The Periclean Society, formed on 21 September 1821, was an Alexandria, Virginia organization made up of many prominent male
citizens. The Society met for extemporary debates and original composition writing. Meetings were held at Mechanics Hall Academy.
The Periclean Society constitution and bylaws are found in the front of the book. Membership lists and meeting minutes follow.
The minutes list the topics debated, the participants, and the absentees. Members included E. J. Lee, Philip R. Fendall, J.
T. Ramsay, John and William Herbert, Charles C. Lee, A. G. Bonner, John Swann, Gustavus Alexander, Francis Peyton, and Samuel
Fitzhugh.