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Peter Van Brugh Livingston To John Kean, March 7, 1788, Peter Van Brugh Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Peter Van Brugh Livingston wrote from Elizabethtown to John Kean, his son-in-law, addressed to Beaufort, SC, to the care of Mr. Chisholm, merchant in Charleston, SC. He had written him previously and sent the letter by way of Dr. Beard and Captain Elliott. However, Captain Silcorks's ship is bound for Charleston so he wrote again. He gave an update on Susan and the baby and gave news of the family including Philip Livingston and Sarah Ricketts. The weather had been very severe and the East River froze over and you could take a sled to Staten Island.

Susan Kean To John Kean, March 7, 1788, Susan Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Susan Kean wrote from Elizabethtown to John Kean, her husband, addressed to Beaufort, to the care of Alexander Chisholm, merchant, Charleston. She wrote about their son who was not yet named. She asked his opinion on the name Peter Philip James. She also said they needed to discuss where they would live in the summer and that Lewis William Otto was selling some of his furniture cheaply. She requested that he send some Sevil Orange trees to Sarah Ricketts. The first page is a modern note on the letter, noting that it was written on the 9th day after Peter …

John Kean To Jacob Read, March 5, 1788, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote from Beaufort to Jacob Read, addressed to Charleston. He asked Read t send him his bond with Hilderson Wiggs as their business was settled. He said he would pay Read when he went to Charleston. He also wrote that their mutual friend Pinckney had gotten married. The third page is an inventory of different letter sets with a mark next to the name John Kean. the letter described in the inventory is this one.

Lewis William Otto To Susan Kean, March 1, 1788, Lewis William Otto

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Lewis William Otto wrote to Susan Kean, addressed to Mr. Ricketts's Elizabethtown. He wrote congratulating her on the birth of her son, Peter Kean, and said that he told her brother, Philip Livingston, and Mrs. La Forest.

Peter Van Brugh Livingston To John Kean, February 28, 1788, Peter Van Brugh Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Peter Van Brugh Livingston wrote from Elizabethtown to John Kean, his son-in-law, addressed to Beaufort, SC by the care of Mr. Chisholm, Charleston, SC. He responded to two letters John had sent and told him about Eliza Otto's death. He said that he was unable to give Kean a loan to help with the fire damage done to his property. Susan, John's wife and Peter's daughter had given birth to a baby boy at Elizabethtown. She had gone there to stay with her father, step-mother, Elizabeth Livingston, and sister, Sarah Ricketts.

John Kean To Jacob Read, February 26, 1788, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote from Beaufort to Jacob Read, addressed not included. He wrote asking Jacob to send to Alexander Chisolm the bond from Isaac Weatherly and Benjamin Matthews to John Kean. On the back is a short note signed by Alexander Chisolm that said he received the bond.

John Kean To Jacob Read, February 26, 1788, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote from Beaufort to Jacob Read, addressed to Charleston, SC. He wrote regarding his, Wiggs, and Pelot's judgments. He asked that Read forward J. Weatherly and B. Matthews bond with him to Alexander Chisholm. On the back, he wrote a line asking if Read transferred the exemplification of the judgment against W.D. to Savannah.

John Kean To Susan Kean, February 25, 1788, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. Mrs.Cuthbert had given birth to a baby boy, he hoped Susan's birth had been as easy and lamented that Eliza Otto's had not been. He had received a letter from Bartholomew Corvaisier his brother-in-law, that said he had been ill and his son died, But Jane Corvaisier was better now. He wrote about Mrs. Gough and her daughter and that her brother, Robert Barnwell, had been elected as a delegate to Congress. He had not heard from Saltus, presumably because of the harsh weather. He had sent some birds …

Lewis William Otto To Susan Kean, February 20, 1788, Lewis William Otto

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Lewis William Otto wrote to Susan Kean, address not included. There had been no boats from Charleston, so he had no news for her. Someone from Susan's household came to borrow six crowns and said her husband would accompany her to Elizabethtown. He commented that her dress gave her such a distinguished appearance that his French servant had told him a Lady was there to speak to him.

John Kean To Susan Livingston, February 20, 1788, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote from Beaufort to Susan Kean, his wife, addressed to be left at Mr. Otto's, No. 3 Hanover Square, New York. He had just arrived from Hilton Head and was anxious to hear news of Susan and the baby. He directed Mr. Chisom to send $200 making the total sent $700. He has had not had to sell any property other than the horses. He found means to quiet all his creditors and the only one who still pressed him for money was his brother-in-law Bartholomew Corvaisier. He inquired about Lewis William Otto.

Benjamin Harrison For Alexander Donald To Donald And Burton, February 12, 1788, Benjamin Harrison

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Bill of exchange addressed to Donald and Burton, merchants in London, to pay Alexander Donald 174 pounds and signed by Benjamin Harrison.

John Kean To Susan Kean, February 10, 1788, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote to Susan Kean, his wife, addressed to No. 3 Hanover Square, New York, NY. He asked that she continue to send him the Federalist, he had up to No. 32 but was missing a part of No. 30.

John Kean To David Ramsay, February 3, 1788, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote from Beaufort to David Ramsay, address not included. in the letter, he summed up his knowledge of the debt of the United States and the federal financial situation. He also offered his opinions and advice.

Susan Kean To John Kean, February 3, 1788, Susan Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Susan Kean wrote to her husband John Kean addressed to Beaufort, SC. She explained to him that she is traveling to New York soon and makes mention of their unborn child, Peter.

John Kean To Susan Kean, January 27, 1788, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote from Beaufort to Susan Kean, his wife, addressed to No. 32 Broad Street, New York. He wrote the story of Dr. Robertson who had 21 children and outlived all but one of them and his words of wisdom on his misfortune. He hoped she would share this with her father Peter Van Brugh Livingston, as he had recently lost his daughter Eliza Otto.

Lewis William Otto To Susan Kean, January 25, 1788, Lewis William Otto

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Lewis William Otto wrote to Susan Kean, his sister-in-law, addressed to Mr. Ricketts's Elizabethtown. He wrote about how busy he had been with the arrival of the Count de M. He also wrote about his grief over the loss of his wife, Eliza Otto, and briefly about his daughter, Eliza.

People Included: Mr. M Coub, Dr. Bard, Mrs. Delaford, Mr.Livingston, Sarah Ricketts, and Mr. Hartman.

John Kean To Susan Kean, January 24, 1788, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. He wrote to express his sorrow and sympathy over the death of Susan's sister Eliza Otto. He told Susan if there was a boat bound for New York he would have been on it and to do her best to comfort her father Peter Van Brugh Livingston, and brother-in-law Lewis William Otto.

John Kean To Susan Kean, January 18, 1788, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote from Beaufort to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. He wrote that he had just returned from Hilton Head, where he had sent his enslaved people. He described the island's location in relation to the various rivers and sounds that surround it. He sent Susan some hair powder made with white potato that grows in South Carolina. He was staying with Captain Barnwell's mother and her daughter Mrs. Cuthbert. He had not heard from Houston in Georgia but, heard that Georgia ratified the new government and that General Jackson was elected Governor. He expected to hear …

Susan Kean To John Kean, January 13, 1788, Susan Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Susan Kean wrote to John Kean, her husband, address not included. Susan's sister, Elizabeth Otto died in childbirth. Susan was also pregnant and wrote out her wishes should she die as well. She wrote that she felt their child should spend it's infancy with her father Peter Van Brugh Livingston, as he loved children. She said if it was a girl she would like her to be raised as a sister with Elizabeth's daughter Eliza Julia Otto. She said her sister Sarah Ricketts had offered to be a mother to her child should it need one.

People Included: Lewis William …

John Kean To Susan Kean, January 8, 1788, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. He wrote to comfort Susan and her worries regarding her pregnancy and John being absent for the birth. He pointed out that his friend General Barnwell had five children and was only present for the birth of one. He was sad to hear of the death of Susan's cousin Molly who died young but was glad Mr. Jay was doing better. He commented on Edward Livingston's upcoming marriage and that he felt Kitty was too good for Hindman. Mr.s Knox and Mrs. W. Livingston had both recently given birth. …

Lists: Lands In South Carolina, Circa 1780s, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

The following document contains notes in John Kean's hand regarding land he owned in South Carolina including locations such as Hilton Head, St. Helena, the Main, a House and Lott in Beaufort, a Store and Lott in Beaufort, and a Back Lott. There are mathematical equations on the verso. This document is undated but likely composed in the 1780s.

John Kean Declaration Of Rights, January, 1788, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

A document titled the Declaration of Rights, written by John Kean. He discussed government and Liberty of citizens and said that a legislature body should not forget themselves and pass an act that oppresses mankind because the people would revolt. The spirit of the people must guard the declarations and preserve the right of election. On the last page of the document John Kean wrote a count of the number of slaves he had on different properties.

Jb Petry To John Kean, Circa 1700s, Jean-Baptiste Petry

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Jean Baptiste Petry wrote to John Kean, unaddressed. Petry issued compliments to Kean and apologized that his disposition confined him at home and for troubling him to write so many times about a bill. This document is undated.

People mentioned: Mr. V

John Kean To Susan Kean, Circa 1780s, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote to Susan Kean, unaddressed. Kean informed Susan that they had just arrived at the narrows and hoped the wind would be more favorable. The ship had set sail before he came down. Postscript reads that the wind came around more favorably but was still fussy.

Alexander Mcqueen To John Kean, December 27, 1787, Alexander Mcqueen

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Alexander McQueen wrote to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, regarding a note made payable to Mr. Bryan.

John Kean To Susan Kean, December 22, 1787, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. He wrote he had been detained at Hilton Head by the bad weather, but returned now. His health was about the same as when he left Susan, which was ok for winter. The trees Susan had sent him were lost at sea. He wrote he was worried about Susan's sister Eliza, who had recently given birth and inquired about her and the baby. He noted that many of his friend's wives in South Carolina were also pregnant. He wrote an Americanized version of an old Scotch ballad for Susan …

John Kean To Susan Kean, December 9, 1787, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. He spent the last 10 days at Hilton Head and St. Helena inspecting his plantation. He made reference to Enslaved People, a fire that had damaged part of the main plantation, and how much his crops brought in. Susan is pregnant and he was excited to hear she and the baby are healthy.

John comments on not counting money accurately on "Violet's good behavior and Sally's kind conduct. Ceasar was cured - he could not return to tell you" [end of page]. The letter appears incomplete.

People Included: Wilcox, …

John Kean To Susan Kean, November 28, 1787, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote from Beaufort, SC to his wife Susan Kean. He explained to her his trip from Charleston to Beaufort, but before embarking on the journey he was able to visit their nieces which gave him immense comfort. The trip was plagued by cold and damp weather but fortunately it did not provoke any health complications as John wrote that there was "no bleeding or spitting of blood". He also planned to visit some of his properties in the area which included their unfinished house. He was sure that the carpenters were done with their work but needed to …

John Kean To Susan Kean, November 25, 1787, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote from Charleston to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. To try and recoup money from the fire he had sold his horses and planned on traveling to Beaufort tomorrow. Jones and Strong arrived from Philadelphia, he had not seen Mrs. Butler yet to give her Nancy's gift, and Mrs. Roberts had no yet received the lace. If the new government is put into place John hoped to be elected as a representative. Susan was unable to travel with him to South Carolina as she was pregnant.

John Kean To Susan Kean, November 20, 1787, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote from Charleston to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. He arrived at Charleston and was sick for several days. He mentioned that many of the planters have had bad crops this year. He learned that his barn with his entire rice crop and provisions for the winter burned down and planned to travel to Beaufort to see the damage himself. In order to make up the loss he said he needed to sell his land in Georgia. John then gave news of friends, John Bull was sick, Mrs. Ramsay gave birth to a baby girl, General …