Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

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War Office Pay signed by Joseph Carleton, June 10, 1785

War Office and Joseph Carleton
06-10-1785

A list of War Office expenses for pay. The list is organized division and rank and listed the number of men employed at each rank. It is signed by Joseph Carleton.
War Office Subsistence signed by Joseph Carleton, June 10, 1785

War Office and Joseph Carleton
06-10-1785

A list of titled Subsistence listing items and cost submitted by the War Office and signed by Joseph Carleton.
Samuel Wilcox to John Kean, December 16, 1785

Samuel Wilcox
12-16-1785

Samuel wrote to John, addressed to New York, with updates on a store, house, land, enslaved people, crops, and livestock. He has not received any money since John Kean left. The attornies have dismissed both the Overseers and procured others in their places. There have been five births among John Kean's negroes "one of which is dead besides one abortion- they are in general all healthy in which you are fortunate for Mr. Godin Gerard not far from your place has lost 26 negroes while you have not lost one." Also included are the type and number of livestock. Names included: General Bull, Mr. Greene, Mr. Ash, and Major Wigg.
Samuel Wilcox to John Kean, December 22, 1785

Samuel Wilcox
12-22-1785

Samuel wrote to John, addressed to New York. Names include Mr. Stuart, Mr. Adams, Mr. Bull, and Mrs. Rutlege, who is expected the return an enslaved boy who was in New York.
Affidavit of Alexander Chisolm Reporting a Burglary, February 14, 1784

Alexander Chisolm
02-14-1784

Affidavit of Alexander Chisolm reporting a burglary on the night of January 19 or early morning of January 20. Someone broke into a property of his in Charleston that was locked and stole some indigo that had been given to him by John Kean to sell. He had been expecting to get about 41 pounds for the goods stolen. The affidavit was sworn before Thomas Hale.
Bartholomew Corvaisier and Jane Corvaisier with John Kean, December 3, 1784

Bartholomew Corvaisier and Jane Corvaisier
12-03-1784

Indenture of Bartholomew Corvaisier and Jane Corvaisier with John Kean, Jane's half-brother. The Corvaisiers agreed to pay John 10,000 Spanish milled dollars as well as give up any rights to the estate and real property of Samuel Grove, Jane's father, and Jane Grove, John and Jane's mother.
Jane Corvaisier and Bartholomew Corvaisier with John Kean, December 2, 1784

Bartholomew Corvaisier and Jane Corvaisier
12-02-1784

Indenture of Jane Corvaisier and Bartholomew Corvaisier with John Kean, all of Beaufort, SC. The indenture stated that the Corvaisiers were paid 2,000 guineas and release any further rights they have to the estate of Samuel and Jane Grove, Jane Corvaisier's parents, of which John Kean, her half-brother, was the executor. It also stated that the Corvaisiers were to pay John Key 9,333 1/3 Spanish dollars. The indenture was witnessed by John Barnwell and William Deveaux.
John Kean to Agness Kelsall, March 5, 1784

John Kean
03-05-1784

Indenture between John Kean and Agness Kelsall, both of Beaufort, South Carolina. John agreed to pay Agnes 75 pounds and12 shillings, of which 37 pounds and 16 shillings had to be paid before January 1785. the agreement was witnessed by Andrew Aggnen.
John Kean to Susan Livingston, 1784

John Kean
circa 1784

John Kean wrote on his way to Philadelphia to Susan Livingston, located in Hanover Square, New York, NY. John left New York. He missed a lecture by Mr. Blair, set off for "the falls," and wrote with obvious affection for Susan.

Names included: Miss DeHart, Mr. Blair.

There's a note written later (different handwriting and spacing) that says: The first in NY and Jersey, 1784.

This letter is not dated.
John Kean with James Dalton West, December 25, 1784

John Kean
12-25-1784

Account list between John Kean and James Dalton West listing money owed. Transactions include the treatments of enslaved people on Kean's property.

Names included: Betty, Jacob, Sancho, Celia
John Kean with William Boon, December 21, 1784

John Kean
12-21-1784

Account of John Kean with William Boon listing money owed for different services and supplies.
James Lucena and Joanna Leonora Lucena to John Kean, September 1, 1784

James Lucena and Joanna Leonora Lucina
09-01-1784

James Lucena and his daughter-in-law Joanna Leonora Lucena wrote to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort. James wrote in response to a letter John wrote to his son John Charles, who is currently touring in Portugal. John "succeeded in the agency" of Port Wine Business in Great Britain. James is concerned about his “Alien property in America” and enquires about Negros working on his account. He advises John that a loan from Holland is more practical than Portugal. Joanna Leonora Lucena describes cultural differences, beautiful Sintra, and the death of a mutual friend.
Thomas Mifflin to Unknown Person, April 4, 1784

Thomas Mifflin
04-04-1784

Thomas Mifflin wrote from Annapolis, MD to an Unknown Person, referred to as "Your Excellency", address not included. The letter was about the current financial state of the country and the the need for an immediate supply of money. The last page of the letter is a break down of what money each state owes.
Thomas Pinckney to John Kean, February 1, 1784

Thomas Pinckney
02-01-1784

Thomas Pinckney wrote from Charleston to John Kean, address not included. He wrote regarding the will of Peter Lavien of Savannah, GA, specifically money that was left to Thomas Grayson. However, first discharges had to be obtained from the estate of John Grayson. The rest of the letter is answered questions about the will and how it should be carried out. At the bottom, he wrote that he had not heard from Williams but Hopson Pinckney promised to consult his brother's book. At the end of the letter, a modern typed transcript is included.
Stephen Drayton to John Kean, October 20, 1783

Stephen Drayton
10-20-1783

Stephen Drayton wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, Port Royal, SC. Drayton thanked John for supplying him with some money and invited him to stay with him when he is in Charleston.
Thomas Gibbons to John Kean, June 6, 1783

Thomas Gibbons
06-06-1783

Thomas Gibbons wrote to John Kean addressed to Beaufort, SC. He wrote that he intended to visit Georgia where he would visit Mr. Stephens and that he would speak about a letter he received from John Kean to him. He then discussed payment on a bond and legal business conducted with John Charles Lucena.
William Livingston to Robert Morris, May 14, 1783

William Livingston
05-14-1783

William Livingston, in New Jersey, gave Robert Morris, no address, permission to go into New York, or any other enemy lines, and return back to New Jersey.
Robert Morris to George Abbott Hall, December 12, 1783

Robert Morris
12-12-1783

Robert Morris wrote from the Office of Finance to George Abbott Hall, Reciever of Taxes for South Carolina. He wrote regarding funding the army and paying debts.

People Included: Mr. Swanwick, Willing Morris, and Mr. Maerter.
Robert Morris to George Abbott Hall, July 10, 1783

Robert Morris
07-10-1783

Robert Morris wrote from the Office of Finance to George Abbott Hall, Reciever of Taxes for South Carolina, address not included. He wrote about quoting pricing f and for rations and other requisitions as well as on which account to credit excess requisitions and for how much.
Robert Morris to George Abbott Hall, October 22, 1783

Robert Morris
10-22-1783

An extract from a letter Robert Morris wrote to George Abbott Hall, Reciever for South Carolina, address not included. Morris wrote that he had no problem with Hall adjusting the rate for supplies since they increased since the British occupation of Charleston.
Robert Morris to George Abbot Hall, May 16, 1783

Robert Morris and United States Superintendent of Finance
05-16-1783

Robert Morris, Office of Finance, wrote to George Abbott Hall, receiver for South Carolina. He discussed prices of Requisitions and how the price must be reduced to hard money value or credited on the Old Requisition and for specific supplies. Morris transmitted the Account Hall sent to the Treasury.
Lewis William Otto to Susan Livingston, October 16, 1783

Lewis William Otto
10-16-1783

Lewis William Otto wrote from Philadelphia to Susan Livingston, address to Baskenridge, NJ. He wrote about philosophy, letter writing, and the ongoing Revolutionary war. He also said that he did not expect Susan to wrote back as he knew she seldom wrote letters.
Sarah Ricketts to Susan Livingston, circa 1783

Sarah Ricketts
circa 1783

Sarah Ricketts wrote to Susan Kean, unaddressed. Sarah informed Susan that she wrote to her last week and her letter was sent with Parker. They had a severe gale of wind and she supposed Mr. Huger rejoiced he was not on board. Eliza’s mouth was sore because she was teething. Mr. Gardoqui was going home very soon; Mrs. Knox claimed he was ordered home and was afraid he would not be received favorably. His friend, Don Galvez’s body was taken up and burnt, his house pulled down to the ground, and everything was taken from his family. Mr. Huger informed Sarah that Susan arrived safely in Charleston after a passage of twelve days. Sarah informed their parents of Susan’s arrival and they were very happy, their mother was going to make Chestnut Soup for the occasion. This document is undated but likely written in 1783.
Sarah Ricketts to Susan Livingston, February 6, 1783

Sarah Ricketts
02-02-1783

Sarah wrote from London to her sister Susan, addressed to Baskenridge, care of Peter V.B. Livingston Jr. in New York. It began "My Dear Girls," but doesn't name the other sister. Sarah described the sea voyage from Sandy Hook, NJ to Plymouth, England in winter, as well as her conversation with the Captain about Privateers. Mr. Ricketts was out of the Army. The cost of living was better in London than in New York. Sarah shared updates about people in London. Mrs. Arnold had a daughter. Mr. Penn saw Mr. and Mrs. Jay in Paris. She asked letters to Mr. R. be addressed to Messrs Gray and Ogilvie, Terrace Spring Gardens, London. She described hairstyles and fashionable colors, including "Elliots Fire Balls and the Rock of Gibraltar, which is something of yellowish-brown." Dr. Chandler appeared to have a scorbutic ulcer or cancer on his nose.

People included: General Gage, Mrs. Shirreff, Phil, Mrs. Penn, Mr. Robertson, Major and Mrs. Gardner, William, Mrs. Patterson, General Reid, Susan, Miss Tryon, Col. Farming (?), Major Parsons and Chapman, Major Brown, Ludlow (page torn), Greville, Churchill, Aunt Hoffman.

Places included: Exeter, Bath, and Paris.
Shubrick & Clempson to John Kean, November 8, 1783

Shubrick & Clempson
11-08-1783

Shubrick & Clempson wrote from London to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. They wrote that they had sent him several letters and had not received a response. They also appointed Joshua Ward, Josiah Smith, and Thomas Corbett as their attorneys in America. John Charles Lucena paid some money that was owed to the late Thomas Shubrick.