The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-03-04
Henry Junius'Nott.

a writer IN the Clarendon Banner. alluJ-
ing to DIR. Laborde's forthcoming history of
the South Carolina CulIegc, expresses the
hope that the late President Henry NAV
occupy conspicuous place in tho picture.
1t could not be otherwise, with one whose
position was so prominent, and whose aLil
ties were so fully recognised by cotempora.
ncouS scholar and co-'aLorrr<. Er Henry was
esteemed in the pamy days of his manhood
the "back- bone of our State College; 1--WE
use the language of zone who graduated under
linn anh of course his rank in the list ,.f
our College Presidents can but be an cxal-
ted one
There is another name also upon that list,
which we trust will hc emlalmc.l in choic-
est terms and placed in the most classic niche
OF his literary gallery. 1t is that of the la
mcntea Henry ,nnns Nott-a name which
we never recall bnt to dear old memories Of
his lccturc-room come crowdiny upon us,
until we again see his pascnt face, aud
hear his persuasive voice. and drink in his
words of cllnste instruction and atlectiona,c
counsel.
1t was in the winter of $3.50. that the
South Carolina College fell upon the dark
est and most critical hour of its existence.
What the causes were Which led to tins
strange depression, it Is not ours TO in1urc:
but it was certainly 4 depression which ap-
proximatc1 ruin. The State seemed to have
withheld it~tn>tcring lbrrali,v. and the pro
pie OF the State to have become almost OBJ
lvious of the institution which had already
done so much towards promoting the fair
fame OF south Curolina. The two old Col
lcgc buildings North and Sou,h) were dila,-
Idatcd without and delaced within, and no
helping hand stretched forth to STAY the
progress ofdccay. Through the chilly nights
OF that omlnous writer, one might have
walked up and down the College Campus
again and again, anl scarce have found
score Of lights to cheer the gloom. In the
gray morn, some two or three dozen stu,ln,s
could have been seen convcrging towards
the chapel from various points, like scatter
ed scn,inelS coming to The call of reveie-
Even the old college bell that summoned
them, had become cracked and dissonant. as
II III unison with its desolatc surroundings.
Indeed, everything external bespoke the
downfall Of the South Carolina Collcrc.-
1t was at this time that Herv .JuniuS Mott
stood bravely at his post of duty and assis
ted more than all others in keeping pcrpct-
ual the vcstal light of literature that still
burned in the bosom Of his Alma Mater.
A native of the State and an alumnus of
the College, his virtuous instincts were all
alive to the necessities of the hour. Chosn
chairman of n faculty of four professors, he
spared no toll and neglected no opportuni-
ty that might tell in the cause of the College.
10 his attached pupils, he was all in ALL
lie cheercd them by his elasticity of spirits,
stimulated them to industry by his nnatlcc.
ted pride i'll their progress, and fired them
with renewed devotion to their College bv
his almost chivalrous zeal in her behalf.
hen difficulties arose, he was the peace
maker. When symptom Of insubordina
ZION showed itself, he quieted discomfort
with soothing words. When revels con-
tinucd in the deserted tenements until the
wee sma' hours he calmly rcproved the error,
without conedmning in set phrases the Of
fence. A conscrva.or of decorum amonr
the students, whether within or without the
College boundaries, he was yet their true and
faithful advocate against all the world beside.
And thus did he pcrSevere in his labor
OF love aud duty, until a brigter day dawncd
and new regime began to be inaueurated
upon the old. With modesty equal to his
merit. he at once fell back into his position
OF professor. Yet it WAS not the less true.
that he had fought a good fgh: and merited
the cl'aPet of victor. Thirty men there
are, Tor should be, had not some of them
gone hence forever,9 who can recognize the
traits we have imperfectIy portrayed. These
at least will join with us in saying, that
Henry Junius Mott was one Of the bright
est ornaments Of our College, whether as
man or as professor. These will join us
in tear Tor his melancholy fate. These
will agree with us in saving, that his name
should be written with letters Of gold on the
faIrest page Of the book Of the College,
Edycfcld Acyertiser.