Minutes of the Board of Visitors of The Citadel, 1885

Title

Minutes of the Board of Visitors of The Citadel, 1885

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Official minutes of the governing body of The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina.

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RC2

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The Citadel Archives & Museum

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Materials in The Citadel Archives & Museum Digital Collections are intended for educational and research use. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright. For more information contact The Citadel Archives & Museum, The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, 29409.

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The Citadel Board of Visitor Meeting Minutes

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application/pdf

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English

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Text

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https://citadeldigitalarchives.omeka.net/items/show/1077

Coverage

Charleston (S.C.)

Date Valid

Text

[Page 1]
Executive Committee

Citadel – March 5 1885

Present – Genls Hagood, Manigault & Walker –

Received sundry Reports, Papers &c including Merit & Conduct Rolls for 1st session 1884-5, from the Supt –

Supt made a verbal report of the condition of the Academy – Under the verbal instructions of the Board, holding him primarily responsible for the correct management of the Academy & requiring him to give a general suspension to all of its Departments, he reported substantially as follows –

In the Military Dept. Maj. Cain, Lt. Weaver & Capt. Hall efficient – Maj. Kemper & Lt. Mazyck not efficient & consequently influence on the Corps not good –

In Academic Dept. Prof Cain & asst Prof Hall entirely satisfactory – Lt. Weaver as asst. in Dept. History &c fairly efficient, though inexperienced – Prof. Kemper, very lax both in his methods of instruction & discipline in the section room – Asst. Prof. Mazyck – methods of instruction not approved & deemed injurious to the [illegible] training of the Cadet.

For Qr. Mast. Dept – Lt. White – inefficient as an accountant and under the influence of liquor to the knowledge of the Supt. & Cadets –

The Supt. asked the direction of the committee as to how he was to [illegible] the difficulties of his position as presented – ie to enforce a proper discipline & carry out a proper [illegible] of education, with the inefficient officers as reported –

The Exec. Com – decided that the issues presented were of so grave a nature, that it was beyond their power to act on them & the matter was deferred until the next meeting of the Board –

Meeting adjourned

[Page 2]
Executive Committee

Citadel – March 6 1885

Present Genls Hagood, Manigault, & Walker –

Ct. F. L. Townsend – Ben. Union Co – applies for discharge on ground that he is offered desirable business position –

Ordered – That the application be returned endorsed – The Board does not consider the reasons given in the application, sufficient to warrant the abrogation of the Cadets contract with the State to serve until graduation or regular discharge & thereafter to teach for two years in the free public schools of the State –

Dr. Lewis – applies for Honorable Discharge of his son Ct. Lewis – Ben. Oconee – for reasons given –

Ordered – That since application filed & before meeting of Board, Cadet Lewis having been found deficient, the Board cannot grant the request –

The Chairman reported to committee this course was approved –

1st That he had declined to grant Honorable Discharges except in exceptional cases, to Beneficiary Cadets – all such [illegible] he acted on [illegible] the Exec Com – or the Board –
2nd That in such cases reasons must be given by applicant –
3rd That in case Hon. Discharge was granted to Beneficiary Cadets that he would require said Cadet to teach in the public schools for a term in proportion to his service in the Academy –

In the case of Cadet Culbreth – Probationary Cadet –

Ordered that Cadet Memphis Culbreth be expelled

[Page 3]
Executive Committee

From the Academy for gross disrespect to an officer, coupled with gross mis-statements as to the outrage he committed –

In the Case of Cadet L. B. Austin – Ben. Pickens –

Ordered – That his suspension be approved & that he be dismissed the Academy –

Capt Hall – applies for payment of [horse hire] on parade 22 Feby –

Ordered – Returned – Disapproved –

The Report of the Academic Board on the Merit Rolls for 1st Session 1884-5 received, its recommendations approved, and the following Cadets are dismissed for deficiency in studies under the Regulations – Cadets R. E. Lewis, F. P. Huger, J. H. Devereux & E. B. Sligh of 3rd Class – W. W. Moore, D. M. Graham, C. T. Bailey, E. Youmans & R. C. Holman of 4th Class –

The Merit & Conduct Rolls were approved –

Case of Cadet J. S. Cureton – Ben. Lancaster – application for Hon. Discharge on ground that his parent had removed from the State –

Ordered returned endorsed – The Board does not consider the reasons given in the application, sufficient to warrant the abrogation of the Cadets contract with the State, to serve until graduation or regular discharge - & thereafter to teach for two years in the free public schools of the State –

Case of Cadet MacFarland –

Ordered, that Cadet A. MacFarland be expelled for absence without leave –

[Page 4]
Executive Committee

Case of Cadet Evins –

Ordered that Cadet Evins be dismissed for deficiency in conduct –

Case of Cadet Lucas –

Ordered that complaint be returned, endorsed –

1st It is consistent with military usage that officers & soldiers under charges, be, at the discretion of a commanding officer, placed in arrest pending investigation –
2nd An orderly, properly absent from barracks, is not responsible for violations of Regulations in his room occurring during his absence –
3rd The Board therefore is of the opinion that the course pursued by the Supt. in Cadet Lucas’ case involves no departure from military usage and that the arrest & release of Cadet Lucas under the facts shown is without prejudice to his honor & standing as a Cadet –

On the Report of the Academic Board –

Resolved – That it is not expedient to graduate at the same time, the two divisions of the 2nd class & therefore Ordered
That the Supt. will cause the instruction of this class to be conducted in accordance with this view –

On the Recommendation of Profs Hall & Weaver, that the sections of the 4th class be constituted according to merit & not alphabetically –

Ordered that the communication be returned endorsed – The Board on the statement made, is favorably impressed with the proposed alteration, but refers the matter to the decision of the Supt. If any change is made however, it must be general in the Academy & not confined to any one class –

[Page 5]
Executive Committee

On the communication of Maj. Cain –

Ordered – That it be returned endorsed – 1st Noting the Supt’s endorsements there appears to have been a misapprehension of facts in relation to the “final chapter” to which reference is made –

2nd The Board construes Par 42 – in connection with Par. 3 – of the Regulations, and the responsibility to the Board of the Professor under the former is through the Supt. under the latter –

3rd The Supt. has never heretofore instructed as above & informed by the Board that he is held by it primarily responsible for the correct management of the Academy for the accomplishment of all the ends for which it was established –

The following phrases were decided on to be officially used for discharge of Cadets –

“Hereby Retried” – In case of Probationary Cadet failing after trial or examination – “Permitted to Resign” – In case of Probationary Cadet applying for discharge before examination & in view of expected failure –
“Dropped” – Pay Cadet failing in payment of dues –
“Dismissed” – Wherever used in the Regulations except as modified above –
“Expelled” – Wherever prescribed in the Regulations
“Honorable Discharge” – For cases alone in which Cadets record is clear in matters both of scholarship & discipline –

Board adjourned –

C. I. Walker
Actg Secty

[Page 6]
Executive Committee

Executive Committee of the Board met at the Citadel June 24 1885 at 11 o’clock –

Present Genls Johnson Hagood, C I Walker & A.M. Manigault

The resignations of the following Cadet Officers, viz –

Capts Walker, Devereux & Gibbes
Lieuts Robertson & Timmerman
Sergts Kinard, Coleman, McCown, China & Jeffords
Corpl Crawford, Carson, Heath, DeVeaux & G. Lucas –

referred to the Chairman by the Supt. were submitted by him & considered –

The simultaneous resignation of so many Cadet Officers together with unofficial information obtained, caused the Board to fear that some serious trouble existed in the ranks of the Corps of Cadets –

Conference was asked with each member of the faculty, the surgeon & qr. Mast., all individually – all of whom expressed their opinions &c on the subject –

The Board Com. Adjourned at 2 o’clock to meet at 5 30 P.M.

Committee met at 5 30 P.M. –

The Cadet Officers who had tendered their resignation were called in individually until Ct Lt. Timmerman the fifth in rank was reached, when the lateness of the hour required that the remaining eleven, be called in together –

The Chairman, speaking for the Committee, spoke in substance to each & all –

1st He defined the military law of resignation, that while an officer had the right at any time to tender his resignation, yet the power of its acceptance or refusal lays in the Government or applied to this Corps, in the Board of Visitors –

2nd That the admitted (whether verbally or of record)

[Page 7]
Executive Committee

reason for the resignations under consideration was the indisposition to hold office, when an office had been conferred upon Cadet Schirmer – That the Board could not recognize the right thus asserted, on the part of the Cadets to participate in the appointment of officers –

3rd That a Cadet having a supposed grievance, has the right to redress under Art. 83 Regulations and in the manner indicated in said article –

Applying these principles to the cases in hand, the resigning Cadets while they had an alleged grievance, had adopted an improper means of obtaining redress – Therefore if they desired to place themselves right, they should withdraw their resignations & prefer charges against Cadet Schirmer –

The Board felt it to be its duty to instruct Cadets in the military code & to advise them in their proper course of action –

The Chairman advised each Cadet, that the Board would meet at 11 o’cl. the next day & receive any communication he may see fit to make through the proper channels –

The Chairman stated that the father of Ct. Schirmer had demanded an investigation as to his son and that it would be made – and made if necessary at the instance of the Board –

The meeting adjourned –

Board Committee met June 25 at 11 o’clock – all members present –

Supt. submitted letters received from all the resigning Cadets heretofore named, withdrawing

[Page 8]
Executive Committee

their letters of resignation – This action dispersed of the matter –

The following was unanimously adopted –

In the matter of Cadet Schirmer

The father of Cadet Schirmer has addressed a communication to the Board of Visitors wherein he states upon information, that unformulated charges derogatory to the character of his son as a Cadet & of his fitness for the office to which he has been recently promoted are in circulation among the Cadets of this institution, and he has further requested a full investigation of the same, calling upon the alleged accusers of Cadet Schirmer to make good their charges – The request for this investigation is granted and the same will be made at the session of the Board of Visitors during examination week in July next –

Counsel if desired will be allowed & the investigation had under the rules of Courts of Inquiry in the Army, as far as practicable –

The Supt. will communicate in orders the foregoing for the information of Cadets –

The Chairman was instructed to address the following letter to Mr. Jacob S. Schirmer, father of Cadet Schirmer –

Dear Sir – Your request for an investigation of the matters involved in the case of your son, will be complied with at the meeting of the Board of Visitors during the Annual Examination, the last week in July next – You will be allowed counsel if you desire it & the investigation will be governed, as far as applicable, by the rules of the Courts of Inquiry in the Army –

[Page 9]
Executive Committee

A communication was received from the Supt. charging 1st Certain Cadet Officers with combinations – 2nd., All the Privates of the Corps, except Cadet W. Allen, with combination. Both of the combinations were alleged to be in relation to the Schirmer matter.

It was ordered returned with the following endorsement

“That under circumstances existing of this date, it is deemed by the Board inexpedient to press these charges” –

The Supt. also submitted a communication reporting a meeting of Cadets this morning –

I have ordered returned with this endorsement –

Resp. returned with the statement for the information of the Supt. That the assemblage referred to was warranted by what passed between the resigning Cadet Officers & the Board, when these officers appeared before the Board on the previous evening –

The committee adjourned –

C. I. Walker
Secty –

[Page 10]
Office Ch B.V. S.C.M.A.
[Illegible] 3 July 1885

An extra meeting of the Board of Visitors is called for 10 a.m. 28th inst at the Citadel to sit as a Court of Inquiry in the case of Cadet Sergt Schirmer: and to consider other matters of importance.

Members will notify Chairman of their purpose to attend.

Johnson Hagood
Ch B.V.

Copy mailed
Each member 3 July

[Page 11]
Office Ch Bd Visitors S.C.M.A.
[Illegible] 4 July 1885

Under verbal instructions of the Board of Visitors holding him primarily responsible for the management of the Academy and requiring him to give a general [illegible] to all of its Departments, the [illegible words] on 5 March last reported verbally to the Executive Committee then in session, among often things, substantially that Prof Kemper was very lax both in his methods of instruction and discipline in his section room, and that in the Military Department he was inefficient, with a consequent influence upon the Corps not good.

The Executive Committee decided to infer the matter to the full Board at its next session.

Subsequently Prof Kemper learning this the Superintendent of the Report & its character, demanded of Chairman a thorough investigation of the charges made, and [illegible] has requested that if practicable it be made by a committee to report to the Board – to this end that a searching analysis be had of his fitness for the position he occupies.

During a preliminary examination by a Committee almost essential to a full

[Page 12]
Investigation of the case: and that justice to all parties as well as the interests of the school requires that such an investigation be made, the following members of the Board are appointed a committee to examine into and report upon the subject matter to the Board at its approaching session 28 July inst; to rit: Gen C. I. Walker Dr S. B. Jones & Col H. A. Gaillard.

Johnson Hagood
Ch

Copy to Gen Walker
& thro [sic] him to other
Members of Com.

[Illegible]
Upon the application of Prof. Mazyck, against whom a similar report at same time and under same circumstances had been made by Supt,

Committee was instructed subsequently to enquire & report in his case. Committee was also instructed to enquire & report allegations of Supt as to Qr Master White – inefficiency as an accountant & intemperance.

13 July 1885. Hagood
Ch

[Page 13]
Office Ch Bd Visitors
Barnwell

16 July 1885

Charges & specifications having been filed by Cadet James P. Kinard against Cadet Sergeant Schirmer for conduct unbecoming a gentleman, the same will be tried by the Board of Visitors at its session on 28th inst in connexion [sic] with the enquiry heretofore demanded by and accorded to Cadet Sergeant Schirmer.

The Supt will on the day preceding the assembly of the Board place Cadet Schirmer in [illegible] preceding the trial.

Capt Hall heretofore detailed as Recorder will as Judge Advocate take the necessary preliminary steps in their connexion [sic].

Johnson Hagood
Ch.

Citadel, Charleston, S.C.,
Aug 1st 1885.

The Board met at 10 A.M.

The whole Board was present.

The minutes of the meetings held Mch 5th to 6th and June 24th to 25th 1885. of the Executive Committee of 4th of March 1885 were read and the action of the committee was approved.

The Chairman laid before the Board

[Page 14]
the letter of resignation of Major Kemper. His resignation was accepted was accepted to take accept on the 15th of October 1885 and he is hereby granted leave of absence till that time, and the Chairman Secretary was requested to inform Maj. Kemper of the fact with expressions of the kind feelings of the Board. Cadet Schirmer’s case was taken up.

Board adjourned.

Citadel, Charleston S.C.,
Aug. 3rd. 1885.

The board met this morning at 10 o’clock, and the consideration of the case of Cadet Schirmer was continued.

The following is the charge with its specifications preferred by Cadet Jas. P. Kinard against Cadet H. C. Schirmer:

Charge,
Conduct unbecoming a gentleman.

Specification 1.
In this, there on or about the eighth day of November 1883, at the Citadel, in Charleston, he the said Cadet H. C. Schirmer, did reveal to Cadet P. H. Tamplet, the fact, that at the request of Cadet Silas J. McCaughrin, he had on that day taken a suit of citizen’s clothing from the room of him, the said McCaughrin in the said Citadel, and delivered the said clothing to Cadet James F. McGowan, in his, McGowan’s room in said Citadel which fact the said Cadet H. C. Schirmer had faithfully and solemnly promised the said Cadet S. J. McCaughrin not to reveal –

Specification 2.
In this, that on or about the eighth day of November 1883, at the Citadel, in Charleston, he said Cadet H. C. Schirmer did inform Cadet P. H. Tamplet, of the fact, that Cadets Silas J. McCaughrin

[Page 15]
and James F. McGowan, were the cadets who had broken garrison on the preceding night – to wit, on the night of the 7th of November, 1883: which said fact had been confidentially imparted to the said Cadet H. C. Schirmer by the said Cadets Silas J. McCaughrin, and James F. McGowan, either or both of them, and which he the said Schirmer had faithfully and solemnly promised the said S. J. McCaughrin and James F. McGowan, either or both of them, not to reveal.

Specification 3.
In this, that some time between the 10th day and the 20th day of November 1883, at the Citadel in Charleston, he the said Cadet H. C. Schrimer, did reveal and report to a committee of cadets appointed at a meeting of the corps held on the 10th day of November 1883 under the sanction and by the authority of the Superintendent of the Institution, the fact that at the request of Cadet Silas J. McCaughrin, he, the said Cadet Schirmer, had taken a suit of citizen’s clothing from the room of the said Cadet McCaughrin, in the said Citadel and delivered the same to Cadet James F. McGowan, in his, McGowan’s room in said Citadel on the 8th day of November 1883: which said fact, the said Cadet H. C. Schirmer had faithfully and solemnly promised the said Cadet S. J. McCaughrin not to reveal.

Specification 4.
In this, that some time between the 10th day and 20th day of November 1883, at the Citadel in Charleston, he the said Cadet H. C. Schirmer, did reveal and report to a committee

[Page 16]
of cadets appointed at a meeting of the Corps held on the 10th day of Nov. 1883 under the sanction and by the authority of the Superintendent of the Institution – the fact that Cadet Silas J. McCaughrin and James F. McGowan were the cadets who had broken garrison on the night of the 7th of November 1883, which said fact had been confidentially imparted to the said Cadets McCaughrin and James F. McGowan, either or both of them, and which the said Cadet H. C. Schirmer, had faithfully and solemnly promised the said cadets S. J. McCaughrin & James F. McGowan, either or both of them, not to reveal.

Specification 5.
In this, that some time between the 10th day and the 20th day of Nov. 1883 at the Citadel in Charleston, he the said Cadet H. C. Schirmer being a private in the corps and not called upon by official duty to report did voluntarily report to Superintendent J. P. Thomas and to the Board of Officers of the State Military Academy, the fact that on the 8th day of November 1883, at the request of Cadet Silas J. McCaughrin he had taken a suit of citizen’s clothing from the room of the said Cadet McCaughrin and delivered the same to Cadet James F. McGowan in his McGowan’s room in the said Citadel, which fact the said H. C. Schirmer had faithfully and solemnly promised the said cadet, S. J. McCaughrin, not to reveal.

[Page 17]
Specification 6.
In this, that some time between the 10th day and the 20th day of Nov. 1883, at the Citadel in Charleston, he the said Cadet H. C. Schirmer, being a private in the corps and not called upon by official duty to report did voluntarily report to Superintendent J. P. Thomas, and to the Board of Office of the State Military Academy, the fact that Cadets Silas J. McCaughrin and James F. McGowan were the cadets who had broken garrison on the night of the 7th of November 1883, which said fact had been confidentially imparted to the said Cadet Schirmer by the said Cadets McCaughrin and McGowan, either or both of them, and which the said Cadet Schirmer had faithfully and solemnly promised the said Cadets S. J. McCaughrin and James F. McGowan, either or both of them not to reveal.

Specification 7.
In this, that some time between the 10th day and the 20th day of Nov. 1883, at the Citadel in Charleston, he the said Cadet H. C. Schirmer being a private in the corps and not called upon by official duty to report did report voluntarily to Superintendent J. P. Thomas, and to the Board of Officers of the State Military Academy, the fact that on or about the 8th day of November 1883, Cadet McCaughrin had requested him Cadet Schirmer to tell Cadet Pelzer that when the Col. asks him, he (Pelzer) must tell the Col. that he had told McCaughrin that some boys had broken

[Page 18]
garrison the night before which said message, the said Cadet Schirmer had willingly received from the said Cadet McCaughrin and had promised him faithfully and solemnly not to reveal.

Opinion of the Court of Inquiry composed of the Board of Visitors S.C. M. A. in the case of H. C. Schirmer, Cadet Sergt. S.C.M.A.

The Court having maturely considered the evidence addressed finds the accused H. C. Schirmer, Cadet Sergt S.C.M.A.:

Of the 1st Specification: Guilty, except the words: “faithfully and solemnly” and the words “promised the said Cadet S. J. McCaughrin.” As to the words “faithfully and solemnly” the court finds the accused, not guilty; and in the place of the words “promised the said Cadet S. J. McCaughrin” the Court substitutes the words, “promised the said Cadet S. J. McCaughrin or Cadet E. B. Sligh.”

Of the 2nd Specification: Not Guilty. But does find that the accused mentioned to Cadet Tamplet unofficially and in confidence the circumstances which as established in the finding above he had promised not to reveal.

Of the 3rd Specification: Guilty, except the words, “faithfully and solemnly” and the words “promised the said Cadet S. J. McCaughrin.” Of the words. “faithfully and solemnly” the Court finds the accused not guilty, and in place

[Page 19]
of the words: “promised the said Cadet S. J. McCaughrin” the Court substitute the words: “promised the said Cadet S. J. McCaughrin or Cadet E. B. Sligh.”

Of the 4th Specification: Not Guilty, but does find that the accused, in response to the resolutions of the Corps of Cadets at a meeting authorized by the Superintendent and in accordance with Regulations, did report to the Cadet Committee, appointed by said Corps, the circumstances which in the finding announced above he had promised not to reveal.

Of the 5th Specification: Guilty, except the word “voluntarily”, the words “faithfully and solemnly” and the words “promised the said Cadet S. J. McCaughrin.” For the word “voluntarily” the court substitutes “in response to resolutions of the Corps of Cadets”, of the words “faithfully and solemnly the court finds the accused “not guilty” and substitutes for the words “promised the said Cadet S. J. McCaughrin or Cadet E. B. Sligh.”

Of the 6th Specification: Guilty, except the word “voluntarily” and the words “promised him faithfully and solemnly not to reveal.” For the word “voluntarily” the Court substitutes: “in response to the resolutions passed by the Corps of Cadets, and of the words “promised him faithfully and solemnly to reveal” the Court finds the accused not guilty.

As to the charge: - After a searching and careful investigation the Court concludes

[Page 20]
that while guilty of the specifications as amended above and, strictly considered, guilty of a fault, yet the circumstances shown are such as to relieve Cadet Schirmer from evil intent, and therefore the Court finds him not guilty.

Citadel Aug 3rd 1885
Afternoon Session

The Board met at 2 P.M. Present: the whole Board, except Mr. Gaillard.

The report of the Superintendent on the suspension of Cadet W. Walker was taken up and the following resolution adopted, to wit “Considering the question raised in this case by the cadet as to the rule adopted by the Academic Board, as to inflicting demerits for neglect of study, the action of the Academic Board is approved as within their powers under the regulations and the suspension of the Cadet is confirmed.

The report of the Supt. on suspension of Cadet Courtenay was taken up and the same action taken as in the case of Cadet W. Walker.

The Board then adjourned at 530 P.M.

Citadel, Charleston, S.C.,
Aug 4th, 1885

The Board met at 10 A.M. All were present except Mr. Gaillard.

The following letter was received from

[Page 21]
Wm. A. Courtenay:

“Dear General:

I have been informed that the request contained in my recent letter in regard to my son, has been refused by the Board. I would be obliged to you if you would state the ground of such refusal on the back of this letter and return the same to me.

Very respectfully
Wm. A. Courtenay

To Gen. Hagood
Chairman Board Visitors.

The extract of the minutes covering the action of the Board in the case of Cadet Courtenay was, in answer to the request of Mr Courtenay endorsed on the back of the letter and the same returned to him. with the additional endorsement: “Same action as in Cadet Walker’s case.”

The following report of the Committee to examine charges against certain officers was received:

To the Board of Visitors –

Gentlemen –

Your committee appointed by the Chairman to investigate certain charges made by the Supt. against Professor Kemper, asst. Prof. Mazyck and Q. Mast. White, would respectfully report –

That the Committee met at the Citadel July 15th, 1885. That Col. Thomas was invited to make a statement; the purport of what he said is embodied (by his request) in the paper marked #1.

The committee then visited the section rooms of nearly all the faculty, to avoid appa-

[Page 22]
rent discrimination, and with the same intent, required all the faculty to drill before them, executing certain prescribed maneuvers. The committee recognized the insufficiency of the tests, but could not, under the circumstances do better.

Col. Maj. Kemper having resigned previous to this report it is unnecessary for the committee to report in his case.

In the case of Prof. Mazyck the committee found nothing either in the section room or on the drill to sustain the charges of the Supt. His statement is submitted herewith, marked #2.

The committee then visited the office of the Q. Master, and examined his books, records &c., and found them all in good order. The fact as reported by the Supt. that July 1st 1884 the Academy owed over $4000 and to-day nothing bears ample testimony to the efficiency of the Quarter Master.

They visited the Mess Hall and found the fare good and substantial. No evidence was presented other than that of the Supt. as to the charge of being under the influence of liquor and the Committee believe, that if his continuance in office is made contingent on his sobriety, that no further cause of complaint will be found.

Committee
C. I. Walker
Sam B. Jones
H. A. Gaillard

(Copy)

Charleston S.C., Aug 3. 1885

Ordered that the charges against Prof. Mazyck and Q.M. White be dismissed and that a copy

[Page 23]
of the report be furnished Q.M. White for his information.

In the case of Cadet Townsend, suspended for desertion, - ordered that he be expelled.

In the case of Cadet Gibson, suspended for deficiency in conduct, - ordered that the suspension be confirmed.

In the case of Cadet Glazener, suspended for entering a bar in uniform, - ordered that the suspension be confirmed and the cadet dismissed.

In the case of Cadet A. D. Boylston’s application for honorable discharge, the application was granted to date from July 1st, 1885.

In the case of Cadet Easterby’s application for honorable discharge, the application was granted to take effect July 1st, 1885.

In the case of Cadet Keels suspended for deficiency in conduct, - ordered that the suspension be confirmed and the cadet be dismissed.

The case of Cadet Aiken was considered and he was granted an honorable discharge to take effect July ist, 1885, demerits received after that date being considered by the Board as under the circumstances, not to be attributed to recorded against him.

The case of Cadet Guess was considered. Cadet Guess who, while under suspension for having received over 200 demerits and before leaving barracks did assail a cadet officer who in the discharge of his duty had made the report which brought his (Guess’) demerits above the limits – is expelled from the Academy.

The case of Cadet Wroton was considered charged with being present at and as-

[Page 24]
sisting in an assault upon an officer for a report made in the discharge of his duty. Also with insubordinate words to the Supt. after suspension and further, in violation of orders publishing without permission a card in a newspaper in relation to an academic matter, Cadet Wroton appeared before the Board and was heard in his own behalf. The Board decides that his suspension to date be confirmed, and that the Cadet be restored to duty upon the following conditions: to wit – that for violation of orders in publishing his card in the newspapers Cadet Wroton receive five demerits marks upon his record for the ensuing year; for his insubordinate language to the Supt., he receive ten demerits upon the same record, and for his presence at and resistance in the assault upon the officer he be reprimanded in orders and be placed in arrest for one month commencing with the beginning of the next academic session – On this resolution Gov. Thompson desires to be placed on record as voting against the restoration of the cadet.

It was ordered that section 3 of the Regulations be amended so as to read:

General duties of Superintendent: - The Superintendent will have the immediate government of the Academy and be held primarily responsible in every Department, all Professors, Teachers &c. (to

[Page 25]
end of section)

Also ordered that section 42 be amended so as to read: -

Each Professor and Instructor at the head of a separate Department, shall be the judge of the proper mode of conveying instruction in his own Department and shall be held responsible to the Board of Visitors, through the supervision of the Superintendent, for the correctness of that mode.

The resignation of Col. J. P. Thomas as Supt. of the Academy was received and accepted by the Board to take effect Oct. 1st 1885 and the following resolutions were adopted: Resolved that the Board of Visitors in accepting the resignation of Col. J. P. Thomas, Supt. S. C. Military Academy, desires to express its sense of the zeal and earnestness with which he has discharged the duties of his office and that in retiring from the Instruction he carries with him the best wishes of the Board for his future welfare –

Resolved: - that the Secretary be instructed to furnish Col. Thomas with a copy of these resolutions.

Ordered that the Q. Master be instructed to put up a gymnasium in the West Wing or such other part of the premises as the Superintendent may direct and under the Superintendent’s supervision at a cost not to exceed one hundred dollars.

Cadet Mathesons application dated July 3rd 1885 asking for the creation of a clerkship in the Supt’s. office

[Page 26]
and his appointment thereto was read. –

Ordered that the Board decline to create the clerkship suggested.

Cadet Matheson’s application for honorable discharge was considered. The Board conceiving that the reasons given for the application are not sufficient to abrogate the contract with the state ordered that the application be declined –

Cadet Parker’s application for honorable discharge was considered – ordered that the application be granted and that for facts shown the dues for two months already paid in viz: $50.00 be refunded by Quarter Master –

Capt Halls application in reference to ventilation referred considered – Ordered that Q.M. investigate and report to executive committee who shall have power to act. Lieut Weaver’s communication considered. Referred to executive committee with power to act when the next session opens –

Upon examining report of beneficiaries present and absent the following vacancies were ordered to be filled

Abbbeville 1
Aiken 1
Anderson 1
Chester 1
Colleton 1
Greenville 1
Georgetown 1
Kershaw 1
Newberry 1

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Oconee 1
Pickens 1
Richland 2
Spartanburg 1
Sumter 1
Union 1
Williamsburg 1

The Chairman submitted for special instruction the application of Mr. W. H. R. Workman for permission for his son J. J. Workman, to appear in competitive examination for appointment as beneficiary cadet. It appearing that Mr Workman has already one son a beneficiary in the institution the application was declined.

The application of Mr D. P. Patterson for his son, a pay cadet, to appear before the competitive board in Colleton to fill a vacancy in beneficiary appointment from said County. Ordered that it be granted upon his submitting to the Chairman of the Board the usual certificate to be approved by the executive committee.

The Report of the Supt. submitted. Considering the same – ordered 1st that all members of the 1st & 2nd Divisions 2nd Class be advanced, Ordered 2nd that Cadet Moses Beneficiary be dismissed for deficiency in mathematics.

3rd that Cadet Weston deficient in mathematics be turned back to resume the studies of the 3rd Class, and that the remaining members of the 3rd Class, be advanced. 4th. That Cadets A. Rose and B. Lucas deficient in mathematics be

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turned back to resume the studies of the 4th Class, and that the remaining members of the 4th Class be advanced.

Ordered: that the termination of recommendation to terminate the session of each year until on July 1st be not approved.

Cadet Schirmer’s Case.

When the recent Court of Inquiry was convened the Board of Visitors reserved to itself to inquire beyond the charges and specifications presented, into the fitness of Cadet Schirmer for the offices to which he was appointed. Having discharged this duty, Resolved: that considering all the circumstances & facts developed, while the Board have acquitted Cadet Schirmer in the Court of Inquiry of the charge affecting his character as a gentleman yet, in their apprehension had the Academic career of the Cadet does not exhibit qualifications enabling him to discharge the duties of an officer usefully to the Academy. The Supt. is therefore directed to revoke Cadet Schirmer’s appointment as a Sergt. of the Corps

Saml. B. Jones
Sec –

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Charleston S.C.
Aug 5th, 1885.

The Board met at Charleston Hotel at 930 A.M. Present: Gen. Hagood, Col. Croft, Gen. Walker, Gov. Thompson and Gen Manigault

The following letter from Col. Thomas was submitted

Gen. Hagood
Chairman Bd. Visitors S.C.M.A.

Sir: I have received the order, of the Board of Visitors directing me to revoke Cadet Schirmer’s appointment as a Sergeant of the Corps.

Without entering into the question of the legality of the order, I have the honor to decline to be the instrument, in my official position as Superintendent, for doing what I regard a serious injustice to a worthy and deserving Cadet, by inflicting upon him that punishment which, by the regulations of the Academy, is specially appropriated to the case of a “Cadet officer who neglects his duty and betrays the confidence reposed in him” – neither of which offenses Cadet Schirmer has committed or is alleged to have committed.

I am,
Yours respectfully,
Jno. P. Thomas
Col. Comd’g. Supt.

Minutes read and, as corrected by [illegible], confirmed.

On motion the order of Board of Visitors meeting Aug 4th announcing decision of Board in Schirmer’s case was reconsidered.

Resolved, that the said order be reformed as follows:

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Cadet Schirmers case. – When the recent Court of Inquiry was convened the Board of Visitors reserved to itself to inquire beyond the charge and specifications presented, into the fitness of Cadet Schirmer for the office to which he was appointed. Having discharged this duty resolved, that considering all the facts and circumstances developed, while the Board have acquitted Cadet Schirmer in the Court of Inquiry of the charge affecting his character as a gentleman, yet, in their judgement his original appointment was inexpedient in that these facts and circumstances had not exhibited in the Cadet qualifications enabling him to discharge the duties of an officer usefully to the Academy. Cadet Schirmer’s appointment as a Sergeant of the Corps is therefore hereby revoked.

On motion the action of the Board relative to Col. Thomas’ resignation at the meeting of Aug. 4th, was reconsidered and the following substituted therefor to wit, - the resignation of Col. Thomas was submitted. Resolved 1st. that Col. Thomas’ resignation as Superintendent be accepted to take effect to-day. 2nd. that the senior officer present for duty is placed in command and will discharge the duties of Superintendent until further orders. 3rd. that the officer so acting shall be entitled to draw extra pay at the rate of fifty dollars per month.

C. I. Walker
Actg Secty

[Page 31]
Columbia SC
14 September 1885

Board met this day
Present –
Genl Johnson Hagood, Gov H S Thompson, Gen A M Manigault, Dr S B Jones, Col E Croft and H A Gaillard.

Board acted upon certain applications for Beneficiary Cadetships in the Academy

The following were approved by the Board –

B. L. Alley Spartanburg Evansville
Thos. Hugh [Illegible] Chesterfield
H M Parker Colleton
Wm M Lewis Chester
A M Dupre Abbeville
J G. Capers Greenville
A. E Arnwell Chester

Following – appeared by the Chairman

B W Sullivan Greenville Pelzer
W J. McDavid Abbeville Due West
J H Taggert Abbeville Greenwood
A S King Abbeville Ninety Six
L W Haskell Abbeville Abbeville CH
G H. Parks Abbeville Abbeville CH
B. D Hodges Abbeville Hodges
J W Patterson Colleton Walterboro
B F. Witsell Colleton Walterboro
A F Carter Colleton Carters
J B. Padgett Colleton Carters
Wm B Verdin Greenville Greenville
G R Mayfield Greenville Marietta

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Wm B. Patton Spartanburg Cross Anchor
B B James Spartanburg Pacolet
W M Smith Spartanburg Glenn Springs
Wm L Bobo Spartanburg Gufney City
S B. Platt Aiken Aiken
John Haney Aiken Langley
Wm A Mitler Anderson Anderson
D I Wilson Clarendon Manning
Chas W Wolf Williamsburg Kingstree
D McD Fraser Sumter Michaniesville
R L. Dozier Sumter Sumter
J I Green Sumter Magnolia
W. Glazener Pickens Briggs P.Q
R S. Clarkson Richland Eastover
A G LaMotte Richland Columbia
C. E Johnson Union Union
I. McA. Calhoun Union Union
C C Harris Union Jonesville
J C. Tamplet Georgetown Georgetown
R B Cunningham Kershaw Liberty Hill
E C Hughes Kershaw Camden
J. K. Shannon Kershaw Camden
C. D. Clarke Newberry Newberry
M I Hunter Chester Chester

The following unfavourably [sic] considered by Board

H. L. Gibson Richland Columbia
R. J Middleton Charleston Charleston
Thos. S Sease Newberry Prosperity
Walter M Smith [Illegible] Anderson
H H Bradley Sumter Slateburg
Walter Ligin Spartanburg Spartanburg
James I Jeter Marion [Illegible]

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Following papers were submitted by the Chairman – to wit paper from Lt Weaver on Guard Duty, and paper on Compilation of Standing Orders of the Academy.

Ordered
That these papers be submitted to the next Superintendent for remarks, when elected and returned for consideration of Board at its next meeting in November.

Application of Cadet Matheson, for an Honorable Discharge, submitted and considered by Board – and following action taken

Resd –
That the action of Board at its last meeting, refusing the application be recommended –

That an Honorable discharge be granted to Cadet Matheson, upon condition that he teach in the public schools of his county for the period of one year –

Application of Lt Mazyck for increase of salary laid before the Board

Resd –
That the salary of Lt Mazyck be increased to fifteen hundred dollars per annum –

Superintendency –

Several names were suggested for the office of Superintendent, [illegible] – Col Jno P Thomas resigned

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After full and free discussion the Board adjourned to meet at 10 o’c AM on 15th

15th September 1885

Board met at 10 AM

Present –
All the members –

Board resumed discussion of the question of election of a Superintendent

After full discussion, Genl George D Johnston of Alabama was nominated, and a vote being taken, resulted in his election, Genl Manigault & Genl Walker, voting in the negative

On motion of Genl Walker the vote was made unanimous.

On motion – Genl Johnston was declared elected Superintendent of the Academy and Professor of Belles Lettres History and Ethics.

Following motions adopted

Movd
That the election of Professor of Physics and Chemistry be postponed until the annual meeting of the Board in November

Movd
That the Chairman be authorized to make temporary arrangements for filling this chair –

Board adjourned –

H A Gaillard
Secy

[Page 35]
Charleston SC –
6 Nov 1885

Board met this day at 10 AM at the Charleston Hotel – at their annual meeting

Present
Genl Hagood –
Gov Thompson
Genl Manigault
Dr S B Jones
Col Ed Croft
Genl C I Walker
H A Gaillard

The Chairman submitted and read the annual report of the Superintendent – and submitted the annual financial report of the Quartermaster

The following committee approved to examine and [illegible] the accounts of the Quartermaster
– viz –
Genl Manigault
Col Croft
H A Gaillard

A letter was read from Lt White asking to be refunded the amt of such paid out by him for [illegible] of Lt Weaver – here [illegible] considered by the Board –

Resd
That the Board decline to consider the application of Lt White as a matter already acted on and [illegible] of by the Board – Resd – That the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars be allowed and [illegible] to Lt White, as extra compensation for services

[Page 36]
rendered by him during the past year

At 4 O’C PM Board received the corps of cadets and inspected buildings at Citadel

7 O’C PM –

Board reassembled and preceded to consider the question of electing a Professor to the vacant chair of chemistry and physics

Twenty one applications with accompanying testimonials were read – and a vote being taken – Professor W G Brown of the University of Virginia was declared elected and ordered to report to the Superintendent, at the Citadel

Following resolution was passed

Resd That the present Superintendent having in actual service won the title of Brigadier General, retain the same rank and title

Application of the Lafayette Artillery for space on Citadel grounds to erect a gunshed, was considered

Resd – That the Board regret that it cannot grant the application, as all the grounds of the Academy are absolutely [illegible] for its own purposes, and the portion asked for is now being developed as a private recreation ground for cadets

Following Resolutions were passed –

Resd –
That the Superintendent be authorized

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to sell to the best advantage the remaining bricks of the burnt wing and turn the proceeds into general funds of the Academy

Resd – That Cadet Giles reported as absence without leave since October 1 1885 and his absence unexplained, be dropped from the Rolls as a deserter – The Superintendent will announce the same in orders

Resd – That Cadet Hay on account of [illegible] sickness duly certified to by his attending physician, and on his [illegible] application, be honorably discharged – provided he teach one year and a half in a free public school, in accordance with his matriculation promise

Resd – That the Superintendent be instructed to take the Corps of Cadets and such Professors as may desire to go to the State Fair at Columbia, Thursday 12th November for an exhibition drill on the grounds, and return that night

A communication from Capt Hall asking “for the position and pay of full Professor in the Department of Drawing” considered –

Resd That the Board deem it inexpedient to create the Professorship of Drawing

Board adjourned to meet at 10 AM on the 7th November

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Charleston SC
7 Nov 1885

Board met pursuant to adjournment

Present-
-Whole Board –

Applications of certain Cadets for increase of clothing considered and ordered to be [illegible] with following endorsements in each application

“Reply returned through Genl Johnson The [illegible] is informed that the reduction in clothing to which he alludes, was made to bring the total expense of each cadet within the three hundred dollars allowed. If more is allowed for clothing, expenses of Mess Hall and other expenses must be reduced to that extent
Present scale and proportion of expenses have been adjusted with great care and deliberation and the Board deem it best to adhere to it

Following resolutions adopted

Resd - That the suggestions of the Superintendent made a recommendation of the Academic Board – in relation to time of graduation of the 2nd Division of 1st Class are hereby adopted.

Resd – That the sum of fifty dollars be appropriated for the purchase of periodicals for the use of Cadets

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Resd
That the Chairman of the Board be authorized to apply a sum not exceeding five hundred dollars in purchase of apparatus in the department of Chemistry and Physics, if in his judgement the financial condition of the resolution will warrant.

After considering and agreeing to a report to be made to the Genl Assembly at its next session – as required by Law – the Board adjourned –

H A Gaillard
Secretary

Citation

Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, “Minutes of the Board of Visitors of The Citadel, 1885,” The Citadel Archives Digital Collections, accessed March 28, 2024, https://citadeldigitalarchives.omeka.net/items/show/1077.