These images are from the daybook of James Poyas, a Charleston merchant. Entries begin in February 1760 and end in April of 1765. James Poyas was born in 1736 to Jean Louis (anglicized to John Lewis) Poyas and Marie Jourdan. He married Elizabeth Portall in 1755, and they had one child, a daughter, Elizabeth. In 1767, James moved his family to London. They never returned to America to live. His daughter married an Englishman, Joseph Higginson; and James died in Bath in 1799. Beyond these few facts, very little is known about James and his family. Research is, of course, on-going. The daybook itself is one of a set. The South Carolina Historical Society holds the companion book, which covers from 1764-1766, so there is some overlap. The description of the entries list the names and, in the parentheses behind them, their account numbers. This will serve as a differentiation between people (fathers and sons, cousins, etc.) with the same or similar names. Due to slight variations in spelling (for which we have attempted a reconciliation), it will also serve as a confirmation that one is in fact looking at the same person throughout the ledger. Some of the miscellaneous account numbers, not associated with people, are: account 3 -- the store itself; account 31 -- cash; account 87 -- Indico [Indigo?] and account 81 -- Bonds and Notes. Occassionally there are entries with no account numbers next to them. These seem to be have been entered into another ledger (petty cash?) but no account number has been listed in our corresponding description, even if that person had (or would have) an account.
Letter from John Laurens to Francis Kinloch regarding foreign travel in Europe and the state of American political affairs. Laurens proceeds to outline the South Carolinian officials who are to attend the General Congress gathering that will soon take place in Philadelphia or New York.
Letter from John Hancock to the Governor and Council of the State of Virginia regarding the movement of the British fleet from New York. Hancock reports that the fleet is suspected to be bound for South Carolina.
Letter from Mann Page, Jr. to John Page relating recent news including the locations of Howe's fleet and a foiled assassination attempt on General Washington.
Letter from William Bryan to [Governor Richard Caswell] regarding the British attacks in the north, the movement of their fleet, his suspicion that they intend to attack South Carolina, and the lack of preparation for said attack.
Letter from Mann Page, Jr. to John Page regarding the location of various commanders of the Continental Army, including General Washington and General Gates, and their troops.
Letter from Mann Page Jr. to John Page praising the news of Mr. George Wythe’s promotion to Speaker of the House of Delegates and in turn, lamenting the decision to dismiss Colonel R. H. Lee from Congress.
Letter from Mann Page, Jr. to John Page appraising his brother of his bout with smallpox, preparation for an enemy invasion in Philadelphia, the British blocking of trade, the loss of a ship with her captain and supplies, and reporting the expected renewal of British forces in the spring.
![Letter from William Bryan to [Governor Richard Caswell]](https://iiif.library.cofc.edu/iiif/2/35544/full/200,/0/default.jpg)
![Letter from William Heath to Colonel Gallop [Gallup?]](https://iiif.library.cofc.edu/iiif/2/35918/full/200,/0/default.jpg)
