Metadata
Title
David E. Hale to Sarah Josepha Hale
Date
1829-01-08
January 8, 1829
Subject
Hale, Sarah Josepha Buell, 1788-1879
Medium
Manuscripts
Language
eng
Type
text
Collection
Sarah Josepha Hale Collection, The Athenaeum of Philadelphia
Identifier
46-M-175
Rights
http://www.philaathenaeum.org/rights.html
Text
West Point Jan. 8. 1829
My dear Mother - I delayed writing [DE: during] till after the examination
in order that I might give you some account of it and
also of my station in my class. We have had a pretty severe
and thorough examination as our class was very large.
My sensations were not of the most agreeable kind when
our section was marched into the examination hall where
our fate was to be decided whether we should receive our
warrants as cadets [DE: of] or be dismissed from the institution
We were required to demonstrate on the black board
the rules in Algebra and theroems [theorems] in Geometry [DE: besides;] and
to answer innumerable questions. It required us little
courage [DE: and] to go before the Academic Staff (who were mostly
officers in the Army and therefore dressed in full uniform) to
be examined. I was embarrassed a little at first but soon
became more composed. There was nothing which served to render
me calmer than the consciousness that in order to do well
I must be perfectly composed. I believe that I [DE: did] succeded [succeeded]
pretty well - did not miss any question in Algebra or
Geometry; in French I did not write my sentence exactly
right, one word I believe being wrong.
My standing in Math. is fourteenth in French
about the same. This is pretty good considering the size of the
class yet I suppose you wold [would] wish it better. However there is
time between this and the June examination to rise.
I have on the whole [DE: g] obtained the standing I expected
and I am happy. Indeed I do not think I can be more re
One good proof of it is that I am not [DE: /] in the least home-sick
I think of home it is true and of my good mother and little
William, but not with the same feelings I had when [as?]
a farmer among the rocks of N.H.
You say that you have not resolved whether
to get a midshipman's warrant for Horatio or to make
him a Lawyer. There are two or three objections against
his being a midshipman. One is that they do not get an
education another that personal health and strength is
required more than anything else. However If Horatio wishes
to go to sea permit him rather than oppose his inclination
I have written to him but have as yet received no
answer. Give my love to him and William. Also remember
me to my sisters.
Your affec. Son
D.E. Hale
P.S. I have been vaccinated.
My dear Mother - I delayed writing [DE: during] till after the examination
in order that I might give you some account of it and
also of my station in my class. We have had a pretty severe
and thorough examination as our class was very large.
My sensations were not of the most agreeable kind when
our section was marched into the examination hall where
our fate was to be decided whether we should receive our
warrants as cadets [DE: of] or be dismissed from the institution
We were required to demonstrate on the black board
the rules in Algebra and theroems [theorems] in Geometry [DE: besides;] and
to answer innumerable questions. It required us little
courage [DE: and] to go before the Academic Staff (who were mostly
officers in the Army and therefore dressed in full uniform) to
be examined. I was embarrassed a little at first but soon
became more composed. There was nothing which served to render
me calmer than the consciousness that in order to do well
I must be perfectly composed. I believe that I [DE: did] succeded [succeeded]
pretty well - did not miss any question in Algebra or
Geometry; in French I did not write my sentence exactly
right, one word I believe being wrong.
My standing in Math. is fourteenth in French
about the same. This is pretty good considering the size of the
class yet I suppose you wold [would] wish it better. However there is
time between this and the June examination to rise.
I have on the whole [DE: g] obtained the standing I expected
and I am happy. Indeed I do not think I can be more re
One good proof of it is that I am not [DE: /] in the least home-sick
I think of home it is true and of my good mother and little
William, but not with the same feelings I had when [as?]
a farmer among the rocks of N.H.
You say that you have not resolved whether
to get a midshipman's warrant for Horatio or to make
him a Lawyer. There are two or three objections against
his being a midshipman. One is that they do not get an
education another that personal health and strength is
required more than anything else. However If Horatio wishes
to go to sea permit him rather than oppose his inclination
I have written to him but have as yet received no
answer. Give my love to him and William. Also remember
me to my sisters.
Your affec. Son
D.E. Hale
P.S. I have been vaccinated.