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| Field name |
Value |
| Collection Reference Number
|
GLC00408
|
| From Archive Folder
|
Documents Relating to 1853
|
| Title
|
Robert E. Lee to H. Devereuse, Salem, Mass., reporting on the progress of Devereuse's son at West Point military academy
|
| Date
|
22 November 1853
|
| Author
|
Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward) (1807-1870)
|
| Recipient
|
Devereuse, H.
|
| Document Type
|
Correspondence
|
| Content Description
|
Docketed at top: "Col. Lee, Novr 22/53" re: Cadet's progress at West Point.
|
| Subjects
|
West Point (US Military Academy) Military History Confederate General or Leader Education Civil War
|
| People
|
Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward) (1807-1870)
|
| Place written
|
U.S. Military Academy, West Point
|
| Theme
|
Government & Politics; Education; Children & Family
|
| Sub-collection
|
The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859
|
| Copyright
|
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
|
| Module
|
Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
|
| Transcript
|
Show/hide 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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