Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to H. Devereuse, Salem, Mass.
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00408 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: U.S. Mil. Acamy, West Point Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 November 1853 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Docketed at top: "Col. Lee, Novr 22/53" re: Cadet's progress at West Point
Col. Lee Novr 22/53
To: H. Devreuse Esqr.
Salem Mass
U.S. Mil Acady
West Point 22 Nov 1853
My dear Sir
This is the first moment I have been able to devote to a reply of your letter of the 16th since its reception. An official visit of the Inspector of the Acad[em]y, & some experiments in gunning ordered by the Secretary of War, have absorbed all the time not necessary to the current business of the post.
I assure you I sincerely sympathize with you in your deep anxiety about your Son & can fully understand the painful apprehensions you entertain concerning him. I earnestly hope that none of your fears will be realized & all your wishes fulfilled. So good a Son cannot fail to respond to the expectations of so confiding a father. It is true as you state that he is amount of demerit has reached 90. Still there is an ample margin left for him to escape the penalty of the Regulation on [2] the subject, & to show you how easily this is within his power. I take pleasure in informing you that no mark of demerit has been recorded against him since the 25th of last month & that consequently the amount already reported to you (90) has not been increased. He has also been more attentive to his studies & is rising in his class. The last week his recitation marks in mathematics even the highest in his Section (the 2nd), & among the best in English Studies. I have no doubt of either his ability or desire to excel, & he only wants the power of self control & self denial, so necessary & so yet so hard to acquire, to accomplish it. In an interview which I recently had with him, I endeavored to show him the pleasure as well as benefit of persisting in his present good course; & urged him by all his affection for you, & all your love and reliance in him, to relax no effort & to omit no duty. He promised he has promised me to do so & I am confident of his success I can assure you that I will give him all the aid & assistance in my power & I hope you will give him all the encouragement in yours, & all of E. reward he may deserve
I remain very respy your friend and Servt
R. E. Lee BT Col. Supr.
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