This day, so fraught with interest to every Clionian and which, serving as a standpoint in the history of the Society, from which they may retrospect the past with pleasing emotions, and feel inspired with bright hopes in looking to the future—was welcomed by them. In the afternoon the Society assembled in her strength in the meeting room; from whence accompanied by the Utopian Society, they marched to the Hall above; where (notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather) a very respectable audience greeted them. After seating themselves; the exercises were commenced with prayer by Honorary Member Jacob Weston. the Annual Oration was then delivered by S. W. Beaird who, in a most logical and convincing manner showed “The Influence of Principle and Action on the future destiny of Man,” giving force and beauty to the subject by the most vivid illustrations from Sacred and Profane History and ended in discoursing on the indestructibility of the Mind, in a manner truly sublime, and thus after enchaining the attention of the audience for a considerable length of time, he sat down amidst the greatest applause. the exercises were then closed with the benediction, and the delighted audience dismissed for their homes, leaving the Society doubly encouraged to persevere in their efforts for “Mental Improvement.”

H. Cardozo Jr., Secretary

On the evening of the above date, a regular meeting of this society was held. The President and Vice being absent Mr. W. H. Gaillard was appointed President Pro-Tem and Mr. Sanders Vice. The meeting was then called to order, the first roll called, and the proceedings of the last extra and Anniversary meetings Page 86 →were read and approved. The regular debates now commenced and received a warm support from the respective debatants on both sides of the question, who consumed every moment of time in giving light on the subject, but were stopped in their progress for the want of time, after closing, the President arose and announced his decision in favor of the last portion of the question. From among the questions handed in by the “Committee” the following was chosen “Would the United States be Justifiable in interfering with the present struggles of Europe.” Mr. H. Cardozo Jr. was appointed on the affirmative, and Mr. H. J. D. Cardozo, on the negative of the question. Mr. E. G. Beaird now presented a letter to the Society, which upon being read by the Secretary was found to contain an application for membership in the Society from Mr. J. B. Grimball Jr. the Secretary then notified the members that according to Constitution the next meeting would be the time for action on the same providing there be two-thirds present. All business of importance being now attended to, the reporter made his report the last roll was called, and the Society on motion adjourned.

H. Cardozo Jr., Secretary

This Society assembled for its regular Semi-Monthly meeting on the evening of the above date, the President and Vice President being absent, Mr. Hampton was chosen President “Pro tem,” and Mr. Gaillard Vice. The meeting was then called to order, the first roll was called, and the proceedings of the last regular meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. H. Cardozo Jr. now arose, and moved that a copy of the last Annual Oration be requested of the worthy Orator, which ^request^ being made by the President, was willingly complied with. He also moved that the Society go immediately into an election for Annual Orator for 1853. the motion being carried, the Ballot Box was then opened, the votes deposited, and counted, and Mr. W. O. Weston declared elected. The President now received a letter from Mr. W. H. Gaillard which he handed to the Secretary, and upon perusal was found to contain an application for membership from Mr. C. D. Ludeke. the Secretary then notified the Society that action would be had thereon, as soon as the Constitutional two thirds could be obtained. Mr. S. W. Beaird now arose, and stated that as a recommender he was requested by Mr. Grimball to withdraw his letter of application which request was put to the house, and granted. The regular debates now commenced, and received that warm support which the subjects discussed generally receives, every moment of time allowable, was employed by the debatants in building arguments upon arguments which increased in force and power, but its onward course was now checked by the expiration of the time. The President then announced his Page 87 →decision in favor of the last portion of the question. The “Committee” then handed in their questions from among which the following was chosen “Are we to infer from the teachings of History that the Sword has been more destructive, than beneficial to the happiness of Mankind?” Mr. J. M. F. Dereef was appointed on the first, and Mr. R. L. Deas on the last portion of the question. The secretary now gave notice that the next meeting would be the time for the general election of officers for the 14th term. Mr. S. W. Beaird now gave notice that as soon [as] two thirds were present he would offer two augmentations to the Constitution. All business of importance being now finished, the reporter made his report, the last roll was called, and the Society on motion adjourned.

H. Cardozo Jr., Secty.

Another fortnight having elapsed, this Society convened for a regular meeting. The seats of the President and Vice President being vacant, Messrs. E. G. Beaird and R. Sanders respectively filled them, the meeting was then called to order, the first roll called, and the minutes of the last regular meeting read and approved. Mr. S. W. Beaird now arose, and moved that as the Society had assembled too late to allow the regular debates to take place, that they be postponed, and the Society go into an election of officers for the 14th term—The motion was seconded, and carried. The “Committee on general Interests” now brought forward the Ballot Box the votes were deposited, and counted, and the following gentlemen declared elected (See officers list). All important 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

With characteristic punctuality the members of this Society assembled for a regular meeting, in the absence of the President, and Vice President, Messrs. E. G. Beaird & S. J. Maxwell filled their seats. The meeting was then called to order, the first roll called, and the proceedings of the last meeting read and confirmed. The regular inauguration now commenced, with the installing of the President elect who upon taking the chair, returned his thanks to the society for having chosen him to fill the highest office in the gift of the Society, and in a few appropriate remarks congratulated the Society on its present advantages for Mental Improvement, which are solely attained by their unyeilding [sic] perseverance under the most despairing circumstances which surrounded them in the past. he then signified his acceptance, and ^afterwards^ proceeded Page 88 →to install the subordinate officers, every one of whom seemed willing to bear a part of the burden, and therefore accepted the respective trust committed to them, with a promise to serve to the best of their abilities. and thus ended the interesting ceremony of Installation. It now became the duty of the duty of [sic] the President to appoint a Chairman on the “committee on general Interests.” Mr. H. Cardozo Jr. was chosen for that office, who signified his acceptance. The President—(According to Constitution) then appointed a Committee to examine the Books of the Secretary and Treasurer which consisted of Messrs. S. W. Beaird, W. H. Gaillard, and E. G. Beaird. Mr. S. W. Beaird now arose, and moved ^that^ the elections for Semi-Annual Orator be continued until the whole list ^of members^ passed through, the motion upon being amended by H. Cardozo Jr. that the election take place at the next meeting which being the first in April would be the regular time, was seconded and carried. Mr. W. H. Gaillard now notified the Society that at the next meeting he would offer Dr. Thomas Dick as a candidate for Honorary Membership in the Society. All business of importance being now finished, the Reporter made his report, the last roll was called, and the Society on motion adjourned.

H. Cardozo Jr., Secretary

True to purpose, the members of this Society assembled for a regular meeting on the above evening of the above date, after being called to order, the first roll was called, and the proceedings of the last meeting read and approved. The regular debates then commenced, which did not fail to prove interesting from the amount of light given on the subject, and would have continued to increase in weight, and interest, were it not for the limited time given, it therefore closed, and upon a motion to postpone it being lost—The President decided in favor of the first portion of the question. The “Committee[”] then handed in their questions, from among which the following was chosen—“Emigration; does it tend, or has it ever tended to the advancement of civilization?” Mr. Forrester was appointed on the former, and Mr. W. H. Gaillard on the latter portion of the question. The Committee appointed to examine the Books of the Secretary and Treasurer made a favorable report thereon, which was unanimously received by the Society. The Chairman on the committee on General Interests, made a report of those whom he had chosen to serve with him on that Committee, which was received by the Society. The President now handed over to the Secretary for perusal, two letters which he had received from Mr. I. A. Hyams, and upon opening were found to contain applications for Membership from Messrs. Marion L. Stent & J. F. Lindsay which the President notified the society would be acted on as soon as the Constitutional two Page 89 →thirds could be obtained. The election for Semi-Annual Orator now took place, and resulted in the unanimous choice of Mr. H. J. D. Cardozo. All things else that required attention being attended to, the reporter made his report, the last roll was called, and the Society on motion adjourned.

H. Cardozo Jr., Secretary

Another fortnight having elapsed, the members of this Society were still found assembled for a regular meeting. It being was called to order by the President, the first roll called, and the proceedings of the last meeting read and approved. The regular debates then commenced and with characteristic force was the subject treated, light being given on both sides, by convincing arguments, and truthful references, which rendered the subject interesting even to its close after which, the President with praiseworthy carefulness summed up the arguments, and announced his decision in favor of the latter portion of the question. The “Committee” then handed in their questions from among which, the following was chosen—“Which were the best disciplinarians of Youths—the Athenians, or Spartans.” Mr. Hyams was appointed on the former, and Mr. Horry on the latter portion of the question. All business of importance 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 the above date the members of this Society assembled for a regular meeting. It was called to order by the President, the vice President being absent Mr. Forrester filled his seat, the first roll was then called, and the proceedings of the last meeting read and approved. The regular debates now had a hearing, and were attended with the usual share of interest that historical questions generally afford, many arguments being adduced from the “records of the past” which served to illustrate the question on both sides, but as all things, must have an end these agreeable exercises shared the general fate. The President then arose, and announced his decision in favor of the former portion of the question. The “Committee” now handed in their questions from among which the following was chosen—“Who was the Greatest and most virtuous General, Caesar or Pompey?”¹ Mr. Hampton was appointed on the former and Mr. Maxwell on the latter portion of the question.

Mr. S. W. Beaird now proposed to the Society the adoption of resolutions in honour of the death of our late Honorary Members—Benjamin Huger, and Page 90 →John Mishaw,² the President considering it too late to act on the resolutions arose to defer them to the next meeting, a discussion having then arisen as to the constitutionality of his doing so, the matter was then taken up by the body, and a motion made from among them to defer them—which the President hesitated to put to the house, the time of adjournment having now passed, the subject received no further consideration. The Reporter then made his report, the last roll was called, and the Society on motion adjourned.

H. Cardozo Jr., Sec.

The members of this Society gave a full attendance at their regular meeting held on the evening of the above date. It was called to order by the President, the first roll called, and the proceedings of the last meeting read and approved. Now “in order” came the time for the hearing of the regular debates, which was commenced, and continued to rise in vigor and interest, each side receiving considerable support, till from all appearances the characters supported defended on each side, had the superiority over each other, but the case was soon decided by the announcement of the President that the character who constituted the latter portion of the question was superior. The “Committee” now handed in their questions from among which the following was chosen—“Did Wellington in the battle of Waterloo prove himself a greater General than Napoleon Bonaparte?”³ Mr. Marshall was appointed on the former, and Mr. Sanders on the latter portion of the question. The Secretary notified the body that the next regular meeting would be the time for the general election of officers for the 15th term. He also begged informed them of his unwillingness to be any ^longer^ a candidate for the Secretary and Treasurerships, there being others who should share the honor of serving ^such^ an Institution like this. All matters of import being now attended to, the reporter made his report, the last roll was called, and the Society on motion adjourned.

H. Cardozo Jr., Sec.

An “Extra” meeting of this Society was held on the evening of the above date, The President called it to order, the first roll being then called. He announced to the body the intention of the meeting, which was to act on the letters of application which were before the body. The Committee on General Interests accordingly retired to consult upon the character of the respective applicants, which were reported on favorably. The Ballot Box was then opened, and Mr. C. D. Ludeke balloted for, who, upon the report of the “Committee” was declared Page 91 → elected. Next in order was Mr. M. L. Stent who was balloted for, but upon report of the “Committee” was declared rejected. Mr. J. F. Lindsay was then ballotted for, and was also declared rejected.⁴ All matters of importance being now attended to, the last roll was then called and the Society on motion adjourned. H. Cardozo Jr., Sec.

Another “Extra” meeting of this Society was held on the evening of the above date. The President having stated the object of the meeting, the first roll was called, and the proceedings, of the two last meetings (regular and extra) were read and approved. The General election of officers for the 15th Term now engrossed the attention of the meeting, the Ballot Box was accordingly brought forward by the “Committee on General Interests” the votes deposited, and counted and the following Gentlemen declared elected (See Officers list). The President then gave notice that the next meeting would be the time for the Installation of Officers. Mr. S. W. Beaird expecting to be absent from the city, at the time of the Installation meeting, now made known his acceptance of the offices to which he was elected.

The business of the meeting 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 Society having been prevented from holding their regular meetings, during the past month—on, account of sickness, absence from the city, and other causes, now assembled for a regular meeting. The President, and Vice-President being absent—Mr. R. L. Deas, was chosen President “Pro-tem” Mr. A. C. Forrester, Vice President. The meeting was then called to order, the first roll called, and the proceedings of the last Extra meeting read and approved.

The ceremony of Installation now commenced with ^the^ President elect—who in accepting the “Chair” seemed aware of the important position he was now about to occupy, and in addressing his fellow members—recurred in feeling language, to the history of our ^their^ past existence as a society, and then urged a quickened exertion, and lofty aim, in our ^their^ present and future movements, having finished, he then proceeded to install the subordinate officers such as were present, all of whom accepted the respective trusts committed to them, and vowed to evince their regard for their society’s welfare by a strict performance of the duties incumbent on them, and thus ended the Installation. The President then appointed Mr. Hampton Chairman of the “committee on Page 92 →general interests,” and Messrs. E. G. Beaird, A. C. Forrester & R. L. Deas a committee to examine the Books of the Secretary and Treasurer. 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

This association, had its devotees, (In the person of members) out, on the evening of the above date, in large numbers, for the hearing of ^the^ regular Semi-Annual Oration, the Hall was—as usual on such occasions—graced with the presence of several Honorary Members. The meeting was called to order by the President, the first roll, called, and the proceedings, of the last meeting read, and approved. The President then introduced to the audience Mr. H. J. D. Cardozo as the Orator, on the occasion—who modestly opened his subject, and discoursed largely and eloquently on the “Paramount Importance of Timely Mental Culture” frequently illumining his theme with illustrations drawn from the treasures of Ancient Literature nor did he fail to enter the Biographical Department by adducing—as incentives to exertion—some, of the greatest characters; whose every step on the “Ladder of Fame,” was constructed of the material of Early Intellectual exertion; and in such a strain did he continue^d^ (for a lengthy period,) to enchain the attention of the audience; while his fluency in the Ancient Classic, as well as the modern Tongue; rendered him peculiarly and pleasingly interesting; but the happy Orator had to check his expansive mind as time would not allow; accordingly he sat down amid the applauses of the whole audience. Mr. R. L. Deas now arose, and moved that a copy of the address be requested of the speaker, which being seconded, and unanimously carried, was carried into effect by the President, who received from the Orator an answer in the affirmative. The time being now far spent, it was moved that all other business be suspended until the next meeting, which was carried. The last roll was then called. The Reporter made his report, and the Society on motion adjourned.

H. Cardozo Jr., Secretary

The evening of the above date assembled the members of this Society for a regular meeting. The President in the chair, and the Vice President’s seat filled by Mr. Dereef, the meeting was called to order, the first roll called, and the proceedings of the last meeting read and approved. The President now took occasion to Install a few of the officers elect who were absent at the Installation meeting. Mr. Ludeke, the member elect being now present The Constitution Page 93 →was read for his benefit, upon his approval of which, he came forward, signed his name, paid the “Initial Fee,” and thereby became a regular and respected member of the Clionian Fraternity.

The regular debates, now commenced, and as usual was carried on with considerable warmth and vigor, to the close, upon which, the President gave his decision in favor of the former portion of the question. A letter was now handed to the Society by Mr. W. H. Gaillard from Mr. W. S. Lord, which, upon opening, was found to contain an application for membership, from that Gentleman, notice was then given that it would be acted on at the next meeting should the Constitutional Two thirds be present. Mr. S. W. Beaird now handed to the President a letter received by him for the Society, the reading of which was postponed to the next meeting on account of the lateness of the hour. The election of Semi-Annual [orator] then took place which resulted in the choice of Mr. W. E. Marshall. The Committee of Queries now handed in their questions from among which, the following was chosen “Which is more likely to injure the prosperity of a Country, Foreign Broils or Intestine Commotions.” Mr. W. O. Weston was appointed on the former, and Mr. S. W. Beaird, on the latter portion of the question. The Secretary notified the Society ^that^ the next meeting would be the time for the general election of officers for the 16th 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

With steadiness of purpose the members of this Society assembled on the evening of the above date for a regular meeting. The President in the Chair, Mr. Sanders, filling that of the Vice President—The meeting was called to order, the first roll called, and the proceedings of the last meeting read and approved.

The regular debates, now had a hearing, which continued with increasing ardor, even beyond the time allotted, having then closed the President gave his decision in favor of the latter portion of the question. The general election of officers for the 16th term now took place, which resulted in the choice of the following gentlemen (See officers list). There being a tie in the votes for President, Vice President, and Librarian, The President gave his casting vote in favor of Mr. W. H. Gaillard for the first, Mr. S. W. Beaird for the second, and Mr. W. O. Weston for the third office. All business being now attended to that time would allow for, The Reporter made his report, the last roll was called, and the Society on motion adjourned.

H. Cardozo Jr., Secretary

An Extra meeting of this Society was held on the evening of the above date. It was called to order by [the] President, Mr. Forrester filled the seat of the Vice President, Mr. E. G. Beaird that of the Reporter. The first ^roll^ was ^then^ called and the proceedings of the last regular meeting were read and approved. The regular Installation of Officers now commenced with the President elect, who, after a few encouraging and enlivening remarks, again accepted the high and important trust recommitted to him. He then proceeded to install the other officers, nearly all of whom being present, accepted the respective offices chosen for them, and declared their intention to fulfil their duties to the best of their abilities. The President then appointed Mr. E. G. Beaird Chairman of the “Committee on general Interests,” and Messrs. S. W. Beaird, S. J. Maxwell, and E. G. Beaird the Committee to examine the Books of the Secretary & Treasurer. The Committee of Queries now handed in their questions from among which the following was chosen—“Would the increase of Territory prove an advantage to the United States?”⁵ Mr. E. G. Beaird was appointed on the affirmative, and Mr. G. B. [G. F.] Barrow on the negative of the question. All business (for which there was time) 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 Institution assembled on the evening of the above date, for a regular meeting, which being called to order, the first roll was called, and the proceedings of the last meeting read and approved. The regular debates then commenced—and were supported for a length of time with considerable strength of argument, and warmth of spirit. After their conclusion, the President gave his decision in favor of the negative portion of the question. The “Committee” then handed in their questions, from among which the following was chosen—“Was Charlemagne a great man.”⁶ Mr. H. Cardozo Jr. was appointed on the affirmative, and Mr. H. J. D. Cardozo on the negative of the question. The President then notified the Body that as the Constitutional Two thirds were present, the letter of application before them from Mr. W. S. Lord, would now be acted on. The Chairman of the “Committee on general Interests” accordingly brought forward the Ballot Box, the votes were deposited, and counted, and the Gentleman declared unanimously elected. The President now took occasion to Install such Officers elect, as were absent at the regular Installation meeting, who accepted the respective trusts committed to them. A letter Page 95 →was then received from Mr. W. O. Weston (who expected to be unavoidably absent from the meeting) Assuring the Society of his regret to inform them “that circumstances have rendered it such, that he will not be able to take that prominent position in the exercises of their expected Anniversary, which they elected him to fill. That nothing but a sad affliction, and, a sense of propriety connected with it, could have established such a conclusion; as the production had already been written; and required but little application for readiness at the call. He therefore left it to the judgement of the Society to postpone it or act as they think correct.”⁷ Upon this a discussion arose, which, extending over the adjourning hour, was checked by a motion from Mr. R. L. Deas that an adjourned meeting be held on next Thursday evening for further deliberation, which was seconded, and carried. Mr. S. W. Beaird now took occasion to offer two amendments to the Constitution, which reads thus: 1st “All motions for the adjournment of any meeting, after being seconded, must be put to the house and carried by a majority.” 2nd Every Officer, Orator, &c. elect, shall be expected to serve in that capacity—if he has not served in the same the preceding term, and for the refusal so to do, shall be fined in a sum not less than 50 cents, they were put to the house, and carried. The meeting according to Mr. Deas’ motion was then dismissed.

Consistent with agreement, the members of the Society assembled on the evening of the above date. The meeting was called to order by the President, the first roll called. Mr. H. Cardozo Jr. then arose, and moved, that the House be resolved into a “Committee of the whole” for the further consideration of the unfinished business of the last meeting, and that Mr. R. L. Deas fill the chair, the motion being seconded, and carried. Mr. Deas accordingly acted as Chairman, Mr. W. H. Gaillard then arose, and, after a few preliminary remarks in favor of the nonpostponement of the Anniversary—Offered a Preamble and Resolutions to the effect, that While we deeply sympathise with our fellow member in his sad affliction, and are willing to pay to pay [sic] all due deference to the respected deceased. Yet being anxious to celebrate the Anniversary at the usual time would earnestly request him to lay aside his feelings and yeild to the wishes of the Society. the resolutions were seconded, and unanimously adopted.

The Secretary then notified the Body that a letter from their fellow member Augustus L. Horry had been received by the Penny Post, from “Philadelphia Pa,” which being addressed to the “Clionian Debating Society”⁸—was now opened, and read, and found to contain the information that as he had ^left^ Page 96 →the State “probably for life” it behooved him unwillingly to resign his existing connection with the Society as a member, assuring them of his love for the Institution, quickened by the recollection of past benefits, and the Interesting associations connected therewith; and that his warmest wishes are for its welfare; and that he would as a token of regard; forward at as early a day as possible; a “Gilt Frame Mythological Picture.” The letter was favorably received, and according to a motion of Mr. W. H. Gaillard, which was seconded, and carried—a committee of nine were appointed to correspond with Mr. Horry, composed of the following gentlemen—W. H. Gaillard, Chairman, S. W. Beaird, H. Cardozo Jr., W. O. Weston, E. G. Beaird, S. J. Maxwell, C. D. Ludeke, R. L. Deas, and R. Sanders, Committee. Mr. E. G. Beaird then moved that the answer to Mr. Horry be prepared by the next meeting, which was seconded, and carried. 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

An extra meeting of this society was held on the evening of the above date, which being called to order, the first roll was called, and upon the reading of the proceedings of the last regular and adjourned meetings, Mr. W. O. Weston expressed his disapproval of that portion of them that contained an account of the resolutions then adopted, and sent to him, which— (although found to be a true statement) were, upon motion altered to his wishes.* Mr. Weston then informed the Society that upon further deliberation he concluded to yeild to their anxious wishes to serve them on the regular annual day, which information was gladly received. Mr. W. S. Lord, the member elect being now present, the Constitution was read to his hearing, upon his approval of which, he came forward, signed his name, paid the “Initial fee,” and thereby became a regular and respected member of the Clionian. Debating. Society. Mr. W. H. Gaillard, Chairman of the Committee appointed to correspond with Mr. Horry, now brought forward his answer to that Gentleman’s letter, which, upon reading was favorably received. Mr. S. W. Beaird then arose, and proposed Mr. Horry as a candidate for Honorary Membership, he was accordingly balloted for, and declared unanimously elected. The information of his election were—upon motion—to be given him in the answer about to be sent him. A motion was made by Mr. W. O. Weston that the “Utopian Society” be invited to attend the celebration of our fifth anniversary, which was seconded, and unanimously carried. Mr. S. W. Beaird now moved that as the first of January would fall on Saturday—a very inconvenient day—that Page 97 →the celebration be postponed to Monday the third of the month, the motion was seconded, and unanimously carried. All business of importance being now finished, the Reporter made his report the last roll was called, and the Society upon motion adjourned.

H. Cardozo Jr., Secretary

*The proceedings were then put to the house, and approved of.

1. 1. Pompey the Great (106–48 BCE), Roman general and statesman, was an ally and then a rival of Julius Caesar.
2. 2. Benjamin T. Huger (ca. 1796–1852), a free Black tailor and enslaver, died of typhus in Charleston on May 5, 1852, and was interred in the cemetery of the Brown Fellowship Society; he was also a member of the Friendly Union Society. See “South Carolina, U.S., Death Records, 1821–1971,” Ancestry.com (online database), 2008, https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/8741/; Larry Koger, Black Slave-owners: Free Black Slave Masters in South Carolina, 1790–1860 (Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 1985), 99, 147, 149; and Constitution and By-Laws of the Friendly Union Society of Charleston, S.C., Organized May 4th 1813 (Charleston, SC: Karrs and Welch, 1889), 22.

   John Mishaw (ca. 1797–1852), a free Black shoemaker and enslaver, had been one of the eight founders of the Friendly Union Society in 1813, along with William W. Seymour, later an honorary Clionian. Daniel A. Payne long remembered Mishaw’s kindness to him prior to his departure from Charleston in 1835. See Constitution and By-Laws of the Friendly Union Society, 22; Koger, Black Slaveowners, 149; Daniel Alexander Payne, Recollections of Seventy Years (Nashville, TN: A.M.E. Sunday School Union, 1888), 39–40.

3. 3. The Irish-born British soldier and statesman Arthur Wellesley, first Duke of Wellington (1769–1852), commanded the allied army that, along with Prussian forces, defeated Napoleon’s French army at Waterloo in 1815.
4. 4. The rationale for the rejection of Stent and Lindsay is unknown. Both men were active members in the Friendly Association at least from 1853; Lindsay resigned in July 1856, as he planned to leave the state, and Stent resigned in September 1860. On December 15, 1856, Stent was fined by the Friendlies for “Smoking a Segar while the Society was in cession,” contrary to the association’s rules and in defiance of the president’s calling him to order three times. See Friendly Association Records, 1853–1869, South Carolina Historical Society, Charleston, SC.
5. 5. US territory had expanded significantly across the North American continent during the 1840s, owing to the annexation of Texas (1845), the acquisition of the Oregon Country (1846), and the Mexican Cession (1848). In 1853 the United States would acquire another portion of northern Mexican territory, now southern Arizona and New Mexico, via the Gadsden Purchase.
6. 6. Charlemagne (ca. 747–814) was king of the Franks, king of the Lombards, and emperor of the Romans, ruling what was later called the Holy Roman Empire.
7. 7. William O. Weston was mourning the death of his mother, Hannah Clark Weston. She died in childbirth on November 24, 1852, at age forty-two, and was interred in the cemetery of the Brown Fellowship Society; “South Carolina, U.S., Death Page 98 →Records, 1821–1971,” Ancestry.com (online database), 2008, https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/8741/.
8. 8. Horry’s letter traveled by up-to-date methods, with costs paid by the sender rather than the recipient. The US Congress’s postal reform acts of 1845 and 1851 had made letter-writing more affordable; see David M. Henkin, The Postal Age: The Emergence of Modern Communications in Nineteenth-Century America (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2006), 22.