The Harris Letters:
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Harris, Charles Wilson, 1771-1804
Ed. by Wagstaff, Henry McGilbert
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(title page) The Harris Letters
(half-title page) The Harris Letters
(series title) The James Sprunt Historical Publications, Published under the Direction of The North Carolina Historical Society, J.G. de Roulhac Hamilton, Henry McGilbert Wagstaff, Editors, Vol. 14, No. 1, Contents The Harris Letters
H.M. Wagstaff
91 p.
[Chapel Hill, N.C.]
University of North Carolina
[1916]
Call number Cp970 J28 v. 14 no. 1
(North Carolina Collection, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
The electronic edition is a part of the UNC-Chapel Hill digitization project, Documenting the American South.
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Library of Congress Subject Headings
Languages Used:
- English
LC Subject Headings:
- College teachers -- North Carolina -- Biography.
- Harris family -- Correspondence.
- Harris, Charles Wilson, 1771-1804 -- Correspondence.
- Harris, Charles, 1762-1825 -- Correspondence.
- Harris, Robert Wilson, 1779-1812 -- Correspondence.
- North Carolina -- Biography.
- University of North Carolina (1793-1962) -- Faculty.
Revision History:
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JAMES SPRUNT HISTORICAL MONOGRAPHS
| No. 1. | PERSONNEL OF THE CONVENTION OF 1861. | By John Gilchrist McCormick. |
| LEGISLATION OF THE CONVENTION OF 1861. | By Kemp P. Battle. | |
| No. 2. | THE CONGRESSIONAL CAREER OF NATHANIEL MACON. | By Edwin Mood Wilson. |
| No. 3. | LETTERS OF NATHANIEL MACON, JOHN STEELE, AND WILLIAM BARRY GROVE, WITH NOTES. | By Kemp P. Battle. |
| No. 4. | LETTERS AND DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE LOWER CAPE FEAR, WITH INTRODUCTION AND NOTES. | By Kemp P. Battle. |
| No. 5. | MINUTES OF THE KEHUKEY ASSOCIATION, WITH INTRODUCTION AND NOTES. | By Kemp P. Battle. |
| No. 6. | DIARY OF A GEOLOGICAL TOUR BY ELISHA MITCHELL IN 1827 AND 1828. INTRODUCTION AND NOTES. | By Kemp P. Battle. |
| No. 7. | WILLIAM RICHARDSON DAVIE, A MEMOIR. | By J. G. de Roulhac Hamilton. |
| LETTERS OF WILLIAM RICHARDSON DAVIE, WITH NOTES. | By Kemp P. Battle. | |
| No. 8. | THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL AND COMMITTEES OF SAFETY IN NORTH CAROLINA. | By Bessie Lewis Whitaker. |
THE JAMES SPRUNT HISTORICAL PUBLICATIONS
| VOL. 9, No. 1. | THE SOCIETY FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL IN THE PROVINCE OF NORTH CAROLINA. | By D. D. Oliver. |
| CORRESPONDENCE OF JOHN RUST EATON. | ||
| VOL. 9, No. 2. | FEDERALISM IN NORTH CAROLINA. | By Henry M. Wagstaff. |
| LETTERS OF WILLIAM BARRY GROVE. | ||
| VOL. 10, No. 1. | BENJAMIN SHERWOOD HEDRICK. | By J. G. de Roulhac Hamilton. |
| VOL. 10, No. 2. | BARTLETT YANCEY. | By George A. Anderson. |
| THE POLITICAL AND PROFESSIONAL CAREER OF BARTLETT YANCEY. | By J. G. de Roulhac Hamilton. | |
| LETTERS TO BARTLETT YANCEY. | ||
| VOL. 11, No. 1. | COUNTY GOVERNMENT IN COLONIAL NORTH CAROLINA. | By W. C. Guess. |
| VOL. 11, No. 2. | THE NORTH CAROLINA CONSTITUTION OF 1776 AND ITS MAKERS. | By Frank Nash. |
| THE GERMAN SETTLERS OF LINCOLN COUNTY AND WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. | By Joseph R. Nixon. | |
| VOL. 12, No. 1. | THE GOVERNOR, COUNCIL, AND ASSEMBLY IN ROYAL NORTH CAROLINA. | By C. S. Cooke. |
| LAND TENURE IN PROPRIETARY NORTH CAROLINA. | By L. N. Morgan. | |
| VOL. 12, No. 2. | THE NORTH CAROLINA INDIANS. | By James Hall Rand. |
| VOL. 13, No. 1. | THE GRANVILLE DISTRICT. | By E. Merton Coulter. |
| THE NORTH CAROLINA COLONIAL BAR. | By E. A. Alderman. | |
| VOL. 13, No. 2. | THE HARRINGTON LETTERS. | Edited by H. M. Wagstaff. |
Page 1
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA
The James Sprunt Historical Publications
PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
The North Carolina Historical Society
J. G. DE ROULHAC HAMILTON
HENRY MCGILBERT WAGSTAFF
Editors
VOL. 14 No. 1
CONTENTS
THE HARRIS LETTERS
Page 2
1916
THE SEEMAN PRINTERY
DURHAM, N.C.
Page 3
THE HARRIS LETTERS
BY
H. M. WAGSTAFF
Page 5
THE PREFATORY NOTE
The Harris letters which appear in this issue of the JAMES SPRUNT HISTORICAL PUBLICATIONS represent, for the most part, a collection of the letters of Charles Wilson Harris (b. 1771, d. 1804) to his uncle, Dr. Charles Harris, and to his brother, Robert Wilson Harris. They were donated by William Shakespeare Harris, a son of Dr. Charles Harris, to the North Carolina Historical Society at an unknown date, but probably before the Civil War. The other Charles Wilson Harris letters, those written during his connection with the University of North Carolina (1795-1796), were found in a bound volume of manuscripts in the early faculty records of the University. They are about ten in number, and along with them have been inserted two Caldwell letters to Harris. There are two other Harris letters in addition, one by Robert Harris, father, and one by Robert Wilson Harris, brother of Charles Wilson Harris. The sources whence these were obtained are subjects of a foot-note to the respective letters. The chronological order has been preserved in the presentation of the whole series, this method appearing better to reflect their interest than the other alternative of grouping those to the same correspondent.
The name "Harris" is perhaps one of the most frequent in North Carolina. This must have been true at a very early period also, since the name covers full four and one-half pages in the index of the Colonial and State Records. The particular Harris family from which Charles Wilson Harris sprung was a very prolific one and has a large number of surviving representatives in the state at the present time. It traces its descent back to one Edward Harris of Wiltshire, England, who removed to Ayreshire, Scotland, in the latter part of the 17th century and there brought up a large family. One of his sons, Edward by name, married Flora Douglas of the celebrated Scotch border family of that name. Five sons of this union, James, Samuel, Thomas, Richard, and Charles, appear to have emigrated to America sometime in the second
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quarter of the eighteenth century. Some of them settled in Pennsylvania and the others in Virginia. Later, probably about 1751, Charles came from Virginia to North Carolina and purchased a large tract of land on Rocky River in the Poplar Tent district of the present Cabarrus County, but at that time in Anson. This district was at the time receiving a strong tide of Scotch-Irish immigrants and soon became a populous Presbyterian stronghold. This Charles Harris was twice married; first to Jane McIlhenney and, second, to Elizabeth Baker. From the first marriage was born in order Robert, Martha, Jane, Thomas, and James; and from the second, Charles and Samuel Harris. Robert Harris, the eldest of these offspring of Charles Harris, inherited "Mill Grove," the home seat of his father on Rocky River, and became a man of fortune and influence in his county. He married Mary Wilson, daughter of Zaccheus Wilson, a signer of the "Mecklenburg Declaration," and of the same strong Scotch Presbyterian stock as himself. As a Revolutionary patriot and soldier Robert Harris, "Esquire," served in General Joseph Graham's command until he lost his arm in the skirmish at Clapp's Mill, a preliminary incident of the battle of Guilford Court Courthouse in 1781. With slight hopes of his recovery, his companions gave him into the care of an old German settler and wife, with the injunction to "care for him well, as he was a man of consequence, and they would be rewarded." (See Graham's General Joseph Graham and His Revolutionary Papers, pp. 335-337.) Harris' descendants state that Mrs. Harris dreamed her husband was wounded and on the faith of the dream traveled with a slave, Jack, as her only attendant from her home on Rocky River to the scene of the battle, seventy-five miles away, found her wounded spouse with his caretaker, nursed him to convalescence and brought him safely home. To him, by this stouthearted wife, were born three children, each proudly bearing "Wilson" in their Christian names. They were Jane Wilson Harris, Charles Wilson Harris, and Robert Wilson Harris. Jane, the eldest, married Nathaniel Alexander, son of John McKnit Alexander, secretary of the "Mecklenburg Convention."
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They had nine children and numerous descendants survive. Charles Wilson Harris was born in 1771, and Robert Wilson Harris in 1779. Their mother died a few years after the Revolution, their father subsequently marrying the widow of General William Lee Davidson, who fell in the Revolution. Robert Harris lived to a ripe old age, dying in 1808 and lies buried at Poplar Tent Church, where he was for many years ruling elder.
Charles Wilson Harris graduated at Princeton in 1792 and was awarded the Mathematical oration. He then spent one, or two, years with his half-uncle, Dr. Charles Harris, at "Favoni," the home of the latter upon an estate adjoining that of Robert Harris and part of the original property of the eldest Charles Harris. Here he applied himself to the study of medicine under his uncle's guidance, apparently with the intention of entering that profession. Nevertheless, in 1795, at the date of his election to the tutorship of Mathematics in the University of North Carolina, he was teaching in Prince Edward County, Virginia. His letters thereafter, with the notes subjoined, sufficiently outline his life and services. They disclose a character of worth and dignity. At twenty-five years of age he was presiding over the fortunes of the state's infant University and in this role he manifests a maturity unusual even in that period of our state and national life in which abilities ripened early. The trustees relinquished his services with great reluctance. His seven years of life after entering upon the practice of law at Halifax were filled with earnest and successful endeavor and undoubtedly would have been crowned with high achievement but for his early death.
The editor wishes to express his appreciation and thanks to Mrs. Maud Craig Matthews, of Atlanta, Georgia, and to Mrs. Atwell C. McIntosh, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, great-grand daughters of Robert Wilson Harris, for their kindness in placing at his disposal certain of their family records that bear upon the genealogy of the Harris family.
H. M. WAGSTAFF.
Chapel Hill, N. C., Jan. 15, 1916.
Page 9
THE HARRIS LETTERS
UNCLE,
I was not a little diverted with the Rev'd. Robinson, my partner in teaching, when a few days since, he proposed in a serious way that I should study divinity and settle on some glebe in Virginia. The inducements I need not mention. He placed them in as flattering a view as possible. When he could not bend me to his will; for the promise of a Bishopric in this county could not induce me to trouble myself with these non-sensical Church preferments; he turned off his proposal by saying that I ought to study divinity in some measure, it contains the best system of morality, and morality is necessary to a man, let his calling in life be what it may. So it is with the world. Every one will tell you his knowledge is necessary, no matter what business you follow. The lawyer as well as divine repeats a long tale to the intended physician, each in favor of his own profession, the former of the advantage the study of law may be to him. The great Blackstone says a knowledge of law is necessary to a physician, that he may be useful to families upon sudden emergencies, in drawing up the formal part of last wills and testaments. Great encouragement indeed for one who has scarcely time to perfect the study of medicine, to set into the perusal of endless commentaries, reports, statutes, etc. But without so much preparation I have almost determined to go at once to physic. When I first undertook my present business I expected it and my professional study1 would agree, but it is otherwise. Next winter is the time appointed in my own mind for beginning on this new study. I shall acknowledge with a great deal of gratitude any directions you may transmit me. What are made the rudiments of this art and what branches are generally entered upon first? I may at a leasure hour look over some of them.
The murder of the king of France cannot be easily forgotten.2 His fate is lamented by almost all ranks of people.
Page 10
Aristocrats pity him sincerely and the Democrats think he deserved a better end. The zealous protestant and avaricious merchant alone find their account in his death. The former confesses the king's death was unrighteous, yet adds that in the hand of God, it may be the means of advancing the cause of religion, and crushing the power of the pope. The latter wishes the perpetrators of the murder may be repaid in their own coin, that their remittances may be signed with their own blood, adding that the king was a good-hearted fellow, loved good eating and drinking. The very demand of his table was an encouragement to merchandise. Yet the commotions occasioned by his death will enhance the value of American produce in Europe, and American bottoms alone will have an unmolested navigation in the adjacent seas. By a calculation from the time of declaring war between England and France,3 few European vessels will be expected in our ports after the 10th of next month. The forces of France as voted by the National Convention, will consist during this summer of 500,000 men.
I wrote to Edwin Reese4 immediately after my return but have received no answer. I cannot suppose my letter has miscarried because I have received answers to some that were sent with it.
Your humble servant,
CHARLES W. HARRIS,
Mecklenburg.
Dr. Chas. Harris,
April 28, 1793.My love to Aunt Sally and Peggy.
1 At this date Harris intended to enter upon the study of medicine, doubtless inspired by the influence of his uncle, Dr. Charles Harris.
2 Louis XVI was sent to the guillotine the 21st of January, 1793. The news had reached America in late February.
3 France declared war against England the 1st of February, 1793, ten days after Louis XVI's execution.
4 Son of Jane Harris and Rev. Thos. Reese and therefore first cousin of Charles Wilson Harris. Edwin Reese graduated at Princeton in the class of 1794 and was a student at the date of this letter.
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DEAR UNCLE:
I have just come from P. Edward which place I left in tip-top spirits, expecting on my return to find at least three or four letters in Petersburg.1 However I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Bruce2 from Guilford from whom I heard much of the public and a little of the private affairs of your county. He told me that Maj. Harris3 (I suppose Thomas) made a very respectable opposition to the election of Mr. Locke.4 I am not acquainted with the foundation of this gentleman's popularity which seems to be so extensive. I wish he may answer his constituents' expectations, but pray that he may never be so successful in adopting sanguinary measures for the regulation of our great union as he has been in the regulation of his private affairs, otherwise we shall all be d---- wags, deserters of the general cause as soon as we are able to think for ourselves. By the same gentleman, I was certified that Sam'l. Caldwell5 has had the good fortune to pick from the top of Mt. Fairview that full-blown most beautiful, and only remaining flower, Miss A----. I fear that while he has free access to so fair an angel, he will often evade those wars which a minister from his profession has striven to wage against the world, the flesh & the D-v-l himself. He is a gentleman who has hitherto fought with a great deal of courage and success.6 And if we judge from his perseverance he is impelled by no small force to the support of the cause he has undertaken. But Mechanics (if not daily experience) teach us that any force may be overcome by the application of a proper power.
A spectacle of weeping has lately called the attention of the Virginians. A sail of 300 vessels from Cape Francais containing the remains of the wretched inhabitants of that place.7 The towns of Richmond, Wm.burg and Norfolk were liberal enough to advance near 6,000 Dol. for their immediate relief. I would have been at Norfolk at the very time this fleet arrived where I had an appointment to meet Mr. Robinson but was prevented by a great inflammation in
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my eyes occasioned by the excessive heat of the weather in which I rode from P. Edward. I have been studying anatomy, but not as a physician, it is very pleasing and highly worthy the particular notice of anybody who reads for amusement, or general information. The greatest difficulty in learning must be, I presume, the majority of their names infer origin, insertion and uses.
Write to me as soon as possible, and you will not find any neglect in, Dr. Sir,
Your nephew, &
most humble servant
CHARLES W. HARRIS.
July 30, 1793Doctor Charles Harris,
Since I wrote to you, a letter from Cousin Edwin dated about May 1st came to hand by post. He was well, had become a whig, and is very much attached to the place, a sure sign of diligence. College never pleases an idler. He hates his tutors and even the very ground he is confined to.----
DOCTOR CHARLES HARRIS, ESQ.
CabarrusNo. Carolina.
1 Petersburg was on the regular stage route from Philadelphia southward.
2 Probably George Bruce, member of the general assembly from Guilford, 1798-1801.
3 Major Thomas Harris, brother of Robert Harris and uncle of Charles W. Harris. He was a brave Revolutionary officer of the Continental line and fought under Washington at Monmouth and Trenton. Transferred South, he was severely wounded and taken prisoner upon Gates's defeat at Camden in August, 1780. In 1793 he was Federalist candidate in his district against Matthew Locke, Republican, but was defeated.
4 Matthew Locke, of Rowan, member of the 3rd, 4th and 5th Congresses, 1793-1799. He was now at an advanced age (born in 1730, died 1801) and had been prominent in the affairs of North Carolina during her transition from colony to state. He was an active participant in the Regulator troubles of 1770-71, at which date he was county member from Rowan in the Colonial Assembly, serving in that capacity until 1775. In the latter year he became a member of the 3rd Provincial Congress of North Carolina and was likewise a member of the 4th and 5th. In the last he assisted at the construction of our first state constitution in 1776.
5 Samuel C. Caldwell, son of Rev. David Caldwell of Guilford. He was born in 1768, was licensed to preach by the presbytery of Orange at nineteen years of age, and in February, 1792, became pastor of Sugar Creek and Hopewell churches in Mecklenburg county. He served the Sugar Creek Church continuously for thirty-five years until his death in 1826, being one of the best beloved and most useful men of his day. He married Abigail Paine Alexander,
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daughter of John McKnit Alexander, signer of the "Mecklenburg Declaration" and secretary of the convention.
6 Foote's Sketches, p. 195, show that during Caldwell's "first ministrations in these congregations (Hopewell and Sugar Creek) it pleased God to send a reviving time, in consequence of which there were upward of seventy young communicants admitted to the Lord's Table in one day."
7 These were French colonial refugees fleeing from Cape Francais (now Cape Haytien) on the north coast of the island of San Domingo. In 1791 the slaves of Hayti. France's most profitable colony, inspired by the ideas of the French Revolution, rose in rebellion against their masters and so overwhelming was their superiority in numbers they soon had the mastery. Horrible things were done in the island until Toussaint L'Ouerture, by his genius as statesman as well as warrior, came to the head of the movement and brought a semblance of order into the land. Many of the fleeing French colonials found safety in the smaller islands of France in the Windwards: many took shelter in Cuba under the sovereignty of Spain; many others came to the continent. The body referred to above was perhaps the largest single group that reached our shores, though many of them later went to Louisiana (then a Spanish possession) where they joined other smaller bodies that had made direct for New Orleans.
UNIVERSITY DR. SIR,
April 10th 1795.
We have begun to introduce, by degrees the regulations of the University,1 and as yet have not been disappointed. There is one class in Natural Philosophy & Geography & four in the Languages--
The constitution of this college is on a more liberal plan than any in America, & by the amendments which I think it will receive at the next meeting of the trustees, its usefulness will probably be much promoted. The notion that true learning consists rather in exercising the reasoning faculties, & laying up a store of useful knowledge, than in overloading the memory with words of a dead language, is becoming daily more prevalent--It appears hard to deny a young Gentleman the honour of a College, after he has with much labour & painful attention acquired a competent knowledge of the Sciences; of composing & speaking with propriety in his own language, & has conned the first principles of whatever might render him useful or creditable in the world, merely because he could not read a language 2000 years old. Tho' the laws at present require that the Latin & Greek be understood by a graduate--they will in all probability be mitigated in this respect. These old forms, "which have been sanctioned by time but not by utility" ought to be dispensed with. I have
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lately found many good hints on education in a book entitled the rights of woman.--a book of very great merit, the production of an original genius--& penned in such a strong, masterly style that you would scarcely believe it the work of a woman--For we are taught to believe, by many able writers & tolerable accurate observers of mankind that the natural weakness of a woman's body extends to her mind, & becomes characteristic of her thoughts & words as well as of her actions. Miss Mary Wollstonecraft is the lady born effectually to rectify these misrepresentations from which so much evil has spring. Miss intention is to bring about a total reform in the education of women--. But takes occasion to speak of the errors in the present plan of teaching young men & Boys in Europe. "The memory" says she "is loaded with unintelligible works, to make "askew of, without the understanding's acquiring any distinct ideas; but "only that education deserves emphatically to be termed cultivation of "mind, which teaches young people how to begin to think." She effectually over throws Chesterfield's plan of bringing up boys. The amendments which she proposes are too Numerous to be detailed in a letter, but are such as do the greatest honor to the authoress & may be highly beneficial to mankind------That there is much wrong in the old manner of educating is plain & whatever alterations will be made in our University will be made by those who can be actuated by no other principle than general utility--At present we find much difficulty in procuring books--The trustees have ordered 200 Dol. to be expended for that purpose; but it is very uncertain when the Books will arrive; Dr. Williamson2 is commissioned to purchase & he is so totally engaged about his own book3 which he is preparing for the press, that he may forget others of less importance-- --Col. Moore4 presents us with Globes Mr. Benehan5 with an air pump as soon as it can be procured-- We will shortly have an Electrical Machine & other trifles.
Our society is not so good at this place as we could wish. My only resort is to Mr. Ker who makes ample amends to me
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for the want of any other--he is a violent Republican & is continually deprecating the Aristocratical principles which have lately prevailed much in our Executive.6 The debates on self-created societies7 has brought to light many unrepublican principles that have been secretly growing in the bosom of our government. The Revd. Stanhope Smith8 has in the last winter become a politician--He declaims against Libertinism in politics as being attended by no less an evil than Atheism -- Smith has been long known to be an aristocrat & he is not a man of such conciliating manner as to have avoided the creating some personal enemies. A writer styled Arbiter in Oswald['s] paper9 is not delicate in his remarks on the vice-president & is indeed illiberal in some general reflections on the Clergy--Smith's sermon referred to by Arbiter on the subjects of national Gratitude lies on my table--It has many fine turned periods; many fine thoughts--But besides Mr. Arbiter's objections--His description of the present government is too highly coloured to be the copy of a human fabrication, his Encomium on the President is quite fulsome. Tho' he be the greatest man in America, it smells strong of Brittish seasoning. In page 23 he says "I see him like a rock in the midst of the ocean, receive unshaken all its waves, violence, intrigue, faction, dash themselves to pieces against him, & fall in empty murmers at his feet."--
I have been engaged in such a manner since I arrived here, that I have done but little for myself; Blackstone's 1mo. Vol. is nearly finished but the remaining vol. will require much more time and attention. I wish to ground myself well in the principles of Law, yet have made no provision for supplying books of a proper kind. I have interested myself much in the education of my brother;10 he is now growing fast & receiving none of those improvements which he ought. I could not prevail with my father to let him come to this place. I wish you would again mention it to him in a way that you may think proper; it can scarcely be pecuniary want that hinder his complying with my request. Nor can it be I hope, any distrust of my principles, as I have
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heard suggested; he & I have ever been very free in speaking on tenets & I never observed any great degree of disapprobation. If the latter be the cause I have no more to say--. Please send me your communications by every opportunity.
I am yours
with much
respect
CHARLES W. HARRIS.
Doctor Charles Harris.
Aunt Sally will please accept of my best wishes for her happiness & Mrs. Ker11 has particularly requested that her respects may be received thro' the medium of my Letter, tho' never acquainted personally with aunt,12 by hearsay she is interested in her welfare.
DOCTOR CHARLES HARRIS
Cabarrus County.1 The University was formally opened the 15th of January, 1795, with the Reverend David Ker the presiding and only professor. The first student, Hinton James, of Wilmington, arrived the 12th of February. The number reached forty-one by the end of the term, the Monday after the 10th of July, when the first vacation began. Ker had been chosen by the trustees in January, 1794, to launch the institution. He was a Presbyterian minister, then residing in Fayetteville. He was a recent Scotch-Irish immigrant and had received his education at Trinity College, Dublin. Harris had been chosen in March to tutor in mathematics and was just now assuming his duties. The "regulations" referred to were a "Plan of studies and By-Laws," reported by a Committee of the Trustees and ratified by the board, January 10, 1794. According to the plan, instruction in the new institution for the time should be in belles-lettres, the languages, particularly English, ancient and modern history, botany, agriculture (theory and practice), the principles of architecture, astronomy, and natural philosophy by the experimental method. Dr. Battle attributes (History of the University of North Carolina, Vol. 1, p. 49) the virtues of this well balanced plan to the influence of Dr. Samuel E. McCorkle, chairman of the committee on a "Plan of Studies," and to Dr. Hugh Williamson, probably the most enthusiastic member, Davie excepted. It is also a matter of interest that Harris, the second teacher chosen, was, as shown by the context of his letter, so thoroughly in sympathy with the practical character of the curriculum.
2 Dr. Hugh Williamson, a resident of Edenton and member of the board of Trustees of the University. He was born in Pennsylvania, 1735; graduated at the University of Pennsylvania in 1757; professor of mathematics in the University of Pennsylvania, 1760-64, resigned and studied medicine in Edinburgh, Scotland; settled for practice in Philadelphia in 1772. Having removed to North Carolina, Williamson in 1782 represented the borough of Edenton in the state Assembly and in the same year was chosen a member of the Continental Congress, serving first to 1785 and again from 1787-1788. He was a delegate to the Philadelphia Convention and signed the completed Constitution, and was a representative in Congress under the Constitution from 1790 to 1793. He died in 1819, then resident in New York.
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3 Probably Williamson's "Climate of America," published in 1811; or his "History of North Carolina," published in 1812. 4 Alfred Moore, member of the board of Trustees, 1789-1807, a Revolutionary patriot and commander of North Carolina Continental forces at Charleston during the British attack upon that port in 1776. In 1781-82 he raised and commanded a volunteer force to assist in harassing Cornwallis in his marches through the state. In 1798 he was elected a judge of the Superior Court of North Carolina, and in the following year, upon the death of Justice James Iredell of the United States Supreme Court, Moore was appointed by President Adams to fill his place. He served until 1805, resigning on account of ill health, and died in 1810. 5 Richard Bennehan, of Hillsborough, an early friend of the University and a trustee from 1799 to 1804. 6 During his second term (1793-1797) President Washington, now held in such grateful regard by all his countrymen, was not spared caustic criticism by that body of opinion which was rapidly being welded by Jefferson and his lieutenants into the Republican party. Democratic ideals, to be worked out through the principle of popular sovereignty, characterized this party and brought it into sharp contrast with whatever forces that seemed to emphasize "classism" in the nation and over-centralization of power in its government. Washington, while deprecating political divisions in the citizenship, leaned toward the Federalists, who opposed the rising tide of social and political ideals of Jeffersonian democracy. Hence he incurred the censure of possessing "aristocratical principles," a charge tending to discredit in the minds of the Republicans. 7 Washington was the first president of the "Society of the Cincinnati," founded at the end of the Revolution among the officers of the army, membership in which was to be perpetuated in the eldest male descendant of original members. Its objects, besides forming an heriditary order, were to promote friendships formed in the war and to deliberate in secret upon the welfare of the country. The hereditary feature and secret deliberation purpose aroused bitter criticism and denunciation among the popular leaders, the storm growing so great that the Society suspended its meetings for a number of years. It had seemed to the democratic masses an effort to establish an hereditary aristocracy, and so organized as to have undue weight upon the life of the government and country. 8 Samuel Stanhope Smith, D. D., LL. D., president of Princeton University from 1795 to 1812 (resigned). He was an arts graduate of Princeton in 1768. (See note to a subsequent letter). 9 Oswald, Eleazer, Publisher of the Independent Gazetter, or the Chronicle of Freedom. (Phila.) 1782-1796. He was a violent opponent of the policies of the Federalist party and particularly of Alexander Hamilton as a political leader. Oswald, though an Englishman, entered the ranks of the American Army during the Revolution and fought under Arnold both at Quebec and at Saratoga. 10 Robert Wilson Harris entered the University sometime within the year, probably in August. 11 Mary Ker, wife of David Ker, born in Ireland 30th of March, 1757; died in Natchez, Mississippi, 30th of November, 1847. 12 Mrs. Sara Harris Harris, first wife of Dr. Charles Harris. After her death Dr. Harris married Lydia Houston Brevard.
UNIVERSITY. DR. SIR,
June 1st, 1795.
By Col. Osborn1 I received your letter & am doubly glad that Heriot2 is in such a good state of health-- It must add much to the happiness of your family--Your business as
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physician having increased so much within a year past that if ever you had any serious intentions of coming to this place, you must before now have relinquished it altogether. Many of our trustees are for immediately filling several professorships with proper persons--and at any rate if every thing succeeds tolerably--it cannot be long before there is a professor of Chemistry, Anatomy, &--There is no physician nearer to this place than Hillsborough, some of our students from the East, being very delicate are frequently attacked with returns of their Disorders & have suffered for the want of medicine--I have therefore with the advice of Mr. Ker determined to keep a small apartment of Medicine for the accommodation of the students & the neighbourhood should they think proper to apply--until some physician shall think it worth his while to settle near us--This I undertake without the most distant prospect of making any thing by it. The medicine I will give out at the cost & charges. If any advantages accrue they will be the pleasure I shall receive from finding myself useful & necessary to any person & the renewing occasionally that smattering of physic which I learnt when with you, an acquisition that I never wish to lose.
Inclosed I send you a plan of the University lands--the village--ornamental grounds springs, &--But it would be unnecessary to enter into a Geographical description--The general opinion is that the place is most happily situated,--a delightful prospect, charming groves, medicinal springs--light & wholesome air--& inaccessible to vice--the last property Revd. Pettegrew3 bishop from Edenton added when he visited us. I send you also a print which is to be put on every book with the donor's name.-- --
I am, sir, with sincerity
yours CHAS W. HARRIS.
Doctor Charles Harris.
Make my respects agreeable to Aunt Sally and Elihu.-- --
DOCTOR CHARLES HARRIS,
Cabarrus.Page 19
1 Colonel Adlai Osborne, of Rowan, a Trustee of the University from 1789 to 1814. He graduated at Princeton in 1768 and fought through the Revolution, beginning his military service as lieutenant colonel of the 2nd North Carolina Continental Regiment in 1775. He was father of two sons, Alexander and Edwin Jay, who received diplomas with the first class graduated by the University (1798), and another, Adlai, who graduated in 1802, and still another, Spruce McCoy, who graduated in 1808. 2 The "Heriot" referred to in this and the following letter is probably a daughter of Dr. Charles Harris, though the editor has only the context to substantiate this assumption. He further believes she is the same person called "Peggy" in subsequent letters. 3 Reverend Charles Pettigrew, of Lake Phelps, Tyrrell County, father of John and Ebenezer Pettigrew, two students in the University (1795-1797). Ebenezer Pettigrew was a representative in Congress, 1835-1837. The elder Pettigrew was chosen a bishop in the Protestant Episcopal organization, but seems never to have been consecrated, refusing to go to Philadelphia for that purpose because of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 in that city.
UNIVERSITY, DR. SIR,
July 21st, 1795.
I have just returned from a short tour which I made through Chatham after our visitation1 on the 13th instant. At which time I had the pleasure of seeing Dr. McCorkle2 but could not get time enough to write a letter to you--This morning I heard from Mrs. Hogan that your family was well except Heriot who is ill with the chin-cough--I would have been very happy in receiving a few lines by her. The number of students in the commencement of orders3 will amount to 54--Such numbers crowding in the trustees thought proper to make some further provision for their accommodation & instruction -- They determined to proceed as soon as possible to the large building4--120 feet long--56 broad, 3 stories high--They are to receive proposals at the next general assembly. But as such a work could not be in any degree of readiness in less than two years--the building commissioners are ordered to build a two story wooden house with 6 large rooms and a school room, with a purpose to accommodate the younger boys & is to be termed the Grammar school5--When this house becomes no more necessary for its present purposes it is intended to be converted into a dwelling house for some future professor who may have a family--In a rough statement of the funds by the trustees they amounted to $15,460--$10,000 of this they desire to lay out in purchasing stock 6 per cent, that interest may be a
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permanent provision for the University. You must be certain that with our present number--our hands must be very full of business. It is a most difficult thing to procure a deserving teacher. A Grammar master is now wanted to take charge of the house which is to be built directly--Mr. Ker and I have liberty to procure one at 130 Dol. per an. & board. Several have been proposed but none that could be altogether approved. With this day's post I dispatch a letter to a Mr. Brown, an acquaintance of mine on James River--I have great hopes that he will accept of the offer & therefore we can do nothing until an answer arrives--We have at length determined to collect a Museum6 at this place -- the trustees unanimously came into the idea--& have agreed to use all their influence individually to procure curiosities-- A number of gentlemen on the seaboard have been engaged to procure marine productions--But it belongs to the back country gentlemen to favour us with many curiosities, with which this country, particularly the S. Western territory abounds--These scattered about in every bodies hands, soon become lost & are never of any general advantage -- but when collected will become the source of amusement and instruction to thousands--& when a number is collected due care will be taken to preserve them--As you have considerable genius in this way & at the same time a warm friend to this institution, I hope you will interest yourself and your acquaintances to collect something worth while and forward them to us--They should be accompanied with labels or letters, showing where they were sent from, and giving some philosophical account of them, I intend to take upon me to write to Cumberland7 this purpose-- There are certain times of the year when many go from your neighbourhood. I will endeavor to have letters conveyed to my father before that time, but if I should not, and a favorable opportunity offers, you would do us a favor to write to Dr. Donald and George McWhirter on this subject--& also mention to my father to write to some of his relations in the same place--It will be well to request the persons to whom you write that they send
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a letter informing me how far it will be in their power to assist us--Various petrified objects, uncommon fruits, curious stones, bones of non-descript animals, specimens of Indian clothing and their arts and manufactures will all be very acceptable--The Oil which Uncle Nathaniel8 brought from Cumberland is well worth preserving, perhaps you could send it by some early chance attended with a description of the place where it is found. We have a blank-book into which we enter all curiosities with the Donor's name & the description attending it. Write to me by post. When will you visit us. Give my kindest respects to Aunt Sally9 --
CHARLES W. HARRIS.
Doctor Charles Harris
The only curiosity yet received is an Ostrich egg from Judge Williams10-- Inform Col. Smith11 that Robert12 was very well about six days ago when he started to see Mark-- I expect him back two days hence--Col. Smith would do something in collecting for the Museum.
DR. CHARLES HARRIS,
N. Carolina.By post 1 The first University Commencement, July 13, 1795. In pursuance of an ordinance of the board of Trustees it was the duty of one trustee, in alphabetical order, from each judicial district, to visit the University at examination times and report on result of their inspection to the board. This practice did not last long. 2 Samuel Eusebius McCorkle was born near Harris' Ferry, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. His parents, Scotch-Irish immigrants, removed from Pennsylvania to Rowan County, North Carolina, when their son was about ten years old. He received preparations for college under Rev. David Caldwell in Guilford. He entered Princeton and took his arts degree in 1772, returned home and became pastor of Thyatira church in Rowan, serving in this capacity until his death (in the pulpit) 21st June, 1811. In addition to his labors as a most useful Presbyterian minister for a period of thirty years, he conducted a classical school at his house in Rowan, and so effectual an instructor was he that of the seven young men composing the first graduating class at the University (1799), six of them had been trained by him. He was trustee from 1789 to 1801 and at the date of the above letter, chairman of the board. For an extended sketch of the life and services of Dr. McCorkle, see Foote's Sketches of North Carolina, pp. 350-362. 3 The second term of the University began the middle of August, 1795.
4 The South Building at the University, originally called "Main;" its corner stone was laid in 1798 but it was not finally completed until 1814. 5 The Grammar School went into operation in 1796, with an advanced student, Richard Simms, as temporary master. In December Nicholas Delvaux and Samuel Allen Holmes were made instructors in it, though Holmes was soon advanced to a tutorship in the University, his place in the Grammar School being taken by William Richards, a strolling English actor. (A note on Richards appears below). 6 For a partial list of the specimens gathered by interested donors for the University's early museum, see Battle, History of the University of North Carolina, Vol. 1, p. 67. 7 The Tennessee country along Cumberland River. Immigration in these years was setting strong toward the trans-mountain region. 8 Probably a maternal uncle of the writer. Charles W. Harris had no uncle on his father's side named Nathaniel. 9 Dr. Charles Harris was twice married, his first wife (above) being Sara Harris, and the second Lydia Brevard Houston. 10 John Williams, of Granville, Superior Court judge from 1778 to 1790, and Trustee of the University from 1789 to 1799. 11 Probably Robert Smith, of Cabarrus, lieutenant in the 4th regiment of North Carolina Continental troops in the Revolution. 12 Robert Smith, doubtless son of "Col. Smith," was registered at the University in 1795. He did not graduate.
UNIVERSITY, DR. UNCLE, I was happy in being informed by a letter from Capt. Houston1 that your family is increased by a son2 & that all is well-- I should have expected to receive the first intelligence of such an occurrence from yourself--It was altogether unforeseen by me. Every addition to your family will certainly make you more of the citizen. Tho' your sincere & general benevolence had already made you a warm friend to our institution & every plan for public Utility, yet since the birth of a son you must feel yourself more nearly interested in the affairs of the University.-- Our number is now fifty-six--& a great prospect of increasing considerably in a short time. We have used our endeavours to procure another assistant. But have not been successful. We have written to a young man of my acquaintance who lives below Williamsburg in Virginia & expect an answer by the next post.-- Our news at this place has given us more trouble & disappointment than information--I joined Mr. Ker in getting Brown's Daily paper3 but it has not arrived by the two last
posts. & if it does not come more regularly we must discontinue it. There is an universal uproar against the treaty4.It is said that we must garrison & defend the western posts, for the benefit of Brittish merchants--; that the East-india trade was on a better footing before; that the West india trade is entirely destroyed--; that the hands of our legislators are tied down, that they can never take such measures for their future security as the patriotic Madison once proposed--that the reciprocity held forth in several articles is a mere nullity. The Fayetteville Politicians have risked their credit in toasting this prodigy of negotiations while other companies were openly drinking him & his treaty to hell & damnation--There has been some disagreeable business in New York on this subject & the great financier Hamilton5 has been very roughly handled by the people because he was supposed a friend to the treaty. The museum has made but small progress--& consists of only one Ostrich egg6 --. I hope when it is generally known that such a collection is making in this place we shall receive considerable assistance. I had a very favoourable opportunity about three days ago, of sending letters immediately to Cumberland by a gentleman who would travel with expedition--I endeavoured to interest David Wilson, James Wilson & Dr. Donald in making collections & if no accident happens they can make some return before Winter. My law-progress, you must conclude is slow from the great share of business & attention to which is at present necessary for me to apply myself,--tho' slow, it is I think firm & determined--
I am, dear sir, with CHAS. W. HARRIS. Dr. Charles Harris.
DOCTOR CHARLES HARRIS, 1 Probably Captain James Houston, of Lincoln County, an active Whig in Revolutionary days and whose company contributed greatly to the defeat of the Tories in the battle of Ramseurs' Mill, June 20, 1780. An alternative supposition as to the identity of the "Capt. Houston" above is that he was the father of William Houston of Iredell, who was a member of the first graduating class at the University (1798). 2 William Shakespeare Harris, born 1795, became a worthy representative of his father's family, though he never attained or desired political preferment. He served his county as representative in the lower branch of the state legislature in 1820, 1852, 1860 and 1862. 3 Probably the "Philadelphia Gazette and Universal Daily Advertiser," a daily newspaper published at Philadelphia from 1794 to 1800 by Andrew Brown and Samuel Relf, and continued after 1800 as "Relf's Gazette." 4 The Jay Treaty, concluded by Chief Justice John Jay with England in November, 1794, and submitted to the Senate in June, 1795, and ratified by the constitutional two-thirds majority without a vote to spare. Even the Federalists reprobated the treaty, while the Republicans universally denounced it as a rank betrayal of American sovereignty. It certainly seemed far from advantageous to American interests. By its terms our western posts were to be evacuated by the British, though without compensation for their long retention (1783-1796). The Mississippi River was to be open to British shipping: American citizens to be recompensed for British captures of their ships in the West Indies: French privateers to be shut out of our ports. The treaty even conceded the English contention that a natural flag could not protect non-contraband enemy goods upon the high seas. It made no recompense for the large number of American slaves carried off by the English armies at the close of the Revolution: and secured no redress for the impressment of seamen from American vessels, nor any promise that the practice would be abandoned. A number of other important provisions were also favorable to the English. The treaty, however, had the one virtue of averting war with England toward which we were rapidly drifting. 5 Hamilton even at first condemned the treaty, pronouncing it "an old woman's treaty," but soon came to its defense in order to save the credit of the Federalist party. At one open air meeting in New York City he was stored for attempting to defend it. 6 Judge John Williams, of Granville, superior court judge from 1778 to 1790 and trustee, 1789-1799, was the donor of the ostrich egg.
CHAPEL HILL, DR. SIR, I wrote to you some time ago, since which nothing of importance has occurred in our business. Our trustees are not likely to do much during the meeting of the assembly--The more I know of their affairs & of my own dispositions & qualifications--the more I am determined against engaging in their business for life--I of late made an effort to procure some law books & Motherby but was disappointed--I will again make another attempt at Philadelphia when I have collected a little more money--With my father1 I send an extract of Lavatie's Phisiognomy & hope
you will accept of it & let My father & the rest of our family read it--It is a book which has afforded me much amusement & I hope some real improvement--It appears to me, because I am not well enough acquainted with the science, that his observations are often vague & uncertain--But what ever uncertainty there may be in it--I am fully convinced that it is well worth the attention of a young man who in life may have all characters to deal with & ought early to begin to learn to distinguish them--I have sometimes thought that Motherby's Dictionary might not at this time be so agreeable to you or useful--I would take pleasure in procuring any others if you would only take the trouble of mentioning them--If you send me no advice of this kind I will order the book which I first intended--I am more & more sensible of the advantages of which my reading on several subjects with you is likely to bring me & tho' I did not study them in that particular manner which I might, yet some general ideas remain strongly impressed on my mind which gives me a pleasure in, & a taste for a further improvement in them--Give my kindest respects to Aunt Sally & believe me your most
sincere friend CHAS. W. HARRIS.
Dr. Chas. Harris-- I have not been able to write as I would wish--I have been all the time with Mr. Ker2 & my father who are comparing their religious creeds --Mr. Ker & Mrs. Ker present their compliments to you & Aunt & assure you that we often think of you
DOCTOR CHARLES HARRIS, 1 Robert Harris, of Cabarrus, father of Charles W. Harris, appears from the context to have been visiting his son at Chapel Hill upon this date. A sufficient reference to him appears in the preface. 2 Though the editor has never seen any statement as to where the bachelor Harris lived during his two years of service to the University, the first two years of its actual life, his intimate relations with the Ker family, as indicated in the above letter and others of the series, tend to prove that he resided with this family who occupied the president's house (then upon the site of the present Swain Hall), begun in 1793 and completed for occupancy by 1795.
UNIVERSITY, DR. FRIEND,1 In your last letter you expressed some uncertainty respecting the place in which you would attempt the practice of Physic. This, in a great measure prevented me from writing as often as I could wish. You see by my address that I am still a teacher tho' much against my inclination--It is difficult in this illiterate part of the United States to procure any person that is able and willing to undertake the arduous task of instructing. I continue in my present situation because the trustees cannot procure any person to perform the duties of my office. I earnestly desire to be engaged in some professional business in the world--One of my motives for writing you at this time was to receive some information of Mr. Caldwell2 who graduated one year before us & spoke the first Salutatory Oration--I have heard that he has been employed in teaching ever since he left College--if he is not yet permanently settled, and has no objection against removing farther south I make no doubt but he may be placed in a situation in this state altogether agreeable--I must beg leave to trouble you in this affair & request that you would by post give me any information concerning his place of abode; employment &, which you may think necessary--Or if you can let him know of the enquiries which I have made, it will be still a greater favor. The University contains 37 students--The employment which I would relinquish to Mr. Caldwell if he would agreeable to the trustees is the Professorship of Mathematics & Natural Philosophy worth at present more than 500 Dol. per Ano. & in time to come will be more valuable. I am your sincere friend, CHAS. W. HARRIS. Dr. Jno. C. Otto. I mentioned Mr. Caldwell's name to the trustees. Write by the first post to Chapel-hill. University of N. C.
DOCTOR JOHN C. OTTO, 1 Dr. John Conrad Otto, to whom this letter is written, was an A. B. graduate of Princeton, of the class of 1792 (the class of Harris). He received his A. M. from Princeton in 1795, and an M. D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1796. From 1798 to 1802 he was physician to the Philadelphia Dispensary, and from 1813 to 1835 he was a physician in the Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. From 1840 to the date of his death in 1844 he was Vice-President of the College of Physicians, Philadelphia. 2 Joseph Caldwell, A. B. Princeton, 1791; Tutor, Princeton, 1795-96; Clerk of Faculty, Princeton, 1796; Professor Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, University of North Carolina, 1796-1817: President of University of North Carolina, 1804-12, 1816-35: A. M. Princeton, 1794, also University of North Carolina in 1799 (honorary); and D. D. Princeton, 1816. He died in 1835. For a full account of the services of Caldwell to the University of North Carolina, see Battle, History of the University of North Carolina, Vol. 1, p. 173, et seq.
NASSAU HALL.
SIR, I have just received a letter from you by Mr. Otto requesting information respecting my present employment and expectations.1 I am still unsettled in the world, tho' I have passed thro' most of the time I allotted for obtaining a profession. It has been my purpose for sometime past to apply for license in the ministry next spring. This, however, is an event perfectly at my own discretion. And I am unable yet to say how far your letter may influence my decision. I have been two years and an half studying divinity, and if I had chosen might have requested license some time ago. I am now employed in the business of tutor in this college. I commenced a year from the present date. I should feel myself so diffident with respect to the duties of a teacher of mathematics that I should scarcely know how to venture the responsibility of such an office, were it not that I had some time since an opportunity of becoming acquainted in some
measure with my strength. And tho' I still apprehend that I do not possess the qualifications requisite to such an office, I believe I should be able to prepare myself with assiduity and attention. I wish to receive further information of the situation of affairs, before I form or express an opinion. To know the several offices of the University and the names of those who fill them--the buildings that belong to it--& the conditions of the funds, if there are any, the classes and number of students in each--under what regulations the students are at present and whether on the whole you think the labor of teaching, fatiguing and oppressive. I wish you to mention also the expenses and whether the country and situation is healthy. By being so particular in my enquiries, I would not have you imagine that I would expect to be accommodated in the best manner with everything that is agreeable and convenient. But as I am almost entirely ignorant on all the subjects, I have enumerated, that I may form any determination at all it will be necessary that I be able in some degree to estimate them. You know the advantages my present station possesses, and therefore will easily conceive that it would be by no means wise to barter them away for an uncertainty. Mr. Hobart2 is my colleague, and tho' I have not the happiness of a personal or intimate acquaintance with him, yet I have the satisfaction of being assured that I may rely without reserve on every information you may offer, and that you or those with whom you are connected may not want the same advantages of information on your side, Dr. Smith,3 Dr. Minto4 or any of the people of Princeton in whom you are willing to confide, will no doubt give you every information you may ask.
I ought now to mention that it will not by any means be convenient for me to leave this place till next fall after commencement. From your own knowledge of affairs here, you will be able to judge the reason of this.
MR. C. W. HARRIS, 1 This letter to Harris, in the bound manuscript volumes of unpublished records of the University is in Caldwell's handwriting, but without date and signature. It is doubtless a copy of his original letter to Harris, made by himself and placed in the faculty archives, as a matter of record, during his early period of service to the University. It is his reply to either Harris inquiries of Dr. J. C. Otto about Caldwell, (see preceding letter), or his reply to a letter from Harris to himself direct, but transmitted through Otto. Its date should probably be the latter part of June, 1796. The succeeding letter in the series, of date July 24th, is Harris reply, continuing the negotiations for Caldwell's services and incidentally throwing a clear light upon the conditions, internal, and external, of the eighteen-months-old University of North Carolina. 2 John Henry Hobart, A. B., Princeton 1793; Tutor 1796-1798; Clerk of Faculty Princeton 1796-1798; Professor Pastoral Theology and Sacred Oratory General Seminary, N. Y., 1821-30; Assistant Protestant Episcopal Bishop, New York 1811-16; Protestant Episcopal Bishop New York 1816-30; A. M. Princeton 1796; and D. D. Union 1807. 3 Samuel Stanhope Smith, Tutor Princeton 1770-73; Rector Hampden-Sidney Academy 1775-79; Clerk Board of Trustees Princeton 1781-95; Treasurer Princeton 1783-86; Professor Moral Philosophy and Theology Princeton 1789-95; President Princeton 1795-1812; A. B. Princeton 1769; A. M. Princeton 1772; D. D. Princeton, also Yale, 1783; LL. D. Harvard 1810; resigned Presidency Princeton 1812; and died 1819. 4 Walter Minto, M. A., LL. D., Professor Mathematics and Natural Philosophy Princeton 1787-96, died 1796.
UNIVERSITY July 24th 1796. SIR, You will, without doubt, be expecting some account from me long before the arrival of this but I delayed giving an answer to your letter until the meeting of the Board of Trustees which was on the 15th inst. that I might have it in my power to write to you more fully. For as a teacher in the University I had no authority to give you any encouragement that could be relied upon--without the concurrence of the Trustees. In answer to the several queries which you proposed, I am to inform you that the offices1 of the University are President, who is professor of Rhetoric & Belles-letters; Professor of Moral Philosophy; Professor of Natural Philosophy; Professor of Mathematics; of Chemistry; & of Languages--in all five Professorships. Revd Ker who has lately left this place was professor of languages & performed the duties of President pro tempore. Revd McCorkle, D. D. of this state was appointed to the professorship of Moral Philosophy, but as he could not immediately accept of the appointment and the trustees began to be very doubtful respecting his qualification
for that business the appointment has been retracted.2 Revd. Holmes is now Professor of Languages. I am the other professor who besides the duties of my particular office, am obliged for the want of teachers to attend to the Moral Philosophy class & perform the duties of President. Besides there are two tutors3 of the lower classes. As to the classes, the Moral Philosophy class is the first and consists of six young men. They will study Paley, Burlemagni, Montesqueiu, & Mallet's elements of history. The mathematical class will consist of 15 who will study Simson's Euclid, Simson's Algebra, Trigonometry, Surveying, Navigation, and if required, Conic Sections, Projection of the Sphere & Nicholson's Nat. Philosophy & Ferguson's Astronomy. The Geography & Arithmetic class will be composed of 10 students, the Latin class of nearly as many, & there will be five or six in Greek. The tutors each attend to near 30 scholars, so that the whole number will be about 100. I have not been very particular, or accurate in some of the statements of the classes because it is now vacation & the young gentlemen when they meet, will commence their studies in new classes. We immitate Nassau Hall in the conduct of our affairs as much as our circumstances will admit. The Professorship of Mathematics & Natural Philosophy will not be more burdensome nor laborious at this place than at Princeton. I have been at the University since the first commencement of business & determined to devote myself during my stay entirely to its interests. For this reason I have always been employed in duties which were not annexed to my professorship & which I think it will not be necessary for any future professor to perform. To me they were not oppressive. I received my reward in finding myself useful to an institution which was zealously patronized by the whole state. Our situation is without doubt healthy--that was a circumstance which particularly recommended Chapel Hill for the seat of the University. As our state is not favourably situated for commerce, & the University fixed in an interior part of the country you must readily conceive that the expense of clothing
will be something dearer at this place than at Princeton. But boarding is much cheaper, our diet at Commons is preferable to yours and procured at the low rate of 40 Dollars a year. The Trustees will pay for your boarding if you choose to diet at Commons. It has cost me nothing as yet. The buildings already compleated are one wing 98 feet long & 40 broad two stories high containing 16 rooms; an elegant & large house for the President, with out-houses; Steward's house, Kitchen &. The Buildings which are to be erected are a large house 115 feet long 56 broad & three stories; a wing exactly similar to the one above mentioned & placed fronting it; a chapel 50 feet long & 40 broad. I have annexed a small paper which will show you in what order these houses are to be arranged. The Chapel4 is already contracted for, & will cost near 3,000 Dollars.The foundation will be laid within two weeks. The trustees can at pleasure realize 15,000 Dollars more with which they have determined to commence the large building as soon as they can procure an undertaker. It would be difficult to give any correct statement of the funds. I requested the Treasurer to make out a small account of them, which I purposed to inclose for your satisfaction. This I have not yet received but he assured me that they could not be stated at less than 30,000 Dollars, tho' some of the property was such as could not be immediately productive.5 I have now given you a short but I fear not satisfactory answer to your enquiries. From what I have said you will easily perceive that the University labours more at present for the want of good teachers than anything else. Were the buildings compleated and more of the professorships filled there would not be less than 200 students. The professorship of Mathematics is at present worth 500 Dollars & will I am certain in a short time be equal to 600. Yet I may inform you that the society in the neighbourhood of the University is very uncultivated & unenviting. I have no communication with it. When there is a little leisure I ride 12 or 14 miles & there find very agreeable company,6 & the seminary is
occasionally visited by the most respectable gentlemen in the state. One who resides here will generally be confined to the company of teachers students or books. Chapel Hill is 25 miles from Raleigh the seat of government. From the newness of the University every thing is rather in an unsettled state, but from present appearances I expect a situation here will within a short time become as agreeable & profitable as any of a like kind in the Union. You might here reasonably enquire why Mr. Ker has relinquished his business and why I intend to follow his example when prospects are so flattering. As to Mr. Ker he went away much against his own will,7 and as to my self I never could think of spending my life in teaching or I should not alter my situation. The law is my aim, and it is now high time to make some effectual preparation in that way. I gave the trustees warning of my intention six months ago. After all I hope you will not rely too much on what I have said. I could not easily forgive myself should I be, even the innocent cause of persuading you to a situation which might on trial prove less agreeable than that which you at present hold. Consult with your friends in that country & if they should approve of the prospects which open to you from this state, accept of them. You may calculate without diffidence on all the assistance which I can give you. Your letter I handed to the trustees who gave me liberty to inform you that you might be certain of the appointment should you think proper to accept. Gen. Davie of Hallifax, a leading member of the board, promised to write to you. We expect from London a small apparatus which will probably arrive before Christmas. Our education at Princeton was shamefully & inexcusably deficient in experimental Philosophy, a circumstance which I have often reflected upon with concern. If you have never attended particularly to that subject, before your commencement, you would undoubtedly find it a great advantage to see the Apparatus in Philadelphia & to learn the manner of using different kinds of Electrical Machines, Air-pump, Telescope, Microscope, Camera-Obscura, Magic Lantern,
Quadrants, Sextants, & whatever else you may suppose useful or entertaining. I should have appeared often very ridiculous in my own eyes had I not gotten a smattering of experimental Philosophy by visiting Williamsburg College in Virginia. I would thank you to make my respects acceptable to Dr. Smith, Dr. Minto, & Mr. Hobart, if it be not inconsistent with the subject of our correspondence. I would willingly receive the degree of A. M. if I should be thought worthy of it & it could be procured in my absence. I suppose there is some expense attending it, which if you defray I will remit by some opportunity, at any rate when our members return to congress. If upon the whole you think of accepting our proposal you ought to arrive here between the end of October and the middle of November about which time the classes will again meet & you might at once enter upon your professorship. I am, sir, with all
possible respect your CHAS. W. HARRIS. Mr. Joseph Caldwell. Be kind enough to oblige me with a letter by Post as soon as possible after the reception of this. It would be highly pleasing to know something particular respecting the present situation of my Alma Mater. Direct to Chapel-Hill.
Chapel-Hill MR. JOSEPH CALDWELL, Tutor, 1 The Trustees, on July 15, 1796, accepted Ker's resignation as presiding professor and promoted Harris to that office. Ker's chair of Rhetoric and Belle-Lettres went unfilled, as did also the chair of Chemistry. Harris assumed the duties of the chair of Natural Philosophy in addition to his own of Mathematics (he having been tutor in the last named subject from the beginning of his service in April, 1795, to the end of the first term in July, since when he had occupied the professorship). Samuel Allen Holmes was promoted from the Grammar School to the chair of Languages and was assisted by W. L. Richards as tutor in English and French. Holmes' appointment later proved to be of very doubtful benefit to the institution. 2 Wm. R. Davie, the most influential member of the Board of Trustees, seems not to have been enthusiastic for McCorkle's appointment, and when the latter made his acceptance conditional upon an increase in salary equal to the annual rental value of the presiding professor's house (which he was to occupy, and whose duties he was to assume) in case he was deprived of the use of the house upon the election of a president, the board retracted the appointment. For further details relative to the failure of this appointment see Battle, History of the University of North Carolina, Vol. 1, p. 100. 3 W. L. Richards, Tutor in French and English, and Nicholas Delvaux, Tutor in Latin. Each of these also were teachers in the Grammar School. 4 The Chapel was completed out of the funds of a donation by General Thomas Person, of Granville, and was named "Person Hall" in his honor. It was the east wing of the present building upon the campus still bearing the name of Person Hall. 5 This property which could not be immediately productive consisted mainly of land warrants to Tennessee lands donated by Colonel Benjamin Smith (afterwards Governor) in 1790. Nothing was realized from them before 1815. 6 Harris' outlet for social intercourse was Hillsborough, twelve miles distant. 7 There seem to have been two reasons for the disseverance of Ker's connections with the University after a year and half of service: first, his inability to cope with the "unruly" spirit of the student body and, second, the fact that he had developed heterodox political and religious principles. The bulk of the young University's support, both in the Trustees and in the patronage, was Federalist politically and staunch Presbyterian in matters spiritual. Ker became a "furious Republican" and at the same time shook off his Presbyterian orthodoxy. After leaving the University he migrated to the territory of Mississippi and in 1802 was appointed a territorial judge by President Jefferson, in which office he served until his death in 1805.
"I showed our correspondence to Dr. Smith the day "after I received your last letter. He read it and hesitated "not to advise my acceptance. He is not well satisfied with "his present situation, as he informed me before I left him. "He looked at the plan chosen for the buildings on Chapel hill & went so far, as to say that he would be ready to relinquish his establishment & prospects here & remove to your University, if the trustees or those in whose power it should be, would give up the disposition and direction of affairs into his hands, the ordering of the buildings in their structure and situation, of the environs of the University, the choice of the Library &, &. He thought that by the additional expense of a few thousand dollars more than what the present
plan will require, the University might be made superior in elegance as well as convenience to any thing in our country. It is an undeniable truth that Dr. Smith is a man of superior cultivation and taste. These are so far from being superficial, that they are entirely of the solid and substantial kind. His reputation as a man of genius, of science, and of talents peculiarly fitted for instruction and discipline are too well known to you & to the people of the U. States to need any explanation. He has a family that must be expensive any where, but particularly in such a place as this; where the inhabitants with whom he is obliged to be in habits of ceremony, affect to be of what themselves would call the highest order. Being on a road which is travelled more than any other in the U. States, his disposition inclines him, and his situation obliges him to receive and entertain, with much expense, visitors at all times. It is by no means necessary for me to inform you that the inhabitants of this place were never agreeable to him nor he to them. As to his health, he declares that he is seriously apprehensive of the effects of the next winter upon it. He has filled the office of president with more mildness than he did that of vice president. The trustees of this place would certainly be very unwilling to part with him.
JOSEPH CALDWELL. 1 A copy, in Harris' hand, of Caldwell's reply to the preceding letter. It was appended by Harris to the succeeding letter to James Hogg, of Hillsborough, a member of the Trustee committee on appointments. It is to convey the information both of Caldwell's acceptance of the Chair of Mathematics and the possibility of the acceptance by Dr. Samuel Stanhope Smith, president of Princeton, of the presidency of the University of North Carolina should it be offered him. Reading between the lines, one may conclude that unsatisfactory conditions at Princeton at that date, coupled with the fair prospects of the future of the University of North Carolina, were greater in their influence upon Dr. Smith's attitude than the minor causes which Caldwell's letter discloses. However, for reasons probably financial in character, the chance of securing Dr. Smith was let slip by the Trustees, the negotiations never taking the actual form of an offer to him so far as the University records disclose.
UNIVERSITY
Sep. 1st 1796. MY DEAR FRIEND, I now have the pleasure of informing you that Mr. Caldwell intends to accept of the professorship of Mathematics
at this place. I received his final answer by last Tuesday's post. He will set out on his journey in the first week of next month & will probably arrive about the first of November. I feel a secret pride in finding that the prospects of our national institution are so flattering, as to entice to it men of real abilities and merit; and you who are so entirely devoted to its interest cannot but rejoice that you have thus far been successful in establishing an University. I had communicated to Mr. Caldwell, agreeably to his request, a very particular, and as far as I was able, an accurate account of our affairs, and for his information had enclosed a small, rough plan of the intended situation of the buildings, avenues and walks, all which he shewed to Dr. Smith, and in his last letter had favoured me with the intelligence which I have transcribed into the annexed paper. Of it you are at liberty to make what use you think proper, as you are one of the Committee of correspondence and appointments. After you have perused the paper I beg leave to add the following remarks respecting Dr. Smith. He is as elegant and accurate a classical scholar as any professor in any of the Northern Colleges. He has devoted much time to the study of moral and political Philosophy & the philosophy of nature and we may judge of his progress in these, by some of his publications. He is well versed in Rhetoric & the Belles Lettres his style is said to be neat, & elegant. He is a standard of pronunciation, and his delivery is articulate, & pleasing, his gesture easy and engaging. In short he is possessed of many qualities of an Orator. His age is near fifty; he is rather above the common size & when I knew him, inclined to corpulency. He is universally thought handsome in his person & very polite in his manner. What Mr. Caldwell has related of the conversation between Dr. Smith & himself is in a loose, epistolary style; and the conditions mentioned cannot be supposed to be determinate. The whole I submit to you. For my own part if I know anything of Dr. Smith & the situation of this place I am certain, he would be more useful than any
man you could procure from Connecticut even Bishop Seabury himself. As to our affairs at present, everything goes on in an ordinary way. The young gentlemen have not put us to the necessity of inflicting any high censures since the commencement of the session, but have applied themselves to their respective studies with much industry and regularity. Mr. Richards who assists in the preparatory school writes a very fine hand & by his method and attention promises to be an acquisition to the University in the way of writing. We expect to see you now & then if it be not inconvenient. Do me the honour of presenting my best respects to your family. I am sir, your most
humble servant CHAS. W. HARRIS.
Dr. James Hogg1
Mr. Gavin Oliver will much oblige me by making out a very small abstract of the state of the funds of the University. I spoke to him on that subject at our last examination.
JAMES HOGG, Esquire,
UNIVERSITY MY DEAR FRIEND,
postage paid
at Chapel-Hill.
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Aug. 13, 1795.
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much respect
Your's
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Nov. 12th, 1795.
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By Robert Harris Esq.
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June 1st. 1796.
25
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North Carolina.
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servant
26th July 96
Double 50.
----New Jersey.----
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PART OF MR. CALDWELL'S LETTER1
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Sept. 5th. 1796
I received by last post your final answer on the subject of our correspondence--Your determination to accept of the professorship of Mathematics gives me great pleasure, and tho' you will find our institution in an infant state, yet such a foundation has been laid, and so great are the exertions on the part of the trustees, that I entertain scarce any doubts, but it will be brought to perfection in due time. I am sorry that Dr. Smith is not agreeably situated at Princeton. I had often mentioned his name to the trustees, but always supposed that no offers from this state could entice him from Nassau, particularly since he accepted the Presidency. I
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wish our trustees could make a removal to the University agreeable and profitable to him; such an event I am certain would be highly useful to our growing institution. At any rate, I will make use of your letter to introduce proposals of that nature. I have already transmitted extracts of it to Gen. Davie of Hallifax and Mr. Hogg of Hillsborough, they are leading trustees, and not unacquainted with Dr. Smith's literary character.
I would advise you to relinquish the idea of coming by water, it will be attended with many difficulties, and prevent you from seeing some of the best parts of the U. States. To travel by stage would cost 50 Dollars before you could arrive at Petersburg, 170 miles from this place. I think it the best plan to purchase a small but good horse and a single chair, you could with this equipage travel very conveniently and as expeditiously as on single horse. In your chair box you could carry many necessaries which you might need before the arrival of your trunk. This plan you may make as cheap as you please and keeping the post road through the city of Washington, Alexandria, near Mt. Vernon, Richmond, Petersburg, &. you would find much entertainment and improve your knowledge of the Geography of our country & without doubt it would be very serviceable to your health. The loss in the price of the horse could not be considerable, and I would take the chair off your hands. A half-worn chair, if well made, would answer your purpose & be much cheaper. You would save something considerable by filling your trunk with one or two pieces of linen, stockings, shoes, broadcloth and whatever articles of clothing you would need in the course of a year all which are much dearer here than in Philadelphia & sometimes not easily procured.
Your trunks may be addressed to Petersburg as on the annexed paper, where they will be received, and cost of shipping paid by Mr. Grain & Anderson, who will forward them on to Hillsborough immediately, they will receive directions to this purpose long before your trunks can arrive. If no ship for
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that place should sail while you are at Philadelphia, Mr. Otto can superintend that business.
I wish to order about 100 Dollars worth of books from Robert Campbell, Bookseller in the city. This I shall do before you set out. You would oblige me by putting them in the same line of conveyance with your trunks & with the same address. I will write to Mr. Otto on the subject, from whom you will receive further accounts. Give my best respects to Dr. Minto, Dr. Smith & Mr. Hobart. I am, sir, with sincerity
Your friend,
CHAS. W. HARRIS
Mr. Joseph Caldwell
Chapel Hill
6th Sept. 1796
25
MR. JOSEPH CALDWELL,
Princeton,New Jersey.
November 18th 1796. DEAR SON.
About this time I thought to have been with you, but the State of my business is such that I cannot be so long from home without suffering some of my purposes to miscary. I herewith send you some business1 that I hope you will transact for me at the Assembly you will find the ground work of it in two papers I send you with this. Some time after Gen. Davidson fell in the defence of the country, the General Assembly willing to do his heirs what Justice they could undertook to settle his Military claims themselves and allowed his heirs the sum of Seven hundred and thirty six pounds Seven shillings for his Services to the United States, and another sum of two hundred and ninety seven pounds from the State of N. Carolina.
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After some time the heirs of the deed aledged themselves injured both in the Quality and the Quantity of the allowance made for the services done to the United States, in order to do themselves justice the heirs with the advice and assistance of their friends returned all the pay they had received from the State No. Carolina in order that they might be entitled to have their accounts settled on the same principles other continental officers had and recieve hard cash in lieu of depreciated paper money. The Agent who transacted this business through mistake or ignorance returned the two hundred and ninety seven pounds that had been paid for Militia services together with the allowance that had been made for Continental services you will find from the papers I send you that one thousand and thirty three pounds includes the allowance for both Continental and Militia Services which appears to be all the heirs ever received from North Carolina. To make you to understand the nature of the claim I will state some facts
First The allowance made to the heirs of Gen. Davidson by the State of North Carolina was not sufficient when the his account was justly settled in Philadelphia by near three hundred pounds.
Second The whole of the pay the heirs ever received from North Carolina was paid back including Militia Services.
Third If the heirs of Gen. Davidson had paid back no more than the allowance made them for his Continental Services they would be Intitled to A settlement with the United States.
Fourthly The State of North Carolina never refunded that allowance of two hundred and Ninety seven pounds that was made to them for his Militia Services though it was returned into the Treasurers office through ignorance or mistake of the Agent.
From which I infer that Sum of two hundred and Ninety
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Seven pounds is yet due from the State of North Carolina to the heirs of Gen. Davidson.
DR. CHARLEY
Your prudence will direct you who to apply to for assistance in bringing forward this Claim Mr. Lock who was one of the engrossing clerks was very helpful to me before in this business Mr. Craven2 who is Comtrouler can give you the [illegible] respecting this of any person I can Direct you to.
I would be glad you could make it convenient to go to Raleigh with John Davidson3 who is the bearer of this it is easier doing business of this sort early in the session than towards the last when the members are confused and anxious about their different Interests and caprices any expense you will be at on account of this will be replaced to you. If you succeed in this give the money to Col Phifer4 or bring it with you when you come home. I am with affection
Yr. Father
ROBT. HARRIS.
Mr. Charles W. Harris.
N. B. Remember me to Bob5 I hope to see him about New Year.
Before you put in your memorial enquire whether it would be better to petition for the certifycates that was Returned or Money to the amount.
Addressed:
MR. CHARLES HARRIS
Chapel Hill.Endorsed:
GEN. DAVIDSON.
1 This letter, the only one of the series written by the father of Charles Wilson Harris, was made available by the courtesy of Mr. R. D. W. Connor, Secretary of the North Carolina Historical Commission. Robert Harris' connection with the military claims of the Davidson heirs was due to his marriage with Mrs. Davidson several years after the death of her husband, General William Lee Davidson, in the battle of Cowan's Ford, 1781. William Lee Davidson, of Mecklenburg county, was Major in the fourth of the six regiments
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raised by North Carolina in 1775 and early 1776 and tendered to Congress for service in the common defense of the country. These troops were taken into the Continental service by Congress on the 7th May, 1775, their officers being duty confirmed. They were marched to the North under General Francis Nash to reinforce the Army of Washington. After arduous service of three years under Washington the remainder of these troops were sent South, Nov., 1779, to reinforce General Benjamin Lincoln in South Carolina. In the meantime Davidson had been promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel. Passing through North Carolina he obtained leave to visit his family. When his furlough was about to expire he attempted to rejoin his regiment at Charleston, but found the city so closely beleaguered by the British that it was impossible to do so. When Charleston capitulated, in May, 1780, Davidson's regiment became prisoners of war, thus leaving him without a command. Thereupon he returned to North Carolina and raised in Mecklenburg and adjoining counties a volunteer corps for the purpose of overthrowing the Tories of the back country, who had become particularly aggressive since Lincoln's capitulation at Charleston. He was engaged in this service until General Horatio Gates' defeat on the 16th August, at Camden. In this battle Griffith Rutherford, brigadier-general of North Carolina militia in the Salisbury District, was taken prisoner. The North Carolina Board of War temporarily assigned Henry William Harrington to Rutherford's post and on the 31st August the legislature appointed Davidson to the command as brigadier-general until such time as Rutherford should be released. General Davidson does not appear to have assumed active command in the district until the 1st of January, 1781, at which date he resigned as lieutenant colonel in the Continental Army. One month later, February 1, he was killed at Cowan's Ford, on the Catawba, where he had posted his forces at General Nathaniel Greene's order to oppose the crossing of Cornwallis' Army. Hence arose the claim of his heirs, upon both the United States and the State of North Carolina. Their claims against the United States were under the terms of a resolution of Congress of the 24th August, 1780, which granted half-pay for seven years to the officers of the army who should continue in the service to the end of the war, or to the widows, or orphans of those who should die in the service, to commence from the time of such officer's death. The settlement of both claims by the State of North Carolina was rejected, as noted in the letter. Then the state adjusted the claim for militia service alone, the claim against the United States continuing until finally settled by the 34th Congress, January 1, 1857. The reason for the long delay rested in the fact that Davidson's death did not occur while in the Continental Army and hence, technically, his heirs had no claim under the resolution of Congress of 1780. The settlement of 1857 was therefore an act of grace.
2 John Craven, of Halifax, State Comptroller from 1784 to 1808.
3 Third son of General William Lee Davidson. The other Davidson heirs were: George, William Lee, Ephraim, Parmela, and Margaret.
4 Caleb Phifer, born at "Cold Water," Cabarrus county (then a part of Anson) April 8, 1749; died July 3, 1811. He represented Mecklenburg in the lower branch of the state legislature from 1778 to 1792; one term excepted, that of 1790. His portion of Mecklenburg being erected into Cabarrus in 1792 he became its first state senator in 1793 and served continuously to 1801. His title of "Colonel" appears to have been a courtesy title, or else confused with that of his brother John, who was major, and lieutenant colonel in the war of the Revolution.
6 Robert Wilson Harris, son of the writer, and a student in the University. See earlier note.
HILLSBORO,
April 11, 1797. DEAR SIR,
I have arrived safe at this place and attended the business of the court for one day, but have not gone to the University.1
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The political opinions2 run strongly against the French who are without reserve called a pack of damn'd villains, the same prevails over all the lower parts of the state with but few solitary exceptions. The relations given by Captains and sailors from the West Indies who have been robbed of everything and have experienced personal insults added to injury have much excited the passions of the people. Mr. Hogg3 is just from Wilmington and says that the sailors have attempted to raise a mob and drive off the French frigate that now lies in that place, as it is considered very hard that they should lie and furnish themselves in our ports,4 then sail out and take all our vessels without discrimination. Mr. Hogg attended the play at Wilmington for two evenings where great numbers were present of all classes. In the interludes the company was entertained with music, when the French patriotic tunes were called for, they were incessantly hissed, and the musicians obliged to cease. At one time God Save the King was called, a little hissing was heard but the other party drowned it with a general and loud applause. This will serve to show the great change in the minds of the people. Several gentlemen are in town who say they have seen a proclamation of the present president5 calling a Congress to meet on the last of the month. We do not altogether believe the account as the gentlemen express some doubt respecting the authenticity of the publication. Mrs. Kirkland of whom we were conversing is now on the recovery. Please present my respects to Aunt Sally and am yours,
CHAS. W. HARRIS.
Dr. Charles Harris, Esquire.
Cabarrus.1 This letter was written by Harris at Hillsboro while on his way from Cabarrus to Halifax, where he proposed to take up the pursuit of the law in General Davie's office. He had ended his connection with the University the previous December, his duties as administrative officer of the institution temporarily resting in the hands of Caldwell until James Smiley Gillespie was chosen by the Trustees as principal of the University in December, 1797.
2 In reference to the all-absorbing question of the European struggle and the relation of our infant republic thereto. North Carolina opinion during the early phases of the French Revolution had been strongly pro-French, but
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with the excesses of the "Terror" fresh in mind, and France's persistent efforts to involve the United States in the struggle on her side, together with her rejection, February, 1797, of Charles C. Pinckney as our accredited representative, public opinion in the state veered around and was now running strongly against France.
3 Either James Hogg, merchant of Wilmington, Fayetteville, and Hillsboro, or his son John Hogg. The elder Hogg was one of the strongest supporters of the recently founded state University, being perhaps second only to Davie in his usefulness to its interests. A trustee from 1789 to 1802, he attended all meetings of that body, frequently visited the institution, was a member of the Trustee committee on appointments, and a member of the committee that selected a device for a seal. His son, John Hogg, was a partner with his father in business and a member from Orange in the lower branch of the state legislature in 1794 and 1796.
4 Our treaty of alliance with France in 1778 provided that the French might bring their prizes into our ports and that enemies of France might not fit out privateers in the said ports. Genet, French republican minister in 1793, had interpreted this to imply that French prizes might not only be brought in, but sold also, and that France under the treaty possessed the right to fit out privateers in our harbors. Washington and his cabinet interpreted the treaty to mean that France might fit out such privateers, but not use our ports as a base for their operations against her enemy. Also the right to sell in our ports prizes taken at sea was denied. Hence the situation as complained of above: French privateers fitted out in our ports and then lay off the same ports for the capture of our vessels claimed to be carrying contraband.
5 President John Adams, inaugurated March 4, 1794. Despite our strained relations with France he did not call the extra session of Congress suggested above.
HALIFAX,
May 8th, 1797. DEAR UNCLE:
I have arrived safe at this place and find myself pretty well fixed for study, tho surrounded on all sides with a great variety of amusements, in every respect calculated to engage the attention of one in the vigor of youth. I spent a few evenings in forming an acquaintance in some of the neighbouring families, but generally was busily occupied with the affairs of court, as I enlisted at once into the drudgery of General Davie's office, at present I feel a little relieved for court rose on yesterday evening. Every one here is much agitated by the near approach of a cock-fight which begins on this afternoon. There have been several pack-fights but none so decisive as to enable us to guess what will be the fate of the general engagement.1 The gentlemen in town fight against those of the country, otherwise it is the Longs against the Alstons. Tho know my purse is not much interested in the affair, yet as an inhabitant of the town I hope the event will be favorable to the town party. But Hodge without
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doubt will announce to you in his journal the issue of so important a conflict.
The most renowned Dr. Perkins2 left town yesterday. He has been operating for a week past upon the sick and the lame, the deaf and the dumb, and blind in this neighborhood. Some assert that all the miracles mentioned in the gospels have been wrought anew. Others are infidels. However, none complains of his charges for he labored without money and without price. I had not the pleasure of hearing much of the doctor's conversation and should I judge from his appearance, I would conclude, that if there be anything uncommon in his points, that the discovery was made like all other great discoveries--by accident. He is about fifty five or sixty years old, considerably above the common size, his eyebrows remarkably large and heavy, his nose, lips, and chin denote rather the fatness of his head than the sprightliness of his genius. He seems as if he had been more accustomed to sleeping and eating than studying or making discoveries, or as if he had oftener drunk from a tun of beer, than sipped from Helicon's fountain.
I am, dear sir, your friend and servant,
CHAS. W. HARRIS.
Doctor Charles Harris,
Cabarrus.1 Evidently reference to local politics and local political leaders. There were numerous Longs and Alstons in the town and county of Halifax at this date. Halifax was one of the seven borough towns in the state with the right of separate representation in the lower house. Richard H. Long represented the town in 1792, 1798, 1799, and 1800. Willis Alston was one of the county representatives, either in the house or senate, from 1790 to 1795. Elected to Congress in 1799 he served until 1815, and again from 1825 to 1831. He was a Republican in politics and Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee during the was of 1812.
2 Probably Dr. Elisha Perkins, of Connecticut, who in 1798 patented certain "magnetic tractors" for the cure of various human ills. These "tractors" were compass-like affairs, with one blunt pointed and one sharp-pointed arm, made of combinations of copper, zinc, and gold, or iron, silver, and platinum. Cures were effected by stroking, and their principle of action was supposed to be analogous to that of galvanism or animal magnetism. The "tractors" of Dr. Perkins had a remarkable vogue in England as well as in this country in the early 19th century.
HALIFAX,
July. MY DEAR BROTHER,1
It is with pleasure that I learn from your letter the
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progress you have made in the studies of college, as also in your private reading--the only thing you have to attend to, is that you read no more than you are able to digest properly. By now reflecting upon what you have read it will be easier to discover whether you read with due attention. Suppose I were to ask you from Anson's voyage2 what was the object of his expedition? Why did he fail in a great measure? What part of his conduct shows most clearly his courage? his perseverance, or his humanity? What is the feudal system? How introduced into England? When was the present form of Government established? Whether was Charles I or his parliament most to blame in the civil wars? By making a few simple questions of this kind you will readily discover your strength.
I am not surprised that you should have the mumps, when they are so generally prevalent. As you had the smallpox when a child you need not fear them--a circumstance with which perhaps you are unacquainted.
You will in July probably have a short vacation and may be inclined to visit Hillsborough. I owe Mrs. Estis ten dollars for a bed which I have heretofore neglected to pay. You would oblige me by calling upon her and discharging the debt, also make an apology for the tardy payment. I will write to Mr. Richards3 and request him to give you money for that purpose.
You are desirous that I would send a description of the spinning machine. This I could not do without making a rough plan upon paper, which will require some time. When I have time I shall take pleasure in satisfying your curiosity.
I have heard nothing of my horse. Please let me know how he comes on.4 You can write by Dr. Hall5 or others of this town who will be at your examination.
I am, dear sir, with affection,
Your brother,
CHAS. W. HARRIS.
Mr. Robert Harris.
University.Page 47
1 Robert Wilson Harris, younger and only brother of Charles Wilson Harris, was born in 1779 at Ragton, his fathers' home upon the "Mill Grove Tract" in the Poplar Tent district, Cabarrus. He entered the University during its second session, which began in August, 1795. He seems to have remained a student there until sometime in November, 1797. From this date he remained with his father in Cabarrus until about February, 1799, at which time he undertook a mercantile career at Salisbury. In 1801 he set up a mercantile business at Sneedsboro, on the Pedee River, in Anson county, and here remained until his death in 1812. 2 The book to which Harris here refers was published in London, 1784, by John and Paul Knapton, with the title page as follows: "A Voyage round the World in the Years 1740-1744, By George Anson, Esq., Commander in Chief of His Majesty's ships sent upon an expedition to the South Seas. Compiled from papers and other materials of the Right Honorable George Lord Anson, and published under his Direction. By Richard Walter." It was during the "War of Jenkins Ear," between England and Spain, 1739-42, that Anson, with six ships set out for the Pacific by way of Cape Horn. He plundered the Spanish ports and shipping up the whole west coast of South America, captured Spanish treasure to the amount of 500,000 pounds in gold, crossed to the Philippines, plundered these, and returned to England around Africa. His exploits during this memorable voyage recalled to the English navy the old glories or Drake and the other sea captains of the Elizabethan Era. 3 William Augustus Richards, teacher in the Grammar School and tutor in the University in English, French, and sometimes German from 1796 to his death in 1798. Richards was an Englishman of varied attainments and experiences. He had seen service both in the English navy and the merchant marine. In America he had become a strolling player, his troupe becoming stranded at Warrenton, North Carolina, whereupon he secured employment as a teacher in the "Academy" of that place. He showed such proficiency in this role that, falling under the observation of certain members of the University's board of Trustees, he was procured for the work at the University as above stated. Here, in an exemplary manner, he justified the confidence of his sponsors and acquired that of everyone connected with the institution. During a part of his service Richards acted as Treasurer of the University, a chief duty of the office at this period being to serve as repository of the funds for students and to pay out the same upon order from parents and guardians. 4 Horse probably left by Harris at Chapel Hill upon his retirement from service at the University. It was likely now at the use of his brother, or awaiting sale. The ownership of a horse for riding was at this date a necessity in North Carolina to every lawyer, preacher, practitioner, teacher, and all others whose interests required any degree of travel. Population was yet too sparse, and roads too undeveloped to justify stage-coach lines west of Warrenton. The luxurious traveler sometimes used a "chair," or two-wheeled, one-seated vehicle known to the present generation as the "sulky" or "dog-cart;" but the average traveler went on horse-back. 5 Probably Reverend James Hall, D. D. (Princeton and the University of North Carolina), who as Synod Missionary of the Presbyterian Church in the Carolinas at this date, was an untiring traveler throughout North Carolina and adjoining states. Dr. Hall was born and reared in Iredell county (then a part of Rowan). He graduated at Princeton in 1774 and at once entered the ministry in his native region. At the outbreak of the Revolution in 1775 he became an ardent patriot and an inspiration to the cause of independence. In 1779 he became captain to a volunteer company or cavalry organized in his district and, a little later, chaplain of the regiment into which his company was integrated. In this double capacity of chaplain and captain he did yeoman service against Cornwallis' invasion, 1780-81. After the war he resumed his ministry with great vigor and effectiveness. Dr. Hall was greatly interested in the fortunes of the State University, frequently visited it, and was an early donor of books to its library. He died in 1826 at the ripe age of eighty-two years. For a full sketch of this remarkable man, see Foote's Sketches of North Carolina, Chapter 24.
HALIFAX, July 8, '97. DEAR BROTHER:
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Inclosed I send an unsealed letter to Mrs. Estis, hoping you will read and seal it before you deliver it to Mrs. Estis.1 Mr. Richards will give you the money when you demand it. Please settle the account when you next go to Hillsborough.
I am your brother,
CHAS. W. HARRIS.
Mr. Robert Harris,
University.1 This business matter with Mrs. Estis, of Hillsboro, is explained in the previous letter above.
HALIFAX, Aug. 26th, 1797. DEAR UNCLE,
I venture still upon a stay in this sickly country. So much is to be performed in the way of study before a man can