I feel it my duty to apologise for my procrastination in acknowledging the receipt of your favour of the 12th Apr. respecting the appointment of Chemical Professor in the new University.1 I hope, Sir, that this apparent neglect will not be construed into disrespect towards a Patron of Science.

I was not a little disappointed at the account with which you honored me, of the present state of your Institution, differing as it does, from those which I had previously heard, in such material points.

As I believe that your plan is admirably calculated for the purposes of education as well as the improvement of Science and the support of its dignity, I must always feel interested in its concerns, independently of my hope of becoming connected with i[t.]

Please to accept my thanks for your promised attention to the documents which I have taken the liberty of entrusting to your care—Should their object be ultimately attained, I will consider no exertions as too arduous, that may have a tendency to promote the interests or respectability of the Institution—Meanwhile