Harris, Charles Wilson, 1771-1804
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University
June 1st. 1796.
Dr Friend
In your last letter you expressed some uncertainty respecting the place in
which you would attempt the practice of Physic. This, in a great measure
prevented me from writing as often as I could wish. You see by my address
that I am still a teacher tho' much against my inclination. It is difficult
in this illiterate part of the
United States to procure any person that is able and
willing to undertake the arduous task of instructing. I continue in my
present situation because the
trustees
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cannot
procure any person to perform the duties of my office. I earnestly desire to
be engaged in some professional business in the world. One of my motives for
writing at this time was to receive some information of
Mr Caldwell
who graduated one year before us &
spoke the first Salutatory Oration. I have heard that he has been employed
in teaching ever since he left College — if he is not yet
permanently settled, and has no objection against removing farther south I
make no doubt but he may be placed in a situation in this state altogether
agreeable.
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I must beg leave to trouble you in this affair & request that you
would by post give me any information concerning his place of abode;
employment &c, which you may think necessary. Or if you can let him know of the
enquiries which I have made, it will be still a greater favor.
The
University contains 37 students. The employment which I would relinquish
to
Mr
Caldwell
if he would agreeable to the
trustees is the Professorship of
Mathematics & Natural Philosophy worth at present more than 500 Dol.
per Ann. & in time to come will be more valuable.