University of Virginia Library


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At a meeting of the Board of Visitors of the University
called & held on the 22d March 1842 to take into consideration
the profered resignation of J. J. Sylvester Professor of Mathematics
in the University. Present Chapman Johnson (Rector)
John H. Cocke, Thomas J. Randolph & Samuel Taylor the following
resolutions were adopted

1. Resolved that the resignation of Mr. Sylvester, be accepted,
to take effect from and after the 29th day of the present
month or at any earlier period that he may elect;- that a
copy of this resolution be forthwith communicated to him by
the Secretary, and that he be informed that in accepting his
resignation the Board has not deemed it necessary to investigate
the merits of the matter in difference between himself


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and the Student Ballard, and does not mean to impute to Mr.
Sylvester any blame in that matter.

2. Resolved that Mr. Pike Powers be appointed professor
of Mathematics in the University of Virginia from and after
the 29th day of the present month until the end of the session
with a salary of five hundred dollars and with a right to receive
such fees of Students now belonging to the Mathematical
School as have not been paid and of such Students as may hereafter
enter the School.

3. Resolved that, if the appointment to the Chair of
Mathematics which has been tendered to Pike Powers Esq. be declined
by him, the Executive Committee, with the concurrence
of any other Visitor or Visitors be authorised to fill the
Chair by a temporary appointment, to terminate at the end of
the session.

4. Resolved that the Proctor be required to notice by
public advertisement that the Chair of Mathematics having become
vacant, by the resignation of Professor Sylvester, the
Board will proceed at their annual meeting in July to fill
the vacancy.

The Board then adjourned sine die.