McGuffey's Sixth Eclectic Reader, Revised Edition · Lesson LXX · Part 7: Lessons LXI-LXX: Brutus and Cassius to Hayne

76. South Carolina (Robert Young Hayne)

Goal: Your student reads a famous Senate speech and explains its claims for South Carolina, ready to compare it with Webster's reply in the next lesson.

⏱ About 40 minutes · 7 steps

Open it at the Internet Archive ↗

You'll need

  • The book, or the scan beside this guide
  • A notebook and pen
  • A dictionary

What's in the book

An author note on Hayne, then part of his speech in the 1830 debate with Daniel Webster, praising South Carolina's devotion to the Union and its sacrifices in the Revolution. A note on Thomas Sumter follows.

The lesson, step by step

  1. Words and meanings

    Read the book's note on Thomas Sumter (1734-1832), a Virginian by birth, who commanded South Carolina troops in the Revolution.

    Before reading, find these words in the selection and look up any your student does not know: uncalculating, commencement, whigs.

  2. About the author

    The book says Robert Young Hayne (1791-1840) was born in Colleton District, South Carolina, practiced law in Charleston, and entered the United States Senate at thirty-one. He was governor of South Carolina during the Nullification troubles of 1832-1833, a clear and able debater, and a firm advocate of "State Rights."

  3. Read it aloud

    Your student reads the speech with pride and force. Sentences to find:

    the call of the country has been to her as the voice of God.

    The plains of Carolina drank up the most precious blood of her citizens.

  4. Talk about it

    SayWhat does Hayne claim about South Carolina's devotion to the Union?

    SayWhat sufferings in the Revolution does he describe? Which names does he give?

    SayWhy does he compare South Carolina with New England?

    SayHayne defended "State Rights." Look up the Nullification crisis. How does that context change your reading?

  5. Tell it back

    Your student states Hayne's main claims and examples.

  6. Copywork and memory

    Copy:

    The plains of Carolina drank up the most precious blood of her citizens.

  7. Write (optional)

    Write a paragraph about something your state or town has given to the country.

Tip

The next lesson, LXXI, is Webster's reply. Teach them close together.

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