Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

John Faucheraud Grimké To John Veufuille, July 29, 1791, John Neufuille

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

John Neufuille appointed Grimké guardian of his children: John, Thomas Smith, Benjamin Smith, and Polly.

Robert Barnwell To John Kean, July 21, 1791, Robert Barnwell

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Robert wrote to John, no address. Robert proposed a deal to DeSeussure and D--[illegible] regarding [Barthalamew] Corvaisier's claim. Robert asked John what amount John would accept for his enslaved people and land at Paris Island. He reminded John that 2/5ths of the enslaved people are children.

Margaret Marshall To Susan Kean, July 13, 1791, Margaret Marshall

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Miss Margaret wrote to Susan, addressed to Philadelphia, PA, by Dr. Joseph Jaudennes, addition and division problems are on the address page. Margaret wrote that Susan and John were invited to a wedding but must not have received the invitation in time. They were missed and she saved Susan a piece of cake. Also mentioned: Mrs. R [Ricketts].

Philip Livingston To John Kean, July 6, 1791, Philip Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Philip wrote to his brother-in-law, John, addressed Philadelphia, PA, Commissioner of Public Accounts. Philip thanked John for securing subscriptions for him. Mr. Ricketts and Philips's father, Peter Van Brugh Livingston, sent money to subscribe in Charles Ludlow's name. The money was received by Mr. Hammond. Philip described "speculating fever."

John Kean Appointed Guardian Of Peter Philip James Kean, July 1, 1791, Orphans Court Of Philadelphia

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

The Rule of the Orphans Court in Philadelphia, PA, appointed John Kean as guardian of his minor son, Peter Philip James Kean. It was witnessed by Lewis Weiss, William Coats, and Jacob Weaver, motioned by William Brandford and signed by William Nichols. Peter is entitled to personal property and the ruling allows that property to be disposed of for the use or benefit of Peter.

John Grimké To John Kean, Circa July 1791, John Faucheraud Grimké

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

John Faucheraud Grimké wrote to John Kean in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Grimké discussed certificates and mentioned that there were no indents for either Jane Grove or Bartholomew Corvaisier. Thanked Kean for the subscription business to the bank and had no objections to him making the arrangements of shares to give him the greatest number of votes. Planned to send Kean the power of acting as his proxy and a power to make the proper disposition and arrangement to give the greatest number of votes; and also, a certificate of Grimké being appointed guardian of his children. Had a meeting with the …

List Of Books And Papers Sent To John Kean, June 21, 1791

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

A list of books and papers sent to John Kean by the Georgia packet Caption Burrows. They cover the accounts of John Kean's step-father, Samuel Grove. The actual books and papers are not in the Liberty Hall Collection.

Henry Beekman Livingston To Susan Livingston Kean, May 24, 1791, Henry Beekman Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Henry wrote to his cousin, Susan, addressed Philadelphia, PA. Henry asked Susan to tell Mr. McIvens the date and time of his marriage to Ann Hume [Shippen] Livingston (also known as Nancy Shippen Livingston), and the names of other people who attended the wedding, in order to help him "procure a divorce" since she is taking him to court.

Eliza Gough To Susan Kean, May 10, 1791, Elizabeth Gough

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Eliza wrote from Beaufort, SC, to Susan, address not included. William Barnwell went to Yale College. She wished she wrote as eloquently as Madame de Sevigne. Her brother "R" intended to study law in Charleston, rather than be a "planter." Eliza feels unwell after nursing Mrs. Cuthbert's newborn son. Her daughter's health is improving. The President [George Washington] left Charleston, SC. She described Beaufort as empty of people and vessels. Maria hoped to see him [unclear if it's her Uncle or the President] and have a ballon sent to her. Mrs. G will take Polly to Raplmonde [Roupelmond]. "Mr. Kean's …

Joseph Anthony To Susannah Kean, May 9, 1791, Joseph Anthony

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

A receipt from Joseph Anthony to Susan Kaighn [Kean] for her purchase of a pocketbook and a cream jug.

John Faucheraud Grimké To John Kean, April 15, 1790, John Faucheraud Grimké

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Grimké wrote to John Kean, addressed to Philadelphia, PA. Grimké updated Kean on business: Wilkie (Indents and indigo), Aithen (paid), certificates to be subscribed, a letter received from Thomas Shubrick included updates on the following accounts: Samual Grove, Edward Davies, Box and Lavien, with Thomas Shubrick and Shubrick and Clempson.

Grimké is "mortified that [Aedanus] Burke has not returned" to office. Grimké doesn't expect to see President George Washington on his Southern Tour of 1791, and he doubts he'll get the office he wants to hold [possibly Supreme or local Court Justice]. Grimké thanked John for his efforts related to …

Eliza Gough To Susan Kean, April 15, 1791, Elizabeth Gough

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Eliza wrote to Susan, addressed to Philadelphia, PA. Eliza relayed her personal struggles and love for her daughter, Marianna Barnwell Gough [later Smith]. Eliza worried that Marianna would inherit her "constitution." She sent Marianna to Charleston and was distressed to learn that Marianna attended 7 balls in 3 weeks. Polly delivered a message that Miss Polly Ronpell is very sick. Eliza's mother is also sick (asthma and cough) and the changes in weather don't help. Mr. Cuthlon [?] moved for the fall season. Eliza described her increased anxiety since she turned 18 years old.

Eliza updated Susan on her former …

William Wilkie From John Faucheraud Grimké On Behalf Of John Kean, April 15, 1790, William Wilkie

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

William Wilkie received a payment from John Faucheraud Grimké to use for the purchase of Indents for John Kean.

Elizabeth Gough To Susan Kean, March 15, 1791, Elizabeth Gough

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Elizabeth wrote to Susan, addressed to Philadelphia, about life in Beaufort since Susan left. Names include Robert Barnwell (her brother), Mrs. Porteon and her twins (details of her illness, miscarriage, and death), Maria, Polly, Mr. Izard, Mr. Middleton, Mr. Rutledge, Mr. Smith (robbed), Susan's brother (Philip or Peter, who recently married).

Receipt: Ellenor Byrne To Susan Kean, March 4, 1791, Ellenor Byrne

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

The following document is a receipt from Ellenor Byrne addressed to Susan Kean that reflects Susan's payment of twelve pounds for a set of China.

Isabelle Bell To Susan Kean, March 1791, Isabelle Bell

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Isabelle Bell wrote from Elizabethtown, New Jersey to Susan Kean in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Bell recounted her taxing travels home to New Jersey after visiting Kean in Philadelphia. The roads were so badly flooded that a person on the strongest horse would have struggled to travel ten miles a day. If she were a Lady Montague [Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, essayist, and traveler], she would regularly recount her surroundings for Kean’s verification. Discussed news of family and friends and extended warm wishes to John and Peter Kean.

Eliza Gough To Susan Kean, January 11, 1791, Elizabeth Gough

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Eliza wrote from South Carolina, to Susan, addressed to Philadelphia, PA. Eliza finished a 3-week confinement, she described herself as incapable of reading, writing, or working, with no appetite and her spirits depressed. Her one blessing was her attentive daughter. Eliza described a snowstorm, the first in 25 years. All families were affected by influenza, "among Whites it has been severe; among the Blacks, fatal." She listed the enslaved people who died: Nath, Caliph, Hector (her brother's driver), his brother, and two others. Eliza expects John Kean will "regret the death of Caliph, he was a faithful slave." Sam reported …

James Brown To Carter Braxton, January 6, 1791, Carter Braxton

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Carter Braxton wrote this receipt. James Brown received 5 pounds from Braxton.