A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the crops, that the enslaved person London was "troubled & cold," giving shoes to the enslaved persons except "Comingtee Vilet & Stoke Betty," who did not have their measurements taken, an inventory of cattle, and a list of sick enslaved persons.
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 shoes for the plantation, threshing the crops, the weather, the rice crops, and Jesse Coward's health.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the work of Elsey, Thomas, Sena, Rachel and Jack, the rice and pea harvest, the poor health of numerous enslaved persons, and having to "switch" Stoke Abram, Stoke Rose, and Silvey's Hannah for stealing.
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.
Letter to Langdon Cheves Jr. from Langdon Cheves Sr. in Pendleton on the runaway enslaved man Jim. Langdon Cheves Sr. writes about an advertisement he read in the newspaper about a "runaway, negro man who calls himself Jim" who has been imprisoned and "belongs to Judge Cheves on Savannah River." He further writes that his son should consider using "light iron" to prohibit Jim from running away again.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing that the enslaved persons were summoned to work on the "Publick road," a shipment of butter, the pea crop, and the work of Scipio, Daniel, and Jack. Makes notation that Daniel and Jack were "flogged" for not following the overseer's orders, searching the "negro houses," an inventory of cattle and the poor health of numerous enslaved persons.
A letter from Hyde Park Plantation overseer Jesse Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the corn crop, the mill pond, sickness on the plantation, the enslaved man August under Dr. Edward's care who believes August is suffering from consumption, the enslaved women and children gathering peas, and Lucy confined for giving birth to a boy.
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 from overseer John Jacob Ischudy at Limerick Plantation to Mr. Finby at Comingtee Plantation discussing the enslaved girl Lucinda, her role in the fields, her future roles and John Jacob Ischudy's "use" for her.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing two sick children, baskets of eggs and potatoes, and the rice crops.
A letter from John Cheeseborough to his aunt Elizabeth Frances Blyth discussing the purchase of the enslaved man York. Makes notation that he is "unwilling to sell him to any one so that he cannot occasionally see his family."
A letter from Catherine Edwards to John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing mortification of what happened at Limerick Plantation with the enslaved persons. The letter goes on to state that the enslaved driver was busy and therefore, the cause of "the trespass." The letter ends with Edwards writing that the enslaved persons "deserve punishment."
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 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 Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing that he sent Elsie and Thomas down with butter, the birth of an enslaved child, the rice crops and fields, a list of sick enslaved persons, the work of Scipio and Bristol, Billey and Tom each having a sore hand and an inventory of cattle.
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 Quinby Plantation overseer William Turner to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rice crops and fields, a request for more mules and a saddle, and a statement on Peggy.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the death of Marcia due to "inflammation of the womb," the death of Elsey's child, the poor health of other enslaved persons, work on the rice crop, and a list of items sent by Bob and Sena.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rice crops, the enslaved persons Elick, Paul, Pompy and Jimmy.
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 Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing the health of the family, the corn, potatoes and rice crops at Kensington and Midway Plantations, and the health of Beck's child.
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 list, created for tax purposes, of clothes and blankets given to 147 enslaved persons at Point and Friendfield Plantation. Makes notations on specific jobs of enslaved persons and those who are dead.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing how the "hands" hoed, a request made by Bristol and work completed by Adonis, the other overseer Mr. Coward, removing Willey from his current work setting, Scipio's work with the cattle, Cato possibly sick with consumption and an inventory of cattle.
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 list, created for tax purposes, of clothes and blankets given to 150 enslaved persons at Point and Friendfield Plantation. Makes notations on specific jobs of enslaved persons and those who are dead.
A list, created for tax purposes, of clothes given to 151 enslaved persons at Point and Friendfield Plantation. Makes notations on specific jobs of enslaved persons.
A list, created for tax purposes, of clothes and blankets given to 156 enslaved persons at Point and Friendfield Plantation. Makes notations on specific jobs of enslaved persons.
A list, created for tax purposes, of clothes given to 157 enslaved persons at Point and Friendfield Plantation. Makes notations on the names of enslaved children.
A list, created for tax purposes, of clothes given to 159 enslaved persons at Point and Friendfield Plantation. Makes notations on the names of enslaved children.
A letter from John Jacob Ischudy to John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing a delayed visit due to rain, and the departure of the enslaved woman Phyllis from the rectory (believed to have gone to Comingtee Plantation) with the hope that "she might be at liberty to idle away." The letter goes on to discuss an earlier situation with Phyllis breaking the Ischudy's rules regarding "servants" eating breakfast and dinner. Due to her behavior, Ischudy writes that Phyllis was whipped with a "chincopen switch" and gave her "five or six cuts upon the shoulders." He ends his letter stating that Phyllis "has not been ill treated" and wishes for John Ball to punish her if she arrives at Comingtee Plantation.
A letter from overseer John Jacob Ischudy to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rectory, a move to "pine-land," Dublin bringing "Old Bobbel" to the rectory, a complaint of dysentery, the work of "Friday & his wife," a situation concerning the purchase of butter from Comingtee Plantation and Mrs. Ischudy's concerns over " a gathering in one of her breast."
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball discussing a steamboat, the health of James Coward, the rice and pea crops, and Old Mary sick with fever.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the death of "Folly" who died of consumption, the poor health of various enslaved children, the start of the rice harvest, Old Pompey and Scipio's work with the cattle, Bristol's work with the floodgate, and an inventory of cattle. Makes notation that a fifty dollar reward was offered for the capture of the enslaved man Morris.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing a medical visit from a doctor for an enslaved woman, a possible case of typhus, a situation with Old Marcus and a shipment of supplies.
A list, created for tax purposes, of clothes and blankets given to 169 enslaved persons at Point and Friendfield Plantation. Makes notations on specific jobs of enslaved persons.
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 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 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 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 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.
The Henry Ravenel Crop Book, 1809-1832 is a book divided into two separate sections that also includes loose notes found within the book. The first section records the names and ages of the enslaved children born on the plantation and the names of their parents. The second half of the book, which appears upside down as the book was flipped for a new section, records the weather conditions, crop farming and the tasks completed by the slaves. The loose papers record the names of the enslaved people, slaves divided and allotted to Henry, Thomas, Rene and William Ravenel, the number of male and female slaves and a note to sell a family of slaves with their names and ages.
The John Ball Plantation Account Book, 1812-1834, is an indexed account book kept by overseers at various plantations owned by the Ball family. Overseers named are John Cox, Arthur McFarland, Samuel Lynes, Alexander McKnight, Britton Bunch, John Dickson, Thomas Fincklea, James Coward, and John Page. Of particular interest are two different accounts, one with William Deas, referred to as a "Mulatto" and the other "Free Nancy," a free black woman at Limerick Plantation who was buying and trading rice and sugar.
The Henry Ravenel Medical Book, 1816-1834 records medical visits and prescriptions for families and their slaves by physician Henry Ravenel. Families seeking medical treatment include Porcher, Dubois, Gaillard, Foxworth, Marion, Moore, Ravenel, Broughton and many others. Some of the diseases and injuries being treated are rheumatic diseases, fevers, fractures, kidney disease, a miscarriage, and an amputation on a child slave.
A bill of sale for twenty-five enslaved persons sold from Thomas Simons, executor of John Ball's estate, to Ann Ball. The names of the enslaved persons are listed as: Benjamin, Jenny, Sue, Binah, Billy, Beck, Peter, Sam, Tilly, Hagar, Die, Stephen, Amey, Sambo, Martha, Molly, John, Venus, Tyra, Solomon, John, Sukey, Hester, Hannah, and Amey.
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.
The last will and testament of Judith Wragg outlining the division of her enslaved persons and estate to family members. The names of the enslaved persons are York, Cornelia, Little York, Stepney, Grace and her children, Venus and her children, "Auber" and her children.
The Theodore Louis Gourdin Estate Record consists of accounts and inventories for Murray's Ferry, Red Clay, and other Williamsburg County Plantations written by estate executor Theodore Gourdin. The volume includes appraisements, inventories, and financial accounts for these plantations as well as records the names of the enslaved people on the properties.
A copy of a letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to Quinby Plantation overseer Tyson Pipkin discussing an attempt to visit Pipkin but since he was not present, information was given to "Linus." The letter goes on to mention that "all the grown negroes" will receive rice and salt and that the "young negroes" are to receive potatoes.
The Henry Ravenel Account Book, 1822-1833 is a book kept by Henry Ravenel documenting the purchases of goods by enslaved people as well as accounts of various members of the Dubon and Porcher families for personal goods.
A letter from Stoke Plantation overseer Thomas Finklea to John Ball in Charleston discussing the plantation fields, the enslaved man Pompey informing Finklea about a location where sheep were being butchered, Young Daniel having been found guilty of the butchering and "flogged," having Daniel "in limbo" but flogging him each day and night until he confesses who helped him, notes about the enslaved persons Old Dido, Stoke Violet, Ben, "Jerico Jack," Sander, Tenah, and Young Primus, and an inventory of cattle.
Memorandum of agreement by the heirs of the estate of Charlotte Ann Allston enumerating the division of enslaved persons among themselves, along with a separate listing of enslaved persons and their values.
Release for Hope Plantation, Charleston District, owned by William Elliot Morris and Anna E. Morris, with the names of eighty-five enslaved persons. The two enslaved men Isaac and John are described as "these are in town."
A bill of sale between James Adger and George Chisolm and Jonah Taylor for numerous enslaved persons at the price of $800. The enslaved men, women and children are listed as James (age ten), Betsey (age thirty), and Betsey's children named Diana (age seven), Samuel (age three) and Henry (age three months).
One enslaved woman named Charlotte, described as being "mulatto" was sold from the estate of Robert Francis Withers to Stephen C. Ford for the sum of $900.
An account of beef divided and delivered to Jericho, Hyde Park, Quinby and Limerick Plantations. Makes notation that 331 pieces of beef were given to the enslaved persons.
Copy of "Resolutions of the Board of Commissioners of Roads" appointing John Ball, Edward Simons, and Robert Roper to a committee to oversee Mrs. Laurens and Mepkin Bridge. The document makes notations regarding enslaved men reporting for road duty, and Mrs. Laurens' contract to make repairs to the bridge.
Letter from the Board of Commissioners of Roads discussing Mrs. Laurens' contract with the board, the dangerous state of Mepkin Bridge and an issue concerning Mrs. Laurens' carpenters.
A letter from overseer John Jacob Ischudy to John Ball in Charleston discussing a shipment from John Ball of butter and rice and the "misconduct of Payne & Daphne. The letter goes on to discuss that Payne has been robbing Ischudy and that he believes Daphne is his accomplice. As a result of this discovery, Ischudy writes that Payne was "smartly punished" but has now fled to the woods. Ischudy is requesting to exchange Payne for another enslaved person. The letter ends with Ischudy describing enslaved persons as "such creatures. Their "natural dishonesty, lying, laziness & the constant necessity of having one's eye upon them, worry me & almost wear me out. Mrs. Ischudy is even more sick of them..."
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 Ann Ball in Charleston to her mother Ann Simons Ball discussing her drinking tea with Mrs. J. Mitchell, Mary and Miss Sarah Waring, visits to see Jane and other family members, an invitation to a ball, word of a benefit event and the notation "Mary sends Howdy for you."
The Paul De St. Julien Ravenel Estate Book, 1829-1841 is an estate account book kept by Henry Ravenel for the estate of Paul D. Ravenel with pages on money received, spent or payments paid, including payments for the hiring of enslaved people. The last few pages of the book are lists of slaves, referenced by first name, and the number of sheets given out.
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.
The Andrew Hasell Medical Account Book between the years 1830-1842 is a book listing Dr. Andrew Hasell?s visitations to ill or injured patients on various plantations throughout Georgetown County, South Carolina. His book documents the diseases, injuries, surgical procedures and deaths of patients that include enslaved men, women, and children. Some pages are written in partial latin.
A copy of the marriage contract between Sophie Lovell Cheves and Charles Thompson Haskell listing forty-four enslaved persons that Sophie Lovell Cheves is entitled to.
An indenture between carpenter Thomas C. Brown, a "free man of colour," and Benjamin Moncrieff, " a free black boy aged about fourteen years" whose guardian is John Ball. The indenture is for Moncrieff to learn carpentry for seven years under Brown.
A letter from Quinby Plantation overseer William Turner to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rice and corn crops, and a situation concerning the conduct of an enslaved woman who Turner wanted to put in a closet, but four men took her from the closet and said "they would dye before she would go in the clauset."
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 Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing the corn, rice and potato crops at Midway Plantation, the floodgate, assigning enslaved persons to the field, and a shipment of supplies.
