Saratoga. Aug 28. 1850

Dear Robert:
Say to John that I have recd
Professor Hopkins' resignation and that the only
alternative which will be left to the Veritas, so little
time remaining before the commencement of the course
will be to authorize the Faculty to employ temporarily
a lecturer on Chemistry. Does John feel himself competent
forthwith to enter upon such a task? He must decide
with all becoming diffidence. If he answers this
question satisfactorily to himself then he should
lose no time in communicating with Col. McCandlish
and Judge Christian proposing to lecture during
the course for enough to pay for board and
clothing. The great object should be to get a lodgement
which can be nurtured into a Professorship.
He might get testimonials from such of the Literate
as he is acquainted with and address Bishop
Johns upon the subject. I think under the
circumstances of his ease he would be more
likely at this time to succeed as a temporary lecturer than
a permanent Professor. But he must not 
calculate upon success with any certainty.
But press on with his law studies. If it
comes why it will be well. If not let it
pass and be forgotten.
I write in haste
Yr Father J. Tyler
Ro. Tyler