University of Virginia Library

I left New York city on Monday morning for Middletown,
where I arrived about 2 o'clock the same day. Every thing appeared,
quite familiar to me, the same buildings with few exceptions, the
same old walks & many well remembered faces. The first person whom
I want to see after taking rooms at the Hotel, was Mr. Thompson.
He appeared delighted to see me again & pressed me to take tea at
his house that evening, which it gave me pleasure to do. In the
afternoon I called on my old Professor Johnston. I found only his
wife at home & was most cordially welcomed. I saw the Professor
afterward in the College building, & had a long talk about old
times. I found that he was to start the next day for Providence and
I concluded to go with him, as I expected to have his assistance,
when I planned to stay in Middletown for the purpose of geologising-and
his purpose to leave so soon would have deprived me of a
good part of the benefit I expected to derive from my visit.

In the evening I took tea at Mrs. Thompson's, my old landlady,
and I am sure I never had a heartier greeting, than I received
from her. She inquired particularly about you, and indeed
every one expressed a kind wish, that I had brought you with me.
I am sure that their kind feelings towards me would have been equally
extended to my dear little wife. Van Vleck and his wife
had been boarding with them for 18 months but had left a few days
before to visit his father in New York. I was sorry that I could
not see them. Hunt had also left. The next morning I took breakfast
with Prof. & Mrs. Johnston, and met my old friend, Miss Josephine
Holdich, whom I was rather surprised to find yet unmarried.
I called afterwards on Prof. Lindsay and upon Mrs. Holdich who is
spending the summer in Middletown. Mrs. Thompson seemed so anxious to
have my danguerreotype, that I had one taken for her. At 11 o'clock
I started with Prof J. for this place. We got here at 4 o'clock
day before yesterday. I took lodgings at the City Hotel. I went
into the dining room to get a late dinner, & found but one man
there, an old gentleman, who very politely invited addressed me, &
entered into conversation with me. In the course of it, he remarked
he was from Philadelphia. I told him I had observed the name of
Dr. Dunglison of Philadelphia upon the register, and that I was
desirous of seeing him. Said he, "that is my name". I gave him my
own, and we had of course a very warm shake of hands. He told me
that your Grandpa & gr.dma were at New Port, and as it is but a
short ride from here, I shall go down to see them some evening.
The Dr. very politely introduced me to several gentlemen of eminence,
among them, to Prof. Mahan of West Point. We walked about
the City together during the evening. The next day, the associa.n
met in the chapel of Brown University in this city. Just before
opening, Mr. Rogers appeared in the room, and I was very happy to
grasp his hand again. Mrs. Rogers is with him. We had a very interesting
meeting yesterday. Mr. Rogers made a handsome impromptu
speech. It brought back old times vividly to my recollection. He
has not changed a particle, it appears to me. Yesterday evening,

I took tea at Prof. Coawell's. He is a warm hearted man, & recollects
with great pleasure a visit he made to the University 30
years ago, at which time he dined with Mr. Jefferson. His daughter
& his future son-in-law (a professor here) were exceedingly agreeable.
The latter also visited Virginia a few years ago, & fell
into the hands of Billy Gilmer, of whose jokes & squibs he preserves
a merry recollection. I went with Prof.Caswell at 9 o'clock
to a reception at President Waylands, where the whole association
were met. Dr. W. was glad, he said, to see anyone from the University-&
requested me to present his respects to Dr. McGuffey particularly.
Will you do it for me? I met Mrs. Rogers there. We had
a long talk. She wants to visit Virginia-says she prefers our
society to that at Boston, which she found unpleasantly stiff, cold
& ram-roddish after leaving Virginia. She looks a little older
than she used to do. Mr. Rogers intends paying us a visit in October.

I met Van Vleck here. I have been fortunate in becoming
acquainted through my various friends, with the most distinguished
scientific men of the country. Nothing could exceed the cordiality
with which I was received by Prof. Agassiz, to whom I was introduced
this morning by Prof. Hall. Mr. Pierce also was very polite.
In addition to these I have become acquainted with Prof.
Henry, Dr. Gould, Prof. Loomis, Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Bache. The
latter told me I looked very much like his dear friend Mr. Courtenay
when he was of my age. In all this politeness I observe an
evident respect for the University of Virginia—whose high position
is beginning to be recognised by intelligent men everywhere.
How happy would I be if I could aspire to add anything to an institution
which I have so much reason to love. I will write again
soon. Till then farewell. God bless my dear wife & daughter!