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  John Kean to Susan Kean, April 14-18, 1788

  John Kean

  April 14-18, 1788
  

  John Kean wrote from Berkshire to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. Silk had settled on John's lands in Berkshire, where John was attempting to sell his stocks. He wrote out a list of all the crops and animals Silk was raising at the plantation. He also wrote about his different fruit trees and lamented that the cold killed the orange trees. John planned to sell all of his land in Berkshire, except what Silk was settled on to pay off his English debt. He wrote that he wasted 10 years of 60 enslaved person's labor in indigo that did not take. John was elected to the Constitutional Convention which would begin in May.

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  John Kean to Susan Kean, April 23-26 , 1788

  John Kean

  April 23- April 26, 1788
  

  John Kean wrote from Beaufort to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included.He wrote that they are having unusually cold weather which will not be good for the indigo crop. In the part written on April 23, John said he was going to Hilton Head to check the orchard. He returned on April 26 and resumed the letter. He said that many of his trees had been damaged and his peach trees would suffer from the drought. Many new babies had been born recently Mrs. Cuthherb, Mrs. General Barnwell, Mrs. Stuart, and Mrs. William Elliot all recently had children.

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  John Kean to Susan Kean, April 29- May 1, 1788

  John Kean

  April 29- May 1, 1788
  

  John Kean wrote from Beaufort to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. He wrote that he was sending Susan some money via Alexander Chisolm and that Wilcox would owe him more when he arrived in New York. He had sold much of his useless livestock and said what was left should be good. He decided not to sell any of his land until after the new constitution was put into place. He believed that a few years of peace under the new government would raise the value of land. There is still a drought going on and he wanted to hear news of Susan and Peter.

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  John Kean to Susan Kean, December 25, 1787

  John Kean

  December 25, 1787- January 7, 1878
  

  John Kean wrote to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. The letter was written in three parts from December 25, January 3, and January 7. In the first part he wrote up the holiday and mentioned how enslaved people get three days off to celebrate. In the second part he wrote that he had written to Elizabeth Otto and Lewis William Otto, Susan's sister and brother-in-law and that he hoped to hear from them. He also talked about one of his enslaved men Cesar and discussed paying bonds. In the last part he mentioned that he had not yet heard from Mr. Houston, Mary, Betsey.

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  John Kean to Susan Kean, January 27-February 7, 1788

  John Kean

  January 27-February 7, 1788
  

  John Kean wrote to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. The letter has four dates January 27, January 30, February 3, and February 7. John was anxious to hear from Susan and when her letters did arrive he was relieved. He would write to Peter Van Brugh Livingston and Lewis William Otto, but he did not know what to say. His health had not been very good due to the cold. On the 7th he wrote that today should be the day Susan gives birth and expressed his hopes and fears.

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  John Kean to Susan Kean, March 13-16, 1788

  John Kean

  March 13-16, 1788
  

  John Kean wrote to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. the letter is written over two days March 13 and March 16. He had been participating in sporting events with Mr. Sol and others. When looking at old letters he found one from Lewis William Otto where he shared his excitement over being married (Lewis William Otto to John Kean, March 18, 1787). John hoped he would never have to experience losing his wife. Mrs. Gough had gotten some orange, shaddock, and citrons trees, as well as flowers for John's garden. He remarked that since his arrival two of his enslaved women had given birth to baby boys.

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  John Kean to Susan Kean, March 25-27, 1788

  John Kean

  Mrch 25-27, 1788
  

  John Kean wrote to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. He wrote bout how he missed her and had not received any letters from her. He then mentioned having purchased land in South Carolina for her under John Rutherfurd's name. He wanted to sell some land to pay his debts, the most pressing being the estate debt owed to his sister, Jane Corvaisier. He inquired about Mr. Parker and said that he would be heading to Georgia.

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  John Kean to Susan Kean, March 30- April 1, 1788

  John Kean

  March 30- April 1, 1788
  

  John Kean wrote from Savannah to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. His friend Schermerhorn was traveling up to New York and agreed to take this letter. John visited his nieces Mary and Eliza Houstoun. He is staying in Savannah with his friend John Habersham and his wife. His other friend Stephens is ill and John would have to visit him again before returning to New York. He planned on returning to Beaufort on April 5, as April 11 was when delegates to the Constitutional Convention were to be elected.

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  John Kean to Susan Kean, May 14-15, 1788

  John Kean

  May 14- May 15, 1788
  

  John Kean wrote from Charleston to Susan Kean, his wife, address not included. He wrote he was traveling north. The Constitutional Convention would meet from 9 am -4 pm. He wrote he was very concerned about the debt of South Carolina and that there were many different opinions between the states. He thanked her for sending his letter to Lewis William Otto and said he was sending jonquil and birds, similar to those he sent to Madame De La Forest.

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  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."

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  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.

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  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.

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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.

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  Margaret Livingston to John Kean, 1788

  Margaret Livingston

  Early 1788
  

  Margaret Livingston wrote from Clermont to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. She congratualted him on the birth of his son, Peter Kean and talked about how divided different areas of New York were over the new Constitution. She sent John three green gage trees and a peach tree. Margaret was the daughter-in-law to John's wife, Susan Kean's, great uncle Robert Livingston.

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  Peter Van Brugh Livingston to John Kean, January 3, 1789 and January 6, 1789

  Peter Van Brugh Livingston

  January 3, 1789 and January 6, 1789
  

  Peter Van Brugh Livingston wrote from Abysinia to John Kean, his son-in-law, addressed to Beaufort, to the care of Mr. Alexander Chisholm, Merchant in Charles Town. He wrote in answer to several letters sent by John. He wrote that he passed the money he sent to Mr. De LaForest and said he was grateful to Dr. Ramsay for taking care of John and his wife Susan when they were sick. Robert Barnwell was on his way to New York from Philadelphia and stayed with the family for a couple days. He would return to New York with Major Franks and Mr. Dawson the next day. Elizabeth Livingston, Peter's wife, had been confined to her room after a paralytic attack. Lewis William Otto was also staying with the family.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  Robert Barnwell to Unknown Person, April 19, 1789

  Robert Barnwell

  04-19-1789
  

  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.

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  William Buckle to Susan Kean, May 19, 1789

  William Buckle

  05-19-1789
  

  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.

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  Alexander Chisolm to John Kean, April 29, 1789

  Alexander Chisolm

  04-29-1789
  

  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.

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  Alexander Chisolm to John Kean, August 19, 1789

  Alexander Chisolm

  08-19-1789
  

  Alexander Chisolm wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He wrote he knew nothing about Mr. Simons having given John's note to Mr. D. He said he would have paid the money but MR. D received it himself from S.B. Vanderhouh. He was sorry John did not receive his newspapers more regularly, but nothing could be done about it. Alexander would make out their account soon. His son, George, took a man name Sancho into the country and put him in a work house. Alexander retrieved him and paid his fee. He sent him home and had Mr. Fuller give him a passage. He hoped he would not fail in his promise of going home.

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  Alexander Chisolm to John Kean, Febraury 5, 1789

  Alexander Chisolm

  02-05-1789
  

  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.

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  Alexander Chisolm to John Kean, February 13, 1789

  Alexander Chisolm

  02-13-1789
  

  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.

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  Alexander Chisolm to John Kean, January 16, 1789

  Alexander Chisolm

  01-16-1789
  

  Alexander Chisolm wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort. He wrote that he applied for the Special Indent and was enclosing it. He also sent with the letter a small box containing corn seed.