Lee, Henry (1756-1818) to Charles Carter Lee
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04434 Author/Creator: Lee, Henry (1756-1818) Place Written: Bahama Islands Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 August 1816 Pagination: 3 p. + addr Order a Copy
Counsels his son, Charles Carter Lee, who was attending Harvard. Tells him to acquire knowledge from its foundation and not on the surface: "this last turns man into a puppet & the first fits him for the highest activity & the most lasting pleasure." On writing he says: "never mind yr style -- ony write yr first impressions quickly & clear & honestly. Style will come in due time, as will the maturation of judgement." Tells him to love virtue. Enjoins him to correspond with his parents. Written from the West Indies, where Henry Lee was attempting to recover his health.
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