Beschreibung:

Autograph letter signed to Thomas Jefferson discussing the possible appointment of John Tayloe Lomax as the University of Virginia's first professor of law.
Montpellier: 4 August 1825. 1 p., folded sheet with integral blank (250 x 200 mm). Docketed on verso by Jefferson. Condition : minor staining, short tears repaired at an early date. madison writes jefferson concerning the appointment of the first professor of law at the university of virginia. Although Jefferson is unnamed, the content of the letter and the docketing on verso suggest him to be the recipient. The two corresponded several times on this subject following the opening of the University of Virginia in March 1825 with all faculty chairs filled with the exception of a professor of law. The hiring of this position was of great importance to both Jefferson and Madison, who wanted the teaching of law to be based in an understanding of political theory and Republican principles. Their first choice, Judge Philip Barbour, declined the position in April of 1825. Here, Madison writes of an alternate candidate: “ Having but little hope that Judge Dade will accept the place offered him, and having occasionally heard Mr. Lomax of Fredericksburg spoken of favorably, I sought an occasion yesterday without disclosing my object of learning more of him, from Judge Barbour, who has long been at the same Bar with him and is otherwise well acquainted with his character. The Judge considers him as a man of solid talents and a well informed Lawyer with an advantageous elocution. I asked whether Mr. L [omax] had extended his studies beyond the ordinary municipal Las, to the Law of Nations and to a more philosophical view of the general subject of Law. The Judge said he could not answer that question, but thought his mind very capable of the task; and knew him to be habitually laborious in his application to the duties of his profession. Nothing was said on the subject of political economy; nor did the Judge know the extent of Mr. L [omax] ’s classical attainment. From the same & from other sources I have understood that Mr. Lomax is of an amicable disposition, of polished manner and of the best habits of every sort, and that he has been a uniform & sound patriot. He is at the age of about forty. I have thought it proper to make this communication as the basis of further enquiries which you may have opportunities of making… ” Lomax would accept the position, officially joining the faculty on 5 July 1826, the day following Thomas Jefferson’s death.