Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, concerning a trip from Charleston to Beaufort. Robert details a bout of seasickness while traveling, reports on the status of his parents' and grandparent's plantations at Laurel Bay and Keans Neck and relates family news from Beaufort.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, describing his first days back at South Carolina College in Columbia. He writes of setting up his room, comments on the quality of food at the "commons", and describes the practical jokes played on the Freshman.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to father, William H. W. Barnwell, concerning his change of rooms at South Carolina College with a detailed balance sheet of his expenses accrued to date including tuition, board, clothes, a cot & mattress and candles.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, describing his living arrangements at South Carolina College and his desire for a room above the ground floor. He also writes of his urgency regarding a secret request made to his father concerning the "society" he has joined.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to sister, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, describing life at South Carolina College and his reluctant acceptance of the nomination for secretary of the Euphradian Society.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, concerning his high marks at South Carolina College, the success of his first speech in front of the Euphradian Society and a spirited discussion about temperance societies with Rev. James H. Thornwell.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, mentioning the possibility of joining a military society at South Carolina College, the purchase of books at an estate auction and his lack of money for clothes and supplies.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to father, William H. W. Barnwell, with news from South Carolina College. Barnwell writes of the antics of a Professor Pelham and the rebellion of students against him, including several who were either expelled or suspended for "stopping up the key hole" of Professor Pelham's door.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, concerning changes in rooming arrangements and the opening of a new "commons" building at South Carolina College. He also mentions the admittance of an acquaintance or relative, "Stu", who was only narrowly accepted after poor entrance examinations that Barnwell attributes to "the dissimilarity of studies here & at Cambridge."
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, informing her that he is fully settled back at South Carolina College and lists some possessions left behind in Charleston, including several books he wants taken to the Apprentice's Library in Charleston.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, on his desire to get a room by himself due to the interruptions of roommates.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, finalizing his yearly expenses at South Carolina College and informing her of his plans to take friends with him when visiting Charleston for winter break.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, describing a delightful visit to Orangeburg, SC, en route to Columbia from Charleston.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, describing the ill health of South Carolina College's president, William Preston.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, informing her that the health of Col. Preston has forced him to temporarily vacate the presidency of South Carolina College and that Dr. Francis Lieber will assume the role. Barnwell also requests a box of "eatables" he can share with his tenement mates, having "dined pretty amply" in boxes they have received from home.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, updating her on his school work. Included in the letter is a version of the poem "Wait for the Wagon."
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, discussing his plans for the following summer. Barnwell writes that since he has given up on going to balls he should be able to stay at home more next summer and "not trouble Papa by being out."
