I 
 
3 
 
 ADDRESS 
 
 BEFORE THE 
 
 MEMBERS AND PUPILS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 WINY AH INDIGO SOCIETY 
 
 DELIVERED IN GEORGETOWN, 
 
 ON THE 
 
 5th OF MAY, 1854, 
 (THEIR 99TH ANNIVERSARY.) 
 
 BY THE PRESIDENT 
 
 R. F. W. ALLSTON. 
 
 CHARLESTON: 
 
 WALKER, EVANS & CO’S. STEAM POWER PRESSES. 
 NO. 3 BROAD STREET. 
 
 1859 . 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2016 
 
 https://archive.org/details/addressbeforememOOalls 
 
THE FLOWERS COLLECTION 
 
 ADDRESS. 
 
 A desire for happiness, the pursuit of which constitutes with 
 most men the business of life, furnishes at once the motive 
 and stimulus to exertion. Wealth is sought, whether on the 
 boisterous South sea, amid the trackless fields of ice in the 
 Arctic, or in the mineral bowels of the earth; by means of 
 agriculture, commerce, manufactures, or of professions, trades 
 and callings, of countless variety and degrees of profit, 
 because it is expected to contribute to the happiness of its 
 fortunate possessor. 
 
 Fame results to the scientific traveler, the astronomer, the 
 author, who through burning sands, in weary watchings of the 
 heavenly bodies, in studious exactions from the stimulated, 
 brain, pursues his pleasure in gratifying his taste. To the distin- 
 guished naturalist who passed a life-time in the forest, among 
 the fields, in dank swamps, and in the wild prairies, engaged in 
 capturing, dissecting and depicting the birds and quadrupeds 
 of America ! He, of whom, while living it might have been 
 truly said — 
 
 “ Who lovethwell 
 ‘ Both man and bird and beast.” 
 
 Toilsome days and sleepless nights are spent in securing 
 office, whether of honor, profit or trust. The mind, once 
 engaged in such an effort with fixed intent, it is in the attain- 
 ment only of the object, that its happiness is supposed to con- 
 sist. Alas ! what an illusion to many who thus seek, and 
 are gratified with the fullest success. Who, waking up late 
 to the consciousness of holy desires, realize at the close of a 
 checkered, feverish, perhaps turbulent life, the emptiness of 
 the glittering bubble they have pursued. 
 
4 
 
 Yet are we bound to prosecute the journey of life, and to 
 keep in active exercise the sagacity, and all the energies of 
 mind and body with which we have been endowed, in order 
 to avoid the snares and overcome the obstacles which beset 
 the way. Fortunate they who, in the outset, have secured a 
 trusty, kind and capable guide.* 
 
 Morality is not to be slighted as a guide — one that is 
 deemed by the mass of men sufficient for the greater part of 
 the journey. But when the fancy and the step begin to lose 
 the buoyancy of youth, and the wayfarer pauses to reflect on 
 the past, should experience then detect, far back, some slight 
 deviation leading him, by little and little, diverging away 
 from his true course, religion will then be consulted as the 
 surest, only safe guide, whose chart is traced by the Creator 
 himself. Now, with submission be it said, each adult who 
 has been reared from infancy by conscientious parents, can 
 secure for himself in after life, the direction and help of both 
 the one and the other, together with the happiness resulting 
 from a successful career. The ample means available to all, 
 we call education. } ou will perceive it is not the teachings of 
 the schools and colleges alone that we dignify with the im- 
 portance attaching to this appellation. They constitute valu- 
 able parts, undoubtedly, but not the whole; and unless we 
 start right, it is difficult to avoid repeated errors by the way, 
 perhaps ultimate and irretrievable failure. In each individual 
 instance, education begins with the dawn of sense, when the 
 cherub infant is affected by a frown of displeasure, or a smile 
 of approbation, and lisps the first word intelligible to the 
 mother’s heart. When that heart leaps for joy at this first 
 enunciation, its glad impulses need no restraint, if happily its 
 possessor be trained to fulfil her noble mission. The mother, 
 first in the process of nature, lays the cornerstone of educa- 
 tion. The teacher prevails next, and then the inner man, 
 with morality and religion to prompt and direct his efforts. 
 In all civilized countries this subject deservedly excites the 
 liveliest interest and prompts the most anxious enquiry. Un- 
 
 * John Banyan, in “ the Pilgrim’s Progress,” teaches all who will apply to him, 
 how to find such a one. 
 
5 
 
 doubtedly, serious mistakes have been made in the prosecution 
 of such enquiry hy individuals, and even classes, constructing 
 theories supposed to be adapted to their peculiar circum- 
 stances ; but in general mankind have been practical and 
 candid enough, willing to receive the truth from any one who 
 would take the pains to investigate the subject and promul- 
 gate results, or who would assume the responsibility of 
 teaching. 
 
 Successive generations, guided by the experience and 
 warned to shun the errors of those which had gone before, 
 aided also by superior lights, have materially improved the 
 systems of the past ; but each, for itself, has generally adopted 
 that which seemed best suited to the existing spirit, and the 
 demands of the progressive age. As the world has grown 
 older, education has become more and more thorough, exten- 
 sive and refined. In proportion as superior means have been 
 invented and provided for the prosecution of scientific inves- 
 tigation — as fitting opportunities have been multiplied for its 
 classic and useful extension — as the arts and literature have 
 become more widely diffused, to form and elevate the stan- 
 dard of taste Still the teaching of some fashionable, though 
 varied and elegant schools, is rather superficial. Designed 
 chiefly for girls, they ought to be reformed. If ever the power 
 of the “almighty dollar” is to be checked in this prosperous 
 country, and the homely pleasure of administering domestic 
 duties be vindicated — if ever the energy, skill and ability of 
 American citizens, now so marvellously exemplified in accu- 
 mulating wealth, be modified, purified and partially di- 
 verted to the pursut of higher ends — of more enduring and 
 ennobling objects — the reform is destined to be effected by 
 the influence of American women. It is our interest, there- 
 fore, as well as our duty, to educate the sexes appropriately, 
 but thoroughly. 
 
 In every view, woman is entitled to the highest improve- 
 ment of which she is susceptible, and which the early imposed 
 offices of the matron will permit. In no country under the 
 sun, is her influence in society more pervading and more 
 
6 
 
 generally acknowledged than in this republic, under a gov- 
 ernment of enlightened liberty and constitutional law. 
 
 Let her be prepared then to counsel as well as comfort, to 
 act within her sphere wisely, and for mutual good. Let her 
 be thoroughly educated, not to become masculine in deport- 
 ment, rendering men contrarywise, effeminate — not to organize 
 conventions and to conduct public lectures — these are results 
 rather of defective, partial education — but to exercise kindly 
 and judiciously the peculiar, chastening, winning power with 
 which God has endowed her — to fulfil her important and 
 gracious mission in training the tender, impressible nature of 
 childhood — to sooth, and gently to persuade the sterner nature 
 of man to bear and forbear. 
 
 The opinion, doubtless, is sound, that children should not 
 be sent out of the family to school until they have attained 
 the age of seven or eight years.* It would be a great mistake, 
 however, to suppose that the education of those children does 
 not, therefore, progress. It commences in infancy and never 
 stops still, but progresses steadily for good or for ill. If not 
 learning something good with proper chosen playmates, either 
 young or old, they are probably learning idle habits or bad 
 words and bad thoughts, from some vagabond or vicious 
 companions. They will learn — companionship is a necessity 
 for the child. Parents, if duly qualified, are the best possible 
 instructors during those tender years. 
 
 In the ordinary exercise of the maternal functions, without 
 effort, but with signs of pleasure, the irritated child is soothed 
 
 ■^Except in cities where they are sent to “ infant schools” from an early age, 
 “ to keep them out of mischief and from harm.” 
 
 In some great cities humane provision is made for infants of the tenderest age, 
 whose parents are obliged to go out to work daily for their daily bread. For in- 
 stance, in Paris infants from the age of six weeks, are received for the day at a 
 charitable institution called the Creche. 
 
 The mother, on her way to the day’s work in early morning, deposits her baby 
 in one of many cradles overlooked and tended by a Sister of Charity. She nurses 
 it during the day once or twice, as the circumstances require and will permit, 
 and takes it home with her at night — thus securing for the helpless infant safety 
 and requisite attention, whilst the mother labors, without impediment, for the 
 joint sustenance ofboth. 
 
7 
 
 and comforted by sweet sounds; and by the most winning and 
 tender, but persistent manner, is taught to obey. It was under 
 the influence of such views as these that I was impelled, some 
 years ago, when it was first proposed to erect a hall for the 
 Society’s accommodation, to urge that in the plan thereof, 
 provision should be made for receiving the few orphans in the 
 district, likely to become beneficiaries. It is a noble charity 
 to secure for the helpless infant, deprived of the tender care 
 of a mother, the services of a faithful and judicious matron. 
 With a view also to a satisfactory result, if I am to be respon- 
 sible for cultivating the intellect of a youth, I had rather 
 assume the early care of his moral nature, if it has pleased 
 God to remove his natural parents. And this, I conceive, is 
 a beneficent object of such an Institution. 
 
 The Winyah Indigo Society, whose 99th Anniversary we 
 are now assembled to celebrate, originated in the association 
 of certain public spirited gentlemen on the 7th of March, 
 1755. Its schools were organized and appointed forthwith, 
 and two years after, namely, on 21st of May, 1757, it was 
 incorporated with the royal approbation.* 
 
 *On 21st May, 1757, the members numbered 95, as follows: William Allston, 
 Joseph Allston, Joseph Allston, George Austin, Archibald Baird, Francis Banna- 
 tyne, John Bain, Arthur Baxter, John Baxter, Allard Belin, Burtinhead Boutwell, 
 Zachariah Brazier, Joseph Brown, Paul Brunneau, Joseph Britton, Andrew 
 Burnet, Charles Canty, John Cheesborough, John Clark, John Cleland, John 
 Croft, John Crockatt, John Cuthbert, Edward Cassens, Alexander Davidson, 
 William Davidson, David Deas, John Deleisseline, Joseph Dubourdieu, William 
 Flinn, Elias Foisin, John Forbes, Charles Fyffe, William Fyffe, Christopher 
 Gadsden, Tacitus Gaillard, Robert Gibb, John Godfrey, George Govan, William 
 Green, Richard Green, Patrick Grier, Samuel Grier, Thomas Hasell, William 
 Hopton, Elias Horry, Daniel Horry, John Horry, William Hughes, Archibald 
 Johnson, Alexander Keith, Francis Kinloch, Charles Lewis, John Linning, Thos. 
 Lynch, Thomas Lyolbrumby, Isaac Marion, John M’Cants, John M’Dowell, Alex. 
 M’Dowell, James M’Kee, Charles Minor, Thomas Mitchell, David Oliphant, 
 William Palmer, Joseph Poole, Robert Pawley, George Pawley, Jr. Claudius 
 Pegues, Charles Pinckney, George P. Powell, John Rattray, Alexander Rose, Job 
 Rothmahler, Jonathan Sarazar, William Shackelford, John Skrine, George 
 Skinner, William Smith, George Spencer, James Stanghan, George Stannet, L. 
 Stoughtenborough, Paul Trapier, Benjamin, Trapier, Alex. Trapier, Nathaniel 
 Tregagle, Thomas Waties, John Waties, Robert Weaver, John Withers, John 
 White, Sam’l Wragg, Thomas Wright, James Wright. — 95. 
 
 A larger list than can be mustered now. 
 
8 
 
 In the preamble to the act of incorporation it is described 
 as a voluntary society for founding and erecting a free school 
 at Georgetown. 
 
 In the body of the act it is styled and declared to be The 
 Winy ah Indico Society, deriving its name from the agricultural 
 staple (at that time) of this part of the province. 
 
 Banks and bank notes were in those days, if not unconsti- 
 tutional, decidedly unfashionable. Specie consisting of 
 English and Spanish coins, both gold and silver, being not 
 plenty, the available currency consisted chiefly of individual 
 notes of hand, land warrants, live stock, and the staple pro- 
 ducts of the soil. Thus the subscriptions and dues of the 
 members of this Association were paid in Indigo, just as 
 subscriptions for erecting a church or “chapel of ease” were 
 made in the kind of material which it suited the subscriber to 
 contribute, whether bricks, or lime, or boards, or shingles, or 
 mechanical labor.* 
 
 Of the seventy-six names of families inscribed on the list 
 of members in the year of the charter, all but eighteen are 
 now extinct within the district — but few of their descendants 
 are to be found amongst us. 
 
 Among the present members of the Society there are recog- 
 nized but six names identical with those of the said list. 
 
 Thomas Lynch, (a venerated name for which, as for many 
 others, Carolina is indebted to Ireland) th% first President of 
 the Society, was a planter of large possessions on Santee. 
 Educated in America, he was highly esteemed for worth and 
 character. He was chosen one of the deputies to represent 
 South Carolina in the first general Congress of the confedera- 
 ting provinces anterior to the Revolution. The troubles of 
 that day, the weighty responsibilities incumbent on his sta- 
 tion, together with the total interruption of his usual domestic 
 
 ^Bishop Meade says of Virginia : “ Education was confined to the sons of those 
 who being educated themselves, and appreciating the value of it, and having the 
 means, employed private teachers in their families, or sent their sons to the 
 schools in England and paid for them with their tobacco .” Even up to the time 
 of the Revolution this was the case with some. General Nelson, several of the 
 Lees and Randolphs, George Gilmer and others just got back in time to prepare 
 for the Revolutionary struggle. 
 
9 
 
 habits brought on an attack of paralysis, which terminated 
 his valuable life very soon after his return to Carolina. His 
 only son, Thomas Lynch, was chosen to replace him in Con- 
 gress. He signed the Declaration of Independence.* 
 
 In the early years of the Society the anniversary meeting 
 was held in the winter, (1st Friday in December). As late as 
 the beginning of the present century, the Anniversary was 
 celebrated by a dinner at “Williamson’s Tavern” on the 5th 
 December, 1S00. At this dinner the English roast beef and 
 plumb pudding are standard dishes, notwithstanding the 
 change of time from December to May, a change rendered 
 advisable by the State Constitution, which requires the Le- 
 gislature to be in session in the month of December. 
 
 In this connection may we hope that soon there will be no 
 citizen deriving ample revenue within the district, of whom it 
 can be said, he contributes nothing towards the support of its 
 schools, and with the exception of the annual tax assessed for 
 the support of the poor, and the occasional one for repairing a 
 public edifice, or building a bridge — nothing towards its 
 improvement. 
 
 Attached to the Winyah Indigo Society is a library of 
 standard works presented by the surviving members of the 
 ancient and very respectable Library Society of Georgetown, 
 whose constitution was adopted 3d January, 1799, and the 
 
 *Thomas Lynch (the father) married Elizabeth Allston, a sister of William 
 Allston, Sen. (Thomas Waties married another sister — they lived in the two 
 story house near the live Oaks now standing on the Bay. Isaac Marion married 
 another, who lived in the house at the corner on the same square.) His family 
 consisted of several daughters and only one son, the signer of the Declaration of 
 Independence. 
 
 Thomas Lynch (the son) was a gentleman in the best sense, of finished educa- 
 tion, considerable ability, and very kind and affectionate in disposition. At the 
 age of twelve years he was sent to Eton, and having completed his education in 
 England returned to his family in Carolina at the age of 21. He married Bliss 
 Shubrick but left no issue. On the breaking out of the war, soon after his return 
 from Congress, he went into Christ Church Parish to raise and equip a company 
 for service. There, unfortunately, he took fever which prostrated him entirely — 
 his serious illness resulted in the loss of the use of his limbs — his physician 
 ordered him to go abroad for restoration — in the desperate hope of deriving ben- 
 efit from a voyage to Europe, he took shipping for San Jacinto. The vessel 
 foundered and he was heard of no more. 
 
10 
 
 Society incorporated in December, 1800. With these Societies 
 to benefit both young and old — with thriving churches — a 
 wealthy community of planters on the adjacent low grounds,* 
 and new sources of independence and prosperity developed 
 by her young men in the neighboring pine lands, with a valu- 
 able and growing commerce in lumber and naval stores 
 already established — Georgetown may yet resume the position 
 which she inherited longago; when the Lynches and Horrys, 
 the Waties, Marions, and Mitchells, and others were active 
 citizens and familiar residents of the town or vicinage. 
 “Noble and generous spirits were ye, who with small care for 
 fame and no hope of pelf, opened thus to the intellects of the 
 poor, the portals of wisdom !” 
 
 Wisdom, the principal thing, derived from teaching and 
 observation, is a store of knowledge which is increased by 
 the very uses it affords. It is to be purchased and pre- 
 served at any cost of toil, and money, and privation. One 
 whose genius and industry acquired for him at an early 
 age this treasure, tells us “Knowledge is power.” In 
 these days, when commerce enlightens, enriches and cheers 
 mankind, when the useful arts of peace are preferred to 
 the brilliant pomp and circumstance of war, and the subtle 
 triumphs of diplomacy have, in the main, superseded mili- 
 tary conquest, the truth of the aphorism is manifest. It 
 is illustrated in England by the improvement, moral and 
 social, of the middle and lower classes. In America, by 
 the wonderful progress of these States, intellectual and mate- 
 rial. What project too vast for the conception and system of 
 the American mind? What design so gigantic that its enter- 
 prize dare not attempt the fulfilment? If the Dead Sea, the 
 River Jordan, the broad and branching Amazon, the Gulf 
 Stream, that turbulent, mysterious artery of the Atlantic, in 
 its dread bottomless depths, is to be explored, the American 
 navy furnishes the able and willing agents to sound, to map, 
 and to describe. If trackless forests, wild mountains, and 
 boundless plains are to be traversed, in order to mark out 
 
 * Absenteeism unhappily abridges their wealth, the happiness of their people 
 and their characteristic influence. 
 
11 
 
 the paths of commerce between the Atlantic and Pacific, 
 overland, small squads of the American army take the field, 
 heedless of approaching danger, of inevitable suffering by 
 want and inclement seasons, and the stealthy treacheries of 
 the lurking savage, guided often by science only, their knowl- 
 edge of the earth and of the heavens, they prepare, delineate, 
 and protect the way. Not to mention the submarine tele- 
 graph suggested from continent to continent eastward; the 
 idea now progressing of a corporation to construct sixteen 
 hundred miles of railway from the waters of the Mississippi 
 to the Gulf of California, itself attests the activity, the boldness 
 and power of civil and military science. 
 
 “A worldly man boasteth in his pride that there is no power but of money. 
 
 And he judgeth the characters of men by the differing measures of their means 
 He spurneth the needy sage, whose wisdom hath enriched nations, 
 
 And the sons of poverty and learning, without whom earth were a desert. 
 
 Music! the soother of cares, the tuner of dark, discordant heart-strings. 
 
 It is nought to such an one but sounds, whereby some earn their living. 
 
 The poem, and the picture, and the statue, to him seem idle baubles, 
 
 Which wealth condescendeth to favor, to gain him the name of patron. 
 
 Little wotteth he of the wisdom which, in his folly, he drspiseth; 
 
 He considereth not that these be the wires which move the puppets of the 
 world.” 
 
 Unless the heart be duly trained however — unless the 
 affections, the soul, be cultivated, and a proper sense of indi- 
 vidual responsibility be planted in the breast, knowledge 
 sometimes invests its possessor with power to scourge, as 
 well as to bless mankind. Conferring blessing, and honor, 
 and power, when the sympathies and principles of the 
 regenerate soul prompt and direct the mind. 
 
 The simple fishermen of Judea, whose faith failed them 
 not under hardships, and suspicion, and persecution, are ex- 
 amples never too well remembered. And but yesterday, in 
 the city of London, there was a living instance in the person 
 of an humble, poor, and lame tradesman, who exercised this 
 power in a remarkable manner over the most erratic will of 
 truant boys. Not his learning, but his soul was great, full of 
 the knowledge of good, and impelled by the beneficent desire 
 to communicate to the friendless, ignorant, straying child. 
 Little dreaming of the future extensive influence of his ex- 
 
12 
 
 ample, the system practiced by his big, benevolent heart, 
 became the origin and furnished the model of the so called 
 “Ragged Schools” of the metropolis — schools which have 
 reclaimed thousands of the destitute, abandoned, and almost 
 lost, from poverty, degradation and crime.* Britain furnishes 
 also an instance of another kind far different, the contempla- 
 tion of which is replete with warning and instruction. The 
 most brilliant of her poets, the scintillations of whose genius 
 dazzled while they captivated the literary world, than whom 
 no one could better portray the inward workings of a reckless, 
 worldly spirit, thus testifies: 
 
 “ Sorrow is knowledge. They who know the most 
 Must mourn the deepest o’er the fatal trnth: 
 
 The tree of knowledge is not that of life ; 
 
 Philosophy, and science, and the springs 
 Of wonder, and the wisdom of the world, 
 
 I have essayed; and in my mind, there is 
 A power to make these subject to itself.’’ 
 
 Another master of verse says: 
 
 “A little knowledge' is a dangerous thing; 
 
 Drink deep, or taste not of the Pierian spring.” 
 
 This may be true of a given science, and doubtless is true of 
 the subject matter of the poet’s essay, whereof a little knowl- 
 edge imperfectly obtained is apt to puff up the possessor with 
 a vain conceit of its sufficiency. But since the art of printing 
 has become universal, shedding upon the inhabitants of earth 
 far and near, the genial light of truth, beneficent, refining, 
 elevating; no one will be hardy enough to maintain the pro- 
 priety of its application to the fruit of elementary instruction, 
 
 * John Pounds, the London cobbler, who first, to secure a companion for his 
 adopted little boy. a vagabond cousin whom he desired to reclaim and teach what 
 he knew, would coax other little boys found derelict in the street, and toll them 
 with cakes and nuts into his narrow stall, where one byone^-and in scanty degree’ 
 they began to learn the rudiments of reading, writing and cyphering, but more to 
 appreciate and to love thetr patron friend and his hom6. At length, the humble 
 stall was filled with boys reclaimed from vagrancy, till it could hold no more. 
 Even the little step was occupied by dirty tenants, jealous of their privilege and 
 earnest to catch instruction from his lips. His mission was fulfiled. The largest 
 measure of ability, “with means and appliances to boot,” could do no more. 
 
13 
 
 even of the most scanty description. On the contrary, the 
 injunction of the wise, the good, and observant of mankind 
 is, teach your children to read, write and cypher, if it is but a 
 little; they can improve that little hye-and-bye, when they 
 come to have more leisure and a keener sense of its value. 
 In any event, the parent who acts thus will have done his 
 part. And if he can do no more, he may confidently trust to 
 Providence to shape the end. His children will be enabled 
 to learn their duty, and how to fulfil it. The rest will be 
 done for themselves; their own conscience prompting the 
 effort. A most important part of education begins where 
 the school’s teaching ends. 
 
 The progress of human nature from youth to manhood and 
 full maturity is attended by a corresponding, continuous de- 
 velopment, expansion and improvement of the mind; but the 
 mental process continues long after physical maturity has 
 been attained. At all periods, it is true, of the spiritual 
 man; there is no stationary point in his progress. Unless 
 he improve for good the means at hand, and the occa- 
 sions around him, he must retrograde in the moral scale. It 
 becomes us, therefore, both old and young, to strive habitu- 
 ally, every day we are permitted to live, to learn something 
 which will enable us to be more useful to others, and of 
 consequence to ourselves; to think more justly of men and 
 things, and more kindly one of another; to be more consid- 
 erate of the peculiarities as well as the wants of individuals, 
 more blind to their failings, less disposed to find fault, and 
 more willing to serve them; in a word, which will render us 
 more intelligent of human responsibility, less selfish, and 
 better fitted for a more exalted state of existence. 
 
 Again : 
 
 “Honor and shame from no condition rise; 
 
 Act well your part, there all the honor lies/’ 
 
 Promulgated under the regime of monarchs, and orders of 
 ancestral nobility, in the old world, this sentiment has taken 
 deep root there, though destined still to vegetate in compara- 
 tive obscurity. But it applied with peculiar and prophetic 
 
14 
 
 force to tli e amazing development of mind and human pro- 
 gress which have since been realized in our own favored 
 land ; where amongst citizens there is recognized no privileged 
 order ; where “ worth makes the man.” 
 
 We ought to admit at the same time — and the idea furnishes 
 a strong incentive to a laudable public spirit and honorable 
 exertion — that where the members of a family have, from 
 generation to generation, in long succession, acted well their 
 parts, and stand, in human estimation, acquitted of their duty 
 to their country, their name will be allowed of all men to be 
 a title of respectability and honor; a title which people who 
 know of them will feel an honest pride in recognizing. But 
 should the descendant of such a family, with unscrupulous 
 and narrow selfishness pursue his fortunes in contempt of 
 the wants and feelings of others; and, standing defiant before 
 his fellow men, propose to justify irregularities and misconduct 
 by the plea of a noble ancestry, he would incur not only the 
 odium among his compeers of a signal failure, but also the 
 heavy responsibility of desecrating an honored name: 
 
 “Ah! why should virtue dread the frowns of Fate? 
 
 Hers what no wealth can win, no power create! 
 
 A little world of clear and cloudless day 
 
 Nor wrecked by storms, nor mouldered by decay, 
 
 A world with memory’s ceaseless sunshine blest, 
 
 The home of happiness, an honest breast.’’ 
 
 These little couplets recall forcibly to my remembrance the 
 learned grammarian who often quoted them for instruction in 
 the school. Peaceful be his rest, and honored his memory! 
 Formerly, a well known ruling master in Winyah, he was 
 long approved as such by parents and guardians.* 
 
 ♦ The noted school of the venerable John Waldo was situated in Georgetown; 
 kept, during winter, in the house, corner of Broad and Screven streets, now 
 owned by Dr. Charles Williams; in summer, at “North Inlet,” in a house upon 
 the sand-hills, no vestige of which now remains. The school flourished in 1809- 
 ’12, and was considered a good school for boys learning Latin and Greek, until 
 the time and attention of the Principal became too much engrossed by his preten- 
 sions as an author. With great labor and industry he compiled a system of 
 English grammar, which was published at no small expense of time and money. 
 Not unfrequently when he was thus engaged, his attention was abstracted 
 from the details of the school-room, and there were not wanting mischievous 
 
15 
 
 To the boys who attended his school — 
 
 “ A man severe he was, and stern to view,” 
 
 yet faithful and valuable to a few, who attracted his regard, 
 and who now, by their position and usefulness in society, 
 reflect the gratitude which they, doubtless, feel. Bestowed at 
 a time when the learning of the ancients, far from being a 
 common heritage, was taught by scholars “ few and far be- 
 tween/’ the well-meant labors of our preceptor, productive as 
 they were of much good in this venerable town, will be 
 remembered by his pupils with the commendation which 
 becomes them. There are living, who will freely acknowl- 
 edge that had their devotion to study, to their own true inter- 
 ests, been greater, and their concern less to evade his fitful 
 vigilance and offended dignity, they could not have failed — 
 
 To profit largely by his store 
 Of grammar and his classic lore. 
 
 My young friends: Forty years ago I trudged along these 
 streets to Waldo’s school, as you do now to White’s ; carrying 
 with me books^ and ball, or top, or shintey, just as you do 
 now — 
 
 “ On yon (pave-ground) near the (Master’s) door, 
 
 Worn smooth by busy feet, now seen no more, 
 
 Each eve we shot the marble thro’ the ring, 
 
 When the heart danced, and life was in its spring.” 
 
 It is due to truth to say, that I was one of those more fond 
 of the outside play ground than of the inside school room. It 
 may be thus with some of you. Urged, however, by the 
 tender appeals of a fond but judicious mother, my only par- 
 ent living, I became sensible, though late, of the advantages 
 
 boys, who took advantage of his pre-occupation; on discoveriug which, his 
 temper, somewhat uneven, was roused and was likely to become violent. There 
 were some poor devoted fellows whom he always suspected, even when they 
 seemed to be engrossed by the book lying open before them. Behind these, he 
 would at times step stealthily up, and on ascertaining over his spectacles that the 
 object of fixed attention, instead of a book, was a favorite marble, or something 
 else, would deal, with the open hand, such a blow as was not soon forgotten. 
 
16 
 
 neglected, which ought to have been improved ; of the time 
 mis-spent, never to be redeemed ; of opportunities past and 
 passing fast away ! The school to which you are attached, 
 existed then under the immediate care of Mr. Wm. R. Theus, 
 Oh ! then,Avhat a gala day was the Anniversary of the Indigo 
 Society, countenanced and attended by the men of yore, 
 whose memories are still cherished in the land. The school 
 was always full, its advantages being sought by parents and 
 guardians as a privilege to them and a boon to their children 
 or wards. So when the procession was formed in the street, 
 the pupil’s appearing in their plain, but clean and neat attire, 
 marshalled under the stately lead of the venerable revolution- 
 ary surgeon, Dr. Joseph Blyth, or the dignified Major John 
 Keith and the amiable Savage Smith, whose portly presence 
 was itself a sanction, as it moved in grave order towards one 
 of the churches, where an expecting audience waited to hear 
 the annual address, a spectacle was presented, very imposing 
 to youthful eyes — very impressive on the memory of the 
 young. 
 
 There was a time when this was the only public school in 
 Georgetown. (The Free Schools, the establishment of which 
 reflects so much credit on the Legislature of 1811, were not 
 organized until a year or two after, (1812-13.) I will not say 
 that it has instructed more boys and girls than any other 
 school in the State — our number is limited to twenty-five — 
 but that it has probably been in operation as a school as 
 steadily and continuously as any other. We have no record 
 of its having been suspended, at any time, for more than two 
 months. Designed in the middle of the last century by the 
 benevolent gentlemen of that day, and sustained by their 
 wise forecast until placed upon a firm and creditable footing, 
 it has been countenanced and sustained ever since by their 
 successors, with commendable public spirit, from generation 
 to generation. I trust it will be cherished by you, and by 
 many yet unborn, as long as this ancient municipality, and 
 the State itself, shall preserve corporate existance. 
 
 Recipients of this time-honored bounty ! you for whose 
 instruction the members of this institution have been asso- 
 
17 
 
 dated ninety-nine years! What is required of you in return? 
 Simply to obey God’s holy will, and keep His command- 
 ments, to do them. Do you desire to exhibit your sense of 
 duty ? To testify the honor and gratitude which each must 
 feci sooner or later ? Conduct yourself uprightly and hon- 
 estly — speak the truth always — be fair and just on the play 
 ground, as in all your dealings — diligent and submissive in 
 the school room — respect and obey your worthy preceptor — 
 give him no unnecessary trouble, by absenting yourself on 
 every trivial excuse, by failing in punctuality to the recita- 
 tions and the hours he prescribes — in attention to decency 
 and order, or in any other way. 
 
 Doubtless you may feel inclined at first to resist the force 
 of my injunctions, or to receive them with impatience, or as 
 interfering with your desires, and abridging unnecessarily 
 your pleasures. Punctuality and order are sometimes incon- 
 veniently pressed upon you. But consider how they obtain 
 in the recurrence of this anniversary! How punctually the 
 members of the Indigo Society are assembled at 11 o’clock; 
 and bow comfortably, owing to the order which prevails, you 
 all are enabled to listen to the sentiments of their orator. 
 Order is the first law of nature; it is exemplified in all the 
 works of God. In the animal physiology and functions, the 
 regular succession of the seasons — when the hosts of winter 
 are past, then the eye is gladdened by the green fields and 
 variegated flowers, and shady foliage of spring, and the heart 
 is cheered with the budding promise of abundance in its sea- 
 son of fruition. 
 
 Behold the majesty of the heavens, of the celestial bodies^ 
 although countless in number, each moves in the firmament 
 above in its peculiar orbit and prescribed sphere, exhibiting a 
 system of harmony and order beautifully grand and instruc- 
 tive. And the great luminary! the sun — what more punc- 
 tual and orderly in his daily visits, familiarly speaking than 
 the sun. Rising regularly in the East, be sheds heat and 
 light upon the earth, by which the soil is rendered fruitful, 
 and you are enabled to read and write, and work and play. 
 Well, by the time you are tired of all this, his daily course is 
 2 
 
18 
 
 over, and the sun sets in the west punctually — never too late — 
 and night succeeds; the dew cools and refreshes the earth, 
 and yon rest your wearied limbs, and sleep until the morn- 
 ing — when punctual, as before, his broad, bright disk again 
 appears and invites you to the daily round of duty and of 
 pleasure. 
 
 Your teacher’s business is to study and promote your inter- 
 ests; yours is to make due progress in a sound, practical edu- 
 cation. On leaving the school-room between hours, and 
 while mingling with your comrades from day to day, bear 
 in mind the character of the ancient and respectable school 
 to which you belong; and regarding it in the light of an 
 honored parent, take care to do no act unworthy of it, neither 
 secret evil nor open shame. Remember, each cleve is in 
 some sort part and parcel of the Institution itself, and his 
 conduct will reflect upon it credit or reproach. Who that 
 would not feel proud of being a worthy member of a corpo- 
 ration so elevated in purpose, so venerable in the history of 
 the commonwealth ? Who that would not be degraded by 
 conduct which would cast upon it discredit, and cause its 
 officers to blush for their charge ? 
 
 You are now its beneficiaries. Only think how many have 
 preceded you. How many, long since dead, have, in the 
 occasional brief intervals of a toilsome life, looked back with 
 yearning and regret tJ their school boy days, and have 
 ascribed many a failure, many a mortification, to the omis- 
 sions of youthful duty, and the neglect of their early oppor- 
 tunities — opportunities which are now afforded to you. Be 
 counselled and secure them whilst you can ; store your mind, 
 now, with the elements of useful knowledge. Neither the 
 school which these good gentlemen have provided, nor the 
 best efforts of its preceptor, will avail to make you wise with- 
 out your own consent— your active will. Consent implies 
 effort on your part — diligent, honest effort. With these com- 
 bined, our school must be successful. And you will not only 
 enjoy the privilege of its benefits, but will feel an honest 
 pride in that success to which you have contributed. 
 
 The best of schools, however, cannot do more than intro- 
 
19 
 
 duce you to the field of knowledge, and furnish you with im- 
 plements to cultivate it. The success you are to meet with, 
 and the harvest you are to reap, will depend on your own 
 self-imposed labor and diligence. As helps to efficient labor, 
 learn at once to practice self-denial, self-control ; to deny 
 yourself any improper indulgence or expensive gratification; 
 to control your passions, your desires, and the tongue — that 
 little unruly member, so well likened to the small helm of a 
 great ship, which, as it is rashly or prudently governed, may 
 strand the castly vessel on a lee shore, or conduct her safely 
 into a thriving, peaceful haven. 
 
 These lessons should be taught by example in every school. 
 The master who does not habitually strive to practice both 
 the one and the other, is not yet fitted for his trustful voca- 
 tion. The touching acknowledgement to his God by David in 
 one of his psalms, is full of instruction to parents, teachers, 
 pastors and masters — • 
 
 “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” 
 
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