Letter from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Alan Fox, August 1, 1910
Dublin Core
Title
Letter from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Alan Fox, August 1, 1910
Subject
Letter from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Alan Fox, August 1, 1910
Description
Typed letter sent from Dr. Alfred E. Stearns to Alan Fox about John Mitchell. Did not decide Mitchell should not return to Andover. Believes Mitchell would do better in a small school for a year, and then return to Andover. States Mitchell needs to mature, which a smaller school would provide.
Transcription
August 1, 1910.
Mr. Alan Fox,
50 Pine St.,
New York City
My dear Alan:
Your letter of July 23rd was forwarded to me, and reached me just before I left the Lake to return to Andover. Under the circumstances, I decided to defer the answer for a few days.
It is true that we did not decide that Mitchell should not return to Andover in the fall. My own personal opinion is that the boy would do better if he were placed in some good small school for a year. I am inclined to think that he had his head turned a bit by the gigness of Andover, and lost his bearings somewhat. Our instructors, and I myself, have been after him Instantly in the hope of persuading him to re adjust his compose, but I cannot feel that we have been very successful. The boy has matured slowly, and is still very much of a “kid.” I have every faith in his final development, chiefly because of the blood that is in him, but I honestly believe that the lesson deprived from a year in a small school, and the inspiration offered by a return to Andover based on a good record in that school would prove excellent medicine for the boy at this stage. I have seen a number of cases of this character where the treatment mentioned has proved most officacious. I feel as you do, that Mitchell ought to complete his course in Andover, and I make the recommendation on that basis.
I have tried to be frank, as you asked me to be, and I do
not wish to be at all dictatorial in the matter. I think the teachers who know the boy best would fully concur in the recommendations which I have made. Don’t hesitate, however, to advise me if you feel I can aid you further, for I realise that you are assuming quite responsibility in the matter.
Very sincerely yours,
Mr. Alan Fox,
50 Pine St.,
New York City
My dear Alan:
Your letter of July 23rd was forwarded to me, and reached me just before I left the Lake to return to Andover. Under the circumstances, I decided to defer the answer for a few days.
It is true that we did not decide that Mitchell should not return to Andover in the fall. My own personal opinion is that the boy would do better if he were placed in some good small school for a year. I am inclined to think that he had his head turned a bit by the gigness of Andover, and lost his bearings somewhat. Our instructors, and I myself, have been after him Instantly in the hope of persuading him to re adjust his compose, but I cannot feel that we have been very successful. The boy has matured slowly, and is still very much of a “kid.” I have every faith in his final development, chiefly because of the blood that is in him, but I honestly believe that the lesson deprived from a year in a small school, and the inspiration offered by a return to Andover based on a good record in that school would prove excellent medicine for the boy at this stage. I have seen a number of cases of this character where the treatment mentioned has proved most officacious. I feel as you do, that Mitchell ought to complete his course in Andover, and I make the recommendation on that basis.
I have tried to be frank, as you asked me to be, and I do
not wish to be at all dictatorial in the matter. I think the teachers who know the boy best would fully concur in the recommendations which I have made. Don’t hesitate, however, to advise me if you feel I can aid you further, for I realise that you are assuming quite responsibility in the matter.
Very sincerely yours,
Creator
Dr. Alfred E. Stearns
Publisher
Phillips Academy
Date
August 1, 1910
Rights
All Rights Reserved By Phillips Academy
Language
English
Type
Correspondence