Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1837-01-19

in this town, and now Chaplain 10 the Cniver-
sily Of Virginia, was addressed 10 RioHAhp
DrpriELp, Esq OF this county. IL will no
doubt he read with interest by the numerous
friends Of Mr.. r. in this section, and the infor-
nation IL contains in relation to one Of the
most extensive and interesting literary ins,i-
tu,ions Of which our country can boast, prove
I acceptable To our readers generally. We
are therefore pleased at the opportunity az
fordeJ for the appearance Of this letter in our
columns
CSrERsrrI OF viRGISiA,l
Jan. II, 1897
Richard DpTi,ld, E,q.
Mr. DEAE SIR--lt has been my intention for
SOME time past TO send you a brief sketch Of
this charming spot and Of tho country that
surrounds IL, but my occupations have been
sucl. as TO prevent the execution Of my pUr-
pose until the present moment. Having a
leisure hour this evening, have thought that
could not spend II more agreesbly than by
eodeavorIng To discharge one VI thOse obiiga-
ii9Es Il fsio..!4E!p which Al Is 50 sweet to c"c
and 50 sweet to pay.
The scenery hercabou;s i highly picturesque
We are almost encircl led by mountains. The
highest point % one Of these e,atrd ranges
| ~ CROWNED WIN INV ipfuict trst-
deBce Cf Mr.. Jefferson. Ia looking upon the
University from this position, IL presents the
appearance Of q ~eii-arrangcd village.
will not attic mpt to describe tie objects Of sur
prise and admiration ~ hich these buildings fur
n'sh TO the eye Of the unprejud'esd stranger.
Not being either sculptor architect, I
am scarcely acquainted With the terms which
are sppiied to the different portions Of these
| beautiful edilCes. Bot II seems u NE tiat no
one whose perceptions have not 5een warped
or biuntod, can fail ~ 10 charmed with the
richness and convenience Of the entire struc-
ture. The lofty Rotundo. with its elegant Co
rinthisn Portico-the Pa'ilion-, exhibiting the
q -ssnt orders Of arChitecture-the Tuscan
CollOnades the Chinese Rats, and the velvet
Lawn all contribute TO awaken the most
agreeable impressions. Tie grounds aud
buildings Of the CGiVersity are said To have
coat JOG. 600 dollars. The ROtunja, which is
copied after a similar edifce at Rome. i, the
most conspicuous Of ali the College buiIdiDss.
and IS as useful as it Is ornamental. The up
per half is Il handsomely c...hsd circular
room, with two galleries, supported BY cor
responding peristyle. THIS apartment Is ex-
clusiveiy occupied by An extensive and we'll
| arranged Library, consisting OF choice works
on scientific, moral, and theological subjects +;
TO which the Students have free aud ready ac-
cess every day. The lower portion Is divided
into several Lecture Rooms. OF oval form, ono
OF which j. occupied on the Sabbath, for pur-
poses Of Religious worship.
The system Of instruction adopted here, DIFF
fers IN some Of its features from that Of other
literary institutions IN these United States. In
stead Of the usual mode OF recitation, lectures
are delivered daily on the Ancient and Modern
Languages, Mathematics, Natural Philosophy,
Chemistry and Naleira Medica, Moral Philo-
sophy, Law, Medicine and Anatomy; and the
student Is examined at every meeting Of the
Ciass, on the subject Of the preceding lecture.
In this way. tho mental faculties are develop
| ed. the actual progress OF the student becomes
apparent and the instructor - enabled, IN case
Of delinquency, TO apply the necessary cor
| receive.
The discipline Of this University combines
mildness and firnness in just and equal pro-
portions. Tho Siudsnts airs required 10 wear
the uniform prescribed by the enseIments, To
rise early. and 20 be punctual in their attend
9nce Bt lecture. To bo absent without leave
! to cutter 4 tavern, or n use spiriiuous liquors
within the precincts Of the Institution, are Of
fences punishable by eepsures, suspension, or
expulsion.
But feel more concerned TO give you cor
rect impression Of the Rsiigiass character Of
the University. than do 10 furnish you with
an outline Of its external arrangements or it,
I
for several years after IT, operations com
/ meneed, the Institution had 60 encounter the
most Incorporating prejudiees Of tho piOus
/ portion of the community. II Vas by many
supposed that iR6dsitiy was interviewer with
/ the very elements Of its existence, and conse-
quently It, early history Was oVerhung With
clouds Of encouragement How fac these
| rcjudices were Just, may be aIceftshed from
the fact, not generally known. that in the or
Il -. A. 4. -
privileges Of greeting Theological Seminsfiss
on the territory belonging 20 the UniVersIty
vas ebserfuliy extended 70 even christian de-
nomination within the limits - the state. --
| That the uatsrs of Salvation are not nov
miBEiing more freely 18th the streams ~ ~
eDcc which nov from this crystal fountain. 10
not therefore ~ b. referred % lire wbo ss,Ots
the rick, or 10 them = bo direct Tie gushing
tivulst But although the o1rr referred %
has not been accepted, feel 30 hesitation in
saying that any younE man having desire 70
becOnss q herald Of Mercy 10 hIs p1rishinE fel-
low men. viii ind ready access. free ~ ex-
Penss, 70 all tho priVils yss Of the Institution
~ the present arrangement for Religious
services q the University. you have all TIE
evidence that can 18th ptopueiy be asked re-
speciinr tie favorable esiiaats which -
placed upon the subject u Christanty The
ChsPlsias spPointed suecessveiy nom the
four prouiinent denominations IN Virginia. are
supported By The voluntary contributions uf
he Professors ssd stndehts The cotEfegs-
lions on the sabbath are ssdais and sitsatise,
End enhSbit - much iespecl &c Ne esttct-ss
q Heligiou ~ I have ever messed ia Che
beet established churches Bessie he reEs-
lar services 81 the Ssobsth, 80 have week.
~ lecture alternately 81 he houses % two ~
the ?, ofessors We have sisO e - btath
school. h vhtch several % Ne stadents are
engaged. The Aouihiy Copesn for Prayer i
aiso observed b. de Pashioa Hhich Oecupy.
u 81 thsss Erssttngs, thrnk can say ths ths
Master's rrsssnee has been frequently rsal-
SD. A. 70 nysslf ! have experiences no
hing bit courtesy and MADNESS siscs e. isF-
ed BFon ~ duties a. tbh lovely place pfy