The managers of the plantation drew up lists on a regular basis to audit or value the estate, including the enslaved workforce, the mules and cattle. This 'List of negroes belonging to the Spring Plantation, 1 January 1782' lists all the enslaved men, women and children owned by the Smyth family of Ashton Court. A few have kept their African name - eg - but most were given Classical or English names by their owners - eg - . A plantation manager spent much time writing. He kept the accounts and had to write regularly to the absentee owner to keep him up-to-date with progress. The pewter inkstand held pots for ink and a pounce pot for sand or drying powder, to dry the wet ink. The inkstand was made by Fothergills of Bristol. Quill pens were easily found and made. The document shown is a copy of an inventory, an annual account of the 'stock' listing all the enslaved Africans and animals on the plantation in January 1782.