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“T” is for Tillman, Benjamin Ryan (1847-1918). U.S. senator, governor.

Music can give meaning to time.

A privet is a flowering plant in the genus Ligustrum. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced and naturalized in Australasia, where only one species extends as a native into Queensland. Some species have become widely naturalized or invasive where introduced.

This week on Walter Edgar’s Journal, John S. Sledge’s talks with Walter about his book, The Gulf of Mexico: A Maritime History (2021, USC Press). In it, Sledge presents a compelling, salt-streaked narrative of the earth's tenth largest body of water. In this beautifully written and illustrated volume, Sledge explores the people, ships, and cities that have made the Gulf's human history and culture so rich.

“K” is for Kiawah Island

A listener finds a puffer fish...

Music can give meaning to time.

Good composers write coherent pieces, not collections of interesting materials.

“N” is for Negro Seamen Acts. While the mobility of free blacks was generally restricted before the Civil War, the Negro Seaman Acts were unique laws. During the antebellum era they proliferated along the southern coastal states. South Carolina was the first to pass such a law in the aftermath of the Denmark Vesey conspiracy. The goal of the legislation was to forestall potentially dangerous contact between nonresident free blacks and enslaved persons. By its provisions, free black sailors on board ships from outside South Carolina were incarcerated in local jails for the duration of the ship’s visit. Ship captains were responsible for paying the costs incurred. If a captain refused or left without him, the jailed black sailor could be sold as a slave. The Negro Seaman Acts contributed to rising antebellum sectional tensions.

“J” is for Jasper County (656 square miles; 2020 population 24,777).