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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 …

Richard Ellis To John Kean, June 6, 1789, Richard Ellis

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Richard Ellis wrote to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He received John's letter from Mr. Cross and will be in Beaufort in a few days to make his first payment.

William Stephens To John Kean, June 5, 1789, William Stephens

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

William Stephens wrote from Savannah to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He received John's letter from Mr. Thomson the pilot. He wrote that he needed permission from John to pay Mr. Thomson the surveyor for the work he did. Mr. Werecat had not begun legal proceedings yet, but when he did Stephens would have to go to the Federal Court. A new State System was being implemented in October and so their Court date had been brought forward to July. Johah attested to John's instructions regarding Mr. Tubly.

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 …

Robert C. Livingston To John Kean, June 3, 1789, Robert Cambridge Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Robert C. Livingston wrote from New York to John Kean, address not included.He had so far been unable to sell John's indigo. He gave some to Mr. Nixen at Burking Slip to try and sell. It was hard to sell because there was so much at market. Mr. Jay, Mr. Moses had been having a similar problem. He sent more Mr. Sebring and Mr. Van Wyck on the Albany dock to try and barter for NY Rum, tow cloth or Bohea Tea. He said that cotton sells well for exportation to England. He thanks John for consulting with him on …

Peter Van Brugh Livingston To Susan Kean, May 20, 1789, Peter Van Brugh Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Peter Van Brugh Livingston wrote from New York to Susan Kean, his daughter, address not included. He and his wife, Elizabeth Livingston, are in New York visiting friends. He updated her on friends and family including the death of Aunt Provost and that Eliza Otto had begun to speak. There had been a poor harvest and many fruit trees were affected by the harsh winter. Elizabeth Livingston would try still to send peach and rose water. He wrote about political news including the formation of different government departments such as the Treasury. He sent a beaver hat and silver band …

William Buckle To Susan Kean, May 19, 1789, William Buckle

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Receipt from William Buckle, New York, to Susan Kean, address not included. The receipt is for a tea cady and a pan totaling 1"8"0. Kean is misspelled as Cain.

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.

Samuel Wilcox To John Kean, May 16, 1789, Samuel Wilcox

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Samuel Wilcox wrote from New York to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He had seen Mr. Livingston in town and he told him that Mr. Baldwin had turned down an appointment from Congress. Livingston thought this would be favorable to John Kean if he wanted the position. Wilcox planned to return to Hartford, CT, and said he would update John if he heard anything favorable about cotton. He also wrote that he hoped John recovered from his illness.

Lewis William Otto To Susan Kean, May 15, 1789, Lewis William Otto

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Lewis William Otto wrote from New York to Susan Kean, his sister-in-law, +address not included. He wrote about the relationship between the Count de M and Congress and between the Count and George Washington. He mentioned Robert Barnwell and said that his observations on Barnwell's conduct were not a complaint. He described for her a party held by the Count that the President attended. He said that he would soon have to return to Europe and hoped to return to America in a higher position. He planned on taking his daughter, Eliza Otto with him.

People Included: Madame de Brechan, …

David Ramsay To John Kean, May 15, 1789, David Ramsay

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

David Ramsay wrote from Charleston to John Kean, address not included. He wrote about indentures and debt. He also wrote about Congress and his objections to the eligibility of Mr. Smith.

William Stephens To John Kean, May 11, 1789, William Stephens

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

William Stephens wrote from Savannah to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. Thomson has finished the survey and the documentation will be sent to John soon. Stephens had agreed to pay Thomson. He heard news from New York that Congress was in session. Georgia's Convention adopted a new Constitution.

People Included: Captain Pray, Benjamin Maxwell, Miss Habersham

Alexander Chisolm To John Kean, May 6, 1789, Alexander Chisolm

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Alexander Chisolm wrote from Charleston to John Kean, address not included. He wrote about payments on bonds and shipping goods.

People Included: Captain Bean, Saltus, Mr. Lucena, Captain Elliot, Robert Barnwell, Mr. Devcaux, and Robert Norres.

Alexander Chisolm To John Kean, April 29, 1789, Alexander Chisolm

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Alexander Chisolm wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He sent via Sattus papers related to the Print Estate to Lockwood. He mentioned judgments between John and Bryan and Bowman. John should receive the Columbia Herald soon.

William Stephens To John Kean, April 29, 1789, William Stephens

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

William Stephens wrote from Savannah to John Kean, address not included. He wrote that he recived the deeds needed by Mr. Elliott and that Thomson was working on surveying the land and had high praise for it. Mr. Devcaux was selling land with half payment by November and part of the next payment could be made with enslaved people. He updated John on the state of various bond he held as well as Gerogia congressional elections. He stated that he heard the treaty with the local Native Americans was moving forward.

People Included: Mr. Way, Mr. Werecat, Dr. Houstoun, Captain …

Lewis William Otto To Susan Kean, April 21, 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 wrote that he had written both Susan and her husband, John, several letters and did not know why they were not delivered. Hw would send future letters with Mr. Huger. George Washington was due to arrive in the city soon and everyone was excited Otto's daughter Eliza was going to come into the city for the festivities. Many people in society were trying to find him a new wife but Otto felt it would not be fair to another woman or to the …

Robert Barnwell To Unknown Person, April 19, 1789, Robert Barnwell

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Robert Barnwell wrote from New York to an Unknown Person, address not included. The letter here is copied from part of another letter sent by Barnwell to another unknown person. Barnwell wrote that his greatest hope along with the ratification of the Constitution was that George Washington was unanimously elected President and accept the position. Now that that had happened he described the plans that had been made for Washington's arrival in New York.

Robert Barnwell To John Kean, April 19, 1789, Robert Barnwell

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Robert wrote to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. Names included: Saltus, Edward (Robert's brother), and his (unnamed) sister who recently died. Robert writes about the Ratification of the Constitution, the appointment of George Washington as President, the expected festivities in New York for the inauguration, and his comments on the new government.

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, …

Robert C. Livingston To John Kean, April 17, 1789, Robert Cambridge Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Robert C. Livingston wrote from New York to John Kean, his cousin-in-law, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He had shipped john's furniture via Captain Snell to Mr. A. Chisolm. He was thinking of purchasing 100 acres in Georgia from Mr. Seagrove, but delayed his visit to November due to the weather. He was also sending a barrel of cider from Mrs. Livingston (possibly Margaret Livingston) ad enclosed a letter from her. The second page seems to be her letter where she wrote about the influx of people to town, availability of houses, and politics.

People Included: Captain Elliot, Mr. Eveleigh, Mrs. …

Sarah Ricketts To Susan Kean, April 17, 1789, Sarah Ricketts

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Sarah Ricketts wrote from Abyssinia, New Jersey to Susan Kean unaddressed. Ricketts informed Kean that she received her letters and hoped that Hugar arrived and would be more punctual in informing her of vessels en route to South Carolina. Hugar had business in another part of the country but ran into a gentleman who said John Kean danced to twelve dances. Informed Susan of news on mutual acquaintances. Ricketts attended the debates of Congress with a large party, she was one of the first ladies to make an appearance there. Ricketts also mentioned exchanging tulip roots and other seeds.

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

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Peter Van Brugh Livingston wrote from Elizabethtown to Susan Kean, his daughter, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He is glad to hear she, John Kean, and their son Peter Kean are doing well. He had a visit from Susan's brother, presumably Philip Livingston, on his way from Albany to Amboy. He mentioned that the family had lost a lot of assets during the Revolutionary War.

Peggy Bayard, Eliza Bayard, Robert Livingston, Sarah Ricketts, Eliza Otto, and Mrs. L

William Wilkie To John Kean, April 11, 1789, William Wilkie

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

William Wilkie wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He wrote regarding the sale of some indentures John had. Indentures were not selling for much, but he was trying to find a good deal. He also wrote regarding various ships going to and from New York and Philadelphia, as well as who was traveling on them.

People Included: Alexander Chisolm, Mr. Calcoch, Mr. Tunno, Captain Strong, Captain Eliott, Captain Snell, Mr. Steward, Pierce Butler, Ralph Izard, Captain B. Tucker, Captain Sattus, and Carmand & Tinker.

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.

Margaret Livingston To John Kean, March 31, 1789, Margaret Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Margaret Livingston wrote from Cleremont to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. she had received his letter and the oranges he sent and expressed her gratitude. she was also glad that he, Susan, and their son arrived safely as there was a big storm the day after they left New York which caused everyone to fear for their safety. Her daughter Alida Livingston married General Armstrong and all Margaret's children except Johnny were there.

Alexander Chisolm To John Kean, March 31, 1789, Alexander Chisolm

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Alexander Chisolm wrote from Charleston to John Kean, address not included. He wrote that Robert Livingston had made arrangements for John's furniture to be shipped via Captain Saltus. John's indigo was still unsold and he suggested considering sending it to Great Britain. He also mentioned a bond John had to pay to the estate of Mr. Maxwell.

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.

Robert Livingston To John Kean, March 17, 1789, Robert Cambridge Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Robert Livingston wrote from New York to John Kean, his cousin-in-law, address not included. He had been trying to sell the indigo John sent but had been unsuccessful. He gave Eliza Bayard money to buy some Sunday clothes for Susan Kean and was sending the furniture via freight to Mr. A. Chisolm. Mr. Cruckshanks said he was not able to finish the bookcase and bedstead and was unable to locate the kitchen table. He thanked John for his advice about an estate in Georgia and mentioned how there would be difficulty obtaining slaves and the price had gone up.

People …

Sarah Ricketts To Susan Kean, March 14, 1789, Sarah Ricketts

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Sarah Ricketts wrote from Abyssinia to Susan Kean, her sister, address not included. She was surprised that Susan had not received any letters from her as she wrote at every opportunity. She wrote in-depth about Robert Barnwell and how he was doing in New York. Sarah was shocked that it seemed he had been doing very little socializing as none of the ladies she knew had heard of him. It also seemed that he and Lewis William Otto had not visited each other despite their shared friendship with Susan. She said she was sending Susan flower seeds and would send …

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.