[1809 Autograph Letter Signed from Thomas L. Budd of Clarksburgh, Maryland writing to Ann Budd, near New Mills, New Jersey].

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Chatty letter from an uncle writing to his niece and encouraging her to read his books to elevate her education. He writes:

“It gives me a degree of pleasure to learn that you have read some of my Books, and I sincerely hope, that you will read either them or some others whenever you have a moments leisure. I do not suppose that there are many of these that are suited exactly to your taste; but it is not so much the Books, as the taste that needs correction; they are good generally speaking, but our tastes by reason of sin are much corrupted. I hope you will consider this not as applied to you only, but to us all. You complain that your ‘memory is short, and your understanding dull.’ How will you then strengthen your memory, and quicken your understanding? I answer, by reading and application. Perseverance is the only way to make proficiency in any thing, in religion, it is made the unalterable condition of heavenly enjoyments. I still request that my Books may be kept within the bounds of the ‘Pine Farm,’ unless lent to Aunt Budd. I do not wish that they should be kept locked up in the Book case. I wish they be used for two reasons: first, that you may all be benefited by them, 2nd to prevent the worms from destroying the binding.”

An early 19th century American letter on the intentional sharing of a man’s private library to further the education of women in his family.

Price: $75.00