- Dec 2017
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engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu
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Encouraged therefore by the sentiments of the Legislature, manifested in this statute, we present the following tabular statement of the branches of learning which we think should be taught in the University, forming them into groups, each of which are within the powers of a single professor.
In viewing the tabulation, it is clear that the University only had eight original professors, each of which lived in one of the Lawn's ten pavilions; however the numbering of Pavilions does not reflect where professors of the courses lived. The original professors included: Charles G. Bonnycastle - Professor of natural philosophy; Robley Dunglison - Professor of anatomy and medicine; Thomas Hewitt Key - Professor of mathematics; George Long - Professor of ancient languages; George Blaetterman - Professor of modern languages; John Patton Emmet - Professor of natural history; John Tayloe Lomax - Professor of law; George Tucker - Professor of moral philosophy. Note: Despite ten pavilions, there were only 8 original faculty. Where is the discrepancy? http://uvamagazine.org/articles/1825_old_school
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In this enquiry they supposed that the governing considerations should be the healthiness of the site, the fertility of the neighbouring country, and it’s centrality to the white population of the whole state:
Specific consideration given to the phrase "centrality of the white population of the whole state". In deciding benefits of the University's chosen location, it is indicated that the white population's accessibility to the site was of utmost importance, and such that racial bias was a major factor in the original acceptance of students to the University. It would be interesting to research the admittance of ethnicity in the early years of the University. Although a white majority and no blacks are expected of the period, it would be an interesting inquiry to see if any other ethnic groups were accepted, such as Latino, Native American, and non-European decent. In all, the real question is whether the University was 100% white males versus anything less, while still noting the period, but questioning Thomas Jefferson's belief that "every man is created equally" and the trend of ethnic admittance to the University.
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- Oct 2017
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engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu
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400 acres on the north fork of James River known by the name of Hart’s bottom purchased of the late General Bowyer 171 acres adjoining the same purchased of James Griggsby 203 acres joining the last mentioned tract, purchased of William Paxton 112 acres lying on the North river above the lands of Arthur Glasgow conveyed to him by William Paxton’s heirs. 500 acres joining the lands of Arthur Glasgow, Benjamin Cambden, and David Edmondson. 545 acres lying in Pryor’s gap conveyed to him by the heirs of William Paxton deceased. 260 acres lying in Childers gap purchased of William Mitchell 300 acres lying also in Childer’s gap purchased of Nicholas Jones 500 Acres lying on Buffalo, joining the lands of James Johnston 340 acres on the Cowpasture river conveyed to him by General James Breckenridge, reserving the right of selling the two last mentioned tracts, and converting them into other lands contiguous to Hart’s bottom, for the benefit of the University.
The real question is how these lands were decided to be given for University purposes? Did someone contact these owners about their lands to see if they would be willing to be purchased off, were they personally donated by their owners, or were they already on the market? Were the prices raised or lowered depending on their views of Thomas Jefferson?
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- Sep 2017
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engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu
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Cincinnati society
The Society of the Cincinnati was created by Henry Knox, in May 1783, around the close of the Revolutionary War. The brotherhood aimed to maintain the brotherhood forged between the men who fought and financially support original members; specifically, in providing pensions. The society is long-standing through the passing of membership to the eldest son or a "collateral descendant" (aka nephew, uncle, cousin). Modeling the hierarchy societies in Europe, the Cincinnati Society was criticized for its parallelism to uneven class structure; an antagonizing trait in regards to the new nation's focus on equality among all citizens. In such, Thomas Jefferson wrote to George Washington, the first President General of the society, on April 16, 1784, commenting his own views on the societies values and reputation, then leading up with a four-point structure in which the Society could work to reform its structure and proceedings.
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