Sons and parents

[RJNorton]

(01-07-2015 02:08 PM)Gene C Wrote:  Don't want to over anaylize this, but Robert probably went through what most teens do. A bit embarrassed by their parents, a bit rebellious, and the son of a very famous person....Robert was just beginning to show his potential as an adult when his father died.

I think this is a good point. I feel Robert did quite a bit of growing up during his time at Harvard. In January 1862 Harvard's president, Cornelius C. Felton, wrote Abraham Lincoln about Robert. Felton told the President that Robert "had become intimate with some of the idled persons in his class." Because of this his grades had fallen, especially in chemistry. In chemistry "his failure has been complete."

Felton was of the opinion that Robert did not need to be censured but that be must turn himself around.

Felton continued by telling the President, "He (Robert) is a good, ingenious, frank and pleasant young man, with the ability to do well in every department...I have no doubt a word or two from you will set everything right; for I feel quite sure that he has no bad habits as yet."

It is not known for certain if Abraham talked to Robert about this letter. But Robert's grades did improve afterwards, especially during his junior and senior years. Willie's death in February 1862 may also have influenced Robert to get more serious.