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STORAG 
 
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 olin 
 
 1924 030 642 627 
 
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 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030642627 
 
The Original 
 Phi Beta Kappa Records 
 
 INCLUDING 
 THE MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS 
 
 From December 5, J 776 to January 6, 1781 
 
 at the 
 
 COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY 
 Williamsburg, Virginia 
 
 and also 
 
 The Form of Initiation, the Constitution and the 
 Form of Charter Party- 
 Authorizing the Establishment of Branches or 
 Meetings at Harvard and Yale 
 
 With Introduction and Notes by 
 
 OSCAR M. VOORHEES 
 
 SECRETARY OF THE UNITED CHAPTERS 
 
 Reprinted from the 
 
 PHI BETA KAPPA KEY 
 
 ILLUSTRATED 
 
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THE PHI BETA KAPPA RECORDS 
 
 Introduction 
 
 All members of Phi Beta Kappa are aware that the history 
 of the original Society is unique. Of the main facts we are now 
 in full possession. For many years this was not the case, owing 
 in part to the loss of the original records, and in part to the early 
 transference, of the Society's activities from, Virginia to New 
 England. The finding of the records has made possible an entire 
 rewriting of the early history of the Fraternity. 
 
 It is now over thirty years since the records were re-discovered. 
 For a time they were only known through a manuscript copy. 
 But in July, 1896, they were published in The William and Mary 
 College Quarterly Historical Magazine, which was and still is 
 edited by Dr. Lyon G. Tyler, President of the College, and have 
 since been available to students, not, however, to the great major- 
 ity of our members. Hence we take this occasion to reprint them 
 that this unique original source of Phi Beta Kappa history may be 
 generally available. 
 
 For a history of the original society based upon a study of the 
 original records our readers are referred to an article by the 
 writer, printed in The Key, vol. i, no. 7, pp. 8-36. This was sup- 
 plemented by an article in the following number entitled "Our Phi 
 Beta Kappa Fathers in Public Life." These articles embodied 
 the researches of the author, begun in 1890 when a student in 
 theology at New Brunswick, N. J., the result of which was a 
 paper read before the Alpha Chapter of New Jersey and pub- 
 lished a year later in the Alpha of New Jersey Catalogue. This 
 paper was expanded as a result of further study into an address 
 delivered before the National Council held at Williamsburg, Va., 
 September, 1907, entitled "Our Phi Beta Kappa Fathers in Fra- 
 ternity and Public Life," and printed in the proceedings of that 
 Council, and later in. the articles in The Key. 
 
 3 
 
4 The Phi Beta Kappa Records 
 
 The historical sketch published in the Rutgers Chapter Cata- 
 logue in 1 891 was the first general history of Phi Beta Kappa pre- 
 pared with a copy of the original records as a source of informa- 
 tion. The story of the loss and recovery of these records is full 
 of interest. The minutes of the closing meeting of the Society 
 tell the story thus : 
 
 "1781. On Saturday, the 6th of January, a meeting of the $ B K 
 was called for the purpose of Securing the Papers of the Society dur- 
 ing the Confusion of the Times, & the present Dissolution which threatens 
 the University. 
 
 The members -who attended were William Short, Daniel C. Brent, 
 Spencer Roane, Peyton Short, & Landon Cabell. They thinking it most 
 advisable that the papers should not be removed, determined to deliver 
 them sealed into the Hands of the College Steward, to remain with him 
 until the desirable Event of the Society's Resurrection. And this De- 
 posit they make in the sure & certain hope that the Fraternity will one day 
 rise to Life everlasting and Glory immortal." 
 
 It is presumed that the resolution was carried out and the col- 
 lege steward made custodian of the box with its precious contents. 
 Of its hiding place during the next sixty-seven years we have no 
 positive knowledge. Dr. Tyler surmises that it was placed by 
 the steward in the hands of Landon Cabell, one of the five mem- 
 bers present at that last meeting, when he returned to college in 
 1783, and was thereafter in his possession until his death, and 
 then came into the hands of his son, Dr. Robert H. Cabell. At 
 any rate, in the latter part of 1848, Dr. Cabell, then a resident 
 of Richmond, Va., delivered the minutes of the Phi Beta Kappa 
 meetings into the keeping of the Virginia Historical Society. See 
 The Virginia Historical Register, vol. ii, p. 52.* What became of 
 the other papers of the Society we do not know. Our researches 
 thus far fail to reveal any article published at the time that throws 
 light upon the circumstances accompanying the return of the rec- 
 
 *The statement in The Register is very brief, being included in the 
 report presented to the Society at its quarterly meeting held on December 
 14, 1848, by the Librarian of "books and other things" that had been do- 
 nated during the quarter. The entry appears far down in the list and is 
 as follows: 
 
 "The Original Record of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, established at 
 William and Mary College, in 1776. By Dr. Robert H. Cabell of Rich- 
 mond." 
 
Introduction 5 
 
 ords. But that they should have been accepted, without causing 
 cpmment seems improbable. 
 
 iiTJie first result was a movement looking to the revival of the 
 Society at the College of William and Mary. It was found that 
 William Short,, who was president in 1 781, was still living in 
 Philadelphia, and his assent to the revival, of the Society was se- 
 cured- However, he did not live to participate in the reorganiza- 
 tion^, for he died December 5, 1849, having passed his ninetieth 
 birthday. The reorganization was not effected until June 25, 
 1851, and then not as a society of students, on the lines of the 
 original. Society, but of mature men who jnvited students to their 
 circle, in accordance with the characteristics the Fraternity had 
 come to exhibit in the ten chapters then in existence. 
 
 .The only further reference in the annals of the Virginia His- 
 torical Society to the revived chapter is in a report of the librarian 
 of the receipt in 1856 of a pamphlet entitled "A Discourse on 
 the Convention of 1776 delivered before the Phi Beta Kappa 
 Society of William and Mary College by Hugh Blair Griggs- 
 by, Esq., by the author." See The Virginia- Historical Reporter, 
 which succeeded The Register, vol. i, part iii, p. 9. • 
 
 But Phi Beta Kappa was doomed to a second eclipse at Wil- 
 liam and Mary, for the Civil War came within ten years, and Col- 
 lege and Society suffered another period of inactivity. Unfor- 
 tunately the records of those ten years, including the account of 
 the reorganization, are lost — no doubt beyond recovery, for the 
 college was burned during the Civil War. But the original rec- 
 ords remained safe, though practically forgotten, in the archives 
 of the Virginia Historical Society. 
 
 When and how they came to be found we have not learned. 
 Hon,. Frederick Chase, in his historical address, delivered June 29, 
 1887, at the Centennial of the Alpha of New Hampshire at Dart-. 
 mouth, speaks of the "recent discovery of them in the files of the 
 Virginia Historical Society where they had lain forgotten some 
 forty years." It was evident that he had before him a partial 
 if not a complete transcript of these records when preparing 
 the address. He made slight use of their revelations, however, 
 as his particular theme was the Alpha of New Hampshire. 
 
 Another article prepared with the records at hand appeared 
 
6 The Phi Beta Kappa Records 
 
 in the October, 1886, number of The Delta Kappa Epsilon Quar ! -> 
 terly, by Hon. John DeWitt. Warner, Cornell '72, entitled "The 1 
 First Greek Letter Society." While Mr. Warner made careful 
 use of the records in order to establish his thesis that Phi Beta 
 Kappa was the original Greek Letter Fraternity, he made no 
 effort to give a complete statement of the revelations of the orig- 
 inal records. Hence the present writer's article in the Rutgers 
 Chapter Catalogue of 1891 was in reality the first attempt to set 
 forth the history of the original Society with these records as a 
 principal source. 
 
 It was through the courtesy of Mr. Warner that the writer 
 first saw the original manuscript, and obtained the copy from 
 which his own manuscript copy was made. The printing of the 
 records in The William and Mary College Quarterly in 1896 has 
 made unnecessary further use of this manuscript copy, but it is 
 cherished as one of the fruits of early researches into Phi Beta 
 Kappa history. 
 
 The publication of the Rutgers Chapter Catalogue gave the 
 writer his first introduction to the larger circle of Phi Beta Kappa 
 readers, and led to his selection as Secretary of the United 
 Chapters. After a period of inactivity the College of William 
 and Mary was revived in 1888 by the establishment in connection 
 with it of the State Male Normal College of Virginia. Shortly 
 thereafter Col. William Lamb, who became a member of the 
 chapter in 1855, and had been actively associated with the col-: 
 lege since 1867 as a member of the Board of Visitors, took steps 
 to revive the chapter at the college. For some time he was 
 unable to find the records, but was put on track of them by the 
 writer. The chapter was reorganized December 9, 1893, and in 
 1895 sent Col. Lamb as its first delegate to the National Phi Beta 
 Kappa Council held that year. By it he was elected a Senator 
 and served thereafter two full terms. In 1907 he was elected a 
 Senator for Life, being the second member to be accorded this 
 honor. It was on his nomination that the writer was elected to 
 the secretaryship by the Council of 1901 — a nomination made, as 
 then stated, in recognition of the aid given in locating the original 
 records. On the request of the revived chapter they were re- 
 turned in 1895 by the Virginia Historical Society to the College 
 
Introduction 7 
 
 of William and Mary, where they are carefully preserved as ob- 
 jects of veneration. 
 
 These records consist of twenty-five folios of rough unsized 
 paper, measuring seven and three-fourths by twelve inches. The 
 first page contains a list of forty-nine members and is consider- 
 ably worn by folding; the second is blank; on the third page is 
 the introductory statement; oh pages four to nine the "oath 
 of fidelity" and twenty-seven "proper and salutary laws" that 
 comprised the constitution of the Society for two years ; the 
 tenth is blank, and the minutes of the seventy-three succeeding 
 meetings occupy pages eleven to fifty. With the meetings of De- 
 cember 5, 1776, and January 5 and March 1, 1777, at which the 
 organization was perfected, there were seventy-six meetings in 
 all. Of these, one was held in 1776; twelve, in 1777; seven- 
 teen, in 1778; twenty-seven, in 1779; eighteen, in 1780; and 
 one in .1781. 
 
 According to the records three men occupied the position of 
 clerk — Thomas Smith, January to May, 1777; William Short, 
 May, 1777, to December, 1778; and John Morison, January, 
 1779, to January, 1781. The minutes are presumably in the hand- 
 writing of these men, though other members occasionally served 
 as clerks pro tem. 
 
 In printing the records some liberties are of necessity taken, 
 since the peculiarities of the different writers cannot be accurately 
 reproduced. For instance it is not thought necessary to print for 
 ■"the" the abbreviation "ye" which one clerk used and the others 
 did not. The purpose is to reproduce the thought of the writers 
 essentially as it was expressed. Capitals and punctuation marks 
 are reproduced as shown in the manuscript. The notes are for 
 the most part by the editor, but he cannot hope to give in each 
 case the source of his information. Large credit is due and freely 
 given to President Lyon G. Tyler of William and Mary, whose 
 researches in Virginia history have been long continued and of 
 inestimable value. 
 
 New York, N. Y„ 
 August, 1919. 
 
Facsimile List of Members 
 
 
 filler rlT 
 
 FIRST PAGE OF THE ORIGINAL RECORDS 
 
 Members of the Phi Beta Kappa Society at William and 
 Mary. For a corrected list see the next page. 
 
: Corrected List of Members . 9 
 
 OUR "PHI BETA KAPPA FATHERS" 
 
 "A List of members who have been initiated 
 into the S. P. alias * B K Society 
 
 John Heath, 
 Thomas Smith, 
 Richard Booker, 
 Armistead Smith, 
 John Jones, 
 John Stuart, 
 Daniel Fitzhugh, 
 Theoderick. Fitzhugh, 
 John Storke, 
 Isaac Hite, 
 William Short, 
 John Morison, 
 George Braxton, 
 Henry Hill, 
 John Allen, 
 John Nivison, 
 Hartwell Cocke, 
 Thomas Hall, 
 Samuel Hardy, 
 Archibald Stuart, 
 John Brown, 
 Preeson Bowdoin,* 
 Lyttleton Eyre,* 
 Daniel Carroll Brent, 
 Thomas Clements, 
 
 Thomas William Ballendine, 
 
 Richard Baker, 
 
 John Moore, 
 
 Spencer Roane, 
 
 William Stith, 
 
 William Stuart, 
 
 John James Beckley, 
 
 Thomas Savage, 
 
 John Page, 
 
 William Cabell, 
 
 Elisha Parmele,f 
 
 Geo. Brent, 
 
 Peyton Short, 
 
 Joseph Cabell, 
 
 John Marshall, 
 
 Bushrod Washington, 
 
 Thomas Lee,* 
 
 Landon Cabell, 
 
 Wm. Pierce, 
 
 Richard B. Lee, 
 
 William Madison, 
 
 John Swann, 
 
 Thomas Cocke,* 
 
 Stevens Thompson Mason,* 
 
 George Lee Turberville.* 
 
 ♦These names are supplied from the minutes, as the portions of the 
 page on which they were written are worn away. The name of George 
 Lee Tuberville has been added, as he took part in the meeting of May 
 18, 1780. His name should precede that of John Marshall, and perhaps 
 also of others. With this addition there'are fifty names on the list. These 
 men comprise the "Phi Beta Kappa Fathers" of the writer's paper men- 
 tioned in the introduction. 
 
 fin the minute recording the election and initiation of Mr. Parmele his 
 name is written Elijah Parmale. In the minute of December 5, following, 
 it is twice spelled Parmelie. On his will, now preserved in the library at 
 Harvard, his name is signed Elisha Parmele. 
 
10 
 
 The Founder and the Medal 
 
 JOHN HEATH, THE FOUNDER AND FIRST PRESIDENT OF 
 PHI BETA KAPPA 
 
 From a photograph of a miniature said to have been painted by Rem- 
 brandt Peak, and now in the possession of a descendant living in Califor- 
 nia. The privilege of reproducing the portrait was secured through a great 
 grandson of John Heath, the late James E. Heath, Esq., of New York 
 City. This portrait was first used in Phi Beta Kappa Publications, New 
 Series, No. 10, May, 1910. For a biography of John Heath see The Phi 
 Beta Kappa Key, vol. 2, pp. 317-326 arid 365-373. 
 
 THE ORIGINAL PHI BETA KAPPA MEDAL 
 
 These illustrations were made from a facsimile of an original medal in 
 the possession of the Virginia Historical Society, and were first used to 
 adorn the covers of the Alpha of'New Jersey catalogue in 1890. The His- 
 torical Society's medal is, we believe, the only original in existence. 
 
Phi Beta Kappa Organized i i 
 
 THE MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS 
 
 On Thursday, the 5th of December, in the year of our Lord 
 God one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six, and the first of 
 the Commonwealth, a happy spirit and resolution of attaining the 
 important ends of Society entering the minds of John Heath, 
 •Thomas Smith, Richard Booker, Armistead Smith, and John 
 Jones, and afterwards seconded by others, prevailed, and was ac- 
 cordingly ratified. 
 
 And for the better establishment and sanctitude of our una- 
 nimity, a square silver medal was agreed on and instituted, en- 
 graved on the one side with S. P., the initials of the Latin 
 Societas Philosophdae* and on the other, agreeable to the former, 
 with the Greek initials of "fciAocro^ia Bi'ov Kv/Jepj^Ti^.f and an index 
 imparting a philosophical design, extended to the three stars, a 
 part of the planetary Orb, distinguished. 
 
 In consequence of this, on Wednesday the 5th of January, 
 1777, a session was held, in order both to adopt a mode of initia- 
 tion and to provide for its better security. 
 
 And first in corporation, an oath of fidelity being considered as 
 the strongest preservative, an initiation was accordingly resolved 
 upon and instituted as follows : 
 
 I, A. B., do swear on the holy Evangelists of Almighty God, or 
 otherwise, as calling the Supreme Being to attest this my oath, 
 ■declaring that I will, with all my possible efforts, endeavour to 
 prove true, just, and deeply attached to this our growing frater- 
 nity; in keeping, holding, and preserving all secrets that pertain 
 to my duty, and for the promotion and advancement of its internal 
 welfare. 
 
 *In the retord as it now appears only the initials S and P appear, the 
 letters following having been erased in part, and then covered over with 
 ink. For many years there was uncertainty as to the Latin motto and 
 many conjectures found currency. By a careful examination, made dur- 
 ing the Council of 1907, Dean Birge of the University of Wisconsin was 
 able to establish to his own satisfaction the motto as above. His report of 
 his examination was published in Phi Beta Kappa • Publications, New 
 Series, No. 8, 1909. Dean Birge's conclusions have been generally accepted 
 as correct. 
 
 fThe letters following the three initials were entirely erased, but not 
 inked over as in the case of the Latin motto. 
 
12 
 
 Facsimile of a Page of the Records 
 
 
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 ,/sC .////-. -^t£ * 
 
 
 ** A~**~** <» /i *4t~' **^t^-# 
 
 .•<*£. 
 
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 I 
 
 "£&** °6 1? £ *^ ^ +j£l&Lr~*^^~^-&^-£ 
 
 PAGE FIVE OF THE ORIGINAL RECORDS 
 
 Containing the first four of the twenty-seven resolu- 
 tions, elsewhere called "Laws," which constituted in 
 reality the first Phi Beta Kappa Constitution. 
 
The First Members and Laws 13 
 
 Whereupon the oath of fidelity being thus prescribed and insti- 
 tuted, was afterwards severally administered to the respective 
 gentlemen, viz. : John Heath, Thomas Smith, Richard Booker, 
 Armistead Smith, John Jones, Daniel Fitzhugh, John Stuart, 
 Theoderick Fitzhugh, and John Stork, as the first essays or rudi- 
 ments to an initiation. In consequence of- this, we severally, 
 freely, and jointly proceeded to the election of officers, proper 
 and most suitable for its internal regulation. 
 
 Upon the recommendation of three members, viz. : John Heath 
 as President, Richard Booker as Treasurer, and Thomas 
 Smith as Clerk, the society esteeming them as necessary persons 
 for the functions of their several duties accordingly selected 
 them. 
 
 The fraternity having gone through the business of the present 
 session, after a recommendation of certain proper and salutary 
 laws, to be prepared against the next ensuing meeting of March 
 the 1st, jointly adjourned. 
 
 March 1st. Agreeable to the recommendation of our preced- 
 ing session, we have severally presented the subsequent laws as 
 proper and most conducive to the advantage of our growing fra- 
 ternity : 
 
 Resolved 1st. That in every design or attempt, whether great 
 or small, we ought to invoke the Deity, by some private sacrifice 
 or devotion, for a fraternal prosperity. 
 
 2. That a profanation of the preceding oath of fidelity subjects 
 the Member to the pain of the universal censures of the fraternity 
 as well as the misery of certain expulsion. 
 
 3. That evtery member, after being properly initiated, shall be 
 obliged to furnish himself with a Medal, wholly corresponding 
 with those of the Fraternity. 
 
 4. That an orderly session of members from the President 
 downwards should be observed. 
 
 ; 5. That in case of the incapacity or necessary absence of the 
 president, the choice of any other member shall be left to the dis- 
 cretion of the Society. 
 
 6. That the non-attendance of any single member, unless by 
 
14 
 
 Facsimile of a Page of the Records 
 
 ? 
 
 &JL»4£. .... '- - . - Sfi, £sJ. £/£, /.,^j, £& 
 m *' ■ < , . < ^ -■ 
 
 t 
 
 -*s* ■. /• ' . ^ 
 
 z^,. „/^ &.;*£* 
 
 | »V«/U • 
 
 ,7 -f-r.i. . . , /y .- ... ..„ t« yi .. ^ , . X~~^~£*. 
 
 :> OMs.jL „..,... . ^. .-■ *«^^| 
 
 PAGE SIX OF THE PHI BETA KAPPA RECORDS 
 Articles six to ten of the Original Constitution 
 
The Original Laws or Constitution 15 
 
 some certain obstructing inability, or cogent necessity, subjects 
 him to the penalty of five shillings. 
 
 7. That no gentleman be initiated into the Society but Col- 
 legians, and such only who have arrived to the age of sixteen 
 years, and from the Grammar Master upwards ; and further, be- 
 fore his disposition be sufficiently inspected, nor then without the 
 unanimous approbation of the Society.* 
 
 8. That every member during a session behave with a becoming 
 decency, and declare their sentiments, vicissively preventing con- 
 fusion. 
 
 9. That the least appearance of intoxication or disorder of any ^/ 
 single member by liquor, at a session, subjects him to the penalty 
 
 of ten shillings. 
 
 10. That for the encouragement of any new invention of Arts 
 and Sciences, some premium be allowed from the public treasury. 
 
 11. That six members shall be the fewest sufficient for the exe- 
 cution of business. 
 
 12. That each member when desirous of proposing anything to 
 this fraternity shall rise from his seat and particularly address 
 the President. 
 
 13. That a regular meeting of once a month, unless a necessity 
 of sooner convening should interpose, is hereby established and 
 ordained. 
 
 14. That the duty of Treasurer in keeping accurate estimates 
 
 *There were three departments at the college : First, the Grammar or 
 Latin school, the head of which was called the Grammar Master or Pro- 
 fessor of Humanities. He was assisted by an usher, sub-usher, and writ- 
 ing master. This school was open to children of eight years and upwards, 
 who were termed scholars. The school corresponded to the English 
 preparatory schools of Eton and Harrow. On attaining a sufficient age, 
 they were passed to the philosophy schools, and were ranked as students, 
 and assumed the cap and gown. There were two philosophy schools, viz. : 
 that of natural philosophy and mathematics, and that of moral philosophy, 
 in which was taught rhetoric, the Belles-lettres, and moral and mental 
 science. After passing these schools, the student if he chose divinity as a 
 profession attended the lectures of the Professors of Divinity, of whom 
 there were two. If he proposed to be a lawyer or doctor, he apprenticed 
 himself to some eminent practitioner in Virginia, or went to the universi- 
 ties of Oxford, Cambridge, or Edinburgh, or studied at the law schools in 
 England, the Inns of Court, Middle Temple, etc. — President Tyler's 
 Note. 
 
16 The Constitution Continued 
 
 and accounts of all reimbursements as well as disbursements is 
 esteemed nothing but legal and constitutional. 
 
 15. That if any dispute, attended with animosity and indigna- 
 tion, should arise amongst us, such a matter ought to be recog- 
 nized by a session of the whole Society. 
 
 16. That the President be invested with the prerogative of con- 
 vening the members of this fraternity, when he shall deem it 
 expedient ; that he have likewise the privilege of giving a decision, 
 when there shall happen a division of voices, and the power of 
 commanding due attendance to be paid him while discharging the 
 important function of his office. 
 
 17. That the duty or office of the Clerk be indispensably requi- 
 siteTas well in keeping a proper roll or conscription of the frater- 
 nity, as fair and legible books in writing. 
 
 , 18. That four members be selected to perform at every session, 
 / two of whom in matters of argumentation and the others in 
 apposite composition. 
 
 19. That such of the compositions as are demed worthy by the 
 • Society shall be carefully preserved and endorsed by whom and 
 
 at what time delivered. 
 
 20. That the youngest on the roll be appointed Herald for the 
 function of convocating the members. 
 
 21. That the infringement of any of the laws enacted or to be 
 enacted, except such as have the fines annexed, subjects the mem- 
 bers to the discretionary punishment of the Society. 
 
 22. That no member shall be expelled without the unanimous 
 concurrence of the Society. 
 
 23. That every person after being initiated pay into the public 
 treasury the sum of 6s — Dollars.* 
 
 24.- It is also ordained that any number of members shall have 
 full authority and Power to transact Business of any kind, when 
 these members shall think it absolutely necessary for the preserva- 
 tion of the Society. 
 
 25. That any Law or Laws which is, are, or may be enacted 
 
 This word is in a different hand, and was added later. On August 22, 
 1778, the initiation fee was made $5. On June 27, 1779, it was raised to 
 $10. 
 
Minutes of March and April, 1777 17 
 
 agreeable to Resolve cannot be altered or amended in less than a 
 month after the proposed amendment, and then by a majority. 
 
 26. That if the number of members, according to Act nth, 
 cannot be convened, any smaller number shall have power of 
 doing Business of any kind. But such Business, Initiation except- 
 ed, shall always be subject to be cancelled by a majority until con- 
 firmed according to Act nth.* 
 
 27th. Whereas, by Resolve 19th respecting Declamation and ar- 
 gumentation, it is intended that those compositions only be pre- 
 served which may do honour to the Society : and, forasmuch as it 
 is inconvenient for the whole meeting to take the merit of them 
 into their due consideration : 
 
 Resolved that three members be appointed to judge of the 
 Performances, and always to inform the ensuing meeting of their 
 Determination. Provided, however, that when either of the ap- 
 pointed judges declaims, a temporary successor to him as judge 
 be appointed by the meeting.f 
 
 March 27th. At a called meeting, Mr. Isaac Hite, being recom- 
 mended as a worthy member of this fraternity,^ was accordingly 
 initiated. After which we jointly adjourn ourselves to the estab- 
 lished time. 
 
 April 5th. Mr. Booker having been charged at a meeting of 
 this fraternity of a thorough infringement of three of the preced- 
 ing resolves, viz. : 6th, 13th and 14th, and whereupon, being will- 
 ing to receive his defence, we have postponed his examination to 
 the next meeting. After which we jointly adjourn ourselves. 
 
 April 15th. At a call meeting, Mr. William Short, Mr. John 
 Morison and Mr. George Braxton, being recommended as worthy 
 members of this Society, were accordingly initiated. The business 
 being finished, we adjourn ourselves. 
 
 April 19th. Mr. Booker, having appeared and made his de- 
 fence, was, with honour and unanimity restored to the 
 
 ♦This law, and also the one that follows, is in another hand. It was 
 adopted July 4, 1778. 
 tAdopted August 8, 1778. , , . , „...., 
 
 JNote the use of the term fraternity, though here with a small initial 
 letter. In Law 1 a capital is used, while in Laws 5, 7, 15. 21, and 22 So- 
 ciety appears. The two terms, "fraternity" and "society," seem to be used 
 interchangeably. 
 
18 New Officers Chosen 
 
 good opinion of this Society. The business being finished, we ad- 
 journ ourselves. 
 
 May 3d. For the better distinction of the fraternity between 
 themselves in any foreign country or place, it is resolved that a 
 [The remainder of the paragraph erased.]* 
 
 Mr. Heath,f having resigned the office of President, the frater- 
 nity proceeded to the appointment of a successor, and Mr. T. 
 Smith being recommended, was accordingly appointed. 
 
 In consequence of this appointment, they proceeded to the choice 
 of a Clerk, and Mr. Win. Short being recommended, was also ap- 
 pointed. 
 
 The fraternity having finished the business of the evening, ad- 
 journed to the second Saturday after the expiration of the holi- 
 days. 
 
 June 1 6th. At a call meeting, Mr. Booker, Treasurer, having 
 resigned his office, delivered to the Society the money in his hands. 
 And the Society adjourned. 
 
 June 21st. In consequence of Mr. Booker's resignation, Mr. 
 Isaac Hite being recommended, was appointed to succeed him. 
 Ordered that Mr. Hite and Short be appointed to revise the laws 
 and propose to the next meeting such new ones as seem to them 
 necessary. The business of the night being finished, the Society 
 adjourned. 
 
 July 2. At a call meeting, in order that the President might re- 
 sign on account of his leaving College, he resigned accordingly, 
 and delivered a speech, which is ordered to be carefully kept. 
 
 In consequence of the above resignation, the Society proceeded 
 to the choice of a successor, and Mr. Heath being recommended, 
 was re-elected to this important post. The business being finished 
 an adjournment took place. 
 
 July 26th. The Society having met agreeable to appointment 
 assented to the amendments made by those chosen at the last 
 session to revise the laws and make such propositions to the next 
 
 ♦This evidently provided for the grip, which has been preserved 
 throughout a long series of initiations and should not be omitted. The 
 erasure was so thoroughly done that only a few words can be deciphered. 
 
 fMr. Heath's resignation seems not to have been permanent, for the 
 appears later as president. See the minutes of July 2d. It would seem that 
 he left college temporarily. 
 
The First Anniversary 19 
 
 meeting as seemed to them necessary. The business being fin- 
 ished, the Society adjourned. 
 
 Nov. 29th. Mr. Heath, President, being absent: agreeable to 
 the fifth resolve the Society proceeded to the choice of a tempo- 
 rary President, and Mr. Armistead Smith being recommended as 
 a proper person, was accordingly elected. 
 
 Mr. Henry Hill being recommended as a worthy member of this 
 Society, was initiated. 
 
 The Business of the evening being finished, the Society ad- 
 journed to the 5th of next Month, being the Anniversary, to be 
 kept at the Raleigh.* 
 
 February 24. At a call meeting, the President being absent, 
 they proceeded to nominate one in his stead, upon which Mr. 
 Short being recommended, was elected. Mr. John Allen, Mr. 
 John Nevison, and Mr. Hartwell Cocke being recommended as 
 worthy members of this Society, were accordingly initiated. 
 
 The business of this evening being finished, the Society ad- 
 journed to 
 
 February 28. At a call meeting, Mr. Hall being recommended 
 as a worthy member of this Society, was accordingly initiated. 
 After which an adjournment took place. 
 
 March 21st. At a meeting of this Society agreeable to an ap- 
 pointment at the last Session, Mr. Fitzhugh and Mr. Stuart de- 
 livered their Declamations, which are ordered to be preserved. On 
 a motion made for an Amendment to the thirteenth Resolve, or- 
 dered that for the future a meeting of once a fortnight be ob- 
 served. Mr. Theoderick Fitzhugh and Mr. Isaac Hite being next 
 on the Roll, are appointed to produce a Declamation at our ensu- 
 ing meeting. The Business being finished, an adjournment took 
 place. 
 
 April 4th. At a meeting of this Society, agreeable to an ap- 
 
 *Note the celebration of the first anniversary. We must regret that 
 no record was made of the exercises that marked the occasion. The cele- 
 bration of an anniversary must be deemed an essential. feature of an ortho- 
 dox Phi Beta Kappa chapter. 
 
 It will be noted that during this first year five members were added to 
 the original nine, Isaac Hite in March ; William Short, John Morison, and 
 George Braxton in April ; and Henry Hill in November. We should also 
 bear in mind that practically all the initiates were in their teens, and were 
 admitted shortly after entering the college. 
 
20 
 
 Raleigh Tavern and Apollo Room 
 
 
 THE RALEIGH TAVERN 
 
 APOLLO ROOM 
 
 A tradition persists that the first meeting of Phi Beta Kappa was held in 
 the Apollo room of Raleigh tavern, though the minutes do not so state ; but 
 they do affirm that other meetings, especially anniversaries, were held there. 
 Of this famous Inn Lossing thus writes in his Field-Book of the Revolution, 
 Vol. 11, pp. 278 and 280, from which also the illustrations are taken : 
 
 "When I visited Williamsburg in December, 1848, the front part of the 
 old Raleigh tavern had been torn down, and a building in modern style was 
 erected in its place. The old tavern was in the form of an L, one portion 
 fronting the street, and the other extending in right angles, in the rear. Both 
 parts were precisely alike in external appearance, and as the rear building 
 was yet standing and unaltered, I am able to give a restored view of the 
 Raleigh as it appeared during the Revolution. The leaden bust of Sir Walter 
 Raleigh, which graced the front of the old inn, now oraments the new build- 
 ing." 
 
 "The [Apollo] room used for public meetings is in the rear building . . . 
 and up to the day of my visit remained unaltered. Carpenters were then at 
 work remodeling its style, for the purpose of making it a ball room ; and 
 now I suppose that apartment hallowed by so many associations connected 
 with our war of independence has scarcely an original feature left. Had my 
 visit been deferred a day longer, the style of the room could never have been 
 portrayed. . This view is from the entrance door from the front portion 
 
 of the building. . . . The sound of the hammer and saw , engaged in the 
 work of change seemed to me like actual desecration ; for the Raleigh tavern, 
 and the Apollo room are to Virginia, relatively, what Paneuil Hall is to Massa- 
 chusetts." 
 
Minutes, April to August, 1778 21 
 
 pointtnent at the last session, Mr. I. Hite and Mr. T. Fitzhugh 
 deliver'd their Declamations, which are ordered to be preserved. 
 
 April 4th. At a call meeting, the President being absent, the 
 Society proceeded to nominate one in his stead ; upon which Mr. 
 I. Hite being recommended, was elected, and likewise Hartwell 
 Cocke was chosen Clerk. 
 
 Mr. J. Morison and Mr. G. Braxton being next on the roll, are 
 appointed to produce a Declamation in opposite composition at 
 our ensuing meeting. 
 
 The Business being finished, an adjournment took place. 
 
 May 2. At a meeting of this Society, agreeable to former ap- 
 pointment, Mr. Morison delivered his Declamation, which is or- 
 dered to be preserved. Mr. Braxton being absent. 
 
 The Business being finished, adjournment took place. 
 
 July 4th. At a meeting of this Society according to adjourn- 
 ment : ordered that an addition of the 25th and 26th Resolves be 
 made to the former Body. The Business being finished, an ad- 
 journment took place. 
 
 July 25th. At a meeting of this Society, it being found conven- 
 ient to have temporary Presidents, the members proceeded to con- 
 firm one in that office and Mr. Smith being deemed a proper Per- 
 son, was accordingly elected. 
 
 Ordered by an unanimous voice of the present meeting, that an 
 Amendment be made to Resolve 25th. 
 
 The Business of the Evening being finished, an adjournment 
 took place. 
 
 July 30th. At a call meeting for the Initiation of Mr. Samuel 
 Hardy, recommended as being worthy of an admission into this 
 Fraternity, he was accordingly initiated. 
 
 There being no other Business, an adjournment took Place. 
 
 Aug. 8th. At a meeting of this Society, W. Short and J. Allen 
 delivered their Declamations agreeable to appointment. 
 
 Ordered that an addition of the 27th Resolve be made to our 
 Code of Laws. That Mr. Hardy, Mr. Hall, Mr. Fitzhugh, Mr. 
 Short be appointed judges agreeable to the above resolve. 
 
 That the absentees of former meetings be exempted from Fines, 
 
22 The Initiation Fee 
 
 and in future the excuses be examined at their next attendance 
 without Fail. 
 
 The Business of the night being finished, an adjournment took 
 place. 
 
 Aug. 22nd. Resolved that the last appointment of Judges of 
 Composition be abolished, and that three members, agreeable to 
 Resolve 27th, be chosen by Ballot. The Society proceeded to this 
 appointment ; upon examination of the Box, the greatest Number 
 of votes appearing in Favour of Mr. Hall, Mr. Short and Mr. J. 
 Stuart, they are accordingly confirmed. 
 
 Resolved, that as the Price of Initiation hitherto paid is inade- 
 quate, to the Purpose, it be augmented to five Dollars. 
 
 Resolved, that in future, meetings of this Society be held regu- 
 larly once a week. An adjournment. 
 
 Aug. 29th. Resolved, that three members be appointed to re- 
 vise the Laws, and that an Election of them be held on the next 
 full meeting. 
 
 That every member who desires to propose anything to this So- 
 ciety produce it in writing. 
 
 That every member who is absent from the Society be written 
 to in the most pressing Terms to attend on the 5th of December 
 in order to celebrate that glorious Day which gave Birth to this 
 happy Union. The Society, wishing not to impose this Business 
 altogether on the Clerk, proceeded to appoint an assistant, Mr. 
 Hardy, to him for this Purpose. 
 
 Resolved, that the two members appointed to argue, agreeable 
 to Resolve 18th, shall be confined to the subject of the Composi- 
 tions delivered at the same meeting; and that it be moreover 
 strongly recommended to the other members, as an additional and 
 improving Exercise, to give their sentiments extempore on the 
 same subject after hearing the others. 
 
 Sept. 4. At a meeting of this Society, the President being ab- 
 sent, Mr. Short was appointed to that Post. Mr. Hall and Mr. 
 Cocke, agreeable to the last appointment, delivered their Declama- 
 tions upon the advantages of an established church.* Three mem- 
 
 ♦While the fact of literary exercises being held has been frequently 
 mentioned this is the first time that a record is made of the subject dis- 
 cussed. Though the rule governing these exercises — Law 18— was definite 
 
Minutes, September to December, 1778 23 
 
 fbers, agreeable to a Resolve at the last meeting, were appointed to 
 '.revise the Laws, viz., Mr. Stuart, Mr. Hall and Mr. Hardy. Mr. 
 Hall being one of the Judges, a temporary successor was appointed 
 ;to inspect his performance, viz., Mr. Hardy. An adjournment. 
 ' Sept. 11 and 18. At two meetings no Business appearing from 
 ^Absence of the appointed Members. Adjournment took Place. 
 
 Oct. 10. At a meeting of this Society, resolved that a late Reso- 
 lution requiring a convention of members once a week be annulled, 
 and that in future, meetings be held as formerly, viz., once a Fort- 
 night. 
 
 Nov. 21 st. Not a sufficient number of members appearing hith- 
 erto at this meeting, it was resolved that Messrs. Smith and Stuart, 
 being the two oldest members, declaim at the next meeting, and 
 that Messrs, Fitzhugh argue on the same subject. 
 
 Resolved, that Messrs. F. Fitzhugh, Morison and Cocke be ap- 
 pointed to make Provision for the ensuing Anniversary, that it 
 may be celebrated with a becoming Solemnity. 
 
 Mr. Archibald Stuart being recommended as a gentleman 
 ; worthy an admission to this Society, was in due form introduced. 
 
 Whereas the members of this Society are willing to take under 
 their care objects worthy of charity, Resolved, that Messrs. Hardy 
 and Cocke be appointed to look out for some Orphan likely to re- 
 ceive advantage from being put to a proper School, and make 
 their report of the same to the ensuing meeting. 
 
 Resolved, that the Clerk purchase for the use of the Society 
 two Quires of paper,* and that he draw upon the Treasurer for 
 the Price of the same. An adjournment. 
 
 December 4th. At a called meeting, it appearing that the State 
 of the Society was declining through Want of Members, Resolved, 
 that a committee be appointed to take the same into their consid- 
 
 the practice varied somewhat. A subject being assigned, two of the four 
 'appointed to "perform" were expected to. bring in written dissertations 
 extemporaneously — "opposite composition and argumentation" as it was 
 elsewhere termed. The Judges of Composition were expected to report 
 on opposite sides of the subject, and the other two followed, speaking 
 ithe fact in case they deemed any composition worthy of preservation. Their 
 j reports were seldom recorded.- 
 
 *It was upon part of the paper the purchase of which was thus au- 
 thorized that the records of the society were copied for preservation. 
 
■M 
 
 Facsimile of a Page of the Records 
 
 ^.It^lAlU^ L .„.0 + i...iu.,tr.; 
 
 |<JUt-t*i C cit ,,. .. L ,.I. *.<iu ML Lap 
 
 'l^M r ,m l J ^-tfit^r L fee... 
 
 iwiA 
 
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 3a£* -iorfiitt. .«•««-«. *»-U«~<i{L .^^LaUt. 
 
 
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 (Xfefec — ^,-~..--t .oJpii. 
 
 
 
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 t«i 
 
 PAGE NINETEEN OF THE ORIGINAL RECORDS 
 
 Record of the second anniversary at 
 The Raleigh 
 
The Second Anniversary 25 
 
 eration. Resolved, that Messrs. Hall, Hardy, A. Stuart, Short,. 
 and J. Stuart be appointed. 
 
 , Messrs. John Brown, Preeson Bowdoin, Lyttleton Eyre, and 
 Daniel Carroll Brent, being severally recommended as gentlemen 
 worthy an admission to this Society, were accordingly initiated. 
 
 The Business of the Evening being over, the Society adjourned 
 with an agreement to meet on to-morrow evening at the Raleigh, 
 to celebrate the Anniversary of this fraternity. 
 
 Dec. 5th. The Society having met agreeable to appointment, 
 after the President had resigned and delivered a valedictory on 
 the Occasion, the Night was spent in Jollity and Mirth. Mr. J. 
 Heath and Thomas Smith, of the former members, attended on 
 this auspicious Day, for which they have the grateful Acknowl- 
 edgments of the Society.* 
 
 December 10th. At a meeting of this Society 1 , upon a motion 
 made that a President be elected, it was agreed on, and after ex- 
 amining the Ballot box, the greatest Number appearing in Favor 
 of Mr. Short,f he was in pursuance confirmed, for which the So- 
 ciety received his Thanks. - ,>•' 
 
 Resolved, that in future, admission to this Society be not con- 
 fined to Collegians alone. That if any Member appointed to de- 
 claim or argue, absent himself on the Night of his intended Per- 
 formance, he be subject to the Penalty of five Dollars, unless his 
 excuse be deemed sufficient by the Society. 
 
 Mr. J. Stuart, formerly appointed one of the Committee to re- 
 vise the Laws, being about to leave College, Mr. A. Stuart was ap- 
 pointed to succeed him. An adjournment. 
 
 ♦Thus closes the record of the second year. The effort to hold weekly 
 meetings will be noted, and its failure ; though fortnightly meetings con- 
 tinued with commendable regularity. Several additions were made to the 
 Code of Laws, until in September a committee was appointed to propose a 
 thorough revision. Note the interest shown in the anniversary, for which 
 plans were laid in August, and absent members invited. Two appeared. 
 Ten members were initiated during the year, John Allen, John Nivison, 
 Hartwell Cocke, and Thomas Hall in February; Samuel Hardy in July; 
 Archibald Stuart in November; and John Brown, Preeson Bowdoin, Lit- 
 tleton Eyre, and Daniel C. Brent in December. The total membership 
 was twenty-four, of whom a number, perhaps one-half, had left college. 
 
 fWilliam Short thus becomes practically the second president, for 
 while Thomas Smith had been elected in May, 1777, he left college and re- 
 signed early in July, and John Heath again became president. 
 
26 William Short, the Second President 
 
 
 
 
 
 ■^ ■. 4 lift 3WT -1 
 
 
 
 President of the $ B K at the 
 
 College of William and Mary 
 
 from December io, 1778, 
 
 ■ to January 6, 1781 
 
 
Revision of the Laws Ordered 27 
 
 Jan. -23rd. At a meeting of this Society, the Clerkship be- 
 ! ing vacant by appointment of the late Clerk to the chair, a new 
 j one was balloted for, and the greatest number of votes appearing 
 i in favour of Mr. John Nivison, he was accordingly confirmed. 
 I Resolved, that in future, members be elected and expelled by 
 \ ballot, and that it be performed by the words Pro and Con. 
 I Mr. Heath and Mr. Hite were appointed to engage in composi- 
 tion, and Messrs. Short and Nivison in argumentation at the ensu- 
 '. ing meeting. An adjournment. 
 
 February 6th. At a meeting of this Society, Mr. Heath being 
 i absent, Ithe compositions were not delivered. 
 
 Mr. Clements being proposed as a worthy member was balloted 
 ': for and received. 
 
 i Mr. Ballandine being also recommended as a worthy member 
 1 was balloted for and received. 
 
 On a motion made for appointing a Successor to Mr. Samuel 
 ; Hardy in order to revise the laws, Mr. Short was appointed to 
 ' succeed him. 
 
 On account of Mir. Hite's indisposition he is excused and Mr. 
 I Short appointed in his stead to produce in opposition to Mr. 
 ' Heath. Messrs. Hall and Nivison to argue. The business of the 
 j evening being finished, an adjournment took place. 
 1 February 27th. At a meeting of this Society, Messrs. Heath 
 '■ and Brown, upon making known the reason of their absence at the 
 last meeting, were excused by Ithe Society. 
 
 According to appointment, Messrs. Heath and Short delivered 
 i their compositions, and Messirs. Hall and Nivison argued. 
 
 Messrs. Hite and Bowdoin were appointed Judges instead of 
 ' Messrs. Hall and Short, who were engaged in composition and 
 argumentation. 
 
 Messrs. Stuart and Brown were appointed to produce composi- 
 tions on the justice of African Slavery. Messrs. Bowdoin and 
 Eyre to argue. The Forms of Initiation instituted by the Com- 
 mittee were read and resolved upon. [The Form of Initiation 
 follows. The minwtes are continued at the top of page 55]. 
 
 u 
 
28 
 
 Facsimile of a Page of the Records 
 
 Ctt.Om., 
 
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 t.-.-. 
 
 
 . ', 
 
 _ . . . 1 ,'nJfet 
 
 PAGE TWENTY OF THE ORIGINAL RECORDS 
 
 New officers elected including William Short as 
 President to succeed John Heath 
 
r 
 
 The Form of Initiation 29 
 
 "Forms and Ceremonies of a Society Adopted February 27, 1779* 
 
 The Person to be initiated having been properly recommended 
 and approved, shall be brought to the door by him who recommend- 
 ed him : Then he shall be met by some other member who shall in- 
 troduce and seat him on a Chair prepared for the purpose, the 
 whole Society rising from their seats and bowing : — The Stranger 
 at the same time having a Paper in his hand which he, after being 
 seated shall deliver to his guide who shall read it as follows : 
 
 "The address of of to the Members of 
 
 the $ B K. 
 Gentlemen 
 
 From a full conviction of the benefit arising from Society in 
 general, and particularly from one which I hope has Friendship 
 for its Basis, Benevolence and Literature for its Pillars I am in- 
 duced to accept of the Invitation for an admission into the $BK, 
 and for the honor conferr'd on me by this invitation I return you 
 my most sincere thanks." 
 
 *While the text of the Form of Initiation does not appear in the min- 
 utes, it has been preserved in the records of the Alpha of Massachusetts, 
 and is printed here that it may be easily accessible to students of Phi Beta 
 Kappa history. It has been presumed that the "Committee" which reported 
 this Ritual was the one definitely mentioned in the next paragraph as re- 
 porting for consideration a revision of the laws, but this fact is not defi- 
 nitely stated in the minutes recording its authorization and appointment. 
 See the minutes of August 29 and September 4, where the work assigned to 
 the Committee was "to revise the laws." We find no reference to the ap- 
 pointment of another committee ; hence the inference that the one commit- 
 tee brought in both reports. As originally constituted by election the com- 
 mittee consisted of John Stuart, Thomas Hall, and Samuel Hardy. Three 
 months after he was named as a member of the committee, John Stuart 
 resigned, being about to leave college, and Archibald Stuart was appointed 
 to succeed him. This was on December 10, 1778, just two weeks after he 
 became a member. The other members of the committee were also 
 neophytes, for Mr. Hall had been a member but a little over six months 
 and Mr. Hardy only five weeks, when they were placed on this important 
 committee. Three weeks before the committee made its report, Mr. Hardy 
 resigned, and was succeeded by William Short, who was the only veteran of 
 the group, for he became a member only four months after the Society 
 was organized. The members of the committee, then, that brought in these 
 momentous reports were Archibald Stuart, Thomas Hall, and William 
 Short. This matter is discussed at length, because of the bearing the sub- 
 stance of these reports has had on the character and subsequent develop- 
 ment of Phi Beta Kappa. It is worthy of note that the work was so well 
 done that it met with unanimous approval. 
 
30 The Form of Initiation 
 
 Then the President shall say 
 
 Mr. It was in consequence of our good opinion 
 
 of you, that we have admitted you thus far, and we hope you will 
 render yourself still more acceptable by answering in the affirma- 
 tive to the following questions. 
 
 ist If upon hearing you dislike the principles of this Society 
 and withdraw, do you promise upon the word of a Gentleman to 
 keep them secret ? 
 
 2nd Is it of your own free choice unbiassed by persuasion that 
 you become a member of this Society? 
 
 3rd Will you approve yourself a worthy member of it by being 
 a Friend to Morality and Literature ? 
 
 4th Will you regard every worthy member of this Society as a 
 Brother ? 
 
 5th Will you assist them when in distress with your Life and 
 Fortune ? 
 
 After which the Laws shall be read by the Clerk, and if the 
 Person to be admitted approve them, the Oath shall be adminis- 
 tered by the President ; then the Medal and sign of the Society 
 shall be explained; and afterwards the President shall thus ad- 
 dress the newly initiated Member. 
 
 Brother 
 
 It is an uncommon pleasure which I feel in being able to address 
 you by this tender appellation ; such have been the mutual pleas- 
 ures ever distributed among the Members of the *BK. 
 
 This Society was founded by a few friends to social and im- 
 proving intercourse. At first it was confined to a small number of 
 very worthy Students; they planted the scion, from which has 
 grown this tree, that now buds forth before your eyes, with the 
 blossoms of harmony and concord. It was ingrafted on the stock 
 of friendship, in the soil of virtue, enriched by Literature. To 
 cherish and keep it alive hath been the constant care of those 
 members who have succeeded. 
 
 To which end they have ever kept in view the design of its 
 worthy founders, who adopted this friendly communion as a rec- 
 reation to the philosophic mind, satiate with investigating the vari- 
 ous springs of Human nature and human actions. 
 
The Form of Initiation Concluded 31 
 
 Now then you may for a while disengage yourself from schol- 
 astic Laws and communicate without reserve whatever reflections 
 you have made upon various objects; remembering that every- 
 thing transacted within this room is transacted Sub rosa, and de- 
 tested is he that discloses it. 
 
 Here too you are to indulge in matters of speculation, that free- 
 dom of inquiry which ever dispels the clouds of falsehood by the 
 radiant sunshine of truth. — Here you are to look for a sincere 
 Friend, and here you are to become the Brother of unalienable 
 Brothers. 
 
 After which the President turning to the members shall thus ad- 
 dress them : — 
 Gentlemen 
 
 You all at this moment experience in yourselves the heart-felt 
 satisfaction, which I do at our late valuable acquisition. — 
 
 Friendship herself pleased with her success now smiles at this 
 addition to our Fraternity. Let it be our joint care to extend the 
 Friendship which has ever been exercised by this Society, to this 
 new elected Member, that he may thereby become a veteran in 
 her service. Let us consider that this is no longer the, stranger 
 whom we have hitherto seen ; he is a Brother, a member of the 
 $ B K ; in which character I am inexpressibly happy to introduce to 
 you Mr. *- . i 
 
 After this, the President shall take him by the hand, with a con- 
 gratulation, and then the Secretary who shall introduce him to 
 each of the Members separately ; all taking carle to use the mode 
 of shaking hands peculiar to the $ B K." [End of Ritual. Min- 
 utes of February 2Jth continued}. 
 
 The Laws revised by a committee appointed for that purpose 
 were read and received universal approbation.* {Continued, p. 
 
 35]- 
 
 The Laws 
 
 "Whereas it is essentially necessary to the well being of every 
 
 Fraternity, that it should be Governed by certain established and 
 
 ♦The note respecting the Form of Initiation applies in general to 
 the revised Code of Laws or Constitution, under which the original 
 society concluded its early activity at William and Mary. This code was 
 transmitted to Harvard and Yale, and is quoted from the records of the 
 Alpha of Massachusetts. 
 
l H 
 
 32 The Revised Constitution 
 
 salutary Laws : the following are adopted for the governing rules 
 of the conduct of each Member of the * B K ; and each and every 
 Member of the said Society is hereby required to observe the 
 same with the most scrupulous punctuality, in order that this in- 
 stitution which does honour to the founders, may be handed down 
 to the latest ages, firm and inviolate. 
 
 Law 1st 
 To the execution of the Laws, and the several duties of the 
 Society, a President, Clerk, and Treasurer shall be chosen. 
 
 Law 2nd 
 The President shall be invested with the prerogative of con- 
 vening the Members of this fraternity when he shall deem it 
 expedient; of maintaining order when convened; and of giving 
 a decision in case of a division of voices. 
 
 Law 3rd 
 The duty of the Clerk shall be to keep a list of the Members, 
 and fair and legible Books in writing, containing the proceedings 
 of the Society. 
 
 Law 4th 
 The duty of a Treasurer shall be to keep accurate accounts of 
 the fund of the Society which shall always be laid before it the 
 first meeting in the months of March, June, September and De- 
 cember. 
 
 Law 5th 
 The youngest member residing in College shall be Sergeant 
 whose office is to summon the members when a meeting shall be 
 called. 
 
 Law 6th 
 In case of necessity or necessary absence of the President the 
 chair shall be filled by election or succession. 
 
 Law 7th 
 In all cases of election the matter shall be determined by Ballot. 
 
 Law 8th 
 Five members shall perform at every session, one shall write a 
 dissertation, two in opposite composition, and the other two shall 
 dispute extemporaneously on the same subject. 
 
facsimile; of the phi beta kappa charter 
 
 For text of the charter see pages 47-51 
 
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The Revised Constitution 33 
 
 Law 9th 
 Three members shall be appointed as Judges of the composi- 
 tions, who shall inform the ensuing meeting of their determina- 
 tion ; that such performances as are thought worthy of the hon- 
 our, may be preserved. 
 
 Law 10th 
 When either of the Judges declaim, a temporary successor as 
 Judge shall be appointed. 
 
 Law nth 
 The non-attendance of any member in the evening he is appoint- 
 ed to declaim, subjects him to the punishment of six shillings, and 
 on any other evening to the penalty of three shillings, unless his 
 excuse shall be deemed sufficient by the Society. 
 
 Law 1 2th 
 Every Member who desires to propose any thing to the Society, 
 shall produce it in writing and particularly address the President. 
 
 Law 13th 
 Every Member during a session shall behave with becoming 
 decency; delivering his sentiments vicissively to prevent confus- 
 ion. 
 
 Law 14th 
 No Gentleman shall be initiated into this Society under the age 
 of sixteen, nor then but by an unanimous concurrence of all the 
 members by Ballot ; neither shall anyone be expelled without the 
 same. 
 
 Law 15th 
 
 Every member after being properly initiated shall pay to the 
 Treasurer Six shillings, and shall be obliged to procure for himself 
 a medal wholly corresponding with those of the Fraternity. 
 
 Law 1 6th 
 A majority of three members shall be the fewest for the execu- 
 tion of business. 
 
 Law 17th 
 
 A regular meeting shall be held once a fortnight at 7 o'clock 
 P. M., in Summer, and 6 in Winter. 
 
34 The Revised Constitution 
 
 Law i 8th 
 
 The violation of any of the Laws enacted or to be enacted, 
 except such as have the fine annexed to them, subjects the violator 
 to the discretionary punishment of the Society. 
 
 Law 19th 
 
 At the first meeting in June annually two members shall be 
 chosen to prepare Orations upon any suitable subject given by the 
 Society to be delivered at the celebration of the anniversary. 
 
 Law 20th 
 
 If any Member of this Society be heard to express sentiments 
 inimical to the same, he shall be informed against at the ensuing 
 Meeting, when, after being heard he shall be subject to being cen- 
 sured, fined, or even expelled, if the Fraternity deem it expedient. 
 
 Law 2 1 st 
 
 No member of this Society shall be punished upon any accusa- 
 tion whatever, without being first heard with his accusant con- 
 fronting him. 
 
 Law 22nd* 
 
 Every thing proposed at any meeting (Initiation and such busi- 
 ness as cannot be cancelled, excepted) shall first be discussed in a 
 Committee of the whole in foxm following. 
 
 The President for the time being after taking his seat and hav- 
 ing the order of last meeting, and the appointments of declaimants 
 on the present, read by the Clerk, shall on motion made resign the 
 chair to some Member not immediately interested in the debate, 
 which member while Chairman shall have all the authority and 
 privileges of the President vested in him. When all the business 
 is finished, the committee shall rise and the proceedings of 
 the same being read by the Clerk, the Society may then alter, 
 amend or confirm them; after which they shall be assigned by 
 the President or in his absence, by the Vice-President and then be 
 deemed valid. [End of tke\ Laws. The minutes of February 
 2ph continued on page 35] . 
 
 *This was not in the code as adopted February 29, .'779, but was added 
 nearly a year late.™. See the minute of December 2, 1779. The adoption 
 of this Law resulted in a marked change in the method of conducting the 
 meetings, 
 
The Minutes Resumed 35 
 
 Messrs. Baker, Moore, and Roane, being recommended to this 
 Society as worthy members, were ballotted for and received in 
 due form. 
 
 A Letter was received from our worthy Brother, Mr. John 
 Stuart in which was inclosed twelve shillings which was to pur- 
 chase a Testament for the Society, but as the Society had been 
 presented with one from Mr. John Nivison, it was put into the 
 Treasury. 
 
 The business of the night being finished, an adjournment took 
 place. 
 
 At a Meeting of this Society on March 13th, 1779, according 
 to appointment, Messrs. Stuart and Brown delivered their Com- 
 positions and Messrs. Bowdoin and Eyre argued. 
 
 Upon examination of the Treasurer's accounts there was found 
 to be £18, 8s. in the Treasury. 
 
 Mr. Wm. Stith being recommended to this Society as a worthy 
 Member, was ballotted for and initiated in due form. 
 
 Messrs. Brent and Clements were appointed to produce com- 
 positions, inquiring whether" Agriculture or Merchandise was most 
 advantageous to a State. 
 
 Messrs. Baker and Ballindine were appointed to argue on the 
 same subject. 
 
 The business of the evening being finished, adjournment took 
 place. 
 
 At a meeting on Saturday, March 27th, 1779. The Judges hav- 
 ing examined the compositions produced at the last meeting, Mr. 
 Brown's was deemed by them worthy of being preserved, and was 
 accordingly preserved. 
 
 Mr. William Stuart being recommended as a worthy member of 
 this Society was ballotted for and initiated in due form. 
 
 Messrs. Brent and Clements, according to appointment, pro- 
 duced their compositions. 
 
 Mr. Ballendine being excused from arguing on account of his 
 situation, and Mr. Baker, the other disputant, being absent, the 
 subject was discussed by the Members. 
 
 Messrs. Ballindine and Moore were appointed to produce com- 
 positions inquiring whether Brutus was justifyable in having his 
 
36 
 
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 PAGE TWENTY-FIVE OF THE ORIGINAL RECORDS 
 Messrs. Beckley and Savage elected and initiated 
 
Messrs. Beckley and Savage Initiated 37 
 
 sons executed. Messrs. Roane and Stith were appointed to argue 
 on the same subject. 
 
 The business of the Evening being finished, an adjournment 
 took place. 
 
 At a Meeting on Saturday, the tenth of April, as our President 
 was absent, a temporary one being ballotted for, Mr. Hite was ap- 
 pointed. 
 
 According to appointment, Messrs. Ballindine and Moore pro- 
 duced their compositions, and Messrs. Roane and Stith argued. 
 
 Mr. John James Beckley being recommended as a worthy mem- 
 ber of this Society, was ballotted for, and it was resolved that 
 there shall be a meeting on Monday Evening for his initiation. 
 
 Messrs. Baker and Stuart were appointed to bring Compositions 
 enquiring into the cause and origin of Society. Messrs. Heath 
 and Fitzhugh to argue on the same subject. 
 
 The business of the evening being finished, an adjournment 
 took place. 
 
 At a meeting April 12th, agreeable to appointment, Mr. John 
 James Beckley was initiated in due form. 
 
 At a Meeting April the 19th, Mr. Thomas Savage being recom- 
 mended as a worthy member of this Society, was ballotted for and 
 Initiated in due form. Mr. Bowdoin being about to depart for 
 Europe, requested the company of the Society at the Raleigh, 
 where he gave them a very elegant Entertainment. After many 
 toasts suitable to the Occasion, the Evening was spent by the 
 Members in a manner which indicated the highest esteem for their 
 departing Friend, mixed with sorrow for his intended Absence 
 and Joy for his future prospects in Life. 
 
 April 24th, 1779. 
 
 According to appointment, Mr. Stuart produced. The other 
 gentlemen being absent the subject was not discussed. 
 
 Messrs. Heath and Hall making the Society acquainted with 
 the reason of their absence at the last meeting, were excused. 
 
 Messrs. Beckley and Savage were appointed to bring in Com- 
 positions enquiring whether a wise state hath any interest nearer 
 at Heart than the Education of the Youth. An adjournment. 
 
 Pursuant to summons from the President for a meeting of the 
 
38 The Treasurer's Accounts 
 
 <& B K,* eleven Members convened at College Wednesday Eve- 
 ning, May 5th, 1779. In absence of the President, Mr. Hall is 
 proposed pro Tern :, and on Ballot received a majority of votes. 
 
 Whereupon he took the chair accordingly. 
 
 J. J. Beckley is in like manner proposed and appointed Clerk. 
 
 Mr. Hite being about to leave College, begs Leave to resign the 
 Office of Treasurer, and desires that his Acct's may be examined. 
 
 Ordered to be referred to a Committee. Mr. Brent and Mr. 
 Stuart to retire and report immediately. 
 
 Committee reported accounts fairly stated, and Cash in Hand 
 £18.19.8 with a Balance due the Treasury £4.10. 
 
 Ordered to transfer Cash in Hand to the next Treasurer, with 
 the Accts. 
 
 The Society proceeds to appoint a Treasurer. Mr. Stuart be- 
 ing proposed on Ballot, received a majority of Votes. 
 
 Mr. President, Mr. Nivison, and Mr. Nivisonf absent 
 and ordered to be noted. 
 
 Adjourned till meeting in Course. 
 
 Saturday, May 4th,£ 1779. 
 
 Mr. President and Mr. Nivison offered reasons to excuse their 
 non-attendance at last meeting, which were admitted as sufficient. 
 
 Mr. John Page and Mr. Henry Blunt§ were severally recom- 
 mended as worthy Members of this Society, and on a Ballot 
 taken, Mr. Page was unanimously elected and initiated in due 
 form. Mr. Blunt, on a Ballot taken for him, was rejected, three 
 ballots being returned with the word con. 
 
 Mr. Savage and Mr. Beckley delivered compositions pro and con 
 on the question whether a wise State hath any Interest nearer at 
 hand than the Education of Youth ? 
 
 ♦This is the first time in the records that the Greek initials are 
 used as the name of the society. Note that it is "the <j> B K," not the 
 * B K Society. It would seem that in the discussions that led to the 
 preparation of the ritual the thought of the members as to the name of the 
 organization was crystallized. At any rate the minutes are consistent 
 with the usage of the ritual and the Code of Laws. This is the first 
 occasion when the number of members present at a meeting is recorded. 
 
 tDr. Tyler suggests that Mr. Morison was intended. 
 
 JThis should be May 8th, as the 5th, as noted above, was Wednesday. 
 
 §This is the first occasion when a member balloted for was re- 
 jected. 
 
A "Charter Party" Proposed 39 
 
 Mr. Stuart and Mr. Heath argued on the same question. 
 
 Ordered that the Treasurer be directed to furnish candles and 
 such other conveniences for the accommodation of the meetings 
 as may be necessary, placing the same to proper account, and 
 taking Vouchers for the disbursements. 
 
 It being suggested that it might tend to promote the designs of 
 this Institution and redound to the honor and advantage thereof 
 at the same time, that others more remote or distant will be at- 
 tached thereto,* Resolved, that leave be given to prepare the form 
 or Ordinance of a Charter party, to be entrusted with such two or 
 more brothers of the $ B K, as to a General meeting shall, on due 
 application for the same, be thought to merit such a trust; with 
 delegated power in the plan and principles therein laid down, to 
 constitute, establish and initiate a fraternity correspondent to this, 
 and that a Committee be appointed of Mr. President, Mr. Stuart 
 and Mr. Beckley to prepare a draught of the same and report at 
 next meeting. 
 
 An adjournment took place. . . .f 1 
 
 Saturday, June 5th, 1779. 
 
 A meeting of the 4> B K was convened by summons from the 
 President. 
 
 Present, five members. 
 
 Mr. Stuart appointed President pro tempore. 
 
 Mr. Beckley, Clerk. 
 
 *It would be of interest to know who made the initial suggestion 
 respecting fraternity expansion. The records are entirely silent re- 
 specting his identity. Fortunately we have a letter written fifty years 
 later by William Short, Jr., the president, embodying his impressions and 
 giving large credit to Samuel Hardy. We quote a portion of the letter. 
 It was written to Edward Everett in 1831. 
 
 "I remember yet my surprise when he communicated to me his plan 
 for extending branches of our society to the different States. It was the 
 first symptom of anything coming from him indicative of his mind. He 
 expatiated on the great advantages that would attend, the binding together 
 of the several States. 
 
 "I happened at that time to be acquainted with a gentleman from the 
 eastward who was private tutor in the family of one of my friends. And 
 as I knew he then contemplated returning to his native State, I suggested 
 to Mr. Hardy the propriety of bringing forward his plan before the 
 Society so that the Charter might be ready to be sent by this gentleman. 
 It was accordingly done. And if my memory serves me a charter of the 
 same kind was sent at the same time to New Haven." 
 
 fSome words follow that are too indistinct to be deciphered. 
 
40 The Charter Reported 
 
 Mr. William Cabell is recommended as a worthy member of 
 this Society, and on a Ballot taken he is unanimously elected and 
 initiated in due form. 
 
 Ordered that further time be given to the Committee appointed 
 to prepare the draft of a Charter party and that they report to the 
 next meeting. 
 
 An apology was offered for Mr. Heath's non-attendance, which, 
 being deemed sufficient, he is excused. 
 
 Mr. Hartwell Cocke and Mr. Brown appointed to declaim, Mr. 
 Stuart and Mr. Beckley to argue on Question : Whether an Agra- 
 rian Law is consistent with the Principles of a wise Republic. 
 
 An adjournment took place. 
 
 A General Meeting of the * B K. 
 
 June 12, 1779, being in course. 
 
 Mr. Brent is elected President pro tempore, and took the chair 
 accordingly. 
 
 Mr. Beckley, in like manner, as Clerk. 
 
 Mr. Cocke and Brown offered declamations on question, 
 Whether an agrarian law is consistent with the principles of a 
 wise republic. Mr. Stuart and Mr. Beckley argued on same ques- 
 tion. 
 
 Committee appointed reported form of Charter party to lay till 
 next meeting for consideration of the members. 
 
 An adjournment took place. 
 
 At a meeting June 27th 
 
 The Clerk being absent, Mr. Brown was appointed pro Tem- 
 pore. The committee formerly appointed, having been prevented 
 by unavoidable accidents from compleating the Business relative 
 to the Charter, prayed for an additional allowance of time. Upon 
 a motion made it was agreed to. 
 
 The Treasurer being about to leave College for some time, de- 
 sires that his accounts might be examined by a committee and a 
 successor to him appointed. 
 
 Ordered to be referred to a committee, Mr. Brent and Mr. 
 Brown to retire and report immediately. 
 
 Committee reported that the accounts were fairly stated, and 
 cash in hand £21, 19. 8., with a ballance due the Treasury of 
 
The Charter Adopted, July 1779 41 
 
 £6. o. o. Ordered to transfer the cash in hand to next Treasurer 
 with the Ballance due. 
 
 Proceeded to appoint a Treasurer. Mr. Wm. Cabell being 
 recommended was accordingly appointed. 
 
 Resolved, that as the Price of Initiation hitherto paid is inade- 
 quate to the purpose it be augmented to Ten Dollars.* 
 
 Messrs. Roane and Stuart were appointed to bring in Composi- 
 tions enquiring whether anything is more dangerous to Civile 
 Liberty in a free State than a standing army in time of Peace. 
 
 Messrs. Page and Savage to argue on the same subject. 
 
 The Business of the evening being finished an adjournment took 
 place. 
 
 At a meeting called by the President July 5th, 1779. 
 
 Mr. Beckley reported form of Charter partyf read and referred 
 to a Committee of the Whole,:}: Mr. Brown in the Chair, reported 
 a debate by paragraphs and agreed to. 
 
 Resolved, that the Charter party do pass. 
 
 Mr. Short presented additional laws, read and agreed to.§ Mr. 
 Beckley offered excuse for non-attendance at last meeting, admit- 
 ted as sufficient. Mr. Fitzhugh in like manner excused for his 
 first non-attendance and fined for twice not attending. 
 
 Adjourned. 
 
 At a meeting held in Course, July 10th, 1779. 
 
 The Clerk being absent, Mr. H. Cocke was appointed pro 
 tempore. 
 
 Mr. Stuart and Mr. Roane brought in their compositions as by 
 the last meeting appointed, and likewise Mr. Savage and Mr. 
 Page argued on the same. 
 
 The Persons appointed to examine and return whether the 
 
 ♦Notice that though the treasurer has been reporting balances in 
 English currency the initiaiton fee is stated in' dollars. It may also be 
 worthy of note' that William Cabell had been a member just three weeks 
 when he was chosen treasurer. 
 
 fWhy this document was called a "Charter party" has not been made 
 
 clear. 
 
 ±This is the first occasion where the familiar parliamentary method 
 of the "Committee of the Whole" was used in Phi Beta Kappa. Five 
 months later it was made a regular method of procedure. See Law 22. 
 
 §We have no means of knowing what was provided by these laws. 
 They may possibly be those numbered 19, 20, and 21 of the code printed 
 above, page 34. 
 
42 Respecting the Seal 
 
 Pieces delivered be worthy or no to be kept, two of which have 
 now left College, there being two appointed, one of which is pro 
 tempore, the other is appointed constantly to act, vizt. Mr. Brown 
 to act constantly, and Mr. Beckley pro tempore. 
 
 Resolved, that the Clerk provide an Ink stand and return the 
 price of the same to the Treasurer, which may be reported the 
 next meeting. 
 
 The persons appointed to form a seal* for this Hon: Society 
 are Mr. Short, Mr. Brown and Mr. Bickley. 
 
 Ordered that Mr. Hardy have this Charterf by the unanimous 
 voice of the members now met. The meeting to be called The 
 
 Brjra. 
 
 Mr. Cabell and Mr. Fitzhugh appointed to bring in composi- 
 tions the next meeting, and Mr. Short and Mr. Cocke to argue 
 whether Parents have a right to prevent the marriage of Chil- 
 dren after entering into contract. The business being finished, an 
 adjournment took place. 
 
 At a meeting called by the President July nth, 1779. 
 
 The form of Charter Party being again referred to the con- 
 sideration of a committee, several alterations were suggested as 
 necessary in the same by Mr. Short. The amendments proposed 
 were read in their proper places, and were agreed to. 
 
 Mr. William StewardJ then petitioned the Society that a form 
 
 ♦This seal was evidently secured in order to confirm the charters 
 sent to Harvard and Yale and was so used, by impressing the design 
 upon melted wax. Unfortunately the wax has become broken on the 
 Harvard charter, hence the device cannot be made out. What we know 
 of it is contained in letters of William H. H. Stuart, son of Archibald 
 Stuart. One of them written to the editor in 1890 reads, respecting the 
 seal, in part as follows : "It was of brass. The face of the seal was 
 about the size of a quarter of a dollar, and the Greek letters Phi Beta 
 Kappa were engraved on it. On the obverse side was a socket for a 
 wooden handle, which had been removed. I have been sorry to learn that 
 the seal has since been lost or mislaid. It was probably in the College 
 building, and was destroyed when that building was burned during the 
 late Civil War." The entire letter may be seen in The Key, vol. ii, pp. 
 464-67. 
 
 fit Was appropriate that Mr. Hardy, the prime mover in the matter 
 of expansion, should have the first charter. But the rule providing that 
 charters should be given to "two or more" members was broken in the 
 eery first instance, as in every other, 
 
 JThis should be 'Stuart. Note the certificate of character here given 
 /Mr. Stuart, especially 1 as he had been a member less than four months. 
 The corrlhiittee appointed to copy the charter' and laws' Were industrious, 
 for the documents were ready the following evening. 
 
Mr. Parmele Elected and Initiated 43 
 
 of the Charter party should be granted him. The Society, consid- 
 ering his zealous attachment to her interests and the particular at- 
 tention he having paid to her laws* unanimously resolved that the 
 same be granted him and that the meeting be called Eayi/ia. 
 
 Resolved, that a copy of the form of Charty party and also of 
 the laws be drawn off and delivered to Mr. W. Stuart. Resolved, 
 also, that Mr. Savage and Mr. Cabell be appointed to do the same. 
 
 Adjourned till to-morrow night. 
 
 July 1 2th : The $ B K met agreeable to adjournment. Pursuant 
 to a former resolution the form of Charter party was delivered 
 Mr. Stuart, together with the Code of laws drawn off acording to 
 direction. 
 
 Adjourned till day in course. 
 
 At a meeting held in course July 24th, 1779. 
 
 The Clerk being absent, Mr. Cabell was appointed pro tempore. 
 
 Mr. Fitzhugh and Mr. Cabell brought in their compositions 
 agreeable to appointment and Mr. Short and Mr. Cocke argued 
 on the same. 
 
 Upon a motion made, ordered that the fines instead of one 
 dollar and five, as they now stand, be raised to ten dollars and 
 twenty.* 
 
 Messrs. Brown and Brent appointed to bring in compositions. 
 Messrs. Roane and Beckley to argue the subject, "Whether the 
 Institution of the Ostracism was Legal." 
 
 An adjournment. 
 
 At a meeting called by the President July 31st, 1779. 
 
 The Clerk being absent, Mr. Brent was appointed pro tempore. 
 Mr. Elijah Parmale is recommended as a worthy Member of this 
 Society, and on a Ballot taken he is unanimously elected and 
 initiated in due form. 
 
 An adjournment took place. 
 
 At a Meeting of the *BK, August 7th, 1779. 
 
 The Clerk being absent, Mr. W. Cabell was appointed to act in 
 
 his stead. 
 
 The Gentlemen appointed to compose, brought in their corn- 
 
 *In the large increase of fines and dues will be seen a response to 
 the depreciation in the currency that marked the closing years ;of the 
 Revolutionary War. 
 
44 Minutes, August to October, 1779 
 
 positions and those that were to support them offered their dec- 
 lamations. 
 
 Resolved that Mr. Brent and Mr. H. Cocke be appointed to 
 procure a box of such dimensions as may appear most proper to 
 deposit the papers in belonging to this Society ; also they procure 
 an inkstand for the use of the same. 
 
 Mr. Beckley and Mr. Brent to write, Mr. Savage and Mr. Page 
 to argue. The subject of disputation to be whether Commonwealths 
 or Monarchies are most subject to Seditions and Commotions. 
 
 Adjourned. 
 
 At a Meeting of the $ B K,. August 14, 1779, John Beckley 
 offered excuse for non-attendance at the two last meetings, which 
 were admitted as sufficient. 
 
 Mr. Hartwell Cocke in like manner. 
 
 Mr. Brent was called on but offered no reasonable excuse, and 
 was thereupon fined according to law. 
 
 On the motion of Mr. Cabell,* the form of a Charter party is 
 granted him by duplicate to be signed according to Law. The 
 meeting hereby established to be called the Aeta-a. 
 
 Adjourned. 
 
 At a meeting called October 25th, 1779. 
 
 The President not present, Mr. John Nivison was appointed pro 
 tempore and likewise Mr. Hartwell Cocke was appointed Clerk 
 pro tempore. 
 
 Mr. Richard Cocke was balloted for, there being a dissenting 
 voice, he was not initiated. f The business being finished an ad- 
 journment took place. 
 
 At a meeting of the * B K, October 29th, 1779. 
 
 The president being absent, one was balloted for a majority ap- 
 pearing in favour of Mr. Brown, he resumed the chair. 
 
 The Clerk being likewise absent one was balloted for and a 
 majority was for Mr. Nivison. 
 
 In consequence of one of our Laws, we proceeded to the choice 
 
 ♦Mr. Cabell had been a member only two weeks and two days when 
 this charter was placed in his keeping. 
 
 fit will be seen that the rule requiring absolute unanimity in -elec- 
 tions to membership was fully enforced. This is the second occasion when 
 a candidate was rejected. 
 
A Vice-President Chosen 45 
 
 of two gentlemen to declaim on the Anniversary. Mr. Short and 
 Mr. Brown were elected for that purpose. , 
 
 Mr. Fitzhugh and Mr. Cocke to write, and Messrs. Stuart and 
 Brent to argue. 
 
 The business of the evening being finished, an adjournment 
 took place. 
 
 Meeting convened the 13th November, 1779. 
 
 Ordered that the Gentlemen appointed to declaim and argue at 
 this meeting be continued therefor at the ensuing meeting. 
 
 A subject is directed on the following question: Whether a 
 General Assessment for the support of Religious Establishments 
 is or is not repugnant to the principles of a Republican Govern- 
 ment. 
 
 Mr. Brown discharged from appointment at last meeting to de- 
 claim on the Anniversary, and a Ballot taken for another person 
 in his stead— Mr. Stuart elected. 
 
 Ordered that summonses issue to convene the absent members 
 on the Anniversary. 
 
 Various Causes suggesting to this Society the Necessity of ap- 
 pointing a vice-president of this Body to reside in College, and the 
 insufficiency of former laws having occasioned delays in Business 
 and other inconveniences therefrom ; It is hereby declared a future 
 law of this Society, that a standing vice-president be appointed 
 who shall have the same powers, in the absence of the efficient 
 president that is given by Law, and it is ordered that this be 
 added to the standing Laws of the Society.* So much of any 
 former law as is repugnant to this is hereby repealed. 
 
 Mr. George Brent was recommended as a gentleman worthy 
 the honor of admission as a member of this Society, and on a 
 Ballot taken he was unanimously admitted and initiated in due 
 form. 
 
 The Society proceeded to Ballot for a Vice-president, and on 
 examining the Ballots, Mr. Stuart is elected. 
 
 Ordered : Mr. Fitzhugh withdrawing himself be noted. 
 
 An adjournment took place. 
 
 ♦This addition to the laws was not incorporated in the code already 
 printed; 
 
46 The Third Anniversary 
 
 At a meeting convened November 27th, 1779. The Clerk being 
 absent Mr. Cabell was appointed to act pro tempore. The Gentle- 
 men appointed to the usual exercises performed agreeable tr> 
 custom. 
 
 Ordered that Saturday next be celebrated as the anniversary 
 of this Society. 
 
 Ordered also that Messrs. Beckley and Ballindine be appointed 
 to make a proper provision for the evening of the 4th December, 
 for the entertainments of this Society. Ordered that the fine of 
 five shillings be inflicted on Mr. Fitzhugh for withdrawing himself 
 on the evening of the 13th November. 
 
 Mr. Beckley excused from performing at the next meeting from 
 the multiplicity of business which pressed him. Messrs. Ballindine 
 and Roane appointed to declaim and Messrs. Savage and Page to 
 argue. The theme of Disputation whether Theatrical Exhibitions 
 are advantageous to States or the Contrary. 
 
 The business of the evening being over an adjournment took 
 place. 
 
 At a meeting called by the Vice-President December 2d, 1779. 
 
 Mr. Cabell agreeable to Law, laid his accounts as Treasurer 
 before the meeting, and desired that they might be examined. 
 
 Ordered to be referred to a Committee. Mr. Brown and Mr. 
 Brent to retire and report immediately. 
 
 Committee reported accounts fairly stated and cash in hand 
 £23. 9. 6. and a balance due to Treasury £6. 17. 
 
 Mr. Cabell about to leave College for some time begged that a 
 Treasurer might be appointed to act pro tempore. 
 
 Ordered, that Mr. Brown be appointed to do the same. Intro- 
 duced a Law which is ordered to be added to the Standing laws 
 of the Society, and may be seen under XXII.* 
 
 Adjourned till Saturday evening. 
 
 Saturday, the 4th of December, 1779. 
 
 A meeting of the * B K was convened at six o'clock p. m., 
 being the Eve of the Anniversary to Commemorate that day, at 
 Mr. Davenports in Williamsburg, present, Mr. President and 
 twelve other members. 
 
 *This law was incorporated in the code, and gave a new characteristic 
 to the meetings during the following year. 
 
The Harvard Charter Voted ,47 
 
 Mr. President left the chair and Mr. Fitzhugh was called to the 
 chair for the Evening. 
 
 Mr. President and Mr. Stuart agreeable to appointment of a 
 former meeting exhibited their Declamations on given, subjects. 
 . Petition of Mr. Parmelie for a Charter Party to Institute a 
 Branch of this Society at Cambridge* in Massachusetts, granted : 
 To be called Eirmkov. 
 
 Mr. Brown, Mr. Bickley, Mr. Cabell appointed to examine ex- 
 hibitions and report to next meeting. 
 
 Adjourned till to-morrow evening. W. Short Jr. President. 
 
 [The minutes continued on page 51]. 
 
 "Form of a Charter Partyf 
 The Members of the $ B K, of the meeting A\<f>a of William and 
 Mary College, Virginia, to their well and truly beloved Brother 
 Elisha Parmeli. 
 
 Greeting 
 Whereas it is repugnant to the liberal principles of Societies 
 that they should be confined to any particular place, men or De- 
 
 *Here for the first time we have a statement respecting the location 
 of the Branch for which a charter was asked. While the date is De- 
 cember 4, it was in reality the anniversary meeting, the 5th being Sun- 
 day, not a suitable time for "jollity and mirth." It seems evident that the 
 importance of this matter of preparing a charter for Harvard was deemed 
 so great that it overshadowed the formal anniversary exercises, and 
 the discussions were so prolonged that a special meeting was called the 
 following evening to conclude the matter, as the minute of the following 
 session will show. At that meeting, December 5, 1779, the form of charter 
 was revised by the introduction of "some innovations." Just what they 
 were we are not told, but it is not difficult to gather their import when the 
 Harvard Charter is studied. For instead of designating the new branch 
 the 'EircriXov as stated in the resolution it is designated the Alpha of 
 Massachusetts Bay, and given coordinate rank with the original society 
 in the matter of granting charters for other branches within its own 
 state. These changes were to give the Phi Beta Kappa "an extensive 
 footing" in that commonwealth. 
 
 As we read the Charter as here printed we should bear in mind that 
 the official title of the state was then "Massachusetts Bay." The con- 
 stitution as revised the following year omitted the word "Bay" from the 
 title. Hence when organized the year following the branch became the 
 Alpha of Massachusetts. 
 
 fThe text o-f the charter is here printed from the original document, 
 ' now preserved in the Harvard College Library. The title of the Branch 
 is, however, inserted in two places where it had been omitted. It differs 
 only in trifling details of spelling and capitalization from the copy tran- 
 scribed in the Harvard Chapter records. ' Respecting the document itself 
 an interesting bit of history should be recorded. 
 
48 The Charter Lost and Restored 
 
 scription of men, and as the same should be extended to the wise 
 and virtuous of every degree and of whatever Country ; — 
 
 We the Members and Brothers of the * B K, an Institution 
 founded on literary principles, being willing and desirous to pro- 
 pagate the same, have at the Instance and petition of our good 
 Brother Elisha Parmeli of the University of Cambridge in the 
 State of Massachusetts Bay, and from the confidence we repose in 
 
 In some way, not now known, it became separated from the chapter 
 records and had virtually been forgotten, when Hon. John C. Ropes, 
 Harvard '57, of Boston, the distinguished historian of the Civil War, 
 discovered it in a sale of memorabilia and purchased it. Though a 
 member of the Harvard Chapter Mr. Ropes chose to return it to William 
 and Mary and sent it to Col. William Lamb of Norfolk, Va., then presi- 
 dent of the Alpha of Virginia, which he had been largely instrumental 
 in reorganizing two years before. Colonel Lamb exhibited the charter 
 at a meeting of the Society held at Williamsburg, February 18, 1896, thus 
 creating quite a sensation. The Alpha of Virginia generously voted to 
 restore it to the Alpha of Massachusetts and sent Colonel Lamb the 
 following year to make the presentation. He executed this trust at the 
 Anniversary meeting, July 1, 1897, personally delivering it to the officers 
 of the chapter before the company assembled in Sanders Theatre. 
 
 The charter is carefully written on one large sheet of paper, nj<£ by 
 i8$4 inches, there being fifty-two lines of writing, with ten additional 
 lines on which the signatures of nineteen members appear. 
 
 In the lower right hand corner a bow of pink and blue ribbon appears, 
 the pieces being inserted through two slits in the paper having been tied, 
 very probably, as Colonel Lamb suggests, by some "fair Virginia hand." 
 The two ends of the blue ribbon were joined by wax on which the seal 
 of Phi Beta Kappa had been impressed; but this has become broken, only 
 portions adhering, so that the design of the seal cannot be distinguished. 
 
 Respecting the color of one of the ribbons there has been a difference of 
 opinion. Colonel Lamb believed it to be green, and even now, because of 
 its faded condition, the color cannot be asserted with absolute positiveness. 
 The question, however, would seem to be settled by the action of the 
 Alpha of Massachusetts, for on June 19, 1782, within ten months of its 
 organization, it voted "that all the members at the celebration of the 
 Anniversary, have their medals suspended with pink and sky blue rib- 
 band." This action was taken by men who were familiar with the char- 
 ter, and knew the colors it bore. The Harvard Chapter has used these 
 colors consistently from that early date. So far as we are aware Phi Beta 
 Kappa has never officially adopted any colors, though the propriety of 
 so doing was suggested at a recent council. One proposal met with some 
 favor, i. e., that white, the color of the College of William and Mary, 
 be added to the pink and blue of the original Society. So far as now 
 known the Alpha of Connecticut has not adopted any definite colors. 
 
 The Harvard Chapter has had made a full sized facsimile of the charter, 
 and presents a copy duly signed by the chapter officers to each new mem- 
 ber. A reduced facsimile, about six by ten inches was printed in The 
 Phi Beta Kappa Key, vol. 1, no. 4, pp. 24-25, but the plate from which 
 it was printed was destroyed by a fire in the printing office in which 
 it was stored. The facsimile in this number is slightly larger than 
 the one destroyed. 
 
: Text of. the Charter 49 
 
 the Integrity, Discretion, and good Conduct of our said Brother, 
 unanimously agreed and resolved to give and delegate, and we do 
 therefore, by these our present letters of Charter-Party, give and 
 delegate by unanimous consent to you the said Elisha Parmeli, the 
 following Rights, Privileges, Authority and Power that is to say 
 
 jstiy That at the University of Cambridge you establish a 
 Fraternity of the $ B K, to consist of not less than three persons of 
 1 Honor, Probity, and good Demeanor, which shall be denominated 
 the AA^a of Massachusetts Bay. And as soon as such number of 
 three shall be chosen, you shall proceed to hold a Meeting, to be 
 called the Foundation Meeting and appoint your Officers accord- 
 ing to Law. 
 
 2 ndiy That the form of Inititaion and Oath of Secrecy, 
 shall be, as well in the first, as in every other instance, those 
 prescribed by Law and none other. 
 
 3 dly That the Governing Rule of your conduct and that of 
 the Society be to further and promote the fundamental principles 
 and maxims of the * B K, to the best of your knowledge ; and 
 above all you are to be careful to promote friendship and union 
 among one another, as well as to bring it forth in a Communion 
 with us here ; so far as it may be practicable and convenient. 
 
 ^thiy That the Code of Laws herewith transmitted, being 
 the Laws of the $ B K, AA<£a Society, or such of them as the So- 
 ciety shall approve, be considered as conclusive and binding. And 
 except in cases where local convenience alone may make it neces- 
 sary, are not to be altered or liable to Innovation. 
 
 jthiy That everything suggested by you as ; essential to pro- 
 mote the generous design of our Institution or necessary to be 
 enacted into a Law, and all correspondencies shall be through the 
 President of each Society by means of the Table herewith trans- 
 mitted. Which Table we charge you to preserve with the utmost 
 care, observing to be thoroughly acquainted with the use of the 
 same lest misunderstandings should arise in our Correspondence. 
 
 gthiy That you by this Charter be invested with the privileges 
 of the Meeting A\<f>a of Virginia in granting Charters for the 
 establishment of other Meetings any where within your State of 
 Massachusetts Bay which meetings are to stand in the same rela- 
 
50 The Charter, Continued 
 
 tion to you that the Junior Branches of this Society stand in to 
 the meeting AA<£a here. 
 
 ^thiy That the Arcana of this Society be held inviolate. 
 
 gthiy That t he Members of the Alpha of Massachusetts Bay 
 each of them be provided with a medal of the same form and kind 
 with that herewith transmitted you, without any alteration what- 
 ever and that the token of Salutation be the same with that used 
 here, observing to make it known as a general means of Intro- 
 duction to the Members of the A\<j>a, or any of the Junior 
 Branches. 
 
 9 thly That once in every year for the proper communica- 
 tion between the Societies, to wit, on your foundation day, you 
 take a List of your Members and transmit the same as soon as 
 possible to our President, noting your Officers, and such new 
 Members as have been initiated since the last return with the name 
 of their County or Place of abode. 
 
 I0 thiy That in everything conducive to the great ends of our 
 Institution you correspond freely and without reserve, stating 
 fully and specially all such matters and things as you may judge 
 worthy of our regard and attention. 
 
 jjthiy* That a power be retained by this Society, to make 
 such farther and additional Laws for the Government and better 
 regulation of the Alpha of Massachusetts as we may judge most 
 conducive to, promote the general welfare of the whole ; and that 
 in cases considered as Constitutional, the same be declared to be 
 within our Power either for alteration or amendment. 
 
 I2 thiy That we do hereby ratify and Confirm this Charter 
 and all the Rights, Privileges, Authority and Power incident to 
 the same, unto you the said Elisha Parmeli the Members of the 
 Alpha of Massachusetts and their Successors forever, confidently 
 relying on the prudence and discretion of you our Brother ; to se- 
 cure the same with our Reputations and fortunes. 
 
 Witness our hands and the Seal of the Society this the fourth 
 
 day of December, 1779. 
 
 *The eleventh Article to be void as far as it regards the Superiority 
 of this Society over that of Cambridge. 
 
The Yale Charter Voted 5 1 
 
 William Short, Jr., President Thomas Hall 
 Archibald Stuart, V. Pres. Samuel Hardy 
 William Cabell, Treasurer John Brown 
 John James Beckley, Sec'ry Daniel C. Brent 
 Theodorick Fitzhugh Thomas Wm. Ballendine 
 
 John M orison Spencer Roane 
 
 John Allen William Stith 
 
 John Nivison William Stuart 
 
 Hartwell Cocke Thomas Littleton Savage. 
 
 John Page [Seal.] 
 
 [The minutes of proceedings continued]. ■ ■ 
 
 At a meeting convened on the evening of the 5th December, 
 
 1779- 
 
 Mr. President leaving the chair called Mr. Brown to the same. 
 Mr. President suggesting the necessity of making some innova- 
 tions in the form of Charter Party, to introduce- it. properly iand 
 give it an extensive footing, in the State pf Massachusetts Bay, 
 proposes some amendments to the same which being read , in, their 
 proper places were accorded to. .,,< .,, 
 
 Resolved, that so much of Mr. Parmelie's petition as relates, to 
 the establishment of a Phi : Society to be conducted in a less 
 mysterious manner than the $ B K be not agreed to as the design 
 appears to be incompatible with the principles of this meeting. 
 
 Ordered, however, that Mr. Parmelie be thanked for the proof 
 which he has given of his Zeal by openly communicating his 
 Sentiments to this Society. 
 
 Mr. President and Mr. Cocke appointed to do the same. Ad- 
 journment took place. W. Short Jr. President. 
 
 At a meeting called by the President December 9, '79. 
 
 Mr. President leaving the chair, called Mr. Stuart to the same. 
 The Clerk being absent Mr. Brent is appointed pro tempore. 
 
 Whereas this Society is desirous that the $ B K should be ex- 
 tended to each of the United States. 
 
 Resolved, that a second Charter be granted to our Brother, Mr. 
 Elisha Parmele for establishing a meeting of the same in the 
 College of New Haven in Connecticut, to be of the same Rank, 
 
52 The Third Year 
 
 to have the same Power, and to enjoy the same Privileges with 
 that which he is empowered to fix in the University of Cambridge. 
 To be called the Zfjra.* 
 An adjournment took place. W. Short President. 
 
 At a meeting in course Saturday the nth December, 1779. 
 
 Agreeable to usage a Committee was formed, Mr. Brent as 
 chairman. Messrs. Ballindine and Roane delivered Declamations 
 on the subject given at the late meeting, the same was argued and 
 after some discussion the subject was postponed. 
 
 Mr. Cocke excused for first non-attendance. 
 
 Same for second non-attendance and not writing excused. 
 
 Same for third non-attendance at third meeting fined. Mr. 
 Beckjey fined for once non-attendance. Mr. Fitzhugh's non-at- 
 tendance noted.f W. Short Jr. President. 
 
 The inclemency of the winter season and recess of the students 
 and other members of the €> B K having interrupted the regular 
 meetings of this Society, a few of the members remaining in 
 Williamsburg convened on Saturday the 4th March when a sub- 
 ject for Declamation on the same day se'ennight being agreed 
 on a meeting was called and held on Saturday the nth March, 
 being the day of meeting in course (as well for this as other 
 business). Present, Mr. President and six other members. 
 
 Mr. Nivison and Mr. Short delivered declamations on the 
 
 ♦The designation of this branch or meeting the Zfira was evidently 
 a clerical error, for the charter when issued was consistent with the 
 one just granted and designated the new meeting the Alpha of Connecti- 
 cut. Of this we are sure even though the charter itself is not now in 
 existence. Note that it was just seven months after the idea of expansion 
 was first mentioned, May 8, 1779, that the plan was completed whereby 
 the Phi Beta Kappa "should be extended to each of the United States." 
 
 fThus was brought to a close the most important year of Phi Beta 
 Kappa's early history. In it the _ laws were thoroughly revised, a 
 ritual perfected, a policy of expansion worked through, and a charter 
 for the establishment of a branch at Harvard, the oldest and most prom- 
 inent institution of learning in the colonies, definitely voted. Before the 
 calendar year closed the charter for Yale had also been voted, and the 
 documents prepared, signed, sealed, and placed in the hands of Elisha 
 Parmele, the only member who was not of Virginia. 
 , During this year thirteen members were received. Thomas Clements in 
 January; Thomas, W. Ballendine, Richard Booker, John Moore, and 
 ■ Spencef Roane in February; William Stith and' William 1 Stuart in March; 
 John J. Beckley and Thomas Savage in May; William Cabell in June; 
 Elisha Parmele in July ; and George Brent in November; The total mem- 
 bership at the conclusion of the year was thirty-seven. 
 
A Branch at Richmond Voted 53 
 
 question "Is a Public or Private Education More Advantageous." 
 
 Mr. Gocke and Mr. Stuart argued on the same question, and 
 after discussion the same being fully investigated was closed. 
 
 Ordered that a Charter party be granted to Jnp. Beckley by 
 the unanimous vote of this meeting to be denominated the Hto, 
 and established at Richmond.* 
 
 Mr. Brown and Mr. Short appointed to declaim. Mr. Nevison 
 and Mr. Cocke to argue %t next meeting. Question : "Had Wil- 
 liam the Norman a Right to Invade England." 
 
 An adjournment took place. W. Short, President. 
 
 At a meeting of this Society Thursday the thirteenth of April, 
 1780. Present the President and seven members. Mr. Hartwell 
 Cocke being absent the litterary business was postponed. 
 
 Messrs. Short and Joseph Cabell being proposed as worthy 
 members of this Society were ballotted and received. 
 
 Ordered that a copy of the Charter be drawn off immediately 
 and sent to Mr. Beckley, together with a letter of thanks. 
 
 The business of the evening being finished an adjournment 
 took place. 
 
 At a meeting of this Society April 22nd, 1780. 
 
 Present all members except Mr. Cocke and Mr. Ballindine. 
 
 Mr. Brown and Mr. Short, according to a former order, de- 
 livered their declamations on the Question had Wm. the Nor- 
 man a right to the Crown of Great Britain. Mr. Cocke being 
 absent, Mr. Nevison delivered his Sentiments. 
 
 According to order of last meeting a charter party, together 
 with a letter of Thanks was sent to Mr. Beckley. 
 
 That the business of this Society may be carried more reg- 
 ularly than of late, it is resolved that in future every Member 
 who is fined by this Society for Non-attendance and neglects 
 offering the money to the Treasurer immediately, shall be obliged 
 to pay an interest of 25 per cent, monthly upon every such fine 
 so long as he is in arrears. 
 
 *By this time the capital of the Commonwealth had been removed 
 to Richmond and the doom of Williamsburg as a political center was 
 sealed. Mr. Beckley was clerk of the House of Delegates, and evidently 
 had in mind a meeting among his associates there. We have no knowl- 
 edge that any of these proposed junior branches in Virginia were ever- 
 organized. At any rate none of them lived long enough to become known. 
 
54 
 
 Facsimile of a Page of the Records 
 
 S3T' 
 
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 i ■ — - — t ; — ~r— ; — — 
 
 
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 id! 
 
 'mi'*-' 
 
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 est-?* 'it. ■ j£,.-<^.r* /f* 'A>7~ //&-* 
 
 ./isr~«^£ 
 
 *^& ^Jd -*~* * £*#£ /"■-'■' 4 
 
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 ,,J&j fey«*4* 
 
 PAGE FORTY-TWO OF THE ORIGINAL RECORDS 
 
 Captain John Marshall, afterwards Chief Justice of the 
 
 United States, initiated. A charter voted 
 
Three Members Initiated 55 
 
 Mr. John Stuart and Mr. Theodorick Fitzhugh appointed to de- 
 claim, Mr. Archibald Stuart and Mr. Thomas Ballindine to argue. 
 The Question, Whether the Execution of Charles the first was 
 justifyable ? 
 
 An adjournment. W. Short, President. 
 
 At a meeting of the Society the 18 of May, 1780. 
 
 Capt. John Marshall* being recommended as a gentleman who 
 would make a worthy member of this Society was ballotted for 
 and received. 
 
 Messrs. Thomas Lee and Landon Cabell being also recommend- 
 ed as worthy a seat in this Society, were ballotted for and re- 
 ceived. 
 
 Mr. George Lee Turbervillef requesting a Charter to establish 
 a branch of this Society in Westmoreland, it was unanimously 
 agreed upon that his request be granted, and that the branch be 
 denominated the ®. 
 
 The business of the evening being finished an adjournment took 
 place. 
 
 At a meeting in course Saturday, May 21st, 1780. 
 
 Mr. President leaving the chair, called Mr. Brown to the Same. 
 Mr. John Stuart according to appointment delivered his Senti- 
 ments on the execution of Charles the 1st. Mr. Fitzhugh not being 
 able to procure an author who has treated of this Subject said 
 nothing on the occasion. Mr. Ballindine being absent, Mr. Archi- 
 bald Stuart and gentlemen not interested on the occasion argued 
 the same. 
 
 Mr. Wm. Cabell and Mr. Peyton Short appointed to declaim 
 the Question whether any form of Government is more favourable 
 to public virtue than a Commonwealth ? 
 
 Mr. Joseph Cabell and Mr. Marshall to argue the same. 
 
 An adjournment. W. Short, President. 
 
 * At this time John Marshall was nearly twenty-five years of age, being 
 one of the number "not collegians" to whom the door of membership 
 was opened by the resolution of December 10, 1778. 
 
 It is very probable that Bushrod Washington, a nephew of General 
 George Washington, was admitted to membership at the same time with 
 John Marshall for his name follows in the list of members, and precedes 
 those of Thomas, Lee and Landon Cabell who were admitted on that date. 
 
 fNo record of Mr. Turberville's initiation appears in the records, nor 
 is his name on the list of members. The charter granted him was the last 
 on the list of proposed Virginia branches. 
 
56 
 
 Facsimile of'a Page of the Records 
 
 
 
 
 
 a i*~*^u. *Jz£^-&(^^. , 
 
 ■ (-<!.Lx„,S„„i -pair* J&kj~4 
 
 ........ .^ ■ » 
 
 -z./~ r 
 
 e**~ 
 
 PAGE FORTY-FIVE OF THE ORIGINAL RECORDS 
 Captain William Pierce initiated 
 
Minutes of June, 1780 57 
 
 At a meeting in course Saturday, June the 3rd, 1780. 
 
 Mr, President leaving the Chair called Mr. Fitzhugh to the 
 same. Mr. Wm. Cabell, according to order, delivered his decla- 
 mation ( on the Question given out. Mr. Peyton Short, being 
 unprepared, was silent on the occasion. 
 
 Mr. Marshall and gentlemen not immediately interested argued 
 the Question. Capt. Wm. Pierce being recommended as a worthy 
 member of this Society, was ballotted for and received accord- 
 ingly. 
 
 The Treasurer agreeable to one of the fundamental Laws of 
 this Society, laid his accounts before the same for an examination. 
 
 Ordered that Messuirs John and Archibald* do examine 
 the Treasurer's accounts by the meeting, when they shall make 
 a report of the same.- 
 
 Mr. Ballindine's excuse for his non-attendance at the last meet- 
 ing being deemed sufficient, he was accordingly excused. 
 
 Mr. Peyton Short being called on to give his reasons for not 
 delivering a declamation according to appointment gave such as 
 were thought insufficient. 
 
 Ordered that Mr. Washington and Mr. Peyton Short bring in 
 declamations at the ensuing meeting, the Question whether the 
 rape of the Sabine women was just. Mr. Lee and Mr. Landon 
 Cabell to argue the same. 
 
 At a meeting on Course Saturday, June the 17th, 1780. 
 
 The President being' absent the Vice-President filled the chair. 
 
 Mr. Richard Bland Lee being recommended as a Gentleman 
 worthy a seat in this Society was ballotted for and received. 
 
 The Vice president leaving the chair called Mr. Wm. Cabell to 
 the same. 
 
 Mr. P. Short being absent, Mr. Washington alone delivered a 
 declamation on the subject given out. Mr. Lee, Mr. Lan Cabell 
 and Gentlemen not immediately interested, discussed the same. 
 Mr. Richard Lee and Mr. John Stuart appointed to bring in 
 declamations, and Mr. Wm. Short and Mr. Theodorick Fitzhugh 
 to argue. 
 
 At a meeting in course, July the 1st, 1780: 
 
 There is an evident omission here, as no surnames are given..,. It may 
 be that Stuart is intended. 
 
58 The Treasurer's Accounts 
 
 Mr. Wm. Madison and Mr. John Swan being recommended as 
 Gentlemen worthy of a seat in this Society, were ballotted for 
 and received. 
 
 The Vice President, leaving the chair, called Mr. Brown to the 
 same. 
 
 Mr. Richard B. Lee and Mr. John Stuart, according to appoint- 
 ment, brought in declamations, the question, Whether Religion is 
 necessary in Government. Mr. Short and Fitzhugh being absent, 
 it was not argued. 
 
 Mr. Nivison and Mr. Spencer Roane appointed to declaim. Mr. 
 Brent to argue. 
 
 An adjournment. 
 
 At a meeting of the Society, July 29th, 1780. 
 
 Mr. President, leaving the chair, called Mr. Wm. Cabell to the 
 same. 
 
 According to appointment, Messuirs Nivison and Roane de- 
 livered their declamations, the Question, Whether in a civil War 
 any person is justifiable in remaining Neuter. 
 
 Mr. Brown and Mr. Brent being unprepared, were silent, 
 ordered that Mr. John Stuart who was appointed one of the Com- 
 mittee to examine the Treasurer's accounts, is now absent, that 
 Mr. Richard Lee do supply his place, and that the Committee shall, 
 at the ensuing meeting, make their report. 
 
 Mr. Archibald Stuart and Mr. John Brown to declaim. 
 
 Mr. Daniel Carol Brent and Mr. Thomas Ballindine to argue. 
 
 At a meeting in course, August the 12th, 1780. Conformable to 
 Custom the Committee was framed. Mr. Roane, Chairman. Mr. 
 Brown and Mr. Archibald Stuart, agreeable to order, delivered 
 their Declamations. The Question, Whether Duelling ought to 
 have toleration in this or any other free State. Mr. Brent and 
 Mr. Ballendine argued the same. 
 
 The Committee to whom the Treasurer's accounts were refer- 
 red, have examined the same and reported that there are £27. 4. 8. 
 in the Treasury £24. 17. o. in arrears. 
 
 Mr. Wm. Cabell and Mr. Joseph Cabell appointed to bring in 
 declamations at the ensuing meeting. Mr. Bushrod Washington 
 and Mr. Thomas Lee to argue. 
 
 An adjournment. 
 
Meetings of August and September, 1780 59 
 
 At a meeting in course, August 27th, 1780. Both the President 
 and Vice President being indisposed, Mr. Brent was appointed, 
 Agreeable to usage, a Committee was formed, Mr. Roane, Chair? 
 man. Mr. Wm. Cabell, according to appointment, delivered his 
 declamation, the Question, Whether all our affection and principles 
 are not in some measure deducible from self Love, declaring the 
 Negative, Mr. Joseph Cabell being absent, nothing was offered 
 in the affirmative. Mr. Washington reasoned extempory upon the 
 same, Mr. Thomas Lee, his antagonist, being also absent. 
 
 Ordered that Mr. Landon Cabell and Mr. Wm. Pierce, bring 
 in Declamations at the ensuing Meeting. Mr. Richard B. Lee and 
 Mr. Wm. Madison to argue. 
 
 An adjournment. 
 
 At a meeting in course, September the 12th, 1780. Agreeable to 
 custom the Committee was formed, Mr. Swan as Chairman. 
 
 Mr. Pierce and Mr. R. B. Lee being absent, the Question, 
 whether Poligamy is a dictate of Nature or not, was only handled 
 by Mr. Landon Cabell and Mr. Madison. 
 
 Resolved, that Mr. Wm. Short and Mr. Richard Lee do bring 
 in Declamations, at the celebration of the Anniversary. Mr. Wm. 
 Cabell being about to depart College, Mr. Daniel Carrol Brent 
 is appointed to succeed him in his office as Treasurer. 
 
 Ordered that the thanks of the Society be given Mr. Cabell for 
 the faithful discharge of his office, and that Mr. Swan and Mr. 
 Washington wait on him for that purpose as well as to receive :the 
 Books. Mr. Swan and Theodorick Fitzhugh to bring in Decla- 
 mations at the ensuing meeting. Mr. Short and Mr. Nrvison'to 
 argue. 
 
 An adjournment. 
 ■ At a meeting in Course, September the 23rd, 1780. 
 
 Agreeable to custom the* was formed. Mr. Brent as chair- 
 man. 
 
 Mr. Wm. Short and Mr. Theodorick Fitzhugh being absent, the 
 Question, whether Avarice or Luxury is more beneficial to a 
 Republic, was only handled by Mr. Swan and Mr. John Nivison. 
 
 ♦The word "committee" is evidently omitted. 
 
6o Performers and Performances , 
 
 m Mr. Thomas Cocke being proposed as a Gentleman worthy a 
 seat in this Society, was ballotted for and received. 
 
 Mr. Josepb Cabell fined 20 Dollars for non-attendance on the 
 Evening he was appointed to declaim. Mr. Swan, Mr. Thomas 
 Lee> Mr. Washington, Mr. Madison and Mr. Nivison fined 15 
 Dollars each for absenting themselves on Evenings when disen- 
 gaged. Mr. A. Stuart and Mr. Brent to declaim, Mr. Roane and 
 Mr. Peyton Short to argue at the ensuing meeting. 
 
 The business being finished, an adjournment took place. 
 
 At a meeting in Course, October 6th, 1780. 
 
 Agreeable to custom the* was formed, Mr. Richard B. Lee as 
 Chairman. 
 
 Mr. Stuart being indisposed, and Mr. Roane being absent, the 
 question, Whether Brutus was justifyable in killing Caesar, was 
 handled by Mr. Brent, Mr. Short and other gentlemen not im- 
 mediately interested in the debate. 
 
 Mr. Joseph Cabell and Mr. Bushrod Washington to declaim. 
 Mr. Thomas Lee and Mr. Landon Cabell to argue at the ensuing 
 meeting. 
 
 An adjournment. 
 
 At a meeting in course, October the 22nd, 1780. The vice 
 President being absent, Mr. Daniel Brent was appointed in his 
 stead pro tempore. 
 
 The vice president leaving the Chair, called Mr. Swan to the 
 same. Agreeable to appointment, Mr. Joseph Cabell and Mr. 
 Bushrod Washington delivered their declamation, the question, 
 Whether a man in extreme want is justifiable 'in stealing from 
 his Neighbour to relieve his present necessities? Mr. Thomas 
 Lee, having obtained leave of absence, and Mr. Landon Cabell 
 being absent without leave, the subject was not argued. Mr. Wm: 
 Madison and Mr. Swan to bring in declamations at the ensuing 
 meeting. Mr. Thomas Cocke and Mr. John Stuart to argue. 
 
 An adjournment was agreed on. 
 
 At a meeting called on the 30th of November. The President 
 and vice President being absent, Mr. Brent Vice President pro 
 tempore took the chair. The Clerk being absent, Mr. T. Lee ap- 
 
 *The word "committee" again omitted. 
 
The Fourth Anniversary 6t 
 
 pointed pro tempore. ^Mr. Stevens Thompson Mason being 'rec- 
 ommended as. a gentleman worthy of a Seat in this Society, was 
 balloted for and received. 
 
 . Mr. Fitzhugh and Mr. Landon Cabell were appointed to speak 
 for a Supper at the Raughley on the night of the Anniversary. i 
 
 Adjourned to the Raleigh on Tuesday, 7 o'clock. 
 
 At a meeting at the Raleigh on the 5th December, to celebrate 
 the Anniversary of this Noble institution, were present Mr. Brent, 
 Vice President, Mr. Roane, Mr. L. Cabell, Mr. Richard Lee. and 
 Mr. Cocke* 
 
 Mr. Brent Vice President pro tempore took the chair, the clerk 
 being absent, Mr. L. Cabell was appointed. The Vice President 
 left the chair and called Mr. Roane to the same. Mr. Richard Lee, 
 according to appointment, then proceeded to declaim on the prog- 
 ress of the arts and sciences. f President Short, who was likewise 
 
 *Note the list of those present, five in all. Evidently the men were 
 drifting away from college in view of the impending crisis in military 
 affairs. For four years the scourge of war had fallen elsewhere, first in 
 the North and later to the South. Now Virginia was to have her peculiar 
 experience. But the fourth anniversary of Phi Beta Kappa could not 
 be omitted. That the members expected so great an upheaval does not 
 appear; for only one week earlier they had added Mr. Mason to their 
 circle. But the month following the anniversary wrought a great change, 
 as the record of the last meeting shows. 
 
 The concluding year of Phi Beta Kappa's life at William and Mary 
 was outwardly prosperous. Twelve, or, if we should include Mr. Turber- 
 ville, thirteen, members were received, several of whom in later years 
 contributed largely to her reputation by distinguished achievements. But 
 the year added nothing to the internal development of the organization. 
 That was practically completed during the year 1779. 
 
 The members received were Peyton Short and Joseph Cabell in April; 
 John Marshall, Bushrod Washington, Thomas Lee, and Landon Cabell in 
 May ; William Pierce and Richard Bland Lee in June ; John Swan in 
 July; Thomas Cocke in September; and Stephens Thompson Mason in 
 November. 
 
 fThis is the last topic discussed before the Society disbanded. Hence 
 the literary features that marked early Phi Beta Kappa meeting's were con- 
 tinued to the last. It is evident that many topics were not recorded for the 
 first one noted was discussed at the meeting of February 27, 1779, at the 
 end of two full years of activity. Here is the list of topics, which would be 
 doubled had all been recorded. 
 
 The Justice of African Slavery. , 
 
 Whether Agriculture or Merchandise is most advantageous to, a State. 
 
 Whether Brutus was justifiable in having his sons executed. 
 
 The cause and origin of Society. . . ■ 
 
 Whether a wise State hath any interest nearer at Heart than the Educa L 
 tion of the Youth. 
 
62 Subjects Discussed 
 
 to declaim on this night, being absent and the business of the night 
 being over, Mr. Brent returned to the chair, the remainder of the 
 Evening was spent in sociability and mirth. 
 
 Mr. John Stuart and Mr. Theodorick Fitzhugh were both 
 absent. An adjournment took place. 
 
 1 781. On Saturday, the 6th of January, a meeting of * B K 
 was called for the Purpose of Securing the Papers of the Society 
 during the Confusion of the Times, and the present Dissolution 
 which threatens the University.* 
 
 The members who attended were William Short, Daniel C. 
 Brent, Spencer Roane, Peyton Short, and Landon Cabell. They 
 thinking it most advisable that the papers should not be removed, 
 
 Whether an Agragian Law is consistent with the principles of a Wise 
 Republic. 
 
 Whether anything is more dangerous to Civil Liberty in a free State 
 than a standing army in time of Peace. 
 
 Whether the Institution of the Ostracism was Legal. 
 
 Whether Commonwealths or Monarchies are most subject to Seditions 
 and Commotions. 
 
 Whether a General Assessment for the support of Religious Establish- 
 ments is or is not repugnant to the Principles of a Republican Govern- 
 ment. 
 
 Whether Theatrical Exhibitions are advantageous to States or the Con- 
 trary. 
 
 Is a Public or Private Education More Advantageous? Had William the 
 Norman a Right to Invade England. 
 
 On the Execution of Charles the 1st. 
 
 Whether any form of Government is more favorable to public virtue 
 than a Commonwealth. 
 
 Whether the rape of the Sabine women was Just. 
 
 Whether Religion is necessary in Government. 
 
 Whether in a civil war any person is justifiable in remaining Neuter. 
 
 Whether Dueling ought to have toleration in this or any other free State. 
 
 Whether Polygamy is a dictate of Nature or not. 
 
 Whether Avarice or Luxury is more beneficial to a Republic. 
 
 Whether Brutus was justifiable in killing Caesar. 
 
 Whether a man in extreme want is justifiable in stealing from a Neigh- 
 bor to relieve his present necessities. 
 
 The progress of the arts and sciences. 
 
 ♦When Mr. Jefferson became a member of the Board of Visitors and 
 government, he caused the enactment of a statute, December 4, 1779, which 
 reorganized the College. It did away with the Divinity chairs, and substi- 
 tuted the chairs of Law and Police, and Medicine. The Grammar School 
 was abolished, and Modern' Language took the place of the Ancient Lan- 
 guages. It recognized the Elective system by permitting the student to 
 take his choice, within certain limits. The College was now frequently 
 called the University, a title formally assumed in the caption of the faculty 
 minutes, June 3, 1782. 
 
The Final Meeting 63 
 
 determined to deliver them sealed into the Hands of the College 
 Steward, to remain with him until the desirable Event of the 
 Society's Resurrection. And this Deposit they make in the sure 
 and certain Hope that the Fraternity will one day rise to Life 
 everlasting and Glory immortal." 
 
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