University of Virginia Library

Chapman Johnson to John Hartwell Cocke

I received your letter, by Mr. Dyer, day before yesterday, and avail myself of the first mail to
answer it--

I expect, pretty certainly, to be at Monticello at the meeting of the visitors on monday
next,--and hope I shall meet you there--My purpose is to set out in the State from this place,
friday morning, and get to Charlottesville, saturday evening--and next day go to Mr.
Jeffersons--This mode of conveyance, the only one left for me, will deprive me of the
pleasure of calling on you as I go up--and I regret it very much, not only because of the real
gratification I should have, in going to see you, but because I should wish an oppertunity of
conversing with you, on the subject of the University before we meet in conclave--

I have much satisfaction in reflecting that our opinions have generally concurred, on the
subject of this institution; and I am glad to find, that on; the Subject of the rotunda, they are
likely again to concur--I fear, however, that the old chief has us bound beyond our power of
extrication--But we should not suffer this apprension to prevent us from doing our duty;
which requires, I think, that we should so, enquire what is done, how far it is prudent to
proceed, how far practicable to retreat--

I am very desirous to build the rotunda, if we can do it with prudence--Though I believe the
public disapproves the building, yet they expect it, and consider it a part of the system which
they have authorised--The Legislature, however, have, no doubt, for the most part, acted
under the belief, that the appropriation made, was adequate or nearly adequate to its
completion--and I fear with you, that they would ill bear an application for another $60,000
dollars, to complete the buildings--My conjectures lead me most strongly to anticipate that,
if the rotunda is built under the system here before pursued, an additional $60,000, is the
least sum, that would probably suffice to finish the buildings--

I think therefore that we ought both to attend, if we can, and do what we are able,--first to
ascertain our real condition, and next, to prevent an engagement in any work of undefined
expence--I will certainly attend, unless prevented, by something, which I do not now
anticipate--with very great respect your sincere friend

C Johnston

ALS, ViU:JHC, 2p, with address "Genl. John H: Cocke near New Canton" and JHC docket
"Chapman Johnson 30. Mar. recd. 12 April."