Kate Ferguson, wife of Samuel Wragg Ferguson, writes to her husband's godmother. This undated letter was apparently written after Samuel Ferguson's promotion to brigadier general in the Confederate army. She relates how "Ferguson's command is now resting from his last terrible raid" and that "Capt Nugent and William Barker have not yet returned from Deer Creek." 4p.
List of volunteer firefighters of city engine number 7, including their names, ages, description, occupation, and residence. This copy is missing one name due to a tear in the page, but the information is available in the second copy. Donated to the Charleston Museum by Charles Pequette, 1925
List of volunteer firefighters of the city's Hook and Ladder Company, including their names, ages, description, occupation, and residence. Donated to the Charleston Museum by Charles Pequette, 1925
List of volunteer firefighters of city engine number 5, including their names, ages, description, and occupation. This copy does not include the firefighters' street of residence. See Copy 2. Donated to the Charleston Museum by Charles Pequette, 1925
List of volunteer firefighters of city engine number 4, including their names, ages, description, occupation, and residence. See Copy 2 for some additional information missing in this copy. Donated to the Charleston Museum by Charles Pequette, 1925
List of volunteer firefighters of city engine number 9, including their names, ages, description, occupation, and residence. Donated to the Charleston Museum by Charles Pequette, 1925
List of volunteer firefighters of city engine number 6, including their names, ages, description, occupation, and residence. Donated to the Charleston Museum by Charles Pequette, 1925
Note of Bond between Frank Myers and James B. Heyward. The bond, dated March 13, 1963, is at the center of a dispute between Myers and Heyward over the use of Confederate Treasury notes to pay for Heyward's rental of Myers' trust property. 1p.
Letter from Madame Antonia to Bishop Patrick Lynch asking him, while he is in Europe, to speak to the General Superior of her order on the proper procedures concerning a mentally ill nun who has been taken from the convent by her mother. June 10, 1864. 6p.
Letter from Madame Baptiste to Bishop Patrick Lynch requesting his "Lenten regulations" for the season. She also writes of putting most of her money in the stockpiling of provisions "before the new currency comes in." February 10, 1864. 4p.
Madame Baptiste writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch about their anniversaries as Bishop and Mother Superior and wonders if the Bishop is "as tired of superiority as I am!" She also writes of a local murder in Columbia and a visit to the convent by the wife of "pirate Semmes." March 10, 1864. 8p.
Letter from Anna Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch asking him to forward a letter containing a list of provisions that she hopes to have filled in Baltimore. January 10, 1864. 3p.
Letter from H.L. Elliott to James B. Heyward concerning an ongoing disagreement between Heyward and Frank Myers about payment of rent in "present currency." At the time the agreement was made "little distinction was made between confederate currency and Bank Notes." 2p. March 10, 1864.
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.
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.
Letter from Francis Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch announcing the birth of his son, James. He also mentions the movements of Confederate Generals Beauregard and Hood and the capture of Atlanta by General Sherman. In a postscript he offers the Bishop access to 100 pounds sterling while travelling in Europe. October 14, 1864. 2p.
Letter from James B. Heyward to Dr. James H. Boatwright concerning rent for the house occupied by James. James accepts the offer of $8000 to rent the house owned by Boatwright, but asks him to put in writing that it is okay to pay in Confederate currency adding, "difficulties with other parties must be offered in excuse for requesting what may otherwise seem to you to be so unnecessary a stipulation." 2p. November 14, 1864.
Madame Baptiste writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch about several recent visitors to the convent, including one woman, a mother of a boarder at the academy, who has come to retrieve her daughter. The mother, Madame Baptiste writes, has been "implicated for running off negroes to the yankees" and Madame Baptiste fears that both "may be hanged." January 15, 1864. 3p.
Letter from Francis Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch discussing the seizure of the blockade runner "Minnie", the shipment of cotton bales to Nassau, and his hope that an ailing Pope Pius IX remains alive long enough to see the Bishop who is on his way to Rome. June 15, 1864. 2p.
Special orders from sent to Edgar M. Lazarus from the Confederate Army. The orders state the detachment of Lazarus under the command of "Captain Mordecai" has been extended until further notice.
A letter from E.A. Poyas to William Ball discussing the history of Josiah Smith, cashier of the U.S. Branch Bank of Charleston. Details include Smith's birth at Cain Hoy, his father's position as pastor of the church, the family's relocation to Charles Town due to the father's new position as pastor of the Independent Church or "Pastorship of the White."
John Lynch writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch about the possibility of renting out half of the Bishop's plantation house to Gen. Beauregard's sister, Mrs. Proctor. The other half is currently occupied by the family of Gen. Blanchard. January 18, 1864. 2p.
Anna Lynch writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch in Europe with news about home and the war. She informs the Bishop that the blockade runner "Minnie", which he traveled on from Wilmington to Bermuda, had been captured on its return trip. June 18, 1864. 4p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch suggesting that the Bishop vacate a certain property and move his slaves there elsewhere. The property has "accommodations for 40 or so negroes, besides the dwelling", and may prove more profitable to rent out "as a place of refuge" for lowcountry residents fleeing the war. January 18, 1864 (2nd letter of same date). 1p.
Letter from James B. Heyward to Frank Myers informing him that he most likely will rent his property again but wants time to look for another place "where I may have greater hopes of health and profit." 2p. September 18, 1864.
Letter from the enrolling office of Charleston, SC, stating Edgar M. Lazarus voluntarily reported to the enrollment office and chose to report to the Palmetto Guard Siege Train. The Letter also states that Lazarus is to report to the Camp of Instruction in Columbia, SC and then on to the company he had selected.
This book contains records of the names of yearly and weekly renters and the rents paid, inventory of movable articles on the plantation, including the location of the articles, information on increases and decreases in the number of cattle, mules, and horses, a detailed list of the cattle and their names, the plantation's daily records showing any transactions or major changes that took place on the platation between January 1st and November 23rd and detailed accounts for items purchased as well as transactions between Newton Plantation and M. T. Greaves, G.W.McClean & Co. and Nightengale & Co. for the sale and purchase of a number of items, showing debits Dr) and credits (Cr) as well as delivery records for sugar rum and molasses. Although it is labelled a day book, this book seems to be a miscelleneous book that covers some accounts for the before mentioned categories.
Letter from James B. Heyward at Combahee to his wife Maria Heyward. James was unable to travel to Savannah as planned due to skirmishes at "Coosahatchie." He mentions the death of an "Edward" at the "Church Creek encampment" and bemoans his inability to get news on local troop movements and battles writing "Sunday night the enemy made a raid on the other side of Combahee and I never heard of it until Tuesday. I fear sometimes they may capture me in bed." 6p.
Three receipts for confederate bonds issued to the holder under the "Act to reduce the Currency." All of the receipts are notarized on the reverse and two of them are, in return, transferred to pay taxes. 6p.
Christmas day letter from James B. Heyward back at Combahee to Maria Heyward in Columbia. In his letter, James is reflecting on the dire situation and the bleakness of their future believing soon "it will all be over and we shall be reduced to a poverty irretrievable." He struggles with what to do with his slaves given the eventual "scarcity of food" and "depreciated currency." He intends to leave the majority at his plantation but expects to bring up to Columbia "John's wife so as to take from him that temptation to running off." He writes that he will also bring "Mary if she will leave her daughter Molly...I don't value Mary so much as to saddle myself with the support of Molly." 10p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch detailing the departure of one of the Bishop's overseers and the transfer of slaves among the plantations, and attempts by John to rent out one of the Bishop's properties. 1864. 2p.
Anna Lynch writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch asking him to save her some "blue satinet" in order to make an overcoat for their father. She mentions a fatal explosion in the arsenal in Charleston and their mother's intention to accompany the Bishop on his "foreign trip.” 1864. 2p.
Henrietta Lynch writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch asking him to send some cloth to make a suit for his brother, Francis. She has been unable to get her wool "carded" and fears that Francis will spend the entire winter without one. January 9, 1864. 2p.
Letter from Madame Baptiste to Bishop Patrick Lynch admonishing him for his forgetfulness concerning the profession of vows for two sisters at the Ursuline Convent. January 2, 1867. 4p.
Letter from Francis Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch detailing the passage of a new tax act and his subsequent appeal to the tax board over the amount he is responsible for. March 21, 1864. 2p.
John Lynch writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch that a load of corn and peas purchased for the one of the Bishop's plantations is at the depot awaiting a car and suggests to the Bishop that it be turned over to the local quartermaster as payment for taxes if the car should not arrive by tomorrow. He also writes of an offer for $400 to hire out one of the Bishop's slaves. January 21, 1864. 2p.
Letter from John Lynch to son Robert Lynch in Bermuda. John expresses surprise that his son is in Bermuda especially since his brother, Bishop Patrick Lynch, has recently arrived in Bermuda himself. Enclosed also is a note to Bishop Patrick Lynch in which John discusses Robert's decision to not enter the priesthood. June 6, 1864. 4p.
Letter from Henrietta Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch thanking him for the cloth that he sent. She mentions frequent parties being thrown in Cheraw and her dislike of taking refugees on as boarders. January 26, 1864. 4p.
Letter from Madame Baptiste to Bishop Patrick Lynch about new boarders at the academy and her worry about finances concerning the purchase of the American Hotel for the convent. February 7, 1864. 3p.
Madame Baptiste writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch with news from the Ursuline Convent and Academy. She informs the Bishop she is sending a Miss Preston, fiancee to General Hood, to Richmond to see the Bishop while he is visiting there. February 21, 1864. 4p.
Madame Baptiste writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch about paying taxes and the need for more teachers, and revisits the idea of purchasing the Barhamville school as a future site for the Convent and Academy. March 7, 1864. 4p.
Madame Baptiste writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch about the mental state of one of the sisters and of general news at the Ursuline Convent and Academy. January 26, 1864. 4p.
Letter from Madame Baptiste to Bishop Patrick Lynch concerning the recent death of Archbishop Hughes in New York. Madame Baptiste laments that the obituary of the beloved Bishop in a New York paper is anti-Southern "when it speaks of his going to France at the request of Seward and succeeding in dissuading the emperor from acknowledging the Southern Confederacy." February 2, 1864. 4p.
Letter from Francis Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch detailing his attempts to obtain an exemption from military service. He also writes that he fears state and Confederate taxes will be high this year but is glad "it is all pro patria." February 24, 1864. 1p.
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 giving potatoes as an allowance to enslaved children.
A letter to Charlotte Allston from the overseer at Chicora Wood Plantation discussing tasks performed by enslaved persons, making molasses and a sickness spreading on the plantation.
A torn letter from the overseer at Nightingale Hall Plantation discussing crops and the number of enslaved persons sick. The other side of the letter mentions the death of an enslaved child, a pregnant enslaved woman and a sickness on the plantation.
A letter to Charlotte Allston from the overseer at Chicora Wood Plantation discussing tasks performed by enslaved persons, an enslaved woman named Lavenia who wishes to work in a different area on the plantation to avoid working with Bob and notes on cotton.
Letter from Marx E. Cohen to a "James Tupper" regarding the death of "Marcus," an enslaved man owned by Cohen, while in military service of the Confederate States of America (CSA). Cohen requests a higher remuneration for the loss of "Marcus."
A letter from Charlotte Allston to her overseer at Chicora Wood Plantation discussing the enslaved man Stephen, his family and the enslaved man Toney who escaped the plantation. She believes that Toney failed to escape the plantation and willingly returned to avoid being captured. She states that Stephen needs to be captured, not because he is valuable but for plantation moral. She further writes that she wishes Toney to be sent to work for the government on the fortifications until the war is over, to not be allowed to see his family and confined until he leaves. She writes that the elder enslaved persons James and Mary, the parents of Stephen, be held as hostages in jail as punishment for their child's escape. She states for them not to have communication with anyone in their family except if a white person is present.
Appraisement and inventory of the personal estate of the late Robert F.W. Allston. The list includes plates, china, furniture found at the mansion in Charleston, sundries at numerous plantations, tools, securities and a list of 590 enslaved persons divided by plantations including one in North Carolina.
A letter to Charlotte Allston from the overseer at Chicora Wood Plantation discussing the crops and tasks performed by enslaved persons. Makes notation that the enslaved person Stephen, his family and the enslaved person Toney escaped the plantation for the "yankees." He explains that one of the boats is missing and how the overseer stayed up all night "not knowing what Stephen will do."
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.
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.
A letter to Charlotte Allston from the overseer at Chicora Wood Plantation discussing corn, bad weather that blew down the sugar cane and sick enslaved children.
Letter written by Solomon Emanuel to his mother, Flora Emanuel. The letter describes the "sham Battle of General Hardees Corps." Solomon Emanuel describes the scene of the fake battle and the number of women spectators present. He goes on to mention his father's illness, observing a day of fasting and prayer, weather, and furloughs.
A report signed by Robert F.W. Allston, his overseer Jesse Bellflowers and the reporting Dr. describing the death of an enslaved man named Joe who died following an injury from a fall.
A letter to Charlotte Allston from the overseer at Chicora Wood Plantation discussing tasks performed by enslaved persons and crop farming. Makes an inquiry on what should be done with the enslaved man Toney who is "under the belief that he will be punished."
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 clothes.
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.
Letter from Marx E. Cohen to a "James Tupper" regarding the death of "Marcus," an enslaved man owned by Cohen, while in military service of the Confederate States of America (CSA). Cohen requests a higher remuneration for the loss of "Marcus."
Letter from Marx E. Cohen to a "James Tupper" regarding the death of "Marcus," an enslaved man owned by Cohen, while in military service of the Confederate States of America (CSA). Cohen requests a higher remuneration for the loss of "Marcus."
Medical examiner's note signed by Dr. Eli Geddings of Charleston, SC stating Edgar Lazarus has been affected by a defect of vision since early childhood and that this defect renders him unfit for detailed duty as a soldier. The bottom of the page includes an additional note from the Medical Examination Board regarding Lazarus' myopia.
Letter from William Henry Heyward to John P. Meau concerning the assessment for the Confederate Tax of 1864. Letter includes an exhaustive inventory of slaves, acreage, types of crops, etc., for several Heyward plantations including Fife, Myrtle Grove, Rotterdam and Hamburgh. On one unnamed Heyward plantation in St. Peter's Parish, William Henry Heyward writes, "in consequence of the proximity of the enemy the greater portion of this land has been abandoned." 4p. September 24, 1864.
Letter from James B. Heyward in Columbia to Dr. D.W. Ray, trustee for the late owner whose land James had verbally agreed to rent. James is anxious to move his slaves there for safekeeping but is worried the trustee had no knowledge of the agreement between James and the recently departed owner. James also mentions that he must hasten back to the low country "as my property there is in peril from the proximity of the enemy." 2p. December 19, 1864.
Letter from Sarah Myers to James B. Heyward replying to his note of the same date. Myers consents to the use of "present currency" for that years' rent and indemnifies him should another interested party later object. For the next years' rent she states that she will only take currency if others are still using it. 1p. October 31, 1864.
Note written by James Heyward's attorney, H. W. Fickling, seeking Bond of Indemnity for James B. Heyward if Heyward should pay his rent to Mrs. Myers and not the actual trustee, Mr. Myers. 1p. October 19, 1864.
Letter from Frank Myers to James B. Heyward reminding him that only he should receive the rent for the properties Heyward is leasing. 1p. September 7, 1864.
Letter from Frank Myers to James B. Heyward informing Heyward that he cannot accept a clause Heyward wants inserted in their rental agreement. 1p. October 3, 1864.
Letter from James B. Heyward at Combahee to his wife Maria Heyward. James has traveled back down to his Combahee plantation from Columbia with the hope of being able to check on the condition of his Fife Plantation near Savannah, if the news of the enemy is favorable. He apparently enjoys being back on his own plantation writing "it is delightful here." 3p. December 6, 1864.
1864 Letter to Mr. James B. Heyward from F.M. Fickling, representing Mr. Frank Myers, concerning rental payment for property that Heyward is leasing from Myers. The letter references the ongoing dispute between Heyward and Myers concerning the use of Confederate currency to pay the rent. 2p.
A letter to Woodward Manning from the Quartermaster's office ordering that any surplus of corn available is to be given to the army through purchase or impressment
Letter from H.L. Elliott to James B. Heyward concerning an ongoing disagreement between Heyward and Frank Myers concerning payment of rent in "present currency." 1p. March 9, 1864. (on Planters Bank of Fairfield stationary)
Letter from Frank Myers to James B. Heyward inquiring if he intends to rent for next year "the place now occupied by your negroes." 1p. August 21, 1864.
A letter from William Ball at Limerick Plantation to his mother Eliza C. Ball discussing the birth of William Ball's daughter and Eliza Ball's first granddaughter and the timeline of Faith Ball giving birth. Makes notation on the presence of the enslaved women Masylla and Flora but not Harriet who was sick, and the baby having fingers made to learn how to play the piano "if war ends in time enough for her to learn." The rest of the letter goes on to discuss friends and family visiting the baby, the "negroes" in Charleston, the poor health of Frank, the myrtle berry pickers, and the weather.