Inventory of the Ballard's Valley and Berry Hill Penn Plantation Records, 1766-1873

Abstract

Plantations in St. Mary's Parish, Jamaica.

Records of sugar and livestock plantations in St. Mary's Parish, Jamaica. The material prior to 1837 is chiefly plantation records. Later papers include letters from managers of the estate to the owners describing crop conditions, trouble with freed blacks in 1838, the importation of coolies in 1846, sugar traders' reaction to the repeal of the corn laws in that year, and plans for the erection of a Church of England chapel in 1848. The plantation records reveal the number and condition of slaves and stock, purchases of goods, accounts payable, size of crops, and sales of sugar, rum, and cattle.

Descriptive Summary

Repository: David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
Creator: Ballard's Valley Plantation (St. Mary's Parish, Jamaica)
Title: Ballard's Valley and Berry Hill Penn Plantation Records, 1766-1873
Language of Material: English
Extent: 6.0 Linear Feet, 244 Items
Location: For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.

Collection Overview

This series contains 235 items and 9 volumes of the records of sugar and livestock plantations, Ballard's Valley Plantation and Berry Hill Penn, in St. Mary's Parish, Jamaica. The material prior to 1837 is chiefly plantation records, including financial papers and account books. The plantation records reveal the number and condition of slaves or apprentices and stock, purchases of goods, accounts payable, size of crops, and sales of sugar, rum, and cattle. Later papers include letters from managers of the estate to the owners describing crop conditions, trouble with freed Negroes in 1838, the importation of Chinese laborers in 1846, sugar traders' reaction to the repeal of the corn laws in that year, and plans for the erection of a Church of England chapel in 1848.

Administrative Information

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Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

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Use Restrictions

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.