Box 2

Scope and Contents Regarding the Stamp Act (1765), "the sole subject of conversation" in London; hearing William Pitt in the House of Commons and outlining Pitt's doctrine, "that as the colonies had no persons in Parliament" therefore, "parliament had no right to tax them"; his agreement with Pitt that the Act should be repealed though his different of opinion in regard to internal and external taxation; prediction of the Act's nullification, albeit with strong opposition in the House of Lords; the departure...

Scope and Contents

Drayton's annuity payments are in arrears.

Scope and Contents Regarding (7th) his travels on horseback; Hughes (overseer) leaving Charles I's employ; (8th) a great sale of property and slaves at Edisto; regrets having already sold slave Jack since he witnesses the sale of a "man and a wife ... at the great price of $2,250"; possibility of buying a house at "the bay"; (9th) his delay; (10th) further delay; disappointment in planting cotton seed; (11th), notes, "I have not the disposition to deal with the negroes in the manner they ought to be dealt...

Scope and Contents

Writing to Charles at Jefferson, regarding the departure of Mr. Hughes' family from Charleston; purchasing timber; Dr Cohen's (agent) help with purchasing boards and shingles; asking Charles to ask Mrs. Hughes to encourage her husband to curtail his drinking and to keep away from Caldwell who is a negative influence in this regard; Caldwell, who is forbidden from Drayton's property.

Scope and Contents

Regarding Turner, the new overseer at Jeffersonton; Turner's possible return to Drayton Hall; instruction that Turner "must be circumspect in his conduct with the negroes so as not to raise the hue and cry of the Jefferson people against him"; Turner's prospects for obtaining credit in Jefferson; instructions for construction of the house at Jefferson; advice on basket making; suggestion he visits friends on Cumberland Island; reminders to send Charles Sr. some rice.