Minutes of the Philanthropic Society, August 10 - December 6, 1795: Electronic Edition.

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Title: Minutes of the Philanthropic Society, August 10 - December 6, 1795: Electronic Edition.

Author: University of North Carolina (1793-1962). Philanthropic Society

Funding from the University Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill supported the electronic publication of this title.

Text transcribed by Caitlin R. Donnelly

Images scanned by Stephanie Adamson

Text encoded by Stephanie Adamson

First Edition, 2007

Size of electronic edition: ca. 64K

Publisher: The University Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

2007

The electronic edition is a part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill digital library, Documenting the American South.

Languages used in the text: English

Revision history:

2007-02-05, finished TEI/XML encoding.

Source(s):

Title of collection: Records of the Philanthropic Society (#40166), University Archives, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Title of document: Minutes of the Philanthropic Society, August 10 - December 6, 1795

Author: [University of North Carolina (1793-1962). Philanthropic Society]

Description: 17 pages, 17 page images

Note: Call number 40166 ( University Archives, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)

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Minutes of the Philanthropic Society, August 10 - December 6, 1795

University of North Carolina (1793-1962). Philanthropic Society

Page [64]

The Laws of the Philanthropic Society.
Philanthropic Society.

Page [66]

August the 10. 1795

The Society met according to adjournment and all the member were present Mr. Cook motioned that Mr Nat Hunt should be admited in the society rejected

Mr Evan Jones read on rustic felicity

Mr. William Alston read

Mr. Nicholas Long spoke on rustic felicity

Mr. Henry Kearny spoke on Ambition

Mr George Long spoke

Mr. Gillespie Composed and addressed the members

Mr. Edwin Osborn Composed on regularity

Mr. David Cook Composed on drunkinness

Note. This was the first regular meeting of the Society though Mr David Gillespie was elected President some time before.

Mr Edwin J Osborn & Mr. George. W. Long were the first Correctors in the Society.

Mr Evan Jones first treasurer and Mr Henry Kerney the First Clerk

Ed J Osborn Secy

Page [67]

August the 17. 1795

The Society met according to adjournment and all the members were present.

Mr. David Cook read on the love of learning.

Mr. Nicholas Long read on politeness.

Mr. Evan Jones Spoke on the fortitude of mind.

Mr. William Alston Spoke on the wish.

Mr Edwin Osborn Spoke on wisdom.

Mr George Long and Mr. Kearny Opened the debate on a Question Whether an Education or Fortune is best it was given in favour to an education

Page 68

August the 24. 1795

The Society met according to adjournment and all the members were present.

Mr. Nicholas Long & Mr. Evan Jones oppened the debate on a Question whether a private or a publick Education was best it was given in favour of a publick Education

Mr. Wm. Alston Composed on industry

Mr. David Cook spoke on the eturnal disputer

Mr [unrecovered] Long spoke on luxury.

Mr. Edwin Osborn read the characters of Pericles

Mr. Henry G. Kearny read on the Extract of a letter.

The Society then proceeded to chose a President Mr. George Long was elected by a majority

Then Mr. Gillespie was chosen corrector

August the 31. 1795

The society met according to adjournment and all the members were present. Mr David Gillespie & Mr. E. Osborn opened the debate whether an civilised man or the savage enjoys the most happiness it was given in favour that a civilised life was most happy

Mr. Evan Jones read on the life of Joseph

Page 69

Mr. Wm. Alston read on Prejudice

Mr. N. Long spoke on politeness

Mr. H. Kearny Spoke on sorrow

Mr. David Cook spoke about a miser

Mr. George Long composed and addressed to the members

Sept. the 7. 1795

The Society met according to adjournment and all the members were present. Mr. Wm. Alston motioned that the Society should be divided into two Classes who should read & compose alternately Seconded by. E. Osborn & passed unanimously

Mr. Henry Kearny & David Cook opened the debate on a Question whether poverty or a bad name is preferable it was given in favour to poverty.

Mr. Wm. Alston composed on Unpoliteness

Mr. David Gillespie read on sotial virtue

Mr. Edwin J. Osborn Read on a dream

Mr. N. Long spoke on dishonestly punied

Mr. Evan Jones spoke on Indolence

Note. From this time untill the meeting of Novemr 9th 1795 agreeable to the motion of Mr Alston all the Members composed on the subject if Debate

Ed Osborn Secy

Page 70

Sept 14th 1795

The Society met according to adjournment and all the members were present except Mr. Cook. Mr. David Gillespie & Mr. E. Osborn opened the debated on a question whether Female modesty was natural or effected it was given in favour that it was natural.

Mr. E. J. Osborn read on the examination [unrecovered]

Mr. Wm. Alston read on writing

Mr. N. Long read on misspent time

Mr. D. Gillespie spoke Catiline's speech

Mr. H. G. Kearny spoke on Virtue

Mr. Evan Jones spoke the fable of the stork & the fox

Mr. E. J. Osborn elected President

Mr. G. Long was chosen Corrector

Mr. N Long was chosen Treasurer

Mr. H G. Kearny continued Clerk

Sept. 21st 1795

The Society met according to adjournment and all the members wer present.

Mr. D. Gillespie motioned that Mr. James should be admited as a member of the Society which was unanimously agreed to.

Page 71

Mr. George Long & Mr. D. Gillespie opened the debate on a question whether Ladies or wine is most injurious to students it was given in favour that women was most injurious

Mr. E. J. Osborn addressed to the members

Mr. G. Long spoke on politeness

Mr. Wm. Alston spoke on prejudice

Mr. N. Long spoke on unpoliteness

Mr. H. G. Kearny read on Cimonthe son of Milliades the Athinian

Mr. D. Gillespie read on the description of Catiline

Mr. Evn. Jones read a letter

Sept. 28th. 1795

The Society met according to adjournment & all the members were present.

Motion was made by Mr. E. J. Osborn that Mr. D. Cook shall no longer be considered as a member of this society for speaking disrespectful of it & other reasons, which was unanimously agreed to.

Mr. David. Gillespie & Mr. George Long opened a debate whether a single or a

Page 72

married man enjoys the most pleasure it was given in favour that a married does enjoy the most pleasure.

Mr. George Long Read the description of an Indian insect

Mr. Wm. Alston Read of Diffidence in love

Mr. N. Long Read on a storm

Mr. H. James Spoke on Brutus

Mr. H. G. Kearny Spoke on the soldier

Mr. D. Gillespie spoke Catilines speech

Mr. E. Jones Spokee from the Tragedy of Cato

Oct. 5th 1795

The society met according to adjournment & all the members were present. Mr. James motioned that the person who exceeded in Composition should be honourably distinguish. Mr. G. Long & Mr. D. Gillespie opened the debate on a question whether does a man in a publick or a private life enjoy the most pleasure it was given in favour that a publick man must enjoy the most pleasur

Mr. D Gillespie Read on a bad reader

Mr. H. G. Kearny Read on the Latin Tongue

Mr. H James Read on Modesty

Mr. Evan Jones Read a letter

Page 73

Mr. G. Long spoke a speech to the Lacidemonians

Mr. N. Long spoke about the sick kite

Mr. Wm. Alston spoke on self love

NB The motion of Mr James was rejected By a Majority

E. J. Oosborn was Choosen Correcter

Mr. Wm. Alston was elected President

October 12th 1795

The Society met according to adjournment & all the members was present. Mr. G. Long & Mr. D. Gillespie opened the debate on a question whether the importation of negro slaves is advantageous to the united states or not. It was given that they are advantageous

Mr. Alston Composed & addressed to the members

Mr. E. J. Osborn read a letter of Charles Churchhill

Mr. G. Long Read on the effects of opening tombs to soon

Mr. N Long Read on Chearfulness

Mr. D. Gillespie Spoke of the Stuttering soldier

Mr. H James Spoke of the boy that lay a bed after Sunrise

Mr. E. Jones Spoke concerning the man & his wig.

Mr. Hen. Kerney spoke of Strange things in real life

Oct. 19. 95

The Society met according to adjournment & all the members were present. Mr. EJ. Osborn & Mr. D. Gillespie opened the debate on a question Whether is strength or Valour is the most useful in war it was given in favour that Strength was.

Mr David Gillaspie Read of the Laws relating to [unrecovered]

Hinton James Read on the pursuit of happiness

Page 74

Mr Henry Kerney Read lord Mansfields Speech in Parliament

Mr Evan Jones Read an account of Publius Hostilius

Mr Edn J Osborn Spoke an anecdote of Miss Bush

Mr N Long Spoke on Indolence in youth

Mr. G. Long Spoke

October the 26th 1795

The Society met according to adjournment and all the members were present except Mr Henry Kearney Mr David Gillespie and Mr N. Long opened the debate on a question "Whether selflove or Benevolence was most commendable in a man? It was given that Benevolence was by far the most commendable

Mr G. Long read of Sir Wm. Lily and the Alderman

Mr. E. J. Osborn read a table (Viz) the dutiful son rewarded

Mr. N Long read on Cruelty to insects

Mr D. Gillespie Spoke the speech of Macipsa

Mr H. James Spoke the speech of Sempronius

Mr E Jones Spoke the Speech of Demosthenes Con Philip

After which we proceeded to elect a President and Mr H James was Elected by a great majority

Mr. G. Long was then chosen Corrector

Mr N Long continued in his office of Treasurer

And Mr E. J. Osborn was chosen Clerk

And Mr W Alston was elected Corrector

Page 75

November 2nd 1795

The Society met according to adjournment and all the members were present.

Mr Kerney was called upon for absence on the last meeting but his excuse was admitted as reasonable.

Mr Hinton James read an address to the Members

Mr George Long motioned that a subscribtion to be made for Candles in the winter season it pass'd in the affermative

Mr David Gillespie motioned that the law should be repeald which was made some time ago by which every one was obliged to compose each meeting. It was repealed and agreed that we should be divided into three Classes as formerly. And that on the next meeting we should begin to read, speak and Compose as formerly.

Mr David Gillespie and Mr G. Long opened the debate on a question whether Peace or War is the most usefull to a Nation. It was concluded that the latter was the most usefull from the Arguments.

Mr David Gillespie read a few thaughts which arose in the mind of a Sleeping man.

Mr H. Kerney read, A part of the life of Saml. Butler

Mr Evan Jones Read, a few reflections on the minds of men

Mr Wm. Alston Read, a piece from the travels of Anacharsis

Edn J Osborn Spoke the Story of Alexander & the Pirate

G. Long Spoke of Society the different pursuits of it

Page 76

Mr N Long Spoke of Idleness in youth

November 9th 1795

The Society met according to adjournment and all the members were present.

Mr George Long & Mr David Gillespie opened the debate on this question "Whether or not Commerce was usefull to a nation? After very warm debating it being put to vote it was concluded by a majority that commerce was usefull to nations

Ed J Osborn read an essay on Antiquity

Mr N Long read on the necessity of forming virtuous principles in youth

Mr W. Alston read an account of Lesbos the Isle

Mr Henry G Kerney spoke the form of a widows prayr

Mr E. Jones Spoke an account of Earl Douglass

NB. By a neglect of the Clerks of this Society it was not recorded that each meeting after the regular business was over the Correctors mentioned the wrong spelling and bad grammer in the compositions which were read at the preceeding meeting.

Mr Henry Kearney left the Society for reasons which he would not give the society.

Mr David Gillespie motioned that if upon consideration Mr Kerney wished to return that he should be admitted it was passed that Mr Kerney should have untill the next meeting to consider upon it.

Page 77

November 16th 1795

The Society met according to adjournment and all the members were present. Mr Henry Kerneay continued in the society agreeable to the Motion of Mr Gillispie in the last meeting.

The debate was intended to have been opened by Mr N Long & Edn J Osborn; but through a mistake of the former it was not done; as he wrote on the same side of his opposer. This mistake was unanimously agreed to be excusable. They should have debated on this question, "Whether the schoolmaster or the preacher was the most usefull member of society; However it was debated upon and decided by a majority that the schoolmaster was the most usefull member of society

Mr David Gillespie spoke the speech of Macipsa to the Senate of Rome.

Mr George Long Spoke on friendship

Mr William Alston Spoke an anecdote of Alexander and the pirate.

Mr Evan Jones Read an account of Andrew Doria the Genoese

Mr Henry Kerney Read a piece from Anachasis's travels

The Compositions were then corrected by Mr Alston & Mr G. Long Correctors.

We then proceeded to elect a president Mr James time of serving was elapsed, and Mr Henry Kerney was elected by a majority.

Page 78

Monday November 24th 1795

The Society met according to adjournment and all the members were present.

Edwin J Osborn Secty. Motioned that Mr Richd. Eagles and Mr William Clark should be admitted as members into the Society also Mr Lawrence Dorsey. it was unanimously agreed that they should be admitted after sighning their names they were seated.

Mr Henry Kerney addressed the members.

Mr Hinton James & Mr Evan Jones opened the debate of the question "Whether wisdom tends to render mankind happy? It was concluded by a majority that the wise man was most happy.

Mr David Gillespie read part of the preface to Webster's grammar

Mr George Long Read on punctuation

Edn J Osborn Spoke on Antiquity

Mr N Long Spoke on a good education

Mr Wm Alston Spoke on Solitude

The regular business being over the Correctors examined the compositions. & we adjourned

November 30th 1795

The Society met agreeable to adjournment and all the members were present except Mr Larry Dorsey

Mr George Long Motioned that we should be more strict in our regulations angainst quarreling this motion was inserted among the Laws.

Page 79

Edn. J Osborn Motioned that Mr Jno Taylor should be admitted into the Society it passed only one being against him and one remained silent.

Mr David Gillispie openned the debate on this question Viz. Whether travelling improves the mind not? It was concluded by a majority that travelling greatly improves the mind

Edn J Osborn Read a piece from the Spectator.

Mr Nicholas Long read on Chearfullness

Mr Wm. M. Clark read on piety and Morality

Mr Wm C Alston read on Sincerity

Mr Hinton James Spoke the speech of Brutus over the dead body of Lucretia.

Mr Evan Jones Spoke an anecdote of the bald-headed Cavelier

Mr Richard Eagles Spoke of the absent man

The Correctors then examined the Compositions

As the question of intended for debate this Sitting was not thinkable the opponants coincided in opinion the debate was therefore not a good one but after the regular business was over we debated on this question Viz. Whether the man who has a competency or he who is in avery affluent station enjoys most happiness? it was decided that the man with a competency and no more enjoys the most happiness.

Page 80

December 6 1795

The Society met and all the members were present except Mr E Jones. Mr David Gillespie motioned that after this meeting the Society should not meet untill January 24th 1796 it passed unanimously Mr L Dorsey was excused for absence last meeting.

Mr William Alston and Edn. J Osborn opened the debate on this question (Viz.) Whether is a man at any time justifiable in telling a lie? It was concluded by a majority that lies on some occasions were usefull.

Mr N Long Composed on application to study

Mr William Clark Composed on the Proper employment of time

Mr David Gillespie spoke the Speech of Catilin to the army.

George Long Spoke.

Larry Dorsey spoke on the alliance of France and America

Jno. Taylor Spoke part of the Speech of Cicero against C. Verres.

Mr Hinton James Read the Charecter of King Alfred

Mr Richd. Eagles Read on good Company

Page [81]

The Compositions were then Corrected

We the proceeded to elect the officers

Mr David Gillespie was Elected President

Mr Jno. Taylor Was Chosen Clark

Mr N Long Continued Treasurer

Mr Richd. Eagles & Edn J Osborn Chosen Correctors

Hinton James Motioned that a Censor Morum should be elected to take notice irregular persons such as Swearers &c. after putting it to vote it was concluded by a majority that a Censor Morum Should be appointed by a majority of three to Seven.

After this motion was decided Mr Hinton James was Chosen Censor Morum.

Mr Hinton James motioned that as Mr Henry Kerney was about to leave the Society that he Should have a recommendation or Diploma from the Society this motion passed unanimously

Mr Gillespie motioned that Mr Jame's Motion should be repealed By a majority it should not be repealed. Mr Hinton James motioned that A Committee should be appointed to the duty of the Censor Morum Mr Long, Mr Dorsey & Mr Alston were Chosen Committee.

The Committee was to m [unrecovered] n.