Digital Commons Network^™

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.

Alexander Chisolm To John Kean, March 9, 1789, Alexander Chisolm

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Alexander Chisolm wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He had not received John's letter at first because he was in the country. John's indigo is still unsold, as well as Robert Barnwell's order to J. Devaux. He wrote about John's bonds to various people and getting them paid off.

People Included: Lockwood, Mr. Tunno, and Bartholomew Corvaisier

David Ramsay To John Kean, March 2, 1789, David Ramsay

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

David Ramsay wrote from Charleston to John Kean, address not included. He wrote regarding transferring paper money and the new government. He mentioned that his wife had recently had a baby girl and both were doing well.

James Shoolbred To John Kean, March 2, 1789, James Shoolbred

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

James Shoolbred wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He wrote to inform John that he found out John's mother Jane Grove had been indebted to William Smith. Her estate now had to pay the money owed with interest. Included with the letter is a receipt for the amount owed from the Estate of Jane Grove to William Smith.

Robert C. Livingston To John Kean, February 28, 1789, Robert Cambridge Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Robert C. Livingston wrote from New York to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He had received letters from John and Alexander Chisolm via Captain Snell. Chisolm's letter included a Bill of Loading for indigo, but the barrels of indigo had not arrived yet. He mentioned Miss Bayard was looking for tea for John that had been paid for previously and Robert was looking for a ship to transport John's furniture to him. He thanked John for his input on buying rice lands from Mr. Seagrove. The last page of the letter briefly summarizes the election results for New York. …

Sarah Ricketts To Susan Kean, February 21, 1789, Sarah Ricketts

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Sarah Ricketts wrote from New York, New York to Susan Kean, unaddressed. Sarah discussed a ball that was being thrown by the Count. Mr. O planned to invite the ladies in his name. Eliza asked Sarah if she would introduce Mrs. H to the Count. Mrs. H and Eliza received cards from the count but not Ann. Mrs. H asked for advice and begged Sarah to ask Mr. O if it was a mistake that Ann was omitted from the invitation. Mr. O said that if they did not go, they would not be invited again. They all thought it …

R. Pringle To John Kean, February 14, 1789, R. Pringle

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

R. Pringle wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort. He received John's letter and had hoped to send one back with Mr. Ellliot. He had supplied shoes for a number of enslaved people on Port Royal Island and the Plantation owners now owed him money. He wanted to use the money he was owed from the shoes to pay off his debt to John.

Alexander Chisolm To John Kean, February 13, 1789, Alexander Chisolm

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Alexander Chisolm wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He had received John's letter sent by Elliot Noman and forwarded letters to New York, including those to Mr. Livingston. He wrote about crops and said Thomas Riveu(?) on James Island planted cotton, but it turned out indifferently.

William Greenwood To John Kean, February 12, 1789, William Greenwood

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

William Greenwood wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort. He wrote regarding the Estate of Peter Lavien, in particular two bonds. The first page in an account between the Estate and Greenwood.

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

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

William Stephens wrote from Savannah to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He wrote that the Legislature burnt paper money and expanded the tender of whats left for five years, with the value decreasing each year.He also shared election news and wrote, George Washington was unanimously elected President, Colonel Gunn was seemingly the Senator and General Matthews, Baldwin, General Jackson wold most likely win their districts despite opposition from William Houstoun and Osborne in the lower district. He was unable to buy cotton seed as it was in high demand.

Daniel Huger To Susan Kean, February 10, 1789, Daniel Huger

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Daniel Huger wrote from Charleston to Susan Kean, address not included. He wrote that he hoped to visit her and John Kean, her husband before deaprting for New York, but was not sure if that would be possible. He shared news of several weddings including, Alida Livingston and General Armstrong, Mrs. General Scott and Mr. Miers, and Mr. C. Apthorp's second daughter and Dr. Williamson. He also wrote that Mrs. Jarvis died and Charlotte White had consumption.

Alexander Chisolm To John Kean, February 5, 1789, Alexander Chisolm

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Alexander Chisolm wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He wrote regarding the sale of the indigo John sent for sale with Captain Sattus. He also mentioned paying Mr. Simons for something related to cotton and the Bowman settlement.

Sarah Ricketts To Susan Kean, February 3, 1789, Sarah Ricketts

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Sarah Ricketts wrote to Susan Kean, her sister, address not included. She and her family were living in England, however they were having some severe financial difficulties due to an Estate in Jamaica. They had not been receiving much income from it and then received notice form Mr. Ewart that the man they trusted it to, John had run the estate into the ground. He accumulated a lot of debt and other judgements against the property which James Ricketts, Sarah's husband would be responsible for. They planned to travel to Jamaica to sort everything out, but Sarah was hesitant to …

William Stephens To John Kean, January 27, 1789, William Stephens

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

William Stephens wrote from Savannah to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He had to delay the survey on John's lands, but planned to have them done soon. He gave news of the elections of Governor and Senators as well as other political news.

People Included: Thomson, Mr. Parteon, Mr. Few, Colonel Walton, Col. Gunn, Wayne, William Houstoun, Major Peadeton, Mr. Osborne, Mr. Fisher, Richards, and Emmanuel.

Andrew Fitzsimons To John Kean, January 22, 1789, Andrew Fitzsimons

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Andrew Fitzsimons wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort. He wrote asking John to send the indigo he intended to use to pay for the boat to Captain Satturs to be shipped to a General from New Jersey.

John R. Livingston To John Kean, January 19, 1789, John Robert Livingston

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John R. Livingston wrote from New York to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort. He enclosed several letters for John Kean to deliver to the newly elected Senators from South Carolina. He mentioned the Secretary of the Senate position which was currently held by M.C. Thompson. General Armstrong married Livingston's sister, Mrs. Scott became Mrs. Meyer, and Doctor Williamson married Mr. A[?]'s second daughter. Robert Barnwell informed him Kean was in Beaufort, not Charleston so he enclosed a letter to Mr. Huger as well.

John Faucheraud Grimke To Unknown Person, January 21, 1789, John Faucheraud Grimke

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

John Faucheraud Grimke wrote to an Unknown Correspondent, unaddressed. Grimke informed his correspondent that he wanted to devote time to respond to their letter and was sending it by a little sailor boy who promised to call for an answer but did not comply with his word. The present moment was a critical one for their interests and the Assembly was not disposed to let Burke go to Congress and hold his seat on their bench. Burke would leave their District and Orangeburgh (South Carolina) without a representative. Grimke began speaking with Orangeburgh members about his correspondent and some of …

Lewis William Otto To Susan Livingston Kean, January 19, 1789, Lewis William Otto

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

Lewis William Otto wrote from New York to Susan Livingston Kean, his sister-in-law, address not included. He hoped Susan was doing better now that she had time to adjust to South Carolina. He wrote that he would be unable to visit this winter as he was being kept busy. He did not think Sarah Ricketts, Susan's sister would have come with him anyway. He also mentioned the federal building of Major L'Enfant.

David Ramsay To John Kean, January 17, 1789, David Ramsay

Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

David Ramsay wrote from Charleston to John Kean, address not included. He wrote about the election and his opinions on certain candidates, including Mr. Binker, Mt. Drayton, Mr. Wathes, Charles Pinckney, Ralph Izard, and John Bull.