One of three scrapbooks compiled by William Henry Johnson containing, among other materials, photographs depicting scenes of the South Carolina Lowcountry, with descriptive notes. Volume 1 includes photographs depicting cemeteries, churches, plantations, historic buildings, ruins, landscapes, and the interiors of buildings. Subjects include locations in Berkeley County, St. Johns (Berkeley) Parish, Goose Creek, and along the Cooper River. Other sites and subjects include Belmont, Black Oak Church, Bluford, Casada, Cedar Grove, Cedar Spring, Comingtee, a Prioleau family burial ground, Crowfield, Dean Hall Plantation, Dockon Plantation, Eutaw, Eutaw Springs, Exeter, Fairspring, Fort Dorchester, Four Hole Swamp, Gippy, Gravel Hill, the gravestone of Susan Bee, Hanover Plantation, Indian Fields Campground, Ingleside, Indianfield, Liberty Hall Club, Lewisfield, Magnolia Cemetery, monument of Col. Hezekiah Maham, grave of Major Majoribanks, Medway Plantation, Mepkin, a milestone by the Cooper River, Moorfield, Mount Pleasant Plantation, Mulberry Castle, North Hampton, Numertia, The Oaks Plantation, Ophir, Otranto Hunting Club, Parnassus, Pimlico, Pinegrove, Pond Bluff, Pooshee Plantation, John Poppenheim's plantation, Quarter house, Red Bank Hunting Club, an Episcopal church in Pineville, Rice Hope Plantation, The Rocks, St. James Goose Creek church, St. Johns Berkeley rectory site, St. Johns AME Church, a St. Julien family house, a Santee Canal lock, "Sarrazin house," a shanty, Somerset Plantation, Somerton Plantation, "Francis Marion spring," Springfield, Stoney Landing, Strawberry Chapel, Ten Mile Hill, Thoroughgood, Wadboo Barony, Wadboo bridge, Walnut Grove, Walworth, Wampee, Wampoolah, Wappetaw, Washington Plantation, the Whaley place, White Hall, Wiskinboo, Woodlawn, and Yeamans Hall.
A letter from Peter Broughton to Elias Ball at Limerick Plantation on a warrant and a copy of the account for the establishment of Strawberry Ferry taken from Broughton from Trotts Collection of the Law of South Carolina.
A letter from Ann Ball to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing the late return of John Ball, her father's leg recovery, the poor health of her mother, and the cold weather.
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 a member of the Simons family in Charleston to Isaac Ball at Quinby Plantation discussing the enslaved person Scipio and a horse cargo traveling with items, militia duty, the rice market, business, and the "happy days of our boyhood."
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to Ann Ball in Charleston discussing the poor health of John Ball, the weather, the corn crop and a shipment of supplies.
A letter from Ann Ball in Charleston to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing the arrival of a boat, hurricane type weather, her parent's poor health, Ann Ball's own suffering with an "oppression at my chest," trouble with the enslaved persons at Limerick and Midway Plantations, and the poor health of "Lewis's Little Keating."
A letter from Ann Ball to her husband John Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing "Lewis" and "Marcus," Isaac Ball leaving town with his family, a severe cold, and the harvesting of crops.
A letter from Hyde Park Plantation overseer Jesse Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing shoes for the plantation, threshing the crops, the weather, the rice crops, and Jesse Coward's health.
A letter written by Elias Ball III to his brother John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing traveling, a Mr. Naylor traveling to Liverpool, Betsey and Polly Smith sailing for Philadelphia, a lot at Strawberry Plantation, the tending of crops and the passage of Captain Drommon from Norfolk.
A letter from Elias Ball IV at Limerick Plantation to Elias "Wambaw" Ball III exiled in Bristol, England discussing family, health, the upcoming marriage between Elias Ball III's daughter and "young Moultrie," the lands of England, the South Carolina legislature passing a tax bill on enslaved persons, agreements with the "Torey's," a bill of exchange for money due and accounts current, the removal of "Old Tom" from Wambaw, missing enslaved runaways, the work of various enslaved persons, and the sale of Elias Ball III's enslaved persons for cash by Mr. Gaillard.
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 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 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 letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the work of Elsey, Thomas, Sena, Rachel and Jack, the rice and pea harvest, the poor health of numerous enslaved persons, and having to "switch" Stoke Abram, Stoke Rose, and Silvey's Hannah for stealing.
A letter from Quinby Plantation overseer William Turner to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rice and slip crops, the carpenters not working and a list of measurements.
A list of 152 enslaved persons. Notations include the first names of each enslaved person, their role on the plantation and the name of their parent(s).
A sale of 103 enslaved persons owned by William Conway, declared by the high court of Chancery of the Kingdom of Great Britain to be a "lunatic." All enslaved persons, cattle, sheep, and land were sold to Charles William Rogers from Commissioner Benjamin H. Buckner for $6,000.
Letter to Langdon Cheves Jr. from Langdon Cheves Sr. in Pendleton on the runaway enslaved man Jim. Langdon Cheves Sr. writes about an advertisement he read in the newspaper about a "runaway, negro man who calls himself Jim" who has been imprisoned and "belongs to Judge Cheves on Savannah River." He further writes that his son should consider using "light iron" to prohibit Jim from running away again.
A letter to Charlotte Allston from the overseer at Nightingale Hall Plantation discussing tasks performed by enslaved persons as well as those who are sick, crop farming and rice.
The Rose Hill Time Book is a record of the tasks completed on the property and the figures related to pay for working these tasks starting in the month of July and ending in the month of December of 1878. Also included in this account are the names of the laborers on site. This location was once known as "Rose Hill Plantation" prior to the Civil War and this Time Book represents the agricultural labor of freedmen post Civil War during the era of Reconstruction. The names of the laborers are listed as: Abby, Adam, Bacus, Balinda, Ben, Berry, Bess, Billy, Bina, Binky, Blake, Brooks, Butler, Caroline, Catharina, Ceasar, Charity, Charlot, Chas, Cinty, Clay, Cloe, Curry, Dafney, Daniel, Dareus, David, Ellen, Eve, Fanny, Fay, Flora, Franky, Friday, Gibs, Hacklus, Hanah, Hariet , Hariott, Harot, Henry, Isaac, Israil, Jacob, James, Jane, January, Jerry, Jim/Jimm/Jimmy, Joana, Jock, John, Josiah, Judy, Julian, Jun, Laury ,Leah ,Leny, Lesby, Liddy, London, Luck , Maria, Mary, Maryann, Mily, Mingo, Morris, Moses, Ned , Patience, Patima, Patty, Peggy, Peter, Phillip, Pompy, Primus, Prince ,Queen, Richard ,Rob, Robert, Robin, Rose ,Saby, Sally, Sam, Sambo , Sampson ,Scilla, Scipio, Sealy, Sharlott, Silvey, Smart, Sory, Stephen, Tamar, Thomas, Toby, Tom, Tug, Violet, William.
A letter from Ann Ball at Comingtee Plantation to her husband John Ball in Charleston discussing her mother's health, that Captain Peter "did not make his port," feeling anxious over "how Dublin got down with his charge" and a shipment of bricks.
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 Hyde Park Plantation overseer Jesse Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the corn crop, the mill pond, sickness on the plantation, the enslaved man August under Dr. Edward's care who believes August is suffering from consumption, the enslaved women and children gathering peas, and Lucy confined for giving birth to a boy.
A copy of a letter to Eliza Laurens from an unidentified writer inquiring if she wishes to renew her late husband's contract with the Commissioners of Public Roads to repair Mepkin causeway and bridge.
A letter from overseer John Jacob Ischudy at Limerick Plantation to Mr. Finby at Comingtee Plantation discussing the enslaved girl Lucinda, her role in the fields, her future roles and John Jacob Ischudy's "use" for her.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing two sick children, baskets of eggs and potatoes, and the rice crops.
A letter from Lydia Simons to her brother John Ball discussing John Ball's inability to use his fingers, and the crops at "Limeric" (Limerick) Plantation.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his brother John Ball Jr. at Comingtee Plantation discussing the birth of a baby in John's family, other family matters, and the observation that many inhabitants in Edinburgh have a wooden leg due to sickness.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his father John Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing his travels, classes in physics, chemistry, and anatomy, the "Corsican Hero," and Lord Nelson's death fighting against the French and Spanish.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his father John Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing letter writing, damage to the crops in South Carolina, and the British troops in the Napoleonic Wars.
A letter from William Ball at Limerick Plantation to Mary thanking her for a package she sent, his poor health and treatment from a doctor, and reflections on a party during the Christmas season. The letter goes on to discuss the Christmas of the "good old days in slavery time, thanks to Mr. Lincoln" and that two servants remain in the household as they "never left us."
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his brother John Ball Jr. at Comingtee Plantation discussing hunting with his brothers, the Christmas holiday, and Scottish religion.
A letter from Thomas Slater in Frenchay to Isaac Ball at Limerick Plantation discussing the shipment of the European magazine, the death of Isaac Ball's daughter Eliza, the improving health of Thomas Slater's daughter Emma and financial accounts.
A letter from Catherine Edwards to John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing mortification of what happened at Limerick Plantation with the enslaved persons. The letter goes on to state that the enslaved driver was busy and therefore, the cause of "the trespass." The letter ends with Edwards writing that the enslaved persons "deserve punishment."
A letter from Eliza Laurens at Mepkin Plantation to Mr. Simons and Mr. Ball discussing her desire to have Mepkin bridge repaired and sending her overseer with orders for the repairs.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rainy weather, the rice crops, a shipment of butter, and a request for items.
A letter from the accommodation wharf Cart, Kopff & Jervey to William Ball discussing the quality and value of rice from John Harleston's plantation. Makes notation, "how are you getting on with the freedmen?"
A letter from John Cheeseborough to his aunt Elizabeth Frances Blyth discussing the purchase of the enslaved man York. Makes notation that he is "unwilling to sell him to any one so that he cannot occasionally see his family."
A four-page unattached letter from Langdon Cheves Sr. to Langdon Cheves Jr. discussing items received, letters during Langdon Cheves Sr.'s time in Congress, statements regarding enslaved persons and a plantation book. The other pages include an account for materials, a Dr.'s bill for enslaved persons, financial business, and remarks.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston, South Carolina to John Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing that week's paper, word from Mr. Lauren's on how the army is helping drive General Washington over the mountains, the belief that General John Burgoyne's army was taken, the fleet of Commodore Biddle, the price of rice, and various notations regarding the Commons House of Assembly.
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 farm manager or agent named James Hull on the enslaved man Scipio bring down ducks and butter, picking peas, working in the fields and payments.
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 Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston on receiving supplies, the dry weather, the rice crops, and a request for supplies.
A letter from Quinby Plantation overseer William Turner to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rice crops and fields, a request for more mules and a saddle, and a statement on Peggy.
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 Ann Ball at Lewisfield Plantation to her parents John Ball Jr. and Ann Simons Ball discussing her sister Jane's headaches and her little brother Keating.
A letter to Charlotte Allston from the overseer at Chicora Wood Plantation discussing how the enslaved people who were sick are better, making bushels of oats and hogs on the property.
A letter to Charlotte Allston from the overseer at Chicora Wood Plantation discussing crops, a sickness on the plantation and resistance from enslaved persons, particularly females, following Stephen's departure. Makes notation that the enslaved person Toney came back and has not been punished. According to Toney, Stephen tricked Toney to travel with him, only to be told later on that Stephen, who was supposedly armed, was taking his family to the "Yankees" and that Toney needs to come with them. Toney eventually was able to leave and return to the plantation.
A letter to Charlotte Allston from the overseer at Nightingale Hall Plantation discussing tasks performed by enslaved persons as well as those who are sick and crops. Makes a notation about the enslaved person Toney from Chicora Wood Plantation who returned from the "yankees." The overseer believes Toney and his family should be sent to North Carolina as he does not wish to have him sent to the military.
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 Ann Ball at Comingtee Plantation to her husband John Ball in Charleston discussing a visit from Mrs. "Tourner" and Mrs. Laurens, the cook Eliza "grunting and walking lame," word from Midway Plantation that Binah's son Pompey, living at Pimlico Plantation with his wife, has been sick, that "Little Judith" is suffering from a cold, and memorandums.
A letter from Thomas Slater in Bristol to Isaac Ball at Limerick Plantation discussing European magazines, a coronation, a financial account, the production of crops, Isaac Ball's "father's widow" and the "steps" she has taken on account of the children, and potentially spending winter in Charleston.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rice crops, the enslaved persons Elick, Paul, Pompy and Jimmy.
A letter from Elias Ball III at Comingtee Plantation to his brother Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing Isaac's fever and sending the enslaved man Plimouth to visit Isaac to receive news of his health.
A letter from Thomas Slater in Frenchay to Isaac Ball at Limerick Plantation discussing the shipment of the European magazine, the death of John Moultrie, and the improving health of Thomas Slater's daughter Emma.
A letter to Eliza Laurens from an unidentified writer discussing the dangerous state of Mepkin bridge, the beginning of repairs and the writer's desire to have Eliza Laurens assist.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing the health of the family, the corn, potatoes and rice crops at Kensington and Midway Plantations, and the health of Beck's child.
A letter from Hyde Park Plantation overseer Jesse Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the corn and rice crops, harvesting the oats, and castrating a colt.
The Rose Hill Time Book is a record of the tasks completed on the property and the figures related to pay for working these tasks starting in the month of January and ending in the month of May of 1878. Also included in this account are the names of the laborers on site. This location was once known as "Rose Hill Plantation" prior to the Civil War and this Time Book represents the agricultural labor of freedmen post Civil War during the era of Reconstruction. The names of the laborers are repeated throughout the record and are listed as: Abby, Adam, Balinda, Ben, Berry, Bina, Binky, Burry, Butler, Caesar, Charity, Charles, Charlot, Charot, Clarrida, Curly, Daniel, Daphney, Dareus, Edward, Ellen, Fay, Flora, Frank, Gibs, Hacklus, Hanah, Hariot, Harry, Henry, Isaac, Israil, Jacob, January, Jenny, Jerry, Jim/Jimmy, Joan, John, Judy, June, Juno, Leah, Linda, Lindy, Luck, Martha, Mary, Mingo, Miny, Mira, Morris, Nancy, Ned, Patty, Peggy, Phillip, Pompy, Queen, Richard, Robert, Robin, Rose, Sabe, Sally, Salvy, Sarah, Serpio, Silvey, Smart, Stephen, Tom, Violet.
A letter from Charles Haskell to Langdon Cheves discussing mules, Confederate bonds, valuable papers, the purchase of 600 bushels of corn, and Cheves' enslaved persons.
A letter from William Jones to Langdon Cheves Sr. discussing the enslaved man Harry and his wife Betty. The letter discusses Harry's service with another slaveholder and Betty's great health.
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 John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts on John Ball Jr's school vacation plans and knowledge of American cities, inquiries into the lifestyle of students at Harvard, the marriage of cousin Lydia to Mr. Lucas, the cotton crops in South Carolina and at Kensington, Hyde Park and Midway Plantations. The letter concludes concerning a deed for the enslaved boy Billy, "the valet de chambre" for John Ball Sr. who wishes that upon his death for John Ball Jr. to "be kind to him for my sake & for your own advantage." He ends stating that if Billy is "ungrateful" towards John Ball Jr. or quits, "do not trouble in getting him back, but if he afterwards return then let him be disgraced..."
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 letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing how the "hands" hoed, a request made by Bristol and work completed by Adonis, the other overseer Mr. Coward, removing Willey from his current work setting, Scipio's work with the cattle, Cato possibly sick with consumption and an inventory of cattle.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston to Nicholas Harleston discussing Ball missing a visit from Harleston concerning Ball's son and Harleston's daughter.
A letter from John Jacob Ischudy to John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing a delayed visit due to rain, and the departure of the enslaved woman Phyllis from the rectory (believed to have gone to Comingtee Plantation) with the hope that "she might be at liberty to idle away." The letter goes on to discuss an earlier situation with Phyllis breaking the Ischudy's rules regarding "servants" eating breakfast and dinner. Due to her behavior, Ischudy writes that Phyllis was whipped with a "chincopen switch" and gave her "five or six cuts upon the shoulders." He ends his letter stating that Phyllis "has not been ill treated" and wishes for John Ball to punish her if she arrives at Comingtee Plantation.
A letter from Elias Ball III at Kensington Plantation to his brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing a shipment of grapes delivered by the enslaved man Ben and a request for papers.
A letter from Jane Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John Ball Sr. leaving for Kensington Plantation, a visit to see Aunt Simons at Sullivan's Island, updates on John's brothers, the death of Ned Wilkinson, Old John Gaillard and Old Brailsford, George Aneram from fever, and Jane's health.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his brother John Ball Jr. at Comingtee Plantation discussing an upcoming birth in John's family, their brother Isaac's courtships, and the statement that "war resounds from all quarters." The letter goes on talking about the inhabitants of Edinburgh and their excessive alcohol and tea drinking, tobacco use, nervous disorders, and the "badly attended" theater.
A letter from overseer John Jacob Ischudy to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rectory, a move to "pine-land," Dublin bringing "Old Bobbel" to the rectory, a complaint of dysentery, the work of "Friday & his wife," a situation concerning the purchase of butter from Comingtee Plantation and Mrs. Ischudy's concerns over " a gathering in one of her breast."
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball discussing a steamboat, the health of James Coward, the rice and pea crops, and Old Mary sick with fever.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his brother John Ball Jr. at Comingtee Plantation discussing winter, formal balls in Charleston, their brother Isaac's relationship with Miss Conny, and other family matters.
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 Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing a medical visit from a doctor for an enslaved woman, a possible case of typhus, a situation with Old Marcus and a shipment of supplies.
A message signed by J. McCrady confirming that enslaved persons owned by Robert F.W. Allston arrived for work at South Island Plantation. The names of the enslaved are Salone, Sammy, Jacob, Mary, Sancho, June and Abraham.
A letter from Thomas Slater in Bristol to Isaac Ball at Limerick Plantation discussing a shipment of the European magazine, the crops in South Carolina and travel from Frenchay to Bristol.
A letter from Catherine Edwards to John Ball at Kensington Plantation requesting an explanation over the "ill will" directed towards her from the Balls upon her attempt at visiting.
A letter from John Ball Sr. at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing the weather, Jane Ball's health, an outbreak of measles in Charleston and small pox at Midway Plantation, the inoculation of forty enslaved persons, a publication from Doctor Waterhouse on diseases, and the death of cattle due to a drought.
A letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing letter writing, fears that Captain Tilden is lost, snow in South Carolina, the price of wood, and that "Old Plenipi is dead."
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his brother John Ball Jr. at Comingtee Plantation discussing their brother Isaac's relationship with Miss Conny, classes at university, joining the medical society, and a brief discussion on William's trip to the Scottish Highlands.
A letter from John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina to financial agent George Lockey discussing money for his son William at University of Edinburgh, the belief that war will break out, John's brother suffering from a fever and a worm damaging the plantation crops.
A copy of a letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to Catherine Edwards discussing an incident when Edwards attempted to visit John Ball and his wife.
