University of Virginia Library

I had been looking forward to having an opportunity to come to the
University this fall and to discuss with you the John Langbourne Williams
Memorial Fund about which I wrote you under date of January 18, 1955. As
a result of Elizabeth's illness I was not able to carry out my plan. I
provided in my letter that if I did not by December 31, 1956 designate
how the income from this fund was to be used, the income was to be used
for the general purposes of the University. Since I would like it to be
used for a special purpose and since I have not for the reason mentioned
been able to discuss it with you, I am writing this letter to set forth
how I would like for this fund to be handled. If it is not satisfactory
in every particular, I shall be delighted to come to the University some
time next year to discuss it with you.

I would like the fund I have established in memory of my Grandfather to
be known as the John Langbourne Williams Memorial Fund. The purpose of
the fund is to further the love of learning at the University of Virginia
I would like for there to be three trustees and suggest as the first
three trustees Mr. Allan T. Gwathmey, Mr. Robert K. Gooch and Mr. William
S. Weedon. While the language I propose obviously and intentionally
gives the trustees quite broad powers, I would like to mention, as an
example of the type of thing that I would like to see the income of the
fund used to support, the Lower Division Seminars. The program has
appealed to me very much as helping to provide the intellectual stimulation
and the cultural preparation of the gentlemen and scholar that I like to
think of as representing the University of Virginia.

I suggest that the trustees be self perpetuating and that they elect their
own Chairman. If at any time the trustees fail to elect their successors
or if for any other reason there should fail to be three trustees, I would
like to provide that the trustees be appointed by the President of the
University.

I would be glad if the committee would consult with me from time to time
about the use to which they propose to put the income from the Fund but I
would not like to stipulate that that be done.

As I have said, I hope that what I propose here will meet with your
approval. If you have any suggestions of any kind, I shall be grateful if
you will let me have them

With warm personal regards and hoping to see you before long,