A definitive new volume of the retirement papers of Thomas Jefferson

The 586 documents in this volume begin with Lafayette’s celebrated American tour, during which he spends eleven days at Monticello early in November 1825 and discusses the institution of slavery with Jefferson. During a slightly later visit accompanied by Daniel Webster, George Ticknor describes Jefferson as “very active, lively, and happy,” and “entirely absorbed” with plans for the University of Virginia.

Francis W. Gilmer returns, having successfully recruited five European professors for the new school. Two teachers already in America complete the founding faculty. Although Jefferson is “almost in despair” that the law chair remains unfilled, the University of Virginia finally opens its doors on 7 March 1825. Fearing that a plan to move the College of William and Mary to Richmond would draw students and resources away from the university, Jefferson’s allies defeat the proposal. Jefferson drafts a bill to dismantle the college, but it is ultimately not submitted. Potential university students, professors, and hotel keepers seek information and advice.

Jefferson congratulates John Adams on the election of his son to the presidency but commiserates with him that aging has left them both “alone amidst a new generation whom we know not, and who know not us.”

Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), one of America’s most important Founding Fathers, was the third president of the United States, the founder of the University of Virginia, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and the author of Notes on the State of Virginia. J. Jefferson Looney is the Daniel P. Jordan Editor of the Papers of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello. The Retirement Series is sponsored by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc., Charlottesville, Virginia.