75; Semi-centennial; Bayard Taylor, Daniel B. Lucas; Jeff and Wash changes; Rev. Dr. Steel's marriage; Mrs. Cabell's death, etc.	271
CHAPTER XV
Incidents and Commencement of Session 1874-75
Session 1874-75 continued. Address of Rev. Dr. Randolph H. McKim; Selection of Jeff. and Wash. officers. Sermon by Rev. Dr. Robert L. Dabney. Sermon by Rev. Dr. R. N. Sledd. Typhoid epidemic; Baseball games. Commencement—Semi-Centennial Celebration: Sermon by Rev. Dr. W. T. Brantly; Wash. Celebration—Geo. Ben. Johnston, Henry C. Stuart, Charles E. Nicol; Jeff. Celebration—Benj. Fitzpatrick, A. M. Robinson, Leo N. Levi. Alumni Celebration—Daniel B. Lucas, Gen. Jubal A. Early, Robert M. T. Hunter; Commencement Day—Gen. John S. Preston; Alumni Banquet; Final Ball, etc.	288
CHAPTER XVI
Incidents and Commencement of Session 1875-76
Session 1875-76: Sickness, death and funeral of Thomas Jefferson Randolph. Home-letters—another visit to Monticello; failure of the Charlottesville National Bank; Bible classes. Former and present chaplains; Davis becomes business editor of the Magazine. Professor Thornton succeeds Professor Boeck. Election; Christmas; Earthquake; social pleasures, dancing. Edward H. Squibb Gymnasium. Literary Societies. Davis—Sunday School Supt. at Chapel. Visit to Rev. John T. Randolph's. Religious meetings. John Jasper's sermon; Commencement—Ralph Waldo Emerson, etc.	308
CHAPTER XVII
Incidents and Pleasures of Session 1876-77
Session 1876-77; Professor Gildersleeve missed. Sons of Confucius. Tilden and Hayes campaign—dangers experienced. Dr. Dame's sermon. Students' Minstrel Troup. Christmas. Dr. Witherspoon's sermon. Literary Societies. Boat Club. Trip to Staunton. Baseball with Washington and Lee. Lexington as a seat of learning—visit thereto; her noted personages, living and dead. Observance in Baltimore of Gen. Lee's death and burial—our regrets that he and Jackson had not been connected with the University; Jackson's ambition to succeed Professor Courtenay in mathematics, etc.	329
CHAPTER XVIII
Incidents and Commencement of Session 1876-77
General Lee's possible identification and association with the University; deaths of Commodore Maury and Mrs. Lee. Off for Lexington, via Goshen; pleasant midnight reception, and sightseeing of the next two days. Gen. Hunter's destructive visit in 1864; Baseball game and banquet. Commencement, June, 1877. Address by Maj. John W. Daniel. Final Day and Ball. First regatta at Lynchburg, crowned with accident and defeat, etc.	348
CHAPTER XIX
Professors—Personal Characteristics and Traits
The Professors—Mr. Jefferson's high ideal; a noble band of faithful, painstaking workers, especially interested in industrious students to whom they extended social courtesies; our appreciation of their talents and personalities—profound attention and respect in class, etc. Charles S. Venable—appearance, dress, quick insight of students; interviews and visits after my University career; his address in Baltimore. William E. Peters—appearance and characteristics; great interest in his ambitious students—annoyed by stupid laggards. Last visit to him, April, 1904.	366
CHAPTER XX
Professors—Personal Characteristics and Traits
Francis Henry Smith, characteristics, accomplishments and popularity; loyal to his teacher and predecessor, William B. Rogers— sketch of latter. Maximilian Schele De Vere, characteristics and popularity; students' pranks; last visit to him, 1804; his semi-centennial; value as an American scholar. Basil Lanneau Gildersleeve, characteristics and traits; war incidents; classroom diversions; regret at his leaving the University; personal letters, etc.	384
CHAPTER XXI
Professors—Personal Characteristics and Traits
John William Mallet—characteristics and traits; beautiful lecturer, accurate, safe and pains-taking experimenter; fine teacher with much dignity. George Frederick Holmes, characteristics—tall gaunt form; enjoyed students' applause, our strong regard for him; a public lecturer of merit. John Staige Davis—personal traits and magnetism, brilliant and healthful teacher, high sense of honor, facetious humor, kind and sympathetic. James Lawrence Cabell—distinguished personality, strong character, gifted intellect, kind knowing physician; personal letter. James Francis Harrison—characteristics, brusque mannerism, popular with students and in the University management.	404
CHAPTER XXII
Professors—Personal Characteristics and Traits
William Holmes McGuffey—appearance and dress, liberal thinker and Presbyterian; sickness, death, funeral, burial; successor; life work and greatness. John Barbee Minor—great moral and legal teacher; appearance, hard worker; Christian home life; loyal to the University during the Civil War. Noah Knowles Davis—personal characteristics, close observer, deep thinker, hard worker, mingled little with the world; Sunday afternoon Bible lectures. Francis Perry Dunnington—appearance, reserved manner, accurate worker and good teacher.	423
CHAPTER XXIII
Professors—Personal Characteristics and Traits
Leopold Jules Boeck—nativity, personality; great linguist; resignation. Stephen O. Southall—characteristics, fine speaker; popular with students. John Randolph Page—characteristics; course unpopular; resignation. Thomas Randolph Price, successor to Professor Gildersleeve; characteristics; home quite a social factor. William Wertenbaker, Librarian; youth, training; appointed by Mr. Jefferson. M. Green Peyton, Proctor—personality, good official, friendly to all students. Henry Martin, Janitor—personal traits, affable, dignified but friendly.	442
CHAPTER XXIV
Summary of University Life—Duties Versus Pleasures
University life falsely understood by many; in truth exacting and filled with cares, but had a bright side. Unusual condition at the University for close study and thorough scholarship. Methods of diversion—pleasurable walking, ball games, gymnasium, skating, theatricals, minstrels, short trips, attending church, Bible and public lectures. Social visiting—dancing, receptions, games, horseback riding, driving, musical instruments and practice; debating societies; secret fraternities. University laws seldom violated, etc.	460
CHAPTER XXV
University Training, Selection and Criticism
Conclusions and Observations. College and university training— some more desirable than others; all improve the type of manhood and chances of success in life; none makes wise men out of fools. Few older heads advise, but let the youthful select for themselves. University criticised by some alumni for extreme thoroughness, and other institutions for excessive weakness. Kind of students best suited to attend the University—some should not go there. Conditions especially commending the University versus those considered negative. Opinions of some students of my day—discussion that did good.	472
Index	495