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Philip Livingston To Susan Kean, August, 1799, Philip Peter Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Philip Livingston wrote from New York to Susan Kean, his sister, addressed to Elizabeth Town, NJ. He wrote that he was glad Peter Kean's health had improved. Susan had previously asked about real property values in Philadelphia and her brother said that they had gone down because of the Yellow Fever and to sell in the winter was the best idea. Mr. Shipman said that John Kean's Estate was indebted to Philip, but he said that was wrong.

People Included: Mr. Burrall and Jus. Rutherfurd

William Stephens To Susan Kean, September 4, 1799, William Stephens

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

William Stephens wrote from Savannah, Georgia to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Stephens informed Susan that he enclosed a memorandum that contained the lands owned by John Kean with notes that showed to whom the property had since been disposed of (for descriptions of the lands, see Susan Kean to Philip Livingston, October 19, 1799). Stevens also discussed lands left to Susan by her father and additional property in Georgia.

Gustavus Risberg To Susan Kean, August 31, 1799, Gustavus Risberg

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Risberg informed Susan that Mr. Willing made an offer to take the house back by allowing the difference between the rent it currently went for and his agreement, or he would sell it on himself on his own account. Suggested that the last proposition would be most advantageous to Susan. Willing had rented the house to Mrs. Cox, widow of Col. John Cox for $400 for ten months. The banks stood their ground but Risberg expected them to remove to Germanton [Germantown] where he would also take …

John Rutherford To Susan Kean, August 22, 1799, John Rutherford

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

John Rutherford wrote to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. The top of this document is torn. Rutherford informed Susan that he just returned to New York and was executing her order regarding the bonds. He did not understand Susan’s last letter where she requested the bonds be sent to her but enclosed them. They could be sent to Barnwell in their present state or the endorsements filled in.

Susan Kean To John Rutherford, August 21, 1799, Susan Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Susan Kean wrote from Elizabethtown, New Jersey to John Rutherford in Trenton, New Jersey. Susan informed her cousin Rutherford that Barnwell’s bonds were canceled and that he discharged them by payment he made to her in May. Asked what kind of receipt she should send him for the bonds. Susan erased another bond based on Rutherford’s advice. Peter was in New York with a supervisor of his education.

Gustavus Risberg To Susan Kean, August 16, 1799, Gustavus Risberg

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Risberg informed Susan that he enclosed a Copy of the Will duly authenticated.

Julian Niemcewicz To Susan Kean, August 14, 1799, Julian Niemcewicz

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Julian Niemcewicz in New York, NY wrote to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, NJ. In this letter he informed her on the various people he had met with and updated her on gossip pertaining to certain individuals. Additionally, he left a postscript message at the bottom of the page which explained how he had exchanged some books and acquired some titles Susan would be interested in.

Gustavus Risberg To Susan Kean, August 10, 1799, Gustavus Risberg

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Risberg informed Susan that the Insurance Company of N.A. made no dividend in July and none would likely take place until the following year. This was due to heavy losses and large claims on the British and French Governments. Suggested Susan sell the shares and put the funds towards the new loan as well as ground rent and taxes for the Canal Company. Mrs. George Willing “consigned to the silent grave.” Mr. Willing found fault in the construction of Susan’s home in Philadelphia and Risberg suggested she …

Julian Niemcewicz To Peter Kean, August 10, 1799, Julian U. Niemcewicz

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Julian Niemcewicz wrote to Peter Kean, addressed to Elizabethtown, NJ. He explained that he had forgot his keys after leaving town in a hurry and requested if Peter could retrieve them. More specifically, he told Peter the keys would be found in the pocket of his nankeen jacket. While Julian's location is not specified from this letter, his whereabouts can be narrowed down to the southern New Jersey area from the writings in his memoirs, Under Their Vine and Fig Tree.

Julian Niemcewicz To Susan Kean, August 10, 1799, Julian Niemcewicz

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Julian Niemcewicz in New York, NY wrote to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, NJ. He began the letter by apologizing to Susan for not speaking with her before his departure, but had hoped to make it up to her by sending this dispatch out as soon as he could. His first order of business upon making it to the city was inquiring about the death of a friend. He claimed that he was planning to meet with a lady from "the Havannas" (most likely the area of modern day Cuba) who had saw Julian's friend three days before he passed away. …

M. Houstown To Susan Kean, August 3, 1799, M. Houstown

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

M. Houstown wrote from New Rochelle, New York to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Houstown informed Susan that she asked Belinda about Violet and she did not know where she lived. Suggested that Susan speak with Lady Kitty as she spoke of Violet. She was on a visit with her daughter at her friends Mr. and Mrs. Rosewelts and did not expect to return home for a few weeks. Afterward, she planned to spend time in Elizabethtown with Susan.

Herman Leroy To Susan Kean, July 31, 1799, Herman Leroy

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Herman LeRoy wrote from New York, New York to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. LeRoy informed Susan that Robinson’s acceptance was punctually paid. He would remember his promise to Susan the moment they put another vessel in the India Trade. Their views were always set towards China but a suitable vessel had yet to be found, even an indifferent one cost a mint of money. LeRoy felt it necessary to begin calculating a Peace Trade. Mentioned in the postscript that the reports of the fever were exaggerated. No more than four died from it and six were sick. New …

George Meade To Susan Kean, July 29, 1799, George Meade

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

George Meade wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey.

Meade informed Susan that he had not written to her in a while concerning the watercourse. Mr. Willing proposed that this business be referred to three indifferent people, he had given Mr. Willing and Dr. Rush 25 people to choose from. Dr. Rush refused and said a legal decision needed to be made. If Susan had her yard properly leveled, the water from Meade’s yard would pass through Susan’s yard into the watercourse. Meade could not raise his yard because of the damage his house already endured. …

Unknown Person To Julian Niemcewicz, July 24, 1799

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

An unknown correspondent wrote to Julian Niemcewitz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. This document is written entirely in French. The unknown correspondent acknowledged their disappointment in not having the pleasure of seeing Julian as they had business to attend to. They were looking forward to seeing their friends in Elizabethtown.

Julian Niemcewicz To Susan Kean, July 17, 1799, Julian Niemcewicz

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Julian Niemcewicz wrote to Susan Kean, addressed to Elizabethtown, NJ. He was extremely concerned about her health and explained how if he could not find a companinon to take the trip with him up to Niagra he would come to back to see her in New Jersey.

Julian Niemcewicz To Susan Kean, July 8, 1799, Julian Niemcewicz

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Julian Niemcewicz wrote from Philadelphia, PA to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, NJ. He explained how he was feeling uneasy after recieving news that Susan was unwell in the last letter she sent him. In addition, he had not heard from his family in Europe for sometime now and it was weighing on his conscious a great deal. At the end of the letter he wrote about his growing love for nature and how the more time he spent there the more he started to dislike the cities.

Jessey Perovany To Susan Kean, June 27, 1799, Jessey Perovany

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Jessey Perovany wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Jessey apologized for her last request as it would grieve her exceedingly to have offended Susan. Planned to set sail in a few days. Her spirits were low and it was hard for her to write. Jessey learned Spanish so she could communicate with Havana locals.

Julian Niemcewicz To Susan Kean, June 17, 1799, Julian Niemcewicz

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Julian Niemcewicz wrote from an unspecified location in lower New Jersey to Susan Kean, in Elizabethtown, NJ. Susan had experienced a loss of a friend and much of the first page pertained to this as Julian tried to consolidate her with his kind words. The next two pages dealt mostly with the travels he embarked on and planned.

Places mentioned: Philadelphia, Havana, Elizabethtown

People mentioned: Mr.Boudinot, Mrs. Perovany, Elias Dayton, Peter Kean

Gustav Risberg To Susan Kean, June 9, 1799, Gustav Risberg

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Risberg informed Susan he paid the fourth payment on the new loan, and with the dividend of the Bank Stock, he completed the 5^th and 6^th payments of July and August. Susan needed to provide the funds for the 7^th and 8^thpayments. The President and Managers of the Canal Company called upon stockholders for three payments on each share. Susan owed one hundred and ten dollars for her two shares. Hoped Susan chose a successor for his agency.

George Brown To Susan Kean, June 4, 1799, George Van Brugh Brown

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

George Brown wrote from Linlithgow, Scotland to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Brown informed Susan that his regiment with two other Scotch Militia Corps were to encamp in Dunbar, which was thirty miles North East of Edinburgh. Although Brown suggested in a letter to Susan that his regiment would determine in his favor, two Lieutenants could not agree and Brown was therefore passed over for a promotion. Happy to hear of Peter’s progress and requested a letter from him in French. Shared family news and asked about Miss Hilton and Betsey Bayard.

Jessey Perovany To Susan Kean, June 2, 1799, Jessey Perovany

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Jessey Perovany wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Jessey was happy to hear that Peter made progress in French. She meant to write to him but her child had been sick with a severe cold that she attributed to being bathed in cold water. Planned to leave for Havana with Mr. Perovany. The only foreigners who had been received well in Havana were Perovany and the Princes of Orleans. Everybody advised Mr. Perovany to open an academy and Jessey also planned to open a school. She worried her money would not arrive in Havana and …

Julian Niemcewicz To Susan Kean, May 28, 1799, Julian Niemcewicz

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Julian Niemcewicz in Philadelphia, PA wrote to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, NJ. He explained to Susan how he spent much of his time in the morning and evenings collecting various plants. Also, he discussed how he found species of plants along the bank of the Delaware River that were not present in Philadelphia since the cattle there destroyed much of the vegetation in and around the city. Later in the letter he informed Susan that he was considering taking a trip up to Canada, however, if the paperwork proved to make it too difficult, he would settle with just going …

Julian Niemcewicz To Susan Kean, May 28, 1799, Julian U. Niemcewicz

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Julian Niemcewicz wrote from Philadelphia, PA to Susan Kean, addressed to Elizabethtown, NJ. In the letter he informed Susan on the individuals he had crossed paths with and elaborated on his living situation while staying in the city. He anticipated that he would leave Philadelphia by July and told Susan he would "make some stay at home, and you know my home is Elizabethtown." Additionally, at the end of the letter Julian had asked Susan to write her friends in New York City to see if they could purchase various Carl Linnaeus titles such as, Species Plantarum, Genera Plantarum and …

A. Mayo To Susan Kean, May 25, 1799, A. Mayo

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

A. Mayo wrote from Richmond, Virginia to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey (addressed “I hope in New York but perhaps in Elizabethtown”). Mayo informed Susan that Mr. Ralph Wormeley of Rosegill, Virginia was en route to Boston with his son and would be staying in New York for a short period of time. If Susan was in town, he asked that she introduce Wormeley to the best people in the city. Wormeley was a gentleman and came from a distinguished family in Virginia.

People mentionedL Ralph Wormeley, Peter Kean, and Edward Mayo

Herman Leroy To Susan Kean, May 3, 1799, Herman Leroy

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Herman LeRoy wrote from New York, New York to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. LeRoy informed Susan that the Manhattan Company’s proceedings had been enveloped in mystery. Her brother, Philip Livingston, subscribed to 1000 shares but was entitled to only 26, yet he understood each director had 1000. If Susan insisted on subscribing to them, her brother would spare his 26 shares for her, but LeRoy felt she was better off without subscribing to the Manhattan Company. The mechanics who subscribed will have trouble making their second payment and the monied people of the city were universally opposed to …

Desert Service Bought Of William Greaves, April 30, 1799

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

A receipt for a desert service bought by William Greaves. It contains a list of all items purchased, both food and decorative.

Herman Leroy To Susan Kean, April 23, 1799, Herman Leroy

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Herman LeRoy wrote from New York, New York to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. LeRoy received Susan’s letter of the 19th instant requesting a subscription to 50 shares of the Manhattan Company. LeRoy met with Susan’s brother, Philip Livingston since he had no opinion of the Manhattan Company. Livingston subscribed to 1000 shares and informed LeRoy that there was no great risk in taking the 50 shares for Susan. Many mechanics and shopkeepers subscribed but may have difficulty making a second payment.

Gustavus Risberg To Susan Kean, April 13, 1799, Gustavus Risberg

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Risberg informed Susan that he paid $112.50 for the second installment of the new loan and enclosed the certificates. The Insurance Shares (50 in total) were still standing in Risberg’s name as it saved the trouble of a power of attorney receiving the dividends. Mr. Williams had gone to serve as Aid de Camp to General Macpherson on the Northampton expedition and did not have an opportunity to see him. Mr. G. Willing was also engaged on the expedition to Northampton and the rent would remain unpaid …

Leroy, Bayard, And Mcevers To Susan Kean, April 2, 1799

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

LeRoy, Bayard, and McEvers wrote to Susan Kean at 89 Liberty Street, New York, New York (Captain Armstrong’s). LeRoy, Bayard, and McEvers requested Susan inform them of the amount of money she wished to remit to Philadelphia and to whom it should be sent.

Herman Leroy To Susan Kean, April 2, 1799, Herman Leroy

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Herman LeRoy wrote to Susan Kean at 89 Liberty Street, New York, New York (Captain Armstrong’s). LeRoy informed Susan of the only mode of barring the possibility of forfeiture of her nine shares. Asked for Mr. Risberg’s address in Philadelphia. To enable LeRoy to receive the dividends on Susan’s insurance shares, she needed to empower them prior to her leaving town.