The Receipt of Harriott Pinckney Horry, 1770: A Glimpse into the Life and Times of an 18th-Century Elite Woman

The receipt of Harriott Pinckney Horry, dated 1770, is a fascinating document that provides a glimpse into the life and times of an 18th-century elite woman. The receipt, which is written in a clear and elegant hand, records the purchase of various items by Harriott from a local merchant in Charleston, South Carolina. These items include fabric, clothing, and other household goods, and the receipt provides valuable insights into the material culture and lifestyle of the upper classes in colonial America.

Harriott Pinckney Horry: A Brief Biography

Harriott Pinckney Horry was born in 1746 to Charles Pinckney, a prominent lawyer and politician in South Carolina. She was the sister of Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, who served as governor of South Carolina and later as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. Harriott married Elias Horry, a wealthy planter, in 1768, and the couple had three children. Harriott was a devoted wife and mother, and she was also an active member of the local community. She was a patron of the arts and education, and she was known for her hospitality and her generosity.

The Receipt: A Window into Harriott's World

The receipt of Harriott Pinckney Horry provides a unique window into the world of an 18th-century elite woman. The receipt lists the following items that Harriott purchased from a local merchant:

A Colonial Plantation Cookbook: The Receipt Book of Harriott Pinckney Horry, 1770

by Harriott Pinckney Horry

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2420 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	161 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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• 6 yards of blue silk
• 4 yards of white linen
• 2 yards of green velvet
• 1 pair of silk stockings
• 1 pair of kid gloves
• 1 bonnet
• 1 fan
• 1 pair of earrings
• 1 necklace

These items reflect the fashionable tastes of the upper classes in colonial America. The blue silk, white linen, and green velvet were all popular fabrics for clothing, and the silk stockings, kid gloves, bonnet, and fan were all essential accessories for a well-dressed woman. The earrings and necklace were likely made of gold or silver, and they were a sign of wealth and status.

The receipt also provides insights into Harriott's domestic life. The purchase of linen and velvet suggests that she was responsible for sewing clothes for herself and her family. The purchase of stockings and gloves suggests that she was concerned with her appearance and that she wanted to present herself well in society. The purchase of a bonnet and fan suggests that she was involved in social activities, and the purchase of earrings and a necklace suggests that she had a taste for luxury.

The receipt of Harriott Pinckney Horry is a valuable document that provides a glimpse into the life and times of an 18th-century elite woman. The receipt provides insights into Harriott's material culture and lifestyle, and it also sheds light on the social and economic conditions of colonial America. The receipt is a reminder of the importance of preserving historical documents, as they can provide valuable insights into the past.

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Image 1: Receipt of Harriott Pinckney Horry, 1770, written in a clear and elegant hand.

Image 2: Portrait of Harriott Pinckney Horry, a fashionable and well-dressed woman.

Image 3: Items purchased by Harriott Pinckney Horry, including fabric, clothing, and accessories.

Image 4: Map of Charleston, South Carolina, where Harriott Pinckney Horry lived.

A Colonial Plantation Cookbook: The Receipt Book of Harriott Pinckney Horry, 1770

by Harriott Pinckney Horry

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2420 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	161 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE