III. Society Activities,, 1828-1884

Summary: Correspondence: This subseries contains correspondence with honorary members of the Society, with the Philoclean Society, and with others. Early correspondence also includes letters from members themselves, explaining absences, resigning positions, etc. The correspondence subseries is divided into three major categories. Correspondence folders consist of general letters. The next group of letters is Correspondence with the Philoclean Society which consists of letters, more abundant in the earlier years, between the two literary groups. Much of the communication consists of notification of honorary members selected, of joint programs planned, and occasionally concerns rivalries over members. The third group of letters is Correspondence: Honorary Members. These letters from distinguished members of the Society acknowledge the honorary membership bestowed upom them by the Society, and confirm acceptance or rejection of the honor. Many of the rejections were due to prior obligation to the Philoclean Society. Important correspondents include Millard Filmore, Henry Clay, Henry Longfellow, Alexander H. Stephens, and William C. Bryant. It is unfortunate that many of these documents were mutilated. Many of the signatures were removed.

Addresses to the Society: These addresses to the Society were the required presentation of a newly elected president. A new president was elected every three to four weeks.

Papers Presented to the Society: These papers were presented to both societies upon the occasion of commencement. They were given by prominent honorary members of the society. The two rival societies alternated rights to commencement. These addresses were often published as a way to raise funds. A complete listing of the published addresses can be found in Appendix B.