A report from the mayor, city council, and various governmental departments of Charleston, South Carolina for the year 1882. The yearbook opens with an address from Mayor Courtenay followed by reports from various departments and an appendix recounting the history of Charleston.
A newspaper clipping announcing an "Anniversary Meeting" of the Literary and Philosophical Society of South Carolina, to take place in Charleston on Chalmers Street at the "Depository." The clipping lists the elected officers of the Society.
A short letter from J.H. Stevens, Coroner, to John F. Grimke about the death of one of his female slaves, [named Benit?], who had previously escaped and ultimately died "of want."
A bill of sale to Sarah Marie Drayton for the purchase of five slaves from the estate of Mrs. Ann D. Perry. James W. Gray, the commisioner of the Court of Equity facilitated the sale. The sale includes the guarantee to the purchaser of "the future issue of the Females"--meaning any future children will be the property of the purchaser. The back of the document includes several worn statements regarding the legality of the sale.
A letter from Thomas S. Grimke to Philadelphia bookseller Thomas Kite, asking his opinion of Mr. Price, an attorney, but also giving details on military preparations and a fear of violence over the nullification issue in Charleston.
A bill of sale to Sarah Marie Drayton for the purchase of four slaves named Flora, Shedrack, Mary-Ann, and Emma, from Susan S. Keith and Charles M. Furman.
A letter from an ill woman seeking financial aid from the St. Andrew's Society to pay her rent so that she can get her own place and not rely on the charity of her friend who took her in and cared for her.
A letter from an married woman requesting the financial aid of the St. Andrew's Society. It is followed by a note from three men, a minster and two elders, who are verifying that she remains unmarried to the best of their knowledge.
An accounting of a women petitioning St. Andrew's Society on behalf of her husband for a land grant of 400 acres. The accounting includes three men noting their recommendations she be granted the land and certifying her story.
A letter from a Scottish person petitioning the St. Andrew's Society for financial assistance to help them recover from illness while living in a workhouse in Charleston, South Carolina.
Letters of Mary Smith Grimke, wife of John Faucheraud Grimke, to her daughter, Anna Rutledge Grimke Frost (1795-1882), in Philadelphia, regarding the drowning death of her son, Benjamin (1798-1825) and his child, her grieving daughter-in-law Mary Augusta Barron Grimke (1806-1843) and the return of the bodies to Charleston, to be buried in St. Paul's cemetery. With references to settling of her husband's (?) estate, a note to her granddaughter as well and references to "Sally" (Sarah) and Angelina Grimke, especially the latter's turning to religion, attending Presbyterian services, giving up fashionable company and dress and becoming more like her sister Sarah.
Letters of Mary Smith Grimke, wife of John Faucheraud Grimke, to her daughter, Anna Rutledge Grimke Frost (1795-1882), in Philadelphia, regarding the drowning death of her son, Benjamin (1798-1825) and his child, her grieving daughter-in-law Mary Augusta Barron Grimke (1806-1843).
A short letter from George Reid, Secretary of the Society of the Cincinnati, to John F. Grimke regarding starting a society chapter in South Carolina. Reid notes that a meeting will be held at "William's Coffee House" to discuss the matter further.
Letter from Thomas S. Grimke, President of the South Carolina Temperance Society, to William Gill, James Johnson, William Greu, and Isaac A. [Kerlark?], the committee of the Temperance Society of 'F' Company, 2nd Regiment of Artillery, stationed at Fort Moultrie, recommending that their organization receive auxiliary status within a soon-to-be-established state temperance society.