Letter to Langdon Cheves Jr. from Langdon Cheves Sr. discussing a spread of whooping cough on the plantation and the enslaved man Jim who ran away. Cheves' explains that if any enslaved person runs away, they should be sought for at Guerards at New River Bridge as a few of the enslaved persons at Cheves' plantations were bought from that slaveholder.
A torn letter from Elias Ball II at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball in "Charles Town" on spending a night at Comingtee Plantation, and the health of Elias Ball III and Isaac Ball.
A letter from Lydia Simons to her brother John Ball discussing John Ball's inability to use his fingers, and the crops at "Limeric" (Limerick) Plantation.
A letter from A. Waring to her cousin John Ball in Charleston thanking him for a present, the crops at Backriver Plantation, and a potential visit in the spring.
A letter from George Appleby in London, England to Elias Ball II at Kensington Plantation discussing the death of Appleby's uncle, his last will and testament, being made his executor, and how his uncle left a large portion of his property to Mr. Moultrie's sons. The letter goes on to request information on how Appleby's cousin George obtained two enslaved men named Isaac and Allick.
A letter from Elias Ball II at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing the health of the family, opportunities for John and Elias Ball, and needing the enslaved man Ben to pick up rice.
A letter from Elias Ball III at Kensington Plantation to his brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing a shipment of grapes delivered by the enslaved man Ben and a request for papers.
A letter from Elias Ball III at Kensington Plantation to his brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing health, Isaac Ball visiting Charleston, and the crop at Comingtee Plantation.
A letter from Elias Ball II at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina offering advice on how to deal with business and "bad company."
A letter from Elias Ball III at Kensington Plantation to his brother John Ball in Charleston discussing a handkerchief, and the poor health of their brother Isaac Ball.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston, South Carolina to his brother Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing old schooners filled with dirt to be sunk in "Hog Island Crick" to "prevent men of war cuming up that way." However, Elias Ball III recounts that Captain Tufts, after sinking three of the four boats, was discovered, and fired upon. The other side of the letter discusses the crop at Comingtee Plantation and allowing the enslaved person Pompey to have nails to finish the garden.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his brother Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing the placement of troops including at "the river place called mount pleasant." The letter goes on to discuss the governor having been found "to be an old traitor" due to Captain Adam McDonald going under disguise as "one of Kirkland's men" and a committee having been formed to question the governor.
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 letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston, South Carolina to his brother Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing confinement and Mr. Jamison needing his things from the landing.
A letter from Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation to his brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina on not receiving the corks and brandy John sent up, and John being "taken with the troops."
A letter from Elias Ball II at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing brandy for Isaac Ball and a request for watermelons.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston, South Carolina to his brother Isaac at Kensington Plantation on receiving money from Keating Simons, notations regarding 1,500 to 2,000 men from the "back country", and the closing of stores in Charleston.
A letter from Lydia Ball Simons to her brother John Ball at Kensington Plantation. The letter discusses her receiving word from John by the enslaved man Adam, her wanting John to come for her the following week and the going price for bushels of salt.
A torn letter from Elias Ball III at Kensington Plantation to his brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing the health of Edward "Ned" Simons and an offer about a gun.
A letter from Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation to his brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina on not receiving letters from John and a request for newspapers.
A letter from Elias Ball III at Comingtee Plantation to his brother Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing Isaac's fever and sending the enslaved man Plimouth to visit Isaac to receive news of his health.
A letter from Elias Ball II at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing the health of Isaac Ball and requesting white sugarcane and "negro leather."
A letter from Elias Ball II at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing a potential visit from his half siblings.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston, South Carolina to his brother John Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing his lodgings at Mrs. Dawson's, the anticipation of hearing news from New York, and a request for venison and duck.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston to his brother John Ball at Kensington Plantation on sending barrels of salt, the current prices for items and sending an enslaved boy to deliver articles to their father.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston, South Carolina to his brother John Ball at Kensington Plantation on delivering a letter through the enslaved man Harvy, word regarding a battle in New York and numerous statements on the troops in Charleston.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston, South Carolina to his brother John Ball at Kensington Plantation on receiving John's letter from the enslaved man Jimmey, an order of shingles, business at the plantation, the weather and word that King George III's troops have been defeated.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston, South Carolina to his brother John Ball at Kensington Plantation on sending horses and news about General Washington's army.
Fragments of a letter from Elias Ball III to his brother John Ball. Fragments reveal discussions on death, newspapers, Mr. Laurens, and sick enslaved persons.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston, South Carolina to John Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing that week's paper, word from Mr. Lauren's on how the army is helping drive General Washington over the mountains, the belief that General John Burgoyne's army was taken, the fleet of Commodore Biddle, the price of rice, and various notations regarding the Commons House of Assembly.
A letter from Elias Ball IV at Kensington Plantation to Elias "Wambaw" Ball exiled in Bristol, England discussing Elias Ball's squadron arriving in Charleston, word of 600 men in the town, payment for enslaved persons, the high tax of that year, and word from Mr. Gaillard regarding the remainder of the estates enslaved persons.
A letter from Elias Ball IV at Limerick Plantation to Elias "Wambaw" Ball III exiled in Bristol, England discussing family, health, the upcoming marriage between Elias Ball III's daughter and "young Moultrie," the lands of England, the South Carolina legislature passing a tax bill on enslaved persons, agreements with the "Torey's," a bill of exchange for money due and accounts current, the removal of "Old Tom" from Wambaw, missing enslaved runaways, the work of various enslaved persons, and the sale of Elias Ball III's enslaved persons for cash by Mr. Gaillard.
A letter from Elias Ball IV at Limerick Plantation to Elias "Wambaw" Ball III exiled in Bristol, England discussing a testimonial for Elias Ball III's property, specifically the sale of a portion in Georgetown, the state of the corn crop, the "unfavorable spring" for Santee and PeeDee Plantations, and a lawsuit against John Ball.
A letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to his brother-in-law Elias Ball III exiled in Bristol, England discussing Elias Ball's "scurrilous" letter, and the appraisement of Judith Ball's estate with no intention of fraud. John Ball goes on to discuss the poor character of Elias Ball as an executor using examples from family estates, including that of John Coming Ball Sr.'s second wife, Judith Boisseau, their enslaved persons, comparing Elias Ball to " a parable of the servant in the Gospel" with little talent, commenting on his liberality, Elias Ball's accusation that John Ball married Elias's sister for her mother's estate, and Elias's threat to return to the United States to "have justice done."
A torn letter from Elias Ball IV to Elias "Wambaw" Ball III exiled in Bristol, England discussing a shipment of corn and rice sent to Bristol, an impending visit from William Moultrie Jr., a referral from General Marion, and notations on the House of Assembly.
A letter from Henry Laurens Jr. at Mepkin Plantation to John Ball at Kensington Plantation on receiving a letter delivered by the enslaved man Adonis, sending Laurens' mare home, and the poor health of John Ball's father.
A torn letter from Ann Waring at Tranquil Hill to her cousin John Ball on advice that Waring's family "solicited" from John Ball, issues surrounding guardianship for "the girls" a claim on an estate, and Waring's feelings on Josiah Smith as a potential guardian.
A copy of a letter from John Coming Ball at Kensington Plantation to his cousin Ann Waring on the guardianship for John's three female cousins, and his reasonings for choosing Josiah Smith as a potential guardian.
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.
A letter from Elias Ball IV in Charleston to Elias "Wambaw" Ball III exiled in Bristol, England discussing a charter, Comingtee Plantation, a shortage of rice in the country, and a recommendation from "Moultrie" to hire James Gordon.
A letter from Eleanor Ball at Kensington Plantation to Henry Smith discussing her brother Elias Ball III in England, and an account of payments between Henry Smith and Eleanor Ball for her schooling and board. Also attached is a list of eighteen enslaved persons received by Elias Ball to deliver to Benjamin and Thomas Smith overseas. Includes the statement "the dangers of the sea & death excepted."
A letter from Elias Ball IV at Limerick Plantation to Elias "Wambaw" Ball III exiled in Bristol, England on receiving goods, money due, a notation regarding births and deaths of enslaved persons, Elias Ball IV's father buying Hyde Park Plantation from Elias Ball III, and the plantation crops and taxes.
A letter from Elias Ball IV at Limerick Plantation to Elias "Wambaw" Ball III exiled in Bristol, England on James Gordon receiving rice, charters send to Comingtee Plantation to receive rice, a frost ruining a supply of rice, a request for "negro" clothing and plantation tools and Elias Ball IV's feelings on laboring.
A letter from Elias Ball IV at Limerick Plantation to Elias "Wambaw" Ball III exiled in Bristol, England on an account between the Balls and James Gordon, Elias Ball IV's tiredness, the rice and corn crops, planting 225 acres of rice at Comingtee Plantation, and debt.
A letter from Elias Ball to John Ball at Kensington Plantation on traveling to PeeDee Plantation, and an issue with Doctor Reed over land that may require legal action.
A letter from Catherine Hort at Middleburg Plantation to her uncles John and Elias Ball on her gratitude for their attention on "our joint estate." Also included is John Ball's reply on her father's estate, and Catherine's "dissatisfaction to both the division of negroes and land."
A letter from Catherine Simons to her half-brothers John and Elias Ball on thanking Mr. Hort for "bringing up the books & settling the concerns of the estate." Also included is a copy of John Ball's reply from Kensington Plantation to Catherine's letter on signing the letter to Mr. Hort.
A letter from Jane Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing how John must pursue the "paths of virtue & knowledge," the weather in Charleston, the death of Doctor McCormick's son William, Isaac Ball shooting arrows, and John Ball Sr. spending time at Midway Plantation.
A letter from John Ball Sr. at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing a return to the country for winter, a leak at the water mill, Miss Dart spending the winter at Fish Pond Plantation, and advice on being respectable, honorable and esteemed.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts on John Ball Jr's school vacation plans and knowledge of American cities, inquiries into the lifestyle of students at Harvard, the marriage of cousin Lydia to Mr. Lucas, the cotton crops in South Carolina and at Kensington, Hyde Park and Midway Plantations. The letter concludes concerning a deed for the enslaved boy Billy, "the valet de chambre" for John Ball Sr. who wishes that upon his death for John Ball Jr. to "be kind to him for my sake & for your own advantage." He ends stating that if Billy is "ungrateful" towards John Ball Jr. or quits, "do not trouble in getting him back, but if he afterwards return then let him be disgraced..."
A letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John Ball Jr's letter writing, his request for his son to read "Popes Letters" and Pliny, a visit from Captain Tilden, John's school expenses, and John Ball Sr.'s advice regarding dating.
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 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 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 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 Jane Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to her son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing John Ball Sr. leaving for Kensington Plantation, a visit to see Aunt Simons at Sullivan's Island, updates on John's brothers, the death of Ned Wilkinson, Old John Gaillard and Old Brailsford, George Aneram from fever, and Jane's health.
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 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 letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball Jr. at Harvard College in Massachusetts discussing letter writing, fears that Captain Tilden is lost, snow in South Carolina, the price of wood, and that "Old Plenipi is dead."
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 Peter Broughton to Elias Ball at Limerick Plantation on a warrant and a copy of the account for the establishment of Strawberry Ferry taken from Broughton from Trotts Collection of the Law of South Carolina.
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.
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 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.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his father John Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing his travels, classes in physics, chemistry, and anatomy, the "Corsican Hero," and Lord Nelson's death fighting against the French and Spanish.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his father John Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing letter writing, damage to the crops in South Carolina, and the British troops in the Napoleonic Wars.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his brother John Ball Jr. at Comingtee Plantation discussing hunting with his brothers, the Christmas holiday, and Scottish religion.
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 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 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.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his father John Ball Sr. at Kensington Plantation discussing his travels from England to Edinburgh, the landscape of the country, gothic architecture, the differences in cultivation between South Carolina and England, viewing "the lions and other wild beasts," a visit to the armory, attending Botany class, and William's annual expenses at school.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his father John Ball Sr. at Kensington Plantation discussing health, the weather, a storm damaging the vessel that carried William's previous letter, a political peace between "the French and the combined forces," and the death of William Pitt the Younger.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his brother John Ball Jr. at Comingtee Plantation asking why John is not writing to him, studying physics, astronomy and chemistry at school, William's opinions on his professors, and that John's friends, which includes a clergyman, are also attending school in Edinburgh.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his brother John Ball Jr. at Comingtee Plantation discussing their brother Isaac's relationships, William's love for a "certain young damsel in Charleston," and other family matters.
A letter from William Ball in Edinburgh, Scotland to his brother John Ball Jr. at Comingtee Plantation discussing an upcoming birth in John's family, their brother Isaac's courtships, and the statement that "war resounds from all quarters." The letter goes on talking about the inhabitants of Edinburgh and their excessive alcohol and tea drinking, tobacco use, nervous disorders, and the "badly attended" theater.
