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."
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.
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 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.
A list of 152 enslaved persons. Notations include the first names of each enslaved person, their role on the plantation and the name of their parent(s).
A list of lands and enslaved persons owned by John Ball which includes Back River Plantation, it's swamps, lands for cultivation, pine land, a carriage house, smoke house, overseer's house, store house, corn house, a cooper shop and twelve "negro" houses. The document also lists that there are four enslaved men above fifty years of age, eighteen enslaved men under fifty and above twelve, ten enslaved boys under the age of twelve, seven enslaved women above fifty years old, nineteen enslaved women under fifty and above twelve and twenty enslaved girls under twelve.
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 women confined at Midway Plantation and tools left out by the enslaved person Marcus. The bottom of the document is a balance of tools at Kensington Plantation.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 record of tasks completed between 1731-1771 that includes placing shingles on the house at Comingtee Plantation, accounts with carpenters and work on the gardens at Comingtee and Kensington Plantations. Makes notation that the enslaved persons Salsbury, Manny, Easter and Pompey worked on the garden at Kensington Plantation.
The last will and testament of Elias Ball I in which he leaves Comingtee Plantation to his son Elias Ball II, tracts of land referred to as Dockum Plantation, land known as "Eveleigh's Land," the enslaved man "Sambo" and Lot No. 49 in Charlestown to his son John Coming Ball, money and the remainder of a lot in Charlestown to his daughter Eleanor Laurens, and a pew to his children at St. Phillips Church.
A list of enslaved children born between 1758-1763. Information includes the name of the enslaved child, their date of birth and occasionally, the name of their mother and father.
The last will and testament of John Coming Ball in which he leaves his plantation and other purchased land to his son Elias Ball, money for his daughters Elizabeth and Catharine, six hundred pounds "in lieu of two negros," tracts of land called "Three Mile Head" to Elias and John Ball, acres of land and "oak and hickory land" to his daughter Jane Ball. John Coming Ball leaves his wife Judith Ball tracts of land, horses, furniture and a "wench called Molly and her son." Makes notation on the division of enslaved persons among the Ball children. The enslaved persons are referenced as "Monimias" daughter Sally, a girl called Senah, Marcus, a girl called Silvia, and a boy called Pino. Makes a statement that the enslaved man and driver Sambo is to be free upon the death of John Coming Ball, given money yearly and is allowed to live on any plantation under the ownership of the Ball family.
1770-1779, 1780-1789, 1758, 1760-1769, 1800-1809, 1810-1819, 1790-1799, and 1759
Description:
A list of enslaved children born between 1758-1817. Information includes the name of the enslaved child, their date of birth and occasionally, the name of their mother and father.
1770-1779, 1760-1769, 1740-1749, 1750-1759, 1720-1729, and 1730-1739
Description:
The Ball Family Account and Blanket Book, 1720-1778, includes lists of purchases, expenses, blankets given out to enslaved persons, and names/ages of enslaved persons at Midway, Limerick, Comingtee and Kensington Plantations. The book includes a loose list of enslaved men with their place of birth and ages, ca. 1750, currently on exhibit at the South Carolina Historical Society Museum.
The last will and testament of Elias Ball II in which he divides Comingtee, Limerick and Kensington Plantations among his sons Elias Ball III, Isaac Ball and John Ball. He leaves his daughter Lydia Lot No. 49 in Charlestown and refers to the enslaved persons outlined in his late wife's will. Elias Ball II also leaves his pew in the middle aisle of St. Philips Church to his son Elias Ball III and bequeaths his "negro wench named Priscilla," "negro wench called Esther," "negro wench called Bena," negro wench named Auba" and any enslaved man upon their selection to his children. The will also outlines that Elias Ball II's executors are to purchase "young slaves" from time to time.
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 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 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 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 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 copy of the last will and testament of Judith Ball in which she leaves her son John Ball furniture and other household goods, her daughter Jane Ball furniture, china and "one negro man named Jacob, one negro wench Rinah" and "one other wench named Violet." Judith Ball leaves her daughter Eleanor Ball money, her son-in-law Elias Ball money and horses, her niece Esther Roberts money and the remainder of her estate to her children split evenly among them. The remainder of the will appoints Elias Ball and Robert Quash as executors.
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.
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.
The Account Journal, 1774-1777, was written by an unknown author recording financial accounts, tasks performed by enslaved persons, the planting of indigo, cotton, rice and corn and numerous memorandums between Paul Villepontoux and Peter Marion. A few journal entries reference enslaved persons who ran away from the plantations as well as verses pertaining to freedom and General George Washington. Journal contains entries from a second use, which are written upside down and interspersed with the first use.
The division of enslaved persons owned by Judith Ball. Information includes the names of the enslaved persons, their valuations, and the notation that the enslaved boys Almanza and Bob were exchanged.
A list of enslaved persons owned by Elias Ball II at Kensington and Comingtee Plantations. Information includes the names of the enslaved persons and date of birth.
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 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.
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.
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.
Information on the purchase of the plantation on Back River which includes enslaved persons bought at a sale, number of acres and the notation that eighty-six enslaved persons are on the property, specifically twenty-six men, twenty-eight women and thirty-two children.
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.
The appraisement, division and valuations of enslaved men, women and children at Kensington Plantation belonging to the late Elias Ball II to his sons Elias Ball III and John Ball. The other side of the document makes notations regarding the exchanges of enslaved persons between the brothers.
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 copy of the last will and testament of Benjamin Garden in which he divides his estate among his remaining relatives. States that the enslaved men Radcliff and Tom be "shipped off and sold to the Spaniards or at the Bay of Honduras..." Garden also frees the enslaved man named Taunton from "all further servitude" and the house "wench" Alley stating it is "my wish to liberate her from all future slavery." Makes notation that the enslaved persons Abram, Sarah, "Statyrah" and Moses are to be sold, and names enslaved persons to be moved to other family plantations.
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 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 tax return for Elias Ball III for acres, pine land, two carriage wheels, 246 enslaved persons, four enslaved persons at the property of Miss Ball and eighty enslaved persons under the account for John Moultrie Jr.
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."
Copy of the last will and testament of John Coming Ball naming John Ball of Kensington Plantation and Elias Ball of Limerick Plantation as his executors, giving the "negro man Nat his freedom and all my wearing apparel," the enslaved women Hagar and her daughter Charlotte their freedom and that Charlotte should be given an education and "placed out" as an apprentice when she comes of age, the enslaved driver Jackey (son of Lucy) his freedom, and bequeaths to Mrs. Wilson any "negro girl" among the enslaved females.
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 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 list of ninety-one enslaved persons owned by John Ball. The reverse side of the document contains lists of enslaved persons above fifty years old and under the age of twelve.
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 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 memorandum from John Ball for the estate of John C. Ball which added a plantation, paid off debts, delivered up to 138 enslaved persons and 130 acres of land near Jericho Plantation. Makes notation that out of the 138 enslaved persons, there were fifty more than was originally appraised.
The Register of Enslaved Persons and Blanket Book, 1804-1821, is a bound volume kept by or for a member of the Ball family. The register contains lists of enslaved men, women and children given blankets at Midway, Limerick, Quinby, Hyde Park, Backriver and Jericho Plantations. Information also includes lists of enslaved children born on the plantations, the name of their mother, date of birth and date of death.
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."
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."
An inventory of the enslaved persons belonging to the estate of Col. Benjamin Garden at Richfield Plantation. The front of the document is a list of enslaved men, women, and children with their ages. The back side of the document lists enslaved women at Bluefield Plantation.
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.
