Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, notifying her that he has finally given his exhibition speech at South Carolina College.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to father, William H. W. Barnwell, concerning financial accounts at South Carolina College, preparations for a school sponsored eulogy for John C. Calhoun and Robert's plans after graduation.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, informing her of the studious habits of his brother, Edward, who has recently joined him at South Carolina College.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, concerning his return to classes at South Carolina College. Barnwell writes about the shock at finding his room empty of his belongings before learning that the "tenement boy" had secured his possessions in the library due to several robberies over the summer.
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."
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, 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, describing the ill health of South Carolina College's president, William Preston.
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, 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, 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, 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, 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 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, 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.
