Statistics on the plantations owned by John Ball Sr., which are Midway, Hyde Park, Kensington, White Hall, Belle Isle, Three Mile Head, Pine Land, Pimlico, Mepshew and Kecklico Plantations. Statistics are derived from various plats and note the number of acres for each plantation or property, their values and the number of enslaved persons owned by John Ball and his daughters which amounts to a total of 460 enslaved persons. The document also includes statistics for the estate of John and Lydia Bryan which includes 111 enslaved persons.
A brief carpenters tool book for Comingtee Plantation which contains the names of enslaved persons and the tools they used. The enslaved persons are named Plenty, Marcus, Pompey/Old Pompey/Lit. Pompey, Hercules, Daniel, Fortune, Marcus/Old Marcus/Lit. Marcus, Carolina, Castor, Nat, Billy, Jack, Jackey, Joe, Sam, Drummer, Jimmy, March, Bristol, Christmas, Bacchus, Hector, and Solomon.
A bond to John Ball Sr., executor of the estate of John Coming Ball in which John Coming Ball's estate, writings and papers are given to John Ball Jr. and Isaac Ball.
A letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing the death of George Washington and his services to the country, the idea of Charleston erecting a statue of George Washington in the city, the death of Governor Rutledge from a stroke, the appointing of John Drayton acting as commander in chief, and advice for John to maintain good behavior in school.
A letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts on Captain Tilden still missing, Jane Ball's painful fingers, the advice from doctors to cut off her fingers and her fears of "the amputating knife," the poor health of Uncle Bryan, and an update on John's brothers.
A letter from Jane Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John Ball Sr. leaving for Kensington Plantation, a visit to see Aunt Simons at Sullivan's Island, updates on John's brothers, the death of Ned Wilkinson, Old John Gaillard and Old Brailsford, George Aneram from fever, and Jane's health.
A letter from John Ball in Newport, Rhode Island to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing seeing John, his recent sickness, and the poor health of the family due to the change in climate.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John's schooling, a trip to Newport, and a drought in South Carolina.
A letter from John Ball in Newport, Rhode Island to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing the families arrival to Newport.
A letter from John Ball in Newport, Rhode Island to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing seeing John and the family's health.
A letter from Peter Broughton to Elias Ball at Limerick Plantation on a warrant and a copy of the account for the establishment of Strawberry Ferry taken from Broughton from Trotts Collection of the Law of South Carolina.
A letter from Ann Ball at Comingtee Plantation to her husband John Ball in Charleston discussing a visit from Mrs. "Tourner" and Mrs. Laurens, the cook Eliza "grunting and walking lame," word from Midway Plantation that Binah's son Pompey, living at Pimlico Plantation with his wife, has been sick, that "Little Judith" is suffering from a cold, and memorandums.
A letter from Ann Ball at Comingtee Plantation to her husband John Ball in Charleston discussing her mother's health, that Captain Peter "did not make his port," feeling anxious over "how Dublin got down with his charge" and a shipment of bricks.
A letter from Ann Ball at Comingtee Plantation to her husband John Ball in Charleston discussing a plan for shipping a chest figured out by Mordicia and Doctor Reads "bout."
A letter from Ann Ball at Comingtee Plantation to her husband John Ball in Charleston discussing Dublin's preference on using the Goose Creek road, the poor health of Petrach, and the services of Hammond.
A letter from Ann Ball at Comingtee Plantation to her husband John Ball in Charleston discussing a mahogany chest, a delivery from Dublin, bad weather causing a delay in boat travel, her mother's improved health, and memorandums.
A letter from Ann Ball in Charleston to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing the health of Ann Ball's parents, the weather and Rhina staying in the country.
A letter from Ann Ball in Pawleys Island to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing Mary's pregnancy and sending Hammond and Dublin home.
A list of classes William Ball is taking at the University of Edinburgh which includes Latin, Greek, mathematics, logic, philosophy, history, agriculture, and religion.
A letter from Hyde Park Plantation overseer Jesse Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the recovery of John Ball, the rice crop and sawing. Coward goes into an account of the enslaved man Julius running away but believes he will return as Julius has done so in the past and finishes his letter discussing the enslaved girl Judy suffering from a sickness.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the health of John Ball, the weather, planting slips, the death of Celia at Midway Plantation, and details on when the enslaved persons "strip themselves" when it rained due to the warm weather.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to Ann Ball discussing the poor health of John Ball, the planting of slips, the pea and rice crops, the weather, sick children, and the confinement of Eliza.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to Ann Ball discussing the recovery of John Ball, the death of the enslaved woman Sarah, the confinement of Eliza, sick children, and the rice crops.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to Ann Ball in Charleston discussing the poor health of John Ball, the weather, the corn crop and a shipment of supplies.
A letter from Hyde Park Plantation overseer Jesse Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing Ball's poor health, the rice and corn crops, and the hot weather.
The last will and testament of John Coming Ball in which he leaves his plantation and other purchased land to his son Elias Ball, money for his daughters Elizabeth and Catharine, six hundred pounds "in lieu of two negros," tracts of land called "Three Mile Head" to Elias and John Ball, acres of land and "oak and hickory land" to his daughter Jane Ball. John Coming Ball leaves his wife Judith Ball tracts of land, horses, furniture and a "wench called Molly and her son." Makes notation on the division of enslaved persons among the Ball children. The enslaved persons are referenced as "Monimias" daughter Sally, a girl called Senah, Marcus, a girl called Silvia, and a boy called Pino. Makes a statement that the enslaved man and driver Sambo is to be free upon the death of John Coming Ball, given money yearly and is allowed to live on any plantation under the ownership of the Ball family.
A copy of a petition to parliament titled "The Great Grievances and Oppression of James Child" in which the writer discusses "illegal rates" that were falsely presented as "repairs for the church" in Amersham. James Child and others refused to pay resulting in financial charges from the Ecclesiastical Church. The petition goes on to discuss charters for Amersham, James Child's imprisonment over his refusal to deliver an "Exemplification," and James Child being forced to abscond and sell his estate to pay off his debts. The second half discusses the various finances and property that James Child is giving to his son Isaac Child in South Carolina. Makes notations regarding Strawberry Plantation and Mepkin Plantation.
A portion of the last will and testament of Elias Ball II in which he settles all debts, gives his son Elias Ball III Comingtee and Limerick Plantations, tracts of land to Samuel Eveleigh, tracts of land and Kensington and Hyde Park Plantations to his son John Ball, and a lot of land situated "on the Bay of Charleston" to his daughter Lydia Bryan. Makes various notations regarding "negro slaves and their issue and increase" as well as statements that his sons Elias and John Ball are given the enslaved persons living at each plantation they inherited.
A case concerning the will of James Child for property left to his grandson Robert Dicks. Upon the death of Robert Dicks, the property was then given to James Child's other grandson William Child.
A letter from John Ball in Newport, Rhode Island to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing the poor health of Jane Ball, Doctor Warrens lecture on anatomy, the opinion that planters need "to acquire some knowledge of physics or the principles of humanity to afford some assistance to his negroes."
A letter from John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts on sending the enslaved man Nat to Boston to assist John, the confinement of Susey's children due to sickness, business matters, and John's education. The letter ends discussing the enslaved man Nat and his wages.
A letter from John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing travel, finances, the family's rice crop, Jane Ball's health, and sending the enslaved man Nat to Boston to assist John Ball Jr.
A letter from John Ball Sr. at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing money, family matters, a comparison of education between England and America, morals and principles, and sending the enslaved man Nat to Boston to assist John Ball Jr.
A letter from John Ball Sr. at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing travel, sending the enslaved man Nat to Boston to assist John Ball Jr., and Jane Ball's health.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing Jane Ball's health, Isaac and William Ball, Governor Drayton's speech, the selling of cotton and rice, and visiting two print shops.
A letter from John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing education, health, money, and sending the enslaved man Nat to Boston to assist John.
A letter from John Ball in Newport, Rhode Island to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John's admission into the senior class and his health, the poor health of Jane Ball, Mr. Simons suffering from Sciatica, and the rice and corn crop. The letter ends stating that James Simons has "now gone quite insane."
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his father John Ball Sr. at Kensington Plantation discussing his travels from England to Edinburgh, the landscape of the country, gothic architecture, the differences in cultivation between South Carolina and England, viewing "the lions and other wild beasts," a visit to the armory, attending Botany class, and William's annual expenses at school.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his father John Ball Sr. at Kensington Plantation discussing health, the weather, a storm damaging the vessel that carried William's previous letter, a political peace between "the French and the combined forces," and the death of William Pitt the Younger.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his brother John Ball Jr. at Comingtee Plantation asking why John is not writing to him, studying physics, astronomy and chemistry at school, William's opinions on his professors, and that John's friends, which includes a clergyman, are also attending school in Edinburgh.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his brother John Ball Jr. in Charleston, South Carolina discussing a visit to the ruins, chapel, and landscape of "Roslin Castle," attending a graduation ceremony for future doctors and seeing "eighteen men receive licenses for killing their own species," and observations on the graduation process at the university.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his father John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina discussing money, the winter in Scotland, yellow fever in Charleston and that "our medical men have never attempted the cure of it by the affusion of cold water." The letter goes on to state William's opinions on finding a cure for yellow fever, and the birth of a baby boy between John Ball Sr. and his second wife Martha Taveau.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his father John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina discussing the birth of twin girls for John and his second wife Martha Taveau, attending a graduation ceremony at the university for doctors in medicine, and the landscape and cultivation of Edinburgh.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his brother John Ball Jr. at Comingtee Plantation discussing hunting with his brothers, the Christmas holiday, and Scottish religion.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his father John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina discussing his friend Isaac Wilson's political views, plans to attend medical school in Paris to learn surgery and the upcoming birth of a new sibling.
A letter from financial agent George Lockey in London, England to John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina discussing finances for William James Ball at the University of Edinburgh.
A letter from Hyde Park Plantation overseer Jesse Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the plantation's crops, a shipment from Mr. Harleston, Mrs. Coward's health, the death of a child, and fever spreading "amongst the negroes" on the plantation.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball discussing the work of Scipio, a shipment of supplies, the rice crops, and a request for a bundle of baby clothes.
A letter from Hyde Park Plantation overseer Jesse Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the slips, the rainy weather, the corn crops, the work of Julius, and Mr. and Mrs. Coward's health.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball discussing the status of the mill, Old Bristol and "Catoe's" work at the mill, the overseer Mr. Finklea, and sick children.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rainy weather, the rice crops, a shipment of butter, and a request for items.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the slips, the rainy weather, newspapers, and the Baptist press.
Copy of a letter between Elias "Wambaw" Ball and Elias Ball III at Limerick Plantation discussing Thomas Gaillard and payments, apprehension of purchasing bills using credit, a rampant fever that has affected family at Kensington Plantation, the overseer named Comings, the sale and purchase of "Fishpond by the Harlestons," a notation regarding fifteen enslaved persons, rice crops and the belief of another revolution or war within the United States.
A copy of the last will and testament of Judith Ball in which she leaves her son John Ball furniture and other household goods, her daughter Jane Ball furniture, china and "one negro man named Jacob, one negro wench Rinah" and "one other wench named Violet." Judith Ball leaves her daughter Eleanor Ball money, her son-in-law Elias Ball money and horses, her niece Esther Roberts money and the remainder of her estate to her children split evenly among them. The remainder of the will appoints Elias Ball and Robert Quash as executors.
Copy of a letter between Elias "Wambaw" Ball and Elias Ball III in Charleston discussing trouble with the rice business, orders of "negro cloth, blankets, & plantation tools," confiscated property, the sale of fifty enslaved persons at Georgetown, asking to own the enslaved man Pino and his family where Pino can work as a driver, the overseer named Comings and unpaid taxes.
A letter written by Elias Ball III at Limerick Plantation discussing Mr. Gaillard, a "great disturbance with mobbs," "the division of the estate's negroes," advice given by attorney general "Alix Moultrie," the legislation, crop at Comingtee Plantation, trouble with newly purchased enslaved persons and their work methods, rice at Backriver Plantation and "negro carpenters."
Copy of a letter between Elias "Wambaw" Ball and Elias Ball III at Limerick Plantation discussing severe wind and rain resulting in property and crop damage at Comingtee and Limerick Plantations. Makes notation that "the negroes are disheartened to lose all they have been working for..."
A petition by Dorta James Brown to John Coming Ball in which she petitions to have Ball appear before the Court of Common Pleas for twelve pounds and twelve shillings that he refuses to pay. The petition states that the money is for medical attendance.
Extract from Nicholas Trott's Law, "An Act for Establishing a Ferry Over the Western Branch of Cooper River." The extract pertains to the appointing of a "master or manager" of the ferry and his duties.
Copy of a letter between Elias "Wambaw" Ball and Elias Ball III at Limerick Plantation discussing a recovery from a fever, the death of a child from fever, struggles with the rice field, attempts at selling lumber, the Wambaw swamp and lands and the sale and purchase of "confiscated property" by various men. Makes notation that the "negroes have not been sold" as well as a notation regarding the enslaved persons owned by Elias "Wambaw" Ball following the division of his estate.
Latin Inscription and Translation of Charles Louis (Lewis) D'Arsac de Ternay's Memorial in Newport, Rhode Island. The inscription identifies him as a "knight of the holy order of Jerusalem," a descendant of the Americans, an admiral of the kings fleet and his experiences during the Seven Year's War and the American Revolution.
A letter written by Elias Ball III to his brother John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing traveling, a Mr. Naylor traveling to Liverpool, Betsey and Polly Smith sailing for Philadelphia, a lot at Strawberry Plantation, the tending of crops and the passage of Captain Drommon from Norfolk.
The division and valuations of Jane Ball's enslaved persons among her sons John Ball Jr. and Isaac Ball upon the death of their father John Ball Sr. The enslaved persons live at Kensington Plantation and are divided into lots for each brother.
A land indenture from John Ball Esq. to his son Isaac Ball releasing a lot to the north of Elliot Street on Charleston Neck. The front of the document is a statement by William Roach in which Martha Ball, husband of John Ball, agrees to release the lot to her son Isaac Ball.
A power of attorney document stating that Matthew Bryan of Netherton in England appoints John Ball from South Carolina his attorney. Matthew Bryan outlines attorney responsibilities which includes overseeing all financial accounts in the United States.
A land indenture from Ann Ferguson and Judith Wragg, representatives of the deceased John Wragg, in which they agree to sell John Wragg's estate on the Charleston Neck to John Ball Jr.
A list of enslaved children born between 1758-1817. Information includes the name of the enslaved child, their date of birth and occasionally, the name of their mother and father.
A list of enslaved persons owned by Elias Ball II at Kensington and Comingtee Plantations. Information includes the names of the enslaved persons and date of birth.
A deed of gift from Elias Ball II to his granddaughter Elizabeth Bryan for the enslaved girl Rinah. Rinah is referred to as the daughter of a "wench called Binah."
A copy of a conveyance of land from John Ball and his family to the vestry and church wardens of St. John's. The document expresses the desire of the late Elias Ball, to provide a residence for the Episcopal Church that consists of sixty-three acres of land. Included in the conveyance is the notation that the Ball family can carry away marl and lime, fish on the banks and borders and that their "servants and slaves" are able to pass and return from the area.
Information on the purchase of the plantation on Back River which includes enslaved persons bought at a sale, number of acres and the notation that eighty-six enslaved persons are on the property, specifically twenty-six men, twenty-eight women and thirty-two children.
A bill of sale for nine enslaved persons from executor Robert Guerin to Elias Ball III for $5,040.60. The names of the enslaved persons are Pompey, Robin, Harry, Will, Stephen, Dido, Judy and two children Peter and Dolly.
A list of plates delivered to M.C. Ball belonging to the estate of John Ball Sr. from the Kensington house, Marshland farm, and a house on East Bay Street in Charleston.
A diagram of the "Plain Scale." The horizontal axis is labeled "inclinations of meridians" and vertical axis is labeled hours. Various geometric shapes and lines such as chord, rhombus, tangents, secants, semi tangents, longitudes, and latitudes are drawn within the "plain."
