The above ^event^ now took place, after a second postponement (on account of the inclemency of the weather). But “Nature,” as if to encourage, bestowed upon us her “Sunny” smiles, and a bright day greeted our eyes. The Members assembled in their strength in the afternoon, in their “Meeting room,” whence they marched to the Hall above, where one of the largest audiences awaited them. After being seated, the Exercises were commenced with prayer by Honorary Member Jacob Weston. The President then introduced to the audience W. O. Weston Esq., the speaker on the occasion¹—Who, after a few preliminary remarks, gracefully and effectively—addressed his hearers on the all-important subject of—“Influence,” adducing for his basis the scriptural affirmation that “No man liveth to himself,”² he thereupon enlarged with much force of argument, tracing the operations of that Principle from the Creation of the World—The Fall of Man by the Influence of Woman—then gliding along the course of time, and plucking from the paths of “Science and Literature,[”] “Church and State” those flowers of illustration which the Lives of the Great and Good, the Wicked and Base—afford, who, though long passed away, have left their Influences behind them whether in recorded thoughts, or acts; to bless, or curse posterity. He then entered the precincts of the Domestic circle, and touchingly alluded to the all-pervading Influence of Parents over offspring, whose Examples, whether Good or Evil, must be read in the future destinies of their children. And of Woman in general—while reminding ^them^ of their responsibilities—he acceded the palm of their acknowledged Influence. And in such a strain did the happy Orator rivet the attention of the audience for a reasonable length of time, he then (after an affecting and inspiring address to his fellow members) concluded, amidst great and prolonged applause. The fair Page 100 →assemblage was then dismissed with the “Benediction” and after a visit to the Society’s “meeting room” below, they dispersed for their homes, well pleased with the Intellectual, and Moral entertainment just enjoyed, but not without imparting their joyousness of feelings to the “Clionians” who, seemed inspired with fresh zeal and courage, in their aspirations after Intellectual culture.

H. Cardozo Jr., Secretary

A “deferred” meeting of this Society was held on the evening of the above date, for regular business, after being called to order, the first roll was called, and the proceedings of the last Extra and Anniversary meetings were read and approved. The regular debates now had a hearing, and were vigorously supported, on either side, with well founded arguments, warmly laid down, which told out for and against the character discussed. after their conclusion, the President arose, and gave his decision, in favor of the negative side of the question. The “Committee” then handed in their questions from among which the following was chosen—“Are the late improvements of decided advantage to Mankind.” Mr. J. M. F. Dereef was appointed on the affirmative, and Mr. R. L. Deas on the negative of the question. Mr. H. Cardozo Jr. now arose and moved that a copy of the instructive and impressive address delivered on the Annual day by W. O. Weston, Esq., be requested of him, which was seconded and unanimously carried. According to Constitution, the election of Annual Orator for 1854 now took place.—The Ballot box was brought forward, the votes deposited, and counted, and Mr. H. Cardozo Jr. declared duly elected upon which that gentleman arose, and after expressing his thanks to the society for their appreciation of his feeble attainments, consented to serve them—more from considerations of duty than a knowledge of personal abilities, which was favorably received. All matters being now attended to, the Reporter made his report, the last roll was called, and the Society on motion adjourned.

H. Cardozo Jr., Secretary

On the evening of this date the members of the Society, assembled for a regular meeting which was called to order by the President. Mr. Hampton filling the chair of the Vice President, and Mr. Ludeke, that of the Reporter. The first roll was called, and the proceedings of the last “deferred” meeting read and approved. Mr. H. Cardozo Jr. now arose and moved, that on account of the lateness of the hour the regular debates be postponed to the next meeting, which was seconded, and carried. The President then handed to the Secretary a letter Page 101 →directed to the Clionian. Debating Society, which upon reading was found to contain an application for membership from—Mr. Richard. S. Holloway, which the Secretary gave notice, would be acted on as soon as two thirds could be obtained. Mr. H. Cardozo Jr. now arose and moved that as several members who fill important offices in the Society—now have unavoidable engagements on Monday evenings—that that portion of the Constitution which requires us to meet on the 2nd and 4th Monday evenings of every month; be suspended for a while; and that we meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday evenings; the motion was seconded and unanimously carried. The Reporter then made his report, the last roll was called, and the Society on motion adjourned.

H. Cardozo Jr., Secretary

In accordance with convictions of duty—the members assembled on the evening of the above date. The President called the meeting to order with Mr. Hyams in the chair of the Vice President, and Mr. E. G. Beaird filling that of the Reporter. The first roll was then called, and the proceedings of the last regular meeting were read and approved. Next in order came the hearing of the debates, which were commenced and carried on with increasing animation, argument after argument were added with fresh ardor on both sides until the ^subject^ seemed exhausted, the debates then closed, and the President gave his decision in favor of the affirmative of the question. The “Committee” then handed in their questions from among which the following was chosen—“Does the distance of a Country’s dominions weaken the force of its Laws therein?” Mr. Forrester was appointed on the affirmative, and Mr. Hyams on the negative of the question. The Secretary then notified the Society that the next meeting would be the regular time for the general election of officers for the 17th term. All matters being now attended to the Reporter made his report, the last roll was called, and the Society on motion adjourned.

H. Cardozo Jr., Secretary

The lapse of two weeks again brought together the members of this Society for a regular meeting, which after being called to order, the first roll was called, and the proceedings of the last meeting, read and approved. Then in course came the most interesting and profiting part—The regular debates—which were opened, and sustained with the best founded arguments; whose depth and weight gave new light on the subject; and increasing interest ^were^ added thereto from the many illustrations adduced from the past and the present in Page 102 →their support; In this strain did they continue—until inexorable “Time” decreed their close; when the President arose, and gave his decision in favor of the affirmative portion of the question. According to Constitution, the General election of Officers for the 17th term now took place. The Ballot Box was accordingly brought forward; the votes deposited and counted; and the following gentlemen declared duly elected (see Officers list). No questions were handed in by the “Committee” the next meeting being Installation meeting. All business being now attended to the Reporter made his report, the last roll was called, and the Society on motion adjourned.

H. Cardozo Jr., Secretary

The members of this body assembled in large numbers to witness that impressive ceremony, the installation of the officers elected for the succeeding term. The retiring President arose, and while delineating the importance of the trust conferred upon his successor, and his best wishes that his career might be marked with unmitigated prosperity; in an elegance of style depicted the duty of every one to avail himself of the opportunity of improving his mind, and of adding incessantly to his store-house of Knowledge. The President elect after thanking the Society for their repeated manifestations of favour in electing him to such important positions, proceeded to solicit their each and every exertion in the grand scheme, not only of intellectual progression, but in a continual discharge of duties, and a regular attendance at every meeting when possible. He then showed the importance of & Reading, & the peculiar adaptness of the debating Society in impressing such ideas upon the mind not only of the individual, but of his hearers. After continuing for some time in such a delightful strain, he proceeded amid rapturous applause to the installation of the subordinate officers, who after receiving a full statement of their respective duties, accompanied with the solemn injunction that Clio “expects every man to do his duty,”³ acknowledged their thanks to their fellow members, and promised in glowing terms that their allegiance to the “ship of many storms” would be exhibited not only in words but by their actions. The President according to the Constitution appointed a Chairman of the committee on general interests: Mr. Robert Sanders the gentleman chosen, not being present, the Secretary was requested to inform him of the same. The President also selected a committee of three, consisting of Messrs. S. W. & E. G. Beaird & W. O. Weston, to examine the books of the Secretary for the past term, and report on the same to the Society at its next meeting.

The Committee of Queries then presented their questions, from which was selected the following “Does the prosperity and progress of a nation depend Page 103 →more upon the observance of its laws by its subjects, or the strict execution of the same by those empowered.” Mr. B. K. Hampton was appointed on the former, and Mr. C. Ludeke on the negative of the question. The Secretary was also requested to inform Mr. Wm. Marshall Orator elect, that the first Second Wednesday in April is the regular time for the hearing of the Semi-annual oration: and that in case of the said gentleman consenting to serve at said time, to inform the members that their⁴ would be no debates; but if he is not prepared at that time that their would be a discussion on question chosen for that evening. At this stage of the meeting the President was requested to retire; whereupon the house formed itself on motion of Mr. W. Gailliard, into a committee of the whole, (Mr. B. K. Hampton in the chair) and offered the following resolutions “Resolved 1st that the thanks of the Society be unanimously tendered to Mr. H. J. Cardozo jr. for the able, consistent and dignified manner with which he has for a series of terms, discharged the duties of Secretary and Treasurer of the Clionian Society. Resolved 2dly That his elevation to the office of President, be but considered as a feeble token, of that high regard, which we entertain for his administrative abilities; and that in his retirement from the one, to the more dignified position of the other, he carries along with him our best wishes for his success and prosperity.” The appointed committee, then returned from their mission, accompanied by the President, who being informed of the resolutions adopted unanimously by the Society, gave vent to a strain of thought and feeling which was responded to by enchanted Clio in such a burst of applause as made the “welkin ring.”⁵ No more business demanding the attention of the Society the roll was called, the reporter made his report, and the Society on motion adjourned.

W. O. Weston, Secretary

A regular meeting of this association was held at the usual time & place. The members as if eager to show their allegiance to Clio, assembled in large numbers, and manifested their increasing interest in it, by participating extensively in its operations. The Chairman of the Committee on general interests, being in attendance, the President after reading from the Constitution the prescribed duties of the same, in an impressive manner warned him of the responsibility about being incurred, & the necessity of a proper selection of his assistants. Having consented as such, to serve, he was then duly qualified. The regular debatants were then named for the evening was then named and upon the conclusion of the remarks of the member present, the house was opened for any to speak of the interesting theme of discussion; the time was most voraciou[s]ly Page 104 →seized upon, & only ceased in consequence of the “President’s hat” announcing “that time was now no more.”⁶ The decision was then given by the President in favour of the affirmative of the question. The question chosen for the next meeting reads as follows “Is Louis Napoleon an usurper or not.”⁷ Mr. W. S. Lord on the affirmative and Mr. Stephen J. Maxwell on the negative. On motion of Mr. Gailliard and seconded by Mr. S. Beaird it was determined that the President be requested to give orders to the Secretary to summon the members for an extra meeting on tomorrow evening, (Thursday). Mr. S. Beaird also gave notice, that he would at any time that a sufficient number be present, offer a resolution for the changing of the time of meeting from the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month to every alternate Wednesday. He in addition to this, gave notice that under such circumstances he would move that the President be empowered to appoint a committee for the purpose of combining the multiplicity of articles of the Constitution, into a few essential and compact rules, that may be impressed distinctly upon the minds of all the members.

According to Constitution Mr. Sanders reported the following gentlemen, as selected for his assistants as regards his appointment as chairman committee on “general interests.” No more business demanding the attention of the Society, the reporter made his report, the last roll was called & the Society was on motion adjourned.

W. O. Weston, Sec.

Erratum. The following are Mr. Sanders’ assistants Messrs. R. L. Deas, I. Hyams, & W. S. Lord.

According to the orders of the President, the members of the Clionian Society assembled en-masse to an extra meeting, for the transaction of important business. The first roll being called ^&c.^, a letter of application was received through his recommenders from Mr. Richard Holloway jr. His character having been favourably reported upon, by the “Committee on general interests,” the Society proceeded to ballot on said letter, & who on report of the committee on polls was declared duly elected: whereupon the Secretary was instructed to inform him of his election & request his presence at the next general meeting. Mr. Simeon W. Beaird according to previous notice, introduced the following Resolutions which being seconded, they were unanimously adopted “Resolved that after the passage of this resolution, that clause of the Constitution which requires the meetings of this Society ^to^ be held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month, be so altered as to require a meeting on every alternate week throughout the year.”

Page 105 →“Whereas the greater portion of the membership of this Society, having discovered by experience, that our Constitution as it now stands is composed of many parts that may be condensed and many other clauses that may be struck off, and desiring to have a Constitution that will approximate a little more to perfection in the order of the arrangements of its several Articles, and that also will be less bulky and more comprehensible and retainable by the membership and which in the end will tend to the better observance of the same. Therefore be it resolved ‘That the President be empowered to appoint a Committe[e] of Six members, whose duty it shall be to revise the Constitution of the Clionian Debating Society in accordance to the above Preamble, and report the result of their labours as early as they can make it convenient.’” On motion of Mr. W. O. Weston seconded by Mr. S. Beaird it was resolved unanimously that the Society do add the President as one to said Committee. The President stated to the meeting that the importance of the Committee would induce him to state his appointments, after more mature reflection. Mr. Gailliard gave notice that at the first meeting that the Constitutional number were present, he would offer as Honorary members Dr. Thomas Dick, & Messrs. Henry Frost & Wm. McKinney. The committe[e] on the books of the late Secretary & Treasurer reported that their examination had resulted in their accordance to the faithfulness of the same. No more business appearing to demand the attention of the Society, the reporter made his report, the last roll was called, and this Society of mutual & orderly intellectual aspirants, was on motion adjourned. S. W. Weston, Sec.

NB. The letter of Mr. Holloway was received at a previous meeting, & only acted on at the present time.

A meeting of old Clio at the regular time was again held at the usual place. This being the regular period for the hearing of the semi-annual oration, Mr. W. E. Marshall orator elect arose and for a considerable space enchained the attention of the Society in a most masterly effort; commencing with the beauties of nature, he took a cursory glance at the fall of man, and concluded amid bursts of applause, with a truthful dissertation on the evil effects of intemperance. Mr. W. O. Weston seconded by Mr. S. Beaird ^moved^ that the society request a copy of the same, which being done by the President & unanimously approved of by the Society, the original was kindly presented.

The President stated the following gentlemen as the committee on Revision of Rules: Messrs. S. W. Beaird, W. O. Weston, W. H. Gailliard, R. L. Deas, B. E. K. Hampton, E. G. Beaird, & the President ex officio.⁸ No more business Page 106 →demanding the attention of the Society, the reporter made his report & the society on motion adjourned.

W. O. Weston, Sec.

Erratum: Mr. Richard Holloway member elect appeared and upon his hearing & approving of the rules was declared a legal member of the Society.

A regular meeting of the above association was held at the usual time & place. The proceedings of the last meeting being read (after the first roll was called) was approved. The regular debatants being read out, the subject for discussion was announced; Indeed it was well sustained on both sides with great enthusiasm, & was only concluded by that most unpleasant of all obstacles on certain occasions, “the president’s hat” warning us, that the sands of time had slipped from under us & we could plead no more. The question was decided finally in the negative. The president in giving his decision spoke in the most complimentary manner of the effort of one of the members, who though but a stripling in the advantages of the Society, had determined to obey that injunction which has accomplished wonders, “I will try,” & concluded with the hope that every member would represent the grand principles which gave birth to the institution, that in the time of trial, they may withstand the “flashing of the guns,” & successfully batter every stronghold of ignorance. The question for the next meeting’s reflection reads as follows “Is it right to remove the Indians from Florida?”⁹ Mr. W. E. Marshall on the affirmative & Mr. Robert Sanders on the negative. No more business appearing to demand the attention of the Society, the reporter made his report & the Society on motion adjourned.

W. O. Weston, Sec.

True to purpose, true to duty, the devoted desciples [sic] of Clio, though prevented by fortuitous circumstances, from exhibiting their devotion to her exalted shrine, at the time for the last regular meeting, determined that their preparation for debates, as well as business should answer for both; at this meeting. The vice president being absent, also the Secretary, Messrs. Deas & S. W. Beaird were requested to act in their capacities. At this stage of the proceedings Mr. S. W. Beaird arose & stated that the cause of his rising was sufficient of itself, to sanction his action. Which was “death.” The death of a fellow member: and the very first in the “Clionian Phalanx.” he then proceeded to eulogise his character & to impress upon the minds of his fellows the suddenness & consequently the need of a preparation for death, & concluded by offering the following preamble & resolutions:

Page 107 →Whereas, it is with the deepest regret & sorrow that we, the membership of the Clionian Debating Society have received the sad intelligence, that on the 18th Day of May 1853, the all powerful and inevitable hand of death, was laid upon our fellow member, Alexander C. For[r]ester;¹⁰ And in order that we as a body of young men, should join in paying a last tribute of respect to his memory, do unanimously adopt the following Resolves:

Resolved—That we as a Body do deeply sympathize with the relatives and friends of our deceased brother member Alexander C. For[r]ester; in his being almost suddenly snatched from their circle, as well as the first among the membership of this Institution, whose death we have to notice and record.

Resolved—That a blank page on the minute book of our institution, be dedicated to his memory.¹¹

Resolved. That the Secretary be required to transmit a copy of this preamble & resolutions to the bereaved family of our deceased brother member.

Mr. W. H. Gailliard then arose to second the resolutions, accompanied by a few appropriate remarks in support of the virtues of the deceased. The President before offering the same, for the concurrence of the members, also expressed himself deeply solemnized by the occasion & the increased effect of his conviction of the vanity of earthly things. The preamble & resolutions were then put to the house & unanimously adopted. The regular debates were then commenced & carried on with great animation untill that unappealing judge & sometimes annoying visitor: the President hat warned one and all that the intellectual repast must cease. but willing as a dying man clinging to a strand, to have one breath longer, they took hold of the compromise of the Constitution & to their universal satisfaction, had it postponed for continued discussion at the next meeting. The President notified the members that [as] the time for the election of a semi-annual orator had long passed by, they should enter into an election for the same. the result of which was the declaration that Mr. R. L. Deas was chosen. The result being announced Mr. Deas signified his acceptance of the call. No more business demanding the attention of the Society, it was on motion adjourned.

W. O. Weston, Sec.

Erratum. The proceeding of the last meeting, as well as the first roll were called & approved before Mr. Beaird arose to offer his resolutions.

A regular meeting of the above named Society was held at the usual time & place. The first roll being called, the proceedings of the last meeting were read and approved. The continued question for debate was then announced; whereupon the Page 108 →members seized upon it with a firm grasp, & the avidity with which they displayed, showed that neither the fact of its being argued already, nor the lapse of time, had daunted them in the least. The time when their trumpet tongues must cease,¹² having arrived, the president arose & with a few preliminary remarks decided that they were not ^right^ in removing the Indians from Florida. The question for the next meeting reads as follows: “Was Lafayette right in assisting the colonies in their revolt against the mother country?[”]¹³ Mr. W. O. Weston on the former & Mr. S. W. Beaird on the latter portion of the question. Many unimportant transactions being disposed of that are attendant upon meetings, the reporter made his report, the last roll was called & the Society on motion adjourned.

W. O. Weston, Sec.

A regular & enthusiastic gathering graced the Clionian Hall at the appointed time: the roll being called, the proceedings of the last meeting were read and approved. The subject of debate was then announced, & was kept up with great animations by the appointed debatants and members untill the time for adjournment. The President then arose and decided the question in the affirmative. The Election for officers then took place which resulted in the choice of the present administration for another term. The next meeting being the installation time no question for debate was chosen. No more business demanding the attention of the Society the last roll was called & the society on motion adjourned.

W. O. Weston, Secretary

Erratum Mr. A. L. Horry honorary member of the Society & formerly a member, was on motion of Mr. Gailliard invited through the Secretary as the especial guest of the Society at next meeting.

Actuated by the noble design of “improving the mind” the devotees of old Clio assembled in large numbers at their Hall. The first roll being called, the proceedings of the last meeting were read and approved. According to previous notice, the installation of officers was about to occupy the attention of the Society, when the President arose, and, in the unanimous voice of Clio welcomed, yea “thrice welcomed”¹⁴ Mr. A. L. Horry as the invited guest of the Society. Proceeding to call his attention to his past connection & usefulness among us, he concluded with extending to him the privilege allowed to all Honorary members of attending every meeting during his sojourn among us. Mr. Horry Page 109 →responded in words & expressions that not only “breathe but burn,”¹⁵ & concluded by telling us that words could convey no adequate expression of his thoughts, when he told them ^us^ that he was grateful for their ^our^ kindness, & that this memorable scene would be one that he would be able to point out as being one of the a green oasis in the history of his life. Enchaining the attention of his hearers in a strain like this, he sat down amid the repeated plaudits of his brother members. The Installation of such officers as were present then took place. Mr. C. Ludeke having been appointed “chairman committe[e] of general interests” the president informed him that he must notify him of his appointed assistants at next meeting. The question adopted for discussion at the next meeting reads as follows. “Is the Maine liquor law conducive to the happiness of American citizens, and in accordance with her free institutions.”¹⁶ Mr. E. G. Beaird on the affirmative & Mr. G. F. Barrow on the negative. No more business demanding the attention of the Society, the reporter made his report & the society on motion adjourned.

W. O. Weston, Secretary

Erratum: The President appointed Messrs. S. W. Beaird, E. G. Beaird & W. H. Gailliard a committee to examine the books of Secretary & Treasurer.

The members of this Society again assembled at the usual time and place. The first roll was called, & the proceedings of the last meeting were read and approved. The question for discussion was then announced, and upon Mr. E. G. Beaird participating as ^a^ regular debatant, the president stated that Mr. G. F. Barrow being absent, the floor was now opened for any member who wished to take a part. The query being an interesting one, the animation continued without abatement untill the “President’s hat” warned them that for this time at least they must desist. The question was then decided in the affirmative. The question for next evening[’]s discussion reads as follows: “Did the games and oracles of the ancient Greeks produce many salutary effects upon their national character.” Mr. H. J. D. Cardozo on the affirmative and Mr. J. M. F. Dereef on the negative. The arrears and last roll being called, the reporter made his report, and the Society on motion adjourned.

W. O. Weston, Secretary

A regular meeting was held at the usual time and place. The proceedings of the last meeting were read and approved after the calling of the first roll. The President then called upon the regular debatants, none of whom being present, Page 110 →the floor was opened to any gentleman desiring to participate. Most eagerly did they avail themselves of the opportunity, for they occupied every inch of ground. The president then decided the question in the negative. The question for the next regular evening’s discussion reads as follows: “Was Caesar a great man.” The Society then agreed by motion, to adjourn over to Friday evening. The reporter also made his report, the last roll was called & the Society on motion adjourned.

W. O. Weston, Secretary

NB. Mr. Robert Deas on the affirmative & Mr. Gailliard on the negative of question of question.

A^n^ regular extra meeting of the Clionian Society or in other words an adjourned meeting was held at the usual place at the time above specified. The President having called the meeting to order, the roll was called, and the proceedings of the last meeting read and approved. A letter of application was then read from Mr. Benjamain Roberts as a member which letter after being favourably reported on by the Committee was balloted for & upon report was found duly elected. The Secretary was then ordered to inform him of the same. No more business appearing to demand the attention of the Society, it was on motion adjourned.

W. O. Weston, Secretary

A regular meeting of the sons of Clio was held at their Hall at the usual time. The first roll being called the proceedings of the last meeting were read and approved. The regular debates for the evening then commenced & was carried on with animation untill the hour of adjournment when it was postponed untill the next meeting. Mr. Benjamain Roberts member elect was present, and upon hearing and approving of the rules & constitution paid the initial fee & was declared a member of the same. At this stage of the proceedings Mr. S. W. Beaird gave notice of his intention to introduce several augmentations to Constitution, viz. One in regard to restricting debatants to a limited time for argument; another to govern the President in his allot[t]ing time to debatants occupying the floor at the hour of adjournment; and another to alter the article in regard to general elections taking place twice a year instead of three times; last roll was then called and the Society on motion adjourned.

W. O. Weston, Sec. & Treasurer

True to purpose, true to duty the desciples of old Clio met at her shrine at the usual time. The first roll being called, the proceedings of the last meeting was read and approved. The deferred debate was then recommenced & carried on with considerable animation untill the hour when the President’s hat announced a conclusion to all discussion. The question was then decided in the negative. The question for the next evening reads as follows: Is a rude state of Society favourable to patriotism? Mr. Hyams on the affirmative; Mr. Hampton on the negative. No more business demanding the attention of the Society, it was on motion adjourned after the reporter made his report & the last roll was called.

W. O. Weston, Sec. & Treasurer

This Association though prevented from gathering at their last regular meeting in consequence of the inclemency of the weather, assembled in numbers at this more favourable period. The first roll being called the proceedings of the last meeting were read and approved. By advice of the President the debates for this evening[’]s discussion were postponed and the polls for election of officers was opened; which resulted in the choice of the following gentlemen: (See Roll of officers book). In the mean time Mr. Gailliard arose and moved that a committee of three be appointed to consult with the other institutions of our city, of renting the Hall used for such purposes as meetings, anniversary occasions &c. & thus secure the permanent use of the same. Prefacing the same with a few remarks, he endeavoured to impress upon them that the time for action had come, and if delayed, might be inevitably lost. There being a difference of opinion among the members in regard to further consultation; the motion not being seconded was rendered powerless. The President gave notice that if no adverse circumstances occurred the Quarterly or semi-annual oration would be delivered. It was also made known that it was the regular time for the Installation of Officers elect. No more business appearing to demand the attention of the Society the Reporter made his report, the last roll called and the Society on motion adjourned.

W. O. Weston, Sec.

A meeting of the above named Society was held at the usual time and place. The first roll being called the proceedings of the last meeting were read and approved. The interesting scene of installation ^was^ then commenced: The Page 112 →retiring President after returning thanks to his fellow members for their urbanity and courtesy during his administration; and welcomed his successor as a fit representative of Clio, and concluded with the hope that peace and harmony may crown his efforts as chief magistrate of the fraternity. The President elect after expressing his gratitude, declared himself ready at all times to maintain the Constitution and acknowledged the acceptance of the same.¹⁷ He then proceeded to install all the officers elect who were present; the countenances of whom were irradiated with cheerfulness, and evinced by their actions that they were doubly nerved to fight the battles of Clio and lead her sons on to glorious victory. The President gave notice that the address that was somewhat expected that evening, would take place at the next regular meeting. The Secretary was therefore notified to acquaint the honorary members of the same. He also appointed Mr. S. W. Beaird Chairman of Committee of general interests for the present term. Mr. Gailliard then renewed his motion of a past meeting, that a committee be appointed to wait on the other societies and if possible, secure through their cooperation the Hall used for meetings, anniversary occasions &c. (which he thought would be a benefit to the community.) Accepting of a few modifications, Mr. Cardozo seconded his motion, which was when put to the house unanimously adopted. The President then appointed the Committee at the head of which Mr. Gailliard was appointed; but he refusing to serve as a member of the committee in any capacity in consequence of other pressing engagements Mr. S. W. Beaird was appointed in his place. The committee now consists of the following gentlemen Messrs. S. W. Beaird, H. Cardozo Jr. R. S. Holloway & H. J. D. Cardozo.¹⁸ No more business appearing to demand the attention of the Society, the reporter made his report, ^the last roll was called,^ and the Society was on motion adjourned.

W. O. Weston, Secretary

A regular meeting of the above named Society was held at the usual time and place; The first roll being called, the proceedings of the last meeting were read and approved. The President then arose from his chair and in the capacity of Semi annual Orator, delivered a thrilling address on the subject of Ambition in its different phases. Applying his remarks to the Clionians he marked out the happy results of a well directed ambition. Suffice it to say, every one left the hall, with a new infusion of determination to let their good works so shine as to be an example to others.¹⁹ A copy of the same on motion was requested, which was freely complied with. The deferred debate was made the order of the next meeting; The Society then proceeded to elect an orator for the ensuing six months. Page 113 →On report of Managers Mr. J. F. M. [J. M. F.]²⁰ Dereef was declared elected. The orator elect then signified his acceptance of the call. Several of the officers elect having appeared, were qualified. No more business demanding the attention of the Society, it was on motion adjourned.

W. O. Weston, Secretary.

A meeting of the above Society was held at the usual place. The first roll being called; the proceedings of the last meeting were confirmed, after being read. The question on being read for the evening’s discussion, Mr. Reporter announced, that the regular debatants were absent, whereupon the house was opened, for all desirous of participating. The question was ably argued on both sides untill the hour for adjournment. The President decided it in the affirmative. The question for the next meeting reads as follows: “Is a nation strictly justifiable in compelling another nation by force of arms to open her port for trade.”²¹ Mr. Holloway on the affirmative Mr. C. Ludeke on the negative. No more business demanding the attention of the Society, the reporter made his report & the Society was on motion adjourned.

W. O. Weston, Secretary

Erratum: The President being absent, Vice President E. G. Beaird presided.

1. 1. Honorary member Jacob Weston, who delivered the invocation, was the uncle of William O. Weston, the orator at the anniversary event.
2. 2. Weston cites Romans 14:7 (KJV).
3. 3. During the Napoleonic Wars, the Battle of Trafalgar in October 1805 decisively affirmed British naval supremacy. Just before the battle, Admiral Horatio Nelson signaled from his flagship Victory to the British fleet: “England expects that every man will do his duty.”
4. 4. There was intended.
5. 5. Welkin: “the vault of heaven,” “the firmament,” “the sky.”
6. 6. Possibly the Clionians followed a practice like that of the Society of United Irishmen, founded in 1791. The president of this society could command the members’ silence and attention by “rising from his Chair and taking off his hat”; Society of United Irishmen of Dublin, Established November IX. MDCCXCI (Dublin, 1794), 201.
7. 7. Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, or Napoleon III (1808–1873), was president of the Second Republic of France from 1850 to 1852 and then French emperor from 1852 to 1870. He was the nephew of Napoleon I.
8. 8. Ex officio: “because of an office held.”
9. 9. Based on the Indian Removal Act of 1830, the US government attempted forcibly to relocate members of the Seminole Nation from Florida to Indian Territory (Oklahoma), meeting strong and sustained resistance from Seminole people. The Page 114 →Clionians owned a memoir of the Second Seminole War written by a US Army lieutenant; see the entry for December 26, 1849. Questions about displacing Indigenous people were common in nineteenth-century debating societies; see Angela G. Ray, “The Permeable Public: Rituals of Citizenship in Antebellum Men’s Debating Clubs,” Argumentation and Advocacy 41, no. 1 (2004): 17.
10. 10. Alexander Forrester died of tetanus at age twenty-two on May 18, 1853, and was interred in the cemetery of the Brown Fellowship Society. He had paid state capitation taxes as a “free Negro” for several years; the 1851 tax records show his address as 15 Pitt Street. In early 1854 Forrester’s estate was valued at $476.00, all in the form of financial assets. See “South Carolina, U.S., Death Records, 1821–1971,” Ancestry. com (online database), 2008, https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/8741/; “South Carolina, Charleston, Free Negro Capitation Books, 1811–1860,” FamilySearch. org (online database), last modified June 15, 2024, https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/3405101; and “South Carolina, Charleston District, Estate Inventories, 1732–1844,” FamilySearch.org (online database), last modified June 15, 2024, https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/3460989.
11. 11. In the minute book, two blank facing pages follow the minutes of this meeting. For comparison, a memorial page for Robert L. Deas can be seen following the minutes of April 28, 1865, in the Friendly Association Records, 1853–1869, South Carolina Historical Society, Charleston, SC.
12. 12. Weston adapts language from act 1, scene 7, of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and from 1 Corinthians 13:8 (KJV).
13. 13. The Marquis de Lafayette (1757–1834), as a young French aristocrat, fought with the American colonists against Britain during the American Revolution. In 1825 he visited Charleston while touring the United States.
14. 14. Weston may have adapted this phrase from act 5, scene 1, of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
15. 15. The English poet Thomas Gray referred to “thoughts that breathe, and words that burn” in his Pindaric ode “The Progress of Poesy” (1757). The commonly quoted phrase also appears in the address by Francis Withers Capers that Robert L. Deas donated in pamphlet form to the Clionian library on April 17, 1850; F[rancis] W[ithers] Capers, State Military Academies: An Address Delivered before the Calliopean Society of the Citadel Academy, Charleston (Charleston, SC: Tenhet and Corley, 1846), 16.
16. 16. Long a bastion of temperance activism, Maine outlawed the manufacture and sale of liquor in 1851.
17. 17. Robert L. Deas was president for the society’s nineteenth term. Elected semiannual orator on June 8, he delivered his oration on ambition on December 7.
18. 18. The minutes of the Friendly Association on December 19, 1853, report: A letter were handed in by Mr. J. E. Barreau from the Clionian D Society the Purport of the letter were to know if we the members of the Friendly Association would assist them in hireing Mr. Holloway’s Hall in Beaufain St. as it would be very convenient for meetings[.] after the letter was read The President directed the Secry to inform them that the body could not take any action on it whatever, for our Rules compel the Stewarts [Stewards] to furnish A Place for our meetings”; Friendly Association Records, 1853–1869. Active members of the Friendly Association at this time included Gabriel F. Barrow, Robert L. Deas, and Isadore A. Hyames, all of Page 115 →whom were also active Clionians, as well as J. F. Lindsay and Marion L. Stent, who had been rejected for Clionian membership in July 1852.
19. 19. Weston’s language alludes to Christian scripture: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, KJV).
20. 20. Dereef’s forenames were Joseph Moulton Francis.
21. 21. In debating this query, the Clionians likely discussed the US naval expedition of Commodore Matthew Perry’s squadron to Japan’s Edo Bay in the summer of 1853.