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..."
Certification from Pastor Purcell of St. Michaels in Charleston and Minister George Buist from the Presbyterian Church of Charleston that John Ball is a student in the Charleston Seminary.
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 copy of a reference letter from James Simons to the tutors of Cambridge College on behalf of John Ball. Included is a letter from the college stating that a "certificate" is required for any student recommendation.
A note from Pastor Purcell of St. Michaels in Charleston and Minister George Buist from the Presbyterian Church of Charleston. The note mentions supplying a certificate for John Ball to "remedy the defect."
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts on letter writing, how to behave while at school and with friends, avoiding "extravagance" and living with " generosity tempered with prudence."
Copy of a plat of land in St. Andrew’s Parish, 103 acres are marsh land. Little other detail or explanation. At the time of the copy belonged to George Wagner. Names associated with this plat include Stephen Bull, Thomas Jones, George Wagner, Richard Godfrey, Nathaniel Brown and Thomas Jones.
Plat of 300 acres in St. Andrew’s Parish on the Stono River originally granted to William Branford. At the time of the copy it belonged to George Wagner. Names associated with this plat are William Branford, George Wagner, Egerton Leigh, Thomas Boone and Elizabeth Hutchins.
82 Acre plat of land, shows some trees with minimal notation. Names associated with this plat are John Green and Anthony Mitchell. Notable geographic locations include Waccamaw Neck.
Plat of 130 acres on the Pee Dee River. Explains the plat and the surrounding area, drawing itself has little detail. Names associated with this plat are William Swinton, Joseph LaBruce, John White, James St. John, Elias Hopkin, and Thomas [?]. Notable geographic locations include the Pee Dee River, Black River, Weehaw Plantation, Kensington Plantation, Weehaw Creek, Georgetown, and Craven County [now in parts of Berkeley, Charleston, Georgetown, and Williamsburg counties].
