 | Board of Visitors minutes August 11, 1836 |  |
On the 1st of July 1836 the day provided in the enactments
for the stated annual meeting of the Board of Visitors
of the University of Virginia a quorum fail'd to meet. A
called meeting to be held on the 11th of August was appointed,
when Messrs. Cocke, Cabell, Randolph, Rives, and Taylor, appeared
and a Board being organised by the appointment of
Genl. Cocke as Rector pro tempore, they proceeded to business.
With a view of expediting the preparation of the subjects
which might deserve the notice of the board,
Resolved that two committees be appointed, one to read
the records of the proceedings of the Faculty & the other the
Chairman's Book and to report such matters as may seem to
require the action of the Board. Messrs. Taylor, Cabell, &
Cocke were appointed on the former committee & Messrs. Rives
and Randolph on the latter.
A communication from the Proctor in reply to the report
of the Committee of Inspection of the July session of the
Board 1835 censuring his conduct was read and laid upon the
table.
The Board then adjourned to meet tomorrow morning 9
O.Clock.
Friday August 12. Present as on yesterday.
In consequence of the absence of the Professors generally
from the University during the vacation no committee of Inspection
was appointed. Messrs. Rives and Taylor were appointed
on the Committee of Finance & Messrs. Randolph, Cocke & Cabell
on that of the Proctors & Bursar's accts.
The following resolutions were adopted.
Resolved that the sentence of expulsion against Robert
O. Maupin, late a Student of the University, be approved by
the Board of Visitors.
Resolved that the sentence of expulsion against B. T.
Magill be approved. (This resolution was written on the index
column.)
A communication having been laid before the Board of
Visitors from Dr. R. M. Patterson, stating that Mr. Hassler
is desirous of purchasing the standard brass measure with
the microscopes belonging to it, which are now the property
of the University, for which he proposes to give the sum of
$300 (three hundred dollars) and it appearing to the Board
that these instruments are of but little or no utility for
instruction.
Resolved, That Dr. Patterson be authorised to sell the
said standard measure & microscopes attached to it, for the
sum above mentioned and that he be charged with that amount
as soon as it can be collected by him, in his account with
the University.
The Board having considered the proposition of Professor
Rogers contained in his letter to the Board of the 2d Inst:
to be permitted to suspend his lectures during the month of
October in the present year, the Board considering it a matter
of Importance, that specimens of the minerals and fossils
of our state should be obtained for the use of our University;
resolved therefore that Professor Rogers have leave to suspend
his lectures during the month of October next in order
to enable him to complete his Geological exploration & survey
in which he is now engaged.
Resolved, that the Board deem that the subject brought
to their attention by the letter of Professor Magill this day
laid before them, touching the sufficiency of the salary of
the Secretary of the Faculty is provided for by their resolution
passed Wednesday July 8th 1835 appointing and prescribing
the duties of Librarian.
Resolved, that Dr. Warner's application on the subject
of the dilapidation of this garden wall contained in his
letter of July 4th 1836 be referred to the Executive Committee.
The Visitors having observed with much regret that,
notwithstanding the enactment made by them on the 19th July
1835 for the purpose of preventing more effectually, the unauthorised
suspension of lectures which had frequently occurred
about Christmas, a practical recess, for some two or
This regret has been increased by perceiving that in one case
at least, a student who had rendered himself obnoxious to
the animadversion of the laws of the Institution by absenting
himself from it at that period, without leave of the Faculty,
was enabled to allege in his excuse the fact that two of the
Professors whose schools he attended had left the University,
and the third had suspended his lectures during the same period.
- The Board of Visitors impressed more and more with
the importance in every point of view of suppressing this irregular
vacation in the duties of the University, deem it
necessary again to call the especial attention of the Faculty
to the subject and to urge upon them a strict execution and
enforcement of the enactment above referred to, and that in
no case, an intermission of the regular services of the Institution
shall take place at Christmas for a longer period
than two days, which the Faculty at their discretion are
authorised to grant.
A letter from Wm. T. Joynes, late a Student of the
University addressed to the Rector on the 30th of June containing
an extract of a letter from Richd. H. Lee Esqr.
touching the papers of his grandfather, which were formerly
given to the University, having been read; in consideration
thereof:
Resolved, that the Visitors having regard to the value
injury in sending them without the walls of the Institution
feel it a duty to decline to part with the originals with
the exception of a single letter or other manuscript to be
selected by the Chairman of the Faculty from the collection
of said manuscripts, one of the late Richd. H. Lee, one of
Francis L. Lee & one of Mr. Jefferson, and to be sent to Mr.
Lee as autographs of his GrandFather, of Francis L. Lee &
of Mr. Jefferson.
Resolved That the Secretary be requested to make copies
of all the writings in said collection of the Late Richd. H.
Lee Esqr. of the following dates viz:- 1775, 1776, 1777, 1784,
1785, 1788, & 1789 and also all the letters of the late
Edmund Pendleton Esqr. and to transmit the said copies to
Mr. Richd. H. Lee as requested in the letter laid before the
Board.
Resolved, that it shall be the duty of the Secretary
to retain copies certified by the Chairman of the Faculty
of the three original papers directed to be returned by the
preceeding resolution.
Resolved, that the letter of Mr. Jno. W. Harris a
Student of this Institution addressed to the Visitors of the
University & dated the 5th July 1836 be referred to the Faculty,
and that in consideration of the peculiar circumstances
of his case, & especially the fact that he entered the
the qualifications for obtaining the Degree of Master
of Arts, the Faculty be authorised at their discretion to
grant the application of Mr. Harris therein contained.
Resolved, that in consequence of the advance in the
prices of various articles necessary for the diet and accommodation
of the Students the price charged for board shall
be $125 per session untill the further order of this Board.
Resolved that the accounts laid before the Board for
advertising by the Milledgeville Recorder, by E. W. Sims,
Timberlake & Magruder, Joel Brown, the claim of Jno. C.
Carter by Mrs. Gray, and the application of Wm. Dunkum to
lease the land devised to the University by Martin Dawson
be referred to the Proctor under the direction of the Executive
Committee.
The Students, wherever resident, shall wear the Uniform
prescribed, on the occasions and times following, viz:
Whenever they go to a party or to church, or attend any public
celebration or address, or visit at a private house, or go
to Charlottesville; and also on every Sunday when they appear
out of their rooms.
The Uniform coat shall consist of cloth of a dark gray
mixture, at a price not exceeding six dollars a yard; and be
made single breasted with a standing collar: the pantaloons
and vest shall consist of the same material, except that the
of the garment that of gray cloth; and except that in warm
weather, both the pantaloons & vest may be of any light and
cheap materials, approved by the Chairman. The form of the
dress in each article shall be according to the model provided
by the Patron under the direction of the Chairman. ON
all occasions the hat worn shall be black; but a cheap cap
or straw hat may be substituted therefore: and the neck cloth
shall be plain black or white.
Every Student shall within a reasonable time after matriculating,
obtain a suit of uniform clothes; and shall not
under pain of a major or minor punishment at the discretion
of the Faculty, purchase any other than uniform clothes whilst
he remains a Student; except that he may purchase any cheap
and light summer coat or gown, approved by the Chairman but
shall not wear the same on those occasions, on which the Uniform
is required to be worn.
This enactment shall be in force until the end of the
next session.
Resolved, That the Proctor cause an addition to be made
to the house of the Janitor under the direction of the Executive
Committee, provided the expense shall not exceed one
hundred dollars.
Resolved, that it is deemed inexpedient to grant the
request of Professors Magill & Warner to be allowed to take
private pupils.
It appearing that Pavilion No. 1 & the appurtenant offices
lately occupied by Doct: Emmet are exposed to dilapidation
and decay in their present unoccupied state subjecting
the late occupant to burdensome charges for repairs for
which he is held responsible.
Resolved that Pavilion No. 1 be in future appropriated
in lieu of Pavilion No. 7 to the accommodation of the Visitors,
& that Pavilion No. 7 remain for the general uses of the
University.
It being represented to the Board of Visitors by Joseph
C. Cabell late Rector of the University, that his functions
as Rector having expired on the 29th February last, and in
the interval, from the want of a regular Rector, he had been
induced, with a view to prevent injury to the Institution, to
assume the authority of performing certain acts as temporary
Rector, & especially to sign a draft in favor of the Bursar
on the President and directors of the Literary fund for
$5000 in part of the annuity of $15,000 granted to the University
by the state, and it being his desire that such acts
of assumed authority should be sanctioned by the Board:
Resolved, that the acts performed by Joseph C. Cabell,
as Rector, since the 29th of Feb. last be and the same are
hereby approved and confirmed by the Board of Visitors.
Resolved, that Professor Davis be appointed Chairman
of the Faculty for one year to take effect from the 4th July
last.
Saturday August 13th.
The Board met. Present as on yesterday, with the addition
of Mr. Johnson who appeared in the course of the day
& took his seat at the Board.
Resolved, That the resignation of Wm. G. Pendleton, of
the office of Proctor & Patron be accepted.
Resolved, that the Chairman of the Faculty, under the
directions of the Executive Committee, be required to settle
the accounts of Wm. G. Pendleton late Proctor of the University,
and that authority be given, if deemed necessary, to employ
the services of an accountant.
Resolved, that Wm. G. Pendleton, late Proctor& Patron
of the University, having on a former occasion preferred a
claim of $155 on account of expenses for the hire of a clerk
employed to aid him in the discharge of his official duties
at periods of great pressure during the official year preceeding
the last; and having now preferred a claim for the
hire of a clerk and his board, for one month during the last
official year, and the Board upon investigation being satisfied
of the justice of these claims;
Resolved, that the sum of $182 be allowed Wm. G.
Pendleton on settlement of his accounts for the aforesaid
disbursements in the employment of a clerk during the last
and the preceeding year.
It appearing to the Board that a horse belonging to Mr.
the service of the University since the month of September
1832, and the Board being satisfied that reimbursement should
be made by the Institution, altho' no claim has been preferred;
Resolved that in the settlement of his accounts Mr. Pendleton
be allowed a credit of $80 on account of the services
of the horse aforesaid.
Resolved, That Alexander Garrett, Bursar of the University
be appointed Patron pro tem. to continue as such, till the
regular appointment of a Patron.
Resolved that the certificate of deposit endorsed by
Wm. G. Pendleton as Proctor for the sum of $1728.22 standing
to the credit of said Pendleton as Proctor of the University
at the Bank of Virginia be deliverty by the Secretary to the
Patron pro tempore.
Resolved, that if upon final settlement, a balance
should appear to be due from Wm. G. Pendleton to the University
of Virginia it shall be the duty of the Executive Committee
to collect such balance, and such portion of said balance,
if any, as may be due from him as Patron shall be paid over
by the said Committee to the Patron of the University, and
such portion, if any as may be due from him as Proctor , shall
be paid to the Bursar: And if upon such final settlement, a
balance should appear in favor of said Pendleton, it shall
be the duty of said Committee to draw upon the Bursar in
A letter from Professor Bonnycastle to a member of the
Board, representing his efforts for some years past to introduce
a course of lectures on civil engineering, stating as
the result of his experiments and observations his conviction
of the practicability of introducing with success a department
of civil engineering, and presenting his views of a
proper organization having been laid before the Board; and
Mr. Rogers, Professor of Natural Philosophy having been advised
with as to the plan, and his cooperation with the
Professor of Mathematics in it's execution.
Resolved, that there shall be a department of civil
engineering in the University and that it shall comprise the
following branches of Instruction -
1. Graphical Mathematics; embracing descriptive Geometry,
Perspective, Mensuration &c.
2. Theory of Levelling and surveying both ordinary and
topographical.
3. Theory of Roads, Rail roads, Canals & Bridges.
4. Theoretical Mechanics, Hydrostatics, and Hydrodynamics
as connected with Engineering.
5. Laws of Heat & Steam. Theory and construction of
the steam engine.
6. Geology and Mineralogy.
7. Levelling, Surveying &c taught practically in the
field.
8. Plan drawing, Plotting, topographical drawing &
sketching.
The subjects named under the six first heads shall be
divided between the Professor of Mathematics and Natural
Philosophy in the following manner - The former shall have
charge of the Branches mentioned under the first, second
and third heads, viz.- Graphical Mathematics, Theory of
Roads &c. the latter of those named under the fourth fifth
and sixth heads viz. Theoretical Mechanics, Geology &c.
The subjects designated under the seventh & eighth
heads shall be allotted to a third person to be styled the
Teacher of drawing.
The department of Drawing &c shall be under the joint
superintendence of the Professors of Mathematics and Natural
Philosophy, and the teacher of Drawing shall be appointed
by them -
The various branches above enumerated shall be considered
as forming one school, and Students attending all
three of the classes therein included shall be regarded in
relation to fees graduation and other particulars as students
in general, attending any other schools of the University-
Students attending one or two only of the three
classes in this school shall be required to attend some
other school in the University unless in cases where, for
good reasons the Faculty may permit othersise.
The Professors of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy,
shall each lecture once a week, and the teacher of drawing &c
shall give instructions, not less than twice a week to their
respective classes in this school.
The compensation to each of the three teachers shall be
15$ for the session.
Resolved, that the Board of Visitors have witnessed
with regret the condition of the window shutters of many of
the Pavilions, particularly the condition of the painting,
and it shall be the duty of the Proctor in future to have
all such repairs and painting to the external windows and
shutters well executed and charged to the Professor whose
duty it was to keep the same in repair. See Ch: 1 Sec: 14
printed enactments.
The sons of the Professors and officers of the University
shall be allowed in future to matriculate whenever they
are qualified without regard to age.
It is deemed the duty of the Secretary of the Faculty
to fold, direct; and send off the monthly circulars.
The Professors are expected punctually to attend the
monthly meetings of the Faculty for the purpose of filling
up the circulars of their respective classes.
Resolved, that the Proctor, under the directions of
the Executive Committee cause a suitable kitchen to be erected
in the rear of Pavilion No. 10.
William G. Pendleton, late Proctor shall be allowed to
retain the use of the buildings now in his occupancy as long
as in the opinion of the Executive Committee it is consistent
with the convenience & interests of the University.
Resolved, That the enactments, with regard to festive
entertainments, cards, fire arms &c which apply to resident
Students in their rooms shall be held to apply equally to
Students residing in licensed boarding houses.
Resolved that Chapman Johnson be appointed Rector of
the University.
Resolved, That the Executive Committee be authorised to
appoint a person to discharge the duties of Proctor & Patron
subject to the approval of the Board of Visitors in their
next annual meeting, and untill their regualr appointment,
to make such temporary appointment as they may deem expedient
and proper.
Resolved, That a Clerk to the office of Proctor and
Patron be appointed by the Proctor, with the approbation of
the Executive Committee to hold his office during the pleasure
of the Proctor; tho' he may be removed at any time by
the Board of Visitors or by the Executive Committee. He
shall receive an annual Salary of $500, payable quarterly
as the Salaries of the other officers are paid. He shall
keep regular books of accounts pertaining to the office of
Proctor & Patron, and perform such other duties of
required of him by the Proctor & Patron.
The Salary of Proctor and Patron shall be not less than
fifteen hundred dollars per annum payable quarterly. The
income from his commissions upon the deposits, and from his
commissions on the supplies of fuel and candles shall be applied
towards the discharge of the Salary of his clerk and
his own Salary. If they exceed those Salaries he shall enjoy
the surplus. If they fall short of those Salaries the
deficiency shall be supplied from the revenues of the
University.
Resolved that the sum of $500 be appropriated to be
expended under the direction of the Executive Committee in
the purchase of books for the Library.
The Board then adjourned Sine die.
On Saturday, July 1st 1837, the day for the stated annual
meeting of the Board of Visitors of the University of
Virginia, Joseph C. Cabell, John H. Cocke & Wm. C. Rives
met - These gentlemen, not constituting a quorum, were engaged
in reading the Books of the Chairman and Faculty and
in noting from them such matters as might seem to require
the action of the Board when a quorum should assemble -
On Monday, July 3d Messrs. James M. Mason and Samuel Taylor
were added to the number, and the Board organized themselves
Rector-
Mr. Taylor communicated a letter to the Board from
Chapman Johnson, Rector, announcing his necessary absence &
for reasons therein contained, tendering his resignation
of the Rectorship of the University.
The following committees were appointed -
Of Inspection Messrs. Cabell Randolph & Taylor
Of Finance- Rives & Mason
Of Accounts - Mason & Taylor.
The following resolutions were adopted-
Resolved, that the Chairmans communication be referred
to a Select Committee - Messrs. Mason and Rives composed the
Committee.
It appearing that Alexander Garrett Bursar of the
University acted as Patron pro tem. from August the 24th
till Sept. 22d, 1836 agreeably to the resolution of the
Board of Visitors of August 13th 1836, & in that character
attended at the University for a considerable portion of the
interval, & received from the Students, & paid over to W. H.
Woodley, the present Patron monies to the amount of $38, 204.31.
Resolved, that the Committee of Finance be requested to
report to the Board the rate of compensation which should be
tendered to Mr. Garrett for the services aforesaid.
Resolved that the temporary appointment of Willis H.
Woodley as Proctor & Patron be confirmed & rendered permanent.
The letter of Mr. John H. C. Christian having been laid
before the Board, asking to be excused from appearing in
Uniform at the public exercises tomorrow - Resolved that the
enactments on this subject cannot be dispensed with- and
That this resolution be communicated by the Secretary
to Mr. Christian.
The Board then adjourned to meet again tomorrow morning
8 O. Clock.
Tuesday July 4th
The Board met - Present as on yesterday with the addition
of Mr. Th: J. Randolph - The following resolutions were
adopted.
Mr. Woodley, Proctor of the University appeared before
the Board and stated that on the departure of the late Doctr.
Alfred T. Magill from the University to travel for the restoration
of his health, he requested the payment of his
Salary for the quarter ending the 1st July upon the grounds
that the medical class would be instructed by Doctr. Warner
to the end of the Session; and that he had drawn a check
on the Bursar for the Quarter's Salary as requested, which
draft he wished to have sanctioned by the Visitors; and it
appearing to the satisfaction of the Board that Doctr. Warner
has performed the stipulated service in behalf of Doctr.
Magill.
Resolved, that the draft of the Proctor for $250, the
amount of the Quarter's Salary as aforesaid, under the
be sanctioned by the Board of Visitors-
Resolved, unanimously that, for the present, the Board
decline to accept the resignation of Mr. Chapman Johnson as
Rector of this Institution.
Resolved that Dr. Gesner Harrison be appointed Chairman
of the Faculty for one year.
The numerous applications for appointments to the chairs
in the medical department of the University, rendered vacant
by the resignation of Doctr. A. L. Warner, & the death of
Doctr. Alfred T. Magill and the circumstances attending those
applications rendering it unfit that the Board should now
proceed to fill those vacancies, therefore
Resolved, that the Board be adjourned to meet again on
Thursday the 17th August next -
The Board accordingly adjourned -
| Board of Visitors minutes August 11, 1836 | |