The Diary of Julius M. Bacot, 1886 contains daily diary entries discussing Julius Bacot's work as a lawyer, the weather, illness, and his social engagements with members of other Charleston families such as the Manigaults, Lowndes, Rhetts and Ravenels. Other entries talk about weddings, deaths, hunting trips, and property claims following the Civil War. The diary includes entries on the Protestant Episcopal Church Convention in which discussion formed around the admittance of African American ministers which was ultimately denied. Finally, Julius Bacot writes about the 1886 Charleston Earthquake in which he records the event as it happens and the damages, anxieties, aftershocks, and relief efforts following it.
Charleston Earthquake scene. Sign at bottom of image: 'Mr. August Melm's room, 21 King Street.' Also, written on front, at bottom: 'Earthquake - Charleston S.C. 1886.' Charleston city directory for 1886 lists August Melm, a local attorney, as boarding at 21 King Street.
Charleston Earthquake scene. Possibly from Cook's Earthquake views, No.157, scene near Accomodation Wharf. Written on front, at bottom: 'Charleston Earthquake Scene - ruins on Accomodation Wharf.' Charleston city directory for 1886 lists Accomodation Wharf as opposite 176 East Bay Street.