Liberty Hall Collection 1780s

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Robert Livingston to John Kean, March 17, 1789

Robert Cambridge Livingston
03-17-1789

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 Included: Captain Snell, G. Waine, and Mr. Seagrove.

Places Included: Charleston, SC, Beaufort, SC, and Elizabethtown, NJ.
Robert Morris to James Brown, October 4, 1789

Robert Morris
10-04-1789

Robert Morris wrote from Philadelphia to James Brown, addressed to Richmond, VA. Robert had recently returned from New York and thanked Brown for his letter and the honor shown to Mr. Cathringon. The rest of the letter is about business and he mentioned he will consult with Alexander Donald and Mr. Richard.
W. Norton to John Kean, November 17, 1789

W. Norton
11-17-1789

Receipt from W. Norton to John Kean. The receipt stated that John Kean paid 188.22 pounds towards his bond with W. Norton.
William Norton to John Kean, September 24, 1789

William Norton
09-24-1789

William Norton wrote from St. Helena to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC regarding money John owed him on a bond. He wrote that he enclosed a statement and receipts, however these were no housed with the original letter.
Lewis William Otto to Susan Kean, April 21, 1789

Lewis William Otto
04-21-1789

Lewis William Otto wrote from New York to Susan Kean, his sister-in-law, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He wrote that he had written both Susan and her husband, John, several letters and did not know why they were not delivered. Hw would send future letters with Mr. Huger. George Washington was due to arrive in the city soon and everyone was excited Otto's daughter Eliza was going to come into the city for the festivities. Many people in society were trying to find him a new wife but Otto felt it would not be fair to another woman or to the memory of his late wife Elliza Livingston. He mentioned that Sarah Ricketts and Peter Van Brugh Livingston were both doing well and it was expected Philip Livingston would be a senator from New York.
Lewis William Otto to Susan Kean, June 12, 1789

Lewis William Otto
06-12-1789

Lewis William Otto wrote from New York to Susan Kean, his sister-in-law, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He is still unsure of when he will return to Europe. Sarah Ricketts was not happy with his decision to take his daughter, Eliza Otto, with him. Despite rumors, he wrote he is not looking for another wife and is mortified people think he could so easily forget his first wife. He wrote that Abyssinia, the Rickett's house in Elizabethtown, seemed to be the country seat of Congress as they have so many guests. Sarah Ricketts was expected in give birth in a few months.He thought John Kean was happy to be out of the bustle of political life and that it had an ill effect on his health.

People Included: Mr. Griffin, Major Butler, Mr Houston, The Bayard Family, Mrs. De laForest
Lewis William Otto to Susan Kean, June 23, 1789

Lewis William Otto
06-23-1789

Lewis William Otto wrote from New York to Susan Kean,his sister-in-law, address not included. Mr. Houston had told him about in room in the house in Beaufort which Susan and her husband John called "Mr. Otto's room". He regretted that he was unable to visit them, but his stay in America is still uncertain. Robert Barnwell was leaving for South Carolina, the two became better antiquated while in Elizabethtown. Eliza Otto is growing, but according to Mr. Houston, Peter Kean is bigger. Mrs. Bell's sister died, Lewis said she died of a broken heart caused by the "infamous conduct of her husband" who was in Ireland. J. Livingston married Eliza McEvers and there are rumors of Susan Livingston marrying Col. Clarkson, but these were most likely untrue. George Washington was sick, but was now recovering.
Lewis William Otto to Susan Kean, May 15, 1789

Lewis William Otto
05-15-1789

Lewis William Otto wrote from New York to Susan Kean, his sister-in-law, +address not included. He wrote about the relationship between the Count de M and Congress and between the Count and George Washington. He mentioned Robert Barnwell and said that his observations on Barnwell's conduct were not a complaint. He described for her a party held by the Count that the President attended. He said that he would soon have to return to Europe and hoped to return to America in a higher position. He planned on taking his daughter, Eliza Otto with him.

People Included: Madame de Brechan, Mr. de S. Tris, Madame De laForest, Mrs. Smoth, Mr. Dupont, Miss Griffin, Mr. de Brechan, Mrs. Houstoun, Mr. Smith, Miss Bayard, Ralph Izard, Mrs Colden, Ches. De Goyon, Miss Ludlow, Mr. Morris, and Governor Pinkney.
Lewis William Otto to Susan Livingston Kean, January 19, 1789

Lewis William Otto
01-19-1789

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

R. Pringle
02-14-1789

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.
David Ramsay to John Kean, January 17, 1789

David Ramsay
01-17-1789

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.
David Ramsay to John Kean, March 2, 1789

David Ramsay
03-02-1789

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.
David Ramsay to John Kean, May 15, 1789

David Ramsay
05-15-1789

David Ramsay wrote from Charleston to John Kean, address not included. He wrote about indentures and debt. He also wrote about Congress and his objections to the eligibility of Mr. Smith.
John Randolph to St. George Tucker, September 15, 1789

John Randolph
09-15-1789

John Randolph wrote from New York, NY to St. George Tucker, his father, addressed to Williamsburg, VA. He was disappointed that his father did not want him to return to Virginia for his school break. He wrote that he did not understand the purpose of being sent to New York to study when Virginia had produced some of the finest men in the country. He asked that his father show his letters to no one except Richard, his brother. He also said that Captain Crozier had not yet arrived.
Theodorick Bland Randolph to St. George Tucker, December 2, 1789

Theodorick Bland Randolph
12-02-1789

Theodorick Bland Randolph wrote from New York, NY to St. George Tucker,his father, addressed to Williamsburg, VA. He wrote about the return of Tucker's brother from South Carolina, borrowing money from Mr. Coushabile, his and his brother's allowance, and having letters from Tucker's sister in Bermuda. He also inquired which of his friends had spread a rumor about him being an alcoholic, stating it was false. He sent his best to Richard and the family.
Jacob Read to John Kean, September 11, 1789

Jacob Read
09-11-1789

Jacob Read wrote from Charleston to John Kean addressed to Beaufort, SC. He had arrived back, but left Mrs. Read behind and will return to get her in two months. He saw Philip Livingston, John's brother-in-law and he said that Sarah Ricketts had a son. He congratulated him on his new appointment. He received a letter sent via William Elliott, and wrote about money due on David Tubly's bond and the Sayre Estate.
Jacob Read to John Kean, September 22, 1789

Jacob Read
09-22-1789

Jacob Read wrote from Charleston to John Kean, addressed to Beaufort, SC. He forwarded John's letter b Ralph Elliott. He wrote about Mr. Rupele's Estate, the judgements regarding Mr. Bowman and William Bryan as well as various bonds.

People Included: J. Hally, Daivd Seill, Clarkson, Alexander Chisolm, and J. Richard.
John Rhodes to John Kean, July 20, 1789

John Rhodes
07-20-1789

John Rhodes wrote to John Kean, address not included. He inquired on how much John would want for rent for the whole range of his stores.
Sarah Ricketts to Susan Kean, April 17, 1789

Sarah Ricketts
04-17-1789

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.
Sarah Ricketts to Susan Kean, February 21, 1789

Sarah Ricketts
1789-02-21

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 proper to attend the ball. The children were all in high spirits and Sarah longed to see little James. Saltus promised to take apples to Susan. Shared news on mutual acquaintances and asked Susan to tell Violet that her mother was well. This document is incomplete.

People mentioned: Violet, Peter Kean, John Kean, Mrs. Eveliegh, Mr. Barnwell, Mrs. Montgomery, Mrs. Armstrong, Hannah, the Chancellor, Mrs. C. Verplank, Miss Prevost, Lady S., Hannah L., Peggy, Mrs. Burr[?], Polly, Mrs. Lewis, Mr. O, Mrs. H., and Eliza.
Sarah Ricketts to Susan Kean, February 3, 1789

Sarah Ricketts
02-03-1789

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 leave her children, James, Maria, Phil, and Julia, especially since Maria was sick.
Sarah Ricketts to Susan Kean, June 19, 1789

Sarah Ricketts
06-19-1789

Sarah Ricketts wrote to Susan Kean, unaddressed. Ricketts informed Susan that she sent her a long letter and sent it with Franks to go with Elliot. Mr. Barnwell will make sure of it; he had been staying with the Ricketts for 12 days and planned to sail in a few days. Barnwell sent his servant to town to find out when Saltus was going to sail. She shared news on family and mutual acquaintances. Cornelia was in a carriage (Phaeton) accident and was recovering. Ricketts added a note dated June 22nd where she informed Susan she had just called to be a pallbearer for Mrs. Baxter. Mr. Barnwell was leaving the Ricketts for Beaufort, South Carolina. Ricketts would send Susan cherries if she could get them, but 1789 was a bad year for fruit.
Sarah Ricketts to Susan Kean, June 4, 1789

Sarah Ricketts
06-04-1789

Sarah Ricketts wrote to her sister, Susan Kean, address not included. The first 8 pages of the letter are no longer with pages 9-11. She wrote updating Susan on their family and friends. She mentioned that Mr. B was in bad debt and would have to do something or else he would go to jail, according to their father Peter Van Brugh Livingston. Robert Barnwell had been staying with them but left to go to J.R. Livingston's wedding to Eliza McEvers, then he would go to Mr. B's and then stay with them the Ricketts again until he left for South Carolina. Their brother Philip was doing well and had been made a senator of New York.

People Included: Lewis William Otto, Sarah Livingston Jay, Susan (Livingston?), John Jay, Martha Washington, Mrs. R. Morris, Mrs. Church, James Ricketts, Mrs. Laferty, C. Huger, Franks, Mr. Griffin, and Sam Smith.

Places Included: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Sarah Ricketts to Susan Kean, March 14, 1789

Sarah Ricketts
03-14-1789

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 more when she had them.

People Included: Mrs. E. Dayton, Mrs. Colden, Mr. Griffins, Mr. Coley, James Ricketts, and Miss Hyllon
James Shoolbred to John Kean, March 2, 1789

James Shoolbred
03-02-1789

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.