This letter is contained in The Reavis Family Book by Marie Reavis Hall, but just found it online, frm Collection of Works of Abraham Lincoln, edited by Roy P. Basler. Isham was born 1836 Il died 1914 Nebraska He was a lawyer, served as Judge of the US Court in the territory of Arizona, under President Grant. The family has has the original letter frm Abraham Lincoln. This is for those of you who do not have access to The Reavis Book "November 5, 1855 My dear Sir: I have just reached home, and found your letter of the 23rd ult. I am from home too much of my time, for a young man to read law with me advantageously. If you are resolutely determined to make a lawyer of yourself, the thing is more than half done already. It is but a small matter whether you read with any body or not. I did not read with any one. Get the books, and read and study them till you under- stand them in their principal features; and that is the main thing. It is of no consequence to be in a large town while you are reading. I read at New-Salem, which never had three hundred people living in it. The books, and your capacity for understanding them, are just the same in all places. Mr. Drummer is a very clever man and an excellent lawyer (much better than I, in law-learning); and I have no doubt he will cheerfully tell you what books to read, and also loan you the books. Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed, is more im- portant that any other one thing. Very truly Your friend. A. Lincoln" Abraham Lincoln's emphasis was on self education. *Barb