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Alexander Chisolm To John Kean, June 16, 1789, Alexander Chisolm

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Alexander Chisolm wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort. He had been sick for sometime and is just now able to get out of bed. He heard from Mr. Simon that Robert Barnwell will be able to pay some money he owes soon. He wrote about the W. Maxwell Estate and land purchased from Mr. Keating. Some indigo was sold to pay off Titimon as well as a boat.

Lewis William Otto To Susan Kean, June 12, 1789, Lewis William Otto

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Lewis William Otto wrote from New York to Susan Kean, his sister-in-law, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He is still unsure of when he will return to Europe. Sarah Ricketts was not happy with his decision to take his daughter, Eliza Otto, with him. Despite rumors, he wrote he is not looking for another wife and is mortified people think he could so easily forget his first wife. He wrote that Abyssinia, the Rickett's house in Elizabethtown, seemed to be the country seat of Congress as they have so many guests. Sarah Ricketts was expected in give birth in a few …

Sarah Ricketts To Susan Kean, June 4, 1789, Sarah Ricketts

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Sarah Ricketts wrote to her sister, Susan Kean, address not included. The first 8 pages of the letter are no longer with pages 9-11. She wrote updating Susan on their family and friends. She mentioned that Mr. B was in bad debt and would have to do something or else he would go to jail, according to their father Peter Van Brugh Livingston. Robert Barnwell had been staying with them but left to go to J.R. Livingston's wedding to Eliza McEvers, then he would go to Mr. B's and then stay with them the Ricketts again until he left for …

Aaron Pitney Apprenticeship Certification. May 18, 1789, Joseph Farnworth, William Jepson, Josiah Hart, George Olcott

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Document certifying that Aaron Pitney completed his apprenticeship of four years under Dr. George Olcott in Wethersfield, Hartford County, CT. He had been recommended to be a public practitioner of surgery. The certification was signed by Joseph Farnworth, William Jepson, Josiah Hart, and George Olcott.

Beaumanoir De Laforest To Susan Kean, April 19, 1789, Beaumanoir De Laforest

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Beaumanoir De Laforest wrote from New York to Susan Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. She had received a letter from Susan's husband, John Kean, and was glad to hear of her and her son Peter Kean's health. She said it was the talk of the town that Peter may have a little brother soon. She also mentioned that her daughter Caroline de la Forest had been inoculated for Small Pox. John Adams and George Washington were soon expected in New York and there was going to be a ball and fireworks.

People Included: Mrs. Everly, Mr. Huges, Miss De Crevecoues, …

John Kean To Susan Kean, Circa April 1789, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote to Susan Kean, unaddressed. John Kean informed Susan that his vegetable garden had improved in his ten days absence. Spring had expanded the foliage of the trees, some of his fruit trees had taken root, and the hyacinths bloomed. His village was filled with country folks because it was time to hold courts. Kean’s health was also improving.

St. George Tucker To Unknown Person, March 25, 1789, St. George Tucker

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

St. George Tucker wrote to an unknown person. He wrote regarding an account A. Randolph sent him in relation to the estate of J.R. (presumably also a Randolph). He sent an interest payment he received with instructions it was to be given to John Woodson to pay the taxes on his ward's estate. He also mentioned having seen Benjamin Harrison and that he appeared to be in good health.

Peter Van Brugh Livingston To John Kean, March 13, 1789, Peter Van Brugh Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Peter Van Brugh Livingston wrote from Elizabethtown to John Kean, address not included. He wrote that he had received John's letters. Winter was ending and he was looking forward to leaving the house as he and Elizabeth Livingston, his wife, had been confined there all winter. James Ricketts, Sarah Ricketts, and their children are all doing well, but Sarah sometimes complains of pain in her side.

Peter Van Brugh Livingston To Susan Kean, January 16, 1789, Peter Van Brugh Livingston I

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Peter Van Brugh Livingston wrote from Abyssinia to Susan Kean, his daughter, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He was happy to hear of her, John Kean, and Peter Kean's safe arrival in Charleston from New York.His wife, Elizabeth Livingston had been ill and he had not left the house since Christmas. He also remarked that he was in debt to Dr. Ramsey for his attention to Susan when she gave birth to Peter.

Robert Barnwell To John Kean, August 27, 1788, Robert Barnwell

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Robert Barnwell wrote from Beaufort to John Kean, addresed to New York, NY. He wrote he was sorry to hear the damp weather was negatively affecting John's health. He had traveled to Hilton Head and checked on john's business there. Indigo was not doing well this season because of the draught and several other planters including Major Wiggs, B. Elliott, and Stoney were facing the same problem. He also mentioned that an enslaved man, who had previously been complaining of a pain in his stomach was unable to do any work and died from the affliction.

Martha Laurens Ramsay To John Kean, December 20, 1788, Martha Laurens Ramsay

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Martha Laurens Ramsay wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. John and his wife, Susan had stayed with the Ramsay family while in Charleston. Martha wrote that she never felt more comfortable in the presence of a stranger than she did with Susan and that she hoped her health had improved. She mentioned that Miss Futerell and Fanny sent their best.

David Ramsay To John Kean, December 18, 1788, David Ramsay

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

David Ramsay wrote from Charleston to John Kean, address not included.He wrote about elections to new government positions. He mentioned that he had heard John's name said a lot.

John Stoney To John Kean, December 13, 1788, John Stoney

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Stoney wrote to John Kean, address to Beaufort. He had sent John nine large barrels and one flower barrel of indigo that he requested. He was not able to send it on Thursday as his enslaved people came back too late and the tide was too low. John Kean had sent him some medicine for two sick enslaved boys, but they did not seem to be doing any better.

Beaumanoir De Laforest To Susan Kean, December 7, 1788, Beaumanoir De Laforest

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Beaumanoir De Laforest wrote from New York to Susan Kean, address not included. She wrote inquiring about Susan's trip and health as well as that of her infant son, Peter Kean. She said that she understood that it must be difficult for her to be in a new place where she does not know anyone and compared it to when she moved to America from her own country.

People Included: Mrs. Eveleigh, Mr. Huger, Mrs. Ricketts, Mr. Otto, Eliza Julia Otto, Miss De Crevecoeur, John Kean

John Randolph To St. George Tucker, September 10, 1788, John Randolph

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Randolph wrote from Princeton to St. George Tucker, his father, addressed to Matoax, VA. He wrote that he had to postpone his trip to New York due to the weather and asked about the health of his brothers Richard and Theodorick. He sent messages for the family.

People Included: Uncle Thomas, Fanny, Eliza, Henry, Tudor, Nat, Mr. Corderius

Margaret Livingston To John Kean, July 16, 1788, Margaret Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Margaret Livingston wrote from Cleremont to John Kean, address not included. she apologized for not answering his letter sooner and offered her congratulations to him and Susan on the birth of their son, Peter Kean. She was glad to hear from both John and Mr. Huger that John's health has improved. She also wrote about her fruit trees and said she would send John's sentiments on to her son, Edward.

Peter Van Brugh Livingston To John Kean, June 23, 1788, Peter Van Brugh Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Peter Van Brugh Livingston wrote from Elizabethtown to John Kean, addressed to Hanover Square, No. 3, New York, NY. He wrote that he received John Kean's letter, including the one for Mr. Rutherfurd which was given to Mr. Dayton to forward. He hoped that John and Susan's health was better, but said that Peter was doing fine. Eliza Otto was also with him and has grown her first tooth. He was unable to gift John the rent for the house and suggested they work on finding a smaller house and then seeing what could be done.

John Kean To Susan Kean, April 11, 1788, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. He wrote that Susan should have a nurse to feed their son as he worried for her health. He said that if Elizabeth Livingston and Sarah Ricketts had one in mind she should listen to them. He mentioned that Miss Van Horne was traveling to New York in May and he hoped she could accompany Betsey Bayard. CP is engaged in Miss Laurens and John sent letters for Susan's family and Dr. Bard.

John Kean To Susan Kean, April 1788, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote to Susan Kean, unaddressed. Kean was glad to hear Susan decided to stay with friends. In response to her question regarding their residence, Kean informed her that if the office they had in contemplation, or if the representation of the state in Congress was to take effect, he would continue to New York or wherever Congress decided to reside. If they were to return in the fall, it would be better to hire servants than to pay the passage for their slaves Celia, Sarah, and two children. If they were to stay longer, he would bring them. …

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.

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. …

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, April 23, 1787, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote from Beaufort to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. He wrote about his health and how he almost felt envious of James Ricketts and Lewis William Otto as they are in good health and did not have to be separated from their wives. His sister, Jane Corvaisier gave birth early due to an earthquake and the baby died soon after. She was traveling to France to recover. He sent his best to Mrs. Chancellor and prayed for her health and was glad to hear Peter Van Brugh Livingston was doing better. He hoped that should a …

John Kean To Susan Kean, April 19, 1787, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote from Beaufort to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. He wrote about how much he missed Susan and longed to be with her in New York as well as his health. He sent her a branch from a Pride of India tree and described its beauty. All the merchants except one had closed up shop and he was unable to get Susan the items she requested.

John Kean To Susan Kean, April 8, 1787, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote from Beaufort to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. He had arrived and Beaufort and wrote about the state of his plantation there. A large portion of the indigo crop had been destroyed by crickets. John complained that he could make twice what he did if he were a better planter and his enslaved people better managed. He wrote about the possibility of renting the Beaufort plantation and selling all his land in Georgia to pay off his debts. He wrote about his health and how he had been drinking Celson Water. He was currently staying …

John Kean To Susan Kean, April 3, 1787, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote from Charleston to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. Tinker had left with bills of exchange to deliver to Susan, but John was enclosing duplicates in case those were lost. He had been held up in Charleston by the bad weather. He had been staying in his room by the fire for his health. He wrote at length about how the weather affects his health and his cough. He said usually he would go to Long Island and was glad to not be in the New York cold.

John Kean To Susan Kean, March 28, 1787, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote from Charleston to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. He wrote that he missed her and he had seen Tinker and Crossfield. He thought about sending Crossfield to deliver his letter so he could personally assure Susan of John's health. He spoke to Mr. Silk and agreed to loan him money to pay for his wife and family's passage and asked Susan to help arrange it. He expected to be in Beaufort on Friday.

John Kean To Susan Kean, March 26, 1787, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Kean wrote from Charleston to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. A section on the third page of the letter is missing. He inquired about Susan's health and wrote of how much he missed her. Mr. Turner was hosting a ball for the end of the winter season and John wrote of how extravagantly people dressed for it. He also spoke of a dinner her had with Mr. Tucker.