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Collection Reference Number GLC03325
From Archive Folder Documents Relating to 1853 
Title Robert Lee to William Fitzhugh (Rooney) Lee discussing the latter's impending adulthood
Date 2 June 1853
Author Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward) (1807-1870)  
Recipient Lee, William Fitzhugh  
Document Type Correspondence
Content Description Personal letter to his son concerning his approaching manhood. Lee asks if he will be ready to meet its demands. He advises him that he has the means to educate and support his children but that Rooney Lee should select his own course. He uses Rooney's older brother George Washington Custis Lee as an example to follow. Lee discusses Rooney's chances of getting into West Point, and is doubtful that he will get an appointment. Lee indicates that he may be denied for medical reasons because of a childhood injury that resulted in the loss of part of his fingers. Lee's letter stresses discipline, education, and duty but also shows tenderness and affection for his son. Written as Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, with an initialed postscript. William Fitzhugh (Rooney) Lee was not accepted to West Point, attended Harvard briefly, then joined the army and fought in the Civil War.
Subjects Confederate General or Leader  Children and Family  Finance  Education  Military History  West Point (US Military Academy)  Health and Medical  Injury or Wound  
People Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward) (1807-1870)  Lee, William Henry Fitzhugh (1837-1891)  Lee, George Washington Custis (1832-1913)  
Place written West Point, New York
Theme Children & Family; Education; Health & Medicine
Sub-collection The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859
Copyright The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
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