A letter from Elias Ball II at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing brandy for Isaac Ball and a request for watermelons.
Fragments of a letter from Elias Ball III to his brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina. Fragments reveal statements on health, their brother Isaac Ball, and entering a volunteer company.
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 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.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing that the enslaved persons were summoned to work on the "Publick road," a shipment of butter, the pea crop, and the work of Scipio, Daniel, and Jack. Makes notation that Daniel and Jack were "flogged" for not following the overseer's orders, searching the "negro houses," an inventory of cattle and the poor health of numerous enslaved persons.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing a shipment of snake root and butter, the work of the enslaved persons with the rice crops, repairing the "negro houses," the work of Bristol and Marcus, a list of sick enslaved persons (mostly children), the birth of an enslaved child, and an inventory of cattle.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing how he found corn in the flats of the enslaved persons and that they "ought to be flogged," the rice crops and fields, the birth of an enslaved child, a list of sick enslaved persons, and an inventory of cattle.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing that he sent Elsie and Thomas down with butter, the birth of an enslaved child, the rice crops and fields, a list of sick enslaved persons, the work of Scipio and Bristol, Billey and Tom each having a sore hand and an inventory of cattle.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing tasks completed, the rice crops, Bristol's work with the floodgate and Scipio's with the cattle, a list of sick enslaved persons, an inventory of cattle and the birth of an enslaved male child.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the crops, that the enslaved person London was "troubled & cold," giving shoes to the enslaved persons except "Comingtee Vilet & Stoke Betty," who did not have their measurements taken, an inventory of cattle, and a list of sick enslaved persons.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rice crops, the work of Jaccey and Scipio, the poor health of numerous enslaved persons, the birth of an enslaved child, and an inventory of cattle.
A letter from Thomas Slater in Bristol to Isaac Ball at Limerick Plantation discussing the shipment of European magazines, the "Brig Experiment Capt. Chapman," and the death of Mrs. Ball.
A letter from Thomas Slater in Frenchay to Isaac Ball at Limerick Plantation discussing the shipment of European magazines, the "Brig Experiment Capt. Chapman," and the impending arrival of John Ball Jr. to England.
A bond from Elias Ball to executors of William Carson's estate Alexander Robertson and John Blacklock for $18,000. The document includes records of paid installments.
A history of the Harleston family discussing their voyage from England to South Carolina, their first plantation called Irishtown, other plantations throughout the years, the Coming relatives and dates of birth and death for family members.
A list of Ball family members who had their portraits painted. The document also includes the name of the portrait painter, and dates of their birth and death.
A letter from Langdon Cheves Jr. discussing an enslaved coachman named Richard owned by his father "who does not suit him." The letter describes Richard as "large, likely athletic fellow-about 25; naturally competent either to field or house service…" The letter also proposes an exchange of Richard for another enslaved man named Jim.
A bill of sale for twelve enslaved persons sold to Langdon Cheves Jr. from William Seabrook and William McLeod for $7,800. The names of the enslaved persons are listed as Isaac, Hercules, Israel, Jenny, Mary, Joe, Tim, Die, Walley, Cuffy, Nelly, and James.
A bill of sale for nine enslaved persons from Edward R. Laurens, Master in Equity, to Langdon Cheves Sr. for $3,450. The names of the enslaved persons are Billy, Judy, James, "Suaco," Clarinda, Hessy, Bess, Patience, and Jim.
A bill of sale for twelve enslaved persons sold by Frederick Porcher to Langdon Cheves Sr. for $3,009. The names of the enslaved persons are Rosannah, Moses, Darby, Deanna, Betsey, Molly, Hector, Hester, Flora, Scipio, Jupiter, and Clara.
A bill of sale for five enslaved persons from Debose, Palmer and Peyre to Langdon Cheves Jr. for $3,480. The names of the enslaved persons are Job, "Cotter" or "Cotta," Charles, Moses, and Robin.
John Ball Sr.'s disbursement of assets, including pew No. 96 in Saint Paul's Church in Radcliffeborough, named enslaved persons to John William Payne, and land.
Release Between Lydia Simons Bryan, John Bryan, and John Ball Jr. to John Ball Sr. Refers to tripartite indenture dated February 1, 1783, and the last will and testament of John Bryan.
A release in fee and renunciation of dower between John Bryan, Lydia Simons Bryan, and Isaac Ball. Refers to tripartite indenture dated February 1, 1783.
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 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 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 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 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 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 B. Slade to Isaac Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing John Ball Sr.'s will, the sale of Kensington and Hyde Park Plantations along with the enslaved persons living there, other family matters, a trip to England, Slade's unemployment, and the current situation for the trade business.
A letter from E.G. Thomas in Georgetown, South Carolina to Isaac Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing a financial account with Simons & Sons for rice and his enslaved persons carrying items onto Ball's boat.
A letter from Isaac Ball in New York to his father John Ball Sr. on William Ball's death, how he died in Madeira and that he was often seen being attended by a Portuguese doctor. The letter ends discussing a trip to Newport, Rhode Island and having dinner with Mr. Hayward.
A letter from Thomas Naylor in Charleston, South Carolina to John Ball Sr. at Kensington Plantation discussing the death of William James Ball. Included is John Ball's response and his request for information on his son's death and belongings.
A letter from Thomas Slater in Bristol, England to Isaac Ball at Limerick Plantation discussing the European Magazine, a watch and spoons, and financial balances.
A letter from Isaac Ball in Boston, Massachusetts to his brother John Ball Jr., discussing health, his travels, a trip to Newport, Rhode Island, and meeting up with acquittances, and the "Exchange Coffee Houses."
A letter from Michael Bryan in London, England to Mr. Murley and Mr. Naylor discussing the death of William James Ball on December 18th of consumption in Madeira.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the corn crop, raising the riverbank, the poor health of numerous enslaved persons, the work of Scipio and Pompey with the cattle, the birth of two enslaved children from the enslaved women Belle and Elsey, the death of a sow from a snake bite, the "stoke negro houses," an inventory of cattle and the chimney getting struck by lightning.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the death of "Folly" who died of consumption, the poor health of various enslaved children, the start of the rice harvest, Old Pompey and Scipio's work with the cattle, Bristol's work with the floodgate, and an inventory of cattle. Makes notation that a fifty dollar reward was offered for the capture of the enslaved man Morris.
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 rice, the other overseer Mr. Coward, the work of Bristol, numerous enslaved persons who are sick, "Linder" giving birth to a baby boy, and an inventory of cattle.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the death of Marcia due to "inflammation of the womb," the death of Elsey's child, the poor health of other enslaved persons, work on the rice crop, and a list of items sent by Bob and Sena.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing Kensington rice, the enslaved persons Sena, Jack, Old Davy, Caesar, and Rachel sending supplies, the poor health of Sena who is suffering from a fever and cramps, and notations of a runaway.
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 stating he had to "switch" Bob and Jack, a mention of Mr. Coward the overseer and Rachel sending items.
A letter from Eliza Ball to her son William Ball discussing a shipment of items such as towels, needles, scissors, a cake canister, honey comb, granite, and buttons on a schooner, a "bundle of work" for Sylvia, Marcia, Mat and Hetty to do, the status of Nanny's eyes and Sylvia's leg, the poor health of Eliza Ball's horse, the work of Handy, the secession of Georgia, the South Carolina company coming up from Morris Island, a sickness (possibly pneumonia) among family members and enslaved persons, and Isaac sending scissors to his mother Hetty.
A letter from Kate Tabor to Julia Ball discussing the departure of the Laurens party from her home, the sweet disposition of Eliza, requesting the Lanneau boys to stay in the house to guard them, sending a "knight errant" to aid them, a man on his way to Augusta that "got left by the cars" and needs to stay at the residence, a visit to Graniteville's factory and Methodist church, runaways taking over as operatives at the factory, a visit to the village school, and Mr. Laurens' desire to build a house and three cottages.
A letter from William Ball at South Carolina College to his mother Eliza Ball in Charleston discussing his desire to leave school, his opinions on a college education, the differences of colleges between England and the United States, his dislike of the food at school, and the "hatred" between the president and William Ball.
A bill of sale for seven enslaved persons for $3,470 from Edward, Maurice and Thomas Simons, executors of the last will and testament of Keating Simons, to Ann Ball. The names of the enslaved persons are Sam, James, Chloe, Chloe's two children Adam and Betty, Judy and Monimia.
A personal account of visiting Old Dorchester describing the land, roads, a Presbyterian Church, an old fort built by the English for protection from the "Spaniards and Indians," and a tombstone used during the American Revolution to butcher meat.
A list of enslaved women confined at Midway Plantation and tools left out by the enslaved person Marcus. The bottom of the document is a balance of tools at Kensington Plantation.
Anecdotes and memorandum of a watchman named Patrick who was whitewashing his cousin's floor and fell through a window, an "alligator committee," an Uncle Maurice crossing Strawberry Ferry and Bonneau's Ferry, and a story of Bishop Bowen finding a replacement for himself for patrol duty.
A bill of sale for seven enslaved persons sold to William H. Sinkler for $3,200 by James Sinkler, Charles Sinkler, William Sinkler and Richard Manning, the executors of the estate of William Sinkler.
A notice for an estate sale by Thomas M. Hume for a "Prime Gang of Sixty-two Negroes" documenting their name, age, and qualifications. The enslaved persons come from the estate of the late James Sinkler. Qualifications include "prime," "ploughman," "carpenter," "field hand," "sickly," and "three fingers off."
A notice for an estate sale by Thomas M. Hume for a "Prime Gang of Forty-nine Negroes" documenting their name, age, and qualifications. The enslaved persons come from the estate of the late James Sinkler. Qualifications include "prime," "ploughman," "carpenter," "field hand," "sickly," and "three fingers off."
A letter written by Elias Ball II to his brother John Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing travel, jackets and hiring a doctor for a medical opinion.
This torn newspaper clipping is written by William M. Bird, Jr. describing how if the arrested men, referenced as "negroes" are hung, "it will be an outrage on humanity."
A document under the title "500 White Registered Citizens" with notes from a meeting such as "to preserve order and to protect the property and lives of the citizens white & black."
A signed statement by executor Robert F.W. Allston, guardian of Joseph Blythe Allston, on seven enslaved persons from the will of Charlotte Ann Coachman.
A signed statement by executor Robert F.W. Allston, guardian of William Allan Allston, on four enslaved persons and $318 from the will of Charlotte Ann Coachman.
A receipt for $318 to Robert F.W. Allston, the executor and guardian of William Allan Allston, for the division of "negroes" under the will of Mrs. Charlotte Ann Coachman.
