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 a member of the Simons family in Charleston to Isaac Ball at Quinby Plantation discussing the enslaved person Scipio and a horse cargo traveling with items, militia duty, the rice market, business, and the "happy days of our boyhood."
A letter from Ann Ball in Charleston to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing the arrival of a boat, hurricane type weather, her parent's poor health, Ann Ball's own suffering with an "oppression at my chest," trouble with the enslaved persons at Limerick and Midway Plantations, and the poor health of "Lewis's Little Keating."
A letter from Ann Ball to her husband John Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing "Lewis" and "Marcus," Isaac Ball leaving town with his family, a severe cold, and the harvesting of crops.
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 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 torn letter written by Elias Ball III to his brother John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing leaving town, the "poor Dyana" who is ill and unable to nurse and having items sent from the store to the plantation.
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 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.
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 to Charlotte Allston from the overseer at Nightingale Hall Plantation discussing tasks performed by enslaved persons as well as those who are sick, crop farming and rice.
A letter from Ann Ball at Comingtee Plantation to her husband John Ball in Charleston discussing her mother's health, that Captain Peter "did not make his port," feeling anxious over "how Dublin got down with his charge" and a shipment of bricks.
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 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 William Ball at Limerick Plantation to Mary thanking her for a package she sent, his poor health and treatment from a doctor, and reflections on a party during the Christmas season. The letter goes on to discuss the Christmas of the "good old days in slavery time, thanks to Mr. Lincoln" and that two servants remain in the household as they "never left us."
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 four-page unattached letter from Langdon Cheves Sr. to Langdon Cheves Jr. discussing items received, letters during Langdon Cheves Sr.'s time in Congress, statements regarding enslaved persons and a plantation book. The other pages include an account for materials, a Dr.'s bill for enslaved persons, financial business, and remarks.
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 farm manager or agent named James Hull on the enslaved man Scipio bring down ducks and butter, picking peas, working in the fields and payments.
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 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 to Charlotte Allston from the overseer at Chicora Wood Plantation discussing how the enslaved people who were sick are better, making bushels of oats and hogs on the property.
A letter to Charlotte Allston from the overseer at Chicora Wood Plantation discussing crops, a sickness on the plantation and resistance from enslaved persons, particularly females, following Stephen's departure. Makes notation that the enslaved person Toney came back and has not been punished. According to Toney, Stephen tricked Toney to travel with him, only to be told later on that Stephen, who was supposedly armed, was taking his family to the "Yankees" and that Toney needs to come with them. Toney eventually was able to leave and return to the plantation.
A letter to Charlotte Allston from the overseer at Nightingale Hall Plantation discussing tasks performed by enslaved persons as well as those who are sick and crops. Makes a notation about the enslaved person Toney from Chicora Wood Plantation who returned from the "yankees." The overseer believes Toney and his family should be sent to North Carolina as he does not wish to have him sent to the military.
A letter from Ann Ball at Comingtee Plantation to her husband John Ball in Charleston discussing a visit from Mrs. "Tourner" and Mrs. Laurens, the cook Eliza "grunting and walking lame," word from Midway Plantation that Binah's son Pompey, living at Pimlico Plantation with his wife, has been sick, that "Little Judith" is suffering from a cold, and memorandums.
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 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 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 Charles Haskell to Langdon Cheves discussing mules, Confederate bonds, valuable papers, the purchase of 600 bushels of corn, and Cheves' enslaved persons.
A letter from William Jones to Langdon Cheves Sr. discussing the enslaved man Harry and his wife Betty. The letter discusses Harry's service with another slaveholder and Betty's great health.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 at Lewisfield Plantation to his daughter Ann Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing health, the effect of rain on the roads, the shipment of curtains and a mention of "negroes."
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 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 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 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 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.
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 written by Elias Ball III at Limerick Plantation discussing Mr. Gaillard, a "great disturbance with mobbs," "the division of the estate's negroes," advice given by attorney general "Alix Moultrie," the legislation, crop at Comingtee Plantation, trouble with newly purchased enslaved persons and their work methods, rice at Backriver Plantation and "negro carpenters."
Copy of a letter between Elias "Wambaw" Ball and Elias Ball III at Limerick Plantation discussing severe wind and rain resulting in property and crop damage at Comingtee and Limerick Plantations. Makes notation that "the negroes are disheartened to lose all they have been working for..."
Copy of a letter between Elias "Wambaw" Ball and Elias Ball III at Limerick Plantation discussing a recovery from a fever, the death of a child from fever, struggles with the rice field, attempts at selling lumber, the Wambaw swamp and lands and the sale and purchase of "confiscated property" by various men. Makes notation that the "negroes have not been sold" as well as a notation regarding the enslaved persons owned by Elias "Wambaw" Ball following the division of his estate.
Copy of a letter between Elias "Wambaw" Ball and Elias Ball III at Limerick Plantation discussing Thomas Gaillard and payments, apprehension of purchasing bills using credit, a rampant fever that has affected family at Kensington Plantation, the overseer named Comings, the sale and purchase of "Fishpond by the Harlestons," a notation regarding fifteen enslaved persons, rice crops and the belief of another revolution or war within the United States.
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 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.
Copy of a letter between Elias "Wambaw" Ball and Elias Ball III in Charleston discussing trouble with the rice business, orders of "negro cloth, blankets, & plantation tools," confiscated property, the sale of fifty enslaved persons at Georgetown, asking to own the enslaved man Pino and his family where Pino can work as a driver, the overseer named Comings and unpaid taxes.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 B. Slade to Isaac Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing John Ball Sr.'s will, the sale of Kensington and Hyde Park Plantations along with the enslaved persons living there, other family matters, a trip to England, Slade's unemployment, and the current situation for the trade business.
A letter from Ann Ball at Comingtee Plantation to her husband John Ball in Charleston discussing a need for curtain rings, onions, and coconuts, asking "Old Dido" to receive white hats for the girls from Charleston, "Little Judith," and the death of Jack at Kensington Plantation who was buried there.
A letter from Ann Ball in Charleston to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing a letter from John Laurens, a shipment of wood, the health of Ann Ball's parents, requesting John Ball to "send up a servant," a visit from Lewis, Mrs. William's wishes of John Ball taking on the job of her trustee, and Eliza and Betsey suffering from a sore throat.
A letter from Ann Ball in Pawleys Island to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing Mary's pregnancy and sending Hammond and Dublin home.
A letter from Ann Ball in Pawley's Island to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing Mary's pains, requesting the use of Dublin, keeping Hammond and his horses for assistance, asking for a handkerchief and toothbrush, and violent wind.
A letter from Ann Ball in Pawleys Island to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing a delay in traveling home due to sickness, requiring Hammond and his horses, and requesting the use of "Doublin, with Greytail & Old Davey."
A letter from Ann Ball at Comingtee Plantation to her husband John Ball in Charleston discussing a plan for shipping a chest figured out by Mordicia and Doctor Reads "bout."
A letter from Ann Ball at Comingtee Plantation to her husband John Ball in Charleston discussing Dublin's preference on using the Goose Creek road, the poor health of Petrach, and the services of Hammond.
A letter from Ann Ball in Charleston to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing the health of Ann Ball's parents, the weather and Rhina staying in the country.
A letter from Isaac Ball in Charleston to his brother Elias Ball in Norwich, Vermont discussing Elias Ball attending a military academy to "improve your minds & morals." Makes notation of "Captain P" (most likely Captain Alden Patridge, founder of Norwich University). The letter goes on to discuss the "abolition society of Europe," and that "our northern brothers appear very anxious to set our slaves in commotion." Isaac Ball discusses the arrival of a "negro" from a British vessel and unable to gain "Habeas Corpus," was jailed until the vessel left and while onboard, attempted to run away from the captain and was brought back. The discussion goes on further stating that the northern states "send their free negroes as stewards and cooks" on board vessels and that the southern states, "take them up & put them in jail" where the numbers amount to sixty or seventy at the time of this letter.
A letter from Ann Ball in Charleston to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing Old Stepney arriving with letters from Aunt Waring and Ann Ball's mother, and their son Keating experiencing indigestion. The letter discusses the enslaved woman Binah who while performing the washing, walked off in. Ann Ball believes Binah was traveling to Comingtee Plantation to complain to John Ball. The enslaved woman Renah approached Ann Ball proclaiming that two white men had brought Binah back from the road and that the house towels were dirty. Ann Ball proceeds to write that in the drawing room she "whipped her across the shoulders two or three times- her astonishment almost made me laugh and so trifling was the punishment that persons in the next room knew nothing of it." The letter proceeds to state that Binah was brought to the workhouse where Ann Ball requested she be held in solitary confinement. The remainder of the letter discusses Mr. Lucas purchasing horses and Ann Ball's health.
A letter from Ann Ball in Charleston to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing the weather, a visit from Hammond, the behavior of Mr. McKnight, the election of a new overseer, "negro" houses, Ann Ball's declining health, a reference for an overseer from Ann Ball's brother, a visit from Mr. Brennan and his son, a remedy of whiskey and cayenne pepper for Adonis, Mordicia's hurting arm, the impending arrival of Ann Ball's parents, and keeping Dublin in Charleston longer than was planned.
A letter from Ann Ball in Charleston to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing Comingtee and how badly it has been conducted, sending harnesses by boat, directions for Dublin, a visit from Ann Ball's sister and her family, their son Keating being ill, Mr. Pinckney's reply to the governors letters, the birth of Eliza's child, Dublin discussing the illness of "Little Ned," and the health of the family.
A letter from Ann Ball in Charleston to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing the health of their son Keating, Eliza and her newborn child, placing Sylvy in the kitchen at the present time, Mary having been in the kitchen previously during Eliza's absence but is now sick, visits from Isaac Ball, Mr. Pinckney's horse throwing him off and suffering leg injuries, and Scipio returning from his rounds.
A letter from Ann Ball in Charleston to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing John Ball's trouble with his "gang of negroes" at Midway Plantation and how they complained to Eliza. Makes notation, "let me entreat you my Dear John not to be tempted to anything like cruelty." The letter goes on to discuss Ann Ball's concerns over feeling the effects of her own "house people," the health of her parents, their children and family friends.
Letter written by Charlotte Ann Allston to her children discussing her opinions on her late husband's will. She primarily states her views on how the enslaved persons should be divided among the family. Charlotte Allston also claims that her dying request is for the enslaved persons Sary and Sue to be rewarded for their fidelity to her by living together in love and peace with each other.
A letter to Charlotte A. Allston from her overseer discussing his resistance to voluntarily giving up money following the death of the enslaved person Cain. He writes that he was not an accessory to his death and therefore, not liable to pay for anything. Other details of the letter discuss the rice crop and the work of a female field hand.
A letter written to Robert F.W. Allston from "Malotto Joe" or commonly spelled mulatto. Robert Allston is referred to as "master" and the letter discusses a widespread sickness across the plantation, no place to put the crops and payment needed for a horse.
A letter from Ann Ball in Charleston to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing her father's determination to leave town, their son Keating's health, the death of Old Ponto who was found dead and a visit from Isaac Ball.
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.
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.
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 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."
