Lexington VA: 1 Jany '66 My dear Sir I am much gratified to learn by your letter of the 27th Ulto: the success which you have so far met with in the execution of the mission, entrusted to you by the Board of Trustees of Washington College. I hope you will be able materially to aid the Board, in the full accomplishment of its object; the enlargement of the endowment of the College & the extension of its present Course of instruction. Your adoption of the suggestion of Col: Marshall in the omitting of my name, in the heading of your subscription list, meets with my entire approval. I do not consider it proper that it should so appear, and I request that you will adhere to this course in your future operations. I regret that I have no acquaintance in New York with whom I could take the liberty of giving your letters. Your letter of appointment by the Board of Trustees, with the copy of their resolution to establish five additional Professorships, will I hope be sufficient for your purpose. I recommend you to communicate with the Revd Samuel Beach Jones of Bridgeton N. Jersy, who is fully (page 2) acquainted with the purposes of the Board on this subject, & who might greatly assist you. I enclose you a letter to Dr. Thos: Miller of Washington City, a gentleman of great courtesy & intelligence, who may be able to give you useful information while in that city. I also send according to your request some autographs for such of your friends as may desire them. Wishing you all happiness & success & a speedy completion of your undertaking. I am very respy Your obtservt R E Lee Rev. S. D. Stuart