Introduction: Abraham Lincoln writes a letter to a close friend of his son Robert’s named George Latham. Latham had
applied to Harvard University but was rejected. Latham’s own father had passed away and the letter shows Lincoln’s
paternal advice and encouragement. Robert Lincoln was accepted to Harvard in the same year. Lincoln himself was largely
self-educated, never having had the means or opportunity to attend college. Perhaps because of this, Lincoln was a strong
believer in hard-work, perseverance, and self-reliance. He often wrote about the need for self-improvement through learning,
reading, and education. Lincoln had also suffered through many tragedies, such as his son Eddie dying at the age of 11.
Springfield, Ills. July 22, 1860
My dear George
I have scarcely felt greater pain in my life than on learning
yesterday from Bob's letter, that you failed to enter Harvard
University. And yet there is very little in it, if you will allow no
feeling of discouragement to seize, and prey upon you. It is a
certain truth, that you can enter, and graduate in, Harvard
University; and having made the attempt, you must succeed in it.
“Must" is the word.
I know not how to aid you, save in the assurance of one of
mature age, and much severe experience, that you can not fail, if
you resolutely determine, that you will not. The President of the
institution, can scarcely be other than a kind man; and doubtless
he would grant you an interview, and point out the readiest way
to remove, or overcome, the obstacles which have thwarted you.
In your temporary failure there is no evidence that you may not
yet be a better scholar, and a more successful man in the great
struggle of life, than many others, who have entered college
more easily.
Again I say let no feeling of discouragement prey upon you,
and in the end you are sure to succeed.
With more than a common interest I subscribe myself Very truly
your friend,
Name _____________________________________
1. What was Lincoln’s purpose in writing this letter?
2. Do you believe that Lincoln is sincere or exaggerating his pain in the first line? Explain.
3. Lincoln said, “I know not how to aid you.” In what ways do you think he, as the future President of the United
States, could have helped George Latham?
4. Would you have expected Lincoln to help you if you were Latham? Explain.
5. According to Lincoln, what characteristic is most important to Latham getting accepted to Harvard?
6. Imagine you were George Latham. Explain how you would feel upon reading this letter.
7. What does this letter demonstrate about Lincoln’s values?
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Name _____Answer Key_____
1.
What was Lincoln’s purpose in writing this letter?
Lincoln wished to console heis son’s friend after he was rejected by Harvard University and encourage him
to keep pursing his education and not give up.
2. Do you believe that Lincoln is sincere or exaggerating his pain in the first line? Explain.
Open to student opinion. They could reference the many pains he felt in his own life as evidence of
exaggeration or explain how he is sincere because he is such a caring person.
3. Lincoln said, “I know not how to aid you.” In what ways do you think he, as President of the United States
could have helped George Latham?
As President, he surely could have influenced officials in Harvard University if he chose to. The fact that he
says he does not know how to help him shows his belief in achieving things on your own.
4. Would you have expected Lincoln to help you if you were Latham? Explain.
Open to student opinion and could be telling in regards to what they might expect of their own family
connections to get into college or get a job.
5. According to Lincoln, what characteristic is most important to Latham getting accepted to Harvard?
Lincoln says he should be resolute, work hard, and be determined and he will not fail.
6. Imagine you were George Latham. Explain how you would feel upon reading this letter.
Open to student opinion.
7. What does this letter demonstrate about Lincoln’s values?
This letter shows how Lincoln values hard work and education. He himself was self-taught and earned everything on
his own. He wants George Latham ot gain the same satisfaction from hard-work and dedication that he felt. He also
says that he must get an education which shows how much Lincoln valued schooling.
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