Joseph Walker Barnwell, Gottingen, Germany, writes to brother, Allard Belin Barnwell. Barnwell talks of how being in Europe has made him more of an "American" rather than a "Southerner" and discusses weekly social activities with his compatriots. He mentions the near universal editorial contempt for a recent magazine article by Harriet Beecher Stowe concerning Lord Byron and hopes a similar "justice" will one day fall on "Uncle Tom's Cabin." He also derides the antics of anti-Catholic preacher, John Cumming, and describes the curious wedding custom of smashing crockery and dinnerware at the door of the bride-to-be.
Joseph Walker Barnwell, Gottingen, Germany, writes to unknown family member discussing the current political situations among the countries of Europe, including England, France, Germany, Austro-Hungary and Russia.
Letter from Joseph Walker Barnwell, in Gottingen, Germany, to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, describing his recent trips to Hanover and Brunswick, Germany.
Letter from Joseph Walker Barnwell, Gottingen, Germany, to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell. Barnwell writes of trying to speak only German, a task made harder by an increase in other Americans arriving in Gottingen, and discusses the current state of Prussian political and military affairs.
Letter from Joseph Walker Barnwell, Gottingen, Germany, to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell. Barnwell writes of attending a performance of a men and boy's choir visiting from Hanover, comments on his inexperience with cold winters and describes a large, traveling market of peddlers which descends on the city four times a year.
Joseph Walker Barnwell writes to sister, Esther Hutson Barnwell, from Germany, where he is matriculating at the university in Gottingen. Barnwell describes the difficulty of learning the language, the bathing habits of the Germans and his views on German servants, and comments that the Americans he has met abroad do not distinguish between Northerners and Southerners.
Letter from Joseph W. Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, informing her of his success with his United States Court examination. He jokingly describes his first trial, a larceny case, as a "brilliant debut" before conceding that he "did not say a word -- the case was too clear."
Joseph Walker Barnwell writes to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, about his lack of religious conviction and a mix up with a package that led to the spoilage of its contents.
Letter from Joseph Walker Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, commenting on his studies at South Carolina College, his plans for Christmas, and the business prospects of his brothers.
Letter from Ann Barnwell Mazyck to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, informing her of her safe arrival in Columbia. Attached is a short note from her brother, Stephen Elliott Barnwell.
Letter from Ann Barnwell Mazyck to sister, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, trying to convince her and her sister, Esther Hutson Barnwell, to visit her for the summer at her place along the Santee River.
Letter from Ann Barnwell Mazyck to sister, Mary Elliott Barnwell, with a description of her two young children and the preparations they are making in advance of moving to a farm near Flat Rock, NC. The last page is written by her sister, Esther Hutson Barnwell, instructing Mary to care for her house plants.
Letter from Ann Barnwell Mazyck to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, describing a persistent fever and the treatments she undertook to cure it. She also writes of Beaufort family and friends visiting the family plantation, Laurel Bay, and of her upcoming plans to visit Bay Point for recreation.
William Finley Barnwell writes to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, from his station on Sullivan's Island. Barnwell writes about the need of supplies, cloth, needles, etc., his plans for using his pay and the daily anticipation of a fight with the federal troops.
William Finley Barnwell, recently stationed at Fort Johnson, SC, writes to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, asking for clothing and other supplies. According to Barnwell, his pay as lieutenant is "over a thousand dollars including servant & food" though few supplies have been sent to the fort.
Letter from William Finley Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, detailing the fear he felt in giving a public speech wearing borrowed clothes.
Letter from William Finley Barnwell at South Carolina College to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, thanking her for a box of food. Barnwell adds that a recently injured eye might prevent him from doing well on his upcoming examinations.
