Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 70,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World to soldiers’ letters from World War II and Vietnam. Explore primary sources, visit exhibitions in person or online, or bring your class on a field trip.

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4 August 1802

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island, to encourage him in his studies: "It is my highest wish that you should be so educated as to assist you in becoming a useful and honorable member of society; and if can give you such an education it will be the best legacy I can leave you." Would like him to go to college. When he next visits, he is to get winter clothes. Sends his regards to the Chaloners and to Mr. Updike and to his family.

GLC02300.01

1802-1806

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Header Record

Title: [Collection of 26 letters from William Ellery to his son, George Wanton Ellery. Decimalized.]

GLC02300

16 January 1803

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Is pleased to learn that the son of his friend, Mr. Bowen, boards with George. Advises him to be studious: "Now is your time to lay a foundation for future usefulness. Time past cannot be recalled. Therefore, my son, exert yourself, and let not your hours run to waste without improvement." Asks him to have the weak part of his skates replaced. Mrs. Barney is to apply to Mr. Updike for any monies owed the school for him. Docketed by George Wanton Ellery.

GLC02300.02

25 January 1803

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Admonishes his carelessness in exposing himself to poison sumac, and warns him to avoid poisons in the future: "I wish to see you a strong, vigorous boy, not a puny effeminate one." Encourages him to expose as much of his body as is possible to the air and not to overdress. Notes spelling errors in his letters and gives him advice on word division. Explains that he took him out of Mr. Chaloner's School and placed him in Captain Barney's School because it was less expensive.

GLC02300.03

26 March 1803

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Thanks George for admonishing him for forgetting to date his last letter. Corrects his spelling and grammar errors, and instructs him how to fold and seal letters properly. Asks George to retain his letters: "keep my letters as I do yours." Commends George on his diligence in getting through his Latin grammar. In the event of Ellery's death George's care will be entrusted to his older brother, William. Will pass on to Dick his thanks for the oranges. Docketed by recipient.

GLC02300.04

2 May 1803

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Thanks him for his letter. Corrects his spelling and grammar errors. Encloses with this letter a pair of socks from Nancy. George is to bring his clothes when he visits, and leave his books where they will be safe. He should also bring his old clothes, "for they may be useful to a little boy whom I have hired because old Dick has become infirm." Ellery will travel to Providence on business, but will return the next Wednesday.

GLC02300.05

16 June 1803

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Mentions Dr. Pearson, a professor at Harvard College, who visited Wickford. Uses George's fishing mishap, a dogfish snapping his line, as a metaphor to teach a lesson about dog-like men giving one trouble in life. Corrects his spelling and grammar, but also commends George for his improved spelling and writing. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820.

GLC02300.06

25 October 1803

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Thanks him for his letter of 15 October, which had been delayed because of misdelivery. Ellery is a strong supporter of good local schools. Encourages George in his study of Latin grammar. Carr has not finished his shoes, and when he does, he will send them to George. Critiques his handwriting, grammar, and spelling. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820.

GLC02300.07

11 November 1803

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Thanks him for his letter. Gives dietary advice to avoid cholic. Accuses George of writing a short letter in order to avoid errors, and tells him to "[s]tretch your wings, and fly over two pages at least." Since his shoes are too small, he should get a pair in Wickford. Includes a recipe for rat poison for Mr. Updike. Closes with an admonition to George to keep his teeth clean.

GLC02300.08

25 May 1804

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Advises George that perseverance is necessary to succeeding in studies, and that education lays the "foundation for future reputation and usefulness." Is sorry to hear of the derangement with Benjamin Reynolds. Tells him of the unexpected deaths of two members of the same family. Advises George to read his Bible, and to go to church both forenoon and afternoon on Sundays. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

GLC02300.09

23 June 1805

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Encloses the shoes made for him by Mr. Carr. Advises that diligence and attention will enable the gradual process of knowledge acquisition. Also advises George to be pious and virtuous, so that he will "grow in grace, and every kind of useful knowledge, and be a comfort to me in my rapidly declining years." A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820.

GLC02300.10

20 September 1805

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Is sending him Lindley Murray's abridged English grammar. Advises George to employ himself in useful activity by reading books. Reading provides comfort, instruction, and aids in "forming right judgment." George should reserve reading for leisure time, and focus especially on the Bible. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820.

GLC02300.11

4 October 1805

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Mentions positive reports concerning his son's progress in mathematics and also his improved health. Notes that his own skin disorder, identified as "ascorbatic Erysipelas, or St. Anthony's fire," may not improve as easily. A postscript indicates how to fold letters so that the seal does not cover the writing. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

GLC02300.12

5 November 1805

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Discusses the barbarism and immorality of dueling. Ellery is not sure he will become involved with the North Kingston Bank. Corrects George's spelling errors. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820. Signature clipped from letter.

GLC02300.13

12 November 1805

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Comments on George's experience seeing the invisible lady, an acoustical illusion of the Enlightenment that appeared to trick the senses by transforming mundane voices into divine utterances. Reassures his son that their is more reality than magic in the device, and explains that it is the invisible lady's inscrutable mode of operation that makes it a popular curiosity.

GLC02300.14

3 December 1805

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Discusses George's school and his studies. Corrects his spelling and grammar. Calls sickness and death "unavoidable evils." Advises that a religious life will prepare one for death, and urges George to be pious. Pitt Carr says that George's shoes will be ready this week. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820.

GLC02300.15

10 January 1806

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Is glad to hear that George's academy increases in numbers, and believes that it will rival the Greenwich Academy. Advises George to master one concept in arithmetic before moving on to the next. Critiques George's composition against dueling, telling him "to adduce all the arguments," and noting that "[s]hort and sweet is good, but long and sweet is better." Complains the winter cold aggravates his bad humour because it checks his perspiration.

GLC02300.16

12 February 1806

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Berates him for his delay in answering his previous letter. Tells George about the importance of mathematics and neat handwriting for his expected career working in the Customhouse. Critiques George's spelling and grammar. Hopes George will be able to finish his education at Wickford within six months. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820.

GLC02300.17

4 March 1806

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Discusses general subjects of study in mathematics, astronomy and geography. Also makes reference to the re-election of President Thomas Jefferson and related celebrations. He remarks: "Public days are not celebrated with such animation as they formerly were..." Asks George to ask Mr. Updike to look out for a servant for Ellery.

GLC02300.18

14 March 1806

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Has received George's letter. Berates George for sending him the wrong description of the geography he needed for school. Corrects the grammar of his letter. Is glad to hear that there are persons in Wickford who are religiously inclined. Advises him to read his Bible: "and may the Holy Spirit inspire you with a principle of holiness.

GLC02300.19

26 March 1806

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School, Wickford, Rhode Island. Thanks him for his letter. Is glad that Mr. Updike has furnished George with a scale and dividers; he has sent him money to purchase a geography book for him.

GLC02300.20

15 April 1806

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School, Wickford, Rhode Island. Thanks him for his letter. Is pleased to hear from Mr. Updike that the two volumes of geography have arrived. Wishes that he would read English grammar in his leisure hours: "It will assist you in speaking and writing English correctly, which is an accomplishment.

GLC02300.21

24 April 1806

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Thanks him for his letter. He has no objection to his learning to dance, for it will make him easy and graceful. If the fee is to be paid at entrance to dancing studies, Ellery asks George to ask Mr. Updike to advance it. Warns him not to let the dancing interfere with his studies. Aunt Burt in Bristol is seriously ill. Dean's wife died yesterday, leaving a "husband, and her eleven children many of whom are quite young.

GLC02300.22

10 June 1806

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son. Thanks him for his letter with its "serious and just observations on the all conquering power of death." His "dear Aunt Burt" has "gone to join with the redeemed." "Judge Dana has come to Newport to wait upon his wife and Sarah Ann and Mr. Channing." Has enjoyed their company, and wishes George had been there to join them. Is now sending George Euclid's Elements, and recommends he study it. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

GLC02300.23

24 June 1806

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Thanks him for his letter. Advises him to continue with his studies. Ellery plans for George to finish the academy, and at such time to place him in a situation where he "may acquire a knowledge of merchants accompts." Is glad that the academy increases in the number of its students, and looks forward to the time when it will exceed the Greenwich Academy in quality as well as in size. Asks George to tell him how the recent eclipse of the sun affected him.

GLC02300.24

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