Minutes of the Board of Visitors of The Citadel, 1888

Minutes of the Board of Visitors of The Citadel, 1888

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

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Charleston (S.C.)

[Page 1]
Charleston July 3rd 1888 –

The Board of Visitors of the South Carolina Military Academy met at the Charleston Hotel this day at eleven o’clock –

Present –
Gov J. P. Richardson
Genl Johnson Hagood Chairman
Dr S. B. Jones
Major C. S. Gadsden
Adjt & Inspr Gen’l Bonham –

English Professorship
Letters of application for this chair were presented from the following applicants

Jno F. Lanneau
Sam’l Garrier
James Cummings

The latter Mr James Cummings was unanimously elected at a salary of $1800 per annum and suitable quarters to be furnished by the Academy

Lieut J. P. Harrison
The letter of resignation of Lieut J. P. Harrison was presented and accepted. The Board desire to place on record that Lieut Harrison has performed acceptable service during his two years residence at the Citadel

Vacancy caused by above resignation
The Executive Committee was authorized to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Lieut Harrison at same pay and emoluments viz - $500 per annum and board at Mess Hall with fuel for quarters.

The Executive Committee was also authorized to make another engagement of an ass’t professor from the graduates of the Academy on same terms as above –

Salary of Lieut O. J. Bond
The salary of Lieut Bond was raised to $750 per

[Page 2]
annum with board at Mess Hall, and fuel for quarters – this change to take effect from October 1st

The Summer Encampment
The Executive Committee reported it inexpedient and impracticable to carry out this summer this suggestion made at the last Annual Meeting of the Board. The following resolution was adopted that at the Military Session immediately after commencement the Corps of Cadets go into encampment for instruction in field duty and other military exercises.

Federal Claim
The Chairman reported that events had materially changed the status of this matter –

Judge T. J. Mackey the Special Agent in charge of this claim having absented himself from Washington City, and broken off all communication with this Board, the Chairman had opened correspondence with Caleb Bouknight and ignoring further relations with Judge Mackey the Chairman had placed the whole matter in the hands of Senator Hampton, who had shown great interest in pressing this claim, and who now held out the hope that the claim for rental could be adjusted by the Secretary of War without further legislation by Congress –

Semi-Annual Meeting of the Board
It was decided that, unless otherwise ordered by the Chairman or Executive Committee, the semi-annual meeting of the Board would be held in Charleston at 5 pm on Monday preceding the first Wednesday in July. At 130 pm the Board adjourned over to Thursday the 5th inst

[Page 3]
Charleston – July 5 1888

Pursuant to adjournment on Tuesday last the Board of Visitors of the South Carolina Military Academy met at the Charleston Hotel at 11 o’clock this day. Present –
Genl Johnson Hagood Chairman
Mess – Jones – Croft – Bonham and Gadsden

Report of the Superintendent
The report of the Superintendent Genl Geo. D. Johnston was submitted and ordered to be included in the minutes – Report

Headquarters SC Military Academy
Charleston S.C. July 3rd 1888 –

General Johnson Hagood –
Chairman Board Visitors
South Carolina Military Academy

General:
I have the honor to submit the following report of the Academy for the session 1887-88. The session opened with 130 Cadets. Since my report of November last (4) four cadets have been suspended, (3) three of whom were beneficiaries, and (7) seven cadets have been honorably discharged, all of whom were pay. We will lose by graduation the (9) nine members of the first class, (6) six of whom are beneficiaries. We will in addition lose a few cadets because of their deficiency in studies but I cannot designate the number for the reason that the class roles for the session have not yet been completed. The progress of the cadets in their studies has been, on the whole, very satisfactory. The discipline has been good; while the health of the corps has been much better than it was last session; no epidemic prevailing. I refer with gratification to the timely change made by the Board in the arrangement of the Academic Session – and in the payment of the fees. This action has resulted

[Page 4]
greatly to the advantage of the Academy and the cadets. The amount of work accomplished has been greater under the new, than under the old system. The order has been better, greater cheerfulness has prevailed among the cadets; while we have avoided the serious losses in fees which usually occurred, previously, near the close of the session.

I am encouraged to anticipate for the next session an increase in the number of cadets attending the Academy; which is especially gratifying in view of the fact that the competition between the Institutions for higher education in this state, promises to be more active than they have been. On account of the distinctive features of our systems of study and training which have not their counterpart in any other of the Institutions of the [illegible] States, our area of patronage should and probably will steadily enlarge, as the merits of the Academy becomes more and more known widely. I believe that it is important to restore the study of German to our curriculum. I know of young men who have been lost to the Academy, because we did not give instruction in this useful language. The best class of cadets at the Academy would be glad to acquire a knowledge of it – and its absence from our course of study with holds from us the patronage of a large, influential and wealthy population who insist upon their sons being taught their mother tongue.

I recommend that the cadets be required to pay for and own their text books, as they are at present required to pay for and own their drawing instruments. It is the unanimous sense of the Academic Board that this charge should be made, the adoption would not only ensure to the material service of the cadets,

[Page 5]
but it would also avoid a heavy tax which the Academy, under our present system, is compelled to bear.

I further recommend that the cadet quarters, the Chapel, the Mess Hall, the Library and the Section rooms be painted and white-washed, and if other repairs upon these parts of the building be needed that they also be authorized. It is necessary to the decent comfort of the cadets that their bedding &c be thoroughly overhauled and renovated, and an appropriation for that purpose should be made.

After the accounts of last month are paid off, the Academy will have in bank and due from the state during the remainder of this fiscal year about $5499.97. Deducting officers salaries, and charges for water and janitor for (3) three months, there will be October 1st next, a balance to its credit of about $2872.07.

Very respectfully
Your obedient servant
Geo D Johnston
Superintendent

The following action was taken in regard to the recommendation therein contained

German and French
It was decided that hereafter the Third and Fourth classes will be instructed in the French and the First and Second in the German languages by Professor Mazyck

Text Books
It was ordered that one or more sets of text books be put in the hands of the Quartermaster to be used for purposes of reference by the advanced classes under proper instructions from the Superintendent

[Page 6]
Repairs of Quarters &c
It was ordered that the Superintendent make and submit at as early a day as practicable to Executive Committee an estimate of the funds necessary for
1st The painting, whitewashing, and thorough renovation of the interior of the Citadel building 2nd The construction of a water closet in connection with the Hospital
3rd The renewal of bedding, and substitution of students lamps in place of common oil shade less lamps

Resolved further – That the Superintendent report upon the present extent and occupation of Quarters, with recommendation on the subject and upon provision of quarters for the additional professors –

The following cases of cadets suspended by the Superintendent, were taken up by the Board –

Cadet Murphy Deserted

On motion Cadet Murphy was expelled from the Academy

Cadet Simms Drunkenness

On motion Cadet Simms was dismissed

Cadet Scott – suspended under par #89 Regulations. Upon investigation the Board learned his offense was tampering with the records of the Academy – whereby the standing of himself and other cadets was affected, and that his guilt was admitted.

On motion Cadet Scott was expelled.

Heights of Cadets
On motion it was decided that hereafter no cadet shall be admitted under 5 ft in height.

At 1 30 pm the Board adjourned sine die

C. S. Gadsden
Acting Sec Bd

[Page 7]
Columbia 4 Sept. 1888

Executive Committee met

Present – Chairman
Maj Gadsden
Dr. Jones
P. B. Hagood acted as Secretary

The following applications for permission to appear in the Competitive Examination for the Beneficiary appointments of 1888 were considered and acted on favorably

Aiken
Buckingham – E. R. Toole, Nathaniel
Gunter – Judson Wallsole, N. G.
Nixson – J. W. Woodward, E. E.
Sommer – Wm. J. Woodward, Judson
Yome, Wesley

Abbeville
Calhoun, Chas. R. Ross Saml. H.
McGhee, W. L.

Charleston
Hassell Rufus J. Millings Jno. A.
Jackson Howard Jr. Wilson A. P.

Colleton
Caldwell Wm. B.
Carter Angus F. Moore Jas. B.
Griffith S. C. Padgett Jas. G.
Lemarks E. D. Parker Fitz U.
Rigby Wm. W. Warner D. W.

Edgefield
Asbill Abner J. Cram J. W.
Carter Saml T. Etheredge A. G.
Cassels J. B. Kernaghan R. H.

[Page 8]
Edgefield (Continued)
Lanham T. B. Morgan E. G.
Matthius B. C. Riser Y. V. A.
Mims H. A. Wilson C. M.

Marion
Brown, Robert Mace, John C.
Daniel, Wm. L. Manning A. J.
Gregg, F. W. Philips M
James, L. F.

Orangeburg
Able E. W. Harlong, Jas. F.
Andrews B. W. Huger A. A.
Beckwith Jno G. Off F. F.
Haigler L. D. Salley Wm H.
Hart H. W.

Richland
Fickling Saml Thomas A. L.
Fripp R. B.

Sumter
Booth, E. S. Caldwell, Jno. R.
Brown, Palmer Kelley, H. D.
Cain Wm M. McLeod, H. A.

Union
McNally, Thos. Scaife, H. L.

York
Clawson, Thos. W. McElvee, Jas. F.
Crawford F. E. Moore, R. C.
Dunlap, Willie T. Starr, M. E.
Kell Thos. Banks

The following applications were considered and action taken thereon as below to wit:

N. A. Boatwright Aiken Co.

Resolved – That in the opinion of the Board, upon the exhibit made the circumstances of the Father of the Applicant do not

[Page 9]
warrant the reception of a beneficiary appointment.

Randolph B. Dunbar – Aiken, Co.

Resolved – That applicant cannot complete, under the rules, he being over the prescribed age

Joel Smith Aiken Abbeville Co.

Resolved – That in the opinion of the Board upon the exhibit made the circumstances do not warrant the reception of a beneficiary appointment for Joel Smith Aiken.

R. I. Middleton Jr. Charleston Co

Resolved – That applicant cannot compete, he having a brother now at the Academy as a Beneficiary Cadet.

Jas. Walker Geraty Colleton Co.

Resolved. That applicant cannot compete, he having a brother now at the Academy as a Beneficiary Cadet.

LeRoy G. Henderson Colleton Co

Resolved – That in the opinion of the Board Father’s circumstances do not warrant a Beneficiary appointment.

John Williams Mobley Edgefield Co.

Resolved – That in the opinion of the Board upon exhibit made the circumstances of the parent do not warrant the reception of a Beneficiary appointment - by Jno. Williams Mobley.

[Page 10]
Caleb Pickney Ontz – Edgefield Co.

Resolved That applicant be not allowed to compete, he having had a brother, to graduate from the Academy, recently, as a Beneficiary cadet

Whitefield, Watson – Edgefield Co.

Resolved – That in the opinion of the Board upon exhibit made the circumstances of the applicant and his parent do not warrant the reception of a Beneficiary appointment by Whitefield Watson.

J. R. Ligon Jr Orangeburg Co

Resolved – That in the opinion of the Board upon the exhibit made the circumstances of the applicants parent do not warrant the reception of a Beneficiary appointment by J. R. Ligon Jr.

E. O. Sarratt Union Co.

Resolved – That in the opinion of the Board, upon the exhibit made the circumstances of the Father of the Applicant – Edward Oliver Sarratt do not warrant the reception of a beneficiary appointment.

John D. Smith Union Co.

Resolved That applicant can not compete, under the rules, he being over the prescribed age.

B. F. Townsend Union Co.

Resolved – That the application of D. A. Townsend be rejected; the reason, that one son

[Page 11]
has already had a Beneficiary appointment.

Ex. Committee adjourned

P. B. Hagood
Secty.

Columbia
21 Sept 1888

Board of Visitors met pursuant to call of Chairman

Present The Chairman
Dr Jones
Maj Gadsden
The Governor
The Adj Gen

Resignation of Maj Emerson Prof Chemistry & Physics submitted

Accepted to take affect 30th Sept inst.

Papers of application & recommendation for vacancy submitted from

1. Dr Charles L. Reese
Asst Prof. Chem. John Hopkins Graduate Univ. Virginia and PhD. From Heidelburg

2. Dr James M Pickel
Graduate Furman University; PhD Gottingen. Prof Chem &c Florida Agricult. College

3. Ruffin Oche Wight Grad. Univ. Ala., Brachen High School Alabama

4. P. Colton Lynes Yorkville Acad. Lycee [illegible words] Paris PhD.

[Page 12]
Dr James M. Pickel unanimously elected.

Cam B. W. Andrews. successful before recent competitive examins. Orangeburg Co.

Protested: won eligibility; taken not a resident of state

Messrs Dantzler apprehend for protestant; & Rayser for Andrews.

Affidavits & counter affidavits made; agreement heard.

Referred to atty Gen upon the point of law (residence of S. C. Andrews the father) involved.

Board adjourned

Hagood
Ch

[Page 13]
Charleston
3 Oct 1888

Executive Committee met pursuant to call of Chairman at Charleston Hotel at 10 P.M.

Present.
Chairman
Dr Jones
Maj Gadsden

Chairman submitted letter from Dr James M. Pickel addressed to Supt after the arrival of the former at Citadel making certain conditions precedent to his entering upon the duties of the Professorship to which he had been elected. Also communication of Chairman declining to place Dr Pickel upon duty under the circumstances

On resolution. Action of Chairman approved and confirmed

Dr Charles L. Reese was then elected Professor of Chemistry and Physics via Emerson resigned; and Supt directed to notify him of the [illegible]

Ex Com Board adjourned

Hagood
Ch

[Page 14]
Charleston November 10 1888

The Annual Meeting of the Board of Visitors of the South Carolina Military Academy was called for Monday 5th November at 7 pm at Charleston Hotel –

Present Dr J B Jones and C S Gadsden who adjourned for want of a quorum

The meeting was subsequently called for Tuesday 6th inst at same place, present the chairman, Dr Jones and Maj C S Gadsden. There being no quorum present the Board adjourned –

The Executive Committee immediately organized, present the Chairman Dr Jones and Maj Gadsden

The Chairman reported that the claim against the United States Government for [illegible] and injury to the premises of the Citadel had been adjusted through the earnest efforts of our Senators and Members of Congress and the amount of $ had been paid into the State Treasury in satisfaction of same –

It was further stated that proper report would be made to the Legislature at the approaching session of all facts connected with this claim –

Case of B. W. Andrews –

Beneficiary from Orangeburg successful in competitive examinations. Protest was made on ground of non-residence of Father, and case was referred to the Attorney General of the State. The opinion of Genl Earle was read, on hearing which, it was ordered –

“That protest be dismissed and B W Andrews be confirmed as a Beneficiary from Orangeburg County –

[Page 15]
It was also ordered that five $5.00 dollars be paid to J. E. Smith for clerical services to Board of Visitors at the last Semi Annual Meeting –

The Committee then adjourned to meet at the Citadel at 10 00 am November 7th –

The Board of Visitors met at the Citadel at 10 o’clock. Col Croft reported present –

The quarters were inspected and a decided improvement was observed throughout the premises –

The accounts of the Quarter Master Lieut W. W. White were presented, and after careful inspection were audited by a committee composed of Dr Jones – Col Croft and Maj Gadsden

Board adjourned –

C. S. Gadsden
Acting Secty