The following excerpts were taken from newspapers of Charleston, South Carolina, printed around the turn of the 19th century: the Charleston Courier, the Charleston City Gazette, and the Charleston Times. They were extracted by Nicholas Butler, Project Archivist, South Carolina Historical Society, when he was researching benefits held in aid of the Saint-Domingue refugees. Also included are a few miscellaneous public notices (marriages, formation of business partnerships, liquor license applications, etc.) Information in brackets [] is that of Mr. Butler.

City Gazette 31 August 1796: Ad soliciting funds to erect a "Temple for the worship of the Supreme Being" (i.e., the inter-denominational chapel at the Charleston Orphan House). Donations are being accepted by Ralph Izard, jr., Judge [Aedanus] Burke, General [C. C.] Pinckney, Doctor [David] Ramsay, Dr. [Edward] Lynah, Don Diego Morphy, the Spanish consul,
Victor Dupont, the French consul, Benjamin Moody, the British consul, O'Brien Smith, David O'Hara, Michael Crowley, and Dr. [Simon Felix] Gallagher [pastor of St. Mary's Catholic church].

City Gazette 28 August 1801: "Dancing Academy. Mr. Piere [no doubt a misspelling of Peire] informs his Friends and the Public in general, that he has taken a convenient room, which he intends opening on the 15th of September, to teach Dancing; and hopes by his abilities and exertions, to merit a share of their favor. For terms, apply to No. 30, Beaufain-street." NOTE: No. 30 Beaufain Street was probably a tenement---according to the 1801 Charleston city directory there was a shopkeeper named John Bezel at No. 30; the 1803 directory placed "Ramousin & Sons" at No. 30 Beaufain-street. The Remoussin family, former planters from St. Domingo, lived for several years at this location. The brothers Daniel, Augustus, and Arnold Remoussin were active musicians in Charleston in the first decade of the 19th century.

City Gazette and Times 28 December 1803 (Wed.): "Concert and Ball. This Evening, 28th instant, at the Concert Room, in Church-street, by subscription, for the benefit of an unfortunate family, lately arrived in Charleston, from the island of St. Domingo. Don Diego Morphy, Thomas Miller, Constant Boisgerard, George Jouve } Managers. Tickets, 5 dollars each [Note: usual ticket price = $1] to be had of the above gentlemen. N. B. The rules and decorum observed at the St. Cecilia Society, will be strictly adhered to. The Concert to begin at seven o'clock precisely."
Note: Postponed the next day to Friday on account of the weather.

City Gazette 13 February 1805: "The Committee appointed to distribute the money that has heretofore been raised for the support of the distressed inhabitants of St. Domingo, now in this city, having informed several respectable citizens that the funds in their hands were nearly exhausted, and that if some means were not fallen on to raise a further sum to relieve them, many helpless women and children would be reduced to the greatest distress. In consequence of this information, a meeting was held yesterday at Mr. Sollee's Long-Room [i. e. Concert Hall], when it was agreed, that a Concert and Ball should be given on Tuesday, the 25th instant, and that the money arising from the sale of tickets, should be applied for that benevolent purpose. The following gentlemen were appointed managers:---Messrs. G[abriel]. Manigault, Desaussure, Soult [John Francis Soult = commissary of commercial relations for the French Republic] , Dr. Prioleau, Winthrop, W[illiam]. L[oughton]. Smith, Steinmetz [J. E. A. Steinmetz = Prussian Consul for SC], J. Parker, Dr. Lynah, Don Diego Morphy, Williamson, A[dam]. Tunno, [Peter] Freneau and J. Ward.We are informed that in the course of to-morrow Tickets for the Concert may be had from either of the managers."

City Gazette 14 February 1805 (Thurs.): "Concert and Ball. For the benefit of the distressed Inhabitants of St. Domingo in this city. It having been suggested to some Gentlemen of this city, that a sum of money might be raised for this Humane Purpose, by the above mentioned means:-- on the subject taken into consideration, it was agreed that a Concert and Ball, should be given at the St. Cecilia Society's Concert Room, in Church-street, (the use of which the Proprietor, Mr. Sollee, has kindly offered free of expense) on Tuesday, the 26th instant, to commence precisely at 7 o'clock. Tickets, each admitting one Gentleman, (who can introduce as many Ladies as he may please) at Five Dollars each, are ready and may be had on application to either of the Subscribers, who are appointed Managers. Gabriel Manigault, H. W. Desaussure, J. F. Soult, P. G. Prioleau, Joseph Winthrop, W. L. Smith, I. E. A. Steinmetz, J. Parker, James Lynah, Diego Morphy, John Williamson, Adam Tunno, Peter Freneau, John Ward." This same ad is in the Courier on 2/15.

City Gazette 11 April 1805 (Thurs.): "Miss [Antoinette] La Roque's Concert. Miss La Roque [a native of St. Domingo] has the honor to acquaint the Ladies and Gentlemen of Charleston, that On Thursday, the 18th instant, she purposes [sic] having A Concert of Vocal and Instrumental Music, At the St. Cecilia Society's Concert Room, in Church-street, (Mr. Sollee's) and humbly solicits a portion of that liberal patronage and support, which so eminently characterizes the respectable inhabitants of this city. A Band of Music will attend, for such Ladies and Gentlemen as may choose to Dance after the concert. Tickets, at a Dollar each, may be had of the following gentlemen, viz. Henry W. Desaussure, Thomas Bee, jun. Thomas W. Bacot, John S. Cogdell, James Ladson, John Mitchell, Dr. James Moultrie, William W. Smith, Dr. Robert Pringle, Dr. Philip G. Prioleau, Timothy Ford, George Reid, Charles B. Cochran, William S. Hasell, Benjamin B. Smith, Dr. A. Baron, jun., Officers and Managers of the St. Cecilia Society. Also of Don Diego Morphy, J. F. Soult, I. E. A. Steinmetz, and Peter Freneau, Esquires; likewise, at the Post-Office, and of Miss La Roque, No. 10, Liberty-street." NOTE: this was in the Courier on 4/12.

Courier 2 October 1805: "We are happy to be able to report that the Managers of the St. Cecilia Society have determined to give a Concert in a short time for the benefit of the Orphan Children of the deceased Mr. [John] Hodgkinson. The benevolent inhabitants of Charleston need not be reminded of the amusement and edification which they have frequently received from the Theatrical Talents of Mr. Hodgkinson. It may not be improper, however, to mention, that during his residence in this town, he gratuitously performed at every concert and play that was given for charitable purposes."

City Gazette and Courier 10 October 1805 (Thurs.): "Grand Concert of Vocal & Instrumental Music, for the benefit of the Orphan Children, of the late Mr. Hodgkinson, of the Charleston Theatre. The deep impression made upon the minds of the citizens of Charleston, by the sudden and melancholy death of the late Mr. Hodgkinson, and the strong sense of his merits, in public as well as private life, during his residence among them, have induced the Managers of the St. Cecilia Society to propose to a liberal and humane public, a Concert for the benefit of his two Orphan Children, to be performed on Thursday Evening, the 17th instant, at the St. Cecilia Concert Room, Church-street, to begin precisely at seven o'clock. [10/19 the following sentence is inserted here: "The Concert will conclude as usual, with Dancing."] Tickets, admitting either a Lady or Gentlemen, at Two Dollars Each, may be had of either of the following gentlemen, viz. [column one] Henry W. DeSaussure, Thomas Bee, jun., Thos. Wright Bacot, John S. Cogdell, James Ladson, John Mitchell, James Moultrie, Wm. Loughton Smith, [column two] Robert Pringle, Philip G. Prioleau, Charles B. Cochran, Benjamin B. Smith, William S. Hasell, Timothy Ford, George Reid, Alex. Barton [sic?], jun. Officers and Managers of the St. Cecilia Society---also, at the Post-Office, offices of the City Gazette, Courier and Times; at Mr. W. P. Young's book store, and at Messrs. Bailey and Waller's."

City Gazette and Courier 16 October 1805 (Wed.): "The Managers of the St. Cecilia Society, respectfully inform the public, that the Grand Concert of Vocal and Instrumental Music, for the Benefit of the Orphan Children of the late Mr. Hodgkinson, which was to have taken place To Morrow Evening, is unavoidably postponed until Thursday, the 31st inst. Tickets may be had in the meantime from either of the Managers, and at the places appointed for their disposal."

City Gazette 23 October 1805 (Wed.): "The Managers of the Concert for the Benefit of the Children of Mr. Hodgkinson, deceased, respectfully inform the public, that it will take place on Tuesday, the 27th [sic] instant."

City Gazette 29 October 1805 (Tues.): "The Managers of the Concert for the Benefit of the Children of Mr. Hodgkinson, deceased, respectfully inform the public, that it will take place This Evening, the 29th instant."

City Gazette 29 October 1805 (Tues.): "Communication. Mrs. Oldmixon, who arrived yesterday in the schooner Sally, capt. Bunce, from Philadelphia, was, immediately upon her landing, waited upon by some of the gentlemen who manage the concert this evening, to sing for the benefit of Mr. Hodgkinson's orphans. She displayed the most anxious desire to contribute every thing in her power to serve the children; but at the same time expressed her doubts whether, exhausted as she was with fasting, sickness and fatigue, during a tempestuous passage of many days, she would have strength enough to meet the Charleston audience, for the first time, without manifest disadvantage. Her earnest wishes to serve the little ones, and to oblige the managers and the public however, soon over-ruled her apprehensions, and she generously consented, saying that she would rely upon the liberality of the company to make allowance for her situation. She accordingly sings this evening."

City Gazette 29 October 1805: "Communication. The zeal which is manifested all over the continent, in the cause of Hodgkinson's children, exceeds any think that could be expected from any society, on such an occasion. It appears, that in every capital city, from Maine to this of Charleston, the good people are almost tumultuously rushing forward to contribute their share to this great and virtuous works of providing for the Orphans. The disinterested earnestness of Mr. Placide [manager of the Charleston Theatre], reflects great credit upon his heart; and the circle of Charleston will not fail duty to appreciate the merit of the Professors and Amateurs of Music, who have voluntarily stepped forward to exert themselves, and display their powers at the Concert, for the Children's benefit This Evening. We will not wrong the people of Charleston, so far, as to suppose it possible, that on such an occasion, any one who can possibly attend, will be absent." (also in Courier this day)

Courier 1 November 1805 (Fri.): "Communication. Seldom has the St. Cecilia Concert-Room witnessed a more crowded or brilliant audience than graced it on Tuesday evening last; never an occasion which reflected more honour on the benevolent affections of those who attended. As the object of the Concert was noble and kind, so we are persuaded the success of it must have been considerable. The amiable motives which carried so many needed no other return, than the feelings of their hearts; but they received all that additional gratification which fine melody and rich harmony can impart. The music which Mrs. Placide selected, and the charming strain in which she executed it, was in perfect consonance with that amiable lovely character which her soft and engaging manners have impressed upon the people of Charleston. Mrs. Sully performed a concerto on the piano, with an execution and taste which attracted the admiration of all who had heard her. With that enchanting voice which has so often delighted the ears of those who can feel and appreciate its effect and power, Miss Laroque sung and ariette from the celebrated Opera of Nina. When the time approached for the appearance of Mrs. Oldmixon, expectation was on tiptoe---the hum of conversation was hushed into silence, and all were anxiously solicitous to hear if report of her great vocal talent had outstripped her merits; and tho' aware of the fatigue she had undergone in a long and stormy voyage from the North, and the little strength which one day's rest could be supposed to give; yet their anticipations were great, and were only to be exceeded by the powers she exhibited.---She was several times interrupted by bursts of plaudits, which could not be restrained; and when she had concluded, such a continuation of applause followed as testified an admiration and astonishment never before witnessed in that concertroom. The taste with which she sung, and the expression she threw into the tender passages of the beautiful music of Giardini, the command she possessed over a voice of uncommon compass, and modulated with nicest accuracy, and the height to which she ascended, making a double octave from G. can only be credited by those who have had the delight of listening to the necromancy of her notes. The public must be highly gratified at an accession so valuable to the Theatre; and Mr. Placide deserves their thanks and patronage for his taste and exertions in bringing forward talents so rare and admirable as Mrs. O's."

Times 6 November 1805 (Wed.): "St. Cecilia Society, 4th November, 1805. At a monthly meeting of the Managers, it was unanimously Resolved, That the thanks of this Board be presented to Mrs. Placide, Mrs. Oldmixon, Mrs. Sully and Miss Laroque; and Messrs. Sully & Story [all singers with the Charleston Theatre]; also to Messrs. [Robert de] Leaumont, [Jacob] Eckhard, [Charles] Carrere, [J. J.] Miniere, [Louis] De Villers, [James] Tomlins, Peyre [Peire, no doubt], [William] Noel, [Daniel] Remoussin, A. Remoussin, Labatut, [Philip] Muck, [William] Stone, [Jacob] Eckhard, jun. and [Jean-Jacques] Heulan, for their polite and generous assistance to the Concert give on Tuesday, 29th ult. for the benefit of the late Mr. Hodgkinson's Orphan Children; and that the President be requested to communicate the above, and that the same be published. Extract from the Minutes. John S. Cogdell, Secretary." Also printed in the City Gazette on 11/7, but not the Courier.

Times 7 November 1805 (Thurs.): "We are requested to state, that the name of Mr. [Joseph] Brunet was inadvertently omitted among those of the gentlemen to whom the thanks of the Board of Managers of the St. Cecilia Society were presented, for their services gratuitously rendered, at the Concert for the benefit of the Orphan Children of the late Mr. Hodgkinson."

Courier 27 November 1805 (Wed.): Paper prints a letter from Mr. Placide to Mr. [Stephen C.] Carpenter in (co-editor of the Courier) says that the Charleston concert for the benefit of Mr. Hodgkinson's orphans made $537.50, and the expenses (not counting the orchestra, which volunteered),
amounted to $59.

Times 9 April 1806 (Wed.): "Miss Laroque's Concert. Miss Laroque has the honor to acquaint the Ladies and Gentlemen of Charleston, that on Thursday Evening, the 17th instant, she purposes [sic] having A Concert of Vocal and Instrumental Music; At the St. Cecilia Society Concert Room, in Church-street (Mr. Sollee's) and humbly solicits a portion of that liberal patronage which so eminently characterize the respectable inhabitants of this city. A Band of Music will attend for such Ladies and Gentlemen as may choose to Dance after the Concert. Tickets, at a Dollar each, may be had of the following gentlemen, viz. Timothy Ford, Daniel C. Webb, W. Hazell [sic], Thomas W. Bacot, James Ladson, John Mitchell, William L. Smith, John S. Cogdell, Dr. P. G. Prioleau, Charles B. Cochran, Dr. A. Baron, jun. John S. Bee, William Drayton, Joseph Manigault, Officers and Managers of the St. Cecilia Society. Also of Don Diego Morphy and Peter Freneau, esquires; likewise at the Courier and Times Office, and of Miss
Laroque." In Courier on 4/10.

Charleston Times 19 February 1807 (Thurs.): "Married, on Tuesday evening last, by the Rev. Dr. Gallagher, Mr. Auguste St. Martin, to Miss Frances-Ninette Peire; both of the Island of St. Domingo."

City Gazette 2 April 1816 (Tues.): "The Subscribers have entered into partnership under the firm of P. Peire & Co. as grocers... at their store, No. 167, Meeting-street... A[nthony]. Ulmo, Peter Peire."

Courier 2 April 1817: Notice of persons granted licenses to retail spirituous liquors includes "Peter Pierre [sic] & Co. 30, Queen street; his "securities" who vouched for his honesty were Messrs. Dupont and Samory. Note: Since about 1806, Dr. Ulmo had two residences or business stands-- one in Queen Street and one in Meeting Street.

Courier 23 March 1818: List of licensed liquor retailers: Peter Piere & o. 21 Queen-street. For a bit of information on the St. Domingan refugee musician/painter Pierre Isadore Labatut and his wife, Miss Remoussin, ca. 1800, see Betty-Bright P. Low's article "Of Muslins and Merveilleuses: Excerpts from the Letters of Josephine du Pont and Margaret Manigault." Winterthur Portfolio 9 (1974): 29ÐÐ75.