A letter from Jane Ball at Kensington Plantation to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing the severe winter and return of spring, leaving the country for the city, the governor "issuing proclamations for the vessels performing quarantine" due to fever, family matters, Newport, Rhode Island as a summer residence and the drowning of Mrs. John Gaillard, her husband and child while crossing the Santee River.
A letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing Jane Ball suffering from finger pains, Uncle Bryan suffering from "fall fever," and a request for a list of John's expenses at school.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing a shipment of items sent to Boston.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing family matters and business.
A letter from John Ball Sr. at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts on not hearing from their son, inviting Captain Tilden to the plantation, and the suspension of Captain Cochran and "the brig deemed unfit "for the service required, & and the Brig General Pinckney built by Wm. Pritchard taken into service. The letter concludes by discussing a leak in the mill that has damaged business.
A letter from Jane Ball at Kensington Plantation to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing the weather, John Ball Jr.'s "religious & moral virtue," an upcoming review for the Berkeley County regiment, Mr. Calef suffering from a sprained ankle and gout, the finished construction of "the house on the hill" at Hyde Park Plantation, and Maurice Simons taking on the role of "midshipman" for the service.
A letter from Jane Ball at Kensington Plantation to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing letters, the Charleston races, the rice business, a ball at the St. Thomas Club House, and the weather in South Carolina and Massachusetts.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts on John Ball Jr's school vacation plans and knowledge of American cities, inquiries into the lifestyle of students at Harvard, the marriage of cousin Lydia to Mr. Lucas, the cotton crops in South Carolina and at Kensington, Hyde Park and Midway Plantations. The letter concludes concerning a deed for the enslaved boy Billy, "the valet de chambre" for John Ball Sr. who wishes that upon his death for John Ball Jr. to "be kind to him for my sake & for your own advantage." He ends stating that if Billy is "ungrateful" towards John Ball Jr. or quits, "do not trouble in getting him back, but if he afterwards return then let him be disgraced..."
A letter from John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts on suffering from the "autumnal fever of the country," the city of Charleston suffering greatly from the disease, a visit from the Englishman William Charles Thomas to settle the concerns of the exiled Elias Ball in Bristol, a request for a miniature of John Ball Jr., the essays of the Pope, how John should behave while at college and the differences between English and American education. Makes the notation, 'carry in your mind that whenever a general emancipation takes place in South Carolina & Georgia you are a ruined man and all your family [connexions] made beggars."
A letter from Jane Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John's studies, his "moral & religious virtue," the behavior of his brothers, the fever outbreak in the city, updates on family members and neighbors including the death of Mrs. Crafts, notations concerning various enslaved persons working as servants and coachmen, and the readiness" of the Frigate to sail "the ministers to the Hague."
A list of ninety-one enslaved persons owned by John Ball. The reverse side of the document contains lists of enslaved persons above fifty years old and under the age of twelve.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts on John Ball Sr.'s fever, medicine, the health of the family, wanting watermelons, John Ball Jr.'s writing skills, an inquiry for John Ball Jr.'s miniature or a portrait of him in his school uniform, and the rice crop in South Carolina.
A letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing the "unhealthiness of Charleston," due to a spreading sickness, fears of physicians and family members contracting the disease, the statement that "death stalks ghastly" and that Mr. J. Cordes was buried at Briggin Church.
A letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John Ball Jr's letter writing, his request for his son to read "Popes Letters" and Pliny, a visit from Captain Tilden, John's school expenses, and John Ball Sr.'s advice regarding dating.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts on letter writing, Captain Calef, the launching of the Boston Frigate, the Constitution of Massachusetts, inquiries into john Ball Jr's life at college, and on writing in Latin.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts on letter writing, how to behave while at school and with friends, avoiding "extravagance" and living with " generosity tempered with prudence."
A letter from John Ball to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing a shipment of rice and meat, the poor health of Jane Ball and John Ball Jr. submitting to "the arbitrary laws" of Harvard.
The Household Account Book of John Ball Sr., 1805-1817, is an account of expenses for household services and needs of the family and servants such as childcare, allowances, the services of a wet nurse, and a pulpit subscription to the Circular Church.
The Register of Enslaved Persons and Blanket Book, 1804-1821, is a bound volume kept by or for a member of the Ball family. The register contains lists of enslaved men, women and children given blankets at Midway, Limerick, Quinby, Hyde Park, Backriver and Jericho Plantations. Information also includes lists of enslaved children born on the plantations, the name of their mother, date of birth and date of death.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing a shipment of pocket and neck handkerchiefs and letters from Isaac and William Ball written in Latin and French. The letter ends discussing John Ball Jr.'s health.
A letter from Jane Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John's health, the hot weather in Charleston, the "prevailing epidemic," and the marriage of David Dubose to his cousin.
A letter from Jane Ball to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John's improving health, family matters, and a marriage.
A copy of a letter written to John Clark Esquire of Providence, Rhode Island from John Ball Sr. discussing cheese, a request for fish, and money for John Ball Jr.
A letter from Jane Ball at Kensington Plantation to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts on leaving Charleston, his brothers attending school, Mr. Bryan suffering from "a slow fever," John attending a dance at school, and that Captain Tilden has not been heard from.
A letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing letter writing, fears that Captain Tilden is lost, snow in South Carolina, the price of wood, and that "Old Plenipi is dead."
A torn letter from John Ball to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing letter writing, business, the rice crop, and the weather.
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 power of attorney William Blacklock in Charleston, South Carolina to Matthew Bryan in Yorkshire, England discussing business and accounts paid.
A memorandum from John Ball for the estate of John C. Ball which added a plantation, paid off debts, delivered up to 138 enslaved persons and 130 acres of land near Jericho Plantation. Makes notation that out of the 138 enslaved persons, there were fifty more than was originally appraised.
A letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing money sent to Boston, issues with acquiring an overseer, updates on John's brothers, Uncle Bryan traveling to the north to improve his health and the death of "Callaghan."
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing a visit to Kensington Plantation, John's expenses for school, the death of Callaghan from a horse accident, Aunt Simons spending time at Sullivans Island and the fear of hurricanes.
A letter from John Ball to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing his confinement due to head pains, Jane Ball's painful fingers and fears that amputation are the only cure, updates on John's brothers and the poor health of Uncle Bryan.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing memorandums, money for John's education, the improving health of Mr. Bryan, and Aunt Simons traveling to Tranquil Hill.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing a shipment of money to Boston.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing family matters and money sent to John for his schooling.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John Ball Jr.'s health, a shipment of handkerchiefs, newspapers and letters, money for John's schooling, the death of Old. Mr. R. Lowndes and Old Nancy at Kensington Plantation, and that "the bad fever rages in this city."
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John moving out of a lodging house and into the college, the death of Mrs. Hort, concerns over Isaac Ball's health, and that yellow fever is still spreading in the city.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing a trip to Newport onboard a ship with "18 whites besides our servants," and the health of Jane Ball.
A letter from John Ball in Newport, Rhode Island to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing seeing John, Miss Ann Simons suffering an injury from a fall, Mr. and Mrs. Simons visiting their nephew James who is suffering from fits, and Uncle Ball's carriage horses being stolen from his pasture.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing letter writing, a trip to Newport, and an assessment of a canal at Kensington Plantation.
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, family matters, and education.
A letter from Professor E. Pearson at Harvard College in Massachusetts on John Ball Jr.'s standing at the university including his absence due to sickness.
A letter from John Ball in Newport, Rhode Island to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing education, morals and principles, the treatment of enslaved persons and the poor health of Jane Ball.
A letter from Jane Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing health, family matters, and a statement concerning an "unhappy prisoner" and his execution.
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 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 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 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."
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 from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John's absence from school due to sickness, a gathering of people at the "May day frolic," a lawsuit between B.P. Williams and Uncle Coming's estate and Mrs. Edward's daughter Kitty dying. The letter goes on to discuss Aunt Waring's enslaved man Allick murdering Polly Smith's carpenter Tom resulting in the execution of Allick. Makes notation that Allick also confessed to trying to poison Aunt Waring five times and "is one of the strongest instances that has come under my knowledge of the impropriety of too much indulgence to slaves." The letter ends discussing how Aunt Waring had hanged one of her enslaved persons years ago for robbing a wagon.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing the family's passage to Charleston, Jane Ball's health, numerous deaths from sickness and the burial of Col. Darrell of the Artillery.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing the family's passage to Charleston, Jane Ball's health, and the plantation crops.
A letter from John Ball in Newport, Rhode Island to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing letter writing, the improving health of Jane Ball, a rotten potato crop, and the poor health of Aunt Simons.
A letter from John Ball in Newport, Rhode Island to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing money for John's schooling, and the poor health of Jane Ball sick with a boil on her head, fever and weakness.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John's poor health, travel and Jane Ball's poor health. The letter ends with a notation that "the news of peace has put a stop to the selling of rice."
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing travel, john Ball Jr.'s health and John leaving school due to sickness.
A letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John Ball Jr.'s poor health, education, and travel.
A letter from John Ball Sr. at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John's improved health, sending the enslaved man Nat to Boston assist John, the weather, and the rice crops.
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 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 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 letter from John Ball Sr. at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing the weather, Jane Ball's health, an outbreak of measles in Charleston and small pox at Midway Plantation, the inoculation of forty enslaved persons, a publication from Doctor Waterhouse on diseases, and the death of cattle due to a drought.
A letter from John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing Jane Ball's health, family matters, travel, a drought and fears of famine, John's education, the election of Mr. Parker as assistant at St. Phillip's Church, Charleston politics, and the publication of "malicious" content. The letter ends discussing an outbreak of small pox and measles.
A letter from John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing traveling to Newport, Susey's boys and her financial struggles, the health of citizens in Charleston, and a publication on the number of deaths in the city for whites and blacks. The letter ends discussing the deaths of the P.M. Parker, the newly elected assistant rector of St. Philip's Church and Cousin Corbett's son Tom.
A letter from Keating Simons to Isaac Ball discussing the inability to go to the counting house, a bill and cash book, tax returns, a letter from Thomas Broughton and selling rice.
A receipt of $60 from John Ball by an order of Keating Simons and his son. The back of the receipt includes a notation of a supply of cloth sent to Back River Plantation.
A bill of sale for six enslaved persons sold to Elias Ball II from Robert Guerrin for $4,120. The names of the enslaved persons are Pompey, Robin, Harry, Will, Stephen and Wench.
A letter from Keating Simons to Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing a visit to the Simon's home, news about John Ball, the poor health of Isaac Ball's mother, the enslaved persons Maurice and Caesar, the counting house, and planters.
A letter from James Simons in London, England discussing soldiers suffering from dysentery, the skills but unsuccess of the attending surgeon, and asking for help from an "old negroe woman" who provided a remedy for the disease and Col. Gordon "had not lost a slave with it since she had attended the plantation hospital." The letter goes on stating that the French name for the plant is "Zezegery," resembles mint, how the plant is used, and the improvement of the soldiers. The other side of the letter written by James Simons states that a man from Jamaica identified the plant as the "Binnea" which is "cultivated in almost every plantation in this country by our negroes for their own use."
A financial account for Jane Ball which includes expenses for tape, a scrubbing brush, toothbrush, tea, biscuits, loaves of bread, a chafing dish, butter, ducks, eggs, and a goose.
A letter from Keating Simons to Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing the shipping of furniture, an enslaved person named Handy and a visit from General "McPherson."
A letter from Keating Simons to Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing the restoration of health for John Ball, the continuing poor health of Isaac Ball's mother, his friend Henry suffering from a fever, an infantry, and Isaac Ball's writing proficiency.
A letter from Keating Simons to Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing a company ball, races in Charleston and the poor health of Isaac Ball's mother.
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.
An indenture between Richard Dennis, William Calhoun, Robert Flemming, and John Williamson for the sale of a lot of land on the south side of Hasell St. in Charleston, South Carolina.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his father John Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing his travels, classes in physics, chemistry, and anatomy, the "Corsican Hero," and Lord Nelson's death fighting against the French and Spanish.
A letter from William Ball in Frenchay, England to his father John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina discussing William's arrival in England, the health of his cousin Eleanor, the death of his Royal Highness Prince William Henry, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh, and news about an army of Austrians and Russians marching into France and Spain to reinstate the House of Bourbon.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his father John Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing letter writing, damage to the crops in South Carolina, and the British troops in the Napoleonic Wars.
A letter from William James Ball in London, England to his brother John Ball Jr. in Charleston discussing his travels to get to Edinburgh, Scotland, visiting acquaintances, and an inquiry into the courtship between their brother Isaac and Miss Hannah.
A letter from Keating Simons to Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing hooks given to the enslaved man Sambo, a corn shuck, and a delivery of bales to Mr. Lockey.
