Portion Control

    At first glance, Francis Port’s last will and testament is seemingly rather ordinary. Francis Port’s will was recorded in February of 1812 and conveys land and slaves to numerous individuals. There are references to several people and the typical legalese language. A widow of Thomas Port, a representative of South Carolina’s continental congress and an owner/operator of “Port’s Ferry”.   Port’s Ferry served as a key piece of terrain during the American Revolutionary War as a strategic crossing for General Francis Marion aka “The Swamp Fox”.      In addition to its Revolutionary significance, Port’s Ferry was used often as a crossing for Methodist Bishop Francis Asbury. Bishop Asbury’s connection to the Port family is even more intriguing when one looks at the text of Port’s will where she bequeaths the vast majority of her assets to one Mary Port Snow “daughter of Thomas Humphries”. Herein lies the challenge for this researcher, Francis Port’s hus...

  A Social Contract: John Quincy Adams.        Headlines aside, there is something to be said for understanding the mentality of our Founding Fathers (and their children). A cursory literary review shows a longstanding debate that contrasts a secular against an orthodox analysis. The historiography would challenge a researcher to decide whether to shape their analysis towards a group of men making public policy in service of God, or a group of men that were making public policy in service of their country.        Historically, intent is always something that is challenging to discern. John Qunicy Adam’s Lecture regarding the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its social compact highlights this challenge. Candidly, what is unique about John Quincy Adams’ message is that he chooses to tackle directly “divine rights” and the leading philosophers of the age’s thoughts. John Quincy Adams’ lends credit to both Sidney and Locke for influencing ...