Robert Carter writes to his grandson, Lewis Burwell, then in England at school, December 18, 1727, to chide him for an unpleasant letter Burwell had written to his mother, and directing him to write an apologetic letter to his mother. Carter notes that he had opposed his daughter's second marriage, but her new husband "proves a very worthy kind husband to her" and that he and his daughter are reconciled. He informs Burwell that he is to be sent to Cambridge in the spring where he is to keep his expenses low and to study hard. He concludes with family news and his blessing.

     Some time ago I received a letter from you to which
[i] f I remember right I sent you an Answer the next you send I will hope will
be in a more Acceptable Style and written in a better hand

      [Your] mother had very much di [s] abliged [sic] me in ma-

     I have written to Mr Perry to send you to Cambridge next spring
and have Earnestly desired him to be as frugal as it is possible with de
cency in your Expenses and I lay the same charge upon you Tobacco is
at this time a very poor commodity and we have no other way to get
money by you have spent a great deal of money Already and your
improvement god knows very mean May you make a better use of
your time at the University I have been told from Several that have
been there £100 a year would maintain a youth tolerably well
if your Expences upon all Accounts exceed that sum £20 or £30
a year and no more I shall not find fault

     Your relations here are all in good health your
brother Carter I Expect to keep his Christmas with me I pray god
Grant you may Escape the vices of the age you are coming into and that
after all the money that has been Spent upon your Education
you may prove a wise and good man to whose blessings I Commend
you who am