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 Elias Ball II at Comingtee Plantation to his son John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing a shipment of cattle, the health of Edward Simons, a fight John had with Bob Simons resulting in a black eye, and the health of Elias Ball III's "house wench."
A sale of 103 enslaved persons owned by William Conway, declared by the high court of Chancery of the Kingdom of Great Britain to be a "lunatic." All enslaved persons, cattle, sheep, and land were sold to Charles William Rogers from Commissioner Benjamin H. Buckner for $6,000.
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 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 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 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 John Ball Sr. at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing the weather, Jane Ball's health, an outbreak of measles in Charleston and small pox at Midway Plantation, the inoculation of forty enslaved persons, a publication from Doctor Waterhouse on diseases, and the death of cattle due to a drought.
The Fairfield Plantation Book, 1775-1794, is a clothing and blanketing book containing the names of enslaved persons (1773), children born at the plantation (1775), a list of clothes, blankets and tools given out to enslaved persons (1773-1775), cattle and hog inventory, lists of births and deaths of enslaved persons (1792-1797), and lists of enslaved families at Fairfield and Wappoo Plantations (1773-1797). The book contains a second use written back to front and upside down.
A letter from Elias Ball IV at Limerick Plantation to Elias "Wambaw" Ball III exiled in Bristol, England discussing a chartered ship, the nuptials of Elias Ball III's daughter and her husband's reputation in the United States, the crop and cattle at Elias Ball IV's plantations, and a notation that "Old Tom" has been well and putting out tobacco plants.
An account of cattle from the joint stock that the enslaved persons Plimoth and Sambo had, the cattle at Jericho Plantation, and Mrs. Wilson's, and Miss Nelly's stock. Makes notation that the enslaved person Cupid was sent up to Jericho Plantation to count the joint stock.
A list of cattle from Kensington Plantation that includes oxen, cows, calves, and bulls. The document also includes a list of cattle that died or was killed, and cattle specifically from Hyde Park and Jericho Plantations. Makes notation that an ox was killed for "Negroes Christmas."
A list of questions to ask the ordinary made by John Ball in preparation for writing his will, which is also included. Questions include those for advertising, the appraisement of former enslaved persons that are emancipated, and the cattle at Jericho Plantation.
A copy of the appraisement made at Back River Plantation which includes eighty-six enslaved persons. The list includes the valuations of the enslaved persons as well as the notation that the enslaved person Jackey is a driver. The remaining information for the appraisement is for household furniture, cattle, linen, tools, seeds, and grains.
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.
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."
A copy of the last will and testament of Benjamin Allston in which he divides his estate and enslaved persons. The enslaved persons are listed as: Catharine, a mulatto man named Toby, Clarissa, Amy, Nanny, Abraham, Betty, James, Cain, Peggy, Daniel, Charlotte, Andrew and Mary. He also desires that "molto Joe" be rewarded for his fidelity by remaining where is with his wife and receiving two cows and calves, and an annual stipend of fifteen dollars for services to now be rendered.