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Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

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John Faucheraud Grimke to John Kean, September 17, 1789

John Faucherand Grimke
09-17-1789

John Faucheraud Grimke wrote from Charleston to John Kean, address not included. He congratulated John on his appointment. He wrote that he was concerned for John's health and hoped that he would return to South Carolina for the winter as it was better for him. He had moved to a different house that had more room and invited the Kean's to come to stay with him and his family for a while.
John Faucheraud Grimke to John Kean, December 19, 1789

John Faucheraud Grimke
12-19-1789

John Faucheraud Grimke wrote from Charleston to John Kean, address not included. He had delayed writing him until he could speak to E. Rutledge, who informed Grimke that Kean was not expected to be in South Carolina to deal with their matter now. Grimke then wrote what exactly Kean should put in the bill he had to send. He wrote due to Kean's poor health he forbid him from traveling during the winter and not come until at least mid April. Grimke had finished his book on the laws of South Carolina and informed Kean copies could be purchased through his printer in Philadelphia.
John Faucheraud Grimke to John Kean, September 18, 1789

John Faucheraud Grimke
09-18-1789

John Faucheraud Grimke wrote to John Kean, address not included. The letter is a statement of money Grimke received from Jacob Read towards John Kean's account. The payments are related to two court cases Kean was involved with, John Kean v. John Lears Bourguin and John Kean for Peter Lavine v. David Tubly.
John Faucheraud Grimke to Unknown Person, January 21, 1789

John Faucheraud Grimke
01-21-1789

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 them seemed well received. If they were unable to leave Beaufort right away, Grimke suggested they write about four or five dozen circular letters without delay. Charles Pinckney was elected governor.
John B. Grive to John Kean, September 13, 1789

John B. Grive
09-13-1789

John B. Grive wrote from Indian Land to John Kean, address to Beaufort, SC. He had recently returned from Charleston and said he would call on John Kean soon regarding money Grive owes him. He thanked Kean for delivering a letter to Mr. Wilcox for him.
George Abbott Hall to John Kean, August 26, 1789

George Abbott Hall
08-26-1789

George Abbott Hall wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He sent an enclosure that he had received previously with directions to forward it with all possible dispatch. The enclosed document is no longer with the letter. The subject written on the outside of the letter was "On Public Service".
John B. Holmes to John Kean, August 7, 1789

John B. Holmes
08-07-1789

John B. Holmes wrote to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He wrote regarding property and debt, he mentioned having heard of a situation from Alexander Chisolm and said John should have Mr. Rose the clerk sign and seal the attached document.
Daniel Huger to Susan Kean, February 10, 1789

Daniel Huger
02-10-1789

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.
John Kean to Edward Rutledge, December 1789

John Kean
December 1789

John Kean wrote to Edward Rutledge, unaddressed. The letter mainly dealt with claims and expenses that accumulated after the Revolutionary War. Topics of discussion included fortifications, cannons and military equipment, payment to troops, pensions and annuities for disabled soldiers.
John Kean to Jacob Read, September 19, 1789

John Kean
09-19-1789

John Kean wrote from Beaufort to Jacob Read, addressed to Charleston, SC.He wrote saying he was sending by Alexander Chisolm an assignment of judgement from Jonathan Bryan to him recovered against Mr. Bowman and a protested bill of Colonel Serf's. He said if there was a problem recovering the judgment it could be sent to William Stephens in Savannah. He also sent a note of A. McQueen's.
John Kean to Susan Kean, circa April 1789

John Kean
circa April 1789

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.
Richard Keating to John Kean, September 28, 1789

Richard Keating
09-28-1789

Richard Keating wrote to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. John had previously written asking him to pay his bond by the 20th. Keating wrote that he tried to collect debts owed to him to pay but was unsuccessful. He offered instead 15 or 20 barrels of rice when the harvest came in.
John R. Livingston to John Kean, January 19, 1789

John Robert Livingston
01-21-1789

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.
Margaret Livingston to John Kean, March 31, 1789

Margaret Livingston
03-31-1789

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.
Margaret Livingston to John Kean, November 22, 1789

Margaret Livingston
11-22-1789

Margaret Livingston wrote from Clermont Estate to John Kean, addressed to New York. She wrote she was glad to hear of John's improved health and his and his family's return to New York. She wrote about the Tillolson (?) family that had been experiencing a lot of health problems. She wrote that only Mrs. Tillolson and one enslaved man were healthy at one point. Her husband and children, Robert and Mary, were all sick and three enslaved women were giving birth at once.

People Mentioned: Mrs. Lewis, Joanna, T, Peggy, General Armstrong, Mrs. Armstrong, and Mrs. De LaForest.
Peter Van Brugh Livingston to John Kean, June 22, 1789

Peter Van Brugh Livingston
06-22-1789

Peter Van Brugh Livingston wrote from Elizabethtown to John Kean, his son-in-law, address not included. He recieved several letters, most recently being from delivered by Mr. Houston. He wrote that he did not have much to say but as he had the opportunity to send a letter with Robert Barnwell, would write to let them know the family was all well. Peter applied to President George Washington for a position for John, the one that Mr. Baldwin resigned from. Sarah Ricketts was sending a letter to Susan Kean that would tell them more about the family.
Peter Van Brugh Livingston to John Kean, March 13, 1789

Peter Van Brugh Livingston
03-13-1789

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.
Peter Van Brugh Livingston to Susan Kean, April 16, 1789

Peter Van Brugh Livingston I
04-16-1789

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
Peter Van Brugh Livingston to Susan Kean, January 16, 1789

Peter Van Brugh Livingston I
01-16-1789

Peter Van Brugh Livingston wrote from Abyssinia to Susan Kean, his daughter, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He was happy to hear of her, John Kean, and Peter Kean's safe arrival in Charleston from New York.His wife, Elizabeth Livingston had been ill and he had not left the house since Christmas. He also remarked that he was in debt to Dr. Ramsey for his attention to Susan when she gave birth to Peter.
Peter Van Brugh Livingston to Susan Kean, May 20, 1789

Peter Van Brugh Livingston
05-20-1789

Peter Van Brugh Livingston wrote from New York to Susan Kean, his daughter, address not included. He and his wife, Elizabeth Livingston, are in New York visiting friends. He updated her on friends and family including the death of Aunt Provost and that Eliza Otto had begun to speak. There had been a poor harvest and many fruit trees were affected by the harsh winter. Elizabeth Livingston would try still to send peach and rose water. He wrote about political news including the formation of different government departments such as the Treasury. He sent a beaver hat and silver band for Susan's son, Peter Kean.

People Included: Mr. Wilcox, Mr. hugher, Lady Stirling, Brother Robert (Livingston ?), Peggy, Robert Barnwell, and Mr. B.
Philip Livingston to John Kean, June 24, 1789

Philip Livingston
06-24-1789

Philip Livingston wrote from New York to John Kean, his brother-in-law, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He thanked John for his letter sent by Robert Barnwell and for confirming that Alexander Chisolm could be trusted with his affairs regarding Mr. Bay. He would have sent the letter of attorney with Barnwell, but his accounts were in the country. He wrote that the family at Elizabethtown were all well and sent his love to Susan Kean, his sister, and Peter Kean, his God son.
Robert C. Livingston to John Kean, April 17, 1789

Robert Cambridge Livingston
04-17-1789

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. Montgomery, Mr. Jay, and Col Lewis.

Places Included: Elizabethtown, NJ, Ireland, and Claremont.
Robert C. Livingston to John Kean, February 28, 1789

Robert Cambridge Livingston
02-28-1789

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.

People Included: Mr. Cruchshantas, Mr. Rutherford, Mr. Clinton, Colonel Franks, Kitty Bayrd, James Ricketts, Sarah Ricketts, John Laurens, Mr. Lawrence, Susan Kean
Robert C. Livingston to John Kean, July 20, 1789

Robert Cambridge Livingston
07-20-1789

Robert C. Livingston wrote from Manor of Livingston to John Kean, Beaufort, SC. He thanked John for his advice on purchasing land in Georgia. He said that next winter he hoped to travel down to Savannah. He thought to the warmer weather would be good for his health and asked John how his was.
Robert C. Livingston to John Kean, June 3, 1789

Robert Cambridge Livingston
06-03-1789

Robert C. Livingston wrote from New York to John Kean, address not included.He had so far been unable to sell John's indigo. He gave some to Mr. Nixen at Burking Slip to try and sell. It was hard to sell because there was so much at market. Mr. Jay, Mr. Moses had been having a similar problem. He sent more Mr. Sebring and Mr. Van Wyck on the Albany dock to try and barter for NY Rum, tow cloth or Bohea Tea. He said that cotton sells well for exportation to England. He thanks John for consulting with him on the rice land in Georgia Robert was thinking of buying. The last page had news of their family and friends, Philip Livingston was elected Senator to New York Legislature, John M. Livingston married Miss McEvers, and Mr. J. Wilkes is to marry Miss Seton. He also mentioned Mr. Crukshank would forward John's furniture when it is finished