The Orderly Book of Col. Daniel Horry, 1779, is an orderly book of Commander Col. Daniel Horry's SC Light Dragoons kept by John Ball Sr. during the Revolutionary War. The volume includes information pertaining to the appointing's of military officers such as Major Hezekiah Maham, notes on military drills and roll calls, notes from the camp at Stono and various names of sergeants and lieutenants.
1770-1779, 1760-1769, 1740-1749, 1750-1759, 1720-1729, and 1730-1739
Description:
The Ball Family Account and Blanket Book, 1720-1778, includes lists of purchases, expenses, blankets given out to enslaved persons, and names/ages of enslaved persons at Midway, Limerick, Comingtee and Kensington Plantations. The book includes a loose list of enslaved men with their place of birth and ages, ca. 1750, currently on exhibit at the South Carolina Historical Society Museum.
The Foaling Register, 1745-1777, is a bound register kept by Elias Ball II recording the selling and purchasing of horses, mules and mares and the births of colts at Kensington and Limerick Plantations.
The Surveyor's Notebook, 1767, is a bound volume kept by or for a member of the Ball family containing field notes, tables, conversions of liquid, cloth measures, and a description of rules of "three direct" and "three inverse."
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 torn letter written by Elias Ball III to his brother John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing leaving town, the "poor Dyana" who is ill and unable to nurse and having items sent from the store to the plantation.
A torn letter written by Edward Simons to his brother-in-law John Ball discussing his sister Lydia's desire to "call on" for her shoes and to have them sent up by the enslaved man Ben, sending "Mol" to purchase cakes, shipping papers and soap, and the wellness of other family members.
The Columbian Herald newspaper printed on Thursday June 7th, 1792 discussing the "India War" from the House of Commons and advertisements for English goods, a meeting for the Fellowship Society, a public auction for Indian muslins, the sale of cargo of the Brigantine Triton from Bourdeaux, 500 dollars for a plan of construction of the "President's House" in Washington, and 500 dollars for a plan of a "capitol to be erected" in Washington. The remainder of the newspaper discusses the trial of Warren Hasting in London, an extract from a letter from Northampton, and a section from the House of Lords on "repealing the tax on female servants."
A copy of the last will and testament of Lydia Child Ball in which she states to "give and dispose of all such slaves & there respective issue," a bond of one thousand pounds to John and Nicholas Harleston, the enslaved man Ratcliffe and the enslaved women Amey to her daughter Catherine Simons, the enslaved man Sam to her son and a list of executors she appoints to carry out her will.
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 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 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."
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 Elias Ball III at Kensington Plantation to his brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing health, Isaac Ball visiting Charleston, and the crop at Comingtee Plantation.
A letter from Elias Ball II at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina offering advice on how to deal with business and "bad company."
A letter from Isaac Ball to his brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina on receiving two pairs of shoes from John Ball delivered by the enslaved man Ben.
A letter from Elias Ball III at Kensington Plantation to his brother John Ball in Charleston discussing a handkerchief, and the poor health of their brother Isaac Ball.
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 copy of the last will and testament of Judith Ball in which she bequeaths household furniture and pistols to her son John Coming Ball, furniture and chinaware to her daughter Jane Ball, and the enslaved man Jacob and the enslaved women Rinah and Violet to her daughter Eleanor Ball. The remainder of the will divides Judith Ball's money and estate among her children and appoints her executors.
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 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 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.
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.
The last will and testament of John Coming Ball in which he leaves his plantation and other purchased land to his son Elias Ball, money for his daughters Elizabeth and Catharine, six hundred pounds "in lieu of two negros," tracts of land called "Three Mile Head" to Elias and John Ball, acres of land and "oak and hickory land" to his daughter Jane Ball. John Coming Ball leaves his wife Judith Ball tracts of land, horses, furniture and a "wench called Molly and her son." Makes notation on the division of enslaved persons among the Ball children. The enslaved persons are referenced as "Monimias" daughter Sally, a girl called Senah, Marcus, a girl called Silvia, and a boy called Pino. Makes a statement that the enslaved man and driver Sambo is to be free upon the death of John Coming Ball, given money yearly and is allowed to live on any plantation under the ownership of the Ball family.
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 copy of the last will and testament of Judith Ball in which she leaves her son John Ball furniture and other household goods, her daughter Jane Ball furniture, china and "one negro man named Jacob, one negro wench Rinah" and "one other wench named Violet." Judith Ball leaves her daughter Eleanor Ball money, her son-in-law Elias Ball money and horses, her niece Esther Roberts money and the remainder of her estate to her children split evenly among them. The remainder of the will appoints Elias Ball and Robert Quash as executors.
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.
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 children born between 1758-1817. Information includes the name of the enslaved child, their date of birth and occasionally, the name of their mother and father.
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."
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 letter from Edward Simons in St. Thomas to John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing a shipment of articles sent to John by Mr. Addison's boat and requesting that the enslaved persons Minus and Cromwell carry the articles upon arrival.
A letter from Elias Ball II at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing a potential visit from his half siblings.
A letter from Catherine Simons to her half-brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing a shipment she sent to him and the health of her daughter Cate.
A letter from Isaac Ball to his brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina on Isaac's health and a "battle" fought between Messieurs Simons and Ball.
The last will and testament of Elias Ball I in which he leaves Comingtee Plantation to his son Elias Ball II, tracts of land referred to as Dockum Plantation, land known as "Eveleigh's Land," the enslaved man "Sambo" and Lot No. 49 in Charlestown to his son John Coming Ball, money and the remainder of a lot in Charlestown to his daughter Eleanor Laurens, and a pew to his children at St. Phillips Church.
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 land conveyance of one-sixth part of 840 acres from Elias Ball II and Lydia Simons Ball to their daughter Catherine Simons. This conveyance includes "all the houses, outhouses, woods, underwoods, timber and timber trees…" found within this portion of land.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston, South Carolina to his brother Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing old schooners filled with dirt to be sunk in "Hog Island Crick" to "prevent men of war cuming up that way." However, Elias Ball III recounts that Captain Tufts, after sinking three of the four boats, was discovered, and fired upon. The other side of the letter discusses the crop at Comingtee Plantation and allowing the enslaved person Pompey to have nails to finish the garden.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his brother Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing the placement of troops including at "the river place called mount pleasant." The letter goes on to discuss the governor having been found "to be an old traitor" due to Captain Adam McDonald going under disguise as "one of Kirkland's men" and a committee having been formed to question the governor.
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.
A letter from Elias Ball II at Comingtee Plantation to his son John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing a shipment of cattle, the health of Edward Simons, a fight John had with Bob Simons resulting in a black eye, and the health of Elias Ball III's "house wench."
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.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston to his brother John Ball at Kensington Plantation on sending barrels of salt, the current prices for items and sending an enslaved boy to deliver articles to their father.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston, South Carolina to his brother John Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing his lodgings at Mrs. Dawson's, the anticipation of hearing news from New York, and a request for venison and duck.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston, South Carolina to his brother John Ball at Kensington Plantation on sending horses and news about General Washington's army.
Fragments of a letter from Elias Ball III to his brother John Ball. Fragments reveal discussions on death, newspapers, Mr. Laurens, and sick 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.
A tripartite indenture between John Bryan, his wife Lydia Simons Bryan, Benjamin Simons, and John Ball Sr. The indenture is for the marriage settlement between Lydia Simons and John Bryan, Lydia Simons' entitlement to land and enslaved persons, and a release of trust to Benjamin Simons and John Ball Sr.
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."
