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[Front cover of diary]
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Vol. II
Principle
Love
Energy
Diary, Begun June 19th 1885. Ended July 8th 1889.
Motto: “Upward & Onward.”
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[Chart in top right corner of page]
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[Blank page]
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1885
June 19, 20th
Coleman, Will B., and I spend a very pleasant evening at Mers. Ellie’s. I met a regular little Yankee girl. She is tolerably goodlooking, but what I most admire is the sharpness of her wit, and her abominable brogue. She is Republican from her boots up - and hasn’t much of an opinion of Rebels; consequently we had a pretty hot warfare of words on politics. I went round to see her next day and spent a couple of hours very pleasantly.
1885
June 26th
Had an invitation to tea at Mrs. Wagner’s and also one to a party at Miss Nettie Macdonald’s, but having made an engagement at the latter place, I could not break it even if Miss Mills was at Mrs. Wagner’s. Coleman and I saw Cousin Mary W. & Miss Josie to the latter place & spent an hour there, during which time I had occasion to play some attention to Miss Mills, and also meet Miss Hattie Bassett. Later on at Miss McDonalds I meet Miss Estelle Halsey, & Clotworthy, Steele, & others.
1885
June 27
Mary W. & Miss Josie had me shopping with them all day on King St., and, consequently, nearly killed me. In the aft. Mary & I according to promise go down to Union Wharf to bid Miss Mills - who leaves on the steamship Delaware - a farewell. After being shown all over the vessel, and after a nice chat on the quarterdeck in the splendid breeze and in full view of all the great beauties of the Harbor - although I must confess these beauties were lost sight of in another attraction - the gong sounded, Mary, & Miss Bassett, & Miss Lizze Ellis each
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in turn embraced, and was embraced by, Miss Mills, about 4 dozen kisses were exchanged and nearly that many promises, & “don’t you forget this”, & “remember so-and-so”, & “be sure to write”, etc. The gang-plank was finally removed, the Lilliputian cords that bound the great vessel to the docks were loosed, and the gigantic Gulliver slowly backed out of the dock, turned lazily around, & with head to sea put on steam and soon the crowds of waving handkerchiefs on the Delaware’s deck grew dimmer & dimmer to the friends upon the wharf who wished them a safe passage. Miss Mills’s large straw hat was the object which last attracted my attention as it waved to & fro, but soon all - like all the visions in life - faded on the horizon.
1885
July 4th
We fired a salute of 38 guns this morning in honor of the glorious Fourth. After breakfast, there were some exercises in the Chapel. Bishop Stevens opened with prayer. Ct. Mathesin read the Declaration of Independence, Kinard Washington’s Farewell Address, & the Col. gave us a 40 minutes speech (which, by-theby, I had to copy last night, & as it was 17 pages of foolscap, it was a job of considerable importance). After the exercises were over, a crowd of us Cadets numbering 43 had an excursion beyond the Bar in a two-masted schooner manned by 4 Italians. After passing Fort Sumter the sea became rough & we pitched & tumbled very much like Wyatt in the colf. Several of us stood in the bow of the boat where we
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could enjoy the view. A great big wave would come rolling in like a huge beast to devour us, but just as its great side seemed to bend over us, up we would shoot to its crest & the whole horizon would spring into view. Down we would sink again as it passed us, & sometimes two of these huge fellows would come in such quick succession that we would just about reach the bottom of the trough when the next wave would dash over, its crest sweeping clear over our heads. It was a pretty good surf-bath & our linen clothes had thereafter an abominably dudish inclination to stick tenaciously to our bodies. But it was exhilarating - to us who weren’t seasick. About half the boys, poor dickeneses, were clinging on desperately to the riggin presenting the appearance of Sut Livingwood when his sweetheart made him drink separately the contents of the white & blue papers of 6 soda-powders. Others, less aesthetic in their attitudes, were stretched out flat on their stomachs, with head over the stern of the vessel, “gazing into the blue depths,” while still others who had gotten over the active effects of the complaint were stretched out on the flat roof of the cabin covered up with a tarpaulin, pale, miserable, & half-conscious. At last, after leaving the bell-bouy in the Bar, about 5 miles behind, - when in front of us, on the left of us, on the right of us the waves volleyed & thundered, & the land in rear of us was a faint line on the horizon, someone who was turning “pale about the gills” suggested that “it might be well to turn back, now.”
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The boys who were enjoying the sail hooted the idea, whereas the debate grew warmer, both sides received reinforcements the discussion waxed warm. At last it was agreed to leave it to arbitration & the sick fellows laid out on the cabin roof were appealed. “Damn it, go on to Europe or the bottom if you want to!” This alarming state of non-chalence warned us we had better go back, especially as the dark Italian skipper was half drunk and might take us all to Davy Jones’s locker; so about we face, (ran into a big iron bouy [sic] but no damage was done) and soon Sumter’s frowning walls rose up out of the water. It was beginning to rain & we were all glad when we sped up to the old Fort and lowered sail. The “grub” was thrown on the wharf and we had our dinner in the protecting walls of the Invincible Fort, walls that in time of war had protected charleston and Carolina from devastation, pillage, and destruction, now protected a party of her sons from the mild and healthful rain of heaven - which was quite as much to the point on the present occasion. Salt (?) air is as great an appetizer as Delmonica’s bill-of-fare, and the dinner was almost instantly demolished, after which we visited the well protected galleries facing the Ocean, where great, grim iron “dogs” grinned menacingly thro’ the port-holes, “dogs” which had barked
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stentoriously and had bitten many a Federal fleet. Fort Sumter is but a fragment of the ante-bellum fortification. Three tiers of well-equipped galleries stood prior to the War. The two upper ones were utterly demolished by that terrible fire which was brought to bear on it, but which was unable to capture it.
Leaving the Fort about 4:30, as the treacherous tide threatened to leave us aground, to see the New Bridge, but while passing between Fort Ripley and Castle Pinckney, our irate Italian skipper’s voluble maledictions, insisted upon taking a rest, and the tide sank lower and lower, chuckling at our discomfiture. Here was a dilemma ! Nothing but a 4 hour wait was before us. In a crowd, however, where ‘Crow” Heath, China, Devereux, and Spain were, it was impossible to get lonely. Soon, 15 boys were in the water swimming, ducking, sputtering, or diving from the shrouds of the vessel; and three men came over in a row-boat from a schooner which was fishing (my language is nautical) about a mile off, and they and our black curly-haired captain, who had attained that stage of his spree when he was in a high good humor, all joined in the sport. As twilight came on the scene was pretty in the extreme, and being an ardent love of Nature I secured a precarious but a comfortable seat on the very pinnacle of the bowsprit, where all the beauties of the
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scene were at my disposal. The clear-cut outline of the City with its housetops, turrets, and chimneys appearing like a silhouette against the soft, shady tints of the western sky. When the lights along the Battery and in the City were lighted the great dark body of the town was girdled with a band of sparkling gems; and overhead the stars peeped out one by one between the rifts in the scattering clouds and winked merrily at their reflections in the waters; and every crest of every little wave - for the wind had subsided and the waves were weak and gentle - was sparkling with phosphorescent light. As the quieting effects of the dusk began to lessen the boisterous mirth of the boys, they gathered amidships and began singing, their basso-suprano [sic], tenor, and bass voices not blending inharmoniously, and soon the tide slipped up noiselessly as if not to disturb the music, the sails never flapped, but directly the lights on the wharves became brillant, the shadows assumed the outlines of docks and piers and in a few moments we were - as a Charleston lady once remarked after a long voyage by the sea - “safe once more on e pluribus unum.” We arrived at the Citadel just as the very interesting cal of Tattoo was about to sound, and weary, exhausted, we answered to our names and were soon
“Underneath the “____’s Keeter-net,
In the happy land of nod,
Where cares and troubles never fret,
Where sorrow never trod.
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1885
July 11
Had a fine sail in the yacht “Challenge” owned by Capt. Forster who took a party of us Cadets on a trip. We landed on Sullivan’s Island, & all the boys but myself went up the Island. I preferred a seat on the breezy piazza of the Carolina House with Captain Forster, who told me many things of foreign countries which he had visited - especially Greece, Turkey, & England.
1885
July 12
Today, Sunday, several Cadets, - myself included - dined by special request with Mr. White at his sister’s on Sullivan’s Island. The house is near the New Brighton & faces the beach. We enjoyed the morning on the piazza with the ladies, watching the curling surf, the schooners, or Morris Island lighthouse, or using that dreadful weapon, the spy-glass, on the girls on the neighboring piazzas. After a good dinner & a short rest, the gentlemen of the crown donned bathing suits and enjoyed magnificent surf.
1885
Aug. 7
I finished my work in Colonel’s office last night - the examinations are over - & I am at home in Chester again.
1885
Aug. 15
Chester is one of the dullest places alive. Weeks & weeks pass & unless of the narrow-gauge trains runs off the track, or a circus comes along, nothing interrupts the even tenor of her monotonous way. But when anything does happen, it must be said to Chester’s credit that she always does it up “brown.” Now today there was to be a fruit fair. This is something to break up the monotony & Chester determines we
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shall have something to wag our tongues over; so she wakes us all up at 6 o’clock in the morning with the fire-bell. The first scene is the conflagration of a big house on York St. At 11 o’clock the Fair comes off. Among the grapes, & apples, & pumpkins, & peaches, etc. etc. a big 52-pound melon “takes my eye” more than anything else. The Fair is the second scene, but Chester lets us swallow our dinner and then brings blood on the scene. A negro has stolen a little pig - an indictment has been issued, - the negro runs - the constable fires - the ball enters the forehead, just as the negro looks back to see if he’s pursued, & pierces the brains - the negro enters eternity without a moment’s warning. Last & saddest of all, a telegram comes from Atlanta at 4 o’clock saying our honored & esteemed & accomplished townsman, Chalmers Gaston, for years solicitor of this circuit & one of the most talented lawyers of the Chester Bar, had just committed suicide in Atlanta! He had been ill for some time & thought he would be either an imbecile or a lunatic if he lived - so he leaves his brother’s house “for a walk”, gets a room at a boarding house, stands before the mirror & gazes for the last time upon his reflection, places the muzzle of the pistol in his mouth - the occupants of the House hear a pistol report, a fall, & rushing to the room, find Chalmers Gaston lying in his own blood-dead!
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1885
Sep. 24-30
Vacation has been very pleasant, but it is over, now. I have been sick since the 24th & am just able to return to duty. We have bought the Cornwell place opposite the Baptist Church & we have moved in on the 24th. Mollie has been with us since the last of August, so of course I have enjoyed it more than I might have otherwise. Will Lewis won the vacant Cadetship, so he returned with me today to the Citadel.
1885
Oct. 1
Our new Supt., Gen. Geo. D. Johnston, from Ala., seems to be quite a fine officer & a pleasant gentlemen. He has inaugurated quite a new regime. I was promoted today to 1st lieut. of Co. “A.” I had to give up my good old Room, & my roommates. Coleman is down on the 2nd floor & Harrison and I are in No. 17 - the “Staff Room.”
1885
Oct. 30
Coleman, Will B., and I pay a long-owed visit to Misses Lizzie Ellis & Annie Miller. Lizzie is pretty & almost as quiet as usual & Annie sings as divinely as ever.
1885
Nov. 4
Today the 1st Class finished Calculus. Many have been the denunciations of integrals, cycloids, tractrixes, & infinitesimals since the study was begun last Feb. & many the zeros to correspond with the unlearned Completions of Taylor’s & McLauren’s Formulae; but today at 12 the book was finished. Shortly afterwards, a funeral notice lined with velvet (the stripe of some Cadet’s discarded trousers) were circulated thro’ barracks. It read thus: “The funeral of Mr. Calculus will take place tonight in Room No. 20, after supper. Rev. E. C. McCants assisted by H. S. Hartzog, D. D. will officiate. The pall-bearers are Bros.
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Lee, Law, Bell, & Evans.” I was in my room after supper. It was real dark outside & the galleries were wrapt in gloom. There was no noise going on and I heard down at the lower end of the gallery a low, mournful funeral march accompanied by the slow and cadenced tread of feed. This was Mr. Calculus’ funeral cortege. Two guitars, a violin, and a triangle composed the band and the music was weird but sweet in the extreme. Slowly they marched down the long gallery, the weeping mourners following 2 by 2 with handkerchiefs to their eyes, noises like groans in their throats, and convulsions shaking their frames. The unsympathetic by-standers roared hilariously, notwithstanding the solemnity of the occasion. Just before the mourners, and immediately behind the band, which headed the column, were the pallbearers carrying a green coffin that had “Pearl Shirts”, rubbed out and “Sacred to the Memory of Calculus” substituted therefor on it. Quite a throng of Cadets paid homage to the dead chief by falling in, 2 by 2, in the rear of the procession. The column proceeded into No. 20 and the coffin was reverentially laid upon a table between two lights which breathed forth the incense of - Kerosene. Behind this table appeared the reverend clergymen clad in white surplices - which, however, owing to he bad execution of the laundress [which does not often happen at the Citadel(!!!)], appeared very much like night-shirts. Dr. Hartzog arose and said that he was glad to see so much feeling on the occasion “the tears will do you good, brethren.” He
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said, however, that the usual feelings at funerals were reversed on the present occasion - that the mourning was not for the dead, but for the anguish and evil the wicked dead had caused. He followed the domineering career of Calculus from the cradle “when he innocently took him to our bosoms; alas! How ungrateful he has proved! I have seen him, forgetful that he was in a civilized land, slay his most innocent victims with a cycloid! Yes, actually - a cycloid!” He then expounded upon all the bad qualities of Calculus up to his death, and consigned his spirit with many maledictions to the - 2d Class! (Groans from 2d class, laughter from 1st class). He dwelt with pathos upon the evil deeds of the monster, the zeros he had scattered (Spain was shouting) “but,” said Bro. Hartzog, “his days are over!” (Lord grant it,” from Bro. Lee) Never more shall the vile influence of Calculus cast its bane upon us! And in conclusion, dear brethren, let me quote that beautiful quotation from Longfellow which he wrote when he got the Binomial Theorem and couldn’t go any further: -
‘The life of Calculus reminds us
We can lead a life of shame,
And departing, leave behind us
Many a zero to our name!’”
Rev. McCants then spoke: “Brethren the text is from Acts V. 6 - ‘And they took him out and buried him’, but before you do I want to read an ode, which, - bring the poet of the occasion, - I have composed on Mr. Calculus.” (I applied to McCants for the poem the
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next day but he had thrown it away & could produce only 4 verses with much difficulty from memory. They are annexed without alteration.)
Ode on Calculus.
T’is gone! That book of cursed curves,
That Calculus so drear!
But even now it shakes my nerves
To think that it is near!
I do not want it up on high,
In regions of the blest;
For Calculating in the sky
Is not what I call rest!
I do not want it down in hell,
I’ll tell you the reason why,
It might not suit McCants so well
When he has come to die!
I slaved, I walked, both soon & late,
But still I got zeros;
I do not want it in this State,
Gold Almighty Knows!
After the ode, the band struck up “My Queen Waltz” and the funeral broke up the grand dance!
1885
Nov. 12
Today the Corps of Cadets went up to Columbia en masse to the State Fair. We were up at 3:30 and off early. Altho’ I have been promoted to Quartermaster, I temporarily drilled
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as Lieut. in Co. “C” in the absence of that officer. A band met us at the Depot & escorted us to the Fair Grounds. It was a beautiful sight to see the Corps with colors flying, & company front, marching down Main St. Every step was in cadence and there wasn’t a waver in the lines. Every head was erect & proud, & the glistening row of bayonets steadily rose & fell with the step like one piece of machinery. The Corps was on trial & they knew it, & they acquitted themselves well.
We breakfasted at the Grounds & spent the morning looking over the dress parade. At 2 o’clock we had a Review by the Governor & staff, & afterwards a drill & dress-parade. The latter was especially beautiful. After dinner, Sis & I spent an hour at an upper window of the Restaurant watching the gay & motley crowd beneath us. An itinerant photographer had pitched his tent beneath us. The roof of it was raised to admit the light & we could watch the various personages sitting for their “shadows”. It was quite amusing.
Below, too, were the gambling machines of all kinds & sizes. There seemed to be a mania for it. There was a Battle of Gettysburg tent, a knocking machine, the trick of throwing at the wooden babies, & a nuisance of a side-show where a girl came out in a Knee-dress & Knocked on an old guitar, & a man rolled a cannon ball round his head about every 5 minutes, while another girl made a brave but fruitless effort to put some music in a song.
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We wanted to stay for the Ball, but could not. Just as the sun sank we steamed out of the Capital.
1885
Nov. 13
Attended a pleasant party at Mrs. Smiths. Progressive euchre was a feature of the evening.
1885
Nov. 20
The G.B.S. Club - (a social club of about 20 young ladies & Cadets of which I have great honor (?) of being Vice-Pres.) - had a meeting at Miss Collie Simmons’ tonight. Dancing was a part of the entertainment. Coke has been teaching me to waltz for about 2 weeks & he says I can dance if I don’t get scared. How easy it looks when I see McCown & Workman gliding around with a girl - & how nice! But I am afraid to try it. At last, desperate with determination and envy, I march up to Miss Colly & assuming as much ease & confidence as if I was the most accomplished dancing-master, I “beg a waltz”. But alas! My confidence immediately vanished when I ot my arm round her. It might have been around her neck instead of her waist for aught I knew. It took about 3 jumps to get started, but at last I got off. I was confident I had “reversing” “down fine”, but somehow my knees got a little jumbled up, I began stumbling & lost the step & then stopped. “Excuse, me,” murmured Miss Cally. “Lord ‘a mercy!” thought I, “does she think its her fault.” We started again but were very little more successful, & after 3 round (which seemed to me like 3 times round a 2-mile race-track) Miss Cally said she was tired. Poor
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thing! No wonder. I would have tired out a grown elephant! I was tired, too - tired of everything & myself to boot, & was about to off in a corner and sink in my boots when Coke slapped me on the shoulder “Go it, old boy! you did finely for the first time!” I looked at him out of the corner of my eye, but nothing in his face bespoke laughter. “Now, look there at McCown! He’s the poorest dancer in the room!” This was balm in my wounds. I did not go the corner but I couldn’t bear to look Miss Cally in the face. I was sure she was disgusted with me. The second time I danced I did passably, owing to the fact that the young lady could guide well & my mind was relieved from that & could be devoted exclusively to my legs. I began to gain confidence & before the evening closed my cheeks were red only from the effects of heat.
1885
Nov. 27
The Misses Simmons gave a German tonight. Coke Jennings - who is my only room-mate, now - had instructed me well in the “figures” & I anticipated a fine time, & all my expectations are realized. I dance very well & meet several young ladies. Miss Susie Dawson especially pleases my fancy.
1885
Dec. 4
The Club met at Mrs. Smith’s tonight. Mesmerism was one amusement of the evening, & we had some dancing.
1885
Dec. 11
Our long-looked-forward to Ball took place tonight. It was beautifully clear & cold - just the night that each & all had hoped for. The Cadets
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made extensive preparations for a grand affair, and we determined it should be the society event of Charleston. It was full and very recherche.
The Chapel was beautifully decorated with flags of all nations draping the windows. Extra colored chandeliers were put up, and all the pictures & gas-jets were decorated with moss & flowers & evergreens. The floor was smooth & bright, & large enough to accommodate 60 or 70 couples. The best band in the city was engaged & the programme called for 17 dances! We had an adjoining section-room carpeted & nicely fitted up with the furniture for the ladies. In another, long tables were laid, behind which white-aproned servants and & lady chaperons served the tea, coffee, & chocolate, the steaming oysters, & sandwiches, & exquisite chicken-salad. Miss Susie Dawson had accepted my escort for the evening & I had one of the prettiest partners, & certainly one of the nicest dancers in the Ballroom. Dance after dance sped away like lightning & all were too intoxicated with enjoyment to note how time went. I never a dance & when we broke up at half-past two, it was with regret. Our first Ball was a grand success.
1885
Dec. 12
We were off early this morning for home. I had a stay of 2 ½ hours in Columbia. Went to Uncle Geo. Steadman’s where Sis & Cousin Sallie were. They concluded to go on to Chester with me & while they packed up George & I drove around
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town a little, down by the Congaree & the Penitentiary. We left the Capital & at 4:30 took them all by surprise at home - they not expecting us until the 14th.
1885
Dec. 24
I have had a quiet but pleasant time since the holidays began. Tonight the home-folks give Sall & I a party.
1885
Dec. 28
There was a party at Mr. Witherow’s tonight. Had a pleasant time & an elegant supper. I stole a waltz on the piazza with [illegible] Agurs.
1885
Dec. 29
I spent the day at Mrs. DaVega’s & had a delightful time. I had come near carrying on a flirtation with a pretty young lady (unknown to me) in church Sunday & found out afterwards that it was young Mrs. Dr. Davega! I had the pleasure of meeting her today & also the pleasure of a dance with her. I met two theological students, too, one Anderson a jolly, nice fellow.
Tonight Will Lewis gave a “stag party”, out of which we made a deal of fun. Among our amusements was a farcical trial by jury, & a country dance. The supper was not the least important thing.
1885
Dec. 30
Our set of boys had an “invite” to dine with Hal McLure this afternoon. The dinner was only 8 courses, however, & we got thro’ in time to take a game of chess before supper.
1885
Dec. 31
Will Lewis & I bade them a tender farewell at home today & arrived safe in Charleston at ten tonight. Anderson cam down as far as Columbia with us on his way to Clarksville (Tenn.) Theological Seminary.
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1886
Jan. 1st
1885 is of the past. Looking back over the leaves of my diary I see many events of interest that have happened. At home we have become installed in a home of our own. It is small, but it is comfortable & it is home. I at the Citadel have spent a pleasant year. In March I had a pleasant trip to my old home, Marion. In May I was in the picked squad that went to New Orleans. My social relations in Charleston have been pleasant, - G. B. S. has flourished - I have learned to dance, and our First Cadet Ball on the last night of our Academic exercises for 1885 made a brilliant end of a brilliant year. The reins of government of the Academy have changed hands. Col. Thomas resigned in July & his place as Supt. was filled in Oct. by Gen. Johnston. The Gen. is one of the kindest & best men I ever knew and has become universally loved by “his boys”. Everything is bright for the Academy on this the 1st day of 1886, & in the start we hope for a bright and glorious year.
After cleaning up our rooms & getting everything settled like home again, we had leave today. I took my New Year’s dinner at Mr. von Kolnitz’s.
1886
Jan. 9th
Coke and I hear “Sam’l of Posen” at the Academy of Music.
1886
Feb. 27th
Our examinations ended yesterday and I stand 1st for the half-term. Today our great prize-drill takes place. The four Cadet Companies all do well, but Co. A. carries off the
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honors. Coleman wins the Co. Medal, and the Battalion medal and quite keeps up his reputation.
1886
Mar. 6th
Today Law and myself made an ascent of the scaffolding of the German Lutheran Church Steeple. It is about 265 feet high and the prospect from its summit is most ravishing. Every house (nearly) in the City below us is visible, the streets and its crowds of pigmy people, the Citadel building below us with its flag flying at the top of the flag-pole. The view extends out for miles to sea, beyond Sumter & the Island and the Bar, almost, one might imagine, to the rosemary shores of Spain.
1886
Mar. 26th
This being Friday afternoon, the General by special request discontinued Academic exercises from dinnertime in order to allow the Cadets an opportunity of witnessing a game of Baseball between the Phila and the Pittsburg teams. It was magnificent playing on both sides, and six times consecutively the sides went in and out without making a run. No matter where the ball went, there was always somebody there before it touched the ground. After a while, tho’, Phila put a ball between 1st & 2nd bases. The second-base-man was there to get it, but just before it reached him it bounced upward, went thro’ his hands and over his head, and Philadelphia made a run. At the end of
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the 9th inning Phila stood 5, Pittsburgh 0.
When I came back to the Citadel, I was informed that a lady wished to speak to me. It was Miss Edith Jones, whom I had known by sight since I become a Cadet - but I had the pleasure of an introduction only this afternoon. She is to marry a gentleman from home in October, and in view of her coming relationship, she did not mind sending for me to be introduced. I went down to tea with her and met Miss Moody, the daughter of the Evangelist. After tea, I went to hear Moody & Sankey at Agricultural Hall. There were about 2,000 men in the Hall, and when Mr. Sankey sang “The Mother’s Prayer” - in which there occurred a low sweet melody - not the least sound escaped that vast audience to mar the beauty of the music. Mr. Moody’s sermon was very fine. His text was “Seek first the Kingdom of heaven” etc. and his whole discourse was full of that straightforward earnestness and practical application that is said to characterize him.
1886
Mar. 27th
Saw the Phila and Charleston base-ball teams play this afternoon. It was a bad defeat for Charleston, 11 to 0. Tonight I supped with the General and his wife. This afternoon the Company that is go to Savannah was organized. Will Bond is the left guide - a good appointment if what
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the boys say is true. They say he is the best guide in the Academy.
April 11th
1886
Tonight closed the two weeks of revival services held by Mr. Sayford, and Mr. & Mrs. Towner the splendid singers. The Corps of Cadets has been allowed to attend every night and the influence for good that has been done is wonderful and gratifying. Out of 108 Cadets, 90 have professed Christ and I think the majority of these have been converted during the services. It is said that it is the first powerful religious awakening that has ever occurred in the Citadel. All the ministers in the City are greatly interested in us, - and what must be the joy which the Holy Book tells us in heaven when not only one but 90 sinners repent. Mr. Sayford is a powerful preacher, and can put Christ in his true light. His first sermon was from the text Deut. I. 16. Some of his others were based on the story of Bartimeus (Matt. XX.); Psalm XXXII; Isaiah LVI, 6 and 7; (Matth. XXII, 42) etc. Mr. & Mrs. Towner’s singing was splendid.
1886
April 15th
Today Moll and Sallie gave me quite a surprise by paying a visit to the City. Moll looks like she did in October - rosy and well.
1886
April 17th
Last night Will L. & I took S. & Mo. to the Candy Factory - and this afternoon S., M., Gertie, & I went up to the Base Ball Park to see Charleston get beat by Atlanta by a score 8 to 3.
1886
April 18th
After dining at Auntie’s, I went round to see
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Moll & we went to church - and after returning home had a little chat in the parlor on topics various, mutual, & interesting.
1886
April 25th
The Staff went to a Catholic Church today. Bishop Northrop preached a very Protestant sermon, I thought. The music was superb, and the ceremonies quite imposing.
I dined at Mrs. Jeffords. The old gentleman (Mr. Jeffords) is an oddity. Has quite an oratorical style - “was educated for the Baptist pulpit - ha ha!” Quotes extensively from Lowell and Walter Scott, etc. Quite a critic of pulpit oratory. Repeated several magnificent perorations with all the ardor & emphasis of a Stentor. His present hobby, however, is cows, of which he has four of very good quality, and upon which he can expatiate exhaustively.
Mrs. Jeffords is quite a pleasant lady - and Miss Lila is a charming blonde of about 21 on whose cheeks the blushes come and go like the tints of the aurora on the Northern snow.
Tonight the Cadet Christian Association had its first meeting. I am President; Harrison Vice-do; & Kinard Sec. & Treas. The ladies of Charleston heard of our Association and sent us up a beautiful $116 organ and a number of music books. Ben Munnerlyn plays very well and we had some very sweet music. We had about 60 members on organization, and we want to cultivate and keep alive the newly born interest in us for Christ and his work.
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1886
Apr. 30th
We closed the month of flowers today with our “Fourth Annual Cadet Picnic.” It was held at Otranto, and at 9 o’clock a special train of 8 cars filled with lovely lasses in light, spring dress, and Cadets & invited citizens steamed out of the N.E.R.R. Depot, as happy as the sun was bright. Moll was with me - having come down to the City especially for our picnic.
Otranto is a very pretty spot. A dance-hall and an old Revolutionary (I suppose) residence situated on a little hillock at the head of a fine avenue of live-oaks about 200 yds from the R. R. compose the architectural effect of the place. As might be imagined, it is the natural beauty of the place that renders it so inviting to picnicers. Its magnificent oaks covered with grey moss, - the famous Goose Creek with its deep & jet black water, - and Old Goose Creek church situated about a mile & a half distant are the most notable features of the place. The 1st thing we did was to an old negro to take us on a row up the creek for about a mile. It was very pleasant on the water - and having a pleasant little crowd aboard, we cracked a lot of jokes and enjoyed ourselves tremendously. After our return, Moll and I & Miss May Wightman, Waton, & a Miss Breedon set out for a walk to old Goose Creek Church. It is “way out in the woods” - quaintly situated among the trees. It it well-preserved, and is a genuine relic of colonial days. It was probably built about or before 1711, and the British Coat of Arms, and other signs of our mother-country - tell us
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of the olden-times when the knee-breechied colonists drank tea with the British stamp on it. In front of the church is a grave with a startling story. It is said that a lady was once buried there and was exhumed several days afterwards to be buried elsewhere. She was found to have broken out of the coffin and had bitten one arm nearly off! Such is the frightful story of the grave at Old Goose Creek Church.
Just at dinner time we had a hard shower of rain but the board was spread under the piazzas of the sole residence of Otranto and under its ample shelter justice was done to the viands rich & bountiful. The shower was soon over & the merriment continued until the sunset whistle from the train tore the lovers from the woods & dancers from the halls; and as we steamed away thro’ the twi-light woods we all congratulated ourselves that the 4th Annual Picnic of the Cadets had been a success.
May 1st
1886
This afternoon Moll and I went up to see Charleston beat Nashville in the diamond by a score of 3 to 2.
1886
May 4th
We embarked for Savannah today at 3 o’clock in full force & in lively spirits, to take part in celebration of the Chatham Artillery Centennial. We arrived in S. at 8 o’clock and were escorted by W. L. I.’s to our quarters in Camp Washington. The Camp presented quite a fine and novel appearance in the electric light. The hundreds of white tents stretched in regular rows, - the
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camp-fires & the groups various soldiery gathered in knots here & there composed a scene both new & charming. Our quarters were on “Grub Alley” & “Hard-board Lane” - so dubbed by the ready wit of some of the boys - and we were soon comfortably quartered. After supper, having the liberty of the camp, the boys soon dispersed among the various organizations in camp to learn the news & gossip on the topics of the day. Our old New Orleans friends, the Busch Zorraves, were in camp. The W. L. I’s., the Savannah cadets, Montgomery Greys, The Montgomery True Blues, the Gate City Guards, and several others were also in camp.
1886
May 5th
On the next day, Wednesday, I got leave & went down the street to see Aunt Julia, who was sick. Mr. Purse, - her father, was also there & on learning that I wanted to see something of the City proposed to accompany me. As he is nearly 80 years old I turned to him & asked “can you walk much?” He said “Oh, yes; I can do about very well”, - and he walked me down without any trouble until finally I gave in & said I must take a street car for home at which he was very much amused. We visited Forsyth Park - one of the loveliest places I ever saw - saw the Confederate monument; visited Hodgson Hall & then had a walk down Bull Street to the River. The houses are all very pretty - there is an absence of the old, antiquated, & dirty negro residences stuck in here & there which is an eye-sore of Charleston. The streets have
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nearly all an avenue of trees and it seems that every 3d block is a park where one can rest and enjoy the shade. These parks have monuments to Georgia heroes in them - such as the Gordon monument, the one to the Confederate dead, Pulaski monument, the Nathanael Greene monument, etc. Savannah is built on a high bluff of the Savannah River. It does a larger cotton business than Charleston, and there are evidences everywhere of an enterprise & “push” that is sadly lacking in South Carolina. But Savannah has two objections, - the water & the unpaved streets. The former is from the Savannah River and looks like lemonade with a taste very much inferior, however, to that excellent drink. The streets are about 6 inches deep in fine black dust, which is dreadful on lungs on [illegible], and a poor contrast to Charleston’s granite streets.
On my return to the Camp the General introduced me to our sponsor who was on the Grand Strand. Miss Virginia Fraser is one of the prettiest and liveliest little girls I ever saw. With one of the sweetest faces which is full of changing expression, she adds the charm of apt conversation and engaging manners which will tie up many a poor fellow’s heart yet. I also met Miss Lester - a daughter of Savannah’s mayor - a charming little girl named Maud Heyward, and a Miss Lamar.
At night, Will Bond & I made a tour of the
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City by electric light. The park was especially pretty then, and I have no doubt that half Savannah’s matches are made in its delightful shadows - out under the trees, within sight of its sparkling fountain but hidden from view by the protecting gloom of its foliage.
1886
May 6th
The Infantry Companies drilled today but the Judges would not let us enter the contest. It is a source of disappointment & disgust to us, - but we hear that they are afraid of us, and therefore will not let us engage in the competition. We are allowed, however, to give an exhibition drill the next day. The boys drilled beautifully, & showed their superiority over all the others. They have taken the place by storm, - and “the Charleston Cadets” is the theme of general conversation. We receive congratulations on all sides, and it is flattering as well as amusing to see the lieutenants, and sergeants of the other companies coming round to consult the Cadets about tactics.
The unveiling of the Greene monument was the feature of the afternoon - and the Corps took part in it. Being on the Staff - I had my liberty, so I repaired the Exchange where a bevy of beauties were seated on the veranda waiting for the completion of the unveiling ceremonies, - at which time Mr. Davis was going to give the Cadets a special reception at the Exchange. Our sponsor was there & Misses Heyward, Hopkins, & Lester. I also met the Governor’s daughter - a nearsighted beauty (?)
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of egotistical manners, who calls her home “The Mansion”, says “Georgia is the Empire State - the New York of the South” - and wears the colors of the Continental Guards of New Orleans for which organization she is sponsor. She thinks South Carolina is a “tacky” state - and I might have learned more of her brilliant ideas, but the last one drove me away to our sweet little sponsor who forthwith pinned two buds on my coat which entirely restored my equanimity.
The Ex-President - the once brilliant head of the Confederate comet - the [illegible] hero of the South, was ushered into the hall. Our sponsor leaning on the General’s arm advanced up to his chair, was introduced to him & kissed him. Then the battalion filed past him each shaking the old gentleman’s hand. The first two that came up he caught by the hand, & rising made us a little speech about the heroism of the Cadets at Fort Sumter. I was third in the line & although he held Walker’s & Kinard’s hand his eye as he spoke was Kept fixed on mine. It lacks the great Keenness & depth that is said once to have characterized it & the old veteran seems to be sinking fast toward the verge of the grave; and every Southern man that sees the weakened frame & dimmed eye must feel a pang of sorrow and sympathy for the fallen figure-head of the “Lost Cause.”
Tonight a grand pyrotechnic display was
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sent off in the “Extension” of Forsyth Park. It was grand, indeed, and attracted the largest crowd of people I ever saw together. After the grand final blow-up, a party of us went round to Miss Heyward’s and spent a very pleasant evening. A Miss Minnie Reese - daughter of the Mayor of Montgomery, Ala. - is a “daisy” from “way back,” and quite captivated Spain.
1886
May 7th
Friday. Henry Hartzog took me down to see “his girl” who is here on a visit, but we reached the hotel just in time to escort her and a friend of hers - a Miss Oliver - to the Depot. Miss Tyler is very pretty & shows that Henry has good taste. We continued our walk after putting the ladies on the train and seeing it roll away, much to Henry’s sorrow, and saw the few things about Savannah that we had not already visited.
The tilting took place today; - but none of the teams did extraordinarily well. The battalion gave a dress parade as soon as the tilting ended, and made the finest appearance I ever saw them. The Zouaves, who have taken quite a fancy to us, had a great number of us round to dine with them, and they gave us a first-class dinner. Tonight there is a banquet at the Chatham Artillery Armory but I concluded to remain in camp & take a rest. The military of Savannah have spared no expense to entertain the visiting companies, and Savannah hospitality distinguished itself.
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1886
May 8th
We were up at 5 o’clock this morning - breakfasted early and at 8 o’clock were off for Charleston, where we arrived tired, hungry, and dirty at 2 o’clock. The 1st thing was a soak in the bath-tub - and the next dinner. There was letter from Moll awaiting me - and to my delight I found she was still in the City. But my joy was as short-lived as Henry’s, for I escorted her to the depot and saw the train with its enviable burden steam out and leave me alone on the platform.
1886
May 11th
Like a traveller who has been journeying up a long slope, - through pleasant fields usually and at times in rocky places - with many a wayside lingering; meeting fellow-travellers here and there; but always journeying on & up the slope until at last the summit is attained and he sits down & looks back upon the way he has come, - thus it is that I stand today at a summit in my life: it is my 21st birthday. Looking afar back over the path I have travelled my mind loses itself in the mists that cloud the horizon of memory. Gazing intently I can discern a far-off scene - or is it only the creation of the mental eye? It is a boy with a bow and arrow. He shoots it upward and with boyish rapture watches it in its flight as it rises, rises, quivers, turns, and swiftly comes to earth again, and sticks up straight with its spike in the ground. But directly, by a misguided aim it falls in a neighboring tree-top and lies safely across two twigs.
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Stones are thrown unsuccessfully - sticks meet with the arrow’s fate, and still the errant shaft remains unmoved. The boy trustfully kneels at the foot of the tree and asks “Dear God, please make the arrow fall.” He rises & the arrow stands sticking up straight in the ground behind him. The scenes become a little clearer then, and I see the boys in the chaney-berry trees with the pop-guns, or out by the old steam-mill with the kites. There are two frequented ponds in the woods where the pine-barks boats were launched, and further, out in an old sandy field, the place where we got our sassafras. Back of old Maumer’s house is a tall persimmon-tree with many an old stick - thrown at the red, mealy fruit - lodged in his branches, and a little beyond an old ditch where the traps were set for the sparrows. Out in the pines, there appear two sunny spots which are as clearly visible as though they were at my feet. At the foot of an old pine on the ground covered with the dead needles of the tree, sit a mother with her little boy’s head in her lap on the sunny winter morning, - and I linger with a fond remembrance on the picture. But now a turn in the path shuts out these views and new scenes among the hills and rocks are opened up. The well-remembered school-house stands there by the wayside as of yore, and there seems to float to me across the valley on the crisp air of memory the mellow sound of the morning school-bell, that called us to the day’s work.
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There are new faces which become familiar and as dear as those of other days. There is an interesting picture of young admirers of Robinson Crusoe at work on a cave in the gulleys, and also of many an exciting game of “Indians” in the woods. Now the path is clear and plain and I can distinguish the shadows that lie across it. There are remembrances now of many a boyish infatuation, and the faces of the adored ones come up in my memory with all the fresh tints that charmed my young fancy. There are, too, pictures of books that led my fancy on many an enchanting trip - of companionships with Peter Simple a Midshipman Easy, or Leatherstocking and Chingachgook. Here stand by the wayside a drug-store, and all of its well filled shelves & showcases, its counters and drawers are as vivid as though but yesterday I was pouring “[illegible]” into half-oz bottles or making “Dummie” smell [illegible] for cologne. Now the path draws nearer and the path that leads to the summit is approaching completion. The old Citadel with its familiar faces; its work; the military are all along the way now. Time has sped away - and the summit which a short distance back seemed so far away has got nearer and nearer and today, almost like a jump I stand upon the summit. Youth lies in a broad landscape behind me - manhood lies before, but every object ahead is hidden by the fog of
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uncertainty - not a view can I obtain, and I turn again my gaze with a kind of sadness upon the objects I have passed, & let my thoughts dwell wistfully upon “the scenes of my childhood, so dear to my heart.”
1886
July 9th
There was a “Goodbye Meeting” of the “G. B. S.” tonight at Mrs. Smith’s and all the boys and girls spent a final pleasant evening together. Mrs. Magrath had made all us boys a souvenir in the shape of a badge to recall to memory many of the happiest evenings spent in Charleston. Mrs. Smith gave us a nice supper - and the time was spent in unusual pleasure as we knew it would be our last gathering together.
1886
July 25th
The Baccalaureate Sermon delivered before the Graduating Class by Rev. O. A. Darby at the Citadel Square Baptist Church today was one of the most eloquent efforts I ever heard from the sacred desk. The text was from Micah II; 10. “For this is not your rest;” and the whole discourse was full of grand passages, and fraught with wholesome advice to young men just about to enter life.
1886
July 26th
The exercises of our Society came off tonight, and upon the whole I am quite contented with the effect we made. Coke (Jennings) made a most eloquent valedictory, and in Chapel the next morning the General thanked him before the Corps for his masterly appeal for higher education.
1886
July 27th
Tonight the Anniversary Exercises of the Calliopean Society were held in Hibernian Hall. I took Moll out to them, and in spite of her decided preference for the “Callys” entertainment, I think that the “Pollys”
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need not be afraid of a comparison. Governor Sheppard had presented us with our Society diplomas; the same office was performed for the Calliopean Society by our ex-Supt. Col. Thomas.
1886
July 28th
Graduation Day! That day so long-looked-for, so important, & so full of interest, pride, and happiness, that ushers the student a new field of life.
[Written on a piece of paper pasted into the diary] When our Class entered the Citadel, we were about 190 in number. Our “Casualties” have been great - for today we graduate 53.
Our 4 years Cadetship has been on the whole pleasant - but of course, each is anxious to enter upon life’s work.
We have formed a Class organization. Kinard was elected Pres., & I Sec. I shall keep a record of the members, until and we hope to keep in remembrance the associations at the Citadel as well.
Today the Class of ‘86, - the first graduating class since the War - had the honors of graduation conferred
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upon them. There are 53 of us - true and tried friends who for four years have hung together, through good & bad, “thick & thin”. Our paths diverge today, and as the 53 march from the platform they are together for the last time on earth.
Tonight the Association of Graduates had a supper at the Charleston Hotel. It was done up in style, and the clock struck three ere the last toast was drowned in the sparkling champagne. I took none.
1886
July 31st
Moll & I left for Chester today. We stopped over 3 hours in Columbia at Aunt Alice’s and arrived at home a little after 4 P.M.
Aug. 31st
1886
Have been home one month today - and have spent it quite refreshingly after my hard work at the close of the term. Mollie has been at home, too, and thus added all the charm to it that a beloved one can. The folks have fixed up a delightful little room down at Lula’s for me and I sleep there at night - taking, however, all my meals at home. Mr. Witherow & family have moved to Winnsboro. At home we have played croquet nearly every afternoon & auction pitch at night. I have been studying book-keeping a little as that will be one of the branches I shall teach at the Citadel.
Aug. 8th
1886
I received my notification of election as Asst. Prof. in the South Carolina Military Academy on the 8th inst. Am greatly pleased at my good luck in obtaining it. I consider I owe it all to Gen. John-
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ston, who has taken the kindest interest in me.
Tonight we were all gathered round the card table absorbed in a game of auction pitch. It was a few moments before ten, & Harper & a couple of his boy friends were in the the parlor - and in their high glee, as we supposed, were either having a big dance or were moving the organ across the room, for the floor was vibrating & a rumbling noise sounding like it came from the parlor was clearly perceived. In a moment more, however, Harper appeared at the door. “Earthquake!” he shouted, & instantly we were on foot. The whole house was shaking violently & the windows rattled away a most lively rate. The women folks almost fainted, & before the quake was over, loud yelling all over town told of the fright the people were in. The first violent & protracted shock was succeeded by several minor ones which rumbled considerably & rattled the windows continuously for several seconds. The darkeys were very much worried & rendered night almost sleepless by their improvised prayer-meetings.
1886
Sept. 3d
The earth-quake we had the other night was of terrible violence in Charleston. About 35 or 40 people were killed, many wounded, & the whole City laid in ruins. Many of the large & beautiful building were demolished, and the entire population sent homeless & frightened to the public parks for safety. The
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shocks have continued, but of far less violence. One shock tonight approached somewhat the violence of the first - knocking down some buildings in Charleston which were already damaged. The people are terror-stricken & thousands are destitute - but the Cities North, East, South, & West have responded benevolently & probably $150,000 has been raised for their relief. Tents have been sent by the Government & all the public squares present a queer appearance, like the encampment of a mass like the Crusaders.
This morning at 8:20 o’clock, Lula had a pretty little girl baby. It is a fine looking little [illegible] - as red as a ripe apple - with pretty blue eyes like Lula’s. Edd dubbed it “Earth-quake” right away on account of the troublesome times in which she arrived - but as this name it too long, I have shortened it to Quaker & by these two names it goes. There is quite a discussion over what its genuine name shall be, and I think it will take careful consideration of the census rolls since the time of Washington to get this baby a name.
1886
Sept. 6th
Aunt Mellie & Moll went home today. The Quaker is doing first-rate. Reports of the devastation in Charleston still come. People leaving the City by hundreds. Uncle Johnnie’s family homeless. Auntie & children gone to Marion. Citadel damaged but will be ready 1st of October.
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1886
Sept. 30th
[Illustration in center of page]
Sallie Roach & I left home today. Ma & Pa both went to the depot with us - and the goodby painful - but it had to be said - & soon the pleasant fields of Chester & all the dear folks were left behind. In Winnsboro, we saw Mr. Witherow & Mary who came to the Depot to see us. At Columbia I left Sall & just before sundown I took a seat in the rear end of the South Carolina Railway train, & begun my journey to the shaken City-by-the-Sea. I enjoyed the views from the rear window of the car as they rapidly travelled to the rear. Several were quite picturesque - especially an old brick bridge where a demure looking cow calmly watched us rattle beneath her; and a place where there were two wooden bridges in close succession, & some girls watched us steam beneath them. The brakeman - who was a rather goodlooking young man of the susceptible age - was fixing the red & green lanterns on the rear of the coach (although it was still quite light) when we passed a neat cot-
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tage in front of which stood a neatly-dressed girl who waved him a salute. He nodded twice in return & watched the disappearing figure with a wistful eye, I thought.
I had a delightful surprise at Branchville. Moll was there! And we had a comfortable little chat for 15 minutes, before I was again rapidly approaching the City. No one was expecting me at the Citadel - Uncle Johnnie’s folks were in Marion, & Uncle Johnny’s place of temporary residence closed - so I went to Hotel, had a bath, ate the nice lunch Sis had prepared, & slept delightfully.
1886
Oct. 1st
Went to Citadel early - saw Mr. White, who gave me a room & then went with me down town to buy furniture. It amounted to $68 but I got my room nicely fixed & that’s a comfort. It looks real cozy - & I am proud of it. Sis & the other folks at home have made me nice pillow shaws, bedding, mats, etc. which set off my room considerably. Saw Uncle Johnny. Also had measure take for my new officer’s uniform.
1886
Oct. 2d
George von Kolnitz came up to the Citadel & he & I went out to their former house. It is almost a complete wreck. All the beautiful frescoed walls, & the heavy moldings are cracked & broken & to me the house looks irreparable - but workman are at it fixing it up. The family are living on Rutledge Avenue.
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George got his pony & dog-cart & drove me around to see the ruins. Some of the houses look dreadful - especially below Broad St. In the afternoon Maj. Cain & I make a pedestrian tour of the same region & examine the wrecks critically. The City has certainly been fearfully visited.
1886
Oct. 22d
Have become settled in my routine of duty. Find teaching entertaining - & think I can make a success of it. At present I have charge of the 4th Class of 67 members in Algebra and all the Classes in Drawing. I got my first officer’s uniform last night. I am quite proud of my lieutenant’s epaulettes - 2d lieut. though it is. Harrison & I have fallen much more easily into Faculty chairs than I expected. I like Maj. Emerson first-rate. He is quiet, phlegmatic, but I think is a man of merit & one who will put in slow, steady, unceasing work. Lt. Mills is - to phrase it popularly - a “jim dandy”. Of excellent figure, horizontal imperial moustache, & very military when in his yellow-stripped trousers. Has a pleasant wife, & pretty little daughter (Gertrude) of two years age.
An obituary of Lt. Weaver, who left us in July, written by one of our Cadets who did not like the Lt., excited some merriment in barracks just after our
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return. It was written in chalk on one of the barracks stairways, & ran thus:
“Lt. Erasmus M. Weaver
departed this Academic life in July 1886
‘The U.S. gave, the U.S. have taken
away; blessed in the name of the U.S.”
We had quite a severe shock of earthquake this morning at 5:20 o’clock. My bed shook violently & the mirror to my bureau vibrated for some time after the perceptible motion ceased. This afternoon when in the classroom at 3 o’clock, another violent shock came. The walls creaked & swayed and the boys started for the door. “Stop, - steady!” I cried; they resumed their seats & the recitation was continued. Soon the vibration died away.
Our mess - consisting of Mr. White, China, Harrison, & I - have a nice little dining room to ourselves - and the fare is first-rate. Harrison & myself usually take a stroll in the City from nearly sundown until supper-time. These “constitutionals” are very enjoyable - especially down on the Battery, the Pond, the wharves, or elsewhere. We do not go out much at night - but spend that time in my room in instructive reading and study.
1886
Nov. 20th
Maj. Emerson, Harrison, and I have organized ourselves into a literary club for the study of English writers and their works. Maj. E. held forth on last Saturday on Daniel DeFoe.
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He gave us an exceedingly entertaining acct. of of the chequered career of this elastic statesman. Tonight, Harrison expatiated on Tobias Smollett - the author of Roderick Random & Humphrey Clinker. Like my study - Mr. Laurence Sterne - Smollett doesn’t mind saying just whatever he thinks about. Sterne, especially, is exceedingly indelicate, although his humor is inimitable in Tristam Shandy.
1886
Dec. 4th
Tonight Maj. Emerson gave us in our literary society a most entertaining account of Dean Swift. Harrison has Addison for next Saturday - & I Dryden after him.
1886
Dec. 8th
I concluded that I would begin to be sociable this evening, and made a good resolution, i.e., that I would pay at least two social visits every week. I went down to Miss Camilla Johnson tonight. Miss Georgia Courtenay came in while I was there, and there were two “City-boys” present. Pleasant evening.
1886
Dec. 10th
“Doc” & I went down to see our Savannah Sponsor - Miss Virginia Fraser tonight. She is a very sweet, gay, & charming young lady. There is, too, a sober & thoughtful & a noble nature beneath that gay & lovely exterior; - and it was our fortune to get a sight of it tonight. We spent a most delightful evening.
1886
Dec. 11th
Spent today at Uncle Johnnies’. Tonight I went round to see Miss Lizzie & Miss Annie Ellis. Miss Annie gave us some delightful music.
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Dec. 16th 1886
Bamberg
I left the Citadel early this A.M. and arrived in Bamberg about 9 o’clock. Aunt Mellie met me - but as she was on her way to school - I was escorted to the house by a Mr. Fishburne. Sis & Flossie were the ones at home - excepting Miss Kizzie Pickens. After expressions of delight, and a short conversation, I went round to the school-house - a very tumble-down affair - and got a glimpse of a school-girl in one corner which interested me wonderfully. After an introduction to the young principal, - a very deliberate and precise gentleman, - and a look over Miss Mamie Pickens’ & Aunt Mellie’s & Mr. Mood’s departments, and after hearing a grammar & a Latin class recite, seeing the whole school go thro’ the calisthenic exercises, Moll got off and she & I went on home together. It had been so long since I had seen her that I was delighted to be once more with her. We dined about four o’clock - when Sall and Mr. Rice arrived. Mr Rice is lively & full of fun. I like him very much. Moll & I had a walk to the Post Office about dark, and later we went to the Depot to meet Miss Mamie Pickens on the eight o’clock train. I met Mr. Eaves at the Depot.
1886
Dec. 17th
Moll went to school today - & Mr. Rice & I went to the Post Office where I met Gen. Rice. We then walked down Railroad Avenue & saw the principal dwellings of Bamberg. Coming on back by the school-house, I asked Mr. Mood to let Moll off & we went home. Mr. Rice proposed a trip to the Edisto River. He, I, & Moll - (the latter sitting between us) had a most delightful drive of 2 ½ miles to the River, where we took out the horse, & strolled over the Bridge into Orangeburg Co. We cut some ratan sticks, & ate our lunch on the bridge,
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and then had a pleasant ride home. After dinner Auntie & I went down the street. I met Mr. Geo. Bamberg - a son of the founder of this town. We then went down Main St. - on which all the stores are, and then went out to a house in the suburbs to see Mrs. Brabham. Mrs. B. was “butchering”, & so we continued on our walk out to Mrs. Hartzog’s (Henry’s mother). On the way we met a sister of Henry - a Mrs. Lang Rice. She accompanied us in to Mrs. Hartzog’s. Mrs. H. has a rather poor opinion of my sex: she is very talkative & amused us for some time. On our way home, we met Mr. Lang Rice, & also a Mr. E. P. Rice. This county abounds in Rices. Tonight the Chautauqua circle - a literary organization of which Mr. Mood is the President - had a meeting here at Aunt Mellies’. Mr. Mouzon, Mr. Ray, Moll, & Mr. Mood read very entertaining essays on historic subjects. Mr. Risher (the “Lee” of whom Moll has written me so often) was also present. Ray is a jolly fellow. He & Risher stayed until 12 o’clock.
1886
Dec. 18th
Today after a run down the street with Flossie, Sis, & Moll - Mr. Rice, Moll, & I (Moll in the middle as before) had a drive out to his mother’s house. Mrs. Rice is a very pleasant lady of great refinement. Mr. Rice, too, or “Uncle Lou”, is an admirable character. I saw Sis’s fiancee. He is a strong, handsome fellow, & I like him very much. After a milk-shake & a slice of cake in the house - we set out on our return, & had a rapid drive home, as it was threatening rain. There I met Mr. Price (Edgar’s father) & his little son, Jimmie.
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1886
Dec. 19th
Went to Sunday School with Moll, & stayed until Church services were over. They have a very good Sunday School &, I am told, the best congregation in town. In the afternoon Mr. Rice & Sall, and Moll & I take a walk around town, see Moll’s old home, visit the Cemetery, & see the grave of Wilmot Hartzog. Mr. Matthews & Eugene Guess called in the evening and we all have a pleasant chat.
1886
Dec. 20th
[Illustration at bottom of page]
We spent a delightful day at Springtown. We were all wrapt up snuggly in shawls & overcoats - for the wind blew cool tho’ the day was bright & beautiful - & we set out in a two-horse wagon about 10 o’clock. It was thro’ an interesting country familiar to all but Sis & (I), & we were entertained in having the wellknown landmarks pointed out to us as we passed by. There was one peculiar old tree along the roadside. Although it was only seven miles, we were at least two hours getting to the Little Salkehatchie & Springtown Church, but as it was very pleasant company in the wagon, that was no objection. We walked over the bridge across the Salkehatchie, & then drove up to the church. It is an ante-bellum structure with no recommendations of comfort. Very hard cold benches & a pulpit as bare as any sermon ever delivered from it - appeared less inviting still on this December day. There was a right good
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[Illustrations at center of page]
[“Springtown” written at top of page]
organ which I opened with my knifeblade & Sis, & the others played & sang several sacred songs. In the graveyard which surrounds the church is the resting place of Dr. Roach, - Aunt Mellie’s husband. I met there at the graveyard Dr. Rice (Hayne’s father) and a Col. Dave Rice. We went up to see the house where Moll was born, & where, next week, Sall & Mr. Rice are going to take up their abode. The loneliness of the place & the rather comfortless architecture of the house will hardly harmonize with the liveliness of Sall - but love counts nothing a sacrifice.
Moll & I sat on a log down by the well, while I drew a picture of the house where her baby eyes first saw the light. Then we all repaired to the schoolhouse near the church where the viands were spread on the front porch, & we did full justice to them. We shortly afterwards embarked again & drove over to the “Pinckney Place” - four miles from Springtown. It must have been a handsome place before the war - but is now a solitary wilderness. We also stopped at the Utsey Place on our way back - & also at Cedar Spring - a beautiful & powerful spring of clear, sweetwater. We got back at dark & enjoyed the warm fire. After tea we went over to Judge Roe’s. Mrs. Roe is a daughter of the author Gimore Simms. The “Judge” is a jolly
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[“Bamberg” written at top of page]
gentleman, - & his two daughters very pleasant girls. I had intended leaving for home in the morning & had [illegible]. But I resolved about 1 o’clock that I would wait and go up home Friday with the others. Henry Hartzog came round to see me tonight. He tells me - & I hear from all sides - good reports of himself.
1886
Dec. 21st
We did some walking round in the morning - and in the afternoon. Mr. Rice, Moll, & I drove out a few miles in the country on the Hunter’s Chapel Road to get some cane sirup. It was a delightful ride because it was a bright clear evening, and the air was crisp and cool and we were well wrapped up.
1886
Dec. 22d
Mr. Rice & I shelled corn until half-past eleven. Henry Hartzog called & he & I paid some visits round town. We went in to see Mrs. Copeland, & I had a good fall down the front steps as we were coming out. THen we went over the Eaves & spent a half hour there. At half past one o’clock Mr. Rice and I set out for a drive to Woodland - the homestead of Wm. Gilmore Simms, the author. We passed through Midway - a Railroad Station 3 miles from Bamberg. Woodland is a magnificent old place. The grove of grand old oaks & mock-oranges in front of it is the finest I have ever seen. We got back for four o’clock dinner. Mr. Rice & Sall, & Moll & I took tea at Mrs. Lang Rice’s. There were several others present and we spent an enjoyable evening.
1886
Dec. 23d
Mr. Rice & I drove out to Oakley. I met his sister - Maggie - a pleasant young lady. We got back
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[“Chester” written at top of page]
about three - and after dinner I went down the street & began a game of chess with Henry Hartzog - but not having come to a conclusion by dark - we broke off even. The Rowes came over in the evening and we had some music. For an account of this trip in rhyme, see “A Christmas Trip”.
1886
Dec. 24th
We left Bamberg this morning at half past eight for home, - only poor Sall being left behind. We had a stay of a few hours in Columbia - leaving the Capital at 1:30. At Winnsboro the train “broke down” & we had a wait of nearly two hours, and got home at 6 o’clock.
1886
Dec. 25th
Went up on the Hill & saw my old friends. After dinner Sis & Mr. Matthews & Moll & I took a walk round town - the afternoon being clear & bright.
1886
Dec. 31st
The year is gone - another link of life has dropped off - and another chapter of memories is recorded in each heart. Some have bitter recollections - others sweet. I glance back & think that 1886 shines with more favor upon me than any previous year. In February I stood first in the Graduating Class, thus outgoing my most sanguine expectations. In May, the Corps had a delightful trip of a week to Savannah, where it took part in the Chatham Artillery Centennial, and met the old hero, Jefferson Davis. On the 11th May, I was 21 years old, reaching manhood just before our graduation, which occurred on July 28th. This was a crowning event in our lives. On Aug. 8th I received notification of my election as Assistant Prof. in the S.C.M.A. Aug. 31st recalls the dreadful Earthquake. It occurred while I was
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[“Charleston” written at top of page]
in Chester. In Oct. I begin my duties at the Academy. I spend a portion of my Christmas holidays in Bamberg. My scholastic success - & my interest in religion, which was revived during Moody & Sankey’s meetings here the latter part of March have made me much happier. I have seen Moll a great deal, all have kept comparatively well at home. On Sept. 3rd - “the Quaker” - Lula’s little babe arrived, & at Xmas was a winning little cherub. I look back with interest upon these incidents, - trusting the coming year may be as bright & happy as the one now fast ebbing into the past.
1887
Jan. 1st
We ate a 5 o’clock dinner at home. I had not spent New Year’s Day with them for several years.
1887
Jan. 2d
Ma & I and Moll & Jess went over to hear Mr. Sanders preach from the text “And they crucified him” - Matt XXVII, 35. At night Florrie, Ma, Jess, Moll & I hear him again preach a good sermon from the text, “Redeeming the time,” Coloss. IV, 5.
1887
Jan. 3d
Moll & I left home today. We met Harrison at Cola. & I introduced him to Moll. At Branchville Sall met us, & there we separated - Moll & Sall for Bamberg, the two young Professors for Charleston - where they arrived at 10:30 P.M.
1887
Jan. 9th
Attended Trinity Church this morning. Mr. Willson gave us a good sermon from the text, “Thy Kingdom come,” Matthew VI, 10. I met Beverly Stokes, - a playmate of mine when a child in Marion, - there.
1887
Jan. 10th
Heard Mr. Leitch at Trinity tonight. His text was “Be ye therefore perfect” - perfect in love - Matt. V, 48.
1887
Jan 11th
Mr. Dibble preached at Trinity tonight. They are having revival services there. His text was, “How long halt ye between two opinions,” etc. - I Kings, XVIII, 21.
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1887
Jan. 16th
This morning I hear Mr. Willson give a good sermon on the text, “Is it well with thee,” etc - II Kings, IV, 26.
Mr. Beaty has been sent to Springstreet Church this year - & as I am interested in him, I desired to hear him preach. I have not met him yet, & as I was only 11 years old when he saw me last, I could listen to him without his knowing it. His text was, “x x x We have found the Messias,” etc. - John, I, 40, 41. His voice is deep except when in a high pitch, his gestures forcible, his language not rhetorical but abounding in illustrations, some of which were quite pretty, and very often there is a streak of humor visible. He puts things in a practical & not a metaphysical way. Altogether I was quite pleased with him. He looks young - wears no beard - hair “roached” up - is about 5 feet 10 inches high - would weigh about 145 or 150 lbs, I imagine. His tout ensemble is attractive, I think. (June 5th - about 125 lbs would be nearer Mr. B’s wt.)
1887
Jan. 23d
Heard Mr. Willson preach today at Trinity on the text “x x x Am I my brother’s keeper?” Gen. IV, 9.
1887
Jan. 24th
Tonight I heard Mr. Beaty again at Springstreet on the parable of the sower - Matt. XIII, 1-9.
Heard Mr. Walling preach tonight at Trinity on the work of the Holy Spirit in the human heart.
1887
Jan. 25th
Mr. Walling preached again tonight at Trinity on the text, John, III, 16 - “For God so loved the world” - etc. He is an excellent preacher - & the revival services at Trinity are succeeding well. Mr. Walling is going to Brazil this spring as a missionary.
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[Illustration at center of page]
1887
Jan. 28th
Heard Mr. Dibble at Trinity tonight preach a good sermon on the text, “x x x x except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish,” - Luke, XIII, 3 & 5.
1887
Jan. 30th
Mr. Willson preached at Trinity this morning on the text, “Remember Lot’s wife”, Luke XVII, 32. Tonight I go up to Springstreet & hear Mr. Beaty give a good sermon on the text, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you,” John, XV, 14.
1887
Feb. 2d
Wednes.
I was taken with a slight attack of measles Monday morning, & have been abed since. I have received a good deal of attention - my friends have visited me, & I have received fruit & delicacies - & Harrison in his leisure hours has read to me, & so I have been entertained a good deal. But there are two or three hours in the morning when I am left alone & not allowed to read. It is rather dull at such times. My only prospect is a half-raised window - & thro’ it I can only discern the top of one of the stores on King St, & watch the shadow on the chimney. I have watched for a pigeon or a buzzard to cross my little patch of sky - but I haven’t seen a sign of life. I can hear the bells on the street-car horses as they pass on the street below, & the “clink-clink” of the chisels & hammers of the workmen on the Calhoun monument - but I can’t see them.
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1887
Feb. 3d
Thursday
I should have been at home today to attend Sis’s wedding, but owing to my sickness Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday, could not go. She & Mr. Matthews are to be united at one o’clock & take the train for Grahams.
1887
Feb. 6th
Heard Mr. Willson at Trinity today on the text, “Lord remember me” etc. Luke XXIII, 42, 43. Tonight I hear Mr. Beaty on the text, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them,” Matt. VII, 20.
1887
Feb. 13th
I heard Mr. Willson at Trinity today preach on the text, “x x x be ye steadfast, unmovable, x x.” I. Cor. XV, 58. I dined at Mr. Baer’s - attended S.S., & at night Mr. Dibble preached a very effective sermon on the text, “-ye shall be witnesses unto me, x x x.” Acts. I. 8.
1887
Feb. 19th
Saturday Night. Another week gone. The usual day routine. Monday evening, Harrison, “Doc”, & I supped with Miss Virginia. Tuesday night supped at Auntie’s; Mr. Witherow was there. Wednesday was at a musical entertainment at Mayor Courtenay’s. Tuesday night called on Genl. & family. Friday night didn’t go out. Was taken suddenly ill with a fever this morning. Am in bed now. The “Shakespeare Club” (composed of Maj. E., Har., & I) met in here tonight & read “Twelfth Night.”
1887
Feb. 27th
Sunday Night. The semi-annual examinations closed on Friday, - so my first term of professorship is ended. It has been very satisfactory. The past week I have been out little. Heard some sweet music Monday night, by Miss Annie Miller. Tuesday evening, “Doc”, Miss Abbie, Miss Mazyck & I played “Last Heir”. Wednesday evening called on Mr. & Mrs. Mills & the Bishop. Saturday night, Maj. E. Harrison, “Doc”, & I organized a lawn tennis club.
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I heard Mr. Willson today at Trinity. I dined at Mr. H.C. Robertson’s. Young Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Pelzer were there. Tonight I went up to hear Mr. Beaty preach on the text, “One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see,” John IX, 25. It was a right good sermon.
1887
Mar. 6th
Sunday Night. “Doc” & I on last Monday afternoon went down to Miss Virginia Fraser’s and played lawn tennis. Tuesday afternoon we held our 1st dess-parade since last July - and I had the honor of conducting it. Tuesday night I visited Capt. Mazyck & family down stairs. The Capt. & Mrs. M. are both well-read & quite entertaining. On Wednesday afternoon, “Doc” & I went down to bring Miss Virginia & Miss Edith (her sister) up to see Harrison conduct his first parade. Wednesday night I paid a call at the Courtenay’s. Friday afternoon, Harrison, “Buck” Robertson, & I were down at Miss Virginia’s to play tennis. Friday night I took Miss Josie McLean out to the Academy of Music to see Dr. J. P. Bond graduate from the S.C. Med. College. He stood 6th in a class of 18 - which is well, considering the disadvantages under which he has labored. Mr. W. C. Benet delivered the address; - an elegant & eloquent address on the present age, - but according to my humble opinion, far more oratorical than sound. On Saturday afternoon, Har., Schirmer & I had a long stroll up town. This morning I heard Mr. Willson preach at Trinity on the text, Acts, II, 47. I attended Sunday School this afternoon, and tonight heard Mr. Welling’s farewell sermon before he leaves for his missionary labors in
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Brazil. His text was Hebrews, IV. 12-13, and his sermon was powerful & affecting. The house was literally jammed - it being a combined meeting of all the congregations of the Methodist churches of the City. All the ministers were on the pulpit stand. Mr. Welling is so full of energy & earnestness that it did indeed seem as Mr. Boyd said, that we had some of the old Apostles’ fire - some of the zeal of Paul, in these latter days.
1887
March 13th
Sunday Night. I haven’t visited any this week, expect on Thursday afternoon, when “Doc” & I went down to Miss Virginia’s to play lawn tennis. I saw Miss Nannie Agurs on the street that afternoon & went to bring her up to the Citadel Friday afternoon, but the Jones had moved & I couldn’t find the place. Yesterday, Harrison & I visited one of the phosphate manufactories up on the Ashley River. We saw a big pile of sulphur in the yard. It was from Sicily - Etna, I guess. We saw the furnaces & process of making H2S04, & inside the big establishment the making of the “guano”. You see on one side a huge pile of a black powder. This is “powdered blood” from the shambles of Chicago. On another side a big brown pile; this is fish scrap from New Foundland or North Carolina. On another side, a big salt looking pile; this is potash or “Xainit” from Germany. A fourth yellowish looking pIle is powdered phosphate rock from the Ashley River. All of these materials after having gone thro’ other portions of the establishment & prepared, are carried up by an endless chain of buckets to the very top apart
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ment where men weigh out certain amounts of each & these are dumped into a revolving drum which has mixing fingers in it. A lot of acid is turned on, & the whole is thoroughly jumbled up. A door in the drum opens, the contents drop into a car below, which is then shoved down a long gallery, which is the roof of a long shed, & then the fertilizer is dumped between the rafters into the apartment below. There are such enormous quantities of material here that it is like a small mountain, & you may look down & see the negroes below mining it out with picks & shovels & barrels. The most wonderful sight is to see about 20 of the negroes in the loading room engaged in filling a railroad car with sacks. They go at full speed, 3 & 4 together, racing for the gang plank, one on another’s heels, like an avalanche or a drove of cattle, but they rarely run off the gang-plank, or run into each other. I saw one fellow miss it once, - his sack went off the platform but he succeeded in holding up. The gang is about 6 ½ feet long & just as they get to it they have to make a turn of a right angle, & it is astonishing how a whole horde of these tearing truckmen racing down like race-horses can all pile into the car & out without having a general complete bust-up of trucks, sacks, men, & all. The Supt. says the other day one of the truckmen couldn’t stop after turning across the gang, & that he, truck, & sack, all went right on thro’ the car, - broke thro’ a fence on the other side, & landed in the field beyond. It didn’t surprise me.
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I am in charge today & couldn’t go to church or Sunday S.
1887
March 20th
Sunday Night. Into the past has dropped away another week. On Monday night, I went round to the Jones’ to see Miss Nannie. Tuesday night, I was at prayer meeting at Trinity. Wednesday night, “Doc” & I were down to see Miss Abbie & Miss Fade until 11:30 - playing “Lost Heir”. Thursday night, Harrison & I supped at the Mayor’s, & met Miss Douglass from Savannah, - and a Miss Sams from Beaufort. I brought Miss Nannie & Miss Lillie up to our parade Thursday afternoon. Friday night I did not go out. Saturday I staid [sic] in by the fire nursing my cold. In the morning Miss Mamie Pickens came up to tell me about Moll, who is quite sick with measles. Will DuBois called up in the afternoon for a few minutes chat. Today, I have not been out, owing to being in charge, but have had rather a lonely time here, by myself most of the time.
1887
April 10
Sunday Night: - Very little has happened of interest in the past 3 weeks. Doc, Har., the Maj., & I have played a good deal of lawn-tennis up at Hampstead Mall, where we have a very good court. Miss Josie McLean has graduated & gone home. Doc, Maj. E., & I attended Easter services today at the Cathedral Chapel. The singing was elegant. Bishop Northrop preached. Tonight, I went to St. Paul’s, and heard some fine singing, & a good sermon by Mr. Campbell.
1887
Apr. 24
SundayNight: - I have paid some calls during the past week. Maj. E. & I called on Capt. Mazyck & family Monday evening. Tuesday evening, I was
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at prayer meeting. Wednesday evening, Harrison and I called at Miss Virginia’s & spent a pleasant evening. Miss Warren, a Miss & Mr. McKenney and a Mr. Waring were there. Thursday evening, I called on the newly-married couple, Mr. & Mrs. Hugh Pemberton. Mrs. P. is a very pleasant lady. Friday evening I called to see the Chapmans & enjoyed my visit very much. Saturday I dined at Uncle J’s - Gertie & I played our duets - & in the afternoon we Professors have our usual game of tennis up at Hampstead. I am in charge today, & so have not been out. I except Sis & Mr. Matthews down tomorrow night, to be present at the unveiling on Tuesday. Moll will also be down.
Week before last, I had a surprise. “Whitey” Stokes, whom I hadn’t seen for nearly 10 years called up to the Citadel to see me. We were 12-yr old boys when we parted last in Marion. He is a Dr. - just having been graduated in medicine at Baltimore. He will practice in Walterboro probably.
I received news on Thursday of the drowning of poor little Jimmy Dychas, on 16th inst., in the lake in front of his father’s house in Fla. He was alone in a sailboat which capsized. He was a good swimmer & tried to reach shore - but gave out & sank within a few feet of shallow water. When his father got there about 25 minutes later, & dived for the body, it was too late to resuscitate the drowned boy. He was about 14 years old, I should think.
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1887
Apr. 26th
Calhoun Day: - Mr. Matthews & Sis came down last night to spend today in the City. They are occupying my room. I went up to meet them, & also Moll who is staying with the Kuilochs. There is a tremendous crowd in the City. The parade was magnificent. The Profs. of the Citadel had seats on the stand, but we couldn’t hear any of Sec. Laman’s speech. The unveiling of Calhoun’s Statue was nicely accomplished. Tonight, Sis & Mr. M., & Moll & I went down to the Floral Fair. There was a crowd of people there, sure. Sis & Mr. M. leave for their home tonight.
1887
Apr. 29th
The Cadet Picnic was held at Mt. Pleasant today. Moll & I went over at 10 o’clock & spent the day pleasantly together.
1887
May 3d
Moll & I had a pleasant stroll over the New Bridge this afternoon. It was delightfully cool over there, & we swung around on the “drawbridge” and saw a tug steam thro’.
1887
May 4th
Harrison & I took tea at Mr. John Kuiloch’s tonight, - & spent a pleasant evening. Moll & Miss Mamie Rowe entertained us mostly. Mrs. K. is a daughter of the novelist & historian & poet, Simms. Mamie Rowe is a granddaughter of the same.
1887
May 10th
Moll left for home today. I saw her off, & then went up to Magnolia to attend the ceremonies of Memorial Day.
1887
May 11th
I am 22 years old today. Our Club played tennis this afternoon. Maj. E. & I won the championship of the Club, & will have the honor of defending it, if any other club challenges us. I
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took tea at Dr. Baer’s, & spent a pleasant evening.
1887
May 15th
Was at church this a.m. Heard Mr. Dibble preach a fine sermon. Dined at Uncle J’s. Had some music & singing there. Went to Sunday School. We have a splendid school. This afternoon there were present “39 officers & teachers; 302 pupils; 47 visitors, - total 388. Collection, $9.14.” The school sings well, recites well, & looks well. Tonight, Harrison & I heard an excellent discourse & some fine music at the Citadel Baptist Church. It has just been repaired from the earthquake disaster - & it is a beautiful temple. Quite a large congregation was in attendance.
1887
May 22d
Sunday night. - It has been raining all day & I have not been out of the Academy. The week has passed as usual. On Tuesday night all of us bachelor-professors were invited to a tea party at the General’s. A number of ladies were present & we spent a very pleasant evening. On Friday afternoon our Citadel Lawn Tennis Club played a match-game with the “Au Fait” Club downtown. Maj. E. & Wilbur defended our Club. I went down with Miss Abbie, & was one of the umpires. Maj. E. Wilbur played beautifully together. A series of six sets was to be played, but the Citadel Club won the first four sets & so the series was not concluded. We are much elated over our victory. Our club consists of 5 members; Maj. Emerson, president; Harrison, China, Wilbur, & myself; (I, the Secretary).
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1887
May 29th
Sunday. - I paid a visit or two this week. Played several games of tennis. Went down to the Ger. Artil. Hall to see two Cos. of the “Bethel Battalion” drill on Friday night. They are all sweet girls - were dressed in cream mensveiling with blue (in one company) & red (in the other) trimmings. They drilled with fancy Japanese parasols, & did the movements well. The four Cadet Captains were the judges.
On Saturday, the Cadet Cos. had their annual prize drill. Lt. Mills, Harrison, & I were the judges. Co. D. Capt. W.L. Bond won 1st prize; Co. A. Capt Ashley next; Co. C. Capt. Jeter, 3rd; Co. B. Capt. Lucas, 4th. In the individual drill, Corpl. Lewis of Chester was the best drilled Cadet in Co. A; Corpl. Davis, C. in Co. D; Private Burdell, - Co. B; Corpl. Lucas, Co. C Cadet Corpl. Davis, C. was the best drilled Cadet in the Corps.
1887
June 5th
I was at church this morning at Trinity.
Sunday night: - Lt. Mills, Harrison, & I were the judges at the Sumter Guard Prize Drill on last Friday night. It was conducted at the German Artillery Hall. Quite a large crowd of ladies were gathered there to witness it. We thinned out the men in the Co. gradually until there were four left who drilled very well. One dropped out, two others followed, & Mr. W.A. Dotterer was the victor. We had some wine, & the hall was cleared for dancing, but I returned to the Citadel. Yesterday, Wilbur, Maj. E., Harrison, &
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I had six hard fought sets of tennis up at our court on Hampstead Mall. Maj. & I won 4 out of the 6. Last night we walked up town to hear the latest curiosity - Yellowstone Kit. He sells liver pads & other compounds, pretends to be immensely wealthy, dresses in royal robes, & sparkles with diamonds, has a band, & a troupe of Japanese jugglers, has erected a stand in a vacant lot of the City, & has it all lit up with electric lights. An enormous crowd of negroes, & quite a number of whites were up there. The jugglers performed some feats & cracked some jokes, & then Yellowstone Kit, who had been sitting down like a prince, as complacently as possible arose & addressed the crowd. He is a small, wirey [sic] man, has a shrewd face, & hair that falls in wavy masses about his head & when talking walks excitedly up & down the platform. He understands negro nature to perfection. He spoke excitedly on themes to arouse their sympathy, & at length led adroitly up to his medicine. He had already gained quite a reputation; some say he has cured blindness, others that there nothing he cannot cure. The negroes were eager for the medicine, & his prolonged talking made them the more anxious. “Now, I’ll give you just two minutes to buy the medicine - Hold on! be quiet! - & no more! - wait till I give the word! - you see there are four stands around here, so that
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if you are anxious to be served - hold on, my man, we’ll wait on you directly! there will be an opportunity for you. Now then! get ready. Go!” The band started in a brisk tune, the four dispensers were giving out just as quickly as they could, like ticket sellers at a circus, - there were hundreds of raised hands, each clutching a dollar & anxious to exchange it for a package of the cure. I never saw such a panic after medicine in my life. And so it continued for possibly a little over two minutes when Kit who had been dancing about like mad, dispensing the medicine, & looking like some creature of another world, waved his arms, the band stopped, & the sale was concluded. I noticed that about all who wanted the medicine were supplied. After some rest, & jugglery, he said he wanted the people in the crowd that had headaches, toothaches, rheumatism, etc. to come up & be cured gratis. He said he had a wonderful remedy from Japan, & he went on at some length to expatiate on its wonderful merits until those who wanted relief were raised to a pitch of excitement. He took off the diamond rings which sparkled on every finger of his hand, buttoned up his velvet robe, rolled up his sleeves, rubbed some of the ointment on his hands in his quick, excited manner, - arranged a chair - up sprang the first patient - “what?” - “headache!”
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“Slap! Slap! - bang-bang-er-lang sleep!” went his hands over her forehead faster almost than eye could see; then a bang or two on her neck, a grasp by the arm, & she was gone, up sprang the next, - same thing - “bang-a-lang” - gone - next - “toothache!” - mouth open - rug-a-jig-jig - slap on jaw - gone - headaches - two, three! gone - rheumatism - pants rolled up in a second, slap-bang-rub-jerk, pull - pants down, gone - toothaches - mouth open - rig-a-dig-jerk- tooth flies into air - no instruments used but finger - next - etc, etc. - such a sight was wonderful - & the band played to keep up the excitement. Directly Kit waved his hand - the music ceased - & after he had blowed a little, he then talked a little about his medicine, until the crowd were eager for it, then he said he would give the crowd three minutes! & the half-dollars poured in like a shower, as the dollars had a while before. I guess he made $400 or $500.
1887
June 19th
I am in charge today & could not go out.
I have been tutoring a young man for a West Point examination for the past 2 weeks. Bob Wilbur & I beat Maj. E. & Harrison three sets of tennis on Thursday aft. The last set was a “love set”. I took Gertie up to see the Cadets get beat at baseball yesterday afternoon. The score was 16 to 5. I did not go to church today. It is fearful hot. Thermometer is 100 [degrees]. Was at S.S. this afternoon &
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stroll’d round by the Post Office & Battery. The latter was filled with ladies & gentlemen. [illegible symbols]
1887
June 26th
Sunday night: - I called on the Misses Harris down stairs one night last week. On Friday night Mr. White and I went over to the Porter Academy commencement exercises. They were first-rate. The exhibition of drawings was very fine. Yesterday afternoon, Gen. & I went over to the Island on a recreation trip. We took the cars up to the New Brighton & had a long stroll up the beach & then far down the beach. We stopped in at Dr. Baer’s by invitation, & sat on his piazza enjoying the view seaward. After tea, we had a stroll down by the tumbling surf with the ladies, & left the Island at 9:15. Today I heard Mr. Wells preach an eloquent sermon at Trinity to the Woman’s Missionary Society. Tonight I was at Citadel Square Baptist Church.
1887
July 4th
I had quite a surprise yesterday. Aunt Mellie and Moll came down. I went round to the Chapman’s where they are staying & went to Sunday School with them. I spent the day with them today. We dined at Uncle J’s - went up to Magnolia in the aft. - went down to the Kinloch’s tonight. At 12 o’clock I told Moll goodby - she leaves for home tomorrow.
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1887
Aug. 10th
Commencement was an eminent success. The graduating exercises took place on the 27th [illegible], & were very interesting. In the afternoon, the Association of Graduates had a steam round the Harbor in the “Pilot Boy”. I took Miss Virginia. I left on Thursday morning for home. Spent a few hours in Columbia with Gibbes & got home at 4 o’clock. Spent a very pleasant week & left on Saturday 6th inst. for the Citadel, at which place I write. I have to take charge of the Citadel until Sept. [illegible] came as far as Branchville with me, & then went in to Bamberg to see Aunt Mellie’s folks & Sis.
1887
Sept. 4th
Sunday aft. - I leave tomorrow a.m. for Bamberg. Harrison came down last night to relieve me at the Citadel. My stay has been quiet, restful, & not unpleasant. I have had plenty of leisure, & I have rad Roe, High Miller, Dickens, Poe, & others, & have managed to entertain myself. I have visited some of my friends who have not left the City. Over at Mrs. Clancy’s where I have boarded (sleeping, however, at the Citadel) the folks are very pleasant & entertaining. Mr. & Mrs. Lafor are both pleasant - an elderly couple. Mr. & Mrs. Knox, another elderly couple, & their daughters, Miss Mattie Knox and Miss Mary Brailsford, are also entertaining. A young Presbyterian minister, Mr. Burgess, is a “nice fellow”. A young man named Marshall about 23, and a Norwegian about 22 named Smith (the same old Smith) also board there. The Norwegian is a jolly chap, full of fun. Mrs. C. is a very pleasant lady. She, however, has been off nearly ever since I got down. Her sister, Miss Emma Herist, runs the house. Mr. & Mrs.
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[“Bamberg” written at top of page]
Corby (aged about 30 apiece or a little less) have a very entertaining baby 8 months old of which not only themselves are proud, but everything else seems to think a great deal of it. I have been about a little with Miss Knox & Miss Brailsford, - to church & to choir-practicing; and we spend a good many evenings in conversation or in a game of words which is popular over there & in which nearly all the boarders join at different times. Altogether, it has been quite pleasant over there. There was no sign on the 31st [illegible] of a repetition of the earthquake. The weather has been cool and pleasant for the past week. I anticipated a few happy days up at B- with Moll, & then I shall go on home.
1887
Sept. 5th
I arrived at Bamberg this A.M. Jess came down from Grahams this morning, & we have the little house pretty full.
1887
Sept. 6th
Auntie, Florrie, Moll, Jess, & I went out in a buggy to Springtown this morning to see Sall. We enjoyed a bait of scuppernongs. Sall & the baby came back with us. Moll & I went to the Baptist church to prayermeeting tonight.
1887
Sept. 7th
We had a big party here tonight & spent a pleasant evening. The crowd did not leave until 1 o’clock. Miss Mamir Rowe, two Misses FIshburne, Misses Lillie Baggott, Carrie Ray, Neta Brubham, - Dickenson, etcetera were present, & about an equal number of gentlemen. We had some dancing in the passageway; - & I whirled a little with Misses Baggott & Rowe.
[Page 71]
[“Grahams” written at top of page]
1887
Sept. 8th
I went out to Grahams on this morning’s early train. Sis did not know I was coming, so I had to walk the two miles out to her home. I found Mr. M. at the ginhouse & Sis at home busy. After dinner, I spent most of the afternoon over at the ginhouse with Mr. M. I admire him very much. I think he has lots of sterling qualities, & few faults. Sis drove over with a double team in the buggy about 5:30 o’clock, & we drove to Grahams where Sis did some shopping. I saw Mrs. Rowell who lives there. She was a Miss Annie McRay, & had lived next door to us in Marion ten years ago. I remember her in connection with an organ which was going all the day long. She has 4 children, one a baby in her arms, - and she paid me the compliment of saying she did not remember me at all. - We chatted on the piazza (Sis, Mr. M., & I) for some time in the starlight tonight before retiring.
1887
Sept. 9th
This morning after breakfast, Sis & I in our double team drove six miles over the Edisto into Orangeburg to see Charlie Wroton - a classmate of mine. Charlie was not at home, & Mrs. Wroton was unwell, & the house was in the painters’ hands & turned “upside-down”, & she was evidently “put out” at our appearance, so we did not stay to dinner as we had expected. We came on back by the ginhouse & I spoke to Mr. Wroton & his son, Hubert, who is one of my pupils at the Citadel. Just after crossing the river we turned out of the road & visited a camp group where preparations were going on pending exercises which are to be held there this fall. We got back home & had dinner about 3 o’clock. We went over to the gin-house in the afternoon & spent an hour
[Page 72]
[“Bamberg” written at top of page]
with Mr. M., after which I drove in horse-back to Grahams to take the 7 o’clock train for Bamberg. Moll & Jess met me at the Depot. Tonight we were invited to a sociable over at the Fishburnes. We got back at 11 o’clock, & sat up here until one, laughing & talking.
1887
Sept. 10th
We all stayed at home today. Jess, Moll, & I took a walk to the Cemetery late this afternoon. Judge Rowe & his family were over to tea tonight. The Judge is a funny man, & he told a good many funny things. He is a splendid mimic. We had some music. He plays the violin well.
1887
Sept. 11th
Sunday: - Auntie, Moll, & I went to Sunday School this morning & to church.
1887
Sept. 12th
Jess & I were off this A.M. for home. Moll went as far as Branchville with us, & came near getting left on the return train to Bamberg. It had started off & I had to wave it down. After seeing her on it, I went back to Jess & we were somewhat dismayed to see that ours had also started off. It was hailed down, however, & we were off. We had a stay of a few hours in Columbia, & went to Aunt Alice’s. I had to go up to the State House to see Gen. Stoney and Capt. Bamberg on business for the Citadel - & returning to Uncle George’s had dinner & Jess & I left about 2 o’clock for home, where we arrived at 4:30 o’clock.
1887
Sept. 28th
My stay at home has been quiet & restful. We have played croquet in the afternoon, & in the evenings the others have played whist while Jess and I have entertained them with music. I went to see Miss Leila & Miss Nannie Agurs.
[Page 73]
[“Chester” written at top of page]
I have been at the office some assisting Pa, but have neither studied nor read much. Little Winifred is just 12 months old, and is a very sweet little baby. I spent a couple of Saturday nights with Bub. Ma & I leave for Bamberg tomorrow.
1887
Sept. 29th
Ma & I arrived in Bamberg tonight. Auntie, Florrie, & Moll met us at the Depot. I lost my fine Knox hat out of the train window in my politeness at opening the window for a little boy, & had to buy a smoker’s cap to reach B- in. They all seem glad to see us.
1887
Sept. 30th
There was a sociable at Mrs. Eaves tonight. Quite a number of the Bamberg girls were there. Mamie Rowe, Miss Lillie Baggott, Miss Lisa & two other Fishburnes, Miss Net Brabham, a Miss Dickenson of Charleston, several of whom I have forgotten, & Miss Sissy Eaves. We had a choir practising over at the church just before going over to the Sociable. Sis came in for a short while this afternoon. Mr. Rice also brought in Sall & the baby.
1887
Sept. 31st (otherwise Oct. 1st)
Saturday: - Ma, Moll, & I took a walk over to the Cemetery this afternoon. I stumbled over a peg in indeavoring to step over a border to speak to Mrs. Hartzog (Henry’s mother) & fell down & injured my right foot painfully. I came out to Springtown tonight with Mr. Rice - he having left his wife & baby in Bamberg. It is a seven-mile drive, but we made it in less than an hour. We left after supper, & as it is a lovely night, it was an enjoyable drive. The moonlight is very bright & at Lemon Swamp where the woods are afire & the smoke has settled in great fogs of white smoke, it was pretty to see
[Page 74]
[“Bamberg - Springtown” written across top of page]
the rays of moonlight piercing the dense swamp & appearing like converging ribbons of light owing to the presence of the smoke; - just like the dust in the room reveals the single ray of light which had otherwise been invisible. I am doctoring up my foot with arnica.
1887
Oct. 2d
Sunday: - Mr. Rice & I got into B. to breakfast this A.M. & I went to Sunday School with Moll. The others came in later to church. Mr. Smith preached a good sermon. A Mr. Hugh Fraser from Charleston came up to spend the day. He is a nice fellow, & I like him. He is a friend of Florrie’s. We all went to church tonight.
1887
Oc.t 3d
I will leave for Charleston tonight. Ma will go out with Sis this afternoon to Grahams. Moll & I have been digging & boiling pinders this morning. I don’t want to leave, much; - and have been wishing I could take Moll back with me. If I only got a good salary I would - but it is useless to think yet of such vain but happy possibilities.
1887
Oct. 3d
I got down last night, & reached the Citadel at 10 o’clock. A light was burning in my room, & it was all ready for occupation, & Harrison met me at the door. Today we are at work examining the new Cadets. There are about 45, & our prospects for the new term are gratifying. Lt. Cabaniss, our new army officer is a small man of about 40 years I suppose. I don’t know that he will be very congenial with the young officers.
[Page 75]
[“Charleston” written across top of page]
1887
Oct. 31st
The month has been passed in usual work. The new Class is not particularly bright. Charleston’s Gala Week - or the Earthquake Festival begins today. The City is gay with decorations & thronged with visitors. I expect Ma & Pa down tonight to spend the week with me at the Citadel. Flossie & Sall & her baby will also come down to the City to spend the week.
1887
Nov. 1st
Pa & Ma arrived last night. Cousin Sallie Oliver & Cousin Julia Beathea are in the City. We go down on the Battery for a stroll in the afternoon, & Pa & I witness the trade’s procession on King St. at night. It was a very gorgeous display. The illumination of King. St. was beautiful: it was a blaze of light & colors - & the procession was fine & very large.
1887
Nov. 2d
The Board Vs. reviewed the Cadets on the Green this morning. A good crowd of people witnessed it. After it was over I brought a number of Chester people up to my room to see Pa & Ma. My room is beautifully fixed up. Ma, Florrie, & Sall did it. Moll sent me a beautiful lambrequin & a mat, and Aunt Mellie sent me some ornaments & china figures for my mantel & Sall a vase, & Florrie a bureau set & my room was worthy the attention of my friends. Moll’s picture over my mantle “told the tale” - but I am very glad of it. Tonight the folks have gone to the Colonial Lake to see the grand display of fireworks, but I, being in charge, could not go with them, so am here all alone.
[Page 76]
1887
Nov. 3d
The Fantastic Parade tonight was quite a notable affair. Pa, Ma, Flossie, & I witnessed it from Reynold’s Marble Yard on King St. We got an elegant position & enjoyed it.
1887
Nov. 4th
Tonight we went to the Battery to see the grand naval review & the Forts illuminated, but there was such an immense concourse of people on the Battery that we could not obtain a view of the water, & so after watching the fireworks for awhile, we returned to the Academy.
1887
Nov. 5th
We were shopping on King St. a good deal today. Late this afternoon, Pa, Ma, Cousin Sallie Oliver, Florrie, & I went to the Battery for a farewell visit & on our way back visited one of the wharves & boarded a large cotton steamer. We went into the cabin & cook-room, & the ladies were very much entertained by what they saw aboard.
1887
Nov. 6th
Sunday: - Pa, Ma, & I went over to hear Mr. Stockley this morning. We dined at Uncle Johnnie’s where Cousin Sallie Oliver is staying. This afternoon at St. Paul’s Church just after service Sall (Rice) had little Laura christened. I stood god-father, Florrie & Miss Annie Roach, as proxy for Moll, stood godmothers. The baby behaved splendidly, & it is just 11 weeks old. Tonight Ma & I take tea at Cousin Daniel Wayne’s. He is eccentric as he can be, but is very kind-hearted.
1887
Nov. 7th
Well, I am alone again. The folks are gone. They got off this morning. I have been busy all day, fortunately, or I should have the blues. Tonight I began teaching a book-keeping class at the Y.M.C.A. It is purely a “love-task” - there is no money in it.
[Page 77]
1887
Nov. 11th
Today is Mr. White’s birthday, & tonight we four who mess together threw in & got up a supper. For a set of bachelors, it was firstrate. The oysters were superfine & superbly cooked; the cakes were light & nice; the fruit was choice & varied; the coffee was strong & clear; the sherry was genuine; and the champagne was sparkling & delightful. Besides Mr. White, Harrison , Doc & myself, we had a brother of Mr. White, & Ed McKissick, a young man of we younger ones’ age, who is a member of the News & Courier reportorial staff, & a jolly nice fellow, up to tea with us.
1887
Nov. 22d
The Timrod Chautauqua Literary & Scientific Circle was organized tonight. Rev. Mr. Burgess was elected President; Miss Smith Vice-President; Mr. G. A. Norwood, Jr. Sec. & Treas.; & I Critic. The other members are Prof. Primer of the Charleston College, Mr. Rittenhouse, Mr. Jamison of the Y.M.C.A., Mr. Card, Mr. Nixon, Misses Smith, 2 Misses Card, Miss Fannie Roach, Mrs. Clancy, Mrs. Norwood, & Miss Rodman.
1887
Nov. 27th
I did not attend so many services today just to boast of it, but was, indeed, astonished when I thought of it, at the number of religious services I was present at. I was at the usual Chapel Prayers at the Citadel; at prayermeeting at Trinity at 10 o’clock; heard Mr. Boyde at regular service; went to Sunday School; & then strolled down to Post Office and heard most of the services there; attended Mr. Dibble’s & Mr. Smyth’s lecture to the Cadet Christian Association tonight; and then went over to hear Mr. Stockley’s farewell sermon; in all - seven services!
1887
Nov. 29th
Our Timrod C.L.S.C. met at Mrs. Clancy’s tonight, read an essay on Bryant; & also an extract of his poetry.
[Page 78]
We adopted as a motto for our Circle: “Pulchrum est colere mentem” (It is a beautiful thing to cultivate the mind.)
1887
Dec. 6th
The Chautauqua Club met tonight at the Misses Card’s on East Battery. We had a lively discussion over the history; and then some music by Miss Card. Prof. Primer read a part of Milton’s “Samson Agonistics”, & Miss Rodman an essay on Milton. The President, Rev. Mr. Burgess, read Longfellow’s “Skelton in Armor.” It was a pleasant evening.
1887
Dec. 9th
Harrison & I and Lt. Foster of the Sumter Guard acted as judges for the Carolina Rifles’ plume drill tonight at the German Artillery Hall. Ed. Anderson, two of his brothers & Henry White were the last four who “fell out”, & we had some trouble in deciding upon which was the best among these, but it at length fell to Henry White.
1887
Dec. 20th
Our Timrod Club met at Miss Roach’s tonight. I escorted our Vice-Pres., Miss Annie Smith. We had a very sociable evening. Prof. Primer read an amusing essay.
1887
Dec. 23d
I rec’d today from E. P Wait’s, in New York, a very handsome life-sized crayon portrait of Ma, which I had ordered sometime ago. I am pleased with it.
My Book-Keeping Class at the Y.M.C.A. sent me a very handsome gold pen and pencil combined today. It is a very valuable present, and has also a value not intrinsic.
1887
Dec. 25th
Christmas Day. It is rather a peculiar Christmas with me, but not peculiarly pleasant. Today is Sunday and I am in duty. The weather is trying to clear up & be bright, but it is disagreeably cold. I have never before spent a Christmas alone, or away from the family, and I don’t care ever to again. Jess & Winna sent me pretty Xmas
[Page 79]
cards. I also got one from little Gertie Mills way out in Montana. Last night as I came in about 11 o’clock - for I had been out all afternoon & evening - I found a package on my table. It is a splendid picture of Moll. My dear girl does look sweet, certain! I have been anticipating for so long a visit to her New Year’s Day, and this morning I got a billet-deux from Genl. Hagood saying he thinks it inadvisable to go, considering that the Cadets cannot have furloughs, and that the moral effect on the Corps of an officer having indulgences which they yearn for but cannot get might be bad, so that [illegible] idea is murdered on this pleasant Christmas Day.
1887
Dec. 27th
I dined yesterday at Uncle Johnnie’s, and spent the evening at the Citadel at work. Today I dined at Dr. Baer’s; and tonight I escorted Miss Fannie Roach to Miss Rodman’s where the Timrod Chautauqua Literary & Scientific Circle met. We had a pleasant session. We have had these two days holidays at the Citadel, but tomorrow we begin work again, & do not expect another interruption. It has been a remarkably quiet Christmas. I have several invitations to formal evening parties but have declined them. The ladies of our J.C.L.S.C. intend to give us an oyster-roast on next Friday. This is very informal, but I don’t know that I shall attend.
1887
Dec. 30th
I attended the “roast” tonight, and we all had a very gay time. The young ladies had the “wash-kitchen” tastefully decorated with Chinese lanterns & Christmas berries & evergreens, and it was a delightful Oriental-looking place. It was a cold night, and a big wood fire with an abundance of red oak coals
[Page 80]
made things comfortable and cozy. And here is where the oysters were roasted, and such oysters they were! So big & fat & finely flavoried! Each lady had on an apron, and they brought out one each for us. We had quite a gay time putting these on. The oysters soon began to pop, & each armed with a cloth and an opening knife, we went to the attack and fought manfully for and hour. Steaming coffee & cocoa, & crisp crackers, and condiments for the oysters were all on hand, and we chattered & laughed & joked & ate (considerable of this last) as unrestrainedly as children. We were pretty dirty when we got through, but being washed we wet in and we cut a “bran-pudding”. I had never seen this performance before. The pie-crust was opened & a solid bed of sawdust was revealed in the bowl. Each person [-and we were all kept outside, until our turn-] was blindfolded in turn & carried in to the “pudding”. He was told to feel down in the sawdust & bring up the first thing he felt. This was called a “plum”. These “plums” were little geegaws; - jumping-jacks, [illegible], rattles, horns, brass rings, & toy-watches, etcetera. Then we went up stairs in the parlor & had some music & some games. Miss Annie Card & I gave the a “sufficiency” of duets. We broke up about 20 minutes of 1 o’clock, and the last thing I heard in entering the Citadel, was a medley of horn & whistle noises down Meeting St. - It was the Cards & Miss Rodan on their way home, & the “plum” noises on the still midnight air were the last echoes of the “bran-pudding”.
1887
Dec. 31st
I am in charge today. Shall sit up & see the new year in.
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1888
Jan. 1st.
Sunday, New Year’s Day. It is not a pleasant day, for a storm seems to be brewing, but it has been a very busy day. I started out rather badly on the new year. I was “in charge” yesterday and it was my duty to be up at reville this morning, but I didn’t awake until an hour afterward. I was also a little late to church, and did not feel as devotional as usual, but felt better after the service. Harrison & I dined with Mr. White at his sister’s and had to leave immediately afterwards in order to get to Sunday School by 3:30 o’clock. Tonight, it is raining very hard. Earlier we had quite an electric display - rather unusual this season of the year. China’s two little sisters were up here, & on account of the rain had to wait until 9:30 o’clock to get back to the Whildens. Whilden, a Mr. Green of Sumter, Mr. White, & Harrison also came in & we spent a sociable evening. They have just left - Mr. White lingering a little after the others to talk to me about life-insurance. It is now nearly eleven and like Gray, “the world is left to darkness & to me”. I can hear the constant pit-a-pat of the rain outside, but that is all. Today I cannot with much complanicey look back on the past year. I don’t know why, but I do not feel like it. Neither do I care to plan for the future. Our plans always go wrong, so it is discouraging to build them but to see them fall. This is rather a gloomy 1st. If the whole year is like this beginning, I would almost want some Rip van Winkle wine. 1888! It is hard to realize that a new year has come. Good-bye old 1887. You will soon be forgotten in the past.
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1888
Jan. 3
Tonight the Timrod Circle met at the Misses Smith’s in Charlotte St. I read them “The Coyote” from Mark Twain’s Roughing It. We had some music and a fairly pleasant evening. A good many of the members were absent, however.
1888
Jan. 4th
I sent Moll today our engagement ring. We have been engaged since August 27th 1884. There seems no prospect of our marriage this year; tho’ that is “a consummation devoutly to be wished”.
1888
Jan. 8th
I got my violin (one Major Cain lent me) yesterday, and shall begin to learn on it. What playing I have done [illegible] has been all wrong, so I shall have to learn over again. I attended services at Trinity as usual this morning. Tonight in the Chapel, Mrs. Chapin gave the Cadets a temperance lecture. It was an excellent talk, full of pathetic incidents, & wholesome warnings. When she had finished, she organized the association of the “Cadets of Temperance”, and it was gratifying to see about ¾ of the Corps join. I trust it will do great good in the Academy.
1888
Jan. 15th
Sunday: - I have been lying up in my room reading since Friday. I have a carbuncle of a mild kind on the back of my neck, and have kept in [illegible]. It is considerably better tonight, & will be o.k. tomorrow I hope. Aunt Catherine [illegible], Pa’s last living aunt, died on last Tuesday.
1888
Jan. 16th
I gave my usual lesson in book-keeping at the Y.M.C.A. tonight. Also heard an entertaining lecture there by Dr. Dawson, on the eye. He explained why we do not see inverted.
1888
Jan. 17th
I went to hear the play of “Othello” tonight at the Academy of Music. Edwin Booth played the part of Iago, and Lawrence Barnett the part of
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Othello. As these are the leading actors of the world, we expected a great deal; but as much as we expected, their acting came up to our expectations, and, indeed, in some respects went beyond mine. I am no critic of acting, and this is the first of Shakespeare’s plays I have ever seen played, consequently my views are worthless as a criticism, but they may be interesting to me hereafter and I shall try to put them down here. I think Booth’s Iago is perfect. He is a revengeful, wary scoundrel, but has such admirable ability to hide it, that the men against whom he intrigues, and especially the gentle, unsuspecting Moor imagine him a close and “honest” friend. Iago has to deal with a number of men, of various temperaments, and has, consequently, to adapt himself to each. To the impulsive, passionate Roderigo he is one man. To the good lieutenant, Cassio, he is quite another; to the Moor, different still; and so on. The wonderful tact he shows in putting the first tiny seed of jealousy, and suspicion in the Moor’s mind, the little hints he lets fall, then the hypocritical regret he shows at letting out these hints; his stoutly declining to say anything against Desdemona until he seems to be forced; his feigned attachment to Cassio and the Moor, all require a mastermind to work up. This is Iago’s false character. I imagine that an inferior actor would show only these, and leave us ignorant of his true peculiarities: but not so Booth. We still see Iago’s worldly wisdom; his lack of sentiment; his watchfulness of the countenances of those around him; his evil, revengeful spirit; his fear; his quick resource; his adamantine heart; and finally, his terror, doggedness, and fiendish hate. These
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are by no means all the emotions he passes through, and in the varying circumstances which arise they pass so rapidly that it is astonishing that Booth can betray them all, and never make faux pas. Barnett’s Othello was masterly. Here, too, was a tremendous field for expression. To [illegible] the changes thro’ which a person passes from the kind, unsuspecting, and devoted husband to the jealous, maddened heart-broken murderer requires a genius of the first order. The wonder, first, at Iago’s vague suspicions; the feelings as the [illegible] of the suspicions dawns on him; the indignant disbelief; the gnawing restlessness when Iago says “So may you long be, my lord.” The wonder, humor, agony as the proof of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness seem to increase. The the sudden fire, and terrible madness with which he seizes Iago by the throat & demands proofs or he will kill him; the heart-broken grief, when Iago promises the proofs & leaves him. The return of his love for Desdemona; his inability to believe her false, and his agony when he thinks of the damning evidence. His absorbing love of her; and the exquisite sentiment when he exclaims “O, Iago, the pity of it, Iago!” His desire for revenge on Cassio; his determination that Desdemona must die; his love returning with full power, & dying suddenly again; then finally the tenderness of his last look on Desdemona as she sleeps; as he wakes her, and asks her to pray; “I would not kill her and - O-oh! no! - no!- I would not kill her soul”. His inflexibility at her entreaties; his desire not to mar her loveliness in slaying her; and when she is half strangled and he desists a moment and she moans, even in his horror he is “pitiful” & continues his work “that she may not linger in her suffering!” Then the deed is done. He gazes on the beautiful woman - his wife. “My wife!- O Desdemona! - Desdemona!”
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Emilia comes in and proves to him beyond a doubt that Desdemona was “pure as heaven”, and did love him truly. Then his eyes are opened in regard to Iago, and he plunges his sword into him. Then his agony as he throws himself distractedly on the body of Desdemona; his recovery and desperate resolve, his farewell speech, and suicide: all these Barrett acted with consummate power. Desdemona was well acted. The loving, open, pure wife. Then the scenes when Othello’s demeanor puzzles her; her love for him; her inability at first to understand his insinuations about her loyalty to him; then the dawning knowledge; the strong apathy when he leaves her; her hysterics when Emilia comes to console her. Her pleading for life when Othello comes to slay her; and even in death her love for him. Cassio was also very good, - especially the scene where he lost his lieutenancy. Brabantio was first-rate. The other characters had no hard work to do, & so they, of course, could do it well.
1888
Jan. 19th
I took my violin round to Mrs. Smith’s tonight and we practiced some.
1888
Jan. 21st
Maj. Emerson, Harrison, and I had several enjoyable games of tennis this afternoon up at Hampstead Mall. I did not go out tonight. It was cold, so I sat by my fire and being in a humor not to read, I amused myself by “trying” a counterfeit quarter which somebody passed off on me. I had my table for court-room and my ink-stand was the judge’s desk. The officers, attorneys, jurors, etc. were such little odds and ends as I could lay my hands on. The following is an accurate account of the proceedings as taken down by stenographer pencil:
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Account of the Case of the
State versus Counterfeit Quarter,
on the charge:
Obtaining goods under false pretences.
as accurately reported by
Stenographer Led Pensle
Immediately when the appearance of Judge Haferdollre in the ermine, Sheriff Spule led in the prisoner and put him in the dock, and the clerk, Mr. Mostash Komb, read the indictment as follows: “Whereas, it having been deposed by witnesses that one Counterfeit Quarter, alias, Bogus Coin, has on various occasions obtained goods under false pretences, the aforesaid Counterfeit Quarter, alias Bogus Coin is hereby arraigned and is required to enter his plea as to being Guilty or Not Guilty of the following charge: - That on the 20th day, or any other day, of the month of January, or any other month, of the year 1888, or any other year whatsoever, in the of Charleston, or any other city of the state of So. Ca. or any other state whatsoever of these United or any other States not united or united on the face of the globe, he or some other person was guilty, culpable, involved, innocent or otherwise involved as principal, accessory, spectator or in any other way whatsoever, of obtaining, getting, stealing, borrowing, purloining, or in any way whatever acquiring goods, chattels, property, peanuts, hardware, bananas, or any other article whatsoever of commerce, navigation, agriculture, manufacturer, art, tariff, consumption, or export, naval stores or any other industry, enterprise, undertaking or trade, of one, or more than one, Dutchman, Italian, Jew, Gentile, Anarchist, man, woman, child, Mormon, Irishman, or person of any nationality soever, enlightened, civilized, Mongolian, barbarian, or ascetic, or statements, suppositions,
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expressions, hypothesis, - by thought, word, or deed, with the intention, desire, or expectation of thereby deceiving, defrauding, confusing, astonishing, misleading, or affecting in any mode whatever the aforesaid person as to his assets, exchequer, liabilities, bank-account, character, balance-sheet, pedigree, property, ancestry, nationality, or any characteristics whatsoever.” The jury, which had been impanelled after much challenging, and which consisted of 8 Messrs. Button, 3 Messrs. Tack, and Mr. Stele Penn as foreman were much pleased with this clear enunciation of the charges. The attorney for the defense was Mr. Parlor Match, who, by the way, has a wooden leg and red hair, and a fiery disposition. Solicitor Needle conducted the prosecution with his usual penetration. The Solicitor is rather slender, and has but one eye, but as Sheriff Spule says, [Sheriff Spule knows the Solicitor well] “his point in the argument will be the sharpest of them all”. The prisoner plead “Not Guilty”, and the examination of witnesses began. First, Hon. Genuine Dime, a little, aristocratic man, was put upon the stand. He thought the prisoner was a “low fellow”; & esteemed his “coat of arms” a fraud, because the eagle on it was “plebeian”, and “had its mouth open like it was gaping.” On cross-examination by Mr. Match, he confessed he had never seen an eagle, but “he didn’t believe an eagle was born with its mouth open.” Mr. Match laughed sneeringly, but Solicitor Needle sprang to his feet and asked him tauntingly “if he had ever seen an eagle hatched.” Mr. Match said he hadn’t. This [illegible] amused the jury very much, and one Mr. Jack actually fell
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out of his chair with laughing. Second witness called was Herr German Silver Thumb-tack. His testimony was some-what unsteady, and strongly in sympathy with the prisoner. Solicitor Needle’s suspicions were aroused, and he asked, “Are you related to the prisoner, Mis-ter-er-Mister Thumbtack?” “Mein [illegible], vat you tink; heem an’ me do talk alike, dot we be keen to do odder?” But the jury saw the Dutchman was very excited, & the Solicitor told them impressively to remember his manner. Third witness was Mr. Nickle. He is a retail grocer. Thought the prisoner was proud, and “tried to be better than his equals” - meaning himself. Had never known the prisoner’s father. Didn’t believe he had any pedigree.
Next witness was a dark-skinned & very corpulent Italian, - Kopper Farthing. Keeps a fruit-store. Boys call him “old Penny”. Mr. Match asked him if he wasn’t a much larger man than his countrymen usually are. Solicitor Needle said the question was irrelevant, but Mr. Match said he didn’t mean any offence, so the Solicitor for once lost his point, although he laughed and said in a low tone something about Mr. Match’s ignorance.
Farthing said he belonged to a stout family. Was not much acquainted with respectable people. The prisoner had been in his shop. Thought he was a very good fellow. Dismissed. The next witness called was Captain Brass Button. He is a dude, and quotes Latin phrases: Had met the prisoner, and liked him at first; but found he was rather trivial & light.
“Light”? - asked Solicitor Needle, writing down something, & smiling blandly at the jury.
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- Light and somewhat shoddy. It didn’t seem to me that he had an attractive tone to his voice, - it sounded flat.
“Ah!” - said the Solicitor, writing.
“But”, said Mr. Match to the witness, “your own voice is rather flat, Captain, and perhaps -”
“Perhaps” interposed Solicitor Needle in his clear voice, “our esteemed humbug, the counsel for the defense, had better not speak of voices, as every one knows that he is totally deficient in that line.”
Foreman Stele Penn (who is distantly related to the Solicitor) fairly shook with laughter at this thrust.
The witnesses were now exhausted. Mr. Trousers-Buckle, the tailor, and Capt. Sea Shell, of the U.S.N. got up and left court, confident that from all they had heard, the prisoner would be convicted. The argument now began. Mr. Match’s speech was very brilliant and spirited, but the jury did not wake up until just at the close, when in his efforts, Mr. Match exceeded his strength and was attacked with brain fever. The took him out in a raging delirium and ducked him in a convenient trough. His life was saved, but alas, his beautiful and much-prized red hair was coal black.
The Solicitor in his address to the jury began: “I have never before,” he said “had the pleasure of arguing a case before a jury whose intelligence I could so well depend on as the one I now see before me; and I consider myself fortunate in have men able to perceive the thread of argument which I shall draw.” Juror Pants Button smiled & nodded to juror Shirt Button, his second cousin, as much as to say “we know what thread is.”
After a long and brilliant recitation of authorities on “Descent of Property” and “Priority of Patent Rights” which bore directly on the
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subject, the Solicitor said, “and now, gentlemen, what are the similar points in the present case? You remember the prisoner said he is an American, and that all his kindred are Americans. Now, did you perceive the emotion of the Dutchman, when questioned as to his relationship?” The jury all nodded. - “Ah! - that is one suspicious evidence. - Again, did you notice the animosity that our worthy tradesman, Mr. Nickle, had against the prisoner, because the prisoner wished to appear better than he is?” The jury all nodded again. “Ah! - And did you not hear the evidence of Capt. Button, how the prisoner was light, and had a flat voice?” - The jury nodded approvingly. “Ah! - Now what do we conclude? If the prisoner were related to Herr German Silver Thumbtack would it not be natural that the latter should be excited in his disposition? Most certainly. Now!” - checking off the points on the fingers of his left hand impressively, - “if the prisoner is related to Herr Thumb-tack, he is a foreigner; if a foreigner, he is not American; if not American, he is not related to the American Silvers; therefore he is a GERMAN SILVER!” This magnificent piece of logic elicited cheers from the jury, but the judge stopped them, and the Solicitor continued: “But this overwhelming evidence is not all. We shall [illegible] Oswego on Pelion.
- Is it not an axiomatic fact, - so visible as to need no demonstration, - that all the German Silvers are light and devoid of musical tune except the two families of BRASS BAND HORNS and WATERBURY WATCHES? And does he belong to either of these families? By his own confession he does not. Therefore - he is a fraud and is guilty of all the charges in the indictment. Gentlemen, I feel that I can
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leave this case with you. I see intelligence in your gaze. I do not know that the sun will rise tomorrow; - I believe it will; - but when I come to things I know, it is that a jury of ability when it has a case like this (whilst the sun may rise tomorrow) will render a verdict of guilty in five minutes!”
Judge Haferdollre, or Four Bits, as he is popularly known ( because he was bit 4 times by a dog, or rattle snakes, or something) then very ably charged the jury. He said: “If you find the prisoner to be, from the evidence, a foreigner, then he is guilty of arson. If he is light, then he is guilty of justifiable homicide in the first degree. If his voice is as represented, he is guilty of highway robbery with malicious intent.”
The jury retired. Fortunately, they had been supplied by the Solicitor with a blank on which the verdict was already written, so that they had time to sign it and get back into the court before the five minutes were out. When the verdict of “Guilty” was pronounced, the prisoner’s sister, Miss Pewter Spoon Coin, fainted. The sentence of the Court was then pronounced on the prisoner as follows: “Thou shalt be taken hence to the County jail and there tried for specific gravity, and if thou fallest below 11 thou shalt then be put in a [missionary] box and sent to the farthest bounds of Farther India. So be it. Quad erat, demonstrandum. Delenda est Carthago.”
[See scan of document on page 87 for original illustration]
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1888
Jan. 22d
Sunday: - I heard Bishop Duncan at Trinity today. He preached delightfully for an hour. I attended S.S. this afternoon, as usual, and afterwards walked down to the P.O. and round by the Battery with Anderson Stokes. Tonight, he, [illegible], & I took the [illegible] young ladies & Miss Leia Fishburne over to hear Dr. Ford. I am very much disappointed (at present) in his preaches. He is too theatrical, and his words seem to lack that interest in the salvation of the heavens that, in my opinion, is indispensable in a preacher’s discourse. - We chatted pleasantly for an hour or so on our return from service.
1888
Jan. 23d
Maj. Cain and I went to the Concert given by the Mendelssohn Quintette Club of Boston at the Freundschaft Bunder Hall tonight. The music was superb. The solos on the violin, ‘cello, flute, & clarinetts [sic] were the finest I ever heard.
1888
Jan. 29th
Pa came down last night to spend today with me. He is just from Graham’s, where he will return tomorrow, he not having finished work there yet. We strolled down by the Battery, & then came back & heard Dr. Ford at the Citadel Square Baptist Church. After service, we saw Dr. [illegible] Smith, & went up on the cars to Magnolia Cemetery & spent an hour in the “city of the dead.” Coming back, we took tea at Uncle Johnnie’s, & spent the evening there. Pa is a great walker, & does not seem as tired as I at our tramp today.
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1888
Feb. 3d
Friday: - I got off for a short visit up to Bamberg this afternoon and arrived here at 8:30. There was to be a hot supper in the town-hall, & Moll and I went there as soon as I had come to the house & fixed up a little. We had a pleasant time at the supper, - which was for the benefit of the [illegible] School, - Moll won a cake in a raffle. We got home about 12 o’clock, and Moll & I chatted until about 1. She is looking well.
1888
Feb. 4th
Moll & I took a walk this morning about half a mile to Sall’s house. We cut our names on a tree in the yard. This afternoon we strolled over to the new school-house, and tonight went to the depot to meet Pa & Ma who came down from Grahams on the 7 o’clock train. Hamp was to have come but he preferred to stay with Mr. Matthew’s boys.
1888
Feb. 5th
Sunday: - Moll & I went to S.S. this morning, & the others came in later to church. Mr. Waring, Miss Kizzie Picken’s fiance, - & Hugh Fraser from Charleston, had come up on the morning’s train, and they came with Miss Kizzie & Florrie. Dr. [illegible] preached. After dinner, Mr. Waring took his fiance for a drive, & Hugh, Florrie, Matt, & I went to see the new school-house. Tonight, we had some music.
1888
Feb. 6th
Pa & Ma returned to Grahams at 9:30 this morning. Moll & I went round & brought Miss Miller round to dinner. Then Moll & I went up the street, & were weighted - she 119 & I 132. We then planted some flower-seeds. We have played some on the organ. I must return to the Citadel tonight, so my visit is at an end. It has been most delightful, and I don’t feel inclined to leave, but inclinations do not always govern.
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1888
Feb. 10th
Our examinations were concluded today. The two Chester boys have done well. Will Lewis is 2d in the Second Class, 18 members. Marshall Hunter is 3d in the Third Class of 52 members.
1888
Feb. 14th
Had a pleasant meeting of the C.L.S.C. at Miss Rodman’s.
1888
Feb. 21st
Had a pleasant meeting of the C.L.S.C. at Mss Smith’s.
1888
Feb. 22d
The boys were given a holiday today. The parade of the military this afternoon was very fine, in spite of the foggy weather. I took tea at Dr. Baer’s tonight. Mrs. Courtenay, Mr. R. M. Wells, & one or two others were also the [sic]. Spent a pleasant evening, as I always do at Dr. Baer’s.
1888
Feb. 25th
President Cleveland & his wife and some others of his party stopped in Charleston for an hour today, en route from Fla. to Washington. All the military turned out, and as it is a lovely day, it seemed that nearly every body in the City were on the streets. The Presidential party drove around the City at a gallop. It was a great procession, but nearly the entire interest centered in the last carriage, which contained the noble President, his charming young wife, Mayor Bryan & one other person whom I didn’t notice. The vast crowds of people enthusiastically cheered the President & his wife, & the former went bareheaded throughout nearly the entire route. Mrs. C. is a brunette, with rather a dark complexion, but is handsome & stylish. I like
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The President’s look; - he is great and stout, but I like the expression of his face. I got four good view of them, as they countermarched thro’ different streets, and once I was just by the carriage, & looked at them critically. We have an honest, conscientious President, & his wife is a charming lady.
1888
Feb. 28th
We had a pleasant meeting of the Timrod Chautauqua Literary & Scientific Circle at Miss Card’s tonight. We are professing very satisfactorally [sic]. I think our course of study is excellent, and our methods very good. Out meeting is opened with roll-call. Each member answers with a quotation from some author who has been selected for the evening. The minutes of the previous meeting are then read. Then the Sec. “collects the questions.” Each member is required to present two, and may present four, questions bearing on the course of study during the week. The questions are submitted one by one by the President to the Circle, & he calls on some member to answer. Discussion is allowed on each question, and in this way the text-books are digested & criticized. The consideration of the question-box consumes in our Circle (we have 18 members) about one hour. After this we have an essay or declaration, & then some music. Then a reading, some more music, possibly; & then 10 minutes for conversation. The miscellaneous business, appointments for next meeting, & adjournment. The Chautauqua Circles are becoming very numerous, and scattered all over the United States. The University of Chautauqua is in New York. They give all members of Circles a
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Diploma after a course of study of four years (after being satisfactorally [sic] examined.) The studies are prescribed for all the Circles in the country by the Faculty of Chautauqua, & there is published at headquarters a very interesting & valuable journal, The Chautauqua, for the general guidance of the Circles, so that unity is gained & simultaneous work is done. Our course of study for this year has been Hal’s History of the U.S., Beers American Literature, Hathfield’s Physiology & Hygiene, Walker’s Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation, Readings from W. Irving, Wilkinson’s Classical German Course in English, Hurst’s History of the Medieval Church, & Articles in the Chautauqua. Many of these books were written especially for the Chautauqua Circles, & they are published by the Chautauqua press.
1888
March 1st
I was in charge last night, & before reville this morning was awakened by the alarm of fire in the Citadel. It was in the Hospital. I got there as soon as possible, & found some Cadets at work chopping into the floor near the fire-place. The fire was beneath the floor, & after cutting into it, it was easily extinguished with a dozen buckets of water, & before the fire department arrived, which, by the way, is always in extremely quick time. The fire department of Charleston is very prompt. A fire rarely ever makes any headway. I suspect it is as good a service as can be found anywhere.
[Page 97]
1888
Mar. 4th
Sunday: - [illegible writing, see scan of original page]
Last night Harrison & I attended the commencement exercises of the Medical College at the Academy of Music. Mr. Arthur Childs of Chester graduates 4th in a class of 17. Hon. E. B. Murray of Anderson delivers the address, & Dr. W. H. Lawton (one of the graduating class) delivers a very amusing valedictory.
I attended church this a.m. at Trinity, & also S.S. this afternoon. Went to hear Mr. Smart at Bethel tonight, & like him very much.
1888
March 6th
I attended a lecture tonight at Hibernian Hall by Sir Henry Gratton Esmonde, a young Irish nobleman, who is lecturing in the interest of Home Rule for Ireland. He is about 25, I suppose, - is a fair speaker, & seems to have good practical sense.
1888
March 9th
I attended with Maj. Cain the Concert by the Charleston Musical Association tonight at the Freundschaft Bunder Hall. There were about 75 voices in the chorus; & the solos were very good. There is abundance of musical talent in the City.
1888
Mar. 19th
Harrison & I have formed a Rowing Club. We have rented a boat on Ashley River, & intend to row occasionally in the afternoon for exercise. He, Doc, & I took a row of about a mile and a half up the River this afternoon, but it was a little rough & we blistered our hands.
[Page 98]
1888
March 22
I hear Mr. Charles Dickens read tonight at the Academy of Music. He is a son of the distinguished author, & he reads his father’s works with a great deal of appreciation and expression. He read 5 chapters from David Copperfield - taking in the pathetic parts of Emily’s life, & also an amusing account of David’s courtship & marriage to Dora. He also read Bob Sawyer’s Tea Party from Pickwick Papers with great effect.
1888
March 27th
Had a pleasant meeting of the S.C.L.S.C. at Miss Rodman’s tonight.
1888
April 10th
The Chautauqua Circle met at Miss Smith’s tonight. I had the honor of being reelected President.
1888
April 14th
Maj. Emerson and I went up to see the game of base-ball between Birmingham & Charleston. Birmingham played a beautiful game: - making 6 runs to Charleston’s 0.
1888
April 16th
Had a pleasant meeting of the S.C.L.S. Circle at the Misses Card’s in the Battery tonight.
1888
April 18th
[No text - see scan of original page]
1888
April 20th
A competition squad drill between the W.L.I.’s, Carolina Rifles, and Montgomery Guards took place at the Academy of Music tonight. Lt. Cabamis, Harrison, & I were the judges. It was a close contest between the W.L.I.’s & the Carolinas, and if the latter had not looked down in unfixing bayonets, they would have won the prize. The percentages were: W.L.I.’s 90%, Car. Rifles 88%, Montgomery Guard 74%.
[Page 99]
1888
April 30th
The S.C.L.S.C. met at Miss Roach’s tonight, but for lack of a quorum we did not have the usual exercises, but asked Miss Lillie Roach & a Miss Cuthbert to join us in an evening of conversation and music.
1888
May 6th
Sunday: - The first week in May is gone, and this is how I spent it: On Tuesday night I was prayermeeting at Trinity, and afterwards went down to Auntie’s & heard Gertie’s lesson. On Wednesday night, I went to see the Misses Chapman, & spent a pleasant evening. On Thursday evening, Harrison & I went to Col. Gadsden’s on Association of Graduates business. On Friday evening, Lt. [illegible] & I went to the German Artillery Hall to see 4 squads of the Sumter Guards drill. On Saturday, the annual Drill of the Four Companies of Cadets took place. Three tents for headquarters, and two pavilions for lady spectators were pitched on the grass border opposite the plaza where the drill occurred. The inspection of the companies was held in the morning; and also the company individual drill. Rutledge won the star of “A” Co., Buckhalter of “B” Co., Dixon of “C” Co., & Dunbar of “D” Co. The company drills took place in the afternoon. The drilling was very good, and everybody was pleased. Cornelson’s (B) Co. came in first; Brunson’s © second; and Miller’s (A) and Clark’s (D) tied for 3rd place. Drilling the four single cadets who had won the individual prizes in their respective companies, Dunbar was declared the best of the four, & was entitled to another (Battalion) star. I conducted the parade, & the Genl. presented the prizes & made a little speech.
Today I was at prayermeeting & church in
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the morning at Trinity, and at Sunday School in the afternoon. Tonight Maj. Emerson and I took a stroll to the Battery to enjoy the breeze. I heard last week of the death of Sam Cureton in Florida. He is the first our class to die.
1888
May 11th
I am 23 years old today. The Cadet Picnic occurred today at Mt. Pleasant, but I did not attend. I attended to some business downtown, & returned to the Citadel, where Maj. Emerson & I dined together. After a nap in the afternoon, he & I went up & had several sets of tennis, - I getting beat, by-the-way.
1888
May 13th
I was at Trinity this morning, and went home with Dr. Baer, with whom & his family Rev. Mr. Wells & I dined. Was at Sunday School, & at service tonight.
1888
May 17th
I went with Maj. Emerson to a Charleston Amateur Musical performance tonight at the Academy of Music. It was a very elegant entertainment. The time represented was old times in England, and the costumes were to match. The scene opened in a handsome sitting room in “ye hospitable house” of Lord Fairfox. Lord F. (Mr. Andrew Simonds, Jr.) & Lady Fairfox (Miss Crafts) were seated in their sumptuous room. From the walls, a long line of ancestry gazed upon them. Lord F. is supposed to be reading, & Lady F. to be knitting, but really they are discussing society. Their daughter, Lady Prudence (the charming little Mrs. A. Simonds, Jr.) trips in and announces that the Musical Club will meet there this evening. Lady Prudence is a most charming little witch. She has a lovely face, a lovely
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form, & was dressed very becomingly. Directly, the brother ([illegible] Morgan Smith & Eddie Hughes) announce the visitors: Lady Castheten (Mrs. Patrick), Miss Highflier (Miss Nathans), Sir & Lady Ogle (Mr. & Mrs. Sparkman), and, with their appropriate noble titles which I have forgotten, Miss Sadie Simmonds, Miss McGrady, Miss Tavel, Mr. Goodwin Rhett, who takes off superbly the character the music teacher & several more gentlemen. Miss Dolly Everlate (Miss Mamie Gayer) comes in after the “Music Class” has sung a piece. She is, as usual, late. The pieces sung purported to be selections made for this old time Music Class, & consisted, consequently, of old familiar airs. The singing was exquisite, & can hardly be thrown far in the shade by professional talent. The best pieces were “Coming thro’ the Rye,” most admirably executed by Miss Gayer; “Within a Mile of Edinburgh Town,” exquisitely sung by Mrs. Patrick; solos by Miss Nathan & Mrs. Sparkman; “Woodman Spare that Tree” by Mr. Sparkman; “Flew gently Sweet After,” by Mr. Darby; a solo by Mr. McCormack; “Drink to me with thine Eyes,” a duet by Mrs. Patrick & Mr. McCormack; a duet by Mrs. P & Miss Carew; a superb duet by Miss Gayer & Mrs. Schott; a trio by Miss Simmonds & two of the gentlemen; and a couple of quartets. There were also several choruses, notably, “Auld Lang Dyne,” Mrs. Andrew Simmonds, Jr. charmingly recited a “Sonnet to a Bonnet,” & also, at the close, “The Epilogue to ‘As You Like It.’” The entertainment closed with a finely executed cotillion by four very graceful couples. It was the best vocal musical singing I ever heard.
[Page 102]
[“Bamberg” written at top of page”
1888
May 18th
I went up on the train this night to Bamberg. I hadn’t written anyone that I was coming & so when I knocked at the door and Aunt Mellie opened it, it was a great surprise to them. Pa & Auntie & Moll & Sall were at a game of whist & Florrie was engaged at some work, as usual. We sat up & chatted, & the whist continued until nearly two o’clock.
1888
May 19th
Pa & I went down the street, & I saw a good many of the B- people in the morning. But I spent most of the day at the house. Moll & I played some music together. In the afternoon, Sis came down from Grahams. She is looking well & fat. She & Sall & Mr. Rice & the baby left for home late in the afternoon. Moll & I then strolled around by Miss Miller’s & on through the woods, gathering wild flowers. Coming on back, we went down to the colored church, & sat at twilight on the steps for some time. After tea, we all chatted until 11:30 o’clock.
1888
May 20th
Sunday: - Pa & Florrie & Moll & I went to church at Trinity Church, Bamberg. It is “Children’s Day,” & Mr. Smith preached sermon to the young folks. It began to rain, & we went home during a slight cessation. It continued to rain & storm all the afternoon. My stay drew rapidly to a close, & at 7 o’clock Pa & I went to the Depot under an umbrella. I left there about 7:10 & arrived at the Citadel at 10 o’clock. My little trip was delightful, & I can go to work tomorrow with a lighter heart, from the memories of the past two days.
[Page 103]
1888
May 21st
We had a pleasant meeting of the S.C.L.S.C. tonight at Miss Smith’s. We have about finished the year’s course of study, & will now begin on our examinations.
1888
May 23d
The Washington Light Infantry gave the young ladies of the Columbia Female College a reception tonight at their armory. This Company has always been noted for their chivalry, their esprit, & their hospitality, and the entertainment tonight was very pleasant. A number of ladies & gentlemen of the City were invited to the present & assist in entertaining the young ladies. After the little speech of welcome by Maj. Gilchrist, & a response by Dr. Darby, a “general introduction” was pronounced made & the gentlemen & ladies immediately began mingling in conversation. Some of Charleston’s musical talent was present and a good many solos & a quartet were rendered. Later, white aproned servants carried around an abundant supply of ice-cream, cakes, & Japanese napkins; and before the “epilogue” each lady was presented with a bouquet of flowers, & a neat “souvenir card.” Miss Maggie Melton of Chester, & Miss Carrie Fishburne of Bamberg were in the party of Columbia girls; & I met quite a number of others.
1888
May 25th
Gen. Johnston gave the graduating class a sail around the Harbor tonight. All of the faculty were invited to be present, & most of us went. Quite a number of young ladies were present, and the evening was a lovely one. We left the City about 8 o’clock, & steamed out to the Bar. The moonlight, the delightful breeze, the happy party
[Page 104]
made it very pleasant. Strawberries & cream, & some vocal music with a guitar accompaniment also contributed to the interest of the occasion. Altho’ it was a “sail” so-called, it was really a steam, as we were all seated on the top of the tug Jacob Brandow. I talked most of the time with Miss Belle Mazyck & Miss Virginia Fraser. We got back to the City about 11:30 o’clock, after a very pleasant evening’s entertainment.
1888
June 3d
Sunday: - I went to prayermeeting Tuesday night; to Aunt Julia’s on Wednesday night; to see Mrs. Waring ([illegible] Pickens) on Thursday; & on Friday evening the Polytechnic & Calliopean Societies had a joint debate & other exercises in the Chapel. One feature of the entertainment was the presentation of the Societies of very handsome gavels by the Association of Graduates. Yesterday I was busy with business matters all the morning. In the afternoon Maj. Emerson & I went thro’ the Charleston College Museum. I am in charge today, & as have been in all day, & have been rather lonesome.
June 16th
1888
This afternoon, Harrison & I played the “Au Fait” Tennis Club a match game of tennis. We are to play 5 sets, but we could only get thro’ 2 sets this afternoon - both of which were hard-fought, but which Harrison & I won.
June 18th
1888
Harrison & I went down to finish our game of tennis. Parker & Gaillard succeeded in beating us the first set, but we won the second, & so soon the tourney - having the best 3 in 5. We have agreed however to play another tourney next Saturday.
[Page 105]
1888
June 23
Saturday: - Harrison & I went down to play the “Au Fait” Tennis Club a second match tourney of tennis. The wind was a little too high, & Harrison & I had to work like Trojans to win the first two sets. The 3d set they wallopped us badly, - beating us a “love set.” We have shall to finish the tourney next Monday.
June 25th
1888
Our final tourney in tennis occurred this afternoon. H. & I were in good trim - but so were Parker & Gaillard. Our first set was very hard fought - but was finally won by the “Au Faits.” Then we stood two to two, - & our next set was the “Aug of War.” Harrison & I went in with determination, & started out on a winning gait. The “Au Faits” struggled hard, & did not allow us to ease up at all, - but at length we closed the 6th game before they reached the 5th - & thus won the Second Tourney. I hope next year we shall have another contest equally as good.
Tonight, our Timrod Chautauqua Literary & Scientific Circle had its last meeting this year. We had a sketch of Timrod, our quotations were from Timrod, we had several readings from him, & some music, & a report of the year’s work of our Circle. We also had our first debate. Prof. [illegible] & Miss Rodman were pitted against Miss Maude Smith & myself. Our query was: “Resolved that Washington did more for the freedom of America than LaFayette.” We had the affirmative. Prof. [illegible] made an excellent argument, but he the weak side, and lost.
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1888
June 26th
Mr. Jamison & I took Misses Annie, Maude, & Lizzie Smith and Miss Pope to the Commencement exercises of the Charleston College tonight at the [illegible] Hall. Geo. von Kobritz is one of the graduates, & made the valedictory address. President Shepherd made a thoughtful address, & then the Alumni of the College presents Prof. Lewis R. Gibbes with a handsome service of silver as a “jubilee” gift - so to speak. He has been a professor in the College for 50 years. He is a gray-haired old gentleman of 78, now. The presentation speeches piled on the compliments so high that the old gentleman was, I think, greatly confused.
1888
July 3rd
Will Bond came down Saturday night & has been staying with me. Yesterday - the Baccalaureate sermon was to have been delivered at Grace - but when we got there, we found Mr. Pinckney sick - & so we listened to an address by Mr. Memminger. Today (Monday) Coleman surprised me. He has been quite unwell & is looking badly. He & I went down town on business this morning. The Cadets paid the Bd. Vs. a salute this afternoon & we had a review of the Corps. Tonight Beverly Stokes & I brought the Misses Chapman up to hear the declarations of the 3d & 4th classes. Lake rendered Jan O’Shanter very well, & Singletary spoke splendidly. But Mikell took the first prize, & justly, in his splendid rendering of the “Convict’s Soliloquy.” Salley, A. took the second prize on a well-spoken piece. Judge Magrath made the presentation of the prizes in a handsome manner.
[Page 107]
1888
July 4th
We had a very encouraging Commencement at the Academy of Music today. Clark & Pyatt, - the star men of the “Class of ‘88” made good addresses. Pyatt’s was quite humorous - his subject being “Modern Mania’s.” Clark’s was quite an able talk on “Thoughts on Education.” Rev. Dr. Jones then spoke an eloquent address to the Class. The “Citadel Cadets’ March” - a new piece of music dedicated to the Corps, was then rendered by the orchestra, - the entire Corps standing. After the presentation of diplomas by Gen. Hagood, the Annual Oration was delivered by Congressman Dibble. It was a very able address. Tonight, the annual celebration of the Asso. Grad. was held at the New Brighton Hotel, - Sullivan’s Island. After Kindard’s speech, the large Hall was cleared of chairs & a numerous throng of ladies & gentlemen engaged in the maze of the waltz - [illegible] superb string band rendering the music. Refreshments were served toward midnight. The Assos. of Grad. held their business-meeting in a separate room. We all left the Island at 2 o’clock.
1888
Thursday July 5th
I finished up my business in town today & left tonight for Bamberg - where I arrived at 10 o’clock.
1888
July 6th
I staid [sic] “at home” nearly all day - Jess & I played some music together. Tonight the Bamberg Graded School, in which Aunt Mellie is a teacher, had its closing celebration.
[Page 108]
[“Grahams” written at top of page]
It was an entertaining exhibition, - the little girls, especially, rendering their pieces nicely.
1888
July 7th
I went to Grahams on the 9:30 train. A darkey from Mr. Matthew’s met me with a carry-all, & we soon travelled over the two miles between Grahams & Sis’s. I found Sis & Joe at home, & Mr. M. came in later.
1888
July 8th
Sunday: - Mr. M., Sis, & I drove in to Grahams to church. Heard the presiding elder, Mr. Clyde, preach a good sermon. After our return home we had a thunderstorm & rain; - & Charlie Wroton & his wife came over in the afternoon for a visit. Mrs. Wroton is the first bride of the Class of ‘86. She is a sweet looking little woman, - too delicate, however.
1888
July 9th
I drove over the farm with Mr. M. this morning. Tonight Mr. Weeks came over for a visit. Florrie was the attraction for him, I think. Florrie came up from Bamberg this morning. Mr. Weeks played an old squeaky fiddle, & Sis kept an accompaniment on the guitar.
1888
July 10th
I spent today at Sall’s - about a mile below Sis’s. The baby is pretty & interesting. Just as I got back - 5 o’clock, p.m. - we had a rainstorm, - but it cleared off sufficiently by night to let us [illegible] up & go over to the Johnsons - about 2 ½ miles away. The Johnsons consist of the mother, Frank, aged 23, & two daughters - Misses Agnes & Kitty, - both entertaining. Miss Kitty is a lively girl, aged about 18, I suppose. She does not like the country - but longs for the life of a City.
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The Misses Johnson played some piano duets, - then Mr. Frank & his two sisters played a few trios - (Frank on the violin), - then Sis some pieces by herself on the piano, then she & I some duets (I on the violin, she the piano). We had quite a musical. After this we conversed socially, - some wine & cake were served, - & we left shortly after twelve o’clock.
1888
July 11th
We expected Charlie Worton & his wife to dine today - but they did not come. Shortly after dinner, Mr. Matthews & I rigged up some fishing tackle, & rode down to the River. We got a boat and drifted down stream until we had caught enough live bait, when we shoved into a “lake” & began fishing for jack. Mr. M. caught two jack & a perch - but I did not catch anything but a catfish. I enjoyed some of his jack for supper.
1888
July 12th
I left on the 10:20 train to Bamberg this a.m. We were busy packing up for Chester, & got off on the 7 p.m. train. We reached Columbia about 10:30 & had to wait there until 11:30. Aunt Alice, Uncle George, Mr. Witherow & Mary, two Messrs Reeves, & Moll, who has been in Columbia since last Saturday came down to the Depot & waited with us until we left for Chester. Moll came in with us. We got home at 2 o’clock, Ma, Pa, & Hap being at the Depot to meet us.
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[“Chester” written at top of page]
[Illustration at bottom of page - see original scan]
1888
July 20th
We have been home just one week. We found the little house enlarged & beautified, - the place improved & everything looking cozy & pretty. Music, croquet, whist, company, & walks have been the order of the day. Chester is a little lively now. Several new projects - new railroad, new factory, etc. - are on foot or in progress & are becoming the town. I am glad to get up into the hills again. This afternoon Moll & I drove around town & saw the new homes going up & all the old familiar places.
1888
Sept. 30th
Time is passing away pleasantly. Today there was a political meeting here. Gov. Richardson made a genuinely eloquent address. He spoke plainly of his views & his dignified bearing ought to have won him the admiration of his audience - but it didn’t. Most of the listeners were inappreciative farmers who yelled lustily & loudly when Tillman was introduced. Tillman is rather younger than I thought to see him. He spoke amusingly & earnestly - & maybe honest in his convictions & purposes of “reform” - but he has not the insight, the enlightenment, or the abilities of a statesman. He is a typical S.C. farmer. I suppose he is about 35 years old.
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[“Chester, Bamberg, Grahams, Charleston” written at top of page]
Vacation ends today. I have had a happy time. Moll & I have walked & talked - and I have played tennis with the Chester girls - & have read some, & visited, & the time has glided by. Ma & Pa & Jess & Hap went to the Depot, to see us off at 4 o’clock this morning. We reached Bamberg (Moll & I) at 9:20 o’clock & found Auntie at home. I got a horse & buggy & drove Auntie & Moll out to Sall’s, - where I left them & went on to see Sis. I took dinner with them there & went back to Sall’s at 4 o’clock. We got back to Bamberg about six, & I left for the City-by-the-Sea at 7. I got here at the Citadel about 10 o’clock safe & [illegible], & found my room neatly fixed up & a lamp burning. Coleman & Kinard were next door & welcomed me. Vacation is ended.
1888
Oct. 12th
Our first two weeks of work is done. Our new faculty, composed of Genl. Johnston, Majors Cain, Reese, & Cummings, Lt. Cobaniss, Capt. Mazyck, myself, & Kinard & Coleman, is a superior force to any we have ever had before. Major Cummings & Reese are both pleasant gentlemen. Our Chautauqua Circle reorganized for the winter campaign on last Monday evening at the Misses Card’s - East Battery. Tuesday night, Coleman & I were at prayer meeting at Trinity.
1888
Oct. 21
Sunday: - Our Chautauqua Circle had a meeting last Monday evening at Miss Smith’s - Charlotte Street. Wednesday night, Jim K. & I called on Lieut. [illegible] & his wife. Friday evening I spent at Dr. Baer’s. I was on duty yesterday. Today I was at Trinity
[Page 112]
[Illustration at center of page - see original scan]
to prayermeeting, morning service, Sunday-school, & again tonight. I got a picture of our house from home today.
1888
Nov. 6th
I was down to see the election reports tonight in Broad St., & at the Charleston Hotel. In Broad St., in front of the Courier office, the two upper stories of a store-building had been covered with a huge sheet on which a lantern in the Courier office threw a large magnified view of the reports as they came in. When reports were slow, Mr. C. E. Bolton, the manipulator of the lantern, entertained the crowd with views in Scotland, France, & Germany. Much enthusiasm was aroused by displaying tremendous pictures of Cleveland & Harrison. The outlook tonight is rather gloomy, although the returns are too incomplete to form any notion of how the election will turn out.
1888
Nov. 12
Our Chautauqua Circle met at Miss Roach’s tonight. Miss Annie Smith & I were putted against Kinard & Miss Caldwell on a debate. The subject was: “To a person in affluent circumstances, which is the greater deprivation, the loss of sight or the loss of hearing?”
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Miss Smith & I had the negative, & won by a small percentage.
1888
Nov. 25th
Gala Week was a failure. We have had horrible weather; - rain every day. The competitive drills on Tuesday & Wednesday were excelled - the best I have ever seen in Charleston, but the weather was so raw that very few came to see it. Miss Birdie DaVega & Miss Walker (Mr. Nat. Walker’s sister) came up in my room, & witnessed the drill from my window & I chatted with Birdie about home. The Cadets had holiday every afternoon except Monday, & the entire day Friday. Our Academic work this week has been very unsatisfactory. On Thursday evening Mr. White & I called on the Misses Bell from Chester at 25 Meeting St. Friday night Kinard & I went in a dime show on King St., & saw a man eat glass; - also an Egyptian mummy, an Aztec mummy, the remains of a 10-foot giant, two twins similar to the Siamese.
1888
Dec. 3d
Today I heard Bishop Keener preach at Trinity. Attended S.S. & service tonight as usual. Had a pleasant meeting of the Chautauqua Circle at Miss Caldwell’s, - Vanderhorst St.
1888
Dec. 5th
I began my Book-keeping Class at the Y.M.C.A. I have a class of 9 - mostly intelligent men, & if they will hold out doing the work, I hope to accomplish something at it.
1888
Dec. 8th
Kinard, Coleman, & I formed a reading club among our three selves, to meeting every Saturday night & read & discuss some poem. We read “Julius Caesar” tonight.
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1888
Dec. 16th
Last Monday our Chautauqua Circle met at 36 Charlotte St. & we had a very pleasant session. Tuesday night I was at the Y.M.C.A. German Class. I have concluded to try to acquire that language. Prof. [illegible] has charge of the Class. Wednesday night, I gave my second “lecture” to the Book-keeping Class at the Y.M.C.A. Saturday night our “faculty reading club” (Kinard, Coleman & I) read Byron’s “Child Harold”. Today, I was at prayermeeting, morning service, Sunday School, & night service at Trinity.
1888
Dec. 23d
Our “Triangle” Club read Bulwer’s “Richelieu” last night. The following quotations I copied: “Oil & water - woman and a secret - are hostile properties.” “The pen is mightier than the sword.” “Better a victim than an assassin.” “The thought of lovers stir with poetry, as leaves with summer wind.” “I am great - in other phrase, friendless.” “The poorest coward must die, - but knowingly to march to marriage, my lord, it asks the courage of a lion.” “The mate for beauty should be a man, not a money-chest.” “There is more royalty in a woman’s honest heart than dwells within the crowned majesty and sceptered anger of a hundred things.” “Love, suffering, hope, - what else doth make the strength & majesty of woman.” “Life at the best is short, but love immortal.”
1888
Dec. 30th
I took Christmas dinner with Mr. White at Mrs. Hughes’. Owing to the holidays, I have had some leisure at the Citadel. Yesterday, Doc, Jim K. & I went to the opera “Ruddygore” [isc] by Gilbert and Sullivan. Rose Maybud had an exquisitely sweet piece; - the others were good voices. Last night in “Triangle” read Scott’s “Marmion.” I made the following marks & quotations: -
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“Who checks at me to death is dight;” - (Marmion’s motto). “Nor does old age a wrinkle trace more deeply than despair.” “And come he slow or come he fast, it is but death who comes at last.” “Oh, why should man’s success remove the very charms that wake his love?”
“For often in the parting hour victorious love asserts his power o’er coldness and disdain; and flinty is is her head can view to battle march a lover true, can hear, perchance, his last adieu, nor own her share of pain.”
“Love swells like the Solway, but ebbs like its tide.”
“Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.”
“O, woman! in our hours of ease, uncertain, coy, and hard to please, and variable as the shade by the light quivering aspen made; when pain & anguish wring the brow, a ministering angel thou!”
1889
Jan. 6th
Our Chautauqua Circle met on New Year’s Eve & after an unusually attractive programme for the evening, - we all got lanterns, & cloaks, & umbrellas (for it was misting) & went to the Citadel Square Baptist Church and ascended the steeple, whence we saw the old year out & the new one in - a novel place. Our exercises have been moving on at the Citadel regularly since the first of Jan. Last night our “Triangle” read the poems of Ossian. The following are some quotations which I made: - “The deeds of old are like paths to our eyes.” “As flies the unconstant sun over Larmon’s grassy hill, so pass the tales of old along my soul by night.” “She knew that my soul was a stream that flowed at pleasant sounds.” “The fell pale on the rock of [illegible]. The mournful warrior raised her tomb. He came to Morven; we saw the darkness of his soul. Ossian took the harp in the praise of [illegible]. The brightness of
[Page 116]
the face of Gaul returned. But his sigh rose, at times, in the midst of his friends; like blasts that shake their infrequent wings after the stormy winds are laid!” “There is joy in grief, when peace dwells in the heart of the sad; - but sorrow wastes the mournful; - they fall away like the flower on which the sun hath looked in his strength, after the mildew has passed over it.” “Happy are they who die in youth, when their [illegible] is heard! The feeble will not behold them in the hall; or smile at their trembling hands. Their memory shall be honored in song; the young tear of the virgin will fall. But the aged wither away, by degrees; the fame of their youth, while yet they live, is forgot. They fall in secret. The sigh of their son is not heard. Joy is around their tomb; the stone of their fame is placed without a tear.” “The battle is not won with grief; [illegible] dwells the sigh in the soul of war.”
1889
Jan. 13th
The work has passed as usual: Tuesday night, German Class; Wednesday night, Book-keeping Class at Y.M.C.A. Thursday night, [illegible] K. & I called on Wilson Gibbes & his bride at Dr. Wilson’s. They were married on Jan. 2d. Mrs. G. is a pretty, modest, mild woman. Friday night, “Cap” & I called at Dr. Baer’s. Met an English lady, a Miss Brooks, & found her entertaining. Last night, our Triangle read Tennyson’s “Harold.” The following are some quotations: “Better die than lie.” “The voice of any people is the sword that guards them or the sword that beats them down.” “The man that hath to foil a murderous aim, may surely play with words.” “Better leave undone than do by halves.” “The simple, silent,
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Honest man is worth a world of [illegible].” “Evil for good, it seems, is oft as childless of the good as evil for evil.”
Today, at Trinity, we had a rare treat. Bishop Newman of the Northern Methodist Church delivered a magnificent sermon on “Individuality.”
1889
Jan. 20th
The week passed off as usual. Yesterday, I was greatly surprised & gratified to find a telegram awaiting me on my return from downtown, saying that Moll would be in the City at 12:55. I met her at the Depot, & saw her to Mrs. Ed. Roach’s. At 3 o’clock we went over to the Island, & tho’ it was cold, enjoyed the trip. Last night, Jim K. & I called to see her. Today, I went round at 11 o’clock & stayed until 6 o’clock this evening. Those 7 hours were happy ones.
1889
Jan. 27th
Moll left on Monday afternoon. On Wednesday night, Ma came down, but the rain kept us indoors until Sunday. Pa surprised us Saturday night at 12 o’clock. We went down to the Dutch Pres. Church to hear Dr. Thompson. The Dr. recognized Pa & came down & spoke to him after the service. We also saw the Misses Bell of Chester there. This afternoon we took a stroll over to Ashley River.
1889
Feb. 3d
Pa left last Monday evening for Bamberg, & Ma on Tuesday morning for Chester. The week has passed as usual. Our first term ended on Friday & our semi-annual examinations will take place next week. Last night our “Triangle” read “Mill on Liberty.” Today I heard Mr. Dribble at Trinity. Attended Sunday School as usual.
[Page 118]
[“Bamberg” written at top of page]
1889
Feb. 11th
Monday: - Last week was occupied with our semi-annual examinations. On Saturday, I got leave of absence & went up to Bamberg. I got there at 9 o’clock. Mr. Rice met me, & after a cup of coffee at Sall’s we went over to Gen. Bamberg’s where there was a musical. There I found Pa, Sis, Mr. M. & Moll. After an evening pleasantly spent with music, we dispersed. I went home with Moll & talked with her until 1:30 o’clock. Yesterday, - Sunday - I went round to Auntie’s (- I had slept with Pa at Sall’s) & had a long talk with her about some of Moll’s & my plans in July. She didn’t agree with me, & we spent about 3 hours in argument. In the afternoon Moll & I took a walk down the railroad, & coming back went in to see Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Wroton & their 7-week-old baby, which is a pretty thing. I left for the City at 7 o’clock, arriving at a quarter to 10. Today, the Genl. gave the Cadets a holiday in consideration of their hard work & good marks last week. Tonight, our Chautauqua Circle met at the Misses Card’s - in East Battery. Jim K. & I took the Misses Smith.
1889
Feb. 24th
Last Monday night the Chautauqua met at Miss Smith’s. Tuesday night I attended my German Class. Wednesday night my book-keeping class. Friday was a holiday - being the 22d. Jim K. & I went to practice some with Miss Annie Smith. Saturday I was on duty, & conducted the 1st review & inspection of the season. Today I attended services at Trinity as usual. Tonight was at Citadel Square Bap. Church.
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1889
Mar. 3d
It rained on Monday, & no Chautauqua meeting was held in consequence. On Tuesday I was at German Class; on Wednesday Book-keeping Class; Thursday, Cap & I called on Mr. & Mrs. Pemberton; on Friday evening we called at the Chapman’s. Last night we attended the 60th commencement exercises of the Medical College, & saw Doc, & Furman, & Ned Parker (who graduated 1st honor) & 22 others graduate. Today, Jim K. & I attended services at Trinity. Heard Mr. Coke Smith preach a fine sermon. Tonight we paid a short call on Dr. & Mrs. China over at Mrs. Clancey’s, & then went over to the Baptist Church & heard Mr. [illegible].
1889
Mar. 12
Tuesday: - Last week passed pretty much as usual. On Friday evening, the two Cadet literary societies had a joint debate & some essays & declarations in in the chapel. Mr. White & I brought the Misses Bell up to it. Marshall Hunter was one of the Polytechnic debaters, & he & Johnson won, altho’ they had the negative (and vastly inferior) side of the question, “Would it pay to be virtuous, the future state not considered?” I attended services as usual on Sunday. Last night the Circle met at the Misses Card. Among the articles on the programmer, we had a spelling bee. Miss Caldwell & I chose sides. I fortunately had Miss Maggie [illegible] on my side, & she won. Miss Caldwell & I went out on “cinque”. Today, Jeter, who has got China’s place as Hospital steward in the Citadel, came into my room, & will probably be with me until July. ~
[Page 120]
1889
Mar. 24th.
Sunday: - The past two weeks have passed as usual. Over Triangle last Sat. night read “Evangeline”, & yesterday read “Much Ado About Nothing”. I have attended the meetings of the Chautauqua Circle & at the Y.M.C.A. as usual. Attended church service at Trinity today.
1889
April 1st
The State S.S. Convention met in Charleston last week. I heard Mr. Reynolds of Illinois make a couple of very fine addresses. Rev. Mr. Anderson, a young Presbyterian minister whom I met a year or so ago, was down, & came up to see me on afternoon. Jim K. & I took a long stroll over in St. Andrew’s Parish Saturday. It was a lovely spring day. We decked ourselves with jessamins & had our pictures taken with staves in hand, sans coat, & covered with jessamines. The colored artist was quite charmed with our “get up”, and gave us, as he guaranteed, “perfec’ satisfacture”. Our [Triangle] read Popes’ Dunciad on Saturday night. I heard Dr. Meynardie preach a fine sermon at Trinity yesterday morning. Heard Mr. Dorgan, at Citadel Square Baptist Church last night.
1889
April 14
The week has passed as usual. On Monday night we were at the Chautauqua Circle. On Tuesday night Kinard & I took tea at the Misses Smith, 36 Charlotte St. A number of ladies and gentlemen were there. A Mr. Preston Graves of Virginia, who is on a visit to his brother-in-law, Mr. Dorgan, was there & as he plays chess, I asked him up to the Citadel Wednesday afternoon to play. We each won one game. Wednesday night I had my class at the Y.M.C.A. as usual. On Thurs
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day evening, Coleman & I called on Dr. Baer & family. On Friday night I went round to the Rev. Mr. Dorgan’s to play chess with Mr. Graves. He won 3 games to my one. Saturday I was on duty & conducted review & inspections. In the afternoon Mr. Graves cam up & we had some more chess. We had an intervene for tea, & played on until tattoo. He beat me three games to my two, - one draw. Owning to our chess, our [Triangle] did not read as usual. On Saturday we read Byron’s “Sardanapalus” with great interest. The following is a game between Mr. Graves & myself which we conducted to keep a score of as we played it. [See original scan for game score]
[Page 122]
April 30th
One hundred years ago Washington was inaugurated the 1st President of the United States. In commemoration of that event, today is observed generally throughout the Union as a day of thanksgiving. In New York there are to be grand celebrations, but in Charleston it does not seem to excite much interest. Services were held in a few of the churches this morning. Coleman & I attended the exercises at the Huguenot Church. Dr. Vedder conducted the usual Sunday services, and did not speak on any patriotic theme, saying briefly that “while it is proper to observe this occasion with thanksgiving, the subject cannot be treated except at a length which we have not time to give it”. The Cadets had the day as a holiday.
On last Saturday night our triangle read with a great deal of interest Bulwer’s “Lady of Lyons”.
On Sunday, I was at Trinity as usual. We have a large new organ & a choir, & the church is to be completed & the seats all cushioned. A few of our old school Methodist have opposed the innovations, but the radicals have carried the day with considerable eclat. One good that the new regime has done, & which is so evident that it cannon be gainsaid, is the increased size of the Sunday evening congregation.
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May 5th
The Cadet Picnic came off on Friday. I did not attend, but spent most of the day in practicing some new pieces on the violin. On Thursday evening I took tea at Mrs. Chapman’s. There were, besides myself, two Misses Carew, who sing delightfully, a Miss Bellinger from Bamburg, & a Mr. Baker from the City. We had a lot of music. On Friday evening I took my violin round to the Smiths & we played a number of pieces. Yesterday Jim K. & I spent a couple of hours in the Charleston Museum with our zoology, studying the specimens. One giant Clam - as nearly as we could guess by eye - would measure 24 inches in length, & 18 in. width. It was beautifully white inside, and the two pieces, of course, fitted well in the scallops. [See original scan for an illustration on the clam] The Indian python which nearly exceeds 15 feet in length, we also saw, - and we thought it to be from 15 to 18 feet. One of the greatest curiosities to me, however, was a huge lobster. I made a sketch of it & guessed at its dimensions as nearly as I could. [See original scan for the sketch of the lobster] Its right claw was 12 in. long & 4 in broad, I think. Its body was only 14 in. long & was barely as long as its right claw. How it could ever wield such a claw, & with such a small fulcrum I cannot imagine.
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The birds we glanced over hurriedly but with great interest; - & the collection is very fine. The insect department is slim. The shells were there in great variety however, - and the reptiles were well represented. We were tired out when we reached the mammalia, & so left those for a later day.
Last night our triangle read Longfellow’s “Michael Angels” with a degree of interest. Today, I have attended the usual services at Trinity.
1889
May 11th
I am 24 years old today, & while I am quite well, I feel fully that old. I suppose I shall rapidly get mature after my marriage in July.
I spent the day quite pleasantly. In the morning Kinard & I went down to see about our 6-dollar Monserrat low-quarter shoes, - and I had promised the men some Strawberries in honor of my natal anniversary, but owing to the drought the berries have gone up to 25 cents a quart, & so I bought some canned peaches & almond drops instead. At eleven o’clock I went round to the Misses Smith’s - 36 Charlotte St. Miss Maude gave me a lesson in watercolors (see p. 130) - and after a nice little luncheon, Miss Annie & I practiced some, - for I had also taken my violin along. In the afternoon, Mr. Graves came up to the Citadel ot have some chess & we played a number of games. He got the best of me by a game or two. Tonight, our Triangle read “The Taming of the Shrew” with a great deal of interest.
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Yesterday, nearly all the offices attended the Memorial services at Magnolia Cemetery. Ge. Johnston was to have been the orator of the day, but owing to his wife’s illness a week ago, he had begged to be relieved, & Col. Armstrong delivered a very beautiful tribute. There was also, as usual, an ode read, & the opening prayer by Rev. Mr. Holland (a war hero) was very eloquent. The young ladies of the Confederate Home, & the Cadets placed the wreath on the tablets of the soldier’s graves.
1889
May 15th
Wednesday. On Monday night we had a little extra amusement at the Circle. Instead of the usual quotations from some author at roll-call, each person had come with an original couplet, and the ladies had provided a beautiful basket of flowers for each member. The first lines of the couplets were placed indiscriminately among the baskets - one in each - & the second lines were scattered among the members of the Circle. The President then took up a basket & read the line that lay on it; - the person holding the rhyming line read it & took the basket. Jim K. & I got some very pretty flowers.
Last night I went round to play some chess with Mr. Graves. He beat me the first two games, but I then “caught on” and did some of my best playing. I beat the next four games. Mr. Graves was sorely disappointed on the last game, as he wanted to
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“tie the score” - (I was three to two). He had a rook, Bishop, & Knight to my two rooks, - & each had 5 pawns. He thinks his force was the stronger & ought to have won, & he was badly shaken at the disastrous results.
There was an excursion from Bamberg today. I got a note from Moll saying she should be at Mrs. Chapman’s. I called to see her at 2 o’clock. I found Auntie there, which was a surprise to me. I got a few moments chat with Moll. She is looking very well. Today 8 weeks we will be married. That will not be long as I shall be busy, - but seeing Moll, always “breaks me up.”
1889
May 19
Sunday: - Friday night, we Lieutenants went to the Competition Drill among the Sumter Guard. A large crowd of ladies and gentlemen were present. We found it rather tiresome and left before the refreshments and dancing.
Yesterday, I took another lesson in watercolors from Miss Maude Smith, - and Miss Annie and I practiced over some of our pieces. In the afternoon Mr. Graves came up and beat me badly at chess. He won 5 games to my three, - but two of the games that he won were in my hands and I literally thew them away. We played until bedtime, - and as Kinard was out, our triangle did not have its usual Saturday night reading. I attended usual services today.
[Page 127]
1889
May 20th
I did a very nice piece of triangulations with my Surveying Class today. With the transit, I measured the angles of two trees on the Green from my window, and from Maj. Cumming’s window. I had only 34 feet for a base-line, and the distance between the trees as computed was 462.6 feet. I got several of my class to chain off the distancer actually in the ground, & they found it to be 462.3 feet. [See original scan for illustration and math work]
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1889
May 24th
The Annual Competition Drill of the four Cadet Companies took place today. At 10 o’clock, Lt. Cobanis, Coleman, & I began the inspection of the Cos. This was concluded about 12 o’clock. Then the companies came out in turn to be drilled for the best Cadet in each. Corpl. McCully - Co. “A”; - Private Coffin, Co. “B”; Sergt. Blake, Co. “C”; - and Corpl. Perrin, Co. “D” were the successful Cadets. We then had dinner, & at three o’clock, the 1st Company began the drill. It was a pleasant afternoon, but we judges got sunburnt badly. My face was as red as a lobster when we got thro’. Kinard held the parade, & Genl. Johnston presented the star to the best-drilled Cadet. Tonight, Lt. [illegible], Coleman, & I were busy until after 11 o’clock averaging up the Co. records for the drill. Owing to the fact that some of the members of his Co. overlooked another Company’s drill, Ct. Capt. Rune’s Company (“B”) did not enter the contest. The following is the results of the drill. [See table in original scan]
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1889
June 1st
Saturday: - Last Thursday was a very blustering day. Jim K. & I went down to the Battery to see the waves, - but as the spray was drenching the Battery, we went out on the end of the first wharf & had a fine view of the Bay, & a view of the Battery from its side. The waves were magnificent, & I have never seen a grander sight. At times, it seemed like from one end of the Battery to the other torrents of white spray were dashed 25 feet into the air sweeping over the high stone walk. Sea-ward, the waves came rolling in like huge monsters; & near us was a break-water over which the waves finished and played & sputtered like monstrous Titans at sport. Two of the monsters in an unexpected collision threw a water-spout unusually high into the air, which the wind seizing, hurled over us giving us a good spattering before we could escape. The ships which were tied by huge cables & ropes in the docks, were rocking violently, low & stern playing a regular see-saw, - and the wind was so stout that at times it was difficult to hold up against it.
Today, I have been quite busy down town attending to business for the Association of Graduates, and also seeing about some invitations for our wedding in July.
This afternoon I got a letter from Capt. Hall of the Georgia School of Technology at Atlanta offering me the Asst. Professorship
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of Math. there, - a position very similar to the one I hold here. The salary will be about $1200. I expect that I shall be raised here from $700, which I get now, to $1000 & my quarters which would amount to about the same thing. I shall not decide hastily.
1889
June 2d
Sunday: - I was at early prayermeeting at Trinity this morning, and at services. I dined at the Citadel & was at Sunday School, after which I went home with Dr. & Mrs. Baer where I took tea. Miss Anderson & I, & the Doctor & his wife, went tonight to hear brother [illegible] at Bethel.
1889
June 9th
The week has passed as usual. On Monday night our Chautauqua Circle met at 36 Charlotte St. On Friday night I went went round to the Rev. Mr. Dargan’s to play chess with Mr. Graves. We got thro’ 5 games by 12 o’clock - he winning two, I two, & one drawn. Yesterday, I was on duty & conducted the review & inspection, - the last one, by the way, that I shall probably hold this year, - & maybe forever. I haven’t yet decided about changing schools. Mr. Graves came up in the afternoon, & until 10 o’clock last night. We played 12 games - each winning six. It appears that latterly one can’t beat the other. Today, I have attended the usual services at Trinity. Today one month is Moll’s & my wedding day; and I expect we’ll be on our way to the mountains. Consequently, I anticipate the happiest of all my vacations.
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1889
June 30th
Last week was spent in examinations, which ended on Friday. The Cadet Hop took place on Friday night at the New Brighton, Sullivan’s Island. I did not attend. The baccalaureate sermon this morning at Flinn’s Church (2d Presbyterian) was preached by Dr. Wm. Flinn, professor of moral philosophy at the University in Columbia. It was on the elements of true manhood (II Peter I) & was a very fine sermon.
1889
July 3d
The Commencement exercises went off very satisfactorily. On Monday night the declarations in the Chapel were very good. Lake’s rendering of “New Horatius Kept the Bridge” was excellent. On Tuesday night, the two literary societies gave their annual literary entertainment. The speeches were extraordinarily fine. They were unprecedentedly long, but also unprecedentedly fine in two instances, Davis and Johnson. This morning was wretched for Graduation Day. It poured rain, but in spite of it, a large audience assembled at Hiberian Hall. Lewis & Harkell both made excellent addresses. Gn. Bonhaw made the annual Address to the Class, and Hon. J. J. Hemphill was the annual Orator. This afternoon at 6 o’clock a delightful banquet was served in the upper hall. I intend to leave for Bamberg early tomorrow morning, so I left the banquet after the first two toasts, in order to get ready.
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1889
July 4th
Well, here I am at Grahams, or at least near it. I arrived in Bamberg at 9:30 a.m., found Moll well & sweet (bless her heart) and spent a happy day with her discussing our approaching wedding. We have decided to change the hour of the ceremony from 8 p.m. to 6 p.m., in order to take the 7 o’clock train to Columbia. Auntie was very much opposed to it - wishing us to go by way of Augusta - but she finally succumbed. In the afternoon, Sis & Bro. [illegible] drove down for me, and we arrived at home just in time to miss a heavy rain storm.
1889
July 7th
I drove down to Bamberg alone this morning and spent the day with Moll - I shall not see her again until I go to march out in front of the preacher. I got back home a little after sunset.
1889
July 9th
I was over at Mr. Rice’s this afternoon playing croquet. His son Will, who was a telegraph operator at Wilmington, was paralyzed some time ago, & came home. He has greatly improved, but his mind is still greatly impaired. When asked a question, he tries to understand, - but can only say in an incoherent way, “I don’t do anything; I don’t know anything.” We enjoyed the croquet tho’.
Well, tomorrow I shall be married. So here is an end of my bachelor diary. I have no regrets at changing my condition - my anticipations are very bright, indeed.
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[Blank page]
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[See original scan for watercolor painting]
First Effort in Water-Colors:
A Pansy,
from Nature
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[“Extract from a letter to Moll” written at top of page]
April 25th 1889
“The other night Kinard said he felt in a poetic mood, & said he would like to “write a poem.” I proposed to him that we should give ourselves ten minutes to write it, & select some subject at random. We seated ourselves at the table, - paper, pencil, & watch before us, & I said, “Well, let the subject be “love”.” We started at it in earnest, & succeeded in producing the following at only a moderate loss of hair.
Love
Ten minute poems by P. Kinard
I
When love invades the human heart,
All other passions hide the face;
For love, when true, will ne’er depart,
But stay forever in its place.
II
O, may that love invade my breast!
Oh, may it stay forever there!
Till this fond heart is laid to rest; -
Then may it blossom over there!
O.J. Bond
I
What is it adds a brighter gleam
To Nature’s tints the fairest?
What is it makes the sunlight seem
The gladdest & the dearest?
What is it makes the birds to sing
More sweetly than their custom?
What makes the lover pine in Spring?
‘Tis love within his bosom
II
Ah! - Love, you tint all Nature bright,
And blind us to all reason, -
You hide the ugly from our sight
And summer winter’s season.
Jim was not satisfied. We still had a lot of poetic steam which needed letting off, so we rolled up our sleeves again and got ready like we were going to keep the time in a horse race. I then suggested as a subject, ‘The Devil.’ Jim burst into a roar of laughter, but I wouldn’t let him off; - so we tugged away at a considerable loss of
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hair. I found it very hard, and Jim busted altogether. At the of the ten minutes, Jim threw down the pen. This is what I got out with a great deal of trouble:
THE DEVIL
A Ten-Minute Poem, by O. J. Bond
I
Will I compare some lines? - oh, yes, -
Some lines you say about old Satan?
Why, yes, I’ll try; - I can, I guess,
Compare a line while you’re waitin’.
II
“The Devil”, - well, now let me see -
What can I say of one so evil -
His evil - I can’t think, - my me! -
His, - he is, - er - no, - oh, the devil!”
[Pages 137-139 Blank]
[Page 140]
Beware of the fate of [illegible words]. (Falling asleep.)
From adagio to prestissimo.
[illegible] and Parilla as names.
Pictures framed with sweet-gum burrs and spines of the pine-cone.
The [illegible] = oysters, and the peroration = the dessert of meal.
Such an [illegible] that when he looked a man in the face he saw his splendid love.
[Pages 141-148 Blank]
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“escaped with the skin of my teeth.” Job. XIX, 20.
Mrs. Sarah Drayton - 70 Coming St.
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[See original scan for Bible references]
When We Rode Beneath the Moon
Softer than the breath of daises
Fell her words upon the air,
Glader than the [illegible] praises
Was the laughing of the Fair.
Sweeter than the shining flower
In the breast of merry June,
Was she in that silent hour,
When we rode beneath the moon
2
Thoughts she had, and they were brighter,
Than the dusk around the stars.
Feelings, too, and they were lighter
Than the angel’s netting airs.
O her fan was like a vision!
Woven from the rays of moon!
And the creation looked Elysian
When we rode beneath the moon.
3
Lonely was her conversation -
Ever brillant, never slow;
Sow upon the star creation,
Then upon the scenes below.
Aft I found her spirit pulling
Grapes from vines that angles prune,
And the seraphs’ roses culling
When we rode home at the morn.
Ah, I felt my spirit drifting
From the thoughts of [illegible words]
And my young soul grandly lifting
To the angel side of life.
Some can tell my spirits sad [illegible]
When the holy hour was done.
O my soul was filled with [illegible]
When we rode beneath the moon.
Chas. A. Stakely
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[See original scan for Bible references]
[Page 152]
[Back cover of diary]
[Page 1]
[Front cover of diary]
[Page 2]
[See original scan for illustration]
[Page 3]
[In decorative writing, with illustrations]
"Confederate Bond"
Vol. IV
Begun Nov. 22 1894 - Completed July 8th 1898
"Let there be light."
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[See original scan for illustrations]
[Page 5]
[See original scan for illustrations]
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[See original scan for illustrations]
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[See original scan for illustration]
St. Andrews Church
Thanksgiving Day
1894
Nov. 29
I celebrated Thanksgiving with a 20-mile bicycle ride. Arthur Campbell and I set off a few minutes after nine o’clock, across the New Bridge into St. Andrew’s Parish. The ride from the Bridge to St. Andrews Church, which I have sketched above, was made in one hour. Here we found a very respectable old negro who “had been sexter of the church for over thutty year” in charge, and he showed us the interior of the building, which was in excellent condition. According to an inscription over the side door, the church was built in 1706, and is, consequently, 188 years old. The old negro also found for us the graves of Moll’s grandparents, which I wished especially to see. The graveyard had gone to wreck, and we had to raise the headstone, which was as follows:
Mary C. Roach,
wife of
William Roach
Who died May 28th, 1868,
Aged 58 years, 6 mos., 27 days.
"Farewell dear mother until we come."
The marble slab that covered Wm. Roach’s grave was older. It was inscribed thus:
Sacred to the Memory of
William Roach,
Who departed this life
On the 10th of Sept. 1838,
Aged 38 years, 11 mos, and 14 days.
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From the Church we had little further to go before reaching Drayton Station on the Charleston and Savannah Railroad. Here we ate the lunch Moll fixed for us, and determined to return to Charleston on the paths by the railroad tracks. I was pretty tired when we got home, and slept all afternoon. It was the longest ride I have taken, but I think it did me good: - I was ravenous for dinner when I got it.
1894
Dec. 1st
Along the hedgerows of a summer field,
Two happy lovers walked at close of day.
How glad was he to choose and smooth the way
And 'gainst the ard'rous briars play her shield.
When at the stile he made her figure yield
Its slender burden for a moment's stay
In his strong arms, and in her bright eyes lay
The landscape and the heavens all revealed, -
"His heaven" he said "lay in those tender eyes."
"But heaven is not attained until one dies,"
She archly cried, and would have jumped; but no,
He was too quick and fast did hold her so.
"Nay, sweet, I've lifted three six steps of seven,
And, by the grammars, what is heaved is heaven!"
[Sept. 4th 1897:- Change last five lines to read as follows: -
And would have kissed them, but she, struggling, cried,
"One does not get his heaven, till he dies!"
"Nay, love, I now hold heaven," he replied,
"For as I lifted thee six steps or seven,
By all the grammars, what is heaved is heaven!"
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1894
Dec. 2
I often get problems to solve from old Cadets who have graduated and gone out to teach, but seldom such a “stunner” as this one sent me by Stackhouse: A man has a 40-lb weight which accidently falls, and is broken into four pieces. He finds that with the four pieces he can weigh any number of pounds from one to forty. What are the weights of the pieces?
I sat down and wrote him: The problems is not soluble, as there are four unknown quantities, and only one equation, viz. w+x+y+z=40. Just then it occured to me that I might show that the problem is impossible, which was easily done as follows: - The man could weigh with each weight simply; with two weights at a time; with three at a time; with the four; with one on one side and one on the other to diminish it; w
1894
Dec. 5
Just as I made the “w” above, an “idea struck me” which I finally pursued to the successful solution of the problem, which is not impossible at all, as I thought, and rashly said. I made a list of the possible combinations of four wts., and found there were exactly 40. I next found they all had to be odd numbers, and should differ by different amounts. Then I saw I could discard some of the high odd numbers. Arranging the combinations, then, of 1 and 3, - the second arrangement tested gave the result. The weights are 1, 3, 9, and 27.
Similarly, the five wts 1, 3, 9, 27, 81 will weigh any number of lbs from 1 to 121.
And, incredulous as it may appear, a man could weigh any number of lbs from 1 to 29524 with only 10 weights.
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Games of Chess
Played with Dr. M. S. Hanckel
1894
[See original scan for chart of games]
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1894
Dec. 9th
It is very mild for December. Moll, Oliver, & I all went to church this morning at Trinity, and this afternoon took the cars and went up to Magnolia Cemetery and spent an hour or two in this beautiful place. We began taking Oliver to church last Sunday. He is a very heedless boy, and runs over to Mrs. Coleman’s to play with Walker, after being whipped two or three times in the last twenty-four hours about it. This morning, for instance, he dressed himself, - with a little help from Moll with buttoning his dress, and I think she hardly woke up to do that, - and was out and over to Walker’s before we were awake, or Livy had come; and yet I had whipped him yesterday afternoon about it, and tried to impress it on his mind. He won’t “mind” unless he is made to. I suppose it is because he is so healthy.
I am at work now on my thesis for Ph.D. degree, which I hope to obtain it next May.
1894
Dec. 15th
Foucault Day.
This afternoon, Coleman and I fixed up a long pendulum in the steeple of the German Lutheran Church to try Foucault’s Experiment of showing the earth’s rotation. After a good deal of trouble we got it fixed. It was too late then to perform the experiment, - so we deferred it until tonight, - setting the pendulum into vibration, however, and marking its plane. At 9:30 we went up there again with a lantern and lamp. Although it was 3 ½ hours since the pendulum had been started, it was still moving slightly. We could only roughly mark the plane; and the angle through which it had turned was something like forty degrees - a value much too great.
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We now set to work to perform the experiment better. Drawing the weight aside with a cotton thread, we let it come to rest, then burned the thread, and marked the plane of vibration by holding a white thread taut just under the pointer of the revolving swinging weight. At the end of half an hour we could see a decided shifting of the thread under the plumb-line, and the earth was visibly turning under our eyes! Fixing a second thread under the pointer in the new position of the floor, we made a map of the angle between the lines. From measurement of this angle, - whose sine is .069, - we find the angle to be 3°57’ - say 4°. According to theory, the shifting should be, (for the latitude of Charleston) about 8 1/10° per hour, - so that we obtained a quite satisfactory result.
1894
Dec. 21st
Several repetitions of the experiment under more favorable conditions, have given much less satisfactory results. This afternoon I started the pendulum at 4.21 P.M. Under it I had a paper with angles of three degrees mapped out, and all I had to do was to observe the instants when the pendulum reached the angles. At the end of 19 minutes it reached the 3° line. At the end of 38 minutes it reached the 6° line; at the end of 57 minutes it had reached the 9° line; and at 76 minutes it was at the 12° line. The accurate agreement of the four readings renders the result trustworthy, so far as observation goes. But the rate of revolution so obtained does not accord at all with theory, which requires that the angle traversed in a day should be equal to
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360° x sine of the latitude. At the observed rate, the latitude would be 39°10’, & it should be 32°45’
- - - I am just back from the Annual Ball of the Carolina Rifles, and as it is 1 o’clock, this ought properly to be dated a day later. I left Moll there, as the gaiety is just now at its height; but ‘Livy must be get home, so I have come & let her go. The ball was “beautiful,” - and a nice gathering of pretty girls prettily dressed and of gay if not handsome military men, mingled together in shifting kaleidoscope of the waltz.
1895
Jan 1st
Coleman and I spent the morning in fixing up the Foucault’s Pendulum in St. Phillip’s Church Steeple. We had some trouble in getting permission, but Dr. Johnson, the rector, went with us to Gen. Edward McGrady’s who, after he was enlightened as to the nature of the experiment, offered no objection, and said that as the “parson” requested it he could take the responsibility.
It was a ticklish thing standing on a scantling and looking down through a series of holes over a hundred feet. When we got the heavy iron ball swinging, we timed the vibrations, and amazed the Sexton’s mulatto-boy, (a fellow of some intelligence) by calculating in a few moments the length of our long pendulum, - which came out 108 feet.
1895
Jan. 5th
Some observations this morning with the pendulum indicate a rotation of 9° per hour, - a result too large.
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1895
Jan. 20th
Cousin Linnie Sessions from Webster, Fla. spent four weeks with us. She told us a good deal about the Florida folks. We have had a good deal of duplicate whist, have been to two or three dances, and have a good many Cadets to dine with us on Sundays and holidays. Linni left on night before last for home.
Oliver is in pants, now, and seems like a six-year old instead of only 4½. He is a great singer - without the ability to carry a tune. He has a good disposition, and is the picture of health. As I write, he is sitting in a chair looking at “the dead men” in a history of the U.S. - some battle pictures.
[See original scan for illustration]
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1895
[See original scan for chart]
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1895
Feb. 28th
Ma has been with us a fortnight and we have taken a number of walks together, when I had time, - but I have a great deal to do - every other day I am at work continuously from 9:30 to 4:30 with only an intermission for dinner, - an astronomy class, two classes in algebra, one in orthographic projections, and the 1st & 2d classes alternating in perspective and book-keeping respectively. Ma and I took a walk over the New Bridge the other day, and swung around on the “draw” to let a steamer pass through - altho’ Ma was a little nervous about it, and needed persuading. Another afternoon we went over to Porter Academy and to see “Billy Molen’s Oak” in front of the Arsenal. Another time we went to the east water-front and climbed under the East-Short Terminal Railroad to gather water-worn pebbles.
1895
March 3rd
HOW PEOPLE SPEND SUNDAY.
I started out about 11:30 A.M. for a walk, and dropped into St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. It seems to me superstition can write its lines on the human face very plainly. I didn’t stay long, but continued my walk to the corner of Line & Rutledge where Mr. Leitch’s Evangelistic Test - with its U.S. flags - stands. There were no services in the morning, however. As this part of town was unfamiliar to me, I explored on as far as the marshes, and watched for a minute a group of negro men by a fence gambling at “skin.” They eyed me with very discerning eyes as I approached, and when I stopped new I heard some pass remarks to the effect that I “wasn’t that sort,” (i.e., a cop in disguise) and their game continued. They knelt or sat in a little circle on the ground, each with a card or two and
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The following production by one of the Cadets came “unofficially” to my notice, and is worth noting. I was posted in the Society Hall.
ANNOUNCEMENT
The Poet Laureate of this Society takes this means of saying to his friends that he is now ready to furnish them at a nominal price poems to order. He will guarantee satisfaction or money will be refunded.
Poems on
Birthday - - - - - One cent per line
Deaths - - - - - - Two cents per line
Marriages - - - - Gratis.
Reconciliations between estranged lovers guaranteed after using one of my great “Reconciliation Poems.” Price, 25 cents for four verses.
Declarations of Love in beautiful couplets will be furnished on receipt of 30 cents and a description of the girl.
Satires on members of the Faculty given away with each purchase.
You are cordially invited to give us a call and examine our line of goods at our establishment, No. 8 Upper Gallery.
Protection from fiends* assured.
*Fiends are upper gallery men.
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a number of nickels, dimes, & quarters. One held a deck of cards from which he threw off the cards one at a time. As each card fell, a number of changes took place in the nickels’ owners. There was no grumbling or dissent, and the game went on very fast. So far as I could judge there was no cheating, or evidence of distrust among any, - the color and no. of spots of the fallen card was quickly interpreted by all, and the change in the nickels seemed to be made by any one.
This was on the edge of the “country” - or “neck”, and I walked on to enjoy the free air, and the view of the fields where nothing but the bare dead stems of last year’s dog-fennels stand, or the ground is recently turned by the truck farmers.
An immense caucus of crows in a neighboring field and hedge, where they blackened the ground, sent forth a surprising volume of noisy chatter - no, not chatter, for each uttered only a monosyllable caw.
At the old race-course the sporting men were exercising their trotters. I watched one race between Harry Tupper and some one I didn’t know. Tupper’s sorrel mare kept at a very even gait, and the bay of the other was constantly “breaking” and having to be hauled up, but on the last quarter he easily overtook the sorrel and passed first to the stand. I went on by the Enston Home and took the S.C. Ry track up to the Cemetery. A passenger train came in in fine speed. The engineer was parting and fixing his hair, expecting in a few minutes to be
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on his way home. He did not notice me standing near the track. In another minute, the passenger on the A.C. Line came in, a couple of hundred yards off. I had heard the two trains blowing at the crossings for a couple of miles up the road. The A.C.L. had two long blue cars in front with Gentry’s Great Equine & Canine Shows. How beautifully a modern locomotive moves! At a distance of a couple of hundred yards hardly any noise reaches the car, and it seems to move along its level rails with the speed and the splendor of a planet in its orbit. In the Cemetery by near the great old oak, the workmen were digging a grave. Mr. Stein, the keeper, took me in the keeper’s house, showed me his maps, and plats, and account-books, and desk, and cat, and Newfoundland pups, and game chickens, and then drove me back home. I was hungry and the big turkey and other good things were a welcome sight piled on the table. Ma, Joe, and Lottie & Sallie Rowe dined with us.
1895
Mar. 17th
St. Patrick’s Day in the marning. What will it be in the avenin’? Oliver and I had a fine bicycle ride last Sunday up to the Four Mile House and saw the outgoing trains coming down parallel tracks in a race to the Junction. Yesterday we had a ride to the Cemetery.
Moll is teaching Oliver to read, and he is getting along swimmingly. Can read in the First Reader right along. When he came to “[Dig!] little pig!” he said to me, “Papa, the pig digs with his grunt!”
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[See original scan for illustration]
March 1895
A is Oliver’s first attempt at Drawing from nature - a bottle of India ink. I afterwards sketched B.
1895
April 12th. Good Friday: I spent the morning in an examination for my Ph.D., on Bledsoe’s Philosophy of Mathematics. Below are the questions. This afternoon, Joe Walker, Harry Walker, Charlie Prentiss and I took a bicycle ride up to the New Park - near the Junction. It was recently purchased by City Council, and nothing yet has been done towards fixing it up. The first thing will be an electric railway, and we slow Charlestonians needn’t look for that during this century. The spot is very beautiful, on the bank of the Cooper River, with little lakes, and many live-oaks draped in gray moss. We gathered an abundance of wild shrubs and some yellow-jessamines. I have taken a good many bicycle rides to the 4-mile House woods for jessamines lately.
A week or two ago Joe Walker and I went up one afternoon to Mr. Mazÿck Simons’s on the little island in the marsh.
Oliver for several days past has been quite sick, with a high fever and that bronchial trouble that he suffered from last year. Dr. Simons has been attending him since last Monday, and today I think he is decidedly better.
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Mathematics - Ph.D. Unit. Ⅵ
Bledsoe’s Philosophy of Mathematics.
Ⅰ. What is the purpose of the author?
Ⅱ. Write of the method of Exhaustion its merits and objections.
Ⅲ. What are the objections to the Infinitesimal Calculus?
Ⅳ. Define “passing to the limit.”
Ⅴ. Give Carnot’s objections to the Method of Indivisibles.
Ⅵ. What two errors did Pascal make in getting the area of a △?
Ⅶ. Discuss the method of Leibnitz.
Ⅷ. Discuss the method of Newton.
Ⅸ. What is your estimate of Bledsoe and his work?
HISTORY OF MATH. Encyc. Brit.
Paper Ⅰ.
Ⅰ. When and where was algebra invented?
Ⅱ. Name and locate four persons who were foremost in perfecting algebra.
Ⅲ. Name and locate four of the most noted modern students of algebra.
Ⅳ. Sketch Euclid. His relation to the science of geometry.
Ⅴ. Who is the author of the theorem, The square of the hypotenuse = sum of the squares on the two legs?
Ⅵ. What three nations were foremost in the study of trigonometry?
Ⅶ. Of what benefit was Napier in the science of trigonometry?
Ⅷ. Write of four noted men concerning The Theory of Equations.
1895
April 14
I wrote the above and the following papers last night. This examination is remarkably simple. My theses on “A Discussion of the Problem of Latitude” has been completed several weeks.
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Paper Ⅳ.
Ⅰ. Write of Newton’s Principia.
Ⅱ. How is Lagrange related to Newton in the field of mechanics?
Ⅲ. What have Laplace and Pierce done for the science of Mechanics?
Ⅳ. What four nations were foremost in the study of Astronomy?
Ⅴ. How are the Chinese related to the study of Astronomy?
Ⅵ. What did Galileo do for Astronomy?
Ⅶ. What of Napier and Newton?
Ⅷ. What do we oe to Laplace?
Ⅸ. Write of Kepler and the Herschel family.
1895
April 21st
Joe Walker, Dr. Allan Miles, and I took a ride up to the New Park this afternoon. We made the trip - seven miles in less than an hour without any hurry. We stopped at “The Island” on our way back and Mrs. Simons gave us a glass of mile and a cup of coffee.
The other night I took a ride to the Battery. In the starlight and the light of the gas-lamps in White Point Garden, the scene of hundreds of (roller) skaters on the broad smooth asphalt was a charming sight. The beautiful and stately residence of South Battery looked more imposing in the faint light, - the view under the trees in the Park, where lookers on occupied the benches, formed the other side of the picture, and down the broad roadway the swaying figures, two and two, and sometimes four and five hand in hand, girls, boys and young ladies, formed a striking scene. The zigzag, graceful, and harmonious swaying of two girls as they rapidly swiftly and almost noiselessly sweep
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along is hard to be surpassed for “poetry of motion”.
Oliver is just getting over his bad spell. He is very emaciated, but we hope to see him soon regaining his flesh and strength.
The Cadets beat the Porter Cadets in a baseball game yesterday at the Base Ball Park.
1895
April 26th
The Cadets are picnicing at Mt. Pleasant today. But it is a rainy day and we are not going over.* I stood my last examination for the Poorhouse Dog degree today. Below are the questions.
[Note written in the margin.]
*It cleared in the afternoon and we went over and spent the afternoon at the picnic.
Paper Ⅱ
1. Where is the germ of the Theory of Determinants found?
2. What two British mathematicians are ahead of all others in perfecting determinants?
3. How does analytic geometry differ from plane geometry?
4. In what country has analytic geometry flourished most successfully?
5. Define Quaternions.
6. What has √-1 to do with quaternions?
7. What men have led off in perfecting quaternions?
8. What are its relations to the other branches of math.?
Paper Ⅲ
1. What has Archimedes to do with the Infinitesimal Calc.?
2. What part did Kepler play in the above?
3. What of Cavalieri and Newton?
4. Name some opponents to the Calculus.
5. How does the Integral differ from the Diff. Calc.?
6. What men have been leaders in the Integral Calc.?
7. What are the benefits from the study of Calculus?
All the papers of the examination were very easy.
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1895
May 15th
I had a birthday - my 30th - on the eleventh. Sis and her two children came down about a week ago to be in the city while Bro. Lucius was at the St. Xavier Infirmary to have a tumor cut from under his arm. Dr. Manning Simons performed the operation very successfully, and Bro. L., Sis, and the babies left on Monday. Auntie & Graham will leave this afternoon. Yesterday was Hampton Day in the City. The old war-horse delivered a lecture at the Academy of Music last night.
The Asso. Grad. of the Citadel will have a meeting and supper tonight at the Citadel.
The election of Professors for the Girl’s College takes place in Columbia today. Coleman has been working hard for the chair of math. & physics, and I sincerely hope he will get it.
1895
June 2d
I went with Joe Walker on an excursion on the Planter to Kiawah (pronounced Kee-wah) this afternoon. Thro’ the windings of Wappoo Creek, and Elliott Cut, (- a veritable ship canal -) into Stono River, and then down Stono River to the Atlantic Ocean, - Kiawah being one of the islands at the mouth of the Stono. The scenery is not very various, but I thoroughly enjoyed the trip.
In Stono River, the dolphins porpoises made great sport in racing with the boat, - keeping just ahead in the spray of the bow. Coming back we had a close call from going aground at the sharp bend in Wappoo Cut. As the sun went down, Maj. Thomas and I went on “the roof” of the boat, where [illegible] men were already seated in knots on campstools, and enjoyed the view and the breeze. We got back about 8:15 p.m. at good dark. Willie Fitch and his wife - Minnie von Kolnitz that was - were aboard. Joe W. & I talked with them until we got to Kiawah. The boat ride was delightful, & such a relief from the hot city!
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[Letter pasted into diary - see original scan]
June 4th
I replied that I would go for $12,00.
1895
June 6th
The evening sky about this time is very pretty. Venus has coquetted with Jupiter and Mars in turn, and the shifting of the planets from evening to evening is a beautiful celestial kaleidoscope. A short while ago fig. 1 was the appearance. In a few evening Venus had come up higher, & Jupiter was rapidly retrograding. Caster and Pollux also added beauty to the combination. To crown all, the new moon “with the old man in his arms” came in one evening. Tonight the effect is shown in Fig. 6 - Jupiter is low in the west. Saturn is also visible in
[Illustration - see original scan.]
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another part of the sky - his rings being peculiarly well situated for being seen just now.
1895
June 9th
The Planter gave a delightful excursion down to Kiawah this afternoon by the outside route, returning by the inside. Alto’ a strong breeze was blowing, the sea was not rough, and very few, if any, people were made sick.
1895
June 15th
We arrived in Columbia just before 1 o’clock. Will & May S. met Moll & Oliver with a carriage. Dr. Brailsford & I took a hack and went up to hear the speeches in front of the Opera House, & afterwords over to the barbecue. In the afternoon we went into camp behind the S.C. College grounds. Will Moore kindly gave me the use of a bath-tub and I was soon feeling o.k. A number of us had some Burgundy & ginger-ale at Mr. J.P Homas, Jr’s. A rain came up before all the tents were pitched, & the boys got wet, - but it takes a good deal to kill the animal spirits of a Corps of Cadets.
1895
June 17th
Camp Calhoun: - Monday. Yesterday I went round & went with Moll & May & Uncle George to the Presbyterian Church. I dined with them. In the evening there were special services to the Corps at Trinity Episcopal Church. The services were “high” to the extent of Romanism, - but the whole thing was exquisitely beautiful. The choir of little boys, girls of ages from 12 to 18, & young men of 21 or 22, was gowned and [illegible] - and marched in behind the cross borne by a little boy. Dr. Evans is a beautiful elocutionist & gave us a good discourse. The music on the grand pipe organ & by the well-trained choir was very beautiful. But the ceremonies were so ultra that there was a jarring sense of insincerity in
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the worship.
Mr. White & I are tenting together. Colonel has his marquee, Jenkins & Maj. Mazÿck occupy a tent next him, - then comes our tent, & on our right is Coleman’s tent, shared with Dr. Brailsford. The weather is decidedly cool, & blankets are comfortable. Our band - of Bavarian musicians - is very excellent: we had two delightful sacred concerts yesterday morning & evening.
1895
June 18
I played chess yesterday with Mr. Henry Rice - the champion of Columbia. I opened with a Queen’s opening &, to the admiration of its spectators, defeated him. In the afternoon we played again but Rice got the best of me, altho’ one game was properly a draw. He says I can afford to play the best players in Charleston - a thing I never dreamt of doing. Moll & I took tea at Col. McMaster’s, - & at 10:30 o’clock took a hack & went to the ball at Shandon. We left there at 12 o’clock, - and after I saw Moll home, Col. Coward, Lt. Jenkins, Maj. Mazÿck & I went into Dr. T. T. Morris’s & sat and chatted & drank & smoked with him until nearly two o’clock. This morning I went round & went with Moll & Oliver to the Governor’s mansion where the Corps was reviewed by the Governor. I dined with the other officers at Col. Thomas’s.
1895
June 21st
Kingville: - We have a three hours wait here for our train to Camden, and I am at the desk of one of the pair of [illegible] of which Kingville boasts, writing up my diary for the last few days. The Cadets broke camp early yesterday morning, and started out
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on their three days’ march to Camden. I would have gone with them but I have a sore toe which could not stand the tramp. The ladies of the party and myself are therefore on our way over by rail. Moll and Oliver will remain at Uncle George Steadman’s until I return next Friday. We had a delightful stay in Columbia. I dined at Prof. Colcock’s one day; Moll and I took tea at Mr. Willis’s the same evening. All we officers were at the Hotel Jerome a couple of days to take mint juleps with parties of gentlemen. I beat Prof. Colcock at chess, but tried Rice again and was vanquished.
Oliver has improved. He and Roland (a “Roland for an Oliver”) Marshall are great friends. I staid [sic] at Uncle George’s last night and left early this morning. Aunt Alice had a nice early breakfast for me, and Uncle George drove me down in his buggy. I kissed Moll and Oliver asleep.
There are neither plums, peaches, blackberries, or watermelons at Kingville. We have been trying to entertain ourselves in various ways, but time lags heavy on our hands.
1895
June 22d
Camden, - Workman House, Room No. 4, - We got here to dinner yesterday. In the afternoon I took a nap, and at 5 o’clock while standing in the doorway of the hotel, was accosted by an ex-Cadet (DuBose) in a buggy an invited to go out and see a base-ball game between Camden and DeKalb teams. After tea Miss Heloise and I took a stroll up to the public square. I went to bed about 11o’clock and woke up shortly after feeling like I did at Blow-
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ing Rock last year when I was taken so ill. I felt my pulse, which was weak and low, and took a big drink of whiskey. I then dressed and determined to seek a doctor. I had had a severe headache, and I attributed my peculiar sensations (of phantasmagoria, and mental uncontrol) to a congested liver. I got a negro to direct me to Doctor Morre’s, and he gave me a dose of calomel. I returned to the hotel and slept very well. This morning I was very weak, but am recovering rapidly now, I think. Smith, M. of the Class of ‘89 came up and took me out driving around town. He showed me everything of interest, and told me the legends connected with them. I saw Col. Shannon’s grave in the Cemetery - the victim of the code duello. I saw the hill where Cornwallis’s headquarters were: the house where Lafayette put up in 1825 - still called the Lafayette House. Upton Court is a beautiful place - its Lover’s Lane being an exquisite walk. The DeKalb monument is in front of the Presbyterian Church. It is claimed that the remains of the great warrior lie under it. Smith told me of the romantic story of the Quaker girl who came to America to find her lost lover, and showed me where the heartbroken Evangeline was buried. Also a story of murder - I saw the house where it was done - and of the marvellous escape
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[“Camp Kershaw” written at top of page]
of the murderer three days before execution. His mother sent him a gimlet baked in a cake, & he bored through the floor, fled to the swamps, & escaped. He has never been heard from. I saw the jail - an insecure-looking structure. There is a spot just in the edge of town where the skirmish preliminary to the Battle of Camden in the Revolution took place. The site of the graves of the soldiers killed in the skirmish is pointed out. The Corps of Cadets will arrive about 12 o’clock, and there is every promise of a great time for them during the week of their stay here. Dr. Alexander (dentist) called on me at the hotel this morning, - he was an old friend of Pa’s and told me some anecdotes of him.
1895
June 24th
I came into camp Saturday noon. The ladies of the town had a great spread for the Corps of the School-house. I never saw the boys so utterly worn out. The girls could hardly fall in love with their looks - but they must have with their manhood. A terrible lightening & rainstorm came up in the afternoon. The tents were up, but most of them were not ditched, & the water went under us. Yesterday - Sunday - we had the Baccalaureate sermon by Bishop Capers from the Episcopal Church. This morning [illegible] came up to camp with a surrey & took Colman, Brailsford, & me all around town. The Pond is a beautiful sheet of water. The factory about a mile out of town is a large structure nearly ready for work, supplied with water power by a canal about a mile long. We also visited the Cemetery and I got out and found the grave of Agnes of Glasgow, the maiden
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who came to America in search of her missionary lover. It is said that as she was coming up the Wateree River in a canoe paddled by Indians, she saw a funeral on the shore. It proved to be that of her lover. She soon after died of a broken heart. A simple little stone marks her resting place inscribed thus: Here lies the body of Agnes of Glasgow who departed this life Feb. 1780 aged 20.
Coming back through Main St. we stopped at Zemp’s Drugstore and had the inner man refreshed with ice-cream. Then we ascended the tower of the Opera House and had a good view of Camden.
1895
June 27th
On Tuesday we had a great picnic at Mulberry - a beautiful place about two miles from Camden. Among the ladies whom I met and liked were Miss Kershaw, Miss Boykin, two Misses Ancrum, two or three Misses Cantey, Miss McDonnell, Miss Adickes, Miss Singleton, Miss Brown, & a number of others. Miss Kershaw, Miss Boykin (Miss Charlotte) - I have met three or four Miss Boykins) and Miss “Hat” Shannon are my especial favorites - because they know I am married & take me as I am.
Yesterday a number of us officers & Gen. Watts dined at Gen. Kennedy’s. He was counsel at Shanghai during Cleveland’s first administration, & he & Mrs Kennedy brought back with them a number of interesting things.
I took tea at Dr. Alexander’s, where they had an extensive spread. After that I dressed & went to the Ball at the Opera House where I renewed some of my pleasant aquaintances, & made some more.
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I did not dance much, but after having returned some compliments in the German, went to camp and at one o’clock was in bed.
1895
June 28
Yesterday I dined on Hobkirk’s Hill at Major Cantey’s. His house is exactly on the old Revolutionary battleground. The Major’s family are delightful people. He and his wife spoke very warmly of Pa - for whom they had great attachment.
I took tea at Mr. Yate’s - where a beautiful spread was laid for half a dozen guests - the Major & his wife, Gen. Ed. Anderson, Mr. & Mrs. White, & myself. I knew the Yates in Charleston about 8 years ago. After tea, & had an “engagement” with young Vaughn to go to the Pond where we had an excellent swim. The water is clear and warm (near the top) and almost 20 feet deep. It gave me a fine appetite for sleep.
Today is Commencement Day. The exercises will be at the Opera House. I will take tea at Harry DePass’s tonight, & hope to be off for Columbia early in the morning. Our stay has been a glorious welcome.
1895
June 30th
I left Camden yesterday at 9 o’clock, & arrived in Columbia at 1 o’clock. Moll, Oliver, & May met me at the Depot. Moll & I went down street in the afternoon, & I took tea with Dr. Wm. Lester and family. Today is Sunday - a quiet, restful day. As I sit in the piazza in the cool shade I can hear the swallows twittering, the jays in the Park opposite uttering their harsh notes, while the rustle of
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the wind in the trees and the distant roar of the Congaree from a steady tone-stream, broken every now & then by some “cock’s shrill clarion”, or a pea-cock’s cry. While we are within two blocks of the busiest part of town, there is around us the solitude of the country, and the songs of a number of birds may be heard in the dense, almore forest growth of Sidney Park. I think this one of the choicest corners in Columbia.
Moll, May, Oliver, & I took a long walk this afternoon out to the Canal, & got back tired.
1895
July 2d
We left Columbia at 11:25 & arrived here at 6:20 yesterday. We are at the Northrop’s, - a mile from Biltmore & near Vanderbilt’s mansion. Kenilworth Inn is visible on its eminence somewhat more than a mile distant. This house is a handsome brick structure, beautifully located, - but we are three miles from town.
We brought rain with us, & today is “cold & dark & dreary’ - but I must in to Asheville and make preparations for my trip West. Rev. Dr. Dargan was a fellow passenger from Columbia yesterday. The Doctor is so lively that he makes an excellent traveling companion.
1895
July 3d
I drove into Asheville yesterday morning to see about rates to Bloomington. They are too exorbitant, & I have deferred my trip. In the afternoon I took a walk below Buena Vista & ascended a high hill where I got an excellent view.
This morning I went over to Vanderbuilt’s mansion. The house & grounds exceed in beauty, and magnificence anything I could have imagined. It almost intoxicates me.
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1895
July 4th
We spent the morning at home, and in the afternoon Mrs. Walker, Miss Lizzie Northrop, Moll & I went over to Vanderbilt’s. We were shown through his greenhouses, where he has the rarest and most beautiful collection of ferns. Vanderbilt was there himself, - a young unostentatious man, rather delicate looking. His house and grounds are simply exquisite.
July 5th
1895
Today is Oliver’s birth-day - he is five years old. The “fish-man” drove me in to Asheville where I got Oliver a sword and some fruit for a “party”. I found a purse with a roll of bills, some silver, and a check in it in the Post Office. There were a couple of cards in it also with “Miss Florence Stephenson, Home Industrial School Asheville, N.C.” on them, so I called in on my way back and left if for her. They say it is only 3 miles from the Square in Asheville to our boardinghouse, but it seemed five walking it.
1895
July 6th
This afternoon Mr. O’Conner the elder, and Mr. O’Conner the younger and Miss Louise Northrop and I made an ascent of Mount Busby (?), about two miles from here. It was a fatiguing trip, but the view is superb. Toward the south we could see far below us the railroad winding over embankment and through cut toward Hendersonville. We watched the afternoon train come in - creeping like a worm on a tiny path. I opened my watch, and when I saw the white smoke shoot up I counted the seconds until the sound reached us: altho’ a stiff breeze was blowing toward us, the sound took 10 seconds to reach us, indicating a distance of at least 2 ½ miles airline.
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Toward the west the French Broad gleamed here and there like a silver ribbon on the green dress of the landscape, and Vanderbilt’s beautiful palace looked noble and lordly on its magnificent eminence overlooking the “rapid river.” Pisgah and The Rat rose in overtopping spendor above the blue ridges; and several very tall pale blue peaks in the far distance were unknown to us. Toward the north four or five miles away lay Asheville, with the Battery Park Hotel, Kenilworth Inn, and the Normal School showing conspicuously. Eastward, range after range of mountains stretched away to the distance. There can hardly be a finer view around Asheville than from Busby (how the dickens is it spelt?) The top of the mountain is cleared off, and strawberries and raspberries flourish here luxuriously. I picked a few belated strawberries, a number of raspberries, some huckleberries, and some blackberries - quite a collection of berries. Vanderbilt owns Busby. We built a fire as a signal to the folks at home, but they did not see the smoke.
This mountain air is so delicious that I scarcely feel fatigue; after this tramp of six miles or more I can scarcely say I feel tired. Oliver is charmed with his playfellows and playground. It is very pleasant out here and Moll does not want to move in to Asheville as we have engaged to do on the 15th. I must say I like it here, too, and our neighbors are tolerably respectable - Vanderbilt, etc.
Oliver has been right good, and seems to be very happy. The little fellow goes about singing nearly all the time. He has an open and happy disposition.
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1895
July 8th
Yesterday, Sunday, it rained all day and I did not put my foot out of the house. This morning I drove in to Asheville on business, got my mail, called at the Battery Park Hotel, and did some shopping. Tomorrow a party of us expect to set out for a trip to Chimney Rock - to return Wednesday evening.
1895
July 9th
[See original scan for illustration]
Our sixth anniversary finds us off for Chimney Rock. Our party consists of Mrs. Thompson, a very pleasant Northern lady, wife of a civil engineer; Moll; Miss Lizzie Northrop; Mr. Nelson Liles and myself, - we five besides our driver, a Mr. Brown in a three seated hack. Mrs. Jim Lorick and Miss Alice Northrop came on behind us in a buggy. We got off at 7:30 A.M. and at 11:30 entered Hickory Nut Gap. The roads were in excellent condition. We passed a number of hamlets - one by the commonplace and cacophonous name of Pump, N.C. At 1 o’clock we stopped for an hour for dinner. Spreading the buggy robes on the ground near a spring of water, we got out our trunk of provisions and did a full justice to the viands.
We arrived at Chimney Rock about 3:30. Hickory Nut Gap is a long, beautiful defile, with a high granite precipices on either side; at its eastern end are Chimney Rock on the south and Bald Mountain on the north. We got a guide, and determined to make the ascent immediately. Mr. Freeman the guide had a beautiful little dwarf mule named Nellie, of which he was justly exceedingly proud and fond. Mrs. Thompson
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[“Chimney Rock” written at top of page]
did not care to make the ascent of the rock - some 1160 above the Broad River, where the road winds. This is the same Broad River we have in South Carolina, and the same stream that we followed from its small beginning high up in the mountains, to its considerable size at Chimney Rock, widens into the beautiful Broad that unites with the Saluda at Columbia.
Moll rode little Nellie to the foot of the great obelisk that forms the Chimney. This is a wonderful mass of granite, rising 227 feet. No man had ever set foot on it up to four years ago, when our guide’s father by blasting out a way, and erecting trusses, got a way up to it. Now, about 1000 visitors visit it annually, and the old man gets a fair revenue from it - 25 cts per head. I calculate that the Rock is about 3000 ft above sea-level. The view from it is very beautiful. Westward is the picturesque Hickory Nut Gap, with many noble peaks rising skyward. The course of the Broad River can be traced for many miles eastward. On the far horizon, King’s Mt. is visible. The mountain of which Chimney Rock is part is a solid mass of granite. Across the Gap rises Bald Mt. This has a number of peaks, and really forms a sort of short range, very rocky and precipitous. Rip van Winkle’s face is pointed out in the granite precipice at one point. We all fired Mr. Lile’s pistol from the top of the Rock. We got down about 6 o’clock, and drove on a mile and a half to the Logan House where we engaged lodging and supper, and then drove on nearly a mile further to visit the “Pools.”
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A small mountain stream - a little tributary of the Broad, - comes gushing down its granite channel in which it has worn its way. At three points it jumps over ledges of rock and forms little falls. Just beneath these falls are the wonderful pools. They are not large - the largest being not more than 20 feet in diameter and the smallest not more than 8, I suppose, but they are circular, have small verticle walls, and are incomprehensibly deep. The lower and larger pool has not yet had its bottom touched! A log was put across it and a 200 lb weight fastened to a rope. When the rope gave out at 200 feet no bottom had been touched! The other two pools within 30 feet of each other are 80 and 100 feet deep respectively. Many scientific men have examined the Pools, but no theory can be advanced to account for them. The action of water cannot do it. It has been many years since the pools were sounded, and they have certainly been filled in somewhat by native and visitors. It would be interesting to have the sounding repeated now. These Pools are the most inexplicable things to me I ever saw, without exception. We got back to the Chimney Rock Inn (alias Logan House) about dark, and had mountain appetites for supper. We sat awhile on the porch and I played the fiddle some, but we went early to bed, and I, at least, slept like a log. We left Oliver with the Northrop’s at Millwood, Biltmore. This trip would not be enjoyable to him.
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1895
July 10th
We had breakfast at 6:30 o’clock. The little room which Moll and I occupied last night was the one which Mrs. Frances Hodgson Burnett slept in when she was in this country in 1880. Looking across at the great rocky precipices of Bald Mountain, where the fancy can trace grotesque resemblances to various things, Mrs. Burnett picked out a place which really resembles a cottage. The roof, door, and walls are all fairly well represented. She said she would write a story and make that cottage the scene of the story. She kept her word, and “Esmeralda” was the result. The spot is still pointed out as “Esmeralda Cottage”. There are two inns besides the Chimney Rock or Logan House, - one of which is called Esmeraldo Inn, the other Mountain View House.
After breakfast, we set off to explore Bald Mountain Cave - a mile and a half beyond the hotel. In 1878 a great sensation was created throughout the country about Bald Mountain. Some thought a volcano was about to develop here. Rumblings and “shakes” were frequent, and great masses of granite were hurled from the mountain into the valley. Great quantities of people came to see it, and the Government sent down expert geologists, who decided that the mountain must have been more or less cavernous, and these great masses of rock crushed in, and produced the “shakes” and rumblings. The cave shows the terrific power of the convulsions. The granite is vent into great masses of billions of tons, I suppose, with great fissures and caverns into almost the heart
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of the mountain. With fat-lightwood torches we explored some of te most accessible of these great crevisses. It is a very remarkable looking sight. At the foot of the precipice is a cool, delightful spring, which, being without name, we got Mrs. Thompson to christen. She said that in compliment to Moll and me she would call it “Union”, which is a synonym of Bond-ed or bound together. So I hastily etched “Union” on a rock at the spring, and told the guide he must be sure always to call it so.
We had a gay party. Mrs. Thompson is very jolly, and Liles is a good companion. We left at 11 o’clock for Biltmore, and were tired out when we reached here at a quarter of eight tonight. We enjoyed our supper and will soon be in bed. - [Cost of trip apiece, hack 2.00, supper, lodging, & breakfast 1.00, Guide to Chimney Rock 25c; Total 3.25. We carried dinner for both days.]
1895
July 13th
We are just back from a long and entertaining drive. Collins - the negro hackman who owns six acres in Vanderbilt’s land - took us up by Kenilworth Inn where we got out and went up in the elevator to the sky parlor. The view from here is very pretty. We then drove along the ridge of Beaumont, overlooking the city of Asheville, which from here is a beautiful view. Then into town, where Moll wished to make a few purchases. Coming out we passed Oakland Heights Hotel, Connelley’s, and forded the Swannanoa at Vanderbilt’s nurseries. It was a delightful drive.
The other evening we had the biggest idiot out
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here to tea that I ever saw. Poor fellow! I felt sorry for him. Fuller is his name, and he edits a monthly paper, in which every sentence defies parsing. He recited, sang, danced, and rolled on the floor for us. I thought it a sin to make the fool do so, but I couldn’t help laughing to save me.
Some new boarders have come in - Halls from Charleston. Mrs. Webster and I have been playing a good deal of music - piano and violin - and Mr. O’Connor sometimes on the mandolin.
Oliver’s experience at the Kenilworth Inn in the elevator was something new to him. We walked into the dark cage and took seats, and he had no idea, of course, what we were going to do; consequently, when the boy pulled the rope and the elevator shot up he was somewhat surprised and exclaimed, “I didn’t know this could do that way!”
* * * * This afternoon we went over to Vanderbilt’s and went through his mansion for the first time. Through the kindness of Mrs. Foster, wife of one of the contractors, we had the rare privilege of inspecting the interior throughout. The carvings inside are very beautiful, especially the carving in oak for the banquet-hall. The swimming-pool is in the lower part of the house and there are all kinds of “shower”, “needle”, and other bathing apparatus. The library, music-room, breakfast-room, winter-garden, entrance hall are all magnificent rooms. “George’s” den and bedroom, one might well suppose, are located in the choicest part of the building. A person could easily be lost in the maze of rooms and passages. I could not get a clear
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idea of how many floors there are, let alone the number of rooms. The fire-place in the library is as large as a cabin. Some of the mantels are exquisite - especially those in the library and break-fast-room. I could spend hours admiring the carvings. It is said that Miss Rose Cleveland could see nothing in the house to admire - “everything could be seen somewhere else more perfect.” The final finishing will hide the massiveness of the building somewhat: one girder in the library weighs 40 tons. One wall in the lower rampart is 19 feet thick. The stairway is a masterpiece of engineering skill; why it does not fall down “beats me.”The rampadouce is a beautiful green slope, as it name implies, about 200 yds in front of the house.
1895
July 16th
Distances across the water, they say are deceptive; - I think mountain distances are more so. After a good nap after dinner today, I glanced out of the window, and running my eye along the distant ridge of Busby, I picked out a smooth, clear spot on the ridge which seemed about 1 ¾ miles off, and I thought I would take a stroll over across the fields. It was a rough journey of over 3 miles, and once or twice I thought I could not make a passage through the thicket, but I finally got paths which took me to the top. What seemed smooth from here is decidedly rough. What appears bushes from here are good sized trees - and there are two houses, and some fences, and cattle on the
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[“Biltmore, N.C.” written at top of page]
slope - all invisible from here. The valley on the other side is very pretty, and the view this way is quite good. I had an experience on my way which I told at the supper table as a Munchausen tale: I got into a bypath which took me up to a house where two big dogs rushed at me like I should be devoured. I had nothing but a little sunshade. Fortunately the larger dog was really a good nature fellow, and when he saw I didn’t run he stopped and began barking in a harmless way. I soon made friends with him by coaxing words, but in the meantime was having a lively time with the other dog, who was a vicious cur and was circling about me and trying to get at my legs. This circus kept us quite a while until a girl came out and hollered at the vicious cur, at which the good dog ran at the bad one and drove him off! I told it at first this way: “Two fierce dogs ran at me barking furiously. One of them, being really good natured, I succeeded in making friends with while fighting the other, and then, setting the good dog on the bad one, I drove him off and was thus released from an unpleasant dilemma!” If both dogs had been bad I should certainly not have got off so easily.
I spent this moring in Vanderbilt’s mansion watching the wood carvers at work. I never get tired of looking at the beautiful carvings at Biltmore.
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1895
July 20th
Saturday: We had a picnic four miles up the Swannanoa River today, at the Asheville Water Works. It is a beautiful place. We went in a wagon, and spent the morning on the river in boats, in fishing, and - I, with my boys, - in swimming. We had an elegant dinner. Moll & Oliver did not care to go - it was a school picnic for Miss Lizzie Northrop’s 10 to 15 year old pupils. I enjoyed it very much myself, especially as I left almost two o’clock in a passing spring-wagon which was bound for Biltmore. The mountaineer who drove (& owned) the team was a very interesting character. I count him one of the few heroes I have seen. He didn’t blow his own horn, but I got him interested in telling me about the war, and I could read between the words about his bravery and pluck. Several incidents told in his homely & simple way were really dramatic, and I wish to remember some. E.g. his duel in the midst of a fight; the bloody pond where his Colonel (Coleman) was killed; his adventure through the Bridge. He said “he was never wounded”; but told me of a shell busting in his face which caused a contusion from which he still suffers. A minie ball grazed his “Adam’s apple” once, another his head at another time; when he got out of one fight he had 16 bullet holes in his clothes. In the duel above referred to, the minie ball went around his body, just cutting the skin.
This afternoon I went over to the Mansion where
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I had an engagement with Mr. Foster to go and play tennis. A storm had detained me half an hour, and I reached there just a few minutes after Mr. Foster had left. So I took Vanderbilt’s train and rode down to Biltmore, where I got the mail and had the mile and a half walk home.
Charleston to Asheville, 294 miles
Asheville incorporated in 1833 under name of Moristown. Afterwords changed in honor of Samuel Ashe.
Mt. Mitchell is 28 miles N.E from Asheville. Ht. 6717
Elevation of Asheville 2250 ft.
Tahkeeostee = Racing River
Swannanoa = Beautiful River
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[“Hot Springs” written at top of page]
1895
July 21st
Today Oliver and I, with Mrs. Hall and the two younger Misses Northrop drove in to Asheville to Church. We went to Central Methodist Church, of which Mr. Hilliard Chrietzberg is pastor. Mr. C. was pastor at Chester for a number of years. The preacher today was another South Carolina preacher who also filled the Chester pulpit for several years - Rev. J.W. Daniel. He gave us a very excellent discourse. Miss Dennison’s solo was delightful. Oliver behaved beautifully, and as we were late in arriving, we had to occupy the front “Amen Corner” seat.
This afternoon, Moll & I paid a visit to the Thompson’s down at Buena Vista. Mr. Thompson is the surveyor who did all the work for Vanderbilt. He made an excellent topographic map of the estate, - five foot contours.
1895
July 23d
There was an excursion from Asheville to Hot Springs today, and from our house the following party took advantage of the cheap rate to view the beauties of the French Broad Valley, and of Hot Springs: Mrs. Hall, Misses Alice, Carrie & Louise Northrop, Messrs Lorick and Bernard O’Connor, and Moll, Oliver, and myself. We were on a great rush to get to the Asheville depot, and by pushing up our driver managed to get there just at 8 o’clock - the scheduled time of the train’s departure. We then learned that it was to leave at 8 o’clock central time, or 9 o’clock by ours! Such are some of the inconveniences of standard time at points where the time changes. A 9 o’clock we were off, however. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. W. G. Brown, my old professor of Mineralogy & Geology, on the train. The “Major” had not changed the very slightest bit. We had quite a chat about the Citadel people whom we mutually knew.
The railroad is just along the banks of the French Broad
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[“Paint Rock” written at top of page]
[See original scan for illustration]
River, - crossing it three times between Asheville and Hot Springs. The scenery is very beautiful, and deservedly famous. On either side the mountains rise in great rocky, wooded peaks, and the river writhes and turns on itself like a serpent in its effort to force its way through the mts.
Hot Springs Hotel is ideally situated for a winter resort. Surrounded on all sides by high wooded hills which keep off the biting winter winds, it has ample grounds around it on the banks of the French Broad; and the Hot Springs, or Warm Springs are said to be very beneficial. We wandered around the buildings and grounds until dinner time. Having brought baskets with necessary provisions, we dined picnic fashion in the depot - to the agent’s discomfiture, when he found it out. At 2 o’clock Moll, Oliver, Miss Carrie and I set out in a carriage for Paint Rock. The rest of the party followed us in another carriage. This is a drive of seven miles down the right bank of the French Broad. Paint Rocks, are cliffs of stratified rocks rising perpendicularly one or two hundred feet. They get their name from the paint decorations on their smooth vertical faces made supposedly by the Indians before the advent of the white man. But one piece remains in good preservation. I do no think the painting is hieroglyhics [sic], as some say, but merely a decoration. There is no character in the work. But it is wonderful that the coloring has remained so long. At the cliffs we crossed into Tennessee, and, turning an angle of the great rocks, we came upon a house in a cove which is a beautiful example of the best class of mountaineer’s home. Everything was so clean and nice, the old lady was so intelligent-looking and benign, there were newspapers on the benches, and the floors were nicely matted. The old
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[“In Tennessee” written at top of page]
[See original scan for illustration]
gentleman got us a fresh bucket of spring water from his enclosed spring, and told us that while we were standing in Greene County, Tenn., we could pitch a stone into Cocke County, Tenn., where our carriages were waiting, - and just around the cliffs was Madison County, N.C. We all started up the steep ascent of Paint Rock, when a sudden mountain shower sent the crowd scampering back to the house, but I took refuge under a jutting rock and kept perfectly dry. The formation is a mica schist, or somewhat similar one, and the strata are not tilted, but preserve their horizontality, or nearly so. From the top, - where we all ascended after the shower, - the view of the French Broad below us, and the surrounding mountains is extremely beautiful.
We gathered elegant blackberries and wild cherries on our way back to Hot Springs. Our three and half hour excursion was heartily enjoyed by all. Oliver also made the ascent of Paint Rock, and admired the beautiful view from the top. Coming back he entertained us with his erudition, observation, and vocal accomplishments. His mamma asked him a question about a cow which elicited an answer that showed him to be an accurate observer but which brought considerable confusion into camp. The questions were then stopped.
Back at Hot Springs we had an hour to spend before our train started. A heavy rain chased us all the way from Hot Sps. to Asheville, - our train keeping just ahead of it. We got into Asheville about 8:15, - Oliver asleep in my tired arms. Our carriage
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[“Asheville” written at top of page]
awaited us, and the 3½ mile ride home in the dark was so tiresome that we were all worn out when Millwood lights appeared in the distance. Oliver had not waked since we left Alexander’s, on the French Broad. After a cup of coffee and a hot steak, the rest of us were glad to join him in “nature’s sweet restorer - balmy sleep”. [The trip cost, fare 1.00 each, back to Asheville .35, carriage to Paint Rock .50, incidentals (?) total nearly 4.00]
1895
Aug. 1st
For midsummer this is a delightful weather, - and I hate to think of returning to hot and mosquitoey [sic] Charleston, - but our visit is nearly over. We are going to leave Biltmore this afternoon and go in to Asheville for a few days. We had a trip planned for Mt. Mitchell on the 30th [illegible], but Oliver had fever the night before and we could not go and leave him sick. We also intended to take a trip to Round Knob, - and we may yet take this trip.
I went over to Vanderbilt’s this morning for a last look around the mansion and grounds.
1895
Aug. 2d
We came in to Mrs. Trenholm’s - 103 Montford Ave. - yesterday afternoon. This morning Moll, Oliver, and I walked up to the Battery Park Hotel, & then took the cars 5 miles into the country to Sulphur Spring. We crossed the French Broad just where the Swannanoa joins it, forming a fine view. At the Sulphur Spring we wandered around for an hour while the car went back to Asheville & returned.
1895
Aug 3d
Moll, Oliver, and I went down town shopping for shoes, and then took the cars to Lookout Mt. - two miles out. We ascended the mt. & got a fine view of Asheville and the surrounding country.
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Bonny Castle, at the foot of Lookout Mt., is a fine boarding place for those who love the country and yet wish the advantage of the cars to get into town.
Oliver made the ascent and descent of Lookout Mt. which is quite a feat for so small a fellow.
1895
Aug 4.th
We are very pleasantly situated in Asheville. The Trenholms are people of refinement, and there are not too many boarders at present: Mrs. Payne, Mrs. Howard, and Miss Smets (?) from Savannah, and ourselves are all. Miss Helen Trenholm is a the daughter of our hostess, a young lady anywhere from 19 to 24, rather pretty, and I presume talented, because I’ve seen one of her published poems. We have had two games of duplicate whist.
I dined at the Battery Park Hotel today with W. B. S. Hayward, of Charleston. The dinner party consisted, besides, of Mr. Charles Prioleau, Mr. Chaires (?), Mrs Simons, a Miss (name forgotten), - the last a very pretty little brunette in a magnificent toilette. The dinner was elaborate and quite pleasant. Also met Mrs.& Mrs. D. H. Henderson there.
Tonight Miss Helen, Miss Smets, John Trenholm and I went to Central Methodist Church. Heard Miss Dennison sing again.
I met Major Cain & Major Brown, - two old professors, - on the street the other day.
1895
Aug. 5th
Moll, Oliver, and I took the cars this morning on the Montford Ave. line, and went to the River. We walked over an iron bridge which spans the stream which is here about 100 yds wide. Crossing the railroad, the ascent is very steep for 3 or 4 hundred yards
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[“Asheville” written at top of page]
up Bingham Heights, which are crowned by the buildings of Bingham School. We met Major Bingham, his wife, his sister-in-law Miss Woodward, & Dr. Hume of the Univ. of N.C. The Major showed me over his school. He built about 10 or a dozen 4-room brick one-story buildings instead of one imposing one. They make no show, but are admirably arranged in every respect. The sanitary, ventilating, and cooking arrangements are all excellent, and the Major took great pride in showing me all the arrangements of the establishment. The view from his hill is as fine as could be desired. Asheville in the distance with every prominent building visible, the beautiful French Broad making its sinuous course abound the foot of the Heights, the railroad, the public roads showing like red ribbons on the green hill-slopes, the distant mountains and the near ones, - surely there is no place in the country more beautifully located. We spent over an hour very pleasantly with the Binghams.
This afternoon, after a nap, I (alone) took the cars and went to the river again, but this time instead of ascending Bingham Hts. I went up Richmond Hill past Congressman Pearson’s house. The view from Richmond is considered one fo the best views to be obtained in Asheville. There is a rustic windmill and a [illegible], horrible cistern exactly on the summit. I took a short cut to the River coming back & walked down
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the railroad to the Bridge.
Tonight I went out to the Biblical Assembly and enjoyed Dr. Strickler’s address on “The Bible the Word of God.”
1895
August 7
I went out to the River on the Montford Ave. cars & walked down the French Broad River, turning off to the right about a mile below the Bridge, and striking the foot of Gorches’ Peak about a mile further. This is a high, noble hill, overlooking most of the other peaks, and affording a fine view of Asheville. It was a hard climb up, but I made it in 46 minutes. At the top I found two gentlemen under an apple tree enjoying the red ripe fruit which lay in profusion on the ground. One was a Mr. West of Brooklyn, the other a “Professor” Hughes of Phila. - a phrenologist. We came down together stopping at a fine spring near the top for a delicious draught of water. West seems to be a really fine fellow, and as I jumped off the car at Mrs. Trenhom’s and bade him and the “professor” goodbye, ti was with a little regret to think we should probably never see each other again. “Ships that pass in the night.”
I heard Dr. Power of the Garfield Memorial (Christian) Church of Washington last night at the 1st Baptist Church. His discourse was an hour and 10 minutes long.
Have been playing some chess at the Y.M.C.A. with a University of N.C. student named James. Am trying to get a party to Mt. Mitchell.
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1895
Aug 11th
SUNDAY:
I have played checkers and chess a good deal at the Y.M.C.A. Last night we had a “book” party here at the house and a very pleasant time. I represented Irving’s “Tales of a Traveller” by wearing a tag like this [outlines the title] “Sketches in the East” by Bayard Taylor. I also gave John Trenholm this one [outlines the title] Nov 22/23 79 to represent Bulwer’s “Lost Days of Pompeii.” Moll represented “Infelice” by a little doll in a lot of fleece! Miss Helen represented Lucile by [sketch of slipper - see original scan] a slipper with a heel loose. On the afternoon of the 9th I went out to the Dummy cars and went up on Sunset Mt. I walked back, coming down the ridge for a mile, & making the descent near Chestnut St.
Today I took “The Light of Asia” and went up to the Battery Park Hotel & spent the morning on the veranda reading. The music by the hotel band was good.
Moll, Oliver, and I walked out to the Cemetery this afternoon, and climbed the barbed wire fence next the river and went on to the foot of Bingham Heights where we walked over the river & back, & then took the cars for home. Tomorrow afternoon we will go out to the Northrop’s, but I shall leave Moll & Oliver on Tuesday morning. I will stop by a day at Bro. Lucius Matthews. The new from him is terrible. He has not much longer to live - his trouble is malignant tumor.
1895
Monday
Aug. 12th
Moll, Oliver, & I came out to Biltmore from Asheville this afternoon. It is rather crowded here at the Northrop’s, but I shall leave M. & O. tomorrow for another month here - if I can stand the separation so long.
Goodby, Fair Land of the Sky!
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[“Charleston” written at top of page]
1895
Aug. 15th
I am here all alone. The great gloomy building is “left to darkness and to me.” I came by Denmark and spent a day with Sis & Bros Lucius. He is in bed, but did not look as badly as I expected. I spent last night at Bamburg. Sall’s new baby is a fine girl. I got here this morning at 11 o’clock. Will take my dinner at the Bittersohm House above Feldmann’s store, and scuffle for myself for breakfast and supper. My goodness! How I miss Moll & the boy! This hasn’t the faintest resemblance to home.
1895
Aug. 19th
It’s pretty hard to stand this! There are plenty of people in the city, but I know how Robinson Crusoe felt. Yesterday afternoon I went on the steamer Clarence down to Cainhoy. It was right pleasant coming back in the dusk. We are in a very hot wave, and I hate to have Moll and Oliver come back to the heat, but I think that I shall give out by the end of this week, and “call ‘em in.”
1895
Aug. 24th
Moll & Oliver are still in Biltmore. The eel can get used to being skinned. For economy’s sake I have been getting my own breakfast and supper - just some coffee and broiled chipped beef and crackers & milk & syrup. Then I wash the dishes. Also my underclothes, and have only my best linen done at the Chinese laundry. It saves a good deal - especially
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as this hot weather one likes a change of underwear rather often. I get a good dinner at Bittersohm’s for a quarter - always soup, a dessert, & a cup of coffee, too.
Col. Coward has come down & he and I usually take a few games of cribbage at night to while away the time. Tonight the Col. played in hard luck, - I beat him 10 to 2 games, & the last one was a white-wash, for he only got to the 30th hole when I pegged out.
I shall be delighted to have the folks home again. Moll writes that when she told Oliver that I was all alone at the Citadel, he seemed sad and said pathetically, “And he doesn’t get anything to eat?” (Skeeters so bad, I’ll have to quit).
1895
Aug. 26th
This is an awful spell of weather! The heat is terrific! Yesterday afternoon I tried to get out of it a bit by going on the Planter to Kiawah. It was a little rough outside, and a number of people got sick. When we got into Stono River I got with Mrs. Rowe & Mr. & Mrs. Dewees (ships that pass in the night) on the hurricane deck, and we enjoyed the breeze and the sunset tints and the gloaming stealing over the landscape.
I sent a sonnet (“Across the Marsh”) to the Courier last Thursday. It was published in the Sunday News yesterday. Moll expects to come down in the 28th inst.
1895
Aug. 27th
This is one of our anniversaries, and Moll and Oliver came down tonight.
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1895
Sept. 28th
We have all had a fever (broken bone). It’s painful but not serious. I am in better health than for several years - I weigh 123 lbs.
1895
Oct. 29th
I don’t make entries in my diary when there is nothing special to record, - but if more than a month elapses without any remarks, it will hardly be worth while to have a diary. I am teaching nothing but drawing this year: - the Third Class of 50 men in two sections beginning [illegible] Junior Course in Mechanical drawing; the second class in Shades, Shadows, Geometric, and Perspective; and the First Class in Architectural Drawing. About ten days ago I started taking a laboratory course in chemistry. Reese has a laboratory very well fitted for work, and I am very much entertained with the experiments.
Brother Lucius died on Oct. 3d. He was one of the best men I ever knew. Ma may now go to live with Sis.
Nov. 26th
1895
8815! This is the no. of miles I guess J. L. David & Bros.’ bicycle will run betw. Oct. 28th and Dec. 24th inclusive. It it comes out right, or nearest, I’ll get the wheel. [12031 won the bicycle, I had another guess on it of 12838].
Nov. 27th
1895
I am going over to Atlanta tonight, and then on to Bloomington, Ill. for my final examination for Ph.D. Moll and Oliver will go up to Bamburg while I am away.
The Corps of Cadets will go over to the Exposition to be present on Carolina Day, & will stay until the 30th inst.
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Hotel Aragon, Atlanta, Ga.,
Nov. 28th 1895.
We left Charleston last night at 8 P.M. and got to Atlanta today at 10 A.M. (Atlanta time). Arthur Campbell and I shared a berth together on the sleeper, but owing to the “busting” of some jack-pots in our near vicinity during the greater part of the night, we did not sleep well. The berth was too stuffy, also.
We got a 25¢ breakfast immediately on our arrival, and after I had negotiated with the ticket broker for a ticket to Bloomington, and we had deposited our grips at Cambell’s boarding place, we took cars for the Exposition grounds. The Exposition is really very good. The buildings are handsome and the grounds and the grouping of the buildings, the fountains, the statues, the “Midway”, etc. are worthy of a landscape artist.
Lula was in the Exposition, but, although I sought her diligently, I could not find her. I was completely tired out and when night came, but I wanted to stay to the fireworks. My feet got so cold, that I was wretched, but the Exposition by electric night was very beautiful. I came back about 8 o’clock, and am now ready to board the train at 11:15 P.M. for Bloomington. As I am trying to make this a very cheap trip, I will keep account of my expenditures.
[Page 58]
[Chart of expenses - see original scan.]
[Page 59]
1895
Nov. 29th
On the cars just out of Atlanta.
What a night of it! At 11:15 I was punctually at the Depot to leave for Bloomington. There were seven trains preparing to leave. In the confusion I had to trust to the officials of the depot, of course, for directions. “Track No. 7” was the one from which the Chattanooga train would leave. “But a Birmingham train was on track seven?” Yes, but it would pull out & the Chat. train come in.” Meantime trains are coming in and going out, & I asked different officials one after another if they were the Chat. Train. “No, the Chat train would come on on track seven.” Meantime, time, as it usually does, was passing. And my feet got cold & I felt tired, & wished I was home! About a dozen people were hunting for the Chat. train, like myself. After we had consulted with every official we saw, we finally concluded we would stand by No. 7 and wait for the Chat. train. The Birmingham train went out, & directly a new train steamed on to No. 7. Of course, we hopped aboard. But no, it was the West Point train, - & we got off again. We started inquiries again. One official thought the Chat train was making up one square away - another suggested that it had already gone! Finally we obtained enough information to credit the opinion that it had left an hour earlier, from No. 2! It was now one o’clock. I tried two hotels for a room, but could not get even a sofa in the
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parlor: -- the City was jammed with visitors. There was nothing to do but sit up the rest of the night. The next train left at 5:10 next morning. Our tickets were dated for the 28th, & therefore would not be good on this train. After a great deal of importuning, we got the ticket inspector to write a note stating the case to the ticket seller. Him we would have to seat 4:30 o’clock to have the date extended. He slept at the Markham Hotel, so I went there and napped uneasily in a chair in the office until 4:30. Then with a crowd who were seeking to have their return tickets “validated”, I squirmed and squeezed (one fat negro next me, ugh!) until my turn came. The agent would make no change! “He had done all he could do.” I tried to argue the matter, but he cut me short by referring me to some high official whose office was in the Equitable Building. It was not 15 minutes from train time, & I should very likely find him in his office at 5 o’clock in the morning! Anyhow I and a Galveston man in the same boat went. Of course there was nobody in the building. Should I wait until the afternoon train and get my ticket fixed? That would put me in Bloomingdale too late for examination on Saturday, - so I resolved that I would take the train anyway and ague the conductor. If he put
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me off I thought I would have a good case against the Company, & I determined to force matters. I had not been to blame, and maybe he would let me go on the ticket, - and he did!
10:30. Just out of Chattanooga. I had time to eat a sandwich and scald my mouth with a cup of coffee. Chat. is a picturesque little city. Lookout Mt. rises boldly up a few miles from
Crossing the Tennessee! -
town across the river.
We crossed the Tennessee River just at the moment recorded above. It is a broad, beautiful, placid stream.
Noon: This East Tennessee is a beautiful country to live in. I have never seen the mts. in their winter barrenness before, and they look very different. The trees do not obscure them at all, but the brown leafy deposit covers the whole like a garment, save where the crags keep out.
The porter has just lit the lamp - altho’ it is midday of a very brilliant and beautiful day. I suppose it means that we are -- Tunnell!! Darkness!! --It’s a long one too.
Well, here is light again.
It is very wild and pretty here. We crossed a river and are whirling along by its side. This train makes excellent time. I wonder what river this is?
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Hello! Tunnl [sic] again! Darkness - except the dim lamp-light. Now light.
And here is, now, Oakdale, - a nice large hotel - evidently a summer resort.
That was the Emory River.
On again! We have just passed thro’ several more long tunnels. It is funny to look back at one of these and see the smoke pouring out like a great horizontal volcano, as a horrible kind of artillery.
Still the lights burn.
While the light holds out to burn
A tunnel may be at any turn.
The train winds in and out among the hills, as if it were trying to nose out a way, but when eve -
(tunnel) - rything seems to hem it in, it does not halt, but just goes on thro’. Just as we got out of the tunnel in the parenthesis - (tunnel, again) - we came to a great - (tunnel) - gorge. We sailed thro’ the air over this (on a trestle, of course) & far below we saw a little river in its devious course through the gorges.
It is very easy to tell the speed at which - (tunnel) ------ wait awhile ---- a train is going. The trucks make a peculiar noise in passing over the joints of the rails, and hence by counting these “ker-bumps” for, say, 10 secords, multiply by 6 & divide by 176 (the no. of rails in a mile, for each one is 30 feet long) the speed is obtained directly. Thus I have just timed for 10 seconds & found
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24 as the no. of “ker-bumps”. 6 x 24 = 144 rails passed over per minute. Hence the speed was 144/176 of of a mile, per minute, or about 49 miles per hour. In the same way, I calculated the length of the next to the last tunnel to be about 690 feet or nearly 1/7 mile.
We have just passed this one which must be at least ½ mile thro’. Now we are high in the air, passing over a fine river, & a pretty village approaching. This is a handsome country.
2:30 We have just passed over two great valleys on the highest trestles I ever saw. And the tunnels continue. One of the most striking views I ever saw was the
Crossing the Cumberland.
at Burnside Point. The train sweeps round a curve on to a high trestle over the river, & enters a tunnel in the perpendicular wall of rock that rises several hundred feet into the air on the north side of the river.
The banks of the Cumberland are lined with Sycamores. Its gorge must be very old geologically. The gorge must be very old geographically.
4:30 Have changed cars at Burgin from Louisville. Sorry I could not go on to Lexington so as to cross the high bridge over the Kentucky River. It is cloudy and is getting dark - and I wish I was home.
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1895
Nov. 30th
4:30 A.M. Flora, Illinois. I shall have to wait here until 5:30 for the Springfield train. I had an hour in Louisville, & had time to go to the Hotel Normandy & have supper. Then it was a ride across the State of Indiana & half of Illinois. I fear I shall not reach Bloomington until afternoon, late.
A poor fellow was killed on the track outside a short while before we got in.
7 A.M. I have napped some. For miles back I have noticed quantities of snow in patches over the vast plains. At first I could hardly believe it was snow, but a native seemed tickled that I could doubt it - and certainly what else could it be?
10:30 Springfield, Ill. I had breakfast at the “Delmonico”, a shave at the barber shop, & am now at the depot waiting for the 11:40 train. I will arrive in Bloomington at 1:15.
The city of Springfield is not very attractive. True, it is a cloudy, raw day, - and the streets are full of slush and snow.
Bloomington. 8 P.M. It seems several days since the entry above was made. I got here about two o’clock. The street-car conductor took me to the girls’ school at Normal instead of the Ill. Wesleyan Univ. After trudging some in the snow - and here it as a very deep and “slickery” - I got on the cars & was brought back. Then I couldn’t find President Wilder, but I finally saw Dr. Graham, - or rather his wife -
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[“Bloomington” written at top of page]
for the Doctor was busy in his cistern with his workman, - & Mrs. G. was very pleasant, & made me welcome. Then she brought me the examination questions which Prof. Lackland had prepared and I sat to work in her parlor. A little after four Dr. Graham came in & we went over to the University. There I met President Wilder, & Prof. Lackland and Elrod. After a little conversation in the office, we adjourned to the mathematics room, & Prof. Lackland gave me the oral examination. It involved mechanics, calculus, dynamics of a particle, astronomy, but no theory of equations. Neither was the latter given in the written. I think I made a good impression, & I am sure my degree is assured.
I took tea with Dr. Graham & his very pleasant wife. They have two sons - Chester, 10 & Roland three years old. After tea I had a walk of nearly two miles thro’ town to the depot. Here I am waiting to make arrangements to start on my return home. The train comes in at 9:24. The snow here is a little previous.
The girls here go out at night without escorts - on the principal streets, at least. Bloomington is an important city.
Illinois is very level - with little forest growth. On each side of the railroad for three, four, & five miles away the
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[“Illinois, Indiana” written at top of page]
level cornfields and pasture lands extend. I have seen hundreds & thousands of acres of corn - nowhere in the South is anything like it. The soil is dark & said to be very rich. The comfortable farm houses are miles apart surrounded by estates of hundreds of acres. All distances here are magnificent. And everywhere the beautiful snow!
1895
Dec.1
I had a good night’s rest. I went to bed just after leaving Bloomington, & altho’ I walked for a moment when we got to Indianapolis, it was so nice to fall off to sleep again! There was only one other pullman occupant - a lady next to me - and we traveled in comfort. At seven this morning, I woke and we were on the Ohio, nearing Cincinnati. The Ohio River country is hilly & beautiful.
Cincinnati is the most attractive place I have seen on my trip. I had a breakfast there, & would like to spend Sunday there, but I want to spend another day in Atlanta, & so here I am on the car again whirling across the rolling blue-grass county of Ky, on a Queen and Crescent limited.
10:40 Lexington, Ky. is a very pretty place.
11:15 We have just crossed the Great High Bridge over the Kentucky River. The scenery here is wonderfully grand and beautiful. The German Lutheran Church could stand
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[“Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia” written at top of page]
below us, and we would pass 40 feet over its arrow.
12:20 I am now on the road I came over a month ago -- day before yesterday, I mean. We have just passed through the mile-long tunnel under King’s Mt. I shall keep account of the tunnels in the return trip.
No. of tunnels between Cincinnati & Atlanta
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII = 27
3:45 Oakdale - Got out & got a lunch. Looks like we will have rain. One certainly gets swindled at these railroad lunch counters. When two slices of stale bread and a thin slice of cold beef sell for ten cents there is a dishonest per cent of gain made. The apple-pie was good, however, but I couldn’t eat the bread. I wish I was home!
5:35 We have just crossed the Tennessee River, and will soon be in Chattanooga. Then on to Atlanta where we are scheduled for 10:40.
Dec 3
1895
Atlanta, Ga. 7 A.M. I had a dirty bed at a hotel near the depot night before last. Next day I changed to a private house (22 Church St.) I went out to the Technological School & saw Capt. Hall and Dr. Emerson. I made an engagement to dine with Capt. Hall at 6 P.M. I went to see Frank Shain at the American Book Company. The enthusiastic old fellow grabbed me in his arms & hugged me before Mr. Smith & Major - , like I was a long lost brother. We had a long talk together. When I left him
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[“Atlanta” written at top of page]
I went down street for some purchases for Moll & Oliver. There to the Capitol, where the Legislation was in session. Shakespeare used a strong adjective when he spoke of
“The applause of listening senate”
- they don’t seem to listen at all.
From the top of the dome, a fine view is obtained of the city.
I went back, & lunched with Shain at Durand’s Restaurant. We then went up to the Equitable Bldg to see Walker, but he was not in. We went in to see Elliot Jennings in the
- Bank. He showed us a very interesting & complicated machine called an arithmometer for registering the amt of checks and then adding them all up. We saw it add a column of figures a yard long, & it could do a column of a 100 yds as easily, they say. Frank had to leave on the 3 P.M. train. I spent the afternoon at the Y.M.C.A. and in the billiard room of the Kimball.
I have rather lost my identify since leaving home. Traveling on scalped tickets is cheaper but a little disagreeable. I was J. D. Becker on my trip to Springfield. Then I recovered my identity until this morning; - now I shall be R. H. Thomas until I get to Charleston.
I spent a very pleasant evening with Capt. Hall & his interesting family. Annie & Muriel are the daughters, & Harleston, the little son.
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Capt. Hall has good prospects of being soon elected President of the School of Tech. If so, he will do his best to get me Associate in math here.
I had a good night’s rest at Mr. Pinckard’s, & a breakfast at Durand’s, & now I am on the cars, and in a few moments will be whirling toward old Charleston, via Augusta. I hope to have a glimpse of Moll & Oliver at Bamberg - and they will come down to the City tomorrow.
Goodbye, Atlanta.
12 M
Thomson, Ga. - Rather uninteresting country. Have been talking with an Indiana man since we left Atlanta.
3:15
August, Ga. - We have an hour here. I went down to Broad St. for a walk, & got something to eat. We will leave in 20 minutes for Charleston.
1895
Dec. 4th
Home again. Moll and Oliver with Mella joined me at Bamberg yesterday afternoon, & we got down at 9 o’clock last night. It is a great relief to have the whole matter off my mind. The trip was no doubt very beneficial to me in many respects - but it was very tiresome, & now that the Ph.D. business is over I feel like a burden is off me. My math. studies will now be recreative rather than laborious.
My trip was made in six days, & covered nearly 2200 miles.
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[See original scan for map of “My Journey for a Ph.D. degree”]
[Page 71]
1895
Dec. 13th
We expected Kate & Will Bond down to spend this (Gala Week) week with us. We also halfway looked for Aunt Alice & May Steadman. Also, probably, Florence. Nobody came, and we ate our turkey and fruit cake alone, and gave away the extra concert tickets which we had bought for the entertainment of our expected visitors. Florence did drop in yesterday (Thursday) but we have not had a line from any of the others to account for their non-appearance.
At the meeting of the Association of Graduates on Tuesday night it was resolved to give me $50 a year as Sec. & Treas.
Col. Coward told me yesterday that I would soon be made Post-Adjutant with a little raise in salary.
Jess is to be married on the 2d of January to Jesse J. Stevenson, a Methodist preacher.
1895
Dec. 15th
I sold my bicycle for $20 the other day. Sometime I hope I shall have another. This afternoon I borrowed Brailsford’s and rode up to the New Park. Yesterday I took Oliver and Mell to see the aeronaut go up in his balloon and make a parachute descent. It was a very successful performance. Moll & I enjoyed a concert by local talent on last Wednesday night.
Calhoun’s monument is being rapidly taken down. The new one will undoubtedly be an improvement.
Oliver is growing rapidly, and getting decidedly heavy. We are not teaching him any now, and he thinks only of play.
I have taken charge of the office records downstairs, and am at work in view of my coming Post-Adjutancy.
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[See original scan for illustration, and for decorative holiday font for Christmas day]
1895
Dec.18th
Day before yesterday we let Florence take Oliver up to Bamberg for a week’s visit.
I exchanged my violin for a mandolin at Siegling’s Music Stars yesterday afternoon. I gave $3.00 boot. The mandolin is a good one, - made by Bruno. It is beautifully made of cheery, sycamore (or maple), mahogany, rose-wood, pine (belly), & ebony (bridge).
I have made drawings for my thesis, which will shortly be published by the Illinois Wesleyan University.
1895
Christmas day
Unfortunately it has not been a Merry Christmas with us: - 1st I am just out of bed from my 3rd attack of broken bone fever - was in bed three days; 2nd Moll is in bed with a thorough case of mumps, - she can’t open her mouth, let alone eating; 3rd We got a letter saying that Oliver, whom we have looked for daily and Florence for several days, has the mumps in Bamberg. Joe Matthews and I sat down alone & tried to do up the turkey.
1895
Dec. 28th
I was made Post Adjutant today at a salary of $1000.
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1896
Jan. 1st
What does the New Year contain for us? Who can peer into the future and say?
It has been a beautiful day. Moll is better of the mumps, though still not well. Oliver is still in Bamberg, thought we expect him every day.
Tonight Frank Fishburne and C. C. Bunch came up and we had a very good game of duplicate whist, - & some of Moll’s fruit cake. Moll & Bunch put the “hoodoo” on Frank & me - beat us 18 points in a 12-hand set.
1896
Jan 12.
The weather has been very pleasant so far this year. Today, Moll and I took the cars to the New Bridge & walked over into St. Andrew’s Parish. We went out through Pleasure Grove, & got a lot of palm leaves, Christmas berries, and bamboo berries. The air, sunshine, and exercise were delightful, and we enjoyed dinner on our return.
1896
Jan. 19th
Last Sunday morning, instead of going to church, Moll and I took a long stroll into St. Andrew’s Parish, as recorded above. Today, remembering how pleasant last Sunday’s stroll was, we took the cars & went up to Magnolia Cemetery and wandered through the grounds. The weather is like May, and it was delightful to be in the sunshine and air. We also strolled through St. Laurence Cemetery.
Yesterday, the Citadel had a narrow escape (in the Legislature) from annihilation. A bill introduced by a Fred Williams
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of Edgefield to abolish the Citadel was barely defeated by a vote of 49 to 46. We may have serious trouble a little later when the appropriation bill comes up for consideration. The Reform party thinks Clemson College meets all the needs of the State. I have drawn below the Reform idea of how the educational institutions of the State could be equitably divided. The red line shows the literary center of the State - and Charleston is not “in it.”
[See original scan for illustration of “A Revised Map of South Carolina”]
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1896
Jan. 20th
Moll and I attended a card party at Joe Walker’s one evening last week. There were 5 whist tables.
I have been playing some chess occasionally this winter with Mr. Witsell - 4 Glebe St. He can beat me most of the time.
Oliver did a funny trick this afternoon. Moll sent him (for some rolls) to the baker shop across the street. He got up behind a boy on a velocipede & took a ride there, - and when he got the rolls he gave one to the lad who had obliged him with a ride, & one to the milk-boy who was also along. Some little ragamuffins also came along, & these were also entertained. Then some little negroes down stairs got the balance. Oliver also ate one, - & then, the bread all gone, he went on playing down stairs, forgetting he had ever been sent anywhere.
Maj. Thomas Coleman and I were appointed a Board to appraise the property of the Academy. We completed one inspection today, & found somewhat more than $3000 worth.
I can scratch tolerably well on the mandolin now.
While Major Reese has been sick -- (for a month past) I have been instructing his class in geology.
Moll is a good deal of a reader nowadays. Sewing, crochetting [sic], and reading take up her time. Friends drop in every now and then for
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for an evening at whist, - but we very seldom go out after tea, as we have no one to stay with Oliver. Oliver always goes to bed immediately after supper, & we sit here by ourselves reading usually. There is very little excitement in our lives.
1895
Jan. 23d
If the soul of Shakespeare could have witnessed the crowd that gathered in the rain last night at the Market Street door of the Academy of music, waiting for the doors to open to the “family circle”, it would have been undoubtedly flattered at the estimation in which his “Merchant of Venice” is still held! Ladies of the bluest of Charleston blood, prominent divines, and other individuals distinguished for culture, stood in the downpour for half an hour, good naturedly laughing at their own discomfiture in the trying circumstances. The umbrellas served only to gather the water in radiating streams, which sought out new spots down people’s necks, in their pockets, and against their noses, to pour their merry cataracts. Lorenzo’s and Jessica’s “on such a night!” was feelingly quoted, & fair Portia’s “falls as the gentle rain from heaven” did good service also. When the doors were opened, there was a terrible crush; - one need only give himself up to the stream & he was urged along. There was a scramble up the stairs, & another compress in the alley to the entrance door. That the ladies ever got in alive is a wonder to me. The poor cop whose duty it was (silly duty) to stem the rush, was merely rolled round & round on his axis. Brailsford & I, who went together, got excellent seats where
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we could see the entire stage, and chucking our soaked overcoats, hats, umbrellas, and overshoes under the seat, we were dry and comfortable. And the jam still jammed. The tide rose clear to the ceiling, and the aisles were packed with standing people - pretty girls, too, among them who couldn’t get a seat. This was 7:00 o’clock, and while this great crush from the family circle up through the “lower pea-nut gallery” to the “buzzard-roost” was adjusting itself and getting composed, not a single solitary individual was visible in the vast pit and gallery below! It was yet an hour before the placid reserved-seaters with their $5 seats (ours were $1) would walk gloriously in in their evening suits and dresses. It was a funny night, - this animated crush upstairs, & the solitude of velvet cushioned chairs below. There was applause when the “bull”-fiddler poked his head up through the orchestra down under the stage, and emerged like a pioneer on a newly discovered shore. But the crowd down-stairs came in due season, & at 8:15, the band ceased, the stage-lights lit up, & the house was thrown into the dark, & the curtain rose, & we were in Venice!
The scenery was especially beautiful, and the pains taken to represent Venetian life at the time of the play were quite a surprise. Gondola parties with musicians, - street parties of girls & boys out frolicking, with harlequins and masqueraders, gave an air of reality
[Page 78]
[See original scan for illustration]
to the play which could hardly have been obtained otherwise. As these things were not “nominated in the bond”, as Shylock would say, there were a pleasant surprise.
The “support” was very good, I suppose, but I must say that in the superior light of Irving and Terry they did not impress me. Jessica was eminently a nonentity - altho’ her costumes were no doubt historically correct, & were strikingly characteristic and even beautiful. Antonio and Bassanio and Gratiano, and Islanio, and Lorenzo and the rest played their parts without marring the piece, and therefore played them well, I suppose. The Prince of Morocco, I verily believe, was no Caucasion; and there was a reality in Terry’s contemptuous smile when she said, “Let all of his complexion choose me thus,” which was, I think, above even her transcendant [sic] art. Among the minor characters, the Duke, Lancelot - Gobbs - Lancelot Gobs, & his “sand-blind” father played their parts in an anthem way that was pleasant. Miss Terry’s Portia was, I thought at first, a little frivolous, - but in the casket and the court scenes she was superb and dignified. She is very handsome, and her costumes were magnificent. As for Irving - I was so absorbed in contemplating Shylock, that I never thought of him. His presentation was so far ahead of my imagination of the character, that I was spell-bound. I
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shall never forget him - and the court-room scene, where the play culminates, is a masterpiece that once witnessed could not be easily forgotten. If it were possible, he made Shylock attractive! There were fifty people on the stage in this scene, and the grouping and setting made a magnificent spectacle, but Shylock was the cynosure of eyes.
Mansfield is not unworthy to be mentioned with Irving, I think, but I, in my very limited opportunities, have never seen a female character so attractive as Miss Terry’s Portia. I consider that I never spent a dollar to better purpose in my life than that for seeing too such notable masterpieces as Sir Henry Irving’s Shylock & Miss Ellen Terry’s Portia.
1896
Jan. 26th
Sunday: - Moll and I took our Sunday walk this morning to the Battery and back. This afternoon, Oliver, Moll and I took a walk again, making for M. & me a total mileage of about six miles. The winter has been very mild so far; and now that the days are lengthening perceptibly it is not very probably we shall have any really severe weather.
Since Jess’s marriage, Ma has broken up the home in Chester, given the furniture to the three girls, and gone to live with Sis.
Our system of monthly examinations instead of daily recitations, introduced this year, is working well in most cases. It is probable the boys do not study quite as hard, but the oppor-
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tunity for classroom explanation by the professor is increased so much, that I think the advantage is on the side of the monthly examinations.
I spent nearly all yesterday writing on the Record of ante-bellum graduates - part of my post adjutant work.
1896
Jan.31st
Friday: - On Monday night, I went around to 4 Glebe St. & played chess with Mr. Witsell. We played pretty evenly. Tuesday night, Moll and I called on Dr. & Mrs. Baer. Last night, Maj. Thomas, Maj. Mazӱck, Coleman and I sat as a Court of Inquiry on some charges made by Cadet Stokes against Ct. Champlain. Moll, Oliver, & I walked out to West Point Mill this afternoon, & saw the beautiful sunset, - & watched the great pounders at work on the rice. The weather is more like April than January, - and we did not think of weaving cloak & overcoat. The new Calhoun Monument is nearing completion, & forms a constant source of interest to us as we look out of our windows. Nothing could be more beautiful than this moonlight night.
1896
Feb. 2nd
Sunday: - This morning Moll and I took the car & went up to the Five Mile House, and then took a walk down towards the Cooper River. The wind was too high for much enjoyment, however. Owing to the warm weather the trees are all beginning to show signs of budding, and the strawberries are in bloom.
This afternoon, I spent writing up the evidence in the recent Court of Inquiry - 18 pp.
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1896
Feb. 9th
Sunday: I am on duty today, so we have not been out. Moll and I have both spend the day reading. Tolstoï’s “War and Peace” with its graphic pictures of Russian life, has entertained me immensely.
On last Monday night I took my mandolin to the Misses Carews’ and had an evening of music.
Friday night, Moll & I were at a delightful card party given by Annie Campbell and Jim Morris. I won the booby prize! - And I thought I could play euchre, too.
1896
Feb. 14th
The U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey are making some observations here for longitude. Mr. C. H. Sinclair is the observer here. The two granite piers just east of the Mess Hall form the mount for the transit. A very convenient temporary shanty is constructed over them, giving plenty of room for the outfit. There are two chronometers, - one attached to the chronograph, and the other used for telling the time of the star-transits. Two series of 5 stars each are observed before the exchange of signals, and the same number afterwords. The problem at present is the difference of longitude between Charleston and Key West. The method is briefly this: The chronograph is set to work, and connected electronically with a chronometer, which causes second-marks to be recorded, thus: [Illustration - see original scan.]
The end of a minute is blank, - as at A [Pointing to illustration - see original scan.]
The observer notes the time of a star’s transit & presses a key which causes a break in the chronograph record, thus: [Illustration - see original scan.]
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In reality, he notes the star eleven times, as it crosses the eleven wires in the telescope, and the time of the passage of the middle wire is more accurately determined from the eleven. The level on the axis of the transit inst. is read after every star, and one set of stars is observed with the axis reversed to correct for collimation. After the first two sets are recorded on the chronograph, a message, or signal is received from Key West, & one is returned. Then two more sets of stars are observed. The chronograph then shows a scheme like this (abbreviated)
[Illustration - see original scan.]
From the star observations, the chronometer time can be very accurately corrected, and hence the time of the signals located with great precision. The same being done at Key West, a comparison will give the difference in time, from which the longitude is found.
On Wednesday night I went round to the Misses Carews’ and played the mandolin with Miss Leila’s piano accompaniment. We had a delightful practice evening.
1895 [1896]
Feb. 17th
Monday: - Moll and I attended Miss Coates’ marriage to Clarence Johnson at St. Philip’s Church on Saturday afternoon at 4 o’clock. They left on the 5:30 train for Columbia. Johnson did not lose any time from his school. Miss Madeline looked very pretty.
I had a “practice” at Miss Ammie Smith’s one eveing last week, with mandolin and piano.
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Yesterday, Moll and I attended services at Trinity, - and neither of think we shall go again. We are out of sympathy there. My own religious views are very different from what they were formerly.
In the afternoon, Moll, Oliver, and I went down to the wharves to see the Commodore, a suspected Cuban filibusterer, which is gradually working southward, watched by a revenue cutter. Then we paid a visit to the Bellinger’s. The afternoon was springlike, and we laughed at Mr. Jesunofsky having the five-alarm bells to ring “12” at 2 o’clock in the afternoon to announce a cold wave for today. But today it came, - and from the green clover and budding trees of temperate yesterday, we have travelled in 24 hours into the snow of frigid today. It is very cold, and we had a decided fall of fine snow this afternoon.
1895 [1896]
Feb. 25th
Tuesday
Last week I had opportunity on several nights to watch Mr. Sinclair in observations with the zenith telescope for latitude. These are accurate micrometer measurements of stars whose zenith distances (north & south) are nearly the same. It is Falcott’s Method.
On last Tuesday night Moll and I attended a very pleasant progressive euchre party at Joe Walker’s. [Feb. 22 written in margin.] Moll won the first prize. Last Saturday, we entertained the Legislature, whom we and the City had invited down to inspect the Citadel. A sail around the Harbor, a collation on board, an artillery salute on Marion Square, and a Citadel reception and inspection of the Corps of Cadets were
[Page 84]
[See original scan for illustration]
the features of the programme. Then there was a big parade in honor of Washington’s birthday. The legislators were rather a “tacky” looking set.
Mr. G. R. Putnam has exchanged places in the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey here with Mr. Sinclair. They will now exchange signals on five nights between here & Key West, for the determination of longitude - by changing places they can eliminate “personal equation”. Mr. Sinclair’s “special” work, - (for each has something of his own to do besides the longitude work), - was the determination of latitude. Mr. Putnam’s is the determination of the force of gravity with the pendulum. The problem is to determine the time of vibration of a pendulum (of a certain length) at Charleston. The box A is air-tight, and the air is exhausted to about a pressure of 60 mm. In it swings the pendulum, on agate edges. From the box, B, a ray of light is sent through a slit in the shutter, S, through the glass D and, is reflected back from two little mirrors (on the pendulum and the pendulum support) into the telescope, F. The appearance in the telescope is two slits end to end, thus: [see illustration]. If the pendulum is now set to vibrating in the plane of AF, its image, I no longer joins end to end with the image from the stationary mirror, I’; but swings up and down: [see illustration].
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Inside the box, B, is a shutter connected electrically with a sidereal chronometer, C. Each half second this shutter opens for an instant, and a view of the two images, I and I’, obtained. If the pendulum were exactly synchronous with the chronometer, it is evident that the relative position of the two images would always be the same, for at the instant when the shutter flew open, the pendulum, (being synchronous with the chronometer, which works the shutter), would always be in the same part of its swing, and would, therefore, cause its image to fall in the same place. But it is made of such a length as to beat a little longer than half a second, so at each opening of the shutter, it changes its position a little.
[see illustration] ] It appears in the successive positions, I, I, I. About every five minutes, it coincides with I’. The instants are noted, both when the image is going up & coming down. Of course the pendulum has lost one vibration on the chronometer between two coincidences of the images. It is in this way its period is determined. By taking observations eight hours apart (that is about the time the pendulum will swing considerably) for three days, and by regulating the chronometer by means of star observations in the “observatory” outside it is possible, Mr. Putnam says, to get the pendulum’s period within a millionth of a second. The experiment if performed all over the earth, will give its form.
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1896
March 1
Oliver has been sick with cold and fever for a few days past. At nights, I have lately been observing the U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey work. Mr. Putnam’s pendulum experiments give - (with a few corrections yet to be made) - 979.529 dynes (in centimeters) By Clairant’s theoretical formula, [q = 978.066 (1 + .0052435 in ²⌀] it would be 979.569. The observed force of gravity, therefore, corresponds to a lat. of 32°17’ (about).
I heard Evangelist D. C. Moody on Thursday night at the Citadel Square Baptist Church.
This afternoon Joe Walker & I walked up to Mr. Mazyck [illegible] - on the “little island”.
1896
March 6
Oilver is about over his spell. Night before last Moll and I spent a pleasant musical evening at the Carews’. Last night we were at the Legge’s until nearly 2 o’clock, at a very pleasant progressive euchre party. The elegant refreshments at 1 o’clock were much enjoyed.
Moll is a member of a (female) whist club which meets weekly on Thursday morning at the Misses Brown’s on Wentworth St. She has come out ahead on the duplicate whist each of the three times that she has attended. We have also formed a duplicate whist-club to meet every Tuesday evening. Moll is out on Marion Square practicing bicycle riding on Annie Campbell’s wheel tonight, and Arthur Campbell is trying to teach her to mount and dismount. The cadets went up the road for practice drill today, so we did not have recitations.
1896
March 8
Sunday: - Moll, Oliver, & I went up to the Cemetery this afternoon and strolled through the beautiful grounds. The hyacinths were in full beauty.
Last night Eddie Freer, Frank Fishbourne, & Mrs. & Mr. White dropped in for some duplicate whist. Frank and I played checkers.
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[Warwick “The Duchess” bicycle brochure attached to page - see original scan.]
1896
March 15
Sunday: - Moll & Oliver have gone to St. Paul’s. I am on duty. Moll has turned Episcopalian - what she should have been all along - for every member of her family is a member of that church. As for myself, I doubt if I can ever be of any creed again.
“So many gods, so many creeds!
So many paths that wind and wind!
When just the art of being kind
Is all the sad world needs!”
It would be interesting to myself if I could trace my mental growth - or degeneration, the preachers would say, - from three years ago till now. The books I have read might show it if I could remember them. I know of many that have impressed me.
“There is more faith in honest doubt,
Believe me, than in half the creeds.”
Last Tuesday night we had our whist-club meeting at Joe Walker’s. A heavy rain set in, and coming home we had to wade over our shoe-tops for about 100 yds on Calhoun St. Moll had sore throat and cold before that, but this cured both, instead of killing her.
Wednesday night I went round to Mr. Witsell’s where we had duplicate whist and chess. Thursday evening Mr. & Mrs. White were here for whist, and Friday evening we had Mr. Richie White and Dr. Gadsden White up for an evening’s entertainment at whist. Last night I paid a party call at the Legge’s, and Moll practiced riding the bicycle on the square - on Annie Campbell’s wheel.
I have made terms for getting Moll a $100 wheel and it will be here in a week. It is the handsomest cycle made - the Warwick. I don’t think the Columbia equals it.
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1896
March 22
Sunday again. During the past week, Moll & I attended a card party, I went to hear Dr. Kemp Battle’s address at the Medical College Commencement, & on another evening played chess with Mr. Witsell. Moll’s bicycle has not arrived yet, but Annie Campbell came up last night, and Moll practiced some more. I think she does very well. Next Tuesday night the Duplicate Whist Club is to meet here. I have been devising a novelty in score-cards and “table tickets” for the occasion. The latter is merely a device to arrange the persons by lot at the five tables. We will have something like candy kisses wrapped in colored papers and containing instructions for setting partners. For table one, the instructions will be quotations; as, “Go West, young man!” and “Where are you going my pretty maid? To number one, six, north, she said.” At No. 2 West, I have a little ticket representing Mephistopheles directing to a chair at table 2, west. Ticket No. 2, East represents the chair at west as [illegible] & Mephisto is round in the other side inviting to a chair at the east. And so on for south & north. Table No. 3 is arranged like tickets for a theater play. No. 4 represents an Esquimaux girl, a cowboy, an Eastern beauty, & a Southern darkey. Etc., etc.
1896
March 29th
Sunday again. Our whist party was very successful. Not much of interest has happened in the past week. Moll & I took a walk this afternoon. Belated Spring may be said to have arrived at last, and the trees are springing into green. We look for Moll’s bicycle in a day or two. We wanted so many “specials”, they had to make them.
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1896
April 5th
Easter Sunday: - Mill, Florence & I went to St. Paul’s today to Easter services, and tonight Florence and I went again.
I was at Mr. Ned Witsell’s one evening last week. Mr. Ligon and I beat Witsell and Jeffords two sets at duplicate whist.
1896
April 12th
Monday afternoon I played chess with Mr. Plenge, who is the best player in the City. He played the Evan’s on me twice, and I beat him the first game. I played a King’s Bishop’s Gambit, and had a beautiful winning attack, but made an oversight. Monday night Moll and I went to Annie Campell’s to play whist. Tuesday afternoon, Florence and I went to the Battery to see a trick bicycle rider. One of his most striking tricks was to climb thro’ the diamond of his wheel, balancing it meanwhile. Tuesday night Moll and I went to Marian Campbell’s marriage at St. Paul’s. Wednesday night one of our whist clubs met at Mrs. Marion Smith’s; - Thursday night the other met at Mrs. Legge’s; - Friday night we had two tables of whist at home. From this, it would seem that whist took up a large part of our time and thought, - but it is as Thackeray somewhere (in the Newcomes, I think) says about dining, - the ordinary business life of people is never considered interesting enough to record, - it is the social side of life that is of interest as record.
Moll is enjoying the “Duchess”. It arrived on Friday April 10th. Today I took a spin up to the Cemetery, and tonight Florence and I attended the special services at St. Philip’s. The music was very good.
1896
April 13th
I played chess with Mr. Plenge this afternoon. The first, he played an Evans on me. I moved carelessly & resigned after about 8 moves. I played a King’s
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Bishop’s Gambit second, and won. The 3d game was a very beautiful one. He opened irregularly, and we played nip and tuck; but by a fine combination he finally won. The score stands 4 to 2.
1896
April 15th
Last night our whist club met at Miss Jones’s in Society St. Miss Nellie Walter and I were partners - and played against Capt. Fishbourne and Miss Robinson. It was the most remarkable score I ever saw. We beat them 6 points on one hand, and 15 points on the twelve.
1896
Apr. 17
Q’s P Opening. Bond (White) vs. Witsell. Drawn. Time 2h 15m.
1896
Apr. 23d
Oliver saw a little cooter down stairs, and made the following sketch of it from memory. I think few grown people could do as well.
[See original scan for illustration]
Mr. Joe Roach is spending “Veteran Week” with us. Last night Mrs. Marion Smith’s whist Club met here. Miss Nellie Walter & I beat Mrs. Smith & Mr. Taylor by a score of 10 to 2.
I received today a copy of the [illegible] Wesleyan Magazine with my thesis for PhD.
1896.
May 6
In a “great” game this afternoon I defeated Plenge in an Evan’s Gambit. Time, 1 hour 45 minutes. Score up to date Plenge 4; Bond 3. Plenge had the white in the game this afternoon.
1896
May 10th
We attended a swell party at Mrs. Lockwood’s on Thursday evening. Domino whist. Moll won one of the two ladies’ prizes.
Friday evening, whist club met at Miss Nellie Walters. Last night we had a game at home: Mr. Morris & Miss Bailey. We took tea at Mr. John Kinloch’s tonight. Mr. Gilmore Simms was there.
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1896
May 11th
I am 31 today. After my day’s work in the class-room, which consisted of two hours plotting surveys, one hour architectural drawing and making blue prints, and one hour with astronomy discussing Saturn, Uranus, & Neptune, I spent the rest of the afternoon reading Henry Pelham. Moll took a ride on the Duchess in company with Annie Campbell and Mrs. Daisy Phillips. Tonight we had an invitation to go with the Carews to the Academy of Music to the rehearsal of the pretty comic opera Priscilla. We enjoyed this.
1896
Mar 12th
We had Mr. Simms to dine with us today. He is an entertaining talker, and I enjoyed his visit. Tonight I took Moll to the whist club at Mr. Frank Fishbourne’s but I have come back home & will go to bed, for I leave with the Corp of Cadets “at 5 o’clock in the morning” for Savannah, and want to get a little sleep beforehand.
1896
May 13th
We left Charleston at 5:20 this morning and arrived in Savannah at 9:10 o’clock. Brailsford & I took the cars & went up to camp, where we picked out a choice tent and had a shower bath & cleaned up. We had breakfast at 10 o’clock & Then we walked downtown and saw the city. We saw Adj. Gen. Watts & Barney Evans - the farmer pretty “well gone”. In the afternoon we got wheels and went out to Thunderbolt and Bonaventure and all over the city. At 5:30 we went to the Park extension and saw the Cadet competitive drill and the dress parade, & then came on to camp and had supper. We
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[“Savannah” written at top of page]
met a number of old Citadel fellows & brought Hughes, Lucas, & Haynsworth out to supper with us. Then we all went back to the Park where a vaudeville performance was going on. The dancing and other performances were excellent. One man who walked and performed on a ball was a wonder. After this, our friends wanted us to go down to the Club, but we were too tired, & begged off & came back to camp. We have an excellent straw pile to sleep on, & are tired enough to enjoy it.
1896
May 14
After breakfast Brailsford & I went down to the DeSota & the Armory Club, and at 10:30 took the cars for Tybee Island - a ride of 18 miles over the marshes to the coast. We passed Fort Pulaski which still shows the scars of bombardment. At Tybee Hotel we ascended to the “sky terrace” where a very beautiful & extensive view is obtained of the coast line & the sea. The beach here is very good; but pretty abrupt. We got back at 1 o’clock & took the cars for camp where we enjoyed a good dinner. We witnessed the big parade from the Volunteer Guard’s [sic] Armory, where we met a number of Citadel men. Then we went up to the Park extension to see the review & inspection. Being pretty tired, we came back early to camp, & rested for an hour before supper. Rita Roth came out on a bicycle & is a beautiful girl of 12 years. We had supper, & will leave at 9 o’clock for Charleston.
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May 28th
1896
The whist Club is here tonight - but as three are absent - without sending any excuses, - I am “out of it”, - and as nobody wants me in the parlor when they are busy with whist, I will wait until time for refreshments before going back.
Coleman has got a Crookes tube and a fluoroscope, & last night for the first time I examined the lines in my hand and arm.
I had a couple of games of chess with Plenge yesterday afternoon. Both of them were Evan’s Gambits. I won the first (defense) & lost the second (attack) Score, up to date, Plenge, 5; Bond, 4.
Fannie Sease spent nearly a fortnight with us, & went home Monday.
Maj. Cummings, and Miss Witte were married last Wednesday, & will come to live at the Citadel in a few days.
1896
May 31
Sunday: Moll & I were at St. Paul’s this morning. This afternoon we went to see the Beckmann’s & then to see Claude Walker & her new baby.
Friday night I went round to play chess with Mr. Neo Witsell. He must have been “off”, for I beat four games straight without any difficulty.
Yesterday afternoon I was at a “tennis tea” given by Dr. Kolloch at the Arsenal. About 15 or 20 ladies & gentlemen were present. We had a number of good games, & the refreshments served on the grounds were very elegant. There was no tea about it, but plenty of cream & cakes & Huyler’s candy.
[Page 94]
[“Sumter, S.C.” written at top of page]
1896
June 7
During the past week I have been busy with Association of Graduates affairs. I have also got out a circular to advertise the Citadel which is the best we have ever had.
One evening I spent at the Witsell’s, and yesterday afternoon I played chess with Plenge. 1st game I opened with a King’s Bishop’s Gambit, and lost after a very pretty fight. The second game, Plenge gave me an Evans as usual. I got into a horrible muss, and he beat me in short order. The third game was a Muzio, and I did him as badly as he did me on the Evans. Score to date: Plenge, 7; Bond, 5.
This afternoon - Sunday - Moll, Oliver, and I took a walk to the Custom House, where we sat and watched the boats in the Bay; and went to see the new “Mr. Calhoun”, who arrived from New York on this morning’s steamer.
1896
June 19th
Camp Kennedy, Sumter, S.C. We arrived on the morning of the 17th. Moll & Oliver went immediately to Mr. Roach’s. Mrs. Dr. Archie drove me to camp. Our camp is new Mr. Roach’s, next the Bicycle track, & well located in a grove of trees.
1896
June 21st
Sunday: - We have had a good deal of rain in the last two days. I have finished up the diplomas. Have dined & supped with Moll at the Roach’s nearly every day. We spent today at Archie China’s. He has a beautiful little home, & a very sweet and charming wife. Mr. & Mrs. White were also there to dine. We attended the Meth. Church in the morning - heard Mr. J. W. Daniels - and tonight Cousin Lou & I went to the Baptist to hear Dr. Brown.
[Page 95]
[“Sumter, S.C.” and “Eutaw Springs” written at top of page]
1896
June 24th
Monday night I took Moll & Cousins Lou & Wessie to the musical concert at the Opera House. The Phantom Drill afterwards by the Cadets, and the burlesque on it were capital. Tonight is Pinafore. All of us are to sup with Dr. Hughson. Archie China is doing all he can (& a tremendous lot it is) for the success of the encampment. The Colonel has gone over to Columbia today to receive the degree of L.L.D. from the S.C. College.
1896
June 26th
Friday: - Wednesday aft. Mr. Moïse came up to Camp to play chess with me - He can play a little.
Yesterday we had an excursion to Eutaw Springs. We went down to Rimini, by way then of Elloree, Vance, Eutawville. When all the excursionists got off at Eutaw Springs, Gen. Moïse, Maj. Moïse & I went on to the [illegible] at the lumber mills at Ferguson. They are large cypress mills. Daily capacity - 75,000 ft. There were 10,000,000 feet in the yard valued at $150,000. The yearly insurance premiums on the mill & stock are almost $6000. We got back to the Springs at 2 o’clock. The springs are geologically interesting. An ideal profile would be like this:
[See original scan for illustration]
The water comes out in bold springs at S, then flow to S’ where they disappear, & reappear boldly at S’’ - passing through the hill A. This hill is of lime-stone - a former oyster-bank probably.
Gen. Moïse after dinner gave us a fine talk on the Battle of Eutaw Springs. We all got
[Page 96]
[“Sumter, S.C.” written at top of page]
back to Sumter about 8 o’clock.
On Wednesday night the officers took tea at Dr. Hughson’s & then went to the opera where we had boxes to witness Pinafore. Moll took tea with Archie & Mrs. China & went with them. They occupied the box next ours. After the play - which was very good - we went to the dance & remained awhile.
1896
June 28th
We took tea the the Clark’s on Friday evening, and at Col. Marion Moïse’s last night. We attended services at the Opera House, where Rev. Dr. Cathbert preached the baccalaureate sermon today. Tonight Florence & I went to the Episcopal Church.
1896
June 29th
We had a Faculty meeting in camp this a.m. & disposed of all business.
Gen. Hagood told me this afternoon that Reese had resigned, & asked me if I thought I could take charge of his department - chemistry! Here was an opportunity - but I could not accept it. But I appreciate the compliment. I wish it had been the chair of mathematics; - I would have jumped.
1896
July 1st
6 A.M. Breaking camp! - The tents are going down like a cyclone had struck them.
Yesterday, the commencement exercises at the Opera House were very entertaining. The address by Jo. L. McLaurin was very fine.
Last night I took Moll, Wessie, & Lou to the great ball at the Tobacco Warehouse. This was a grand affair. I got back to camp about 2:30 this morning.
Moll has had a good time, I think, & made a number of friends & admirers. We will be off tonight for Charleston.
[Page 97]
[“Charleston, S.C.” written at top of page]
1896
July 3rd
We got home on the night of the first, - and will probably be here until the 1st of August. I am at work on the records. We expect a visit from Ma next week. Our visit to Sumter was very pleasant. The first address of mine by my new title I received today, & will preserve as a souvenir.
1896
Aug. 2nd
It is nearly a month now that we have endured the heat and mosquitoes - but tomorrow we will be off early for Blowing Rock.
Ma has been with us since the 10th - but it has been so warm we have not been about much. She will go with us as far as Blackstocks - where she will stop with Jess.
[See original scan for chart]
[Page 98]
1896
Aug. 3d
July
We left Charleston at 7 a.m. Saw Florence & Uncle Joe Roach at Sumter & got to Columbia at 11 o’clock. Here we had a wait of 5 hours. Moll & Oliver took the cars for Aunt Alice’s. I went to the State House & had a cleaning up, & then Ma & I lunched at the Depot & took the electric cars for Hyatt’s Park - three miles in the country. Here we staid [sic] at the spring for a couple of hours, ate a watermelon, & rested. Then we went back to town, went thro’ the State House, & visited the S.C. College & sat on the grass on the campus & rested until time to go to the train. We left Columbia at 4.
At Blackstock’ Ma got off, & Moll, Oliver, & I arrived in Chester at 6 o’clock. Lela & Winfred & Gladys met us. We found Edd at home. About dark, Lela, Moll, & I walked down by the old home & saw Mrs. Bland & Miss Annie.
1896
Aug. 4th
We spent a pleasant evening & night at Lela’s, & after an early breakfast got off on the narrow gauge road. It was a 6 hour ride - hot & dusty. It was nearly 5 o’clock when we arrived in Lenoir, - & we set out with very little delay for Blowing Rock. We got here at 10 o’clock & were gad to get to bed.
1896
Aug. 7th
Harrison & his wife are at Mrs. Brady’s. They came over to see us the other night. Grand View is full of boarders & it is quite pleasant here. Mr. & Mrs. Allan of Charleston are here.
Mr. Edwards, my old Blowing Rock friend came up to see me this morning & we had a game of chess, & then he & Moll played Harrison & me a game of whist. I have swung my hammock down in the front yard - & Moll is now taking her siesta in it. I have
[Page 99]
[“Blowing Rock, N.C.” written at top of page]
made my den here, & expect to write a little & read here during the summer. There are very few places about Blowing Rock that I have not visited, & I feel not very enthusiastic about exploring.
1896
Aug.14
Yesterday afternoon I took a notion & went on quite a trip. I took the barometer down to Pitt’s Cottage & found it registered about 565 feet. Then I went on down into the Johns River valley 3 ½ miles to Estes’s mill where the barometer indicated that I was 1920 below Weedon’s. I had all that climb back, but I was not very tired.
Mr. Edwards & I have been playing a good deal of chess lately. This afternoon Mr. Gordon & Moll played played 24 decks of duplicate whist against Mr. Patterson & me. Miss Dickson & I play mandolin and organ duets together. I am collecting woods for a checker-board - all the squares to be of different woods. Oliver is well but eats nothing but buttered biscuit & some fruit.
OLIVER, [name possibly written by Oliver - see original scan]
1896
Aug.23d
Sunday: - The weather has been warm even here - what must it be down the country!
I played a mandolin piece at a concert Tuesday night. That day Moll went with the girls here and others in a picnic to the falls of the Boone Fork of the Watauga. On Thursday, Mr. Miller, Misses Isabelle & Amy Allan, Moll, Miss Annie Gordon, Miss Strong, and I went down into the valley below with the intention of exploring the depths of the “dismal” & ascending Blowing Rock. We came up just beyond Cathcart’s tired out. Friday night we enjoyed a candy pulling given here by the Misses Allans. Last night we went over to the Brady House to a library
[Page 100]
[“Banner’s Elk, N.C.” written at top of page]
party. This afternoon I took a walk alone to Green Hill and Blowing Rock & enjoyed those two views.
1896
Aug. 24th
This morning at breakfast I had no idea of being in Banners Elk tonight. But a young Presbyterian preacher by name of Tufts was coming over - he is staying here during the Summer, & has a church here - & proposed to me to come, too. I brought the barometer, and Mr. Allan lent me his field-glasses. We intended to make an ascent of Grandfather Mt. to determine his height, but when we got to Grandfather Hotel about 12:30 o’clock it was raining, with little prospect of clearing, so we had dinner there, & came on over here in the rain. At the Banner’s Elk Hotel there is a lively, musical crowd. I have met them all. We had games, music, supper, & dancing. The barometer here indicates a pressure of 26.78 in.
1896
Aug. 25th
This morning Mr. Tufts showed me his little oak-ceiled church before breakfast. After breakfast the clouds began to lift, and we decided to make an ascent of Beech Mt.
Banner’s Elk is beautifully located, with high peaks easily accessible on all sides. It is two miles up to the top of Beech Mt. Tufts, his brother, & a theological student named Boston, & myself were the party. When we got up, it had cleared beautifully, & I had the finest view I have ever had in the mountains. 1700 feet below us was the valley of Banner’s Elk with the Elk river, the houses, & the smooth meadows. Beyond these was the high ridge of Hanging Rock, & Sugar Mt., & Grandfather. Westward, was the noble peak of Roan; its hotel, Cloudland, visible to the naked eye in the
[Page 101]
transparent atmosphere. By means of the glass we saw a sort of scaffolding observatory and flag-hole on the summit, & then could detect it with the unaided eye. The village of Elk Park was visible 8 miles off, & I saw the narrow-gauge train coming. Just as I found it with the glass, a puff of white smoke shot up from the whistle, & in about thirty seconds we heard the sound. Beyond, we could see 40 or 50 or 60 or more miles into Tennessee. Northward, we could see far up into Virginia. Southward were the Black Mts., & eastward I could see the houses at Blowing Rock very distinctly. It was a most beautiful view. I can never forget it. The barometer indicated on the summit 5745 feet, - but some hundred or two will have to be taken off that to reduce to actual sea-level. Beech is a beautiful mountain from the Hotel veranda. Its top looks like this: [See illustration.] The trees have nearly all been cleared from the summit.
By accident two trees were left which, - though some 20 yds distant - are nearly in line as seen from the hotel, & look very like a lion, guarding the gap. We got back to dinner at 1:30 - and at 3 o’clock I set out in a buggy for Blowing Rock, - 19 miles away. We had a quick trip, & I got here just about sundown.
1896
Aug. 30th
We have had a very pleasant stay so far; the people here are very lively & sociable. The Allan girls and the Gordons & Pattersons are gone, but there are Miss A. E. Somes of Boston, Miss Palmer of Phila., Mrs. & Miss Andrew
[Page 102]
of Dayton, O. - the latter a really great musician (pianist) - Miss Strong of Raleigh, Mrs. Tuttle & Mrs. Rand of Boston, Judge Caldwell & wife of Newberry, Mr. & Mrs. Allan, Miss Dickson, Miss Arnold, & ourselves. During the past week, I finished up a short story of about 6000 words and entered it in circulation for three prizes given by the Evening Post of Charleston.
We have had cold weather for a few days past. I have enjoyed playing the mandolin with the organ accompaniments by Miss Andrew. To think she has played in concerts with some fo the first artists of America & Europe! Berver, Geise, Schröeder, & others.
Sept 4th
1896
The Board of Visitors at their meeting in Columbia on the 1st inst. promoted me to Captain and Professor of Drawing and Bookkeeping at a salary of $1200. My Post-Adjutancy will give me in addition $100 per year.
I am enjoying my stay in Blowing Rock. It is delightful wandering around over these mountains.
I am still collecting specimens of wood.
We had a game of Dumb Crambo the other night. We have music and logomachy, and occasionally we have a sunset party on the Fair View Rock. On Saturday afternoon, we had a most gorgeous sunset. The cloud views on Friday and Saturday were very fine.
1896
Sept. 13th
Mr & Mrs Sease surprised us the other day. They had no idea we were here either.
Mary Witherow, two of her Pennsylvania cousins - Martha and Flora Witherow, their niece Erma Musselman, and William Steadman came up a few days ago. They leave tomorrow. We have been to walk with them several times, - once to Chetola & this afternoon to Green Hill.
I went down the Cliffs with Mr. Douglas one day this week in search of ginseng. Found one piece. The Andrews left on Thursday.
[Page 103]
[“Grandfather Mt.” written at top of page]
1896
Sept. 17th
Mr. Sease and I took a tramp down Glen Burney day before yesterday. Yesterday, we had some beautiful rain views, & cloud effects this morning were very fine. It was hard to get rid of the impression that we were not looking at the sea, & one almost instinctively expected the ships.
Mr. & Mrs. Sease came up &, after we had finished our game of whist with Mr. Edwards & Mr. Turnbull, we took a walk to the Stone House. This afternoon we had one of those rare, clear atmospheres. We could see Morgonton with the unaided eye, and the glass revealed Hickory & many little hamlets. It was a wonderful sight. There are here now only Miss Somes, Miss Palmer, & Mrs. Nelson besides ourselves.
1896
Sept. 19th
We are just back from circumnavigating Grandfather. This morning at 7 o’clock Mr. Sease & Moll on the front seat & Mrs. Sease and I on the back seat of a good surrey, behind two good horses & set out by way of Shull’s Mills. Up the valley of the Watauga we had the fine view of the great stone profile which gives the mountain its name. We reached Grandfather Hotel at 10:15 o’clock - exactly three hours. He we put up the horses & left Mrs. Sease, - the rest of us with Calloway’s little daughter for guide, made the ascent of the Grandfather. I had the barometer and field glasses, Tempy (her real name is Temperance Savannah Georgia Calloway) the hatchet, Moll the tin water-bucket, & Mr. Sease the basket of dinner. It was a march up the mountain of nearly four miles. About three quarters of a mile from the top we stopped for awhile
[Page 104]
at the cold spring. We made the trip up in 2 hours. The view is very fine. Blowing Rock, Linville, & Banner’s Elk are in plain view, & the principal mountain-peaks are clearly seen. We went down in about an hour; and left for Linville at 3:30. We reached Linville about 4:30. On our drive homeward over the beautiful Yonahlossee Road we admired the many beautiful view. We had some rain, & got home about 7:40 8:30 o’clock, after a journey of 1+7+7+4+3+5+20+1=48 miles, of which seven were on foot. I got several specimens of woods, and one or two balsam sticks. On the Grandfather near the top we came across luxuriant blackberries, ripe and full of rich clusters of ripe, luscious berries. It was surprising at this season of the year.
We have just now finished tea and will be to bed in a minute.
AT WEEDONS
Sept. 19th 1896 Barometer, 4020 feet; Thermom.72° 6:30 A.M.
ON TOP OF GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN
24..71 inches 6220 feet; termometer, 74° F. 1:00 P.M.
1896
Sept. 25,’96
It is surprising how much walking a person can do in this mountain air without feeling discomfort. Moll has walked about 9 miles today, and I about 11 1/l2. We take a good many long walks with Mr. & Mrs. Sease.
Yesterday Mr. & Mrs. Sease went with a party to Grandfather Mt. (Linville side). They said they would make a fire so we could see the smoke. With a good pair of field-glasses I could barely distinguish the group on the top from here, & we all could see the smoke faintly - through the glasses, of course.
[Page 105]
[“Blowing Rock, N.C.” written at top of page]
I got a looking-glass & set up a pole to sight by & threw them a ray of sunshine. I telegraphed … . ._ … . and _… . . _. _.. repeatedly - hoping Mr. Sease would “catch on” to his name and mine. I hardly expected they would read the signals, but I was in hopes they would see the light. Sure enough, when Mrs. Sease came up today to tell us about the trip, he said they saw the signals, & one young man read “Bond” & “Sease” & other things, some of which I did not telegraph!
I was surprised, for it is about 12 miles airline, & I was not certain of even hitting the mountains with my rays of light.
Mrs. Sease took the barometer and where they left the horses the reading was 4920 feet. At the top it was 5370. This is not, of course, the top of the Grandfather, but only the Linville peak. The Grandfather is about a thousand feet higher.
1896
Sept. 27th
This is the fly that lays the egg that makes the chestnut worm. At least, so I imagine. In knocking down chestnuts yesterday, I found this fellow [see illustration] in a burr with her proboscis run through a part of the inner coat of the burr reaching to the bottom (and tenderest) part of the nearly ripe chestnut. [See illustrations.] I tink it uses its proboscis to put the eggs into the young chestnuts.
Today Mr. and Mrs. Sease, Moll & I took a drive to Boone by the old road and back by the new turnpike. It was a fine morning, & the trees were
[Page 106]
beginning to turn, making the views very pretty. Tomorrow morning we will be off for Lenoir and Chester. We expect to get home in the night of the 30th.
1896
Sept. 29th
Mr. & Mrs. Sease & Moll, Oliver and I came down from Blowing Rock yesterday to Lenoir in a surrey. We had several hours here, & visited Davenport College & some of the factories. We got in Chester about 11 o’clock, P.M. This morning I went down to Blackstocks & dined with Jesse & Jessie & Ma. The Jess’s have a nice little home, & I like Jess very much. I came back to Chester tonight.
1896
Sept. 30th
We left Chester at 11 o’clock, & reached Columbia at 1. We had a four hour stay here. Moll & Oliver went to Aunt Alice’s, & I dined at Troeger’s restaurant, went round and chatted with Will Melton, & then called on Johnson (C. E.) & his wife on Gervais St. where I saw Prof. Colesch & a number of young ladies. We left Columbia at 4:40, saw Uncle Joe, Lu & Wessie, in Sumter, & got to the Citadel at 9 o’clock P.M.
1896
Oct. 27th
Gala Week. Aunt Alice & May, Joe Matthews, & Sallie & Jack are here. Sall has been with us a couple of weeks.
Last night I took the 3d degree, Knights of Pythias - having taken the first two degrees two weeks ago.
We are members of two whist clubs.
Our work at the Citadel is getting along.
The Illinois Wesleyan Magazine accepted my design for a cover.
[Page 107]
1896
Oct. 31st
[Chart - see original scan.]
From my observations this summer, & the accepted ht. of Grandfather Mt., observer presumably deduces the above hts.
1897
Jan. 2d
We went up to Denmark on Christmas morning & spent three days with Sis. Ma, Joe, Jule, & Garris (Class of ‘96) were there, & we all had a pleasant time. Auntie, Florence, & their family (the Rice children) came up Christmas Day. It was cold, clear, & “Christmasy”.
I left Moll & O. in Bamberg on the 27th. They got back tonight after a pleasant stay - in B - .
I have been boarding at Mr. White, - down the gallery.
Sall staid [sic] with us over two months.
Our time has passed pleasantly this winter. We go to a whist club once a week, & have odd evenings at home.
1897
Jan. 9
Eighteen dollars for one evening’s entertainment is rather steep. That’s what it cost us to go to the Parker’s reception on the night of the 6th. There were between 150 and 200 people there. It was a very grand affair.
1897
Jan 10.
Went to church at St. Pauls.
[Page 108]
1897
Jan. 13th
The Whist Club met here last night and we had four tables of more or less good whist.
Tonight, Moll, Oliver, & I took tea at the Carew’s and had some music.
1897
Jan. 15th
We are having delightful weather for January. Charleston’s winter are delightful. I enjoy the bicycle this kind of weather, but as I have to ride Moll’s (having none of my own) I do not have the pleasure of her with me. The Illustrated American offered 100 bicycles as prices to the solvers of 4 puzzles last year. I solved all four and sent on, but the result has not yet been announced. I have little of getting one of them. [No, only 9 were awarded!]
17
[Illustration - see original scan.]
Sunday: - I am on duty. Moll and Oliver have gone to church - St. Paul’s. I spend Sunday reading as a rule. The Literary Digest usually comes Sunday morning, and I have a feast for several hours.
I enjoy the meetings of Calhoun Lodge, No 23, Knights of Pythias. I was appointed I.G. the other night. - Rather insignificant office, but there are ambitious fellows ahead fo me, and I had to “fall in line” and take my turn. Of course, I wish to be Chancellor Commander after a while.
1897
Jan. 21st
Lieut. Jenkins and I took a spin over the bridge on Lee’s birthday - the 19th - which is now a legal holiday in this State. We left here at 11 o’clock and got back at a quarter to two after a spin of 22 miles. Coming back against the wind, we made 10.84 miles in 1 hour and 5 minutes. We went to St. Andrews Church, and Bee’s Ferry. Moll’s grandparents’ graves are in utter rack.
[Page 109]
1897
Feb. 1st
MONDAY: - I bought a Warwick bike Saturday and Moll and I expect now to enjoy many rides together. The weather is bad today.
Feb. 2d
TUESDAY: - Our Whist Club met at Miss Goddard’s tonight, where we had a very pleasant game.
Feb. 3d
WEDNESDAY: - Misses Grace and Isabelle Allan, two Misses Jackson, Miss Brackett, and I met at the Misses Jackson’s tonight for music. We have formed a Musical Club.
Feb. 4th
Mrs. Smith & Mr. Vaughn came over tonight for what has come to be a weekly contest at duplicate whist. Vaughn & I have tried to beat Moll and Mrs. Smith several times, but so far have failed.
Feb 5th.
I went round to Witsell’s for a game of chess. He outplayed me. Score 2 to 1.
Feb. 6th
Today was beautiful, so Moll and I took a spin up to the Chicora Phosphate Works (about 5 miles) on the “Duchess” and the “Earl”.
Feb. 7th
Sunday: This sun is glorious and the day idyllic. There were no services at St. Paul’s, and Moll and I took a walk in the sunshine. This afternoon we took Oliver with us, - walked to Shepard St., rode to the Cemetery, walked thro’ the grounds, came back on the Cars, rode to the Custom House where we watched the Comanche come in, then we let Olifver take the cars and come home, and we walked up.
Feb. 8th
Moll, Annie Campbell, & I took a spin ‘round the Battery this afternoon, and saw one of the war-vessels of the “Blockading Squadron” come in.
At the Knights of Pythias tonight I was promoted to Master of Arms.
Feb. 9th
Tonight our Whist Club met at Mamie Rowe’s. Moll
[Page 110]
and I played against Mr. Bull and Miss Gaddard, and were so evenly matched that we brought the game out a tie.
Feb. 10th
Ma came down this morning from Denmark, and I have written to the two Jess’s to come.
Feb. 11th
It has rained all day. What time I was not in the class-room, I read to Ma in a pleasant little story called “On the Suwanee River.”
Feb. 12th
It has been another rainy day. Uncle Joe Roach said that no one ever saw a Friday on which the sun did not at some point during the day shine. Today was an exception - it didn’t shine here today.
Feb. 13th
Oliver and I went out in the Pilot Boy to see the North Atlantic Squadron, now “blockading” Charleston Harbor. The battle-ships Massachusetts, Indiana, and Maine, the flagship New York, the great cruiser Columbia, the monitor Amphitrite, the dynomite Cruiser Vesuvius, and the cruiser Marblehead compose the fleet. It was a magnificent spectacle.
The sea was rough outside and nearly everybody was sick on the Pilot Boy, but Oliver and I got thro’ alright.
14
[Illustration - see original scan.]
Moll & I went to St. Paul’s this morning and heard a Suwanee student, who “apologized for reading the sermon of an eminent English Divine; but none but ordained ministers could read their own sermons.” He “hoped, however, the congregation would pay the same reverent attention to it that they would to his own production!” That was complacent, I say.
This afternoon, Ma & I went to the Battery and walked up by the wharves to see the Marblehead and Vesuvius.
[Page 110]
Feb. 15th
It has been a rainy day. I went up to meet Florence, but elle n’arrivait pas.
Feb. 16th
The Whist Club met at our house tonight, but neither Moll nor I could play, as were looking for Miss Mary Roach from Sumter (Moll’s Aunt.) Florence also came down unexpectedly with Melle.
Feb. 17th
Our Musical Club met at Miss Brackett’s tonight - Rutledge Avenue. It was Bach night - and most of the selections were from Bach. I read a short sketch of him.
Feb. 18th
The Cadets had a holiday to go out to see the fleet. Moll and I went on our bikes to the New Park. It was a good ride for Moll - especially as we had to go several miles on the side of the railroad. It was hot, and we enjoyed a glass of beer at a mile blind tiger’s lair on our way back.
Feb. 19th
[Illustration - see original scan.]
Feb. 20th
Lt. Jenkins, Maj. T and I started for a bicycle ride up the road, but the rain drove us back.
Feb. 21st
Sunday:- Miss Mary Roach & Florence left this evening for Bamberg.
Feb. 22d
Today was a holiday. Campbell and I went out in the Harbor to see the monitors. We went aboard the Terror and examined the interior and the guns.
[Page 112]
1897
Apr. 11th
Our Whist Club has met weekly. My Musical Club bi-weekly, and the K. of P twice a month.
In the latter I have been promoted again. I am now Master of Work.
I have had my drawing department furnished with desks, which is a great improvement. Last Friday night Moll and I heard Joe Jefferson in Rip Van Winkle, and were delighted.
The pleasure of wheeling is greatly enhanced by a cyclometer. It is interesting to watch the figures change. I have written ridden my wheel 412 miles since Feb. 1st. I was over in St. Andrew’s Parish this afternoon when the 400 turned. A few weeks ago I was going up to Otranto, (where Lt. Jenkins had the boys out for an extended order drill,) when I passed the three hundred notch.
The little story I wrote last summer at Blowing Rock - called “A Romance of the Mountains,” was published in the Evening Post last week.
1897
May 2d
Moll and I were confirmed by Bishop Capers at St. Paul’s Church today.
1897
May 5th
The Literary Digest of New York has got up a Correspondence Chess Tourney. I received notice that I and Dr. Humpert of St. Louis, Mo. we would have game No. 5. I sent Dr. Humpert my first move today, and will reserve the next page for the score.
[Chart - see original scan.]
[Page 113]
[“Correspondence Tourney - Literary Digests New York, N.Y. - Game No. 5” written at top of page]
[Chart - see original scan.]
[Page 114]
1897
May 22d
Since writing in my diary I have had another birthday. On the 11th I was 32.
Today I finished tutoring Mr. Donald Frost for Harvard. For 4 weeks past we have spent an hour and a half daily in analytic geometry.
Moll and I take frequent rides in the afternoon on our wheels. I have ridden 597 miles since the 1st of Feb. In all this time neither Moll nor I have punctured a tire once.
1897
May 30th
Yesterday afternoon Parker, Lt. McDonald, Brailsford, Mr. Lonndes, & took a sail around the Harbor in one of the Carolina Yacht Club’s fleet. Then Lt. McD., Brailsford and I went to the Academy of Music to see the performance of the hypnotic Carroway, which was excellent. We wound up the evening with a 12 o’clock lunch at the Palace Cafe.
We had a fine water-melon today.
1897
June 14th
Our Whist Club had a big “blow-out” on the night of the 10th. We didn’t get thro’ until 3:30. Mrs. Smith, President of the Club, made an elegant little speech in presenting the ladies’ prize to Moll, & the gentleman’s prize to Mr. Bull.
The Cadet hop on the night of the 11th closed the social season with us. Tonight the Calliopean
& Polytechnic literary exercises will conclude the year from the Academic point of view. Tomorrow we shall all be off for encampment at Anderson, S.C.
[Page 115]
[“Anderson, S.C. - Tallulah Falls, Ga.” written at top of page]
1897
June 15th
Anderson, S.C. We left Charleston about 8 a.m. - came by way of Temassee and Augusta and arrived in Anderson in the rain (of course) about 7 o’clock. We went out to the camping spot and enjoyed a most elegant repast spread for us in the building of the Patrick Military Institute. Then I, Moll, & Oliver went to the Chiquola Hotel to spend the night.
1897
June 17th
Moll and Oliver are staying at the Chiquola. I am in camp. The camp is beautifully located, and the dress parades are popular.
1897
June 18th
Moll & I left Oliver at the camp and went on an excursion to Tallulah Falls, Ga. I think I “made a match” in the cars between a young Baptist preacher named Branyon & a Miss Houghman of Seneca. Tallulah Falls is, as its Indian name signifies, “terrible.” A young man from Atlanta lost his life there two weeks ago. Moll & I explored many of the paths in the gorge, & enjoyed the best views. Then we tried to get a dinner at the hotel - but the dinner was a failure. We bought some milk from the depot agent, however, & appeased our thirst. We bought some corn-bread strings and a gourd! It was a five hour trip home again. When we arrived in Anderson, we immediately took a hack for the Camp, where we found Oliver asleep in my tent, as we expected. Moll took him back to the Hotel, & I dressed, and at 11 o’clock Moll and I arrived in the ballroom of the
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Chiquola where the big dance in honor of the Cadets was in progress. About 1 o’clock I got back to Camp Calhoun, - leaving Moll to lead the German, & retire when she got ready. 19 hours a day is enough for me!
1897
June 21st
Saturday evening Moll & I took tea at Gen. Bonham’s.
Yesterday, Sunday, we attended service at the Episcopal Church. I was very much pleased with young Capers.
This morning at 6 o’clock, the Corps of Cadets was off for a march to Pendelton. Tomorrow, they will go over to Clemson College, and get back to Anderson Wednesday night. I shall stay in Camp Calhoun & work on the record.
1897
June 23d
Wednesday: The boys made a fine march of 15 miles from Pendelton here this morning, arriving about noon, foot-sore and weary, no doubt, but still stepping firmly to the notes of the 4th Brigade Band.
They say they were well received at Pendleton and Clemson College, and the trip was no doubt a great success.
1897
June 26th
Yesterday, “Bill” Lee came & took me in a buggy to Portman Shoals on the Seneca River - 12 miles from Anderson - to see the big dam & power house (in course of construction) of the Anderson Power, Light, & Water Co. They have accommodation for 5 “penstocks” of immersed
in each of which are two double turbines gearing on one shaft and operating an electric dynamo of 1000 horse power. The power is to be transmitted to Anderson by wire. The Seneca River is almost 500 feet wide at the dam, & there is abundant fall. When completed it
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will be a fine water-power.
1897
June 28th
Moll & I, Colonel & Lt. McD., Gen Bonham, & some others supped at the Patrick’s last night.
Monday: - Saturday night we officers supped at Dr. Orr’s. Had the first experience of meeting the “advanced woman”, - Mrs. Earle. She smoked her cigarette with the gentlemen after supper, and largely monopolized attention and conversation. She has spent much time abroad, - speaks French and German like English, and is quite familiar with the Washington Society. She is book reviewer for the Atlantic Monthly, & contributes to Munsey’s & other magazines and papers. She loves poker, polo, fox-hunting, etc., and would be a terror to a husband who weighed less than 250 and was not a brute. Withal, she was exceedingly pleasant, and understood well the politeness of swell life; - but, (to add to the Litany) “from such a wife, good Lord deliver us”.
1897
June 30th
The Commencement Exercises were held in the Opera House. Judge Hudson bade the Baccalaureate Address. Tonight, Moll & I & the officers of the Citadel & Bd. of VS. were invited to a swell tea at the Brocks. Everything was very elegant.
1897
July 1st
We broke camp at 5 o’clock. Left Anderson at 8:30 & reached Augusta about 1 o’clock. Here we had a wait of two hours - & it was steaming hot. Just after leaving, I enjoyed a hot dinner in Col. Gadsden’s private car, which was attached to the train. We did not reach Charleston until after ten o’clock. As soon as we reached home, we made a rush for the bath tub.
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[“At Sea” written at top of page]
1897
July 2d
I got up at 5:30, & left Charleston at 7:30 on the Iroquois. We are now at sea. I had a good breakfast, & as the sea is calm, I feel no uneasiness yet. (9:30)
Moll & Oliver will go on up to Bamberg this afternoon, & stay there until I return from New York.
1897
July 3d
5:30 A.M. We are now off Hatteras, and in spite of the reputation for blustering of that cape, the sea is as calm as a mill pond.
I sleep poorly. It was very warm. At 5 o’clock I got up, thinking I would see the sun rise, but it was up already. There are a few schooners in full sail on the offing, & off to the left about ten or 12 miles, I suppose, Hatteras Light House and a little white speck near its base, shine white in the morning sunlight.
The fare on the steamer is all that could be desired. Breakfast at 8, Lunch at 1, & Dinner at 5:30.
Jenkin’s Orphan Band is abroad & last night gave a concert of 15 or 20 pieces in the forward deck:
There are between 50 & 60 passengers, I think, - nearly all being ugly. There is one young woman aboard fairly good looking. At my table there is an interesting family of Cubans, who speak no English worth mentioning. Mr. Hammond the bookseller, occupies the upper berth in my room __ Q.
At 12:50 we passed the Algonquin bound for Charle-
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[“New York City” written at top of page]
ton. This was a matter of interest, for most of the time there is not a thing visible on the horizon. While at lunch we passed a steamer of the Savannah line. At 12 o’clock today we were 263 miles from New York, & travelling at the rate of 13 miles per hour. That will put us in New York tomorrow before nine o’clock.
Sunset: - I am just about to have the rare sight of a sunset at sea. The water is quite calm, and the offing distinct. The sun is seen through as great a thickness of atmosphere, that the eye can wander in his vicinity without pain. Four schooners under full sail are visible on the western horizon, all bearing southward.
[Illustration - see original scan.]
My! - the sea is a man of gold, & the sky is beautiful. Three vessels are now to the south, & four are together just on the rim of the sea.
1897
July 4th
6:40 A.M. When I awoke about 5:30 o’clock, we were steaming along the Jersey coast - about 4 miles off. It seems to be lined continuously with summer homes. We have just passed Long Branch and are now off Navesink Highlands, - a beautiful place. The craft of all Kinds now visible are too many to count as we are only about 20 miles from New York. We shall probably land before 9 o’clock.
Hoboken, N.J. 7 o’clock P.M. Tired! - Well, I should say so! And very homesick. What would I not give to be at home in my little bed! What a day of experiences! While I have a wait of nearly 3 hours in Hoboken, let me (in order not to go crazy with lonesomeness) pass the time by setting down my experiences. How I
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wish the train would take me home instead of further from it!
The steamer Iroquois made a remarkable quick trip - reaching the Narrows at the mouth of New York Bay after 48 hours. Coming up the Narrows was a very fine sight! The high bluffs covered with beautiful lawns, villas, and trees, formed a striking contrast to the low sandy shores around Charleston. We passed near the great statue of Liberty Enlightening the World, & had a fine view from the water side of the three cities of New York, Brooklyn, & Jersey City. We went into dock just under the great Brooklyn Bridge. I picked up my valise, (having already given my trunk check to a transfer agent) & stepped down on New York ground. I walked a couple of blocks & enquired of a policeman the best way to get to No. 30 W. 26th St. He directed me, & I boarded a familiar cross town horse car & asked for a transfer at Broadway, where I got on a cable car. The buildings on Broadway are usually sky-scrappers, getting up as high as the twenty-odd stories. At 26th St. I hopped off, & almost a dozen steps took me to No. 30 W. Here I introduced myself to Mrs. Paddock & left my valise. A postal card was awaiting me here with Dr. Humpert’s 9th move in our game of chess, - B takes B. It was now only 10 o’clock, so I took the 6th Avenue cars and went up town, - getting off at Central Park. I did not feel well, - having a headache, and I had not yet got off my sea-legs. The ground and everything around was going through the reverse wobblings of the ship at sea. So I did not enjoy my wanderings through the beautiful Park as much as I would have done had I felt better. The animals entertained me somewhat - especially two particular monkeys. I then took the 6th avenue cars down to 23d street, -
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[“New York City” written at top of page]
went into the 5th Ave. Hotel & b’t some stamps & postals, & walked the few blocks back to my dining place. It was now a little after twelve. Mrs. Paddock gave me pen, ink, & paper, & I wrote an 8-page letter to my dear old lady - God bless her and the boy! - and to Ma I wrote a few lines also, for I appreciate now a parent’s solicitude, and I know she will be glad to hear from me. Then I read the Journal, & at one o’clock dinner was ready. Mrs. Inness & her son, a Mr. Haskell, & two young ladies were also at table. After my sumptuous fare on the Iroquois, the dinner was decidedly simple, but fortunately I was off my feet, - not feeling well. I did enjoy the cauliflower & cream sauce, though. I sat awhile in the parlor after dinner, & then took the 6th Avenue horse-cars to Barclay Street - way down town where I left my valise at the Hoboken Ferry and walked across town to the Clyde Office to get my bicycle. The watchman was the only man there, & he said he would not let me have it, “I must come at 7 o’clock tomorrow.” “But, I am going on to Ithaca tonight,” I said, “& I won’t be here tomorrow.”
He couldn’t help that. He wouldn’t take the responsibility of giving the wheel to me. How could he know who I was?
I told him I could easily identify myself. I showed my return ticket on the Clyde line, also the card I had received from Dr. Humper, & I told him there was a silver tag on my wheel with the same name. I would sign my name to a paper - & that would be forgery in any other man.
He listened to it all, but I believe he is a Scotchman. He has a brogue. Anyway he wouldn’t let me have the wheel. Then I wanted to know
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the City address of any of the officers of the steamer. He didn’t know any. I asked him to go with me to the Clyde steamer & let the officer in charge there identify me. He wouldn’t consent. There was a policeman standing up talking to the watchman & asked the policeman if he would go & see the Clyde officer identify me. He wouldn’t do it. Finally the watchman said he knew the telephone number of the Clyde baggagemaster. I went to the telephone & called up the number. It was in Brooklyn. The baggagemaster was not in, but was across the way at his house. They would send for him. Directly word came that the baggagemaster was asleep - but they would wake him. After a short while he came to the phone. I explained matters, & he asked me to tell the watchman to come to the phone. I called the watchman & he came. The watchman was instructed through the telephone to let me have the wheel.
“I won’t do it,” replied the watchman, “how do I know it is you at the telephone? No, I won’t take orders through the telephone - it’s not legal.”
The scoundrel was right about that. At length it was settled that the baggage master should come over from Brooklyn. So I sat down & waited ¾ of an hour, when he arrived, & let me have the wheel on my written receipt.
Just before going to the Clyde office for my wheel, I had taken the cars and ridden over the Brooklyn Bridge & back. When I got my wheel, I rode over the Belgian blocks to Broadway at Chambers St.,& then rode down Broadway to the Battery. This is the sky-scrap-
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[“Hoboken, N.J.” written at top of page]
ing part of Broadway. The Battery is a pretty spot, but it and the Bay are very much smaller than Charleston’s. I walked around a little, rode back up Broadway, rested a minute at the Astor House, b’t some pears and bananas from a vendor under the shadow of the Post Office (where I had mailed Moll’s letter) and then rode down to the Hoboken Ferry, b’t a ticket for Ithaca & came over on the Ferry. I am not curious enough (being so utterly tired) to see what Hoboken is, so altho’ I have to wait so long, I shall not go out. I have seen enough for one day. Only let me get in my berth in the sleeper! I hope I am not too tired to sleep! My expenses today have been: car fares 25¢, dinner 50¢, baggage transfer 50¢ = 1.25
fruit, 10¢; ticket to Ithaca 6.10; bicycle to same 1.15; sleeper 1.50, stamps 10 = 8.95
10.20
July 5th
1897
Well, I am very nicely located at No 89 Huestis St. near the University. Cornell is on a high hill overlooking Ithaca. It is almost 450 ft down to the town. Lake Cayuga stretches northward in the valley to the limits of the horizon, and the hills on the opposite side rise to almost the height of University Hill.
I have a nice siting room and bedroom adjoining. The walls are nicely papered, there are 3 windows in my sitting room, an oak desk, revolving chairs, & engravings on the wall. My bedroom has bureau, washstand, and double bed, & there are large rugs in each room. And I pay only 1.50 a week for them. Board is $3 a week.
I registered at the University, and work will begin tomorrow. There are about a dozen students located here at 89 Huestis, and we have a very pleasant
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[“Cornell University - Ithaca, N.Y.” written at top of page]
company. Among them are A. P. Massey, Raleigh, N.C., Blunt and Clark, also of N.C., and Fassett from Pa. A few of us went over and sat on the sward back of the University Library to see the sun set, beyond the hills over the Lake. “Quite a few” of the Sage College girls were there for the same purpose.
1897
July 9th
6:15 P.M. The clock in the great tower of Cornell Library had just chimed the quarter past. Exactly eight years ago, Moll and I were standing before Mr. Morris at Bamberg being married. Eight years! I hardly know whether they seem short or long. - but I do know they have been happy.
My first week’s work at Cornell is concluded. It is a great institution, and comes very near to carrying out the scheme of its founder, who said, “I would found an institution where any person can obtain find instruction in any study.”
The buildings are handsome and numerous, and beautifully located between Cascadilla & Fall Creek gorges. The City of Ithaca and the calm waters of Cayuga Lake lie in the valley below, and make an exquisite picture.
I have spent about 3 hours every morning in the Library at work on higher mathematics. In the afternoon, I work from 2 to 5 at Mechanical Drawing.
There is to be a series of six general lectures - the first being tonight.
Today is the first day I have felt at all well. I hope I shall be alright now.
Last night I took the electric cars & went
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to Renwick Beach on the Lake. This is where everybody resorts these hot evenings. There was a great crowd, music, shows, beer-gardens, & boating on the Lake. I got cool and took the cars back to town and up my mountain to bed.
1897
July 16th
This is awfully tiresome! I have been sick ever since coming to New York, and this afternoon, I could hardly drag back home after my three hour drawing at Sibley College.
I have even considered the idea of giving up and going home. If I thought I was going to have a protracted spell of it, I believe I would but I am taking medicine, and every day I hope I shall feel better. Thus far I believe I am getting worse. But - “never say die!” - I shall stick to it (until I have to go to bed, at least.) If that happens I don’t know how my resolutions will hold out.
1897
July 17th
4:30. Feeling very miserable, with the same mean little fever, and the headaches (front and back), I strolled out a few minutes ago, for a couple of hundred yards down Huestis St. where I could get a fine view Southwest over the valley and to the far hills. A rain storm was hovering over one of the hills, and I enjoyed watching it. It reminded me of Blowing Rock.
I heard a little smash across the street, and looked and saw that a potted plant had blown over and dropped down one step and broken.
“Such a pity!” thought I.
There was a mat screen dropped in front of the piazza, and directly a nice looking girl in a pretty white
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dress appeared from behind, descended the steps, picked up and examined solicitously the plant, and then walked around the house with it.
“My dear miss, I hope you don’t think I hoo-dooed your plant!” thought I. And then I wondered if she had not been studying me through the Venetian all the time I had lain there on the grassy bank.
There was a larger plant in a larger pot at the bottom of the steps on the stone pavement. I had barely cast my eyes back to the landscape when I heard a crash, and over it had gone!
“Good Lord!” thought I, “what will that girl think when she comes back and sees the other plant gone to pieces, - & sees me here!”
I became convulsed with laughter. I felt like a hoo-doo, sure enough, and picking up my hat made back home as quickly as I could.
1897
July 21st
If I could obliterate all my experience of Ithaca - how happy I would be! The little that is pleasant would not be discernable [sic] in the horror of the bad. Tomorrow, I am going to New York, & shall take the first steamer for home. I have been stupid not to leave before, when I saw I was getting worse off. Now I can hardly eat anything.
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[“New York City” written at top of page]
1897
July 23d
Cor. Madison Ave. & 28th St. - New York City
I got down from Ithaca yesterday at 5 o’clock. Rather enjoyed the day in the cars. The Delaware Water Gap is right pretty at one point, - but the French Broad Valley from Asheville to Hot Springs is a continuous panorama more beautiful. Scranton, Pa., is the big city. So is Paterson, N.J.
My wheel has worried me my whole trip. When I got over in the Hoboken Ferry, I had it and my grip sack to contend with. I rode up to the Astor House - or nearly all the way. Here they wanted 1.50 just for a bed at night, & I wouldn't pay it. I would have given $1. So I trudged on to the Clyde Wharf where I was thankful to leave the wheel. I then took the cars and came up here, & got a room & three meals for $1.25. I had supper last night, & lay down for an hour, got up & dressed & went down to Madison Square Garden Theatre & saw the opera Captain Cook. Then went back to bed. After breakfast this a.m. I walked down thro’ the Square, 23d St., & 6th Ave. to 14th St. - Macy’s - where I wanted to get something for the children. But something was hard to find - even there. Then I walked through to Broadway, and down Broadway. I wanted to find something for Moll. I must have walked 20 blocks, and I got awfully tired. I did get something. I went up in the World Dome & got a bird’s eye view of New York. Then down to the Clyde line I went again to put my bundles in my trunk. But my trunk hasn’t come. So I left the bundles & took the car back here. I shall have a rest; a lunch at 1 o’clock, & then set out with my grip for the steamship Cherokee. Goodbye New York!
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1897
July 26th
We left New York in the great thunderstorm Friday afternoon at 4 o’clock. I was so glad to feel southward bound once more. But we had a rough passage, and very few of the ladies showed themselves after Friday night. We had a head wind, and the waves were dead against against us. Consequently we made very poor time. At 5 o’clock, (after our third night out) this morning, I got up & dressed & went on deck. Thank the Lord! Charleston Light House, the Light Ships, & various lights on Sullivan’s Island were visible. We got in at 7 o’clock - after a 63 hours run!
Here I am at the Citadel. I have been in the tub, to the barber, & to the restaurant, and have b’ot my ticket for Bamberg, & engaged my trunk sent. So I have an hour or two of delightful rest in my own dear old [illegible] dining room before I must go. I already feel better.
[See original scan for map of trip to New York]
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[“Bamberg, S.C.” written at top of page]
1897
July 31st
I got here Monday night, and am already feeling much better. Thursday, Moll & I rode up to Sis’s on our wheels and spent the day, - coming back in the afternoon.
1897
Aug. 14th
We spent ten days up at Denmark with Sis. I am getting along well, now. Mamie Matthews, Moll, and I played a good deal of croquet; and fig and watermelon were abundant. Also good chicken! We got back to Bamberg this morning.
1897
Aug. 26th
Thursday. I went down to Midway on my wheel Monday and paid Dr. F. F. Carroll a visit. On Tuesday I went up to Sis’s and spent the day. We got a telegram from Ma saying she would be down on yesterday, so I am going up again this morning & will bring down a horse & buggy this afternoon for Moll & Oliver, & we shall pay a visit of a week or more. It is a month now since I got back from New York, and I am just about where I was before I went as regards health.
1897
Sept. 4th
I rode down on my wheel from Denmark this morning. I and Moll spent over a week there, - Moll returning a day or two ago by buggy. Ma came down from Chester and was there during our stay. Also some fo the Matthews’s kinfolks - girls. We played croquet a great deal. The cottonfields are beautiful now, - white like snow, and everything is in a rush to get it on the market. There are not nearly enough hands to pick it, however, and if I was a farmer I would be uneasy about it.
[Page 130]
[“Chess Tourney of the Literary Digest” written at top of page]
[Chart - see original scan.]
[Page 131]
[“Bamberg, S.C.” written at top of page]
1897
Sept. 9th
I rode up to Denmark day before yesterday morning and spent a couple of days. I came down last night. We are getting ready now for our return to Charleston. Bamberg artesian water and good “kitchen physic” have restored me to my normal condition, and I am feeling well.
1897
Sept. 12th
I went up to Sis’s on my wheel yesterday morning and was surprised to find Harper there. He had run up from Savannah for a few days rest. He had painted the drop curtain and most important scenery for a new theater there, & we all enjoyed his conversation. He also played a good deal for us. The two talents of music and painting are very strong in him.
1897
Sept. 15th
Charleston. Here we are at home again. We got down yesterday, and for a few days we will be in the turmoil of cleaning up. But, (if it wasn’t for the mosquitoes) it is very pleasant to be at home again.
1897
Sept. 20th
I took Oliver to Dr. E. F. Parker’s this morning to have his tonsils removed. Oliver behaved splendidly. Dr. F. L. Parker administered the chloroform, & Ned did the operating. I was not in the room when it was done, but I was greatly relieved when it was all over. The tonsil on the right side was inducing deafness in the right ear, & partial catarrh. I hope now that Oliver will be improved in those two respects. Otherwise, he is quite well. He weighs 50 ½ lbs.
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1897
Sept. 24
Moll and I took a spin over into St. Andrews’ Parish this afternoon. At the end of the shell-road we turned off through a shady lane which led in about half a mile to Maryville. Here was a store kept by an Italian who in former times we had “visited”, when over the Bridge wheeling, for the purpose of a cool drink of beer. Today, he had none. His long successful course of dispensing to the thirsty gentlemen & ladies, who had learned the shady path through the woods to his retreat, was ended, - the “spies” had found him out! But he said he would soon find a way to keep it again for his visitors. We bought some house gunjers (?) and took the Sycamore Avenue of Maryville toward the river. After several turns, we approached the marsh; - stopped to see a sea-island cotton gin in operation; - and then went on the end of the road, - where it ended in a bluff overlooking the marshes and, beyond, the river. I quarter of a mile above us, across a stretch of marsh through which the most marvellously circuitous creek wound its way,* lies the Plantation still called Old Town, - being the site of the first Charlestown (1670 - 1680).
We sat on the bench constructed around the base of a great old live-oak that stands immediately on the edge of the bluff as it slopes down into the green marsh, and looked across the river at the masses of buildings on the dis-
[Written in the left side margin.]
*We also observed a densely wooded little island of a couple of acres out in the marsh. At a later visit, on examining this a little more closely we saw the roof of a house near the center, under the pines, and wondered who would live in such a lonely and inaccessible spot. Inquiry of the negroes in Maryville elicited the information that the island is called Ghost Island, and that the house is a burial vault of an English (!) family, some of whom paid a visit not long since. We were told that we could get a boatman to take us there, but had better defer our visit till winter, on a/c of snakes!
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tant shore where the fertilizer factories are. Coming back we stopped in the woods and Moll gathered a great bunch of wild flowers and grasses, which I brought home.
Oliver and I went to Ned Parker’s office this morning to have an examination made of his throat, nose, & ear, to see how the operation the other day succeeded.
Ned told me that Oliver must be a great singer, for on Monday when they got him under the influence of chloroform he began to sing!
We had had a couple of games of whist since we got back. Mrs. Smith & Mr. Vaughn came over last night.
Mr. Morse comes up every morning for a few games of chess. He made me a present of a good set of box-wood chessmen.
1897
Oct. 4th
Oliver began school today at Mrs. Carew’s, 308 Meeting St.
Joe Matthews came down last night to begin his course at the Medical College.
1897
Oct. 6th
Moll, Oliver, & 1 weighed at the Express Office today with the following figures: 122, 51, 132.
1897
Nov. 25th
Thanksgiving Day: Moll, Mrs. Smith, Mamie Rowe and I took a bicycle ride today over into St. Andrew’s Parish. We went thro’ Maryville, and while they stopped under a great oak at the Frost place to eat lunch, I went on to the Legaré place at Old Town. Mr. Legaré owns the whole of what was Charlestown 217 years ago. He has a pretty place on the Bluff overlooking the River, with the City
[Page 134]
in the distances. He took me into his chrysanthemum garden & gave me a lovely bouquet of the splendid blossoms. We got back about 2 o’clock.
Florence has come down to take lessons in stenography, and will be with us some time.
1897
Dec. 2
Denmark: - Came up last night to be present at Harper’s marriage to Mamie Matthews, which came off this moring @ 10:30 o’clock.
Ma is very ill here. Her entire left side is paralized.
1897
Dec. 5th
Denmark: - Ma is not any worse, but seems no better. She is very emaciated.
Harp and Mamie did not leave for Savannah on the 2d as they had intended, but will go down tomorrow. I will have to return to Charleston tonight.
I went down to Bamberg yesterday afternoon to see Auntie.
Jess & her baby Genevieve came on the night of the 2d, and Lula & her baby will probably be down tomorrow.
1897
Dec. 12th
I hate to go and leave Ma so very ill. Sunday: - Moll and I attended services at St. Paul’s this morning, and this afternoon, she, Oliver, and I went up to Magnolia Cemetery and enjoyed wandering through the grounds. We stopped in a secluded part, and cracked and ate a pound of pecan-nuts!
I attended a concert on Wednesday night last, and on Friday night saw Dr. Wolf Hopper, in Sousa’s opera “El Capitan”, which was superbly presented.
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[“Corresponding Tourney Literary Digest of New York” written at top of page]
[See chart in original scan.]
[Page 136]
1897
Dec. 19th
Jessie, Jesse, & Genevieve spent a couple of days with us, and left yesterday afternoon for Denmark.
Yesterday, I went around some with Bro. Jesse. We went up into St. Michael’s steeple, saw the chimes, and enjoyed the fine view of the city and the bay.
1897
Dec. 31st
Let me wind up the old year in my diary. Oliver went up to Bamberg yesterday morning with Florence to spend a few days.
We had a very quiet Christmas.
A few nights ago we had Clarence Johnson & his wife to tea. They were down from Columbia, and we asked Lieut. & Mrs. McDonald & Mr. & Mrs. Legge to tea also, to meet them. After supper we had a pleasant game of whist.
Moll and I heard Fra Diavolo and Girofla. Girofla sang at the Academy of Music yesterday.
The old year has passed with all its phases of light and shade. What does the new one hold in store for us?
1898
Jan. 9th
I came down tonight from Denmark. Last Thursday the entire Corps of Cadets went up to Barnwell to attend the funeral of Gen. Hagood, Chairman of the Bd of Vs. We reached there about 11 o’clock & went directly to the Court House where the body lay in State. After the body was viewed by several “Camps” of Confederate Veterans, the Corps of Cadets and officers of the Citadel, & many personal friends, the funeral procession was formed & marched to the Episcopal church where the funeral services were held. The interment was in the church yard adjoining under tall pines.
[Page 137]
[“Correspondence Tourney Literary Digest of New York” written at top of page]
[See chart in original scan.]
[Page 138]
Dr. Parker, Maj. Cummings, & I dined at Dr. Bellinger’s. We left Barnwell about 4 o’clock. I got off at Denmark and spent three days at Sis’s. I found Ma cheerful, altho’ more emaciated than when I last saw her. I was glad to spend the three days with her. She seemed right bright and hopeful most of the time. Yesterday I drove down to Bamberg for an hour or two.
1898
Jan. 15th
Moll and I were at the “Progressive Games Party” at the Coleman’s last night. There were 5 tables - 20 people. Moll and I happened to draw as partners at Table 2, which was the parcheesi table, and we won, hands down, as that is one of our great games at home and we are “professionals” in it. We then advanced to the first table - the “Dominoes Table”. At any other table we would have had to change partners, but at Table 1 the partners do no change. We were handicapped here, for neither of us knew how to play dominoes, “adding the exposed ends for 5, 10, 15, etc.” - but we are rather good at games and soon caught on, and beat our adversaries. In the next game we knew better how to play, and the two that came up from the lower table had to be told how to play, so we won. And we kept on winning down to the 9th game, when Coleman & McDonald came up and downed us. We then went to the foot table - the “Crokinole Table” where we played the 10th and last game. We had won so many at the Head Table that we were ahead of all competitors, & so toted home with two prizes!
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[“Correspondence Tourney of the Literary Digest - New York City” written at top of page]
[See chart in original scan.]
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1898
Jan. 19
Moll and I attended two funerals today among her relatives in the City, - in the morning, that of Mrs. Cherie McKee’s little 2 year old daughter, and in the afternoon that of Mrs. Augusta Roach. Mrs. Roach, or “Cousin Augusta”, as she has always been known to us, was a very popular and charming old lady, - the eldest daughter of the novelist Wm. Gilmore Simms. The funeral was at St. Paul’s and she was buried by the side of her father in Magnolia Cemetery.
1898
Jan. 21
I am just back from a lecture by Hamilton W. Mabie in “Literature & Life”. This is the first of a series of lectures before the Charleston Lyceum, of which I am a member. It was a treat, and was full of inspiriting thoughts.
1898
Jan. 23d
Sunday: - Yesterday Moll and I rode on our wheels up to 8-mile turnout on the Northeastern Railroad to see the wreck of the two trains which collided on Friday and killed and wounded a number of people.
This afternoon, she, Oliver, and I went up to Chicora Park on our wheels the trolley and wandered about in the woods for an hour. The weather all this January has been more like April, and if it continues much longer, we shall soon have strawberries.
Sis writes me Ma seems better and brighter.
1898
Jan. 28
We attended the funeral of Col. John M. Kinlock at St. Philip’s Church & Magnolia Cemetery today. His wife is a daughter of Wm. Gilmore Simms, and half sister of Mrs. Augusta Roach, whose funeral we were at just nine days ago. Col. Kinlock was buried in the Simms lot on the right of the great novelist - Mrs. Roach being laid on her father’s left.
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1898
Feb. 5th
Saturday: - Thursday night Moll & I enjoyed “Readings”, by John Kendrick Bangs, at German Artillery Hall before a very large & cultured audience.
Florence is doing very well with her shorthand. We can take down right rapidly now. On some old matter today, I got 86 words to the minute. It is the New Rapid system. Part of the Declaration of Independence follows.
[See original scan for shorthand]
1898
Feb. 11th
Friday: - Tuesday night I enjoyed the opera “Wang” at the Academy of Music.
Last night Moll & I heard F. Marion Crawford tell about his early experiences, his life in India, & of Mr. Jacobs, whom he portrayed in his famous book under the name of Mrs. Isaacs. It was a delightful confidential talk.
1898
Feb. 13
Sunday: - Yesterday afternoon Moll, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Vaughn and I rode up to Chicora Park. This afternoon Moll and I took Oliver and Melle on “the trolley” up to Magnolia Cemetery for an hour or two.
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1898
Feb. 20th
From the Citadel to the wharf at Chicora Park is very close to 6 ½ miles. Arthur Campbell and I rode up there this afternoon, and I measured the distance on my cyclometer. Sometime ago I put on the cyclometer backwards, by mistake - so I am now running off the score. It registered 658 when I reversed it. It was 557 this afternoon.
1898
Feb. 22d
Moll & I, Mrs. Smith & Mrs. Vaughn, & Joe and Miss Dargan took advantage of the holiday and the fine weather to take a trip today to St. Andrews’ Church on bicycles, - an undertaking Moll has long wanted to carry out. We set out at 10:05 and made good progress to a little store 6 miles from here. Here Joe’s wheel got troublesome and he & Miss Dargen got behind. We others got to the Church a little before twelve. My cyclometer registered the distance at 9 ½ miles. Here we stacked our wheels, got off our lunch boxes, and prepared for a good time. After waiting some time for Joe & Miss Dargan, who did not put in an appearance, I got on my wheel and rode back about 3 miles, when I met them in a spring wagon! Joe’s wheel had given out and he had found a darkey with a lame (?) white horse, and they were completing the trip thus.
When we got to the church we were all prepared to enjoy the provisions. It was a delightful day - the sun was warm, & we were “in condition” from our exercise. We utilized the raised tomb* of a certain Mrs. Bull - an ancestor of our friend Mr. Bull with whom we play whist - for our preparations to dine, and sent the wagon boy to a near house for a bucket of water. Mr. Vaughn had
*The tomb is represented just to the left of the church on page 1 of this diary. [Written in margin of diary]
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brought two bottles of claret! and there were sandwiches, crackers, pickles, eggs, galore! We were as gay as could be, and the negro boy and the colored woman from whom he had borrowed the bucket and who came along, too, and stood a little removed but an interested spectator of what went on, occasionally, in the simplicity of their souls, exploded with amusement.
Mrs. Smith & I made post prandial speeches, inspired by the claret and the occasion. Then we put up the empty bottles and shied bricks at them, with poor success.
Joe got a clavicle and scapula and femur and some other specimens which he wanted from the open tomb (sketched on the right of the Church on page 1 of this diary) but the jolting of the spring wagon about reduced them to powder by the time he got back to Charleston. In this old tomb the bones lie around on the ground in abundance.
After dinner we went over to Drayton Station in the Savannah road, intending if possible to see the phosphate mines, and surprise Mr. Bull over at the Federessa Works. But we found this impracticable, & so shortly set out on our return to the City.
Mrs. Smith at Maryville ran into the ditch. We went on around by our old friend Cisas’ on “Siciemore” Avenue and enjoyed some excellent beer, and took a new pather through by Pleasure grove to the Bridge.
We got home in time to see the military inspection & parade on Marion Square, - after hav-
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1898
ing spent a very pleasant day in the woods.
March 6
Sunday: - A few evenings ago Moll & I enjoyed the 4th Lyceum entertainment, which was an impersonation by Mr. Edw. F. Elliott of Boston. “Christopher Jr.,” was the little play that he read.
The shorthand progresses slowly. Can’t take down a sermon yet.
[See original scan for shorthand]
March 7
Oliver is exactly 4 feet high. He is doing very well, indeed, at Mrs. Carew’s school. He is very fond of geography, reads and “ciphers” very well, and spells excellently. He wrote a very creditable little letter to his grandma (Ma) that other day. He has to say a little speech every Friday, and it never seems to worry him. Moll has (called away!)
March 9
Oliver had Dr. Dotteres to pull a molar for him this morning, and Oliver yelled!
Tonight in a test of my shorthand I got 108 words to the minute.
[See original scan for shorthand]
March 15th
The Cuban-Spain-United States war-scare is on in full force, now. There seems to be a likelihood of war between the two latter as a result of the “Maine incident.” Meantime we are going on as usual. I am in the hands of the dentist just now. I had my insurance increased a few days since by a policy for $2000 in the Phoenix Mutual of Hartford. Florence will finish up her shorthand this week. She has bought a wheel and learned to ride. Joe is about finishing up his 1st year work in medicine, and will leave us in about ten days. Gadsden White and Moll have beaten Mrs. Smith and me at whist lately.
[See original scan.]
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1898
March 23d
Last night Moll and I saw a presentation of Shakespeare’s Cymbeline by Miss Margaret Mather’s Co.
Miss Mather’s Imogen is said to be a very finished production. The staging - scenery and costumes were historically correct, and almost as quite as elaborate as Irving & Terry’s Merchant of Venice. Only it was a little too long. The six acts took almost 3 hours to perform. And the orchestra was awfully mediocre!
Oliver has been in the Doctor’s hands for 5 days. One of his bronchial spells.
1898
Mar. 27th
Sunday: - Oliver went up to Bamberg this morning for a visit of a couple of weeks to his Grandma, in order to recuperate. The Doctor last night said he thought it would benefit him, so we let him go with Joe, - who has completed his 1st year’s course in medicine.
Moll, Florence, & I attended services at St. Paul’s this morning, and this afternoon took Melle with us & went to Chiocacora, where we spent the afternoon enjoyable.
Things in the Citadel are rather excited just now. We have had some suspensions for garrison breaking, & a Court of Inquiry into the conduct of a Cadet officer.
Lt. McDonald has gone to Washington to be examined for his Captaincy - so I conducted dress parade on Friday afternoon, being on duty.
There is no excitement in Charleston over the probability of war with Spain.
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1898
March 31st
I began drawing this afternoon in the U.S. Engineer’s Office at the Custom House. I get thro’ my work at the Citadel at 12:30, eat dinner, & then will have to get down to the Custom House at 1:30, when I draw until 6:30. Maj. Ruffner is the U.S. Army Officer in charge, and Capt. J. P. Allen, an old Citadel man, is the chief engineer in whose office I work. I have a fine outlook over the Bay where I can see the monitor Puritan at anchor. She is painting green today, which is the new “war” color.
1898
April 3d.
Tonight I went over to the Baptist Church and tried to get down Mr. Ramsey’s sermon in short-hand. I got a great deal, but could not keep up with him.
I have drawn at the Custom House on some Fort Sumter fortifications in the afternoons.
1898
April 6th
Wednesday. I was called up to Denmark suddenly Monday afternoon, as Ma was worse. I found her sensible, and she recognized me. Yesterday morning I thought her condition improved, as she ate a little with relish.
Just after dinner, - not expecting to return to Charleston - I saw the News & Courier with a startling account of a riot and mutiny in Cadet barracks on Monday night. Joe had gone to Denmark with the only horse & buggy and I had only 45 minutes to reach the station. I took my little grip in my hand and footed it, reaching there in time.
Affairs here are in a serious
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condition. It results from circumstances which have occurred here in the last few weeks. Ct. Cantey came to me one night when I was officer in charge & reported that some cadets had broken garrison.
The Cadets who were out were suspended by Col. Coward afterwards, altho’ the Bd. of Vs. restored them. But the feeling against Cantey has increased in the Corps & resulted on Monday night in a movement to eject him from the Academy. Col. Coward & Lt. McDonald got wind of the trouble brewing & were on hand, but a riot and mutiny resulted.
The Bd. of Vs. is now sitting on the case.
The impending war with Spain continues to impend. McKinley is going very slow. Congress will be hard to keep in the traces much longer.
I got a glimpse of Oliver at the depot in Bamberg as I passed through yesterday afternoon. He looks much better.
I found Moll suffering instensely [sic] from an incipient abscess in a lower tooth. She is still suffering tonight. Dr. Dotterer prescribed dental poultices and sulfanol, & she is now asleep. Lottie Rowe & Sall are sitting over there by the fire (for it is cool) talking shorthand.
Florence is taking lessons in type-writing at the Y.M.C.A. and doing office work for Secretary Knebel.
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1898
April 8th
Good Friday: - The Bd. of Vs., after a three days session, this afternoon, expelled 64 cadets for violation of Paragraphs 75 & 78 of the Regulations, relative to combination, mutinous conduct, etc.
Out of 30 men in the graduation class, only 6 remain. This was the most serious event in the life of the Citadel. What its effect on the Academy throughout the State will be is a question. But that the action was necessary to vindicate the discipline of the Academy cannot be doubted. It was a terrible but necessary measure.
1898
April 19th
Tuesday: - I went up to Denmark last Saturday afternoon. I found Ma worse than when I last saw her, but she knew me. Harper & Mama were there. I came back Sunday night. I went down to Bamberg Sunday afternoon & took the cars there. I brought Oliver home with me. He had spent three weeks in Bamberg.
I am as busy as I can be. My Citadel duties, my 5 hours at the Custom House, & other duties, take up all my time. I am on a rush all the time.
May 2d
1898
Monday: - I was called to Denmark Friday afternoon. I found Ma worse, - but Saturday she seemed brighter, & yesterday was better, so I came down last night, & am work as usual. I drew $75 for my first month’s work with the U.S. Engineers. My salary for April altogether comes to $183.33 - the largest amount I ever earned in one month.
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1898
May 8th
One of the things that has struck me about the Hispano-American War. The other morning when En. Anderson had his company of heavy artillery ready to set out for Columbia, which is the rendezvous of the South Carolina troops, I was a little disappointed at the quality of the men. They seemed to be mostly of the “tough” and thriftless type, & I wondered if it was not a blessing in disguise that was giving them something to do. It will be sure to be the making of a great many of them. They will earn more per month than they have done in a long time, will be better fed and clothed, and will no doubt learn better manners.
There are some who are of the best families & their influence will be helpful to the others who have never known anything of the refinements of life. The discipline of army life, too, will no doubt be a great benefit to them all, and the experience of campaigning will do them good. They will be the veterans when the War is over.
In the past week I went over to Fort Sumter in the Government launch to see about the work on the 10” 12” Battery, and yesterday afternoon went over to Fort Moultrie to take some measurements for locating the rapid fire gun battery.
Today Moll & I went to St. Paul’s. This afternoon we went up to Magnolia for a hour or so, & then went round to see Mrs. Keiloch for a while.
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1898
May 15th
I got down tonight from Denmark, where I was from last Tuesday night. Ma got worse & Joe telegraphed for me. I left her about the same tonight.
May 18th
Ma died Monday afternoon, the 16th about half past six o’clock. I went up yesterday morning. Ma’s face wore a peaceful expression. A noble dignity rested on it. Sis was not well enough to go to the funeral, so I was Ma’s only child at her grave. Joe and I followed the coffin from the house to the Cemetery, and Aunt Mell & I stood at the head of the grave when Mr. Kistler read the service. We laid her away by Pa’s side.
Ma was born May 26th 1831, at her father’s house (long since burned) about two miles from Marion, S.C. at the Old Mill Pond. Her maiden name was Sarah A. Wayne. She married Pa April 13th 1851. Not one of her children has any recollection of Ma but of her goodness, unselfishness, and devotion. We have had the greatest of blessings, - a good mother; and it is no fault of hers that we fall short of being what we ought to be.
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1898
June 19th
As our Corps is so small (since the expulsion of the mutinous Cadets in April) we shall not have an encampment this year, and so we will continue our work here until the 28th, - which is commencement day.
I have continued my work at the Custom House. It has been trying in some respects - for we have had to eat dinner at 12:30 - and I don’t like so early an hour for dining. I think my engagement with them will terminate July 1st.
I am very unsettled about plans for the Summer. I have almost decided to go to Chicago for three months work at the University, - but I am wondering what I shall do with my family. It is very hard to decide what to do under the circumstances. The Chicago trip is expensive, and the trouble at the Citadel this spring has given our enemies of the up-country a good deal of ammunition to use against us, - they only want a pretext for attacking us. There is no telling what will happen to the Citadel next year. I may have to look for another place. In view of this contingency it behooves me to consider my steps. So I am rather wrought up, and uncertain as to my movements. I have a feeling that no matter how I decide I shall regret the decision. But I feel like I could not do better with the $225 which I have earned so unexpectedly from Uncle Sam than to put it into some
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work at Chicago. It will be a trial to leave M. & O. for so long - but I can’t take them, and the question is, what to do with them.
Well, we’ll let things develop.
1898
July 3d
Sunday: - Our Commencement Exercises were completed on the 28th of June. The Baccalaureate sermon was by Bishop Stevens at Flynn’s Church. Dr. Vedder gave a stirring war talk at the Society Graduation. Col. Robt. Aldrich was the orator on Commencement evening at Hibernian Hall. Instead of graduating 30 young men as we expected a few months’ ago, we had only five, owing to our wholesale expulsion of the mutineers in April last.
I finished my work with the U.S. Engineers on the last day of June. The three months’ work had put $225 dollars extra in my pocket, - much needed money owing a number of extra demands on my purse this spring and summer.
The Asso. of Grad. has organized a campaign to fill the ranks of the Citadel Corps next fall. I am in charge of raising the funds. That has occupied a good deal of my time in the past few days. I worked all day yesterday on the record. I hope to get my work pretty well advanced by the end of this week, - when we intend to leave for Blowing Rock.
I got the following letter a few days
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ago, but it was no inducement to me, and I so replied.
When we leave, Florence, who has been with us since the 1st of last December, will go to Sumter. Auntie has been with us about a month. She will also go around visiting relatives this summer.
1898
July 8th
The City is full of troops. There are five regiments or more in town.
The 3d Wisconsin Regt. had a dress parade on Marion Square yesterday afternoon.
Tomorrow we leave for Blowing Rock. We expect to stop over Sunday in Chester with Lula.
This will be my last entry in this volume.
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[Blank page]
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[Blank page]
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[“Account with Insurance Policies 96121 ($4000.00) and 155122 ($3000.00) Mutual Reserve Fund Life Asso.” written at top of page]
[See original scan for list]
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I divide preachers, like nouns, into two classes: - proper and common. [The words have their secondary meaning, however, in the case of preachers.] Common (or ordinary) preachers are subdivided, like common nouns, into 3 kinds: (1) Those who lack sense; (2) those who lack sincerity; and (3) those who lack courage - or, for the sake of alliteration, “sand”. Every dogmatic preacher, the literal sulphurous hell sort, the Jonah & the whale kind, the fiery furnace and Garden of Eden preachers can easily be put into their respective subclasses. Class (1) is the most numerous according to my observation. Emerson was a preacher conspicuous as the anti-type of these common kinds, - transcendent in intellect, sincerity, and courage, - a proper preacher. But I would not limit this class to wearers of the cloth: - Such men as Robert E. Lee, Grover Cleveland, Abraham Lincoln who are the embodiment of a noble or great quality are the truest preachers. Many of our College professors would be in this class, and even Bob Ingersall may deserve a place in it.
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To whom did Commodore Perry write his laconic message? Gen. Harrison.
What relation to Commodore Perry was the Perry of Japan Treaty Fame? Bro.
~
The eyes express the passing mood, the mouth the permanent character.
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“Go, got, got!” Enq. “How far have you got in your book?”
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Every man makes his own God.
We love those whom we serve more than those who serve us.
We can spend years publishing and perfecting a gem, and in a moment utterly destroy it. So with character.
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Nobody ought to be happy on Sunday. Never do those things which you wish to do, nor leave undone the thing which you dislike to do.
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Orthodox Methodism is mysticism. “Personal experience of salvation”, “I know I am a child of God”, “the indwelling Spirit,” “the consciousness of having passed from death into life”, - what do these really mean? They are not figuratively but literally believed by Methodists.
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Far too many hundred years theology has been the ology [sic]. Material progress is the best promoter of civilization. March 26 ‘96.
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I prefer a polite hypocrite to a frank brute.
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Not a minutely drawn representation, - an adumbration.
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He was either hot or hyperborean.
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Bacteria - green
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Thaumaturgy, - eschatology, - ancillary, - exercitation, - corypheus, - energumon, - onomatopoeic name for a pig’s snout - “his grunt”, teleological -
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It is giving a man too much credit often to associate his name with a sentiment which he has uttered, but which nearly every body has thought of independently. Has not every one pondered that some time in the future those who had known him would say “It is the -- th, the day that poor so-and-so died.”? To credit Jeremy Taylor with the thought is an injustice to everybody else.
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Kaut said two things filled him with ceaseless awe - the starry heavens above & the moral law within.
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“No,” replied Edward, glancing meditatively at the catacaustic curve in his glass.
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[See original scan]
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[See original scan]
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[See original scan for illustration]
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Bloomington to Cincinnati = 277 miles
Cincinnati to Chattanooga = 338 miles
Chattanooga to Atlanta =
Atlanta to Charleston =
Oliver’s Height April 10th 1896, 3 feet 8 in.
[See original scan for illustration]
Top of first step of Citadel Square Baptist Church is 13.66 above mean low water, or 8.56 feet above mean high water.
a/c with Mr. White in Camp Kennedy
{Express pd .35 cts.
{Check 16.00
Owe him 5 cts
Latitude Citadel [Stone Piers]
Longitude Citadel [Stone Piers]
[See original scan]