A letter to Woodward Manning outlining articles shipped to him by a steamer. The writer makes a notation that he has not found an enslaved person that meets the qualifications Woodward Manning has asked for and that "very few negroes have been in market, and they are selling at high prices."
The Robert F.W. Allston Account Book covers the years 1857-1859 discussing Chicora Wood and Nightingale Hall Plantations. The book includes information on acres of land, stock and cattle, payments and accounts, a purchase of forty-one enslaved persons and the number of enslaved persons at each plantation in which they are listed as dependencies. Book includes a second use with passages written from the back of the book towards the front.
A bill of sale for thirty-one enslaved persons sold to Langdon Cheves Jr. and his sister-in-law Isabella Cheves from R.B. Rhett for $19,775. The names of the enslaved persons are Moses, Caesar, Sylvia, Juliet, Linda, Johnson, Katy, Carolina, Joanne, Maria, Oliver, Violet, Marley, John, Dembo, Bina, Minty, Ben, Nelly, Sampson, Betty, Sharper, Dick, Peggy, Grace, "Glasee," Tyra, Hannah, Rinah, and Hannah.
A mortgage for thirty-one enslaved persons between R.B. Rhett, Langdon Cheves Jr. and his sister-in-law Isabella Cheves for $14,200. The names of the enslaved persons are Moses, Caesar, Sylvia, Juliet, Linda, Johnson, Katy, Caroline, Joanne, Maria, Oliver, Violet, Marley, John, Dembo, Bina, Minty, Ben, Nelly, Sampson, Betty, Sharper, Dick, Peggy, Grace, "Glasee," Tyra, Hannah, Rinnah, and Hannah.
A bill of sale for twenty-one enslaved persons purchased by Langdon Cheves Jr. and his sister-in-law Isabella Cheves from Pierce Butler for $17,275. The names of the enslaved persons are Philip, Hannah, Pender, Leve, Rachel, Kate, Cuffy, Abigail, Suckey, Cuffy, Sandy, Adam, Charlotte, Lea, Sally, Maria, Lima, Clementina, Tubby, Buck, and Noble.
A letter from D.F. Jamison in which he discusses a trial over a disturbance at a religious gathering by enslaved persons. He writes about a quarrel that ensued between two enslaved men, Allen and Jim, at St. Matthew's Parish, which later involved multiple enslaved persons, including Jamison's own "slave boy Sam." The court decided that those involved would receive between twenty-five to one-hundred lashes, depending on the individual's involvement in the quarrel. Jamison makes note that even though his enslaved boy Sam was said to not have been involved due to testimony, the court still sentenced him to lashes and Jamison did not appeal it due to the encouragement of his neighbors. While not present for the lashings, he heard they were severe since a constable, known for his cruelty, was brought in from a neighboring district to perform the lashings. Due to indignation from the crowd over the cruelty performed, the enslaved man Jim, who was sentenced to one-hundred lashes, only received fifty.
A fragment of a plantation journal listing enslaved persons at Murry Hill Plantation. The pages include a list of enslaved men, women and children, notes on clothes for enslaved persons and births and deaths.
An agreement regarding six enslaved persons bequeathed to Henry Hilliard Gooch's children. The names of the enslaved persons are Melisy, William, Amelia, Miles, Dave and John.
A document discussing the sale of two enslaved women named Flora and Mary sold to Langdon Cheves Jr. and his sister-in-law Isabella Cheves from Alexander Verdiu.
A bill of sale between Robert F.W. Allston and Joseph Allston for two enslaved persons named Wiltshire, a bricklayer, and Jimmy who has a weak bladder. The enslaved persons were bought for $1,500.
A list of enslaved persons bought and sold between Mrs. Withers and Dr. Fraser. The names of the enslaved persons are listed as Francis, Caesar, Sary, Israel, Esther, William, Dinah, Quash and William.
Terms for the hiring of enslaved persons owned by the children of John Gooch. Terms include enslaved persons "not to be taken out of the state," "required to furnish two suits of cloths, one of cotton and the other mixed with wool," and to hire a physician if an enslaved person becomes sick.
A letter from Langdon Cheves Jr. to Pettigru & King discussing terms for Southfield Plantation. The letter includes the decision to divide enslaved persons into lots and "turned over" to Huger, Haskell and McCord.
A newspaper clipping advertising the sale of Southfield Plantation written by Langdon Cheves which includes that 170 enslaved persons live on the plantation, and it is "remarkably healthy for Negros."
The Robert F.W. Allston with Robert Adger and Co. Account Book, 1860, is a journal recording household and grocery expenses for Robert Allston. Among the lists includes items for enslaved persons such as cloth and toothbrushes. Many entries also contain records of payments to specific individuals.
The Robert F.W Allston Account Book, 1860-1861, documents payments, a recipe to help cure rabies, stocks for Nightingale Hall and Chicora Wood Plantations and the names, births and deaths of enslaved people. The book also includes diary entries for when Robert Allston visited Manassas, Virginia at the Battle of Bull Run during the Civil War, recording conversations he had about the battle, the atmosphere of the army camps and the death of General Barnard E. Bee.
A message signed by J. McCrady confirming that enslaved persons owned by Robert F.W. Allston arrived for work at South Island Plantation. The names of the enslaved are Tom, Ackamore and Richard.
A letter from William P. Carmichael to Langdon Cheves Jr. discussing the death of one of Cheves' enslaved persons. The enslaved person is described as "prime" and having "walk right overboard-it is supposed he was either asleep, or perhaps wanted to go to the edge of the boat..." The letter goes on to state that rescue attempts were made but "he was not seen after he fell." Carmichael concludes with a discussion on the anticipated arrival of the enslaved persons in Abbeville on rail cars and they are to "not leave the cars, as the same cars are to take them through to Abbeville depot."
A letter from Charles Haskell to Langdon Cheves Jr. discussing the Branch Bank of Charleston, cattle, the enslaved persons petition for tobacco and fixing up their cabins, planting corn, and a cabin for the overseer.
A letter from Charles Haskell to Langdon Cheves Jr. discussing the arrival of Cheves' enslaved persons in Abbeville, one enslaved woman arriving with a fever, bringing the enslaved persons to Turkey Hill Plantation and difficulty procuring mules.
A notice from General Thomas Drayton stating that several plantation owners have refused to remove their enslaved persons from the area as "their removal is necessary for the successful prosecution of his (my) military duties and required by the public interest..."
A letter from Charles Haskell to the Branch Bank of Charleston stating his reasoning for wanting to withdraw $5,000, which includes receiving Langdon Cheves' enslaved persons and needing to make them "comfortable."
A letter from Charles Haskell to Langdon Cheves Jr. discussing Haskell's willingness to "do all that is in my power to make your negroes comfortable," moving Cheves' enslaved persons to Haskell's plantation, land cultivation, and securing finances in case of attack.
A letter from Langdon Cheves Jr. to Charles Haskell discussing Cheves' removal of his 250 enslaved persons due to movement from "the enemy," anticipation of a battle and "my plantation being the theatre of a part of it," the enslaved persons being consigned to William P. Carmichael of Augusta and managed by overseer Stephen Oliver, and the living conditions upon the enslaved people's arrival.
The Robert W. Allston 1862 Journal consists of entries discussing accounts, prices of items, land papers and a task performed by the enslaved persons Sawney, Mathias and Scipio.
A note from A.J. Woods that certifies an agreement made by James Yates to take care of Robert F.W. Allston's farm, which includes caring for the "negroes."
A message signed by J. McCrady confirming that enslaved persons owned by Robert F.W. Allston arrived for work at South Island Plantation. The names of the enslaved are Page, Handy, Charles, Joe, Jim, Snow, Sandy, Dick, Hardtimes and Prince.
A letter from William Ball at Limerick Plantation to his mother Eliza C. Ball discussing the birth of William Ball's daughter and Eliza Ball's first granddaughter and the timeline of Faith Ball giving birth. Makes notation on the presence of the enslaved women Masylla and Flora but not Harriet who was sick, and the baby having fingers made to learn how to play the piano "if war ends in time enough for her to learn." The rest of the letter goes on to discuss friends and family visiting the baby, the "negroes" in Charleston, the poor health of Frank, the myrtle berry pickers, and the weather.
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 giving potatoes as an allowance to enslaved children.
A torn letter from the overseer at Nightingale Hall Plantation discussing crops and the number of enslaved persons sick. The other side of the letter mentions the death of an enslaved child, a pregnant enslaved woman and a sickness on the plantation.
A letter to Charlotte Allston from the overseer at Chicora Wood Plantation discussing tasks performed by enslaved persons, an enslaved woman named Lavenia who wishes to work in a different area on the plantation to avoid working with Bob and notes on cotton.
A letter to Charlotte Allston from the overseer at Chicora Wood Plantation discussing tasks performed by enslaved persons, making molasses and a sickness spreading on 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, crop farming and rice.
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 to Charlotte Allston from the overseer at Chicora Wood Plantation discussing corn, bad weather that blew down the sugar cane and sick enslaved children.
A letter from Charlotte Allston to her overseer at Chicora Wood Plantation discussing the enslaved man Stephen, his family and the enslaved man Toney who escaped the plantation. She believes that Toney failed to escape the plantation and willingly returned to avoid being captured. She states that Stephen needs to be captured, not because he is valuable but for plantation moral. She further writes that she wishes Toney to be sent to work for the government on the fortifications until the war is over, to not be allowed to see his family and confined until he leaves. She writes that the elder enslaved persons James and Mary, the parents of Stephen, be held as hostages in jail as punishment for their child's escape. She states for them not to have communication with anyone in their family except if a white person is present.
Appraisement and inventory of the personal estate of the late Robert F.W. Allston. The list includes plates, china, furniture found at the mansion in Charleston, sundries at numerous plantations, tools, securities and a list of 590 enslaved persons divided by plantations including one in North Carolina.
A letter to Charlotte Allston from the overseer at Chicora Wood Plantation discussing the crops and tasks performed by enslaved persons. Makes notation that the enslaved person Stephen, his family and the enslaved person Toney escaped the plantation for the "yankees." He explains that one of the boats is missing and how the overseer stayed up all night "not knowing what Stephen will do."
A report signed by Robert F.W. Allston, his overseer Jesse Bellflowers and the reporting Dr. describing the death of an enslaved man named Joe who died following an injury from a fall.
A letter to Charlotte Allston from the overseer at Chicora Wood Plantation discussing tasks performed by enslaved persons and crop farming. Makes an inquiry on what should be done with the enslaved man Toney who is "under the belief that he will be punished."
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 clothes.
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.
Receipt for impressment for six enslaved persons owned by Robert F.W. Allston sent to perform labor for the Confederacy's military. The enslaved persons are listed as "Ravelny," Albert, June, Sandy, Janus and Jonas. The document also notes the valuation for each enslaved person and their term of service.
Receipt for impressment for two enslaved persons owned by Robert F.W. Allston sent to perform labor for the Confederacy's military. The enslaved persons are listed as Toby and Quash. The document also notes the valuation for each enslaved person and their term of service.
A list of enslaved men given blankets who are identified as needing them the most. The reverse side of the document refers to clothes, jackets and pants made in the house.
An account of the enslaved persons and lands belonging to Elias Ball I that includes tracts of land at Comingtee Plantation, acres to plant and harvest crops, and sixty-eight enslaved persons.
A list of enslaved persons at Wavery Plantation, referenced as "Waverly Negroes." Included are the names of the enslaved persons, ages and notations on family and labor. Enslaved persons and their tasks include nurse Beck, house servant Guy, miller Wallace, ploughman Major, cook Linette, washer Lydia, driver Cudjoe and stockman Bob. Makes notation that Sibba "does nothing" due to old age.
An agreement between Charles Alston Sr. and former enslaved persons, now freedmen and women, at Fairfield Plantation. The agreement outlines the duties that Charles Alston and the freed persons must follow. The signatures of the freed persons, which includes children, are marked with an "x."
A tax return for Elias Ball III that includes acres of swamp, pineland and 246 enslaved persons at Comingtee, Strawberry Ferry and Limerick Plantation.
A portion of the last will and testament of Elias Ball II in which he settles all debts, gives his son Elias Ball III Comingtee and Limerick Plantations, tracts of land to Samuel Eveleigh, tracts of land and Kensington and Hyde Park Plantations to his son John Ball, and a lot of land situated "on the Bay of Charleston" to his daughter Lydia Bryan. Makes various notations regarding "negro slaves and their issue and increase" as well as statements that his sons Elias and John Ball are given the enslaved persons living at each plantation they inherited.
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 statement naming eleven enslaved persons purchased by Langdon Cheves Sr. for $3,526. The names of the enslaved persons are Lizzy, Jimmy, Moris, Phoebe, Polly, Frank, Flora, Scilla, Charlotte, Jane, and Jim.
A note from the overseer regarding enslaved persons at Chicora Wood Plantation specifically Stephen and his family who have not been heard from and Toney who left on his own accord either from being frightened or scared.
A list of 339 named enslaved persons at Comingtee/Stoke Plantation with associated figures identified as "quarts." Various names include the name of a parent and the location they work in such as "House."
A copy of the last will and testament of Robert Pringle, written in 1774 and copied in 1854, where he divides his estate among his remaining relatives. He gives his daughter Elizabeth Pringle an enslaved girl named Jenny.
An unsigned letter discussing that each head of an enslaved family will receive a hog and will be chastised for disobedience if the terms stated in the letter are not followed.