Jones, William, fl. 1823-1860 [Plantation Book]

Plantation account book of William Jones, the owner of a cotton plantation in the vicinity of Jonesville, Liberty County, Georgia, near Savannah. Also mentions planting rice, but cotton appears to be the main staple of the plantation. Gives a nearly day-by-day account of the operation of his plantation. The book was kept as a record of planting, harvests, weather, preparation of ground, allocation of slave labor, crop yields, prices realized, and other agricultural matters. Provides extremely little on Jones's personal life. No systematic listing of slaves on the plantation is provided, but they are mentioned throughout. They are referred to as "negroes," "men," "women," "my people" and "all hands." There are at least three entries of slave purchases by Jones: 7 April 1840, 5 May 1840, and 17 March 1841. On 30 April 1839 he says he has been planting for 16 years. The plantation appears to be close to self-sufficiency, with large amounts of corn planted to feed the slaves. Also mentions allowing the slaves time to work their own plots of land. Several pages at the end of the book were written during the Civil War, where Jones complains that General Mercer is asking for laborers to help fortify Savannah. Best listing of slaves appears toward back of account book when he details how he rationed out blankets by year from 1842-1860. Also lists how cotton bags were given out in certain years. Provides two lists of hogs he sold for his slaves. Almanac calendar from the year 1843 cut and pasted on the inside front cover. Leatherbound book, appears to be suede. See related Jones family items at GLC01445 and GLC01449.