In this short letter to his brother-in-law, William Radford attributes the declining reputation of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) to a recent outbreak of the jerks among the “lower class of people.” Contextual notes appear in square brackets.
Washington Academy May 14th 1805
Dear Sir,
Your brother will leave town in half an hour and I am precluded from paying that attention to my letter, which I would wish. I am sorry to inform you that there will be no school at Mr. Brown’s, and that Carlton will be obliged to return to the Academy. I will make it my particular business, to pay every attention in my power, to forward him in his studies.
Mr. Legburn has been kind enough to offer us his assistance, until it would be convenient for you to send the money. I sent by brother John an account of my expenditures and have hopes it will meet with your approbation. About fifty dollars remain in Mr. Legburn’s hands. Carlton and myself will both be under the necessity of purchasing summer clothes. I shall finish my studies at this place at the end of next session. I am extremely anxious to spend one session at William & Mary. I could review some of my studies and at the same time prosecute the study of the Law. Should you think it expedient for me to go, I would be ready to start at the commencement of our review, which takes place about the first of October. The session at Williamsburg begins on the 13th. I should have a few days to spend with my friends in Richmond and be at College in proper time. I will endeavour to pay such attention to my studies, as will supercede the necessity of a review. I would thank you to inform me of the result of your opinion. I anticipate innumerable advantages, which would arise from such a measure. It will serve to correct and confirm my opinions. It will be building the superstructure, of a foundation which I hope I shall be able to lay at the required time. Our session commences in the morning. None of the students have arrived yet. The prospect, I fear, is bad; there are many prejudices against this place, and until they are removed, either by the good conduct of the students, or the ability of the professors, the institution will never arrive at any high degree of repute. The Jerks are making their apperance again and will spread generally with the lower class of people. I received a letter by the last post from Sister Munford. She mentions that her breast was rising and that she experienced much pain. Mr. Munford has gone to Norfolk on some business for his Sister Byrd, who with Mrs. Kennon intends residing in Williamsburg. Remember me affectionately to Mama, sister and the family and believe me to be
Yours Sincerely
William Radford
[Addressed:] General John Preston Montgomery County Horse-shoe bottom Mr. J. Preston
[Endorsed:] William Radford
Source
William Radford to John Preston, May 14, 1805, Preston Family Papers, Mss 1 P9267 f, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond.
