A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the plantation fields, the enslaved man Pompey informing Finklea about a location where sheep were being butchered, Young Daniel having been found guilty of the butchering and "flogged," having Daniel "in limbo" but flogging him each day and night until he confesses who helped him, notes about the enslaved persons Old Dido, Stoke Violet, Ben, "Jerico Jack," Sander, Tenah, and Young Primus, and an inventory of cattle.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rice crops, the enslaved persons Elick, Paul, Pompy and Jimmy.
A letter from Quinby Plantation overseer John Paye to John Ball in Charleston discussing work done with the rice in "Thomas field," the "negroes" allowances, the number of bushels the enslaved adults and children have, and a visit from Dr. Edwards for "Cloey's" child. The last page of the letter discusses a situation with the enslaved man and cooper Gibby who, after being spoken to, told the overseer he would go into the woods and wait for John Ball to come home. The overseer writes that Gibby said, "he could take a thousand lashes from his master but nobody else."
A letter from overseer John Jacob Ischudy at Limerick Plantation to Mr. Finby at Comingtee Plantation discussing the enslaved girl Lucinda, her role in the fields, her future roles and John Jacob Ischudy's "use" for her.
Copy of "Resolutions of the Board of Commissioners of Roads" appointing John Ball, Edward Simons, and Robert Roper to a committee to oversee Mrs. Laurens and Mepkin Bridge. The document makes notations regarding enslaved men reporting for road duty, and Mrs. Laurens' contract to make repairs to the bridge.
Letter from the Board of Commissioners of Roads discussing Mrs. Laurens' contract with the board, the dangerous state of Mepkin Bridge and an issue concerning Mrs. Laurens' carpenters.
A letter from overseer John Jacob Ischudy to John Ball in Charleston discussing a shipment from John Ball of butter and rice and the "misconduct of Payne & Daphne. The letter goes on to discuss that Payne has been robbing Ischudy and that he believes Daphne is his accomplice. As a result of this discovery, Ischudy writes that Payne was "smartly punished" but has now fled to the woods. Ischudy is requesting to exchange Payne for another enslaved person. The letter ends with Ischudy describing enslaved persons as "such creatures. Their "natural dishonesty, lying, laziness & the constant necessity of having one's eye upon them, worry me & almost wear me out. Mrs. Ischudy is even more sick of them..."
A letter from overseer John Jacob Ischudy to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rectory, a move to "pine-land," Dublin bringing "Old Bobbel" to the rectory, a complaint of dysentery, the work of "Friday & his wife," a situation concerning the purchase of butter from Comingtee Plantation and Mrs. Ischudy's concerns over " a gathering in one of her breast."
A letter from Eliza Laurens at Mepkin Plantation to Mr. Simons and Mr. Ball discussing her approval of making a new bridge and her hiring carpenters to assist. Laurens states that these carpenters, when sent to help, were forbidden in taking down the old bridge. As a result of this, Laurens denied her approval and renewal of a contract.
A letter from Eliza Laurens at Mepkin Plantation to Mr. Simons and Mr. Ball discussing her desire to have Mepkin bridge repaired and sending her overseer with orders for the repairs.
A copy of a letter to Eliza Laurens from an unidentified writer inquiring if she wishes to renew her late husband's contract with the Commissioners of Public Roads to repair Mepkin causeway and bridge.
A letter to Eliza Laurens from an unidentified writer discussing the dangerous state of Mepkin bridge, the beginning of repairs and the writer's desire to have Eliza Laurens assist.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston to Nicholas Harleston discussing Ball missing a visit from Harleston concerning Ball's son and Harleston's daughter.
A letter from Ann Ball in Charleston to her mother Ann Simons Ball discussing her drinking tea with Mrs. J. Mitchell, Mary and Miss Sarah Waring, visits to see Jane and other family members, an invitation to a ball, word of a benefit event and the notation "Mary sends Howdy for you."
An account of beef divided and delivered to Jericho, Hyde Park, Quinby and Limerick Plantations. Makes notation that 331 pieces of beef were given to the enslaved persons.
A letter from Limerick Plantation overseer John Jacob Ischudy to John Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing his family's removal to Cordesville and the almost desolate rectory.
The John Ball Plantation Account Book, 1812-1834, is an indexed account book kept by overseers at various plantations owned by the Ball family. Overseers named are John Cox, Arthur McFarland, Samuel Lynes, Alexander McKnight, Britton Bunch, John Dickson, Thomas Fincklea, James Coward, and John Page. Of particular interest are two different accounts, one with William Deas, referred to as a "Mulatto" and the other "Free Nancy," a free black woman at Limerick Plantation who was buying and trading rice and sugar.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing a medical visit from a doctor for an enslaved woman, a possible case of typhus, a situation with Old Marcus and a shipment of supplies.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing the corn, rice and potato crops at Midway Plantation, the floodgate, assigning enslaved persons to the field, and a shipment of supplies.
An indenture between carpenter Thomas C. Brown, a "free man of colour," and Benjamin Moncrieff, " a free black boy aged about fourteen years" whose guardian is John Ball. The indenture is for Moncrieff to learn carpentry for seven years under Brown.
A letter from Isaac Rembert at Walnut Grove to John Ball discussing Rembert's destruction of rice crops due to flooding, issues with Ball's flood gate, the legal laws concerning flood gates and the notation that Rembert will appear before the magistrate and freeholders to assist if John Ball does not solve the problem.
A copy of a letter from John Ball at Comingtee Plantation to Limerick Plantation overseer Stephen Herren reprimanding Herren's disappearance when Ball visited the plantation to divide the enslaved persons. The letter goes on to discuss the consequences of Herren not being present, whether he respects his duty as overseer and Herren going against the rules concerning the enslaved persons, specifically enslaved children, and Old Simon.
A letter from Catherine Edwards to John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing mortification of what happened at Limerick Plantation with the enslaved persons. The letter goes on to state that the enslaved driver was busy and therefore, the cause of "the trespass." The letter ends with Edwards writing that the enslaved persons "deserve punishment."
A letter from John Ball at Comingtee Plantation to his father-in-law Keating Simons discussing Simons' letter to the vestry at Strawberry Chapel in which Mr. Carson and John Ball were appointed to examine Keating Simons' account, and a transfer of the trustee to the Protestant Episcopal Society.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the Midway rice, the enslaved persons Jack and Sena sending over supplies, missing cattle, having the enslaved man Jerry "switched" after finding two calf's feet in his garden, suggesting to "switch" "Sipion" and Sena so they are more attentive to their duties." Makes the notation, "I trust no negro...will lie & and steal" and that "Linder" lost her child.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the shipment of venison that was butchered by Bristol, the enslaved persons picking peas, and needing locks and doors for the corn and salt houses.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing enslaved runaways in the neighborhood, putting together a patrol of overseers and the enslaved persons Scipio and Ned to find these supposedly armed runaways. The letter goes on stating that the runaway named Morris tried to kill Scipio with a sword and the other runaway named Adam had a gun. Finklea ends with the death of the enslaved woman Amey and the poor health of various enslaved persons, that Morris was shot and injured and an inventory of cattle.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing a shipment of butter, the planting of slips, an issue with the carpenters Robert, Tom and Gabe, having Tom punish Gabe for lying, a list of enslaved persons who are sick and an inventory of cattle.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the harvest, the birth of an enslaved male child, numerous enslaved persons suffering from a fever, the poor weather, and the work of Jack, Rachel, Daniel and Sena.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to Ann Ball in Charleston discussing the enslaved persons Rachel, Sena and Jack sending over supplies, the poor health of Old Nat and Sena, and having the enslaved person Gabe "switched."
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the arrival of shingles, the plantation's crops, London's request for raw tallow and Vilet and Betty's shoe measurements.
A letter from Quinby Plantation overseer William Turner to John Ball in Charleston discussing the plantation crops, the notation that Moses "went off" for receiving fifteen lashes, an enslaved person suffering from venereal disease, shoe measurements, and a list of enslaved persons at Quinby Plantation.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing the health of the family, the corn, potatoes and rice crops at Kensington and Midway Plantations, and the health of Beck's child.
A letter from Quinby Plantation overseer William Turner to John Ball in Charleston discussing how Manuel was received from town, the rice and slip crops, and a request of tools from the carpenters.
A letter from Quinby Plantation overseer William Turner to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rice crops, the poor health of one of the mules, and details about Turner leaving Quinby Plantation for "larger business."
A letter from Hyde Park Plantation overseer Jesse Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the corn and rice crops, harvesting the oats, and castrating a colt.
A letter from Quinby Plantation overseer William Turner to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rice and slip crops, the carpenters not working and a list of measurements.
A letter from Hyde Park Plantation overseer Jesse Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the corn crop, the mill pond, sickness on the plantation, the enslaved man August under Dr. Edward's care who believes August is suffering from consumption, the enslaved women and children gathering peas, and Lucy confined for giving birth to a boy.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball discussing the doctor visiting the plantation, the midwifery, sick enslaved persons from various plantations suffering from fevers or pox, and the rice crops.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball discussing a steamboat, the health of James Coward, the rice and pea crops, and Old Mary sick with fever.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rice, pea and corn crops, the death of Mr. Simmons, and the death of young children due to sickness.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball discussing work done on the Santee road, and the construction of a fence at Turkey Hill.
A letter from Hyde Park Plantation overseer Jesse Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing a letter to Mr. Coward's father, the rice crops and the health of Mrs. Coward.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the plantation crops, London's work with the rice, Pompey losing cattle, a list of sick enslaved persons, an inventory of cattle and Scipio's work with the cattle.
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.
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.
A letter from Catherine Edwards to John Ball at Kensington Plantation requesting an explanation over the "ill will" directed towards her from the Balls upon her attempt at visiting.
A copy of a letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to Catherine Edwards discussing an incident when Edwards attempted to visit John Ball and his wife.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the death of John who suffered from severe head pain, the death of Beck's child and a shipment of eggs.
A letter from Hyde Park Plantation overseer Jesse Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rice and pea crops, shoe measures for the enslaved persons, a request for a hand saw and two whitewashing brushes.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing a situation concerning "Cupit's" conduct on the plantation.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston on receiving supplies, the dry weather, the rice crops, and a request for supplies.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the arrival of the sloop, picking peas, a situation with Jack and artichokes, the poor health of various enslaved persons, Catey delivering a male child, and an inventory of cattle.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the corn crop, the death of Nanney's child, the birth of a male child, the poor health of various enslaved persons and an inventory of cattle.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the work of Elsey, Thomas, Sena, Rachel and Jack, the rice and pea harvest, the poor health of numerous enslaved persons, and having to "switch" Stoke Abram, Stoke Rose, and Silvey's Hannah for stealing.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing how the "hands" hoed, a request made by Bristol and work completed by Adonis, the other overseer Mr. Coward, removing Willey from his current work setting, Scipio's work with the cattle, Cato possibly sick with consumption and an inventory of cattle.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing how Daniel left "the tee," the enslaved woman Charlotte given birth to a stillborn, the poor health of numerous enslaved persons, Scipio's work with the cattle, and an inventory of the cattle.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing that all "hands" are picking peas, a mention of Mr. Schab, the poor health of various enslaved persons, the task of thrashing straw, and Scipio's work with the cattle.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the plantation's crops and fields, the work of Daniel and Dublin, the poor health of various enslaved persons, and an inventory of cattle.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing a shipment of rice, and the various tasks of Jack, Rachel, Ned, Sena, Old Amey, Old Judy, Bristol, and Adonis.
A letter from Quinby Plantation overseer William Turner to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rice and corn crops, and a situation concerning the conduct of an enslaved woman who Turner wanted to put in a closet, but four men took her from the closet and said "they would dye before she would go in the clauset."
A letter from Quinby Plantation overseer William Turner to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rice crops and fields, a request for more mules and a saddle, and a statement on Peggy.
A list of tools given out to enslaved persons which includes axes, saws, chisels, and knives. The names of the enslaved persons are listed as Jericho Joe, Jericho Guy, Pino, Isaac, Casar, Cupid, Brass, Daniel, and Natt.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rice and pea crops, Turkey Hill's swamp, a visit from the Doctor, a suspected typhus case, two sick children and James Coward's child taken with the fever in which he suspects worms as the cause.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston on discharging Daniel, sending Pompy off with an allowance, the potato and rice crops, the recovering health of sick children, and construction of a bank fence at Midway Plantation.
