A letter from John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts on suffering from the "autumnal fever of the country," the city of Charleston suffering greatly from the disease, a visit from the Englishman William Charles Thomas to settle the concerns of the exiled Elias Ball in Bristol, a request for a miniature of John Ball Jr., the essays of the Pope, how John should behave while at college and the differences between English and American education. Makes the notation, 'carry in your mind that whenever a general emancipation takes place in South Carolina & Georgia you are a ruined man and all your family [connexions] made beggars."
A letter from Jane Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John's studies, his "moral & religious virtue," the behavior of his brothers, the fever outbreak in the city, updates on family members and neighbors including the death of Mrs. Crafts, notations concerning various enslaved persons working as servants and coachmen, and the readiness" of the Frigate to sail "the ministers to the Hague."
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts on John Ball Sr.'s fever, medicine, the health of the family, wanting watermelons, John Ball Jr.'s writing skills, an inquiry for John Ball Jr.'s miniature or a portrait of him in his school uniform, and the rice crop in South Carolina.
A letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing the "unhealthiness of Charleston," due to a spreading sickness, fears of physicians and family members contracting the disease, the statement that "death stalks ghastly" and that Mr. J. Cordes was buried at Briggin Church.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts on letter writing, Captain Calef, the launching of the Boston Frigate, the Constitution of Massachusetts, inquiries into john Ball Jr's life at college, and on writing in Latin.
A letter from John Ball to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing a shipment of rice and meat, the poor health of Jane Ball and John Ball Jr. submitting to "the arbitrary laws" of Harvard.
A letter from Col. R. McKelvey to John Ball on General Washington "accepting his appointment under Congress" and John Ball's promotion to Major of the 2nd Battalion of the 30th Regiment. Also included is a letter from John Ball discussing his promotion and an election for an ensign.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing "the sickly season," the health of the family, those suffering from the "prevailing fever" also referenced as yellow fever or "black vomit," the conditions of the rice and cotton crops, the Regiment of Artillery, and an inquiry into the parties John attends at school.
A letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing Jane Ball suffering from finger pains, Uncle Bryan suffering from "fall fever," and a request for a list of John's expenses at school.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing family matters and business.
A letter from John Ball St. at Kensington Plantation to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing an invitation for Captain Tilden to visit, the Charleston races, a leak under the flood gate at the mill, and Brigadier General W. Washington appointed to a command in the federal army resulting in numerous miliary promotions including that of John Ball Sr. as Major of the 2nd Battalion.
A letter from Jane Ball at Kensington Plantation to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing the severe winter and return of spring, leaving the country for the city, the governor "issuing proclamations for the vessels performing quarantine" due to fever, family matters, Newport, Rhode Island as a summer residence and the drowning of Mrs. John Gaillard, her husband and child while crossing the Santee River.
A letter from Jane Ball at Kensington Plantation to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing letters, John Ball Sr. suffering from a fever, family matters, the state of Jane Ball's horses, the enslaved man Peter her footman, an oration by Doctor William Reid at St. Michaels and a shipment of "hyacinth roots" and "darksupur suds."
A letter from John Ball Sr. at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts on not hearing from their son, inviting Captain Tilden to the plantation, and the suspension of Captain Cochran and "the brig deemed unfit "for the service required, & and the Brig General Pinckney built by Wm. Pritchard taken into service. The letter concludes by discussing a leak in the mill that has damaged business.
A letter from Jane Ball at Kensington Plantation to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing the weather, John Ball Jr.'s "religious & moral virtue," an upcoming review for the Berkeley County regiment, Mr. Calef suffering from a sprained ankle and gout, the finished construction of "the house on the hill" at Hyde Park Plantation, and Maurice Simons taking on the role of "midshipman" for the service.
A letter from Jane Ball at Kensington Plantation to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing letters, the Charleston races, the rice business, a ball at the St. Thomas Club House, and the weather in South Carolina and Massachusetts.
A letter from Langdon Cheves Jr. at Delta Plantation to Charles Haskell discussing Cheves' removal of his 250 enslaved persons, his fears of losing his enslaved persons to "the enemy getting a footing in our immediate neighborhood," the area in which the plantation resides being "open to occupation," and his home being used as General Drayton's headquarters.
A letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts on Captain Tilden still missing, Jane Ball's painful fingers, the advice from doctors to cut off her fingers and her fears of "the amputating knife," the poor health of Uncle Bryan, and an update on John's brothers.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing tasks completed, the rice crops, Bristol's work with the floodgate and Scipio's with the cattle, a list of sick enslaved persons, an inventory of cattle and the birth of an enslaved male child.
A letter from Isaac Ball in Charleston to his brother Elias Ball in Norwich, Vermont discussing their shared disinterest in New York, thinking Elias Ball was enchanted by the New York harbor due to being from the "flat country," the loss and recovery of Elias Ball's trunk, a visit from John B. Laurens in which he proposed to Elias Ball's sister where she gave a "favorable though not determined answer." The letter goes on to discuss that Elias Ball's aunt has fallen back into her "mental derangement" and has been violent.
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 Henry L. Barker at South Mulberry Plantation to William Ball in Cordesville expressing his sympathies for the death of their friend Bill.
A letter from Jane Ball to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John's improving health, family matters, and a marriage.
A letter from Keating Simons to Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing hooks given to the enslaved man Sambo, a corn shuck, and a delivery of bales to Mr. Lockey.
A letter from Quinby Plantation overseer John Paye to John Ball in Charleston discussing work done with the rice in "Thomas field," the "negroes" allowances, the number of bushels the enslaved adults and children have, and a visit from Dr. Edwards for "Cloey's" child. The last page of the letter discusses a situation with the enslaved man and cooper Gibby who, after being spoken to, told the overseer he would go into the woods and wait for John Ball to come home. The overseer writes that Gibby said, "he could take a thousand lashes from his master but nobody else."
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston on discharging Daniel, sending Pompy off with an allowance, the potato and rice crops, the recovering health of sick children, and construction of a bank fence at Midway Plantation.
A letter from Hyde Park Plantation overseer Jesse Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the recovering enslaved persons, and two enslaved persons sick with dropsy or consumption.
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 bond from Elias Ball to executors of William Carson's estate Alexander Robertson and John Blacklock for $18,000. The document includes records of paid installments.
A bond from Elias Ball to executors of William Carson's estate Alexander Robertson and John Blacklock for $18,000. The document includes records of paid installments.
A memorandum from John Ball for the estate of John C. Ball which added a plantation, paid off debts, delivered up to 138 enslaved persons and 130 acres of land near Jericho Plantation. Makes notation that out of the 138 enslaved persons, there were fifty more than was originally appraised.
A letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing the death of George Washington and his services to the country, the idea of Charleston erecting a statue of George Washington in the city, the death of Governor Rutledge from a stroke, the appointing of John Drayton acting as commander in chief, and advice for John to maintain good behavior in school.
A letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing money sent to Boston, issues with acquiring an overseer, updates on John's brothers, Uncle Bryan traveling to the north to improve his health and the death of "Callaghan."
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing a visit to Kensington Plantation, John's expenses for school, the death of Callaghan from a horse accident, Aunt Simons spending time at Sullivans Island and the fear of hurricanes.
A letter from John Ball to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing his confinement due to head pains, Jane Ball's painful fingers and fears that amputation are the only cure, updates on John's brothers and the poor health of Uncle Bryan.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing memorandums, money for John's education, the improving health of Mr. Bryan, and Aunt Simons traveling to Tranquil Hill.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing a shipment of money to Boston.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John Ball Jr.'s health, a shipment of handkerchiefs, newspapers and letters, money for John's schooling, the death of Old. Mr. R. Lowndes and Old Nancy at Kensington Plantation, and that "the bad fever rages in this city."
A letter from Jane Ball at Kensington Plantation to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts on leaving Charleston, his brothers attending school, Mr. Bryan suffering from "a slow fever," John attending a dance at school, and that Captain Tilden has not been heard from.
A torn letter from John Ball to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing letter writing, business, the rice crop, and the weather.
A typewritten transcription from Barnwell District of a deed of gift of young enslaved persons from Wilson Cook to his children. The names of the enslaved children are Abram, Henry, Nell and Sal.
An inventory of the enslaved persons belonging to the estate of Col. Benjamin Garden at Chessey Plantation. The document lists the names of the enslaved persons with notes on stock and those capable of field work or those not "fit for service."
An inventory of the enslaved persons belonging to the estate of Col. Benjamin Garden at Richfield Plantation. The front of the document is a list of enslaved men, women, and children with their ages. The back side of the document lists enslaved women at Bluefield Plantation.
A diagram of the "Plain Scale." The horizontal axis is labeled "inclinations of meridians" and vertical axis is labeled hours. Various geometric shapes and lines such as chord, rhombus, tangents, secants, semi tangents, longitudes, and latitudes are drawn within the "plain."
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing a trip to Newport onboard a ship with "18 whites besides our servants," and the health of Jane Ball.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing letter writing, a trip to Newport, and an assessment of a canal at Kensington Plantation.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John's schooling, a trip to Newport, and a drought in South Carolina.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing Jane Ball's health, Isaac and William Ball, Governor Drayton's speech, the selling of cotton and rice, and visiting two print shops.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John's absence from school due to sickness, a gathering of people at the "May day frolic," a lawsuit between B.P. Williams and Uncle Coming's estate and Mrs. Edward's daughter Kitty dying. The letter goes on to discuss Aunt Waring's enslaved man Allick murdering Polly Smith's carpenter Tom resulting in the execution of Allick. Makes notation that Allick also confessed to trying to poison Aunt Waring five times and "is one of the strongest instances that has come under my knowledge of the impropriety of too much indulgence to slaves." The letter ends discussing how Aunt Waring had hanged one of her enslaved persons years ago for robbing a wagon.
A medical bill from Dr. Robert Brownfield to the estate of Benjamin Allston. The bill includes the names of enslaved persons, their ailment, cost, date and prescription. Notations include treating a "little negro," and offering medical advice to "negroes."
This document is the last will and testament of William Mills where he discusses the distribution of his properties and items. Makes notation on the first page that he leaves his son Thomas "my two negroes Jacob and Binah." On the second page, he makes the notation that he leaves his son Henry "my negro wench Maryanne," his son Robert, "my two negro men Dunder and Jeffrey" and his daughter Sarah, "my two negro girls named Jinney and her sister Cate." On the third page, makes the notation that he leaves to William Mills, "a negro boy about the age of (14)."
A bill of sale for nine enslaved persons from executor Robert Guerin to Elias Ball III for $5,040.60. The names of the enslaved persons are Pompey, Robin, Harry, Will, Stephen, Dido, Judy and two children Peter and Dolly.
A letter from John Ball Sr. at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John's improved health, sending the enslaved man Nat to Boston assist John, the weather, and the rice crops.
A letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John Ball Jr.'s poor health, education, and travel.
A bill of sale for six enslaved persons sold to Elias Ball II from Robert Guerrin for $4,120. The names of the enslaved persons are Pompey, Robin, Harry, Will, Stephen and Wench.
A receipt of $60 from John Ball by an order of Keating Simons and his son. The back of the receipt includes a notation of a supply of cloth sent to Back River Plantation.
A letter from John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing Jane Ball's health, family matters, travel, a drought and fears of famine, John's education, the election of Mr. Parker as assistant at St. Phillip's Church, Charleston politics, and the publication of "malicious" content. The letter ends discussing an outbreak of small pox and measles.
A letter from John Ball Sr. in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing travel, finances, the family's rice crop, Jane Ball's health, and sending the enslaved man Nat to Boston to assist John Ball Jr.
A letter from John Ball Sr. at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing money, family matters, a comparison of education between England and America, morals and principles, and sending the enslaved man Nat to Boston to assist John Ball Jr.
A letter from John Ball Sr. at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing travel, sending the enslaved man Nat to Boston to assist John Ball Jr., and Jane Ball's health.
A letter from Keating Simons to Isaac Ball discussing the inability to go to the counting house, a bill and cash book, tax returns, a letter from Thomas Broughton and selling rice.
John Ball's Office of Discount Deposit Book, 1803, is a bound volume kept by John Ball Sr. recording finances for various persons including members of the Gadsden, Prioleau and Ball families.
The Daniel Huger Receipt Book 1803-1812 is a bound book documenting the receipts by various employees of Daniel Huger and Charleston merchants he frequented. Receipts include the payments made to buyers of enslaved people, money sent for subscriptions to newspapers and to the Charleston Library Society and the American Revolution Society. Other receipts include dividends to the State Bank and employee wages.
A financial account for Jane Ball which includes expenses for tape, a scrubbing brush, toothbrush, tea, biscuits, loaves of bread, a chafing dish, butter, ducks, eggs, and a goose.
A letter from Keating Simons to Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing a visit to the Simon's home, news about John Ball, the poor health of Isaac Ball's mother, the enslaved persons Maurice and Caesar, the counting house, and planters.
A statement certifying the purchase of enslaved persons by Benjamin Allston at the sale of Mr. George Heriot. The names of the enslaved persons purchased are: Philis and her two children Corkey and Peg, Fortune (a carpenter) and his wife Elsey and child Primus. Also includes a notation that Sibbey, the little daughter of Lydia, was bid off the same day by Robert Withers and given to Benjamin Allston.
A power of attorney document stating that Matthew Bryan of Netherton in England appoints John Ball from South Carolina his attorney. Matthew Bryan outlines attorney responsibilities which includes overseeing all financial accounts in the United States.
An indenture between Richard Dennis, William Calhoun, Robert Flemming, and John Williamson for the sale of a lot of land on the south side of Hasell St. in Charleston, South Carolina.
The Register of Enslaved Persons and Blanket Book, 1804-1821, is a bound volume kept by or for a member of the Ball family. The register contains lists of enslaved men, women and children given blankets at Midway, Limerick, Quinby, Hyde Park, Backriver and Jericho Plantations. Information also includes lists of enslaved children born on the plantations, the name of their mother, date of birth and date of death.
A letter from Keating Simons to Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing the shipping of furniture, an enslaved person named Handy and a visit from General "McPherson."
A letter from Keating Simons to Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing the restoration of health for John Ball, the continuing poor health of Isaac Ball's mother, his friend Henry suffering from a fever, an infantry, and Isaac Ball's writing proficiency.
A letter from Keating Simons to Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing a company ball, races in Charleston and the poor health of Isaac Ball's mother.
The Household Account Book of John Ball Sr., 1805-1817, is an account of expenses for household services and needs of the family and servants such as childcare, allowances, the services of a wet nurse, and a pulpit subscription to the Circular Church.
1806, 1822, 1809, 1820, 1808, 1821, 1807, and 1810-1819
Description:
The Day Book for Henry Ravenel Junior, Wood Ville, 1806-1822, is a book divided into two sections. The first section lists the names of slaves and their decedents, lists of purchased slaves with name, name of previous owner, date and price, and slaves who received shoes. The second half, which appears upside down, records family events, visits to the Pineville theatre, traveling, engagements, marriages, deaths, and attendance at the Jockey Club. Also included are entries about a hunting party to capture or kill fugitive slaves, the promise of emancipation for two female "mulatto" child slaves, and a trial over the body of a slave woman who was punished to death. This book contains a second use written upside-down and back to front.
This document is the last will and testmament of Thomas Hunter Forrest. Includes the notation that he bequeathed his entire estate, including slaves (referenced as negro slaves) and household furniture, to "a certain mulatto boy named Frank or Frederick and lately emancipated by me." In the event that the boy dies before he reaches the age of twenty-one, the estate is bequeathed to the "Orphan House in the City of Charleston." Also makes the notation that his executors see that Frank or Frederick recieved a "good English education," learns a trade and that the "wench Sarah" is not to be sold in order to take care of Frank or Frederick.
A letter from financial agent George Lockey in London, England to John Ball Sr. at Kensington Plantation discussing Ball's order of a plate, a shipment of blankets, a pair of women's shoes, William James Ball's health, studies, impending trip to the Scottish Highlands, and a list of his school expenses.
A copy of a letter from John Ball Sr. to financial agent George Lockey discussing the purchase of Lockey's Santee property, traveling to Georgia to see "the tide lands" for potential bargaining, and John Ball's son William.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his brother John Ball Jr. at Comingtee Plantation discussing letter writing, their brother Isaac, William's traveling companions, his views on how the enslaved persons in South Carolina are "better off" than the "highland peasantry," and an account of the living conditions of the Scottish Highland inhabitants.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his father John Ball Sr. at Kensington Plantation discussing the weather in Edinburgh, William's opinions on drinking alcohol, his belief that there is no cure for excessive drinking, the "degraded state to which human nature is brought by drunkenness" and the "ill effects it produces on the constitution."
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his father John Ball Sr. at Kensington Plantation discussing John suffering from "Cholic," and William's account of the landscapes, inhabitants and agriculture of the Scottish Highlands.
The Travel Expenses Book, 1806-1810, is a bound volume kept by John Ball listing expenses for his travels to New York, Boston, Cambridge, Montreal, Quebec, Philadelphia, Bowling Green, Washington, Alexandria, Trenton, and other locations. Expenses are kept for food, clothing, lodging, and hiring servants. Notes indicate Mr. Ball's rating for service and fare at hotels and taverns in various locations.
