A torn letter from John Ball to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing how John should interact with his peers, especially women, while at school.
A letter from John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing their fears of John being in Boston when there is a "prevailing disease," the safe arrival of his baggage and "liquor case," a bond of 200 silver, a request for John Ball Jr. to create an account of his expenses, certificates from Mr. Osborne and Doctor's Buist and Purcell, John Ball Sr. suffering from a fever, the poor health of Archer Lord and the death of Archer's sister Maria, and a spread of fever but no symptoms mirroring yellow fever such as black vomit.
A letter from Jane Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts on his friendships, behavior, remaining honorable, John Ball Sr. suffering from a fever, Captain McNeil of the ship "The Eliza" being taken by the French on a voyage to London resulting in the deaths of seven or eight passengers, a sickness spreading around the country, and yellow fever in Boston.
A letter from Jane Ball in Charleston to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College discussing John's arrival at school, a spread of fever in the country, the burial of "Mrs. Crips," the poor health of "Neighbor Latham" and sending the enslaved woman Polly to help Latham.
A letter from John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing letters, John's arrival in Massachusetts and the status of his luggage, John Ball Sr. suffering from "the fall fever," the death of Mr. John Cordes at Pine Ville, and advice to John Ball Jr. to wear warm clothing during the winters for fear of getting consumption.
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 letter from John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing the family relocating to the country for winter, and inquiry on "Allston and Wainwright" from South Carolina at the college. The letter concludes with John Ball Sr. asking about sites in Boston such as Bunker Hill, the dome of the new state house and the methods people use to keep warm in Boston during the winter.
A letter from John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing their fears of John Ball Jr. getting yellow fever in Boston, Uncle Ball sick with fever, John Ball Jr.'s friends "Allston and Wainwright" at university, John attending class with "67 scholars," and the importance of an education.
A letter from John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing letters, the library at school, certificates from Mr. Osborne and Doctor's Buist and Purcell, and advice that anything John Ball Jr. hears at someone's house is "sacred" and never told outside of that house.
A letter from Jane Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing the death of Mr. John Cordes from "fits" at Pine Ville, and the poor health of Dr. McCormick.
