A SKETCH OF EDUCATION IN SOUTH CAROLINA. 491 



from its headship, and was succeeded by Rev. Jasper Adams. In 1825, the 

 first degree was conferred on Alex. Gadsden, and in 1826 the Rt. Rev. 

 Bishop Wightman took the Baccalaureate. From this time to 1835 the 

 exercises of the college were continued Avithout interruption, and the 

 list of graduates contains the names of gentlemen who have been favor- 

 ably known to the conniiunity as lawyers, jurists, merchants and divines. 



In 1835, the exercises of the college were suspended in consequence of 

 financial embarrassment. In 1837, by an agreement between the trustees 

 and the City Council, the property of the college was ceded to the Council, 

 which, in return, charged itself w^th its maintenance. 



Under this arrangement the college was re-opened under the presi- 

 dency of Rev. W. H. Brantley, D. D., two professors and a tutor. The 

 grammar or preparatory school was dropped, and this arrangement, with 

 the addition of other professors, continues to the present time. 



In 1826, the Old Barracks were taken down, and the centre of the 

 present college building erected. This was enlarged by the addition of 

 the two wings, in 1850. The first commencement was celebrated in 1840,. 

 and there has been no interruption since that time. In 184-, Dr. Brant- 

 ley died, and was succeeded by H. Perroneau Finley, Esq., who resigned 

 in 1858. In 1850 the Cabinet of Natural History was added to the col- 

 lege, and occupies the wdiole of the upper story of the building. The 

 board of instructors was increased to six. 



In 1858, N. Russell Middleton, Esq., was elected president, and served 

 until the end of 1880. 



During the w^ar the exercises of the college were not suspended, but the 

 greater number of youths of the age to go to college were called into the 

 service, and in 1865 the college was not opened. 



The wdiole number of graduates between 1825 and 1870 is two hundred 

 and ninety-seven. This, of course, shows small classes, but the college- 

 educates few persons outside of the city. Hence the number of students 

 is always, and must always be, small ; but among the graduates are 

 found the names of most of those wdio have led public opinion in the 

 city. In this list are forty-two lawyers, thirty-two physicians, thirty-two 

 merchants, and twenty-three clergymen, besides most of those w^ho have 

 made a mark as educators and teachers of youth. The course of studies 

 does not differ materially from that of other colleges in the United States, 

 and it is doubted w'hether any college excels it in its mathematical course. 

 Of late particular attention has been given to a practical knowledge of 

 English Literature, including a critical reading of the early poets.. 

 French and German have been made obligatory portions of the cur- 

 riculum. 



The funds of the college are reported by the Mayor as $300,000. This 



