University of Virginia Library

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5

I have just learned that at your next session you
will be called upon to fill a vacancy in the Chair of Natural Philosophy,
and that Mr. Francis H. Smith of this county will be a candidate
for the appointment.

Ir gives me great pleasure to offer my testimony to his high
claims to your consideration, and to assure you, that in my opinion
he is every way worthy of the distinguished honour which he thus
seeks at your hands.

I have known Mr. Smith from his childhood. He gave evidence
at an early period, of future distinction & usefulness in the Republic
of Letters, and has, for several years, been considered, I believe
by all who know him, one of the most gifted & promising young men in
Virginia. Of his progress and attainments at your noble Institution,
where he has been for the last three or four years, the Faculty will
advise you. I have no pretensions to Scholarship myself, but from
the universal testimony of those qualified to judge, there can be no
doubt, that he would fill the Chair, honorably to himself & with
entire satisfaction to the Public.

I know him as a man, & can speak with confidence. He is a
Gentleman of the highest character in all those qualities necessary
to make the model of the Virginia student. And I am proud to know,
that we have such material of domestic growth, for filling the Chairs
of our Literary Institutions. His Father too, is one of our most respected
Citizens.

I trust, therefore, that on examination you will be satisfied
of the high qualifications of Mr. Smith, and that the people of this,
his native county, may have the gratification of seeing one of her
sons occupying a position, so honouring to himself & to them, & so
useful to his mother commonwealth.