 | Board of Visitors minutes July 2, 1835 |  |
The stated annual meeting of the Board of Visitors of
the University of Virginia required by the enactments to
have taken place on the 1st day of July 1835 was not formed
until the 2d of the month. A Board was formed on that day
consisting of Messrs. Jno. H. Cocke, Th: J. Randolph, Wm.
C. Rives, and James M. Mason. In the absence of Jos. C.
Cabell, the Rector Genl. Cocke was chosen Rector pro
tempore.
On motion, Resolved that a committee be appointed, of
which the Rector be ex officio a member to prepare a report
in conformity with a "resolution of the General Assembly
of Virginia calling for information respecting the University
of Virginia, and the colleges and academies of the State."
In addition to the Rector the following Gentlemen
were appointed the Committee viz: Messrs. Rives, Mason and
Johnson.
A communication was received from Wm. Wertenbaker,
assistant Librarian on the subject of Books missing from
the Library which was referred to the Committee of Inspection.
The following standing committees were appointed
Of Inspection, Messrs. Randolph & Mason.
of Finance - Messrs. Mason & Rives.
of Accounts - Messrs. Mason & Randolph.
Resolved, That Dr. Warner, having accepted the appointment
of Professor of Anatomy and Surgery, on a letter from
the Rector informing him that he had been appointed to that
Professorship for one year, and referring him for information,
as to the Emoluments of that department, to the enactments
of the University which declare that the annual Salary
attached thereto shall be $750 is entitled to the whole of
that sum, & the Proctor be instructed to settle his account
for compensation accordingly.
Resolved, That Dr. Warner, appointed pro tempore to the
school of Anatomy and Surgery by a resolution of this board
on the 19th July last be appointed professor of Anatomy and
Surgery in the University of Virginia, and that his Salary
be one thousand dollars per annum.
The Board were also engaged in reading communications
and examining into the books of the Chairman and Faculty.
The Bursar's and Proctor's accounts were handed in;
and the Chairman made his reports.
The Board adjourned till tomorrow morning 8 O.Clock.
Friday July 3d. The Board met. Present as on yesterday.
A communication was received from the Proctor on the
subject of his compensation, and referred to the Committee
of Finance.
A communication from Dr. Patterson on the subject of
the articles belonging to him among the Philosophical apparatus,
and concerning his mineralogical specimens, and offering
them for sale to the University, was referred to the
Committee of Inspection.
A communication was read from Mr. Vincent, French Teacher,
whereupon the Secretary was directed to inform Mr.
Vincent that the Board do not see fit to interfere in any
manner between the Faculty and himself.
Resolved, That the Faculty be authorised to confer the
degree of Master of Arts on Professor Tutwiler of the University
of Alabama.
Resolved, that the arrangements made by the Students
of the University for the usual celebration of the last day
of the session, being plainly in contravention of the existing
laws of the Institution, the Visitors cannot consent to
give effect to them by allowing the delivery of the orations
and essays which have been prepared, in pursuance of those
arrangements, within the limits of the University; but, recognizing
with pleasure the return to a regular and constitutional
mode of proceeding in the more recent resolutions
of a meeting of the Students, they will take into respectful
& favorable consideration the memorial presented on their
behalf, so far as it asks for a modification of the law
complain'd of, for the future.
Resolved, that the sentence of expulsion against Thomas
Matthews be confirmed.
Resolved, that the sentence of expulsion against Ramsay
M. Henry and R. H. Weightman be confirmed.
The Rector and Visitors have seen with pleasure the
arrangement made by the Faculty with the Merchants of Charlottesville
& its vicinity on the day of 1834 and
hope they will endeavour annually to renew it.
Upon the application of B. Jaeger, Professor of Natural
history at Princeton College to deliver lectures the ensuing
fall on Zoology and Botany, to such Students of the University
as may be disposed to attend -
Resolved, that the Faculty be authorized, at their discretion,
to give or withold from Professor Jaeger the permission
asked - and should they grant the permission to extend
to him such facilities as they may think proper.
Resolved, that the sentence of expulsion against Messrs.
Land, Cheves, & Keary, late Students of the University, be
confirmed.
The Board then adjourned to meet tomorrow morning at
8 O.Clock.
Saturday July 4th 1835. Present as on yesterday.
Resolved, that the application of Mr. Ch: Morris, a
Student of the University, to board the next Session at Mrs.
Brokenborough's, on account of ill health, is granted,
An application by way of an appeal from the Sentence of
Expulsion pronounced by the Faculty against them, was received
from Messrs. Land, Cheves & Keary, accompanied by a memorial
& some additional testimony; Whereupon it was resolved;
That upon deliberate examination of the evidence exhibited
before the Chairman and Faculty of the University of Virginia
in the case of Messrs. Land, Keary, & Cheves, & of their
memorial with its accompanying certificates; we regret that
we feel ourselves bound to confirm the sentence of Expulsion
pronounced against them.
The Board took a recess to be present at the exhibitions
of the public day, and did not meet again for the transaction
of business until,
Monday. July 6, Present as on Saturday.
Upon the application of Mr. A. Penci praying the Board
of Visitors to erect a building within the Precincts, suitable
for a gymnasium and asking permission of the Board to
occupy with his family the upper rooms of the S.E. Hotel.
Resolved, That the condition of the Funds of the University
will not, at this time permit an appropriation for
the building desired:
Resolved, that the proctor be authorized to assign to
Mr. Penci the upper apartments in the S.E. Hotel for the
accommodation of himself and Family, provided that they be
Resolved, That the urgent demands upon the funds of the
University, for repairs of the Pavilions, Dormitories and
other buildings, render it inexpedient at this time to make
further appropriations for the alterations requested by
Professors Warner and Blaetterman, in their respective Pavilions.
Resolved, That application of Messrs. Bankhead & Ogden,
for leave to reside during the next Session out of the precincts
of the University, because of ill health, be referred
to the Faculty - with power to grant or refuse such permission
to these gentlemen severally as they may deem proper.
Resolved, The violation of the enactment prohibiting the
introduction, keeping, or use of weapons, arms, gunpowder &c,
shall be subject to any of the punishments major or minor,
at the discretion of the Faculty.
Resolved, That the Committee to which was referred the
communication from the President and directors of the Literary
fund, be discharged from the further consideration of
the subject; and that the same be referred to a committee of
whom the Rector shall be one, with instructions to report
thereon to the President and directors of the Literary fund
within the time limited by their communications.
In addition to the Rector, Chapman Johnson, Jno. H.
Cocke, Th: J. Randolph, James M. Mason, Wm. C. Rives, and
Resolved - That the sum of one hundred and thirty five
dollars and seventy one cents be paid to Dr. Thomas Johnson
to reimburse him for so much money advanced by him for alterations
and improvements in Pavilion No. 2 whilst the
same was occupied by him; that sum being reported by the Executive
Committee under the resolution of the Board of Visitors
of the 18th of July last.
The Board were engaged in part during the day in hearing
the statements of sundry of the Professors made at the request
of the Board, relative to a resolution of censure on the
Proctor passed by the Faculty.
The Board them adjourned to meet again tomorrow morning
8 O.Clock.
Teusday July 7. The Board met. Present as on yesterday.
Resolved, that professor Davis be appointed Chairman
of the Faculty for one year terminating on the 4th of July
next.
Daniel Perrow, one of the Hotel keepers of the University,
having been convicted before the Faculty of a breach of duty;
and, as reported by them still failing thereafter to perform
the duties required of him by the enactments:
Resolved, that the said Daniel Perrow be removed from
his office of Hotel keeper, & that the Secretary give him
notice thereof forthwith.
The Committee of Finance made their report.
Dr. R. M. Patterson having resigned the Professorship
of Natural Philosophy in the University which for the last
six years he has filled with such distinguished ability and
success, the Board of Visitors cannot permit his connection
with the Institution, of which they are the guardians, to
be dissolved without expressing the high sense they entertain
of the valuable services he has rendered it,- tendering him
the cordial sentiments of esteem and respect with which his
character and conduct have inspired them; & assuring him of
the lively interest they will continue to take in his prosperity
and happiness wheresoever his duties or the course
of events may call him.
The Secretary will enter this expression of the sentiments
of the Board and communicate a copy thereof to Dr.
Patterson.
Resolved, That the proctor give public notice by advertisement
as usual, that one of the Hotels in the University
is vacant, and invite proposals for an appointment.
The Board of Visitors having on the application of
Messrs. Cheves, Land, and Keary, reconsidered their memorial,
and heard their respective statements, together with some
additional certificates, and finding some imperfection in
the testimony before them in relation to some points of the
case have determined to refer the whole matter back to the
and explanations as may be presented to them, as
well as on the evidence heretofore in their possession, and
will await the result of that reconsideration before they
finally act on the subject- In the meantime Messrs. Cheves,
Land & Keary will remain subject to all the consequences
of the inchoate sentence already pronounced by the Faculty.
Resolved that Opie Norris be employed, under the direction
of the Committee on the Bursar's and Proctor's accounts
to examine the said accounts for the last year, in connecttion
with their respective vouchers, and to report the result
of such examination; for which service he shall receive
compensation at the rate of five dollars per diem.
A portion of this day the Board was engaged in listening
to the statements & explanations of the Proctor on the
subject of the resolution of censure passed by the Faculty.
The Board then adjourned to meet again tomorrow morning
at 8 O.Clock.
Wednesday July 8. The Board met. Present as on yesterday.
On their meeting the Board resumed the subject of
Yesterday, and further statements and explanations were
made by the Proctor in their presence. The result of the
deliberations of the Board on this matter will be found in
the report of the Committee of Inspection, & in the
A communication from Wm. H. Brokenborough, Librarian,
was read and ordered to be filed.
Resolved, That the fine imposed by the Faculty on Jno.
N. Rose late an Hotel keeper be reduced to ten dollars, and
that if the said fine have been paid, the Proctor refund to
Mr. Rose agreeably to this resolution.
Resolved, That the application of Professor Harrison
contained in his letter to the Board of Visitors, to be permitted
to exchange his pavilion for that recently occupied
by Professor Patterson, be granted.
Resolved, the resolution adopted by the Board of Visitors
at their meeting on the 14th July 1828, allowing five hundred
dollars as additional compensation to the Professor of Natural
Philosophy be, and is hereby repealed.
Wm. H. Brokenborough having resigned the office of
Librarian -
Resolved that Wm. Wertenbaker be appointed Librarian of
the University to enter forthwith on the discharge of his
duties.
It shall be the duty of the Librarian in future, if required
by the Faculty to act as Secretary of their body, and
in that case he shall be entitled to receive the compensation
annexed to that office.
The Board of Visitors having had under consideration
to the preservation of equality in the rights and privileges
of the resident and non-resident Hotelkeepers:
Resolved, that it is the wish of the Visitors that such
equality should be regarded by the Faculty, as far as circumstances
may admit.
Resolved, that the part of the Janitor's Salary now
unpaid be witheld at the discretion of the Chairman, until
he becomes more attentive to his duties, and gives more satisfaction
in their discharge.
Resolved, that the request of Capt. Alden Potridge to
deliver a course of Military instruction, see his letter of
July 4th 1835, is granted, subject to the control of the
Faculty.
Resolved, that it is not expedient to increade the compensation
of the Proctor and Patron of the University.
Resolved, that the Executive Committee be authorized,
in pursuance of the provisions of the act of the Legislature
on that subject, to contract an additional loan, not exceeding
$2230 (two thousand two hundred and thirty dollars)
for the purpose of completing the repairs of the University
now in progress.
Resolved, That it is not expedient at this time to increase
the Salary of the Professor of Modern Languages.
Resolved, That Professor Henry of Princeton, be appointed
if he shall decline the appointment, in that case Professor
Rogers of Wms. Burgh be, and is hereby appointed to that
professorship.
Resolved, that the Visitors approve the decision of
the Faculty, reversing their late sentence of expulsion
against Mr. Cheves, and confirming their similar sentence
against Messrs. Land & Keary.
The Chairman having reported in his book that a difference
arose during the past session between himself and
the Proctor as to the right of the Chairman to control that
officer in the execution of his official duties;
Resolved, that by the enactments, the Proctor is required
to obey the instructions of the Chairman in all matters
affecting his official duties.
The following preamble and resolutions were brought
before the Board for consideration, & some difficulty arising
respecting them, were laid over for consideration at a
fuller meeting: viz.
The proceedings of the professors having in view the
adoption of measures for the erection by private contributions,
of a chapel on the grounds of the University for
the more convenient and appropriate performance of the religious
services already provided for by an arrangement
which has received the sanction of the Board of Visitors,
being presented:
Resolved, that the board duly estimating, as their predecessors
have done, the importance of religious worship to
the well-being of the Institution over which they preside, &
finding that the apartment heretofore allotted and occupied
for that purpose is totally inadequate to the accommodation
of the Students and professors and their families , who have
shown an earnest desire to attend on the religious services
which have for some years been regularly performed there, do
cheerfully assent to the proposed building of a chapel on
the grounds of the University; reserving to their future decision,
upon a more deliberate consultation with the professors,
the precise designation of the site for the chapel,
and it being well understood that the same jealous care to
maintain a strict impartiality and equality between the several
religious denominations in their relations to this
institution, shall continue to be scrupulously and sacredly
preserved.
Resolved, that in cases of suspension from the University,
the Faculty shall prescribe the place at which the suspended
Student shall reside during the period of suspension; and,
in cases of expulsion, dismission, or suspension, the utmost
promptitude & punctuality are recommended to the chairman
in apprising the parents or guardians of the Students so
expelled, dismissed or suspended of the sentemces passed on
them.
Resolved, That the privilege heretofore given to the
Proctor to take the dead and fallen wood from the University
lands, did not contemplate the cutting or using any green
or living timber; and the practice of using the University
teams and hands as has been suggested to furnish wood for
the Proctor is improper and ought to be discontinued.
Resolved, That in future the Orators and Essayists for
the last day of the session shall be chosen in the following
manner; the whole body of Students shall, in the month of
November of each year be arranged by the Chairman into nine
equal divisions - each division shall name one elector; the
nine electors thus chosen shall meet together at such time
as may be designated by the Chairman, and by a majority of
their voices select the Orators & essayists for the last
day of the session, not exceeding six in number, and to be
approved by the Faculty.
The Compositions of the Orators & essayists shall, as
heretofore, be submitted to the chairman for his approbation,
and he may prescribe such limitations of time for their delivery
as may be best calculated to promote the good effect
of such an exhibition of the talents of the Institution.
The Committee on the Bursar's and Proctor's accounts
made their report, and on their recommendation the following
resolutions were adopted:
Resolved That Messrs. Randolph & Rives be empowered to
any investigation of the Proctor's and Bursar's accounts that
they may deem necessary, and report the same to the next
meeting of the Board.
Resolved, that hereafter it shall be the duty of the
Proctor to exhibit to the Board of Visitors on the first day
of their annual meeting a detail'd report of all sums received
for rents, fines; assessments, and specify the name of the person
from whom received, the date and amount of each payment.
The Committee of Inspection made their report accompanyed
by the following resolutions which were adopted.
Resolved, that the philosophical apparatus now in the
department of Natural Philosophy belonging to Dr. Patterson,
and contained in his scedule endorsed "List and valuation
of Dr. Patterson's apparatus, July 3d 1835."- be purchased
by the University at the price proposed of $846.90 and that
the time and mode of payment be arranged by the Executive
Committee.
That the expediency of purchasing from Dr. Patterson, his
cabinet of Mineralogical and Geological specimens be referred
to the Executive Committee -
That the Executive Committee be authorised to dispose of
the balance turning upon agates with its appurtenances in the
department of Natural Philosophy, and in their discretion to
apply the proceeds of sale in payment, pro tante, to Dr. Patterson.
That it be hereafter the duty of the Janitor under the
direction of the Professor of Anatomy and Surgery to clean &
refit, at least once in each year, the surgical instruments
and apparatus under the care of that professor.
Resolved, That the Executive Committee be authorised to
cause a temporary partition to be put up in the Anatomical
hall, in such manner as will conduce to the warmth in winter,
and greater comfort of that apartment - And in their discretion
to order and have placed there an additional stove.
Resolved, That the proctor cause the room upon the
ground floor of the Rotunda, near the Chemical Laboratory,
now occupied by one of the Negroes of the University to be
vacated by that occupant; and those rooms after being properly
cleansed, to be locked up, or put to other desirable uses.
Resolved, that the Visitors approve the regulations
adopted by the Faculty for the future government of the Library;
and entertain the hope that they will be punctually
regarded.
Resolved, that hereafter upon the arrival of new books
for the Library, that the packages be opened by the Proctor
and Librarian together, the books be compared with the invoice
accompanying them - the receipt of the Librarian taken
for them, and they committed to his custody before they shall
be at the disposal of the professors or students.
Resolved, that so much of the report of the Committee
grounds &c be communicated to the Proctor.
Resolved, That it appears to the Board of Visitors, from
the report of their Committee of Inspection, and from information
derived from the Professors ( the details of which information
have been communicated to the Proctor, and explanations
made therein by him ) that his duties as Master of police,
have by no means been discharged in the manner contemplated
by the Enactments or to the satisfaction of the Visitors.
Resolved-That without enumerating all the instances of
ommission of duty in his police department which have been
brought to the notice of the Visitors, they cannot refrain
from specifying his acknowledged failure to inspect at the
times required by law, the Hotels and dormitories, and to report
their condition monthly to the Faculty;- or to report to
them cases of damage or injury to the buildings by Students
or others, in order that the fines should be assessed by the
proper authority - If the enactments are not obeyed by the
chief officer of police, the discipline and good order of
the Institution, will depend upon his private discretion &
not upon the efficacy of the Laws.
The Board then adjourned Sine die.
Frank Carr Secretary.
To the President and directors of the Literary Fund.
In obedience to the law requiring the Visitors of the
and Directors of the Literary Fund to be laid before
the Legislature at their next succeeding meeting embracing
a full account of disbursements, the funds on hand, and a
General Statement of the condition of the University, the
Rector & Visitors make the following
Report.
In conformity to the provisions of the act of the General
Assembly establishing the University of Virginia which
requires the Rector & Visitors that they should annually
visit the Institution for the purpose of enquiring into the
proceedings and practices thereat, and of examining into the
progress of the Students they held a stated annual meeting
at the University beginning on the 11th and ending on the 18th
July 1832.
The investigations instituted by the Board into the
state and condition of the University, especially relating
to the diligence and progress of the Students resulted in
satisfactory evidence of time well employed and application
crowned with success. The number of successful candidates
for academic distinctions greatly exceeds those of any preceeding
Session. These distinctions are the appropriate rewards
of merit ascertained by a system of examinations thorough
and searching, and which shuts out the idle and dissipated
from all hope of attaining to the honors which they
confer.
The increased number of Graduates in the several schools
gives satisfactory assurance to the Board that the able professors
who constitute the Faculty of the University have relaxed
nothing of that diligence and Fidelty which the Board
have, in their previous reports, had so much reason to commend.
In the Departments of police and discipline the enactments
of the Board have been least successful, and the Faculty
have had the greatest difficulties to encounter. While the
great body of the Students have been orderly and diligent,
it has been in the power of a few unworthy and unsound members,
occasionally to create confusion & embarrassment.
This will always be the case while the dissipated and profligate
are shielded in their violations of law & outrages against
decency by a vague and unmeaning sense of honor, that "loose
principle in the Ethics of schoolboy combinations," which
forbids one Student to give evidence against his fellow. The
departments of police and discipline in all academical Institutions
have everywhere presented a problem of difficult
solution. The efforts of the Board to solve it have necessarily
been experimental. They have fail'd in the desired success;
and they fear that failure must continue to attend their efforts,
unless some plan can be adopted by which the false principle
of Honor before alluded to, may be either satisfied or subdued.
The Faculty must have it in their power to detect offenders
and bring them to punishment before offences can be
enabled them to accomplish this- Hence it is that the Board
have deemed it expedient to apply to the Legislature for aid
to effect it; and with that view they have authorised a committee
of their body to urge upon the Legislature of the State
a scheme which in their opinion, promises to be successful.
The Board have discontinued the appointment of Demonstrator
of Anatomy and Surgery and have erected the Department
into a professorship, which they have conferred on Th:
Johnson M. D. the former Demonstrator. They have also authorised
the Professor of Medicine to deliver lectures on
the Philosophy of Natural History - his fee to be $15.
The Separation of the offices of Proctor & Patron, made
at the last meeting of the Board, has not been attended by
advantages answerable to their expectations, or adequate to
the expense of providing a salary for the Proctor. These
two offices have therefore again been united in one, and,
on the resignation of Mr. Carr, the recent Proctor, have been
conferred on Mr. Wm. G. Pendleton of the city of Richmond.
The number of matriculates during the Session which
has just ended, exhibits a gradual increase on that of previous
sessions, being 139 & were distributed among the several
schools as follows.
| Ant: Lang: | 47 | Med: & Med: Jurisp: | 56 |
| Mod: Lang: | 23 | Anatomy & Surgery | 43 |
| Mathematics | 62 | Moral Philosophy | 49 |
| Nat: Philosophy | 55 | Law | 29 |
| Chem: & Mat:Med: | 56 | ||
The reports of the Bursar and Proctor, exhibiting the
State of the Funds of the Institution, accompany this report.
Report to the president & Directors of the Literary Fund,
of the proceedings of the Rector and Visitors of the University
of Virginia at their stated meeting in July, and also at an
adjourned meeting in September 1833.
To the President and Directors of the Literary Fund.
In obedience to the law requiring the Rector and Visitors
of the University of Virginia to make a Report annually to
the President and Directors of the Literary Fund to be laid
before the Legislature at their next succeeding meeting embracing
a full account of disbursements, the funds on hand,
and a general statement of the Condition of the University,
the Rector and Visitors make the following
Report.
That the Board of Visitors commenced their regular annual
meeting at the University on the 12th July and continued
their meeting until the 20th of the month making a Session
of nine days- It's attention was directed as usual to
to the consideration of its wants, and to the enactments
of such new, and the revision of such existing regulations,
as the experience of the past year seemed to have
rendered necessary or expedient. From the records of the
Chairman & Faculty; from the results of the public examinations,
& from the increasing number of graduates, the Visitors received
gratifying evidences of the fidelity & ability of the
Professors, of the progress & proficiency of the Students,
and of the continued improvement of the Institution, and
of its increasing titles to the favor and patronage of the
public.
In the school of Mathematics, a class of civil engineering
and surveying was proposed by Professor Bonnycastle, and
authorised by the Board to be added to the other duties of
the chair; and from the well know abilities of the Professor
as well as the care & extent of his preparations, the Visitors
entertain no doubt of the success of the experiment.
Indeed from such a course of elementary instruction upon a
subject of such great and increasing interest to the community
they anticipate the happiest results.
In the school of modern Languages the Tutor Mr. Jno.
Hervè having resigned and the number of Students in the
school having for many years been much reduced, the Visitors
deemed it expedient to discontinue for the present the
the school in all the classes. In this school they made
another regulation at the last meeting from which they anticipate
a future advantage to the number and utility of the
school. From and after the termination of the ensuing
Session of the University the degree of Master of Arts will
not be granted, unless the Student, in addition to the qualifications
heretofore required, shall have graduated in at
least two of the languages taught in this school.
In the school of Medicine a vacancy was occasioned by
the resignation of Professor Dunglison with a view to accept
a professorship in the University of Maryland. The distinguished
ability with which Doctr. Dunglison had uniformly
discharged the duties of the school of Medicine, and the
eminent services he had rendered the Institution entitled
him to the thanks of the Visitors.
The resignation of Professor Dunglison having been communicated
to the Visitors individually in the spring, notice
of the approaching vacancy was given thro' the medium of the
public prints with a view of inviting applications for the
Chair, to be laid before the Board at the annual meeting in
July. But the Visitors being unable at that meeting to
make a satisfactory appointment decided to adjourn for that
purpose to the first Monday in September. At the same time
they required the Proctor to notify the public as well of the
that provisional arrangements had been made for the recommencement
of the medical lectures and for their continuance
until the successor of Dr. Dunglison should be regularly
appointed.
The adjourned meeting of the Visitors was held at the
University on the 3d & 4 of September, when the recommendations
laid before the Board being duly considered, it was decided
to confide the Chair of Medicine to the charge of Dr. Alfred
T. Magill of Jefferson County in this state. Upon this occasion
however, as in the case of the recent elections of
professors in the schools of Law & of Antient Languages; the
Visitors being apprised that the advantages of mature experience
in the duties of the Chair would not accompany the
other high Claims upon their choice, deemed it expedient to
adopt the policy of a temporary appointment. Dr. Magill
was therefore appointed Professor of Medicine pro tempore
to enter upon the performance of his duties from and after
the 15th October and to continue in office till the end of
the Session the 20th July 1834; and Dr. Dunglison's engagements
with the University of Maryland not requiring his
immediate departure, he was invited and engaged to fill the
Chair of Medicine from the opening of the next session till
the arrival of Dr. Magill - the fees and Salary to be divided
between them in proportion to the term of service
rendered by each respectively.
The progressive state of the schools is clearly set
forth in the annexed tabular statement prepared at the
University.
| No. of Session | Year | Whole numb: of Matriculates |
Ant: Languages | Mod: Languages | Mathematics | Nat: philosophy | Chem: & Mat. Med. | Medicine and Med Jurisprudence |
Anat. & Surgery | Moral Philosophy | Law | Whole no Tickets |
| 1 | 1825 | 123 | 57 | 73 | 73 | 35 | 35 | 20 | — | 15 | — | 308 |
| 2 | 1826 | 177 | 107 | 90 | 98 | 43 | 45 | 16 | — | 28 | 26 | 453 |
| 3 | 1827 | 128 | 53 | 59 | 62 | 24 | 38 | 20 | — | 12 | 18 | 286 |
| 4 | 1827-8 | 131 | 48 | 46 | 63 | 30 | 43 | 25 | 23 | 25 | 24 | 327 |
| 5 | 1828-9 | 120 | 39 | 26 | 45 | 33 | 38 | 33 | 27 | 23 | 27 | 291 |
| 6 | 1829-30 | 133 | 52 | 39 | 60 | 47 | 42 | 32 | 34 | 16 | 23 | 345 |
| 7 | 1830-31 | 150 | 57 | 46 | 78 | 57 | 39 | 29 | 23 | 38 | 17 | 382 |
| 8 | 1831-32 | 140 | 48 | 24 | 64 | 58 | 60 | 56 | 41 | 57 | 29 | 437 |
| 9 | 1832-33 | 158 | 60 | 23 | 78 | 82 | 70 | 50 | 36 | 42 | 37 | 478 |
In conformity to the requisitions of the Law the accounts
of the receipts and disbursements and funds on hand as rendered
by the Bursar and Proctor are given with their report.
To the President and Directors of the Literary Fund.
In Obedience to the Law requiring the Rector and Visitors
of the University of Virginia to make a report annually to
the President and Directors of the Literary Fund, to be laid
before the Legislature at their next succeeding meeting embracing
a full account of disbursements, the funds on hand,
and a general statement of the condition of the University,
the Rector and Visitors make the following
Report.
That the Visitors began to assemble at the University
at the period fixed for their stated annual meeting, but
from sickness and other causes the requisite quorum did not
assemble untill the 15th July 1834 when a board being formed
they commenced the accustomed discharge of their duties;
and continuing it from day to day adjourned on the 19th of
the Month, after a Session of five days. Upon a searching
examination into the general administration of the Institution
the Visitors found no cause to change the favourable
impressions expressed in their last annual report; on the
contrary, they were gratified to find those impressions confirmed
and strengthened by renewed and increasing proofs of
the progressive and improving state of the Institution. It
is due to the Professors, Officers and Students to state
that this advancing amelioration, was particularly remarked
by the Visitors in regard to the important objects of Instruction
and discipline.
The number of Students from this state and from other
states seems to be rapidly increasing, in so much that the
present buildings will soon be inadequate to the accommodation
of the whole number, and without some addition to the
buildings a considerable portion will be compelled to seek
for lodgings beyond the precincts of the University. To
guard against the occurrence of such a result, the Visitors
have not the means placed at their disposal, the funds of
the University being at present adequate only to defray the
current annual charges, to meet the Interest of the debt
authorised by law, and to renew upon a desireable plan the
extensive roofs of the University, originally constructed
of perishable materials, & now in a state of general & rapid
decay.
The Visitors were gratified to learn from a recent
correspondence between Professor Bonnycastle chairman of the
Faculty, and O. Rich Esqr. of London and Messrs. Goodhue &
Co. of New York, that the British Government had ordered that
copies of the public records of Great Britain recently published
by order of the Commissioners for the preservation
of the public records should be presented to the University
of Virginia, and that the Books have arrived at New York.
They requested the Chairman of the Faculty promptly to communicate
thro' the same channel to the proper authorities
of Great Britain the sense entertained by the Rector & Visitors
by the Government of Great Britain, accompanied by the assurance
that they would cause the valuable publications presented
to be placed in their Library as an honorable evidence alike
of the zeal of that Government for the diffusion of useful
learning and of the liberal sentiments of national amity
which produced the offering.
By previous enactment the Sessions of the University
were made to commence on the 10th of September in each year
and terminate on the 20th July ensuing, and the stated annual
meetings of the Visitors were made to commence on the
10th July in each year. At their last annual meeting the
Visitors deemed it expedient to change this regulation. In
future the Sessions of the University will commence on the
1st of September in each year and terminate on the 4th of
July following, and the stated annual meeting of the Visitors
will commence on the 1st of July in each year. It is
believed that this change will be advantageous to the Institution,
and more convenient and satisfactory to all the parties
concerned.
In the school of Medicine Dr. Alfred Magill, who had,
on the 3d of September last, been appointed temporary Professor
of Medicine, and who had, in the conduct of the chair,
given sufficient evidences of merit, was confirmed in the
appointment.
In the school of Anatomy and Surgery Dr. Thos. Johnson
having resigned during the Session of the Visitors, they proceeded
at once to supply the Vacancy. They selected Dr. A.L.
Warner of Baltimore to succeed Dr. Johnson, and, as in the
recent similar case in that school, made the appointment for
one year only. They also determined, that until the further
order of the Visitors, physiology should be taught in the
school of Anatomy and Surgery instead of the school of Medicine;
and that the same duties and emoluments connected
with the lectures on this science which then appertained to
the professor of Medicine should hereafter attach to the
professor of Anatomy and Surgery.
The no. of students at the loth Session of the University
ending on the 20th July 1834 was 205 and the number in each
school as follows
| Ant: Lang: | 77 | Medicine | 41 |
| Mod: ditto | 63 | Anat: & Surgery | 41 |
| Mathematics | 111 | Moral Philosophy | 70 |
| Nat: Philosophy | 74 | Law | 47 |
| Chem: & Mat: Med: | 89 | ||
Whilst, on the one hand, it is pleasing to find in this
exhibit of the classes compared with that of preceeding years,
decisive evidence of increasing utility, on the other hand
it is a source of regret that the necessity of keeping up
the rents for the use of the buildings, & consequently
success of our efforts to promote economy & to bring the
blessings of liberal science within reach of the greatest
practicable number.
The accounts of the receipts, disbursements and Funds
on hand are presented as accompanying documents to this report.
Joseph C. Cabell, Rector
To the President and Directors of the Literary Fund.
In obedience to the Law requiring the Rector and Visitors
of the University of Virginia to make a report annually to
the President and Directors of the Literary Fund to be laid
before the Legislature at their next succeeding meeting embracing
a full account of disbursements, the funds on hand
and a general statement of the condition of the University,
the Rector and Visitors make the following
Report.
In conformity to the provisions of the act of the
General Assembly establishing the University of Virginia which
requires of the Rector and Visitors that they annually visit
the Institution for the purpose of enquiring into the proceedings
and practices thereat, and of examining into the
progress of the Students, they held a stated annual meeting
at the University, beginning on the 2d & ending on the 8th
of July 1835.
The session of the Board embraced the period of the
public summer examination of the Students of the University,
and they are gratified to be able to announce that the number
of young gentlemen who aim at and who attain the Academic
distinctions which the authorities of the Institution are
authorised to confer on successful study is highly encouraging.
This number increasing in at least a direct ratio with
the continually increasing numbers annually resorting to the
University for Instruction gives satisfactory proof of the
general character of the Students for Industry and application.
The system of police and general management adopted at
previous sessions of the Board, and which have been communicated
heretofore in their annual reports to the President
and Directors of the Literary Fund have undergone no change.
Imperfectly executed as in some respects they have been in
some departments of the Institution, these regulations aided,
we acknowledge with pleasure, by the general good dispositions
of the Students have been found, for the most part, to maintain
a state of good order and regularity in general highly
satisfactory to the Board.
The Board have been compelled, in aid of the Funds of
the University, to authorise the Executive Committee in
pursuance to the provisions of an act of the Legislature on
that subject to contract for a loan, in addition to those
heretofore contracted for, not exceeding $2230 (two thousand
the repairs of the University now in progress. This
loan exhausts their power of borrowing. The necessity of
these repairs is very urgent. The state of the buildings
is such as imperiously to require them not less with a view
to the comfort and accommodation of the Professors and Students
than to the preservation of the property & Interests
of the State. These repairs are in progress, and will be
prosecuted until completed on a plan more perfect than hitherto
adopted, or until we are compelled to desist from their
prosecution by the want of Funds.
A vacancy having occurred in the Professorship of Natural
Philosophy by the resignation of Dr. R. M. Patterson
it has been supplied by the appointment to that chair of
Professor Wm. B. Rogers, late of Wm & Mary College.
The number of Matriculates in the session of the University
which has just terminated is 211 shewing a gradual
and steady increase on the numbers of previous Sessions.
They were distributed among the several schools as follows
| Ant: Languages | 85 | Chem: & Mat: Med: | 96 |
| Mod: Languages | 64 | Anat: & Surgery | 41 |
| Mathematics | 120 | Med: & Med. Jurisp: | 41 |
| Nat: Philosophy | 83 | Moral Philosophy | 50 |
| Law | 33 | Total tickets | 613 |
The accounts of receipts & disbursements ,& funds on
the copies of the accounts of those officers accompanying
this report.
Rector pro tem.
| Board of Visitors minutes July 2, 1835 | |