Description: A frank, 4-page letter dated Jan 15, 1858 from Orville Clark advising his young friend, Orville, about the merits of formal and informal education. Clearly the writer cares about the young man and advises him as “[he would his] own son.” He reminds the young Orville that schools “teach us to read, write, spell,–the grammatical construction of words with proper sentences. . . the rudiments of geography, rhetoric, history; but this is not education, only in a restricted sense.”  He reminds him of good lawyers, judges, clergymen who are not college graduates. He advises that, “’Education’ is storing the mind with knowledge . . .  studying men and things, etc, etc. all of which can with industry and application be as well obtained in many other places as in a college–indeed much better.” He asks him to seek out teachers in his neighborhood and to continue to write to him “as often as [he felt] inclined.” He adds that he would answer him, and “in every way in [his] power” serve him. He signs the letter, “With affection and much regard I am truly/ your friend/Orville Clark”

 

Written on four pages of 6” x 8” ivory paper with embossed seal. Item #A01142

 

Orville Clark (1801-1862) was an American lawyer and politician from New York.  He served as a member of the New York State Senate and was a Major General in the New York State Militia.

 

Orville Clark Robinson (1843-1916) enlisted in the 123rd NY Volunteer Infantry in 1862, and served with Company F until the end of the Civil War. Orville became a successful businessman in Ft. Edward, NY, and was an active participant in the GAR and the many reunions of his regiment. 

 

Condition: Short separations at edges of fold lines repaired with archival tissue/tape. Generally very good condition.