Transcription: Chimborazo Hospital. April 3rd 1865. To the Visitors of the Virginia Med. College I desire to present to your favourable consideration the name of Dr. W[illia]m Alex. Thom [underscore] for the appointment to the vacant professorship of "Obstetrics etc." in your college. Dr. Thom is a distin- -guished graduate of the Virginia Med. College, and was for some time conne- -cted with this institution as Demonstrator of Anatomy. It has always been the custom and policy of the colleges and universities of this state, other things being equal, to confer their vacant professorships on the alumni of their schools. A reference to the faculty of the University of Virginia- the most successful institution in the state and the South- will establish this fact. Dr. Thom, after graduating at your college, settled in the County of Northampton, where he was an entire stranger. His cordial and genial manners, his rigorous and cultivated mind, but above all his thorough knowledge of his profession gained him the confidence of the community in which he settled, secured him a large practice, and he rapidly rose to eminence in his profession, and is now justly ranked among the first physicians and surgeons of this state. Dr. Thom enjoyed a high reputation as an obstetrician and was either directly employed, or consulted in all cases of this character that require professional attention in a wide circle of country around him. I know of no medical gentleman who has in so eminent a degree the qualities of a successful teacher as Dr. Thom. To high intellectual endowments are added great energy of character zealous enthusiastic perseverence in whatever engages his attention. Dr. Thom was appointed surgeon in the Confederate Army in 1861. Early in 1862 he was assigned to Hospital duty in this city. He entered on the discharge of important and responsible duties of this position, and with no more experience than usually falls to the lot of country physicians and surgeons. He rapidly rose to distinction as a practical and scientific surgeon, and to-day the Medical Staff of the Army can boast of no more accomplished surgeon than Dr. Thom. I mention this fact to show, with his professional attain -ments, and peculiar traits of character already alluded to, there is no position in his profession to which he may be assigned, that he would rise to usefulness and eminence. Very Respectfully, P.F. Browne Surgeon P.A.CS. in charge Chimborazo Hospital No. 1 [Endorsement:] Dr. P.F. Browne