ALS, one page, 7.5 x 9.25, March 18, 1827. Madison writes to Mr. Trist. In part: “It being always somewhat uncertain whether Genl. Cocke will be found at Brems, or at Charlottesville whither he is so often called, I trouble you again with a letter for him to be disposed of as the case may be. The letter being left open for your perusal, you will see that Mr. Key has decided on a return to England and that we have to encounter the difficulty of providing a successor. His letter shows that his purpose of resigning had never been relaxed. It is not impossible that his thoughts and his hopes may be turned to the London University about to be established. You will observe also what is said to Genl. Cocke (and to be said to the other visitors) on the subject of gathering the information necessary to the chore of a successor to Mr. Key, including such as may be drawn from the other English professors. This last source you may yourself have good opportunities of sounding, and I hope you will avail yourself of them, and in general co-operate with us in gaining the information we need. Have you learnt anything further of Nuttal? Mr. Key has expressed a very favorable opinion of Hassler’s ‘Trigonomitry’ [sic] but thinks it less filled, in some respects, to be a text book than Lacroix; translated by Farrar. Hassler’s is however much commended in the American Review under the auspices of Mr. Walsh; and is, I understand, adopted as a Text Book in the College at Washington, and another in N. York.” After signing, Madison adds a postscript: “Be so obliging as to add the proper post office to the letter for Genl. Breckinridge, and forward it from that at Charlottesville. The other circulars I am preparing to go from O. C. House.” Madison was on the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson, and became Rector (Chairman of the Board) following Jefferson’s death in 1826. Matted and framed with an engraving to an overall size of 20.75 x 15.75. In very good condition, with intersecting mailing folds, light wrinkling, allover light toning, and chip and small seal-removal tear to left margin (not affecting any writing). The writing is dark and clearly penned throughout. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
