Transcription: (Copy) Richmond Nov. 23 1864 Dr. James H. Conway Governor Street Dear Doctor: In my conversation with you at the College this morning, I was much gratified at the propriety of the views and feelings expressed by you in relation to your recent neglect of duty, and the unfortunate occasion of it, and accepted freely as an evidence of sincerity the voluntary expression of {your} willingness to resign your Chair, in case of a repetition of such delinquencies, during the present session. May I not ask in the name of your col leagues, who have felt not only pain on your account at these occurrences, but concern for their inevitable influence upon the fair fame and the prosperity of the institution in which we have a common interest and to which we are bound by common obligations of duty, that you will give to this pledge its most solemn and binding form, by reducing it to writing and subscribing it with your name? Considering how deeply our personal interests are involved in the standing and success of the College, upon which {are now centered} its regard and the judgement of the whole Confederacy, [crossout illegible] [crossout illegible] this is no more than we have a right to ask at your hands: --while, if we were prompted soley by motives of friendship for yourself or could propose nothing more likely to strengthen your good resolutions, to enact a beneficial influcence upon your professional and personal interests and reputa ion, and to promote the happiness of those who are nearest and dearest to your health. It would be to us all a source of unfeigned satisfaction if the measures here proposed should prove the means of saving you in the future from the first censure of others, and for that self-condemnation which, in your moments of calmness and self profession you never failed to expe rience for the consequences of indiscretion. I am very truly your friend L[evin] S[mith] Joynes [Endorsement:] Copy of Letter to Dr. James H. Conway Nov. 23 1864