Box 2

Scope and Contents

Writing to Charles at Jefferson, Camden County, Georgia, Charles discusses the dispute with his overseer, Mr. Halveston; his decision to dispense of his services; directs Charles to plant early this year.

Scope and Contents

Regarding cold weather; James in Troy, New York; spelling; Henry Middleton has bought "Scheveling" plantation; Ralph Izard (owner of Vaucluse plantation) is travelling in Egypt; remarks that Charles II is "between two devils - the John [Grimke Drayton of Magnolia?] and the Ralph [Izard of Vaucluse]" (his neighbors on both sides); sickness; poor rice harvest despite the assurances of the overseer; hopes Charles III can make a good crop.

Scope and Contents

Regarding (7th), a letter they had sent recommended a Mr. Hughes as overseer; their fears Charles III is unwell; Charles II's leg pain; (8th), the cold weather; food preparation; keeping warm; to be vary of Mr. Milliken and Mr. Caldwell; chastising Charles for not writing.

Scope and Contents

Chastising Charles for not writing; advice on food preparation; a letter from James; lack of money to pay bills; description of an extensive fire in downtown Charleston which destroys St. Philip's Church; advises Charles to communicate with neighbors but not to show "any suddeness"; their correspondence must not be seen by others.

Scope and Contents

Regarding Charles' horse; "ingratitude" of the "rogue" Mr. Hughes who has used Drayton II, to hitch a free ride to Georgia; sending him shirts; announcing various marriages including that of Grace Parker "who is said to be worth 100,000 dollars"; death of one of the Drayton's dogs; her belief some animals should be sold.

Scope and Contents

Notice requesting Drayton's attendance at meeting designed to organize a Cavalry Company for Camden County.

Scope and Contents Both Charles II and III are at Jefferson. Mary writes about not trusting Caesar to make the slaves work hard enough; carrying out her own inspections, twice daily, much to the annoyance of the slaves; complaining about "Old May"; possible drivers for Charles III, - Hercules, Thomas, Cyeus; asking if two slaves (perhaps runaways) have been "caught yet" and their punishment; the sale of "Dia my famous old friend ... and her two children," as well as her "mistress," Mrs. Waggoner; James'...

Scope and Contents Regarding her distress because of Charles' lack of communication; a sick slave, Jibi, who apparently, cannot be replaced; insists "the place had better be sold & negroes too, year after year & no rice enough to break any man"; believes "that scoundrel Hughes ought to have been hung"; MMD is "clear for selling" the slaves, especially since prices are good; warns Charles to be wary of "Indians" at St Augustine who "may extend their depredations a little nearer" to him; news of Charles'...

Scope and Contents

Regarding her severe distress at not having had correspondence from Charles II nor Charles III; her fears about Indians at St. Augustine; desires Charles to "tell the people ... keep in safety and do not be foolish enough to leave their master to join such tyrants"; description of death of Thomas Grimke Drayton from a gunshot wound; "Jibbi" continues to be sick; Caesar has brought in wild game.

Scope and Contents Regarding "Indian war" - drafting of troops in Charleston, asks his son to keep his slaves "quiet"; warns not to have the slaves ditching in cold weather; proposes a scheme to keep the "necessitous carpenters" working, whereby small sums are offered according to output (this way "we may soon get enough to build our house"); instruction on paying some debts; plans to cultivate cotton on forty acres and to sell four gins; warns Charles not to associate with those "below [his] standing";...