Nathaniel Heyward writes from "Blue House" near one of his Combahee plantations to his grandson James B. Heyward congratulating him on his acceptance to Harvard. He provides detailed instructions on how James is to receive money for his studies and tells James he is writing to the president of Harvard but that "he shall know nothing of our money affairs." Nathaniel relates how busy he has been at his mills as he prepares "for a bountiful crop of rice." 2p.
Letter from William Henry Heyward to James B. Heyward. William writes from Montreal about his health and the gifts and commissions he has procured or investigated for James and his wife on his trip north. He claims "Philad. is the place for domestic manufactures" and "N.Y. for imported." 4p.
Letter of condolence from Mary Barnwell to Henrietta Manigault Heyward upon the death of Mrs. Heyward's son Nathaniel. Mrs. Barnwell's daughter (Nathaniel's wife) also recently died leaving three orphaned children. Apparently the two older boys are currently being raised by the Heywards while Mrs. Barnwell cares for an infant daughter. 4p.
Nathaniel Heyward writes his mother-in-law, Mary Barnwell, to inform her he has arrived in Charleston and is looking into schooling for his oldest child. He reports about an early heat wave mitigated by the plentiful supply of ice due to the recent arrival of an "opposition establishment...up against the original importer." He also comments on the "general stagnation of business" resulting, he writes, in the "terrapin system." 4p.
Letter from Hetty Heyward in Charleston to her mother, Mary Barnwell, in Beaufort, South Carolina. Hetty writes about the various items she is shipping her mother via Capt. Bythewood, the health of her children, and comments that the "weather is very unfavourable for the Cotton planters." 4p.
Letter from William Manigault Heyward at "Pine Land" to his mother, Henrietta Heyward. William apologizes he is unable to get to the Combahee plantations any more frequently than once in ten days due to excessive heat and comments that the lack of rain has damaged many vegetable crops. He laments missing the social scene in Charleston and claims that reading "is our chief amusement." 3p.
Nathaniel Heyward writes his mother-in-law, Mary Barnwell, about a perilous trip from Coosaw island to Charleston aboard a leaky schooner that required "all hands constantly at the pump." He mentions that he has secured passage on the 'Georgia Packet' for a summer trip north but may have to skip Philadelphia because of news the "Yellow fever has shown itself" there. 4p.
Letter from Nathaniel Heyward, Sr. to Mary Barnwell, mother-in-law of his son Nathaniel (II). Mr. Heyward appears to be discussing the final interment of his son Nathaniel, Jr. 2p.
Letter from Nathaniel Heyward, Sr. to Mary Barnwell, mother-in-law of his son Nathaniel (II), informing her of his death in Philadelphia and recommending she care for his now orphaned children. 2p.