Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Ellery, William, 1727-1820 to George Wanton Ellery

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02300.21 Author/Creator: Ellery, William, 1727-1820 Place Written: Newport, Rhode Island Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 April 1806 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; Height: 21 cm, Width: 17 cm Order a Copy

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School, Wickford, Rhode Island. Thanks him for his letter. Is pleased to hear from Mr. Updike that the two volumes of geography have arrived. Wishes that he would read English grammar in his leisure hours: "It will assist you in speaking and writing English correctly, which is an accomplishment. Any honor you may acquire by attention to your studies and conduct, I shall receive a portion of by reflection, and shall by your improvement in useful learning be amply requited for any kindness I have shown you." Adds, "an honest man is the noblest sublunary work of God, and if to this be added piety, his path will be as the shining light which shineth more and more to the perfect day." 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.

Ellery, William, fl. 1802-1806

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources