The regular “Anniversary day” being ^deferred^ until this date by circumstances; It was accordingly celebrated at this time at the “Hall” over the Society’s meeting room:¹ where a beautiful and enlightened audience attended. After prayer by Honorary Member S. Weston; the first annual report was read by the Chairman of “Committee on general interests[”]; which being concluded The President introduced Honorary Member J. G. Bass, to the assemblage, as the “Orator.” He then arose and addressed not only the Society in the most beautiful, and yet the plainest of language; but the audience itself felt the force of his remarks and, in the truths represented and contained therein. In concluding his beautiful, forcible, plain, advising and encouraging address; he stepped from off the stage, with the “Book” of all books in his hand, as a present to the Society, and the first that should enter thier contemplated “Library.”² Before presenting it, he addressed the President in the most glowing terms of the importance and value of such a prize; after which he placed it into the President’s hands. The President then responded in ^a^ most satisfactory manner, in which he expressed the gratefulness of the Society to him for such a valuable present and assured him, “that upon it the Society’s principles should be based.” After the conclusion of all the above; the Committee received a liberal collection from the audience ^for a Library^, and many promises; which showed that all was well pleased with our actions on our first celebration, and gives us great encouragement to continue on. Peaceableness having crowned the whole proceeding; the benediction was pronounced. And the delighted ^audience^ moved homeward with spl pleasing smiles upon thier cheeks.

Simeon W. Beaird, Secretary

An “Extra” meeting was now called. The Presdt having demanded order. The business of the meeting was begun. Mr. W. Weston moved that the Society do request a copy of Honorary member J. G. Bass’ sp address before the Clionian Debating Society on the 1st of January 1849; and in addition a copy also of his address before the Christian Benevolent Society in May 1848, which being seconded by Mr. G. F. Barrow, was put and unanimously carried.³ The Secretary was then ordered to make the request by letter. S. W. Beaird then moved that the Society ask a copy of the President’s response to Mr. Bass on his presenting the Bible to the Society—which also being put was unanimously carried; and the request was immediately made to the President, which was accordingly met. Mr. Weston having seconded the motion No farther The Secretary acknowledged the reception of a letter from the Enterpean Debating Society, accepting the invitation extended to them to attend the Anniversary celebration. No farther business calling the attention of the body, it was by motion adjourned. January 2nd 1849. Simeon W Beaird, Secretary

A regular monthly meeting of the Clionian Society was held at this date. The Presdt having called it to order; the first roll was called and the proceedings of the last monthly and extra ^meetings^ were in conjunction, read, and approved. After which the regular debatants commenced to kindle the flame of discussion, which being nursed until the very hour of adjournment ^by every member^ was by request deferred until the next meeting for continuation. The following resolution was then offered by S. W. Beaird, which being seconded, was unanimously carried. Resolved: That after the passage of this resolution; Every member shall contribute monthly, the sum of 6/4 cts. for the ever continuing purchasing of books for the benefit of the body. The chairman of the “Committee on general interests” submitted his Annual report; having given ^reasons^ for not doing it at the regular time. No farther business appearing the Reporter made his report; the last roll was called and the house adjourned by motion.

February 7th 1849. Simeon W. Beaird, Secretary

An “Extra meeting” was now called. Which after having been called to order, was notified by the President that he had received a letter directed to the President, Officers and Members of the Clionian Debating Society. Which after opening; he turned over to his Secretary to read. Having first discovered that it Page 26 →contained the excellent sum of 2 Dollars sent as a gift from the Utopian Debating Society to aid in purchasing a Library. After the reading of the contents by the Secretary (which were found to be truly beautiful) S. W. Beaird immediately rose and moved, that a “Committee of response” be appointed to answer the letter instantly in due expressions of gratefulness and thankfulness; which after being seconded was unanimously carried. Where-by the following gentlemen were appointed to perform the honourable duty. Viz. Simeon W. Beaird Chairman. Messers. Gabriel F. Barrow, Wm. H. Gaillard, & Wm. O Weston Committee. The following resolution was now submitted by S. W. Beaird, which after being seconded was unanimously carried. Resolved That in order to preserve all the writings of this Society. A true copy of every thing written article sent either to or from this Society be kept in the Library. No farther bus The Chairman of the “Committee on general interests[”] notified the body that the collections were going on finely and that as soon as they have finished receiving payment of promises. He would submit a true and exact report of the Same. No farther business demanding attention The meeting was by motion adjourned. Feb 15th 1849. Simeon W. Beaird, Sect.

Another intervening meeting of the “CDS” was held at this date. The President calling it to order, stated the objects for which the body assembled. After which he received two letters addressed to the President & Members, from ^through^ Mr. W. Weston, which after being read, were found to contain the applications of two gentlemen for membership; Viz. Messrs. Henry Cardozo Jr. & Augustus L. Horry. These gentlemen being fairly represented by thier recommenders; were ballotted for, & unanimously elected. Mr. S. Beaird then gave notice, that at the next meeting he would submit a set of “Rules” for the “Library Department.” After which the Secretary gave the formal Weekly notice of the general election of officers and orators at the next meeting. Several motions were made, which after some misunderstandings and explanations, the business of the meeting closed, and upon motion the Society adjourned.

Feb 28th 1849. Signed, Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

Still another “intervening” meeting of this Society was held at this time. The President called it to order and stated the objects of it. After which he opened a letter directed to the Society and handed it over to his Secretary for reading, which was discovered to contain in its contents the re-application of Mr. I. A. Hyames, for membership into the Society; he being declared fit to meet every demand of the Constitution by his recommenders, was ballotted for and unanimously re-elected. Messrs. Beaird & Weston, now in succession rose and endeavoured to show and explain the terms upon which Mr. Hyames resigned, concluding by showing that he would not be required again to pay the entrance fee but only the regular arrears that would have been due by him had he continued. All of which was received by the members. Mr. Weston now moved that the President be requested to defer the debates of the next meeting to the next anticipated weekly meeting, which request was duly granted by the President, with the consent of every member; as at the next meeting there would ^be^ so much business on hand as not to allow sufficient time to attend to the debates in a proper manner. Mr. Beaird now gave notice of his intention to introduce at the next meeting an augmentation to the Constitution, for the regular appointment of a “Committee” to examine the books and money department of the Sect & Treas at every election and report thereof to the Society. No farther business appearing, the meeting adjourned by motion.Page 27 →

Page 28 →March 5th 1849. Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

A regular meeting was now held; the Presdt called it to order; the first roll being called; the minutes of the last regular and all intervening meetings were read and approved. The members elect being present and introduced, now gave audience to the Constitution, after which they in succession subscribed themselves; paid all monies required, and received congratulations both from President and members; the monthly “Library” list was called over and almost altogether paid up. Mr. S. Beaird now submitted the “Rules” for the “Library Department” of which he had notified the Society, which were all unanimously carried (“See Library Department”). He also moved that the blank in Art. 9th of those Rules, be not yet filled, but that we for a little time yet still comply with the 6th Resolution which was carried. Mr. W. O. Weston offered a resolution which was unanimously carried (See Resolutions No. 8). Mr. W. H. Gaillard offered another which was carried in the like manner. (See Resolutions No. 9). Mr. Beaird now submitted the Amendment No. 8 of which he had notified the Society was intended to be added to the Constitution, which also was unanimously carried (See Amendments). The term of the present seated officers having now expired and the ^Sect^ having already before given the formal notice; the President after having occupied his seat for 2 terms, now willingly resigned it, which was received by the body, with reluctance, yet hoping that she⁴ still had members who would endeavour to fill it, with as much impartiality and sound judgment as her now retiring President had done. The body after having gone into an election Page 29 →for officers; the chairman of the Poll managers declared the following ticket unanimously elected (See officers’ book). Mr. W. Weston was also declared unanimously elected as the next Quarterly Orator, and Honorary member Benjamin Huger as next “Annual Orator.” Nearly every officer b elect being present, they were respectively installed; and such was the excitement of feelings at the time, that not an officer elect fell short of receiving a complimentary speech from his President, ^&^ which he did not fail to answer in return. Mr. Weston offered a “petition” in conformity with Resolution 1st for the changing of the meetings from “monthly” to “weekly” which was unanimously adopted and the members notified of the above change. No farther business demanding the attention of this brotherly conducted meeting; the Reporter made his report; the last roll was called and the Society adjourned by motion.

March 7th 1849. Simeon W. Beaird, Secretary

According to the adopted petition from many members, at last meeting; the first regular of the “Weekly” meetings took place. The President called it to order; the first roll was called; the minutes of last meeting were read and approved. The debates on the deferred question were begun and continued until the very hour of adjournment, when upon the President’s decision, the United States and her supporters came off as winners. The Committee having now handed in thier questions; the following one was carried. Viz. “Was England right in banishing Napoleon Bonaparte to the Island of St. Helena?”⁵ On the affirmative; S. W. Beaird was read as supporter, and E. G. Beaird on the negative. The Secretary now read the copy of the letter sent by him to Honorary Member B. Huger, which was received as the property of the Society. No more business appearing; the Reporter made a favourable report; the last roll was called and the Society, by motion adjourned.

March 14th 1849. Simeon W. Beaird, Sect.

A regular “Weekly” meeting was held at this date. The President having called it to order; the Secretary called the first roll; and read the minutes of the last meeting which were approved. The regular debating now commenced in its usual animating style, which being kept up for a length of time, was upon the President’s rising, decided favourable to the affirmative supporters. The questions being handed in, and acted upon; the following one was chosen, “Are there any benefits derived from riches?” Mr. H. Cardozo was read out, on the affirmative, and Mr. W. Gaillard on the negative. No other business appearing to demand Page 30 →attention; the last roll was called and absentees called on for excuses, which being done; the Reporter presented his report; and this harmonious meeting adjourned by motion.

March 21st 1849. S. W. Beaird, Sec.

At this date and at the usual hour, the regular Weekly meeting of this Society was called to order by its President. The first roll being called; the minutes of the last were read and approved. The “Debatants” were now read out, who accordingly rose in succession; after which the floor being opened, the heat of discussion began to be more sensibly felt, which lasted until the very hour of adjournment. When the President rose, and, by deciding with great impartiality on the “Affirmative” lessened it in a very great degree. The Committee being called on, handed in thier questions. The one chosen reading thus “Is the Republic of France likely to remain permanent?”⁶ Mr. G. Barrow was read on the affirmative and Mr. I. Hyames on the negative. No more business presenting itself; the Reporter being called on made his report; the last roll was called and this encouraging meeting was by motion adjourned in harmony.

March 28th 1849. Simeon W. Beaird, Secretary

A regular Weekly meeting of the CDS being held at this time, it was called to order by the President. The first roll was called; the minutes of the last meeting read and approved. The affirmative debatant being read out, rose and supported himself for a good length of time; after which the negative gentleman being called upon, was announced to be absent; whereupon the floor was opened, and successive gentlemen rose “pro” and “contra” until the subject was almost exhausted when the adjourning hour came and stopped thier movements. The President rising, decided on the negative part of the question. The question chosen of those handed in, reads thus.—“Has the Pope’s banishment been or is likely to be of any advantage to Rome?”⁷ Mr. A. L. Horry was read on the affirmative & Mr. S. W. Beaird on the negative. No more business demanding the attention of the body. The Reporter made his report. The last roll was called and this harmonious meeting adjourned by motion.

April 4th 1849. Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

A regular meeting of this Society was held and called to order by the President. The first roll was called; and the minutes of the last, read, and approved. The Page 31 →debatants now in succession rose with considerable warmth on both sides, and being supported in a most able manner by every one present until past the adjourning hour, they ^they^ thus placed the President in a doubtful position, until at last he acknowledged and gave way to the superiority of the “Negatives.” The questions being handed in by the Committee, the following was chosen “Was Brutus right or wrong in condemning his sons to execution, when tried before him for conspiring against the government?”⁸ Mr. E. G. Beaird was read on the first portion and Mr. G. F. Barrow on the latter. No farther business appearing; the Reporter made his report; the last roll was called and the Society was adjourned by motion.

April 11th 1849. Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

A regular meeting of the Clionian D. Society was held on the above date; which owing to sickness; affliction; inclemency of weather and other preventing circumstances was, though attempting to meet at many ^various^ times, kept, from so doing. All hindrances being now removed, the President called a meeting at this time to bring the members together before the next regular meeting, which was attended exceedingly well. Being called to order by the President; the first roll was called; the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The debating on the last chosen question having commenced was continued for some time with much animation, after the conclusion of which it was decided on the first portion of the question. As there was much business to be attended to on the next meeting, the President by request of members, appointed it as “Business meeting.” The Secretary gave notice of the elections of two orators to take place at the next meeting, he also gave notice of the contributions that would be required at ^called for^ at the meeting which have become due. Mr. S. Beaird, seconded by Mr. E. Beaird, moved that a “Committee of Four” be appointed to address a communication to Honorary member Daniel A. Payne, at Baltimore, which after the Committee was augmented from “Four” to “Eight” was unanimously carried, and the following gentlemen appointed. Viz. S. W. Beaird Chairman, Messrs. H. Cardozo, A. L. Horry, E. G. Beaird, G. F. Barrow, J. M. Dereef, W. H. Gaillard and I. A. Hyames Committee. Several other motions were made, but which after being objected to by others and shown to be out of place were withdrawn. No more of business appearing, the Reporter made his report. The last roll was called, and the Society by motion was adjourned.

Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

A regular ^meeting^ being held was called to order by its President; the first ^roll^ being called and the minutes of the last meeting read and approved, the Society, according to motions carried at last meeting, went immediately to the transaction of business. The Monthly “Book” contribution list was called over and partly paid; the Semi-annual contribution list was also called over and partly paid. The Secretary, by orders from the President, now read the contents of a letter received from Mr. Benjamin Huger, Honorary Member; “Annual Orator elect” which after reading was found to contain information of his declining to serve, giving very sufficient reasons for so doing; the letter was then put to the house, which was unanimously carried.⁹ The Presdt now ordered the ‘Polls’ to be opened by the managers; for the election of both an Annual and a Quarterly orater [sic]. After a space of time the ‘Managers’ through thier chairman, declared the following gentlemen elected by votes. Viz. Mr. Enoch G. Beaird “Annual orator” for January 1st 1850; and Mr. S. W. Beaird, “Quarterly Orater” for August 1849. The gentlemen being present were notified of the above results. The coming meeting being the one for the hearing of the Quarterly Orator; the Society was notified by its President that there would be no debating. No more of business being brought forward; the Reporter made his report; the last roll was called and the Society having observed the greatest order through the whole of its business was by motion adjourned.

Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

In conformity with notice given at last meeting, this Society convened in all its strength, to being [word obliterated] ^favoured^ with the presence of many of its Honorary Members, to listen to the strains of oratory, which were to be poured forth by one of the ‘Members.’ Being called to order by the President; the first roll was called; the minutes of the last meeting were read ^&^ approved. As there was no question chosen at last meeting in consequence of the special business of this meeting, the ‘Committee’ was called upon for questions; the first question moved for, was lost; the second one was also lost; when upon putting the ‘third,’ it was carried by votes. Which reads thus “Which will a man hear first the prayer of his wife or mother?” The President now introduced Mr. W. H. Gaillard, as the ‘Orator,’ who addressed the ‘Body’ for some length of time upon the subject “Neglected Genius” in the most beautiful and figurative language that ever was heard from a member before, just at the conclusion of which every member sighed; thus regretting that it ended so soon. Mr. S. Beaird seconded by Mr. G. Barrow, after a few remarks moved that the Society request Page 33 →a copy of the address, which being put was unanimously carried. Whereupon the Speaker immediately presented the original. Upon the chosen question Mr. H. Cardozo stood as regular debatant on the first portion of the question, and Mr. W. H. Gaillard on the last. No more of business appearing, the Reporter made his report, the last roll was called and this more than agreeable meeting adjourned by motion.

Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

A regular meeting of this Society was called to order by its President. The first Roll being called; the minutes of the last were read and approved. The debatants now rose in succession, who together with thier supporters kept up a lively house for some time; after which upon the rising of the President, the decision was altogether in favour of the ‘Wife.’ The Committee now handed in thier questions, when upon putting them to the house; the First, the Second and the third one were lost; whereupon a substitute for them was introduced which was unanimously carried. It thus reads “Were the Athenians, right in condemning Socrates to death”¹⁰—on the affirmative S. W. Beaird was read out and E. G. Beaird on the negative. No more business appearing; the Reporter upon call, made his report; the last roll was called, and this Society by motion was adjourned.

Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

This meeting was called to order by the Vice President; the Presdt being absent through sickness. The first roll was called and the minutes of the last were read and approved. Mr. E. G. Beaird was called upon to fill the vacancy of the Vice’s seat. The debating now commenced, which being kept up to the adjourning hour, received the decision in favour of the negative portion of the question. The following question was chosen for the next evening’s debate “Which tends most to the diminution of crime ^murders^ ‘capital’ punishment or ‘life-time’ imprisonment.[”]¹¹ Mr. H. Cardozo stood next as affirmative and Mr. W. H. Gaillard as negative. No more business appearing the Reporter made his report & the Society by motion adjourned.

S. W. Beaird, Sec.

This regular meeting was called to order by the President; the first roll being called and the minutes being read were approved. The regular debatants having Page 34 →arisen and continued to demand attention for some time; after which the adjourning hour having arrived, it was moved that the President defer the question for further discussion at next meeting, which being put was unanimously carried. The next evening for meeting being the 4th of July, it was moved by S. Beaird that the members choose by votes, either an evening after or before that time; whereupon Mr. H. Cardozo, seconded by Mr. E. Beaird, moved that the Society meet on Monday evening 2nd of July at the usual hour, which was carried. No more of business appearing, the Reporter made his report, and the last Roll was called and the Society adjourned by motion.

Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

In consequence of there being no meeting on Monday 2nd inst. as was expected; The Presdt ordered a meeting on this evening, which being well attended was called to order by him. The first roll was called and the minutes of last meeting were read and approved. The deferred question was now given to the floor for any member. Upon which nearly every one present arose, and assisted in rekindling the flame, whose heat was felt until at the adjourning hour brought upon it the cooling influence of the President’s decision in favour of “Capital punishment.” The following question was chosen from among those handed in, thus reading “Which tends most to the ruin of the human race, Dishonesty or Intemperance.” Mr. Hyames stood on the first portion as regular and Mr. Horry on the latter. The Secretary gave the formal notice to the Society of the election of officers at the next meeting. No more business appearing, the Reporter made his report; the last roll was called and the Society by motion was adjourned.

Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

This meeting was called to order by the President. The first roll was called, and the minutes of the last were read and approved. The regular debates were commenced and continued to the very hour of decision; when before such action; (several members that had not spoken and ^others^ that were not exactly exhausted of discussive matter,) rose successively with different motions for the decision, others for continuing and many for deferring. All of which being put were successively lost; at last Mr. Cardozo moved ‘That the Society cast its votes for officers this evening, and meet to morrow evening to conclude the debates; count the votes and declare the result of the election.’ Which being seconded and put, was carried by the majority. After the managers had opened the polls ^&^ received the votes, they immediately closed; and no more business Page 35 →appearing; the Reporter made his report, the last roll was called and this well conducted meeting adjourned over to tom Thursday evening 12th inst. for the finishing of business.

Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

This protracted meeting was called to order by its President. The first roll being called the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The floor was now given to any debatant, which after many had risen and contended for some time with great warmth; it was decided on the first portion of the ‘Question.’ The managers now opened the vote box and proceeded to the counting of the votes polled at the antecedent meeting. Which resulted in the following gentlemen being elected (see Officers’ book, July 1849). Notice was given that the officers elect, would be installed at the next regular meeting; at which time there would be no debates. No farther appearance of business being to demand attention, the Reporter made his report; the last roll was called; and the Society adjourned by motion.

Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

This meeting was called to order by the President. The first roll was called and the minutes of the last meeting read and approved. The house now gave mute silence, to give due attention to the ceremonies of the presentation of a beautiful maple painted turned feet Table and Four very suitable and comfortable arm chairs. Which was presented to the Clionian Debating Society, by Augustus L. Horry, in behalf of the greater portion of interested members. His manner of speech being altogether adapted to the occasion and ^being^ well arranged and suitable for the hearing of such a body. The installation of officers now began to take place. The President in a few brief remarks resigned his cares and responsibilities into the hands of the President elect, to which he in return made a few pertinent remarks. The President elect now began his duties by installing the remaining officers elect, all of which being present, received thier various ^offices^ in very flattering terms from thier superior in office, each of which prefaced the taking of thier office oaths with very becoming remarks. The question now arose, whether the next meeting should be for the hearing of the Quarterly oration or for general debates? as circumstances did not seem very favourable to the ‘Oration’; it was moved by Mr. H. Cardozo which after a little amendment was seconded by S. Beaird that it be a debating meeting; which being put was unanimously carried. The question chosen from those handed in by the Page 36 →committee, reads thus “Which the more useful Telegraphic or Steam power?[”] Mr. S. J. Maxwell was read out on the first portion of the question and Mr. W. Marshall on the last. After the conclusion of all business the President elect addressed his large assemblage of members in ^a^ most beautiful and eloquent style, adorning language with her most suitable ornaments; which were all received with great applause by every one present. No more of business appearing to demand the attention of this orderly fraternity, after the Reporter made his report and the last roll was called, this well conducted meeting adjourned under ^the^ weighty influence of good feeling and order.

Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

This meeting having been called to order by the President. The first roll was called, and the minutes of the last meeting read and approved. The anticipated lengthly [sic] and heated debate now commenced, and continued even over the adjourning hour, until noticed by the President, and stopped. He having now arisen seemed for a while doubtful, and appeared if somewhat embar[r]assed for want of decision; at length as if confused he pronounced in favour of the first portion. This being concluded the following question was chosen from among those handed in, “Was the treatment of the English to the Irish tyrannical?” Mr. W. Weston was read out on the affirmative and S. Beaird on the negative. S. Beaird now read two proposed augmentations to the Library Department of Rules, both of which were prefaced, and notice given of their intended offering at the next meeting. No more business appearing; the Reporter made his report; the last roll was called and the meeting adjourned by motion.

Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

This meeting being called to order by the President; the first roll was called; and the minutes of the last meeting read and approved. The regular debates were now began by its appointed supporters which lasted for some length of time. the floor being opened for all, the debates commenced to show itself in a s[t]ill more and more animated form which was continued even over the hour of adjournment; it being the time, the President arose to pronounce his decision, which was on the ‘Affirmative.’ The body having decided that the next meeting should be devoted to the ‘Quarterly Oration’; the ‘Committee’ therefore handed in no questions. The ‘Committee on general interests,’ forming forming a ‘Committee on contracts and building’ now submitted thier report through Page 37 →thier ‘Chairman,’ of all monies received, all contracts made and of all the work completed; which was unanimously adopted. The Secretary was now ordered to extend invitations for the next meeting’s oration. There not being a sufficient number present to act upon the augmentations notified of at last meeting, they were thereby postponed. No more of business appearing to demand attention. The Reporter upon call, made his report. The last roll was called and this orderly meeting adjourned by motion, in harmony.

Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

This overflowing and enthusiastic meeting, was called to order at the usual hour. The first roll being called was answered by every member that was in the city. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. There being a great number of the Honoraries present; the Secretary according to Constitution was ordered to read the same to the hearing of all present. Which being concluded, the President introduced Mr. Wm. O. Weston as the ‘Orator’; whereupon he proceeded to the performance of his task. In which he paid many compliments, attributed many honors, and confirmed many wise opinions on that sublime subject, ‘Education,’ his oration being the grandest proof of the advantages derived from the attainment of the same. Having received all attention for almost 20 minutes he sat down amid great applause. S. W. Beaird now rose to move the Society, request a copy of the beautiful speech just delivered, that they may always preserve its valuable and sound contents among the relics of the body, which being seconded by E. G. Beaird, and put, was unanimously carried, whereupon the Presdt in a ^few^ neat and appropriate remarks made the request, which after being responded to by the ‘Orator,’ he complied and immediately presented the original. The whole body being now present, the 2 notified augmentations to the Library Department were submitted by S. W. Beaird, which being put was unanimously carried. The whole of which meeting can be said to be among one of those most encouraging and exacting ones ever celebrated by the CDS. The presence of so many old and experienced heads pointed to the past; while the members young and gay told of the present and the future. Not all the ornaments of wreaths and flowers and mottoes could ever have made so lasting and an impression. Every thing being now ^so far^ completed, the Honoraries took their respective leave of absence. The Society now proceeded to the choice of Questions. Which resulted in the following, “Which the better a Mechanical or Professional pursuit.” Mr. E. G. Beaird being read on the first portion and Mr. G. F. Barrow on the last. All of business Page 38 →being now brought forward and finished. The last Reporter made his report and the last Society roll was called over and this Society adjourned in the most joyful and agreeable manner.

Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

A regular meeting being held at this date, was called to order by its President. The first roll was called and the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The anticipated heated debate now commenced; being supported by all the strength of powerful arguments and carried on with most animating spirits. The hour at length arrived for a decision, which only, put a stop to this beautiful discussion. The President having weighed well the arguments decided most satisfactorily on the latter portion of the ‘Question.’ The following question was now chosen from those handed in. “Were the French right in interfering with the late affairs at Rome.”¹² Mr. H. Cardozo stood as next regular on the affirmative and Mr. I. Hyames on the negative. No more business appearing to demand attention; the Reporter made his report and the last roll was called, and the meeting adjourned.

Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

(Omission) At this meeting there were many Honorary Members present.

This date bringing with ^it^ another part of the assemblage of Honorary Members, witnessed another of the Clionian’s joyful meetings. Being called to order by the President. The first roll was called, and the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The regular debates were now opened by successive supporters, and continued to the very exhaustion of the subject; when the President arose to give his conscientious decision. Which was, on the negative portion of the question. The Committee of Queries, having now handed in thier questions the following was chosen from among them “Which the greater protection against a foreign foe; a nation’s Military or Naval force?[”] Whereupon Mr. A. L. Horry was read out as regular supporter of the first portion and Mr. S. J. Maxwell of the latter. “The Committee on general interests” reported favourably to the covering of the Library, and chairs, on certain conditions, which was unanimously carried to sanction the proceedure [sic] to the work. No more business appearing, The Reporter made his report and the society adjourned by motion.

Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

A regular meeting being held at this time, was called to order by the President. The first roll was called and the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The regular debates were now commenced, which continued to the adjourning hour; when it was requested of the President to defer; which was in conformity done. The President opened a letter directed to the President & Members, when upon giving it to his Secretary to read and it being read was found to contain an invitation from the Utopian Society, to attend thier first celeb Anniversary celebration which was unanimously received, and upon motion a Committee of Four was appointed to return an answer to the same, and again upon a ^another^ motion it was ordered them to invite that Society to form in our Hall. The Committee consisted of Mr. Henry Cardozo Chairman Messrs. E. G. Beaird, A. L. Horry, and S. W. Beaird Committee. Messrs. S. W. Beaird and E. G. Beaird were appointed Corresponding Marshals to receive all orders for the Clionian Society from the Utopian Marshals. No more of business appearing. The reporter made his report and the meeting by motion was adjourned.

Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

The meeting being called to order by its President, The first roll was called and the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The continuation of the defer[r]ed debates was begun and being concluded; was decided in favour of “Naval protection.” The following question was chosen from those handed in by the Committee. “Which the greater incentive to exertion punishment or rewards?[”] Upon which Mr. W. E. Marshall was read out for the first portion and Mr. W. O. Weston for the latter. Mr. William B. Clark was offered by S. W. Beaird as an Honorary Member of the Society, who upon being ballotted for was elected by a unanimous voice. A letter of ‘Thanks’ to Mrs. Emma K. Farbeaux,¹³ for her many gifts to the Society and also for the especial notice taken of the Society by her, was moved by Mr. S. W. Beaird and being ^seconded^ by Mr. E. G. Beaird was put and with great applause unanimously carried for a committee of Four to be appointed to perform the duty. Whereupon Mr. S. W. Beaird was appointed Chairman and Messrs. H. Cardozo, E. G. Beaird and W. O. Weston Committee. The Society having Unanimously voted to abandon the present Latin Motto,¹⁴ it was moved and unanimously carried that a Committee be appointed to report to the Body another of fewer words and greater meaning. Whereupon Messrs. S. W. Beaird, H. Cardozo, W. Weston Page 40 →and E. G. Beaird were appointed. No farther business appearing; the Reporter made his report; the last roll was called and the house adjourned by motion. Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

A regular meeting being held at the usual time; it was called to order by the Presdt. The first Roll was called and the minutes of the last meeting read and approved. The regular debatants rose in succession in support of the respective sides, which was being concluded (after much warmth) at the adjourning hour; it was decided in favour of ‘Rewards.’ The following question was chosen “Which the more interesting Ancient or Modern history.” Upon which S. W. Beaird was read out on the first portion and E. G. Beaird on the last. The ‘Committee of Thanks to Mrs. E. K. Farbeaux,[’] reported the completion of the task devolved on them and submitted a true copy of the communication sent, which was unanimously received. A letter was also opened, which contained the response of that lady, which upon reading was found to be truly regardful and affectionate. Another letter was received from Mr. Robert L. Deas; containing an application for membership; upon which the constitutional number 2/3 being present; ^&^ he having received ^a^ report favourable from the Committee on general interests; he was ballotted for and unanimously elected. No more of business appearing to demand attention; the Reporter made his report; the last Roll was called and the meeting adjourned by motion.

Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

This regular meeting being held; it was called to order by the ^Vice^ President at the usual hour. The President being absent, and the Vice occupying his chair, caused a vacancy of the Vice’s seat which was filled by Mr. Hyames. The first roll being called and the minutes being read and approved. The regular debating hour arrived; which debates after some continuation, were, by request of members present, deferred. Mr. I. Hyames submitted a letter of application for membership from Mr. Benjamin E. K. Hampton, which being properly addressed, and he being fairly represented by the recommenders; was ballotted for and unanimously elected. W. O. Weston gave notice of intention to submit an alteration to clause 4th of Bye-Laws at next meeting. S. W. Beaird moved that the Society on immediate vote, do change its meetings from Weekly to Monthly in compliance with Resolution 1st and that Monday evenings be substituted for Wednesdays as long as the Resolution be in force; which being seconded by E. G. Beaird was unanimously carried. W. O. Weston also notified the Page 41 →Society of his intention to submit an alteration to clause 14th of Constitution as far as relates to the election of Annual Orator. No more business appearing to demand attention; the Reporter made his report; the Last Roll was called and the meeting was adjourned by motion.

Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

Extra Meeting

Having been called to order by the President. The first Roll was called and the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Messrs. R. L. Deas and B. E. K. Hampton, members elect, being present, were introduced and the Secretary by orders, read the Constitution to thier hearing, after the conclusion of which, they successively signed. The alteration to clause 4th of Bye-Laws was submitted which in substance was the election of Members by ballott instead of ‘Viva Voce,’¹⁵ which being put was unanimously carried by an over Constitutional requirement of number. The alteration of Clause 14th of Constitution was also submitted ^and carried in the same manner^; in substance the election of the Annual Orator 12 months previous to his hearing, and immediately after the conclusion of the Antecedent Orat[i]on and the change of the name of the Month from April to January. The Committee appointed to select a new motto for the Society, made thier report of the one selected which was unanimously and with great applause received by the Body. (See Constitution.) A letter was read, received from Mr. F. A. Mood which contained information of a present of two volumes of Macaulay’s history of England¹⁶ and also a portion dedicated with very suitable and well received advices; which was again unanimously received by the Society, and upon motion of S. W. Beaird and seconded by E. G. Beaird a response of ‘Thanks’ was immediately noted to be sent by an appointed ‘Committee.’ Mr. Hampton moved a committee of Three and S. W. Beaird one of Four including a Chairman, which last being seconded by W. O. Weston was unanimously carried. Whereupon S. W. Beaird was appointed Chairman and Messrs. Benjamin Hampton, Robert L. Deas and Henry Cardozo, Committee. No more of business appearing to demand the attention of this punctual body, The Reporter upon call made his report. The ‘Last Roll’ was called and by motion the Society adjourned.

Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

This regular ^monthly^ meeting of the above Society was at the usual hour, called to order by the Vice President. The first Roll was called and the proceedings Page 42 →of the last monthly Extra meeting were read and approved. The debates were begun by the appointed debatants and supported at large for a length of time; when concluded, it was decided in favour of the first portion of the question. The following question was chosen from among those handed in by the Committee “Is war the proper means for the gratification of national revenge?” Upon which Mr. G. F. Barrow was appointed upon the first aff affirmative and Mr. Henry Cardozo on the negative. The polls were now ordered to be opened and the Society went immediately into an election for officers. Which upon report of the Managers the following gentlemen were declared elected (See Officer’s book). Mr. Henry Cardozo was also elected Quarterly Orator for February 1850. Notice was given that at the next meeting there we would be no debating; as the installation of the officers elect would take place. The Semi-Annual contribution list and the Monthly Book contribution lists were called over and mostly altogether paid up. The “Committee of Thanks” through thier Chairman read the copy of the letter sent to Mr. F. A. Mood which was unanimously received by the Society. No more business appearing to demand attention, the last Roll was called; the Reporter made his report; and the Society adjourned in peace.

Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

This regular monthly meeting was held at the usual time and hour. Which being called to order by the President went immediately to business. The first Roll was called and the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The regular installation began by a complimentary address by the President to the Presidentelect, who upon returning thanks for the honors thus conferred was duly installed by oath of allegiance to ‘Constitution.’ After the conclusion of which nearly every officer elect being present was also installed, to which every one more or less showed forth his abilities to some extent. The Society was notified that Mr. Cardozo being elected President, stood then as a regular debatant for next meeting, whereupon Mr. J. M. F. Dereef being next in turn was read upon the Negative of the question.¹⁷ The Secretary read the report of ‘Committee’ appointed to examine his books and the state of the Treasury, which report being favourable and correct, was adopted unanimously. No more business appearing; the Reporter made his report; the last Roll was called and the Society by motion adjourned. Simeon W. Beaird, Sec.

This meeting being called for the purpose of hearing one of the regular Quarterly orations delivered was attended in full number by the members, and also by Page 43 →many of the Honorary Members. The Presdt having called it to order; the first Roll was called and the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The President now announced to the Assemblage the name of Simeon W. Beaird as the Orator; upon which he rose and in the course of his remarks endeavoured to support the bright principles of Industry, Perseverance and Patience. After the conclusion of which Mr. Wm. H. Gaillard rose and moved that the Society request a copy of the address, which being seconded by Mr. G. F. Barrow was unanimously carried. Whereupon the President in a few brief remarks requested the copy and which was immediately given. S. W. Beaird presented to the Society as a present from Mr. Jacob Farbeaux; Webster’s unabridged Dictionary;¹⁸ and at the same time moved that a Committee of Four be appointed to return the thanks of the Society; which being seconded by Mr. B. E. Hampton was unanimously carried. And the following gentlemen appointed Viz. Messrs. S. W. Beaird Chairman, Messrs. A. L. Horry, E. G. Beaird and I. A. Hyames Committee. S. W. Beaird again presented to the Society Six volumes as a present to the Society from Mr. Job G. Bass, Honorary Member. Viz. Scenes in Spain: Paulding Works: Sketches of the Seminole War: 2 Vols Carlyle French Revolution: & Grimshaw’s France.¹⁹ Which was unanimously received and upon his motion of a Committee of Four be appointed to return thanks and being seconded by Mr. B. E. Hampton was carried and the following gentlemen appointed Viz. Wm. H. Gaillard Chairman and Messrs. B. E. Hampton, R. L. Deas and W. O. Weston Committee. The Society’s interests and dignity as far as her relationships to Mr. Wm. E. Marshall was concerned was now brought up for discussion and being argued for some time with much ability by many members;²⁰ that a “committee of seven[”] be appointed to ask his candid intentions of acting, as he had been for some time a non-attending and non-arrear-paying member, upon motion being seconded was unanimously agreed upon and the following gentlemen appointed as a Committee of request Viz. Simeon W. Beaird Chairman Messrs. W. O. Weston; I. A. Hyames; E. G. Beaird; G. F. Barrow; B. E. Hampton and Robt. L. Deas were app Committee. Mr. S. W. Beaird now moved that the Utopian; Brown Fellowship; Cotarae; Friendly Union; and Select Convivial Societies be and the Cadet Riflemen Band²¹ be invited to attend the Second Anniversary celebration of this Society, which being seconded and put was unanimously carried. The question arose whether we shall ask for contributions on the celebration day, which being put, was decided by a majority of votes in the negative. No more business appearing to demand the attention of this punctual body. The Reporter made his report; the Last Roll was called and the Society by motion adjourned.

Simeon W. Beaird, Secretary

1. 1. The society met on the Holloway family property on Beaufain Street.
2. 2. Bass presented a Bible. For the Clionians’ library acquisitions, see appendix D.
3. 3. Job G. Bass (1816–1901) was a community and religious leader respected for his speaking skills. On September 13, 1841, the records of the Friendly Moralist Society had praised Bass for “that modest yet dignifyed strain of Orratory for which that Gentleman is Remarkable”; Friendly Moralist Society Records, 1841–1856, Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC.
4. 4. Members of many nineteenth-century men’s groups used feminine pronouns to refer to their societies. William O. Weston, when he was Clionian secretary, sometimes identified the debating society explicitly with Clio, the Greek Muse of history.
5. 5. After his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, Napoleon was detained on the South Atlantic island of St. Helena, where he remained in exile until his death in 1821.
6. 6. The French Second Republic (1848–1852), established after the Revolution of 1848, would dissolve after Napoleon’s nephew Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte overthrew the republic in an 1851 coup d’état, creating the Second Empire in 1852.
7. 7. Owing to an Italian nationalist rebellion, Pope Pius IX (1792–1878) fled Rome for the kingdom of Naples in November 1848.
8. 8. Lucius Junius Brutus (fl. sixth century BCE), a semilegendary Roman consul, is reported by the Roman historian Livy to have had his sons executed for their participation in a conspiracy to restore the Tarquin kings.
9. 9. After Huger declined to deliver the annual oration for 1850, the society elected a regular member for that duty. Thus, with the exception of honorary member Job G. Bass, who delivered the first annual oration in 1849, regular members delivered all of the society’s formal orations.
10. 10. The trial and execution of the Greek philosopher Socrates by the Athenian democracy in 399 BCE has remained controversial and widely debated since that time.
11. 11. Capital punishment was often debated in nineteenth-century debating societies. See Angela G. Ray, “Learning Leadership: Lincoln at the Lyceum, 1838,” Rhetoric and Public Affairs 13, no. 3 (Fall 2010): 383n48.
12. 12. This query refers to the recent Siege of Rome (April–July 1849). French forces sent by Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte ultimately defeated the short-lived Roman Republic, and Pope Pius IX returned from exile. In the defense of the republic, Giuseppe Garibaldi became an Italian nationalist hero.
13. 13. Emma K. Farbeaux (ca. 1806–1881), wife of Jacob Farbeaux (ca. 1801–1874), was enslaved at the time of her birth. In 1849 she paid state capitation tax as a “free Negro” and was providing domestic service in the Broad Street home of the wealthy white Charlestonian Eliza Neufville Kohne, where Jacob Farbeaux was a coachman; in 1850 Emma and Jacob would relocate with Kohne’s household to Philadelphia. See Angela G. Ray, “Archival Profusion, Archival Silence, and Analytic Invention: Reinventing Histories of Nineteenth-Century African American Debate,” Transactions of the American Philosophical Society 112, no. 3 (2023): 95–114.
14. 14. The society’s Latin mottoes are unknown.
15. 15. Viva voce: “orally.”
16. 16. Page 45 →Volumes 1 and 2 of Thomas Babington Macaulay’s five-volume History of England from the Accession of James the Second were published in 1849.
17. 17. Since the society president judged debates, the person occupying that office could not serve simultaneously as a debater.
18. 18. By 1849 several of Noah Webster’s dictionaries of American English were in circulation.
19. 19. Scenes in Spain was published in New York in 1837; multiple volumes of the works of the American writer James Kirke Paulding appeared in the 1830s; Sketch of the Seminole War was published in Charleston in 1836; Thomas Carlyle’s The French Revolution appeared in three volumes in 1837; and several printings of William Grimshaw’s History of France, first published in 1828, were available by 1849.
20. 20. The concern may have been that Marshall was participating in another debating society at the same time, a practice to which some Clionians objected. See the entry for October 6, 1851.
21. 21. The Utopian Debating Society is mentioned elsewhere in the Clionian minutes. On the Brown Fellowship and Friendly Union Societies, see Rules and Regulations of the Brown Fellowship Society, Established at Charleston, S.C., 1st November, 1790 (Charleston, SC: J. B. Nixon, Printer, 1844); Robert L. Harris Jr., “Charleston’s Free Afro-American Elite: The Brown Fellowship Society and the Humane Brotherhood,” South Carolina Historical Magazine 82, no. 4 (1981): 289–310; Bernard E. Powers Jr., Black Charlestonians: A Social History, 1882–1885 (Fayetteville: University of Arkansas Press, 1994), 51–52; John Garrison Marks, Black Freedom in the Age of Slavery (Columbia: University of South Carolina Press, 2020), 119–40; and Constitution and By-Laws of the Friendly Union Society of Charleston, S.C., Organized May 4th 1813 (Charleston, SC: Karrs and Welch, 1889). On the Select Convivial Society, see “Select Convivial Society,” [Charleston] South Carolina Leader, November 17, 1866, 3; this announcement indicates a likely founding date around 1839. On the Cadet Riflemen Band, see Edmund L. Drago, Charleston’s Avery Center: From Education and Civil Rights to Preserving the African American Experience, rev. ed., rev. and ed. W. Marvin Dulaney (Charleston, SC: History Press, 2006), 33.