At the time this was written, in 1819, the United States had already endured many grueling battles and wars. Jefferson's familiarity with these conflicts and confrontations with other nations and groups may have motivated him to ensure a proper military training program within the school. Stating that "the manual exercise, military maneuvers, and tactics generally should be the frequent exercises of the students" exemplifies Jefferson's preparedness for any war activities.

Ravi Suresh

Jefferson clearly had a strong passion to create a structured and ordered community, built upon stringent social relations. Throughout the report, he often states his desires of the of students and faculty to follow the guidelines that the Rockfish Gap report contains, many of which revolve around the University's social structure. His fervent promotion of an ordered, healthy community may have contributed to the deep-seated sense of community that both the University and Charlottesville possess now. The buildings and landmarks, culture, and homeliness of the University all contributed to this sense. The University's first graduating class would have followed these guidelines, thus passing on the same knowledge and ideals to subsequent classes.

Ravi Suresh

Jefferson states this as one of the goals of the University - essentially, he wants students to achieve happiness as a result of high moral standards. Why does he write the phrase "within themselves"? Although he sought to promote a reflective, positive attitude, he ostensibly restrained an open mind to a limited point of view that greatly diminished the value of the education. The social mindset of many white slaveowners and professors demanded a single response from students, thus eliminating any possibility of sincere, genuine happiness in their minds.