Verhaegen takes this opportunity to forward to Timon such observations as will furnish an answer to the letter of the Honorable L.J. Linn., 1. St. Louis University was commenced at the earnest solicitation of a number of St. Louis citizens who were conscious of the large number of youths deprived of an education at a moderate expense. Day-scholars, whose average has been from 50 to 100, have been admitted at the rate of $5 per annum., 2. The first building, 50 by 40 feet, 4 stories high, was raised partly by subscription. The citizens of St. Louis subscribed $3,000. During the last four years two wings have been added; for the first a subscription of about $700 was obtained at St. Louis; the second was constructed entirely at the expense of the members of the Institution who contracted a debt of over $3,000, still unpaid. The cost of the buildings, including furniture exceeded $25,000. The want of several other edifices is much felt. To place the Institution on a decent footing with regard to outbuildings, philosophical apparatus, and library, an expense of $6,000 at least should be made., 3. The establishment is conducted by a president and 13 professors. There is no endowment for their salaries. The number of students is 190., 4. The moderate rate and absence of public assistance render it impossible to admit many orphan children. There are six at present. There have generally been from 10 to 15, some paying only $60 a year. To orphans the institution annually sacrifices about $1,500., 5. the French population of this vicinity needs the benefits of education. Their means are scanty. No children, of whatever denomination, are excluded. During 5 years, upwards of 300 externs have frequented their classes. Were their private exertions supported by a grant of land by congress their usefulness would soon be more extensively experienced. More than 90 French students from Louisiana now receive their education here. The favor which it is confidently expected Congress will confer will contribute to benefit the French population of both Missouri and Louisiana. Bishop Joseph Rosati gave Confirmation to 41 students today; he will start tomorrow for Caskaskias [Kaskaskias] and will transmit this letter., P.S. William Lorgan applied to be received into the novitiate. Examined in Latin; he was found wanting. Sufficient Latin is indispensable. :: IV-3-j A.L.S. 4pp. 4to.