Emory Upton to his Sister, October 28, 1860

 WEST POINT, October 28, 1860.

MY DEAR LITTLE SISTER: Your letter was duly received; and, as it was full of information, it was read with no ordinary degree of satisfaction. You alone of the thirteen children remain at home. What a change! One by one they have left the paternal roof, until you only are left “to honor thy parents.” None of us can reproach our father and mother for neglect of duty. I can now appreciate the effect of the discipline under which we were trained. Rigid though it was at times, yet the chastisement was always given in love rather than in anger. Our characters were formed early; and, hence, none of us when thrown upon our own resources have thus far disgraced our name. You are now my only home correspondent, and you must write all that transpires at home. Every letter you write has two values, one to yourself and one to the recipient; therefore think not that your letters are worthless; they help to develop your mental faculties. . . . Education is not wholly acquired in the school-room.  Accomplishments must result from mingling in society.  Education and politeness make the accomplished lady.  You will soon be sent away to school, but bear in mind that you can improve out of school.  Every day, by close observation, you can discern more and more what is your duty.  Observe the actions of others, but do so without evincing curiosity, for that were rude.

SOURCE: Peter Smith Michie, The Life and Letters of Emory Upton, p. 24-5