This is the order book associated with the 4th South Carolina Regiment, which was established in November 1775 and formed part of the U.S. Continental Army between June 18, 1776 and January 1, 1781, when it was disbanded following the British capture of Charleston. It also contains orders relating to the 1st and 2nd South Carolina Regiments from September 15, 1775 onward, beginning with the capture of Fort Johnson. It discusses the allocation of men and material to various fortifications around the Charleston area, including Fort Sullivan, Fort Johnson, and the Grand Battery. The book accompanied Captain Barnard Elliott (d. 1778), who was reassigned from the 2nd to the 4th Regiment in November, 1775. Considerable reference is made to war plans, military discipline, including courts-martial, and camp life.
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 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 Catherine Simons to her half-brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina on receiving his letter by the enslaved man Cain, the health of brother Ned, and sending bacon and a blanket.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston, South Carolina to his brother Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing confinement and Mr. Jamison needing his things from the landing.
A letter from Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation to his brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina on not receiving the corks and brandy John sent up, and John being "taken with the troops."
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 Elias Ball III in Charleston, South Carolina to his brother Isaac at Kensington Plantation on receiving money from Keating Simons, notations regarding 1,500 to 2,000 men from the "back country", and the closing of stores in Charleston.
A letter from Elias Ball III to his brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina on sending the enslaved man Plimouth with a delivery, and a request for news from town through either a letter or a newspaper.
A torn letter from Elias Ball III at Kensington Plantation to his brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing the health of Edward "Ned" Simons and an offer about a gun.
A letter from Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation to his brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina on not receiving letters from John and a request for newspapers.
A letter from Elias Ball II at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing the health of Isaac Ball and requesting white sugarcane and "negro leather."
A letter from Catherine Simons to her half-brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina on sending for one of his shirts and that if the "wenches" cannot have them ruffled, she will do it herself.
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 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 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 Isaac Ball to his brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina on Isaac's health and a "battle" fought between Messieurs Simons and Ball.
