To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 April 1824

Yours of the 9th was not recd till the evening before the last, and cd not be sooner answered than by the Mail which [p]asses our Court House today. As it is proper to give as wide an opening to the University as we can, I readily accede to the [p]rovision of an Anatomical as an 8th Professor, which you propose as within a [f]air estimate of its resources. I think how ever that unless a foreigner of very high distinction can be obtained for that Chair, it may be well to take the chance of filling it a home. Our Medical School, more than any other seems to have risen towards a level with those of Europe; and in none of the learned classes, is there perhaps so much danger of jealousies & antipathies which might obstruct the popularity and success of a Professor from abroad.

J M.