1861 Nov[ember] 20 University of Virginia

Mrs Carrington

I have just received your note
in reference to Howe's application for the vacancy
in Randolph Macon & I will cheerfully do
all I can for him by writing to Rev Mr Cowles
of Petersburg by the next mail. He is one of the
most influential members of the Board of Trus
tees. Candour compels me to say to you how
ever that I can scarcely hope that Howe will
be successful, for I consider the appointment
as already virtually made. Sectarianism, I
am informed, has triumphed over the better judg=
ment of a number of the Trustees & they have
determined that the first requisite in the new
appointee shall be membership in the Methodist
Church. Again, under, what I am forced to
call, the senseless management of the President,
the department has been practically changed

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into a Military chair with (a little) math
ematics attached & hence they want "a man
of thorough military education." In other words
the President a few others have become some
what fanatical on the subject of military in-
struction in the college, while another consid-
erable portion of the Board have determined to
support no one but a Methodist for the
place & these parties have joined & agreed
to go for a "Methodist military" man. I ob-
tained this information direct from the col-
lege within the last three weeks & I consid[er]
it reliable. Mr. Blankens;hip, a graduate of
the V.MN. Institute & Prof. Math in the Meth-
odist college at Lynchburg, has I understand
virtually received the appointment.

Could I see Howe I am sure I could pre-
vent him from making application for the place
for without going into details I will simply
say that I cannot conscientiously advise
any friend of mine to accept, much less

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to apply for, a post in Randolph Macon
College under its present administration. I
would not have returned to the place this session even
if I had not gotten an appointment here.

As I have already said, I shall neverthe
less, write to Mr Cowles, because Howe is
an applicant.

With much respect
I am truly yours
R. T. Massie

Mrs Eliza H. Carrington

MSS 9380