Letter from Richard Y. Dwight to his father, July 11, 1854
Title
Letter from Richard Y. Dwight to his father, July 11, 1854
Description
Letter from Richard Y. Dwight to his father concerning an act of rebellion that occurred at The Citadel.
Creator
Source
AFFC 2018.2
Publisher
The Citadel Archives and Museum
Date
Rights
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.
Format
application/pdf
Language
English
Type
Text
Identifier
https://citadeldigitalarchives.omeka.net/items/show/1263
Coverage
Charleston (S. C.)
Text
[Page 1]
Citadel, July 11th 1854.
My Dear Father
I write to inform you of a serious affair which has occurred in our Institution, and to acquaint you, much to my sorrow, of my thoughtless and inconsiderate participation in it.
My class recites to Ass Prof Jenkins on Thursdays at 11 1/2 O'clock. On last Thursday he forgot to [come] in the Section Room to hear his class recite, and immediately applied to Major Capers for permission to take the class in at another hour. We however were not cognisant [sic] of his having got permission, and as it is a universal rule of the Professors not to require us to make up for their negligence, we naturally concluded that Mr Jenkins was not justified in calling us in, and accordingly when the Squad Marcher informed me that I had to recite on friday evening, which I always devote to study, I determined that I would not recite when called upon but simply say "I am unprepared." Many other's I heard express a similar determination; and it did not occur for a moment to me that I would be "biting my nose to spite my face"; I only though [illegible] to myself that I would be pursuing the right course. Immediately after dinner on the 7th (Friday) I was going to my room, when I heard several fellows saying apparently in a jocose manner that there was a meeting of the 3d class in No 60; I thought that I would go round and see what was the matter. Soon after I got there the talking became excited, and every one expressed his opinion which was to decline reciting when called on. There was no Meeting, no one acted as Chairman, and no Resolutions were made.
We went into the Section Room and after several of us told him that we were unprepared, he began talking of a "Combination"; then for the first time did it occur to
[Page 2]
me that our action might be considered as a Combination.
We were reported for combining not to recite when called on, and required not to send in our excuses for the same. I gave Major Capers my reason for going to Room (No 60) which was chance; I told him the character of the collection (of the class), and that it never entered my head that I was entering into any combination.
He has not passed his decision up the case as yet, but he will probably do so this evening, and I am quite sure that he will not suspend us.
But did I ever think that I would ever be so much off of my guard as to be betrayed by myself into anything which looks like combination; especially after your repeated and impressive cautions? No, Father! think not for a moment that I am so lost to all sense of gratitude, as well modification, as to do anything wilfully, which I thought would distress you. I love you as dearly as ever, and will endeavor to let this lesson of experience teach me what it seems your fatherly injunctions have failed to impress upon me, and only for my rashness, I am inclined to think that my own self confidence misled me, for heretofore I have never engaged in any conversation on the subject of School and College resistance to the established Laws that I did not give forth your opinions as enthusiastically as if they originated with me, and I always thought that they were well grounded in me, and hence it is that I say that my own self confidence overthrew me, I was not keeping watch over myself, thinking that all was safe. Such being the case then, I must think that this will be beneficial to me provided it is not made too serious a matter (for then I would not have an opportunity of profiting by experience) in keeping me constantly on my guard. And now, Father, can you forgive me for my ingratitude and listlessness to your kind injunctions? I meant no opposition to the regulations, nor any disregard of your counsels, but in an evil, un-
[Page 3]
propitious hour, when least expecting the enemy, he met me in a subtle manner and overcame me.
I throw myself, my dear father, upon your mercy! Forgive me, I know not what I did. Oh! could I have foreseen the misery that I would cause myself and the mortification that I would cause those near and dear to me by my unintended misconduct, I would not now have to be asking pardon of a kind and indulgent parent, but thank Heaven that I am not ashamed to acknowledge the error of my ways, and be penitent. I promise you nothing of the kind for the future; and you can rely on my promise.
I will finish this letter and mail it as soon as I hear of Major Capers' decision.
July 12th. As I expected Major Capers did not suspend us! He decided that it was a meeting, whether officers were appointed or not, and clearly a violation of the Regulations. In consideration, however, of our intentions, and the manner and spirit, with which it was done; [illegible] we did not mean any violation of the Regulations, but were entirely unawares that we were committing so grave an offense; he only subjected us to the [illegible] punishment, viz: ten demerits, and confinement to Recreation limits until further ordered; the four corporals implicated are reduced to ranks. As Major Capers determined that we did form a Combination, we ought by rights to have been suspended; but he said that besides our not meaning any violation of the regulations, he must take into consideration our hitherto manly subordination, which fully substantiated the assertion that we meant no rebellion, and therefore he did not inflict the punishment of Suspension, allotted by the regulations for the offence. I am rejoiced that nothing more serious than this has occurred, for now I have an opportunity of proving that I am determined to abide to the letter, by the
[Page 4]
Regulations. Some, in fact a great many of the fellows are going to leave, because they think that they have been punished too severely, but there is no doubt that it is light for the view, which Major Capers took of the case. I am resolved to bear everything that can be borne without a murmur, and submit myself to my father and my Officers and [illegible words] - I am uncertain where to direct this, but as you are to stop at Roseland I will direct it to Uncle Theodore's care. Do write to me as soon as possible, and forgive me for my error, so unwittingly committed, for I am still and will be your
obedient and affec. Son
Richie.
P.S. I wrote to you on last Friday by Moult. Did he give you the letter? An order has been published requiring us to pay before ten days after the quarter commences; and it will be carried in effect next quarter. Must I go to Gaillard and Snowden? Yesterday was brothers birth day
July 12th 1854.
My Dear Sir: In a letter to one of the girls, Richie gave a simple & unexplanatory statement of "Act" - which forms the subject matter of the above letter. As he did not state that it was a class affair, or give any [illegible] by which I could determine if whether Millie was implicated; and as I saw that this letter was from him, I opened & read it. Poor fellows!
So humble, frank, & full of confession, and so much contrition, I [illegible] immediate & full pardons, and, doubtless, will ensure it. There is no doubt that before you finish writing this confession & petition for pardon, you will feel & resolve to act like the father of the prodigal son, who when [illegible words].
I remailed a letter to you this morning.
Your truly
[illegible]
Citadel, July 11th 1854.
My Dear Father
I write to inform you of a serious affair which has occurred in our Institution, and to acquaint you, much to my sorrow, of my thoughtless and inconsiderate participation in it.
My class recites to Ass Prof Jenkins on Thursdays at 11 1/2 O'clock. On last Thursday he forgot to [come] in the Section Room to hear his class recite, and immediately applied to Major Capers for permission to take the class in at another hour. We however were not cognisant [sic] of his having got permission, and as it is a universal rule of the Professors not to require us to make up for their negligence, we naturally concluded that Mr Jenkins was not justified in calling us in, and accordingly when the Squad Marcher informed me that I had to recite on friday evening, which I always devote to study, I determined that I would not recite when called upon but simply say "I am unprepared." Many other's I heard express a similar determination; and it did not occur for a moment to me that I would be "biting my nose to spite my face"; I only though [illegible] to myself that I would be pursuing the right course. Immediately after dinner on the 7th (Friday) I was going to my room, when I heard several fellows saying apparently in a jocose manner that there was a meeting of the 3d class in No 60; I thought that I would go round and see what was the matter. Soon after I got there the talking became excited, and every one expressed his opinion which was to decline reciting when called on. There was no Meeting, no one acted as Chairman, and no Resolutions were made.
We went into the Section Room and after several of us told him that we were unprepared, he began talking of a "Combination"; then for the first time did it occur to
[Page 2]
me that our action might be considered as a Combination.
We were reported for combining not to recite when called on, and required not to send in our excuses for the same. I gave Major Capers my reason for going to Room (No 60) which was chance; I told him the character of the collection (of the class), and that it never entered my head that I was entering into any combination.
He has not passed his decision up the case as yet, but he will probably do so this evening, and I am quite sure that he will not suspend us.
But did I ever think that I would ever be so much off of my guard as to be betrayed by myself into anything which looks like combination; especially after your repeated and impressive cautions? No, Father! think not for a moment that I am so lost to all sense of gratitude, as well modification, as to do anything wilfully, which I thought would distress you. I love you as dearly as ever, and will endeavor to let this lesson of experience teach me what it seems your fatherly injunctions have failed to impress upon me, and only for my rashness, I am inclined to think that my own self confidence misled me, for heretofore I have never engaged in any conversation on the subject of School and College resistance to the established Laws that I did not give forth your opinions as enthusiastically as if they originated with me, and I always thought that they were well grounded in me, and hence it is that I say that my own self confidence overthrew me, I was not keeping watch over myself, thinking that all was safe. Such being the case then, I must think that this will be beneficial to me provided it is not made too serious a matter (for then I would not have an opportunity of profiting by experience) in keeping me constantly on my guard. And now, Father, can you forgive me for my ingratitude and listlessness to your kind injunctions? I meant no opposition to the regulations, nor any disregard of your counsels, but in an evil, un-
[Page 3]
propitious hour, when least expecting the enemy, he met me in a subtle manner and overcame me.
I throw myself, my dear father, upon your mercy! Forgive me, I know not what I did. Oh! could I have foreseen the misery that I would cause myself and the mortification that I would cause those near and dear to me by my unintended misconduct, I would not now have to be asking pardon of a kind and indulgent parent, but thank Heaven that I am not ashamed to acknowledge the error of my ways, and be penitent. I promise you nothing of the kind for the future; and you can rely on my promise.
I will finish this letter and mail it as soon as I hear of Major Capers' decision.
July 12th. As I expected Major Capers did not suspend us! He decided that it was a meeting, whether officers were appointed or not, and clearly a violation of the Regulations. In consideration, however, of our intentions, and the manner and spirit, with which it was done; [illegible] we did not mean any violation of the Regulations, but were entirely unawares that we were committing so grave an offense; he only subjected us to the [illegible] punishment, viz: ten demerits, and confinement to Recreation limits until further ordered; the four corporals implicated are reduced to ranks. As Major Capers determined that we did form a Combination, we ought by rights to have been suspended; but he said that besides our not meaning any violation of the regulations, he must take into consideration our hitherto manly subordination, which fully substantiated the assertion that we meant no rebellion, and therefore he did not inflict the punishment of Suspension, allotted by the regulations for the offence. I am rejoiced that nothing more serious than this has occurred, for now I have an opportunity of proving that I am determined to abide to the letter, by the
[Page 4]
Regulations. Some, in fact a great many of the fellows are going to leave, because they think that they have been punished too severely, but there is no doubt that it is light for the view, which Major Capers took of the case. I am resolved to bear everything that can be borne without a murmur, and submit myself to my father and my Officers and [illegible words] - I am uncertain where to direct this, but as you are to stop at Roseland I will direct it to Uncle Theodore's care. Do write to me as soon as possible, and forgive me for my error, so unwittingly committed, for I am still and will be your
obedient and affec. Son
Richie.
P.S. I wrote to you on last Friday by Moult. Did he give you the letter? An order has been published requiring us to pay before ten days after the quarter commences; and it will be carried in effect next quarter. Must I go to Gaillard and Snowden? Yesterday was brothers birth day
July 12th 1854.
My Dear Sir: In a letter to one of the girls, Richie gave a simple & unexplanatory statement of "Act" - which forms the subject matter of the above letter. As he did not state that it was a class affair, or give any [illegible] by which I could determine if whether Millie was implicated; and as I saw that this letter was from him, I opened & read it. Poor fellows!
So humble, frank, & full of confession, and so much contrition, I [illegible] immediate & full pardons, and, doubtless, will ensure it. There is no doubt that before you finish writing this confession & petition for pardon, you will feel & resolve to act like the father of the prodigal son, who when [illegible words].
I remailed a letter to you this morning.
Your truly
[illegible]
Citation
Dwight, Richard Y., 1837-1919, “Letter from Richard Y. Dwight to his father, July 11, 1854,” The Citadel Archives Digital Collections, accessed May 2, 2024, https://citadeldigitalarchives.omeka.net/items/show/1263.