NORFOLK, September
9, 1860.
MY DEAR BOYD: Your
letter was received today and though much of its news has been anticipated by
advices from Sherman . . . I think if I did not intend giving myself the
pleasure of a charming drive this afternoon, with a still more charming young
lady, I would, for want of nothing else to do, work myself up into a muss. But
that would rumple my shirt collar, so I will even answer you very coolly, viz:
Your kind
proposition about assisting Vallas yourself, I cannot allow myself to entertain
for one moment. In the first place, you would transfer part of your class to me
and thus break that unity of mode of instruction so necessary to those in the
same class. And really too I am but little prepared to conduct any but your
lower classes. Indeed I thank you very much and appreciate the disinterested
kindness of your offer; but I think your other idea far preferable. I would
therefore prefer . . . that, if the Board deem that the finances of the
institution do not justify the employment of an assistant to Vallas, and if
they deem it right that I should take some class or other, that they will, for
the coming session, attach to my chair the “Branch of Natural Philosophy.” This
branch will be confined to those of last year's class who will be passed to the
third class of '60-'61. This will give me, in connection with my duties as
commandant and a barely possible chance of a small chemistry class, fully my
share of work. If further assistance is still needed, I will take any class,
which the Academic Board may see fit to give me. I will not specify what that
class may be. The Academic Board, as fixee of the course of study, should best
determine. Please do not let General Graham make this proposition to the Board
as coming from me; he may state, if he pleases my concurrence in it. My reason
for not offering any assistance is simply this: I have no official right to
know that my services will be needed, as at the time I left the Seminary, it
had been decided that two assistants should be appointed, the only question
being as to their mode of appointment. Our weather cock board has changed all
this since I left, and I do not choose to let my services or my offer of such
follow their vagaries.
General Graham and
yourself both know my willingness to assist the Seminary in any proper way. I
have assisted Vallas, I would cheerfully and willingly assist you, I have
helped Sherman. I even offered to help St. Ange until he informed me that he
was Professor of Tongues. . . I am only repeating my willingness to do what I
can, though I do not profess to say that I prefer doing that to confining
myself to my own department. You can let General G. see this letter, and he may
do what he thinks best. . .
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