 | Board of Visitors minutes June 25, 1849 |  |
On Monday the 25th June 1849, no Board was formed: Mr.
Randolph appeared early in the day & no other Visitors being
present retired; during the day Mr. Mason, Genl. Cocke and Mr.
Hunter appeared, but a quorum not being present no Board was
organized.
On Tuesday the 26th June, a Board was organized, Genl. Cocke,
Mr. Randolph, Mr. Mason and Mr. Hunter being present.
In the absence of the Rector Genl. Cocke was unanimously
appointed Rector pro temp:
Reports by the Chairman of the Faculty, the Proctor, &
Bursar were handed in.
A committee of Finance consisting of Messrs. Mason &
Hunter was appointed and of Inspection consisting of Messrs.
Randolph & Cocke.
The Book containing the Faculty proceedings was handed in.
A communication from Mr. Courtnay with the concurrence of
the Faculty, suggesting the purchase of a set of Surveyor's
Instruments for the purpose of teaching practical Surveying in
connection with the School of Mathematics was received.
The Board passed the following resolution
On motion by Mr. Mason
1. Resolved that the several accounts of the Proctor and
Bursar and the papers referred to therein or connected therewith
The Board then adjourned till tomorrow morning.
John H. Cocke.
Wednesday June 27th1849. The Board met pursuant to adjournment:
Present as yesterday, with the addition of Mr. Cabell,
who took the Chair as Rector.
The following resolutions were adopted.
By Mr. Hunter.
1. Resolved that a Committee of two be appointed to consider
and report upon the several propositions for the establishment
of new professorships & the appointment of tutors in
the University of Virginia. Committee Messrs. Hunter & Randolph.
By the same.
2. Resolved, that a select Committee be appointed to examine
the returns of the professors of the several schools
and report to the Board the results of their investigation as
to the fidelity with which the several professors have discharged
their duties. - Same Committee.
On motion by Mr. Mason
3. Resolved- that sum of four hundred and thirty five dollars
be appropriated to the purchase of the following instruments
for the school of Mathematics and civil engineering- a
Theodolite- a levelling instrument, surveyors compass- Gunter's
chain- a pair of levelling rods and a pair of measuring rods-The
same to be purchased by the professor of Mathematics, & of
during the next year, and one half the year succeeding.
On motion by Mr. Mason
The Board of Visitors have considered the requests respectively
preferred by the Philomathean and Washington Societies
for the use of a hall for their respective Societies, to be
assigned and appropriated to them within the precincts of the
University; and whilst fully appreciating the benefits resulting
both to the Students and the University from such literary
associations and admitting, the propriety and advantage of having
a separate hall appropriated to each, they are yet left only
to regret that the present buildings at the University will not
allow such accommodation, whilst the necessities of the University
and the condition of the Finances, will not admit of the construction
of additional buildings for such use.
4. Resolved, that the foregoing be communicated by the
Secretary to the Societies above named.
On motion of Mr. Mason.
5. Resolved that the request of the Students through Mr.
Jno. Washington Jr. to be permitted to illuminate the Lawn on
the nights of the 27th & 28th June is granted by the Visitors,provided,
that the same be done in such manner as, in the judgment
of the Proctor will not endanger or deface the buildings;
and that a copy of this resolution be communicated to the
Students thro Mr. Washington.
The Board then adjourned till Tommorrow morning.
Joseph C. Cabell Rector
Thursday June 28th 1849. Present as yesterday the Board
met pursuant to adjournment.
The following proceedings were had.
It being found expedient upon consultation and conference
with the Chairman, the Proctor & Steward somewhat to modify the
enagagements now subsisting with the latter, in relation to
the Board &c of the State Students.
On motion by Mr. Mason
1. Resolved, That from and after the commencement of the
next session there shall be paid to the Steward in addition to
the sum of two hundred dollars per annum (commutation of the
"Dawson Farm) as directed by the resolution of the 29th June
1847, the further sum of $200 per annum as like commutation
for the Farm attached to the Proctor's house and for the privilege
of firewood heretofore allowed him- the Steward retaining
only, and free of rent, the Proctor's house and the grounds thereto
appertaining, except said last named Farm and the said Farm
is hereby placed under the control and management of the
Proctor, to be cultivated and improved by him for the benefit
of the University.
2. Resolved, that in consideration of the use of the house
& grounds, and for the commutations above specified, the Stewward
shall continue as heretofore to board and otherwise provide
for the whole number of State Students at the price of $60
each per session to be paid by them, and in lieu of the resolutions
of the 29th June 1846, and of the 10th resolution of the
29th June 1848, which are hereby repealed.
3.Resolved, That from and after the commencement of the
next session it shall be the duty of the Proctor in assigning
the Students to the Hotels in the manner required by the enactments
so to arrange them as that such number of Students, other
than State Students shall be assigned to the Steward, as will
make the whole number, including the State Students, assigned
to him, equal to the whole number of Students at each Hotel;
and that each Student other than State so assigned to the Steward,
shall pay for board &c, the same price now paid at the
Hotels.
On motion by Mr. Mason.
4. Resolved, That the Faculty be requested to consider the
expediency of so modifying the monthly circular to Parents and
Guardians as to embrace within the same the "scale of preparation"
heretofore in use; or otherwise to modify the same in
such manner as to convey information to the parents and guardians
at Stated periods as to habits of diligence or otherwise of the
Student, & report their opinion to the Board at its present
session.
5. Resolved that the manuscript of Mr. Jefferson belonging
to the University, entitled "An essay, or introductory lecture
towards facilitating instruction in the Anglo-Saxon and modern
dialects of the English language, for the use of the University
of Virginia", be printed under the superintendence of Professor
Schele, for the use of the University.
That it be printed on good paper in quarto form, and in
good style, and be bound in cloth, with its title as above set
forth, lettered on the volume.
That should Professor Schele deem it expedient to annex a
preface, or other explanatory matter to the volume, it is the
opinion of the Visitors that the same should be in the simplest
form of explanation of the text or its subject, and before publication
be submitted to the Rector for his approval.
5. Resolved That the sum of $200 be appropriated to defray
the expense of the publication and that 400 copies be printed
should the said sum of oney be adequate thereto; and that the
books when ready, should be deposited in the Library in charge
of the Librarian.
6. Resolved that in the appointment of the State Students
for the present should there be no applicant from any of the
districts, or should no appointment be made from any district;
then the Faculty shall have power to appoint from any other
district should a fit applicant offer.
On motion by Mr. Hunter
7. Resolved that the 5th Resolution of the Board of
Visitors passed on June 29th. 1847, be so far modified as to
allow the Proctor to reappoint for a year only, if he should
see reason to do so, whose duty it shall be to make such a
modification in the bonds or covenants now required of the
Hotel Keepers as may be made necessary by this change as to
the time for which the office is to be held. Provided, however,
that the appointment shall be referred to the Board for confirmation
as heretofore.
8. Resolved that no manure made upon the premises of the
University shall be carried from the premises;- provided
may use so much of the manure made upon their own premises
as they may desire for their own gardens and lots.
Mr. Hunter from the committee to which was referred the
propositions for new professorships, upon so much thereof as
relates to the Chair of History & general literature reports
the following resolutions:
9. Resolved that another professorship viz: that of History
and General Literature shall be established at the University
of Virginia- In the school of History shall be taught
the true objects and best methods of the study of History; the
general course of human affairs with particular developments and
illustrations of those epochs and events which have had most
influence upon man; the effects of systems of religion and
jurisprudence upon the moral and physical condition of the human
race; the principles of historical criticism; the most authentic
sources and best authorities to which the Student should be referred
in pursuit of the various branches of History, Ethnography
and the principles of chronology and the influences of diversities
in race and climate upon the condition of man, and whatever
pertains to the History of the general progress of human civilization.
In the school of general Literature shall be taught the
history of the use and progress of General Literature, with
particular developments and illustrations of those epochs and
authors whose influence upon that progress has been most marked;
the best methods & authors for the study of the literature of
and character of each. But it shall be the especial object of
this school to teach the rise and progress of English literature,
to illustrate those stages in its growth which are most worthy
of remark and to trace the effect of particular authors and
great masters upon the growth of the English language and
literature. In the school of general literature the Student
shall be regularly exercised in English composition and the
professor may invite any member of his class to deliver lectures
or read essays upon such branches of literature or such authors
as he may be likely to illustrate with credit to himself & the
Institution: Provided however that nothing contained in this
enactment shall be construed as to take from the chairs of
moral philosophy, and Antient & Modern languages any of the
subjects of instruction now confided to them.
10. The fee for attending each of the Schools of History
or general literature shall be fifteen dollars, and the provisions
of the 8th paragraph, 3d Section, 2d Chapter & of 25th
paragraph 4th Chapter of the enactments shall apply in all respects
to this professorship as they do to the others. This
professorship shall be placed on the same footing as the others
in relation to the State Students.
11. The number, time and plan of the lectures to be delivered
by the professor of History and general literature shall be
determined by the Faculty until the further order of the Board
of Visitors.
12. The professor of History shall be entitled to $1000
per annum to be paid out of the annuity in addition to the fees
which he may receive from his pupils- It shall be the duty of
the proctor under the direction of the Executive Committee to
rent at a sum not exceeding $ — a house and lot for the use
of this professor, who shall be thus accommodated until a
suitable pavilion can be built at the University for his place
of abode.
Mr. Randolph from the Committee to which was referred the
propositions in relation to new professorships, upon so much
of the matters referred as relates to the Medical department
reports the following resolutions:
Whereas it is required by the 4th Section of the "act
establishing the University of Virginia" that the science of
Zoology "shall be taught in the said University", and whereas
it appears that this requirement of its charter has never yet
been fulfilled, but that an opportunity is now presented of
executing the law and at the same time of perfecting the scheme
of theoretical instruction in the Medical Department in conformity
with a plan suggested in a memorial of the Medical
professors be it therefore resolved:
13. The professor of Anatomy and Physiology shall deliver
a course of lectures to the Medical class on the general outlines
of Zoology and comparative anatomy and in consideration
of the expenditure of time and labor which will be requisite
for the proper execution of this task he shall be relieved from
the duty of teaching human anatomy. His title shall hereafter
14. The Demonstrator of Anatomy shall be charged with the
duty of instructing the medical class in special, surgical,
and pathological Anatomy, by means of lectures & examinations
in the same manner and according to the same regulations as
are prescribed in the enactments for the government of the
professors in the discharge of their duties as instructors of
their respective classes. His title shall hereafter be "lecturer
on special, surgical and pathological Anatomy and Demonstrator
of Anatomy."
15. He shall deliver three lectures a week until a complete
course of lectures on special and Surgical Anatomy shall have
been completed, & once a week thereafter on pathological Anatomy,
unless in the opinion of the medical professors it should
become expedient that he give instruction on that subject at an
earlier period of the session.
16. He shall receive a fee of $15, from every student attending
his lectures, except the State Students and this compensation
shall be in addition to the amount which he now recieves
as Demonstrator of Anatomy. These services shall continue
the same as heretofore, consisting in his daily attendance
in the dissecting room from three to five O.Clock P. M.
whenever the members of his class are carrying on dissections.
17. The building known as the old Library shall be assigned
to him as a place of residence until further action be taken
by the Board, with this reservation however that he be required
to vacate it a few days before any regular or extraordinary
subject to their orders for their own accommodation.
18. Whenever a vacancy shall occur in the said department
it shall be filled by appointment by the Board of Visitors in
the same manner as the professors are appointed.
19. Any student wishing to attend the lectures on Comparative
Anatomy & Zoology without attending the other lectures in
the school of comparative Anatomy and Surgery, shall be allowed
to do so on the payment of a fee of $15.
After dinner Mr. Rives appeared & took his seat at the
Board.
20. Resolved that the Proctor's salary shall be $1500 per
annum from this date exclusive of Clerk's hire; for which $200
are allowed as heretofore.
Mr. Mason from the Committee of finance submitted a report,
accompanied by resolutions which were adopted.
REPORT.
The Committee on Finance to which has been referred the
accounts of the Proctor and Bursar for the past scholastic year,
having considered the same, as well as the prospective condition
of the Finances of the University; report:
The income of the University from all its permanent sources
including a balance in the Treasury on the 1st day of June 1848,
as shewn by the Proctor's report, for the year ending on the
31st day of May 1849 was,
| was | $22,935.64 | |
| $22,935.64 | ||
| The ordinary & current expenses for the same time were as follows. |
||
| Salaries to professors & officers | $11,562.50 | |
| Repairs & improvements | 2,036.37 | |
| 13,598.87 | ||
| Labor | 243. | |
| Library | 968.90 | |
| Advg. & printing | 310.38 | |
| Contingent expenses | 377.26 | |
| Schools of Anatomy & Surgery | 291.14 | |
| Nat: Philosophy & Chemistry | ||
| Acct State Students | 545. | |
| Ice house & diplomas | 181. | |
| Making for the ordinary annual expenditures | 16,515.55 | |
| Leaving the sum of | 6,420.09 | |
| unexpended after defraying all the ordinary expenses of the year. | ||
| Against this balance of | $6,420.09 | |
| is charged the cost of building 12 new | ||
| dormitories for the accommodation of Students | ||
| and enlarging the dining room of the Steward's | ||
| house &c authorised by the board of | ||
| Visitors. | $2701.99 | |
| and in extinction of so much of | ||
| the debt of the University by the | ||
| purchase of four of the bonds to | ||
| Mrs. Randolph for loan & Int: | 2010. | 4,711.99 |
| And leaving a balance of | 1,708.10 | |
| in the treasury on the 1st June 1849. | ||
| In paper B accompanying the Proctor's report, the income for the year ending on the 31st May 1850, including the balance in the treasury on the 1st day of June 1849 is estimated at |
$22,768.10 |
| and the ordinary amount charges for the same time at |
16,400. |
| Leaving the sum of | 6,368.10 |
subject to appropriation for the ensuing scholastic year.
These estimates your Committee believe are judiciously made.
The remaining debt of the University amounts for principal
to the sum of $11,000 which your Committee recommends
should be extinguished, as rapidly as the necessity for enlarged
accommodation for Students, and the want of additional professorships
will admit.
| The accounts of the Bursar for the year ending the 31st May 1849 shew a balance in the Treasury on that day of |
$1811.95 |
| Those of the Proctor as shewn above exhibit a balance of only |
1708.10 |
| making a difference of | 103.85 in |
the accounts of these officers: whence this discrepancy arises
your Committee are unable to trace.
The accounts of the proctor as required by the enactments
have been examined and tested by a commissioner appointed for
that purpose. Your Committee recommend, that the same commissioner
be appointed to examine the accounts of the Bursar,
with a view to ascertain whence said error arises & to correst
the same.
They also recommend in pursuance of the suggestion of the
Bursar contained in his letter to the Rector & Visitors accompanying
his report, that hereafter the Commissioner who examines
the accounts of the Proctor & patron shall annually examine
those of the Bursar preparatory to their presentation to
the Visitors at their stated meetings.
In reference to so much of the said letter of the Bursar
as requests that his accounts for commissions on disbursements
from the commencement of the Institution up to the present
session may be examined with a view to adjust the said commissions,
your Committee do not recommend that the request be
complied with at the expense of the University- But should the
Bursar desire said examination at his own charge, they see no
objection to it. *(See supplemental paper).
In conclusion your Committee recommend the adoption of
the resolutions which follow
20. Resolved, that the commissioner now appointed to examine
the accounts of the Proctor and patron, do examine the
accounts & vouchers of the Bursar for the year ending the 31st
May 1849 with a view to ascertain & correct the apparent error
in the respective accounts of the proctor & Bursar in reference
to the balance in the treasury on the 31st May 1849, & that he
be paid for such service as is now done for examination of the
accounts of the proctor & patron.
21. Resolved that hereafter it shall be the duty of the
Commissioner who examines the accounts of the Proctor & patron
to examine those of the Bursar annually before they are presented
manner directed by the 19th paragraph of the 2d. section of
the enactments as far as the same may apply to be compensated
as provided for in the 22d paragraph of the same section.
22. Resolved that, should the Bursar desire it, proper
access to his accounts & vouchers now on file at the University
be given him, under the direction of the Chairman of the
Faculty, with a view to an examination of his accounts for
commission on his disbursements since he has held the office
of Bursar, care being taken for the proper preservation of
those papers, and provided that the University be subjected to
no expense in such examination.
23. Resolved that the proctor be required to keep a "property
book" in which he shall keep a detail'd schedule of
all the property of whatsoever kind belonging to the University,
except real estate within the precincts & such apparatus,
instruments &c, as belonging to the departments of professors
may be in their special charge; and that he make report of
such schedule at each stated meeting.
J. M. Mason
R. M. T. Hunter
24. Resolved that the Proctor & Bursar do out of the funds
of the University purchase, during the current year four of
the bonds to Mrs. Martha Randolph due by the University in
extinguishment of so much of the debt of the University,
and make report to the next stated meeting.
Mr. Randolph from the Committee of Inspection made the
following report
The committee of Inspection having discharged the duties
assigned them beg leave to make the following report.
They find the Library, the apparatus of the professor
of Chemistry and Natural Philosophy in fine condition corresponding
with the inventories of the last year, with the additions
made by the appropriations of the last session of the
Board. They also found the anatomical Museum with the specimens,
surgical instruments &c in satisfactory condition.
25. Resolved that the executive Committee be directed
forthwith to take the necessary steps to procure a full supply
of water for the use of the University and as precaution
against fire, & that $1,500 be appropriated for that purpose.
26. Resolved that the digest of the course of instruction
furnished by the different members of the Faculty be returned
to them with the request that after making such amendations
as they shall desire & a copy be furnished to the Rector to
accompany his annual report.
27. Resolved that the election of the Professor of History
& General Literature shall be made at the next annual
meeting of the Board of Visitors, and that the Chairman of
the Faculty be directed to give notice of the Election for
four months preceding by the usual advertisements which are
made when a vacancy occurs in a professorship.
28. Resolved that Doct: Gessner Harrison be appointed
Chairman of the Faculty for the ensuing year.
29. Resolved that the Executive Committee be requested to
present at the next regular meeting of the Board a plan for
such an addition to the buildings of the University as may
afford another Pavilion, a new edifice for ledture rooms &
public examinations, and additional dormitories for students.
The plan to be accompanied by an Estimate of the probable
cost of the buildings proposed to be erected.
The Faculty having in reply to the resolution of the
Board, communicated their resolution of this date, on the
subject of the proposed modification of the monthly circular-It
was on consideration
30. Resolved that the said resolution of the Faculty be
entered on the minutes of the Board and that the Faculty be
requested to insert hereafter in the Circular the notice proposed
in their said resolution.
Proceedings of the Faculty above referred to,
At a meeting of the Faculty June 28th 1849.
Resolved, that the Faculty are of opinion that it is inexpedient
to return to the method formerly in use, of giving
publicity to their numerical estimates of the relative progress
made by the Students in the several classes. But that whenever
information in relation to the diligence or progress of a
Student shall be desired by the parent or Guardian such information
shall be transmitted in each monthly circular.
Resolved that it would be expedient to insert in the
monthly circular a notice that such information will be furnished
when applied for. Copied from the minutes.
William Wertenbaker
Secty. of the Faculty
31. Resolved, that the two rooms adjoining that occupied
by the Washington Society in Hotel A be assigned to the Moot
Court for their uses.
In accordance with the recommendations of the Faculty.
32. Resolved, that the Faculty be authorised to give
authority to Mr. John Roy Cabell of Pittsylvania to complete
his examinations for graduation in Medicine at such time after
the commencement of the next session as the Faculty may appoint;
it being represented by them that Mr. Cabell was taken
sick before his examination was completed.
33. Resolved that the Faculty be further authorised to
give authority to Mr. John T. Jones of Gloucester to complete
his examinations for graduation in Medicine at such time after
the commencement of the next session as the Faculty may appoint;
It being represented by them that Mr. Jones was called
home under the most urgent circumstances after standing a very
satisfactory examinations in Anatomy and Surgery, and before
he was examined in the other schools.
The Board then adjourned till tomorrow morning.
Joseph C. Cabell, Rector.
Friday June 29th 1849. The Board met pursuant to adjournment:
Present as yesterday.
The following proceedings were had.
1. Resolved that the proctor be directed, under the advice
of the Executive Committee to cause such an addition or
alteration to be made in the outhouse in Doct: Harrison's yard
as to give him an additional room.
2. Resolved, that Genl. Cocke, Mr. Randolph & Mr. Stevenson
constitute the Executive Committee of this Board.
3. Resolved that the Proctor shall be allowed to board a
limited number of Students during the next session. But the
number of Students shall not be greater than he now has and
the places at which they lodge shall be the same as at the
present session.
4. Resolved, That the proctor shall erect or provide rooms
in lieu of rooms now attached as offices to the pavilion No.7
under the advisement of the Executive Committee.
The Board then adjourned sine die.
| Board of Visitors minutes June 25, 1849 | |