I have been instructed by the faculty here to inform you as Sec. of
the
Board of Trustees, that a number of the
students have made a representation in relation to the condition of one the
College buildings, which seems to require some notice— In the building
called "the East building" there has long been a considerable crack,
extending across the whole of one side of the building & the young men who
occupy the building say it is increasing from session to session & the
condition of the floors in some places seems to indicate that the sleepers are
becoming unsettled— We do not know whether there is in fact any real
danger of the walls giving way, but the impression of danger is so general
among
Page 2
the young men, that the house is often
deserted in a high wind & it is to be feared that accounts may go abroad,
which will affect, however carelessly the prosperity of the institution. Under
this apprehension, the Faculty have thought it best to suggest to the
Trustees, the expediency of having the building in
question examined by some skillful architect, that if the wall is really in a
dangerous state, measures may be taken to repair it, & if not, the
mischievous delusion may be corrected.
Mr Drummond has
occurred to them as a proper person, as he is now out of employment.
I take this opportunity of renewing my thanks for the
Taylor house. I was outwitted however by
Mr T. who hearing from
Judge Nash, the committee had concluded
Page 3
to make the purchase, determined to hold to his price & make his own
terms as to the time of delivery. We had a conversation on the subject after
hearing from
Mr Nash, but before I got your letter, in which I
resisted his claim of keeping possession thro' the winter & threatened him
with the dissolution of the contract in case he persisted. He said but little
about it & when I went to look for him after getting your letter I found he
was gone to
Raleigh, where I fear from what he afterwards told me, he
made you believe I had consented to the postponement of the delivery. It is not
very material however, except that the delay may cost more than the rent of my
present residence during the winter, as
Mr Henderson, whose
name was connected with mine in
Mr T's report to you,
tells me on enquiry he has no idea of taking the house & gave
Mr T. no authority to
say or think so.
Page 4
He had merely spoken of it at one
time as what he might do. He has now concluded to take his father's old house.
I write all this to you not as Sec. of the
Board but just to indulge my spleen agnst.
Mr T. a little, at his
outgeneraling me.