Letter from Thayer to Monroe, June 23, 1827 about Edward Courtenay teaching at the University of Virginia.


Military Academy
West Point [June] 23d 1827

Sir

In compliance with the request contained in your communication of the 6th instant I have now the honor to recommend a person who, in my opinion, is "in every respect well qualified to fill the vacant Chair of Mathematics in the University of Virginia". The person to whom I allude is Lieutenant Edward Courtenay of the U.S. Corps of Engineers & one of the "Distinguished" alumni of this Institution. He is a native of Maryland & is about Twenty Five years of age. He was graduated at the Military Academy in 1821 having from the time of his admission to that of his graduation maintained the highest standing in every branch of study pursued at the Institution. After he was graduated he was retained as an Instructor for Three years & would have been permanently attached to the Academic Staff but for the exigencies of the public service which called him to the active duties of his profession.

Mr. Courtenay already possesses a greater stock of Mathematical sciences than a professor is required to teach in any o f our Universities & when his fine genius his habit of intense application to study & his age are taken into consideration it can surely be doubted that should his mind be directed that way he would in a very few years lace himself by the side of the most emninent [sic] Mathematicians of our country. In addition to his scientific attainments Mr. Courtenay possesses those other advantages which are calculated to render him the more extensively useful. He had recd an excellent classical education. His manners are refine, polished & dignified. He possesses a most amiable disposition & an unblemished moral character. On the whole I feel proud an an American in being able to recommend to your notice & protection a young gentleman of so high promise & one who bids so fair to add lustre [sic] to the character of Country. With sentiments of perfect respects & gratitude I remain your obedt. Servant.

S. Thayer           

His Excellency James Monroe

  


There is a transcript of this letter in The West Point Thayer Papers 1808-1872, edited by Cindy Adams, 1965.

 

Page created November 2000.