Letter from Edward Barnwell at the University of Virginia, to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, at the family plantation, Laurel Bay, near Beaufort. Barnwell discusses the recent jailing of two fellow students including one who shot another man. According to Barnwell, most students "are in the habit ...of going armed" a practice he calls "blackguard and cowardly." Barnwell relates his plans for travel in the summer months and laments not going to the recent inauguration of Franklin Pierce.
Edward Barnwell writes to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, detailing the difference in examinations between South Carolina College and the University of Virginia.
Letter from Edward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, describing the food at his boarding house and at the houses of his friends at the University of Virginia. Barnwell relates that many of the student "seceders" from South Carolina College are at the university and that "more are expected."
Edward Barnwell, having transferred from South Carolina College to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, writes to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, about the room he has rented near campus. Barnwell describes the university and the city as being "against credit" and asks that money for his full tuition and expenses be sent at once.
Letter from Edward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, describing his recent hair cut and noting the creation of a committee at South Carolina College to investigate the quality of food on campus.
Letter from Edward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, describing how illness has prevented him from sufficiently studying for his upcoming examinations.
Letter from Edward Barnwell to father, William H. W. Barnwell, congratulating him on the birth of another child. Barnwell also describes the increase in strictness under President Thornwell at South Carolina College.
Letter from Edward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, detailing his arrival back at South Carolina College after the summer holiday and the resumption of his studies.
Letter from Edward Barnwell to father, William H. W. Barnwell, describing visits to Bay Point and their family plantation, Laurel Bay, near Beaufort. Barnwell writes of a large devil fish caught off Bay Point and informs his father of the status of the crops and slaves at Laurel Bay.
Letter from Edward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, discussing his need for clothes and informing her of the date of his return home for the summer.
