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Chapter 10
The Building Campaign of 1825
Documentary History of the Construction of the Buildings at the University
of Virginia, 1817-1828 |  |
University Opens
When word of the professors' long-anticipated arrival in Virginia reached Charlottesville,
Brockenbrough issued a proclamation that the University of Virginia would open on 7
March 1825.[680] Before that date, however, Jefferson concluded that the lateness of the
season necessitated the issue of another notice informing potential students that for the
present year they could enter the university at any time.[681] Although Jefferson was eager
to open the university, the buildings still lacked, among other things, sufficient mattresses
and lamp oil.[682] Nevertheless, thirty or forty students had arrived at the university on the
day of its official opening, and by 12 April Jefferson could boast to his future grandson-
in-law Joseph Coolidge, Jr., of Massachusetts that the number had risen to sixty-five. "I wish
they may not get beyond 100. this year," Jefferson wrote, "as I think it will be easier to get
into an established course of order and discipline with that than with a greater number. our
English Professors give us perfect satisfn. the choice has been most judiciously made."[683]
680. For this notice, dated 16 February and signed by Brockenbrough, see the Richmond
Enquirer, 22 February 1825.
681. TJ to Brockenbrough, Notice to Students, 7 March 1825, ViU:PP. Jefferson instructed
the proctor to have the notice printed in the Charlottesville, Richmond, and Washington
papers.
682. See John Van Lew & Co. to Brockenbrough, 28 February 1825, in ViU:PP. Bernard
Peyton wrote to Brockenbrough on 2 March to inform that "the present incumbent of the
Washington Tavern (Mr. Archibald Robertson) is about to discontinue it, & is desirous of
disposing of some thirty Beds & Mattrasses on reasonable terms" (ViU:PP). In April
Brockenbrough ordered stock locks, closet locks, bells and bell pulls, Venetian tassals,
"Japand Norfolk Latches," copper wire, and tin plate from John Van Lew & Co. (John Van
Lew & Co. to Brockenbrough, 19-25 April 1825, ViU:PP).
|
Chapter 10
The Building Campaign of 1825
Documentary History of the Construction of the Buildings at the University
of Virginia, 1817-1828 | |