82 EARLY UNDERTAKINGS. [1838, 



very few days would enable us to settle almost every- 

 thing about the arrangement of the grounds, the in- 

 ternal disposition of the university building, and the 

 plan of professors' houses. I feel so strong a hope 

 that the doctor will be persuaded to take a professor- 

 ship that I have fixed upon the place for his house, 

 should my plan for the arrangement of the grounds 

 be adopted. And I am very desirous to return to you 

 with the plans in my hands, that I may submit them 

 to Dr. T., Prof. Henry, etc., in time to correct our 

 mistakes and suggest improvements. I see also that 

 if I leave now (although I have explained that I made 

 arrangements on leaving to be back by the first of 

 September, and that it is very necessary I should 

 return by that time), I should lose much of the in- 

 fluence I have acquired, and it is more than probable 

 that some error would be committed that we should 

 not see in time to rectify. 



I am anxious that the proper means should be 

 adopted to supply the university and houses with 

 water in abundance, and at such a level that it can be 

 taken into the second story of the professors' houses ; I 

 think you may imagine one reason why I am so solicit- 

 ous about this matter. I was pleased to find on my 

 arrival here that this subject had already received 

 much attention, and there is a determination, on the 

 part of nearly all the regents I have conversed with, 

 to effect this object at whatever expense. Of the dif- 

 ferent plans in contemplation only one, I think, will 

 effectually answer the purpose. I have some hope 

 that the subject will be acted upon at the first meet- 

 ing after Mr. Davis arrives. Before that time I sus- 

 pect we shall not be able to secure the quorum neces- 

 sary for the transaction of this and other matters of 



