University of Virginia Library

Joseph Carrington Cabell to Thomas Jefferson

The enclosed bill has this moment passed into a law.[845] The House of Delegates having
first rejected the amendment of the Senate for $80,000; and then that for $40,000--and
having postponed the whole bill on 22d.; Genl. Breckenridge, Mr. Johnson & myself, had a
consultation and agreed that the interests of the Institution would be promoted by the Bill
now enclosed. Our friend Mr. Gordon had already moved for leave to bring in a bill, and
was in the midst of an animated discussion, when Mr. Johnson & myself got to the House.
We prevailed on him to withdraw his motion, to make way for the introduction of the
subject by Genl. Breckenridge, who we supposed, not being from the local district, would
have more influence with the House. The bill went thro' this morning with but little
opposition. We hope we have taken the course which yourself & the other Visitors will
approve, considering the circumstances in which we were placed. The University is popular
in the Senate, and unpopular in the House of Delegates. I hope the President & Directors of
the Lit: Fund, or the Board of public Works will be able to lend us the money, but upon this
point I cannot speak positively.[846] An immediate meeting of the Visitors is necessary. On
29th. new Visitors are to be appointed. I shall ask the Governor to bring on the appointments
speedily, and if the old Visitors should be reappointed, I shall propose to Genl. B. & Mr.
Johnson to proceed directly to Monticello; & I would take Genl. Cocke along with me from
Bremo.[847]

I am Dr. Sir, faithfully yours,
Joseph C. Cabell.

ALS, ViU:TJ, 1p [1774] with TJ docket "Cabell Joseph C. Richmd. Feb. 24. 20 recd Feb.
27."; printed, Cabell, Early History of the University of Virginia, 182-83.