The Porcher family history book contains biographical information, reminiscences, and anecdotes about the Porcher family, who lived on multiple plantation properties in Berkeley County, South Carolina. The book also contains numerous photographs depicting plantation houses, chapels, a slave cabin, and portraits of Porcher family members and workers around the properties.
This diary, written by an unnamed member of the McLeod family, contains entries throughout 1927 and October 1931. Most entries concern the weather, the author's health, and author's interactions with various friends and family members.
Plantation journal from McLeod Plantation. It lists the names and accounts of workers (1910-1921), contains notes on crops (1926-1944), and has a number of family accounts (1927-1965).
A letter from Keating Simons Ball at Comingtee Plantation to William Ball requesting him to take care of a dog while Keating Ball's family moves to the "Pine Lands." The letter goes on to discuss that this dog ran into a flock of sheep and injured one.
A letter from Henry L. Barker at South Mulberry Plantation to William Ball in Cordesville expressing his sympathies for the death of their friend Bill.
A note from John Coming Ball at Limerick Plantation on a receipt for $2,035 for shares of the proceeds of the sale of the house and lot on the corner of East Bay and Vernon Streets in Charleston.
A note from John Coming Ball at Limerick Plantation on a receipt for $136 from William Ball, executor of the estate of Eliza Ball. The receipt is for shares of rent for a house on the corner of East Bay and Vernon Streets.
A letter from William Ball to his aunt discussing the birth of William's sixth son, him wanting a baby girl, ideas for the name of the boy, his endeavor to write a record on the family, a statement on the original grant of Comingtee Plantation, the "invasion of the Yankees in 1863," descriptions of land plats and questions regarding family history.
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 to Woodward Manning from his brother Ira L. Manning discussing the death of their brother Elisha, the failing cotton crop, the hiring of freedmen, and requesting information on who from their hometown was killed in the war.
A letter from the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands regarding the removal of freedman James Simmon from Whitehall Plantation. The letter outlines the rules regarding the removal of freed persons from any plantation.
A contract between Adele Allston and six freedmen and women named George, Billy, William, Susanna, Sally and Murphy. The contract states that these men and women agree to work on Adele Allston's plantation and to devote their labor to cultivation. The contract also states that these men and women are not allowed to carry any types of pistols, leave the plantation without permission from their employer and are to be treated "in a manner consistent with their freedom." The bottom of the contract displays the names and marks of the freedmen and women.
Copy of memorandum of agreement between Charles B. Lucas and former enslaved persons, now freedmen and women. The agreement outlines Charles Lucas's and the freed persons duties on Wappahoola Plantation. The signatures of the freed persons are an "x."
A letter to Woodward Manning from Samuel E. Hunt ordering him to "divide your crops with the freedmen and women on your plantation according to the conditions of the "Freedmen's Contract."
A letter to Woodward Manning from the headquarters of the provost marshal's office discussing complaints made against Woodward Manning and his treatment of his "servants."
Copy of memorandum of agreement between Ellen, Catherine, Marianne and Elizabeth Porcher, Catherine White, Elizabeth Lucas, their agent Charles Lucas, and former enslaved persons, now freedmen and women. The agreement outlines Charles Lucas's and the freed persons duties at White Hall Plantation. The signatures of the freed persons are an "x."
Memorandum of agreement between Ellen, Catherine, Marianne and Elizabeth Porcher, Catherine White, Elizabeth Lucas, their agent Charles Lucas, and former enslaved persons, now freedmen and women. The agreement outlines Charles Lucas's and the freed persons duties at White Hall Plantation. The signatures of the freed persons are an "x."
Memorandum of agreement between Charles B. Lucas and former enslaved persons, now freedmen and women. The agreement outlines Charles Lucas's and the freed persons duties on Wappahoola Plantation. The signatures of the freed persons are an "x", and the last page includes a note about the foreman and the freed persons receiving bushels of rice and corn.
Memorandum of agreement between Catherine Porcher, her agent Charles Lucas, and former enslaved persons, now freedmen and women. The agreement outlines Charles Lucas's and the freed persons duties. The signatures of the freed persons are an "x."
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 Francis Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch with news from Cheraw. Francis writes that he has finished constructing a house for some of the Bishop's slaves containing "two rooms, with dbl chimney in the middle" that he hopes will be sufficient. He also writes about his recent conscription, claiming the enrolling officer does not consider Francis to be a tanner which would have exempted him from service. August 24, 1863. 1p.
Receipt of a bond of $4,500 from Ezra and David Risley for Benjamin Allston under the will of Mrs. Elizabeth Blythe following the sale of a tract of land from Waties Point Plantation.
A letter sent to Robert F.W. Allston from David Risley concerning a potential foreclosure on the mortgage for Waties Point Plantation. The following page includes Robert Allston's response.
A statement made by Robert F.W. Allston concerning a bond of $2,250 for a tract of land. The letter names Robert F.W. Allston as trustee for Joseph B. Allston, William Allan Allston and Benjamin Allston under the will of Elizabeth Blythe.
A list of enslaved children born at Nightingale Hall Plantation recording the month of birth and name of the child. Also noted are a list of deaths at Nightingale Hall Plantation.
"Plantation Book, Drayton Hall" describes the division of labor among slaves, crops grown, and provisions supplied to laborers, from January through June, 1844.
A broadside containing rules and resolutions for the St. John's Post in which members establish rules for the weekly postal service. These rules and regulations include an all-male membership, submitting applications, meetings, and resignations. Resolutions include those for behaviors with other postal organizations, resolutions for plantations and fines for failure to complete delivery of letters and papers.
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 Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball discussing work done on the Santee road, and the construction of a fence at Turkey Hill.
A letter from Hyde Park Plantation overseer Jesse Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing a letter to Mr. Coward's father, the rice crops and the health of Mrs. Coward.
A letter from Quinby Plantation overseer William Turner to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rice crops, the poor health of one of the mules, and details about Turner leaving Quinby Plantation for "larger business."
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.
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 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.
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 Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the slips, the rainy weather, newspapers, and the Baptist press.
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 Hyde Park Plantation overseer Jesse Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing Ball's poor health, the rice and corn crops, and the hot weather.
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 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 John Ball at Comingtee Plantation to his father-in-law Keating Simons discussing Simons' letter to the vestry at Strawberry Chapel in which Mr. Carson and John Ball were appointed to examine Keating Simons' account, and a transfer of the trustee to the Protestant Episcopal Society.
A letter from Isaac Rembert at Walnut Grove to John Ball discussing Rembert's destruction of rice crops due to flooding, issues with Ball's flood gate, the legal laws concerning flood gates and the notation that Rembert will appear before the magistrate and freeholders to assist if John Ball does not solve the problem.
A letter from Limerick Plantation overseer John Jacob Ischudy to John Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing his family's removal to Cordesville and the almost desolate rectory.
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 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 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 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 Eliza Laurens at Mepkin Plantation to Mr. Simons and Mr. Ball discussing her approval of making a new bridge and her hiring carpenters to assist. Laurens states that these carpenters, when sent to help, were forbidden in taking down the old bridge. As a result of this, Laurens denied her approval and renewal of a contract.
A letter from Keating Simons to his son-in-law John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing John Ball's "detention" in Charleston, a meeting with Judge Waties, and business with the parish and vestry.
A letter from Keating Simons to his daughter Ann Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing the arrival of General Lafayette in Charleston, how the crowds were "completely united" in honoring General Lafayette, how Keating Simons and General Pinckney used two private carriages to attend the procession, Colonel Drayton delivering an address to General Lafayette at St. Andrews Hall, a business meeting, eggs, and turkeys sold by Mary Franklin and a memorandum on bonds.
A letter from Keating Simons to his son-in-law John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing taking care of his sons John Coming Ball and Keating Simons Ball, the warm weather, the health of John Ball's mother, the arrival of Lewis, the repairs of a stoop and a small note to Ann Ball discussing Mrs. Henry Middleton (Harriet Kinloch).
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 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 contract between Charlotte Allston and John Tucker concerning the ownership of the enslaved person Joe, also referred to as "Little Joe." Joe is now considered the property of Charlotte Allston.
A letter from Thomas Slater in Frenchay to Isaac Ball at Limerick Plantation discussing the shipment of the European magazine, and "seeking health" for Thomas Slater's youngest daughter Emma.
A letter from Ann Ball in Charleston to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing the improved health of her mother, a family visit, and sending supplies by boat.
A note from Ann Ball in Charleston to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing the health of her mother, Lewis's children, Isaac Ball's family and a delivery of strawberries.
A letter to Charlotte A. Allston from her overseer discussing the death of the enslaved man Cane or "Cain." His death occurred from a scuffle with a "little mulatto boy" who stabbed him in the foot with a knife. Dr. Wragg treated the enslaved man Cane who eventually died from an infection.
A letter from Ann Ball at Comingtee Plantation to her husband John Ball in Charleston discussing a mahogany chest, a delivery from Dublin, bad weather causing a delay in boat travel, her mother's improved health, and memorandums.
A letter from Thomas Slater in Bristol to Isaac Ball at Limerick Plantation discussing the shipment of European magazines, the "Brig Experiment Capt. Chapman," and the death of Mrs. Ball.
A letter from Thomas Slater in Frenchay to Isaac Ball at Limerick Plantation discussing European magazines, the death of Mr. Ball, Thomas Slater's son residing on a family estate, and information on the cotton and rice crops in South Carolina.
A letter from Ann Ball in Pawleys Island to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing Mary's pregnancy, advice on sending for the doctor, and a painful toe and cold.
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 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 Caroline Ball in Charleston to John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing Caroline Ball's upcoming wedding, the inability to have a public ceremony, expenses for the children, and the doctor prescribing port wine to the sick children.
