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Beaumanoir De La Forest To Susan Kean, March 29, 1799, Beaumanoir De La Forest

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Beaumanoir de la Forest wrote from Paris, France to Susan Kean, unaddressed. Beaumanoir de la Forest was surprised to receive a letter from Susan and was happy that her previous letters were miscarried and not the result of Susan not writing them. Susan’s brother-in-law was living a charming life in the country. Beaumanoir de la Forest shared news on family and mutual acquaintances and mentioned the high cost of education in France. Sorry to hear that every summer Susan was plagued with yellow fever.

People mentioned: Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, Mr. Linch, Mr. Izard, Lady Temple, Mrs. Macomb, Mr. Macomb …

Leroy, Bayard, And Mcevers To Susan Kean, March 26, 1799

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

LeRoy, Bayard, and McEvers wrote to Susan Kean at 89 Liberty Street, New York, New York (Captain Armstrong’s). This document is a receipt from LeRoy, Bayard, and McEvers confirming Susan’s ninety-eight shares of script in the loan of five million dollars that had an interest of eight percent per annum.

Gustavus Reisberg To Susan Kean, March 24, 1799, Gustavus Reisberg

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Gustavus Reisberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean at 89 Liberty Street, New York, New York. Reisberg relinquished the agency and explained to Susan that her orders were better off in more capable hands. Mr. Simpson delivered nine scripts that awaited Susan’s order and the surplus money of two hundred twenty-five dollars was to be returned. Also discussed last year’s taxes Susan had to pay from that sum. Reisberg wrote to Caleb Adler, an upholsterer, to wait on Susan with a piece of green satin that he received as a pattern to show the quality. The remaining silk was …

John Faucheraud Grimké To Susan Kean, March 22, 1799, John Faucheraud Grimké

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

John Faucheraud Grimké wrote from Charleston, South Carolina to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Grimké acknowledged the receipt of Susan’s letter and informed Susan he and Mrs. Grimké were much obliged by Susan’s kind inquiries. Was encouraged to hear of Peter’s improvement in his studies and encouraged Susan to teach him at an early age to relish the pleasures of literature. Enquired of Mr. Shubrick about a suit and suggested Susan ask Mr. Read about the suit as he was in possession of John Kean’s books.

Susan Kean With Philip Livingston, March 21, 1799, Susan Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

The following document is a receipt of accounts between Philip Livingston and Susan Livingston. Includes National Bank Shares. This document appears to be a duplicate of “Philip Livingston to Susan Kean, March 1, 1799” but has a different balance.

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

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean 89 Liberty Street, New York, New York. Risberg informed Susan that according to her last order, he requested Mr. Simpson subscribe 27 shares to the new loan. Although he anticipated some surplus, he had no idea that the subscriptions would amount to nearly three times the sum wanted. Nine shares were allocated to Susan and more would be issued in seven to ten days. Bansall made an overture for the lot on behalf of B.W. Morris at £75 annum ground rent.

Draft And Math, Circa March 1799, Susan Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

The following document is a draft in Susan Kean’s hand. She informed an unknown correspondent that she had nine shares in the new loan and asked if they would transmit money to her. Assured the next payment would be made by Mr. Risberg.

The document also has multiple mathematical additions reflecting the amount in shares.

This document is undated.

Julian Niemcewicz To Susan Kean, March 4, 1799, Julian U. Niemcewicz

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Julian Niemcewicz wrote from Elizabethtown, NJ to Susan Kean, addressed to New York, NY. Julian had stayed back in New Jersey while Susan handled business affairs and mingled in the city. He informed her on his short visit to Philadelphia where he met with friends and gave her an update on Peter who was doing very well. The letter ended with Julian asking Susan if the "nonsensical babblings about ghosts" had come to an end yet.

Philip Livingston To Susan Kean, March 1, 1799, Philip Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

The following document is a receipt of accounts between Philip Livingston and Susan Livingston. Includes National Bank Shares.

Philip Livingston To Susan Kean, March 27, 1799, Philip Peter Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Philip Livingston wrote to Susan Kean, his sister, address not included. He wrote that he was still unwell, but had hoped Susan would have called on his wife, Cornelia Livingston. A broker had reached out to him about land in South Carolina and said that if Susan understood the information and thought it was good they would invest. He also mentioned the South Carolina war debt that was partially held by LeRoy and Bayard.

Vanderhorst & Miller To Philip Livingston, February 22, 1799, Vanderhorst & Miller

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Vanerhorst & Miller wrote from Charleston to Philip Livingston, addressed to Broadway, NY. The letter said that on the instructions of Robert Barnwell they sent a check in favor of Charles Bank and Co. which was to be paid to Susan Kean, widow of John Kean and sister of Philip Livingston. A duplicate of this letter was also sent and received by Philip.

The check mentioned can be found as "Jonathan Coit to W. S. Robinson, February 21, 1799".

Jonathan Coit To William S. Robinson, February 21, 1799, Jonathan Coit

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Cashiers check from Jonathan Coit to Charles Bank and Co for $2000. It is addressed to William S. Robinson and on the back it is signed over to Philip Livingston, addressed to Boradway, New York, NY.

Julian Niemcewicz To Susan Kean, February 2, 1799, Julian U. Niemcewicz

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Julian Niemcewicz wrote from New York to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, NJ. In the letter he discussed how his day was spent and informed Susan of the various individuals he visited. Additionally, he explained how he had a "sleepless night on account of mosquitoes."

People Included: General Hamilton, Henry Brockholst Livingston, Mrs. Caradeux, Mrs. Church.

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

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Jessey Perovany wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Jessey worried Susan considered her an ungrateful human being however, she was not to be blamed but pitied. For a long time, she was unable to collect her ideas and could not bring herself to write. As soon as Mr. Perovany recovered from his second illness, he prepared for his departure to Havana. He left the Tuesday prior. Jessey’s mind had been tortured with worry that this may have been the last time she saw her husband. Jessey added additional text dated January 10 and claimed it …

Robert Barnwell To Susan Kean, February 1, 1799, Robert Barnwell

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Robert Barnwell wrote from Beaufort to Susan Kean, address not included. Robert sent Susan some money that he owed her. He also advised her to hire a power of attorney to investigate what happened to the land John Kean owned in Georgia and to get it back into her name.

People Included: Peter Philip James Kean, John Kean, Peter Van Brugh Livingston

M. Cassinove To Susan Kean, January 29, 1799, M. Cassinove

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

M. Cassinove wrote to Susan Kean, address not included. He discussed loans, told her to invest in public stocks in the U.S., and mentioned Mr. Bayton.

Susan Kean To William Dayton & Co., January 28, 1799, Susan Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

The following document is an invoice from Susan Kean for Dayton & Co., unaddressed. Susan ordered items in October, November, and December of 1798, and January 1799. Goods include spirits, ribbon, sugar, wood, mace, and nutmeg.

Gustavus Risberg To Susan Kean, January 26, 1799, Gustavus Risberg

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Gustavus Reisberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Reisberg shared that Mr. Simpson informed him that Mrs. Rinker left no family and that her estate would go to her husband. He heard she disposed of her stock before leaving for Virginia and the money was applied toward the purchase of a farm on which Mr. Rinker lived. Believed the monied interest in Philadelphia would be redeemed in a few years. If Susan subscribed to it, her interest would be perfectly safe, and enjoy an immediate increase in income. Mentioned that another stock was in great …

Philip Livingston To Susan Kean, January 25, 1799, Philip Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Philip Livingston wrote from New York, New York to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Livingston informed Susan that he was taken ill and obliged to remain in bed for three or four days. He settled with John Brown’s agent and received Greenleaf’s debt in cash. Asked Susan how she wanted her money invested, whether in the new loan, other funds, part on interest in the new loan, or part on interest in the land security. Thanked Susan for the recipe for the balm of life. Includes an embroidery pattern drawn on the third page of the manuscript.

Jacob Reed To Susan Kean, January 23, 1799, Joseph Read

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

The following document is a voucher addressed to Susan Kean from Jacob Read in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Read wrote that he received the sum of $128.57 from Susan that was to be paid to John Faucheraud Grimké in Charleston, South Carolina.

People mentioned: John Faucheraud Grimké (1752-1819)

Herman Leroy To Susan Kean, January 21, 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 he had a conversation with her brother (Philip Livingston) regarding the investment of money that Susan had lying unemployed. LeRoy explained that the new loan scheduled to open on the 28^th of February for 5 million dollars of 8 Act Annuities promised to employ money safely. The high-interest rate, LeRoy considered, would make foreigners purchasers. Although the idea was tempting, he would not advise anyone to put all of their money in it. If Susan wanted to become a subscriber …

Philip Livingston To Susan Kean, January 15, 1799, Philip Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Philip Livingston wrote from New York, New York to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Livingston informed Susan that he received the Chancellor’s Order to touch the money. After some difficulties with Brown’s agent, Livingston brought the matter to a crisis and threatened to take the land at his bid at the auction unless Brown’s agent paid in cash to the Master in Chancery. Brown offered a mixture of cash and notes and Livingston consented. The Chancellor did not order him in full interest on the debt, but Livingston’s counsel advised him that when the Chancellor came to town, he …

John Walker To James Brown, January 9, 1799, John Walker

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

John Walker to James Brown, addressed to Richmond, VA. He wrote a quick correspondence to say he arrived at Shirley. He blames the bad weather for not paying him earlier.

Philip Livingston To Susan Kean, January 8, 1799, Philip Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Philip Livingston wrote from New York, New York to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Livingston informed Susan that if he received the Chancellor’s Order, he had some hope that he would get to touch the money that was owed by John Brown. He asked Susan to respond to his last letter and let him know where she wished to invest her portion. If she needed money, Livingston reiterated that Susan should not hesitate to ask him for it. Mr. and Mrs. R were staying with Livingston and his wife. He wished Susan would stay with them as well. Was …

Philip Livingston To Susan Kean, January 4, 1799, Philip Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Philip Livingston wrote from New York, New York to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Livingston informed his sister Susan that his wife had fallen ill on the evening of Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts’ arrival and he called a physician to see her at one in the morning. The physician bled her and administered Laudanum and she was recovering. Livingston received the master in chancery to sell the mortgaged lands at auction. He bid up to the amount of the debt and then an agent of John Brown bid something over Livingston. Brown became the purchaser and was going to …

Mary Livingston To Susan Kean, January 3, 1799, Mary Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Mary Livingston wrote from New York, New York to Susan Kean, unaddressed. Mary informed her aunt, Susan of her activities, which included visiting Mrs. Church and Miss VanderHenvel. Mary included a postscript written entirely in French. She asked that Peter write her a small letter in French.

The History Of Nicolas Pedrosa, And His Escape From The Inquisition In Madrid. A Tale., Richard Cumberland

Gothic Archive Chapbooks

Andalusian-born Nicolas Pedrosa is a shaver, surgeon, and male-midwife living in Madrid. One day, after assisting in a birth, Nicolas is returning home when his mule becomes obstreperous and he beats it, rejecting the offered advice of a group of passing friars who counsel patience. Angered by Pedrosa's reaction, the friars sweep on only to be trampled when the mule loses control because of the sound of their bells.

The next morning, Pedrosa receives a summons from the Inquisition, an especially worrisome situation for him as he is secretly a Jew. Imprisoned and tortured briefly, Pedrosa The interrogation by the …

Source For "The Unfortunate Victim", Anonymous

Gothic Archive Sources and Related Materials

"The Unfortunate Victim" is a short story appended to our chapbook entitled Cronstadt Castle. The strange thing about this: Cronstadt Castle uses British spellings, but "The Unfortunate Victim" uses American spellings. As it turns out, this is our first evidence of a London chapbook publisher using an American source to fill space. The Unfortunate Victim ran twice in a periodical called "The Dessert to the True American" under a different title, The Tragical Story of Ludovisio Carantani, A Milanese and His Two Daughters. The first time was in its entirety on December 29, 1798, and the second was serially …

Gustavus Risberg To Susan Kean, December 25, 1798, Gustavus Risberg

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Gustavus Risberg wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Risberg informed Susan of a draft of money he enclosed as well as the status of her cash orders. Discussed the Legislature being in session and that Mr. Tilghman had been so busy attending Court that did not tend to Mr. Meade’s business yet. Mentioned the dividends for the insurance company and Susan’s shares. Mrs. Rinker passed away and Risberg selected a weekly publication for the amusement of Peter – the price was two dollars per annum.

Gustavus Risberg To Susan Kean, December 13, 1798, Gustavus Risberg

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Gustavus Risberg in Philadelphia, PA wrote to Susan Kean, addressed to Elizabeth Town, NJ. Gustavus enclosed the rent money. People included: Willing. Place included: New York.