Autographed Letter Signed as President of Harvard University

Cambridge, 1840. unbound. 1 page, 9.75 x 8 inches, Cambridge, December 1, 1840. Writing to his friend, acclaimed physician and fellow alumni, Samuel Bayard Woodward, soon after the suspension of his son Rufus, who has since returned to Harvard, in full: "Your son did right in returning. It is not our custom to notify any student, under his circumstances, of the time when he should return -- it depends on the will of his friends, if he returns at all. It gives me great pleasure to state that your son has passed very satisfactory examinations in all the studies assigned. The examining professors expressed their gratification at the evidence of his improvement. I hope that this event will give new trials to his mind and conduct -- which he promises and in which case, he will receive every encouragement, from this facility the nature of his relations to this college permit." Several folds, creases, and faint smudges. Very good(-) condition. Provenance: The Rufus Woodward Archive: sold at Alexander Autographs, February 2007. Note: Rufus Woodward would follow in his father's footsteps, becoming a pioneer in the study of mental illness and serving as Superintendent at the Massachusetts State Lunatic Society.<br/><br/> United States Senator, President of Harvard University, noted abolitionist.<br/><br/>