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Sarah Ricketts To Susan Kean, November 2, 1791, Sarah Ricketts

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

This letter was written "by the pen of J. Jackson" on behalf of Sarah Rickets, no location, to her sister Susan Kean, addressed to John Kean, Commissioner of Public Accounts, Philadelphia. Sarah offered congratulations, but didn't give the reason. She mentions many acquaintances, but little information about them. Near the end Sarah wrote "the Creoles have worried me," but it's not clear why. The letter is difficult to read.

Mr. Jackson For Mrs. R To Susan Kean, Circa 1790s, Jackson

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

The following document is an envelope addressed to Susan Kean at Walnut Street and the Corner of Fourth Street in Philadelphia from Mr. Jackson for Mrs. R.

John Faucheraud Grimké With John Kean, November 1, 1791, John Faucheraud Grimké

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

A receipt from Grimké to John Kean for £70, written by Roger Smith.

John Ward To John F. Grimké, October 31, 1791, John Ward

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

John Ward wrote to John F. Grimké, unaddressed. This letter concerned debt issues. Richard Shubrick hoped that John Grimké could have mediated a dispute with John Kean, a mutual friend, to avoid excessive legal expenses. People included: Richard Shubrick, Samuel Grove, Peter La Vien, Box La Vien, John Kean, Ed Davis.

Thomas Willing To John Kean, October 29, 1791, Thomas Willing

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Thomas wrote to John, no address, but located in Philidelphia, PA from context. The Bank Directors appointed John Kean as cashier of the U.S. Bank [First Bank of the United States] today. The salary was $2,700. Thomas invited John to meet the Board at City Hall the following week. He was the first President of the First Bank of the United States.

John Rutherfurd To Susan Kean, October 29, 1791, John Rutherfurd

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

John Rutherfurd wrote to his cousin, Susan Kean, while there was no address but likely in Philadelphia, PA. John Rutherford approved Susan's husband, John Kean, to use his name if he thought it would be helpful. He also suggested John Kean use other names since John Rutherfurd was not well known in that area.

Henry William Desaussure To John Kean, October 20, 1791, Henry William Desaussure

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Henry wrote to John Kean, addressed to Philadelphia, PA. John's suit with General Bull was delayed. Henry enclosed a copy of evidence presented at the trial [not present] that was considered conclusive, but Henry "submitted to a nonsuit" (dismissal).

Jacob Read To John Kean, October 14, 1791, Jacob Read

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Jacob Read wrote to John, addressed to Philadelphia, PA, One of the Commissioners of Accounts of the U.S., via [illegible ship], Captain Art.

Jacob wrote about certificates. Names included: Bowman, McEvers, [William] Stephens, [John Faucheraud] Grimké, Colonel John L. B. [illegible], Tubly, and the widow.

In the postscript, Jacob said his brother, George Paddon Read, will visit Philadelphia and visit John.

Philip Livingston To John Kean, October 13, 1791, Philip Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Philip wrote to his brother-in-law, John, addressed to Philadelphia, PA, Commissioner of Publick Accounts. Philip wrote about subscribers in New York electing Directors for the Bank of the United States. Scrip price rose.

Hughe's certificates in New York are not receivable for State Lands. Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts and Mr. Jackson visited New York.

Joseph Abendanone To John Kean, October 11, 1791, Joseph Abendanone

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Joseph wrote to John, addressed to Philadelphia, PA. Joseph requested a subscription, via D. Ramsey. He thanked John for his help asked that the amount be transferred to the Office of Charleston.

Sister To Susan Kean, October 11, 1791

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Mary McIntosh or Sarah Ricketts wrote to their sister, Susan Kean, no address. The final page was not present. There are many daily details.

She missed Susan and was delighted when she received her letter the night before. She described a religious service that she did not agree with. She described the local neighborhood of her "savage" [Native American?] and they offered her to join them at a potluck, but she declined. She attended a ball hosted by Mr. S. A--, with the children, dancing master, 23 other ladies, and "her" Native American. She prepared curtains for party the next …

John Faucheraud Grimké To John Kean, October 11, 1791, John Faucheraud Grimké

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

John Faucheraud Grimké wrote to John Kean, no address. The top of the page was labeled "2." Subscribers met and elected a President, Directors, and Cashier for a South Carolina bank, in case one was created in that state. Aither [?] was ready to perform his contract. A bill of exchange was enclosed [not present]. Mrs. G [Grimké] was ill. Their children, John and Tom, sent messages to John's son Peter.

Grimké wrote about the sale of indents, shares in the manufacturing scheme (consider rope and cotton wear with cotton or hemp), Santee Canal Company (Grimké manages John's 5 shares). …

John Kean To John Faucheraud Grimké, September 26, 1791, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

This is a copy of a letter John wrote to Grimké. John wrote a very thorough explanation about the debt he acquired via Shubrick and Clempson related to the following: Grove and Davies, Box Lavien and Company, and Peter Lavien and Company. He explained at lenght why the amount due was unfair and unreasonable for him to pay.

Details included: Peter Lavien died in John Kean's house in Beaufort, SC; the Brig William, John Mercier master, on its way to England was stopped in South Carolina and the property was withheld; Race Horse (a ship); Sunbury, Barbados, freight; rice and …

Elizabeth Gough To Susan Kean, September 21, 1791, Elizabeth Gough

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Elizabeth wrote to Susan, address not included, updating her about life in Beaufort, SC. Many people are unwell. Names include: Dr. Child, Mrs. Managantt, Capt. Saltas, Mr. Godin, her brother Edward, Mr. Gearard's family, Polly Rospel, Mr. Ders (dead), Mrs. Wilcox, Mr. Lews, Mrs. Cuthbert, and more. Elizabeth heard Susan's husband John will leave all his possessions in South Carolina and that Susan's Uncle died. Elizabeth sent flower roots and will send more when she can.

Peter Van Brugh Livingston With John Kean, September 9, 1791, Peter Van Brugh Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

William Stephens acts as a Factor (agent) for John Kean in Georgia. Peter Van Brugh Livingston is concerned about a bond that "appears as a charge on my daughter" (Susan, John Kean's wife). There's a description of a farm in Georgia, near Brunswick, that Susan is interested in. Also includes a small scrap about updating John Kean's will to reflect a change to Susan's property, with the initials P.T.O.

John Kean To Susan Kean, September 9, 1791, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

John Kean wrote from Philadelphia, PA, to his wife, Susan Kean, addressed via Mr. Philip Livingston, Broadway, New York. There's an illness in the city, but the 2 enslaved children in the house are still well. John talks emotionally about the death of children. John hopes to be hired as Cashier of the Bank of the United States at not less than $2,500.

Names included: Mrs. Knox, Mrs. Moore (daughter died), young Marcus (dead), Mrs. Sea (2-month-old child died), Judge Shippen, and Mrs. Bayard (formerly Miss Pintard), George Washington, R.M. [Robert Morris], R.B. [Robert Barnwell?], Peter Kean.

Places included: bush …

John Kean To Susan Kean, September 6, 1791, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

John wrote to his wife, Susan, address not included. He's glad she is "out of town for it has been sickly amongst the children." Names included: Foster, Grimké, Mr. and Mrs. Read, Vice-President John Adams, Mr. Bradford, Brockolst Livingston, Shubrick, Mrs. Keply, Mrs. Allen (gossip), and enslaved women Celia and Sarah. Mrs. Grimké wants common China for the afternoon tea party. He asks if Susan's brother were to purchase land that exceeds 100 or 150 acres if he can spare 50 to 10 acres for a retreat for Susan. He thinks Bush Hill will be deserted during the winter, the …

John Kean To Susan Kean, September 4, 1793, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

John Kean wrote from Philadelphia, PA to his wife, Susan Kean, addressed via Mr. Philip Livingston, Broadway, New York. John mistakenly opened a box meant for Susan. It contained flower roots: jonquil [daffodil] and hyacinth, which he suggests she shares to be "civil." John describes the weather. The first cool evening of the year allowed him to sleep with a blanket. Mrs. Hamilton is "expected every day," and he is fond of her. Work is dull. John requests that his brother-in-law, Mrs. Livingston, and Cornelia visit.

Names included: brother Livingston, Mrs. Livingston, Cornelia, Mrs. Bingham, Mrs. Hamilton [Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton], …

Robert Barnwell To John Kean, September 3, 1791, Robert Barnwell

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Robert wrote to John, no address. Robert talked to John Faucheraud Grimké about John's property sale and Mr. Shubrick. Names included: Mr. Rutledge and Mr. Grove, deceased.

Robert estimated the value of John's property on Paris Island, Hilton Head, the house and lot in Beaufort, and land on the m-- [illegible]. Robert disagreed with the value of John's land and enslaved people, saying the output of the enslaved people would not cover their cost.

John Kean To Susan Kean, Evening, September 2, 1791, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

John wrote to his wife, Susan, no address. John suffered insomnia and got out of bed to write to Susan. Earlier, he visited the drawing-room and visited with Mrs. Shippen and Mrs. Travis. Madam [Martha] Washington and Mr. Ternant asked about Susan. John didn't see the Chews (they are "such gadabouts") or Governor Mifflin (busy with Legislation). He saw Emily once.

John updated Susan on South Carolina and Georgia debts and bank shares. One Bank Stock set to bear interest in 1801 could pay for Peter's college tuition. Robert Barnwell will send money "so I hope we shall not absolutely …

John Kean To Susan Kean, Morning, September 2, 1791, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

John wrote to his wife, Susan, no address, but likely New York, NY. John was happy her brother's speculations were good. He hoped for better finances and a job to cover their costs. He went on about her father and finances.

John received a letter from William Elliot, via Saltus, with crop updates (poor quality indigo). He described the purchase of a coachee [sic] (coach) in detail, including leather seats and Venetian blinds. He planned to take a week off and meet Susan in Elizabeth Town later that month.

John Kean To Susan Kean, August 31, 1791, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

John wrote to his wife, Susan, address unknown, but likely New York, NY. John sent the letter to Susan via Mr. De La Forest because he was faster than the post. John spoke of very hot weather. John worried about Susan's anxiety. He was very lonely without Susan and Peter. He commented that Duer may die, rich, but at death "every body get [sic] their own." He commented on scrip and monopolizers.

De La Forest bought a house (Spruce Street near Fitzsimmons). He alluded to "our good friend the secretary."

John mentioned Susan's charming cousins, nieces, etc., Lady Sterling, Watts, …

John Kean To Susan Kean, August 29, 1791, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

John wrote to his wife, Susan, addressed to.

John acknowledged Susan's recent anxiety. John described a feud over a property deed between Mr. De La Forest and John's neighbors, the Pleasants. He said the "French economy and Quaker frugality" were not resolved and made John glad that he took his landlord's first offer.

Mr. Bradford's new position was announced, will he be their neighbor? Mrs. Bradford and Mrs. Chew offered John food. He dined at the Presidents [George Washington], Col. H, and Mr. O's [Otto] house [he is very low on money].

Mifflin made a speech liked by the Federalists. …

John Kean To Susan Kean, August 27, 1791, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

John wrote to his wife, Susan, addressed to New York, at Philip Livingston, Broadway, New York, NY. John's glad Susan's brother was her trustee. If she wants a house purchased in her name, her brother can pay for it. John updated Susan on Georgia credit and debt.

People included: Mrs. Knox, Mrs. Fluker, General Knox (felt better), William Stephens (lost a certificate worth $100).

Philip Livingston To John Kean, August 26, 1791, Philip Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Philip wrote to his brother-in-law, John, addressed to Philadelphia, PA, Commissioner for Public Accounts. Philip thanked John for his observations about the First Bank of the United States. Scrip prices fluctuated. Philip's sister, Susan, arrived Tuesday. She planned a trip with Philip, Mrs. L, Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts to Greenburg. Philip encouraged John to join them. John's son Peter said he was a good boy and healthy.

John Kean To Susan Kean, August 26, 1791, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

John wrote to his wife, Susan, staying with her brother in New York, NY (based on letter context). John can't pay for Susan and Peter's return journey to Philadelphia, PA. He asked Susan for suggestions: Evan's house rent, property in Philadelphia (Cortland Street, Broad Street, White's house), talk to Osgood and John Rutherfurd.

John wanted Susan's brother, father, or Robert Barnwell to buy Paris Island, SC. He wanted to secure Peter's financial future.

John flattered by the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Shippen. Mr. Ramsey may buy Spermaceti candles, tallow candles, and butter.

John Kean To Susan Kean, August 21, 1791, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

John wrote to his wife, Susan, address not included. Names included: Major Butler, Mr. Ternank, Mrs. Buddens, Mr. Dunlap, Mr. Otto, Mr. DeLibbert, W. Smith of South Carolina, John Rutherford, The Chews and Sophia, George A. Hall, Grimké, Alexander Hamilton, Woolech, Susan's brother, and enslaved people Celia, Sarah, Jacob, Billy, Daphne. He told Susan not to expose herself to the Staten Island sun "because it does not agree with her." He has more servants than he knows how to employ. He plans to dine at headquarters Thursday, where he expects to get all the news. Hamilton thinks Woolech is "in …

John Kean To Susan Kean, August 19, 1791, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

John wrote to his wife, Susan, addressed to Perth Amboy (to be left at Woodbridge, NJ). She was traveling to New York, NY.

A house and lot are for sale on Market Street in Philadelphia, PA, located a little higher than the President's house. He wants to know if Susan wants to live there.

People included: H. Izard, Mr. and Mrs. Otto (dined at Governor Thomas Mifflins's house), Mrs. Bingham (summered in Blackpoint, hands move like Mrs. T.S.) Mr. Ternant (Landsdowne), and Mrs. Budden.

John Kean To Susan Kean, August 16, 1791, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

John wrote to his wife, Susan, who was located in Amboy, NJ (based on context). John described the people on his stagecoach ride to Philadephia, PA: Mr. Ricketts, Mr. and Mrs. Cramond, an Irish doctor from Georgia, German bakers, servants, Molly McCall and her brother (with lots of luggage). Upon his return, he visited the Chews (Sophia is better) and Alexander Hamilton (in bed). Betsey wasn't home.

John describes a drop in the price of scrip (stock for the newly formed Bank of the United States) and the impact on buyers, particularly Duer, Brockholst, and New Yorkers in general.

John …

William Stephens To John Kean, August 11, 1791, William Stephens

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

William wrote to John, no address. William said few people in Georgia want subscriptions to the National Bank and gave his reasons. He had no update on John's lands in Georgia. He said, "no persons with slaves set down amongst us." People who moved from South Carolina went to Florida.

Names and topics included: British Debts, an Act of Confiscation, said of old Brailsford, bond to Portoens [?], Mr. Kegal [?], William Deucaux, William Greenwood, Judge Hayward, and Peter Lavien and Company, Joiner, Channing, President George Washingtons Southern Tour of 1791, Oliver Bowen, Governor Bullock, Mrs. Mills (appreciated how John …