Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

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Eliza Livingston to Susan Livingston

Elizabeth Livingston
before 1786

Eliza wrote to Susan, addessed to No. 3 Hanover Square, New York, about her travels to Kinderhook, NY. Names include: Lydia Vos Berough, Mr. Sylvester and his son, Mrs. V, Mr. Cruger, Mr. D. van Schaack, Mrs. J. Stiles and sister H. Tuttle, Mrs. Kenny, P. Arnold, Ford, Aunt Lawrence, and Peggy.
Eliza Livingston to Susan Livingston

Elizabeth Livingston
August 19, before 1786

Eliza wrote to her sister, Susan, addressed No. 3 Hanover Square, NY, while she travels. There are many updates on friends, some intentionally vague. Names included: Walton family, Mrs. Brebner, Miss Van Berckel, Margaretta, Baron Stenben, John L., the nuptials of Reed and Kelly, Eliza McEvers, Mr. Gardoqui, Mr. Ball, Mrs. Bourdieu, Kean, Nancy, Peggy M. Bayards, Mr. Sylvester and wife, Lydia Vos Berough, Wetherspoon, R- "I suppose I have lost forever," and a long list of people she asks Susan to remember on her behalf.
Eliza Livingston to Susan Livingston

Elizabeth Livingston
between 1783-1786

Eliza wrote to her sister, Susan, addressed to No. 3 Hanover Square, NY about her travels and heartache. Names included: Hanger, Billy, Chevalier [Joseph] de l'Espine, the Ministers, Otto, Marbois and Collot, Lomany.
Eliza Livingston to Susan Livingston

Elizabeth Livingston
before 1786

Eliza wrote to her sister, Susan, addressed to 3 Hanover Square, New York about her travels. Names included: Jubert, Lewis William, Philiippina, Theresa, Otto, Peter, sister L. Mary, and Vining. Eliza says to address future letters to "Uncles or cousins Livingston."
No. 3, Office of Finance, between 1782-1783

Robert Morris, William Duer, and United States Superintendent of Finance
between June 10, 1782 and May 16, 1783

The top of the document is labeled "No. 3." It includes copies of four letters written from the Office of Finance about the cost of the American Revolution. It likely belonged to John Kean. Details about the copies: George Abbot Hall, Receiver for South Carolina, June 10, 1782, no signature. September 11, 1782, no signature. January 22, 1783, signed by R. [Robert] Morris. May 16, 1783, signed by Wm [William] Duer, Secretary.
Receipt, November 17, 1789

11-17-1789

Recipient unknown, but possibly belonged to John Kean. Included the following, with values: William Norton receipt; William H. Wigg for two enslaved women: May and Cloe; Richard Ellis Ser [Service] Bond; Verdict, Difference, and Interest.
Robert Barnwell to John Kean, April 19, 1789

Robert Barnwell
04-19-1789

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.
John Brown to Susan Livingston

John Brown
12-23-1789

John Brown of Greenbank, near Kilmarnock, wrote to his former sister-in-law Susan, addressed to Basking Ridge, NJ, c/o Peter Van Brugh Livingston, NY. He regrets receiving only one letter since the death of his wife, Molly Livingston, and hearing about the death of his former brother-in-law William [Alexander] Livingston. William died in a duel at a Continental Army camp in later summer 1780.
Daniel DeSaussure to John Kean, September 25, 1789

Daniel DeSaussure
09-25-1789

Daniel wrote to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. Daniel expects payment for the debt of John's half-sister, Jane Grove Corvaisier. Daniel says it's impossible to purchase land and enslaved people on Corvaisier's account, as both are undervalued. Names included: Mr. Verdier.
Henry William DeSaussure to John Kean, August 31, 1789

Henry William DeSaussure
08-31-1789

Henry wrote to John, addressed to Beaufort, SC. Henry received General Bull's note. Henry agrees to "willing take part with you" in an action not stated. He congratulates John's appointment to an "Office of Consequence under the Federal Government."
Henry William DeSaussure to John Kean, November 9, 1788

Henry William DeSaussure
11-09-1788

Henry wrote to John Kean, no address. Henry will visit John and his wife Susan. Henry will "do as you have requested" and has a "conviction that the community will be benefited by your services."
Jacob Read to John Kean, June 22, 1788

Jacob Read
06-22-1788

Jacob wrote to John, addressed to New York, via Merrs G. Vanhorns [?]. Jacob wrote about John Pritchard (the goaler) concerning a bond paid to Samuel Grove before the war, with Hughe, Edwards, and Mull acting as creditors, regarding Mr. Grove's purchase of enslaved people Billy and Bella, and an enslaved child, Paddy, in 1774. Names included: Reynold, Mrs. Rammadge (demands money to pay a debt to Roger [illegible]), Calhoun, Mrs. Grove, Colonel Barnwell, and Ralph Elliot. He finished with a good weather report.
John Kean to Susan Livingston, March 27, 1786

John Kean
03-27-1786

John wrote to Susan, addressed at Hanover Square, informing her "Long enough has been the reign of pride and folly." Susan is avoiding John Kean. He told her on Friday he would meet her early on Saturday evening but when he arrived, she was not home. If he formed a wrong opinion, his punishment was sufficient. John wants Susan to seriously deliberate their relationship and if she wants to end it, it would be very painful for him but he would submit.
William Moultrie to John Kean, March 29, 1786

William Moultrie
03-29-1786

William Moultrie wrote to the South Carolina Delegate, addressed to New York. This is presumably to John Kean. He wrote about acts and ordinances passed on March 22 and will forward information about them to the South Carolina Delegates soon. Topics included: Georgians settle a dispute, the Legislature passed General Pickney, General Pickens, and Major Butler to be commissioned to meet with anyone from Georgia. The boundary between South Carolina and North Carolina is settled. The Governor is authorized to appoint agents to transact the business at Federal Court. They discussed securing the credit of Bills and Exchange, an ordinance respecting silver and copper coin, an act to confer certain rights and privileges to aliens, and an act to appoint commissioners to purchase lands for the purpose of building a town, and for removing the seat of government.
William Moultrie to John Kean, March 29, 1786

William Moultrie
03-29-1786

William Moultrie wrote to the South Carolina Delegate, addressed to New York. This was presumably received by John Kean. It describes an act of the South Carolina legislature incorporating local citizens who entered into a subscription for opening an inland navigation between Sentee and Cooper Rivers. The company has chosen 21 Directors and Moultrie is President. He requests that Colonel Tenff. [sic] returns to South Carolina as soon as he retuns from Europe. Enclosed was an advertisement for enslaved people (not present) that he asks that delegates to make public.
Robert Barnwell to John Kean, February 21, 1785

Robert Barnwell
02-21-1785

Robert Barnwell wrote to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. Robert wanted John's opinion on a deed. Robert congratulated John on his "delegation to Congress."
Eliza Livingston to John Kean

Elizabeth Livingston
08-05-1785

Eliza wrote to her future brother-in-law, John Kean, addressed to No. 9 White Hall [Street], NY, at the request of her sister, Susan. Eliza wrote of Dr. Johnston that her "corporal pain is once again banished."
Eliza Livingston to John Kean

Elizabeth Livingston
08-29-1785

Eliza wrote to her future brother-in-law, John Kean, addressed to No. 9 White Hall [Street], NY, at the request of her sister, Susan. Eliza alludes to something very upsetting to her.
Eliza Livingston to Susan Livingston

Elizabeth Livingston
09-04-1785

Eliza wrote to her sister, Susan, addressed to 3 Hanover Square, New York about her visit with her Aunt and cousins Kitty and Peter Van Schaack. Names included: Pool, Mr. Sylvester, Mary Bayard, Eliza, and Mr. Morton. Eliza commented on pain in her head and rheumatic joint pain in her fingers. She says her aunt and cousin are also unwell. She blames the 22-mile distance from the stage for the difficulty of sending and receiving letters and is disappointed there's no mention of Otto. Eliza will head to the Landing, visit Hudson, then return to the Manor.
Eliza Livingston to Susan Livingston

Elizabeth Livingston
08-29-1785

Eliza wrote to her sister, Susan, addressed to 3 Hanover Square, New York about her visit with her Aunt, who is ill. Eliza is also ill, with headaches and a poor complexion. She notes how long it takes to get a doctor to the house, and that a person could be dead and buried before the doctor arrives. Names included: Uncle Robert, cousin Harry, young Robert, Dr. Stringer, [John] Kean, Mrs. Bourdieu, Dr. Johnston, Nancy (with some alluded drama), Mrs. Bull, Nancy Kemble and Polly Ludlow of Wall St., Patty Ludlow, Mrs. Dan, Walton and Banche, F- (who she is fond of), Peggy Marshall, Mary Baynard, Mayo, Jay, Charlotte, Mrs. Jay. There are 3 weddings expected.
Eliza Livingston to Susan Livingston

Elizabeth Livingston
08-05-1785

Eliza wrote to her sister, Susan, addressed to 3 Hanover Square, New York about her travels. Names included: De Lancey Walton, Edward, Miss Walton, Miss Backs, Peggy, [John] Kean, Morton, Jenny, Mrs. Van Schanck, Mrs. Bell, Dr. Johnston, and Dr. Treats. Eliza commented a lot on food.
Joseph Nourse to John Kean, June 9, 1785

Joseph Nourse
06-09-1785

Joseph wrote to John, addressed to the Honorable John Kean, in Congress, no address. He responded to a letter from Kean, concerning the Salary of the Charge des Affairs at the Court of Madrid, it was left blank, but is now settled. The United States never fixed any salary for the Agent of Marine as the late Superintendent of Finance agreed to act in Cash Office. Mr. James Read acted as Secretary and Paymaster. He left the part of the civil establishment without offering any salary under the idea that no offices would immediately be appointed. Lists the salaries of multiple individuals.
Declaration of Margaret Rutledge's Ownership of Cromwell, Mingo, Beck, Vigo, and Billey, August 20, 1785

Margaret Rutledge
08-20-1785

Margaret Rutledge, the widow of Thomas Rutledge (c1741-1783), declared ownership of the following enslaved people: 2 young male negro slaves named Cromwell and Mingo, a female named Beck and her 2 male children Vigo and Billey," despite that they were "taken and carried away" by the British. It was signed by Andrew Aggnew and Margaret Rutledge.
Margaret Rutlege to John Kean, August 21, 1785

Margaret Rutledge
08-21-1785

Margaret Rutledge wrote to John Kean, addressed to NY, thanking him for recovering an enslaved "negro boy." His name is not included. She gave John Kean power of attorney, a document dated August 20, 1785, to act on her behalf.
Margaret Rutlege with John Kean Concerning Mr. Ramage, August 20, 1785

Margaret Rutledge
08-20-1785

Margaret Rutledge appoints John Kean as her attorney, for the return of enslaved people detained from her by Mr. Ramage in New York. Signed by Margaret Rutledge, Arch [Archibald] Campbell, and Andrew Aggnew.