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..."
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.
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 letter from Elias Ball IV at Kensington Plantation to Elias "Wambaw" Ball exiled in Bristol, England discussing Elias Ball's squadron arriving in Charleston, word of 600 men in the town, payment for enslaved persons, the high tax of that year, and word from Mr. Gaillard regarding the remainder of the estates enslaved persons.
Power from Charles Lining for John Ball and John Coming Ball to administer the estate of Judith Ball. Judith Ball's will states, "Elias Ball of Wambaw, Elias Ball (son of Elias) and Robert [Quash?]" were appointed executors, but the "said Elias Ball of Wambaw and Elias Ball (son of Elias) have withdrawn themselves from this State, and have joined the enemies thereof & the said Robert [Quash?] hath refused to qualify." In the absence of both Elias Balls, Elias Ball Jr.'s son John Ball and John Coming Ball sued for Letter of Administration re the Judith Ball estate.
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 letter from Elias Ball IV at Limerick Plantation to Elias "Wambaw" Ball III exiled in Bristol, England discussing a testimonial for Elias Ball III's property, specifically the sale of a portion in Georgetown, the state of the corn crop, the "unfavorable spring" for Santee and PeeDee Plantations, and a lawsuit against John Ball.
Copy of a letter between Elias "Wambaw" Ball and Elias Ball III at Limerick Plantation discussing a bill of exchange for "Manning & Vaughan," Thomas Gaillard and payments, Elias "Wambaw" Ball settling in London, the return of "Mr. Laurens & his son," the overseer named Comings at Backriver Plantation and a wedding within the family.
A letter from Elias Ball IV at Limerick Plantation to Elias "Wambaw" Ball III exiled in Bristol, England discussing family, health, the upcoming marriage between Elias Ball III's daughter and "young Moultrie," the lands of England, the South Carolina legislature passing a tax bill on enslaved persons, agreements with the "Torey's," a bill of exchange for money due and accounts current, the removal of "Old Tom" from Wambaw, missing enslaved runaways, the work of various enslaved persons, and the sale of Elias Ball III's enslaved persons for cash by Mr. Gaillard.
A receipt for Dr. Sam McCormick from John Coming Ball for expenses such as a visit to Back River Plantation, and medicine or medical visits for the enslaved persons Marcus, Pompey, Violet's child, and Nelly.
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.
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.
Copy of a letter between Elias "Wambaw" Ball and Elias Ball III at Limerick Plantation discussing the departure of his friend "Moultrie" to England, the death of Elias Ball II from a "disorder in the bowels," the will of Elias Ball II, the corn, rice and indigo crop, wind and rain storms, "negro cloth," and a "great disturbance in the country."
Copy of a letter between Elias Wambaw" Ball and Elias Ball III at Limerick Plantation discussing invoices from Mr. Vanderhorst for goods, paper money, shipping rice to Bristol and aid in finding an overseer and driver.
A torn letter from Elias Ball IV to Elias "Wambaw" Ball III exiled in Bristol, England discussing a shipment of corn and rice sent to Bristol, an impending visit from William Moultrie Jr., a referral from General Marion, and notations on the House of Assembly.
A letter from Henry Laurens Jr. at Mepkin Plantation to John Ball at Kensington Plantation on receiving a letter delivered by the enslaved man Adonis, sending Laurens' mare home, and the poor health of John Ball's father.
The number of sales of Elias Ball of Wambaw which includes the sale of fifty enslaved persons sold in Georgetown. The enslaved persons are divided into nine lots.
A letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to his brother-in-law Elias Ball III exiled in Bristol, England discussing Elias Ball's "scurrilous" letter, and the appraisement of Judith Ball's estate with no intention of fraud. John Ball goes on to discuss the poor character of Elias Ball as an executor using examples from family estates, including that of John Coming Ball Sr.'s second wife, Judith Boisseau, their enslaved persons, comparing Elias Ball to " a parable of the servant in the Gospel" with little talent, commenting on his liberality, Elias Ball's accusation that John Ball married Elias's sister for her mother's estate, and Elias's threat to return to the United States to "have justice done."
A torn letter from Ann Waring at Tranquil Hill to her cousin John Ball on advice that Waring's family "solicited" from John Ball, issues surrounding guardianship for "the girls" a claim on an estate, and Waring's feelings on Josiah Smith as a potential guardian.
Copy of a letter between Elias "Wambaw" Ball and Elias Ball III at Limerick Plantation discussing political magazines, the government, chartering a ship, debts between the Elias's, the arrival of rice, a comparison of a personal saddle "to those used by Fulton's Dragoons," a list of goods shipped from Elias Ball in Bristol to Elias Ball in South Carolina.
A letter from Elias Ball IV in Charleston to Elias "Wambaw" Ball III exiled in Bristol, England discussing a charter, Comingtee Plantation, a shortage of rice in the country, and a recommendation from "Moultrie" to hire James Gordon.
A copy of a letter from John Coming Ball at Kensington Plantation to his cousin Ann Waring on the guardianship for John's three female cousins, and his reasonings for choosing Josiah Smith as a potential guardian.
The appraisement, division and valuations of enslaved men, women and children at Kensington Plantation belonging to the late Elias Ball II to his sons Elias Ball III and John Ball. The other side of the document makes notations regarding the exchanges of enslaved persons between the brothers.
A letter from Elias Ball IV at Limerick Plantation to Elias "Wambaw" Ball III exiled in Bristol, England discussing a chartered ship, the nuptials of Elias Ball III's daughter and her husband's reputation in the United States, the crop and cattle at Elias Ball IV's plantations, and a notation that "Old Tom" has been well and putting out tobacco plants.
A letter from Eleanor Ball at Kensington Plantation to Henry Smith discussing her brother Elias Ball III in England, and an account of payments between Henry Smith and Eleanor Ball for her schooling and board. Also attached is a list of eighteen enslaved persons received by Elias Ball to deliver to Benjamin and Thomas Smith overseas. Includes the statement "the dangers of the sea & death excepted."
A letter from Elias Ball IV at Limerick Plantation to Elias "Wambaw" Ball III exiled in Bristol, England on receiving goods, money due, a notation regarding births and deaths of enslaved persons, Elias Ball IV's father buying Hyde Park Plantation from Elias Ball III, and the plantation crops and taxes.
A letter from Elias Ball IV at Limerick Plantation to Elias "Wambaw" Ball III exiled in Bristol, England on an account between the Balls and James Gordon, Elias Ball IV's tiredness, the rice and corn crops, planting 225 acres of rice at Comingtee Plantation, and debt.
Survey of Midway Plantation owned by John Ball Esq. The survey shows locations of rice fields, canals, dams, floodgates, pinelands, reservoirs, banks, the settlement situated on high land, roads, and "Lanneau's Ferry" also known as Lenud's Ferry.
A tax return for Elias Ball III that includes acres of swamp, pineland and 246 enslaved persons at Comingtee, Strawberry Ferry and Limerick Plantation.
A letter from Elias Ball IV at Limerick Plantation to Elias "Wambaw" Ball III exiled in Bristol, England on James Gordon receiving rice, charters send to Comingtee Plantation to receive rice, a frost ruining a supply of rice, a request for "negro" clothing and plantation tools and Elias Ball IV's feelings on laboring.
A list of cattle from Kensington Plantation that includes oxen, cows, calves, and bulls. The document also includes a list of cattle that died or was killed, and cattle specifically from Hyde Park and Jericho Plantations. Makes notation that an ox was killed for "Negroes Christmas."
A letter from Elias Ball to John Ball at Kensington Plantation on traveling to PeeDee Plantation, and an issue with Doctor Reed over land that may require legal action.
A tax return for Elias Ball III for acres, pine land, two carriage wheels, 246 enslaved persons, four enslaved persons at the property of Miss Ball and eighty enslaved persons under the account for John Moultrie Jr.
A 1791 plat of Old Field Plantation in St. John's Parish by surveyor John Purcell. The plantation is stated to have originally belonged to Francis Huger but is now the property of John Ball Esq. The plat includes adjacent areas such as lands belonging to Samuel Bonneau, a part of "Childsburry Common" and lands owned by Elias Ball III.
Copy of the last will and testament of John Coming Ball naming John Ball of Kensington Plantation and Elias Ball of Limerick Plantation as his executors, giving the "negro man Nat his freedom and all my wearing apparel," the enslaved women Hagar and her daughter Charlotte their freedom and that Charlotte should be given an education and "placed out" as an apprentice when she comes of age, the enslaved driver Jackey (son of Lucy) his freedom, and bequeaths to Mrs. Wilson any "negro girl" among the enslaved females.
A list of questions to ask the ordinary made by John Ball in preparation for writing his will, which is also included. Questions include those for advertising, the appraisement of former enslaved persons that are emancipated, and the cattle at Jericho Plantation.
A letter from Abigail Cornell in Far Rockaway, New York discussing the details surrounding the days leading up to and the eventual death of John Ball. The letter states that John Ball arrived at the Cornell house to lodge and was under the care of Dr. Martin. His symptoms were a cold, head pain, blisters on his neck and temple, a fever and swelling of the head. Cornell details how she sat with John Ball reading to him and asking him questions about death and God.
Confirmation from Charles Lining of the Ordinary's Office confirming that John Ball is the executor of the last will and testament of John Coming Ball.
A letter from Elias Ball IV in Charleston to Elias "Wambaw" Ball III exiled in Bristol, England discussing the situation in "Old England," a possibility of there being no king in England, opinions on France for "taking the hed of Lewe," and the shipping of goods and the current weather in Charleston.
A copy of an advertisement for selling Back River Plantation belonging to the late John Coming Ball. The advertisement states that the plantation is supposed to offer rice to market for several years.
A marriage settlement between Keating Simons and Eleanor Wilson which includes Wilson's entitlement to enslaved persons, household furniture, plates, and money. The enslaved persons, referred to as "negro slaves" are named Daniel, Tom, Sarah, Jenny, Nanny, Margaret, Stepheny, Judy, Amy, Lucy, George, Christmas, Philip, London, Hannah, Violet, Sam, Pino, Jacky, Pompey, William, Charles, Matilda, Jacob, Nancy, Jenny, Hannah, Sarah, "Baleso," and Abigail.
A letter from John Ball Jr. while at school in Charleston to his father John Ball Sr. thanking his "dear Papa" for the sweet potatoes and a bundle containing cake and ground nuts. He also mentions attending the races and reading Virgil on the weekends.
A copy of the appraisement made at Back River Plantation which includes eighty-six enslaved persons. The list includes the valuations of the enslaved persons as well as the notation that the enslaved person Jackey is a driver. The remaining information for the appraisement is for household furniture, cattle, linen, tools, seeds, and grains.
Benjamin Slade's affidavit relative to his drawing of John C. Ball's will that discusses the Holy Evangelists, Justice of the Peace Stephen Ravenel, and the division of the late John C. Ball's personal effects between the children of Jane Ball and Eleanor Wilson
A letter from Catherine Hort at Middleburg Plantation to her uncles John and Elias Ball on her gratitude for their attention on "our joint estate." Also included is John Ball's reply on her father's estate, and Catherine's "dissatisfaction to both the division of negroes and land."
A letter from Catherine Simons to her half-brothers John and Elias Ball on thanking Mr. Hort for "bringing up the books & settling the concerns of the estate." Also included is a copy of John Ball's reply from Kensington Plantation to Catherine's letter on signing the letter to Mr. Hort.
A division of Middleburgh lands (Middleburg Plantation) by Edward Thomas, Elias Ball III and John Ball that includes valuations for buildings and improvements. Lands mentioned are Longamere, "Smoaky Hill," reservoirs, river swamps, and pineland.
An indenture and mortgage between Keating Simons, his wife Eleanor Ball Simons and trustee John Ball Sr. The document includes the sale of fifty enslaved persons, referred to as "negro slaves."
A letter to Captain John Ball on an impending visit from General Pinckney and Washington resulting in a request for a battalion muster at Moncks Corner.
A letter from John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing letters, John's arrival in Massachusetts and the status of his luggage, John Ball Sr. suffering from "the fall fever," the death of Mr. John Cordes at Pine Ville, and advice to John Ball Jr. to wear warm clothing during the winters for fear of getting consumption.
A letter from Jane Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts inquiring into his passage to Massachusetts, and the belief that John Ball Jr. is a good child and she wishes for him to pursue "the paths of strict virtue and honor." Jane Ball ends the letter discussing the poor health of Mrs. Scott and her request for John Ball Jr. to write more frequently.
A letter from John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing the family relocating to the country for winter, and inquiry on "Allston and Wainwright" from South Carolina at the college. The letter concludes with John Ball Sr. asking about sites in Boston such as Bunker Hill, the dome of the new state house and the methods people use to keep warm in Boston during the winter.
A letter from John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing their fears of John Ball Jr. getting yellow fever in Boston, Uncle Ball sick with fever, John Ball Jr.'s friends "Allston and Wainwright" at university, John attending class with "67 scholars," and the importance of an education.
A letter from John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing letters, the library at school, certificates from Mr. Osborne and Doctor's Buist and Purcell, and advice that anything John Ball Jr. hears at someone's house is "sacred" and never told outside of that house.
A letter from Jane Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing the death of Mr. John Cordes from "fits" at Pine Ville, and the poor health of Dr. McCormick.
A letter from John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts inquiring into John Ball Jr.'s passage to Massachusetts, the death of John Ball Jr.'s colt, and advice on how to avoid "evil company" who partake in "drinking, gaming and the company of lewd women." The letter goes on to write that families would rather have a relative die to "cover the infamy of the family" than have a relative partake in drinking and gaming, using an example of Doctor B's son who gave "himself to drunkenness" and died.
A letter from Jane Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John Ball Sr. being in the country, John Ball Jr.'s friend Archer Lord on the verge of death, John's school vacation in Newport, Rhode Island, Jane Ball attending "Cato, a Tragedy" performed by students from the seminary where there were no female characters due to the boys "thinking a female character too trifling."
A letter from Jane Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing how John must pursue the "paths of virtue & knowledge," the weather in Charleston, the death of Doctor McCormick's son William, Isaac Ball shooting arrows, and John Ball Sr. spending time at Midway Plantation.
A letter from John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing the poor service of the post office, a "malignant" fever outbreak in Boston, inquiry into John Ball Jr.'s voyage across the water to Massachusetts, and advice on proper behavior while in school.
A letter from John Ball Sr. at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing a return to the country for winter, a leak at the water mill, Miss Dart spending the winter at Fish Pond Plantation, and advice on being respectable, honorable and esteemed.
A letter from John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing their fears of John being in Boston when there is a "prevailing disease," the safe arrival of his baggage and "liquor case," a bond of 200 silver, a request for John Ball Jr. to create an account of his expenses, certificates from Mr. Osborne and Doctor's Buist and Purcell, John Ball Sr. suffering from a fever, the poor health of Archer Lord and the death of Archer's sister Maria, and a spread of fever but no symptoms mirroring yellow fever such as black vomit.
A letter from Jane Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts on his friendships, behavior, remaining honorable, John Ball Sr. suffering from a fever, Captain McNeil of the ship "The Eliza" being taken by the French on a voyage to London resulting in the deaths of seven or eight passengers, a sickness spreading around the country, and yellow fever in Boston.
A letter from Jane Ball in Charleston to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College discussing John's arrival at school, a spread of fever in the country, the burial of "Mrs. Crips," the poor health of "Neighbor Latham" and sending the enslaved woman Polly to help Latham.
A copy of a reference letter from James Simons to the tutors of Cambridge College on behalf of John Ball. Included is a letter from the college stating that a "certificate" is required for any student recommendation.
Certification from Pastor Purcell of St. Michaels in Charleston and Minister George Buist from the Presbyterian Church of Charleston that John Ball is a student in the Charleston Seminary.
A note from Pastor Purcell of St. Michaels in Charleston and Minister George Buist from the Presbyterian Church of Charleston. The note mentions supplying a certificate for John Ball to "remedy the defect."
A letter from Charleston discussing John Ball's qualifications for any Universities in England. These qualifications include John's "proper" behavior, and reading Virgil, Horace, and the Gospels of the Greek Testaments.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing "the sickly season," the health of the family, those suffering from the "prevailing fever" also referenced as yellow fever or "black vomit," the conditions of the rice and cotton crops, the Regiment of Artillery, and an inquiry into the parties John attends at school.
A letter from Jane Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing letter writing, his "moral & religious virtues," Sullivans Island being "flocked" by people, the cotton and rice crop, the upcoming feast hosted by Uncle Ball, and updates on family members.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing Allston's poem at college, that John has "grown very fat," Mr. Williams contracting a disease, the "nature of man," the family leaving for the winter, and the Battalion of the 30th Regiment under John Ball Sr.'s command.
A letter from Col. R. McKelvey to John Ball on General Washington "accepting his appointment under Congress" and John Ball's promotion to Major of the 2nd Battalion of the 30th Regiment. Also included is a letter from John Ball discussing his promotion and an election for an ensign.
A letter from Jane Ball at Kensington Plantation to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing letters, John Ball Sr. suffering from a fever, family matters, the state of Jane Ball's horses, the enslaved man Peter her footman, an oration by Doctor William Reid at St. Michaels and a shipment of "hyacinth roots" and "darksupur suds."
A letter from John Ball St. at Kensington Plantation to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing an invitation for Captain Tilden to visit, the Charleston races, a leak under the flood gate at the mill, and Brigadier General W. Washington appointed to a command in the federal army resulting in numerous miliary promotions including that of John Ball Sr. as Major of the 2nd Battalion.
