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Bartholomew Corvaisier With Nathaniel Barnwell, Isaac Waight, And Daniel Bourdeaux For Jane Corvaisier, December 31, 1791, Bartholomew Corvaisier

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

This is a legal document. The verso is labeled "Warrantee, B. Corvaisier to N. Barnwell, I. Waight, and D. Bourdeaux Trustees for Jane Corvaisier" Bartholomew Corvaisier gave a payment of 27,000 Mexican Dollars to Nathaniel Barnwell, Daniel Bourdeaux, and Isaac Waight.

Other names included: John Kean, Edward Barnwell, Robert Barnwell, and Jane Corvaisier.

Signed by Corvaisier in the presence of Thomas Tuder Tucker and Robert Barnwell.

This is very similar to two other legal documents of the same date.

Alexander Macomb To John Kean, December 27, 1791, Alexander Macomb

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Alexander Macomb wrote from New York, NY, to John Kean, Cashier of the Bank of the U.S., Philadelphia, PA, delivered by Rogers. He wrote that Mr. Fitzsimmons gave Mrs. Macomb hope that she would get shares. Mrs. Macomb asked Rogers to vote for a director on her behalf.

Name included: Mr. Constable

Bartholomew Corvaisier To John Kean, December 17, 1791, Bartholomew Corvaisier

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Bartholomew Corvaisier wrote to his brother-in-law, John Kean, addressed to Philadelphia, PA. The letter is in French. It concerns a mortgage that involves Mr. Barnwell and "biens, terre, and negres" [goods, land, and Enslaved People].

Timothy Pickering To John Kean, December 16, 1791, Timothy Pickering

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Timothy Pickering wrote from the General Post Office to John Kean, Cashier of the Bank of the United States, Philadelphia, PA. Timothy was the United States Postmaster General at the time. He acknowledged that John was still serving as commissioner of accounts and, therefore, allowed to frank letters (use a signature instead of postage). John must pay for letters sent to him.

Philip Livingston To John Kean, December 15, 1791, Philip Peter Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Philip Livingston wrote from New York, New York, to his brother-in-law John Kean, addressed Cashier of the Bank of the United States, Philadelphia. The letter included multiple drafts (not included), one regarding payment of debts by South Carolina, others to get sums discounted. Philip shared that Mr. Lawrence appreciated Susan's efforts to match dimity (cotton cloth fabric) and commissioned for her an "anti pertussis" and a box of Coltsfoot. At the end, he said the New York Directors have "taken Frederick Jay's House & the vault" and are now preparing.

Names included: Robert Barnwell, Nicholas Low, Mordecai Lewis, Mr. Lawrence, …

John Kean To William Seton, December 14, 1791, John Kean

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

John Kean wrote from Philadelphia, PA, addressed to William Seton, cashier of the Bank of New York. John gave instructions for an enclosed bill [no longer present]. Names included: Mr. Comfort Sands, Legare & Theus, the President [George Washington?].

Philip Livingston To John Kean, December 8, 1791, Philip Peter Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Philip Livingston, addressed from New York, NY, wrote to John Kean, addressed to Philadelphia, PA. He described managing money in New York and South Carolina, and the purchase of Indents. He was unable to locate a place for the "branch here," but expected to rent from Frederick Jay or John Dewlurst. The Directors planned to meet at Brunswick to select a location there. Philip was charged for John Kean's last letter.

Names included: Robert Barnwell, Low, Watson

Philip Livingston To John Kean, December 4, 1791, Philip Peter Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Philip Livingston wrote from New York, NY (based on context) to his brother-in-law John Kean, no address, but likely Philadelphia, PA. The letter missed the post by 10 minutes, because Harry was "too late."

Yesterday they [names not included] looked for a "House for the Department." They prefer to lease but everyone who answered said no. Locations included: Rivington's Corner, the Center, Wall Street to Smith Street, Queens Street to the Eastward, to the Fly Market, Westward, Hanover Square, Hunter, and Duryci.

Names included: Mr. Bayard, Frederick Jay, DewLursh, and Mr. Wilkinson.

Philip Livingston To John Kean, November 30, 1791, Philip Peter Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Philip Livingston wrote from New York, NY, to his brother-in-law, John Kean, addressed to Philadelphia, PA. Philip returned from a trip to his farm. He attended a meeting of the New York Directors (all but Mr. Watts attended). They decided to enquire of properties of certain houses on Wall Street, Queen Street, and Hanover Square to know the terms of rent and possession. Philip mentioned a house and "unassumable" debt from South Carolina.

Names included: Watson (Department Plates) and Bayard.

Bartholomew Corvaisier To John Kean, November 29, 1791, Bartholomew Corvaisier

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Bartholomew Corvaisier wrote to John Kean, addressed to Philadelphia, PA, in French. John dated on the letter verso.

Philip Livingston To John Kean, November 11, 1791, Philip Peter Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Philip Livingston wrote from New York, NY, to his brother-in-law, John Kean, addressed to Philadelphia, PA. Philip consented to act as Justice to his sister, Susan, and nephew, Peter, and change a bond to his name. Philip returned from a trip to Philadelphia and arrived at Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts in Elizabeth Town, where they ate a saddle of venison.

During that visit, Mr. Ricketts was arranging a legal agreement with Mr. Johnston and Mr. Brissett of Jamaica, regarding an Estate in Jamaica. Jackson, James Rickets and Peter Van Brugh Livingston (Philip's father) believed it was a good bargain for …

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

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Jacob Read wrote from Charleston, SC, to John Kean, addressed to Philadelphia, PA, Commissioner of the Accounts of the U.S. It included an additional page labeled Memorandum of Monies Received for John Kean, with names and amounts.

Read updated John on his accounts in South Carolina. Last Friday, Edward Rutledge filed a Bill in Equity against John Kean regarding Grove and Lavien. Read wanted instructions from John Kean about the matter. Rutlege thought John Kean might obtain a liberal compromise regarding Shubrick the Elder and Younger. Read returned from Beaufort Circuit Court where he obtained judgement on cases.

Names included: …

John Faucheraud Grimké To John Kean, November 4, 1791, John Faucheraud Grimké

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Grimké wrote to John Kean, addressed to Philadelphia, PA. Grimké called on Richard Shubrick (of Shubrick and Clempson) and his attorney Mr. Ward. Shubrick was open to negotiate with John Kean about the debt that belonged to Grove and Company. Grimké requested John's thoughts on the matter. A letter from John was misplaced. Grimké began a circuit that will finish in early December.

Names included: Robert Barnwell, John Gibbes and his servant (who delivered a letter), T. Shubrick, Mrs. Ramadge, R. Smith.

Henry Knox To John Kean, November 7, 1791, Henry Knox

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Henry Knox wrote from Philadelphia, PA, to John Kean, no address but presumably in Philadelphia, PA. Henry said John could "use his name freely" in a letter John was writing.

Ralph Izard To John Kean, November 11, 1791, Ralph Izard

Liberty Hall Collection 1790s

Ralph Izard wrote to John Kean, no address, but likely Philadelphia, PA. He planned to meet John the next morning, to discuss a topic not included.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.