Francis Taliaferro Brooke to James Madison

I take the liberty to recommend to you Mr John T Lomax of this place as the Successor of Mr Gilmer in the University—I know no professional lawyer better qualified to fill his place, Mr Lomax is one of the best read lawyers in the State, and although he has not attained the eminence of some of them, it is more to be attributed to his great modesty and other causes, than to any inferiority of information or talents, his morals are irreproachable and his manners very engaging, He is diffident reserved and dignified in his deportment to merit the affections and to command the respect of all who know him, I believe him to be, what I think of great importance a sound republican—in saying this much in his behalf the interest I have ever felt in the prosperity of the University outweighs every other consideration, and I shall be much gratified if any other person more fit to discharge the comprehensive duties of a law professor can be selected With great respect & Esteem Your obedient Servant