Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch describing an applicant for an overseer position at one of the Bishop's plantations. John appears to like the man and his qualifications but fears "he might not take a sufficient control over the negroes, if it became necessary to use harsh means." 2p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch concerning news from the Bishop's plantation and his medical practice. John writes about the ongoing construction at the plantation and of a runaway slave, Emmett, who was briefly jailed but escaped. John told the overseer's son that "if Emmett should come around the plantation to tell him to come in and go to work as I did not blame him for trying to escape from prison." He also confides in the Bishop that his medical practice is on the verge of blossoming "if bigotry does not override everything." 2p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch asking the Bishop for his influence should a newly planned state hospital in Columbia need a physician. 1p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch about affairs at the Bishop's plantation. He also writes about a "private baptism" he gave to a child he feared would die of measles unbaptised. 2p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch about the sale of slaves on the Bishop's plantation. John writes that he has yet to tell the slave Emmett that he has sold him and his family to a Mr. Mullin and hopes "him willing to go quietly, as I understand he refuses to be hired quietly." 1p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch concerning an incident with some slaves at the Bishop's plantation. John writes that the overseer, Mr. Buff, after "strapping" a young boy for idleness, was attacked with a hoe by the boy's mother. John wants word on what to do with the woman saying "if this goes unpunished and the woman remains, it will be the ruining of all the young negroes," and suggests selling the whole family. 3p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch concerning provisions for the Bishop's plantation and an offer from two Confederate officers to lease a portion of the Bishop's property for a new powder mill. 2p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch concerning plans for the Bishop's properties. He also asks the Bishop to send him a horse that the Bishop has been tasked with disposing. 2p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch concerning news about the Bishop's properties. John writes that the Lexington plantation continues to be a financial burden and hints at turmoil at the Bishop's Lancaster farm. Several slaves have been brought to Columbia from Lancaster and John suggests to the Bishop to sell them for a profit stating that "I saw some sold here today at pretty good prices." 2p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch about frustrating negotiations with "Dr. Marks" over the Barhamville property. In a postscript he asks the Bishop to "let me hear about the big gun" in Charleston. 2p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch concerning the Bishop's slave Daniel. The Confederate Army has been after the Bishop's overseer, Mr. Buff, to send Daniel to help on coastal defenses, but since Daniel is the "only road hand on the farm", he refuses. John asks the Bishop what course of action they should take since Daniel has been ordered to be at the depot in a few days. He also mentions the good news of the "repulse from Fort Sumter" during the late siege of the harbor commenting, "there must have been Irishmen in it." 3p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch about procuring provisions for the Ursuline Convent and Academy and about news of the war. John writes that the man hired to obtain the provisions fears impressment of the supplies and requests that the Bishop provide him an endorsed certificate that proves the goods are for the convent should any Confederate officers stop him. John also mentions the movement of troops through Columbia on their way to Tennessee where "Genl Lee and the President have planned a campaign against Rosencrantz (sic)". 4p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch concerning finances and provisions for the Bishop's plantations. Since Christmas nears, John asks the Bishop to send $400 more than is necessary to settle their account so he can "give the negroes something, and I think a little money will suit them better, and be cheaper just now, than anything else." He also writes of a load of "Nassau cloth" the Bishop had purchased that was ruined in transport but, despite its odor, should be kept to "clothe the negroes." 3p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch detailing the departure of one of the Bishop's overseers and the transfer of slaves among the plantations, and attempts by John to rent out one of the Bishop's properties. 2p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch suggesting that the Bishop vacate a certain property and move his slaves there elsewhere. The property has "accommodations for 40 or so negroes, besides the dwelling", and may prove more profitable to rent out "as a place of refuge" for lowcountry residents fleeing the war. 1p.
