200 Years of Palmetto Poets

Joseph Brown Ladd (1764-1786)

Joseph Brown Ladd was born in Newport, Rhode Island in 1764. His father moved the family to Little Compton, RI to pursue farming. Young Joseph seemed to have no interest in farming, however, and it was thought that he should go into a trade. He was a printer's apprentice for a year, but Ladd's final choice was to be a physician. He studied under Dr. Isaac Senter of Newport. In his free time, Ladd read English poetry and essays. In 1783 Ladd took the advice of General Nathaniel Green and decided to make his way south, moving to Charleston and setting up practice. In 1785 he was chosen by Governor Moultrie to give an address for Independence Day activities. Joseph Brown Ladd died, duelling, at age twenty-two.

What Is Happiness?

'Tis an empty, fleeting shade,
By imagination made;
'Tis a bubble, straw, or worse;
'Tis a baby's hobby horse;
'Tis a little living, clear;
'Tis ten thousand pounds a year;
'Tis a title; 'tis a name;
''Tis a puff of empty fame,
Fickle as the breezes blow;
'Tis a lady's YES or NO:
And when the description's crowned,
'Tis just no where to be found.

Poet Menu