Your favour in relation to Society Halls, improvement of college grounds, &c &c was recd. ten days since. Our examination was then in progress and did not close until the 24th inst. A conference with the Trustees was necessary before a reply could properly be transmitted. I came here Saturday last to secure one, and have succeeded in the absence of the Governor in obtaining an informal consultation with some of the members. I feel myself authorized nevertheless to invite Mr Davis to visit the University with a view to the execution of working drawings, specifications, &c &c on the terms indicated in your letter, the sum ($100) required for traveling expenses, can either be remitted to you, or paid to him on his arrival here by Charles Manly Esq. as you may direct. Our winter vacation will terminate on the 6th of January about which time (say the 10th) I should be glad to see Mr Davis . No meeting of the Trustees can be had at an earlier day, & if his convenience will admit I havereasons for desiring that his visit may not be postponed to a later period.

I fear that our resources will not justify an immediate appropriation for the establishment of a Botanical garden and pattern farm. I am not without hopes however of being able to obtain such aid from the next General Assembly as will justify our attempting it on a proper scale. In the mean time we will have enough to do in erecting the Halls & in improving the grounds and on the latter subject I would be very glad to have a communication and a very full one from you. Will not Mr Davis be competent to advise & direct us on this hand?

As to "fencing out," as you term it, would not the Cedar which is easily obtained answer our purpose as well or better than anything else? Our village is improving. The Episcopalians have erected the walls (brick) of a very neat Church planned by Mr Walter of Philadelphia. The Presbyterian & Methodist have subscription papers on circulation for similar undertakings. Judge Battle and other respectable families are settling among us, and presently I think there is no difficulty in pronouncing it the most moral & best governed village in the state. The act of the last General Assembly prohibiting the saleof ardent spirits, wines, or malt liquors by any measure within two miles of the University or to a student anywhere for the purpose of being used within two miles of C. Hill has produced a very decided improvement without as well as within the College precincts.

Present me kindly and respectfully to Mrs D. and Miss Isabella and believe me

The foregoing is a copy of my reply to Mr. Donaldsons letter now in your possession. The Report of the Faculty on the last Semi-annual examination was rec.d and sent down yesterday.