Partial letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell, in Erlangen, to unknown correspondent describing the state of Christianity and theology in Germany. Barnwell also discusses his attempt to impart his knowledge of contemporary American political science but concedes that "slavery is a topic which cannot be understood, which everyone talks about but which I generally excise myself from speaking upon." 1855.
Record of David Henry Mordecai's illnesses and schooling, mostly in Heidelberg, Germany, with some notations at Ems. With sporadic notations of weather, and mentions of South Carolinians Albert Rhett, William, John & Alfred Preston, Charles Boyd, Hammond, Legare, D.C. Seixas & others. References to museums, artwork and plays seen. Mentions of health and cures, the need for an operation (p. 73); stupidity of peasants vs. slaves (18); lynching (21), political situation in Kansas (30); doomed nature of American slavery (31); inevitability of Civil War (31-2); state support of SC College (56-57); women who "paint" their faces (111). With constant references to family, and some financial jottings. Some entries in German.
Letter from Henry Ravenel, President of the Union Bank of South Carolina in Charleston, SC., to Mrs. Eleanor Tobias, widow of Abraham Tobias. The letter expresses regret and sympathies in regards to the death of Abraham Tobias.
Letter from Edward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, describing a lawsuit Edward has brought against a Mr. Brown concerning his lost dog. Barnwell mentions a lecture by William Makepeace Thackeray in Charleston and the death of Mrs. James Gadsden, who has bequeathed money to his father. February 7, 1856.
