University of Virginia Library

David Watson

Miscellaneous Memoranda

An Act was passed by our Assembly, with much difficulty, authorising the rector & visitors
of the University of Virga. to borrow $60 thousand dollars to finish the buildings, & put the
University into operation.

In Jan: 1819 the law past establishing the Univeristy at the site of the centl. College, in
Albemarle, near Charlottesville, with an endowment from the literary fund of 15 thousand $
Annum--At the last session of our Assemby., the University was authoris'd to borrow $60
thousand; estimated then to be sufficient to finish the buildings; & upon the application for
more money, at this session, much discontent was manifested by the Members--the bill was
rejected by one Vote; & passed, on reconsideration, next day.

AD (extract), ViU:Watson Family Papers, Miscelleanous Memoranda, 32.