(unnumbered page inserted between pages 2 & 3)
List of the Trustees of the University of Georgia
Members Names Date of appointment time of death resignation removed
Abraham Baldwin Dec. 5. 1800 - - - - - - - - Nov. 11 1801 - - - - - -
Hugh Lawson ditto June 17 1802 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Benjamin Taliaferro ditto - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Refd. 20 Dec. 180
Joseph Clay Junr ditto - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ditto
James Jackson ditto - - - - - - - - Nov. 11. 1801 - - - - - -
John Twiggs 1 ditto - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
John Clarke 2 ditto - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Revd., Robt. M. Cunningham ditto - - - - - - - - Removed - - - - - -
John Milledge ditto - - - - - - - - 4th. July 1806 - - - - - -
Josiah Tattnall Junr ditto June 1803 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ferdinand O Neal 3 ditto - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
John Stewart 4 ditto - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
James McNeil ditto Sept 1804 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
George Walton Nov. 11. 1801 Feb. 1804 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
David B. Mitchell 5 ditto appointed Prest. Of the Board - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Edwin Mounger 6 Dec. 20. 1802 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Abraham Marshall 7 June 17.1802 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hope Hull 8 Mar 19. 1803 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Thomas Petters Carnes 9 July 22.1803 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Jared Irwin 10 Nov. 10. 1804 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dennis Smelt ditto - - - - - - - - 8th Novr. 1811 - - - - - -
Thomas Flournoy 11 5th July 1806 - - - - - - - - 7th Novr. 1811 - - - - - -
Peter Early 12 5th July 1808 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
William H. Crawford - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
John Griffin resigned - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Edward Paine - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Stephen Upson - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Joel Abbot - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Savannah April 26th 1794
(for minutes of 1786 see page 18)
(page 1)
At a meeting of such of the members of the Senate of the University as could be collected in Savannah at the house of John Habersham.
Present
The hon’ble George Walton
William Stith Judges
William Gibbons, Speaker of the House of Repres.
Joseph Clay
John Habersham Trustees.
There being five vacancies in the Board of Trustees, occasioned by death and removal from the State, namely William Houstoun, Nathan Brownson, and Abiel Holmes removed out of the State, and Jenkin Davis and William Glasscock deceased, by which means it becomes difficult to convene a quorum to transact business, Resolved that the following five persons be nominated, and if concurred in by five of the absent Members, that they be appointed to supply the vacancies in the said Board; Provided they the said Members shall severally subscribe their assent to the same in writing. viz. Revd. Edward Ellington & Edward Telfairo Joseph Clay Junior, Thomas P. Carnes & Thomas Glasscock
Resolved, that Judge Stith be requested to enquire respecting the present state of the funds arising from the sale and leases of lands in Greene County belonging to the University and procure as correct a statement thereof as may be in his power, and transmit the same to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, to be laid before the next meeting
(pge 2)
Resolved, that the next meeting of the Senate of the University be at the Filature in Savannah at Twelve O’Clock on the twenty Ninth day of July next, and that the Secretary notify the absent members thereof in writing.
And the Bord adjourned.
N. B. For the minutes of the 13th of February 1786 see page 15.
Whereas by the 7th. Section of the Charter of the University of Georgia it is provided that “the Trustees shall have the power of “filling up all vacancies of their own board, but not without Seven of “their number at least concurring in such Act” And, Whereas by the deaths of John Houstoun, Jenkin Davis William Glasscock and Nathan Brownson, and by he resignation of Abiel Holmes and William Houstoun, there are vacancies of six Members of the board, we the undersigned Trustees in pursuance of the powers above recited, do hereby appoint William Stephens, George Walton, Abraham Jackson, Peter Early, Thomas Peter Carnes, and John Springer to supply the vacancies aforsaid. We do also appoint the 1st day of July next, for a meeting of the Board of Trustees at the Court House in Augusta. Oct. 20th. 1797.
Abraham Baldwin
(signed) Ben. Taliaferro
W. Few
Joseph Clay
James Habersham
John Habersham
H. Lawson
(pge 3)
Augusta July 2d. 1798
At a meeting of the Trustees of the University of Georgia, at the Academy, Pursuant to appointment of a majority of the Board, dated 20th October 1797.
Present
William Few Benjamin Taliaferro
John Habersham Hugh Lawson
Four members only attending, and not being a quorum for business, they adjourned to meet tomorrow morning, at Mr. Benjamin Harris’s house at 8 o’Clock.
July 3d. 1798
The Members met according to adjournment viz.
William Few Benjamin Taliaferro
John Habersham Hugh Lawson.
Messrs. Abraham Jackson, Peter Early and Thomas P. Carnes appeared and took their Seats at the Board in the consequence of having been elected Trustees by a majority of the same, on the 20th. of October 1797, to fill vacancies occasioned by death and resignation.
Judge Few being the Senior Trustee took the Chair.
On an application of Mr. James Patrick, stating, that he had paid the amount of a verdict and costs in an action instituted in the Superior Court of Greene County, by Robert McAlpine, on account of a mill dam erected by the said Patrick on lands of the University, Ordered, that Mr Davis Gresham be requested to render a statement to this Board respecting the said Secit at the next meeting.
The Board then adjourned until tomorrow morning 7 o’Clock.
(pge 4)
July 4, 1798
The Board met according to adjournment.
Present.
William Few, President pro tempore,
Benjamin Taliaferro, John Habersham,
Hugh Lawson, Abraham Jackson,
Peter Early, Thomas P. Carnes
It appearing to the Board that Aquilla Scott was, during their recess, appointed by the President and Mr. Few, to discharge the duties of Treasurer until a meeting of the Trustees could be had; and it appearing expedient and necessary, under the present circumstances; therefore Resolved, That this Board do approve of the appointment of the said Aquilla Scot as Treasurer pro tempore until the next meeting.
The Board having appointed a committee to report on the mode of leasing the lands that are at present vacant, and of renewing the leases of those which are near expiring, they reported the following Resolutions, which being severally taken up and considered were agreed to viz.
Resolved, That the several tracts of land lying on Shoulderbone, Riehland, Falling, Fishing, Shoal, Sandy, and - - - - - - - - Creeks, belonging to the University of Georgia, be leased, in lots of 100 acres each, to the highest bidder, by the Agents in several counties hereafter appointed, for the term of Ten Years, taking separate Notes, with sufficient security, for the sums to grow dew and payable respectively on the 25th day of December in each year, until the expiration of the aforesaid term of Ten Years.
Resolved, That where any leases have been heretofore executed by any Agent of this board, and the time mentioned in the said lease or leases has not yet expired; it shall be the duty of such Agent to lease the said lots again for such a term as that all the leases will expire and be completely ended on this 25th. day of December which will be in the year 1808.
(pge 5)
Provided that, in all cases of letting out the aforesaid lots, the tenants in possession shall have the preference where he, she, or they, may bid a sum equal to any other person.
Resolved, That, where any uncultivated lot or lots may be bid off, the lessee shall have the same, rent free for the term of four years from the date of the lease, under the stipulations heretofore pointed out in former leases made by Agents of this Board. And it is hereby Ordered, as an additional stipulation that no person shall clear, cut down and cultivate, more than 50 acres out of each lot of 100 acres leased of the agents aforesaid, and for every Acre so cut down the sum of five dollars shall be paid P annum; and, for the subsequent term of six Years, the lessee shall pay the Rent, he she or they, may bid for the same. And, in order that the Rents may be effectually secured, the lessees shall execute Notes for the amount, payable annually to the Trustees of the University, or their successors in Office, which said Notes are to be taken for a sum not exceeding 20 dollars each: And, where any person shall lease two lots, he, she, or they, shall not be obliged to make the building improvements herein referred to on more than one of the two lots so leased: And, where it sh[a]ll have happened that the lessees, or any of them, who have heretofore rented any lot o lots from any of the Agents of this Board, have not made the improvements stipulated in their several leases, the Agents are required to report the names of such defaulting lessees, and in what respect they have made the default, to this Board, at their next meeting, in order that measures may be taken to enforce a strict compliance with their several contracts.
Resolved, That the leasing of the land on Shoulderbone in Hancock County, shall be on this express condition, that if the Legislature, at their next Session, shall authorise the Trustees of
(pge 6)
this board to dispose of the said tract of land, then, and in such case, the several leases of the lots of this particular tract of land shall absolutely cease, end, and determine on the 25th. day of December 1799.
Resolved, That the several Agents of this Board shall take especial care to advance the interest of this institution, by not suffering the lots to be bid off, unless the Sums offered, in the opinion of said Agents, shall amount nearly to the value of one fourth the part of the produce which might probably be raised on the said lots.
Resolved, That, if it should happen, after the day appointed for leasing the (Sic.) lots on the several tracts of land belonging to the University, that there be any lot, or lots remaining unleased, the Agent for such a tract shall have power to let the same by private contract.
Resolved, that the compensation to be allowed the Agents of this Board for their services shall be six per Centum on all the monies received and paid over by them: and that reasonable compensation shall be made by the Board to the Agents for those tracts which are now uncultivated, their services during the four years in which said lands are free from rent: and that the compensation to be allowed to the Treasurer for his services shall be four Per centum on all monies received and accounted for by him.
Resolved, That the Secretary do write to the proper Officer in the state of South Carolina, requesting him to furnish this board with the grant for a track of 5000 acres of land, belonging to the University, which lies in the fork between the Tugalo and Keowee rivers, if such a grant was forwarded to be registered in the said State of South Carolina.
Resolved, That it shall be the duty of several Agents to transmit to the board, annually, an accurate account of all monies due, and from whom: And it shall also be the duty of the Treasurer to lay before the Board, at their annual meeting, an account, specifying all
(pge 7)
monies lodged in his hands and by whom, and of expenditures made.
Resolved, That the Agents employed by this Board do give bond, with approved security, to the Trustees, and their Successors in Office, in the sum of One thousand dollars on each tract of land superintended by them, for the faithful performance of their duty, which bond shall be taken by the Treasurer, and by him transmitted to the Board at their next meeting: That said Agents shall be empowered to collect and receive the rents annually becoming due on the leases made by them respectfully, and shall account and pay over to the Treasurer, annually, all the monies they shall so receive, which account and payment shall be accompanied with an Oath, that they are just, and in full of all they have received; the Oath to be administered by any Justice of the Peace: That the Treasurer shall, before he enters on the duties of his Office, take an Oath for the faithful performance thereof, and give bond, with approved security, to the Trustees, and their Successors in Office, in the Sum of Five thousand dollars, for the like faithful performance of his duty; the Oath to be administered by either of the Judges of the Superior Courts.
Resolved, That the Treasurer deliver all the Notes payable to the Trustees into the hand of the Agents of Greene and Hancock counties, and that the said Agents do so severally, without loss of time, proceed to the collection of the sums of principal and interest due thereon, by suit or otherwise.
Resolved, That the following persons be appointed Agents to this Board, who shall superintend the leasing of the land in their respective Counties, and perform the duties of their respective Offices, as contemplated in resolutions entered into by this board, viz. In the county of Hancock, Andrew Baxter, in the counties of Greene and Oglethorpe, Davis Gresham, in the county of Franklin, Larkin Cleveland; and in the county of Jackson, Roderick Early, and in case
(pge 8)
of death resignation, or refusal to Act, the Trustee of this Board who may reside nearest the place where the Agent so dying, resigning, or refusing to Act, resided, shall appoint in writing a successor.
Resolved, That Davis Gresham, Agent for the County of Greene, be directed to call on William Greer for a settlement of all accounts between him and the Trustees of the University; and in case the said Greer should refuse or fail to make such a settlement, and pay over all monies in his hands to the said Agent, that he be directed to pursue such legal Measure as he may deem necessary to compel such payment: And the said Agent is further directed to apply to the said William Greer for all books, bonds, notes, and other documents relative to the funds of the University; and that he be requested to lay before the board, at their next meeting, a statement, specifying the exact number of lots sold in the Town of Greenesborough, the names of the several purchasers, the amount of sales, and the number of lots yet unsold.
Resolved, That the several Agents appointed by this Board, after giving due notice, by advertisement at three or more of the most public places in the County, do proceed to lease the several lots at such time and place as they may think proper, and that this duty performed so soon as it can be conveniently done consistent with the interest of this institution.
The Board then adjourned until tomorrow morning 7 o’Clock
July 5th. 1798.
The Board met according to adjournment
Resolved, That Aquilla Scott, Treasurer pro tempore, deliver over to the Board of Trustees at their next meeting, all bonds and monies in his hands belonging to the University.
Letters from Messrs. Joseph Clay and James Habersham, respectively, were received, and laid before the Board, resigning their seats as Trustees; whereupon the Board proceeded to the choice of
(pge 9)
two persons to fill the vacancies, when Joseph Clay Junior and Seaborn Jones were duly elected.
Statement of the Funds in hand belonging to the University of Georgia, as reported by Mr. Aquilla Scott, the Treasurer pro tempore
In notes of sundry persons for rent of land, and sale of lots in Greenesborough - - - - - 5636:14
Estimated amount of interest on said Notes - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 932:29
In paper medium L75.10 at 4 dollars for every pound - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 302: “
_______
$6870:43
In cash on hand - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 993:32
Deduct for so much paid Davis Gresham for 10 years services - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - 250: 00
Ditto for so much paid Aquilla Scott, Treasurer pro Tempore, for his services from May 1795 to 4th. July 1798 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - -150:00
________
593:32
$7463:75
Say 7463 dollars and Seventy five Cents.
Resolved, That the above statement be published, from which the Trustees are are impressed with a conviction that the Funds are sufficiently respectable to commence the building of the University; which subject will, in all probability, be taken in consideration and determined on at the next meeting of this Board.
Resolved, That 200 Copies of the foregoing proceedings be published, under the direction of the secretary; and that he transmit a proportional number of copies to the Governor, to each Member of this Board, to the several Agents, and the Treasurer, respectively, in order that they may be distributed.
Resolved, That the next meeting of this Board shall be at Louisville, on the second Tuesday in January 1799, when all the Members are earnestly requested to attend punctually, as a failure on their part will, in a probability be productive of consequences highly injurious to an Institution on the prosperity of which materially depend on the liberty and happiness of the rising generation: And that
(pge 10)
every member who does not attend the meeting shall, unless he can give a good and sufficient excuse for such non-attendance, be fined in a sum of twenty dollars.
W. Few, President pro tempore
John Habersham, Secretary.
Louisville 8th. January 1799
The Trustees of the University of the state of Georgia met this day in Louisville pursuant to their adjournment
Present Benjamin Taliaferro,
Thomas P. Carnes,
Peter Early,
There not being a sufficient number of members present to proceed to business; those attending adjourned untill 10 o’Clock tomorrow morning to meet at the Coffee House.
January 9th 1799
The following members met pursuant to adjournment viz.
Benjamin Taliaferro, Seaborn Jones,
Thomas P. Carnes, Peter Early,
A sufficient number to form a Board not having convened, the members present adjourned untill tomorrow morning 10 o’Clock.
Louisville January 10th 1799.
(pge 11)
The Trustees met according to adjournment.
Present,
Hugh Lawson, Joseph Clay Junr.
Benjamin Taliaferro, Abraham Jackson
Thomas P. Carnes, Peter Early.
Seaborn Jones,
A Quorum having met, and the President being absent, Mr. Hugh Lawson, the eldest Trustee present took the chair.
The Secretary of the Board not attending, Mr. Peter Early was appointed Secretary Pro Tempore.
Mr. John Springer on of the Members, having died since the last meeting – Mr. William Stith Junr. Was elected to fill his vacancy: and Mr. Stith, being notified of such appointment, attended and took his seat.
A letter addressed to William Few, the former President pro tem. Of this Board, was received from Mr. William Stephens, containing his excuse for not attending the present meeting, which excuse was deemed sufficient.
Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor, the Judges of the Superior Courts, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, be informed, that the Trustees of the University have formed a Board, and are now ready to proceed on business with them as a Senatus Academicus.
Ordered, That the Secretary do deliver Copies of the foregoing resolution to each of the Officers mentioned therein, and acquaint them with the time and place to which this Board may be
(pge 12)
adjourned. The Board then adjourned untill 10 o’Clock tomorrow.
January 11th 1799.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment
Present.
Hugh Lawson, Seaborn Jones,
Benjamin Taliaferro, William Stith Junr.
Thomas P. Carnes, Peter Early
Joseph Clay Junr. Abraham Jackson
Resolved, That whereas by the Charter of the University, the Governor and Executive Council, the Chief Justice, and the Speaker of the House of Assembly formed a Board of Visitors, and a component part of the Senatus Academicus: It is the opinion of this Board, that agreeably to the spirit of the Charter it was intended, that the Officers forming or presiding over the different departments of Government, should make a part of the Senatus Academicus; that they might feel a more immediate obligation to promote the interests of the Institution, and that therefore in consequence of the changes made in these departments by the alterations of the Constitution , the Governor, the Judges, or the Superior Courts of the President and Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, ought now to constitute the Board of Visitors. Yet as doubts have arisen on this subject, as well as on the power of the Board to fix upon the seat of the University; It is Ordered that a Memorial be prepared or drawn up, and laid before the Legislature, representing these circumstances and suggesting the propriety of passing an explanatory Act which will obviate all difficulties, and that Mr. Clay prepare such Memorial.
(pge 13)
The Board then adjourned untill tomorrow morning 7 o’Clock.
January 12th 1799.
The Board met according to adjournment
Present.
Hugh Lawson, Thomas P. Carnes,
Benjamin Taliaferro, William Stith Junr.
Joseph Clay Junr. Abraham Jackson,
Seaborn Jones, Peter Early,
A petition was received from Jesse Saunders praying compensation for surveying the tract of land belonging to the University which lies on Fishing Creek in the County of Greene. Whereupon Resolved, That the said survey having been made prior to the possession of any Funds by the University, and at a time when compensation could not for that reason be made: This Board are of opinion it could not have been the intention of the Legislature by whose order such a Survey was made, that the charges thereof should be defrayed from the present funds; especially as persons making other surveys for the Institution have been compensated by the Legislature. They therefore recommend to Colo. Saunders that me make application to that Body.
Davis Gresham Agent for the Counties of Greene and Oglethorpe paid over to the Board the Sum of Eight hundred and seventy four dollars, and sixty six Cents, and made Oath that it was full of all monies received by him.
(pge 14)
It appearing to the Board that Larkin Cleveland who has been appointed Agent for the County of Franklin, had declined accepting said Agency, and that Mr. Carnes had appointed to that office Mr. John Bostwick, Resolved, that said appointment be approved of confirmed.
Resolved, That there be paid to Davis Gresham Agent, in addition to his former allowances, the sum of One hundred dollars in full for his past services.
Resolved, That there be paid to John E. Smith Thirty seven dollars and fifty cents for printing Thirty Quires of Leases.
A letter was received from Aquilla Scott Treasurer P.T. informing the Board, that he cannot now pay over the monies in his hands, belonging to the University, but that he will give a Note with security for the Amount due from him. Whereupon Resolved, that Mr. Stith do make application to him for that purpose and receive such Note.
The Board proceeded to the choice of a Treasurer when Mr. James Meriwether was chosen to that Office.
Resolved, that there be paid to Davis Gresham Agent the sum of eighteen dollars for expenditures made by him in procuring stampt paper.
Resolved, That the Sum in which the Treasurer is bound, shall be subject to be increased or diminished as the situation of the funds may require.
Mr. Clay reported to the Board, a memorial to the Legislature in conformity with the resolution of Yesterday, which was agreed to and ordered to be presented.
A communication having been received from his Excellency the Governor
(pge 15)
on the subject to which the aforesaid Memorial relates, Ordered that the said communication be laid before the legislature together with the Memorial.
Resolved, that the compensation to be allowed the Treasurer of this Board, shall be four per Centum on all monies received and accounted for by him, untill the Funds shall be so great as to make such compensation amount to Five hundred dollars per annum, which shall be the utmost extent of the Treasurers Salary.
Resolved, That the several appropriations made during the present meeting, and the compensations heretofore provided for the Agents shall be paid by the Treasurer upon application to him by the persons intitled thereto.
Resolved, That the next meeting of this Board shall be at Augusta on the 18th day of November next.
Resolved, That the Treasurer do procure proper Books and stationary for keeping his accounts, to be paid for out of the funds of the University. (The University started without money enough to buy a Postage stamp?)
The Treasurer gave Bond and security and took the Oath required. And thereupon the Board delivered over to him the sum of Eight Hundred and seventy three dollars and ninety Cents.
Ordered, That the Bonds given by the Agents of this Board be renewed upon stamt paper.
The Board then adjourned.
(1-12-99)
Hugh Lawson
(Signed) President pro. Tem.
Attest
Peter Early
Secretary P.T.
(pge 16)
Louisville July 2d. 1799
The Trustees of the University of Georgia met & formed a Board.
Present
Messrs. Hugh Lawson Seaborn Jones
George Walton Abraham Jackson
Thomas P. Carnes Peter Early
William Stith
The President being absent Mr. Hugh Lawson the Senior Trustee present took the chair.
The Secretary being absent Mr. Peter Early was appointed Secretary Pro tempore.
The members of this Board having convened at the present time and place in conformity to a proclamation by his Excellency requiring a meeting of the Senatus Academicus; a committee consisting of Messrs. Jones and Stith were appointed to wait on the Governor and inform him, that the Trustees have formed a Board, and are ready to join a Board of Visitors, and form a Senatus Academicus. The committee appointed as aforesaid reported, That they have received for answer, that a Board of Visitors could not be this day formed.
Whereupon the Trustees proceeded to the ordinary business assigned them by the charter.
A petition was received from Colonel Jesse Saunders praying compensation for surveying the Tract of Land belonging to the University, which lies upon Fishing Creek together with an account of his charges. Whereupon, Resolved, that there be paid to Colo. Saunders the sum of Seventy dollars and fifty cents in full for his services and expenses incurred in making the aforesaid survey aforesaid.
The Board then adjourned untill tomorrow 11 o’Clock in the forenoon.
(pge 17)
July 3d. 1799.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment.
Present,
Messrs. H. Lawson S. Jones
G . Walton A. Jackson
T. P. Carnes P. Early
W. Stith
Resolved, That the Agent for the County of Greene do cause suits to be instituted against all persons settled on the Tract of Land belonging to the University which lies on Falling Creek, where the person so settled have not a lease from such Agent.
Resolved, that Peter Early esquire be appointed Attorney and counsel to the University, with powers to prosecute or defend all Actions in which said Board shall be a party.
Resolved, that Mr. Carnes, Mr. Stith and Mr. Early be a committee to digest and report a statement of the situation of that Tract of land surveyed for the University, which lies in the State of South Carolina, between the Tugalo and Keowee rivers.
It having heretofore been found extremely difficult to assemble the Senatus Academicus of the University of Georgia; and notwithstanding the direction of the Legislature and the Proclamation of his Excellency the Governor, requiring that Body to convene at this place on the 2d. Instant, a sufficient number of members have not attended: This Board taking into serious consideration the great and important objects of the Trust, the deranged and inefficient state of the Senatus Academicus, Do Resolve to meet at this place again on the 27th day of November next; and do earnestly recommend it to all the members of the Board of Trustees, and also of the Board of Visitors, then
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punctually to attend.
And it is Ordered, that a copy of the foregoing resolution be transmitted to every absent member of each Board, and be also published in one of the Gazettes of Augusta, Savannah and Louisville.
The Board then adjourned.
(Signed) Hugh Lawson
President pro tempore
Attest
Peter Early
Secretary Pro Tempore.
(The following minutes ought to have been inserted at the beginning of this Book, but have only come to hand since the foregoing was transcribed.)
Augusta 13th. February 1786.
At a meeting of the Trustees of the University of the State of Georgia
Present
Abraham Baldwin, President,
William Few Nathan Brownson
William Glasscock, Hugh Lawson
John Habersham, Benjamin Taliaferro
Pursuant to An Act of assembly passed third of February one thousand seven hundred and eighty six and with the concurrence of the Senate of the University, for laying out a Town in the County of Green on the College survey of Land on Richland Creek.
Resolved, that Thomas Harris, Davis Gresham, and William Grier esquires, be agents, and they are hereby appointed, and a majority of them are
(pge 19)
authorized and empowered to choose and fix a place most proper and convenient for a Town, in which the Court-House and Jail, and other public buildings are to be erected for the County of Greene, on the said College survey of Richland Creek, and to lay out the streest [suspicion of a typo – most likely “streets”] and alleys of the Town of Greenesborough, in such a manner and form as this Board may hereafter direct and point out. The said agents shall have power to fix on eight lots on such a part of said town as may be most convenient for a Church, Academy, Court-House, and Jail, and to advertise and sell at public auction twenty lots and no more ‘till further Orders, to be paid for in three equal payments, for which three separate Notes with security, shall be taken by the Agents, payable to the Trustees of the University of Georgia or their Order, in three, eight, and twilve (Sic.) months from the date of purchase, at which time the Trustees will make a title in fee simple, conditioned only, that a mansion House of framed or squared timber twenty feet long and sixteen feet wide shall be built and made tenable within the term of two years from the time of sale on said lot: Provided nevertheless, that the purchaser or purchasers of such lot or lots do according to contract and the tenor of his or their Note or Notes pay the full price of such lots as it becomes due, otherwise the Lots shall revert, and the said Agents are hereby empowered to bring suit on such Notes in the name of the Trustees, and to sell again such forfeited Lot or Lots in the manner and on the Terms aforesaid.
Resolved, that William Green be, and he is hereby appointed Treasurer for the Trustees in that County, whose duty it shall be to keep a Book, in which shall be entered a full and fair account of all the money transactions of said Agents. And in his hands shall be deposited all the bonds, Notes, and money, as it becomes due, and is collected subject only to the order of this Board.
(pge 20)
Resolved, that the surveyor of the County of Green be requested to make a particular survey of the tract of land on Richland Creek belonging to the University, running six parallel lines at right angles, that the whole may be divided as nearly as may be into forty nine tracks of equal quantity; carefully marking the lines and every corner of each tract, also noting down with particular care all water courses and the quality and the face of the land in each survey, and return an accurate plat of the same to this board within three months. And that Mr. Davis Gresham be requested to make a similar survey and plot of the Tract on Shoulderbone Creek, also the tracts on Falling and Fishing Creeks belong to the University and return the same as aforesaid.
Resolved, that as soon as the surveys and plats are compleated in the manner before pointed out, the lands shall be leased to any person applying for the same on the following conditions,
First – That there shall not be leased to any one person more than four lots.
Second – That the term shall be for seven years.
Third, For the four first years no rent shall be required, provided the person who leases the same shall build a tenantable house of framed or squared timber or not less than twenty feet by sixteen, and shall plant sixty apple trees, and alike number of pear or peach trees, and clear ten acres on each lot. For the last three years the rent shall be one fourth part of the produce. And in the case of neglect in the beforementioned conditions in the four first years, he or they shall pay a sum equal to the value of the rent for the last three years.
Fourth. At the end of the first seven years the tenant shall have the preference of leasing it for other seven years, on such conditions as
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may then be agreed on by the Board.
Resolved, That the President, Mr. Few, Mr. Taliaferro and Mr. Lawson be a standing committee to contract with any person for the lease of the beforementioned Lands, and to take such measures as they may find necessary for carrying the foregoing resolves into effect, who shall report their proceedings at the next meeting of the Board.
Extract from the Minutes of the Board of Trustees.
(Signed) John Habersham
Secretary
Louisville Wednesday 27th. November 1799.
The Trustees of the University of the State of Georgia met pursuant to adjournment.
Present. Hugh Lawson, Abraham Jackson,
Joseph Clay Junr., William Stith,
Thomas P. Carnes, Seaborn Jones,
Peter Early.
The President being absent, Mr. Lawson the senior Trustee present took the Chair.
Resolved, That the compensation to be allowed the Secretary of the University shall be five dollars per day for his attendance, and the like Sum for every thirty miles travel.
A letter was received from Mr. Stephens containing his excuse for not attending this meeting; which excuse was deemed sufficient.
John Habersham esquire a member of this board, having died since the last meeting the board proceeded to the choice of a successors when George Walker esquire was elected to fill the vacancy.
The Board then proceeded to the choice of a Secretary to
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the University, when John Hamill was elected to that Office.
Attest.
Peter Early Secy. Pro. Tem.
Adjourned until 4 o’Clock P.M.
Wednesday 27th November 1799. 4 o’Clock P.M.
The Board met according to adjournment.
Present.
Hugh Lawson Prest. P.T. Seaborn Jones
Joseph Clay Junr. William Stith
Abraham Jackson George Walker.
Peter Early
Resolved, that Messrs. Early and Stith be a committee to wait on the board of Visitors, and inform them, that the board of Trustees are now met, and will be happy to form the Senatus Academicus.
Adjourned untill tomorrow morning 9 o’Clock.
Thursday 28th. November 1799. 9 o’Clock A.M.
Present
Messrs. Lawson, Clay, Jackson, Early, Jones, Carnes, and Walder. The Board received a letter from James Meriwether containing a statement of the Funds of the University, which was read and taken under consideration.
Received and read a letter and an account from Abner Franklin, Ordered that Messrs. Carnes and Jackson be a committee to enquire into the reasonableness of his account & report thereon to this Board.
Mr. Stith attended and took his seat.
On motion, Resolved, that the Secretary be empowered to purchases a strong well bound book for the use of this Board, and another for the
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Senatus Academicus, and that he do fairly transcribe therein all the proceedings, which have heretofore, or may from time to time hereafter take place, keeping the Records of the respective Boards separate and distinct from each other; and for recording all the proceedings anterior to this meeting, this Board will make him a reasonable and adequate allowance.
The Board then adjourned ‘till tomorrow morning 9 o’Clock.
Friday 29th. November 1799. 9 o’Clock A.M.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment.
Present. Hugh Lawson, President pro. tem: Seaborn Jones,
Thomas P. Carnes, George Walker,
Peter Early, William Stith,
Joseph Clay Junr. Abraham Jackson
On motion of Mr. Early, Resolved, That the Agents of this Board, who have not already made returns to the Treasurer of the Notes taken by them for Leases commencing on the 25th. December 1798, do make such returns as speedily as possible; the returns to be made in a list which shall contain an account of the amount of each Note, by whom given, and the number of the lot for which it was given.
Resolved, That the Agents who have in their possession for collection, Notes or Papers, obtained for Rents under Leases prior to the 25th. December 1798, shall keep the accounts of collection on such papers, separate and distinct from all accounts accruing after that day, and shall in their annual returns to the Treasurer observe the same distinction.
Resolved, That the Treasurer do open the accounts for all funds arising from Leases made to commence on the 25th. day of
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December 1798 or since, separate from the accounts of funds due or accruing under Leases or sales prior to that day.
Resolved, That the Secretary transmit a copy of the foregoing resolutions to the Treasurer and Agents of this Board.
Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to purchase a Trunk for the safe keeping of the Papers appertaining to his Office, and that the expense of the same, and of stationary amounting to $8.871/2 be paid him by the Treasurer.
Mr. Carnes from the committee appointed to enquire into and report the sum proper to be allowed to Abner Franklin esquire for his services in distinctly laying off into lots or tracts of one hundred acres each, the five thousand acre tract of land lying on Big shoal Creek in the County of Franklin, reported the following resolution,
Resolved, That the Sum of Sixty dollars be paid by the Treasurer to Abner Franklin esquire in full for his, and the services of the Chainbearers in performing of the aforesaid duty.
And the said Report being read was agreed to.
Mr. Early from the committee appointed (at the last meeting) to digest and report a statement of the situation of that tract of Land surveyed for the University, which lies in the State of South Carolina, between the Keowee and Tugalo Rivers, reported as follows, viz
The undersigned committee of the Trustees of the University of Georgia, in conformity to the resolution of this Board, directing them to digest and report a statement of the situation of that Tract of land which lies in the fork of the Tugalo and Keowee rivers, beg leave to report, That the Tract of country lying between those Rivers was ceded to the State of South Carolina by the Treaty of Beaufort, bearing date on the 28th day of April 1787; one of the clauses of which declared void all grants under the State of Georgia, which
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were not registered in the State of South Carolina within twelve Months from the date thereof. That this treaty was ratified by the State of South Carolina on the 29th. day of February 1788, but such ratification was not communicated by the Executive of that State, to this, untill the 26th. day of May 1788. That the Grant for the tract of Land in question was sent to the proper Office in South Carolina to be registered immediately after the reception of such communication, but was not recorded. Your committee submit to the Board, whether the treaty began to operate untill after the exchange of ratifications between the two States, and of course whether the Grant was not transmitted and presented for enrolment in time. They also submit whether as the tract of land in question was the property of the University prior to the treaty of Beaufort, any power was vested in the commissioners of Georgia to transfer this property to any persons whatsoever, or whether under all circumstances attendant on this transaction, the University could be divested of any property vested in that body by the Legislature of Georgia previous to the said convention at Beaufort.
Your committee state that the tract in question is now settled claimants under the State of South Carolina, and that the same is in value very considerable.
Thos. P. Carnes.
(signed) W. Stith.
Peter Early.
And the said report being read was agreed to.
On the motion of Mr. Clay, Resolved, That the Agent for the County of Greene be directed to survey or cause to be surveyed One hundred acres around the Town of Greensborough at equal distance from its extremities, and that he gave notice to all persons who are or may hereafter be trespassing on the land of the University beyond the limits of that One hundred acres, that they desist from such trespasses, and that if they persist therein he give notice to the attorney of this Board who in such case is hereby directed to institute suits against such trespassers:
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The Board then adjourned ‘till tomorrow morning 9 o’Clock.
Saturday 30th. November 1799. 9 o’Clock A.M.
The Board med pursuant to adjournment.
Present.
Hugh Lawson, Prest. Pro. tem.
Thomas P. Carnes, Seaborn Jones,
Peter Early, William Stith,
Joseph Clay Junr. George Walker.
The report of the committee as to the claim of the Trustees of the University to lands lying between the Tugalo and Keowee rivers, being taken up, Resolved, That the same be referred to Messrs. Clay, Stith & Walker to report their opinion as to the claim and title of the University to those lands, and the best mode of persecuting that claim.
The Board then adjourned ‘till 6 o’Clock this evening.
Six o’Clock P.M.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment.
Present. Mr. Lawson, President Pro. Tem.,
Mr. Carnes Mr. Clay
Mr. Jackson Mr. Jones
Mr. Early Mr. Stith
Resolved, that John Wright be allowed the sum of Three dollars for providing fire, candles and attending on the Senatus Academicus, and that the same be paid him by the Treasurer.
The Board then adjourned ‘till four o’Clock on Monday evening.
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Monday 2nd. December 1799.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment.
Present. Mr. Lawson, President Pro. Tem.,
Mr. Carnes Mr. Clay
Mr. Jackson Mr. Jones
Mr. Early Mr. Stith
Mr. Walker
Resolved, That the sum of Forty dollars be, and the same is hereby appropriated to John Hamill esquire as Secretary of the University, which the Treasurer is hereby directed to pay.
Resolved, That this Board do now adjourn untill the Third Monday in June Next, and the same was according adjourned untill that time.
(Signed) H. Lawson prest. pro. tem
Attest
J. Hamill Secy.
of the University
Louisville Monday 16th. June 1800.
This being the day appointed for the meeting of the Senatus Academicus of this University, the following Trustees appeared and took their seats at the long Room at Mr. Posners.
Mr. Baldwin, Prest. Mr. Early,
Mr. Walton, Mr. Jones,
Mr. Carnes, Mr. Walker,
There not being a Board, the members agreed to attend again at four o’Clock this afternoon.
In the mean time Judge Walton and Judge Carnes were requested to attend at the Executive Chamber at three o’Clock to form a board of Visitors.
The said Judges having attended accordingly: they
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returned and laid before the Trustees an Extract of a letter from William Stephens esquire in the words following, viz,
Extract of a letter from William Stephens esqr. To his Excellency James Jackson, dated Savannah 6th. June 1800.
“From the raging of the small pox in Town and Country, it appears, that neither Judge Clay, nor myself, will be able to attend the Senatus Academicus, and on this point we conferred with Judge Carnes, wishing that it were possible, that an adjournment could take place – I have 18 or 20 in family to be inoculated, and of course humanity, and interest, both demand my attention, and the situation of MR. Clay must still be more anxious, as his children (two of them) and a number of his Negroes are to take the disorder – If it were proper for You, to notify the fact, it would at least be gratifying – but these indulgencies must not be too easily granted – true, but if we from the seat of infection, spread the disease, in the Western Country, it will be said we ought to have been interdicted.”
“Taken from the Original”
Whereupon the attending Trustees express it as their sense, that it would be adviseable that another meeting take place on the Third Monday in July next; and that it be signified to that effect to the Board of Visitors, the said Judges having reported that the said board of Visitors were to meet again at Ten o’Clock tomorrow.
His honor Judge Carnes is requested to lay a copy of the foregoing before the board of Visitors; and in case of concurrence, that notice thereof be published in the Savannah and Augusta Gazettes.
Attest. Abraham Baldwin, President
J. Hamill Secy.
of the University.
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Louisville 24th. November 1800.
On the 17th. June 1800, Judge Carnes reported to the President of this board (the members having left Town) that the board of Visitors, expressed their disagreement to the resolution of this board having for object the next meeting on the third Monday in July; and proposed that the next meeting of the Senatus Academicus be on this day, being the 24th of November 1800. In pursuance where of (and notice having been given by the Secretary) the following members met at Mr. Posners, viz.
Mr. Lawson, Senr. Trustee & Pres. Pro. tem. Mr. Clay,
Mr. Walton, Mr. Jones,
Mr. Carnes, Mr. Stith,
Mr. Early, Mr. Walker,
On motion, Resolved, That Mr. Early and Mr. Walker be a committee to wait on the Governor, the President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, and inform them that the board of Trustees are now convened, and will be happy to meet the board of Visitors to form the Senatus [sic] Academicus.
Mr. Walker from the above committee, reported that they had performed their Mission, and that the Governor informed them, that He would notify the Board of Visitors to meet at three o’Clock this afternoon, and would afterwards inform this Board of the result of the meeting of the Board of Visitors.
Judge Carnes from the board of Visitors, informed this Board, that the board of Visitors would be happy to form the Senatus Academicus at the State House at five o’Clock this afternoon.
The Board then adjourned untill tomorrow morning at 10 o’Clock.
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Tuesday 25th. November 1800.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment
Present. Mr. Lawson, Prest. pro. temp. Mr. Clay,
Mr. Walton, Mr. Jones,
Mr. Carnes, Mr. Stith,
Mr. Early, Mr. Walker,
Mr. Walker from the committee appointed at the last meeting to report their opinion as to the claim and Title of the University, to lands lying between the rivers Tugalo and Keowee, Reported, which report was read and ordered to lay on the table.
The Treasurer laid before the Board an Abstract of the funds of the University.
A letter was received from William Barnett esqr. Chairman of the joint committee, addressed to Hugh Lawson esqr. President of the Board of Trustees, requesting information respecting the University, whereupon Resolved, That the President pro tempore, notify Mr. Barnett, that this Board have appointed Messrs. Early, Stith and Walker to give such information; and they have directed their Treasurer and Secretary to wait upon the Committee with their books and papers, and to give such information as may be in their power.
The Board then adjourned ‘till tomorrow morning 10 o’Clock.
Wednesday 26th. November 1800.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment.
Present.
Mr. Lawson, Prest. pro. tem. Mr. Clay,
Mr. Walton, Mr. Jones,
Mr. Carnes, Mr. Stith,
Mr. Early, Mr. Walker,
Mr. Stith from the committee appointed to give information to the joint committee of both Houses, Reported, that they had attended the committee, and given such information as they were possessed of.
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A letter was received from Henry Chappelier Agent for Franklin County, respecting the Rents of four lots in that county rented out by Larkin Cleveland former Agent, setting forth that the rents were payable in produce, and requesting to be instructed whether to receive such Rents. Whereupon, Ordered, That the present Agent Mr. Chappelier be authorized to demand and receive such rents, and to dispose of the same on twelve months credit and security, bearing interest from the time of Sale, and that the Secretary inform the Agent thereof.
An account was received from Roderick Easly agent of Jackson County for his services in renting lands &c, and those of Daniel W. Easly and Ezekiel Offutt for laying off and chequering into 100 acre lots, two tracts of 5000 acres each in Jackson County. Whereupon Resolved, That Messrs. Carnes and Jones be a committee to report what sum shall be allowed for the Services aforesaid.
Resolved, That the attorney of this Board do institute against Aquila Scott late Treasurer pro. tem. to recover the balance remaining in his hands belonging to the University. The Board then adjourned ‘till tomorrow morning 11 o’Clock.
Thursday 27th. November 1800.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment.
Present. Mr. Lawson, President pro. tem.
Mr. Walton, Mr. Jones,
Mr. Carnes, Mr. Stith,
Mr. Early, Mr. Walker,
Mr. Jones from the committee appointed to report what sum shall be allowed Roderick Easly for his own services, and those of Daniel W. Easly &Ezekiel Offutt, Report, That they find the sum of One hundred and forty Six dollars and Seventy five Cents due to the said Roderick Easly, for Sundry expenditures for stamped Paper, a Cryer at the leasing of the public lots – and for his and Daniel W. Easly’s and Ezekiel Offutts surveying and checking two of the tracts of land belonging to the University. and recommend that the Treasurer be directed to pay the same to the said Roderick Easily. The committee further find that Mr. Easly has acted as Agent of Jackson County from October 1798 to the present time, and recommend that the sum of Eighty dollars be allowed and paid to the said Roderick Easly in full for his services as Agent for this Board to the 25th of December next:
Which report being taken up was agreed to.
The Board then adjourned untill tomorrow morning 10, o’Clock.
Friday 28th November 1800.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment.
Present, Mr. Lawson President pro. tem.
Mr. Walton, Mr. Jones,
Mr. Carnes, Mr. Stith,
Mr. Early, Mr. Walker,
On motion, Resolved, That the report of the committee appointed to report their opinion as to the claim and Title of the University of lands lying between the rivers Tugalo and Keowee, be recommitted to the same committee, and that they report thereon at the next annual meeting.
Resolved, That agreeably to the recommendation of the Senatus Academicus, Josiah Meigs esquire be appointed first Professor of the University, and to preside therein in the absence of the President.
Resolved, That the plan of education for a course of six years recommended by the Senatus Academicus be adopted.
Resolved, That the Sum of One thousand dollars be and the same is hereby appropriated for the purchase of the Library and apparatus recommended by the Senatus Academicus, and that the said sum be by the Treasurer transmitted to Mr. Baldwin together with a list
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of the books and apparatus aforesaid, to be by him laid out at such a place, and in such manner as shall in his opinion best conduce to the benefit of this institution.
Resolved, That this board do approve of, and conform the committee appointed by the Senatus Academicus to contract for the erection of a wing of the University in the County of Greene, and that the said committee be authorized to proceed in the manner prescribed in the resolution of said Board, and to carry the same into full and complete effect; and to call for, receive, and account to this Board for any monies subscribed for the benefit of this institution.
Resolved, That the sum of One hundred dollars be paid by the Treasurer to Peter Early Esquire on account for his services as the attorney of this Board.
Resolved, That the Treasurer pay the account of John Hamill esquire for his attendance as Secretary of the Board amounting to Thirty Five dollars, and also the further sum of Twenty dollars for travel and attendance in June last.
On the application of Henry Chapalier Agent of Franklin, Resolved, That the Sum of Thirty dollars be allowed him in full for his services up to the 25th. December next.
The Board then adjourned untill the fourth Wednesday in November next.
H. Lawson,
President. pro. tem.
Attest
J. Hamill Secy.
Of the University
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Pursuant to a Proclamation by his Honor David Emanuel, President of the Senate and commander in chief &c., requiring the Board of Trustees of the University of the State of Georgia to meet at Louisville on Monday the 15th. of June 1801.
The following Members met on that day at the house of Mr. Posner, viz,
Mr. Baldwin President,
Mr. Lawson, Mr. Cunningham
Mr. Jackson, Mr. Milledge
Mr. Twiggs, Mr. Stewart
Mr. Clarke, Mr. McNeil
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to inform the President of the Senate, that the Board of Trustees are now met, and will be happy to join the board of Visitors and form the Senatus Academicus; and Mr. Lawson and Mr. Clarke were appointed to that committee.
Mr. Lawson from the committee appointed to inform the President, informed this Board, that they had discharged that duty, but that the board of Visitors had not yet assembled.
Resolved, That the Salary of the President of the University shall from this day be Fifteen hundred dollars P annum.
Resolved, That the further sum of Four hundred dollars be allowed to Mr. Professor Meigs for the expenses of the removal of himself and family to this State.
The Board then adjourned untill 4 o’clock P.M.
4, o’Clock P.M.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment.
This Board having understood that the Board of Visitors had not yet assembled, adjourned untill tomorrow morning, 10 o’Clock.
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Tuesday 16th. June 1801
The Board met pursuant to adjournment,
Present, Mr. Baldwin, President
Mr. Lawson, Mr. Cunningham
Mr. Jackson, Mr. Milledge,
Mr. Twiggs, Mr. Stewart
Mr. Clarke,
Messieurs Barnett & Bailey a committee from the board of Visitors, informed this Board, that the board of Visitors had assembled, and would be happy to form the Senatus Academicus at the State House.
Resolved, That the Treasurer pay to Mr. Meigs such sum as may be due to him agreeably to the resolution of the Senatus Academicus on the 27th. of November last.
This Board then proceeded to the State House to join the board of Visitors, which having taken place, Mr. Baldwin resigned to the Senatus Academicus the Presidency of the University: and then moved that the Board of Trustees be permitted to retire in order to nominate a proper person to be appointed in his stead, agreeably to the charter - --- Whereupon, leave being granted, the Trustees retired Executive Chamber, and on motion, Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to examine Professor Meigs, and to report his qualifications for that Office, and that Messrs. Baldwin, Cunningham and Jackson be that committee.
The Committee accordingly awaited on Professor Meigs, and were perfectly satisfied with that Gentleman’s qualifications to superintend the literature of this State, and his moral and general character. And on motion it was Resolved, That this Board will nominate Josiah Meigs to the Senatus Academicus for President of the University of this State, - which on returning to the Senatus Academicus was done.
And Mr. Meigs was unanimously appointed – and was qualified
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agreeably to an Ordinance for that purpose passed the Senatus of this day – and took his seat as a member of that body.
(Signed)
Abr. Baldwin, President
Attest
J. Hamill Secy.
Of the University.
The Board returned, and Mr. Meigs elected President of the University, attended and took his seat as President of the board of Trustees. Mr. President Meigs submitted, to the consideration of the members, the outlines of a plan of education to be taught in the University, as also a list of Books which he approves of as most proper for University instruction.
The Board then adjourned ‘till nine o’Clock tomorrow morning.
Wednesday June 17th 1801
The Board met pursuant to adjournment
Present. Mr. President Meigs
Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Clarke,
Mr. Lawson, Mr. Milledge,
Mr. Jackson, Mr. Stewart,
Mr. Twiggs, Mr. McNeil,
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Resolved, that Mr. President, Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Milledge be a committee to form, devise and provide a common seal for the use of the University.
Resolved, That the President be authorized to draw on the Treasurer for the Sum of Fifty dollars annually, to be by him distributed in premiums to the students of the several academies throughout this State, in such a manner as he shall think best.
Resolved, That the rate of Tuition at the University be twenty four dollars annually.
Resolved, That the President, Mr. McNeil, Mr. Twiggs, Mr. Clarke Mr. Cunningham and Mr. Stewart, or any three of them ( the President to be one ) be a committee to carry into effect the fourth section of the act of assembly on the 5th. of December 1800.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Board be presented to Mr. Baldwin for his present to the Library of the University of Pole’s Synopsis Criticorum; and to Doctor Obadiah Hotchkess for the Transactions of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Resolved, That the President be authorised to return the thanks of this Board, to such as may from time to time make any donations to the University.
Resolved, That the committee appointed to carry into effect the 4th. Section of the act &c. enquire into and report to the next meeting respecting the claim of the University to lands lying between the Tugalo and Keowee.
Resolved, That the Treasurer pay to John Hamill the balance of his account to this day, amounting to Fifty two dollars.
Resolved, That the Secretary do write to such of the Trustees, named in the act of the 5th of December last, as have not attended this meeting, requesting to know whether they have accepted the trust.
Resolved, That the established course of Study, and Books of instruction in the University be as follows, to wit,
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1st Freshman’s Class
Virgil, Cicero’s Orations, Greek Testament, Clarke’s introduction to making Latin, Arithmetic and Book keeping interspersed with frequent essays in Elocution, both before their respective classes in the presence of their Tutor, or before the University collected.
2nd. Sophomore Class
Continuation of languages, with two or three of the first books of Homer’s Iliad, Horace, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration of Superficies and Solids, Conic Sections, Plane and Spherical Trigonometry, with their application to Navigation and Surveying, and the ascertaining of heights and distances. – Geography, particularly the astronomical part, with a frequent and thorough use of the Terrestrial Globe. – Frequent essays in composition and public speaking, and reading should be considered as particularly useful during the year. English Grammar.
3d. Junior Class.
Astronomy, with the application of its Principles to the determination of Geographic longitudes and latitudes by observations of solar eclipses, by the eclipses of Jupiter’s satellites, and by the Lunar observation. – The use of the celestial Globe, Natural Philosophy, to be taught in all possible cases by experiment. Chemistry with actual experiments demonstrative of its principles. The out-line of Linnean System of Botany. Cicero de Oratore should be perfectly read this year, together with occasional attention to the Greek language. – Logic, Priestly’s Lectures of History. Forensic disputations in the presence of the Tutors, Once of twice a week composition and essays on Elocution.
4th. Senior Class.
Rhetoric, Moral Philosophy, Laws of Nature and Nations, The Constitution of the United States, and of the individual States. Forensic disputations and composition.
Books
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1st. Freshmans Class
Ruddiman’s Latin Grammar; Westminster Greek Grammar; Ainsworths Latin Dictionary; Schrevolius’ Greek Lexicon; Virgil Delphini, Clarke’s introduction to making Latin; Pikes Arithmetic; Cicero Delphini.
2nd Sophomore Class.
Homer’s Iliad; Ward’s Mathematics; Hammond’s Algebra; Horatius Delphini; Bonnycastle’s Mensuration; Simpson’s Conic Sections; Atkinson’s Navigation; Gibson’s Surveying; Morse’s Geography; English Grammar by Doctor Lowth.
3d. Junior Class.
Ferguson’s Astronomy; Ewings Practical Astronomy; Enfield’s Natural Philosophy; Priestly’s Lectures on History; Duncan’s Logic; Cicero de Oratore.
4th. Senior Class
Blair’s Rhetorical Lectures; Paley’s moral Philosophy; Vattel’s law of Nature and Nations.
Resolved, That the following Books and Instruments be purchased by the President for the Use of the University, viz.
Adam’s Lectures - - - Octo. - - - 5 vol. |
Bonnycastle’s Algebra - - - - - 1 - - 12 vo. |
Gregory’s Oeconomy of Nature - - 3. |
Bonnycastle’s Mensuration - - 1. |
Cavello on Electricity - - - - - - - - 3. |
Zimmerman on National pride – 1 - 8 vo. |
Priestly on Air - - - - - - - - - - 3. |
Vince’s Hydrostatic’s - - - - - 1 – “ |
Chaptal’s Chemistry - - - - - - - - - - 3. |
Howard’s Geometry - - - - - - 1 – “ |
Goldsmith’s animated Nature - - - 4. |
Vince on Fluxions - - - - - - - 1 – “ |
Fourcroy’s Chemistry - - - - - - 5. |
Simpson’s Euclid - - - - - - - - - - 1 – “ |
Ainsworth’s Latin Dictionary - - - 1. |
Simpson’s Conic Sections - - - - -1 – “ |
Schrevolius’s Lexicon - - - - - - - - - 1. |
Boyer’s French Dictionary - - - - 1 – “ |
Fergusons Lectures - - - - - - - - - - - 1. |
Ewings Practical Astronomy - - 1 – “ |
Darwin’s Zoonomia - - - - - - - - - - -2. |
Wood’s Mechanic’s - - - - - - - - - 1 – “ |
Darwins Phytologia - - - - - - - - - - - 1. |
Burretti’s Italian Dictionary - - - 1 – 4to |
Darwins Botanie - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1. |
Vince’s practical astronomy - - - - 18oo |
Paley’s Moral Philosophy - - - - - - - 1. |
Emerson’s mechanic’s - - - - - - - - 1 – “ |
Blair’s Lectures on Rhetoric - - - - - -2. |
a mercurial thermometer. |
Vattel’s Law of Nations - - - - - - - - 1. |
a Barometer. |
Resolved, That this board do now adjourn untill the first
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Wednesday in November next, and the same was adjourned accordingly.
J. Meigs, President
Attest.
J. Hamill Secy.
Copy of the Secretary’s Letter to the absent Trustees.
Board of Trustees. Thursday 18th. June 1801.
Resolved, That the Secretary do write to such of the Trustees named in the Act of the 5th. of December last, as have not attended this meeting, requesting to know whether they have accepted of the trust.
George Town 24th. June 1801.
Sir,
In conformity to the above resolution I do myself the honor of writing you, and request you will be so obliging as to inform me if you have accepted the appointment of a Trustee of the University under the Act of the 5th. of December last.
I am Sir, with due respect,
Your very obedient Servant,
J. Hamill Secy.
Sent copies & post.
To Benjamin Taliaferro, Joseph Clay Junr., Josiah Tattnall Junr. And Ferdinand O Neal.
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Louisville, Wednesday 4th. November 1801.
The following Members of the board of Trustees, met at the house of Mr. Posner,
Mr. President Meigs,
Mr. Lawson, Mr. Clarke,
Mr. Jackson, Mr. Stewart,
There not being a sufficient number to form a Board, the members present, Resolved, That Messrs. Clarke and Stewart be a committee to inform the board of Visitors thereof, and that the Members of this Board adjourn untill tomorrow morning nine o’Clock.
Thursday 5th November 1801.
The following members met
Mr. President Meigs,
Mr. Lawson, Mr. Stewart,
Mr. Clarke, Mr. W. Neil,
Mr. O Near,
Adjourned untill tomorrow morning Nine o’Clock.
Friday 6th November 1801.
The following members attended
Mr. President Meigs,
Mr. Lawson, Mr. Stewart,
Mr. Clarke, Mr. McNeil,
Mr. O Neal,
Adjourned untill Monday morning Nine o’Clock.
Monday 9th. November 1801.
The following members attended,
Mr. Twiggs, Mr. O Neal
Mr. Clarke, Mr. Stewart
Mr. Tattnall, Mr. McNeil
Adjourned untill tomorrow morning Nine o’Clock.
Tuesday 10th November 1801.
(pge 42)
The following members attended,
Mr. Twiggs, Mr. O Neal
Mr. Clarke, Mr. Stewart
Mr. Tattnall, Mr. McNeil
Adjourned untill tomorrow morning Nine o’Clock.
Wednesday 11th November 1801.
The following members attended,
Mr. President Meigs,
Mr. Lawson, Mr. O Neal
Mr. Twiggs, Mr. Stewart
Mr. Clarke, Mr. McNeil
Mr. Tattnall
The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.
The Secretary reported, that he had in pursuance of the resolution of the 18th. June last, wrote letters to the respective members who did not attend that meeting, but that he had not received any answer.
Letters were received from Mr. Baldwin, and Mr. Jackson, resigning their places as members of this Board.
The Board then adjourned untill tomorrow morning 9 o’Clock.
Thursday 12th. November 1801.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment
Present. Mr. President Meigs
Mr. Lawson, Mr. O Neal,
Mr. Twiggs, Mr. Stewart,
Mr. Clarke, Mr. McNeil,
Mr. Tattnall,
(pge 43)
The Board proceeded to fill up the vacancies occasioned by the resignation of Messrs Baldwin and Jackson, when it appeared that the Honorable George Walton and David B. Mitchell were duly elected. Ordered, That the Secretary inform them thereof.
Mr. Walton attended and took his Seat as a member of this Board.
Resolved, That Messrs. Clarke and O Neal be a committee to inform his Excellency the Governor, that this board is now met, and are ready to join the board of Visitors, and form the Senatus Academicus.
Mr. Mitchell took his Seat as a Member of this Board.
Mr. Tattnall withdrew from this Board, in order to preside in the Board of Visitors, and thereby to form the Senatus Academicus.
A message was received from the board of Visitors by Judge Carnes and the President of the Senate, informing this Board, that the board of Visitors were formed, and ready to form the Senatus Academicus.
Resolve, That this Board do meet tomorrow morning 9 o’Clock.
The Board proceeded to join the board of Visitors and form the Senatus Academicus.
Friday 13th. November 1801.
The Board met. Present
Mr. President Meigs
Mr. Lawson, Mr. O Neil (Sic.)
Mr. Twiggs, Mr. Stewart,
Mr. Clarke, Mr. McNeil,
Mr. Tattnall, Mr. Walton,
Mr. Mitchell,
Resolved, That the committee appointed to contract for the building of the University, be directed to proceed and complete the several contracts for finishing the same. Mr. President Meigs presented an account for sundries amounting to Thirty one dollars, Ordered, that the Treasurer pay the same.
(pge 44)
The Board took into consideration the subject of compensation to the members ; and Resolved, That the sum of Three dollars per diem be allowed to each in coming to, attending at, and returning from, the meetings of the Board, whether to attend to form the Senatus Academicus, or a special meeting of the Board of Trustees. This Resolution to extend to the committee appointed to choose the site of the University, and to contract for a Collegiate building, and their Clerk, and that the President draw upon the Treasurer for the same.
Resolved, That the President be authorised to draw on the Treasurer for such Sums as may be necessary and approved by the committee to complete the dwelling house at Athens, and sundry improvements necessary to render the same eligible and comfortable, as a place of residence.
Resolved, also, That the President be authorised to draw on the Treasurer as may become due on the contracts entered into, or which may be hereafter made by the committee for the collegiate building &c.
Mr. President Meigs from the committee appointed to devise and procure a Seal for the University, Reported, That they had agreed upon the form and the motto; he also presented a drawing of the Seal, which was examined and approved of, and the drawing ordered to be preserved.
Resolved, That the Secretary be allowed the Sum of Ten dollars for his attendance two days in June last to have the signature of the President of the Senate affixed to the minutes of the Senatus Academicus.
The Board then adjourned untill Six o’Clock this evening.
(Where is the record with respect to the location of the Col[legiate Building]? See minutes of Senatus page 26)
Friday 13th November 1801. 6, o’Clock P.M.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment
Present. Mr. President Meigs
Mr. Lawson, Mr. Stewart,
Mr. Twiggs, Mr. McNeil,
Mr. Tattnall, Mr. Walton,
Mr. O’Neal, Mr. Mitchell,
(pge 45)
The members of the this Board, who are members of the Legislature, and receiving compensation as such, signified their intention of declining to receive compensation for their attendance on the business of the University during any session of the Legislature.
Resolved, as the sense of this Board, that when the President of the University, is called from the University to attend a meeting of the Trustees, or the Senatus Academicus, that he be allowed the same compensation for his attendance as a member is.
The Treasurer delivered in a statement of the funds of the University.
A letter from Davis Gresham (dated 29th. October 1801, and addressed to the Treasurer) agent for the lands of the Trust in Greene and Oglethorpe was read and considered. Whereupon Resolved, That the balance due for his agency be paid, first being examined and ascertained by the Treasurer and approved by the President.
Resolved also, That the Agency of Mr. Gresham be approved by this Board; and that he be requested not to decline it, as suggested in his letter; and that himself, and all the other Agents of the Trust lands, be continued until further order of this Board.
The Senatus Academicus having resolved, that the President of the University do make application to the Legislature, during the present Session, for a loan to the same of Five thousand dollars; Resolved, That the President be requested to direct all necessary information to be ready to be given to the Legislature, by the Officers of the University.
(pge 46)
The committee appointed to report on the situation of the claim of the Trust on the survey in the fork of the Tugalo and Keowee, begged further time to report; which was granted.
Ordered, That it be a standing rule for the Secretary to notify in one or more of the public prints, the time of the meeting of the Senatus Academicus, at least One month before the time of such Meeting.
Resolved, That the President be requested to continue his attention to Students in their Rudiments at Athens, until a sufficient number, [in] his opinion, shall attend, to justify an appointment of a teacher; in which event, that he be authorized to appoint one; and that this Board will provide a suitable and adequate compensation. Resolved, That Mr. McNeil be added to the committee for contracting for erecting the collegiate building at the Seat of the University; Mr. Baldwin having resigned his Seat, and thereby vacated his place in the committee; and that a Majority of those in the State be empowered to proceed.
The Board then adjourned untill Wednesday after the first Monday in November next.
J. Meigs, President.
Attest
J. Hamill Secy.
Of the University.
(pge 47)
Executive Chamber, Louisville, Monday 8th. March 1802.
Pursuant to public Notice, the following Members met, viz.
Mr. Twiggs, Mr. Stewart,
Mr. Tattnall, Mr. McNeil,
Mr. Clarke, Mr. Walton,
The President of the University being present.
There not being a majority of the members present a complete board could not be formed: But, inasmuch as the President stated to the meeting the urgent necessity of drawing some monies from the Treasury, to comply in part with contracts already entered into, and completed on the part of the Undertakers; and to defray unavoidable expenses.
Resolved by the members present, unanimously, That the President be advised to make the necessary draughts on the Treasurer; they being well assured that the first meeting of the Board will sanction and authorise the same.
Resolved, That the President be advised to contract for putting up one or more log buildings for temporary school rooms at the Seat of the University upon most reasonable terms in his power.
J. Meigs, President.
Attest.
J. Hamill Secy.
Of the University.
(pge 48)
At a meeting of the Board of Trustees at Louisville on Thursday the 17th of June 1802.
Present. Mr. President Meigs
Mr. Twiggs, Mr. O’Neal,
Mr. Clarke, Mr. McNeil,
Mr. Tattnall, Mr. Mitchell,
Mr. Milledge,
The Board proceeded to the election of a member to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Colonel Hugh Lawson; and on counting the ballots it appeared, that the Reverend Abraham Marshall of Columbia County was unanimously elected.
Mr. Clarke was appointed a member of the committee for contracting for the erecting the collegiate building in the room of Mr. Lawson deceased.
The Board recommended to the President to call a meeting of the Senatus Academicus during the next Session of the Legislature.
Resolved, That Mr. Twiggs be requested to purchase on credit ‘till January 1. 1803, one hundred casks of stone lime for the use of the University, and that the first monies received into the Treasury shall be applied to the payment thereof.
Resolved, That the Records and Papers of the University in possession of the Secretary, be lodged in the executive Chamber in the State-House in Louisville.
The Board then adjourned Sine die.
J. Meigs, President.
Attest
J. Hamill Secy.
Of the University.
(pge 49)
Louisville, Wednesday 3d. November 1802.
The following members met,
Mr. Clarke, Mr. Stewart,
Mr. Milledge, Mr. McNeil,
The President of the University being present.
There not being a sufficient number to form a Board, the members present adjourned untill Saturday, in hope that by that time there will be a sufficient number.
Saturday 6th November 1802.
The following members met, viz.
Mr. Clarke, Mr. McNeil,
Mr. Milledge,
The President informed the members, that Mr. Stewart had returned home, but had promised to attend here on the 20th. Instant, and to bring Mr. Cunningham along with him if possible; and there not being any prospect of forming a Board sooner, the members present adjourned to that day.
J. Meigs, President
Attest.
J. Hamill Secy.
Of the University
At a meeting of the Board of Trustees at Louisville on Monday the 20th. of December 1802.
Present. Mr. President Meigs,
Mr. Twiggs, Mr. Stewart,
Mr. Clarke, Mr. McNeil,
Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Walton,
Mr. Milledge, Mr. Mitchell
(pge 50)
Monday 20th. Dec. 1802.
The Treasurer laid before this board a statement of the funds of the University, which was read and ordered to be filed.
The President laid before this Board a letter which he had received from Mr. James Gunn, making a donation to the University of One Thousand dollars, which letter is as follows, viz,
“Louisville 20th. Nov. 1802.”
“Sir
Impressed with a lively sense of the liberality of the Legislature and Executive of the State, in relinquishing the claim set up on the part of the State, in relinquishing the claim set up on the part of the State, and quieting my claim to the Estate of my deceased Uncle Brigadier General James Gunn, I am prompted by gratitude for those distinguished marks of public favor to fix my attention on some Public institution the usefulness and influence of which it may be considered of the first importance to the happiness and independence of the people to promote and extend.
“The University over which you preside confessedly embracing those objects, I have to request their acceptance of One thousand dollars for the present, which will be paid by my esteemed friend Major Maxwell in the City of Savannah in Ten day from this date, to any person appointed to receive the same.
With sentiments of great respect and esteem,”
(copy) “James Gunn”
“Josiah Meigs esqr.
President of the University of Georgia.”
To Which the Trustees who were present at the time directed the following answer.
“Louisville November 25, 1802.”
“Sir,
I received by the hands of Colonel D.B. Mitchell your favor of the 20th. Instant. I have communicated its contents to those members of the Board of Trustees who were then in this place, and am directed to express to you the grateful sense they have of your liberality in presenting One thousand dollars to the University[ ]of Georgia.
You will not doubt of the satisfaction with which I perform this official duty. With earnest wishes for your prosperity and happiness, and with personal esteem.
I am most respectfully, Yours
Mr. James Gunn (copy) “J. Meigs, President”
Whereupon resolved, That the thanks of this Board be presented to the said James Gunn for such his Donation, with the assurance that it shall be faithfully applied to the purposes intended; as the same will appear upon the collegiate Records of the University.
There being two vacancies at this Board, occasioned by the non-attendance of Benjamin Taliaferro, and Joseph Clay Junr. And their declarations to the effect of their not considering themselves longer members of the same; Resolved that this Board will now proceed to the choice of a member in the place of Mr. Taliaferro, and the Board proceeded accordingly, and upon casting ballots it appeared that Edwin Mounger was unanimously elected.
Ordered, That the Secretary inform Mr. Mounger thereof. Mr. Mouger attended and took his seat as a member of This Board.
The Board proceeded to appoint a Professor of languages in the University, and upon the recommendation of the President, they unanimously appointed William H. Jones Professor of languages with a salary of fine hundred dollars per annum.
The President reported, that he had in consequence of authority from this Board, employed the said William H. Jones as an assistant teacher in the University; and that the said William H. Jones had acted as such from May last; whereupon Resolved, That the said
(pge 52)
William H. Jones be allowed the sum of Three hundred and Seventy five dollars as a compensation therefore[e], and that the President draw for the same.
The Board then adjourned untill tomorrow morning 9, o’Clock.
Tuesday December 21. 1802.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment
Present, Mr. President Meigs
Mr. Twiggs Mr. Stewart,
Mr. Clarke, Mr. McNeil,
Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Mitchell,
Mr. Milledge, Mr. Mounger
Mr. Walton,
Daniel W. Easly having made a full and complete relinquishment to John Milledge esquire, of all right, title, and claim to the lands in Clarke county whereon the collegiate buildings are erected, and the Secretary having reported that the said Deed had been duly proven, it is Ordered, that the same be deposited in the Executive Chamber agreeably to the terms of the Act of the General Assembly, and it was deposited accordingly.
His Excellency the Governor informed this Board, that it would receive a Mortgage of the Shoulderbone Tract of land in Hancock County as a security for the loan appropriated to the University by the Legislature.
Resolved, That the Ten lots laid out in Athens on Front-Street be leased for the term of Fifty years, upon the following terms and conditions.
Each lot shall be held free of Rent for five years. After which a ground Rent of Twenty five dollars shall be paid annually during the next twenty years of the term; and fifty dollars annually for each lot for the remaining twenty five years of the term. Persons who have already built under the sanction of the committee of the University, or of the President, have the Option of retaining the lots built on. Lots which have not been built on, shall on the
(pge 53)
first Monday in March Next at Athens be exposed to public sale for choice, the purchase to be paid in cash. Upon failure of the payment of the said ground rent for any two years in succession, the lots to be reentered and taken by the Trustees.
Resolved, That Messrs. Clarke, Stewart and Cunningham or any two of them, together with the President be a committee for carrying the foregoing into effect.
Resolved, That the Baptist congregation have the priviledge of erecting a Meeting-house on the University lands on Fishing Creek, adjoining Belchers lot in Olglethorpe County; and to have the use of the Spring, and a sufficient space of ground for that purpose, not exceeding three acres.
Resolved, That the committee appointed to lease the Lots on Front-street in Athens, be authorized to call to account Andrew Baxter esquire, agent of the University lands in Hancock, and to insist upon a complete liquidation and payment of Rents up to the first day of January next. And also, that they be further authorised to enquire into the state of the lots in Greensborough, and also joining that Town, which the Trustees are authorised to dispose of. And to make a report of all which to the President.
Resolved, That the President draw an Order on the Treasurer in favor of General John Twiggs for Two hundred and ninety seven dollars expended by him in purchasing lime for the University, and in favor of Col. James McNeil for Forty dollars paid by him for a pair of Globes.
The Mortgage and Bond required by his Excellency the Governor having been duly executed, it is Ordered, that the President and Secretary wait on his Excellency with the same, and request drafts
(pge 54)
on the Treasury for the amount of the loan appropriated by the Legislature.
The President reported, That he had delivered the Mortgage and Bond to his Excellency the Governor, and that he had approved of the same.
Ordered, That the Secretary do write to Col. Joseph Habersham requesting he will be pleased to have all the papers of his late Brother Major John Habersham examined for papers and documents belonging to the University, and if any such are found, that he will cause them to be transmitted to the Secretary by some safe conveyance.
The Board then adjourned until tomorrow morning 9, o’Clock.
Wednesday 22d. December 1802.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment.
Present, Mr. President Meigs
Mr. Twiggs, Mr. Stewart
Mr. Clarke, Mr. McNeil,
Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Walton,
Mr. Milledge, Mr. Mitchell,
Mr. Mounger,
Resolved, That the President draw an Order on the Treasurer for five hundred dollars in favor of John Billups on account of the work and labour at the University; and also an Order in favor of David Gaddy for Two hundred dollars in advance on account of his contract.
Resolved, That the President draw an Order on Col. D.B. Michell for One thousand dollars in whose favor the President had heretofore drawn an Order for the like sum being the donation of Mr. James Gunn to the University; and that the said Sum, when received, be appropriated to the University, as part of the funds thereof.
Resolved, That the Sum of One thousand dollars be appropriated towards the purchase of Lime and Nails for the collegiate building at Athens; and that a warrant be drawn on the Treasurer for that sum, in favor of General John Twiggs, who is empowered to contract for the same.
Whereupon the President drew a warrant on the Treasurer in the following words, viz.,
“University of Georgia”
“Louisville Dec. 22, 1802”
“Mr. Treasurer Meriwether,”
“Pay to Gen. John Twiggs One thousand dollars, it being appropriated towards the purchase of Lime and Nails for the Collegiate Building at Athens”
Resolved, That the Treasurer of the University be authorized to wait on the Executive, and receive and receipt for the warrants on the Public Treasury of the State, for the loan of Five thousand dollars to the use of the University by Act of the Legislature.
Resolved, That the Treasurer pay Mr. President Meigs'’s account amounting to seventy seven dollars and twenty eight cents.
Ordered, That the Secretary cause a notice to be published in the Augusta Chronicle of the time at which the lots in Athens will be leased.
The Board then adjourned untill the Wednesday after the first Monday in November next.
J. Meigs, President
Attest
J. Hamill, Secy.
(Copy of a letter to Colonel Habersham)
At George Town 27th. December 1802
Colonel John Habersham,
Sir:
The Board of Trustees of the University of Georgia, have directed me to write you, to request that you will be so obliging as to cause the Papers of the late Major Habersham to be examined and searched for sundry papers belonging to the University, which he had in his possession as Secretary pro. tem.: and if any such are found, that you will (be) pleased to forward them to me at Augusta.
I am Sir, with much respect, your very obed’t Humb. Servt.
J. Hamill Secy.
Of the University.
Louisville Saturday 19th. March 1803.
(pge 56)
At a meeting of the Board of Trustees pursuant to notice, the following members met, viz.
Mr. President Meigs.
Mr. Twiggs, Mr. McNeil,
Mr. Clarke, Mr. Walton,
Mr. Milledge, Mr. Marshall,
Mr. Stewart, Mr. Mounger,
The committee appointed to enquire into the State of the lands at Greensborough &c. reported, which report was read and ordered to be filed.
The Secretary informed the Board, that he had written to Colonel Joseph Habersham respecting the[ ]papers belonging to the University, supposed to be among the Papers of the late Major Habersham, but had not received an answer. He also informed the Board that he received a letter from William H. Jones esq. notifying his acceptance of the Professorship of languages, and his obligations to the Board for that appointment.
The Board having agreed with Daniel W. Easley for erecting a wooden building at Athens, for the use of the University, to be twenty feet square, and One and an half stories high; and the Board being informed and satisfied that the same is nearly completed Resolved, That the President be authorised to draw a warrant on the Treasurer for the Sum of One hundred, eighty seven dollars and twenty seven cents for erecting the same.
On motion, Resolved, That the agent for the county of Greene be directed to survey, or cause to be surveyed One hundred acres around the Town of Greensborough, at equal distance from its extremities; and that the same be allotted as common for the use of the Inhabitants of said Town.
The Board of Trustees of the University having been authorized by act of the Legislature dated the 3d. February 1786, to
(pge 57)
lay out a town in the County of Greene upon the lands of the University, and to dispose of the lots, together with a tract of land in fee simple; the whole not to exceed One thousand acres. And it appearing to the Board, from the Report of their committee, that the intention of the Legislature has not been fully carried into effect. And it also appearing that the quantity of land so laid out in lots, together with one hundred acres around the said Town appropriated for common being deducted from the principal quantity so authorized to be sold, leaves eight hundred and thirty four and an half acres yet to be disposed of; Wherefore, Resolved, that David Gresham esq. the agent for said county of Greene, be directed to lay out the aid 834 ½ acres into thirty three equal parts, in such manner as shall be most advantageous; and that the committee appointed to examine into the state of those lands [the typed transcription has a space between the “d” and “s” in ‘lands’, though it seems to be a typographical error], together with the committee appointed to contract for building &c. do cause the same together with the remaining unsold lots in the said Town to be disposed of at public sale in the said Town of Greensborough on Thursday the 2d. of June next on a credit of twelve months, the purchaser giving bond with approved security and a mortgage on the premises.
Resolved, That the President draw an Order on the Treasurer for the Sum of One Thousand dollars in favor of Jett Tomas in part payment of his contract for building at Athens, to be paid as soon as the Treasurer shall receive the Sum of Two thousand dollars from Andrew Baxter esquire.
Resolved, That the President be and he is hereby authorised to draw from the Treasury, the sum of Seven hundred dollars for the purpose of defraying the expence of transporting the lime from Augusta to Athens. And that he also draw the further sum of Fifty dollars due for the transportation of lime to Athens in the summer of 1802.
Resolved, That Messrs. Twiggs, Clarke and McNeil be requested
(pge 58)
to employ such counsel learned in[ ]the law as they shall think fit, to institute a suit or suits for the recovery of the tract of 5000 acres of land lying between the Tugalo and Keowee, the property of the University, and that the said committee superintend the same; and that they be authorised to draw from the Treasury for the purpose aforesaid the sum of three hundred dollars.
Resolved, That the Treasurer be requested to go to, and receive of Andrew Baxter esquire, such monies belonging to the University as shall be in his hands, particularly the sum of two thousand dollars, which he mentioned in his letter to the President of the 8th. Instant that he had then on hand.
The Board then proceeded to fill up the vacancy occasioned by the non-attendance of Mr. Clay, when upon counting ballots it appeared that Hope Hull was duly elected. Ordered that the Secretary inform him thereof.
Ordered, That the Secretary do cause notice to be published in the Augusta Chronicle, and the Monitor, of the time and conditions of Sale of the lots and land at Greensborough.
On motion, Resolved, That this Board do now adjourn to meet at Greensborough on Thursday the second of June next.
And the same was adjourned accordingly.
J. Meigs, President
Attest
J. Hamill Secy.
Of the University.
Greensborough Thursday 2d. June 1803
The following Members of the board of Trustees of the University of Georgia, met at this place agreeably to the adjournment of the 19th. of March last, viz.
Mr. Clarke, Mr. Marshall,
Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Mounger,
Mr. Stewart, Mr. Hull,
Altho’ there were not a sufficient number of members present to form a Board, it was however deemed advisable to proceed to the sale of the lots, agreeably to the advertisement of the 19th. of March last.
The following persons became purchasers viz.
Purchasers Names. |
Number of lot |
Quantity of Acres |
Price P acre |
Total amt. |
John McAlester |
3 |
45: 4:75 |
$5.90 |
$268:30 |
Young Gresham |
4 |
33: 2.43 |
3.25 |
108.03 |
Cuthbert Coleman |
5 |
25- 6: “ |
5.61/4 |
129.59 |
Do |
9 |
25 6 “ |
5.61/4 |
129.59 |
William Scott |
11 |
24. “ “ |
5.371/2 |
129. “ |
Ditto |
12 |
25. “ “ |
5.12L |
128.061/4 |
Moses Spier |
23 |
25. 6. “ |
5.561/4 |
142.40 |
Ditto |
26 |
25. 6. “ |
4.75 |
121.60 |
Abraham Heard |
28 |
26. 4.50 |
2.75 |
72.73 |
Ditto |
29 |
25. 6. “ |
2.52 |
54.51 |
Ditto |
30 |
25. 5.52 |
2.52 |
54.39 |
Ditto |
31 |
25. 2.72 |
5.1 |
126.61 |
Thomas Carleton |
4 |
- - - - - - |
- - - |
31.50 |
Robert Martin |
5 |
- - - - - - |
- - - |
25.50 |
Rene Fitzpatrick |
6 |
- - - - - - |
- - - |
14. “ |
Robert Martin |
7 |
- - - - - - |
- - - |
13. “ |
|
|
|
|
____________ |
|
|
|
|
$1548. 811/4 |
Athens, Monday 6th. June 1803
(pge 60)
The following Members of the Board met, viz.
Mr. Clarke, Mr. Marshall,
Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Mounger,
Mr. Stewart, Mr. Hull
Mr. President Meigs also attended.
The President was advised to draw an Order on the Treasurer in favor of Davis Gresham esq. for One hundred and five dollars and seventy nine cents, being the amount of his account for surveying the lands in the vicinity of Greenesborough, agreeably[ ]to a resolve of the board of Trustees of the 19th. of March last.
Capt. John Billups having laid before the Members an agreement between him and the committee for building &c., relative to the making of three hundred thousand Bricks, the members on viewing them, were of the opinion that the agreement has been, on the part of Capt. Billups, faithfully executed as to the quality of the Brick, but the quantity they have not ascertained.
The Members present thought it expedient to request Capt. John Billups to make and deliver at Athens as many Brick as may be necessary to complete the Collegiate building there; and that in their opinion he should be allowed at the rate of seven and an half dollars a thousand. The President is requested to communicate this opinion to the committee for Buildings and to urge their immediate attention to the subject. It is thought proper to state that the reason why we approve the price of seven and an half dollars, is the evident impossibility of procuring good clay for Brick at a less than about two miles from Athens.
The President is advised to draw an Order in favor of Mr. David Gaddy on the Treasurer for Thirteen hundred and Six dollars and ten Cents, which is the amount of his bill for laying three hundred and twenty four thousand nine hundred brick at four dollars per thousand, and for rubbing four hundred and thirteen square feet of brick for arches &c., at the rate of half a dollar Per square foot, as appears to have been approved by the committee of buildings in September 1801. and communicated in a letter of Sept. 11. 1801. from Mr. Abraham Baldwin to the President.
The President is advised to draw an Order in favor of Capt. John Billups on Mr. Davis Gresham for five hundred and forty one dollars and twenty six and a quarter Cents.
The President is advised to draw an Order in favor of Capt. Jett Thomas for twelve hundred dollars in part of his contract, and to encourage him to proceed to complete the collegiate building. The members present not conceiving the work however to be half finished.
Peter Early esquire attorney for the Board, represented that his present circumstances as to business, made it inconvenient for him to continue in the exercise of his present office & requested to resign the same.
The Members present requested Mr. Early to continue in the exercise of his office until a meeting of the Board of Trustees; which with the approbation of four members, the President was requested to call at Augusta on Thursday the 21st day of July next.
(Signed) Robt. M. Cunningham
Jno. Stewart.
Edwin Mounger
Hope Hull.
A. Marshall.
John Clarke
(pge 62)
Ashton’s Tavern, Augusta Thursday 21. July 1803
Pursuant to public Notice the following members met, viz.
Mr. Twiggs, Mr. Stewart,
Mr. Clarke, Mr. McNeil,
Mr. Milledge, Mr. Walton,
Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Hull,
A sufficient number attending, a Board was formed, and Mr. Twiggs the eldest Trustee present took the chair.
The proceedings of the members at Greenesborough on the 2d. ultimo, and at Athens on the 6th. were read and approved.
A letter from Messrs. Watkins and Hamill on the subject of the land in the fork of the Tugalo and Keowee was read.
A letter was received from Peter Early esqr. to the Secretary resigning his appointment as attorney to the Board of Trustees, and also his account for services, a balance due him forty four dollars. Which resignation was accepted of, and the balance due, ordered to be paid by the Treasurer.
Mr. Clarke presented an account from Sarah Hillhouse for advertising the sale of the Lots in Greenesborough, amounting to seven dollars and 683/4 Cents, which was ordered to be paid by the Treasurer.
Resolved, That Young Gresham esquire be and he is hereby appointed Attorney and counsel to this Board, in the room of Peter Early esquire resigned, with full powers to prosecute and defend all actions and suits in which the Trustees may be a party.
Ordered, That the Secretary purchase blank deeds, and fill them with the names &c. of such persons as purchased Lots at Greenesborough on the 2d. Ultimo, and that the Trustees will execute the same, to be deliver’d to the purchasers on complying with the terms of sale.
The Board then adjourned untill tomorrow morning ten o’Clock.
(pge 63)
Ashton’s Tavern, Augusta 22d. July 1803
The Board met pursuant to adjournment,
Present
Mr. Twiggs, in the Chair, Mr. McNeil,
Mr. Clarke, Mr. Walton
Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Marshall,
Mr. Stewart, Mr. Hull,
Mr. Clarke presented a proposal from Col. Roderick Easley for furnishing what Brick may be wanted to complete the collegiate buildings, which was read and ordered to lay on the table.
The Board proceeded to sign titles for John McAlester for lot No. 3; to Young Gresham for lot no. 4; to Cuthbert Coleman for lots Nos 5 & 9; to William Scott for lots Nos. 11 & 12; to Moses Speir for lots Nos 23 & 26; and to Abraham Heard for lots Nos. 28, 29, 30, & 31, in the vicinity of Greenesborough; and to Thomas Carleton for lot No. 4, to Robert Martin for lots Nos. 5 & 7, and to Rene Fitzpatrick for lot No 6, all in the Town of Greenesborough.
Resolved, That the several Deeds this day executed and filled up, to purchasers of lots in Greenesborough Township, be transmitted to the agent in that county, and that he be requested, at the time of delivering the same, to take from the respective purchasers notes for the amount, and a Mortgage of the lots purchased, in conformity to the terms of Sale.
Resolved, That said Agent be empowered to make sale of all or any of the remainder of the Lots in the said Township unsold; upon the terms of the former sale, and taking care to secure a price with shall average therewith.
It appearing to the Board, that the original contract for making the Brick wanted at Athens, has proved inadequate to complete the building; and that it is supposed there will yet be wanting three hundred thousand more: Whereupon, Resolved, That the Board do extend
(pge 64)
the contract with Captain John Billups, who is now prepared to make and deliver the same with expedition; and that he be allowed for making and delivering at Athens, at the rate of seven dollars and an half per thousand: the Board deeming the saving of an half dollar in the thousand not adequate to the danger of delay.
Mr. Clarke laid before the Board a letter from Joseph Dabbs, demanding payment for the expense and trouble of going to, and obtaining a list of the Settlers upon the land claimed by the University in South Carolina. Whereupon, it is Ordered, that he be allowed twenty five dollars for the same, and an half dollar paid the Clerk of the Court, and that a warrant be drawn for the same.
It being suggested that several lots belonging to the University, in the Township of Greenesborough, have been built upon by mistake, Resolved, That such persons have a preference to the same; and that they be required to pay a price which shall average with the sales lately made, having regard to a situation; and that the Agent do make due enquiry into the same, ascertain the numbers of the lots, and report his opinion what average prices shall appear to him to be just and reasonable.
Resolved, That the committee of the collegiate building at Athens, or a majority of them be empowered, if they think it advisable, to make such alteration in the interior of the building as shall be sufficient to afford an ample Room for scholastic and religious exercises. And that Messrs. Stewart and Hull be added to the said Committee.
The Board then proceeded to ballot for a member to fill up the vacancy occasioned by the death of Mr. Tattnall, and upon casting up the ballots it appeared that Thomas Petters Carnes esquire was duly and unanimously elected.
(pge 65)
Ordered, That the attorney of this Board do furnish the Agent of the counties of Greene and Oglethorpe, with the proper form of a Mortgage to be taken on the Lots at Greenesborough.
Resolved, That the farther sum of three hundred dollars be appropriated to the use of the committee appointed to superintend the prosecution of the claim of land by the University, in the State of South Carolina; and that a warrant be drawn for the same.
The Secretary presented an account for a seal and stationary amounting to twelve dollars, fifty Cents, Ordered that the same be paid.
The Secretary informed the Board, that he had received from Colonel Habersham, such papers belonging to the University as could be found among the papers of the late Major Habersham.
The Trustees having gone through the business of the University, adjourned to visit the Richmond Academy and no other business being laid before the Board, the adjourned without day.
John Twiggs, Senior Trustee
and President Pro. tempore.
Attest
J. Hamill Secy.
of the University.
I do certify that I have compared the proceeding sixty five with the Original minutes, and find that they are correctly transcribed.
J. Meigs, President
(pge 66)
Louisville Wednesday 9th November 1803
At a meeting of the Board of Trustees pursuant to adjournment and public notice.
Present.
Mr. President Meigs
Messrs. Clarke, Mounger,
Cunningham, Hull,
Milledge, Carnes,
McNeil,
A letter and proposals from Jett Thomas was received and read as also a letter from David Gaddy, both of which were Ordered to lie on the Table.
The Board took into their consideration the manner in which the interior of the Collegiate Building should be finished, (there not having been any previous Order in that regard) and Resolved, that the walls and partitions shall be plaistered, and the cielings (Sic) over head, be finished with plank.
The Board then adjourned untill eight o’Clock tomorrow Morning.
Thursday 10th. November 1803.
The Board met according to adjournment
Present. Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Clarke, Mounger,
Cunningham, Hull,
Milledge, Carnes,
McNeil,
(pge 67)
The Treasurer delivered in his annual statement of the funds of the University, which was read, and ordered to be filed.
The Board then adjourned untill 4 o’Clock this evening.
Thursday 10th. November 1803. 4, o’Clock P. M.
The Board met according to adjournment
Present. Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs.Twiggs, Mounger,
Clarke, Hull,
Cunningham, Carnes,
McNeil,
Resolved, That the Secretary of this Board, inform His Excellency the Governor, such of the Judges as are in town, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives that the Board of Trustees are now convened, and are ready at any time, which may be convenient to the board of Visitors, to join them in order to form the Senatus Academicus of the University of Georgia; and that this Board will again convene at the hour of four o’Clock tomorrow afternoon.
The Board then adjourned untill Nine o’Clock tomorrow Morning.
Friday 11th November 1803
The following members met, viz.
Messrs. Twiggs, McNeil,
Clarke, Hull,
Cunningham, Carnes,
(pge 68)
The President of the University being present
There not being a sufficient number to form a Board, the Members present adjourned untill four o’Clock this afternoon.
Saturday 12th. November 1803.
The Board met pursuant to Notice.
Present, Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Twiggs, Mounger,
Clarke, Hull,
Cunningham, Carnes,
McNeil, O’Neal,
The President of the University made the following communication, viz.
“Gentlemen of the Board of Trustees,”
“When I left Athens, which was on the sixth day of this Month, the outside walls of the collegiate Building in that place were finished; and the Masons were employed in carrying up the partition walls, which, I believe, will be finished within ten days. – The Carpenter began to raise the frame of the Roof on Monday last – he has finished the window sashes, the Doors, and the shingles for the Roof – he has his plank ready and well seasoned for flooring, and every other article requisite to the complete execution of his contract.
Three dwelling houses, three stores, and a number of other valuable Buildings I believe are contracted for, and numerous applications have been made to me for lots on the street which it has been contemplated to lay out on the North of, and parallel to Front- Street.
The Students and the Citizens and the inhabitants of Athens,
(pge 69)
and its vicinity, have been remarkably healthy during this year, as they were in the year 1802. – The Spring in the neighborhood of the college has at least not failed as to the quantity of water; and I have reasons to believe it has increased.
The number of Students this year has been between thirty and Forty five.
My Object has been to organize the four classes which usually constitute the Collegiate family in our literary institutions in the United States, and in those of Europe.-
Twelve young Gentlemen compose the Senior Class: they are pursuing with laudable ambition and singular industry, a course of reading, study and academic exercises, which it has been expected would terminate by the first of May next, at which time it is believed they will merit the honour of the first degree, usually conferred in all regular collegiate establishments.
The students of the Senior Class have been subjected to peculiar inconveniences and embarrassments in their progress, from the want of Books and Instruments, as have also the students of the inferior Classes, tho’ in a less degree.
It is probable, from the information I have received, that the Philosophical apparatus, and a valuable though small selection of Books, are now on the passage from London to Savannah. This apparatus I am confident will be at least equal in real utility, to any one belonging to any literary institution in the United States.
Such is the actual state of things, won which it is proper you should receive information.
I hope the Board will be able to proceed without delay to the completion and finishing of the interior of the Building; as well as to execution, on their part of existing contracts; But,
(pge 70)
for this purpose, it is well Known that they have need of more active property, than is now at their disposal.
Since the period of the American Revolution numerous attempts have been made in various parts of the Union, and particularly in the middle and southern States to found and establish colleges; most of which have unfortunately proved abortive – It would be a subject of deep regret to every lover of his fellow men, if such should be the fate of the institution which it is in a peculiar manner entrusted to your care. – You have in less than two Years done much, if you compare the effects of your labours with those of the directors of the ancient similar institutions of William and Mary in Virginia, Cambridge in Massachusetts, and Yale in Connecticut – none of those College have more than 200 students, though they have been in existence from 100 to 170 years.
I regret that so little attention has been paid to the support and encouragement of the different County Academies. Their situation demands attention. On very many accounts it is to be wished that they may be furnished with teachers able to qualify the Youth of the State (by teaching particularly the learned languages) for admission into the Collegiate family at Athens.
Permit me to suggest whether a union of the funds and resources of two, three or more counties, might not produce a respectable academy in such United District.
I have also to request your attention to the importance
(pge 70)
of erecting a Building at Athens for the purpose of public worship, and the public exercises of the students.
Such a Building should be spacious enough to accommodate on the lower floor as large an assembly as usually meets for public worship, and on the upper floor it should contain apartments for the Library – for Philosophical and Mathematical apparatus, - for the meetings of the Board of Visitors and Trustees, and for the preservation of their papers and Records.
It would probably be the best oeconomy to erect such a Building of Brick, since there is a fair prospect of a waggon Road through the Western Country to South West Point, which will enable you to procure lime at a moderate expense in comparison with that which has already incurred for that necessary article.
The activity and industry of the Directors of literary institutions in the other states – the immense Country opening to our view between us and the Pacific Ocean – the want of Education for the bare purpose of reducing new Countries to pleasant fields – and particularly the absolute and indispensable necessity of the diffusion of learning and science among any people who wish to be either politically or religiously free; concur in inciting you to perseverance in that laudable progress you have already made in the execution of the important trust committed to your wisdom and prudence.
I am, Gentlemen
Very respectfully yours
J. Meigs.
University of Georgia
Louisville, Nov. 11, 1803
(pge 72)
Mr. Clarke presented an account from the Administratrix of David Hillhouse for printing, amounting to $14.061/4 which was ordered to be paid by the Treasurer.
An account was presented from Davis Gresham esqr. for so much paid for crying the lots in Greensborough amounting to two dollars, Ordered, that the same be paid by the Treasurer.
An account was presented from Davis Gresham esqr. for so much paid for crying the lots in Greensborough amounting to two dollars, Ordered, that the same be paid by the Treasurer.
The Board then adjourned untill 4, o’Clock this afternoon.
The Board met according to adjournment
Present, Mr. President Meigs
Messrs. Twiggs, Mounger,
Clarke, Hull,
O’Neal, Carnes,
McNeil,
The President having been notified that the Board of Visitors would meet at this hour, Resolved, that Messrs. Twiggs and Carnes be a committee to inform the Board of Visitors, that this Board is now formed, and ready to join with the Board of Visitors and form the Senatus Academicus.
Mr. Twiggs from the above committee reported, That the Board of Visitors were now met and ready to form the Senatus Academicus; whereupon this Board proceeded to the Senate Chamber to join the Board of Visitors.
Monday 14th. November 1803.
(pge 73)
The Board met pursuant to notice
Present, Mr. President Meigs
Messrs. Clarke, Mounger,
Milledge, Hull,
O’Neal, Carnes,
McNeil,
On motion, Resolved, that a committee consisting of two Members of this Board be appointed to contract for and superintend the printing five hundred copies of the Laws for the government of the Collegiate family, and that this Board will provide for the expense attending the same. And that Messrs. Milledge and Carnes be that committee.
Mr. Milledge resigned his appointment as one of the committee of Collegiate Buildings. On motion, Resolved, That Mr. Carnes be and he is hereby appointed a Member of the said committee in the room of Mr. Milledge.
On motion Resolved, That Mr. Hull, Mr. Carnes, and Mr. Clarke be the prudential committee for this Year; and that they be empowered and directed to lay out and dispose of the Lots and appurtenances at Athens, provided the Legislature shall grant leave for that purpose.
A communication from Davis Gresham in a letter to the Treasurer now before this Board was read; thereupon ordered that the four notes given by John Tate be filed by the Secretary.
Resolved, that the President draw an Order on the Treasurer in favor of Revd. Hope Hull for One hundred and fifty dollars to
(pge 74)
defray the expense of transporting lime from Augusta to Athens, for which sum Mr. Hull is to be accountable.
The Secretary informed the Board, that he had received from Colo. Habersham such papers belonging to the University as could be found among the Papers of the late Major Habersham, and that he had fairly transcribe the same into the Minute Book. Whereupon Resolved, That the President draw on the Treasurer in favor of the Secretary for transcribing pursuant to a former resolution of this Board.
Resolved, That the President draw an Order in favor of the legal Representatives of John Habersham esq. for $18:14 paid by him for printing for the Board of Trustees to Nichs. Johnson and Seymour & Wolhopter of Savannah.
Resolved unanimously, That the Prudential Committee be authorized and directed to erect and establish at Athens, as soon as the state of the funds will permit, a Grammar school for the purpose of qualifying youths for admission into the University, and for furnishing the means of acquiring a good English education, and that the said schools be under the special superintendance, and direction of the President.
The President reported that he had in conformity to a former resolution of this Board examined and approved the account of Davis Gresham amounting to $166:50 for commission on monies received and paid by him to the Treasurer for the years 1799 and 1800.
Friday 18th. November 1803.
The Board met pursuant to notice
(pge 75)
Present, Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Twiggs, McNeil,
Clarke, Mounger,
Milledge, Carnes,
O’Neal,
Resolved, That the President draw an Order on the Treasurer in favor of John Twiggs for One hundred and fifty dollars to pay for thirty casks of lime purchased for the University of John Willson.
The President of the University presented his account for expences of transporting lime from Augusta to Athens amounting to $648:22L, and leaving a balance in favor of the Board of $151:77L cents, which account was ordered to be filed.
General John Twiggs presented is account with satisfactory vouchers, for the purchase and transportation of lime from Savannah to Augusta amounting to $1006.371/2 and the balance in his favor amounting to $6.371/2 cents, which was ordered to be paid by the Treasurer.
Resolved, that General Twiggs be authorised to contract for Nails, Glass, Locks, Hinges, and such other articles as may be necessary for the finishing of the Collegiate Building at Athens.
The Board then adjourned without day.
J. Meigs, President
Attest
J. Hamill Secy.
of the University.
(pge 76)
Washington 6th. January 1804.
Pursuant to a call and notification of the President, as recommended by the Members of this board who met at the Town of Sparta on the 27th. of December last, the following members appeared and took their seats.
John Clarke, Senior Trustee, President pro. tem.
Messrs. McNeil, Cunningham,
Stewart, Mounger,
Hull, Carnes,
The day being far advanced, the Board adjourned to meet tomorrow morning at Sunrise at Mr. Griffin’s office in this Town.
Saturday 7th. January 1804.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment
Present as Yesterday
The Board took into consideration the propriety and expediency of immediately proceeding to the sale of the tract of land containing Five thousand acres belonging to the trust situated on Shoulderbone in the County of Hancock, in conformity to the authority vested in this board by an Act of the Legislature passed at their late Session entitled an Act.
(Sic)
and thereupon came the following resolutions,
Resolved, That a committee consisting of three members of this board be appointed to sell and dispose of the tract of land belonging to the trust in Hancock county by private Sale, either to companies or individuals, taking especial care to obtain the best possible price for the same, and not on any account or pretext whatever to sell or dispose of the Same for a less sum than twenty thousand dollars.
(pge 77)
Be it further Resolved, That the aforesaid committee dispose of the aforesaid tract of land or any part thereof upon the following conditions and not otherwise; that is to say, the purchaser or purchasers shall pay to the said committee one fifth part of the purchase money immediately on closing the contract; that bonds and approved personal security shall be given and executed by the purchaser for the balance in four equal annual instalments with interest from the date if not punctually paid: And the said Committee after having received the prompt payment above mentioned shall deliver to the purchaser on purchases a deed or deeds of the quantity of land by him, her or them purchased, and take a mortgage on the premises so disposed of for better securing the payment of the aforesaid instalment bonds.
And be it further Resolved, That the committee shall not be authorized to dispose of any part of the said tract of Land, so as to disturb the present lessees now in possession under the authority of this board, untill their several leases shall expire, but dispose of the same subject to all the advantages and disadvantages of the leases now in operation.
And Be it further Resolved, That in case a satisfactory sale of the lands cannot be effected by private contract, the committee are hereby authorized and required to advertise the same in two or more public news-papers to be sold at public auction at such time and place as they may think proper, giving at least ninety days notice of the time and place of such sale, and the said committee shall in such sales at public auction, conduct themselves in the same manner, and take the same assurances and security, as they are directed to take in cases of the private contracts aforementioned.
The Board then proceeded to the appointment of a committee to carry the foregoing resolutions into full and complete effect, when it appeared that Mr. Rob. M. Cunningham, Mr. J. Stewart & and Mr. McNeil were unanimously appointed.
(pge 78)
On the motion the Board came to the following Resolution, whereas it is indispensably necessary that the treasury together with all the books and documents appertaining to the University of Georgia, should be deposited at Athens or the vicinity thereof: Be it therefore Resolved, that James Merewether esquire Treasurer, and John Hamill esquire Secretary to this board, do remove or cause to be removed the whole of their respective Offices on or before the first day of July next; and deposit the same in such apartments as shall be assigned for their reception and safe keeping by Mr. President Meigs. – and it is further Resolved, that the President pro tempore do cause the aforesaid Officers, and each of the agents of this board to be furnished with a copy of the foregoing resolution that they may govern themselves accordingly.
The President pro tempore and the other members present signed, sealed and delivered over to the committee, sixteen blank deeds to be filled up by the said committee, and delivered over in the name and behalf of the board to purchasers at the approaching sales.
Proposals were this day received from David Gaddy, and Stockley Morgan for plaistering the collegiate building, Ordered that the same be referred to the Committee of building, and the proposals were delivered accordingly to Mr. Stewart a member of that committee.
An accompt was received from Daniel W. Easly against the board for lumber furnished, boarding workmen, &c &c., Ordered, that a decision on the said account be postponed untill the next meeting of this Board.
(signed) John Clarke, President pro. tem.
The Board then adjourned without day
Attest
Thos. P. Carnes – Secy. pro. tem.
(pge 79)
Athens, Wednesday 30th. May 1804.
The following members met pursuant to public notice.
Mr. President Meigs
Messrs. Clark, Mitchell,
Cunningham, Marshall,
Milledge, Hull,
O’Neal, Carnes,
Stewart,
The President informed the members that the Revd. Mr. Cunningham was to preach in the forenoon, and that the Junior Students were to perform exercises in the afternoon, that it would therefore be inconvenient to have a further meeting of the Board this day, and proposed to meet tomorrow morning at six O’Clock; whereupon the members present agreed to attend sermon and the exercises of the Students, and that they would meet in the college at six o’Clock tomorrow morning.
Athens Thursday 31 st. May 1804.
The Board met at the College pursuant to adjournment
Present Mr. President Meigs
Messrs. Clark, Mitchell,
Cunningham, Marshall,
Milledge; Hull,
O’Neal, Carnes,
Stewart,
The prudential committee having been heretofore authorized and directed to erect and establish at Athens, as soon as the
(pge 80)
State of the funds will permit a Grammar school for the purpose of qualifying youths for admission into the University, and for furnishing the means of acquiring a good English education, and the funds to be applied to this purpose not having been pointed out; It is resolved that the prudential committee or a majority of them do proceed immediately to contract with some person or persons, to erect a framed building one story high with two brick chimneys and underpinned with prick or stone, for the purpose of accommodating the grammar school; that two lots each one acre be reserved for the above purpose, and the building placed on one of them in such a situation as the aforesaid Committee amy [Sic] think most eligible; and the funds, or so much thereof, as may be necessary for that purpose, arising from the sale of the vacant lots, be the same is hereby appropriated for erecting the aforesaid building.
The Board conceiving it to be of primary importance to have the collegiate buildings at Athens insured as soon as possible, Resolved, That the President do cause an exact plan and description of the Collegiate and circumjacent buildings to be made out as soon as possible, and that when the same is accurately done, that he be authorized and required to write on to the Phoenix Insurance Company in the City of London and have the insurance effected.
A memorial from the commissioners of the Academy of Greene county was received and ordered to be filed.
Mr. Clark from the committee appointed to prosecute the claim of the trust to the lands in the fork of the Tugalo and Keowee laid before the Board a communication from Messrs. Watkins and Hamill enclosing a duplicate of Dr. Jones’s deposition; Whereupon Resolved, that the
(pge 81)
said committee be requested to direct the said Messrs. Watkins and Hamill to prepare and present to the Legislature of South Carolina at their next session a respectful address and remonstrance stating the claim of the Trustees to the tract of land abovementioned, and praying that honorable body to adopt such measures as may do justice to the trust, and consequently quiet the claims of the present possessors of the said tract of land. That it be stated in the said remonstrance as the wish of this board, that any appearance of misunderstanding if any should exist on this subject, should be settled in an amicable manner, according to the disposition evinced by the respective States, between whom from their vicinity there ought to prevail the utmost harmony and good will; and that the said Messrs. Watkins and Hamill be requested to attend the legislature of South Carolina and advocate the claim of the trust and report the result thereof: and that Thomas Petters Carnes esquire be also requested to attend and aid them in advocating the claim.
Mr. Hull to whom[ ]One hundred and fifty dollars had been appropriated to pay for the transportation of lime, delivered in an account of the expenditure thereof, with the proper vouchers which was read, allowed, and ordered to be filed.
Davis Gresham esquire reported that he had some monies on hand belonging to the trust, which he wished to pay in. Resolved, That he pay the same to the President, and that his Receipt be a sufficient voucher to Mr. Gresham for the account.
Mr. Hull delivered in an account for iron for the use of the University amounting to Ninety dollars, which was ordered to be drawn by the President for the amount, that it be allowed in the Treasurer’s account.
(pge 82)
Resolved, that Mr. Stewart be requested and authorized to apply to Major Phinizy or any other person, to procure a bell for the University, and that this board will defray the expence of the same.
Resolved, that the President be empowered and authorized to procure one or more electric conductors for the Collegiate building and that this board will defray the expence of the same. Resolved, that the President make out a list of such Mathematical and Philosophical instruments as are necessary for the University, and transmit the same to General Mitchell at Savannah, and that he be requested to procure the same, and that this board will defray the expence.
Resolved, that the rate of tuition in the grammar school be fifteen dollars P annum, and in the English school Ten dollars P annum.
Proposals from Stockley Morgan for plaistering the Collegiate Building, and from William Gathright for painting the same were received, Ordered; that they be referred to the committee of building and they were accordingly delivered to Mr. Hull.
An account was received from Daniel W. Easly amounting to One hundred & twenty four dollars and 49L Cents; Ordered, that the President draw an order on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Easly for the amount and that he pay the same.
Resolved, That Thomas Petters Carnes esquire be and he is hereby appointed aiding counsel to Young Gresham esq. the attorney of this Board.
Resolved, that for affixing the seal of the University to a diploma, the secretary shall receive the sum of two dollars.
The Committee appointed to dispose of the 5000 acre tract
(pge 83)
in Hancock County reported, which report was read and Ordered to be filed.
The President presented a Diploma which he had issued, directed to Addin Lewis and others, authorizing them to examine the Candidates for degrees at the approaching commencement, with their report thereon, whereupon Resolved, That the President shall this day confer the degree of Bachelor of Arts on the young Gentlemen whose names are underwritten viz. Gibson Clarke, Augustine Smith Clayton, Thomas Irwin, Jeptha Vining Harris, Jared Irwin, William Henry Jackson, James Wayne Delton Jackson, Robert Rutherford and William Williamson, alumni of this University, and that Ebenezer Harlow Cumming Bachelor of Arts of the College of Hambden Sydney be admitted at eundem; and that Elijah Clarke, William Prince, John Forsyth, and Henry Meigs be respectfully admitted to the degree of Master of Arts.
The Board then accompained [Sic] the students in procession to attend the commencement, when the following exercises were performed viz.
Sacred Music
A Prayer by the Revd. Mr. Marshall.
A Salutory Oration by William H. Jackson.
An Oration in favor of liberty, and the superior advantages possessed by the United
States over the Governments of Europe by Jeptha Vining Harris
An Oration in praise of virtue and the necessity of enforcing it by example – Thomas
Irwin
(pge 84)
A Poem descriptive of the means by which the Lands on the Oconee were obtained – The
former possessors described and contrasted with the present, and a prediction of its future
greatness by Augustine S. Clayton.
A dialogue between Messrs. Williamson, Mr. Jackson & Harris.
An Oration exciting to gratitude to France for her assistance during the revolutionary war,
and the Cession of Louisiana by Jas. W. D. Jackson.
An Oration on the dignity of Man, exhorting to agriculture and a knowledge of the Arts
and Sciences by Robert Rutherford.
An Oration in praise of a representative government and the Sciences by William
Williamson.
A Dialogue between Messrs. Jared Irwin, James W. D. Jackson Rutherofrd [Sic] and
Clayton.
A disquisition on Taste by Ebenezer Harlow Cumming of Hambden Sydney College.
A Valedictory Oration by Gibson Clarke.
The President in conformity to the preceding resolution conferred the respective degrees on the Gentlemen therein mentioned.
A concluding Prayer by the Revd. Mr. Hull
The Board returned to the college
The Board with pleasure and satisfaction beheld the great and rapid improvement in science of the students at the University, and felicitate themselves on the prospect of the institution becoming conspicuously and eminently useful to the community.
The Board adjourned until six o’Clock tomorrow morning.
Friday 1st. June 1804
(pge 85)
The Board met pursuant to adjournment.
Present, Mr. President Meigs
Messrs. Clarke, Mitchell,
Cunningham, Marshall,
Milledge, Hull,
O’Neal, Carnes,
Stewart,
The Board proceeded to appoint a Tutor to the University, and upon the recommendation of the President, the unanimously appointed Addin Lewis Tutor, with a salary of eight hundred dollars, and that he be allowed at the same rate from the time he commenced as a teacher at the University.
On motion Resolved Unanimously, That the President of the University be allowed the Sum of two thousand dollars P annum for his Salary to commence from the first day of May last.
Capt. John Billups delivered in an account of all the work &c. which he had done for the University, Resolved that the same be referred to the committee of building to settle and adjust, and that they report thereon to the next meeting of the Board, & the acct. was delivered to Mr. Hull.
Mr. Hull stated that he had advanced twenty seven dollars for lime for the University, Ordered, that the Treasurer do pay for the same.
Resolved, that the President pay (out of monies received from Major Gresham), to General Stewart for Major Phinizy one hundred
(pge 86)
dollars, and the further sum of One hundred and fifty dollars advanced by General Stewart to David Gaddy.
An account was presented from Coll. McNeil for two dollars twenty five Cents paid by him for printing, Ordered that the same be paid by the Treasurer.
Resolved, that the Revd. Mr. Cunningham be requested to furnish the President with a copy of the address delivered by him to the candidates and that the President cause five hundred Copies thereof to be printed & that this Board will defray the expence.
J. Meigs, Presid.
Attest
J. Hamill Secy.
of the University
Monday 4th. June 1804.
Mr. Addin Lewis a tutor in the University took the Oath of Office prescribed by the Charter before the President of the University.
Attest J. Hamill Secy.
Louisville, Wednesday 7th. November 1804.
The Board met pursuant to Notice
(pge 87)
Present, Mr. President Meigs
Messrs. Twiggs, Marshall,
Clark, Mounger,
Milledge, Hull,
Mitchell, Carnes,
The Treasurer delivered in an Account of the Recipts (Sic.) and expenditures for the Year ending 1st. Nov. L804 [Sic], which was read and Ordered to be filed.
The Board then adjourned untill five o’Clock tomorrow evening.
Thursday 8th. November 1804
The Board met pursuant to adjournment,
Present, Mr. President Meigs
Messrs. Twiggs, Marshall,
Clark, Mounger,
Milledge, Carnes,
Mitchell,
A proposal was received from Joseph Fletcher for furnishing lime. Referred to the Committee of building.
A Petition was received from the Rev. Jas. H. Ray which was read, and Ordered to lay on the Table.
The Board then adjourned ‘till four o’Clock tomorrow evening.
Friday 9th. November 1804
The Board met pursuant to adjournment.
Present, Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Twiggs, Clark, Mitchell, Marshal, Mounger, Hull and Carnes.
(pge 88)
A Report from Messrs. Stewart & Cunningham a majority of the committee appointed to dispose of the five thousand acre tract of land on Shoulderbone in the County of Hancock (was received by the Board at Athens) wherein they state, that they have disposed of the said tract to Henry Mitchell, John Lucas, James Bishop & Solomon Rountree for the sum of twenty thousand dollars payable by instalments, one of which to wit four thousand dollars has been received and the other four will become due as follows, to wit, one on the sixth of March next, and one on each succeeding sixth of March untill the whole are paid. That they have taken bonds and security for the payment of the purchased money, and a mortgage on the premises as they were directed to do by the board of Trustees.
Mr. Hull stated to the Board, that he had it in charge from Genl. John Stewart to deliver to this Board the Notes and mortgage received (and which are sure to accompany the said report) and an account of the Receipts & disbursements of the monies, leaving a balance due the board by Genl. Stewart of sixty two dollars and Nineteen Cents.
That the recent death of Coll. McNeil, the indisposition of Genl. Stewart’s family, and the non attendance of Mr. Cunningham (those three Gentlemen being the committee appointed to dispose of the aforesaid tract of land in Hancock) had put it out of the power of the committee to make their report in due form: under these circumstances it is Resolved, that the report and Vouchers be received, and that the Receipts, accounts and other vouchers accompanging [Sic] the report be referred to the Treasurer of this Board, and that he be directed to prepare a fair statement of the situation of the funds of the University as soon as may be, to be laid before the Senatus Academicus.
(pge 89)
Ordered that the notes for the payment of the balance of sixteen thousand dollars be deposited with the Treasurer.
Mr. Hull from the Prudential Committee reported as follows towit;
The Prudential committee beg leave to make the following report, That they have according to the directions and Orders of this Board passed on the 14th. November 1803 and 31sy of May 1804, contracted with Daniel W. Easly for the building of a house for a Grammar school on the square of the University, for the sum of One thousand and forty three dollars, and that according to the terms of the contract Mr. Easly hath erected the said house of the dimensions specified in the Order of this Board.
That the same is well built, and compleated except Glazing and hanging the doors, which will be done in a few days. That in pursuance of the Authority vested in your committee, and to meet the demands of Mr. Easley for building the aforesaid house, the proceeded to dispose of eight lots in the Town of Athens, as follows, to wit,
Lot No. 2. sold to Capt. John Cary for $155.00
“ “ 21 “ ditto $155.00
“ “ 3 to Capt. Jett Thomas $155.00
“ “ 4 to Nicholas Pope $151.00
half of Lot No. 5 to Doct. William Wright $77.50
“ “ 6 to David Allen $155.00
“ “ 18 to James Morris $190.00
“ “ 20 to James Hayes $155.00
$1193.50
making in all Eleven hundred and Ninety three dollars and fifty Cents payable in three annual instalments- out of which there has been received as follows to wit
(pge 90)
From Capt. John Cary $110.00
“ David Allen $55.00
“ Kennedy for Morris $63.333/4
“ Doctor William Wright $28.00
$256.333/4
in all two hundred and fifty six dollars and 331/4 Cents. [does not match up to previous numerical figures]
That Mr. Hull has paid to Mr. Easley on account of building the said house two hundred and ninety five dollars, leaving a balance due Mr. Easley of Seven hundred and forty eight dollars.
(Signed) Hope Hull
9th. Nov 1804. Thos. P Carnes
John Clark
Prudential Committee
Which report was received, read and agreed to.
Resolved, That the President draw an Order on the Treasurer in favor of Daniel W. Easley for the sum of Seven hundred and forty eight dollars, being the balance due to him as per the foregoing report.
Resolved, That in the future no monies shall be drawn from the Treasury, unless by Order of the Board, which Order shall be signed by the President, or in his absence by the Senior Trustee, and attested by the Secretary.
The Board then adjourned until twelve o’Clock tomorrow.
Saturday 10th November 1804
Present. Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Twiggs Mitchell,
Clark, Mounger,
Milledge, Hull,
Carnes,
Resolved, That the President, and Mr. Hull be requested to survey and stake of the Town of Athens, and present a correct plot thereof to be filed with the secretary of this Board, who is directed to insert a copy of the same in the Minutes of the Board of Trustees.
(pge 91)
Mr. Hull presented an account for monies paid Daniel W. Easley and for services rendered to the University amounting to Ninety nine dollars and 661/4 Cents, which was approved of, and Ordered to be paid by the Treasurer.
Resolved, That the tuition money at the Grammar school shall be paid to the Master thereof by each scholar quarterly in advance, and no scholar shall be admitted into the said school, or permitted to continue therein, unless his tuition money is regularly paid in advance for the succeeding quarter: and that on the collegiate quarter-days the Master of the school shall make to the President a state and circumstances of the school; and that the President shall make a return half yearly of the Sums received for tuition in the said school to the Treasurer of this Board.
The Board proceeded to fill up the vacancies occasioned by the deaths of Judge Walton and Coll. McNeil, and upon casting up the ballots it appeared, that Genl. Jared Irwin, and Doctor Dennis Smets were unanimously elected.
Ordered that the Secretary inform them thereof.
The Board then adjourned untill Nine o’Clock on Monday morning next.
Monday 12th. November 1804
The Board met pursuant to adjournment
Present, Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Twiggs, Marshall,
Clark, Hull,
Milledge, Carnes,
Mitchell, Irwin,
(pge 92)
Mr. Hull presented an account of monies paid by him to John Cary and William Cowan amounting to twenty four dollars. Ordered that the same be paid by the Treasurer.
Mr. David Gaddy presented an account for work done by him at the University, stating the balance due to him be One thousand nine hundred and fifty five dollars and eighty Cents. Whereupon Resolved, that the President draw an Order on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Gaddy for the Sum of One thousand dollars in part of his account, and that the said account be referred to the building committee for examination & final settlement; and a copy thereof was delivered to Mr. Hull.
Resolved, that the President draw a further Order on the Treasurer in favor of David Gaddy for the sum of Two hundred and fifty dollars.
Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor, the Judges of the Superior Courts, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives be informed, that the Trustees of the University have formed a Board and are now ready to join the board of Visitors, and form the Senatus Academicus.
Ordered, That the Secretary do deliver copies of the foregoing resolution of each of the Officers therein mentioned.
A letter was received from Henry Mitchell esquire in behalf of himself and the other purchasers of the tract of land in Hancock County, that the same do lie on the table for the consideration of the board.
The Board then adjourned untill three o’Clock this afternoon.
(pge 93)
Monday 12th. November 1804. 3, o’Clock P.M.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment
Present, Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Clarke, Hull,
Milledge, Carnes,
O’Neal, Irwin.
Marshall,
Resolved, That the Prudential committee be authorized to dispose of as many of the vacant lots in Athens either by public or private sale as they may think advisable, they the said Committee to be accountable. That out of the first monies arising from the sale of any of the aforesaid vacant lots the said Committee be advised to cause the grammar & English school-house at Athens to be well and decently painted.
Resolved, That the President draw an Order on the Treasurer in favor of Charles Dougherty for eighteen dollars for the transporting of five casks of lime form [Sic] Augusta to Athens.
The board then adjourned ‘till two o’Clock tomorrow afternoon.
Tuesday 13th. November 1804.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment
Present, Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Twiggs, Mounger,
Milledge, Hull,
O’Neal, Carnes,
Mitchell, Irwin,
Marshall,
The President of the board of Visitors informed the board of Trustees, that the board of Visitors were convened, and would meet the board of Trustees at three o’Clock this afternoon to form the Senatus Academicus.
The Board then adjourned to meet with the board of visitors. – and this Board to reassemble at half past six this afternoon.
Tuesday 13th. November 1804. half past 6. o’Clock P.M.
(pge 94)
The Board met pursuant to adjournment
Present, Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Twiggs, Marshall,
Milledge, Hull
O’Neal, Carnes,
Mitchell,
A letter was received from James Merewether esq., resigning his appointment as Treasurer of the University.
An account was received from Messrs. Lyon & Morse for printing amounting to five dollars and twenty five cents; Resolved, that the President draw an Order on the Treasurer in their favor for that amount.
Capt. James Merewether having offered his resignation as Treasurer, under the impression that the resolution entered into by this Board on the 6th. day of January last required the residence of the Treasurer at Athens after the first day of July last past. It is resolved, that the resignation be not accepted. That the Board will dispense with his residence at Athens, and will consider it a compliance with the resolution above recited, by the said James Merewether’s having at Athens an Agent to transact his business. That the attendance of the Treasurer at Athens shall not be required except at the time of the annual commencement; unless some extraordinary occasion, in which event, his attendance shall be required in writing by the President.
Ordered, that a true Copy of the foregoing resolution may be delivered to Capt. Merewether by the Secretary, soon as may be.
The Board then adjourned untill half past nine o’Clock tomorrow morning.
Wednesday 14th. November 1804.
(pge 95)
The Board met pursuant to adjournment.
Present, Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Twiggs, Marshall,
Milledge, Mounger,
O’Neal, Carnes,
Mitchell, Irwin.
Mr. Hull presented his account for attending this board amounting to forty four dollars, Ordered that the same be paid by the Treasurer.
The Board then adjourned untill half past six o’Clock this evening.
Wednesday 14th. November 1804. 6 o’Clock P.M.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment,
Present, Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Twiggs, Marshall,
Milledge, Carnes,
O’Neal, Irwin,
Mitchell,
Mr. Marshall presented his account for attending this Board amounting to thirty four dollars, Ordered that the same be paid by the Treasurer.
On motion, Resolved, That Messrs. Mitchell and O’Neal be a committee to confer with Henry Mitchell esqr. on the subject of advancing money on account of the purchase of the Shoulderbone tract of land; and that the said committee report to this Board at their next meeting.
The Board then adjourned untill twelve o’Clock tomorrow.
(pge 96)
Thursday 15th. November 1804
The Board met pursuant to adjournment
Present, Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Twiggs, Mounger,
Clark, Carnes,
O’Neal, Irwin,
Mitchell,
The committee appointed to confer with Henry Mitchell esq. reported, that they had conversed with him on the subject, but had not come to any determination.
Resolved, that the Secretary inform Genl. Henry Mitchell that the Board requests he will state explicitly what he wishes or expects them further to do or perform relative to the contract or sale of the land in Hancock County, and the he be invited to attend this board either in person, or by counsel, or both that their next meeting, in case he should think it necessary to make any explanations on the subject.
The Board then adjourned untill 9, o’Clock tomorrow morning.
Friday 16th. November 1804.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment
Present Mr. President Meigs
Messrs. Twiggs, Mitchell,
Clark, Mounger,
O’Neal, Carnes,
Milledge Irwin.
A letter was received from James Merewether esq. expressive of his obligations to the board, and that in consequence of the late order of the Board he would continue to discharge the duties of Treasurer. Ordered that the same be filed.
Mr. Stith attorney for the purchasers of the tract of land in Hancock County attended this board.
(pge 97)
Ordered, That the Secretary draw up such an assignment or power of attorney as Mr. Stith and the Secretary shall think agreeable to the terms of the contract, and report the same to this Board.
Resolved, That the President shall be authorized to draw on the Treasurer quarterly for the salaries of the respective Officers as they become due untill the next annual commencement, at which time this Board contemplates making annual appropriations.
The Board then adjourned untill nine o’Clock tomorrow morning.
Saturday 17th. November 1804
The Board met pursuant to adjournment.
Present, Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Twiggs, Mounger,
Clark, Carnes,
O’Neal, Irwin,
Mitchell,
The Secretary reported, that Coll. Stith and himself had agreed on the form of a letter of attorney; which letter of attorney was read and approved of by the Board. –
Ordered, that a fair copy thereof be made out; signed by the President, attested by the Secretary, and the seal of the University affixed and delivered to the purchasers.
Resolved, that the President be authorized to borrow the sum of Five hundred dollars, on the best possible terms, not to exceed eight cent P annum payable on the sixth of March next, and that he execute a Note or Notes in behalf of the Board for the same should it be necessary, - and that Three hundred dollars thereof be appropriated to the use of Messrs. Watkins, Hamill, and Carnes who are to advocate the claim of the University before the Legislature
(pge 98)
of South Carolina; and two hundred dollars to the use of the President of this Board on account of his Salary.
Mr. Carnes presented his account for attendance &c. at this Board amounting to Fifty seven dollars. Ordered that the same be paid by the Treasurer.
Mr. O’Neal presented his account for attendance &c. at this Board amounting to fifty dollars. Ordered that the same be paid by the Treasurer.
The Secretary presented his account amounting to one hundred and twelve dollars 83/100 Ordered that the same be paid by the Treasurer.
The Board then adjourned to meet at Athens at the next commencement.
J. Meigs, President.
Attest
J. Hamill Secy.
(pge 99)
At a meeting of the Board of Trustees in the college at Athens on Tuesday the 28th. May 1805.
Present, Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Clarke, Marshall,
O’Neal, Hull,
Stewart, Carnes,
Mitchell, Irwin
The President presented a Diploma which he had issued directed to Messrs. Addin Lewis, James E. Morris, Hope Hull and William Wright to examine the candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
The Board then adjourned untill 6. o’Clock tomorrow morning.
Wednesday 29th May 1805
The Board met pursuant to adjournment
Present, Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Clarke, Marshall,
O’Neal, Hull,
Stewart, Carnes,
Mitchell, Irwin
Mr. Hull form the committee appointed to examine the candidates reported, that they had examined Wilson Bird, Gabriel Mathis, Willis Harris and Rowland Thurman and found them qualified, whereupon Resolved, that the President be and he is hereby authorised to confer the degree of Bachelor of Arts on the said mentioned gentlemen.
Resolved, That it is expedient that Professor of the French language be appointed at the University.
The Board then proceeded to appoint a Professor of the French language, when it appeared that Monsieur Pettit of Savannah was unanimously appointed.
(pge 100)
The Board then adjourned untill ten o’Clock to attend the commencement, and to meet after the exercises are finished.
The Board med pursuant to adjournment
Present as in the morning
The Board accompained [Sic] the Students in procession to attend the commencement, when the following exercises were performed, viz.
Sacred Music
A Prayer by Revd. Hope Hull
A Salutory Oration in latin by Wilson Bird.
An English Oration by Gabriel Mathis.
A Forensic disputation on the question: Have moral causes a greater influence in the formation of national character than physical causes? By Gabriel Mathis Stephen W. Harris, Rowland Thurmond & Wilson Bird.
A humorous dialogue between the same persons.
An English oration by R. Thurmond.
A dialogue on criticism by Messrs. Bird, Mathis, Harris & Thurmond.
A valedictory oration by S. W. Harris.
The President then with the public assent of the Board of Trustees conferred the degree of Bachelor of Arts on the following young Gentlemen vizt.
Wilson Bird of Warren County
Stephen Willis Harris of Greene County
Gabriel Mathis of Washington County.
& Rowland Thurmond of Jackson County.
(pge 101)
The President then declared that of the Junior Class the premium was adjudged to Reuben Hill; that John Douglas of Burke, and Samuel Meigs were equal in merit; that the premium for the Freshman Class was merited by Charles Davis, and in the Grammar school by William Mitchell of Chatham County.
The exercises of the day were concluded with Prayer by the Revd. Abraham Marshall.
The Board then adjourned untill 9 o’Clock tomorrow morning.
Thursday 30th. May 1805
The Board met pursuant to adjournment
Present, Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Clarke, Marshall,
O’Neal, Hull
Stewart, Carnes,
Mitchell, Irwin,
Mr. Hull from the committee of building reported, that the western half of the college was finished, and thereupon the Board, having examined the same, agreed to the Report, and accepted of the said One half of the Building, subject nevertheless to an alteration being made in the stair cases, which Capt. Thomas has stipulated to do.
Messrs. Carnes & Watkins who were appointed to advocate the claim of the Trust to the land in the fork of the Tugalo and Keowee, before the Legislature of So. Carolina reported, which report was read and Ordered to be filed; and thereupon resolved, That this Board, do approve of the conduct of their agents in this regard. And that
(102)
they be requested to attend the ensuing session of the Legislature of So. Carolina, and endeavor to obtain a decision of that Body on their claim; and in case the said Agents can obtain a resolution to have the Grant recorded, that they be and are hereby authorised and empowered to compound, compromise, adjust and settle the said claim on such terms, and for such compensation or sum of money as they may deem just and reasonable, having a special regard to the interest of the Trust.
Resolved, that the Salary of the Professor of the French language shall not for the present exceed the sum of four hundred dollars, and that when the funds of the institution shall warrant an increase of Salary, and the labours of the Professor shall merit it, the Board will make an adequate compensation; and that Genl. Mitchell be requested to engage Mr. Pettit to come to Athens, and take upon him the Professorship.
Resolved, That Davis Gresham esq. be allowed the sum of One hundred dollars for extra services in selling lots, talking mortgages &c., and that the President draw an order on the Treasurer for the same.
Resolved, That the sum of One hundred dollars be allowed James E. Morris annually for his board in addition to his former salary.
A letter was read from David Dickson esquire which was read and ordered to be filed.
A letter was received from Edwin Mounger esqr. requesting the Board to grant him an Order for $120 – in lieu of two drafts of #30 & $90 which he had lost or mislaid, whereupon Resolved, that the President draw an Order on the Treasurer for the said Sum of One hundred & twenty dollars Mr. Mounger to be answerable & to indemnify the Board in case the said drafts should afterwards appear.
(103)
A letter was received from Messrs. Gardener, Pittman, and Malone respecting the establishment of a Female Academy at Clarkesborough, whereupon Resolved, that this Board will confer with them on the subject matter of their letter at four o,Clock this afternoon, and that the secretary notify them thereof.
Resolved, that Mr. Hull be requested to procure conductors for the college, and that he pay the expence thereof out of such monies as may come into his hands from the sale of lots, and that he also have a belfry erected.
An account was received from Mr. Alexander McMillan with an Order thereon in favor of John Hamill esquire for printing and carriage of Mr. Cunnigham’s address, to the amount of forty three dollars & fifty Cents, Ordered that the President draw an Order on the Treasurer in favor of Mr. Hamill for that account.
The Board then adjourned untill 4 o’Clock P. M.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment
Present, Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Clarke, Marshall,
O’Neal, Hull
Stewart, Carnes,
Mitchell, Irwin,
A communication having been this day received from Samuel Gardner, James Pittman & William Malone a joint committee from the Academies of Jackson and Clark Counties, requesting the countenance of this board as to the establishment of a female academy at the Town of Clark’sborough, to be considered the joint academy of Clark and Jackson Counties. – This Board conceiving it laudable that all seminaries of learning should be noticed and encouraged, and it being evinced by a conference with Mr. Malone one of the applicants, that
(104)
for the present nothing more is requested than being recognized by this Board as a female academy: and this Board being impressed that nothing should be withheld which would tend the encouragement of science in both sexes, Resolves, that the design of the commissioners is laudable and meets with the approbation of this Board.
The Board then adjourned untill 9 o’Clock tomorrow morning.
Friday 31st. May 1805
The Board met pursuant to adjournment
Present, Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Clarke, Marshall,
O’Neal, Hull
Stewart, Carnes,
Mitchell, Irwin,
The Prudential Committee reported, that in pursuance of the powers in them vested they Yesterday proceeded to sell and dispose of the following lots, vizt,
Doctor Philip Gowen |
Lot No. 19 |
(@) |
$105.00 |
Robert Martin |
6 |
|
$105.00 |
President Meigs |
8 |
|
$90.00 |
Major Ferdinand Phinizy |
Lots No 9, 10, & 11 |
|
$200.00 |
James E. Morris |
12, 13, & 14 |
|
$121.00 |
David Allen |
15 $50 16 $70 |
|
$120.00 |
Douglas |
17. |
|
$100.00 |
Ferdinand Phinizy No. 1 |
|
|
$102:00 |
John Cary |
22 |
|
$60.00 |
Frederich Colheim letter D |
|
|
$30.00 |
|
|
|
$1033:00 |
Resolved, unanimously that the present collegiate building at Athens be hereafter denominated and known by the name of Franklin College.
A communication was received from Capt. Jett Thomas
(105)
purporting to be an account against the Board for work done on the collegiate building, accompanied with an account for work done on the President’s house, Ordered that the same be referred to the Committee of building to report thereon.
An account was received from Major Ferd. Phinizy amounting to $ 975: 111/4, and also an account from Messrs. Mein and Mackay for Phyolosophical apparatus amounting to L205.18.6 Sterling.
Ordered, that the sum of three hundred dollars be appropriated toward the discharge of Stockley’s Morgan’s account; four hundred dollars towards the discharge of Ferdinand Phinizy’s account; and five hundred dollars towards the discharge of Mein and Mackay’s account, and that the President draw on the Treasurer for the same.
Resolved unanimously, That the President be and he is hereby appointed Professor of Mathematics & Natural Philosophy
Resolved, That the sum of ten dollars be paid by each person (other than those who are or have been members of the College) who may attend the course of lectures on Natural Philosophy.
Resolved, that the President be and he is hereby authorised to draw on the Treasurer quarterly for the salaries of the respective Officers as they become due, untill such time as this Board shall make further order to the contrary.
The following accounts were presented, vizt.
Mr. Mitchell’s $56:00
Mr. O’Neal’s $63:60
Mr. Irwin’s $30.00
Carried over - $149.60
[pge 106]
Brought over $149.60
Mr. Marshall’s $26.00
Mr. Stewart’s $16.40
Mr. Carnes’s $22:00
Mr. Clark’s $19.60
Mr. Hull’s $12.00
Mr. Hamill’s $60.00
$305:60
Ordered, that the President draw Orders on the Treasurer for the said sums respectively.
Resolved, that the Treasurer call upon Colo. Roderick Easley for a settlement of his account as one of the Agents of this Board, up to the present period, and that Colo. Easley do pay him whatever balance may be in his hands.
Ordered, that the Secretary do cause the plat of the Town of Athens to be recorded on the minutes of this Board.
The Board then adjourned to meet at Louisville on the second Monday in November next.
Attest
J. Hamill, Secy.
J. Meigs, Presidt.
[note – the separation between page 105 and 106 is not noted in the typed edition from which this work was transcribed. An examination of the original handwritten volume provided the location of the page change above noted.]
(pge 107) PLAN of part of the Lots lain off in ATHENS, ordered to be recorded, May 31, 1805.
[note – there is no notation of page 108 in the typed edition]
(pge 109)
Louisville Monday 11th. November 1805.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment and public Notice, vizt
Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Twiggs, O’Neal,
Clark, Stewart,
Milledge, Mitchell,
There not being a sufficient number to form a Board the Members present adjourned untill half past eight o’Clock tomorrow morning.
Thursday (Tuesday) 12th. November 1805 (Sic.)
The Board met, present,
Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Twiggs, Stewart,
Clark, Mitchell,
Milledge, Mounger,
O’Neal, Irwin,
The Treasurer delivered in a statement of the funds of the University up to the first instant, which was read and Ordered to be filed.
On motion, Resolved, that the Secretary inform his Excellency the Governor that the Trustees of the University have formed a Board, and are now ready to join the board of Visitors and form the Senatus Academicus.
The Board then adjourned to meet in the Treasury office at four o’Clock this afternoon.
Treasury Office 4 o’Clock P.M.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment
Present, Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Twiggs, Stewart,
Clark, Mitchell,
O’Neal, Mounger,
Irwin
The Board then proceeded to join the Board of Visitors, and for the Senatus Academicus
Thursday 14th November 1805.
(pge 110)
The Board met, present,
Mr. President Meigs
Messrs. Twiggs, Stewart,
Clark, Mitchell,
Milledge, Mounger,
O’Neal, Irwin,
Resolved, that the President draw an Order on the Treasurer in favor of James Coller for sixty two dollars and fifty Cents for carriage of Philosophical apparatus from Savannah to Athens.
Resolved, that the President draw on the Treasurer in favor of David Gaddy for Ninety seven dollars in lieu of three drafts drawn by Genl. Stewart on Davis Gresham, and which were paid by him and that he also draw an Order in favor of John Floyd for twenty dollars for Chalk furnished for the College.
Resolved, that the President draw an Order on the Treasurer in favor of the Executors of John E. Smith for Thirty one dollars & seventeen Cents for printing done for the University.
Resolved, that the President draw an Order on the Treasurer in favor of Genl. John Stewart for the sum of sixty dollars being so much lost by him in collecting the first instalment of the shoulderbone tract.
The Board then adjournded [Sic.] untill half past three o’Clock P.M. this afternoon.
(pge 111)
Thursday 14th. November 1805. half past 3 o’Clock P.M.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment,
Present, Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Twiggs, Stewart,
Clark, Mitchell,
Milledge, Mounger,
O’Neal,
A petition from Mr. Anne Ray, widow of James J. Ray was received and read. Whereupon Resolved that the Agent for Greene and Oglethorpe be directed not to demand the payment of the purchase money of the lots purchased by Mr. Ray untill further Order of this Board. – It not being their wish to distress the indigent widow of a person who has been the Rector of an academy under the direction of this institution.
A Report was received from the committee of building which was read, agreed to, and Ordered to be filed; Whereupon Resolved, that the President draw an order on the Treasurer in favor of John Billups for the sum of fifteen hundred & sixteen dollars & eighty eight Cents being infull the balance of his account; an Order in favor of Jett Thomas for the sum of four thousand two hundred and twelve dollars and seventy seven Cents being infull of the balance of his account – and that previous to the said drafts being delivered to them, that they respectfully sign special Receipts in dull of all demands against the University.
Resolved, that the President be authorised to draw on the Treasurer for the sum of three dollars P day for the time he was actually attending the meetings of this board and the Senatus
(pge 112)
Academicus away from Athens previous to the 31st. of May 1804. $243. –
Resolved, that the President draw an Order on the Treasurer in favor of Genl. Stewart for sixty dollars being the amount of his account for attendance.
Drew an Order on the Treasurer in favor of Genl. Clark for twenty six dollars for his attendance.
Resolved that the next annual commencement shall be held at Athens on the fourth day of July next, and that the Board of Trustees will meet at that place on the third day of the same month.
Resolved, that the President draw an Order on the Treasurer in favor of John Hamill for the sum of fifty dollars being the amount of his account
The Board then adjourned to meet at Athens on the third day of July next.
J. Meigs, President
Attest,
J. Hamill Secy.
At a meeting of the Board of Trustees at the house of his Excellency the Governor on Monday the 18th. of November 1805, Pursuant to notice, and upon the request of three members.
Present. John Twiggs Senior trustee in the chair
Messrs. Milledge, Mounger,
O’Neal Carnes,
Mitchell Irwin,
This Board heretofore towit on the 31st May 1804, appointed Messrs. Watkins and Hamill to prepare & present to the Legislature of South Carolina at their then next Session a respectful address and remonstrance stating the claim of the Trustees to the tract of land in the fork of the Tugalo and Keowee, containing five thousand acres, and praying that Body to adopt such measures, as might do justice to the Trust and consequently quiet the claims of the present possessors of the said tract of land, and the Board having in addition to the two gentlemen abovementioned Thomas P. Carnes esquire to attend and aid in advocating the claim. And the said Robert Watkins, John Hamill and Thomas P. Carnes having made the remonstrance as above directed to the Legislature, and Robert Watkins and Thomas P. Carnes having attended at Columbia, and done as much as in their power lay to bring the business to a final close with the Legislature of South Carolina, and satisfactorily reported to this Board therein, wherein it is stated that they had attended to the duties of their agency, and made as the agents conceived a favorable progress therein; and this Board having after receiving the said report and approving of the conduct of their agents
(pge 114)
in that regard, on the Thirtieth day of May last, requested the attendance of their agents at the then next ensuring Legislature of South Carolina to further advocate the cause and claim of the Trust, and Colonel Robert Watkins having lately departed this life, and it being the opinion of this Board that in the present situation of the claim of the Trust, now depending, that one of the Gentlemen will be sufficient to attend the Legislature at the present Session, to complete what hath been so happily done in the premises. – It is therefore Resolved, that Thomas P. Carnes esq. a member of this board be requested to attend the present session of the Legislature of South Carolina, and endeavor to finally adjust and settle the claim of the University to the lands in the fork of the Tugalo and Keowee, and that he be invested with all the powers and authority of the former Agents, and that he report his proceedings herein to this Board at their next meeting.
Resolved, that the said Thomas P. Carnes be allowed the sum of One hundred and fifty dollars to defray the expences of attending the Legislature of South Carolina.
It having been suggested to this Board by Thomas P. Carnes esquire their Agent as above appointed to advocate the claim of the Trust to the land in the fork of the Tugalo and Keowee, that pretences may be opposed, at least in argument to the claim, on account of money which is alledged to have been lodged in the Treasury of this state by the late attorney general Alexander Moultrie of South Carolina esquire; - The Treasurer of this State is requested by this board to furnish the said Thomas P. Carnes with such documents as he may require shewing the sum deposited in the State Treasury by the said Alexander Moultrie, at what time, and for what purpose, and that this Board will defray the expense attending the same.
(Signed) John Twiggs, Senior Trustee.
Attest
J. Hamill Secy.
(pge 115)
Franklin College, Athens Thursday 3d. July 1806
At a meeting of the board of Trustees of the University of Georgia pursuant to adjournment.
Present, Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Twiggs, Marshall,
Clark, Mitchell,
O’Neal, Irwin,
Stewart,
The President presented a diploma directed to Messrs. Addin Lewis, Pettit de Claville and John Hodge to examine the candidates for the degree of Batchelor of Arts; together with the report of the said Examiners, which were read and ordered to be filed.
The Board Resolved, that they would attend and hear an address read from the Revd. Mr. Best to the Candidates for degrees, and that they would meet tomorrow morning at six o’Clock.
Friday 4th. July 1806.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment
Present, Mr. President Meigs,
Messrs. Twiggs, Mitchell,
Clark, Marshall,
Milledge, Carnes,
O’Neal, Irwin,
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