Ellery, William (1727-1820) to George Wanton Ellery
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02300.16 Author/Creator: Ellery, William (1727-1820) Place Written: Newport, Rhode Island Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 January 1806 Pagination: 2 p. 21 x 17 cm Order a Copy
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. 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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