Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-10-10
1orrespondepee Of ne Union and American

Correspondence OF The Union and Americana
UHIvERsITY OF VIRGINIA, CHARLOTTs
VILE. October Sd, 1866 In my last letter
made mention Of the election Of Colonel
PETERS. formerly Of Emory and Henry
College, 10 the Professcrship Of Latin IN
this institution. He took charge Of this inn
pOrtant department Of the University. His
saluiatory address was a splendid effort, and
would have done honor 10 one Of ripper years.
He was frequently interrupted by the cheers
OF the hundreds Of students and citizens
who we're present on the occasion.
Professor PETERS graduated at this in.
stihtiOn some fourteen years ago, after
which he went 10 Germany and graduated
ai the famous Hieldeburg University with
the highest honOrs He subsequently filled
the chair Of Latin in Emory aud Henry
College, and made that institution all the
celebrity il ever won, 30 far as classical ad-
yantages and instruction we're concerned.
Like his unfortunate though talented and
eminent predecessor in this school, when the
late war commenced he gave mp lucrative
professionally, in > growing and prosperous
college. FOR the tented field. During them
tire war he served with distinguished gal
lantry, receiving wounds that will disable
him for life, at least materially affect his
health aid locomotion. Professor PETERS
is not alone distinguished for his great men
tai and literary worth, but for his deep
toned piety aflable and social manners. A
brilliant future awaits him in this institu-
ton. He possesses every element TO such
an end
Up to the present writing three hundred
students have matriculated, while some fifty
are still on It's grounds who have no! entered
their names. AT no period in the history Of
the institution has the attendance been so
large this early in the session. In the years
Of 1878 there were some $50 students pre-
sent, when the term opened with only 2G9.
We have no doubt but what the number will
reach. this term, near 600. Tennesse, Ala
bama, Mississippi and Texas are largely
represented. Students are here from every
Southern State, except Florida.
Many young men who went to Yale and
Harvard during the past summer to school,
are returning 10 this place, thoroughly con
WINGED Of the inconsistency Of the Southern
youth patronizing Northern institutions, and
Of the hostility still existing in the North
ern minds towards the Southern people. A
consciousness Of this state Of feeling sur
rounding the student would always interrupt
his studies. About one half Of its students,
so far, have taken the law ticket. Beardless
boys, by the scores, are taking this ticket.
Unfortunately the majority Of them have
not secured an academic education.
Students coming TO this place TO school
will do we'll TO bring all Their best books
and to follow strictly the directions Of the
catalogue. Dissociated from the University
there is but little to note. Politically, moth
ing new. Some uneasiness is evinced among
H.. -. Ia al.al. f1sffas If ba
President. not being able to maintain his
policy. This feeling however, is shared by
the people generally throughout the South
The freedmen" are here by the thous-
ands, and are a pest 10 the town and COM
munity. Every cabin, hut and cellar is
crowded with them. Hundreds Of them
gather at the depot daily, and watch the
trains for new students in order 10 secure
their washing for the collegiate year. They
don't stop at one request for employment,
but generally follow the student from room
20 room, and hotel TO hotel, in order 10 make
dime or two Many Of them have arms
and use them with as much IMMUNITY on the
Sabbath as a sportsman would his favorite
rifle ON Monday. Hundreds Of these uulor-
tunates will have 10 be supported by the
Government this winter, or starve for want
OF food. Some Of them have small patches
Of corn, but they will be consumed before
Christmas. And l am informed that this
destitution is. almost universal throughout
the State, especially in the country east of
Lynchburg. The whites, by the strictest
economy, after laboring diligently the pres
eut season, will barely have subsistence in
much Of this portion Of Virginia. The
Shenandoah Valley has resumed its wonted
plenty, and will contribute much 10 the re-
lief Of this section.
So far, the cholera has not troubled this
place, the nearest being at Richmond. But
few cases there. The general health Of this
country is excellent. Students who remained
months delightfully."-