Edmund Jones Henry papers, 1847 Mar.-Dec.

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Henry, Edmund Jones, 1829-1855. Edmund Jones Henry papers, 1847 Mar.-Dec.

Edmund Jones Henry papers, 1847 Mar.-Dec.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/709590611

Three letters, 14 Mar., 4 May, and Dec. 1847, from future journalist Edmund Jones Henry (1829-1855) to his friend Augustus H. ("Gus") Kirby at home in Spartanburg, S.C., and date from the time when Henry attended South Carolina College in Columbia, S.C. Letter, 14 Mar. 1847 (Columbia, S.C.), comparing his hometown with Columbia: "Although Spartanburgh is generally dull, yet it can not be compared with this place, at particular times. In our village, we can enjoy ourselves in the company of the young ladies, but here, they are so very formal that I always feel constrained, when I am in their company. The ladies of S[partanburg] in my estimation are decidedly prettier than those of this place." The letter also reports on observances honoring the birthday of George Washington was observed in Columbia: "We celebrated... with a great deal of pomp, and show. The College Cadets marched up town, and halted in front of the market house, where they were joined by the Governor's Guards. A procession was then formed, the students and citizens preceding, and the companies coming after. We marched down to the chapel, where we found a brilliant assemblage of the beauties of Columbia. We heard quite a fine speech from Mr. [William] Logue, a member of our [Clariosophic] society." Letter, 4 May 1847, re May Day festivities, events related to the end of the school year, and reporting his new boarding arrangements off campus, arrival of a circus: "On Friday before the first of May, they had several parties (May parties) in town....Miss Ellen Laborde, the daughter of one of our professors [Maximilian La Borde], was crowned queen of May.... I left the Steward hall about two weeks ago, and have been boarding up town.... I must not forget to tell you that there was a very large circus in town last night. The riding and tumbling were very good..." Letter, Dec. 1847, re political news: "The Legislature, I think, from what I have seen, have been doing very little this session.... I believe the most important debate they have had in the house was on Judge [John Smith] Richardson's case. A bill was brought up proposing to turn him out of his office from mental, and physical inability. But he defended himself, and I understand (for I did not hear it) made a very able speech....But with all the speaking, disputing, &c., the old fellow got off, and no doubt, will continue to hold his office, to shew them that he is not to be bluffed off."

3 items.

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