Ellery, William (1727-1820) to George Wanton Ellery
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02300.03 Author/Creator: Ellery, William (1727-1820) Place Written: Newport, Rhode Island Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 January 1803 Pagination: 3 p. + addr + docket 21 x 17 cm Order a Copy
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. Asks if he has the proper Latin textbooks. Docketed by recipient. 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.
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